DATING

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. ~Mignon McLaughlin

Well, boys Dad and I did it. We left you with your first (paid) babysitter tonight! We asked our friends and Dad’s coworkers if they knew of anyone who babysat. After much consideration and a meeting we hired Loretta. Her first sitting was a trial. We were only gone 2 hours knowing Papa would be downstairs with the plan to have Kade in bed with you, Ashton soon to follow.

Boys, all relationships take effort and marriage is no different. Marriage needs constant nurturing and care to grow. To do this Dad and I continue to date. In all of life’s chaos it is easy to forget to put your partner and shared relationship first, at the forefront. We love you with all of our hearts and enjoy every morsel of time with you. Yet, if Dad and I are not connecting our family in turn becomes disconnected. Life gets so hectic and it is easy to take for granted those who make our life. And in the past we are guilty of this. To help remedy this we have our night once a month and some months we enjoy two dates. It gives us time to rebalance and honor our love, for not just one another, but our family.

I take these nights seriously. I try my best to put my ‘mom-self’ away and be the lady he fell in love with. I like to surprise Dad in a dress and heels. I add a little extra sultry makeup and sprits of perfume here and there. Truth be told, maybe I do this for myself. It is an occasion to be me in the look I am most comfortable. The way we look is contagious effecting how we feel. Either way I love these occasions. Dad even shaves for the big night! Yowzers!

Loretta arrived a little before 8:00. Kade you had been put to bed, but fought us and won. When she arrived you were in the living room. Funny how children seem to know when parents are on an important time frame making it challenging to get out the door. I love this. Ashton, you were sleeping in your swing. I explained the, who, what, when and where’s to Loretta as Dad put Kaden back to bed. You know us, I am a list person and Dad is verbally detailed. She knew from both of us how to change the TV, where the diapers are, bottle procedure, how to calm Ashton, Papa’s number, where the bathroom is, where we keep snacks and glasses and on and on. All bases were covered. We left for dinner close to 8:30.

I was a ball of nerves. I wanted to puke. I had sweaty palms and even clammy feet. I didn’t want to leave. I didn’t tell anyone this. I put on the strong Nicole face. I put it all onto your Dad as he vocalized being nervous joking he had high blood pressure over the whole thing. I knew Kaden would remain asleep. My fear was Ashton. Would she meet your needs? Let us face it you are one needy boy! In all seriousness, would she hold you with care? Would she sooth you? Would she look at you blankly or talk to you? I was a mess over all of it.

Dad chose to go to our favorite Sushi restaurant. And of course he ate and ate until beocming to full. Gosh, we love sushi. It is easy to over indulge. As with any date I expect our cell phones to be put away and focusing on the two of us as we: catch-up, dream, share, touch, plan, smile and laugh. At the beginning of the meal we always toast and at the end we always give our gratitude for an enjoyable evening.
After dinner went up to Oregon City and met a group of friends. We were running late, but wanted to take advantage of being able to swing into a bar for a quick hello. We visited and left after 30 or so minutes. It is amazing what two hours can do to the spirit. We felt rekindled.

We returned home around 10:30. The house was completely dark except the flashing of the TV. Ashton you were sleeping in her arms. All appeared to have gone well. The failure came from us. We forgot to tell her where to turn on lights in the kitchen and living room. Go figure.