My days out...

I have been so lucky the last week to have had some time off. It has been almost 2 months that I have been going without any break at all. I just had to put it in my head that I have to keep going. Last week my friend Sara was going to have a weekend with her oldest child and husband away, so we thought it would be nice to have a day out, for lunch and some shopping. So, I finally took the step and found a babysitter. I found a really great babysitter, and the best part is she lives in the same cul de sac. She loves kids, and is the oldest and helps take care of her younger siblings and cousins. So, on Saturday Sara and I went out for lunch at The Cheesecake Factory...with our babies...as I couldn't leave the babysitter with all the kids. It's tough for me, much less a 16 year old! After lunch, we did some shopping, which was really nice. Even with the two babies, it is more relaxing and enjoyable, because I don't have to discipline them. There is something so exhausting about constantly saying "come over here, sit down, stay with me, Nathan, where are you, Matthew, Mikayla, stop touching, stop running, etc......" I would rather deal with a crying, wiggly baby all day long. I spent most of my time in Gymboree because they had some sales, and gymbucks...I love to try to match the babies. I spent a lot of time just trying to find the right sizes of what I wanted. Shopping for two is definitely more challenging than just one. I would find what I wanted for one, and then try to match or coordinate...and then I couldn't find one piece in the right size, so I would have to start over. After the mall, we went to Whole Foods, my favorite store, and got a few groceries then headed home. I didn't get home until 6pm, just in time to feed the kids and put them all to bed. I really felt relaxed and ready for the next day. On Wednesday, my friend Latrice came over, and braved all 5 kids. She has been around quite a bit in the last couple of months, so she knew what was in store for her. On top of that she is 7 months pregnant with twins! I hated to ask, but she offered and I really needed a haircut. In the same little town there is a Spa that I had a gift certificate left over from last Christmas from Cesar. I had a massage, a 90 minute one this time. 60 minutes is over so fast, but then the 90 minute one seemed short too...I guess it could never be enough! I felt so tense when I woke up everyday, this massage became more of a need than a luxury. After my massage I had a little time, so I went to a little coffee shop and had a coffee and a cheese danish. I sat and read a paper I didn't care about, but I was alone! It was heaven! Next I went for a haircut, in which I cut very short. I wanted a style, and I love my hair short, it makes me feel young and happy. My face looks brighter, and it just suits me better. I will post a picture when I get one. I really needed this break, and I am glad I have been able to have a break, as we are at the halfway point. The last stretch is always the hardest as you anticipate the return. Next weekend my mom is coming for a visit, and it's the twins birthday...yeah! One year gone by, it's bitter sweet as I watch the last babies of the house grow. I anticipate each milestone with a little sadness knowing they are not going to be babies much longer, but at the same time I can't wait to be done with diapers and frequent naps. I am ready to continue the days of routine and sometimes chaos now that I have been renewed! Now, I can't wait for a vacation...always something to look forward to!