Home Alone

For the first time since Jackson was born, Drew & I spent last weekend at home - alone - while the little guy spent the weekend with his Gram. 

We've had overnight trips before (like when we went to DC and Palm Springs) but we've never stayed home sans kiddo.

It. Was. Fantastic.

I don't think it makes me less of a parent (at least I hope) by admitting that I loved every minute.  Of course, it didn't hurt that I knew he was having the time of life with his Gram all to himself.

Sure, it was great to have no schedule.  And as much as Jack cracks me up, I relished the silence for a change.  But what surprised me most was how much I was able to accomplish without a preschooler in tow.  I had forgotten what that was like.

Over the course of 2 days we:

• Went out to dinner in an actual restaurant.  And I wore a dress!
• Had cocktails downtown.
• I spent an entire day with my best friend (nice timing that Cortney happened to be in town).  We went to the farmer's market, visited several fabric stores, picked out 6 different shades of paint to test in various spots in the house, bought the supplies to make a cornice board and then built a cornice board.  All before dinner time. 
• Grilled steaks and drank beer on the patio.
• Cleaned the entire house.
• Hung a new light fixture.
• Finished painting the last section of cabinetry in the kitchen and put it all back together.
• Washed all of the bedding.
• Planned this week's menu and bought groceries.

We didn't watch a single cartoon, wipe a single butt, trip on a single toy or censor our language.

We did sleep extra late, take uninterrupted showers (who knew that would one day be a luxury!), say cuss words out loud and, well, other stuff that you do when your kid is out of the house.

Yeah.  It was fantastic.

By Sunday evening we were ready to reunite with the little guy.  Regardless of how much we enjoyed the break, it doesn't change the fact that everything feels slightly off kilter when we're missing a member of our little threesome.  We're just better together, I guess.  And the monster hug I got in the parking lot where we met up with Gram & Jack confirmed it.

Deb, we can't thank you enough for the opportunity for some grown up time.  I hope he behaved himself and the two of you made some good memories.  Jackson is still talking about "last day at Gram's house".

And talking...and talking...and talking...