Seton Baby Talk

My little guy is 17 months old, and I realized something yesterday. Yesterday afternoon was only the second time in his entire life my husband and I have been out on a date. As in yesterday was the second time we have left him with a sitter for a reason other than work. I’m a little embarrassed to admit it and also a little sad.

After having a baby, it seems one of the first things to go is “personal time.” I have found my own personal time by staying up way too late doing the things that I cannot get done during the hours when the rest of the household is up and moving. That was great in the sense that I could at least keep a little semblance of myself after becoming a mommy and not letting mommy become EVERYTHING that I am, but that didn’t really help my partnership with my husband any.

Finding a sitter we trust has been the most difficult thing. We have many friends in town, but both of us feel a little strange asking our friends to watch our baby while we go out and enjoy a good time. For me, I liken it to asking someone to come clean my house while I sit on the couch and watch television. It just doesn’t seem right for some reason. I’m sure it’s because I know that taking care of an infant is a lot of work and I feel guilty making my work someone else’s work even if it’s just for a few hours.

While I was growing up, I used to baby sit to make extra money. I would watch kids until 2 a.m. or even later sometimes while the parents went out and enjoyed an evening with their friends. I don’t know if I just don’t run in the right circles, but I don’t think that a majority of teenagers babysit anymore. To be honest, I don’t know if I know of a teenager that I would trust to take care of my little guy. I’m sure there are some perfectly capable and responsible teens out there, but I just can’t seem to find them, and no one seems to have any recommendations for me.

I recently met the other blogger, Julie and her new baby, Paloma. I had a wonderful time holding that sweet brand new baby girl, and had a bit of a pang of baby fever. I told Julie and her husband more than once that I would be more than happy to watch little Paloma for a few hours so they could have an evening to reconnect and remember what it is to be someone besides mom or dad! I figure even though I didn’t have the opportunity, I know how much I have missed it and would love to be able to offer a friend the option to take a mini mommy and daddy break.

Remembering that you are more than just a mommy is sometimes the most difficult thing. Remind yourself often to find time for yourself and find time for just you and your spouse to reconnect. Coming back to the land of parenthood refreshed will make up for the few hours your baby was in the care of someone else. To read more about bringing baby home and keeping the magic alive, read this resource center article.