first night out... without baby

Last night was the first night out for Darwyn and me.  No, that isn't to say that we never leave the house; mores specifically, it was our first night out without Levi since Levi came into our life. 

I was really nervous about leaving him even though he would be staying with a friend of mine who also has a toddler son (about 6-weeks younger than Levi).  They've played together many times.  There was no real reason to be nervous other than the simple fact that it was indeed the first time! 

Some people say we should have time to ourselves more often.  Well, I don't think Darwyn nor I are lacking from alone time.  We take advantage of Levi's nap times or after he's gone to bed at night to have our few minutes together... to discuss things... or, well, whatever.  I'm sure we could have a few sitters lined up to call at short notice, but frankly, we don't feel the need to go out of the house to have our alone time.  If we want to go out to dinner for a change of pace... we do, and we take Levi with us.  Levi is extremely well-behaved, and because he's so friendly with wait staff, his being with us probably makes the night out more enjoyable.

I know lots of other couples, parents of young children, who utilize sitters regularly.  That is entirely their choice.  I think it's great if they need to get out to enjoy their time together.  I guess maybe it's because Darwyn and I really aren't the partying types, we're more like homebodies and therefore don't feel the need to go to the movies or bar or where ever it is that folks go.  We would spend most of our time at home anyway... with or without the addition of Levi. 

But about last night: Darwyn was officially inducted into the ranks of Senior Non-Commissioned Officers.  He'd been in class all week... wearing his dress uniform and everything (he he)!  I'm very proud of him and his friend Ryland for finally making it to this point in their Air Force careers.  Congratulations! 

I was honored to accompany my husband during this ceremony and lend him my uninterrupted attention for the night! 

I guess what it all boils down to is that--without having Levi on my hip, I was able to devote my attention solely to my husband even if only for a few hours.  I know he appreciated it because it certainly doesn't happen very often... not that I don't pay attention... but that I seldom am able to pay attention to him and only him.  Toddlers have a way of demanding your attention :) 

Oh, and my nervousness was, of course, all in vain.  Cheryl said Levi and JB had fun playing and wearing each other out, and she enjoyed Levi's cuddliness when bedtime rolled around.

Congrats to Ryland and Darwyn and special thanks to Cheryl for making the evening possible.  Our first night out was, I guess you can say, a success!!