Friday, January 28, 2011

Before and after

Things change when you have kids. People tell you this. All your friends who have kids already will tell you how much things change. "Sure, sure, " you say. You can theoretically understand that there are now little people entirely dependant on you from everything from spiritual guidance to shelter to food to entertainment to education to ... You get the idea. You think you get it. But you don't. Case in point - I give you exhibits "weekend"...

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Friday night, 9 pm, pre-kids... You will find us either all dressed up sitting at a fancy dinner at a swankified restaurant about to start on a second bottle of overpriced but delicious wine OR hanging out with friends over drinks OR loudly playing music and attempting to be brilliant Wii masters without killing the dog.

Friday night, 9 pm, post-kids... We are paying our taxes. Bo-ring. We are also thinking about turning in soon. After all, it's super late. Should we have a second glass of wine? Probably not, after all, we may have some downtime, but we're still on call.

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Saturday daytime, pre-kids... Sleeping in. Hiking in the mountains. Exploring a new part of the city we've never visited before. Trying to understand the new art exhibit at the museum. Playing sports on a team of adults. Taking the dog to the dog park.

Saturday daytime, post-kids... Getting up earlier than you would on a weekday. Hiking up and down the stairs. Exploring new avenues in potty training. Trying to understand an angry toddler. Playing blocks and cars. Taking the kids to the park to just get out of the house.

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Sunday evening, pre-kids... Talking to family. Preparing a leisurely dinner together. Relaxing in front of a good book. Taking time to talk to each other. Really understanding how the week will look.

Sunday evening, post-kids... Talking to family about how stressed you are. Preparing meals for the entire week so that you don't have to cook in the few hours between getting home and bedtime. Relaxing... HA! Taking time to prepare all the kids' junk for taking to school. Having NO IDEA what the week ahead looks like.

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I wouldn't trade it. But I do miss the sleeping in.

2 comments:

The Blevins' said...

I feel you!!! Tonight was our first date night with a real babysitter since we had Eli 16 months ago...we went out once by ourselves when my mom was in town...but home by 9:30. So I totally get it...but you are so right, wouldn't trade it for anything. Hope you guys are well and enjoying your single glass of wine and comfy bed at 9pm

Sarah, Blake, Evan, Julia said...

Good summary. Did you see my FB post last week about things you should know before you have kids - it's hilarious, you should read it