Off Duty

Last night we took the leap.

We went on our first date since Evalyn was born – without Evalyn in tow.

When the Dude got home from work, we packed her up and headed over to drop her off at her Auntie Linda and Auntie Marica’s house.

As a joke, the Dude called them before we had even pulled out of the driveway to make sure that everything was okay.

We headed just down the road to the local pub for dinner. We split some bruschetta, I had fish and chips (anyone surprised?), and the Dude had a roast beef stuffed yorkie. And of course, we went all out and both got a gingerale.

And we talked. We talked about his work, we talked about our Christmas plans, we talked about our plans for the following week and weekend, and of course, we talked a little bit about our little angel.

And it was fabulous.

Sure, we were only gone for about an hour – seriously, can you say fast service? – but it was a great hour.

I don’t think it was as big of a deal for the Dude as it was for me because as a matter of our circumstances, he spends more time away from her than he does with her.

But me? For me, it was a big deal.

I haven’t been away from her at all since she was born 9 weeks ago. Well, actually, when you really think about it, I haven’t been away from her at all for 49 weeks and 5 days to be exact.

And so for me, it was a big deal. I got to spend some one on one time with the Dude. And I’ll tell  you, it felt different than the one on one time we spend together in the evening after she’s gone to bed. Because during that time, I’m still ‘on duty’, still listening for those little peeps that might mean my girl needs a snuggle from her Mama.

But last night, for one refreshing hour, I was Off Duty.

And it was great.

But after the hour, I was ready to go back On Duty.

So, thanks Auntie Marcia and Auntie Linda for giving me some Off Duty time!

(And don’t worry, Aunt Shelley, we’ll snag you for your turn soon enough).