Saturday, November 08, 2008

anatomy of a date

Do you want to know what a perfect Friday night date looks like to me?

I'll show you.

It starts with my two favorite people. (And yes, we pretty much always take Baby G with us on our dates. We like him.) We go somewhere fun but not too pricey, like The Aquarium. Baby G and J are both pleased about all of the fish to view.
They are likewise pleased about the rays to pet (mostly Baby G was just pleased about the water to splash around in).
After more than our fair share of fun at the children's playland in The Aquarium we leave to get some food. But first we stop at the bank because being married means that it is okay (desirable even) to run errands while on dates-- it's called multi-tasking. While at the bank I peruse our "Enjoy the City" coupon book to find a place to go eat (another marriage perk? Coupons for dinner are completely allowed). J decides that it would be awesome to send the teller back some coupons for "Big Daddy's Pizza" in the little tube. We wrestle over the coupon book because I think that is embarrassing. We laugh and look ridiculous and the teller asks us if we are okay. J unhooks my fingers from the coupon book, rips 2 coupons out and sends them on their merry way to the bank teller. We drive away laughing our heads off. Hopefully she likes pizza from "Big Daddy." I'm still chuckling about it. Dinner at Chipotle.
Still can't get enough of the veggie burrito.
Dessert at Yogurt Stop because we had another coupon there (that's how we roll).
I adore this picture because Baby G is holding his "Twos" and that just makes me happy. In case you didn't read my last post, he calls anything like pencils, pens, scissors, spoons etc. a "two" because he wants two of them-- one in each hand.
After dessert we head home. Since it is a little past Baby G's bedtime he is more than ready to be asleep and isn't really patient about getting his diaper changed and pjs on. He just wants to be in the rocking chair going to sleep.
He is looking at the camera with the tired eyes of a baby thinking, "Daddy, please take the camera and leave so that Mama can put me to sleep." I also must note his "Gaygie." That is his blankie and he is in love with it. He will go get it when he is tired and bring it to me so that I will take him to bed. It is so endearing to me how much he loves going to bed when he is tired.
After a few minutes he looks like this and I turn on his heater, shut the door and leave. (As a sidenote: sometimes it amazes me that this little person just goes to sleep in this big dark room all alone and I shut the door and leave him there by himself all night long. Does anyone else think thoughts like that?)
At this time (it is about 8:00 PM) I go out to the living room where J greets me with a kiss and we are free to engage in whatever activities we choose for the rest of the night. (I'm not going there, are you?) It is like two dates for the price of one-- one with the baby and one with just my husband and me.
I'm telling you, this is the life.

13 comments:

Brooke said...

What a GREAT date night!!! I'm ready for life to slow down a little so we can get a date in there. Alaura usually comes with us too, I LOVE being a mom!!! I agree That is the life! I wouldn't want it any other way. I wish we had an aquarium near by. Now...I think we'll have to squeeze in a date to chipotle!!!!!

Ani said...

That is so cute. I love love the picture of him on your shoulder. I love when kate does that.
Yum, Chipotle sounds so good right now! Maybe for lunch!

Chris said...

Lizzie, what a sweet post. I love that you are so happy with your boys. I think your life will always be the city on a hill because of your gift for finding joy in everything.

Sassy Rachel said...

Truly is the perfect date I think! We are SO there on the coupon thing and I LOVE what Jon gave the teller...hilarious.

A few thoughts:
1. Yes I think of my child all alone in a dark room by herself and feel bad sometimes, but she loves it and sleeps great, so nothing will be changing there. It's good for them, right!?

2. My thoughts DID go there (you know what part I'm talking about:) Take full advantage of your time girl:)

Anonymous said...

I love it! I don't think there could be a better night than one with the boys you love. Jon is so funny. That totally sounds like something Mark would have done. Hooray for coupons and saving money!
Can I just tell you how much I love reading your blog! You have such great posts and I can't believe how big George is getting! He is so adorable. It is great to know what is going on in your life.

Katrina said...

Such a sweet post! Sounds like a perfect date to me!

Cam and Linds said...

I'm still laughing at the pizza coupons! Totally something John would do! I love it!

GregR said...

It always amazes me at how the simple little things you do bring
so much joy to you Liz. I love them too and I love that J has some razzle dazzle dates planned!
he heeh he

Jess and Derek said...

That is so funny about the coupons- I can totally picture you guys doing that.

Ani said...

Thanks for your advice! You always have good things to say! I have been researching and I am going to try everything! I am determined! That is awesome that you are still nursing! Such a good mama!

Emily said...

I will confess we often base our date decisions around available coupons! Oh, I do love date night! Friday is coming!!!

alyssa said...

I am glad that you liked the "boob clutch." I guess I was so focused on the belly, I didn't even notice! Oh well.Your little guy is precious by the way. Is his name George?

Brooke and Eric said...

Thanks for the comment. I'm so glad that people don't think I'm horrible...can't wait to see you guys!!!!