Solo Time

If I didn't have any solo time, I'd go nuts - some time to mentally (or physically) to unwind.  However, the time I have to physically have alone time is very limited.  Leaving the house to the kids and husband, is, at most times, not an option.  Therefore, my alone times involve catching a few moments behind a locked door, hiding in a closet (and yes I've done this a few times), and many times just focusing on the computer screen while Little B is fixated on an activity and Baby N is napping.

Wait... Hiding in a closet???  Yes, I have a tendency to hide in the closet.  I don't do this often, but I do it when I can't catch any breaks, and when I'm about to break, and only for 2 or 3 minutes at the most.  Little B always finds me anyway.  When we are all at home, Little B is my sidekick - my constant sidekick.  When I'm not in sight, she comes looking for me.  Mom, where are you?  Are you here?  Are you here Mommy?  I can't find you!  Where are you?  Are you here?  No??  Are you here??  Where are you Mommy??  Moooommy?!!!  And moments later.  Moooommmy!!  I FOUND YOU!!!!  And then... Can I hide now Mommy?  You see?  It's a fun game for Little B, and a bit of a reprieve for me.  Hide and seek with a toddler is actually fun.  All hiding spots, no matter how obvious are funny places, to Little B.  I could be a giant lump under a blanket, and Little B would be giggling away at my hiding spot.  The closet is the best though, because for some reason, it's usually the last place she checks.

In any case, this week, we didn't play Hide and Seek.  This week I actually got some REAL Solo-Time!  I was sooo happy and grateful to the Husband.

The first solo time of the week was the library.  Earlier this week I visited the library, on my own, in the evening.  I didn't spend much time there, possibly only 15 minutes inside, but it was 15 minutes of quiet and full immersion into something else, other than my own children.  The drive to and from the library added about another 15 minutes.  That's 30 minutes of me-time.  I really enjoyed it, and wished to stay in the library longer, only that would not be fair to Husband.  I was only picking up a few books, and the kiddo's bedtimes were nearing.

My second solo-time of the week was last night.  I met a friend for tea/coffee at a Starbucks after the kids were in bed.  I was out for about 1.5 hours, chit-chatting and catching up.  I had a very nice time, socializing, outside of my family unit, and worried less about the kids at home (with the husband) since I knew that the kids were (or should have been) sound asleep.  When I returned home, I did find, in fact, that the kids stayed asleep and did not wake while I was gone.

My next solo-time will be tonight.  Shopping with my Twin.  What are we looking for?  Dresses for a daytime wedding.  The most recent daytime dresses that I've worn, for weddings, were maternity dresses.  I'm now back to my pre-pregnant weight, so I won't be able to wear my maternity dresses anymore.  Time to shop, and time to update my wardrobe!  We are also on the hunt for kiddie clothes, and whatever good deals we can find.  I'm very excited.  My Twin and I have not shopped together, without kids or husbands, in an extremely long time - for at least 3.5 years!!  Yikes!!  We CAN annoy each other though, so I hope that doesn't happen, and that we have a fun time shopping-sans-family!

That is a LOT of solo-time this week, and I am very grateful.  Hubby gets solo-time too, though.  He gets movie-nights, and Breaking Bad nights.  Both of us are now getting to be a lot more comfortable, and being more relaxed about allowing each other more "me" time, since now Baby N is no longer a newborn, and is much easier to handle.

Follow up re: ferry trip

I promised a follow-up re: our ferry trip to Victoria, but I'll have to keep it short for now.

Everyone had a lovely time that weekend, little B had her first ferry trip, and her first visit to the province's capital. She slept REALLY well in the hotel (she slept through the night!!) and she wore ALL her pretty dresses during those few days.

Hubby and I fared very well too. Traveling with baby wasn't as difficult as we imagined it, especially since our hotel room was at the same location as the reception dinner.

The church service was small and very nice. Little B got the hiccups in the middle of the ceremony so I had to take her out into the lobby. I thought it was actually quite cute!

In any case, here are some photos... I have to cut my post short since little B just woke from her nap...

Later!!

*Photos Deleted*

Overseas voyage

We are off to the ferry this morning to take little B on her first "overseas" voyage to our province's capital!!

It will be her first "vacation" and I've packed more clothes and baby accessories for her, than I have for myself! She must have at least 9 different outfits (probably about 12), while I have packed 4 outfits for myself!

After packing all the diapers, clothes, toys, stroller, bottles, etc... I can now see why parents are purchasing larger cars (mini-vans!!) There is so much you need to bring, when traveling with children!!

In any case, I'll come back with LOTS more pictures, because we will be there for hubby's cousin's wedding, and LOTS of relatives will probably want to meet and hold little B!

Changes

There have been many a changes since I've returned from Korea and HK.

I am now an auntie to my 3 month old nephew, Jared! He is so cute, and looks very much like his mommy and daddy.

I am much more content and happy with the decisions that I have made in the past several months. And I am feeling more comfortable at reaching age 30... that huge milestone!

Today is my 1 year wedding anniversary, and I am still feeling like a newly-wed! Everything is warm and fuzzy with the support of my hubby. He's been great during the last several months during my times of crises, etc.

In the future, I see tons of change... I feel like I've grown up a lot in the last little while. I think that getting married really does change you... it's one of those milestones that changes the way you look at the world. The added responsibilities... being a partner and life-companion to your spouse... thinking of families and in-laws and your own responsibilities and relationships to immediate and extended families... etc.. I feel as though I am much happier in my own skin these days.

The future is looking better... I have a better idea of what I want in life, and I no longer mind the sacrifices as much.

Another Newly Wed Couple

Last weekend, Bro-in-Law was married! Yay!

There were hitches in the morn, but it all worked out since the most important couple of the day said "I DO!"

The entertainment was fun, especially the band of cousins! They never rehearsed together before, but they all played their parts in time, and in tune!

SHC and I also sang a little ditty - "Skinnamarinky-doo". Both of us couldn't remember all the actions, but we found some funny videos on YouTube to help jog our memories!