On date nights, post-baby.

For a lot of people, I think, one big fear during pregnancy is losing who you are or losing your social life once baby comes. I'm not going to lie and say it doesn't change. Because it does change. As time has gone on, though, I would say this change has been for the better for Chris and me.

Before Meredith was born, Chris and I loved going out for dinner or driving around our city. We enjoyed exploring our area, but I wouldn't say we were great at it. We would hop in the car and make plans from there, often starting off in the same direction we always started in. We had a rotation of restaurants at which we'd dine. We were happy with that. I think this was probably rooted in the belief that we could do whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted. This was pretty much true, but that freedom almost made us lazy. We could always try a new place another weekend.

 

Now? Not so much. We are blessed with free grandparent babysitting every other Saturday night. It is truly amazing. But, nights out sans baby are never going to be as frequent as they were pre-baby. As a result, we cherish our time as just the two of us. We take time to plan where we are going to eat and what we want to do. Never have I enjoyed date nights as much.

This past weekend we spent the evening in Harvard Square. We ate at Border Cafe (ok, so we still have some favorite restaurants). Then we did some shopping. Oh, blissful shopping without a baby! After that we got to see some stellar live music.

tim gearan

As I sat listening to the music I just kept thinking how wonderful life post-baby is. Sure I have less alone time. Chris and I can't just go out on our own on a whim, but the time we do have together? We treasure it. Now almost a year later, I think we are better for it. We don't take our dates and outings for granted, but instead suck the marrow out them.

Steppin' Out: 6/11

 We usually go out on dates every other weekend, thanks to Chris's parents. This was one of those weeks when I called Chris and asked if he thought we could convince Nana and Grampa to watch the babe on an off-week. Fortunately, it didn't take any much convincing and we were in business. It was a great night, one I'm planning to tell you all about tomorrow because my mind is swirling with post-baby date nights thoughts. So for now, I will leave you simply with the outfit deets :)

 

Blazer: Thrifted (inspired by this outfit of Kendi's)         Wedges: Target
Tee: Urban Outfitters                                                             Scarf: Mexico on our honeymoon :)
Jeans: Gap                                                                                Glasses: Urban Outfitters



So, I've been wanting fake glasses and took the plunge last night. When better to start than with someone that has committed to love you forever, no matter what? :) What do you think? Super dorky? Would you do it?

Weekend recap.

So, believe it or not, we did more than play with the Virtual Glasses ap this weekend. The highlight of my weekend was the Boston Bloggers Picnic put on by The Boston Day Book. While bloggy boot camp a couple weeks ago was fun, I didn't read any of the bloggers attending. So I learned some helpful tips, but I didn't walk away obsessed.

natalie, me, anna, rachael

 Cue Saturday afternoon as I left the picnic on Cloud 9. Why? Because I got to meet some of my favorite bloggers, soak up the sun and drink the yummiest chocolate milk on the planet. As I sat on a blanket chatting with some bloggers I had an Oprah-aha, light bulb moment. This is why I blog. Yes, I blog to document Meredith's life, to capture the tiny beautiful moments in a string of potentially mundane ones. But what keeps me going? The community.  People that connect with my daily experiences. People who tells stories that reflect what I am going through. People who face hardships with remarkable courage. It's because of these things that I love to blog.

I left the picnic Saturday so happy to have met in real life the people whose lives I get to peek into virtually everyday. I can't recommend enough trying to meet up with some of your favorite bloggers in your area!

So, who did I get to meet?

Anna
Bridget
Natalie
Nina
Rachael

Be sure to check out their blogs!

And that's not all I did this weekend! Last night Chris and I went on a date. It was lovely. It had been over a month since we'd gone out just the two of us here in Boston. We got to go out twice in Georgia (thanks mom & dad!) but we also needed it here.

We started at Cambridge 1. Oh my yumminess. If you live near Boston, you gotta try their delicious pizza.

   

After dinner we spent a leisurely couple of hours sipping coffee, talking and playing Bananagrams in the new Harvard Sqaure Starbucks. I love date nights.

How about you? How was your weekend?