Alone time.

I'm rarely alone. Ever. I never grasped the reality of it until I had the third child, but it is really ridiculous. I used to have the couple mornings a week when Ellie was at preschool and Aiden in school and then we added Soph. Sophie, as most know, is a really "spunky" child. She is a serious mommy stalker and doesn't let me go anywhere... I mean ANYWHERE WITHOUT HER. Well this has obviously gotten a little bit aggravating, so my lovely mother in law Deborah has now offered to watch her every other Monday afternoon while both older kids are at school so that I can breathe. Hopefully Sophie will see that I'm always going to come back for her and that even without mommy life goes on. Well I had a lovely couple of free hours of puttering around my beautifully quiet house without anyone whining or hanging off my hip. Pure ecstasy.
While I was pregnant with Aiden I got tons of unsolicited advice. The most popular tidbit was "sleep now because you never will again." That was never really an issue with our kids. We stupidly let them sleep with us and I nursed on command (Sophie does sleep in her crib 60% of the night, so that's progress) and never lost too much sleep. What I wish someone had said was "savor your alone time, its fleeting". Never once heard that one and I was totally not prepared for how much I would miss it.
I am for the most part a lone wolf. I've never required people around me at all times. I loved playing alone as a child and as an adult not much has changed. I do like spending time with the handful of friends I have, but free time is few and far between. Why should I feel guilty about wanting to be alone? I don't argue with myself, start drama, ask for a drink, beg for a snack, etc. I'm a wonderful play date. I made myself a very odd wrap for lunch and sat my butt on the couch without guilt for the first time in years.
Moms out there in blogland--make a date with yourself because it will make you a better mommy. I was mom of the year after my play date alone. Picked Aiden up from the bus stop, took him to lunch, got to actually watch his swim practice, dropped him at a friend, picked up both girls and made a super bomb diggity chicken parm for dinner. I feel great this evening and am praying that the energy lasts. So moms, do alone time because your family will benefit. My husband played in a golf tournie and I stuffed him full of chicken so my house is full of sleeping Coopers. I think I'll read my new Lucky mag and have an extended play date.

PS: You will never receive my chicken parm recipe. Some things are secret and sacred.