It's a date

Our internet has been down, off and on, for the past several days. If you have tried to reach me and have not been able to do so I don't really care. I'm far more concerned about me and my mental health without internet access. I mean, I did live and breathe before email and blogs, right? Sometimes I'm not so sure. Nonetheless, I'm taking advantage of this rare opportunity of functioning technology to let you back into my little corner of the world.

Greg and I recently instituted date night with our children. Once a month we each alternate taking one of the kids on their own, one on one, multiple hours long, DATE. Dane hasn't really been included yet because honestly, he's just as happy if he has your full attention while he empties the crayon box onto the floor. Soon though baby Dane, soon.

This month I went out with Nathan and Greg with Aubrey. Nathan picked the activities. We started at the mall and he got to walk. That alone was reason enough to be joyful. No stroller, no holding my hand. Then we took the escalator. Saints be with us, was there enough room in his heart for such joy?? We played for an hour at the mall's enormous play area (ball pits, air hockey, multiple basketball hoops, scooters, etc.) and ended with grilled cheese sandwiches, apple slices, and lemonade at Red Robin. These dates are awesome, for all of us. The kids revel in the attention and Greg and I revel at the opportunity to just enjoy our babies. No discipline, no competition, no teaching ABCs. Just playing and loving.

Greg and Aubrey had an extra special date. They went to their first Father/Daughter Dance. The local Kiwanis club hosts it and they had about 230 people there this year. They looked awesome (see pictures). I loved how dressed up Greg was, just for his little girl. They started their evening at Red Robin (are you noticing a dining trend?) and made it to the dance around 7. Aubrey got a corsage and was smitten with the refreshment table. They did get out and shake a leg for a while but the loud music and commotion proved a bit much for our girl. So, to end the night on a major high note, Greg took her to the store to let her pick out a treat. Her choice? Lucky Charms. I think that was the highlight of her whole night. She came home beaming and her daddy looked just as pleased. Date days rock! (End note. Greg reported that she spent a good portion of her time at the dance dabbing her lips and nose with the chap stick and tissues we packed in her purse. Precious, I know.)

And, because I hate to leave my baby out, Dane got his first haircut. As you long time blog followers may recall, Nathan's first haircut was a nightmare. A screaming, flailing, hysterical fit that ended with me sweating profusely and Nathan's eyes swelled, red, and puffy. Dane was 100% the opposite. He sat as though made of stone. I couldn't coax eye contact out of him, let alone a smile. He stared straight ahead, solemn, serious, and unnaturally still for a 13 month old. Once he was down he just lifted his arms up to me and put his head on my shoulder. I think he had some post traumatic distress. Still, the results were worth it. Bye bye mullet and over ear wings!