Alone time
Alone time is pretty rare in a house of 5. However, for the first time since my twins were born, I had some alone time, and I slept in a bed alone. No husband, and no little ones sneaking in during the middle of the night.
I had 2 nights away for a “girl’s weekend.” I’ve only been apart from the twins for one night since they came home from the NICU, so I was a little nervous. However, I really needed it. I love all three of my kids dearly, but I just needed a little break to regroup. Time to be alone with my thoughts, time to relax, and time with other adults. I’m sure all of you other moms and dads can understand.
Chicago
I headed to Chicago on the train to meet another twin mommy. I met this mom through a TTTS (Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome) survivors support group on Facebook. I also met her in person when we went to Alabama for the Walker and Willis Birthday Walk to Fight TTTS. Her twins are also 2-year-old boys, so I knew we would have a lot to talk about.
I have to admit that it was very strange riding on the train all by myself. No one sitting on my lap. No one crying or calling, “mommy, mommy, mommy.” No one fighting or screaming, but no one laughing or singing or talking in only a language mommy understands. But, back to the weekend….
We went on a “Cupcake” tour. Who even knew such a wonderful thing existed? I certainly didn’t, but I’m glad I do now! We also did lots of shopping, lots of eating, and lots of girl talk.
It was so nice to talk to someone who I have so much in common with. Not only do we have our twins who are going through the terrible/terrific twos, but we also got to talk about our pregnancies. Sometimes it’s hard for me to talk to women who have only had “normal” or “healthy” pregnancies. TTTS and SIUGR really suck the joy out of a pregnancy, and that is putting it nicely. The pregnancy was really a life-changing experience, and talking about it with someone who understands it because they’ve experienced it…I don’t even have the words. All I can say is that it really helped me emotionally, and I hope it helped her too. The friends I’ve made because of TTTS and SIUGR are definitely a “silver lining.”
Me time
My friend left pretty early Sunday morning, as she had a flight to catch.
I stretched out in my whole bed, and slept in. It was just so quiet!
I packed up all my stuff, then decided to do a little more shopping by myself. It was nice not having to rush around or really have any place to be. Or strap kids into the car, then put them in a stroller, or worry about who needs to eat or have their diaper changed. Although, I certainly did miss all my boys.
Home again
The weekend went by super fast, but it also felt like I had been away for weeks. It was so awesome to see 3 smiling faces greeting me when I got home.
And one of those smiling faces started Preschool this week!!!!
He was so excited and happy to go. No tears, just smiles, which made it much easier on me. Even though he is going to be 5 in October, we had to wait until this year for him to start any type of school. Since the twins’ immune systems were still immature last winter, we couldn’t risk bringing home all those germs. Now that the twins are two, I’m a little less nervous about germs. Ok. Not really.
BUT, I will take the added stress and nerves if it means my oldest gets to have fun and make friends.
So, do you take alone time or time with mommy friends? What do you like to do?
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