me time

When you become a mom there seems to be this imaginary 'thing' that tells you to feel guilty when you are not with your kids, whether that is leaving them at daycare while you are at work, leaving them with grandparents while you go out for an evening, or even watching TV while they are still awake (I know...OMG how dare you, right?)  Eventually you begin to realize that even though "Mommy Guilt" is probably going to be a permanent emotion that rears its ugly head daily, finding ways to get your "me time" should not be one of the things that causes it.

Now, I absolutely LOVE spending time with my kids and I love taking them places with me and getting to experience new things through their little eyes (Cayden was 2 before I left him overnight and that was only because I had no choice), I have also learned that spending time alone or just time out without my kids helps to make me a better mom.  Everyone needs a little bit of time to re-charge and have fun without having to carry an extra diaper in their purse.  Last week I got a chance to sleep all night without having to listen for someone yelling at me that they need to go pee, I got to go out for dinner without having anyone throwing food all over the floor after having already smashed it all over the table, I got go shopping without worrying about little hands tipping over a mannequin or massive display and I got to catch up with friends I haven't seen in a very long time.  It was a fantastic week (despite the fact that I was away for work) and, the best part?  The excited squeals of my beautiful, smiling babies when I came home. 

So following my great week alone, I got to have an even greater week with my family.  And, of course, we went to the zoo!




Cayden and I had a coffee date with some friends while Harper napped.

The bears are our favorite!

You can't go to the zoo without using the giant lion water fountain.