Freedom to roam

My son has taken up a new sport- tennis.  Last weekend we picked up a kids tennis racket at a garage sale and ever since Theo hasn't put the racket down.  He plays out front against our gate and takes the racket to the park to rally against the wall with the big kids.  He's skinned his knuckles, lost plenty of balls and gone for Phoebes head a few times with the racket, but other then that this new hobby is a good thing.
Yesterday after Phoebes lost the one and only binki (fell down the storm drain on our morning walk) and it was time for nap- she was making me work double time to help her fall asleep. Usually that demand for attention creates a problem for Theo- but now he has earned the freedom to play out front (w/gate closed) alone, hitting balls against the fence.  Two hours later he climbs the steps and calls from the screen door that he is ready for night-night. I couldn't believe it, I had time to put baby to sleep, prepare dinner and sit around wondering what to do next (anything but fold laundry).
In the afternoon I had to do the dreaded - take both kids to the store, shop and pick up a new binki.  Two stores later and one visit to the ice cream counter (bribe payout)- we made it home.  I was worn out, but quick to remember that tonight was Mamma's night out and Daddas chance to watch the kids and put to bed.   I didn't have formal plans, but that didn't stop me.  I called a friend in the city for apps and drink and then spent an hour at my favorite store Trader Joe's.  Sad but true, I should have been making a visit to Saks or Neiman- getting new lotion, but instead all I could think of was a cheap case of water for the park, snacks and the mexican broccolini they always have.
It was crazy to be back in the city- alone, no kids.   A place that always seemed pretty low key all of the sudden appeared packed and busy with tourists.  No "need to haves" stood out to me as I passed a few new stores in my old shopping haunts- probably because I was on the phone the whole drive with my close mommy girlfriend listening to the trials & tribulations of family planning around the next pregnancy.
I got to my destination and was excited to meet up with my friend who I haven't seen since I was 9mths pregnant.  She was great, single, semi-bored with work and still searching for that special someone or something to complete her.  I listened to her update, gave her ours- baby, Dadda's work and Theo's 2yr accomplishments.  She told me she ran into some mutual friends from back in the day and when my name came up the response was "she's in Marin pushing out babies"  I took that as a compliment, but just in case it was meant to bring me down- I quickly transitioned the conversation to let her know next month we're going to her old boyfriend's wedding (back at you).  The meeting was all well and dandy but I was looking forward to Trader Joe's and dying to call home and check on my kids.
As I left the city and headed home, I once again realized how great I have it.  I love my husband, we have wonderful kids and we live in a beautiful home in a place some only dream about.  We're both doing exactly what we want and it's healthy for us to be challenged all the time to get to the next level (or a new couch and refrigerator that I want to buy).  I love our friends, our daily routine and seeing changes that surround us (kids growing, new houses on the block or getting fresh gossip at the park).  I guess some folks in the city would call my suburban life boring, but I know there has never been a happier time in my life like now.

Comments

[reuben]

I love this entry. Someday there will be tons of people commenting here, but right now, this is an inefficient form of email. Ahh the joys of having only one reader.
Love,
Your reader, husband and biggest fan