Babymoon

I always thought that was an odd term, Babymoon. Meaning having a little get-a-way before the baby comes. Odd that you don't have a little get-a-way before the wedding, but after, called a honeymoon. In any case, Justin and I took one this week, a babymoon that is.

{Mission Valley, San Diego, CA}

For Christmas this year I gave Justin a years worth of date nights. 12 dates. Some are fun, some are funny, most were pre-paid or free. I know date night would be ideal at once a week, but with a new baby coming soon I decided once a month was more realistic for us. The best part about the whole gift wasn't that he loved it, it was the conversations I had with the Big Kid in preparing it. We talked about things like why mom and dad need time alone away together. Why we need to do silly things sometimes. Why having fun with someone you know very well is still important and what you have to do to put someone else's needs above your own. I hope the example we set for our kids will inspire them to work at staying in love with their chosen mates in the future. I got several ideas from The Dating Diva's and tweaked them to fit our family situation. What a great place to find ideas and remember how important it is to uplift and show love for your mate.

One of his date nights was a hotel stay from a gift certificate I won in an auction a while back. We had a great babysitter come armed with movies and games and we headed out with dinner to a local hotel. We are glad we didn't have to pay too much for it, because it didn't have a lot going for it, except the pillows. I am a pillow snob and I was in heaven with these soft, fluffy, supportive pillows.

We went swimming after dark, because no one wants to see a 31 week pregnant woman in a swim suit that was not made for maternity wear. The pool was heated and lovely. We watched movies and relaxed and occasionally answered texts from the home front. We talked and laughed and had a great time.

The best parts were that the house was still fairly clean when we got home, the kids were fed and happy and we were able to sleep in late. It was a great way to wrap up 2011 and prepare for 2012. Huge changes are coming our way and we look forward to all of it. We hope it's wonderful for all of you too.