I had the timing planned to perfection (a classic new mom mistake): 6:55 bathtime, 7:05 feed, 7:15 hand-off to Tom, and 7:20 departure. BB was nodding off beautifully as I tiptoed down our front steps en route to giddy freedom.
On my end, the evening unfolded just as it should. Girlfriend #1 was ready promptly and we headed downtown to fetch Girlfriends 2 through 4. Extracting them from the McKinsey alumni party took some effort, but the delay gave me some time to call home to check on things. When my calls went to voicemail, I assumed that Tom was puttering in the backyard.
It turns out that Tom had instead resorted to an evening car ride to quiet my daughter's yelping. But moments after I had left the 'hood, BabyBear's snot-filled nose startled her awake. No amount of pacing, bouncing, and shushing would settle her again. When Tom tried giving her a bottle, she spat the milk out as quickly as she had taken it in. At a lost for alternatives, Tom packed our little one in the car and drove in circles.
All this probably sounds like the sort of thing that every parent does at some point in time. It sounds like a reasonable sacrifice on Tom's part. In truth, I have omitted an important detail. To complete the account, I must admit that last night marked our 9th wedding anniversary.
In addition to the flowers Tom gave me, he gave me the best anniversary present of all, a much-needed break and a short return to life as it was before BabyBear. As the sun rose this morning and I awoke to my daughter's giggles, however, it felt good to be back.
One thing is certain. I will not wait another 4 months before gathering up my girlfriends again. Next time, let's hope that BabyBear understands that her invitation was not lost in the mail.
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