I Like FireDad, aka FireHusband
by FireMom ~ March 14th, 2008. Filed under: Living Life.Like what you're reading? Subscribe to our feed.
Parenting two kids is awesome. We’ve got a lot of laughter going on as of late as LittleBrother has become increasingly vocal. We’ve enjoyed learning new things about both boys over the past three and a half months. We’ve also learned things about ourselves as parents and adults.
But dang. We’re tired.
And so, we’re going to get ourselves labeled as sub-par parents. And we don’t give a rip. FireDad and I are taking off our parent hats for one evening and returning to FireHusband and FireWife. We’ve booked ourselves at a Super Swanky Hotel. I’ve purchased some cheesy St. Patrick’s Day themed clothing. We’re going to enjoy the presence of one another without the added bonus of whining and spit-up. And then we’re going to collapse in the big, fluffy bed. And sleep. Uninterrupted. For more than eight hours.
I’ve gotten some criticism from various Know-It-All Parents. But they aren’t living in my skin. My anxiety has made this one night away an absolute necessity. I am desperately trying to avoid medication for postpartum related issues which have exacerbated my anxiety. I went on medication after BigBrother was born and it wasn’t my most favorite experience in life (but not the worst either). Since then I have learned some creative coping techniques that I’ve been employing over the past few months. But? Truth be told? I need a refresher. I need one night away to breathe. I need to step back, reevaluate and remind myself of certain things. If it wasn’t for this night, which has been in the plans for awhile now, I don’t know if I could force myself to keep my chin up, to keep pushing towards healthy goals. It’s been the only reason I’ve made it through this hectic week: the promise of a brief reprieve.
As far as our breastfeeding relationship, I’m not all that worried about it. I’ve pumped over fifty ounces for less than twenty-four hours. My Mother is watching LittleBrother as she lives closer to where we will be staying and, as such, if something horrible happened, we could be to him in a short amount of time. He’s taken a bottle (three, to be exact) from my Mother-in-Law without issue before but, just in case, we’re also taking a medicine dropper. My Mom is also set to cloth diaper and co-sleep. Me and the breast issue? The pump is going with me. Yes, our night away will be broken up into two-to-three hour chunks of time as I remember to pump to keep my supply up (I respond well to the pump) but, hey, it’s okay. As much as I need a night away, my breastfeeding goals make pumping every now-and-then a non-issue. FireDad is supportive and plans to stalk Wii’s on the internet every time we return to the room to pump.
I’m hoping that, come Sunday morning, I will feel calmer. I just need to take some time to breathe. I just need to sleep for a few hours. (Here’s hoping the nightmares that have resurfaced won’t follow me to the hotel!) This is my last ditch effort to get my anxiety and emotions “on track” so as to avoid medication. I have every hope that it will work.
Plus, time spent with FireHusband (you know, FireDad) is time well spent. Word on the street is that he’s a hottie. I concur. When we come home, we’ll put our parent hats back on and once again be FireMom and FireDad. But this weekend is about us. (If I can stash the anxiety about leaving both boys… ugh.)
(By the way? The picture you see? Was from last year a week and a half before we found out that we were soon to be the everyday parents of two children instead of just one. We seem to conceive well during this time of year. So, uh, perhaps a plan of only sleep is the way to go this year! Oof!)
March 14th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Everyone needs a break once in a while. *nod* Have fun/good luck/congratulations on wrangling a night away! (Take your pick on which is most appropriate, please pardon and ignore any of the above that doesn’t quite fit.)
March 14th, 2008 at 10:28 am
I just want to make it very clear that the crazy lady wandering the streets of Pittsburgh yelling, “Firemom? Where are you, Firemom?” will be me. I’ll forgive you if you run the other way.
Burgh Baby’s Mom’s last blog post..The Line Has Officially Been Crossed
March 14th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Enjoy!! You deserve it!!
Judy’s last blog post..note to self:
March 14th, 2008 at 10:54 am
BurghBaby; Pardon me while I strap on my LOLLERSKATEZ. You saw what hotel we’re staying at by viewing the link above. We don’t have any specific plans other than Sunday morning bagels (Bruggers is just under the hotel) followed by lunch at 11:00/11:30 at Primanti’s in Market Square. Then bust rear ends back to The Farm to get to baby before heart explodes. Saturday is wiiiiiiiiiide open. We don’t check in until 3:00 though.
I also respond to, “Hey you! With the awesome _____” insert clothing piece, hair, makeup, eyes, boobs or butt. *snark*
March 14th, 2008 at 11:13 am
Eh, don’t listen to the crazy-pantses. Just have yourself a good time. :c)
March 14th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Have fun! Don’t feel bad…I’m sure your boys will have a great time. And you’ll get SLEEP. Awesome.
Jamie’s last blog post..My Scattered Mind
March 14th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Have fun! You deserve a night away. Are you guys really looking for a Wii? The other day I was in Sam’s Club and they had several.
March 14th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Lucy; Yes! UGH! FireDad spent all morning on the computer (as Sears stocked all night and he missed them all) and just drove himself to Kmart because a rumor was flying around town. He’s very sad.
March 14th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Have a great time, you two - totally deserving it - and…by the way…seeing the both of you in all your cuteness really burns my eyes!
Liz’s last blog post..Red, White and Blue Friday #7 - You’re a grand old complex and contentious flag!
March 14th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
I think that being tired comes with the parenting gig, I really do.
Congratulations on getting a night away.
Laura Spencer’s last blog post..Pi Day! A Holiday That I Bet You’ve Never Heard Of
March 14th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Hope you have a good time!! Everyone needs a little break now and again. I know that for sure, after a long day of 6 kids fighting, crying, etc…there are times I can’t wait for there only to be just my 2, and to think I may be adding 3 more to the mix, AHHHHHHHHHH. I must be insane, LOL! I love taking care of all the families kids though, and wouldn ‘t have it any other way (most days). Have fun, enjoy yourselves, and RELAX!! The kids will be fine.
March 14th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Have a great time - you deserve it. We never take enough time for ourselves and it defintely takes its toll. We are in the process of adoptiong #2 and it has got me thinking that we need to do more thing like this too. Have fun and relax!
March 14th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
You guys go have fun. Everyone can use a break now and then and it doesn’t mean your bad parents. It will actually help you in being good parents.
March 14th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
I’d like to smack the people who have criticized you for taking a little break. You have to take good care of yourself in order to be a good parent — and being a good parent does NOT mean being attached to your children 24 hours a day, anyway. I personally find it creepy when parents can’t pry themselves away from their kids every once in a while and take some alone time. They need to get a life…
March 14th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
I am so glad you two are getting a chance to get away. It’s the single most important thing you can do for your marriage and your kids. It will show them, even at their young ages that you two are husband and wife first. Have lots of fun, enjoy the funky clothes and say hi to “dahntahn Pittsburgh” for me. I haven’t been there for years. I grew up there and lived there until 13+ years ago. Enjoy and don’t set the bed on fire with all the flames!
Michelle’s last blog post..By: Amanda Barlow
March 14th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
have fun this weekend! I remember you talking about last year and the big announcement that followed.
F the crazies who are saying you don’t need time away. and dont sweat the meds either, it’s a shame that some people don’t “see” that these anxiety disorders are real. They’re chemical imbalances! Therefore making people feel the stigma. When I’m on Lexapro for my anxiety I’m so much better.
Also, I 2nd the firedads hotness! word.
March 14th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
I don’t care what anyone says, parents need a break every now and again — especially SAHMs. I hope you have an AWESOME weekend and that you’ll return refreshed and relaxed!!
ValleyGirl’s last blog post..winter ‘activity menu’ challenge debriefing
March 15th, 2008 at 12:01 am
I gotta say I’m jealous! We haven’t been away from the kids for 2 years. Not even for one night, or even for a date (I think?). I guess that’s what happens when you don’t live near grandma and grandpa
CC’s last blog post..Made me smile
March 15th, 2008 at 8:14 am
Why would anyone criticize you? Tell them to STFU!!! (Sorry, I’m old, I get to speak purple..or blue!) My reflections as a former LLL leader and everyday mother to three breastfed children often include wishes that I’d stop worrying about what other people said, trusted my gut and spent more time away taking care of ME and doing things with my husband. I think you send an important message to your kids when you take care of yourself and your relationship with your husband.
March 15th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
You go girl. Ignore the people who are giving you flack. They’re probably just jealous. It’s really really really hard with two little ones. Hang in there. And enjoy that big fluffy bed (just don’t get pregnant by mistake, tee hee).
March 16th, 2008 at 10:02 am
You TOTALLY deserve a night away, and anyone who tells you otherwise is unfit. You have to nuture your relationship as well as your children. If you don’t, everything really will fall apart. I hope you guys had a great time!!
Jamie’s last blog post..Watch Baby Bo Roll Over!!
March 16th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Hope you have a wonderful time! I left both girls for a weekend this past summer while hubs and I went to a wedding. It was the best thing that happened to all of us! We all got a much needed break, the girls got incredibly spoiled, and we came back with energy to keep going!
Enjoy your time!! Try and relax and sleep!
K’s last blog post..Party Time…Excellent!!
March 16th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
You should definitely be allowed to enjoy a night away together. I think parents who have a chance to reconnect with each other make better parents. Now, my husband and I just need to learn to do so ourselves!
PumpkinsMom’s last blog post..Another Reason I Hate Spiders
March 17th, 2008 at 12:24 am
As it’s late Sunday night (early Monday morning, actually) and you’re home by now, I’m just dropping in to say I hope both of you had an awesome time just being with each other. It’s a wonderful way to rejuvenate and come back to the everyday with a fresh outlook!
And since it is officially early Monday here in Joisey, let me be the first to say, Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!
Now me and my one-quarter Irish self is heading to bed.
Gretchen’s last blog post..Photo Op: Lemons Into Lemonade