Yes, you read that correctly. Justin and I did go through with our date we had Saturday, and I am beyond glad that we did. I won't lie, It was still really tough leaving Ava behind. My parents, and my step dad had us leave while Ava was preoccupied, and I was panicked by that. I mean, we did say our goodbyes and give her tons of kisses before we left, but I wanted her to shoot us one of those baby waves as we walked out the door.

Before we left, I gave my parents more information then they probably needed about Ava and her needs. It was too funny watching their faces as they allowed me to give them step by step instructions on how to care for a toddler (as if they hand't already raised one). I was so impressed with how well my parents felt about cloth diapers. I was never a cloth diapered baby, so this type of diapering system is new to them. I'm just glad they were eager and able to give it a shot.

I was even more anxious when we got in the car because Justin asked if I could put my phone away the entire time. I swear this man knows me too well. If he hadn't said something, I would have called and texted pretty much every hour (on the hour) that we were gone. Once I got over wanting to know how Ava bug was doing, I was actually able to relax. I will say, to talk without the interruption of a toddler was weird at first, but then it was also really nice. We went out for an early dinner and we just talked the entire time. We talked about new hobbies we wanted to try together (I'm almost positive we are taking a culinary class here soon), and we talked about purchasing our first home. We talked about Ava (of course), and we talked about our college courses. We talked about our love for one another, and how valuable our time is.

We pretty much talked about anything and everything. It was the sweetest thing too because Justin would reach over the table to hold my hands in his while we talked. He looked me in my eyes almost every time we spoke, and then all the reasons why I love this man just started flooding in. We ended up catching a movie later that evening, and that was interesting. We hadn't seen a movie since Ava was just a few weeks old. Although the movie was cheesy, I loved that Justin had his arm around me the entire time. He'd lean over and give me soft kisses between laughs, and he held my hand occasionally.

That type of intimacy is my favorite, but also very limited for parents. I realize how important it is to tend to your marriage even once you become parents. We will forever be the foundation of our family, and it's important that mom and dad get that time to be intimate, and personal with one another. Dates aren't something I see us needing all the time, but I'm glad it was an option and we have the family available to help out. I'm thinking about implementing at least one date night a month. I'm thinking the next date will be at the shooting range! Justin has always wanted to teach me how to "properly" shoot.

How long after the baby did you and your significant other wait to have a date night? Is it something that's become reoccurring? I'd love to hear from you in either the comments below or by email!

Happy Tuesday all!

♥- Leilani

Step Aside Mama

This mama had a serious reality check this weekend, and I'm just going to jump right in and tell you why. I need "Leilani" time. I need time to myself that doesn't include Ava bug or Justin. I feel so guilty even writing this, but I have come to the realization that wanting time to yourself is not a bad thing. Everyone needs a few hours every once in a while to do something they enjoy. That doesn't make me a bad mother, and it doesn't make me a bad wife. I can't believe it took fourteen months for me to come to this conclusion. Justin has been telling me for months that I need to just get up and go do something for myself. Go pamper myself, hang out with friends, or go to a concert, he'd say. Justin has always been so supportive of me just spending a little time away from Ava when I need to, I just haven't taken him up on the offer.

Because of everything it took to conceive her, I've always told myself not to take Ava for granted. That's why I try so hard to be "super mom" and I try so hard to be everything she needs, and more. I want her to know that she's loved, and I want to nurture her as much as possible. I now know that in order for her to grow, sometimes mommy doesn't need to be involved. This weekend Ava bug decided she was going to be the ultimate daddy's girl. It actually hurt my feelings just a little, and I cried about it. She loves Justin and I both, but truth is, when she's upset, she runs to mama. When she want's to "num" she runs to mama, and for the first time in her life, she didn't do that.

She was perfectly content with holding daddy's hands, having daddy hold her, and having daddy feed her. I felt unneeded for a brief moment, and as I sat and watched my two babies interact, it dawned on me. This would be a good time to go read a book. This would be a good time to go catch up with friends. This would be a good time to shop, take a long bath, or just basically do whatever I wanted. There hasn't been a single day in Ava's life that I have been away from her for more than an hour, and I think I am finally at the point where I'm okay with rectifying that.

This weekend Ava's grandparents (all three of them) are watching her so Justin and I can have our first date since before the baby. If you tack on deployment, Justin and I haven't had a date night with just each other in over 21 months. That's crazy to even think about. We've adjusted to parenthood and although we love having our night outs with Ava, it's going to be interesting to see how things go with going on a date with just us two. I won't lie, I've got the butterflies guys. It's a very big deal for us, and I feel really good about our decision. Now that i've got that off my chest, how many mama's have gone through this very thing? When did you first let your little one's be watched by family? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below or by email!

Here's a photo from our session with Jessica Oda Photography. Jessica is building her skill set and portfolio, and we were more than happy to assist. Check back on the blog this week for a full review on Jessica, and some of the other photos she took. 

Happy Monday all!

♥- Leilani