Guess What? I love my Husband!

So, John and I decided a few weeks ago, while EVERYONE we knew was out of town, that we could use a little break from parenting. If you have kids, you know that this is a difficult proposition. You absolutely love your kids and the time you spend with them. But sleep deprivation and constant vigilance take their toll, and sometimes you just want a break...even though you don't want to NOT be with your kid. It's a weird dichotomy. But look at me, 24 baby free hours and I can use big words again! Anyway, we dropped G off at Nana's house yesterday around noon. She had a pajama party with Nana and her 3 cousins, Sophia, Alana and Dante. (Poor Nana!) The other kids were not there when we dropped G off. She immediately set to crawling around and playing. John and I said our goodbyes and headed for the door. She started to crawl after us with this dubious look, like, wait a minute....what are you doing...I smell a set up! Quick, that girl! But she did fine after we left.

John had an appointment for work, so we drove out to the hills of Conklin...my old childhood stomping grounds. He went in for a visit and I sat in the car and read an actual book. Uninterrupted. Nice. This place was beautiful. We were on top of the mountain and the trees were all beginning to turn. John parked under a big old tree, maybe oak? So, I sat with the windows down, under the shady tree, listening to the sounds of the country, feeling the delicious breeze and smelling the fresh air. It was really quite nice, even though I was just sitting in the car.

After he was done we went to lunch at Tony's for our customary Portabello Panini sandwiches. DELICIOUS!!!! I spent some time deconstructing mine so I can recreate it at home. I can't figure out the sauce they use. It is some sort of Italian Dressing, but spicy. I will try doctoring up some italian with red pepper flakes and see if I can make it. OMG, those sammies are sooooo good!

At home we did have to suck it up and do some housework. We cleaned up the disgusting yard and John mowed (maybe the second to last mowing of the year? hmmm, its definately fall.) and I cleaned out my car. But, after that, it was sitting around doing NOTHING. I read more of my book, John watched golf. I didn't have to make one bottle, change one diaper, prevent one spill, pick up shredded magazine pieces or straighten strewn cookbooks. However, I also didn't get silly baby raspberry kisses on my arm so it was a definate trade off.

We walked to a late (8pm!) dinner at Lampy's on Main St. It was a beautiful evening for a walk. We had never been to Lampy's before, and, although it was mucho dinero, it was so worth it! Wow, we had complimentary bruschetta drizzled with the best balsamic vinegar I have ever had! It was so sweet and thick! They do a "spice tray" at your table where they mix fresh roasted garlic, parmesean cheese, red pepper, EVOO, and balsamic vinegar to your liking for a dipping sauce for fresh italian bread. Umm, yum. Next, possibly the best french onion soup of my life. John had a ceasar salad that he wasn't impressed with, so there's that. BUT, then they brought out our entrees........WOW! I had Veal Chops Saltemboca. A huge veal chop stuffed with proscuitto and fontina cheese, covered with marasala sauce and mushroom caps. With grilled asparagus on the side. Words literally fail me as to how good this was. John had a filet mignon drenched with hollandaise and asparagus. It was cooked to absolute perfection.

We walked home...I must admit to being a little tipsed after the 2 yummy glasses of chardonnay. I seranaded John while we walked with a lullaby that has been stuck in my head for days now. And we played Trivial Pursuit at home. We ended up calling that a draw around the middle of the game...which is always a good thing for our marriage, as we both have a wee bit of a competitive streak...

And this morning. We slept in. Till 9:30am! Unheard of around here. And I didn't have to get up once in the night to do anything.

But, I miss my little chicaboo. So, we are off to get her soon. I hate loosing 24 whole hours from her life. But I hear she has had a great time at Nana's. She ate well, and played hard, I'm sure. And I bet I get a nice welcome when she sees me. Ah, that's nice, too.