just us

derek and i are two lucky parents! not only do we have sweet a baby boy, but we have a supportive family all around, just jumping at the chance to hang out with him. and after reading this blog post, i realize how incredible that really is. it may be even more important, seeing that we found out we were having berkeley just two months into our marriage. we had less time than most to just be married, to develop that relationship before becoming a little family.

no matter how much you love your child, time alone with just momma and daddy needs to be a priority to keep the marriage alive. since berkeley has been born (he's one month old!) my parents, my cousin, my aunts, and my mamaw have all taken turns spending time with berkeley so derek and i could have some "us" time. and the wonderful thing is, we haven't ever even asked. each time they offer. and MOST of the time, we accept.
now, that's not to say that there's not a little guilt that accompanies this "us" time. the first time my mom and mamaw fed him a bottle instead of me nursing him, i called and questioned them relentlessly, "so, he took the bottle okay? he liked it? HE DIDN'T MISS ME?". haha. i had it in my mind that he might just refuse anything that wasn't his momma. not true. he's a thriving little boy who is happy just about anywhere!
when i left them with two of my aunts, i was worried, showing them what to do, reminding them how to change his diaper, etc. they gently and quickly reminded me that between the two of them, they had practically reared two sets of twins. (two of my cousins have twins, two boys, two girls). oh right, i forgot, y'all most likely have way more experience than i do in the child rearing department.

so, since august 24, 2011, these are the little adventures derek and i have been on by ourselves:

-while the weather was still summery, we ventured out to the golf course after hours to play frisbee and take a short walk. this was very likely hilarious to watch because it was just a few days after giving birth, and i was in quite a bit of pain. but i just HAD to get outside. i live for being outside.

-we attended a uca game and stopped for the summer's last snow cones on the way home.

-we went on a date to starbucks at uca and then walked around the campus.

-we went to target to spend the last of our baby shower gift cards and bought an adorable pretend fish aquarium thingy to put in berkeley's crib. he adores it and immediately quiets when he sees it. good investment indeed.

-we went to eat bbq for lunch on a weekday.

-we went out to eat at our favorite greek restaurant (or favorite restaurant period), layla's. if you live in conway. GO. THERE. NOW.

and tonight, we have another date night planned. i think we'll spend it relaxing instead of doing. we'll watch the first episodes of 'new girl' and 'whitney' online, and then just cuddle. oh, and sleep. we'll DEFINITLEY sleep.

i love my family. i love my husband. i love my baby. and i really miss my puppy, because he's getting less attention these days and it's breaking my heart. a post from him is coming soon. stay tuned.

happy friday and happy fall!