Two For The Record Books!

Today was a day of firsts at our house!  I'm warning you this might seem trivial to you, but the possibilities seem endless to me.

First, the weather was pretty crummy here today so playing outside wasn't exactly an inviting option.  Early this morning we settled in for a bit of a movie marathon, but the longer I sat here the more I realized I needed to get off my butt and get to cleaning.  I started in the kitchen hoping that I wouldn't disturb the girls since they were actually sitting quiet and content in the living room.  Before I knew it the kitchen was beginning to look spic-and-span, but in my cleaning-focused-haze (otherwise known as a chemical cleaner high) I hadn't even noticed that the movie had ended and the girls had gone upstairs.  Okay, I had noticed but only vaguely because they were quiet.  I know what you are thinking - quiet means trouble.  I quickly dashed upstairs to peek on them and....GASP!  They were actually, truly playing with each other and NICELY too! What? Really?  Yes, they played for almost an hour just the two of them.  I continued to clean in peace and all the while I could hear them "planning for a party" in their bedrooms.  So sweet listening to them chatting and "decorating" for the big event.  They hung bracelets and necklaces on door and furniture knobs.  They laid blankets out on the floor as fancy carpets.  So cute!

As a general rule Sophie and Molly get along quite well, but until today I can't remember them actually engaging each other in play especially of the imaginary sort.  I realized that Molly is growing up so quickly and that Sophie has become a patient, kind big sister.  I also realized that my time to get non-mommy things done is increasing.  Can you imagine the possibilities of an uninterrupted hour while they play happily?  The possibilities are endless!

The second big first at our house was an adult evening out with a hired teenage babysitter at home.  Usually our parents and siblings watch the girls if we need a babysitter on evenings or weekends, but tonight we were headed to an adult-only family celebration which meant we needed to make different arrangements.  So, we asked a neighbourhood teen we know if she would babysit.  She agreed happily (which I thought was crazy) and spent this evening with Molly and Sophie.  Everything went off without a hitch!  The girls behaved beautifully, everyone had fun, the girls went to bed on time and all without having to be packed up for a sleepover at their grandparents.  Better yet, the sitter even said she would come again!

What?  Full stop!  Did you hear that? This teenage girl says she will babysit our girls whenever we want!  Again, imagine the possibilities!  I see movie dates, Starbucks dates, dinners out and more.  I could go to the gym for an hour in the evening when JD works, I could visit with my girlfriends, a haircut, a pedicure....endless possibilities.  (Only dilemma...what do you pay a teenage babysitter these days?)

I know these are two small things, but they mean so much when it comes to the balance of time.  I see a light at the end of the tunnel.  I can see a future with more balance, more fun for everyone!  Babies are wonderful, but there is something to be said for kids growing up!