Mommies Night Out

Ten ladies, a swanky seafood restaurant, and a famous band, Nickelback, dining at a nearby table made for a memorable mommies night out.

Tonight was my first night out with the girls since Grace was born. It's not that I haven't wanted to go out; the opportunity was just never there. But if I had to be honest, I wasn't quite ready to leave my precious baby with anybody for more than an hour at a time. The only other times I left my baby with a sitter, I was either just down the hallway working out or 10 minutes away in case of an emergency. And besides, I am exclusively nursing and my baby refuses to take a bottle. She needs me.

I was nervous about leaving Grace, but I wasn't going to miss out on a mommies night out with some great friends. Besides, I was leaving her in good hands- Lola. The whole night out, I resisted the urge to call home and check on the baby because I knew that if I heard her crying in the background, it would ruin my night and make me want to rush right home to comfort her. And I was worried that my baby was starving because she does not take the bottle, although I left one for her just in case.

I made it all the way to dessert before I broke down and called. I held my breath waiting for a report of inconsolable crying, but instead was told that she was doing fine and even finished the bottle. I was so shocked that I had to repeat it and when my girlfriends heard the news, a round of applause erupted from the table. I had just finished telling them how she NEVER takes a bottle and that's the main reason I can't leave her with anyone.

It was a bittersweet moment for me because although I was happy she was doing well, I was sad she didn't need me as much as I thought she would. I could feel the tears welling up and wanting to overflow with that thought, but I tried to hold it in. I don't think my girlfriends were fooled though.

Now that I know she can make it without me for a few hours, it opens up a whole new world of freedom. Honey, get ready for our date night!

I had a blast on my night out, but I sure did miss my baby girl. In all the craziness of making sure I had everything ready for her few hours without me, I forgot to bring the camera to document my first night out.

I can't think of a better sound than that of her sweet giggles.