Adventures in Babysitting...

After Lily's first babysitting experience, we were unsure whether or not we could leave her with someone anytime in the near future. She is generally a light sleeper (like her mama), we do not normally bottle feed her, and I always carry her around the house with me. I love spoiling her with attention and affection, but I know that not all babysitters or friends will be able to do the same when she is in their care.

I am tempted to not leave her until she is a few months older and can communicate better...but at the same time, I know Eric and I need a date night once in a while. Without family around to care for Lily, planning a date with Eric is actually pretty stressful--which negates the whole point of the evening!

Two weeks ago our friend Tara organized a progressive dinner party for the girls so Eric watched Lily for six hours straight all by himself! In preparation we worked on giving Lily a bottle once a day so she would be comfortable with it by Friday. He only called once to find out when I was coming home--It sounds like the night was pretty difficult, but the important thing is that we all learned from it. The time away was relaxing and allowed me to "recharge my batteries" and Eric gained more confidence in his parenting skills. I realized that too often, I jump in and try to "help" by telling him my way of doing things and he doesn't get to try things his way. I know my way isn't always the best way and its certainly not the only way for things to get done, so I am working on letting him figure out how he likes to dress her, change her diapers, and put her to sleep without giving unsolicited instructions.

Her next babysitting experience, last weekend, was with our friends the Webbs. They also have a little princess, Alexa, so they have experience with baby girls. I was a little nervous because a few hours before dropping her off, I left Lily with Eric so I could get a manicure and pedicure. When I called home to check on her, it sounded like she was upset. I didn't want that to be foreshadowing of what was to come, but the Webbs said she did really well and when we picked her up, she was sound asleep!

While it is nice to get away together, we actually really miss her when we're gone! We always love love love coming home to her! Its so amazing to me how much a baby changes things!