Momvacation

This week I took what I shall call a "momvacation." I suspect you all think that what with being on maternity leave since July 31 this might not be necessary. Those of you that have been in charge of a newborn and toddler full-time though probably appreciate it. I started my momvacation on Thursday with some scrapbooking in the afternoon with Maggie and celebrating Tracie's birthday at the Iguana Grill in the evening with some of her friends. We had a great time and it was fun to be out and about.

On Friday, my mom was off work so she came to the city in the morning and watched my adorable kids for about SEVEN hours. (She is a saint. Thank you mom!) I met up with Tracie and a couple of her friends and we spent 6+ hours wandering An Affair of the Heart. For those of you not familiar with this, it is a massive craft show at the Oklahoma State Fair Grounds. Wares include food, toys, collectibles, jewelry, home decor, clothes, gifts, tools, furniture, and more. It is actually kind of hard to describe as there are so many things available. I went last year with Tracie and Sarah, had a great time and have been planning a return visit ever since. In reality, I didn't buy all that much. Maybe eight or so inexpensive ornaments, a Christmas present, and a couple small Christmas decorations. (Yes Bethany, I got your pickles for you). The big fun for me was just the freedom to wander, shop, chat, and wish. It was fabulous.

I returned home around 5pm after realizing that our book club was that evening. When I sat down for the first time in six hours, I almost lost the will to go. However, I didn't want to miss out or leave Candace with a small party. I didn't particularly like the book, but I'm very glad I went. Candace had wonderful food, drinks, music and crafts set up. There were only four of us, but we had a great time chatting. I feel like I talked constantly (my apologies) mostly about pregnancy, kids, family, work/life balance, and just life (as well as about the book, of course:)). I headed home around 10:30; exhausted, but happy.

Saturday, we had a visit from Aunt Jamie!!! She brought some fun things for Maggie and visited awhile. I checked in on my e-mail and discovered I'd won prizes from WMAG Reviews and Cocoa Daisy!! I so rarely win things these days. I was VERY excited by the added serendipity. In the afternoon, we watched the Sooners with Brent's parents.

I finished up the momvacation weekend with a very lazy Sunday morning. I got to sleep in late while Brent hung out with Maggie. We spent a leisurely long time at the bookstore for the first time in weeks. At home, I made my favorite fall bread (Bacon Cheddar Quick Bread with Dried [Apples]) and meatballs for dinner later. Then, I headed off to help my friend Emily with her baby registry. It was so much fun and I'm so glad I got to share that experience with her. When I got home, Erik and Kelli were there and for the first time in months we were able to chat, play and catch up. I even remembered to give Kelli her birthday present (her birthday was in July...). After they left, it was just dinner, baths and playtime before Brent went in for dorm night and I reunited with the internet.

I had a wonderful weekend and thanks to everyone who was part of it and made it possible for me to relax and have some time away doing fun frivolous things. I highly recommend such a "staycation" to all new moms and dads. I feel almost ready for the week to come!