Those of you who are parents know that we count out time in our childrens' lives with firsts: first bottle, first step, first word, first punishment, etc. We here in the Mommy Matters household are gearing up for another first: First babysitter.
Yes, you heard me right. In my 3 years and 8 months as a mother, neither one of my children has ever had a babysitter. That is not to say that I have never left their sides. When I have the need to run away from them as fast as I can go somewhere without them, I leave them with my parents. Even when we were living in different states, my parents visited often enough that Spiral and I would just take our nights out then, and any other time we could work out child care between the two of us. I have never, ever left my children with anyone who wasn't related to me.
I prefer it this way for a few reasons. First of all, there is nothing more precious to me than my offspring, and so when I can't be there I would like to have someone with them who loves them, and would care for them as I do. Because I learned to be a mother from my mother, who better to care for my kids? Secondly, my family enjoys being with my kids, and don't require any payment besides a heartfelt thank you. You can't beat that!
Tomorrow night, however, is friends and family night at the restaurant, and all of my family will be there. This restaurant is a step above everything else here in town, and though children are welcomed, it's not really what I'd call "kid friendly". Tomorrow evening's event won't be appropriate for them. (I admit it will be fun to go out with all my family sans children!)
I've gotten a young girl to watch Gabriella and Little Man for me. She is a very nice girl, I know her parents, and they don't live too far away from me. All of those things put me at ease. Besides, I won't be gone but a few hours, and plan to be home before bedtime, so she should have it easy.
So how do I know this young girl? (I'm so glad you asked!) I use to babysit her! I'm feeling my years now! She was younger than Gabriella when I started watching her. I babysat her for several years, during which time she had twin brothers come along.
So to recap for you:
Yep - that should cover it.
I hope you have a fun night away from home :)
Although the very thought of leaving my daughter with anyone scares me.
My reasoning is here:
http://undying-love.com/wordpress/index.php?m=200411
By 
, at
5:21 PM
I recently left Julia for maybe the 2nd time with a babysitter and it was kinda nerve racking, but I loved the night out! I too use family all the time, but sometimes you just have to. I hope you have a fun night out!
The first time I left Princess was traumatic. Not because I didn't know the babysitter,I knew her well as she is a good frind of mine, but because I would be gone from her for a few days. I was going to a training seminar for work. I think I cried all that first night. Now I have a girl in the neighborhood watch her when I go out, and she is wonderful!! Have a great night out!
By 
Crazy Single Mom, at
8:18 PM
I have yet to leave my daughter with a babysitter. I left her with her grandparent, which is all fine for the exact reasons you mentioned. We left her with my SIL and my daughter screamed at us as we walked out the door, but it appeared that she was just fine within twenty minutes of our departure.
Goldberry
http://silverlining.typepad.com/silver_linings
By , at
9:21 AM
My kids always BEG me to have a babysitter. Sometimes I just get a babysitter for the heck of it. They have soooo much fun. Don't be surprised when they start begging you for one too! Family is great and all but there is nothing as fun as a kiddie babysitter.Have FUN!!!
We've do grandparents and my two bestest sisters-in-law...I don't think it's a matter of being overprotective more than it's easy on the wallet! Oh, and the thought of a non-family member going through my drawers...ewww!
**pause**
Picturing my mother-in-law opening the infamous sock drawer...double ewww!
Have a great time!
(Liz @ This Full House)
By , at
12:52 PM
I hope you enjoyed you and your husband's big night! I know it's a huge step. We've had close friends of our's watch the babies, but they're our age - and also AR's Godparents. I know the first time we get a teenage girl to watch (that didn't really come out right, but you know what I mean... :)), it will be a bit unsettling at first.
I can't wait to hear about your big evening!
Hey, I like these toggle comments. How do I turn these on?
I wish I could say the same, really. Although we've sort of folded our day-care people into our family, it was actually traumatic to me to leave our older daughter with some stranger.
And frankly, since the bleep was unwilling to get involved in potty-training, we still have problems.
I admire you.
With some luck this babysitter will work out. I babysat when I was in my teens and twenties and I love those two kids more than anyone can imagine. They're now in their late teens and 20's and we're still really close, a family without the bloodlinks. I best of luck in finding the right fit.
By , at
11:31 AM
hey you are as old as you feel. no excuses!
By , at
12:28 AM
