Babysitter mornings...

In order to stay sane and have some "me time," we hire a babysitter to come to the house one morning a week. These mornings are awesome. I do a variety of things with the time - go for a run, go shopping, get coffee, get lunch with a girlfriend, etc. I daydream about trips I want to take one day, how I want to get my haircut, fitness goals, what I want to be when I grow up, etc. Basically - it's all about me for 3 hours a week and it is a wonderful thing! Today at the mall, I noticed how accustomed I have become to my "new life". I didn't speak to anyone for like 2 hours - can't tell you the last time that happened. I headed to the elevator and realized I didn't have a stroller with me - so I jumped on the escalator! I didn't worry about who needed milk or if I had time to stop and look down one more aisle. I noticed moms with their multiple children in tow looking at me and I wanted to say, "I have 2 kids! This is an illusion! I swear I am not judging you! I am one of you!"
So my point is, it is a fun, freeing morning and I love it. However, I have to admit that I am just as happy as Lucy is to see me when I get out of the car. To hear her yell, "Hi Mom! Happy to see you! Hi! Hi!" - that's about the greatest thing you'll ever hear in your life. I really believe that taking time for yourself makes you a better mother.