Things are about to change... or resume?

When Steve told me he wanted to pursue his MBA, I was so excited. I thought, wow, if either of us should go to school, it should be Steve, especially because Stevie needs me. Then he got accepted to Rice- then I was in awe! Wow, Rice University, that's like Texas' equivalent to an ivy league school.

Then, reality set in...

Steve would begin classes in the Fall of 2008, Stevie was 18 months old...very much a baby, a toddler in every sense, but a baby who definitely had high demands. That first week- a week they called "immersion week" but was more like bootcamp... really set the tone. Steve wouldn't be around at night; he wouldn't be home to help with dinner, or to entertain Stevie while I made dinner, give him a bath, and on most nights read him books and soothe him to bed. He wouldn't be home on most Saturdays, which was very much a family a family day, he wouldn't be available on Sundays because he had to study and preparing for the following week was left on my shoulders. Life was pretty tough the first year, I really didn't know how I was going to survive another year.

Then, I realized I could still have a life and be a good mommy! It all started off very slow. I felt so lonely at home and felt like I was missing out on social events with my friends. BUT, I definitely wasn't going to sell my alone time with Stevie short. We would have dinner with friends or go to the Children's museum (or any other free kid's event during the week) when Steve had school. We would visit my friend Melissa and her baby every other week on Wednesdays and have the best play dates. All this was fun, but I felt like I also needed to be at home- especially when the days got colder.

I think I got hip to this new idea all too late. After our trip to China this past January, I decided to host my friends for "rita nights" on days when Steve had school. This way, Stevie had his mommy and I had my girl time- with salt and lime, hehe :) I would make Greek food and switch to wine for my friend Bianca, enchiladas verdes for dinner with my Sister-in-law and dear friend, Jennifer. Then, I decided to try to have weekly dinners with my SIL and friend, Yolanda, whom I like to call the ladies of the Bunny Pack. When I wasn't having dinners, I was at our neighbor's home. The Ali's have become very good friends of ours. They are young and hip parents just like ourselves- who also like to have a good time (just like ourselves!). I wish I hadn't come up with these outings so late in the game. It's May 2010 and this past year just flew.

Now that Steve is done with school, I am wondering if I have to give up those nights, or expand them to couples' dinners, or perhaps play dates. Just as unaware as when Stevie grows a quarter of an inch, we'll evolve without noticing it. I'm so excited and proud of Steve but I'll definitely miss my time alone with Stevie, my girl nights, my unplanned adventures to the zoo or to dinner. It's time for a new chapter. :)