Waverley is 18 1/2 months old and Nate and I finally managed to get a night away. In that time, I’ve spent only three nights away from her. Three! Nate, on the other hand, has experienced quite a few solo nights when her and I escape Alaska for Oregon. BUT! We haven’t had a night together away from home. Sans baby. Left to our own devices. As in, we aren’t in the same house when we wake up. As in, our life as a couple prior to her arrival. So. 18 1/2 months later we finally did.

And it was glorious.

I felt anxious leaving her for the first time with someone other than us. I was worried she would burst into inconsolable tears upon seeing another person in the morning. I was worried she couldn’t adapt to the slight discrepancies in someone else’s care verse ours.

“Dadda gone” was all she said about the whole ordeal. I am both relieved yet horrified about the ease in which she dealt with our short-lived absence. On one hand, I am happy she is secure enough in her attachment to us that she knows we will return. On the other hand, why not “Momma gone”? I mean. Really.

Nate and I had the most wonderful time. It was just a quick trip to Alyeska Resort in which we indulged in a solo hike, deep tissue massages, a leisurely wine and cheese party in our room, and dinner reservations at…(wait for it)…8:00pm! We thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our nearly three hour dinner. And in the morning? Well, room service and binging on HGTV in peace, naturally. First, I realize my excitement about these events makes me sound incredibly boring and quite old. Second, it’s true: I am boring and growing quite old! However, even given the mundane nature of our night, we returned feeling rejuvenated and happy to see Waverley. This week I’ve been more enthusiastic to sit on the ground and play with her rather than trying to complete a million tasks while she pulls at my pants. The space from her has made me feel closer to her. I am a better mother. Nate and I are better as a couple.

Why didn’t we do this sooner?