Today was my first Friday with our new nanny, Jen. She came in at 10 this morning, watched Coco while I took Pea to the park. Just the two of us. For a glorious hour of swinging and chasing each other down the slides. We threw dried leaves at one another. Laid in the grass and looked at the clouds in the sky. Then, we spoke with a neighbor who was outside with her dog and Pea was so excited to get little puppy kisses through the fence. Then we walked home, hand in hand most of the way, and talked. We all ate lunch together, I put Coco down for her nap and then left Pea alone with Jen. When I returned about two hours later, Pea had already taken a nap, Coco was just waking up from hers and everything just seemed so… right. Especially me. I didn’t do anything of much importance today, but it was incredible. Just knowing that I could do whatever I wanted was enough. I found myself excited to return home and see my girls. I felt rejuvenated and calm. I highly recommend taking some time for yourself – at least once a week – when you don’t do anything for anyone but yourself. No grocery shopping, picking up dry-cleaning or prescriptions. It’s amazing what some “me” time can do. I feel like a new mommy. The last thing I heard tonight? After putting Pea in bed and closing her door? “Mommy! Mommy! Good night! I love you Mommy! I forgot to say I love you Mommy! Good night!” You can’t imagine how quickly I ran back in there and snuggled with that little munchkin. These moments are what it’s all about for me, but I really think that sometimes I get so caught up in the schedules and the routines that I completely miss them. And that’s a shame. Because it felt so warm and real. I’m sure it had something to do with the mama who came home late this afternoon, smiling and feeling rested from her “me” time.