Tuesday night, I fell in love with Andrew. Again.
It seems that after every child we bring into the world, we have to reaffirm our relationship. At least, that’s how it feels. For over a year, your main focus is growing this new person to add to your family, then birthing him, then getting through the tough first few months and adjusting to a new definition of your family. And it makes sense that the more people you add to a family, the less time you get with each one individually. And I mean this not in a bad way, it’s just the way things are. You have to shift, change, adapt.
We went on a first date. The first date since we had Emil, and the first date in longer than that! I was so excited all day, anticipating spending time with JUST US. I was giddy. Giddy like I was when Andrew and I first started dating some 12 years ago. Kind of ridiculous, right?
We left the rest of the clan at home, big boys asleep in their beds, Emil asleep in our bed, and Elisa waiting downstairs for the inevitable waking of two out of three young men that occurs in our house every night, several times. But having someone you trust watching your kids gives you a sense of freedom and just a bit of carefree, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants abandon. Kind of. I mean, I had my phone on vibrate.
Peabody Opera House- see the Arch?!
We went to see Ryan Adams in concert. Just him, with his guitar(s) and a piano and a whole boatload of people watching. It was fantastic. Have you ever walked into a place, looked around, and thought, “What?! All these people are just like us! Where have you been hiding in this city? Where can I find all of you again?!” We were all eyeballing each other with approving glances. I kind of swooned over the style: tattoos and boots and nerd glasses and dresses and… oh, I was in heaven.
But really, I was just high from my first date. Which, by the way, went swimmingly. Turns out this guy is really funny/smart/handsome/quirky/perfect…
So, I think I’ll hang out with him again sometime.
… if he ever calls me…
The last time Dan and I went to a concert it was Ryan Adams, too! He came to Columbia three Valentines ago. Alas, he had the rest of the Heartbreakers with him so none of the songs were from his Gold album. Dan wasn’t into the music, being more of an Alabama or Jimmy Buffet fan, but I was pregnant with Daniel and he was jumping around inside.
Thanks for reminding me of a great memory!
Lauren –
Your date wore drapery as a jacket.
Joe
This is so sweet and makes me green with envy (but in a good way). We’re huge fans of live music and the last show James and I went to was over a year ago when I was insanely pregnant. We need to make it happen. You look beautiful and I secretly love reading your comments just to see if there are any snarky digs at Andrew (too funny, he takes some hits!).
Billy, Or “Joe,” that “drapery” was your dad’s vintage jacket. Too bad you just dissed it!
you two make a handsome pair! I see a bright future ahead 😉
So glad you lovebirds got a night out!
You two are hysterical and super duper cute!! What a fun date night!
so true! by the way, you’re adorable!!
I stumbled upon this strange little “crumb” of a very well-written blog… and who did I find behind it and (happily included) in the photographs, but little Lauren! Hello sweet angel from my past! So happy to see what an amazing wife & mother you have become! There are shades of both your parents in your writing & photographs. If it’s okay, I will catch up with you now & then? -Angela (belated Birthday wishes!)
Hi Angie! Wow! It’s been a long time! Thank you for your kind words. And of course I would love to hear from you either on the blog or elsewhere! Hope you are doing well.
Lauren, I really hope you’re not still waiting by the phone… haha 😉 This post is too cute! It’s always the best when I relationship seems like forever and still in the early stages at the same time. You can tell that you guys have that. Such a beautiful thing.