Then we moved to Tennessee and it was quite a shock to face motherhood all alone. I'll never forget the first time we had to find a babysitter. We were new, we didn't know anyone. There were some young women from church who we were told liked to babysit, but it's not like we knew them. I went with blind faith and picked a girl off the list and asked her if she could watch Teya for an evening for us. When Taber found out he was all panicky about some "stranger" who we'd never actually met watching our kid. I sarcastically said, "Well what did you want me to do? collect resumes and do interviews?" And in dead seriousness he said, "yes."
Needless to say we all survived the experience. : ) But then came a whole new shock when we had to shell out more money than we spent on our dinner and movie to pay for the babysitter!! We didn't realize how good we had it back home! I tried to do as much as I could just lugging Teya around with me to avoid paying a sitter after that. We even went on dates with her (and I'm sure you can imagine how romantic those dinners were ; )
But then I got pregnant with Brinley and with all my appointments and the impending overnighter in the hospital I knew I was going to need help. That's when I discovered the wonderful world of swapping. How did I not know about this before? You watch my kids, I'll watch yours. No steep babysitting fees involved! Since then swapping has saved my life. For a girl who doesn't live by family it still feels like I have plenty of "family" to help out when I need it! Dentist appointments, Doctor visits, training runs, grocery runs, you name it! I can do them all, sans children, thanks to the genius idea of kid swapping.
On the other end of it, we love having friends over when it's our turn to watch on the swap. We've had quite a few lately and though I haven't taken pictures of all of them here are some cute ones that I had to post.
We had these 3 over during the evening so we popped up some popcorn and had a movie night
Last weekend we experienced life with "twins" (sort of, these two are 6 months apart) It made me really really respect mother's of multiples!
I also tried my hand out as a mother of 5. The older boys actually helped a ton so it wasn't too bad. We rode bikes and even took the gang on a walk to the pond.
These last two are from a play date but I figured play dates are just as important as swaps for surviving motherhood because they guarantee some adult conversation in your day!
7 little monkeys jumping on the tramp!
Backyard Tent/clubhouse. Always a hit with the preschool set.
Thank you to all my mommy friends in TN, MN, and NH for being on my mommy team. Seriously couldn't do it without you ladies!
9 comments:
Becca,
Emilee and I and Ali are getting a kick out of these photos on this post! You always catch the best facial expressions on the kids... we are especially in love with Brinley's cute smile in the popcorn/movie night photo! Thanks for keeping up to date on life... I can get a better image on my life sometimes right now through your blog than through my own! :))) I love reading about all your adventures and love that we get to share so many of them with you. By the way, we would be happy to have your girls for a swap sometime soon! :)))
Thanks for today... that was fun!
Amen sister! Swaps are the way to go. It's taken me a good 8 months to get into the swap thing, and it has been a lifesaver! I have to say though, it's all about finding a good swap partner. Your kids definitely have to get along/play well together otherwise it's not so successful and can be a little stressful.
Ah man, I miss those play dates with you in TN! Those were awesome.
Man it's awesome that you have so many people to swap with! I totally feel the pain of paying sitters! It seems like you are a REALLY fun baby sitter too!
Yikes - I've been out of town and got really behind on commenting again. I love the swap idea. I wish we lived near you guys (not just for that reason, of course). I'm always hesitant to swap with people, though, because no-one usually has the numbers to match with me, so I fee like I'm taking advantage. I love all the pictures - I love how tents are so fun. My kids were just asking me to set one up in the backyard today (I said no, so now I'm feeling guilty!)
I too am HUGE fan of "kid-swaps" in fact, we've started a little co-op with two other families which we've been doing for the past 2.5 years which we LOVE. Every Saturday (unless there's something going on) one family takes the other two families kids from 4-8. The timing is great because you can squeeze in an early dinner and miss the rush, plus you're not out to late. When it's our turn to babysit, then by the time the kids go home for the night I still feel like there is time for Scott and I to have some what of date still:) So, one week "on" equals two weeks of FREEDOM!! I highly recommend it!
Dude I couldn't stop laughing when I saw Brinley smiling in that first picture!! I don't think I've ever met a girl that smile quite as gigantic as her (Brooklyn comes close though...) I loved it!
Swaps are great! I miss having you here right across the street to call up at a moments notice anytime! Don't know what I woul dhave done in some situation without good friends!
Bec you are so brave. I totally need to do this, but I'm afraid of handling more than one kid at a time. You've got mad skills.
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