Triple Date Night

This past Saturday Jesse and I were able to go out to eat, see a movie, and go to a concert. Jesse's brother and sister-in-law came over to hang out and put the kids to bed for us. The theme of the evening was a classy night with perfect timing. Truth be told, it was anything but classy.

We ate overpriced chicken salad and pork tacos for dinner.  It was the kind of restaurant where the waitress brings you a roll of paper towels with your food. (For the record, we did not follow the Wheat Belly diet.) We rushed through dinner only to get stuck in bumper to bumper traffic on the way to the movie theater. Jesse was worried we were going to be late to the movies. We walked into the theater during the last preview. The movie itself was the raunchy kind of humor I love. It wasn't as funny as The Hangover or Bridesmaids, but I was definitely crying from laughing at several outlandish scenes.

Even though we missed half of the concert, I wanted to go see a movie because:

1. I wanted to wait out the rain since we had lawn seats.
2. Jesse had no desire to see Def Leppard, which was the first band playing.
3. We could park at the movie theater and walk down the hill to the concert, eliminating traffic headaches when we left.
4. The movie was supposed to be really funny and it had been months since Jesse and I went to the movies.
5. I had the Fandango gift card from my triplet secret sister so we didn't have to spend money. 

We enjoyed a movie and were able to avoid the rain, Def Leppard, and traffic. Once again, it was perfect timing. We attended the concert with Jesse's mom, uncle, and their friends. I'm not a huge KISS lover, but it was definitely a show worth seeing. Personally, I can't understand why a 62 year old man still enjoys spitting blood and fire. Everything about their performance was so over the top. 

Photo taken from Charlotte Observer website

We had a fun evening. While there wasn't much opportunity to talk, we had plenty of laughs and enjoyed high-energy shows. We managed to take one blurry picture of us.

3 Steps for a Successful Date Night

Jesse and I have had a rough few weeks with unexpected challenges.  I've been itching to get out of the house for a date night.  Our last date was in January for dinner and a movie.  We never managed to get out last month.  Thankfully, our sister-in-law (and family) graciously volunteered to bring dinner over and watch the kids while Jesse and I went out.  Here are the three steps that guarantee an enjoyable evening:

1. Alcohol: We used a groupon to keep our dinner cheap but splurged on a margarita for me and Dos Equis for Jesse.

2. Dessert: The fried ice cream was better than dinner or drinks.  YUM!

3. Fashion Show: After dinner we headed to Walgreens to print some pictures.  While we were waiting, we stumbled upon an entire bin of popcorn shirts.  The tiny shirts begged to be worn, at least for a few minutes.

There's nothing better than spending the evening out, laughing with the one you love!

A Day to Recharge

Saturday combined everything I needed and love.  The day began with the whole family sleeping in until 8:30.  Jesse cooked breakfast burritos while I fed the babies. 

While the babies napped, I got my haircut and eyebrows waxed.  I'd been growing my hair out for several months now (mostly out of neglect).  I couldn't take it anymore.  Amelia is always pulling it.  It didn't look good at all and it would get tangled.  The hairdresser cut off a good four inches and I feel amazing.  I even paid the extra $4 for a shampoo, which included a scalp massage.

Jesse asked me if I turned into a 15 year old girl when he walked in on me taking this selfie.

I came home to a clean house, which meant I didn't have to do anything to get ready for the play date we were hosting.  A few friends and their babies came over to "play".  I was able to enjoy chicken quesadillas, adult conversation, and cute babies.

After the play date I met up with a local mother who is expecting twin girls next month.  I had been looking for a mom with twin girls so I could donate our numerous matching and coordinating newborn outfits.  She was very kind and appreciative.  While out, I snuck in a quick shopping trip to purchase some cheap finds for a fellow triplet mom.

Jesse had arranged for his family to come watch the kids while we had a date night.  His mom was already on the way when I got home.  We enjoyed our third date since the arrival of the trio.  We indulged in Mexican food and my favorite molten chocolate cake at Chili's. 

chocolate bliss



After dinner we went to see 12 Years a Slave.  While this movie was not pleasant to watch, it was very powerful.  I certainly did not think of the babies at any point during the movie.

It truly was a perfect day as I was able to have blocks of time with friends, my kids, my husband, and myself.  

The Best Saturday Ever

I'd been looking forward to Saturday for a few weeks now because we had several fun things planned.  The day managed to be even better than I expected.

During my 2 a.m. pumping session, I logged into the National Board website, hoping they might release scores early.  I was beyond elated to immediately be directed to this screen:  

With the excitement of passing National Boards, I couldn't sleep.  I started going back through old blog posts and pictures from this same time last year and made an exciting realization.  It's been exactly one year since I took a positive pregnancy test.  I had been having intense symptoms at only 3.5 weeks and got a super dark line right away.  I guess that should have been my first indication there might be more than one baby. 

Reminiscing and celebrating was an amazing start to the day.  I was already in a great mood before 6 a.m.  The morning only got better because we had the opportunity to take Jackson to the circus.  A member of our church donated tickets, so we only had to pay $5 for parking.  My sisters were at our house by 9:30 a.m. to watch the babies so we could have a Mommy/Daddy date with Jackson.  Jack was unusually quiet and sat on Jesse's lap the whole time.  Tigers jumping through hoops of fire, motorcyclists performing tricks, acrobats, fog machines, bright lights, and loud music can be a bit overwhelming for anyone, much less a two year old.  Jackson did a great job and said he had a lot of fun.  Some random Jack quotes: "I not scared of clowns." and "Where are the giraffes?'

After 90 minutes, I was skeptical Jackson could handle the second half of the circus.  We left during intermission to go eat lunch.  Not surprisingly, Jackson requested to go to CiCi's.  It was nice to be able to give so much individual attention to Jackson.  Once home, we were able to briefly visit with my sisters before they left.

Jesse asked if I wanted him to go get a bottle of champagne to celebrate National Board certification.  I said I'd rather nap!  Two peaceful hours later, I was well-rested and ready for our fun evening.

Jesse had purchased tickets for a comedy show that was hosted by one of our favorite radio talk shows. Jesse's parents graciously volunteered to feed and put all four kids to bed while we drove 45 minutes to eat dinner and attend the show.  We had time to kill after dinner so we walked around downtown.  It just so happened to be the same evening as the town's annual tree lighting ceremony.  What a fun surprise!

The comedians did not disappoint.  I laughed 'til I cried and rarely thought about the kids.  After a rough week with schedule changes and babies' fighting sleep, I desperately needed a few hours away.  It was the perfect end to the perfect day.