On March 7th, I had the baby from 7:30am to 5:30pm (because Nina was in Austin training for her new job). My only concern was how much and how often do I give him a bottle? Everything else (naps and solids), I knew when and how. As for diaper changes and/or clothing changes (yes, I had a spare set of clothes for Niko just in case), I am accustomed to doing (even when he stands up, wiggles, or rolls over).
Ok, so this was my 1st time venturing out in the world with Niko. I did take him out a few weeks ago to pick-up an online grocery order, but he was sleeping both ways. I did take him out when I arrived at the store to give him a breather from being strapped in. When he was 2 months old, I met a friend for lunch and I had Niko with me. That lasted an hour and Nina was close-by as she was grocery shopping in the same strip-center.
I really didn’t want to stay home all day and made plans several weeks prior to go somewhere where Niko could take his naps in the car and after his 1st nap, we could go somewhere close-by where he can be out and see people. My plans also involved meeting up with my parents.
Well, I won’t go into specific details, but I will say everything worked absolutely perfectly. Niko got 2 long naps (going to and coming home), he took a bottle of mommy milk, he got solids (string cheese, avocado, and some grilled fish), he got to see his grandma and grandpa (and, my Aunt…my mom’s sister), he got to be held and pushed while we ate and shopped at Target, Ross, and Dicks Sporting Goods, and he was happy and full of energy (and never got cranky).
For me, it was busy and constant and even though I had 3 people with me, I had no time to take a breather (unless you count going to the bathroom). I need to revise that bathroom thought because I peed when we arrived to eat…Niko was not quite awake yet and he needed to be with me. Luckily, my dad stepped in and held him in the bathroom while I did my business with a urinal. At Target, I took him by myself in the bathroom. He likes to watch and I always tell him we have the same anatomy.
It was weird not having Nina by my side, but it was also very nice for me to have some alone time with Niko. I am very much looking forward to doing it again. I actually did it this past Saturday (Nina had Pilates and she went to the grocery store) as I met my parents at a very large fresh market in Downtown San Antonio. I guess the real test will be doing something alone with Niko without any other adults.
It also gave me a whole new perspective on how Nina does it everyday (whether it be at home or out in the world). She doesn’t get enough Thanks.
To all the stay-at-home moms (including my awesome wife), I love and respect each and every one of you. Thanks for making our life’s easier.
