On Sunday, I took Niko alone to the local grocery store to pick-up our order. This was actually the first time I have ventured out in the world with Niko and without Nina. I wasn’t at all worried because I planned accordingly and took him right when he was due for a nap. And, it only took less than 10 minutes for him to fall asleep…all I had to do was make sure he got at least an hour (I was close as he got about 42 minutes). He woke up when I stopped at the bank to get cash and when I arrived at the grocery store 5 minutes later, I took him out of the car seat (he needed a break and I chose to give in). He did cry for a few minutes when I put him back in, but he fell asleep again for a very short cat on the drive home.
The next day, Niko and I went to Austin with Nina because she had something to do up there. Before her back went out (it has been out since last Wednesday, but she is already doing much better), I was planning on taking Niko out and was also going to do something with him on my own (most likely, it would’ve been getting something to eat with him and probably meeting my parents as well). I know Nina could’ve driven up alone, but with her back still hurting, I wanted to go with her (and, of course, we have to bring Niko).
After Niko and I dropped Nina off, I was on my own with Niko!!! Finally!!! I had everything in my arsenal….stroller, diaper bag (it was just a plastic bag with a few diapers and wipes), snacks for Niko (I fed him string cheese), and about an hour before Nina would be done!!! Don’t worry, I wasn’t lost in Austin. I knew exactly where I wanted to go and that was Voodoo Doughnuts (because why not) and then I found a seat near the Capital building and we people watched (I ate doughnuts and fed him, not doughnuts, but cheese). We even went in the building (yes, Niko had to go thru metal detector). You know something, that was the first time I have ever been in that building and it was pretty cool. All the people wearing suits, I kept wondering if they were important.
We even got to see my brother (who doesn’t live in Austin, he lives in San Antonio) for lunch. He was attending some training sessions a few blocks from where we were and we picked him up like a really cheap hooker (we opened the window, did a fast negotiation, and let him in the car for a good time).
Now, I know I can take Niko out alone anytime I want (when Nina is home) and I am sure she won’t mind being left alone for several hours. The funny thing is when Niko and I are together (or when I pick him up during the night when he wakes up), he says DADA!!!! Man, that makes my proud to be a parent!!!!
