Alli, I think he peed your carseat.
Alli sent out an e-mail requesting the company of Nashville Bloggers for dinner.
And, apparently, none of the excuses I gave her to try and remain a hermit were going to work. I considered telling her that I had contracted leprosy since we last saw one another, but I was kind of thinking that would ruin my chances of ever seeing her again, and I like her, you know? Plus, she might have called my bluff and then I’d have had to rip an arm off or something to prove it, and that’s just going way too far. I mean, the last time I did something like that it was really messy and it took so much bleach to get out the stains in the carpet.
And the poor guy I did it to was just so annoying with the wailing and the crying while I was beating him over the head with his own appendage that I could barely hear myself think.
What? I’m sorry, I just really don’t like solicitors. If I want to buy a vacuum or a revolutionary new cleaning product from the confines of my own home (hermit, aka SAHM) then I’ll do it from the home shopping network or online, while sitting in my pajamas that I haven’t taken off in 4 days, thank you very much.
Now, where was I? Oh, yeah, the Nashville Blogger Dinner.
Yeah, so the real reason why I was hedging? I mean, other than the fact that we really were sick this whole past week and I can’t see well enough to judge distances at night?
Well. Because of:
Yup. John’s gone, and we have no babysitter. Well, more to the truth – I refuse that we will ever have a babysitter. Because, you know, I can’t comprehend that someone else could possibly know how to take care of a young child. I mean… as far as I know, I’m the only one that has ever done this whole being a mother and taking care of a kid thing.
Right? Everyone else has no clue how to do that properly.
Maybe it’s more like… anyone I’d trust enough to take care of him… well, I probably like that person quite a bit, and… well. After one night with Screamy McFit-Thrower Shriekenstein they’ll more than likely wish curses on me and plot my death. At the very least, I’m going on the “Do Not Call” list.
Whatever it is, I’m that mother. The one who’s a Paranoid Freakeroonie, and won’t leave her kid with anyone but her husband.
But, hm, Alli was all, “Bring him with you, no one will care, and I will drive you!” So, I crumbled to her loveliness and my need for human interaction of the adult nature.
I committed the sin of bringing the rugrat to the adult dinner! And no one threw their food at me. I was amazed.
Amy gave us a big hug when we got there (and was surprised to see him in pants). Michelle and Malia were lucky to be sitting the farthest from him. Alli let him play with things from her purse, and Meredith actually offered to hold him at one point. (I didn’t allow her to torture herself, though, as he was in Bucking & Trashing Mode.)
And he only screamed twice.
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janet
aw, so does this mean i’d have to move to nashville to get in on all this fun and frivolity???
hmmm. might be worth it.
janet’s last blog post..Roo. Just my Roo
Twitter: planetofjanet
Taz
sounds fun..
Taz’s last blog post..17 weeks old
zoeyjane
me, too. i last went out with out a child attached to me in some form 72 days ago and it was the only time in all of her 18.75 months. and the rarity of my leaving her with her father is a whole subject not needed to be languished on about in your comments. i’m glad you got out and had FUN!
zoeyjane’s last blog post..On Being Obsessive
Lightening
I agree, no one can look after them like mum can. We all struggle with this. I’m lucky to have my MIL not too far away (okay, some days I don’t consider that to be lucky but in terms of free child care it’s okay
). She does a pretty good job in my absence. 
Looks like you all had a wonderful time. Think I might be the only blogger within miles of me (oh yeah, I’m the only woman within miles of me) so a get together seems rather out of the question.
Lightening’s last blog post..Ouch!!!
Stella
I think I might be a terrible mother. I was so grateful for any opportunity to get away that I accepted all offers of help immediately, before the donor had a chance to rethink. Once I left Fizzy with the old guys at the counter of a camping and outdoor supply shop while I went upstairs to look at the cast iron frypans. She’s still alive.
Is it wrong to wish I lived in Nashville so I could hang out with cool bloggers too? I don’t think there’s a really thriving Tasmanian online community, somehow.
Stella’s last blog post..Two awkward moments
Ginny
Looks like you ladies had a blast! That’s It. I’m on a mission to find some bloggy-friends in NC!
Ginny’s last blog post..thoughts…
Ginny
Looks like you ladies had a blast! That’s It. I’m on a mission to find some bloggy-friends in my area!
Ginny’s last blog post..thoughts…
Stephanie
I utilize my big family for babysitters, but still, even at that…Ciara has only had *ONE* non-family sitter in her 5 1/2 years. And even at that, the regulars are my parents,sister, niece, and one particular cousin. I might be that freak mom too. Although, I must have loosened up a bit because Logan had his first non-family sitter (the same one Ciara had) at 4 months old! I put him to bed before I left, and called 3 times in the 3 hours I was gone. I didn’t feel too bad though because Mini-Me (Ciara) and my other niece were there too. Logan is now almost 16 months (just a bit behind Braden), and he hasn’t had another sitter since. Ok, maybe I am still a freak!
Glad you were able to escape for a bit…even if with the girls *and* your adorable little guy!
Stephanie’s last blog post..I’m a quitter
~JJ!
THAT is awesome!
~JJ!’s last blog post..Not there?
Melisa
I suddenly feel odd that I left my kids with a couple (well-known to our family) sitters…
They’re teens now and still quite well-adjusted, so I think there’s hope for you if you do get a sitter someday!
Dre the Texican
Yes, I too am a paranoid parent. My mom lives with us now and watches Peanut, but we are moving very soon and will never be able to have a date night again, because there is no way I’m leaving her with a potentially crazy person. And so now we’ve come full circle, seeing that I am obviously the potentially crazy person for thinking this. Or not?
Anyway, I think we will need to move to Nashville.
Ta ta!
Dre the Texican’s last blog post..On the Daily
Dawn
well if it would have been last week we could have had two rugrats throwing fits at dinner.
and lookit Alli all dressed her Chicos!
Dawn’s last blog post..Where I make fun of an 80s song
Mommy Cracked
Look at y’all!!! What a fantastic pic and way to spend an evening!!
Mommy Cracked’s last blog post..The One Where Mommy Gets A Job…
Beck
Oh, I SO understand. I have never, ever left my children with anyone other than my mother. THEY ARE MY BABIES!
Beck’s last blog post..It’s Family Day!
Sister Honey Bunch
As the girl who just called me out as being selfish on my blog would appreciate, I got no problem getting a sitter sometimes. Although it’s usually Logan’s aunt or one of my close friends.
I am so freakin’ jealous about that dinner. Alli ought to know I’d hop a plane to eat a salad with you guys.
Sister Honey Bunch’s last blog post..Parenting an Only Child
Lou Lohman
The only problem with that picture is that you and the RACK are behind the camera, and are, therefore, invisible. ;>(
Lou Lohman’s last blog post..new painting – new update
Twitter: lceel
Alli ~Mrs. Fussypants
I want it known that I do not look like that. That person on the photo is about 18 months pregnant & all washed out by flash.
If you want to see what I really look like just check out the new Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition. I’m on the cover this year!
I would NEVER have let you stay home! I love mah Lotus! MWAH!
Alli ~Mrs. Fussypants’s last blog post..Fussy says ‘Nothin’ to see here’
Josh
So, it not that we don’t trust anyone to babysit our little guy… it that our little guy doesn’t trust anyone to babysit him. Grandma? No. Nonna? No. Uncles? No. We have lots of trustworthy options that are going to waste!
Solution: the kid goes to bed around 7:30. We go out at 7:45. Most babysitters can handle a sleeping baby and the guilt factor is gone. There is no reason we have to go to bed at 8:00 on a Saturday night.
For parental sanity we make it regular. Every Saturday we take turns with another family and one us gets to go out. Babysitting-swap… woo hoo.. That way we can save the backup sitters for when we really need them…
The problem is we don’t know what to do anymore when we go out. flat broke and boring… boohoo
Josh’s last blog post..Update on Spring…
MP
Too fun..looks like . It think it is nice to have a man at the head of the table.
Hydes Like Us
You luckies! That looks like a good time.
P.S.– Alli- you look beautiful– what are you talking about?!
Hydes
Hydes Like Us’s last blog post..That name again is Mr. Plow
Kim
I am green with jealousy. It looks like so much fun.. and they got to meet the little man!!
Kim’s last blog post..Project365/9
witchypoo
The first thought when I saw the picture of Braden? WTH? Why is he wearing pants?
witchypoo’s last blog post..Tickle Me Tuesday the Third
Michelle
Oh he was great! By the end he was ready to go but what guy wouldn’t be after 90 minutes of lady chatter?
And I think those shoes are cute too…figure I better wear them before my tummy gets too big to balance on even a small heel. And I couldn’t have possibly looked that horrible last night! Glad I was furthest from the camera.
Michelle’s last blog post..Blog World = High School?
Secret Agent Mama
I wanna be there. Wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Stupid Atlanta. I shoulda picked Nashville. DAMMIT.
Secret Agent Mama’s last blog post..Project 365 (180/365)
carla
Just found you via michelles blog.
you are freakin hilarious.
glad that I did.
C.
carla’s last blog post..Tues trends
jill
when my nieces and nephews were toddlers, i tried to always have something fun in my purse for them to look at. a college id got chewed pretty well one time.
i suggest a calculator and a mirror. those wen tover well.
jill’s last blog post..White Girl Dancin….
Busy Mom
I wish I could have made it last night, looks like fun! Maybe next time.
Busy Mom’s last blog post..Let them all hang out
Angie Pangie
Hey, I remember that . . . I used to do that, too.
Yeah, that was a long time ago. I have three kids now and I avoid them every chance I get!! Hey, what can I say – I live with Little Katie Ka-Boom, can you blame me?? Teenagers are great. Not.
Angie Pangie’s last blog post..Real women don’t eat psarosoupa
Summer
It’s OK, I’m THAT mom too. Between their attitudes (that they totally did not get from me) and my fear that no one else will understand what “wan-wan sheesh!” means besides me I never go to adult things. At least not without the kids in tow. LOL
Glad you hade fun!
Summer’s last blog post..Sicklies
Jenty
Sounds like you had a ball! Hope you guys get together more often now. Maybe you should make it a play date over the weekend with the kids rather, that’ll be easier to get to.
Jenty’s last blog post..Dancing to the tune
Twitter: jenty
RubiaLala
Oh, I don’t let anyone else watch my kid either, other than my parents occasionally, at the loving nudge/shoving of my husband.
RubiaLala’s last blog post..Do You Want Milk or Juice?
amy
Oh it was such fun and we MUST do it again soon!
btw
That sweet boy sat and ate his food and was SO GOOD until right at the very end when any child would have melted down. Even then it was only maybe three shrieks. I think he was quite impressive. And he had nice pants on too.
amy’s last blog post..Thanks for My Kid’s Memories
Twitter: amy2boys
Jerseygirl89
I used to make fun of this woman I knew who was like that. Her son was in my class – he was 7 – and he’d never even spent the night with his grandparents.
Then I had kids. So far no one has watched them but my parents, my in-laws and the woman who baby-sat me when I was a child. That’s a middle of the road compromise, right?
Anyway, I’m glad you had fun!
Jerseygirl89′s last blog post..Embracing My Inner (Outer?) Domestic Dorkiness
Anglophile Football Fanatic
Oh, Lotus. Did you not babysit? You gotta get over that. And, stat. We don’t do it often, but it’s wonderful to have a kid free night out. Course, we have the sitter come at 7:30 after he’s sleeping…
Anglophile Football Fanatic’s last blog post..The one with the butt probe…
Carrie
Well, I’m glad Alli came and got you and you were able to hang with those lovely ladies, even with the “human cling-on” who is, btw, pretty darn cute!
Carrie’s last blog post..Because He Loves Me (A Belated Valentine’s Day Post)
Veronica
I had to laugh at the boy #5 and arrow at Alli’s belly!
As for babysitters, it took me 12 mths to feel comfortable leaving Amy with anyone (she was a difficult baby). Nowadays I can leave her with her grandparents (on both sides) if I NEED to, but I always seem to feel guilty doing it.
Veronica’s last blog post..WTH?
HRH
So glad you went instead of ripping off an appendage even if you ended up with an extra appendage (that isn’t insulting is it? Because it is a really cute appendage).
HRH’s last blog post..My butt is burning: the story…
Jamie
I’m so bummed I missed this. I have the flu!
Glad you and your little man went!
Jamie’s last blog post..Flu-bbatical
Kelly
I think I need to search out some fellow bloggers in my area, too! Looks like you had a blast and that it was worth the challenges of getting there!
I haven’t commented much, but I truly enjoy your blog! It’s always a bright spot in my day!
Kelly’s last blog post..I’ve Been There, Baby
Kat
Oh man. Jealous again. Looks like fun!
I’ve been lucky in the babysitter dept. We had good friends to trade with in FL, which we did about every weekend! And now I have a great bbsitter, who the kid loves – unfortunately she’s not just sitting around 24/7 waiting to watch him….sigh.
You can find someone awesome… lots of good mom-substitutes out there… and its sooooo nice to get a little break – or go to a movie with your man….
Malia
I thought the screams were rather hilarious! And hey, it wasn’t my kid screaming…so even better!
I remember several months ago I just had to get out of the house one Friday night. I was at the end of my rope with the kidlets and the house stuff and the laundry and you get the picture. I put out a plea on Twitter for some adult conversation and beverages. I ended up hanging with BadBadIvy and her kids and CLC and his woman. Ivy was all like, “I’m sorry I had to bring the kids with me” and I was all like, “not my kids, not my worries!” Anyway…all that rambling to say, it was fine that Braden came, Nashville is definitely the place for bloggers and I’m so very glad that I got to meet you last night!
Malia’s last blog post..What Happened to the Blogroll?
clickmom
I never left my kids with anyone until they were old enough to tell on that person. (About two-early talkers each of them) My family treated me like a freak about it, but I still think it was the best way. Now I’ll leave them with the dog if need be, but they can all dial 911(well except the dog- and that’s a good thing) should the need arise.
clickmom’s last blog post..back in the clink
Angela
Glad you and Braden ventured out to have some fun!
For the longest time, I thought I was the only mother in the world that felt like a “Paranoid Freakeroonie”! In the past month, I think I finally realized that I am not the only one…
I don’t want to feel that way but I do. Not that I don’t trust she is giving him all the love he needs and deserves, but just because it’s not me.
Even leaving the baby with Grandma (not my mother) when we go to work pains me every day for the last 3 months. It makes me feel slimy
Angela’s last blog post..Fijaou
Kay
You are every Mother. I think you would be hardpressed to find a Mom that didn’t have anxiety issues in some form.
That or they are on kid #5
Kay’s last blog post..P.S.
Domestic Diva
I’d like to join you guys next time. Looks like a great group to hang out with despite the human cling on…ha ha.
Domestic Diva’s last blog post..MeToday: February 18, 2008
river
I’m glad you got to go out and meet your bloggy friends. Oh and I hope you got rid of the body before tackling that blood stained carpet, cos, you know, nothing says guilty like an armless corpse just lying there.
Ree
That does it. I’m moving to Nashville.
Ree’s last blog post..The Arrangement(s)
Music City Bloggers » Blog Archive » If Only We Had Letter Jackets & Class Rings
[...] school but I wasn’t unknown either. I didn’t get invited to all the cool parties but I still had an active social life. I wasn’t a one of the smart kids, I just hung around them enough to be a fairly good poseur. [...]
MommyTime
Awesome. I remember doing this with my son while he was still Braden’s age. There came a time, though, where he wouldn’t stay in the chair. And then, shortly after, he had a little sister, and now, restaurants are fun-shaped torture, or torture-shaped fun, or some such. Anyway, I wouldn’t go to one with both of them. And because we have only one babysitter we trust, whom we have to pay $10 per hour from 7pm till midnight, even though both kids are asleep by 8pm, we don’t get out much. Which is not to be all “please feel sorry for me” AT ALL. Instead, it’s to say: start branching out asking all your momma friends and find yourself some sitters BEFORE you are desperate for them. And then you will never be in my pickle. And you will be sooooo happy!
(I realize this is much easier said than done. But it’s worth a try.)
MommyTime’s last blog post..Nature vs. Nurture
HappyCampers
Shhhh….I’m one of those moms too! We’ve never hired a baby sitter. My Mom has kept Reese a few times, his teenage sister has babysat a small handful of times, but that’s it. I’ll fly my freak flag high though. Don’t care what others think about that!
HappyCampers’s last blog post..Weekly Winner: Motion In The Ocean Edition
Jenni
I didn’t leave my first until he was over a year old, and then it was with a typed list.
Number 4? Just left him this weekend (with my sis), forgot to leave pumped milk or food, didn’t give instructions on the diapers (cloth) and walked out the door without kissing him goodbye.
Mommy needed a break!
Jenni’s last blog post..Domestic Bliss (This May Be Possible)
Leslie
Julia has never had a babysitter either. My parents have watched her – and I can count how many times on one hand. I know how you feel!
Looks like a fabulous time. I’m glad you went!
Leslie’s last blog post..What’s Your Take On This?
Daneille
Well maybe by the time I get to move to Nashvillle (hopefully this fall) you will be ready for a babysitter because if so I’ll gladly watch him no matter what mood he is in. It would be a pleasure!
Bethando
“Screamy McFit-Thrower Shriekenstein”…. you must have been blogging about my son. In fact do me the honors and read what what my Monday was like on my blog. Maybe we can come up with a remote control for these children that will pause them mid scream and force them to TELL US WHAT THEY FUCKING WANT!!!
http://usthreebs.blogspot.com/2008/02/my-bubba.html
Bethando’s last blog post..How They Roll in Fon”tucky”
Shelley Decker
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Viros Music
http://www.bagaholics.com
ciara get up
I love it! Just found your site – glad I stopped by.