Your first night out after you give birth is important. It is important for your sanity and your relationship. The time immediately after birth is spent in a bubble with your family. It is a period of adjustment, reflection, contemplation, discovery, and sleep deprivation. You have to surface at some point and take care of your social needs. You need adult conversations to stimulate your adult brain. I knew I had this need, but I did not want to leave my son. How irresponsible of me to leave him and go gallivanting (do people still say that?)? We as mothers judge ourselves too harshly. I had to stop making excuses for why I couldn't go out.
So, I went out. It was a friend's birthday and I had a great time. I don't know if it was the company, the atmosphere, or a wonderful combination of both, but it was an enjoyable night. We dined at Quartino a small plate Italian restaurant in downtown Chicago. The food was excellent. (for all my Chicago friends I will post a review at a later time) After dinner we went to the House of Blues for a concert. The band was a local one called Sixteen Candles. They are an awesome 80s cover band. They play everything from the band Ah-Ha to the Eurhythmics. It was amazing for my first night out post baby, but I still fought with myself not to be a stalker and call and check on him every five minutes. I quite literally sat with the phone in my, sweating, willing myself not to call. I did not call. I won the battle of wills. Unfortunately I did not win the war. I spent the next two weeks having nightmares. So when it comes down to it just make the call. You will feel better and you can enjoy your night.
