Eating Steak Tips from Tupperware at 9 p.m.

There are many things that change when babies enter our world. Life becomes a lot less spontaneous when two becomes three. Not that I was the most spur-of-the-moment, fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants type of gal, but I’d appreciate an occasional “screw this commute; let’s stay in the city and grab a drink” or “I don’t feel like cooking; let’s just go out to eat.” Last minute decisions are invigorating, almost exciting. Sounds dorky but it’s totally true.

Spontaneity flew out the door when Jill entered our world 1.5 years ago. Sure, I was the nervous first-time Mom who didn’t want her newborn near anyone before the first shots. Sure, Jill was born in December and the weather was miserable, dark and depressing. Sure, I was miserable, dark and depressing during maternity leave. But life got better. Jill started to sleep. Winter turned to springtime. Hormones leveled out. Months and seasons passed and Jill became more and more independent. Her neck muscles strengthened as she held her head up. Her dexterity improved as Aunt Kathleen coached her to roll over. She pulled herself up the side of the Pack ‘n’ Play and ottoman to stand as her balance improved. And then she ran.



Jill was a newborn, baby, toddler then little person. As she becomes older and more independent, our lives become more hectic but easier in a way. Throw a couple diapers, wipes, snacks and a sippy cup in a bag and we’re out the door. Take last night for example. As I drove down Rockland Street, I noticed the tide was high and inviting. I bet Tony would want to go kayaking with Houston if he’s not working, I thought. Houston was off but in prime BBQing mode so we packed up and headed to Heidi and Houston’s for dinner. Jill ran circles through the kitchen, dining room and hallway (about 40 times) with occasional stops in the spare bedroom to be noisy. She explored outside and was a little too curious about Quincy Shore Drive and its traffic. Planes flew overhead and was that ever exciting! Everything was going smoothly until bedtime. Yes, we pushed the limit and paid for it. 8 p.m. and Jill turned into a pumpkin. Nothing a little Thomas the Train can’t calm? Nope, she was all done. Quick!  Throw the steak tips, potatoes and corn in a Tupperware container!  Thanks for dinner!  We're out.  Nothing spontaneous about that.