If you've been following my blog, then you know that we don't have any family around. Lil Man is 2, and we've only had 2 dates since he's been born.Yesterday (7/7) was our 6th Year Anniversary.
Since we didn't have a sitter, we thought we'd go to a drive-in. We took him when we was younger. We had a great time last year as he watched the movie and then slept. Another time that we went last year was a disaster. But we were hoping that since he was older etc that we could make this a fun family outing, and we would at least be doing 'something' for our anniversary.
Worst.Night.Ever.
We had to get there 2 hours early to get a place to park. It was packed. Every possible spot that would fit a vehicle was occupied. But we got there, got the blanket and chairs all situated in the back of the truck. I walked and got us some snacks. And for the first hour or so it was going fairly good. But then Lil Man was becoming more demanding in what he did or did not want to do. For example, he wanted to hang/climb over the tail gate. He wanted to try to get out of the truck. He wanted to throw things out of the truck, which he did manage to do. Basically he was getting restless. I thought surely when the movie started that he'd settle down.
Boy was I wrong. Right when the movie began, he started screaming and throwing a tantrum, to the point that one of us had to get out of the truck and away from other cars so others could hear. We got lots of not so nice looks from nearby people.
He settled down. We got back to the truck and the same scenario over and over. It was past 10:00pm and we just kept hoping and thinking surely he would fall asleep. Nope. And we were stuck until the first movie was over. So we took turns walking him around the drive-in.
So our anniversary date consisted of one of us sitting alone in the back of the truck while the other one walked around with Lil Man.
But with each tantrum, I felt more and more like an inadequate parent. There were others there his age who were doing just fine. So I can't blame it on the 'age' thing that he was too young or whatever. My first thought was what am I doing wrong?
Needless to say, the night ended with us leaving as soon as the first movie was over. I pretty much cried most of the way home. (My tears were of frustration but more so of feeling at that very moment inadequate as a parent). Hubby tried to comfort me by saying that at least we tried to go out and do something.
We finally got home at 11:30pm, and I heard "Ome" (his version of home) from the backseat as we pulled into the driveway. Yep, he was still wide awake at 11:30pm. Thankfully though, bedtime was easy. We read a few books, put him to bed, and he went right to sleep.
And he was up at 6:30am the following day :)
Oh my gosh you are NOT a bad parent! It didn't turn out to be the best CHOICE of venue since he is more active, etc. but how were you to know? Cut yourself a break and happy anniversary! :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you. I do believe I am my own worst critic sometimes!
DeleteYes, you are your own worst critic. :) You and Harris are doing fine as parents. Kids just have those kind of days (or nights) sometimes. Hugs to both for your anniversary that went awry.
DeleteI totally feel for you and no you're not a bad parent. My daughter is 3.5 and I've only gone on 1 or 2 dates. My husband's family is close but I hate them and hubs wouldn't get a sitter and his family won't come to the house to watch her anyway (long story) so we don't go anywhere. We had a great sitter a few years ago that stayed with the dogs and eventually our daughter a few times but she relocated to Florida. Have you tried care.com or sittercity (or something like that)? Friends kids? I know its tough when you have no one.
ReplyDeleteHugs
We'll get through it.. for the most part we are ok.. but sometimes it just gets really tough not having family around.
DeleteHahahaha. In your future there are more memories like this to come, and come, aaaaand.... :-)
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteHappy anniversary to you nonetheless!!! And you are not an inadequate parent ... we all go through these days. Unfortunately, while they grow out of the tantrum years, new drama years unfold ;) (Thanks for the email, btw! I'm still alive, just taking a much needed internet break, ha ha ... still running. Will try to get my internet mojo back sooner or later here.) Keep running strong!
ReplyDeleteThank to know you are alive and still running! :)
Delete