The days before children

Yesterday we went to a barbeque at our friends' place & again I was struck by these comparisons...

Before kids
* arrived & left when you felt like it
* worried about only yourself (or sometimes your significant other as well if too much alcohol was being consumed)
* ate your meal and carried on an intelligent conversation with another adult
* helped the host with whatever they needed
* did not worry about where you put your drink down
* talked to everyone you wanted to

After kids...
* usually the first to arrive because you know that you will be the first to leave
* always watching where your kids are and what they are doing
* eat your meal sitting near the kids table & ensuring that your child eats or at the very least is not starting a food fight
* the biggest help you are to your host is ensuring that your kids are not tearing their house apart
* do not put your drink down wherever & walk away
* leave the party wondering who you talked to & what you talked about, because you were usually carrying on a conversation with only 40% of your attention

I think most of these apply to Moms & Dads, but if I am truly honest I do think that the Dads are closer to enjoying the party as they wish- unless they are constantly being nagged by their wife.

I am sure that as Sydney & Jason get a little older, this will not be as difficult- but on the rare occassion that we do manage to get together with all of our friends- it seems that the kids are still the biggest focus of our gathering. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining because I would not trade my children for anything- but I do long for the days of just "pick up & go".

This was the highlight of Sydney's day. A kid-size trampoline, she LOVED it!

For those of you wondering where are the pictures of Jason??? All I can say is that you can only take so many pictures of a baby sleeping & he has done a lot of that in the last week.