We took a little "mini-vacation" to Albarracín last weekend.
What an amazing place! It is a medieval village hidden in the Universal Mountains and protected by the Guadalaviar River on one side, and a large defensive wall on the other. In 1961 the Spanish government deemed it a national monument and it has remained intact and well-preserved ever since.
This was our first family trip alone. Since Bella was born, we've done our fair share of travelling, eating out, and doing the typical couple things we did pre-baby. She has always behaved so well in restaurants, cafes... etc, so we've just continued living or lives with baby in-tow.
Sunday night we were initiated into the Parenthood Club.
I was worried we were going to have problems at dinner. Remember, the Spanish don't eat until 9pm. Arabella's bedtime is usually around 8:30 or 9. Are you seeing how these two things don't coincide very well? However, without any problems at all, she fell sound asleep in her stroller. We took this as a sign to take advantage of the opportunity and found the most romantic and expensive restaurant in town. Restaurant Tiempo de Ensueño had the most amazing terrace with candles, white linen and a view of the mountains just on the other side of the river. It was convenient, as well, just in case Arabella decided to be difficult.
Since everything appeared to be heavenly - perfect location, romantic music... and our baby was sleeping like, well... like a baby - we decided to treat ourselves and ordered a six course meal with a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon.
We made it to the second course.
The rest of the evening was spent taking turns rocking, swinging swaying and singing while the the other tried to enjoy the gourmet dinner (complete with the swirled sauce on the plate).
As I sat there watching Alex rocking our baby up in the street above while trying to enjoy my fourth course (I have NO IDEA what I was eating, but it was delicious!), I realized I could get all stressed out that our daughter was interrupting the meal and maybe even annoying the other guests and waiters, or I could let it be what it was: a beautiful moment - the end of couplehood and the real initiation into parenthood. We were now three. No more romantic dinners with a sleeping baby in-tow. From here on out, I realized that Arabella would also express her opinion about what we were doing, and I kind of liked that.
I looked up at my husband still trying to soothe our fussy baby. He caught my gaze and we smiled at each other.So this was what it was all about.
10 comments:
Still sounds romantic to me! Just a different type of romance :)
P.S. Bella's getting so big!
In my opinion, there is nothing sexier than a man holding his baby. Cameron has never looked hotter to me than when I see him with Apollo.
Its fun transitioning from two to three- savor the moment... they grow up too fast!
What beautiful pictures- I wish we were within driving distance of the Spanish countryside- you're so lucky!
Oh Sarah,
it gets even better when you decide to go away (after she has been sleeping in her own room and is used to it for a while) and you must all sleep in the same room again,and miss bella will not let that happen - because she will be so excited to have teh company... I would say you are still a few months from this but nonetheless it is great fun to not get any sleep because a little someone is ampted up!!!
That's so funny, Merry! That's exactly what happened! Usually Bella sleeps between me and the barrier on the edge, but at the hotel she slept in between Alex and me and she was soooo excited to sleep next to Alex. She kept waking up to look at him and pat his arm and kick her ittle legs. I hardly got any sleep because I was worried he would roll over on her since she was so close to him, but nope.
told ya :)
the joys I tell you!!!
oh and now when Luke asks me to lay in bed with him (like I am doing him a favor) he starts talking to me in whisper telling me stories. It is so cute but I am like "luke if you are going to talk I am leaving" I end up leaving not to long after cause he just keeps TALKING!
Oh, that's sooo cute, Merry! I can't wait to see him again.
ahhh, how sweet, made me tear up. I must be about to start my period!
I just had to comment again because Jenny's comment made me laugh outloud :)
I am laughing too!
She is really excited to see aunt flow :)
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