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.
