[shockandawe]

Going shopping with my friend this weekend was the first real time for myself I have taken in a very, very long time. I had almost forgotten what it was like.

What do you do? How often do you get to indulge?

Nothing... I always have a child with me. Sometimes I will leave one of the girls at home with DH and take the other with me to make it easier but I never do anything alone. I really dont have a desire to either.

[sfarrow3]

Well I normally get a pedicure every other Sunday. I work half a day on Friday so I always take myself out to lunch alone! love it! It relieves stress that I get from job, family and church. I get stress from church because I am the youth leader and being in leadership is stressful in itself! I feel like I am being pulled in a million in one directions sometimes..lol I am the type of person that enjoys to be alone and actually need it. It rejuventaes me.

[shockandawe]

I'm like you Shantel. I need that space to myself. After a while I simply get waytoo overwhelmed and don't feel like any shred of my former "pre-mom" identity is left. I try to do a massage once every month, but really, because I have chronic pain, it's not like it's relieving stress or giving me lots of relaxation and head space. It just helps me cope better with the pain for a few more weeks. I really got a lot out of my visit this weekend. Even though we talked about Maggie a lot (my friend is Maggie's godfather), it was still so refreshing. I almost felt single again for like 5 seconds.

[Alison79]

Once a month I go out to dinner with my close friends. It's nice to have a night off from being Mom and just relax. Since DH works nights I get a lot of time to myself after the kids are in bed. Usually I work but sometimes I will read or watch a movie that I know DH won't be interested in.

[Jule'sMomInOR]

I work out, but it's not completely for myself as often as I'd like it to be. I run with Juliana in the stroller and I have to worry about her getting upset and cutting the workout short. I go to the gym and put her in the childcare a couple of times per week, but I worry about her there. Once in a while I have DH babysit so I can just go and relax, but it's rare.

[Hollybear]

I have a lot of mommy friends here so at the very least, once a month we do a GNO and lately I've been hosting several GNI's (Girls Night In, with Sophie asleep upstairs) and we watch stupid shows off the DVR (Pregnant in Heels is a favorite to "OMG" about, lol), or of course a mani/pedi day.

When I was in Texas visiting my family I got to go out on two different nights to see a movie and have dinner with my best friend.

I also get time alone at night because a few days week DH works rather late (like right now for example!) so I don't feel too overwhelmed or anything!

[Karlie]

I go to the gym six days a week and put the kids in the creche there for an hour a day. And I get my hair done every 8 weeks. Luca starts one day a week in daycare on Monday so with both boys in childcare once a week I should be able to squeeze in a little me time on that day even though it's mostly to catch up on the accounts for our business.

[Lilly Bella]

i always have a child with me too lol! but i do really love to go to the grocery store by myself. sometimes i can sneak away without one but usually they will see me leaving and want to go with me.

[Daffodil]

Like some of the others I need alone time to rejuvenate. So I stay up too late to get it most of the time. I do have the occasional baby-free outing which is absolutely amazing. I feel so light and carefree and young lol. I am going to fly home for 2 days sans baby and I'm overly giddy about it. Oh and working one day a week is great as well. I love her but I also love myself haha

[alinne1026]

I am also a night owl to get my alone time. It's the only time I don't feel guilty for doing everything for myself. Sometimes my Mom will watch the kids so I can run to the store but I always just end up rushing because I feel guilty during their waking hours...and since I don't spend much time with them during the work week. Getting true daytime alone time is very tricky with 3 LO's.

DH and I get at least one date night a week where we go to dinner/for cocktails. We plan it right around bed time so the kids don't feel abandonned...lol. Sometimes we have friends over after the kids go to bed too. We are lucky to have my Mom if we truly want to get out though.

[sethsmum]

I went shopping yesterday with MIL, and it was the first time I have done anything for myself since my birthday in February. It was nice to get some time to be an adult and feel its ok to think about myself

[starrsgirl]

I also work out every day. I out E in childcare for 1 to 1.5 hours and it's wonderful for both of us. Every 8 weeks or so, I get my hair done too and hire a babysitter while I am out.