So a couple weeks ago, my Great Aunt Kae took Thom, Beth, my sister Ang, Ava and myself out to Smitty's for dinner. It was a long day I had all three kids and was ready to go home but if I didnt go out with her that Tuesday it would be months befor I actually followed through and had dinner with her. Unfortunatley after playing all day together as Thom doesnt nap, his fuse gets shorter, he gets crabby faster, becomes more demanding, and his attention span shortens

I dont like going out for dinner very much... I use to like it when Thom was still in the bucket seat, but now that he is active not so much fun....

At home even if we have take out I load his plate befor he sits down so that he isnt waiting using up his good sitting behavour before the food is ready for him. At a restraunt however you wait to get seated, order drinks, look through the menu, wait for your dinner to be ordered, order dinner, wait for your dinner, get dinner, wait for it to cool off enough to eat, eat, wait for the bill, pay, wait for the slip to sign, then finally dinner is over. For an active 2 almost 3 year old you have to have a lot of toys, colouring and books to read to keep them entertained.

At Smitty's that evening, it took forever to get our meals, I even asked for the kids mac'n cheese to come out as soon as they were done so the kids would not get cranky-still it was a long time. I took Thom for a walk through out Smitty's to give him a change in scene ory as a booth is a bit confiningm and also to talk the seniors that were eating -thank goodness for friendly seniors they were our saving grace!

The point of this post is eating out has changed drastically for me in the past 3 years, I have to bring in two bags, a diaper bag and entertainment bag. I need to be hyper villigent to ensure Thom is not bugging the people on the other side of the booth as he is standing up on the bench after 45 minutes to look around and he gets interested in what the other kids are playing with. With potty training I am asking all they time if he has to go potty, then as he needed to twice during the evening, I have to go into a tiny stall, help with his clothes, hold him so he doesnt fall in (the collapsable potty seat will not hold his weight 38+lbs) scrub his hands clean after he touches the toliet (gross). And during this whole time entertain a 6 month old too. (Thankfully everytime I left the table Ang or my Aunt held Beth.)

My Dad, Ang, Ava, Beth, Thom and myself did all go to the Thirsty Duck for my birthday lunch on Wed. I will admit going with my Dad verses my Aunt was much more comfortable, my Dad sees Thom all the time and know how he will react and how to react aswell as my parenting style, so I do not need to worry about backup reinforcment on my rules. Also the location - very relaxed environment with people very interested in chatting with the kids and the food came so much faster a 45 min lunch verses 2+hour dinner!

I miss going out and just relaxing, but I dont want to leave Thom at home. It is odd, I think it is good for him to be comfortable in a restraunt and know how to behave but teaching patients and manner can be such a pain in the butt for me! This also inclued trying to exhibit these qualities myself once I get frustrated with how long the server takes for every request or the juice spilling, or opening creamers to drink (both Ava and Thom think that is the best milk - from the tiny coffee creamers), or inside voices not being used.

On the flip side now that I have complained, I would like to say in a restraunt or anyplace I love when Thom can feel comfortable asking a server or clerk for an item be it juice or a toy from a high shelf and he says 'could you please...' and 'thank you' or 'please may I...' in those moments I just feel so proud, it makes my heart happy you know that warm feeling that spreads and it just makes you know it is going to all work. Maybe I should also say thank goodness for grandparents when you want to enjoy a relaxing meal ;)