Last week I participated in the first National Mom’s Nite Out, a celebration for mom’s across the country. Any mom knows that parenting a child (regardless of their age) can be mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausting. That’s not to say that there is no joy in the endeavor.  I constantly find myself telling my husband that this age…this moment is my favorite time in my son’s life.  It  just keeps getting better.  It almost doesn’t matter that I take 4 1/2 minute showers, shave once week (if I’m lucky), rarely have time to do my hair or makeup, and am accustomed to using the restroom with a toddler yelling “pee, pee!”  I was thinking about what I wanted for Mother’s Day last month and many things came to mind.  It would have been nice to have my husband replace the diamond earring I lost at work…or a day of pampering at a luxury spa…or maid service for a month…or a CAMERA (hint hint hubby!) But you know what I really wanted…I feel guilty for even saying this…I wanted a few hours to myself.  I wanted to be able to leave the house without having to pack a diaper bag, eat warm food, and have adult conversation.   Well, my husband was so supportive and helped ensure that my son was well taken care of while I enjoyed an evening to myself.

The setting was The Mint, our hosts were Kimberley Clayton Blaine, founder of TheGoToMom.TV, and Romi Lassally, founder of TrueMomConfessions.com, and the event was sponsored by The Pump Station.  We enjoyed many lots of cupcakes, calamari, and conversation. In attendance were Megan Calhoun, founder of Twittermoms.com, Mallika Chopra, founder of Intent.com, Peg Moline of Fit Pregnancy, and Michelle Lamar, author of White Trash Mom.  The evening was casual and I had fun meeting some new friends and catching up with those I already knew.

Here are some photos of the event…

Courtesy of Stephanie at Bizzie Mommy

Courtesy of Stephanie at Bizzie Mommy

So what did my husband and son do while I was out?  Thanks to Ragu and Unilever, my family was well-fed!  My husband went above and beyond to use the Ragu Old World Style Tomato Basil Sauce to make a lasagna!  We received enough food for several meals beyond that night thanks to MomSelect (who coordinated this).   Check out my husband’s perspective…

A heartfelt thank you to Maria Bailey, Newbaby.com, and MomSelect for organizing National Mom’s Nite Out!  I know this mama needed it!