A Lesson Learned

Once upon a time, there was a Mommy and Daddy who used to go out weekly on Friday night date nights. A new addition was added to Mommy and Daddy's life and date nights evolved to monthly family nights out. Tonight was this months excursion. (Those of you who know where this is headed can stop shaking your heads at our naivety).

We headed to Torero's Mexican Cantina as they are speedy and tasty -- a winning combination. We even went early to avoid the dinner crowd. There was no reason to think we wouldn't have an enjoyable family night out. It was enjoyable but definitely not what we anticipated! Alexander flirted with the hostess as she guided us to our seat. Alexander flirted with the older couple that sat behind us. Alexander sat in his high chair for approximately 3.5 minutes of our meal - just long enough for us to order. And then our 15 month old tornado invited himself to our table. Alexander ate a few chips, threw twice as many on the floor, had no interest in either of our meals, and was hell bent on climbing out of his chair onto the table. Toys, keys, sippy cups, pacifiers- nothing worked tonight. As it turns out, there are different tricks needed for nights out and we learned one tonight. Daddy ate; Mommy and Alexander walked. Then Mommy ate; Daddy and Alexander walked. Alexander was even able to charm everyone around us and we thanked our fellow patrons for their tolerance of the high pitch screeches (a lovely new skill) and the constant movement of our family. At the end of the night, Mommy and Daddy learned to tag team and eat a meal within 45 minutes of entering a restaurant. Pretty sure that is a world record.

Moral of the story: Do not bring a 15 month old to any restaurant without a full support party.

Anyone willing to babysit??