Me Time

So Darling Husband (DH) has been on holidays over the Christmas/New Year break. This isn't anything new. What's new this year is that we are both home together with Darling Daughter (DD). 

Since DD was born, I hadn't had much time to myself, so I organised with a Dear Friend (DF) to have lunch and for DH to watch DD while I was out. 

It was decided that Thursday would be the day. 

I had it carefully planned. I'd be home until just after 9am, at which stage I would go to my usual Body Step class. Then I'd rush home, have a shower and wash my hair and head off for lunch.

DH tried to tell me to take my car, to which I had to point out many times contains the pram and car seat. I told him if we were taking my car, the seat and pram would have to be swapped over. So I got to take "his" car. Awesome! 

I spent about 30min at home with DH and DD before I left to pick up DF. She was suitably impressed that I rocked up in the "big" car - for the record, I have a 4 cylinder car, hubby has a 6 cylinder car. 

Before leaving though, I had to give DH a VERY detailed list about how to feed DD. And how to generally look after her. She's a year old, you'd think he'd know by now.

Off we trundled to a local (almost) Japanese restaurant. The sort of stuff DH will not go near. 

I still had money from my saved Christmas money - no I didn't skimp on gifts, I always get a bit extra out to get some grog. Only this year, I got given grog, so I didn't need to spend money on it.

We decided on a medium "tapas" plate of tuna balls, gyoza, mini yakitori and something else, followed by fresh sushi for 2, at the chef's selection. OMG. I have never, ever had that type of sushi before, because we are limited with culinary choices here. There were 2 really weird looking ones that neither of us could bring ourselves to eat. But we scoffed the rest of it and then went next door to the ice creamery for dessert. I have to admit that I was a little scared about eating such large pieces of raw fish, but it was so fresh and melted in my mouth. Didn't even taste overly fishy. Once I finally rejoin the workforce, I think that I will be using some of my hard earned money to go back there. It's expensive, but the food was that great that I WILL be going back!

The only downside was that as soon as I got home DH took off for a mountain bike ride. It's him who tells me I need to take more time for myself. You see, quite often, 3 - 4 mornings a week and maybe an afternoon on weekends, he goes and rides his mountain bike for 2 - 3 hours at a time. I'm normally lucky to get 2 Step classes a week. It just felt like, "Oh, you're home. She's your responsibility. If you take a few hours, I get even more." Sometimes it feels unfair but then DD gives me a massive, cheeky grin and I know all the time I spend with her is more than worth it.

Countdown to Christmas

So, this year marks our very first Christmas at home as a family. DD and I were both still in-patients over last Christmas. 

Santa Claus even found her. Obviously her Mummy and Daddy were very muchly unprepared for her early (yet still welcome) arrival. We've also got to get through the first birthday party too, which I'm probably over-excited about.

I'm getting antsy to put our Christmas tree up, but thanks to my upbringing, I have to wait until December 1. I just can't bring myself to do it any earlier. Although I have broken with tradition and decided that Christmas carols will be played from DD's 11 month mark. That gives me an extra week and a bit to enjoy the music!

We're currently sussing out the shopping centre Santa's to get our first ever Santa photos done. I took her to look at Santa the other day, and she just stared at him. Quite intently too. I don't know whether that's a good thing or a bad thing.

I'm really looking forward to this year. We're all going to be together, and won't have to steal tables from vacant hospital rooms to have Christmas lunch on. Although, I have to admit, my hospital was great and allowed me to pay extra money (out of my own pocket, not my private health insurance) which meant DH and my parents could have Christmas lunch with me. We even got a choice of beer, red wine or softdrink. 

Tomorrow sees DD at her grandparents house and me trying to organise more Christmas presents for my family and friends. This year, I am much more organised.

In fact, my mum will be getting more than just a $50 note shoved into her hand this year. She WILL get a gift. I'm making sure of that. 

This is probably a pointless post, but all these things jumble around in my head and make it hard to function some days unless I get it all out.

What are YOUR tips for getting organised for Christmas??