Parents' night out

More of an afternoon out...our friends Jolene & Alex were kind enough to babysit for us on Saturday. We went to a Japanese restaurant for sushi, then went to a coffee place for dessert. The weather was beautiful so we sat outside and talked, just like old times. It was bizarre being able to eat at the same time and not be preoccupied with a baby nearby. The two of us haven't been out to dinner since Nana visited in January.Here's the peewee earlier that day, involved in his favorite activity these days - putting stuff in his mouth. He loves plastic teething rings like this one.
Jolene in the "before" picture...
and "after." She said we hadn't even pulled out of the driveway before Benjamin started hollering. We kind of saw it coming because he wouldn't take his afternoon nap and thought he might be cranky later. Jolene must have done something right, because Benjamin was happy as a clam and asleep in his swing when we got home. She even said she'd babysit again sometime - yay!
We've had a couple people offer to babysit on the weekends, which we're really grateful for. Getting babysitters during weekdays, though, is a bit tougher. Most of the people I know either work full-time or have their own kids to deal with. I hate to bother people to babysit, but I can't expect Mike to be able to leave work every time I have an appointment. He has gone above and beyond so far.
Benjamin just loves this blankie/teddy bear thing. Of course his first instinct is to shove it in his mouth every time he sees it.
Hmmm... Benjamin & bear look a little suspicious here. Gnawing on his fingers has been keeping Benjamin focused & entertained a lot lately.
Happy that Daddy came home from work. Benjamin has been a lot more content to just lie in his crib and entertain himself for awhile, which gives me some much-needed baby-free time.

Hey Warner Robins folks... the Dempseys had their baby!