Tim and I escaped into NYC last night to celebrate our 8 year anniversary which crazily is coming this week on 8/11.

We decided to live a day as we did pre-Hannah and pre-suburbs when we lived in a one bedroom apartment in NYC. So we checked into a room in a swanky hotel, went for a run in Central Park, strolled on the Upper West Side (sadly were asked by a Hansom cab if we wanted a ride. Poor guy was a little put off by my brutally evil glare which said something like, "what do I look like a TOURIST or something??"), got dressed up like cool urbanites, went out for a dinner in a hip Tribeca restaurant, and even went out AFTER dinner to a too-loud-for-my-old-ears lounge and drank martinis.

Today. I. Hurt.

But it was most definitely worth it. I got to shower without someone drawing smiley faces on the shower door and shouting to me that she could see my boobies through the door. I got to dry my hair without worrying that someone was going to get tangled in the hairdryer cord. I got to wear thong underwear without someone telling me I had a "HORRENDOUS WEDGIE MOMMY! I think your undies must be on backwards or something!" I got to walk through the room without tripping over a bright orange, red and yellow plastic ball that then moves on its own bleeping an unknown tune and flashing lights for 7 minutes. I didn't have anyone to put to bed and tell 3 stories to. I didn't have to fight with my dog for pillow space. I got to sleep until 7:30!!! But even better, stay in bed until 9:00. I didn't have to watch Wow Wow Wubbzy or Stuart Little. I got to drink my coffee in bed. But best of all, I got to return home with a renewed love for all things my kids do for me, to me and with me and I got to remember what special time with Tim is about, without the background noise of the kids or the urgency to come home to relieve the sitter. Yes, I have a headache and am a little shaky after the chocolate martinis but to drive in the driveway to Hannah bursting through the front door to give us a hug and hear her say, "did you enjoy your run? Did you have a happy wedding anniversary?" and to see Luke waddle out, arms straight up in the air with a goofy, happy smile (albeit a bit feverish) reminded me why I don't escape more often.