A trip to the Zoo and going to Nonnie and Grandpa's ALONE!

Well, it had to happen sooner or later. I knew this day was coming as I had been avoiding it for some time. The thought of leaving Kellen for a few hours without me or Brandon makes me so anxious even though I know that his grandparents are wonderful with him and love him so much. But, I knew it was time to get myself together and just do it. So on Valentines day Brandon and I decided to leave Kellen with Nonnie and Grandpa Charles so we could go to lunch and a movie. I felt like I was leaving him for eons. It was so hard. I am a little embarrassed to admit that I was the one who cried like a baby when we were leaving. It was hard to just totally relax and enjoy the much needed break. I kept checking my phone for text messages during the movie and imagining him wailing wondering where the heck I went. Well, of course this was all totally ridiculous because apparently he didn't seem to notice I even left him! When we got back he was happy as can be, hanging out with Auntie Lisa and Nonnie and when he saw me he just smiled and went back to playing.  Although I was relieved, I was also sad. I suddenly felt unimportant. Like anyone ( not that they are just "anyone") could have been watching him these last few months and it would make no difference to him. I know that is totally crazy but being a mom can really be a thank-less job. When I say "thank-less" I am referring to the fact there is no boss evaluating your performance and giving you positive feedback or clients thanking you for helping them. And so you just have to rely on your kid's smiles and good health to show you that you are doing a good job. And when those smiles come just as easily for others when you aren't there, it's like "whoa! wait a minute! You can be perfectly happy without me?!" I realize that all of this is totally insane - don't worry. I am so grateful that Kellen has family here that love him so much and give us so much support. And I am also beyond grateful that Kellen is happy to be with them and enjoys himself when I am not there. I was just a little shooken up from my first 3 1/2 hours Kellen free. Everyone says it will get easier and I know they are right, it will.  Thanks again Nonnie and Grandpa Charles - you are awesome!

Here we are right before leaving for their house. I am pumping myself up for it! haha

The next day we went to the San Diego Zoo which is just about a mile or 2 from our apartment. Auntie Lisa hooked us up with free passes, she works there and can get all sorts of awesome things because of it. It was nice to walk around getting exercise and enjoying the animals. Kellen was really tired so he looks a little out of it in these pics. I didn't get any photos of it but it was so cool, the gorillas have some babies and they were putting on quite a show! They were just like human babies, it was so sweet and very cool to see them so close. 

So here we are in front of the flamingos
And the rhinos
and the giraffes -  thanks Lisa!