My husband and I have two anniversaries. (long story) So I asked my husband if we could switch off planning each anniversary so this year I plan Feb.'s and he plans Aug.'s and every year we will rotate. But now I am doing this Feb.'s and its the first one with this set up and I feel like I need to set the stage. Since we don't get much time together I want to make it really special, but don't want to spend a lot. He does so much for our family I want him to feel appreciated and have a good time. Also, we have people living with us so staying in is not an option and we have a breastfed baby so I can only leave her for a few hours. She won't take a bottle.
Any creative ideas welcome, I can always use them later. :) Thank you in advance.
M.
Take a little drive... pick up some drive thru and watch the sun set... maybe neck a little! Just like old times!
What about splitting the day up into little chunks, maybe a breakfast or morning massage. I think that new massage place is $39(massage envy maybe???). Then you could BF and go out again for a picnic or a visit to a museum or the zoo( sometimes you can check out family passes from your library for the zoo or a museum), and then go home to BF and maybe take in a movie or dinner, if you hit happy hour somewhere you can get the food cheaper. I know Gustavs lets you sit anywhere in the restaurant to take advantage of the happy hour prices and I believe as long as you just order any two beverages (soda or tea) it works. My hubbt always enjoy just walking the riverfront in portland if the weather is nice. I hope that helps a little and congratulations!
Check the local culinary institute for specials. They are usually very elegant, many course meals at a very reasonable price for two.
I haven't done this in years, but the Portland Culinary school used to have a great V-day special. I don't know if it is as affordable now that they have opened the Cordon Bleu restaurant downtown and are no longer in the little place off of 13th.
Or, if you have a favorite spot, you might set up a picnic, even if it has to be indoors or in a car, with some of his favorites and maybe a card from the little ones with a morsel specially chosen by them for the picnic. That way, they can participate, yet you two can still have some alone time.
Good luck and happy anniversary.
D.
I'm not sure where you live but there is a company in the Seattle area that gives in-home massages (and will provide childcare too). I know you said that you have people staying with you, but maybe you could have a couples massage in the privacy of your bedroom. Also, if you are at home you won't be far from your nursing baby. I can't remember the name of the company, but if you google inhome massages in the Seattle area the company should come up. Just a thought. Whatever you do, happy anniversary!
What about doing a scaventure hunt of places that are special to you? I don't know if you have lived in your current location long, but you could probably find enough places (or even make new ones) that could be the clues for the scaventure hunt. Maybe first date? Favorite place to eat out? Where your babies were born? Where you go to church? It would take some planning, but I think it is a good way to reconnect on the things that have been important in your marriage- and you can take the travel time to reminisce, talk, and reconnect. You could even have things that you get to do in each location- like eat dinner, play a game, read a special card, etc.
Good luck and enjoy!
Hugs J.
Hi Megan,
I am one to say the little things are what count (even have a fun little blog on this idea - http://www.superblogafragilisticexpialidocious.blogspot.com ).
You don't need lots of $$ to show anyone who loves you a good time. Some of the most memorable times are the silliest, funkiest times we've ever known.
One year, I bought a stack of multi-colored construction paper and cut hearts out (every size, every color and I mean - hundreds!!). I spent several hours taping them to every wall, the ceiling and floor, the bed, the Yucca plant, every stick of furniture, etc. in our bedroom. I then cut out giant "big foot" footprints and taped them in a path from the front door to the bedroom. Let me just tell you - he might think you're nuts but he'll never forget the overwhelming joy that can be had in such an environment... buy something nice for yourself, get some great chocolate, champagne, strawberries and lose the kids for that few hours you DO have!
Hope that helps! ;-)
T. B.
We had an anniversary once where we sent the kids to the next door neighbors,(they were more than happy to asstist in the romance,) and I made a fancy dinner at home. It was served in front of the fireplace on a card table with candles, with the best tableware and a gift. The rule was that we had to eat in our bathrobes. After, dinner, there was a big, fuzzy blanket on the floor in front of the fireplace,.... for dessert.
A relaxing, fun and on the cheaper side date is painting pottery. I know it doesn't sound like much but my DH and I LOVE this. You don't have to be artistic since they have all kinds of things for you to use. You can stay for as long or as short as you want, and most places will let you bring along a small cooler of snacks (we usually do a cheese, crackers, sausage and fave wine setup). All you pay is the price for the pottery and they have everything else! It is way fun and be sure to take pics!
Hi Megan,
I recently did something with my hubby that was romantic. We went to a ceramic paint it, fire it, get it back sort of place, and we each decorated a coffee mug with the other one in mind. In other words, I painted one withhim in mind and visa versa. We spent time talking while painting and really gave us reasont o consider the other when deciding on a design. Loved it!
I like the idea of a spa, I wish I could come up with something creative as well... Our anniversary is also on Valentines day. I do want to tell you that I agree with the idea that your baby will most likely take a bottle from someone that is not you. If she gets hungry enough, she'll give in. You should go out and have some time with your husband and take advantage of having time with out kids around. It is so stressful on a marriage (trust me, I know) to have 2 little kids run the schedule. Even just ONE evening, a few hours, makes a huge difference. If your baby has a long stretch of sleep starting at a general time of night, feed her and then put her down and then RUN out the door. Stay away as long as you can and let your sitter do the next feeding for you. Your baby will be fine for one night. In my case, I fed the baby at 7:00 and then made a run for it. He slept until the usual 11:00 when he gave in and took a bottle from the sitter because he could tell I wasn't going to show up. We stayed out until 1:30 am and when he was up at 6:00 to nurse again, there I was, sleepy, but happy because the time with my husband was so wonderful. It really renews your marriage to get that time alone without hushing, rocking, or apologizing to the people at the next table!
Go to a spa and get a his and her's treatment. Follow it with a nice dinner. You're lucky you have adults staying with you who could possibly baby sit your two daughters while you're gone. Have a bottle of expressed breast milk in the refrigerator in case you're not home and your youngest is hungry. She will more than likely take the bottle from a stranger easier than she would from you, mixed messages when it comes from Mom, nipple confusion. You could start this in advance of the anniversary, have Dad give a bottle with expressed milk occasionally.
Happy Anniversary!!!
I am guessing the people staying with you will be watching your baby? If this is so, could you feed the baby and have them take your girls out for a few hours while you and your husband have the house to yourselves. Candles, take out dinner(save time), bubble bath, etc.......
Good luck! My daughter would not bottle feed so I know how demanding it can be!
