Long Weekends and Parenthood

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red, white and blue fireworks

Happy Fourth of July – almost! One of the things that always strikes me as interesting is how “free time” has totally changed since having kids — and long weekends in particular look very different, at least for me. When I was working crazy hours in Big Law, a long weekend used to mean that I would definitely get at least ONE day to myself (because I could work the other two days and still have one just for myself). If work wasn’t crazy I would often find time to sneak away for a 4- or 5-day vacation, or at least to hit at least one museum or make a major shopping trip (such as to the nearby outlet mall, or to spend several hours shopping on Fifth Avenue).

Now that I’m a parent, though, the equation has obviously changed — we want to spend as much time as possible with the boys, and I like to plan at least one big family breakfast for all of us. (This weekend I think I’ll try a new recipe for baked French toast — I’ll post it below if turns out to be any good!) We currently have no plans for BBQ/fireworks, but I suppose we have the option for both this weekend.

Readers, what will your long weekend look like? How do you spend your time now — and how has it changed from before you were a parent? (What do you miss the most about the old life, and enjoy the most about the new life?)

Updated stock images via Stencil. Originally pictured: Rhythm & Booms, originally uploaded to Flickr by ken fager.)

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I was JUST thinking about this very thing this morning. I’ve been back at work after maternity leave for two weeks now, and I was thinking this morning about how wonderful it is that I will have three whole days with my baby this weekend. I could care less about fireworks or BBQs this year. I’m just happy to be able to have a three-day snuggle fest!

This is only Baby No. 1 for me. If I end up having more, I don’t know that I will feel quite the same about a three-day weekend!