My partner and I went to a SPA last weekend. It was a birthday gift from my mom and sister, which also included their babysitting services. A big deal since it was the first night away from both kids and potentially the first full night of sleep for me in over a year!
Most toddler parents know that there is a pre/post children dimension to most things in life (going to the shops, showering, eating, getting dressed, doing number 2…). But the difference when it comes to a spa experience only really became clear after listening to the following conversation in the changing room:
The spa weekend girls:
Spa girl 1: I love your bikini!
Spa girl 2: Really? Thanks. It took me an hour to choose. The stress…
Spa girl 3: Should we bring the clay masques into the spa? We might feel like using them at once.
Spa girl 1: Oh, I don’t know. We have no idea how we’ll feel while in there. Oooh, this doesn’t feel good at all! Can’t we just chill and see how we feel?
The parents:
My mom texted that one of the boys was up all night and one of them is now throwing up.
My partner: My tummy feels funny as well.
Me: Can we pretend we didn’t get the message yet and stay in the pool for a while?
My partner: Your bikini is torn.
Me: You should be happy I almost had time to finish shaving my legs.
I listen with fascination to the girls and admire their full toilet bags. I quickly put on my randomly selected clothes as the vomiting situation at home is deteriorating. I grab a handful of free body lotion on my way out and slap it onto my forehead as if to say: you should be happy you have time for anxiety and even time to chat about it!
Different worlds indeed.
And despite the vomiting bonanza I wouldn’t have it any other way.