anniversary ideas with newborn and should I have toddler babysat?

[justonesherryformedicinalpurpo]

Morning all

Our anniversary is this Friday. DP is home at 3.45 on Fridays so I was thinking of going out for an early meal.

Newborn will tag along due to bf and generally not being able to express very well. She tends to sleep and if she is fussy I could just (although rather annoyingly) keep her latched on while we're eating. Our toddler (20mo) is a bit of an explosion atm though and has the biggest tantrums when she doesn't get her way and wants to run around.

So do I leave her with my friend and her son? I can't help but feel a little mean leaving her but bringing along baby sis. It might spark up jealousy? But if I don't I will just give up hope going out for a meal. I don't mind a bit of hassle generally but would like it stress free as it's our anniversary.

Also are there any date night ideas other than a meal when you have a newborn?

It will probably end up with a curry in front of Eastenders tbh when the girls finally sleep for the night!

Any ideas and tips appreciated.

[heatherwithapee]

When I was in a similar situation (DS 5 weeks, DD 21 months), We abandoned the meal out idea. We had afternoon tea at the venue where we'd got married, which meant DD could run around on the lawn without really disturbing anyone. In the evening, we had a nice meal at home (M&S dine in - DH isn't too handy in the kitchen but this was pretty failsafe ). Much better than a meal out IMO given the children's ages.

[justonesherryformedicinalpurpo]

Wow heather that sounds perfect! And what a fabulous memory. Much more memorable than a meal out!

Perhaps I should think about something along those lines.. there are no places that hold special memories around us but perhaps find a restaurant that has food to go and take it to a nearby park if the weather's fairly decent. Thanks!

[heatherwithapee]

You're welcome. Hope you have a good time!