NOTE: If you read this whole post, you'll be rewarded with an embarrassing photo of us a very long time before we had a baby. Emphasis on very long time. 

Before we had a baby, we could go on 5 date nights a week. We could laugh as loud as we wanted to at night. We could sleep in on the weekends. We wouldn't worry about how much quality time we were getting with each other. Last week, my college roommate got married in Texas. My husband and I decided a while ago that we would just block this time off and drive, instead of flying. This trip would include a pit stop in New Orleans for a night. We would leave the baby (who is now more like a grown child, btw) with my mom. 

When we planned this trip, I wasn't working. I wasn't planning on working in the month of July. Luckily, when I took this job (which only goes until December) they agreed to give me that time off. When I work, I am pulling 12 hour days every day of the week. I usually leave before anyone wakes up, and I get home in time to put E to sleep. My husband gets home late, and we're lucky to get any face to face time during the week. And even then, it's really hard to drop everything else for each other. Especially when you work in the kind of industry we do.

We decided not to fly honestly because it was cheaper to drive. But little did I know how much we would NEED this time. And how lucky we were to get 5 full days and nights together, where our only focus was ourselves and each other. It felt selfish, a little. But we needed it. 

You see, before we had a baby... times like these were common. We've always enjoyed each others company, just like you would your best friend. He is my best friend. This trip made me realize the importance of time alone. We are absolutely obsessed with our daughter, and missed her the whole time we were gone. But that was the longest we've been together, alone, in YEARS. 

Part of me worried that once we started driving I would regret the long commitment, but it honestly never happened. We listened to podcasts, talked about random things that had been on our minds, and sat in silence (and yeah...  I may or may not have insisted he stop and take my picture a few times... #instagramhusband). While I drove, he slept, and vice versa.

It was good for the soul. 

The older I get, the more I cherish these moments. I don't want to forget these times that mean so much to who we are. 

Moms and Dads: Be selfish. Take a trip without your kids. Take the long way home, if thats what it takes to get some time together. It's hard at first, but it's worth it.

I will be publishing a fun 24 hour New Orleans guide next week! We had the best time. 

About this look... it was perfect for arriving in New Orleans. It was hot, so the skirt was great. The top is lightweight enough for hot weather. I did change after a few hours, but it was good for an outing. The color of the statement earring brought out the blues of the shirt. I love throwing a comfy button up with a pleated midi skirt like this, too. Comfy, but put together.

GET THIS LOOK

TOP | HERE

SKIRT | HERE -- USE CODE EXTRA 

EARRINGS | HERE -- USE CODE ASH20 for 20% OFF!

SUNNIES | SOLD. OUT. FOREVER. I'm sorry!