The meatloaf is in the oven and I've got one foot out the door.

My car has no car seat, my purse no extra diapers or wipes or sippy cups. Gone is the cautionary  "baby on board" lick-n-stick. The clothes I packed are free of strawberry stains, watermelon stains, freezer pop stains… any and all stains. There are no khakis or sweatpants in my suitcase. But there are clean bras and panties. I am showered and shaved and my nails are clean.

In a matter of minutes, I will be alone. For more than a few hours. Without the girl or the husband. Without any kind of responsibility beyond driving myself to the big D, checking into a yummy hotel and having a fabulous girlie weekend.

Praise God. Hallelujah!