Last night in my I am so smart…I am so smart (picture Homer Simpson here) –ness I left my wallet at work. Not only did I leave it there but I unlocked my desk drawer to help out the would be thieves. Isn’t that nice of me?

After trying to call my one hope who might still be at work, I realized that I would need to go back to get my wallet. There have been some thefts at work lately, even some off my desk, hence the locking up of my wallet in the first place.

I didn’t want to drive back to work by myself, so I bribed with dinner out asked D to come with me. Little G was a bit tired, his last nap at day care was at 2:30 and it was now 6 so we planned to go to a quick place on the way home. We were hoping that Little G would nap in the car ride there. (although, we try not to make him, he power naps well)

As we were walking out the door my dad called to say that he got the job he had applied for, woo hoo! D and I had a quick side conversation and decided we should ask my dad to a celebratory dinner.  This changed things a bit…no more Duchess for us.

We ended up deciding on a nicer steak house… with a baby…

I packed an arsenal of things to feed/distract Little G.

I had some toys:

Some food

Off we went.

Little G did sleep in the car, and inside the restaurant for a bit.

*Quick tip: If you turn over the wooden high chair that most restaurants have you can easily place a car seat on it.

Throughout the night we alternated giving him toys, finger foods and baby food.  And, as always I had my trusty Paci Grip in his bag so I could keep him from repeatedly throwing his toys on the ground. During the dessert portion of the night we picked up Little G and passed him between us. This seemed to help as he had been in that little chair for a while.

With the exception of a 15 second cry when he woke up, Little G was an angel the entire time. We didn’t get home until 9pm…it was such a nice night out.

What are some tricks that you use to make dining out a calm experience?

 
  • mrsbeer

    I just wrote a similar blog about preparing to take a toddler out to dinner! I was just browsing blogs and came across yours! This was my story http://thebreweryblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/those-parents.html ! Have a good one..!

  • Liz

    Extra sets of hands ia always helpful! That's what I'm counting on with our upcoming trip to Disney. P.S. I'm following you now. 🙂

  • MomRoad

    That's so exciting…I have never been to Disney. I saw this post a while back that might be of interest to you. It reviews the stroller rental options you can get at Disney/Florida. Have fun!!
    http://theshoppingmama.com/2010/02/disney-stroller-rental/

  • MomRoad

    That's so exciting…I have never been to Disney. I saw this post a while back that might be of interest to you. It reviews the stroller rental options you can get at Disney/Florida. Have fun!!
    http://theshoppingmama.com/2010/02/disney-stroller-rental/

  • Helena Lemon

    Hi there! I'm following from Friday Follow! Nice tricks for eating out with a baby! I'm glad you had a great evening!
    I'm at AGalNeedsAtLeast2Blogs!