WWYD - evening family party at a restaurant

We have a surprise party at a restaurant to go to mid-February on a Saturday night - starts at 7:30 - it's for DH's cousin, so the majority of his family is going to be there.

We were going to leave James with my parents overnight so we can enjoy the party and not have to worry about the baby all night.

My MIL got all pissy when I told her that we weren't bringing James. She thought we would want to show him off to some family members who haven't met him yet. I told her that if it was an afternoon party, we'd have no problem bringing him, but for a party that started as late as this one does, we're more comfortable with not bringing him. He'd only be a little over 5 months at that point.

What would you have done? Leave the baby home or bring him?

Re: WWYD - evening family party at a restaurant

I'd leave him with your parents so you can have some fun

That said, I've brought Christopher to things like that and while he always behaves, it usually makes me want ot drink heavily or shoot myself in the head

Re: WWYD - evening family party at a restaurant

If the party STARTED at 7:30, I wouldn't bring DS.

We never take DS out past 7pm. We have left places at 7ish and DS falls asleep on the ride home.

We have a few weddings in the next few months that I plan to bring DS. One of us will probably return to the hotel early when it is DS's bedtime.

Re: WWYD - evening family party at a restaurant

I wouldn't take him. Too late IMO for a baby. Plus it will be loud and you won't be able to enjoy yourself. Tell you MIL to have a party during the day if she wants the baby there.

Re: WWYD - evening family party at a restaurant

ohhh man MILs..

i love how they turn ANY event into a guilt trip....
it's for your DH's cousin's SURPRISE party....not a night to all gasp and coo at your baby (although i'm sure he deserves it )

I would do as you have done.....it's too late, he is only 5 months old..it's still winter, why run the risk of him getting ill? and jeez, maybe you two need a nice night out alone!

I'd bring up those points to your MIL.
And then tell her to shove it.

Re: WWYD - evening family party at a restaurant

I would go with your original plan and enjoy a baby-free night.

If there are family members that want to meet him, they've already months to reach out to you!

Re: WWYD - evening family party at a restaurant

Posted by KateDevine

I'd leave him with your parents so you can have some fun

That said, I've brought Christopher to things like that and while he always behaves, it usually makes me want ot drink heavily or shoot myself in the head

Re: WWYD - evening family party at a restaurant

Posted by rileysmama

ohhh man MILs..

i love how they turn ANY event into a guilt trip....
it's for your DH's cousin's SURPRISE party....not a night to all gasp and coo at your baby (although i'm sure he deserves it )

I would do as you have done.....it's too late, he is only 5 months old..it's still winter, why run the risk of him getting ill? and jeez, maybe you two need a nice night out alone!

I'd bring up those points to your MIL.
And then tell her to shove it.

Re: WWYD - evening family party at a restaurant

lol
i've been there - done that.

Re: WWYD - evening family party at a restaurant

I wouldn't bring James. If the party starts after his bedtime than he will probably just be exhausted and overtired. I would leave him with your parents and tell your MIL that when there is an afternoon party you will bring him.

Re: WWYD - evening family party at a restaurant

Posted by KateDevine

I'd leave him with your parents so you can have some fun

That said, I've brought Christopher to things like that and while he always behaves, it usually makes me want ot drink heavily or shoot myself in the head

Re: WWYD - evening family party at a restaurant

i would not take my DS

Re: WWYD - evening family party at a restaurant

Posted by Tine73

I would go with your original plan and enjoy a baby-free night.

If there are family members that want to meet him, they've already months to reach out to you!

Re: WWYD - evening family party at a restaurant

It really all depends on the baby - Alex was a NIGHTMARE at that age, I never would have brought her out to the party.

Yael, on the other hand, is so sweet, happy and adaptable. We take her to dinner with us and parties or get togethers in the evening all the time. She usually chills out, and then falls asleep in her carseat or stroller and it's not an issue.

Re: WWYD - evening family party at a restaurant

I LOVED taking my kids places so if it were me, I Would take him/her. However, if you want a fun night out - dont let m-i-l ruin it for you! Leave him and go have fun!

Re: WWYD - evening family party at a restaurant

If you have a sitter I would leave the baby home. Unless your MIL wants to spend the entire night taking care of the baby, she doesn't have a say IMO.

Re: WWYD - evening family party at a restaurant

If you have the type of baby who can sleep anywhere and through anything, I'd consider it. Otherwise, I'd go with the original plan.

Re: WWYD - evening family party at a restaurant

Nope.... DD has a bedtime and I do not deviate from it. Otherwise it's ME that pays the price for it.

Leave the baby with your parents and have fun.

Re: WWYD - evening family party at a restaurant

Posted by OneOfEach

Posted by Tine73

I would go with your original plan and enjoy a baby-free night.

If there are family members that want to meet him, they've already months to reach out to you!

ITA

Re: WWYD - evening family party at a restaurant

I would leave him home

don't you just LOVE MIL's????

Re: WWYD - evening family party at a restaurant

No way... I wouldn't bring James. It's when he goes to sleep. How can you show off a sleeping or over-tired baby. I understand she wants him there, but like you said... if it was an afternoon party.

You're doing the right thing.

Re: WWYD - evening family party at a restaurant

We've been in the situations and we've always brought DS. In fact he was in the corner in his stroller, but he's been there. I do try to bring him to all family events.

Recently my MIL is planning a baby shower for her friend and told me she wants Liam to come. I said no because again, it will take attention away from the guest of honor.

Re: WWYD - evening family party at a restaurant

Nope, I wouldn't take him. Enjoy yourselves.

Re: WWYD - evening family party at a restaurant

I would stand my ground and not bring him. You deserve a night out. If you have someone willing to watch James and it is close to his bedtime, leave him home. Family can come and visit another day during daytime hours. In my opinion, it doesn't matter how good the baby is. Babies need sleep and parents deserve a night out. Never let anyone make you feel guilty for wanting to spend some alone time with your husband and other adults.

Re: WWYD - evening family party at a restaurant

I wouldn't bring my son. He goes to bed by 8:00, sometimes earlier. His sleep is more important to me than extended relatives fawning over him.

You're already braver than I am. At 5 months old, I'd have my mother watch DS at my house so he would go to sleep in his own bed. I'd want to see him when I got home.