I am going to Chicago this weekend with my husband, but not my kids.

I’m going to watch the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field and while I’m there, I’m going to meet up with a friend from high school whom I haven’t seen in years.

I’m not going to do laundry or wash dishes or vacuum.

I’m going to put on going-out clothes and watch another friend, a burlesque dancer, do her thing. (I’ve never seen a burlesque show.)

I won’t be able to hear it if my kids whine: “Can I stay up just five more minutes?” at bedtime.

I’m going to have a late breakfast with another friend and then put on a fabulous dress, this time for my friends’ wedding. And, I’m going to eat a lot of cake at the reception. I hope it’s chocolate. (They already have promised pizza!)

I’m not going to cook once.

I’m going to read a book that a new and thoughtful friend thought I might enjoy and I’m going to spend some quality time with my husband.

We won’t have to worry about a 2-year-old or a 5-year-old trying to interrupt our conversations.

I might even take a nap. There probably won’t be time for a jog.

I won’t have to help Maya in and out of her car seat or tie Guillermo’s shoes. I won’t have to make snack at 10 a.m. or 3 p.m.

I can stay out late and not fret over the cost of a babysitter (my sister-in-law doesn’t charge a thing). I can sleep late and not worry about being late.

I won’t have to listen to Guillermo and Maya argue.

But while I’m revealing in my freedom, short-lived as it is, I know I’m going to miss them and wish that I could give them a goodnight kiss.

Natalie appears Sundays on TriangleMom2Mom. Read more about Natalie at her blog A Day at the Park.