Tonight Erin and I snuck away from our families to do some shopping. Since we were both tired from swim lessons and birthday parties, I wouldn't count this as a "girls night out." Especially considering that our planned stops were the Dollar Store, the mall and Target. We discussed stopping for a drink but decided we'd fall asleep on the bar, something that may have appealed in our early twenties, but is not so interesting now.

I bought a couple of items while we were out - a new skirt from Ann Taylor Loft (black pinstrip with a flirty bottom - very cute) and a birthday present for a neighbor. But what really got me excited? What got my blood pumping and my wallet tingingly? Hang on to your hats girls... I bought some new sippy cups.

Wait, wait. Before you roll your eyes, let me describe these cups. They are thin through the body - perfect for little hands. The tip is soft and flexible, similar to Sophie's beloved bottle. And, miracle of all miracles, they are spill proof and valve free. Let me say it again... spill proof and valve free (or valveless?).

Unless you have actually lived with sippy cup valves, you won't appreciate the magnitude of this statement. For $1.85 (times 9) I will be eradicating the bottles, nipples and other pices. We will be throwing away the complicated Avente valves as well as the annoyingly difficult to clean Gerber tops. And the basket that has served to keep small pieces from jamming my dishwasher? Headed for the nearest recycling container.

And what, you may ask, is the cup that has delivered such maternal bliss? The Luv n care "Nuby"

As I sit, contemplating a bottle-free and valveless existence, I begin to wonder... is this what my life has come to? Excited about cups? And you know the really sad thing? This morning I was all hot and bothered about the four bags of cow manure I bought for the gardens.

Did I mention my daughter hasn't even tried the cups yet? She could break my heart in the morning.