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I Still Do!

Make Time for Dating

As told by Audrey Carli

“How are you doing now that you’ve had your first baby? You and Dan used to go on two dates every week—I bet you’re too busy for that now!” My friend Cathy grinned as she waited for my reply in the diaper aisle at the supermarket.

“I know you warned me our dating fun would end when the baby was born, Cathy. But we’re still dating once or twice a week.”

“That’s great that you can afford a sitter that often!”

“Actually, we don’t hire a sitter. After Rachel’s asleep in her crib, Dan and I have a quick date. We just go to the dining room and have a quiet dinner together.”

Dan and I found several ways to date at home after Rachel was born. Sometimes we just snack on chips and salsa as we watch TV together. Other times we put Rachel in the stroller and take a walk around town. We stop and sit on a blanket and talk while Rachel sleeps in our laps.

Before we got married, we used to enjoy surprising each other with gifts like freshly baked cookies or a bouquet of flowers. Now I make cookies at home and surprise Dan with them when he gets home from work, and sometimes he brings me flowers after a particularly long week. These little gestures keep the romance alive in our relationship.

Our at-home dates may not have all the excitement of going out on the town, but they’re much sweeter than our pre-wedding dates in one significant way: we don’t have to say goodbye at the end of the evening!

Of course, Dan sometimes comes home to find me tired and irritable. Other times he feels ready to explode from work stress that has gnawed at him all day. But we soon relax and enjoy each other’s company.

One of our favorite ways to show our love is to hide sweet notes all over the house. I’ve found notes in my cosmetic bag, taped to my favorite yogurt and on Rachel’s changing table.

One morning he sat at the breakfast table and smiled. “Thanks, honey. I read the note you left in my shoe and I love you so much!”

I reached across the table and squeezed his hand. Having a baby changed our relationship in many ways, but it didn’t change our commitment to make time for each other and creatively demonstrate our love.

AUDREY CARLI writes inspirational articles and books. The mother of a son and three daughters, Audrey spends her leisure time reading and hiking.