The Mama Perspective

Last night, me and Danny went on our first date night in what I can only describe as what felt like the first time in forever. Going out alone as “mummy” and “daddy” hits different, especially when you try not to mention your child’s name or talk about your child that’s due in a few months.

And what did we do? We went to Nando’s of course, followed by some shopping for baby number two. We were initially planning to go to Kargo MKT at the Quays but decided to leave that for another time – maybe next time it’s just us two again.

We felt like teenagers all excited to have quality time together. Time for just for the two of us was really needed and it gave us the reminder we needed – that we still very much love each other exactly how we are, just like we did before we became parents. With our second child incoming in a few months, it’s important that we remember to make the most of little moments like these with each other.

We actually went on our first date to Nando’s 12 years ago so it’s nice that we still go and reminisce on our first date and everything we can look back on from then until now. Like, how did we go on nights out without coats/jackets more than half of the time and not freeze to death? A time when we also had patience to wait for a taxi outside a club or bar because we just wanted to talk the night away and be with each other.

Not much has changed – we ended the night with a trip to Tesco to stock up on snacks and I honestly can’t even use pregnancy as an excuse because that’s just something we do. Then typical us, stood there in the chocolate and sweets aisle shocked at the increase of prices and the decrease in size of a chocolate bar compared to what they were a couple of years ago. We’re clearly in our older era now.

Each month, we’re going to try to spend special time together whether it be at home or somewhere out for fun. We know we want to make the time but it’s just making sure we have someone to look after Freddy. One of the things that come to light when you have a child, is seeing who is really there for you. And we know who has supported us.

Over Christmas we would hear about couples who had nights without their child/ren or days out. And we were wondering what that must feel like. It’s been a long time since Freddy stayed overnight somewhere but that’s okay. He livens up when either of us make an appearance so mummy and daddy must be so much fun! He likes us to get involved in his play which I think is super sweet. We love seeing his happy moments when he’s being creative and doing what he truly enjoys.

So, as we headed towards the end of our few hours out, we bought a hot chocolate each and walked back to the car. And I wasn’t sick, yay! Hot drinks haven’t agreed with me in this pregnancy but I think I might finally be okay with them now since reaching the 20 weeks milestone.

Today, we have honestly smiled more, hugged more, and just paid each other that little bit more of attention. It goes to show how much it means to spend time with the person you fell in love with no matter how much time has gone by.

I hope this post can remind other couples that time dedicated to one another is a priority and once you are given the time, it can let all the chaos fade into background, even for those few hours at a time. It’s not a surprise that being mummy and daddy comes first, always. And it’s okay to not feel guilty for wanting time together outside of being parents.