Hunter, Daddy and I out for sushi.

Happy Friday, Mama’s,

Does date night seem like a distant memory to you? Does your Friday night now consist of leftovers, sweat pants and a 10:00 bedtime? Has your little black dress been hanging in the closet for over a year? I am here to tell you it is OKAY to reclaim your date night. Mommy and daddy are entitled to some fun too!

Brian and I love going out. And prior to Hunter’s arrival we went out to dinner once a week. It was an opportunity for us to unwind from a hectic work week, take a nice drive and find a great new restaurant. When we find out we were pregnant, everyone kept telling us how much our life was going to change, which may be true in certain ways, but we made a commitment to each other that wherever we went, Hunter could go too! Of course our restaurant choices are much more selective, sigh…but that was a small sacrifice.

There is NO reason that parents have to give up a fun night out because your baby can come along too! Plus waitresses love babies. Take it from me; I waited tables for 10 years.

Here are some of my tips for a successful date night with hubby & baby:

– Baby always eats FIRST!!! Feed the baby before you leave the house. The baby will be content while you dine. (so don’t be afraid to order that martini – you deserve it) And if the baby wakes up, don’t be afraid to feed them right at the table. When I was breast feeding, I would pump and bring a couple of bottles along. If you are using fomula, Similac & Enfamil have great pre-mixed travel bottles that are ready to go. I use these whenever we travel, it’s less stress for mama. Also, most restaurants have changing tables in the bathroom-dirty diaper problem solved.

– What do I wear? Find that little black dress in your closet, it’s dying to be worn. Chances are it will WOW your hubby and it will make you feel like your old, sexy self again – meow!

– Where do we eat? Choose a restaurant that is kid friendly. In other words, if baby lets out a cry, the guests won’t stone you with dinner rolls.

– Order dessert – there is no need to rush. Date night is a great opportunity for you and your hubby to connect. Don’t rush the night – if you packed everything the baby needs, there is no need to panic.

– It’s OK to take your food to-go. If the baby starts to cry and a bottle or diaper change doesn’t solve the problem, just go outside or to the car. This saves you the embarrassment and also allows other guests to enjoy themselves.

– Date Night-In. If you don’t have the funds to go out to dinner or you are just too exhausted, don’t be afraid to order some take-out, open a bottle of wine and relax on the couch But…PUT DOWN THE REMOTE. The T.V. shouldn’t be playing in the background. This is an opportunity for you and the hubby to talk and enjoy one another. I love playing Pandora while we dine and the Boy’s II Men station sets the mood, just sayin.

Lastly, enjoy yourself. It’s ok to do something nice for YOU. So what are you waiting for mama’s? Go out there and have some fun.

Cheers,

Alison