Updated: Aug. 20, 2015
Originally Published: July 25, 2014
Who doesn’t love a fun girls’ night out? Whether it’s reminiscing about popcorn-filled sleepovers or watching our fabulous grandmas rock the bingo hall with their poodle hairdos, bonding time with the gals has always been a cherished tradition. However, after welcoming two little ones under the age of two, I’ve noticed my approach to these special nights has drastically changed.
Prep Time Before Kids:
- Crank up my favorite playlist to set the mood.
- Pour a generous glass of wine to sip while I get ready.
- Peruse my closet, contemplating the perfect outfit while trying a few options on for fun.
- Enjoy a long, relaxing shower—exfoliating, shaving, and washing my hair like it’s an art form.
- Slather on moisturizer after shaving, then apply makeup and spend time styling my hair like I’m going to a gala.
- Refill the wine glass and increase the volume on that fabulous playlist.
- Text my friends to see their outfit choices and plans.
- Dive back into the closet to finalize my outfit, shoes, and accessories.
- Treat myself to a quick manicure if I haven’t had a chance to visit the salon.
- Sip wine while I let my nails dry, enjoying every second of the music.
- Call a cab and catch up on emails while waiting.
- Grab my keys and head out the door, feeling like a queen.
Sounds heavenly, right? Who needs to go out after indulging in such a fabulous, pampering experience at home?
Now, With Kids in the Picture:
- First, hunt down the TV remote for a brief moment of peace.
- Make sure the kids have a snack to keep them occupied.
- Frantically rummage through my wardrobe for something that fits—preferably with no maternity panels in sight!
- Forget about showering; I’ll settle for deodorant and dry shampoo.
- Throw on some mascara and cover up the zits like I’m still in my twenties.
- Start dinner while checking the clock for my husband’s return.
- Call him at work to demand he come home ASAP.
- Feed the kids and hand them off to my husband as he walks in—thank goodness, I’m off duty!
- Speed paint my nails, hoping no one notices the mess.
- Oh wait—still on duty! Time to tackle kids’ pajamas, teeth brushing, and bottles.
- Squeeze in hugs goodbye, inevitably resulting in sticky hands on my skirt and smudged polish.
- Make a break for the door, blowing kisses to the little faces pressed against the window.
And just like that, girls’ night has morphed into a whirlwind of chaos! If you’re looking for more tips on navigating life with kids, check out this informative piece on home insemination techniques. For those interested in enhancing fertility, Make A Mom offers some great resources. Additionally, Kindbody is an excellent resource for all things pregnancy-related.
To summarize, while the essence of a girls’ night out remains the same, how we prepare for it shifts dramatically when children enter the picture. Embrace the chaos, and remember to laugh through it all!