“Hey ladies, it’s time for a night out! Who’s in?” That was the email that landed in my inbox, and I couldn’t help but cringe a little. With a dozen other moms—some seasoned, others new—I wondered how we could pull this off. But hey, we’re the queens of multitasking! We can make anything happen, right? I thought it would be complicated, but honestly, it was way easier than I expected. Seriously, if guys can have their nights out, so can we! Here’s your step-by-step guide to making a girls’ night out a reality.
- Gather your mom friends and discuss potential dates for a night out—at least a month in advance. Mom A suggests 7:30 p.m. for toddler dinner schedules, while Mom B argues for 5 p.m. due to kid bedtimes. Ultimately, Mom C sways everyone to go for 5 p.m., citing both preschooler bedtime and her pregnancy.
- Choose a trendy restaurant that doesn’t offer any kids’ meals—perfect! It doesn’t even open until 5:30 p.m. anyway.
- Raid your closet for a stylish outfit that doesn’t require a nursing bra. Oh wait, nothing fits? Aim for a cute, flowy top and pants that are not yoga wear.
- Send a quick email two days before to confirm attendance. Mom D is still searching for a babysitter.
- Plot your day with a stack of errands on the calendar for the night of your big outing—classic move.
- Ensure your baby starts teething the night before, resulting in a symphony of screams and interrupted sleep. Dark circles will only add to that “I tried” makeup look you had planned.
- Drag yourself out of bed after a mere three hours of sleep and realize it’s still dark outside. Why is your baby wide awake at 4:30 a.m.?
- Attempt to soothe your little one back to sleep for two hours, while the rest of the family gets up looking cheerful. Ugh.
- Make coffee, then forget about it.
- Feed the little ones breakfast and get lunch ready for the older kid.
- Rush everyone out the door.
- Errand one: grocery shopping. Now’s the time to think of a special dinner recipe to show your family you love them, even while you’re out.
- Errand two: a doctor’s appointment. Why did you think that was a good idea with limited time?
- Back home for baby naptime. Oops, you just lost another 45 minutes!
- Dash around the house picking up toys and loading the dishwasher. Time to get the baby again—short nap, anyone?
- Try to calm the teething baby. Isn’t it fun?
- Forget it. Pizza is happening.
- Wait, how is it already 4:30 p.m.? Quick, wash breast pump supplies and grab the toddler from preschool.
- Back home at 4:45 p.m. You’re supposed to leave in 15 minutes, and you haven’t even showered or pumped yet. Not again.
- Jump into the shower, ignoring any noise from the kids. Your dear partner will manage things. (Right?)
- Get dressed in that cute outfit, realizing you’re still yet to pump.
- Pump milk in that fashionable attire. That was fun, right?
- Pizza is ordered, you’re dressed, and makeup will happen in the car. Off you go! The girls’ night started 15 minutes ago, and it takes 25 minutes to get there. No biggie.
- You’re on the road! No stress about being late; you’re not stuck at home with the kids! Apply mascara at stoplights and give some quirky looks to those staring.
- Arrive last but smiling! Oh great, it’s so dim in here, no one will see your outfit or makeup anyway. Sigh.
- Chat with the girls over wine for an hour. Time to order food! Look at the menu and pick random dishes that sound delicious.
- An hour passes and still no food. Mom D is getting anxious about bedtime, while Moms E and F have a show to catch soon. Check in with the waiter.
- Food finally arrives! Eat quickly—time is ticking.
- Ask for the bill. It’s already 8:30 p.m.! Mom G is out due to fatigue from pregnancy, and Moms D, E, and F grab their half-eaten meals to go.
- You and Mom H exchange glances, silently questioning if it’s time to call it a night. You both nod and grab your coats.
- Speed home, worrying that something went wrong while you were out—no text updates! What if something happened?
- Arrive to find the Teen watching TV, your partner snoozing in the kids’ room, and the little ones asleep.
- Give each child a goodnight kiss and gently roll your partner over to stop the snoring. They missed you, and you missed them too.
- Spend 20 minutes trying to scrub off your eye makeup.
- Change into those comfy pajamas that have been stained by baby vomit.
- Collapse into bed.
So there you have it! Organizing a night out as a mom is as easy as 1, 2, 3… well maybe not, but it’s definitely worth the effort for a little break. After all, every mom deserves a night out without the kiddos!
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