So, you’re a parent. You’re longing for the day you can do all the things you used to be able to do: Wear white, stay up all night (in the company of adults), spend long, leisurely breakfasts reading the papers. Oh my.
It’s hard not to be nostalgic – but really when you think about it, that old life didn’t come with as deep a meaning as the one you have now, did it? And every single one of those nights out weren’t all they were cracked up to be now, were they?
Now, when you steal some time away from nappies and bodily fluids, it is planned to perfection – your hair appointment is something to relish for weeks in advance, brunch with your girlfriends is worth the 3-week wait to get everyones diaries in sync (just think of ALL THAT GOSSIP). Nowadays that time away from the norm becomes the most exciting time you have ever had. Quite literally. Every minute is savoured. And not a second is wasted.
Those stolen moments might be short, but they are so, SO sweet, here are a few of my faves:
1 Coffee alone
In a café. Nobody is crying, no muslin cloth is dangling over your shoulder, no bottle needs to be made, no dirty nappy to overpower you. Just you, a giant mug of caffeine. Enjoy the sound of silence *book optional *moving into said café optional.
2. Brunch with your girlfriends
There is nothing more enjoyable than leaving your little one with your partner and skipping off to meet a gal-pal. Eggs Benedict and at least three coffees should do the trick. Then vent, gossip and chat your way to feeling like ‘you’ again. Ah, the outside world.
3. A visit to the hairdressers
This is one of life’s little joys: Pampering, a new hair style AND heaps of magazines. Top tip: Go for colour and highlights and treatment and haircut. This should take at least five hours. Tee hee.
4. Date night with your beau
You’ve had the babysitter booked for at least a month; it’s time to go out and reintroduce yourselves as a couple. For the first hour you will talk about your offspring non-stop. Then, you’ll gradually start to slip into life before the little ones and have the best night ever.
5. Exercise class
You’ve suddenly become a Pilates maestro – and it’s not just to tone up your mum-tum – it’s because no matter how much mayhem is happening in your house, you have that class booked and you have to be there. Exercise has never been so enjoyable.
6. A buggy-free walk
Nothing to push here – woohoo. The sense of freedom is palpable. Just you – walk, swing your arms as you stroll, stick your headphones in (no crying cues to listen out for). Feel the wind in your face and enjoy your me-time.
7. Book Club with the girlies
Of course, anyone who has ever gone to a Book Club knows, this is merely code for catching up with the girls. And NOTHING seems more exciting than a night out once baby comes along. Even if it is only once a month, and you have to attempt to read an actual book.
8. Shopping for new shoes
Never has a shopping trip been so Goddamn exciting. And, we’re not talking clothes shopping. Oh no. It has to be shoes, because you already have seven tracksuits for your daily uniform, shoes always fit you, and you don’t have to deal with changing room mirrors.
9. Time with your mum without baby
This won’t please Granny. Oh no. Now she’ll have to actually talk to you instead of hugging the new apple of her eye. But escaping for tea, cake and some adult conversation without having to monitor anyone’s bowel movements is akin to the best day of your life when you’re a new mum. A must. (Granny can be replaced by anyone who wants to eat cake with you).
10. Your favourite TV series on record
Finally, the baby is asleep. The day has been epic; you’re demented with exhaustion. But you’ve got a double recording of Mad Men to watch. The word heaven doesn’t even come close. Top tip: best enjoyed with a bar of chocolate in hand. A large one.
https://youtu.be/6miN0PSf5Zk
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