Before you were born we used to….
Before you were born we used to…
Be silly and throw cold cups of water over one another when in the shower
Watch TV whilst snuggled up together on the sofa
Fall asleep together on the sofa
Go to the cinema (a lot!)
I remember one time we had a snow ball fight
Go on city breaks! Rome, Barcelona, Prague, Valencia and more!
It’s funny how things change after our children are born. Sometimes it’s easy to forget who we once were. Our lives and every waking thought is filled with our children. Whether it be wondering how to keep them entertained that day, where to go and what to do, or simply wondering what you’ll cook them for dinner.
Although it may not feel it at times, especially when I nod off on the sofa at 8pm, but, we’re still here. Emily and Nigel. Not just mum and dad. We’re still the couple we’ve always been and we still enjoy doing the things we’ve always enjoyed. It’s just we get less time to do those things now.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing as it means we spend our time doing things with our children such as chalk drawings in the garden, painting at the table, going to the park or dancing around the living room!
I do remember spending plenty of days playing video games. Nigel loves his games. He’d play call of duty all day, and I’d join in quite often too!
I can’t remember the last time he used the Xbox for anything other than putting DVDs in it for our girls to watch! I do try to do some things that I enjoy.
I think that’s why I’ve started sewing. It’s a hobby I enjoy and something that I find relaxing. A great way to pass the time. Before kids I used to love reading. I still do, but I just don’t seem to have the time to read a book anymore. That’s the great thing about sewing, you can just pick up where you left off and know exactly where you are and where you’re headed with it.
Our twins are four years old and started school in September. I didnt feel ready for it and I still don’t. They’re growing up so quickly.
26 Comments
Rach
October 19, 2016 at 9:09 am
Ah, this was a lovely post. Really enjoyed reading it. We’ll always be Mum & Dad first and foremost but it’s important to remember we’re also humans too with our own feelings, wants and needs. #bestandworst
Fiona Cambouropoulos
October 19, 2016 at 10:09 am
Ah life changes but it changes again as they grow up. We are now at the point we can leave the kids overnight and have those grown up breaks again. I hope school is going well, it is such a big change for them and for you. #BestWorst
Amy
October 19, 2016 at 11:27 am
I would love to visit Rome and we plan to once the girls are a bit older! It’s funny how life changes once you have children.. They will always come first 🙂 #BestandWorst
Sarah Howe @runjumpscrap
October 19, 2016 at 4:16 pm
So get this now we have a newborn. Hubby and I have said we feel like ships in the night sometimes, tag teaming with the kids and sharing jobs. You really have to look back and remember who you were (and for us drop the gremlin at Nanny’s!) Thanks for sharing with #bestandworst x
jeremy@thirstydaddy
October 19, 2016 at 4:32 pm
My list would be short. I used to stay up late and sleep in a bit. Losing the second has led to the demise of the first #bestandworst
Renee @peonieandme
October 19, 2016 at 9:40 pm
I can’t remember my husbands name, lol, jokes. We try and make Friday nights, date night. Which at the moment involves us watching the killing with and M&S meal deal or better still “can’t believe it’s Iceland fish”. Then I usually pass out. Maybe this Friday I will take a leaf out of your book make more of an effort. Renee @peonieandme #bestandworst x
Peachy and her Mommy
October 20, 2016 at 12:06 am
I don’t mind the changes we’ve had to make to our lifestyle. The way I see it, all that stuff went on pause. There will be plenty of time for all that when we’re empty nesters. Until then, I plan on savouring every moment. Like you said, they grow up so fast. Better make the most of this temporary phase of life. I believe we come out of it as better people. #bestandworst
Fran Back With a Bump
October 21, 2016 at 9:06 am
We’re still jusy as silly even after kids! As for reading though, that rarely happens now! #thatfridaylinky
Chloe Weir
October 21, 2016 at 1:24 pm
I too let go of all my organisational habits when I had my children! #ThatFridayLinky
Lianne
October 21, 2016 at 3:00 pm
We’ve struggled with this. I have a 12 year old from a previous relationship, so when James & I first met, we had alternate weekends to still do all those things, then after 4 years we had Taylor and it’s been a big shock to our relationship not to have any time to ourselves, and something we’re having to work on. #thatfridaylinky
Emma Island Living 365
October 21, 2016 at 3:55 pm
Ahhh lovely post! It can be so easy to forget who you were pre-children. Having a hobby for yourself is a great way of your reminding yourself. 🙂 #ThatFridayLinky
five little doves
October 21, 2016 at 4:59 pm
How lovely! My husband and I were only together for four months before I fell pregnant, we didn’t hang about! Plus with me having a six year old when we met we never really had that time together in the same way that most couples do. We’ve never had a holiday just the two of us, one day when the kids are grown we will finally get a honeymoon! Still wouldn’t change it for the world! #thatfridaypost
becca farrelly
October 21, 2016 at 6:19 pm
Aww such a lovely post! We struggled to find ourselves as a couple once Mia was born and although she was planned and prepared for, we struggled when she came along and it took us about 2 yrs to get back to where we were as a couple. We worked through it and with the help of my mum and her partner, we now get a weekend a month to ourselves and its pure bliss! 🙂
#ThatFridayLinky
David – Potty Adventures
October 21, 2016 at 6:39 pm
Lovely post. I particularly like the way you’ve structured the start (sorry, the English teacher in me loves a good structure haha). You’re right it is funny remembering old habits prior to kids but, as you, change is no bad thing.
#thatfridaylinky
David Shaul – DadvWorld
October 21, 2016 at 6:59 pm
When I met Donetta she came nicely packaged with our 2 girls. The Corben arrived exactly 1 day after we’d been together for 1 year! Things moved quickly. Before we knew Corben was on his way though, we did get time to do a few things when the girls went to see their Dad. We loved going out to different places and staying away in different hotels. Thinking about it, TripAdvisor should have offered a job!!
#ThatFridayLink
alan herbert
October 21, 2016 at 9:42 pm
Ah yes I remeber those days too. Jumping in the car and heading off somewhere on a whim. Sleeping in the car if nowhere to stay.
Meals out where you can sit and talk, without constant trips to the loo to see whats taking so long, or explaining what Crispy Won Tons are for the 500th time.
I wouldn’t go back though. They are only small for a short while.
Fab post. Thanks for hosting #thatfridaylinky
ohmummymia
October 21, 2016 at 9:44 pm
Definitely kids growing to fast! I can say that I miss going out to cinema:( and yes it’s really nice to have something only for yourself like you have your hobby:) I started my blog 🙂
#ThatFridayLinky
Lily Mae
October 21, 2016 at 10:03 pm
This was so beautiful! My friends that have children feel the exact same way. They’re still the same people as they were before, but they’re just sharing themselves with their families and enjoying that experience.
Sewing is so perfect to chill out! My mum sews whenever she gets too stressed.
ablondeandababy
October 21, 2016 at 10:14 pm
Lovely post and I can relate so much! Great idea about taking up sewing too as something you can pick up as and when you get the chance. I keep thinking of taking up knitting! #thatFridaylinky
Ryan Bickham
October 21, 2016 at 10:44 pm
Remembering you are 2 adults and not just Mum and Dad is important; as my boys have got older I have started to get some of that individuality back although I don’t think it will ever be the same. #ThatFridayLinky
One Messy Mama
October 22, 2016 at 1:12 pm
My husband and I were actually thinking about this the other day. It’s amazing how quickly one forgets about the pre-children days! 🙂 #ThatFridayLinky
Amie
October 22, 2016 at 2:26 pm
We try to schedule a date night every other week but we’re that tired that we just end up watching xfactor then going to bed early! #thatfridaylinky
Lex
October 22, 2016 at 2:55 pm
Funny I was just thinking about how much me and my partner have changed since having children. I can’t even recall the last time we went out to the cinema or for a long relaxing meal like we used too. But we wouldn’t have it any other way 🙂 #thatfridaylinky
James Hopes
October 22, 2016 at 11:05 pm
It’s definitely hard but important to make sure you keep all the good bits of being a couple along with the good bits of being parents! Easy to forget the years before the little ones came along #ThatFridayLinky
Jade – Raw Childhood
October 23, 2016 at 9:11 pm
Life changes dramatically but none of us would have it any other way would we lol. We have date night on thursday because its my birthday so it will be nice to have some time out and have some wine and food without someone trying to steal off my plate! 😉 haha #thatfridaylinky
Laura
October 25, 2016 at 2:01 am
Life really does change so much once you have kids – would love to go to the Cinema now! But it’s the best change on could ask for
Laura x