Sometimes, I find myself lost in memories. One minute I’m ordering coffee, and the next, a catchy song comes on the radio, whisking me back to a time when makeup and late-night adventures filled my life. I reminisce about the college dorm bathroom buzzing with laughter and the scent of hairspray, where my friends and I would prep for nights out until the sun came up.
Back then, we’d start getting ready around 9 p.m., a concept that seems utterly foreign to me now—because these days, 9 p.m. means it’s time to ditch the bra. Who in their right mind would wear an underwire at 9:30? Not me, not anymore!
That carefree gal loved the thrill of a bustling crowd, dancing until the neon lights of late-night fast food lured her home. Years later, even as a wife, she still made time to enjoy nights out with friends. Fast-forward four years and two kids later, and here I am.
I confess, my last five Saturday nights have been spent at home, alone. Well, not exactly alone; my kids were sleeping. There was no getting ready, no hair products, no late-night runs. And honestly? It was absolutely wonderful. Call me dull or a has-been, but my idea of a “big” Saturday night now is lounging on my couch with some guilty-pleasure snacks and relishing the peace and quiet. I’m living the literal version of Netflix and chill.
I still love my friends; they’re incredible people. However, since becoming a mother, I’ve discovered a new passion: sleep. It doesn’t matter if I receive the most tempting invitations or none at all. The outcome is always the same: yoga pants, no bra, air conditioning set just right, and sleep.
I don’t care if you’re royalty; sleep triumphs every single time.
“But, Jenna! We’re going to this amazing ice cream spot with organic, locally sourced, fat-free treats!”
To that, I’d respond, “There’s nothing as satisfying as uninterrupted sleep.”
“But Jenna! There’s a party with everyone we know enjoying margaritas and board games!”
No party can compare to a solid night’s sleep.
“But Jenna! We’re going to an awesome concert. Don’t you want to dance?”
Sorry, ladies. I’ll be at home feeling the rhythm—the circadian rhythm.
It’s not that I’m trying to be a buzzkill. I cherish time with my friends. But parenthood has left me chronically sleep-deprived, presenting me with a choice: dress up and leave the house, or snuggle into bed for a good night’s sleep.
If you hesitated to answer, I’m guessing your kids sleep like logs, or maybe you’re superhuman. If you’ve ever experienced that all-consuming level of exhaustion, you’d understand why sleep becomes your one true love.
Do I miss my friends? Absolutely. Do I long for the days when a night out didn’t require a costly babysitter and a mountain of sleep debt? Yes. But don’t pity me. My tub of ice cream and I are perfectly content on the couch, wearing my oversized T-shirt and having tossed my bra aside.
And in just a few moments, I’ll be cranking up my favorite tunes—getting my groove on, but in bed. I’ll be flipping my duvet, adjusting my pillow until it’s just right for my tired head.
Because one thing is certain: every Saturday and many more to come will be dedicated to the sweet embrace of sleep.
I adore all of you, but sleep? It reigns supreme.
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Summary:
In this humorous reflection on motherhood and the joy of sleep, Jenna Lee shares how her priorities have shifted since becoming a mom. While she cherishes her friends and the memories of late-night adventures, the exhaustion of parenting has led her to embrace the peaceful luxury of sleep over social outings.