Updated: July 13, 2017
Originally Published: September 13, 2014
The age-old jokes about the decline of intimacy after marriage are all too familiar. When my partner and I got engaged, his older friends teased about how certain ahem activities would soon become relics of the past. He shot me a look, one eyebrow raised, silently questioning what our future held. I assured him that no formal commitment was going to dampen our romantic life. Little did I know, the arrival of children would change everything.
The impact of childbirth on my body was significant — stretch marks, a noticeable scar from my cesarean, and a little extra weight on my hips. But beyond the physical changes, the sheer exhaustion from caring for a newborn was overwhelming. Our intimate moments became less frequent and often felt rushed, like a “lite” version of what we used to enjoy. We started scheduling encounters, which rarely worked out.
One night, after a late family dinner, we returned home around 10 PM. Our eldest had dozed off in the car, so we quietly changed and tucked him into bed. As I was closing the door to our youngest’s room, who was also sleeping peacefully, I whispered to my partner, “Got 10 minutes?” He laughed and replied, “Absolutely.”
We quickly shed our clothes and jumped onto the bed. For a brief moment, I thought we might have caught a break for a nice evening together. But then, we heard a tiny voice from the hallway: “What are you guys doing?”
Panic set in. Why on earth don’t we have locks on our doors? I felt the heat rising in my cheeks while my partner stifled a chuckle, burying his face in my neck. I realized it was up to me to handle this. “We’re just talking,” I blurted out.
“Talking? That’s silly,” my five-year-old replied. “Talking naked?”
I was scrambling for a better response. “That’s us, super silly! Did you need something?” I grasped at straws, desperate to end this awkward encounter.
“Did I leave Mr. Bear in here?” my innocent son asked.
My partner quickly reached to the side, found the beloved toy, and tossed it toward the door. “Here you go!” he called out. “Good night!”
Just when I thought we were in the clear, our son popped his head back in, pausing to think. “If you’re really talking naked, you’re doing it all wrong. Daddy’s still wearing socks!”
After he left, we lay on the bed, laughing uncontrollably. The kind of laughter that leaves you gasping for breath. While our romantic moment may have ended, it transformed into something far more intimate and real. We ended the night with a quick microwave pizza and drifted off to sleep. Surprisingly, it felt even better than the alternative.
For more insights on parenting and intimacy, check out this link to keep the conversation going. Additionally, if you’re interested in enhancing your chances of conception, consider visiting Make A Mom for valuable information. And if you’re looking for resources on pregnancy and home insemination, Mount Sinai provides excellent guidance.
Summary:
Navigating intimacy after marriage can be a challenge, especially with the arrival of children. In one humorous encounter, a couple’s attempt at romance turns into a hilariously awkward moment when their child interrupts them. Through laughter and love, they discover that parenting and intimacy can coexist in unexpected ways.