By: Emma Grant
“Just one more,” I proclaimed, just as confidently as I had with my last slice of dessert. My partner and I had just embarked on our very first overnight trip away from our three little ones, traveling out of state for a wedding.
The six-hour drive felt surreal, a refreshing change from the usual chaos of parenting—”He’s staring at me!” “She hit me!” “I feel sick!” “I need to go potty!” “The toddler tossed her juice box again!” But today, it was different. We cruised along in relative tranquility, sharing laughter and enjoying the silence, occasionally interrupted by my playful requests for “just one more bite” of my partner’s bagel, which I had insisted I didn’t want.
It’s incredible how comforting it can be to connect with someone who appreciates both lively conversation and quiet moments. During the ceremony, we were free from the distractions of small hands and restless legs. My partner’s arm rested on my knee, and I nestled close to him, cherishing that intimacy.
At dinner, we engaged in delightful conversations with fellow parents at our table, sharing the ups and downs of family life. We laughed so hard at times that tears streamed down our faces.
Throughout the reception, we indulged in “just one more” drink, and oh, how we danced! That evening marked nine years of either being pregnant or breastfeeding for me, a decade where our focus had shifted predominantly to our kids. But that night was a welcome reminder of our relationship, a celebration of us as individuals and as a couple in need of a social break. It felt liberating to not have to jump up to clean a spilled drink, break up sibling squabbles, or tend to diaper duties.
Surrounded by a group of amazing women, I found myself laughing so much that my cheeks hurt. I cherished every moment of that joy—both from the dancing and the delightful conversations. I realized I needed that feeling of freedom and laughter more than I thought.
With each toast, we raised our glasses for “one more”—one more hour, one more song, one more memory. It’s profound to discover that adults also crave “just one more,” just as much as our children do.
If you’re curious about ways to navigate your family journey, you might want to check out this post on home insemination for some insightful tips. And if you’re considering starting a family, Make A Mom offers a comprehensive guide on home insemination kits. For more information on pregnancy, I recommend visiting MedlinePlus, an excellent resource.
Summary
Taking a break from parenting can rejuvenate your relationship and well-being. A night away allows couples to reconnect, experience laughter, and enjoy moments of intimacy without the usual distractions of family life.