Girls’ Night Out: Before Kids vs. After Kids

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Who doesn’t love a girls’ night out? From the popcorn-filled laughter of our first slumber parties to the wild bingo nights with Grandma and her poodle perm, gathering with the girls is a time-honored tradition we all cherish.

As I navigate life with two little ones under two, I’ve realized that while my passion for ladies’ night remains, how I prepare for these rare escapes has shifted significantly.

Pre-Children Prep for Girls’ Night Out:

  1. Crank up some upbeat tunes to get the vibe going.
  2. Pour myself a generous glass of wine.
  3. Browse through my closet, pondering which fabulous outfit to wear. Try on a few options.
  4. Enjoy a long, relaxing shower—exfoliating, shaving my legs, and washing my hair.
  5. Moisturize my legs, do my makeup, and style my hair with a blow dryer and straightener or curling wand.
  6. Refill my wine glass and turn up the music a notch.
  7. Chat with my friends to see what they’re wearing and their plans for the night.
  8. Return to my closet to finalize the perfect outfit, shoes, and accessories.
  9. Paint my nails if I haven’t already treated myself to a mani/pedi.
  10. Sip my wine while listening to music, all while waiting for my nail polish to dry.
  11. Call a taxi and check my emails as I wait.
  12. Grab my keys and head out the door.

Doesn’t that sound like a dream? Who needs to go out after such an indulgent at-home experience?

Post-Children Prep for Girls’ Night Out:

  1. Search for the remote to steal 20 minutes of quiet while I prep.
  2. Get the kids a snack to keep them occupied.
  3. Frantically rummage through my wardrobe for something that fits and doesn’t scream “maternity.”
  4. No time for a shower—dry shampoo and deodorant will have to do.
  5. Quickly swipe on some mascara and cover up the inevitable zits, even though I’m in my 30s.
  6. Start dinner while anxiously wondering when my husband will return from work.
  7. Call him to speed up his journey home—like, now!
  8. Feed the kids and tag my husband as he steps through the door. I’m off duty… sort of.
  9. Paint my nails as fast as I can, hoping no one notices the mess I made.
  10. Surprise! I’m not off duty yet since I still have to tackle the kids’ pajamas, teeth brushing, and bottles.
  11. Say goodbye with hugs that leave me with snot on my skirt and smudged nails.
  12. Make a dash for the door, turning back to blow kisses to the little faces pressed against the window.

If you’re interested in reading more about the transitions of parenthood, this post on home insemination can offer some valuable insights. Also, check out Cryobaby’s home insemination syringe kit for more info on self-insemination. Lastly, CCRM’s blog is a great resource for all things related to pregnancy and home insemination.

In summary, whether you’re hitting the town with your girls pre-kids or just trying to escape for a few hours post-kids, the experience is a stark contrast. But no matter how chaotic the preparation gets, those nights out are worth every ounce of effort!