Romance After Kids

I was never a big fan of Valentine's Day until I had kids. I thought the hysteria was ridiculous, especially the gals who expected so much from their boyfriends (and were inevitably disappointed), and yet they generally did nada for their guys. No offense if you're one of those girls, but I'm guessing because you're a friend of mine that you're NOT. :) I was the girlfriend who managed to do something special for my guy, because I didn't think this made-up holiday should be a one-way street.

Now that I have kids though and life's much busier, it is nice that Hallmark encourages my husband to get me a card once more a year to remind me that he loves me and all my BS too. And I always get him at least a card and usually something more. But I think romance just gets redefined when you have kids. Relationships in and of themselves are a lot of work. You add kids to the mix. Holy nuts. Life gets exponentially harder. Exponentially more rewarding, too? You betcha.

I think it's romantic that Tim does the cooking. It's romantic when he helps me fold sheets. It's romantic when he plays with the kids on Saturday mornings, so I can get some extra shut-eye. I hope he thinks it's romantic that I write this blog, that I handle the morning routine on weekdays, that I bake with the kids, etc. -- Valentine's cupcakes are next on today's agenda. (Thanks Grandma Rose!) The kids and I have spent the last week preparing valentines for their classmates. So much fun! Here are some photos from the last decade that remind me of good times:

Carrying Gabe in the Baby Bjorn -- romantic!

Taking pictures of your wife sleeping peacefully with your first-born -- totally romantic.

More pics of wife with second-born -- romantic! :)

Romantic Saturday night in store? Sure. We'll get the kids to bed about 8 and then snuggle on the couch while renting a cheesy movie. I can't wait. Happy Valentine's Day, Tim. You're a fun partner and friend, wonderful father, and I love you and all your BS. ;) Smooches!