Rediscovering Romance: Rekindle the Magic in Your Relationship

Hey you, yes you—in your milk-stained shirt and yesterday's makeup. You, who once reveled in the vibrant nightlife but now sees 9:00 PM as bedtime—not to mention your partner, draped over the couch like a retired superhero. Welcome, warrior of the 6-to-12-month post-partum party, to an article dedicated to rediscovering the romance amidst the chaos. Let’s pause those Netflix dramas, Pop your relationship's romance back from hibernation, and find that spark under all those baby wipes.

Bring Sexy Back (In Matching Pajamas)

Remember when Saturday nights were for indulgent dinner dates and dancing? Fast forward to now: dinner for three plus a diaper change. Let's transform Saturday blah into Saturday 'ahhh.' Who says romance can't be rediscovered in your living room with PJs as sexy as those Mum Tum leggings? And let's not forget, sweet old Spotify's still got the power to turn your living room into a dance floor.

The formula: Crank up the music + Fancy wine glasses + You, in your lounge-wear glory = Recipe for rekindling flames.

Laughter Is (Still) the Best Aphrodisiac

Show of hands, how many times have you laughed so hard with your partner over something insignificant? Remember that feeling. Whether it's ornamental potato chips (you'll need to r

ead that story) or laughing at the utter ridiculousness of trying to locate an air-puffed pacifier at 2 AM. Indulge in a comedy show or, better yet, swap silly stories like you did when you first met. Laughter may not solve your midnight diaper dilemma, but it makes navigating it a lot more fun.

If laughter is the best medicine, surely it can cure your romance flu, right?

Unplug to Plug In

When was the last time you turned off the ducky-shaped night light and focused on each other? Create a 'no phones past bedtime' rule or simply have a no-tech Sunday. Swap scrolling through baby tips for 'Do Not Disturb' and your favorite relationship podcasts. Connect by having ye olde traditional conversation. For the brave, try saying 'I love you' without the aid of emojis. It's a lost art, truly.

You might find that your partner's avatar sprite is even more charming in 3D.

Reignite the Physical with a Twist

Evening strolls can be more than pram-pushing expeditions. Squeeze in a handhold between carrying the baby bag and fishing out the missing teething toy. Besides, what better backdrop is there to reignite the flame than the neighborhood sunsets kids drone on about during playdates?

Think chemistry experiment. You're in a primed position to discover Hollywoodesque kisses: think slow-mo, gentle caresses—any kid asleep or required to take three tries to head to bed requires your Oscar-winning performance. Ms. Romantic Lives,

And Breathe. Thank me later.

Remember, there's beauty in working together to rediscover who you are as a couple, post-baby. So, shout out a sweet thank you to those maternity leggings that got you through pregnancy, and let these tips guide you and your PJs-on-parade partner back to your true romance.

Remember, Date Night is Non-Negotiable

If there's anything that deserves to be marked as a "recurring event" on your calendar, it's date night. For the love of sanity, make time for each other. Hire a trustworthy babysitter or kidnap grandparents; plant yourselves in a cozy restaurant corner, or dance between the aisles in the local supermarket. Doesn't matter. It's intentional time spent together without a kid climbing on your head.

Remember, love is love, whether it's whispered over fine dining or a quick pizza binge with a side of cheeky flirtation.

Chronicling Love: Write It Down

Our digital-centric world often leaves love letters in the dust. But hear me out: Write a note. Scribble a cute post-it. Plan your next mini-adventure together on fancy letterhead, if that's your thing. You may be in the trenches right now, but you will look back and laugh. Imagine the joy of finding those messages stashed in old photo albums 10 years from now. They're your powerful little time bombs of love—set yours off sooner rather than later.

Romance rekindled isn't a far-fetched dream, my dear night owl and unwilling early bird. Romance is right there, just nestled beneath a mound of mismatched socks and baby mittens. Here's to abating arguments over Peppa Pig vs. Bluey marathons, and, instead, reawakening those 'only you and I matter' moments. Now, off you trot to your PJ dance hall. May your Mum Tum rock those Korowai cliffs!

Your old love song vinyl record called. It's been waiting for you.