date night & quality couple time

Yesterday morning Josh and I made the most of a rare lie in as it was bank holiday Monday! We were sat in bed reminiscing the beginning of our relationship, which consisted of a lot of spontaneous dinner dates, drinks, day outings and adventures! Obviously very soon when the baby arrives, its going to take a bit more planning to go off on trips and outings – correct me if I'm wrong mums! I guess I'll know for sure when baby gets here! Not only that, but the realisation that money which would've gone on treats, is going to be needed for nappies! (Which may I add are more expensive than I first realised!) So we sat and expressed how we really want to make the most of the last few weeks we have together before two become three!

So yesterday afternoon, I took it upon myself (while Josh was at the gym) to book a table for two, at Pizza Express in Oxford centre. Nothing overly fancy, or too far away, but a nice change of scenery from our dining table with no cooking or washing up for us to do! Not to mention for anyone who is gluten intolerant Pizza Express' gluten free options are really good and yummy! It was just such a lovely evening, to put on a nice outfit, have a chilled dinner, treating ourselves to something we wouldn't normally have and laugh a lot.. as we always do! Then come home, with our tummy's very full and satisfied, and curl up and go to sleep.​

I know it sounds silly saying making the most of “time for two” because we live together, work together, and are pretty much glued together. You'd think that we have plenty of time together! But when it's spontaneous and different from your usual routine, it does feel special, now matter how fancy or far away it may be. Obviously we are slightly limited in what we can do, with me being pretty heavily pregnant now! I can't travel too far without needing the loo, I get tired really easily, and I think I'm starting to nest.. as I just love my home and own bed right now!! But the odd dinner out, or brunch (as we are big fans of brunch!) or a day trip to a city nearby for some shopping, is just the right amount that I can physically cope with, and to feel like we've had some good quality time together.

Despite being very busy in these last 6 weeks leading up to our due date, we are really trying to make the most of being “us”. I think more than the fancy holidays or dinners out with not a care in the world as to what time we get home.. it's the little things we'll miss. For example, Josh and I always end up sitting in bed chatting about anything and everything for a good 30 minutes before actually falling asleep, which we won't be able to do with a baby sleeping in a crib next to us! Maybe we could whisper? Who am I kidding, we'll probably be up all night anyway so will be able to talk every two hours when she wakes! (Oh god...!)​

Having quality couple time together, when we're not working, or discussing and planning baby stuff, just focusing on each other, is something we both feel very strongly about. Not only now, but we also hope we can continue when the baby arrives.. although it may be a while till we figure out when or how to do that! Will have to keep you all posted on expectations vs reality! Don't get me wrong.. we couldn't be more excited and over the moon about having a baby (this was planned after-all!) But it is scary knowing that your whole routine and relationship that you have always known is going to change, as there's another little person to consider and who takes priority! I'm sure no matter what, we'll always find a way of making time for each other. We are best friends as well as partners, how could we not!

Any tips from parents about how you make time for yourselves I'd love to hear! Feel free to comment in the box below, or contact me via the social page!