When you’re young and looking to fall in love, or maybe just looking to have some fun, dating seems like the biggest highlight of your fledging social life. First dates, with all the butterflies, awkward moments and possible first kisses are magical in their own right, but what would you say if I told you it gets even better? What if I told you I’ve discovered 4 dates in my adulthood… and specifically as a mom… that blow the best first date I’ve ever had out of the water?
The “Let’s Escape and Remember We’re Humans That Love Each Other Date”
To be fair, I have actually had a first date with this person- and it was pretty amazing. BUT as exceptional as that date was, over sushi and loads of sake, I’m talking about a rendezvous even more special, more intimate… and one that rarely ever happens. I’m talking about the elusive date with my fiancé. That magical moment when we actually have a babysitter and can sneak away for a few hours to simply enjoy being adults together. Yes, we love our daughter, but we also love one another and certainly do not get enough time to just let loose and share a few laughs, catch a movie or a plate of really delicious, salty parmesan and prosciutto. When we enjoy each other more, we not only enjoy our family more, but we handle the bumps and bruises of parenting better together too.
The “You Save My Soul and Keep Me Sane Date”
Coffee? Check. Laughing? Check. Girlfriends? Check Check. Mastering the art of the girlfriend date has been by far one of my biggest accomplishments and sanity savers. Never in my life did I expect to find such raw happiness in laughing and talking… mixed with a bit of bitching… with my girlfriends over a good cup of hot coffee! Nothing is off limits, from toddler tantrums to awkward gynecologist visits to the latest dumb fight with our spouses. Girlfriends are the soul sisters sent to us to let us know we’re NOT ALONE (or crazy!) No matter if it’s a quick cup of Joe, a long night with an endless supply of wine or anything in between, I relish the time to soak up all the support and love with my BFFs.
The “Embracing Every Moment of Our Legacy Date”
If you’re blessed enough to still have the opportunity for date #3, I suggest you get on it and savor every moment you can. Opportunities to share time with my adult parents is by far one of the most treasured experiences in life. Everything from learning little secrets I didn’t realize as a child to discovering more of who I am through the tales of my parents to their NOW WISE advice is something to behold. Simply shopping (power walking and bargain buying) with my Mom or sitting on the back deck, sipping a martini with my Dad, time always seems to simultaneously stop and pass in the blink of an eye. For a moment, I am transfixed- embracing this person whom I know will not always be around- trying my best to soak up every memory, piece of invaluable knowledge or family secret before the hustle and bustle of life starts again. Though I vividly remember with joy my “Daddy Daughter Dates” as a child, watching vampire movies and eating large bowls of pasta, I still wouldn’t trade any of my adult conversations with my parents for the world. I hold every nanosecond deep inside my heart to pull from, when inevitably one day, they are no longer around to guide me.
The “Little Toes, Big Smiles, Perfect Moments and Endless Love Date”
Finally, this brings us to the date of all dates. The very MOMENT I realized I wanted life to literally stand still. The moment I thought to myself “this is exactly how every true love should feel.” That exact moment I looked at my daughter, lying in our bed with a big bowl of popcorn practically hiding her face, watching a movie and laughing. Just the two of us in our pajamas, our hair messy from a day of play- date night with my daughter has turned out to be the most rewarding event of my life. No wining and dining, flowers, first date sparks or butterflies can compare to the simplicity of true love between us. It is in the very moment that we start singing or dancing to any number of Disney movies, that I know this… this moment right here… is my favorite date of all. On any given day, my hundredth kiss from my daughter is still more special and cherished than any first kiss on any first date in the world.
Do You Have a Jungle Princess? 