The One Where We're Dating

We recently went on a date, a first date. We were nervous, wondered what to wear, had sweaty palms, used all the manners we've been taught, tried not to drink too much, and didn't overstay our welcome. It went pretty good we think. We'll have to see if they call! ....They?

Yes, they! We're dating other couples. I've noticed a trend among my friends who have children. Somewhere around the time their babies turn 5-6 months old, they start to try and find a life outside of "babyworld" again.  Please tell me I'm not alone. You have a baby, your world changes, your trying to keep up with friends, family, day-to-day tasks of life and somehow you realize it's 6 or so months later and you haven't seen your friends who don't have children in months. Why? How can you have fallen this out of touch with the outside world? How could you be so wrapped up in first teeth, introducing solids, a weening schedule, baby proofing and developmental milestones that you forgot to keep up with your babyless friends?

So, what next? Well - you date. You try to meet other couples and you date. You eye other people at church or the grocery store or at the playground, other couples who have children. You whisper about them and wonder if you should ask them over for a play-date or better yet, dinner (with the kids of course). You join meetup.com groups and try to find other mothers/fathers around your area. Which is how we met our latest date; a couple around our age who lives within walking distance of our house. We went over to their house for dinner a few weeks ago for our first date and since then, there have been several subsequent dates. We're getting more comfortable and not as concerned with what we wear or how clean the house is before they come over. What stage of this relationship comes next? A night out without the kids? What do you think we'll talk about? My guess is the kids! But that would be just fine with me. I'm just happy we're dating.