Prioritizing Date Night In Pregnancy

If you've spent anytime on Pinterest, or in the world in the last decade, you've seen the many posts on the infamous Bucket List. Ever since Jack Nicholson + Morgan Freeman appeared in the film that would make the phrase a worldwide sensation, everyone's been eager to make, and widely publicize their lists on social media. 

I myself am not a fan of the word Bucket, but I do have my goal lists. I've been making life goal lists since I was 5 or so. But with baby on the brain lately, I've been thinking of all the things I want to do not before I'm elderly, but before this little one makes their appearance. Namely, the activities I want to squeeze in as a wifey with my husband pre-babies. 

Waiting for the glass blowing show to start!

Renaissance Festival - Apache Junction, AZ

Mr. Charming and I spent yesterday at the Renaissance Fair that came to town and had such a great time.

Yes I was tired.
Yes we had a million home projects to work on.
Yes that $40 budget could have been added to the savings we're trying to amass.

​But we also make our marriage a priority. It's crucial. And dating each other, enjoying life and enjoying travel and activities in town are things that are important to us. And should be a priority in any marriage.

"Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun—all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun." Ecclesiastes 9:9

As archery lovers and lovers of all thing new and different, we had a blast! The Festival felt much larger than in past years, and though it was over an hour drive from home each way, it was fun to be out in the sunshine, exploring, shopping and having lunch together outside. The festival employees were wonderful, as Mr. Charming called ahead and let them know about my food concerns and they allowed me to pack and bring my own lunch. (The website said this wouldn't be allowed, so always call to speak to someone in this situation!) so I packed a Paleo Turkey Wrap, carrot sticks, organic apple slices and a Nana Berry Vanilla Cookie Bar for a treat. And plenty of water! 

Mr. Charming's Brat

We love archery!

When we are "adventuring", for the most part Mr. Charming will eat clean with me. Dining at all my vegan restaurant finds along the way and exploring healthy dishes right alongside me. But I always let him know that if he wants to indulge in a specialty item, to go for it! We live a clean lifestyle and if I could splurge more here and there, I probably would because, guys, #lifeisshort, and sometimes a bratwurst or a funnel cake just looks dang good. So he got a traditional brat and we people watched while we had lunch. People watching is a really fun thing to do for a date night that's free, and doing so in a location where people dress in CRAZY costumes makes it super enjoyable. 

Some of my favorite highlights of the day were seeing all of the handmade goods, from the archery bows to the jewelry from recycled electric wiring, the glassblowing show we saw and just being out in the Spring sunshine with my hubs. 

Below is a list of Pre-Baby Date Night Ideas that are fun for Spring & Summer & safe for mama's and our growing bellies! 
​

• Dinner Date Night
  Because, let's face it, our appetites are in #beastmode right now. We LOVE trying new organic, gluten free or vegan cafes that move into town.
• Movie Night
  Since sitting for long periods of time is starting to get uncomfortable, we opt to splurge on the fancier theatres with recliners or we enjoy a movie in our home theatre. 
• Picnic In The Park
  The weather is so beautiful this time of year in most parts of the world, and what better way to enjoy sunshine than kicking back with a good book, healthy lunch and maybe a foot massage from your honey?
• Spa Day
  This one doesn't need much selling + luckily I have a husband who enjoys a good massage and pedicure. We are looking to book a spa day towards the end of my second trimester for some pampering and to help ease my aches + pains. 
• Exercising
  Stay with me, we all need to be doing it. It's been proven to help with the labor and birth process, and I find it MUCH more enjoyable if it's in the form of power walking with my hubs, Swimming is also a wonderful form of safe exercise to do. We also love taking Charlie to the dog park and running around with him and a tennis ball.
• Babymooning
  Pre-pregnancy Mr. Charming and I received two timeshare vacations that expire right around my due date. We have to sit down soon to plan these, but since I have decided not to fly during my pregnancy for a few personal and health reasons, we are looking to book something along the westcoast, Las Vegas or possibly up north in Arizona. Babymoon's are important for bonding and time for romance before your schedule and life get turned upside down for a while. Especially if you're avid travelers like us, it will relax us and make us feel more normal to continue to travel. 

​

---

Did you have a favorite pre-baby date night? Or are you planning anything fun + exciting to celebrate your pregnancy? Share in the comments below!