6 Ways to Strengthen Your Marriage When Baby Goes to Sleep

Ok. I am not going to lie. 

Finding quality time with your spouse can be freaking hard once you have a baby. 

Why does this happen? Well, for one thing, you are busy enjoying your newest family member and also tending to your baby's every single need. Not just because you want to, but because you have to. It can seem very exhausting to add on another person to show your attention to-especially if you have more than one kid.

But, you have got to remember that you were married first. That guy you married-yeah, him-he came first. It should be no different now that your little bundle of joy has arrived! After all, if it weren't for your spouse, you wouldn't have your child!

Before my son was born, I would constantly hear about "babyproofing your marriage," but I did not quite exactly understand what that meant... until we had a baby of my own! 

One thing that I have learned is that you MUST make time for your spouse-and for your marriage. If not, things could potentially fall by the waist side.

It might feel as if there are not enough hours in the day, but try to grasp any free time to spend with your spouse because they deserve it!

Lately, we have been aiming to spend time whenever our son naps and so far its been a success! 

Here are 6 things to do once your baby goes to sleep:

1. Have sex, kiss, or cuddle. This is HUGE. You NEED sex. I know you may not feel like it, I totally understand-blame it on the hormones and the lack of sleep. But sex makes for part of a healthy marriage. Your husband, as a guy, needs it. If no sex, then cuddle and kiss! Reignite that passion and remember just why you fell in love with your wonderful spouse!
2. Watch a movie or a tv show that you both enjoy. My husband and I love Face Off and so we make time to watch that together. It is something that we make a point to enjoy every Tuesday or so. If I am in a movie mood, I will run to the nearest Netflix and pick up a new movie that neither of us have seen. Make some snacks and enjoy!
3. Lose yourself in deep conversation and a glass of wine. Turn the tv off, set your laptop down, and put your cell phone away to stop browsing Facebook for a few minutes. Look at each other, in the eyes. Tell him your deepest secrets, thoughts, or feelings. Compliment him. Ask him about his goals, dreams, or work.
4. Cook together. Our son usually naps around 5-ish and goes to bed for the night around 7:30 so we have to opportune times to cook dinner and eat-together. We are both great cooks so it is always an adventure. If your spouse isn't, then teach him! If you aren't, then you can learn-together.
5. Play games. A little competition is always healthy for a marriage. In our house, games mean the XBOX One or a trivial game. We have also been playing Words With Friends against each other, which is always a good time.
6. Read. My husband and I are total geeks! We love going to Books-A-Million and picking out a new novel to read together. He or I will read one chapter, per night, aloud. It is a great way to practice listening to your spouse while spending time with them.