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Date Night
The Great Escape By Kendeyl Johansen
Yet fears over the safety and happiness of your child in a baby-sitter's care can dampen the romance. Two months after his daughter Autumn was born, Robinson and his wife ventured out, nervous even though Autumn was safe and happy with Grandma.
Although they talked about the baby almost the whole time, they still enjoyed alone time together and now schedule dates regularly. "Jess and I were a couple before the baby," Robinson says. "It's important to remain a couple after the baby and to keep the relationship healthy and alive."
Don Smythe, father of four in Salt Lake City, Utah, also plans regular date nights. His and his wife's outings have ranged from attending a Utah Jazz game to roasting hot dogs and marshmallows over a mountain campfire. "At first, leaving the kids was hard for my wife and me," he says. "But date nights have really strengthened our marriage."
Carl Ream, a Florida father of three, recently enjoyed his first child-free date with his wife since the birth of 3-month-old Kasie. It had been so long since they dated, the couple couldn't think of anything to do. But then they remembered the nearby beach. "Off we went to a local beach club that plays island music, has amazing sunsets and -- hold onto your hats -- serves frozen tropical drinks - with liquor," Ream says.
He and his wife vowed not to talk about the kids, but crumbled when they spied a stroller at the next table. They spent the rest of the evening sharing parenting war-stories and triumphs with another couple. Despite the baby talk, Ream declared the night out a success and the couple plans to enjoy more of them.
