Keeping the Spark in Your Relationship

The journey into parenthood brings along with it new responsibilities and focus for both parents. Everything in the home seems to revolve around the new baby, from money matters to laundry duty. It's so easy to lose sight of the original relationship between mom and dad.

As a stay at home mom I took on all household chores while my husband went off to work each day so that we could afford to live our lifestyle. Every ounce of energy we had revolved around our new baby and by day's end we didn't have much left to tend to "us." It's a sacrifice most of us make for the sake of a new baby and is completely justifiable; however I was always on the lookout for ways that I could put some spark back in our relationship to keep the fires burning.

The most important thing to remember is that he was in your life first and if you're madly in love with each other, he will still be in your life long after your baby is grown and starting a life of his/her own. Make him feel special every day. The following are some great ideas that can be fit into the schedule of a new mom.

Serve a candle lit dinner for two. Being a mom myself I know that creating a magical dinner for two isn't always possible between baby feedings, laundry and washing dishes. However, there are always those days, however few and far between, when the Universe seems to align in your favor and there is time to prepare a meal that he will truly appreciate. Whatever he enjoys the most, surprise him by serving it up with the lights dimmed and candles lit. Let's face it; candles can even bring a romantic glow to hot dogs and potato chips!

Wear something special. When it's that time of night for the two of you to retire to bed, surprise him by wearing what he likes best. It may be nothing at all! Whatever it is, it may be just enough to spark up a second wind and get those fires burning.

Walk by kissing. How many times a day do you walk by your man and not make any action to notice he's there? Sending him an unexpected kiss, smile, hug or grab keeps him thinking of you and you thinking of him and is sure to keep both of you smiling through the day.

Indulge his sweet tooth. The next time you find yourself at the grocery store, pick up the ingredients to his favorite dessert to have on hand in the house. That way when the time is available you can whip up his favorite sweet and surprise him with indulgence.

Send love letters. If he's on his computer all day, send him an email. If he's on the road all day, write a short love note and pack it in his lunch cooler for him to find while he's at work.

These are all things that I've been able to do without getting a sitter and going out of my daily routine with the baby. They are simple yet so very underestimated. If a baby sitter is available to you, take advantage! Having time together as a couple outside of the home is one of the best ways to keep the two of you in touch with yourselves as a couple. Schedule a night out for dinner, a movie or surprise him with tickets to an event that he would love to attend.

Letting him know that you are still madly in love with him shouldn't take much work. Do what he likes and mix in new ideas for added spark. The goal is to let him know that you are thinking about him all the time and that you are truly madly in love with him.