There are moments when I find myself reminiscing. One minute, I’m in line at my favorite coffee shop, and the next, a catchy pop song blares from the radio, instantly transporting me back to a time when getting ready for a night out meant perfecting my makeup and flouncing around in cute outfits. I remember the laughter and hairspray that filled the air in my college dorm bathroom, where my friends and I would get together to prep for the night ahead. Those nights would start as late as 9 p.m., which is hard to fathom now because, let’s be honest, 9 p.m. is now my cue to ditch the bra and settle in for the night. Who in their right mind would willingly wear an underwire at 9:30? Not me, not anymore.
That pre-mom version of me thrived on the buzz of a crowd. I lived for those nights out, dancing until the neon lights of the nearest taco spot called me home. Fast forward four years, and after having two little ones, I must admit that my last five Saturday nights have been spent at home, solo. Well, I wasn’t entirely alone — the kids were fast asleep, but there was no pregame, no hairspray, and certainly no late-night taco runs.
And honestly, it was absolutely wonderful. Call me a homebody or a has-been, but these days, my ideal Saturday night consists of sinking into my couch, indulging in some guilty pleasure snacks, and basking in the blissful tranquility. I’ve become the literal definition of Netflix and chill — and it’s glorious.
I still cherish my friends; they’re fantastic people. But since stepping into the world of motherhood, I’ve discovered a newfound love: sleep. Whether the invitations are pouring in or I’m getting radio silence, the outcome remains the same. It’s yoga pants, bra off, AC cranked up, and sleep time. No matter what anyone says, sleep wins — every time.
“But Jenna! We’re heading to this incredible ice cream shop where everything is organic, locally sourced, and fat-free!” To that, I’d respond, “There is no ice cream parlor that can compete with the joy of uninterrupted sleep.”
“But Jenna! There’s a party where everyone we know will be sipping margaritas and playing board games!” Sorry, my friends, but there’s no party more exhilarating than a full night’s sleep.
“But Jenna! We’re going to an awesome concert. Don’t you want to dance with us?” I appreciate the invite, but I’ll be at home grooving to my favorite rhythm — the rhythm of sleep.
It’s not that I don’t want to hang out with my friends; I genuinely do. The truth is straightforward: motherhood has left me sleep-deprived, and that lack of rest has presented me with a choice: Do I want to apply makeup, squeeze into real pants, and venture out for an evening? Or do I want to embrace the comfort of sleep?
If you’re hesitating to answer that question, you might either have kids who sleep soundly, be child-free, or perhaps you possess superhuman powers. But if you’ve ever faced the exhausting, foggy haze of sleep deprivation, you know sleep quickly becomes your one true love.
Do I miss my friends? Absolutely. Do I sometimes long for those carefree nights when a girls’ night out didn’t involve expensive babysitters and monstrous bags under my eyes? Yes. But don’t feel sorry for me. I have a tub of ice cream and my couch, where I’m perfectly content in my oversized T-shirt, bra tossed aside.
In just a few minutes, you bet I’ll be getting my groove on. That is, I’ll be flipping my duvet and adjusting my pillow until I find the perfect cool spot for my tired head. Because come Saturday night — and every Saturday night to follow — it’s all about one thing: sleep. Sweet, sweet sleep.
I adore you all, truly. But sleep? That’s my number one.
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Summary
This piece explores the transformative journey of motherhood, highlighting how priorities shift from socializing to prioritizing sleep. The author reflects on nostalgic memories of carefree nights while embracing the joys of quiet evenings at home, emphasizing the newfound love for rest over social outings.
Keyphrase
sleep over socializing
Tags
[“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]