There are moments when nostalgia hits me like a wave. One minute I’m cruising through the local coffee shop drive-thru, and suddenly a catchy tune plays on the radio, sending me spiraling back to my past. I remember a time when makeup and the perfect winged eyeliner were part of my everyday routine. Back to those carefree days filled with laughter and the scent of hairspray wafting through my college dorm bathroom, where my friends and I would unleash our inner party queens.
Those nights kicked off around 9 p.m., a time that now feels impossibly late. Nowadays, 9 p.m. marks the hour I kick off my bra and settle into my comfy pajamas. Who in their right mind would willingly wear anything constricting at that hour? Not me. Not anymore.
That pre-motherhood version of myself thrived on the excitement of bustling social scenes. I loved dancing the night away with friends, fueled by the vibrant energy of the crowd, often wrapping up our adventures with late-night trips to fast-food joints. Fast forward several years and two kids later, and I find myself reflecting on how drastically my Saturdays have transformed.
To be completely honest, my last five Saturday nights have been dedicated to home and solitude. Sure, there were people around—my little ones were tucked away in bed—but there was no pre-party primping, no upbeat music, and most certainly no late-night snack runs. And you know what? It has been absolutely delightful. You can call me dull or a has-been, but my ideal Saturday night now consists of lounging on the couch, indulging in some guilty pleasure snacks, and soaking in the peaceful silence. I’ve truly embraced the art of Netflix and chill.
I adore my friends; they’re incredible, fun individuals. However, since becoming a mother, I’ve developed a newfound appreciation for something even more precious: sleep. Whether I’m inundated with enticing invitations or quietly left out, it all leads to one outcome: yoga pants, bra off, AC cranked down, and sweet, sweet sleep.
Even if you’re the Queen of England, my answer remains the same: sleep wins, every time.
“But, Emily! We’re heading to this fantastic ice cream shop that serves organic, locally-sourced, fat-free treats!” To which I respond, “Nothing compares to the indulgence of uninterrupted sleep.”
“But Emily! There’s a party with margaritas and board games, where everyone we know will be hanging out!” Sorry, my friends, but no gathering can compete with the thrill of a solid sleep cycle.
“But Emily! There’s an amazing concert. Don’t you want to dance with us?” Sorry, ladies. I’ll be at home enjoying the rhythm of my own body clock.
It’s not that I’m attempting to rain on anyone’s parade. I cherish my time with friends, truly. My reasons are straightforward. Parenthood has introduced me to the depths of sleep deprivation, exposing the choice: do I want to put on a cute outfit, squeeze into pants, and venture out for the evening? Or do I want to sleep? If you hesitated to answer, I suspect you either have children who sleep like logs or perhaps no kids at all. Or you may just be a superhuman. I don’t know. But trust me, if you’ve ever faced that eye-squinting, headache-inducing, brain-fogging level of sleep deprivation, you’d understand why sleep becomes your greatest desire.
Do I miss my friends? Absolutely. Do I sometimes yearn for those golden days when a night out didn’t require costly babysitters, sleepless nights, and concealer to cover the bags under my eyes? Yes, indeed. But please, don’t feel sorry for me. My pint of ice cream and I are perfectly cozy on the couch, clad in an oversized tee, with my bra tossed aside.
And soon enough, I’ll be diving into my own version of a dance party—flipping the duvet and adjusting my pillow until I find that optimal cool spot for my weary head. Because on this Saturday, and every Saturday to come, my plan is clear… Sleep. Sweet, glorious sleep.
I love you all, really. But my heart belongs to sleep.
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Summary
In this humorous and relatable blog post, Emily Carter shares her transformation from a social butterfly to a sleep-loving mom. She reflects on the nostalgic memories of nights out with friends that have been replaced by cozy evenings at home filled with peace and quiet. Emphasizing the importance of sleep after the challenges of motherhood, she humorously explains why she now prioritizes rest over social gatherings, even when faced with enticing invitations.