Date Night Diaries: Love Before the Baby

Every parent has heard the advice: “Don’t forget to date your spouse.”

But between work, responsibilities, pregnancy, toddlers, and endless to-do lists, that advice often feels easier said than done.

This is why we’re launching Date Night Diaries, real dating reflections from real couples around the country. This series is meant to inspire and encourage parents from all walks of life to get creative and intentional when it comes to dating their spouses.

For this edition of Date Night Diaries, we’re sitting down with Marcus and Alyssa McShepard of Northeast Ohio. A married couple preparing to welcome their first baby join us to talk about romance, intentionality, and why investing in their relationship now matters more than ever.

Meet the Couple

Parenthood hasn’t officially begun for them yet, but Marcus and Alyssa are already thinking carefully about how they’ll protect their relationship once it does. The couple is newly married and patiently awaiting their baby boy’s arrival later this Fall.

Their Last Date Night

We asked what their most recent date night was and the couple shared that they visited one of their favorite wineries, enjoyed dinner and spent quality time together.

“We went to one of our favorite wineries which is also where we plan on having our wedding. We did this once a month before we got pregnant in anticipation for our wedding.”

Sometimes the most meaningful dates aren’t elaborate; they’re returning to places that already feel like home. Recreating your first dates, catching one of your favorite films at the drive in, ordering a meal for takeout and packing it up for a picnic in the park.

What does your ‘comfort date’ look and feel like to you?

What They’re Learning About Balance

Some seasons of life require different rhythms for couples. One major career transition, a new baby on the way, an older child’s transition to middle or high school, a younger child starting sports for the first time. Each of these changes require a different level of involvement from us and for each other. When asked their biggest challenge about their dating life in this season, Marcus gave a truly honest answer.

“Balance. In this season of expecting, everything has felt like preparation for the baby which has been amazing. There can be more intentionality on my end to get back to our program of dating and focus on our relationship.”

Their Ideal Date Night

The reality is, you don’t have to spend a fortune to reconnect. Shared experiences often create stronger memories than expensive outings. A solid recipe for a good date includes good food, a little creativity and intentional conversation.

Marcus and Alyssa’s ideal date date night includes,

“Food of some sort, something creative like painting, and finish with a drink from a hidden gem/speakeasy”

To keep their spark alive this couple commits to giving each other,

“Constant reminders that we are each other’s best friends and we’re here for the long haul.”

Advice for Other Parents

Hearing how other couples navigate their own season of parenting and dating each other can be inspiring for our own journeys. Marcus and Alyssa’s advice for other couples attempting to prioirtize their date nights is to,

“Pick a day out of the week/month well in advance and make it your day (i.e. every Friday, every odd Saturday, every pay day). Make it non-negotiable. Doesn’t need to be expensive but needs to be connective.”

Parenthood has the ability to change almost everything. Schedules become fuller. Sleep becomes shorter. Responsibilities multiply.

But Marcus and Alyssa’s story is a reminder that healthy families don’t happen by accident. They happen when two people continue choosing each other, even before the chaos arrives.

Because children benefit most when they grow up watching love that is nurtured intentionally.