Then and now: Life before and after kids

Parents often say it’s hard to remember what life was like BC (before children). Not me. I can remember exactly what life was like and it went a little something like this:

Life before kids…and now

Then: Inner-city terrace in a much-desired postcode. BBQ in courtyard. Not a blade of grass in sight.

Now: Block size in the ‘burbs. Front lawn, back lawn, nature strip. Trampoline. Swing set. Cubby house. Sand pit.

Then: Friday night drinks, late dinner, dressed UP!

Now: Friday night take-away, DVD, pyjamas.

Then: Weekend sleeps ins were a staple.

Now: Sleep ins are for suckers apparently!

Then: Leisurely Sundays. Late breakfast. A lazy Sunday “siesta”. Local beer garden in the afternoon.

Now: Frenzied Sundays. Swimming, parks and back-to-back kids’ birthday parties.

Then: Qantas club. Corporate travel. 5 star hotels.

Now: Jetstar. Family friendly trips. The “pack everything including the kitchen sink to go to QLD for a “holiday” variety.

Then: Salary. Superannuation. Sick leave.

Now: Haven’t had a sick day in over five years.

Then: Shopping was fun.

Now: Shopping is a torturous experience, especially for bathers and bras.

Then: Matching lingerie sets. Sexy over practical.

Now: Granny pants, boy-cut, comfort over style.

Then: Disposable income with dollars to spare.

Now: Mortgaged up to our necks.

Then: Weekend papers were read back to back.

Now: Haven’t read an entire newspaper since 1999.

Then: Talked about movies, travel, wine and new restaurants.

Now: Talk about school readiness, early learning and booster seats.

Then: Spicy prawn curry, hand made linguini and mortar & pestle.

Now: Tuna mornay, hand made playdough and paste from a jar.

Then: Could talk about what’s going on in the world

Now: Headlines only. No detail. Whatsoever!

Then: Cafes, cinemas and book stores

Now: Bunnings, IKEA and the Zoo.

Then: The Pixies, Franz Ferdinand, Magic Dirt, and The best of The Kinks.

Now: Justine, Reece, The Wiggles and The best of Play School.

Then: Shut eyes and slept until morning.

Now: Which one is that crying?????

Do you remember what life was like BC? Tell me what I’ve missed. I am sure there’s plenty more! Hit me with your ‘Then & Now’….