A couple whose lives 'completely changed' after welcoming their first child now make sure to get intimate every day, in a bid to keep 'the romance alive'. After becoming parents, AnnaLee Ford, 31, and her husband, Ethan, 40, found they had less time together, but were determined to keep the spark in their relationship.
In a bid to keep things fresh, they created a list of ways to maintain their intimacy, including kissing for 10 seconds whenever they say hello or goodbye to each other. They say they've since seen improvements in the bedroom, plus a decrease in arguments, with their list allowing them to be happier, kinder, and generally 'more in tune' with each other.
AnnaLee, from Denver, Colorado, US, said: "It's crazy how much things change after you have kids - it hit us harder than we expected. Nobody really wants to think about sex when you haven't showered in three days and your boobs are leaking and the size of Jupiter.
"Being intimate is hard. So my husband and I decided to make our relationship a priority because, without that, everything else will fall apart."
The couple says they now make a point of being intimate every day. This doesn't necessarily have to mean having sex, however, they have agreed to stick to a 'one-minute rule' whenever they have alone time together.
Anna, a professional water engineer, said: "Whenever we have alone time, we have to be close for one minute, and give it a chance, no matter how tired we are.
"Nine out of 10 times it does lead to sex after that for us - but what it does is ensure we don't immediately say no without giving it a chance just because of tiredness or stress."
If they're not in the mood for sex, the pair will find other ways to be intimate, including showering and washing each other's hair. On top of this rule, AnnaLee and Ethan also make sure to kiss each other hello or goodbye, for at least 10 seconds every time, allowing them a moment of stillness together.
AnnaLee continued: "Especially if one person is holding the baby, we're so rushed to say hello or goodbye - in and out of meetings, making dinner, getting the kids to school.
"We force ourselves to take 10 seconds to be slow. It's a long time - but after the five-second mark, you start to notice yourself relax and get closer. Then you can go back to your crazy days."
A third rule sees the couple put away any electronics after their children - Elliott, three, and Collins, one - are tucked up in bed, allowing them time to sit together, read and talk.
Although their rules may seem strict to some, the couple says following their list only feels more natural with time and has allowed them to spend quality time together in a way that prioritises their marriage.
Ethan said: "Before kids, relationships felt more about the big, romantic gestures. Now that our life is full of babies and chaos, we have switched to also finding love and happiness in the little moments.
"It’s all about the little wins after you have kids. This mindset has made such a huge difference in our happiness and quality of relationship."
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