make room for romance

Parent or parent-to-be? You still deserve a little romance!

As a busy parent or parent-to-be, it's difficult to make time for romance. With a little effort and creativity you can renew the excitement and attraction that brought you and your partner together. Try these tips to inject more love and romance into your day:

* Take a long, leisurely bath together. Enjoy a glass of champagne or juice with sparkling water, and drop a cherry in it.

* Give each other a slow, soothing shoulder massage. Try using oils scented with a sensual aroma like jasmine, rose, or musk.

* Play exotic or soft music. Dance slowly by candlelight.

* Rent a romantic video and snuggle under a soft blanket. You can even try watching it "au naturel."

* Feed each other. Try chocolates and fresh fruits.

* Tell your partner what first attracted you to him. Then talk about what you love the most now.

* Look through photos taken when you first met. Remember how you felt when you started falling in love.

* Relive your first date. Return to the scene or re-create it as closely as possible.

* Sit together in the moonlight and just hold hands. Let nature take its course.

Getting a babysitter is optional. Just wait until the kids are asleep and stay up a little later to give each other some undivided attention.