Angie David says, “We were used to doing everything together whenever we wanted to, going out to eat, being able to talk about our days without a worry.”

Patrick David – married 11 years says, “Going traveling whenever we wanted, going out on a motorcycle whenever we wanted and taking a day trip or something like that so.”

Ah yes, the glorious days before three kids came along. Now the picture is a little bit different for Patrick and Angie.

Patrick says, “It’s basically a whirlwind untill they go down to bed.”

Angie says, “By the time they go to bed we’re both exhausted, him from working and me from being with the kids, we just want to go to sleep and not even talk about anything.”

Danny Huerta – counselor, Focus on the Family says, “What it changes is really their schedule, their amount of freedom to be able to go do things… a baby itself changes the couple’s dynamics, and then from there on you can never stop being a parent.”

With all those changes, what’s a couple to do to keep their marriage healthy?

Angie says, “We still need to take that time out for each other, talk about each other’s day and see how we’re doing… I think that’s really important.”

Carving out a little time just for each other is crucial to keep your relationship strong. And realize that even in the midst of the whirlwind, your marriage can grow.

Angie says, “I think having kids has made our marriage stronger in ways, I think you could never explain to a person that doesn’t have children how you could love your children that much.”

Patrick says, “It is fun watching them grow, watching their little personalities develop, we’re enjoying every minute of it even though there are ups and downs.”

If you are newly married and don’t have kids yet, I’d encourage you to give yourself plenty of time, just as a couple, before baby makes three.

Danny says, “Get to know each other, get a routine going between the two of you, get some good communication, so that you’re ready.”