Motherhood, Crayons & Aliens

Disclosure: Diary of a First Time Mom is proud to partner with Denny’s as a #DennysDiners Blogger Ambassador. Stay tuned for exclusive content and menu news. Although we’re being compensated in some form, all opinion remain our own.

Dear Diary,

When I became pregnant, I entered a strange new world. I joked that an alien was growing inside me. I entered a universe filled with weird words like layettes and nipple shields. It was home to parents who walked their children on leashes, spoke the language of gibberish and fell asleep in the middle of my sentence. Giving birth could be compared to the invasion of the body snatchers. My breasts sagged. My skin stretched. My memory…what was I saying, oh, yeah, my memory lapsed. And my idea of a fun Friday night is no longer a night club but a night out to eat with my mini me, especially if it includes coloring.

And bacon! I’m not only on this parenthood planet. That’s why Denny’s introduced its Red, White & Bacon menu. Featuring seven sweet and salty dishes that many moms crave, the limited-time menu celebrates bacon and the long-awaited film Independence Day: Resurgence, the ultimate alien movie we can relate to that’s coming to theaters nationwide on June 24.

Denny’s is asking guests and movie fans alike to help combat an impending alien invasion by posting a picture of the group of people they would fight alongside. By hashtagging photos on Twitter or Instagram with #IDRSweepstakes, participants will be entered for a chance to win an all-inclusive trip to the movie’s Hollywood premiere–translation, a day off from diaper duty.

Here’s my shot! I was one of the last females in the family to have a baby, so my sister and cousins helped me navigate my way through the strange, new world. They would definitely fight alongside me if aliens attached!

If you don’t win a trip to Hollywood, you can still take a trip to Denny’s and treat yourself–or your entire alien crew. The new menu features Red, White & Blue Slam®, Honey Jalapeño Bacon Slam®,  Triple Bacon Sampler, Honey Jalapeño Bacon Sriracha Burger,  Loaded Bacon, Steak & Potato Skillet, Bacon Cheddar Tots, Lemon Berry Smoothies and Berry Blue Lemonade. Denny’s also brought back another guest favorite with the Maple Bacon Sundae.

Here are other ways you can celebrate your independence, even if it’s only for a day.

1. Explore your city solo: Last week, I went to the museum. I usually take Caitlynn and her friends and spend most of the time on the dinosaur floor. This day, I ventured beyond the natural history side and into the art galleries.
2. Move up bedtime: Tuck your little ones into bed earlier, and enjoy the extra evening hour. Run a bubble bath. Watch a movie that isn’t Rated G. Or pour a glass of wine.
3. Take a class: As a mom, I’m constantly teaching new things to my daughter. Why not learn something myself for a change? I recently registered for a few business courses.
4. Book a babysitter: Recruit a friend or family member or hire a neighbor to watch the kiddos for a couple of hours. You don’t even have to leave the house! While your children are safe and supervised, take a nap, read a book or run an errand.

Hey DFTM Fam–Was motherhood alien to you? How do you still get in a few moments of independence?