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A Day to Impress

Ways for New Dads to Make Her Mother's Day Special

By Mark Stackpole

Wendy A., an employee of an upscale lingerie store in Modesto, Calif., confirms that a woman "is probably not feeling sexy right after she gives birth. Then, the baby gets all of the attention, and Mom gets a bit forgotten. Her body hasn't bounced back, and she needs to feel sexy."

Now, many of us are uncomfortable shopping for lingerie for our wives. In the unlikely event that we ever had any idea what size to buy, now that her body has changed shape a little bit, it seems like a cruel joke to ask us to pick a size. A cruel joke that is likely to be on us if we choose unwisely – you know that a small probably won't fit, but you don't dare come home with an XL, either. Wendy is quick to remind the men, "It doesn't have to be skimpy to be sexy. If your woman is uncomfortable with lingerie, it could be flannel pajamas."

It doesn't even have to be lingerie or pajamas at all – most of these stores have a long list of supplies to help a woman feel her best. Wendy suggests going beyond simply buying gifts and advises men to use a variety of techniques to make Mother's Day (or night) memorable. "Make a whole romantic evening out of it, with candles and a bubble bath," she says. "Give her a massage, rub her feet, start that bath for her. Let her soak in the bath while you take care of the baby. Pamper her and make her feel like she's at a spa."

Your gift shoul say that you took the time and effort to find a unique expression of your love and appreciation. If you don't have a lot of money or want to make the gift even more personal, then do something that she's not expecting or that's out of character for you: Prepare a picnic lunch or cook a nice dinner, take a walk in the park or go see a romantic comedy. Take her shopping and pick out an outfit that you want to see her wear – I guarantee she's not expecting this, and what better way to increase her confidence and feelings of sexiness? (There is no better way to prove your love than by setting foot inside the mall with her and waiting while she tries stuff on – you might as well take off your glasses, Clark, because she'll already know you're Superman.) She went waaaaaay out of her comfort zone to bring that child into the world – would it kill you to go a little bit outside of yours to make her feel special?

Want to see more?

• Be Good to Your Valentine! Foods That Say, "I Love You"
• Passionate Parents: Keeping Love Alive After the Kids Arrive
• Emotional Workouts for a Happier Marriage
• Beyond Flowers: Gift-Giving Ideas for the New Mom
• Talk about it!

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