You have sealed your promise of ever after to one another with a kiss at an altar and in front of the people closest to you. Congratulations, you are now married! Marriage is the very first step in creating a family. Kids are probably next up on your list. How many kids do you plan to have? What are the names you are thinking about? Do you want to have a boy or a girl? But before you move forward with this exciting endeavor, you need to know that there is more to marriage than having kids.

The idea of being pregnant or having kids right after getting married is fairly common. But before you get busy with kids, you should enjoy this time with just the two of you.  Imagine the changes that will happen when your focus is not on each other anymore. The time between your wedding day and the date you’re going to welcome a new member of the family should be spent wisely. Make memories and appreciate one another during this time. It is the perfect time to bond, develop a deeper understanding, and foster more love. You will need a strong bond when you have kids or start trying.

Here are some activities perfect for newlyweds

Shop til You Drop, Sort of

Well, maybe not a shopping spree, but splurge on things both of you like. It does not have to be a common interest. Maybe your husband likes playing games, so why not buy some awesome VR game. Maybe your wife wants to have a new couch. Either way, fill your home with things that make your home feel good.

Having kids can be expensive. A baby will need around 2,500 to 3,000 diapers in his or her first year. According to a USDA report, an average family will spend around $12,000 in the first year of their babies life. So splurge a little now, because when kids enter the picture you may have less money to play with.

Travel

If you didn’t have a honeymoon you really should. New experiences help solidify bonds. You can take a weekend getaway or plan a trip abroad. Just be sure to take a trip with just the two of you, especially if you are planning a family in the near future.

Redecorate

Redecorating is a great way to team up and decide what room you would like to redecorate.

Doing a house makeover is also a great bonding experience between the two of you. Not only do you get to collaborate on the things you want to change in your shared space, but you also get to see the likes and dislikes of one another.

You can easily change paint color, bedding, and even change the knobs on kitchen cabinets. All of those will be easy, but have a big impact. If you are planning a full room overhaul, start with your biggest piece of furniture then choose wall color.  If you are just looking to make a few changes, try adding new wall decor or add accent rugs.

Exercise

Starting a new life with your spouse is a great time to start some health habits, like exercise. Look for an exercise that fits both you and your spouse’s interest. Set a goal as a couple, like running a 5K together, and stick to it.

These are great exercises to do as a couple:

Hot Yoga

Running a 5K, ½ marathon, or full marathon

Hiking

Dance Class- swing or ballroom

Gym

Enjoy this time as a newlywed. This is the time to build a relationship strong enough to last a lifetime. Make this a time that you can look back on with no regrets.