Of course, there are some practical ways to prepare for it. ;) I made this giant to-do list below a few months ago and it's helped me focus on some tangible things that needed (or I wanted) to get done before baby arrives. I'm pretty sure the list won't be completed by next week, but thankfully some of the things on the list aren't necessary. (I mean, I'd love to have my carpets shampooed, but realistically baby won't start crawling on them from day 1!).
I'm in a good place of realizing that everything does not have to be perfect in our home to welcome our precious little one. Instead, I am trying to spend this last week preparing spiritually and mentally for labor and delivery, as well as being ready to give myself fully to this new vocation. I know God's grace will meet me, and His Mother Mary gives such a great example of beautiful, sacrificial motherhood.
If you're a momma (or even if not!), feel free to give me some comment love on your own recommendations for what I should prepare for-- whether it be practical, mental, emotional, or spiritual!
Family Room
Shampoo carpet
Pack and play
Dining Room
Shampoo carpet
Kitchen
Restock freezer (have done a little of this)
Make nontoxic cleaners (all purpose)
Freezer meals/meats/muffins/mixes (have done just a few...)
Bathrooms
New cleaners (toilet scrub, all purpose)
Laundry Room
Baby gate for the Little Dog
Outdoors
Clean hummingbird feeder/fill
Master Bedroom
Organize my closet/maternity clothes
Nursery
Dresser decor
Wall decor
Basement
Office
Organize closet for more storage of non-crafting items
Organize prayer space
Misc.
Thank you notes for any baby gifts (still working on it!)
Bathe Little Dog and trim his nails
Choose Baptism date, menu, and baby gown (two dates narrowed down)
Labor music playlist
Make a labor plan/P's cheat sheet (working with our doula on this)
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Laura, I'm so excited for you!!! I think one of the toughest things is just not knowing-not knowing when you'll go into labor, not knowing how the early newborn days will go, etc, so it's a really good time to try and focus on living in the present moment, and not worrying about what God has planned or the logistics of the future.
ReplyDeleteI don't know where you hope to give birth, but if you birth in a hospital, I recommend packing lots of comfy pillows and blankets for your husband. At least in our hospital, there is pretty much no comfortable way to sleep, especially for the husband. At one point, Jacob laid a blanket on the floor to try and sleep there! (the nurse told us some men even bring air mattresses, though I don't see how they could fit even a small air mattress in a hospital room)
If you aren't doing this already, I really recommend doing a fun date with your husband soon, as a nice way to focus on the importance of your marriage and relationship. In addition to that, I filled a jar with "date night" ideas, and taking the time when Peter's asleep to have a "date" with my husband (even if it's just something small like playing a game or eating ice cream together) has been really good.
What an exciting time for you! I agree with AnneMarie about scheduling a little date night ASAP. You'll be thankful you did!
ReplyDeleteDuring labor, the journey is the four of you- Mom, Dad, Baby and God Prayers for a peaceful delivery
ReplyDeleteMake sure that you enjoy every moment of their childhood.
ReplyDeleteBeyond excited for you and your growing family, Laura! You'll continue to be in my prayers in the coming weeks. I hear that it does wonders to just stay in bed (almost literally) for the first week or so. Hope you have time to forget about the crazy world and soak in all those firsts :-) If there's any way to help from afar, let me know (I mean it!). If I were close I'd bring meals to stock that freezer for you! So excited, and will be praying for you all!
ReplyDelete