End of the 3rd trimester and in flow the daily calls and texts of wonder on baby’s arrival. Everything tells you to prepare at least 2 weeks early in case baby comes before the alleged due date, but all I found that did was give more time for thumb twiddling as I wake up each day wondering if today will be it. So to keep busy and savor these last week (s?), here’s what I’ve come up with to fill some time.
Movies
Go see one! Most (all) theaters don’t allow babies….Even if you have a perfect little sleeper who wouldn’t be disturbed by the boom of surround sound. Maybe this is an obvious one, but a first timer (like me) may not think about it till it’s too late.
Swim
The pool, the lake, the river….hold your breath, float, do underwater summersaults, just get in! It will take about 6 weeks to get the ok from the doc to submerge yourself again after baby arrives.
Bath Time
Candles, nature sounds, camomile tea, essential oils and sea salts, soak it up now and relax. No baths for at least 6 weeks too.
Hair/ Wax/ Mani/ pedi
Do up your beauty bar routines now!
Restaurants
Go eat out! You may get lucky and be able to tote your new baby anywhere, but then again…
Pictures
That belly isn’t getting any smaller, but once baby comes it will shrink rather quickly, so capture that beach ball before it’s too late! Professional photos are always nice, but you can recreate some great shots by searching through Pinterest too =)
Sleep
Stock up now on those 8, 9, 10 hours in a row you can get now because newborns need to eat every 2-4 hours ……24 hours a day, yeah.
Cook
I love taking my time putting a meal together, chopping veggies, whisking sauces, baking pies and muffins. Its still possible with baby but you may be interrupted, 2….3.. maybe 6 times. Be thankful for the fact you can hold baby now and still have 2 free hands.
Assemble, Clean & Stock Supplies
Open boxes, organize those tiny outfits, and assemble everything you need for the little ones first week. On week 2 you should be feeling better and have some breaks to work on any left over odds and ends.
The hospital will spoil you; no laundry, no dishes, someone will change your sheets, give you meds on time, bring you food, help with baby and check on you very 2 hours. You may get 2 days, it may be 5, but once at home it’s all you. Hopefully friends and family will shower you with food, but at least fill the freezer and pantry and have baby’s supplies ready so you won’t have to make any trips out for a few days.
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