It seems there are a lot of "lists" when it comes to babies ... shower registry, baby names, thank you notes, hospital packing list, to-do lists, and to-do lists, and even more to-do lists.
LBT will be here in 4 weeks and my lists are getting shorter. Today I started to think about my "recovery list" since I'm having a c-section ... not necessarily the things that HAVE to be done before she gets here, but the things that NEED to be done while I recover and my family is getting used to having a little one around. Here are some things on my list ...
• Pay the bills early. I pay all my bills online so I can go ahead and get them scheduled for their due dates. Is Aidan's lunch money covered for the next couple weeks?
• Stock up on frequently needed household items. My boys will be doing some shopping for me, and do I want them to pick out my hair products, personal items and other favorite toiletries? Uh, no! This will save me from explaining what kinds of pads or shampoo I need if I am to run out.
• Prepare in advance for any special events: Buy Nick's birthday card and gift certificate, then get it ready to mail. Help Aidan with his Halloween costume. Donate items to school fall festival early. Plan a 16th wedding anniversary surprise for Doug since I will be in the hospital.
• Call insurance about adding baby to our plan.
• Have birth announcements ready to roll ... minus baby's first picture. Also, prepare the "who to call" list for Dad for baby's "birth day".
• Have hair cut and colored BEFORE the big day. I'll need all the help I can get to look my best during those non-make-up, non-hair days! Oh, and do my nails and feet too! And I guess shave.
• Pick out comfy recovery clothes, including stretchy pants and nursing bra.
• Two words: Freezer Meals.
• Put movies I WANT TO WATCH on our Netflix Queue.
I'm sure there's a few more details to consider, but this list alone will help make for a smoother transition into our new baby world! The way I look at it: the more I can take care of now, the less I worry about later.
Posts
Is someone else going to be taking care of Aidan? I had a list for each child of things that only I would think of...night time routines, teachers names, school phone numbers, doctor's numbers, list of things they needed to take to school each day, etc. This was especially helpful since I had a c-section and was in the hospital for a longer time. I also packed up their clothes in gallon ziploc bags - labeled Monday-Saturday (helped when I got home as well).
ReplyDeleteMake a "Mama Basket" for when you come home, so everything is at your finger tips while you recover on the couch (lotion, chapstick, books, magazines, nipple cream, pens/paper, etc). I had a little table by the couch with all my essentials on it.
Catch up on laundry & clean house before hand!
Excellent ideas Katie and the Little Things ....
ReplyDeleteI didn't even think to have my mama care basket and my clothes near my recovery station!! This will be especially important since I will recover downstairs and my closet / toiletries are on the 2nd floor!
Plus it will be a relief to com home to a semi-empty laundry basket and clean house!
Whew, good thinking girl! Thanks for sharing!