A little while back, I shared my pre-baby to-do list. Since then, I accomplished most items and added about seventy more. We’re currently in “Is he coming today?” mode, to the point that I can convince myself just about anything– from an eyelid twitch to a foot cramp– is a sign of impending labor.
I’m a reaaaaaaal joy to be around.
In addition to being mental, though, I’ve also been productive. Most importantly, I’ve been enjoying as much quality time as possible with my little lady. We’ve taken quite a few adventures lately, and I’m soaking up every second alone with her. (Cue the preggo weepiness.)
And then there are the practical things that have to get done.
Revisiting the pre-baby to-do list:
- Go through Grace’s old clothes and pull out, re-wash and put away anything that is neither extra hot pink nor extra ruffly. (At the very least, I think there are a few sets of gender neutral pajamas in there.) The rest will go back to storage for a future niece or friend. // Didn’t do this… but our niece was born two weeks ago! I’m looking forward to going through Grace’s very frilly, very girly clothes and passing them along.
- Buy and wash any wardrobe basics and other staples we are missing // Question: How does Carter’s stay in business and/or How do they have 50% off sales every day? Regardless, we are all set with a few newborn basics and plenty of 0-3 month clothes, sleep sacks, onesies, socks, burp cloths, hats, and blankets. Oh, and Santa pajamas.
- Move co-sleeper to our room (this will be a last minute thing) // Not yet, but I did move it to the front of our storage room, and watched six YouTube videos on how to set it up. So, I feel at least 40% confident that I can handle this… and 100% confident that Nick will actually be the one to do it. But it’s fun to pretend.
Order double stroller (with car seat adapter) and second Pack ‘N Play// Both have been delivered and we’ve had some practice with the new stroller, which I love. We got a Baby Jogger City Select with the second seat (and adapter) and the infant car seat adapter (for our Britax B-Safe infant seat). We’ll use the Pack ‘N Play for the baby’s naps and diaper changes during the day (we got the one with the Cuddle Cove rocking seat and changing station). If I had a magic time machine, I would have likely picked these two items when I was pregnant with Grace, but… you live and learn and make even better choices the second time around. I think. Who knows.- Install infant car seat base in my car (again, probably a last minute thing) // The base is in my car (along with a seat protector and mirror), but has not actually been installed. Maybe today. Maybe not.
- Buy a box of size 1 diapers (and potentially a small package of NB — Grace was in newborn diapers for about a month, but who knows…) and extra wipes // My sister sent us a box of diapers via Amazon, which was such a nice surprise (and, frankly, it motivated me to get my act together). I also have a box of size 1’s ready to go, and plenty of wipes. We’ll likely rely on diapers.com and their insanely fast shipping (which we use for Grace’s diapers and pull-ups), so I didn’t go crazy with stocking up.
- Reorganize Grace’s closet (she’ll be sharing with her brother) // This was an undertaking and a half. But it’s done. And it makes me happy just looking at their little clothes side-by-side.
- Stock up on family basics (toiletries, paper goods, Grace’s diapers and pull-ups) // Done. Unless I’m pregnant for another two weeks, in which case… we may need to re-stock.
Make all midwife/doctor’s appointments between now and our due date- Holiday shopping // 80-ish percent done.
Schedule flu shots for Grace and me// The whole family has been appropriately vaccinated (flu shots, another tdap for me… and a rabies booster for Clark)Get Clark’s yearly check-up and vaccines squared away- Make a plan for Clark to board with one of his pals while we’re at the hospital // This is sort of up in the air. Unless I go into labor this week (during the busy travel/Thanksgiving time), he will stay with our friend and dog walker, which would be ideal. We also have back-up plan involving someone picking him up and bringing him to the kennel we occasionally use (which would also be great). Loose ends like this sort of make me nervous… but hey.
- Make a grocery delivery list for easy ordering during the first few weeks we’re home // Nope.
Stash a few freezer meals// Does ice cream count? If so, done.Clean out pantry, closets and cabinets(not really baby-related, but clutter is making me mental) // Is there any sight more blessed than an empty shelf?- Get a handle on my third trimester wardrobe (because it’s neither warm enough or socially acceptable to continue wearing maternity bathing suits and sundresses) // I ended up doing really well with just a few basics — short and long-sleeved tees from the Gap, Gap maternity leggings (which are heaven), several open-front cardigans, Target maternity tanks, and lots of fun necklaces. I also bought a couple dresses from Loft for weddings and parties, and made good use of the Bella Gravida items that were sent to me.
- Pack a hospital bag for me and Nick, and a Party with Grandma and Grandpa! bag for Grace // Grace’s bag was the easiest to pack, and is actually already at my parents’ house. Nick and I are mostly packed, with just the last minute things that need to be stashed (glasses, phone chargers, makeup, etc. — and yes, I said makeup)
- Get a pedicure (wishful thinking) // The pedicure didn’t happen (though I have been trying to keep up with polish changes at home, despite not really being able to reach my toes this time around), but I did get a great prenatal massage. Oh, and I got my eyebrows waxed. Don’t want to have a unibrow when we meet our son for the first time.
Oh… and I decorated for Christmas. I couldn’t wait any longer. And looking up at our mantel to see five stockings this year… it’s just the best.
Also On Tap for Today:
- 26 ways your childhood affects your success as an adult via Business Insider
- Still playing 25 on repeat
- Fun games to play after Thanksgiving dinner via Apartment Therapy
What sort of plans and lists are you making lately?
