Two months ago I posted about my Pregnancy To Do List. At the time it felt like such a daunting list, but I think that working to get most of it done has helped keep me busy the last couple of months…instead of spending it waiting and worrying. (although I’ve done my fair share of that too!) With just over three weeks until my due date, I’m down to the final weeks to wrap up all this prep, so I thought I’d share a quick update on what I was able to get done!
Look up maternity benefits and maternity leave– Done! In Ontario, we get a full year of maternity leave with reduced pay. I feel very fortunate that I get to take that first year off work and spend it focused on our growing family. I also get to keep my benefits from my full-time employer. All that is left to do is submit the paperwork once I start my maternity leave. Very soon now!Book and attend hospital tour– Done! We had a chance to see all around the birthing unit and they gave us so much information on what to expect during our hospital stay.Complete Baby Registry– Done! I’m sure that there will still be a few things that I’ll realize we need in the last couple of weeks before baby gets here, but I think we got if covered for the most part. Looking forward to the baby shower this week!- Book babymoon – Nope! Garrett started a new job in the last month, so our vacation plans had to take a back burner. We’ve decided to do something later in the year.
Attend breastfeeding class– Done! We went to a free class put on by public health that is for women and their partners. We came away with lots of great tips and resources.
Decorate Nursery– Almost done! We still have a few things left to do for the nursery, but for the most part it’s ready to go.Assemble crib– Done! The whole thing is set up – just need to add the mattress cover, sheet and crib skirt.Find big area rug– Done! We ordered a big custom made area rug using a carpet remnant from a local store, which was much cheaper than most 8′ x 10′ rugs we could find.Find rocking chair cushions– Done! My parents are lending us my great grandmother’s rocking chair, which is the same one my mother used with me and my siblings. I was able to order some rocking chair cushions online that should be here this week. I’m not sure about the fabric, but if I don’t like it I’ll be able to recover it later on.Paint dresser and side table– Done! We got a nice burst of warm weather in March and Garrett was able to paint the dresser outside. I’ve got it loaded up with baby clothes already, just waiting for her to get here! We ended up forgoing a side table, as I can use the bookshelf beside the rocking chair to hold a water bottle, book, etc.- Hang curtains, shelves and pictures – We’re almost done this stuff. We’ve installed roller blinds, a new overhead light and built a bookshelf, but there are still some little things that need to go up.
Research cloth diapers– Done! I’ve picked up a few cloth diapers already and registered for some more. For the first few months I’m planning to use a combination of cloth and disposable diapers, until I get the swing of things.Pre-register at hospital– Done! I was able to finish it over the phone in about 10 minutes. Woohoo!Arrange cord blood donation– Done! I registered with the company that handles donations and made sure my midwives are aware of it. The collection package that we’re to take to the hospital with us is packed away in our hospital bag, ready to go.Dentist appointment– Done! Thankfully all my brushing and flossing throughout the pregnancy helped keep any cavities at bay.Wash all new things– Still working on it as we go. Everything that is in the house has been washed, but I’m sure I’ll have things after my shower that need to be washed.
Get out spring clothes– Done! I decided that for a post-partum look, I’m going for button-up shirts and DIY nursing tanks, with my beloved maternity jeans (oh ya!). I’ve tucked away all my fall sweaters and jackets, and pulled out the spring and summer things I think I’ll be able to wear.- Make a few baby things – Still working on it! I would have liked to have done more, but time went much faster than I thought it would. I’ll be sharing those projects in the coming months.
Freeze some meals– Done! Now that we have our new freezer in place, I’ve been filling it up with lots of wholesome and nutritious freezer meals to have on hand, including last week’s Nut Free Chewy Granola Bars. I’m hoping to add some more meals in the coming weeks and stretch these out over the first few months.Stock up on household supplies– Done! Over the last couple of months, I’ve kept an eye out for deals on toiletries, paper products, cleaning supplies, etc. I’ve got a nice stockpile going so that we don’t need to run out to grab deodorant or toilet paper with a newborn.Clean out our cars– Done! On the first beautiful day we had this spring, I took the time to give both our cars a deep spring cleaning. It felt good to empty them out, vacuum and clean everything. We both took our cars in for an oil change and I got my license plate sticker and emissions test done two months early. I’m not usually this prepared ahead of time, but it felt good to get these things done instead of leaving them up to the end.-
Pack hospital bag– Done!…and waiting by the door! I’m sure there will be a few more things I’ll add along the way, but I feel pretty confident that I have everything we need (and probably tons of things that we don’t need). Install car seat and have it inspected– Done! We figured out how to install it and then took it back out until I go into labour. If we were in an accident between now and when the baby arrives, we would have to replace the car seat. At least now we know how to do it, instead of fumbling in the hospital parking lot.Get a hair cut, pedicure, etc. – Done! I booked all my appointments for the next couple of weeks. I’m definitely looking forward to a little pampering.Dog vet appointments & nail clipping– Done! They’ve both had their annual check-ups, tick medications, nail clippings and a good bath. They’re all scrubbed up and ready to meet their little sister!- Figure out birth announcements – I’m going to wait until the baby is here to figure out the announcements, but for now I’m bookmarking any ones I love, like these beautiful Foil-Pressed Birth Announcements from Minted.
Create a contact list for baby’s arrival– Done! The list has been made and is ready with everyone we need to get the word out to.
Now we’re down to the biggest thing on the list… patiently waiting for this baby to arrive!
