So Baby Number Two is here and before she arrived, I was trying to make sure we had everything ready. We sorted all the rooms, went through all of Chloe’s clothes and constantly rearranged the closets.
I felt as though there was so much to do and so little time, but I knew it would get done. In addition to cleaning, there are many other things you need to do for yourself and your family before your next baby arrives. I’ve listed the top ten things that were important for us to do.
I felt as though there was so much to do and so little time, but I knew it would get done. In addition to cleaning, there are many other things you need to do for yourself and your family before your next baby arrives. I’ve listed the top ten things that were important for us to do.
1. Have a date night
Date nights are hard for us to come by but we definitely wanted to make sure we had one before our new daughter arrives. It gave us a chance to chat and just enjoy each other because very soon, there will not be any extra time for us to spend it alone.
2. Spend quality time with my little Chloe
I want to have as much one on one time with her now before I don’t have the time to spend all day with her. She is still my little baby and I can’t look at her without shedding a tear sometimes. She makes me so happy and I want her to know how loved she is. I have been spending as much time cuddling and kissing her as much as possible. I also want to make sure I find the time to spend with her after the baby is here.
3. Take a vacation
As I wrote about here, we took off to the Outerbanks in September for some much needed relaxation time. It was great not having to worry about work or household chores. We enjoyed the pool, the beach and great company. It was time for us to unwind and rejuvenate. Before another baby comes homes, this was just what we needed.
4. Go through all of Chloe’s clothes
Having another girl made it easy in the clothing department. I really don’t need to buy anything for a while because I kept everything. I went through all the bags of clothes and got rid of anything that was stained or worn out and kept the ones in good condition. Make sure to rewash everything for the new baby. This little girl coming is all set!
5. Pack a bag for your first child and make arrangements for them
Since they can’t be at the hospital while you are delivering the baby, you will need to also have a bag packed for them. You don’t know how long you will be in labor and in the hospital all together. Pack enough clothes for the days you expect to be in the hospital and a little extra, with enough diapers and wipes. I threw in medicine just in case as well as nasal spray due to the dryness in the air right now. Make sure you have a plan in place regarding who will watch your little one while you are at the hospital.
6. Sterilize all pacifiers and bottles
I rounded up all the bottles, pacifiers and pump parts and threw them in a big pot of boiling water. Let them air dry and you are good to go. Having all of those items ready ahead of time will save you grief and worry for when you need them.
7. Pull out the baby car seat and any other items from the storage closet you will need.
You are going to need that car seat to bring home your new little one. Also, its time to pull out the bassinet or pack n play you used for those first few months. The rockers, the poppy you used to nurse, its time to get those all out and cleaned up before you come home from the hospital.
8. Make sure you have all your paperwork and insurance ready
This will make the check in process smoother and less of a hassle. The last thing you want to worry about is paperwork when you are having contractions.
9. Declutter
While you are pulling put those items from the closet, get rid of anything that you are not going to use. Throw away or donate any items that are just taking up space. You will feel better and as an expecting mother, nesting is a real feeling that will consume you!
10. Spend some time alone
As much as it is important to spend time alone with your other children and your spouse, it is also imperative to find time for yourself. Fortunately, my new job allowed me to take two weeks off before my due date. This time home allowed me to get the house ready, clean up, organize and then, just relax by myself. Those days alone were a time for me to collect my thoughts and mentally get ready for all that was to come. I also used this time to pamper myself, making sure I took part in self care before my days were filled with baby diapers and no sleep!
As much as it is important to spend time alone with your other children and your spouse, it is also imperative to find time for yourself. Fortunately, my new job allowed me to take two weeks off before my due date. This time home allowed me to get the house ready, clean up, organize and then, just relax by myself. Those days alone were a time for me to collect my thoughts and mentally get ready for all that was to come. I also used this time to pamper myself, making sure I took part in self care before my days were filled with baby diapers and no sleep!
Thank you for reading,
Andrea
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