It may be a couple of weeks sooner than I expected, but I’m officially on maternity leave! Yippee! I always thought I’d work as long as I could during pregnancy, and couldn’t imagine anything worse than having heaps of time doing nothing before baby arrives but sometimes, life throws you a bit of a curve-ball and I can honestly say that leaving work earlier has been one of the best decisions I’ve made throughout this pregnancy. For the first time in months, I feel refreshed, healthy and like I’m doing all I can to ensure Pickle has the best possible start in life.
With five weeks until my due date, I’m determined to make the most of this new found time I have and a maternity leave bucket list sounds like the best way to make sure I use this precious time wisely and productively. Anything with a line through it, I’ve already done – how satisfying!
Things to buy:
A cotbed– Ikea’s Sundvik CotbedA change bag– Skip Hop Forma Pack & Go Diaper Tote BagBreast pads and maternity padsElectric breastpump– Medela Swing Electric BreastpumpA couple more sleepsuits for PickleSome sort of bath seat or tub for PickleScratch mittensNursery wardrobe– Ikea’s Stuva WardrobeFeeding chair for the nursery– Ikea’s Tullsta Armchair
Things to make:
Knitted hat for PickleKnitted mittens for PickleKnitted cardigan for Pickle- Pre-make some meals to freeze so we’ve got plenty in stock for after Pickle is born
Make some nice homemade flapjacks for labour sustenance!A long overdue cushion I said I’d make for a friend’s new home MONTHS ago (she’s moved twice since then, whoops!)- A roman-blind for Pickle’s room
Things to do:
Go through all of the boxes in Pickle’s room and declutterBuild the SnuzpodBuild the CotbedBe on top of the mountain of clothes washing that has built upWash all of Pickle’s clothesGo on a tour of the labour ward and midwife led unit (booked for Sunday 17th April at 4pm)- Spend some time with both of my Nans
- Spend some time with friends that are LONG overdue visits
Get my hair cut
So there we have it. The beginnings of my maternity leave bucket list. I’ll keep coming back and adding to this list I’m sure, but it’s a good start. I’ll need to keep filling it up as it’s going to be a very long five weeks otherwise.
If you’ve got any tips for me as to what else is good to do in preparation for Pickle’s arrival – I’m all ears! I think I need all the advice and help I can get at this point.
Rachelswirl
I too had to leave earlier than expected due to having such bad SPD. I made the best use of the time with tick lists like you. I love a list, especially ticking things off from them 🙂
One thing I’d like you to add to that list is “Get a box set I’ve always fancied watching and relax with a cupola for at least an hour a day”.
Little Pickle's Mom
Ha ha, thanks Rachel. You’ll be pleased to know that I have been absolutely binge watching Downton Abbey! Somehow, in just a couple of weeks I’ve managed to get onto the 5th series… HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?! I’ll be needing a new Box Set soon – any recommendations?!
Tall Mum In Manchester
Love that you have some crafty projects for Pickle on this list. I want to make as many things as possible. Working on big things now & have a few sewing projects lined up for when I’m a bit less mobile.
I’m also going to have a fill the freezer session before the birth; seems like the best way to avoid an onslaught of takeaways & I can’t stand ready meals.
I’d add indulging in afternoon tea to your list, and maybe a massage!
Little Pickle's Mom
Ooooh afternoon tea sounds like a WONDERFUL idea – I’ve been obsessed with watching Bake Off Creme de la Creme, so everytime I see those little miniature cakes it makes me drool for a proper nice afternoon tea. Ooh, will be keeping an eye out for your future craft projects! There’s nothing more therapeutic than crafting and sewing!
The Pramshed
This is a fab list you have here, you have included my number one piece of advice – to make lots of meals. I did this and it was a godsend. Make sure that you also get a bit of “you time” before the baby arrives, to read, sleep, have nails/hair done etc…..I hope you have a fantastic few weeks before the baby arrives, and relax. Claire x
Little Pickle's Mom
Thanks Claire! The good news is, I’m definitely taking some time just to treat myself too (maybe a little too much treat time, is that possible?). Now just very excited for baby’s arrival…!