I am so thankful for each and every comment and each and every person who has decided to follow along on our journey! I was already a little too excited about this blog idea, but having the most supportive friends along for the ride and ladies who are in the same boat or ’been there, done that’ – I’m over the moon. To be completely serious, just seeing how many participated in our poll on the sidebar made me giddy ;)
Anonymous and secretive isn’t my thing – I can keep friends’ secrets, but my own secrets seem to sit atop my head like a sign with flashing lights, greeting people before I even open my trap. OH MY STARS, imagine my surprise that I have kept this blog from my husband for over a frickin’ week! {Doesn’t seem like much, I know. Take my own surprise as a hint of how surprised you should be…} He may figure it out by finding the link on my computer or snooping my iPhone – but my plan is to not tell him before the *hopeful* positive.
As a side note – I hope I don’t disappoint a few of you out there when my identity is revealed. Plenty of you said you were pretty positive you knew my identity. Many of you, I’m sure, are right on the money. But a few of you – I invited because I found your blog through my own followers who followed YOU as well… and then you too left a comment that you thought you may ‘know’ who I am. I apologize in advance for misleading anyone, but not wanting to blow the surprise, I can’t straighten you out right now ;) PLEASE, stop reading now if you can’t handle the let down!
AND NOW: I’m ready to start letting every tiny conception/pregnancy/delivery/baby/child/nursery/parenting obsessed thought fly. Let’s get to it!
The Baby Bucket List
You probably know what a regular ol’ bucket list is; a list of things you want to do before you ‘kick the bucket’. Though I’m not comparing having a baby to kicking the bucket… we all know opening a new chapter closes another. We also know there’s a whole list of no-no’s during pregnancy and that life is pretty darn different for everyone involved post-delivery. Seeing that this *hopeful* child-to-be is planned, I’m taking this opportunity to plan a few other things that I’d like to get done pre-conception as well as pre-baby.
{While I came up with this to-do list on my own long ago – the name “baby bucket list” was completely stolen from Baby Makin’ Machine! I love it. Much better than the un-original “baby to-do” list I would have come up with on my own.}
So what’s on mine?
Pre-bump {before conception}:
- painting – furniture, walls, and anything else that will stand still. I haven’t looked into how much you’re not supposed to do while pregnant, maybe it’s just walls, maybe you can paint furniture if you’re in a well ventilated area – not sure. Just aiming to get everything out of the way I can while still possible as I know the “honey-do list” will be reaching an all-time high just before baby.
- the thrilling stuff – white water rafting, sky-diving, roller coasters, trampoline gymnastics… if it’s fun and off-limits during pregnancy – I’m going to try to fit it in!
- food, food, and more food – I looked this one up… there’s not too much off limits during pregnancy when it comes to food consumption, but I know me, as soon as you say “you can’t”, it’s all I can think about. I’ll try to eat as much sushi, “over-easy” eggs, deli meats, blue cheese, and mass amounts of caffeine as I can until then. {For real though – trying to cut down the caffeine intake before then to avoid any type of withdrawal. Thankfully, I don’t consume too much.}
- long dips in the hot-tub – I don’t even have one, but if there’s a chance to jump in one pre-baby bump, count me in.
- dental care, x-rays – whatever the case, if it it’s something that would be swell and dandy to get done ahead of time and must be avoided while with-child, I’m attempting to get it done.
- get into shape – and not just any shape, a nice strong shape, a.k.a. muscles... I need muscles, people! I’m weak, extremely weak in the arm area especially. How am I supposed to tote baby, car seat, AND a fabulous diaper bag with these scrawny arms??? I can’t. Thus, “project mommy muscles” has begun. This also includes pumping up the all important abdominals needed to push baby out, as well as making the the recovery and return to pre-baby shape hopefully a tad easier.
Pre-baby {during pregnancy}:
- saving money – impossible, but I will definitely attempt to do my best not to devastate our funds too much. There’s plenty to buy: maternity clothes, baby clothes, necessities, furniture, decor, there’s a list a mile long that could suck every penny out of our retirement/college fund. As long as it’s not a used crib or used diapers, I’m open to it. Consignment, yard-sale, Craig’s list – I’ll do my best to search them all before deciding to buy new.
- continuing to work out. I’ll figure out what I’m allowed to do when the time comes.
- healthy eating – not just for me anymore!
- couple time. Very important to build the strongest bond and become a solid united front with Hubs before the baby has us taking sides. Physically, spiritually, emotionally – we’re good but I wanna be great. Thankfully, this is fun work! Trying for baby has already added more fun to the relationship ;)
- baby-moon. Not sure where or when, I just know we have to take a trip before baby – I’m dreaming of exotic beaches while storing up lots of late morning sleep.
The great thing about the pre-bump list is it’s ability to help me get through the months until a positive. With every negative, I’ll try to think of the things I’m still able to to do and get done while feeling more accomplished. I’ll be thinking of things to add to both lists, especially if takes longer than planned to get that positive!
Can you think of anything I’m leaving out – did you do anything “baby bucket”-like or think of anything you want to or wish you did before the blessed D-day?
I’d love the input!
Much love and luck♥
