Pregnancy Leave - yay!

[HidaShara]

I don't know what you other working mamas were/are doing, but today is the first day of my pregnancy leave!  I previously worked full-time (and have been the sole breadwinner for the family for the last eight years) and meant to stay at work until July 15th, but last week I just started experiencing WAY more late-pregnancy woes, and I couldn't concentrate on anything, so I buggered off a week early.  This weekend was spent omg nesting, cleaning and setting up baby things.... and today my real leave begins!

DH took DD to daycare half an hour ago and I'm practically bored already.  I have the whole house, the whole day to myself!  I have a thing or two that needs doing around the house, of course, and I am looking forward to having NAPS, but I'm almost terrified about what else to do! I've never liked alone-time much, so I'm trying to fill the time with relaxing-but-productive projects: knitting socks for the midwives (thanks MarineWife!), re-reading the Sing of Ice and Fire books, blogging.  The baby isn't due for two more weeks, so I could have a lot of this ahead of me.  I wish I could relax!!!

How about you ladies?  Any other former workers finding themselves with blessed, blessed free time before the baby shows up?  Any projects on the go?

[rducky]

I have been off since mid-March on preventive mat leave due to my job.  It is starting to get long and I'm wondering if this is why I'm getting a bit impatient now (due July 24th).

I definitely was lucky in that I got a lot of stuff done while I wasn't too heavily pregnant, so now I'm doing little projects like you.  I've also been spending a lot of my time looking for pools to go swimming in because it is SO HOT here!

I have a big cross stitch project that I would have like to finish, but I'm not sure if I will be able to.  My hands are so sore that I just can't hold the needle sometimes.

[mamasmith]

My first day of leave was last Monday and I didn't really know what to do at first!  I had this giant list of things to get done and I'm almost through with it... although I add something new everyday.  The first couple days I stayed busy because I was so used to staying busy at work.  Then on about Wed, I realized that I didn't have to be frantic anymore and could actually do a little bit, then nap, do a little bit, then nap!  I'm still learning how to just chill and relax.  Sometimes I feel antsy or bored and check my work email!  Ha!  Old habits never die.  But then I remember that this is a very rare time in my life where I can focus on myself (and baby).  I make sure I do something special for myself everyday.  This will be my first, so I'm trying to embrace the peace of pre-parenthood! 

My projects include knitting, sewing, cooking, and cleaning.  It's really nice to be able to do these casually instead of trying to fit everything in on a Sat and Sun!!  Enjoy mama!!!  Do something really nice for yourself today  :-)  I'm gonna get a milkshake with my girlfriends.  :-)

[tourist.]

Today is my first day of leave, and I have no idea what to do.  Everything is done...I was thinking about trying to walk this baby out but don't really have anywhere close by to go walk (it's WAY too hot outside).  

[JoEngland]

I am beginning to question the wisdom in working up until I go into labor, which was my plan all along. I'm sitting at my desk at work right now with the most relentless case of heartburn and feeling like I'm going to upchuck my breakfast at any moment. Ugh.

However, I only get 8 weeks of maternity leave, so I am hoping to save that time to spend with my LO when he arrives. However, he's not due 'til the 25th, and I'm wildly uncomfortable and tired all the time as it is.

What to do ... what to do ...

[lovelylisa]

I worked up until birth with both my kids. With my son I worked until Monday, got induced on Tuesday. With my daughter, I was rushed to the hospital in my work uniform- I was supposed to be at work that day  My house is still in chaos because of it- I haven't seen my dining room table in a month

[AnnieA]

I was going to work until I went in to labor but since baby is breech and not showing any signs of turning, c-section is scheduled for next Wednesday. So my last day will be Friday and then I'll have the weekend and two days off before baby gets here. Will hopefully spend that time resting!

[HawaiianBlesing]

I'm currently working 6 days a week and was going to keep grooming until I went into labor but have recently been convinced to take the week off before.  I'm looking forward to it because my mom will be coming into town.  We still have soooooooo much to do here.  Our house is still under construction.  Still trying to figure out how we are going to have a baby in this mess.   We have the bare bones to survive but I really would like my house back in order.  I haven't decided how much leave I'm going to take yet.  I work for myself so I can take as much time as I need but no work = no money either.  DH's income is enough for us to get by and pay the bills so I'm going to take it one week at a time. 

[Nightswimming]

Anyway you can ask them if you can work from home for a week or two leading up to your due date (until the baby comes).  That might be a good solution for you if they say yes.
 

Originally Posted by JoEngland 

I am beginning to question the wisdom in working up until I go into labor, which was my plan all along. I'm sitting at my desk at work right now with the most relentless case of heartburn and feeling like I'm going to upchuck my breakfast at any moment. Ugh.

However, I only get 8 weeks of maternity leave, so I am hoping to save that time to spend with my LO when he arrives. However, he's not due 'til the 25th, and I'm wildly uncomfortable and tired all the time as it is.

What to do ... what to do ...

[JoEngland]

Originally Posted by Nightswimming 

Anyway you can ask them if you can work from home for a week or two leading up to your due date (until the baby comes).  That might be a good solution for you if they say yes.

I haven't asked yet, but I'm really thinking about it. I was feeling so crummy yesterday (nausea and heartburn with a dash of fatigue thrown in for good measure) that I went home after lunch. My workplace is pretty flexible, so if I get too uncomfortable to come in regularly, they might be OK with that.