Giant before baby comes checklist-remix - Page 3 « Back to Group Discussions

[lalazap]

Originally Posted by Aletheia 

Let's scratch that off!  I passed the test (just barely! and boy was it fun to ask for a bathroom break in the middle of the two hours-- my committee is four old men.  :)  )

1. Research websites that allow folks to sign up to bring meals/help out.  Anyone know of any?

Belated congrats, Aletheia!

I've been looking at a few meal sites but haven't figured out the pros and cons of each, though.

http://www.mealtrain.com/Default.aspx

http://www.foodtidings.com/

http://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/how/

http://www.carecalendar.org/

http://takethemameal.com/

[Aletheia]

Originally Posted by lalazap 

For baby

For the birth/pp

In the house

Work-related

Family

Administrative stuff

Just pointing out the lovely organization that Lalazap's list has.  I think I'll add to my list: organize list.  :)

Originally Posted by lalazap 

Belated congrats, Aletheia!

I've been looking at a few meal sites but haven't figured out the pros and cons of each, though.

http://www.mealtrain.com/Default.aspx

http://www.foodtidings.com/

http://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/how/

http://www.carecalendar.org/

http://takethemameal.com/

Thanks for this.  I'll try to start looking through them, too.
 

[Aletheia]

 

Updating my list!  Organizing it using lalazap's structure, and crossing some thing off.  Changes are in red.

 

For Baby/Mama

• Inventory existing baby stuff and organize it.
• Make a "to buy" list.
• Buy some nursing bras/tanks.  Like, yesterday!!
• Buy nursing/maternity jammies that don't make me feel like a cow.  Recommendations? 
• Research making a DIY baby hammock for the kitchen.  Also considering this etsy one.  Found directions here, and DH is really into it!  Yay!
• Pick boy and girl name!  I think Imogen is our top girl name.
• Reconfigure Master Bedroom to allow for a side-carred crib.
• Reconfigure Master Bedroom to allow for storage of baby clothes, diapers, and toys.
• Research low supply solutions (breastmilk). 
• Read the Good Night Sleep Cure one more time, outline a plan for sleep.
• Keep up with my running!  4 days a week, baby!
• Wash the newborn stuff.

For Birth/PP

• Find a childbirth class (Bradley again... or Birthing from Within?)  Found a great class and already atttended one session!
• Hospital tour (homebirth, but I'd like to know what I'm getting into if I transfer.)
• Order homebirth supplies.
• Figure out where to put the tub!
• Have a blessingway, and henna my tummy.  :)  Is anyone else doing this?  A friend is hosting one for me!  
• Get stuff together for my wedding album-- a labor project I have in mind.  I never made one, though we have a beautiful handbound book to put photos in.

For the Household

• Feed the freezer/make two months of meal plans.
• Feed the learning area.  (We do a little homeschooling- I'd like to have some activities prepared for my boys before the birth.  I liked the mini-units over at the Montessori-inspired Counting Coconuts.)
• Research websites that allow folks to sign up to bring meals/help out.  Anyone know of any?
• Re-organize pantry.  We had two snowdays this week, and my boys were happy to build forts and play elaborate pretend games while I emptied, primed, painted, and reorganized the entire pantry!  Woot!
• Collect a box of wrapped used books to have on hand for those times when I need to sit and nurse but the boys have other ideas.  Have purchased 14 books so far.
• Clean out filing system in office.
• Organize and "favorite" the photos on external harddrive for 2006-2009.
• Do something with DS2's babybook.  Like make one.
• Finish DS2's "first year video."
• Add a few things to DS1's babybook.
• Make kids' Arts and Crafts stuff more easily accessible to them.
• Make Baby's stocking now, instead of on December 24th, 2012.  :)

For Work

• Complete Dissertation Proposal.
• Defend Dissertation Proposal.

Phew!  I think that's it.  I love list making... can you tell?

[Thursday Girl]

For baby

• get newborn diapers back
• make a place for baby stuff in my room
• sew baby gowns
• sew quilt
• get stroller
• maternity photo shoot (next week)
• get baby book
• create newborn announcement

For the birth/pp

• home birth/pp supplies (sheets, waterproof cover, chux pads,peri bottle, awesome stretchy undies,pads)
• plan out 2-3 daisy meetings
• arrange rides for girls to  girl scouts and home from school
• learn to and make post partum sitz bath
• remind Hubs to get me chocolate stash/veggie tray/fruit tray for post birth

In the house

• Have Hubs work on back room
• make sure laundry is hooked up for the birth
• organize bedroom so it will fit everyone for birth
• fix van door!!!

Family

• make/buy sister shirts
• make sure sister has plane ticket

Administrative stuff

• 2011 taxes
• after baby born order birth cert's for the last 3 kids.
• renew info for gov't help

Edited by Thursday Girl - 2/22/12 at 5:47am

[Thursday Girl]

Hubs is working on the backroom! I asked if we would be able to move in shortly after baby and he said maybe! (although I don't want to get too excited, this project was started while I was pregnant with Juniper (who is almost 3)

see:

He is standing where the future master bath will go( he says since he has to run the water ahead of time we will have a working toilet in a big room until the other walls get finished) further in the room is the master bedroom. up against the outside wall of the house where there is no floor at all will be a porch/laundry room. a new door will be built and that old door will be a wall.  Their is still a lot to do as the roof above his head has to be completely rebuilt and that far wall needs to be redone and the windows replaced. urggh writing that list makes me think even with the tax return and him doing all the work it won't be liveable shortly after baby. But it's something.

[RosieL]

1. Finish this semester!
2. Arrange part-time daycare - I think I've found her, but I'm still on the fence. She takes babies on the side, doesn't pay taxes. That means slight risk for us (not much) and can't use an FSA, which would effectively reduce cost by 33%. 
3. Figure out how much to put in FSA account for daycare - 
4. Remember to adjust insurance benefits (this might have to happen after baby is born, but I'm scared I'll forget).
5. Move remaining office stuff from baby room. Pick paint, remove wallpaper, prime, then paint baby's bedroom. Pull up carpet, give floor (wood) below a nice buffing, and move baby stuff in. Put up wall shelves.
6. Keep registry up to date. Buy nothing until after showers (Mom and MILs are going crazy.)
7. Take baby CPR class - No need, it's part of childbirth class. Yay.
8. Take childbirth class - Starting Sunday.
9. Have will drawn up
10. Source and obtain birth tub
11. After showers: source (hopefully used) diapers to complete stash
12. Wash diapers, baby clothes
13. Make frozen meals We have about four-six days worth of meals frozen, and Mom told me to stop because she'll want to make us meals. 
14. Get at least one journal submission in before baby arrives. - Not gonna happen. :(

[lalazap]

Originally Posted by lalazap 

For baby

• register for diaper service
• get NB diaper covers & snappis
• make a wool soaker
• research and buy carseat
• research and buy stroller more like, ask around and get offered a free stroller/bassinet, even better!
• empty out hallway storage closet into guest room
• make change table for baby 'room' (ie previously mentioned closet)
• shelves/wall organizer for baby room?
• move baby clothes etc into baby 'room'
• set up changing area
• sort and organize baby clothes
• finish knitting baby blanket
• get a baby carrier
• name shortlist
• hammock?

For the birth/pp

• provide email addresses to J, who's organizing the pp meal train
• value village trip for receiving blankets and birth linens
• figure out carpet protection around birth pool (yoga mats or big bamboo rug over plastic?)
• food for birth helpers
• labour food for me (remember frozen pineapple/mango skewers)
• HB supplies in living room dresser
• figure out placenta encapsulation plan with J
• postpartum tea blend
• plan and book hypnosis sessions
• register for prenatal yoga
• register for couples prenatal yoga workshop

In the house

• make and freeze food
• empty bedside table drawers
• make room for stroller in entry closet
• nursing chair/rockert  eek, just bought this chair in leather for 50% off at a liquidation sale - a great deal but still a lot of cash to drop all at once ... we are justifying it by saying that we have been needing a piece to finish our living room anyway ... i'm sure it will see LOTS of use
• recover alley score chair
• photo wire in stairwell bought, need to put up
• take cat to vet for check-up okay, this wasn't actually on here before I did it but no harm in adding something to the list just for the feeling of accomplishment when you cross it off, right?

Work-related

• sort out midwifery equipment and give away expirables, store the rest when off call
• notify regulatory bodies of non-practicing status for 2012-13
• request leave of absence from hospitals/committees
• cancel/suspend pager service once off-call

Family

• quality time with DSS
• birth gift for DSS: activity books, art supplies, camera
• birth videos with DSS

Administrative stuff

• life insurance
• encourage DP to follow through on RRSP have encouraged, more reminders will equate with nagging!
• look into RESP
• downgrade cell plan
• 2011 taxes
• discontinue EHS benefits once doula reimbursed
• review EI process

Health and self-care sadly ironic that I forgot this category before ...

• aquafit Saturdays
• zumba Wednesdays
• prenatal yoga Mondays
• book a scrub at Korean spa
• go for walks
• date night once a week with DP
• dentist appointment

This list isn't getting any shorter ...
 

Edited by lalazap - 2/23/12 at 5:36pm

[hazelbranch]

Here is my updated list...

- get double stroller

- acquire second car seat

- buy strap covers for car seat

- set up diaper service account (and encourage potential gift-buyers to get us weeks of service)

- find diaper covers and wipes and clean

- find breast pump components and clean

- finish sewing baby wrap

- get plastic covers for beds

- inflate and water check birth pool

- purge super girlie clothes

- decide what to do with pink left over clothes (dye, ditch or deal?)

- acquire more second hand "boyish" clothes

- get 2 under-bed storage bins

- clean Bjorn bouncer cover

- take baby CPR class

- buy baby journal (Nikki McClure's "The First 1000 Days")

- start regular hypnobirthing/babies prep

- start regular prenatal yoga

- get belly cast supplies, and make cast around 38 weeks

- knit knit knit!

- wean Willa (down to once a day!)

- check enrollment date/info for preschool for Willa *enrolled!*

Overdue list:

- finish up Willa's baby journal

- paint/hang Willa's belly cast

Additional:

- register at the hospital

[thomatuttle]

only have crossed off a few items, but it's a start!  a few things will also be crossed off in a couple weeks!! 

here's my updated list:

get prefolds and covers back  (will be happening in about 2 weeks)

get cosleeper back  (will be happening in about 2  weeks)

organize and paint DD's room  (hopefully this will be started in another week or 2!)

get rid of DD's clothes that won't work for baby boy on the way

get more all in one's/covers

start/finish knitting babies blanket

start/finish matching hat and booties for baby

organize house

freezer meals

borrow or craigslist an ergo

buy or craigslist a double jogging stroller  (thanks to my folks!)

wean DD

start collection of boy clothes

find big sister/little brother clothes

[lalazap]

For baby

• register for diaper service
• get NB diaper covers & snappis
• make a wool soaker
• research and buy carseat
• research and buy stroller
• empty out hallway storage closet into guest room
• make change table for baby 'room' (ie previously mentioned closet)
• shelves/wall organizer for baby room?
• move baby clothes etc into baby 'room
• sort and organize baby clothes
• finish knitting baby blanket
• receiving blankets
• get a baby carrier
• name shortlist
• hammock?

For the birth/pp

• provide email addresses to J, who's organizing the pp meal train
• value village trip for receiving blankets and birth linens
• figure out carpet protection around birth pool (yoga mats or big bamboo rug over plastic?)
• food for birth helpers
• labour food for me (remember frozen pineapple/mango skewers)
• HB supplies in living room dresser
• get birth pool at 37w, test it out!
• figure out placenta encapsulation plan with J
• postpartum tea blend
• postpartum sitz bath blend
• plan and book hypnosis sessions
• register for prenatal yoga
• register for couples prenatal yoga workshop

In the house

• start making and freezing food work in progress
• empty bedside table drawers
• make room for stroller in entry closet
• nursing chair/rockert  eek, just bought this chair in leather for 50% off at a liquidation sale - a great deal but still a lot of cash to drop all at once ... we are justifying it by saying that we have been needing a piece to finish our living room anyway ... i'm sure it will see LOTS of use
• recover alley score chair
• photo wire in stairwell
• take cat to vet for check-up

Work-related

• sort out midwifery equipment and give away expirables, store the rest when off call
• notify regulatory bodies of non-practicing status for 2012-13
• request leave of absence from hospitals/committees
• cancel/suspend pager service once off-call

Family

• quality time with DSS
• birth gift for DSS: activity books, art supplies, camera
• birth videos with DSS

Administrative stuff

• life insurance
• encourage DP to follow through on RRSP 
• look into RESP
• downgrade cell plan
• 2011 taxes
• discontinue EHS benefits once doula reimbursed
• review EI process

Health and self-care

• aquafit Saturdays
• zumba Wednesdays crossed out not cause I'm going but because I can't go anymore - too high-impact
• start prenatal yoga Mondays
• book a scrub at Korean spa
• go for walks
• date night once a week with DP
• new pregnancy tea blend with partridge berry
• dentist appointment

Edited by lalazap - 2/27/12 at 1:23pm

[Fern5Fern]

This thread makes my palms sweat.  I don't even want to make a list!

[dealic]

Yeah I refuse to post here.... I have tried a few times, get overwhelmed and stop.

[kaismum]

get nb/small diapers and covers

new diaper pail and wet bags

cloth wipes and make wipe juice

find cord for wipe warmer

inventory one size and larger fitteds to assess what is needed in that department

baby clothes

knit soakers, longies - WIP

get cosleeper

buy birth kit and pool

move dining table to make room for birth pool after the holidays pass

get dresser for DS and move his changing table/dresser thing to our room for baby

get cloth postpartum pads

waterproof pad for our bed and thrift sheets for pre/during/post birth

cast on a blanket after holidays

freezer meals

snack area in fridge/pantry for DS to help himself

Making progress! We made a spread sheet and have been crossing things off like crazy. We cleaned and organized every closet and the basement and DH is feeling really calm now. My sister and a friend are throwing me a shower in the beginning of April, so I am waiting to purchase the co-sleeper and rest of the diaper stuff we need until after that. People have been giving us clothing like mad and although it is really, really helpful and amazing, I feel a little sad that I don't have any cutesy shopping to do. I mean, I did a little anyway, but I feel bad to even look now. I reorganized my kitchen cabinets to make it really easy for my MIL to be able to help out in the kitchen while she is staying with us and I am going to start working on putting things into the freezer for meals in the next month. Pinterest has been good for finding ideas for that. I am a rep for Wildtree (sort of - I am the world's laziest direct salesperson) and plan to order a bunch of things from there that are really simple for my husband to throw together on the days that he is home. 

[prettyisa]

see, I love me this thread, because I keep finding things that I forgot to put on my giganto-preggo list!

[thomatuttle]

here's my updated list:

get prefolds and covers back

get cosleeper back 

organize and paint DD's room  (in process)

get more all in one's/covers

start/finish knitting babies blanket

start/finish matching hat and booties for baby

organize house

freezer meals

borrow or craigslist an ergo

buy or craigslist a double jogging stroller  (thanks to my folks!)

wean DD

start collection of boy clothes

find big sister/little brother clothes

i know that there should be more on here, but for some reason i can't think of anything else.

[lalazap]

Feeling quite accomplished lately ... 

Originally Posted by lalazap 

For baby

• register for diaper service I guess we don't do actually do this until the baby is born - I did buy a pack of disposables for the early days while we get organized
• get NB diaper covers & snappis ordered today from a local WAHM store that is going out of business, prices seemed good
• make a wool soaker found a couple in DSS's baby stuff so I might not bother
• research and buy carseat
• research and buy strolle 
• empty out hallway storage closet into guest room
• make change table for baby 'room' (ie previously mentioned closet DP rocked this today, it turned out great and super sturdy - I did have to approve the purchase of a new drill to make it happen!
• shelves/wall organizer for baby room again, DP to the rescue
• move baby clothes etc into baby 'room
• sort and wash and organize baby clothes
• change pad
• finish knitting baby blanket making progress on this after *$(%@ing it up royally and enlisting expert help to repair it
• sewing: flannelette blankets and muslin swaddler have fabric, just need to finish edges
• receiving blankets
• get a baby carrier now have 4 - DSS's old baby trekker, a seven slings pouch, a baby buddha just gifted to me, and a moby
• name shortlist ugh, I suspect we are as settled as we will ever be, with a list of 5+ boy names, 3 girl names and no energy left to look at name books/blogs
• hammock?

For the birth/pp

• provide email addresses to J, who's organizing the pp meal train
• value village trip for receiving blankets and birth linens I think we're mostly good; just need a bunch  of towels for the waterbirth
• figure out carpet protection around birth pool (yoga mats or big bamboo rug over plastic?)
• food for birth helpers
• labour food for me (remember frozen pineapple/mango skewers)
• HB supplies in living room dresser
• get birth pool at 37w, test it out!
• hospital bag
• figure out placenta encapsulation plan with J
• postpartum tea blend
• postpartum sitz bath blend
• plan and book hypnosis sessions
• register for prenatal yoga
• register for couples prenatal yoga workshop

In the house

• start making and freezing food work in progress: so far have breakfast burritos, muffins, pancakes, refried beans
• empty bedside table drawers
• make room for stroller in entry closet not going to happen - there's no way it's going to fit in there
• nursing chair/rockert  eek, just bought this chair in leather for 50% off at a liquidation sale - a great deal but still a lot of cash to drop all at once ... we are justifying it by saying that we have been needing a piece to finish our living room anyway ... i'm sure it will see LOTS of use
• recover alley score chair
• photo wire in stairwell, put photos up on it
• take cat to vet for check-up

Work-related

• sort out midwifery equipment and give away expirables, store the rest when off call
• notify regulatory bodies of non-practicing status for 2012-13
• request leave of absence from hospitals/committees
• cancel/suspend pager service once off-call

Family

• quality time with DSS happening on an ongoing basis, this will never be 'done'
• birth gift for DSS: activity books, art supplies, camera
• birth videos with DSS have a playlist ready on youtube

Administrative stuff

• life insurance
• encourage DP to follow through on RRSP 
• look into RESP
• downgrade cell plan
• 2011 taxes in progress
• discontinue EHS benefits once doula reimbursed
• review EI process

Health and self-care

• aquafit Saturday went this morning for the first time, it was great
• zumba Wednesdays crossed out not cause I'm going but because I can't go anymore - too high-impact
• start prenatal yoga Mondays
• book a scrub at Korean spa
• go for walks nope, not with this pelvic pain ...
• date night once a week with DP
• new pregnancy tea blend with partridge berry
• dentist appointment

Edited by lalazap - 3/4/12 at 8:25pm

[Aletheia]

Updating my list again...

Edits are below, but here is the "refined" list-- I need to see it with all the done stuff cut out so I can feel on top of it.

For Baby/Mama

1. Buy a few more nursing tanks from Target.
2. Make a "sleep plan."
3. Create a baby calendar/baby book to record firsts.
4. Wash the newborn stuff.
5. Buy everything on my Baby Amazon Wishlist.

For Birth/PP

1. Brew sitz bath herbs and freeze in peri bottles and as icecubes to add to bath water.
2. Hospital tour and preregistration on the 29th.
3. Blessingway on the 17th.  Yay!
4. Reconsider my labor project.  

For Household

1. Feed the learning area.  Goals: two sensory tubs, two new "works" for each boy.
2. Finish painting pantry and basement stairs, hang hardware.
3. Organize and favorite photos on the harddrive and order a Time Machine.
4. Make DS2's babybook.
5. Make DS2's "first year video."
6. Add a few things to DS1's babybook.
7. Make baby's stocking.

For work:

1. Complete dissertation proposal.
2. Defend dissertation proposal.

For Baby/Mama

• Inventory existing baby stuff and organize it.
• Make a "to buy" list.
• Buy some nursing bras/tanks.  Like, yesterday!!
• Buy nursing/maternity jammies that don't make me feel like a cow.  Recommendations?  Put on "to buy" list.
• Research making a DIY baby hammock for the kitchen.  Also considering this etsy one.  Found directions here, and DH is really into it!  Yay!  Now we just have to MAKE it!!
• Pick boy and girl name!  I think Imogen is our top girl name Imogen is no longer our top girl name.  I think we are going with Timothy Paul and Anabel Louise. 
• Reconfigure Master Bedroom to allow for a side-carred crib.
• Reconfigure Master Bedroom to allow for storage of baby clothes, diapers, and toys.
• Research low supply solutions (breastmilk). 
• Read the Good Night Sleep Cure one more time, outline a plan for sleep/ schedule.
• Keep up with my running!  4 days a week, baby! Done with running-- too many strong BH's.  Still trying to walk 1/2 hour 4 days/week.
• Wash the newborn stuff.

For Birth/PP

• Find a childbirth class (Bradley again... or Birthing from Within?)  Found a great class and already atttended one session!
• Hospital tour (homebirth, but I'd like to know what I'm getting into if I transfer.)
• Order homebirth supplies.
• Figure out where to put the tube Kitchen
• Have a blessingway, and henna my tummy.  :)   A friend is hosting one for me!  
• Get stuff together for my wedding album-- a labor project I have in mind.  I never made one, though we have a beautiful handbound book to put photos in.

For the Household

• Feed the freezer/make two months of meal plans.
• Feed the learning area.  (We do a little homeschooling- I'd like to have some activities prepared for my boys before the birth.  I liked the mini-units over at the Montessori-inspired Counting Coconuts.)
• Research websites that allow folks to sign up to bring meals/help out.  Anyone know of any?
• Re-organize pantry.  We had two snowdays this week, and my boys were happy to build forts and play elaborate pretend games while I emptied, primed, painted, and reorganized the entire pantry!  Woot!
• Collect a box of wrapped used books to have on hand for those times when I need to sit and nurse but the boys have other ideas.  Have purchased 20 books so far.  Need to wrap them.
• Clean out filing system in office.
• Organize and "favorite" the photos on external harddrive for 2006-2009.
• Do something with DS2's babybook.  Like make one.
• Finish DS2's "first year video."
• Add a few things to DS1's babybook.
• Make kids' Arts and Crafts stuff more easily accessible to them.
• Make Baby's stocking now, instead of on December 24th, 2012.  :)

For Work

• Complete Dissertation Proposal.
• Defend Dissertation Proposal.

Phew!  I think that's it.  I love list making... can you tell?

[Aletheia]

Oh!  A few more things to add that I found in looking over my note from our birth class last week.

1.  Order a marriage book to have as "postpartum homework" for you and your partner.  Suggestions given were "The 5 Love Languages" and "Please Understand Me."

2.  Look into your insurance coverage for mental health and perhaps even shop for a therapist in advance so you aren't doing this while under post-partum depression.  (Suggested scheduled talk with your spouse at 3 weeks postpartum to assess your frame of mind.)

3.  Write a letter to your partner laying bare your hopes and fears for both labor and for the transition after, including specific self-care things he or she can do for you.

4.  Create a list for teh fridge  of small tasks visitors can do when they drop by and ask "if there is anything they can do."

[prettyisa]

aletheia--I read the 5 love languages in high school and it's been amazingly helpful since then! Makes it much easier to be understanding when your idea of showing love and someone else's don't match.

my list is ridonculous. Need to get on it!

[Itsasecret]

The five love languages ... oh, I have a love/hate relationship with that book!

My aunt died about seven years ago and left me with guardianship of my mentally disabled cousin. His primary love language is words of affirmation. My aunt filled his head with all kinds of ridiculous pie-in-the-sky stuff. Now, I am left to deal with it. Oh, how I hate the love language of 'words of affirmation'. He told me one time that he would rather I lie to him because it makes him feel good about himself. Are you serious?!

Obviously, my primary love language is NOT words of affirmation!

Rant off.