What else should be on here?

[wwisdomskr]

I'm making a reminder note to hang up by the phone. In the past, when people have called and offered to help, we've tended to say "No, thank you. We're doing fine." Or we haven't been able to think of things for people to do. So, I made this list. What do you think? Any ideas for other things to add? I feel like I must be forgetting something...

Say “YES”…

“YES, thank you, we DO need help…”

Out of town Family and Friends can:

Send cards and care packages to Isis and Yemaya

Contribute to paying for our Postpartum Doula

Pay for a week of house cleaning

Pay for a massage for Daddy or Mommy

Send organic, fresh fruit

Send new breastfeeding pajamas


Local Friends and Family can:

Bring fresh food
Dark green salads with bright vegetables and brazil nuts or almonds
Fresh fruit salads
Dairy and soy-free vegetable/bean soups
Indian dishes (dairy and soy-free)
Dairy and soy-free desserts

Invite Isis to a play date or movie

Take Yemaya and/or Isis to Toby May Park

Care for the children in the house while Jess showers or naps

Take Isis to horseback riding

Take Isis to gymnastics

Bring Art Bars from Flavours of Life (dark chocolate with coconut)

Go grocery shopping

Wash and fold laundry

Wash and put away dishes

[GinaRae]

No idea what else should be on there but it's a great start!

[Valerieg]

Wow...that is an awesome list!

I wish people called and asked us if there was anything they could do to help. I'm too chicken to call them and ask...so there wasn't much help when DD was born besides my mom being here for 10 days (she'll be doing this again this time).

[wwisdomskr]

We've never had anyone actually travel to help us. Well, my parents came for 48 hours to "help" and for Christmas after dd2 was born, but I don't count that. This time, they're coming for about 4 days...and my expectations are very low. I just want them to drip as much love as possible onto my dds.

We are indeed lucky that people ask what they can do! It's not always a dedicated phone call, though, kwim? Sometimes, it's just an after-thought-thing...and this time I will not be caught off-guard!