What am I going to do . . .

[allborntogrow]

When I'm on maternity leave?

I am used to having no time at all. I work 45 or more hours a week, have school four nights a week, and whenever I'm home I'm doing homework, working from home, or squeezing in some playtime with my son.

Tomorrow is my last final for summer classes, but I'll still be working. I know this sounds ridiculous but I'm actually nervous about my maternity leave (even though I was really, really, looking foward to it).

Okay, I obviously am excited about bonding with the new baby and spending a lot more time with my son than I'm used to, but I'm also worried that I'll be tempted to go to the store more or load the baby up and go get food out or something . . . also, what if I have such a great time that I can't bear to go back to work?

I guess what I need to know is how do you slow down? I've been going non-stop for almost three years now! Ahhh!!!

[~Megan~]

Well, you should rest! Take loads of pictures of your kids. Do crafts together. And after the first month or so do things you've been putting off like that visit to the zoo or children's museum.

[34me]

Sit around and stare at your kids, memorize their features. They will never be this age again

[greenmom4]

I know what you mean. And, to be honest, when my leave is up I'm usually kind of happy to head back to work.

Anyway, the nice thing about an August baby is that there is plenty of good weather left. My other two kids were born in November and I remember feeling pretty down that it was freezing and the days were so short, etc, etc. Also - do you have friends that are SAHM? I'm looking forward to hanging out with some friends I don't usually get the chance too. I'll also want to do the couch-5k program and stock our freezer for winter. It's funny - you'll find the time passes pretty quickly, even if it feels like you're not doing a lot.

[bettie cracker]

You will be able to make sure you get some alone time with your older child, with all this bonus time.

Also, I wouldn't worry too much about wanting to go out to eat a lot -- you will have more time to cook great homemade meals.

[psychocandy]

Maybe you can come up with some projects for yourself, too? I have a list of books I would like to read, and I still have scrapbooking stuff for a wedding album, even though the wedding was 5 years ago! I've also been meaning to write all of my recipes out in a recipe book I bought in Rome a few years ago... And maybe I'll make a few batches of jam to give out as Christmas gifts this year. Do you sew? That might be a good idea, too! You could do some Halloween outfits for the kids.

[AKA_PI]

I start my leave on Monday and haven't a clue what I'll do around the house all day until DP gets home.

[not now]

I've been on leave since last week and I'm starting to lose my damn mind. My mom says "Take it easy" which I expect since she's the kind of person who could sleep all day.

I've been reading, cleaning out/reorganizing closets, watching movies....and that's it.

[annekka]

I know how you feel, I haven't been off work for more than a week since DS was born and I had been laid off then so it wasn't quite the same. I know I'll have trouble getting my mind off work projects, most of which are still half-finished and I'm out in two weeks. Of course being summer we have trips and other stuff planned (depending on when our little girl actually arrives) so I guess I'll be busy with that, not to mention cleaning our wreck of a house. Also I have to make some momre newborn sized diaper covers. You can never have too many.

Also, I plan on taking lots of walks. I hope that'll help get labor going, or at least help her drop so I can use my stomach and lungs again