The 5 {Everyday} Things You Need To Do Before Baby Arrives

After a year of (blissful) parenthood, I have come to realize some of the things I miss most about life before Peyton. 

Now, these things aren't extravagant (no European vacations here); rather, these are things that non-parents do everyday yet typically take for granted.

1. Decide to go somewhere, and leave within 5 minutes. 
It sounds silly, I know. Before baby, you realize you're out of bread or get a craving for ice cream and within 5 minutes, you're out the door! After baby, you have to time things perfectly- baby must be well-rested and well-fed or you're looking at a meltdown. And you better be proficient at packing that diaper bag-this can add 30 minutes to your departure time!

2. Run errands all day long.

Prior to baby, you can easily plan a whole day of errands: haircut, lunch date, grocery shopping, etc.

Once baby arrives, your trips are shortened to accommodate nap & feeding times. And you're probably going to be limited to one trip per day (because, ya know, it takes an hour to get out the door!) so you better be quick!

3. Sit at home and do NOTHING.

Quite the opposite of running errands all day, but equally important! This one is simple. Take a day to lounge all day. Stay in your PJ's. Watch TV. Watch movies. Most importantly-don't feel guilty about it! Once that little bundle of joy makes his appearance, you will be required to do something every day. :)    

 

4. Enjoy your dinner. I mean...really enjoy it. I don't care if it's macaroni and cheese. Just enjoy sitting down to eat (maybe even on the couch!) without being interrupted by a hungry/wet/overtired baby (or a toddler stealing from your plate!).

5. Go to the movies. This is the one 'outing' that I miss the most. Going out to eat, shopping, and the park can still be done with a baby (although it becomes a little more complicated!). You just can't (or shouldn't) take a baby to the movies. Now, when we want to go see a movie, it always involved a sitter. 

 

 

Now, my little disclaimer: being a Mom is an incredible blessing, and I would give up movies, eating dinner or ever leaving my house again if it made my kiddo happy! But for those of you who haven't yet welcomed little miracles into your world, take advantage of these little things now!