Ending Third Trimester, Beginning Third Trimester

However coincidental, this week marked the end of third trimester at school as well as the beginning of third trimester for baby Carlson. With the excitement of both transition periods comes a bit of apprehension as well. One might think that the start of summer break would bring a wave of relief, especially since my maternity leave will see that I don't have to grade another thing for the next five months. For some reason I still feel entirely stressed. We have not hired my long-term sub, my room is not organized, and my lessons aren't sub-ready. Although I have all summer to prepare for this, the thought of not being a part of that wonderful back-to-school energy in the fall really saddens me. On the other hand, distance does make the heart grow fonder, so my extended absence could give me an awesome supply of energy and enthusiasm to come back with.

Now this nervousness I'm expressing about work is not intended to overshadow my excitment about meeting our little one; believe me, we're completely stoked! But as mentioned above, with his birth date quickly approaching, I can't help but feel a little unprepared. I do have around twelve weeks to physically and emotionally prepare myself but I'm sure all the planning in the world cannot fully prepare anyone for motherhood. So, in order to both view my summer realistically and ease my nerves, I've decided to create a Summer Mommy To-do List. I would like to enlist the help of all my mommy friends out there with my list. I'm creating this list based solely on what I have read so if you can think of any other items, or if you have advice, please feel free to share. For example, prenatal courses. Our birthing center offers courses in the birthing process, infant care, and breastfeeding. Would all be beneficial? What have been your experiences? We're willing to try them out but they can be a bit spendy and time consuming so we'd only like to invest if they're worthwhile.

Here, in no particular order, is my Summer Mommy To-do List:

• Register/take prenatal course(s) - which one(s) to take? birthing? breast feeding? infant care? or all of the above?
• look around for a good pediatrician
• finish home-improvement projects (or rather supervise while Alex does)
• schedule our baby dedication and design invites
• find an affordable daycare option
• prepare for cloth diapering
• line up on-call doggie care for Beckett  for when we're in the hospital
• make food for after baby's born
• clean house and keep it clean
• install car seat
• pack mommy and daddy overnight bags
• work on birth announcement
• pre-wash baby clothes and bedding
• set up nursery
• read up more about breast feeding, parenting, etc.
• design/assemble baby quilt
• maternity photoshoot
• stock up on basics for the home
• try and RELAX :-)

As much as these items are seemingly in my control, I know there will be a lot in these next tweve weeks that isn't. Please keep our little family in your thoughts and prayers and again, don't hesitate if you have any ideas or advice to share. After all, it does take a village to raise a child :-)