This pregnancy is truly flying by – it is so bittersweet. I can’t wait to meet this little human of ours but honestly, I’m loving every second of pregnancy and secretly wish it would slow down a bit. Hard to believe I am already 22 weeks.
So what is going on right now? My current to-do list isn’t too crazy but all the little things definitely add up! A month or so ago, our doctor suggested we sign up for some of the educational classes that the hospital offers. We ended up picking three different classes – I’m super excited. I’m also going to look at different places outside of the hospital and see what they have too! At the time we signed up they seemed so far away but they are literally a little over a month away now!! Most people suggest taking these classes after the 20 week mark but before 35 weeks. Not too early that you will forget but not too late that you might not be able to attend or be in discomfort – as they can be quite long. We picked May/early June for ours – basically between week 27 to 32!
This month we also started to look for pediatricians for Baby M. We will most likely try to go where I went as a child as long as they are taking new babies. Otherwise, we might try to find something closer to home.
In addition, we started and basically finished Baby M’s registry. We tried to just keep it simple as we personally don’t want our house to look like a baby bomb went off! But we did take suggestions and added the things that our mama friends raved about.
Some items in particular were the rock and play, boppy lounger pillow, compact high chair, a comfortable glider for the long nights, portable napper/pack & play, swing, and a two camera monitor.
Then of course a travel stroller/infant seat combo, in addition to an all in one convertible car seat. An additional car seat base for Aaron as well. We ended up getting two diaper bags just so we can have them stocked and have a spare. We also opted for a convertible crib that turns into a toddler bed and then eventually a full sized bedframe. So convenient and will save us in the future.
Some things that we have heard are hit or misses about were diaper genies, grass drying rack, glass bottles and sound machine but we decided to register for these anyways because we felt we would like them. Also that the pros outweighed the cons.
I hope to breastfeed so I opted to register for a lot of things related to that. In addition to the breast pump the insurance provides me with, I registered for a manual pump. I’ve heard so many good things about these especially when you are just in a crunch and can’t whip out that bulky machine. In addition, I put a lot of breast milk bags, pads, creams and such to hopefully make this a smooth transition. One thing we loved was the 4-1 wraps. They can be used as baby carrier covers, feeding covers , highchair, or shopping cart covers. Two other must haves were Muslim baby wraps and a baby carrier.
Honestly, our list is intensive. We tried to cover first year of Baby M’s life but still tried to do the minimum needed. Luckily so many people have already gifted us items in advance and I have had a slight shopping problem – buying baby stuff like crazy. We registered on target but know other people that do multiple places. I really like Target’s prices in comparison to competitors and their benefits/rewards you get for your registry. It is also just a convenient store and people have the option still to order online if they won’t be making it to a store. It is a win win. Also, for everyone that said it would be hard not knowing the gender were more than wrong. It was so easy to select items and we couldn’t be happier. Honestly, knowing the gender wouldn’t have changed our choices. Everyone is different and I’m still floating around in the magic of the surprise. ❤️
This leads to all the baby shower planning which has been SO much fun. Im glad I chose to be involved as I absolutely love planning and any form of checklists. I’m excited to be surrounded by family and friends as we celebrate this little nugget. My shower will also be in May because literally everyone told me to do it before 32 weeks! We had to do it on Mother’s Day weekend – the Saturday before because we are booked every weekend! All good stuff though! 😊 We have just a few more things that need to be checked off for this but will wait until we get the RSVP’s back.
May and June will unquestionably be such busy months for us but all worth it. On the bright side, that will give up the remainder of June and July to just enjoy the time left as the two of us!
In the process of all of this fun stuff, we have also been working on the nursery. My mom got us all the paint and is painting the room for us as well. I absolutely cannot wait to see it all come together. I think decorating this little one’s room will be the most fun. Although watching Aaron build this crib might be quite a sight. I may have to record it to laugh at in the years to come.
The next few months are going to be filled with so much excitement. We are past the half-way mark which is just so crazy. I have been pregnant longer than I have left. In the short time we have available I would like to try our best to get everything we want done – preferably by mid-June. Eek! Wish us luck!
On a non-baby related note, prepping for our garden is also something we are currently working on. I’m going to start inside but am in the process of drawing up my garden plan for my wonderful husband to build for me. ❤️ Nothing is better than fresh fruits and veggies from your own yard. More updates to hopefully follow on this. The weather is still wonky in Rhode Island. Waiting patiently for the spring weather to actually arrive.
But that is it for now! Everything is going smoothly and according to plan. I love checking off each item on my to-do list. Baby bump-date to come soon!!!
XOXOX – Tiff