Hello, expectant mamas! Are you counting down the days until your little miracle arrives? You absolutely should be because welcoming a baby is an incredible experience you will treasure for a lifetime. Motherhood is a beautiful journey, but let’s be real—it’s a major life shift in ways you may not have anticipated.
While the joy of new motherhood is undeniable, it can also be daunting, evoking feelings of fear and wonder. Trust me, I adore my child, but those initial days were challenging, and I occasionally find myself reminiscing about “the good old days.” So, before you transition into a sleep-deprived haze, where a thrilling outing means a solo late-night trip to the store in your milk-stained pajamas, here are seven things to check off your list while you still can.
1. Catch a Movie in Theaters
Indulge in the experience of watching a film on the big screen. Stay out late, savoring the freedom to enjoy popcorn, peanut M&Ms, and a Diet Coke. It may be quite a while before you can do this again (at least until the next major animated movie drops).
2. Enjoy That Extra Hour of Daylight Saving Time
Remember the joy of that extra hour of sleep in November? Savor it now, because soon you’ll dread daylight saving time when your little one wakes up at the crack of dawn, regardless of the clock. You think you’re sleep-deprived now? Just wait!
3. Use the Bathroom Alone
“Alone?” you might think. Well, I used to think the same until I had a child. Recently, I was in the middle of a very personal moment when my 4-year-old barged in to give me a hug. Once you have a kid, privacy is a thing of the past—even in the bathroom.
4. Sleep In on Weekends
Here’s a harsh truth: babies don’t understand weekends. They wake up at the same time every day, ignoring your desire to sleep in. Say goodbye to lazy mornings reading the paper in bed—it’s a rude awakening, especially if you were used to sleeping until 10 a.m. like me.
5. Run Errands Alone
Trust me, what used to be a simple trip to the store will turn into a military operation with a baby. Packing the diaper bag becomes an art form, and navigating the aisles with a stroller while hoping for no diaper blowouts is a whole new level of stress. You’ll get home, pat yourself on the back for getting through it, and realize you forgot the nipple cream.
6. Have Spontaneous Intimacy
If you enjoyed morning or afternoon intimacy before having a baby, those days might be behind you. With early wake-ups becoming your new normal, fitting in quality time becomes a challenge. Once your little one sleeps through the night, you might regain some of that intimacy, but the clock will be ticking.
7. Be Self-Centered, Just a Little
Once your baby arrives, life shifts drastically. It’s harder to focus on yourself when you have a little one depending on you. Your career, your routines, and your personal goals might take a backseat. It’s a tough transition, but you’ll adapt eventually—maybe after a few years!
Moms-to-be, while I don’t want to scare you, I do want to prepare you for the reality of motherhood. As a wise friend once told me when I had my doubts, “You never knew you could love someone so much.” The challenges are real, and yes, you might miss your old life at times, but the love for your child is unparalleled. Their smiles and laughter make it all worthwhile—sometimes making you even consider going through it all again!
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Summary:
Expecting mothers should seize the opportunity to enjoy their pre-baby lives by doing things like going to the movies, sleeping in, and running errands solo. The transition into motherhood brings immense joy but also significant changes, making it essential to embrace the freedom while it lasts.