WAHOO! I’m officially now on Maternity Leave! So far – it feels so bizarre, I’ve never had so much time off in the whole of my adult life, so a year off just feels crazy! It’s only my first day but I already feel like this is quite a surreal time, where I don’t have to work, but I don’t have a baby to look after either. Everyone keeps telling me to RELAX but I hate sitting around too much – ideally, I want to find the sweet balance between enjoying my newfound ‘freedom’ and chilling out a bit too. I’m 100% sure this time will fly by and everything is going to change very quickly – so I need to make the most of it. As I’m not one to just sit down for hours upon hours (I’ve heard breastfeeding involves a lot of sitting, so I’ll save the box-sets for then!) I’ve put together a few lists of the things I want to get done, hopefully, before our little bubba arrives! Of course, this could all go to waste, she could be here at any second – but it’s nice to have a plan of what to do, if I end up with enough time.
FUN & FRIENDS:
- All the lunches, brunches and coffees I can manage! I’ve literally been texting all of my friends that are off during the week to organise as many catch-ups as possible. Over the next couple of weeks I’m looking forward to trying places like The Body Fuel Cafe and Team Dominica – plus fitting in as much time with friends as possible. I’ve also been chatting to some of the girls I met at NCT classes, so it’ll be nice to create some new ‘Mummy friends‘ during this time too.
- This week I’m looking forward to a crafty shop at Hobbycraft with my equally crafty friend Ari. I am going to look for scrapbooking, crochet and pom pom making kits so I can fill my time with crafts aplenty.
- If you have ever been pregnant before, you’ll know EVERYTHING HURTS towards the end, so I’m extremely lucky to have been treated to a lovely ‘Baby on Board’ pregnancy massage at The Grand Hotel, following my recent review of their GB1 restaurant. I honestly can’t wait, I’ve been sleeping so badly so am hoping it will relieve some tension and that I don’t sleep through the whole thing!
- Vlogging, Blogging, Instagramming, Tweeting – I’m looking forward to spending some quality time on my blog, rather than just trying to fit it into my busy life – I’m going to get scheduling posts for after baby and planning out some new and exciting projects for the year. I’m also starting weekly(ish) vlogs, so watch this space!
BABY PREPARATION:
- Wash all baby clothes and bedding
- Help Vee with DIY and organising nursery furniture and decor
- Order last bits of nursery furniture – I really want an Ikea POANG chair and a nice footstool to go with it!
- Practice my Hypnobirthing affirmations, breathing and scripts daily
- Eat 6 dates & drink raspberry leaf tea everyday
- Decluttering the house – Konmari all the way!
REST & RELAXATION:
Yes, believe it or not, I AM planning to relax, I promise……….
- I’m absolutely loving ‘The Muse‘ by Jessie Burton at the moment, I would also love to read her other book ‘The Miniaturist’ – that should keep me busy as I only read a few pages at a time as I get so sleepy!
- I can’t wait for some time to catch up with my crochet projects – I’ve got another blanket on the go for Baby Peaches, plus a couple of little gifts for friends with babies due very soon.
- One of my favourite things to do whilst pregnant is have a long, warm bath – I’ll be working my way through my Lush bathbomb supply and making the most of the quiet time while I can.
- Box-sets – Gilmore Girls, The Killing, The OA and The Bridge are all on my ‘to-watch’ list – any more recommendations?
Thats it! We shall see how I get on…. now I’ve written this, she’ll probably arrive tomorrow and jinx it all, or maybe I’ll just spend the time napping – Who knows!
Did you have any plans for your maternity leave and most importantly, did they happen??
Yay!!! It’s so exciting! I loved this time when I was pregnant, just knowing I was soon going to meet my baby! I’m so happy for you! But RELAX and sleep when you can haha
Eeek, I’m SO EXCITED! I am trying to relax as much as possible, but quite often everything aches so this is tricky! xx
Come and meet a fellow blogger…. im at Cafe Plenty every Friday till about 230, normally sitting at the bench seats in the corner!
Ooh, I didn’t realise that was your local haunt, I went there the other day, it’s lovely! I don’t often come into central Brighton, but if I do I will let you know! xx
I remember doing a lot of reading just before my children were born, because once they arrive it’s a LONG time before you can wrap your head around a novel. Once they arrived I was just pinned to the sofa with feeding, so that was when the major TV watching started.
Yeah I can imagine, although with my pregnancy brain I’m not great at reading now either! I’ll try cram in as many books as possible now then! xx
Gosh this is all rather exciting for you both! I hope you get plenty of time to chill out 😊
Eek, I know! I’m so excited 🙂 xx
This is such a fab list. I think maternity leave should be a lovely mix of doing and relaxing. Enjoy all your lunch dates. Hugs Lucy xxxx
It’s a really lovely time – the calm before the storm! 🙂 xx
Such a great list! I can’t wait till baby peaches is here though! xx
Holly ∣ Closingwinter
I know, me too! She needs to come now! 🙂 xx
I love that you’ve made a maternity bucket list! I want in on one of your coffees/brunches! I work next door to The Body Fuel Cafe (the one in Hove right?!) and I’ve always wanted to try it! Enjoy all of your free time! I’M SO EXCITED FOR YOU BOTH! 😀
Tania x
teabee | UK Lifestyle, Beauty & Travel Blog
Oh man, I was at The Body Fuel Cafe yesterday, if I’d have known, I would have said and we could have caught up! The food/smoothies in there are lovely by the way, so give it a go! Eeek, I’m so excited too! Not long to go now, eeeeek! xx