May 06 2009

10 Things I Want to Do Before Getting Pregnant

Posted in All Posts, Pre-Pregnancy, Pregnancy Life

Yep, we’re still trying and nope, I’m not pregnant yet.  So, with that out of the way, I want to talk about what to do while I’m NOT pregnant.  The constant trying and waiting over the past several months has left me feeling that I’m in a state of limbo.  For two weeks out of the month I stay away from x-ray machines, litter boxes, and eating too much fish.  Once I find out I’m not pregnant that month, I resume my regular cat scooping and fish-eating activities while we try again.

These periods of waiting have gotten me thinking.  Instead of lamenting the time that I’m not pregnant, I should be celebrating the extra time I have before our life dramatically changes.  So, I have created a list of 10 items that I want to do before getting pregnant.

  1. Learn How to Knit.  Seriously, it can’t be that hard, right?  I know how to crochet and I’ve even practiced knitting, so I think the aptitude is there.  It’s the making a straight line full of stitches that I can’t seem to conquer.  So I’m going to a class next week in an attempt to learn the basics once and for all.  Then maybe I’ll knit a cute baby blanket with my new-found skill.
  2. Travel. This is a catch-22.  We love to travel and visit new places and now would definitely be the time.  But the problem is putting money towards traveling when we should be saving it for the $10,000 it could cost to actually have a baby.  And that doesn’t include all the costs that will immediately start accruing thereafter.  Anybody know of a great place to visit that’s also cheap?
  3. Clean out the Closet.  Not just the closet, but the whole house really as there are still several boxes and items in the garage that could use some organization.  However, the closet in the spare bedroom will eventually house baby clothes so it has to be cleaned out.  Right now it serves as a dumping ground for out-of-season clothes and other odds and ends.  It would be nice to get a head start on having it baby-ready.
  4. Make that Wedding Album.  As I talked about recently, we just received our wedding prints, which should tell you just how far down they have been on our priority list.  However, last year I did start putting together an online wedding album, and I doubt that once the baby comes it will even be on the list, let alone near the top.  It’s now or never.
  5. Photography Classes.  I recently found the Art League School in Old Town Alexandria and I am thrilled with the classes they offer.  I’ve been looking over the past year for a place that teaches classes that are more than just a two-hour weekend thing and less than a semester thing.  These nine-week courses fit the bill very nicely.  I am currently in my first class and fully plan to take as many as possible while I have the time.
  6. Learn Photoshop.  Really, it’s getting embarrassing.  Everyone and his brother knows how to use Photoshop except me.  And I call myself a photographer!  Seriously, I’ve had Photoshop for over a year and have yet to learn it.  I’ve tried here and there but haven’t set aside the time.  I would really like to have those skills up and running so that I can make those thousands of baby pictures we’ll be taking look as good as possible.
  7. Take my PHR exam.  Who knows what will happen with work once a baby arrives.  While I will more than likely continue working, there’s no way to guarantee what my work future holds.  Therefore, I would like to take my Professional in Human Resources (PHR) exam (similar to a CPA exam or the bar exam for lawyers) before my path takes a different direction.  It would just be nice to list it with my work credentials and it could come in hand some day.
  8. Exercise.  For real this time.  I’ve started and stopped exercising routines so many times in recent months, but I feel strongly that being in shape will help with the pregnancy and everything after it.  Now really is the time to do that.  Again, before it becomes too late.
  9. Sleep. This is the number one thing that people tell me I have to do before kids come along so I figure there must be something to it.  For that reason alone I’m adding it to the list.  Plus I just like sleeping.
  10. Sex. There I said it.  (Mom, cover your eyes.)  I hear that it’s still possible while pregnant, but I figure we don’t want to take any chances.  Plus, there’s always the question of whether I’ll even want to while I’m pregnant.  I’m hoping the answer is yes, but I’m guessing everyone’s different.

So that’s my list of 10 things to do before getting pregnant.  I’ve started some of them but better get busy on the others.

Anything I should add?

RELATED POSTS:

Pregnancy Update

Trying to Conceive – First Month

Getting Pregnant: The Time is Nigh at Hand

Share/Save/Bookmark

Tags:

48 comments

link to this post
email a friend
Julie - May 6, 2009 - 4:39 am

Any other home improvement/decorating project you might even be casually thinking of. You don’t really want to paint, etc. when pregnant or have an infant.

And the sex thing makes sense. Especially since who knows how long it will take after having a baby before you are ready body and exhaustion-wise to do it again. Everyone is so different in that aspect. Well, at least I’ve heard from friends who have had/have babies.

Julie´s last blog post..Swine Flu?

Tammy - May 6, 2009 - 4:43 am

No, knitting is not hard, and you’d be surprised at the magnitude of the knitting subculture right now. Check out Ravelry (www.ravelry.com) and the thousands of knitting blogs out there – famous knitters such as Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, Wendy Johnson, and Cookie A. – books galore, and you’re in DC and just missed the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival. But there’s always Rhinebeck (NY Sheep & Wool) in October. The list goes on and on. (Yes, I’m a Knitter (capital “K” intended).) :-)

Oh, and I’m also a “photographer” who doesn’t know beans about Photoshop.

Tammy´s last blog post..Big Wheel Keep on Turnin’

Rachel - May 6, 2009 - 4:54 am

Good post! I second the sleep idea. I had no idea until it was too late! Sleepless nights almost sound romantic when you can’t wait for your baby to arrive. It gets old. Very quickly. Exhaustion turns you into a crazy mama!

One thing I am enjoying (while waiting to conceive baby #2) is being able to get out and go shopping or run errands. When you have a baby, you become homebound for a while. Plus I had a C-Section and wasn’t even allowed to drive for 6 weeks!!! Needless to say, I kinda broke that rule… I really like being able to get out. My daughter (toddler) is really good – well behaved in public (so far) and not too fussy, so now we enjoy going out when we want to. When I have a toddler AND baby, I think it will be difficult just to get them both in the car by myself!

Joanna - May 6, 2009 - 4:56 am

#2 … Any cute places you want to go stay that don’t allow kids? A B&B you’ve heard about and always wanted to visit? An all-inclusive resort on a Caribbean island? These are the ones to get out of the way. Children, especially those in the under 10 range, limit your options when traveling more than the actual traveling. (Not saying it isn’t more of a hassle with kids, but you can still go most places with a little extra work. You just may have to stay at the Best Western!)

#3 … Oh yeah. It is SO hard to organize now. I can’t just shut myself in a room for two hours, make big “They Make Sense To Me” piles everywhere and then put everything back nice and neat. The ability to concentrate only on one specific task is greatly hindered by little ones and you need to be able to do that when you organize. (at least, I do!)

#9 … You’ll be flat out exhausted regardless, but this way you can think back fondly on times you were able to even have sleeping on a list of Things I Can Do Whenever I Want. Enjoy those weekend sleep ins because they will certainly be a thing of the past!

#10 … With my first, I had no problem with sex. The second just sat too low for anything to be comfy. TMI? (Hi, Tabitha’s Mom!) I’m just saying that you’re right and it is different for every woman and every pregnancy.

I’d add “#11 Spend lots of time loving on our furry baby because he’ll be getting the shaft once baby arrives. Oh, and go ahead and take lots of pictures of him because that won’t happen much after the baby is here, either.” (We still love our EchoDog desperately, but there’s just not as much time to sit petting her or throwing the ball for her as there used to be!)

Joanna´s last blog post..Flickr

admin - May 6, 2009 - 5:31 am

Julie – ahh… you just helped me remember that we need to paint our front and back porch!! We’ve been meaning to do it since we moved in, we even have the paint! How sad is that?

Tammy – great references, I’ll have to check them out! And that makes me feel better that I’m not the only one who doesn’t know Photoshop. :)

Rachel – another good point. That’s something that I take for granted – hopping in the car whenever I want and zipping to the store. You’ve got a point though, unless I want to take the little one with me, that won’t be happening often.

Joanna – All good points as usual. I didn’t even think about the traveling places that don’t allow kids. Hmm… do B&B’s really not take children? I can see where they wouldn’t because they probably make a lot of noise and those places tend to be small and family-owned. Oh, and no worries on the TMI (#10). One of these days I’m going to need to know about all that stuff and I’m sure I’ll have posts dedicated just to that. I’ll just have to put a big disclaimer on those posts to warn away any relatives or co-workers of my husband who don’t want to know about our sex life! And again – excellent point on #11. I didn’t even think about that but you’re right. Right now Oscar and Sophie are our babies and that will be so different then. I feel bad for them already!

emilyG - May 6, 2009 - 5:33 am

How long are you planning on taking off when the baby comes? It kind of sounds like its all up in the air. For me, I took off the 12 weeks, and after about week 6, I needed some kind of little hobby. Every baby is different, but mine wasn’t a horror at night any longer, so I didn’t need to sleep all the time when she slept during the day (like 8+ hours a day), so something like the wedding album would be great if you found yourself in a similar situation. Rather than just loafing around on the couch ALL day. :]

Sex. Not a problem while pregnant, for us. But it has taken several months for me to get used to the idea of doing it regularly again. Haha. Hi Tabitha’s mom.

BTW.. Oklahoma is real cheap (I didn’t say great, just cheap). :]

emilyG´s last blog post..Hairs over the years.

Kelly - May 6, 2009 - 5:47 am

You should totally take a trip somewhere – flights are pretty cheap these days! If you like nature-y type things, try a National Park or someplace like the Shenandoah Mountains. The actual attraction is free :) and they are so beautiful. Accommodations are pretty reasonable too usually. Longwood Gardens near Philly is also pretty amazing this time of year. These aren’t too far away, but would make fun day/weekend trips.

The Wife of Odie - May 6, 2009 - 6:06 am

Hmm…having not been pregnant before I don’t know what exactly I can add. But I like all of your ideas. And Boston isn’t that far and it’s a cool place to go. Or Williamsburg. Or Arlington :)

The Wife of Odie´s last blog post..being childlike

Sue - May 6, 2009 - 6:11 am

We got in one last “just us” trip to Mexico the month before I went off the pill. An all-inclusive, sit by the pool and drink cocktails all day kind of trip. Who knows when we’ll be able to do that again!

Also, for me, I am enjoying sushi, beer and wine until I get that positive test! My birthday is next week, and I’ve already told my husband that I want to go to the best sushi place in town, because it could be my last change for a while! (and I know you can eat some sushi while pregnant, but not the kinds I like best!)

Ann - May 6, 2009 - 6:30 am

What a great attitude and list while waiting! As far as traveling, here are a few ideas.

1. Go south to the coast. Think the barrier islands off the coast of GA (I’ve heard Cumberland Island is really incredible) or St. Simon’s/Jekyll/Savannah. Then of course, there’s Hilton Head, Outer Banks areas.

2. Go north. Maine, Rhode Island, Mass, up state New York….there are lots of options with some beautiful places with national parks, either the coast or beautiful lakes, and great food (lobster anyone?)

3. I’ve also heard that even places that are typically expensive have been having great deals. Check out kayak.com

Have fun and enjoy the uninterrupted sleep and sex in the meantime!

Sue - May 6, 2009 - 6:41 am

Oh–and a travel suggestion. I don’t know what the exchange rate in Canada is like these days, but Nova Scotia is absolutely beautiful. that would be a great place to visit in the summer months! And the people in Halifax are among the nicest, warmest, friendliest folks I’ve ever encountered. (I’m only a little biased because my family comes from NS years back :) My husband and I have both been, years ago and not together, and we’re both dying to go back.

Patty - May 6, 2009 - 6:54 am

I already told you a few weeks ago – - I took that knitting class, finished and am sticking to crochet! Let us know how your knitting classes go!!!

Jenny - May 6, 2009 - 7:41 am

Now that Dave and I are TTC, I definitely feel like I should take advantage of the time we have left with it being just the two of us and just feel grateful for this time in our lives.

Short weekend trips (although it’s still a little hard to do with the two dogs), eating foods that I love and soon won’t be able to eat, and taking both dogs on walks (I’ll have to take them one at a time when you add a stroller into the mix) are some of the things I’ve been enjoying.

Jenny´s last blog post..May is here!

Ali @ Kent Chronicles - May 6, 2009 - 8:02 am

Well, I think you should visit Vancouver, stay here for free, get lots of sleep, get exercise jogging/blading/biking along the long seawalls after cleaning MY closets for me! Win, win for everyone! You get things checked off your list, and I get my closets cleaned ;-) .

Ali @ Kent Chronicles´s last blog post..Cali Road Trip 2009

Eryn - May 6, 2009 - 8:16 am

knitting is a great thing to do WHILE pregnant or when you have a sleepy newborn. :)

as for places to visit, I highly recommend northern Michigan in the summer. Traverse City, Leland, etc. That whole area is gorgeous, there’s tons to do, and it’s not ridiculously expensive. You could even time it with the Cherry Festival in July–it’s a huge deal!

about sex: pregnant sex is really no big deal. :) it won’t hurt the baby or anything like that, and pretty much no doctor will tell you to stop unless you show signs of premature labor. we did it the night before I was induced with my son…hehe :)

sleep: no amount of prior sleep will prepare you for the sleep deprivation insanity that comes with a newborn. trust me, I slept plenty before my son was born, but 5 weeks into his life I was pretty much psychotic due to lack of sleep…lol. but do enjoy the whole sleep thing while it lasts. :)

exercise is an EXCELLENT idea. the better shape you are in before you get pregnant, the easier it will be to lose the baby weight.

Eryn´s last blog post..a word I never thought I would speak with such joy

Kristina - May 6, 2009 - 8:20 am

I have no idea how to knit or crochet, and I’ve never really wanted to learn. I would love to take a cooking class, though.

Kristina´s last blog post..If Your Name Happens to Be ‘Kristina’s Dad’, Do Not Read

erin - May 6, 2009 - 8:31 am

I completely agree on the travel thing. State/national parks are so cheap and beautiful, and you can camp cheaply too (if you like to camp). That is one thing I wish we had done more of. At the moment we “have” the time, now that we are both on leave… but we don’t want to stray too far from home in case I go into labor. Nor do I feel like sitting in the car for 2+ hours to get there and back. So most of our favorite places are out.

And yes make time for sex! (Hi, Tabitha’s mom!) You might be one of those women (or have a husband) who has no problem with it during pregnancy. Or you could be like me and have absolutely ZERO desire, and a husband who is weirded out enough by the whole “there’s a baby in there and your body is different” thing to be in the mood. But you get lots of cuddling that way, which is good. :)

erin´s last blog post..nesting like nobody’s business

DeLynn - May 6, 2009 - 9:24 am

You might want to give Photoshop Elements a try. I don’t know how serious you are/plan to be about photography, but PSE is a great program and is all that most people need.

Sabrina - May 6, 2009 - 9:29 am

All great plans! The exercise will also help make the actual delivery of the baby easier.(at least, that’s what they say ) :-)

Definitely take a trip, relax, enjoy each other and who knows, that might be the perfect scenario for conception. Good Luck!

Mom of 5 - May 6, 2009 - 9:33 am

Great post and super list. I’d add posting, blogging and keeping up with emails from friends of your blogs. You’re SO good at these and they’re enjoyed by so many. So keep these up and even once your little one arrives, keep in mind you can do emails while little one sleeps. Yes, I know, you may well be taking naps along with the little one on occassion.

Can’t wait to see the ‘proof of the pudding’ of your photography class. I get chill bumps thinking about all the beautiful pictures to come of your little one. (Just so you know, I have several walls that are just waiting for gorgeous pictures of this special grandchild!!)

admin - May 6, 2009 - 9:36 am

EmilyG – that’s a good question, I wish I knew the answer! I’m guessing the full 12 weeks and you’re right, there will probably some time during that period I would imagine. good point.

Kelly – Longwood Gardens, huh? Sounds like it would be right up our alley plus PA is pretty close, I’m definitely going to look it up!

WofO – true, true. Boston is great and I’ve only been once but we didn’t have time to see much. Good suggestion!

Sue – I knew someone would mention Sushi! I need to try that stuff, I hear it’s great. Any recommendations?

Ann – great suggestions, all of them. Do you know that even though I grew up in the South, I’ve never been to Jekyll’s? Yep, it’s very sad, but it’s true.

Sue – another great suggestion. And I’ll tell you a secret: I’ve never been to Canada and we’re going to Niagra Falls at the end of the month so I think we just might stop in and say hello to our neighbors in the north while we’re there!

Patty – that’s right, you did mention that didn’t you? I guess I feel I need to at least give it another go before totally giving up. I’m hoping I enjoy it as much as crocheting but if not, I can always do that!

Jenny – that’s right, you guys are TTC too. You’ll have to let me know if you go somewhere fun. And good point with the dogs – I think we need to work on training oscar some more because I don’t think he could handle walking beside a stroller, he gets too wound up!

Ali – watch out, I just might take you up on it! Except for the cleaning part. Just kidding…I actually don’t mind organizing as much. Especially when I can go to the Container Store and buy cute little organizing supplies!

Eryn – great suggestions, all of them! And I have to say that I would have never thought to go to Michigan but you’ve got me curious now.

Kristina – I was going to add that to my list and I forgot! A cooking class – definitely high on the list!

Erin – good point on the “not being in the mood.” My husband has been through the pregnancy issues before so thankfully he knows it may be a possiblity but it’s still good to hear about it from those going through it. And you’re probably right about the day trips too, something I haven’t thought about. I’m used to just hopping in the car and driving a couple of hours away for a weekend trip but that may not be high on the list when we’re fully pregnant.

DeLynn – I’ve heard that before and that it’s easy to learn too. great suggestion!

Stephanie - May 6, 2009 - 9:39 am

#10: totally possible. We weren’t quite as active, and the first time the baby moves around while you’re having sex is weeeeeeird, but it’s totally do-able. :)

Stephanie´s last blog post..smiiiiiiiles awaaaaaait you when you riiiiiise

admin - May 6, 2009 - 9:40 am

Sabrina – you’re right and that’s something I need to keep reminding myself. I know that exercise will make the delivery easier and I’m sure when it comes time, I’ll definitely be glad I’m in shape. Thanks for the reminder!

Mom of 5 – ahh… another good one. blogging and email! I have a feeling I won’t be leaving the house soon thereafter so my only connection to the outside world just may be all of you guys. One more reason I’m glad the whole “gang” of internet friends is here! From other comments left, it sounds like there may be some down time to continue posts too which is good.

Stephanie – ha! that’s something I’ve always wondered about but that they don’t mention in most of the books. Good to know what to expect!

Hokie Deb - May 6, 2009 - 10:18 am

–> I suggest you add the following: sleep in on the weekends, enjoy getting in and out of the car alone, not carrying tissues at all times, only being responsible for keeping yourself clean and using the bathroom without anyone barging in.

I would not give up any of it all either. :-)

http://thaxtonfam.blogspot.com

Hokie Deb´s last blog post..Gentleman, Start Your Engines

Nicole - May 6, 2009 - 10:30 am

Before I was pregnant with Colton, I cleaned out all closets, drawers, cupboards, pantry, under the beds, and the garage. It was great because things stayed pretty clean and organized while he was a baby. Then I did it all over again before Asher. I’m sure I would have done this with Kyler, but we only had 4 1/2 weeks notice before he was born. Before Asher was born, I also caught up Colton’s scrapbook. Notice – Colton’s Scrapbook….not our wedding photos, which have been sitting here since our wedding. Maybe that could be a summer project for me and then it could finally be finished…just in time for our 20th wedding anniversary! As for exercise, two to three months before I became pregnant with the first two boys I started exercising every day! I was just so energized and walking everywhere and doing some strength training. I really think this helped me get pregnant! It took 13 months with Colton and 10 months with Asher. Now, after 13 years of motherhood, I’m finally reaching another huge landmark. My baby will start all-day kindergarten July 27th! I’m finally going to have a little more breathing room during my days….which you really need to survive a teenager in the afternoons! Whatever you do to pass this time….ENJOY!

Nicole´s last blog post..PHOTO SCAVENGER HUNT

Michelle @ Find Your Balance - May 6, 2009 - 10:34 am

I love how straightforward you are about trying to get pregnant, etc. It can be a tough time for some people so it’s good to talk about. My husband and I have been married for almost a year and still haven’t made a wedding album so I hear ya on that one! We aren’t trying to get preggers yet but…maybe soon. I kind of want to take sexy pictures of myself before we do, I mean, will I ever have this body again? Who knows? :-)

Michelle @ Find Your Balance´s last blog post..A mouth full of springtime

Sarah @ BecomingSarah.com - May 6, 2009 - 10:52 am

Home improvement projects. Seriously, our house is coated from top to bottom in 50-year-old lead paint and we were all PSSSSH, we’ll have PLENTY of time to take care of that.

Yeah. About that. Our new goal is to rid the bedroom of the lead paint within the first six months of the baby’s life.

Also, I suggest moving sex up much higher on the list. Even if you’re like me and have a pregnant sex drive that makes your husband cower in fear, it still just doesn’t feel the same. Oh, and the pregnant gag reflex is amazing, so if your husband likes the periodic bj and you don’t mind delivering? NOW’S YOUR CHANCE. If you do mind delivering, well, pregnancy is the perfect excuse not to. That reflex is mindblowing.

Melody C. - May 6, 2009 - 11:15 am

I’m all for cleaning closets, garages, doing the painting jobs, etc. before the baby. But get the materials needed to do a scrapbook or photo album together for those quiet time after the baby, or if you need to be at home during the pregnancy.

Travel – one place I loved as a child (we went first when I was mid-teens, would have liked it younger too) was Chincoteague. Easy drive for you. Rent a cottage, bikes, and be sure to slather on bug repellent!

Sex – I’ve heard that couples trying to get pregnant often wear out the spontaneity and excitement that sex should have. Don’t! Be creative, try new positions, new outfits! As for continuing while you’re pregnant, I offer no experience! But I’m sure there are websites and blogs (and posters here) that can give suggestions!

Mindee@ourfrontdoor - May 6, 2009 - 11:45 am

Oh my goodness you are organized but I love your mindset of accentuating the positive.

Mindee@ourfrontdoor´s last blog post..Jet Lagged

joy - May 6, 2009 - 12:27 pm

Painting projects of any kind, unless you plan to use low-VOC paint but even then I would not chance it. I recently found out I am pregnant and regret not getting those painting projects done I wanted to do when we moved into our home last November. Now either my husband has to do them or we won’t get them done at all for a long time.

The other thing I would have loved to do is start moving toward natural cleaning products. I guess I can still do this one but it seems daunting when you are on a limited income and already have the nasty chemical stuff. My husband has been doing all the cleaning but has not always been good at it.

Organizing is always on my list. I’m hoping the nesting instinct kicks in and gets me going soon.

Sex, well I need to comment on this one. For me, it wasn’t a problem when I was pregnant with my son though I must admit I was a little more reserved this pregnancy early on. My husband was awesome and did not push me but I could tell he was, well let’s just say not happy. But once you get over several bumps, it gets to be interesting… ;)

I am thinking about you Tabitha and sprinkling a lot of baby dust on you!

Ambulance Mommy - May 6, 2009 - 12:33 pm

I have absolutly cracked up at these responses!!! Thank god I’m not the only frazzeled mom out there! :)

So yeah, if I could go back, and do things over again before I got pregnant, I would buy a house first, but since you already did that, I am with everyone else when I say finish any home improvements you have been “meaning to get around to” because you won’t have the time for a few years after the baby is born.

I am the sort of person who likes order in my paperwork (phone bills, utilities, bank statements, etc) and now that I can choose to sleep or sort paperwork at home, I choose sleep. Paperwork goes by the wayside. So I would also say, get yourself REALLY organized first, but be preparred for the fact that it will hold you for a bit, but at some point, disorganization is going to take over your life.

I also love the sex thing (Hi to Tabitha’s mom as well as mine!!) because I like that you still WANT to have it. (oh, and the comment from Sarah about the bjs…oh girl, you had tears coming out of my eyes! AMEN to you!!!) Let me clarify what I mean when I say you still WANT to have it. See, when couples go through some infertility issues, suddenly you can find yourself going “OH MY GOD, I’m OVULATING…honey, get home NOW! We must have sex at this exact instant!!” Its not always so romantic to have sex like clockwork. It can get boring. It can get to be a chore. So the fact that you are still enjoying it, well, heck, honey, use that to your advantage!!!

I think the other things, well….yeah, those would be cool. And I can see why you want to do them. But don’t forget, some day your baby will grow up, and be in school, and be a teenager, and not really want to hang out with you as much. I’m saving all my dreams of scrapbooking my wedding (yeah, 4 years ago….I’m not talking about it) and learning how to quilt and all that for my evenings when my son is at games with his friends, at the prom, etc. :) I might be weird, though :)

Ambulance Mommy´s last blog post..Ambulance Introduces Trained Dogs to Cut Costs

Angela - May 6, 2009 - 12:53 pm

I, too, am looking to sign up for photography classes. I Photoshop my pictures, but I cheat and use actions :) That’s basically ALL I know how to do in Photoshop (well, that and crop). I’d say go to PW’s site and download her free actions and then buy some from TotallyRad Actions. I use those and my pictures end up coming out nicely :)

Angela´s last blog post..Not Relaxing

Jenna @ Newlyweds - May 6, 2009 - 12:54 pm

Great list of to do before a baby, and I must admit I am jealous of your list. I really want to take a photography and photoshop class! Trust me you will still be able to do things after the baby comes but it will take much fine planning.

Jenna @ Newlyweds´s last blog post..3rd Wedding Anniversary

admin - May 6, 2009 - 1:08 pm

First let me say that you guys are cracking me up today!

Hokie Deb – ah yes… the bathroom. I still remember how we used to barge right in while my mom was going. Isn’t it funny how it doesn’t bother kids in the slightest! We’re going to have to set some rules early in my house. (said in complete naitivity I’m sure)

Nicole – Good for you! Great list and congrats on your baby going to school. That’s got to feel good!

Michelle – why thank you! And that’s a good idea to take some cool pictures before hand. Hmm….I’ve never thought of that. I’ll have to tell the CPA, he’ll be all in favor I’m sure.

Sarah – ha!! I was wondering what you’d say since I know how you’ve been feeling as of late. :) great info and you say it like it is as always. Now that you mention it, I need to see if our house has lead paint. It was built in the 30s and has plaster walls so I’m thinking the chances are good.

Melody – Chincoteague huh? The name alone sounds intriguing so I’ll check it out. And yes, it can be tough what with the schedules and trying to get the timing right. I agree that we need to keep it interesting, sometimes I forget!

Joy – oh, another good point. I’ve read about that, the natural products. Please let me know if you find some that work. I’ved used Mrs. Meyers because they smell great, but I don’t know what to use to replace Comet which we use all the time! oh and btw – CONGRATULATIONS!! I’m so happy for you!

A.Mommy – paperwork. Oh, what a great reminder! We’ve been talking for months about how we want to get everything organized so we’re set in case something were to happen (disaster, emergency, etc.). Definitely need to add that to the list! and yes, you are absolutely right about the whole ovulation calendar. You should see all my little stars and dates and notes. I think I may just chuck out the window one month and go with it, definitely helps with the spontenaity!

Jenna – I hear that! I’m having a hard time planning all of this now, let alone with a little one to take care of!

Lindsay - May 6, 2009 - 3:47 pm

I’ve never commented here before, but this post was a great idea! And if you want to take a cheap vacation somewhere close, you should try Ocean City Maryland if you’ve never been there!

Angela - May 6, 2009 - 6:01 pm

I have no kids, but from listening to and observing my many mother friends – plan everything now because it seems from my listening and observing that planning anything can be difficult with kids in the mix.

Good luck with your list and your baby prep!

the domestic fringe - May 6, 2009 - 8:52 pm

Get lots of sleep now and do anything that requires your concentration. You won’t be able to focus for long periods of time after children. They’ll constantly be pulling on your arm asking for this or that.

My daughter wants me to learn to knit. It’s intimidating to me. I may start by learning to crochet this winter. Make a little scarf of something. I hear it’s easier and I need to start with easy. ;-)

-FringeGirl

Kelly - May 7, 2009 - 5:06 am

You totally should do Longwood Gardens, it’s great. Plus your photograhy skills and class will come in very handy :) And I forgot to mention that the duPont house is there, which also seems up your alley with historical sites. It’s a very interesting house, as duPont (as in the chemical company founder) was very innovative and inventive. I learned lots of neat things there!

V. Higgins - May 7, 2009 - 9:11 am

I love that you’re being positive! Enjoy where you are now, good for you!
Ok, I have way too much to encourage for you.
1 – Sushi: if you want to try something ‘adventurous’ but cooked, try the Caterpillar roll. It’s *amazing*.
2 – If you want help with Photoshop, seriously, send me an email and we can figure out an hour, maybe two to online chat/call and I can walk you through enough of the basics to probably not be intimidated and I can even show you how to do that selective coloring/black and white trick. (if you want to)
3 – I’ve heard that being in good shape when you get pregnant and while you’re pregnant can make the whole experience much more enjoyable (granted, that’s what I hear, I’m not on the preggers bandwagon yet). Consider it an investment in yourself and make it a priority, even if it’s just going for a 20 minute bike ride or something, baby steps! Personally, I recommend yoga, so relaxing!
4 – We have a new kitty and it has killed my husband’s sex drive. Seriously! It’s the worst timing because his allergies are wiping him out, add into that that he’s stressing constantly about what kitty is getting into (Is she scratching? Is she making a mess? Did she have an accident?), it’s like having a baby! So yes, enjoy sex now! :-P

Anyway, I’m going to make a list like this so I can enjoy the 2-3 years (I hope) I have to do them. :-P

Erin - May 7, 2009 - 1:00 pm

Glen Echo Park also offers photography classes.

I’d also add to the list fine dining, relishing scream-free church services, a clean house, and sushi. But that’s just me. :)

As far as cheap places to visit, try Puerto Rico. We got a steal-of-a-vacation there. Also, I bet Mexico is pretty affordable these days. Just make sure to bring your Purell.

Michelle - May 7, 2009 - 3:46 pm

Loved your recent post! I am in the same boat as you, we’ve been trying for a year and can so relate to what you posted. We also have a few other similarities, I’ve also worked in HR for 15 years and so want to get my certification but something keeps holding me back. Well thanks for sharing and good luck with trying to conceive! Best, Michelle

Tabitha Blue - May 8, 2009 - 5:37 am

That time will come soon enough… so I think it’s great that you’ve planned a list for the meantime!! You’ll definitely have less time after a baby comes :)

Looks like a good list to me!

Tabitha Blue´s last blog post..The Big One.

Nikol - June 17, 2009 - 10:48 am

I’m with you on the wedding album! There are just so many, and it always seems that the best time to sit down and do it is the same exact time that Jon & Kate is on television. And, well…

We also have a spare bedroom full of crap! Moving boxes, to be exact. Moving boxes full of very important things that we just HAD to move, yet we haven’t seemed to need since we moved into the apt over two months ago.

Hmmmm…maybe I need to make a list too…

Nikol´s last blog post..to love food i hate

Getting Pregnant - July 20, 2009 - 4:23 am

Having babies is a big and very important decision. It should be planned well. There are many women who fear of getting pregnant. Some of the fears are scared of losing their freedom, losing their job, scared of taking responsibility, loosing figure. Some think they don’t have enough money to have a child. But one can over come out of it by managing everything properly.

Sarah - December 3, 2009 - 4:56 pm

Definitely Travel. Montreal is pretty cheap I hear. I went to Ireland in October…a little chilly but under $400 a ticket. Also went to London in early March — before Paddy’s day and that wasn’t too bad either. My husband and I went to Germany for Oktoberfest last year with tix about $680 each on AirIndia. I hope this helps. My husband and I love to travel so we’re trying to get that all done before we eventually have a child. I plan on trying in 2-3 years…wanna get that Master’s Degree in before I forget what sleep is like! Good luck to you!

Amy - August 27, 2010 - 6:41 am

I’m gonna make this list too! Thank you for the inspiration! I’m itching to get pregnant now but need to wait three more months to fit into a dress for a dear friend’s wedding. (I know that may sound silly, but it’s a really beautiful dress :) ) Vanity aside, I’m so thankful to have run across your blog. Just love it.

Tyrell Betzler - October 6, 2010 - 4:20 am

wow, those pictures are amazing !

Your email is never published or shared. Required fields are marked *

*

*

There was an error submitting your comment. Please try again.

CommentLuv badge

© 2012 From Single To Married to Baby | ProPhoto3 Blog by NetRivet

B l o g r o l l
C a t e g o r i e s
M y   B u t t o n
R e t u r n   H O M E