baby coming this week - what do i do with myself?!

[Anonymous]

Agree especially with the personal grooming stuff. I'm 8 weeks post-partum, and I have my first hair appointment scheduled for next week, and FINALLY got my brows done last week. And I've been wanting to have both done for weeks ... Definitely do the mani/pedi, too, and I'm sure a massage or two would be lovely.

I also agree with one-on-one time with DH. Not that you won't see each other, but it's nice to have time to focus on each other.

And I agree with others about freezing food, too. You might also want to pick up a few light reading options -- I found they were good for pumping sessions, or times when I couldn't put the baby down but didn't want the noise of the TV.

Movies are great in theory, but I found sitting in the theater for 2+ hours to be pretty miserable on my back.

[Anonymous]

Relax, relax, relax! It may be the last time you have to yourself in a long, long time! You will LOVE your new little one... but cherish this time

[Anonymous]

I had a week between due date and induction. I actually really liked watching Baby Story and the like tv shows. It was kind of like practice and helped me prepare mentally for what was ahead. I then kept watching them for a couple of weeks post partum. I just couldn't get enough of babies being delivered.

[Anonymous]

If it isn't a scheduled c-section or induction, above all:

Don't waste your time and energy trying to make the baby come faster!

Just do things you enjoy for their own sake. If all your walks, eating decisions, sex, etc. are done in hopes of getting the baby out it is much less enjoyable.

[Anonymous]

Try to figure out how the baby machineries work. I got caught in torrential downpour trying to learn how to fold my snap and go. TOERRENTIAL. I couldn't figure it out for the life of me. My DD was 1.5 weeks old and patiently waiting for me in the car.

[Anonymous]

Definitely go to dinner and the movies! Next time you want to go it will cost you an extra $60 - hasn't seemed worth it to us.

And go for a walk if you can! It's a gorgeous day today.

[Anonymous]

Start preparing yourself for the fact that you may go later than your due date

-->someone who is currently 3 days past and waiting...somewhat patiently

[Anonymous]

Movies, sleep, and lazy brunch at your favorite place if you feel up to it.

[Anonymous]

Definitely get a pedicure. One of my coworkers treated me to one a few days before my due date After an emergency c-section and tremendous after labor bloating, it was really nice to look down and have something on me look attractive - even if it was only my toes.

[Anonymous]

Sleep, sleep, sleep! Then go and sit with friends outside...in a cafe, or a bar, or a park, or an anywhere.

This thing called "outside" disappeared (right along with that "sleep" thing) for a good long while after my beautiful little boy finally came (two weeks late, after three days of induction and an awkward c-section).

This part may sound completely crazy: I spray-tanned on my way to the hospital. Double-tanned, actually. I just wanted to feel pretty. I posed for pictures looking basically Brazilian and confident as all get out!

Vain and ridiculous? Yup. Scared first-time-mom looking to displace some of the anxiety. Yes, that too.

Do whatever makes you feel pretty. Best of luck with everything!!