Preparing for a New Baby

Has preparing for a new baby found you searching for answers to certain questions?

Preparing for a new baby is a very exciting and anxious time. You might feel like you are forgetting something. Constantly.

In the last month of pregnancy, the waiting game is a real struggle. You have so much on your mind and so little time to make sure everything is prepared for baby’s arrival.

Now, the time has come to welcome a new addition into your life. You might feel a bit overwhelmed with everything you need to remember. Here are some things to keep in mind when preparing for a new baby.

Preparing The Nursery

I’ve been preparing the nursery for the past four months! It’s much more difficult with a toddler running afoot.

I’m still finding newborn clothes and diapers in random places around the house. My little Mylee wants to use them to dress her baby dolls.

I never thought toddler proofing the nursery would be something I would have to worry about!

But, I have found a better place to lock up diapers in one of the drawers of the changing table.

The nursery used to be Mylee’s room, so I can see why she still likes to hang out in there. We fixed up the spare bed room for her and moved her in several months ago.

Nothing has really changed with the new nursery. I will add in pictures on the wall once little one arrives and I can take some.

The nursery still contains the same crib and changing table, bookshelf, clothing drawers and rocking chair. It doesn’t need to be exotic, since she will only be sleeping in there most of the time.

I plan to sleep some, too, even though I will be busy learning to balance time between two kids.

Making A Meal Plan

Don’t forget to eat when you bring that new baby home!

I’m looking forward to receiving some delicious meals from others, but there are things I want to make for our family and freezer as well.

Auntie L’s Meatballs is a family favorite that contains oatmeal. Oatmeal helps my milk supply tremendously, so I plan to eat oats daily. These meatballs also have an incredible delicious smoky taste that carries through no matter if the meat balls have been frozen or just cooked.

Egg & Sausage breakfast burritos can be made ahead of time and frozen. Scramble the egg and sausage and put a large spoonful into the middle of a burrito tortilla. Top with some cheese and roll it up. If you’re freezing them, wrap them in tin foil first.

Mac ‘N Cheese. Yes, we buy mac n cheese in the blue box. Let’s be real, here. It’s easy and super comforting.

Chicken Salad is made using our own slow cooked shredded chicken, mayo, shredded cheese, and homemade pickles. Pile it on some bread for a quick and filling meal.

Steaks, pork chops & chicken for grilling. We have a freezer full of meat we raised ourselves. Grilling is a healthy and delicious way to eat our farm fresh meat.

Veggies & Fruits: Our freezer is stocked with veggies, such as sweet corn and we still have potatoes and butternut squash from last year’s garden. They taste great with our farm fresh meat. I like to have fruits such as bananas and strawberries on hand for when we need a quick healthy snack. Be sure to have healthy stuff, too so you aren’t eating macaroni and cheese all the time.

Meal planning doesn’t have to be difficult. And when there are others to feed in your house, you’re going to need a plan. Even if you can’t make food ahead of time, try to have your fridge and freezers stocked up so you won’t have to go anywhere.

Packing my bag

My second child is on her way and I want to be ready. I definitely don’t want to leave anything behind that I will need on that special day.

I’m packing my bag ahead of time so I’m ready whenever she decides to come.

I am including items for Matt, the new baby and myself. Last time, I felt like I had packed way too many things I didn’t use. I know better this time.

This time, I will only be packing essential items.

Here’s what I am packing in my bag.

• Insurance & ID Cards
• Birth Plan
• Nonskid Socks
• A warm robe for walking the hallways
• Maternity/Nursing bra
• Underwear
• Comfy clothes for post labor & going home
• Lip Balm
• Personal Toiletries: Shampoo/Conditioner, Lotion, Toothbrush/toothpaste, etc.
• Headband/Ponytail holders
• Electronics Chargers: Cell Phone and Camera
• Water Bottle w/ straw – Hospital may or may not provide
• An extra bag for gifts from the hospital
• Clothes, socks & accessories for new baby
• Comfy clothes & socks for hubby

These are just necessities. If you plan to be in the hospital for a longer amount of time than just a couple of days, you may want to consider packing more.

I’m expecting to be back home as soon as possible because I have an older child to get back home to.

Packing Mylee’s bag

Things are about to change if you have an older child. Preparing for a new baby can be overwhelming for him/her as well. Spend as much time as you can loving on her/him.

The truth is the older child is truly excited (deep down inside). She doesn’t yet know what she will be getting in just a short amount of time.

Putting waiting aside, find an activity for you and the older child to do together. One awesome activity is to take the time to pack the older child’s bag together.

Mylee has to have a bag for when she goes to stay with her grandma while we are in the hospital.

Here’s what we made sure we had for Grandma’s House:

• Shirts
• Pants
• Pajamas
• Socks
• Shoes
• Diapers & Wipes
• Favorite Toy
• Toothbrush/Toothpaste
• Special Hospital Outfit

Mylee loves staying at her grandma’s house so this was a fun activity for us to do together. I’m glad it was not a struggle to say goodbye since I know she will be in good hands and well cared for.

Line Someone up for Farm Chores

I am going to the hospital to have my new baby. Matt is coming with me, so we will be away from the farm for at least one night.

The animals on our farm still need cared for, of course. They are not forgotten in the midst of a new baby.

Luckily, we already have someone lined up in case Matt can’t leave the hospital.

We make a list of each pen, how much to feed and what to feed:

• Red Angus heifers
• One Red Angus bull
• Mother goats with babies
• Older weaned goat kids for sale
• Younger weaned goat kids (1 bottle baby)
• Keeper doe pen
• Large goat herd with bucks
• Mama sheep with babies
• Pregnant Sheep & Ram

Whew! That’s a lot of pens to feed. It’s a lot to ask someone to come and do for us. He appreciates it when we have a plan for him to follow.

Preparing to be gone from the farm from any amount of time is a busy task.

But, thankfully, it does all come together in the end. The balance is found among the chaos of preparation and life.

Ready or not the new baby is coming.

These tips and lists will help any new mom be prepared to add in a new addition to her already busy life.

Preparing for a new baby is an exciting time. You definitely don’t want to forget anything at all.

When you come home, you’ll be busy. Prepare the nursery and the kitchen. Preparing for a new baby will make things a little bit easier for when you come home.

Preparing for a new baby is a big adjustment to your farm and family life. Balance as much as you can to feel comfortable, fulfilled and happy as you enjoy the new addition to your family.

~ Much Love ~