Before I embarked on the journey of parenthood, I wish someone had shared these insights with me:
- Savor Your Sleep: Take advantage of those peaceful nights. Nap whenever you can; sleep becomes a precious commodity once you have a baby. Invest in luxurious sheets and spend an entire day lounging. The next time you find yourself in bed, it might be comforting a sick child, which is far less relaxing.
- Embrace Your Body: Appreciate your figure as it is now. After childbirth, things may change—think droopiness and stretch marks. Even your shoe size might shift. Treat yourself to a pedicure and show off those feet while you can.
- Drive Something Fun: Whether it’s a sporty convertible or a quirky Beetle, enjoy your car. Blast your favorite tunes. Before long, you’ll find yourself in a minivan, singing along to children’s songs—even when you’re alone.
- Travel with Your Partner: While family vacations are delightful, they can’t replace the spontaneity of trips with just your spouse. Finding a babysitter for three little ones? Good luck!
- Dine Out at Nice Restaurants: Treat yourself to gourmet meals. Take your time to truly savor each bite. Once you have kids, dining out can often mean fast food or hurried meals—and if you do manage to get to a nice restaurant, be prepared to pay hefty babysitting fees just to get there.
- Be Spontaneous: Take an unplanned trip on a whim, packing only the clothes you’re wearing. Embrace the thrill of impromptu adventures—once kids come along, every outing will require careful planning.
- Take a Sick Day for Yourself: Call in sick, but use that day for self-care. Moms rarely get a break, and you’ll find that every sick day you take will be repaid tenfold when you’re caring for a sick child while you’re feeling under the weather.
- Invest in Yourself: Buy some high-quality items that you’ll cherish, because once kids arrive, spending will be calculated in terms of diapers. Treat yourself now, and enjoy those designer sunglasses.
- Pee with the Door Closed: Cherish this simple act of privacy, as it may be years before you experience it again.
- Appreciate Your Parents: Take a moment to roll your eyes at them and question their decisions. Once you have children of your own, you’ll realize just how much they actually knew. Ignorance really is bliss.
For more insights on preparing for parenting and the options available to you, check out this post on artificial insemination kits. Also, consider visiting this resource for more information on fertility. If you’re supporting friends through infertility, you might find this personal note helpful.
In summary, embrace the freedom of your pre-parenthood days. From sleeping in to enjoying spontaneous adventures, these moments will shape your experience before the arrival of your little one.