As the days continue to drag on without a baby and with a body full of pregnancy malfunctions, distraction seems to be the best medicine. Here are some things I’ve been doing to pass the time.
1) Read Horrifying Things About Labor, Birth, and Postpartum.
Yesterday I was so antsy sitting around at home that I picked myself up and drove over to Barnes and Noble for a “relaxing afternoon” reading magazines in a comfy chair. After skimming O Magazine and getting dizzy with all the ads, I decided to pick up a few books on babies and further educate myself. One book in particular was not shy about dishing on all the grimy details of labor and beyond. I almost passed out while reading up on your first post-birth poo. Ouch.
2) Make Austin Read Horrifying Things About Labor, Birth, and Postpartum.
For the past week I’ve been incessantly nagging politely asking Austin to get on the horse and read up on what’s about to happen to my body. He’s (finally) obliged and is now well versed in emergency home delivery (he wishes but we will make it there), what to expect during labor, and all the terrors that come along with pushing 7+ pounds out of a very small space. His favorite term is the “the ring of fire,” a nickname for the baby crowning. This is not my favorite term.
Now that he’s got a clue, Baby Daddy is convinced that I can deliver this kid naturally and drug free (with his expert coaching of course). I was hoping for a milder response, but I guess I asked for it.
3) Make More T-shirt Bags.
Oh how I love thee, t-shirt bag. Last week after a tip from Pinterest, Zoe and I scrounged up some t-shirts and each made a bag. We loved it so much that today we crafted a bunch more (I’m trying to convince myself to give some away). Here are my creations:
Instructions and the original post on DIY t-shirt bags found here.
4) Make and Freeze Food For Post Baby.
My freezer is tiny, but I have been able to squeeze in some bite sized portions of leftover foods for post-baby meals. This week I made Austin’s favorite dessert, lovingly named “Lazy Wife Cake,” and threw some in the freezer for the next month.
Recipe found below (it rocks and it is so easy, hence the “lazy” part).
Lazy Wife Cake
(Straight from Mama Baer)
Ingredients
2 cups sugar
1 t salt
1/3 cup cocoa
2 t baking soda
3 cups flour
2/3 cup veggie oil
2 T. cider vinegar
2 t vanilla
1 cup water
1 cup cold black coffee or yogurt or another cup of water
Instructions
Mix sugar, salt, cocoa, soda, and flour. Add everything else. Don’t overmix. Pour into a 9×13 pan and bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
Butter Cream Icing
Ingredients
1/2 cup (4 oz) butter, softened
4 cups (about 16 oz) powdered sugar
pinch salt
1 t vanilla
3 – 4 T (1 1/2 – 2 oz) milk
Instructions
Cream butter and 1 cup of sugar. Add remaining sugar, salt, milk, and vanilla. Beat until it’s nice and smooth, adding more milk if necessary to achieve a nice spreading consistency. Can be frozen for later use.
5) Attend Social Events
It’s wedding, graduation, and baby season, so we’ve been plenty busy running around to various parties, showers, and celebrations for family and friends. While these events can be tiring, they are mostly a welcome distraction.
6) Chat With Friends.
Hello Alaska! Thank goodness for Skype. Also thank goodness for other supportive friends and family who have been kind enough to send notes, emails, and encourage me as I anxiously anticipate this wonderful and very stressful change.
7) Clean
I’m not sure if it’s nesting or just general despair about dust that has kicked me into cleaning mode. I find myself wanting to clean the oddest places. The ceiling fan, for example, was really bothering me. Luckily Austin is tall and was able to vacuum it off no problem. If only everything would stay clean (how can two people be this messy?!).
As I grow increasingly uncomfortable and agitated in these last moments of pregnancy, I will continue to try to stay as distracted as possible. Suggestions welcome. A watched pot never boils.
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5) Practice smiling.
