There are few things that I love more than a brand new year. It's the perfect opportunity to start over, to start a new and to be better.
For years I use to make huge long lists of goals for the new year... only to not even accomplish 1/3 of them all. Then I realized that it was no use making so many goals...
So a few years ago, tired of ending the year feeling really lame for only crossing off one or another of the my goals, I decided to only make 2 maybe 3 goals for the next year - and really focus on those.
Now I only make 2-3 goals, it varies every year, but I always put a lot of thought into it. And there is aats a constant - learn a new skill (not part of the 2-3). It's been fun to find something different and really work towards perfecting the art of whatever it is. A few years ago it was scrapbooking, last year it was sewing and this year is couponing. My other goals are to do something good for someone every month, to have more patience, and to lead a healthier life.
So whatever it is that you do in terms of goals for a new year I encourage you to do it. And whether your goal is to pay off debt or be more friendly or to lose weight or to learn how to whistle - here is my advice to you.
Write it down.
Because as my grandfather would tell us every year - an unwritten goal is no more than a wish.
Happy New Year!
click on the image above to download then print this to jot down your goals for the year (8.5x11 inches)!
What should one take to the hospital when going in for a delivery?! Im sure we have all done some researching, asked our moms and friends what they took, what we should take and so on. There are lots and lots of lists out there of so called necessities and honestly, I never found one that fully satisfied me. And even though I had been through this already, with my second delivery, I still found myself searching for tips on what I should take.
So this is my take on it - I hope it helps!
- Gown/pijamas. Take 2-3. The hospital does provide you with a gown but I find it not only hideous but also extremely revealing (two huge slits on my front are not my idea of confortable). I personally liked wearing pjs better. I felt more at ease with my movements, but it will really depend on how you are feeling. It's hard bending to put on pants, even if you had the perfect normal delivery. Anyway, I brought 2 pjs this time and 1 gown and I'm glad I brought them!
- Underwear. Another item provided by the hospital. They give these great disposable ones that you can use and then throw away - wonderfulness! However, I like to bring my own. The ones given my the hospital made me itch and were rather unconfortable. So I'm glad I brought my won (3-5).
- Socks, it does get chilly so it's nice to have a few pairs on hand.
- Slippers - last time I had slippers and it was great, this time, I also brought some, but I'm favoring my flip flops a little more (maybe because it's summer... I don't know).
- Toiletries - shampoo, conditioner, soap, tooth paste and brush and all that jazz - bring! I also liked having liquid soap and a loofa.
- Makeup - who ever said you need to look like crap after you delivered?! He-llo!!! You need to look gorgeous and prettier than ever, after all there will be lots of picture taking! So please, do put on some make up before the going into the hospital and bring some along with you! It will not only help you look better, but it will also help you feel better! Also, put on some cute little earings too will ya?! No woman should ever be seen with at least some little amount of sparkle!
- Nursing bra - a confortable, rather loose bra. It's likely your milk won't come in until you leave the hospital (though it might), and if it does, you do not want to be wearing a tight, underwired braw. Trust me!
- Boppy pillow and nursing cover. Not necessities, but I have found it helpful to have them. The boppy pillow is wonderful and will make breastfeeding a lot easier, and the cover is very convenient when visitors come in and you're just about done and starting.
- Food. Yes, you will be fed, but where are you going to find food at 3am when you get hungry after a feeding (or an attempt at it)??? When I had my little boy, I friend brought some muffins and fruit when she came to visit instead of flowers. I loved it! It was the best gift and a wonderful idea. I got so hungry during the night and those muffins saved me! So unless you have a wonderful friend with wonderfully thoughtful ideas like I do - take a few snacks, or make your husband do a grocery run after the delivery!
- Cute going home outfit! Please, no sweat pants and a t-shirt! I'm sure we've all watched What not to wear and can agree, that Stacy and Clinton would be appauled at such a sight! You can look cute and be comfortable at the same time. A dress is always a safe bet, it's confortable, not tight or constricting and easy to put on. I'm not saying skinny jeans and high heels... just something cute. :o)
- CAMERA!!! Can't forget that one right?! Cam corders, a laptop and a blog/facebook account are also important in sharing with everyone the cuteness and perfectness of your baby!
But the most important thing is to not stress and enjoy your stay. If you forget something, or realize later that you should have brought that other random item - it's ok! Surely you don't live hundreds of miles away from the hospital and your hubby can make a quick run home to get whatever it is your crazy self desires!
That and the car seat, because you can't take baby home without it! ;o)
All of you know how easy it is to be too tired to think clearly, remember things, or take care of yourself. For me that was a big problem when my second baby was about 4 months old. He was born just 16 months after my first baby and needed a lot of my attention. I was constantly holding him and trying to keep my oldest out of trouble. I hardly slept, neither kids slept through the night, and I hardly ate. who has time to eat with a newborn, right? I hardly did anything but care for the two babies, and of coarse a husband as well who didn't get home until 10 or 11pm.
Well in the midst of all this chaos I started having my periods again. These weren't your normal run of the mill periods either. These were extremely heavy periods that usually required the use of a tampon and pad together (hope this doesn't get too graphic). One day after another sleepless night I went to put in a tampon like any other day. Later that day I forgot about the previous one and put another one in. After a few days I started thinking I had the flu. I felt dizzy, body aches, nauseous, headaches, chills, and couldn't think straight. Apart from feeling so miserable, I did my best to be a good mommy to my two babies until finally I physically could do no more. I laid on the sofa helpless and confused waiting for my husband to get home. At this point I honestly felt like I was dying. The whole time I thought to myself, "if I die, what will happen to my kids". Finally, my husband came home and forced me to schedule an appointment with the doctor.
The next day I saw the doctor. It wasn't long before the doctor found the extra tampon I had forgotten about days earlier. He told me I had Toxic Shock! My organs were literally shutting down. I really WAS dying! He put me on very strong antibiotics and sent me home hesitantly but did anyways because my husband was graduating that week and we were moving to another state right after. Just when I thought everything was going back to normal something else happened to me. While holding my son I experienced a minor seizure. A seizure is not a very fun thing to experience especially when you're holding a baby. The whole time I was conscious, but could not control the shaking! I was so scared of dropping my child. Fortunately I didn't drop my baby. After the antibiotics and a blessing my condition quickly improved.
After that experience I have had a new outlook on life. I don't know how to put it into words, but perhaps it was the reality of loosing my life that showed how much it meant to me. Being a mother is so much more important than it was before. I can't help but think to myself everyday what my kid's life would be like without me and how grateful I am that I survived. There is one lesson that I personally needed to learn from this experience, and that was the importance of taking better care of myself. If I don't take good care of myself, then I can't take care of others. Eating healthier along with sufficient rest is essential to motherhood. Before, I wanted to do everything myself. I wanted to be the one cleaning the house, doing the laundry, and changing the diapers. Even though I needed it badly, I was unwilling to accept or, heaven forbid, ask for help. I wanted to be a super mom! I have come to realize that I can't do that anymore.
Lets face it, we all want to be super moms because we love our kids so much! Being a mom should be an Olympic sport because it takes strength, endurance, and more endurance! Those Olympic athletes MUST be healthy to perform their best; MOMS MUST BE AS WELL!!! I know it's harder than it sounds when you have little ones, but we must find the time to take care of ourselves. Even in the Bible we find examples of the Savior taking time out for himsel. About a week ago I read an article on postpartum depression (from the Liahona-an LDS magazine) it said the following:
"It is vital that new mothers care for themselves by resting as much as possible, eating a nutritious diet, and taking “time out” with mothers’ groups or children’s play groups. In addition, because motherhood is physically and emotionally demanding, mothers should set realistic goals that allow for flexibility, remembering that “to every thing there is a season” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)."
I strongly agree with this statement! What I'd like all of you to do is to make a simple/realistic goal to improve your health in a specific way. This goal could be anything from going to playgroups, social workshops, or even a nice walk through the neighborhood. Feel free to share your ideas and experiences. I will start - I am making a goal to eat less sugar and drink more water.
