| |
Taking part in what seemed to be small details prior to the arrival of my son turned out to be some very valuable steps during those first couple of weeks after I delivered. For example, four days prior to giving birth, a friend and I got a manicure and pedicure. As my son came early, I did not realize at the time that I would be giving birth in just a few days, but it worked out perfectly. I can remember being in the hospital not having showered in a couple days and being able to look down at my toes and finger nails and think how nice they looked. It may sound strange, but the appreciation I had for something so small that made me feel that much more human during those days really seemed to help my spirits.
Additionally, I had a haircut about two weeks prior to giving birth. This, too, seemed invaluable as I didn't have to worry about fitting it into a crazy schedule that was filled with feedings, pumping, and doctor appointments for my son. Again, it was more about leaving me feeling like a complete person at the end of the day as much as possible and not seeing myself too disheveled every time I looked in the mirror!
However, there were two tasks that I had wished I had taken care of prior to the arrival of my son - visiting the eye doctor and having extra toiletries on hand. I had actually had an appointment set up to see my eye doctor the day I went into labor; obviously, I had to cancel! The upside to having the doctor appointment after my son was born was that it did afford me the opportunity to get out of the house by myself. On the other hand, I was exhausted, impatient, and didn't really feel like picking out glasses to wear for the next year when I had barely showered.
Also, I didn't think ahead and have extra toiletries on hand, like deodorant and conditioner. Therefore, a trip out to the drugstore was necessary. Again, it was nice to get out of the house, but exhaustion had set in, and I just wasn't in the mood to be shopping. Since I am expecting my next child soon, I have already made the trip to the store to stock up on my favorite toiletries and cosmetics to help ease into the transition of two children and still feel "clean and fresh" at the same time!
| |
