The cloth diapers are ready up in her room. Her clothing and blankets, though still needing washed, are plentiful and sorted by size. The baby monitor is set up, though she will be sleeping in our room at first anyway. And yet even these things did not top my list in preparation.
Yesterday I took care of two of the three main things I feel were most important in feeling prepared. First, I went out and bought a carseat. There is something reassuring knowing that I have the carseat and can bring my sweet child home whenever she is ready. There is satisfaction in knowing I did my research and her carseat is safe with extra protection for our upcoming journeys.
I also went and re-certified my CPR, First Aid, and AED training for both adult and infant. In all honesty I needed the certification anyway to keep my licenses up to date and meet the laws requirements. I could have renewed online and done the quick question test in my sleep because I have taken the class so many times. Instead, I took the time and paid the extra money to find a qualified professional to teach me hands on. It was a much better review and I got to practice on real mannequins. While it was still a refresher and I knew all the steps it was still confidence building to practice it.
I'm so grateful for these last steps of preparation. As much as I cherish being pregnant, I'm grateful to be coming to this final stretch knowing I will soon hold my sweet child in my arms. I'm grateful for the emotion and love I feel just thinking about it. I'm grateful for all the generous gifts that helped us prepare for this change. I'm grateful to feel prepared with carseat in tow and safety measures taken. I'm grateful for my trainer last night who took the time to come teach such a small group of us and was fun and knowledgeable. I'm grateful to wake this morning feeling more prepared, at least for what comes after labor, haha! And I'm grateful for all the love and support I have all around me as we get excited for the big day!
What would it take to help you feel prepared for upcoming changes? Feeling safe is a basic human need, how have you worked to reach this? What simple things could you do to help you feel ready for any life shifts that may be headed your way?
May today bless us all with simple actions to take to bring us closer to our dreams. May we find love and support at every turn. Have a beautiful day!