3 days to myself at the end of final mat leave - what to do to pick myself up and make the most of it

[GettingOldWithoutStyle]

Any suggestions welcome. I've been selfish and plan to have three days to myself whilst DD settles at childcare. I haven't had a child free day to myself for a very very long time (my eldest is 6). She's definitely our last baby (# 3) and I'm very unlikely to have this time off by myself again so I really want to make the most of it.

I also feel a little bit lost, in respect to the fact I've had three babies in a short amount of time, I've been pregnant of breastfeeding for what feels like forever 😅 I have lived in maternity/nursing clothes and generally am stuck in full mummy mode which is fine, but I want a new start to feel a little bit of me coming back. Not complaining at all, just want to claw a little bit of me back now the baby days are coming to an end.

So far I know I would like a couple of hours at a local spa (for some peace and quiet 🤫)

Not rolling in money so realistic suggestions please! Thanks 🙏

Firstly, you are not selfish at all! I did the same before I went back from mat leave. The first day I did some jobs in the house in the morning (so I could truly feel guilt-free with the rest of the days to myself), then got a takeaway coffee and cake and watched TV! The next day I dropped my little girl to nursery, went for a massage and had my nails done then home and had a day time bath - such a luxury 🤣
Day three I met my mum for brunch and enjoyed some child-free chat, then went shopping on my own.
Have a lovely few days and DO NOT feel guilty!

What feels like luxury to you?

For me it would be a tidy house, reading, and a cinema or even my own time in front of Netflix. Maybe a gym. Possibly a spicy, not child friendly meal in front of the TV. A spa, hair and nails would be a chore. Shopping would be in between. For others it would be the opposite!

My husband and I went out for a swanky lunch! It was absolute bliss!

Are these the child’s first 3 days of childcare? Or actually after they are settled?For the first week my DD wasn’t able to do anywhere near a full day so it wouldn’t have been possible to really go and do something else.
But if I had 3 days to myself between mat leave and work I would probably go shopping to build more confidence to return to work, maybe get my nails done and a coffee, and have a lazy day at home one day with a movie and a glass of wine.

Day at the cinema watching two or three films.
A day having lunch with your friend/friends.
A massage

I took myself for a very nice lunch with a book and gloated gloriously.

My only "issue" with being home is my DH works from home. He doesn't totally irritate me (lol) but it's been very odd having mat leave with him here and popping up whenever, wherever during the day - also very lovely at times too! So I don't know, if I'm sat here plonked on my bum and I can hear him blabbering on the phone upstairs whether I would feel that relaxed 🤔 or maybe I just preempt it and ask him to leave me be somewhere in the house. Probably sounds rude but I really do want to disconnect myself for five minutes.

Shopping would be good but I've genuinely no idea where to start! I've lost all sense of identity tbh. I'm saggy boobed, wobbly bummed 😓 no idea what to wear anymore.

Cinema is a great idea, maybe with ample treat foods 😁

Haircut
Netflix

It's DD first three days with a childminder. She's seen her a few times with me so knows her a bit already - we've met at baby groups etc.

A posh lunch sounds good actually 👍 I can't imagine eating without a child under the table/a highchair/negotiating for good behaviour 😂

Cinema is one of the first things I did. Alone. I still do it now when I book a days annual leave and just go to the cinema. It's blissful!

Thanks, great idea

I think if he's at home and you're not working Amir taking care of kids he might ask/expect you to cook or do laundry or errands if you're lazing about the house (I would!) so it's better to either plan in advance that he can't do this on those days or to just be out of the house.
You could

• go shopping trying on new clothes
• get hair and nails done
• gym or a fun new exercise class
• museum/gallery
• redecorate a room or deep declutter
• make photo albums
• go and see a working friend on their lunch break
• bake bread or cakes
• theatre

Could he do the school run? My treat to myself is tea and toast in a “breakfast bath” once everyone is settled at work/school whatever. I think it feels absurdly luxurious to have a bath at 9am and just eases you into a nice day of laziness.