What to do with my maternity leave?

[Blondie1991]

Hey
I'm 35 weeks now and officially on leave. As this is my first baby I've alot of free time and OH works evenings. I've ordered a swimsuit as I'm going to try and get to the pool some mornings just to make sure i get out of the house. Also Ive ordered some books from amazon. Ive a busy job and am looking forward to some well deserved rest before little one makes an appearance.
I was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions of what else i can do to entertain myself until baba arrives? Is there anything that you did or wish you had done?
Thanks :)

Lol mrscog I may indeed!! I admire your stamina! Unfortunately the sighting of a huge earwig amongst all the rotting vegetation sent me waddling back in last time I ventured out.

I made some friends online and met them before we had the babies (met them on a rival site) which was really nice. Depending on where you live there might be other people who want to make friends, especially if it's a bit of a commuter area where people don't live near their families.

With a 3 1/2 week old, I thought I'd tell you all the things I do miss (although I wouldn't change DS for the world)

• Sleep - I'm starting to forget what this is!
• a nice bubble bath - DS always wakes up just as I get in, no matter what
• Being able to eat without having DS on my lap feeding - He always seems to wake up just as I sit down with my dinner.
• Going out - It's such an effort getting DS to go out it's a right nightmare

-Socialising - Not being able to go out as much with DS, means it can get lonely sometimes.

• Cuddling up with the DP and just watching a film or some rubbish on the tele without thinking 'the baby will get up in a min' or 'im so shattered I'd rather go to bed!'

Basically do whatever you want.

I was supposed to have 7 weeks before DS was born but had just over 4 instead. It was a really hot summer which did restrict me a bit but I got loads done at home (including hand washing my wedding dress and packing away after a year hanging in the spare room), sorted all the baby stuff including packing and re-packing my hospital bag a million times, made loads for the freezer, dos some DIY etc.

I also watched loads of box sets, slept in, went gym, and enjoyed being on my own.

Don't try too hard to 'make the most of it' though or you might not enjoy it at all.

I'm shocked by all the cinema suggestions, I can't sit for longer than 1/2 an hour and last time spent massive chunks of the film standing at the side (out of sight of the other cinema goers) watching the film stood up. I did not find it fun.

If you can't cook, think about cooking things like rice portions, mash potato portions, that way you could heat up these portions with a jar of something in next to no time if you're pushed for time to eat after baby comes.

Oh my goodness I Can Not Wait
Netflix, books, batch cooking, dog walks, a spot of nesting, sleeps

Yeah just trying to spend quality time with dp while its just the two of us, going for meals and even just watching tv infront of fire.
TheScenicRoute we went to the cinema a few weeks ago about a half hour in I was restless and uncomfortable so I completely understand. I even find it hard to sit for too long at home constantly changing posistion. Great idea with the mashed potato portions. Im sure dp will help with batch cooking at the weekends, he really is amazing looking after me.
Thanks again everyone for your suggestions :)

The most important thing to do physically is walk a lot. It helps get the baby in position and keeps you moving in preparation for the birth.

The most important thing to do mentally is expect the baby to be two weeks late. That way if s/he is late you won't be frustrated!

Other than that, whatever you fancy doing. I enjoyed having absolutely no to do list and nothing much to do at all

I had plans to finish emptying a cupboard in the nursery, clear out my wardrobe of work clothes, watch lots of TV and spend time with DSis who was on mat leave. DS had other ideas and arrived at 35 weeks so I didn't have a single day off as was meant to work to 38 weeks! I now wish I'd just slept more

I have just started mat leave and am currently getting up with DH and either going swimming or for a nice walk in the morning. Then, home and sit down with a hot drink and a detective novel before doing house-y jobs and listening to Radio 4. Interspersed with more sitting down and eating chocolate. Two evenings a week I have antenatal yoga or Pilates. Evenings with DH and more chocolate.

So far, it is lush

enjoy the boredom as you'll never get that chance again

sleep, go out for lunch, read good books, go to the pub /cinema /for dinner with DH, walk aimlessly in the shops without navigating a buggy, leave the house with your house keys and not the kitchen sink.

Some people would say make lasagnes to freeze and wot not but isn't that what m&s is for??

And enjoy it!!!