Life
As I come to end of my last pregnancy, I often find myself wondering, "What was I thinking?" Typically followed by, "Well, there's no turning back now." In all seriousness, the timing of my pregnancy went exactly as planned. And for someone like me who is a bit of a control freak, I not only planned getting pregnant, but planned a bucket list of items I wanted to accomplish before having a baby. In fact, there were quite a few things I did for myself before getting pregnant again.
Things like making a huge career change from being a busy, stressed-out, nonprofit executive, to being a work-from-home, chill (well, maybe not always chill) freelance writer. Training for and running a marathon, which I knew was going to be impossible, while pregnant or with a newborn. Getting my sh*t together for my career and my health, and literally getting my son's sh*t together by potty training him.
I also did some fun things like traveling to new places (three new states, including Hawaii), getting a new tattoo, and learning about who I was and who I wanted to be. If you are planning to get pregnant in the near future, I recommend doing some things for yourself first.
I Took Care Of My Health
Seriously. I lost a little bit of weight, met with an OB-GYN to talk about pre-conception planning and health concerns, got my mental health in check, and made an appointment to remove my birth control implant. Adulting like a boss.
I Ran A Marathon
Last year, I decided to bite the bullet and finally train for and run a marathon. It was one of the most badass things I have ever done, second only to growing babies in my body and pushing them out of my vagina.
I Secured Some Great Health Insurance
Since my husband and I both went through career moves, we went on the health care exchange and purchased a great insurance plan.
I Went To Hawaii
We also, five months after our wedding, finally went on a honeymoon to Hawaii. We laid on the beach, climbed a volcano, went on a two hour hike up a mountain in search of a waterfall (it was unbelievably beautiful) and drank some awesome Mai Tais.
I Changed Careers
2016 was one of the most pivotal and transformative years of my life. I changed careers and gave up stress, commutes, and long work days in exchange for flexibility, a different kind of stress, and doing something I love.
I Got A New Tattoo
Before I got pregnant again, I got my fourth tattoo, celebrating my divorce from my ex (that took nearly two years to finalize) and my love of running.
I Found A New OB-GYN
I had a horrible experience during my last birth, so I took time and care to select a new provider I trust and who respects me as a woman and patient.
I Potty Trained My Son
There was no way that I was going to potty train my son while experiencing a pregnancy. I did that with my daughter, while pregnant with my son, and I had no desire to repeat the experience.
Bonus: only one child in diapers when baby comes. Score.
I Became A Yoga Teacher
I have always wanted to teach yoga, so this year I made it happen. I went through an intensive yoga teacher training program and got my first job as a yoga teacher. Namaste.
I Drank Some Good Wine
I love wine. I drank a lot of it before getting pregnant again. I can't wait until I can have a celebratory glass after delivery.
I Had Lots Of Practice Sex
We practiced. A lot. I mean, why not? Life is short. Sex is awesome, and after baby comes, who knows how often sex with happen. Better start planning for that, too.
