News Moms Need

It is Wednesday - and that means it is time for our photo of the week.   So check out this week’s photo cutie …..

I’m at the point now where I ask myself that question almost on a daily basis. I think it’s safe to say that this has become a really bad habit. I’ve run out of ideas and I’m bored with what I make. Pasta. Chicken. Fish. Repeat. I like to shop for fresh veggies and meats, but end up throwing a lot of it away because with only two people we just don’t get to all of it. I hate wasting food. In a perfect world I would have the energy to plan our meals each week — a variety of healthy dishes that taste delicious and are effortless to prepare. I would make batches of things and freeze them. But sadly, I don’t do these things. On nights when my husband works late I usually just pour myself a bowl of cereal and call it a day. Now that I’m introducing solids into my daughter’s diet I need to work on my culinary skills and get organized. I want her to develop healthy eating habits right from the start and I know that I’m the one responsible for establishing that. I wish cooking didn’t feel like such a chore though. Maybe I should take a class. What are you having for dinner?

After the baby is born I wonder how long it will be until my husband and I go to a movie or out to dinner. How old will the baby be before I feel comfortable leaving him/her with a relative or babysitter for a night out. At the moment we can accept an invitation to get together with friends any night of the week. RSVP, “yes” to a wedding that’s an hour away or plan a vacation and pack one small suitcase.

It seems people like to ask how I’m sleeping lately. When I say, “just fine” the standard come-back is usually, “well enjoy it while you can.” Oh, zip-it! I know they’re right, but I hate hearing that. How will sleep deprivation affect my relationship with my husband and our ability to be patient or affectionate? I don’t know yet. I hear all the time that couples need to make time for each other. But realistically, especially in the beginning, is that possible? 

Before I got pregnant, I thought about the emotional and lifestyle changes we’ll face as parents. We both decided that we were ready for this. Now that my due date is right around the corner it’s really setting in though. Our independence and free time will NEVER be what it once was. Are you having or thinking about having a baby? Do you worry about this stuff, too?

When I volunteered to host Thanksgiving a few months ago everyone looked at me as if I were crazy. You think you’ll be up to that? I thought yeah, why not? Well, with two days to go I’m beginning to understand why the family was concerned. I’m in my third trimester and getting bigger by the day. The energy I had during my second trimester is starting to dwindle, too. I’m expecting 17 people for dinner and a few more might stop by for dessert. DOH! I’m a little panicked between getting the house ready, grocery shopping and crossing things off my enormous to-do list. Fortunately, my MIL is sleeping over the night before and will help get the turkey in the oven in the morning. It’s going to be a long day though. HELP! Any suggestions for keeping organized, calm and comfortable would be most appreciated.