(top left to right) Grandma and Me; Mom and me; (bottom left to right) My Bunny & Me; Mom-In-Law and Me As we are all getting used to the “new normal”, staying home shouldn’t really stop us from showing our love and gratitude for the people we love. With each new day, calendar forwards without a change and occasions come on the defined time – unaware of the fact that we are under lockdown due to COVID-19. With the occasions falling on a calendar day, the only difference I find is that everything is home-bound instead of a fun-filled evening watching the most awaited blockbuster at Cineplex followed by dinner at your favorite restaurant or traveling to the nearby destination and spending a night at the lake-side hotel! But this shouldn’t stop the fun or stop you from celebrating and acknowledging the special days – Birthday, Anniversary, Festivals, and appreciation days such as Mother’s Day and Father’s Day! Since 2020 is a special year, Mother’s Day celebration ...
The news of pregnancy is often overwhelming for new parents-to-be, especially if it’s your first one. My husband and I felt amused at this beautiful journey we were going to begin as parents-to-be. Because it was our first baby, we were no experts on pregnancy or parenting. But as the days passed by, we started learning and enjoying the new adventure. From both of our experience, here is the checklist you can follow during the first trimester.
2. Bump Picture -
I bet, you will look at these while you are awaiting the arrival of your
munchkin and want to hold him in your arms right away. This is the best way to
capture your 9-month journey. You can take either weekly or monthly pictures of
your belly bump.
3. Plan Your
Leave - In Canada, we are privileged to have the benefit of maternity and parental leave.
Plan with your husband when would you like to take the leave. Your
doctor might also play some role in this decision if your health is at risk. I
had severe morning sickness which made things difficult for me. I had to take a
sickness leave before my maternity leave started (when I delivered).
4. Babymoon
Trips - This is the only time in your life which you will have for just two of
you. Plan short or long trips to spend this wonderful time with each other to
cherish your love and build lifelong memories. Take these trips early on as months go by, you will feel uncomfortable traveling and sitting down for longer hours at a stretch, making it difficult to continue with your plans. Niagara Falls Canada has always been our favourite getaway.
However, I could only visit it once through my pregnancy even though it was
just an hour-and-half drive from Toronto.
5. First
Ultrasound & Baby Picture - To confirm your pregnancy and test your
gestation period, your doctor might recommend an ultrasound. Enjoy this
wonderful experience. The radiologist will hand you the ultrasound picture of
your baby. Most beautiful picture of your life. Frame it or keep it in your
journal. To read more about your first ultrasound check my blog on First Ultrasound & First Trimester Diet.
6. Pregnancy
Journal - For me this experience was beyond words. I wanted to capture all the
feelings, experiences and moments that I could and be able to re-live through them throughout my life; may be
share it with my baby once she is born. So, I started writing the journal, added pictures and
memories (first doctor appointment card, hospital visit bracelets, etc.). I
filled in The Ultimate Pregnancy Journal for my memories. . Now there are some cell phone apps where you can track
your pregnancy, input the pictures and even share it with friends and family. It is like a digital journal.
7. Follow the
App - There are wonderful apps that you can download on your phone to track
your pregnancy. You just input your information like LMC date (Last Monthly
Cycle date) and expected due date and the app will automatically show your weekly
progress. I personally used BabyCenter App.
8. Plan your
Baby Shower - I know this sounds really early, but this is the only time you
have. Plan when, where and how you want to have your baby shower. Some cultures
have traditional shower ceremonies. I had a traditional ceremony followed by a
baby shower party. So, take this quiet time to start planning the event.
9. Pamper
Yourself- This is a must for both to-be mom and dad. The coming months are
going to make you busy and tired. So, give yourself lots of pampering. For mom’s
if you are planning on going for a spa session, please check if they offer
pregnancy spas. You can also get nail spa with a manicure and pedicure. Some
nail salons offer services for males and females, so look for unisex salons if
you both want to go together and getting pampered.
When you baby
is born, your world will be very different. It is a new responsibility and your transition from a couple to parents. So, spend this time preparing
yourself for the new arrival. Always remember, these days will never come back.
Have a wonderful first trimester.
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