There is something that happens when you get to 36 weeks pregnant. All of a sudden, baby feels super close to being out of your belly and into your arms. And this puts your brain into hyper gear with trying to make sure everything is ready. So what all have I been doing to be sure we’re set up for our newest arrival? Here’s my current list…

1. Organize/Wash Stored Baby Gear

Because this is our second baby, we already have a lot of baby gear from our first that has been stored in various locations the last year. So we’ve been relocating all of it, and working on where it should go for this new baby. And any of the items that were fabric are also being washed so they’re ready for use and not musty or dusty.

2. Prep Postpartum Bathroom Kits

I did this before my first as well and it was so helpful to have everything ready to go when I got home from the hospital and not worry about having to sort through the supplies then. For ease, I make one basket for each bathroom I use regularly in the house (which in my case is just two- one upstairs and one down). This is highly encouraged, particularly if you’re in a 2 story house. You don’t want to have to truck upstairs every time you need to use the restroom or manage postpartum care.

In my bathroom kits:

• Peri Bottle (an absolute must!)
• Dermoplast Spray
• Earth Mama Perineal Sitz Spray OR Frida Mom Perineal Foam
• Tucks
• Pads
• Frida Mom Disposable Undies

Everything fits great in a small basket and I replenish it as needed but having it stocked when I first get home is so helpful!

3. Meal Prep

This is an “as I’m able to” situation this time around. When I was pregnant with my first, I had a lot of free time on my hands so there was plenty of time to make meals. This time around, there just isn’t as much time for meal prep with chasing the toddler around so I’m focusing on doing what I can. When I know I’m making a meal that would freeze well, I go ahead and double it and freeze half. For example, instead of just making one meatloaf this weekend, I’ll make two and freeze the second. My husband and I also took part of a Saturday to prep some breakfast burritos. These were a lifesaver with my first and I know I’ll be glad to have them!

4. Pack Hospital Bag

I would do this as close to 36 weeks as possible(or before if you’re on top of things). While it’s not likely you’ll need it this early, babies are unpredictable and you don’t want to be scrambling to pack your things if baby decides to arrive early. There are so many hospital bag checklists around and it can be overwhelming. I can assure you, you need less than you think! Here are few articles from other Caden Lane mamas if you need some inspiration and guidance.

Big Tip: After packing what you can now, be sure to make a list of what else still needs to go in on the day of and put it in a very clear and obvious spot with your bag. You may end up needing help from someone else to get these last minute items and you want it to be easy for them to gather.

5. Resting

This is on my list because sometimes it feels like we need permission to do it. Y’all, end of pregnancy is hard! And being a new mom is hard! (No matter how many times you’ve done it before). You need rest. Your body needs to be rested for the marathon that is labor and childbirth. And both your body and mind/soul need to be rested to care for the new life coming your way. And while it may not feel like you have much time to rest now, that is not about to change so we might as well make time when we can. For me this means, I nap when my son naps even when that means something doesn’t get checked off the to-do list that day. I encourage you to figure out what resting can look like for you during these last few weeks.

I know there are many other things I could be doing during these last few weeks but these items are my top priority to help me feel as ready as possible for the next stage we’re heading into. What’s on your list if you’re in the final countdown?