Hopes and Dreams

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Write down every single dream and ambition that you have for your life.  Make sure to include a list of the hopes you have for your lifestyle post-baby.  If you will be going back to work then write down when and why.  If you will be staying home make sure to state why and under what circumstances you will enter the work force.  Add in your hopes for you new family to be.

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 Friends & Family

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Make a list of all the people in your life that you consider to be your future support system and the reasons they are going to be available to you and your baby.  State what roles you would like to see them in going forward.

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Finances

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In this section you are going to plan ahead a bit regarding your finances.  What items will be required to bring your baby home, to feed it and to clothe it?  Is anyone planning a baby shower for you and if so do they have a list of the items that you will need?  Do not be shy about making suggestions.  Book a hall if you have enough people! 

 

Babies are expensive and any help in the first year is always beneficial.  Plan how all of your expenses will be met for the first two years and how much you can save towards your future and for unplanned events.

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Relationship

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If you are not doing this on your own then add a tab to keep tabs on what should be your first consideration, your partner.  Wax poetic, add in every reason this person is the most special person in your life and what you love the most about them.  Set up a small calendar of surprise date nights and special days to spend together, just the two of you. 

 

Plan on shopping for some sexy lingerie, together.  Seriously, you will want to keep the romance alive.  The best part is you can't get pregnant at this time so have fun!  Once baby comes, your maternal instincts may just push your partner a bit far away and you are going to want a reminder as to why they are wonderful. 

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Hello, Sweet Baby!

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This section is where you are going to talk to your expected bundle of joy.  Write down every thought and hope you have for your baby.  Tell them about your day together.  Let them know how you feel!  Hold nothing back, include the morning sickness and the bouts of tears. 

 

Let them know about your indecision regarding their name.  Tell them what their father is up to during the day and what he feels as well.  Mention the well wishers, the baby shower, the classes and the shopping.  Include your fears and your preparations for their arrival.

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I still open up my pregnancy journal after 22 years and smile when I read these sections.  I was pregnant with my twin daughters.  There was a ton of stress and worry in my entries but there was an amazing amount of hope and love for them and their father. 

 

I have looked back over this piece of our history several times and just recently when my oldest twin moved out. Trust me, the days will be long but the years fly by so fast that you will wish them all back again.

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