One week from today I will be holding our sweet baby boy in my arms for the very first time.
It’s surreal.
I think the weirdest part of a scheduled c-section is knowing exactly when our son will be born. So long as he doesn’t come early, I get to choose how I spend the next seven days before the biggest transition of my entire life. It’s like I’ve been handed this sudden sense of control in a situation where most of the control has been taken away.
I suppose you could call it the gift of known timing.
There will likely be no mad rush to the hospital, or frantic calls to Brett in the middle of the workday. Our drive will likely be perfectly planned next Monday morning, as we chat excitedly and guess how much our baby will weigh. Our friends and family already know exactly when they can visit us in the hospital, and when they can start bringing us meals. I can take a long shower, blow dry my hair, and put on makeup beforehand if I want to (which, let’s face it, I do). We even get to pick his birthday—May 7, 2012.
All things considered, the gift of known timing is pretty amazing. I have a busy week ahead wrapping up chores and work, but this weekend I have every intention of embracing my last few days as Ashlee, the non-mom.
The Friday plan: Sleep in, lunch with girlfriends at McKinley Park, solo thrifting, pedicures/massages with more girlfriends, date night with Brett
The Saturday plan: Sleep in, have our house PROFESSIONALLY DEEP CLEANED, brunch at Tower Cafe, matinee at Tower Theater, nap, date night with Brett
The Sunday plan: Sleep in, church, lazy afternoon at home, date night with Brett
Clearly sleep and dates with Brett are my top priority. How would you spend your last three days as a non-mom?
Oh my goodness I’m so excited for you Ashlee. Plus, my Moms bday is May 7th so that’s a pretty fantastic date.
Vanessa´s last [type] ..Life lately: On Instagram
i think you have it so oo right-sleep ins and date nights!
robyn´s last [type] ..Greetings from Kibera!
What a positive spin, Ashlee! So excited for you to experience the life of being a mom. I didn’t know when our son would be born, but he did arrive late, so my husband and I spend 4 days not working and not parenting, just eating out, relaxing at home, visiting friends and family, etc. Just like you and Brent are planning. Though I loved becoming a mom, I will treasure those last few days before becoming a mom so deep in my heart. It was like Christmas but so much better.
Enjoy these next 7 days!
donya´s last [type] ..The New House : Before : Part One
Thanks Donya
What an exciting feeling – to knowingly be able to anticipate the “calm” before the “storm” and enjoy it in all it’s glory. {I use the word “storm” very lightly…. more like the most amazing transition ever I’m sure.}
It’s been fun reading about your journey along the way and I’m very excited to hear about your metamorphosis into motherhood. Best wishes!
Thanks Amanda!
I love this, as a control freak I would take something like this as a blessing in disguise, the Lords way of sharing the reigns just a little bit. Perfect planning if I do say so myself and I love all the house cleaning and prepping. I’m only three months along with my pregancy but I like your thinking and have already collected some great house cleaning groupons for when my time comes, nobody 9 months pregnant wants to be washing floors and dusting. Good luck and enjoy!
Good for you! We had our windows washed, carpets cleaned, and have a housecleaning crew coming over this weekend. I’m even paying extra for them to do our blinds, oven, and fridge/freezer. On Sunday I just want to sit in my clean house all day and enjoy it!
those sound like wonderful non mom things to do. Lucky to have it scheduled birth date. Sleep is very important before the baby comes. Thats a wonderful day to have a child
Congrats and can’t wait to meet this little guy.
I would shop and sleep
Julie@my5monkeys´s last [type] ..Abnegation Day
I had a planned induction so I was able to plan my last few days as well: sleeping, relaxing, and date nights were exactly what I did
Best of luck for you and your family next week!
You have such a refreshingly positive outlook! My last few days would be pretty similar. I would probably spend some time soaking in the tub with a good book too, just since it’s one of my favorite ways to relax and it might be a while!
Sarabell´s last [type] ..April Review
Soaking in the tub = added to list. Good idea.
Eeeee I’m so excited for you! My mom had both me and my sister by c-section. My older sister’s was by emergency but she chose to have mine that way. I never really thought about how you actually choose the baby’s birthdate so that’s really quite special. All the best to you in the days leading up til your beautiful little boy is born. I’ll be sending good thoughts & prayers that it will go wonderfully
Katie´s last [type] ..Katie Likes to Babble – Part 1
Thanks Katie!
I love how you somehow embrace the scheduled birth now
Have a great last week as a non-mom 
San´s last [type] ..On blogging and connecting
I love it. 5 (may) + 7 = 12 (2012)
Of course I’d pick out something nerdy from this post.
Mel´s last [type] ..I can’t sleep.
I had the same thought! And as for what to do, the one thing I missed as a new mom was the ability to go to the movies, so if you like movie theaters, maybe grab one last one. Shopping and eating out were much easier with a baby than movies.
We are definitely hitting up the movies this weekend….maybe twice
You’ll be happy to know that thought already crossed my mind. I love math
3 days before our second arrived, I sent Sadie off to my parents, we went shopping, on a movie date and did lots of relaxing before my c-section. It was so weird to know my son’s birthday, but it was great cause I am a planner and the first time, I was in a panic cause there was no set time or date for Sadie to arrive.
I just recently fell in love with your blog and I love how every post is so positive and how much of a connection you have with God. You are so inspiring!
Also your sweet little boy is going to share my birthday! I’ll be praying for you and your little family on that day.
Thanks Stephanie!
Oh, and happy early birthday!!!
I just found your blog today, which is such a crazy coincidence…
Twenty five years ago I was a scheduled c-section and my birthday is May 7th. My parents chose that date because it was my grandfather’s and great grandmother’s birthday as well. What are the odds!? It’s a great day to be born, that’s for sure
Congratulations on your baby boy! I’m sure you’re counting down the minutes until you get to see his sweet little face. How thrilling!
lauryn´s last [type] ..The spaghetti facial.
That IS a crazy coincidence! Happy early birthday!
Congratulations, Ashlee! All the best to you and Brett during this very special (and yes, surreal!) week. Thank you SO SO much for all your fabulous Sacramento recommendations–brunch at Tower was *delicious*. Hope you enjoy your pampering pre-baby weekend! xx
SO SOON! I’m so excited! I’m thinking of you and praying for you, Ash… you’re in my heart and I cannot wait to see photos of your SON
<3
kelly ann´s last [type] ..medicine.
Hey Ashlee! So glad to have found your blog and started following along your maternity journey… and also, as a fellow Sacramentan (now living in Amsterdam) it makes me incredibly homesick to hear you mention all these places!! I LOVE Tower Cafe and always used to go to McKinley Park. Enjoy!
Jeanelle @ Glocal Girl´s last [type] ..3 Things Californian