The Nesting Instinct and How I Plan to Use it During This Pregnancy

Meal Planning

A new 6-week rotating meal plan with grocery lists is in the works right now and I am trying to include as many freeze-ahead meals as I can. My goal is to have 6 weeks worth of meals in the freezer when baby girl arrives. I did this with my last pregnancy and it was SO nice to not have to worry about making meals and to be able to direct my kids and husband to the menu plan so they could just pull out meals from the freezer to make or reheat. It is also very helpful for my recovery after birth because I plan specific meals that are nutrient-dense to nourish my body for healing and nursing.

Stock Up!

This is one of my favorite things to do. I love building up the inventory of the house and stocking shelves so that we have everything we need. Utilizing coupons and store sales, I stock up on feminine products, baby products, toiletries, first aid supplies, herbals and supplements, non-perishable groceries, laundry and cleaning supplies, medications, art supplies for homeschooling, paper products, etc… I try to shoot for 3-6 months worth. Having a well-stocked home and pantry is a constant goal in our house, but even more so when we have a new addition. I have had health complications after birth with several of my kiddos, and having a good inventory stock has saved me countless trips to the store, and stress! My husband appreciates not being asked to run to the store every day too!

Dental and Doctor Appointments

We are going to all the necessary dental, eye doctor and family doctor appointments before the new year because I seriously don’t do well with errands when I am sleep-deprived. I want those last two months of pregnancy to prepare the house for baby’s arrival. Thankfully, we have dentist that will schedule 3 of my kiddos at once!

Homeschool Plans

I already have this in the works, but I’m planning more lessons and reading selections for the next year. This way, I won’t have to think about what is needed for each term in homeschooling. I can just pull the appropriate books and folders as needed. Nesting or not, homeschooling with a preschooler, elementary, middle and high schooler is challenging. If I don’t have a plan and supplies ready, nothing will get done well, especially with a newborn! “Be Over-Prepared” is my motto for this area of our lives. (READ MORE…)