Well, I could say that I'm going to make some New Year's Resolutions, but I'm hoping that by calling them intentions I will somehow actually follow through and complete these things.
#1: Figure out this motherhood thing little by little. Try not to be too hard on myself and remember to relax and not take things too seriously. I don't want to turn into one of those over protective moms that won't let anyone touch their child. I want to be able to enjoy the little moments and not permanently screw up my child... too badly.
#2: Be a good wife. I'm really worried about how mine and Doug's relationship will change with parenthood. Things are pretty good right now, but I know that parenthood can definitely be a stressor on a marriage. I've never really been too much of a crazy, hormonal, clingy person, but I have this fear that no sleep, a dramatic shift in body chemistry after childbirth, and a lack of adult conversation during the day might just do me in.
#3: Work on my TpT (Teachers Pay Teachers) store. Back in July when I started posting the stuff on this site that I create, I never really thought anything would come of it. Amazingly enough, I've actually sold quite a bit of stuff. I've made over $800 since July and I haven't touched it since this summer. I'm hoping that if I really put some time into it that it can be a potential second income once I stay at home. Going down to one income basically freaks me out BIG time. I've always had my OWN money... and now I won't.
#4: Make friends with people in my ward. I know like 5 people well-ish in my ward and that's from the different callings I've had combined with visiting teaching after almost 5 years. I tried to blame it on the fact that Doug and I were just about the only childless couple in the whole ward, but I need to get better about attending activities outside of church on Sunday. I think that is when people socialize, right? I won't have work anymore, so this is my new social group. Hopefully I fit in!
#5: Learn to sew and be crafty (and stuff). I've always wanted to learn how to do all of that craft-like stuff, but I never really had time with work. Now that I'll be staying home, maybe I'll have more time, maybe? I spent my TpT profits on Doug's Christmas presents his year, so my next goal will be to buy a sewing machine. My mom is like a pro at basically everything crafty - quilting, sewing, cross-stitching, knitting, crocheting - you name it. I'll try to learn from her instead of just bringing my clothes to be hemmed. :)
#6: Be more thoughtful. This is definitely a character trait that I wish came more naturally to me. I'm not saying I'm not a nice person because I think I'm pretty darn nice ;) ...but I'm NOT thoughtful. I feel like such an idiot most of the time after the fact. For instance, I was hanging out with some friends from high school for lunch one time and we hadn't seen each other in a while. My one friend had just had a baby and EVERYONE else bought her a little baby gift. I just showed up. I felt like such a jerk. Another example, I went to Doug's house for Christmas. I had been so worried about surprising Doug for Christmas that I realized THE NIGHT BEFORE Christmas at like midnight that I hadn't gotten a single present for ANYONE in his family. They all got me something. Dang, why am I such a loser... So yeah, I need to get better at this. If I've been an inconsiderate thoughtless jerk to you, I apologize... I am working in it.
#7: Make my house into a home. We will have been living in our house for 5 years this February. It still looks like no one lives here. I finally got paint (mostly... kitchen is still half done) up on the main level and Doug has brought a bunch of artwork and such back from his overseas travel that we have put up, but I really feel like I'm missing that homey feel and I REALLY want it. I walk into people's homes and I think, THIS house has it. How do I do it? Will it come naturally with me spending more time home? I hope so!
I leave it at that. Seven is a lot! Any tips for anything above would be much appreciated. I need all the help I can get!
