It’s June….which I think everyone knows by now is BABY MONTH! And it’s totally surreal that it’s actually here. Admittedly, my goals are going to be pretty simple this month, but before we get to that, let’s recap May – which was a pretty awesome month, in itself! I definitely tried to take full advantage of doing as many things as possible to enjoy my last baby-free weeks, spending quality time with Aaron & friends, and of course, getting things done to prepare for Llewyn’s arrival. Some of the highlights were going to the amazing Sufjan Stevens concert (my oh-so-perfect birthday gift from Aaron), seeing a Squirrels game with Aaron and friends, doing my final shoot before maternity leave, celebrating with another pregnant friend the soon-arrival of her baby girl, getting the nursery decorated and in order, buying a gorgeous clutch from an amazing company doing great things to help women across the world, washing cute little baby clothes, finding (what I hope to be) the perfect diaper bag, coffee dates with friends, and quality time with my Mom while Aaron was gone for a week and a half. It was definitely a productive and fun month!
Here’s how the official May goals ended up:
PERSONAL
Work on relaxation & breathing exercisesPut contact paper in dresser drawers in nurseryPut together IKEA unitHang shelves, curtains & artwork in nurseryPack hospital bag!Finish reading birth bookWrite birth plan/preferences- Skype dates with at least 2 friends (I think I only did one….but it was a great one!)
Decide on/order a diaper bagWash all baby clothesBuy any remaining items necessary before his birth
BUSINESS
Finish picking out/ordering new packing materials- Work more on Bridal Guide
Design/print new shipping labelsFinish cleaning office& photograph (Unfortunately, I waited too long and now all of the trees outside my house have leaves, so there’s very little natural light coming in at the moment…so the photographing might have to wait!)Submit another 1-2 shoots/weddings- Edit all remaining shoots from April (The only ones I didn’t get done, yet, were personal…but they may just get done yet! ;)
Pre-blog more postsOrder new workflow charts with TWP logo & update
Definitely a super productive month, and I’m really happy with what I was able to get done in preparation for maternity leave, and welcoming Llewyn! And for this month here’s what is on the docket….
PERSONAL
- Continue relaxation exercises until Llewyn comes!
- Drink lots of water & raspberry leaf tea
- Clean bedroom & wash rugs
- Sort my clothes & pack away winter items
- Clean any/everything else as “nesting” energy bursts happen!
- REST and watch a lot of Friends ;)
- Hang out with actual friends whenever possible!
- Patiently await Llewyn’s arrival :)
BUSINESS
- Continue blogging as desired
- Put up “Maternity Leave” email message
- Ship out any remaining albums/client products
- Pay quarterly taxes & personal property
- ENJOY TIME OFF!
Guys….it’s so weird to just be winding down and taking time off to rest and relax. I know that’s good and exactly what I want and need to be doing, especially once he arrives. But it’s definitely just a strange feeling, because I’ve never taken such a big chunk of time off since starting this business 7+ years ago. But, I’m choosing to trust God with this time, and plan to enjoy it to its fullest. I will, of course, still be checking in on things as I’m able, but I’m grateful that it will still be waiting here for me after I’ve taken time to rest and recover and this is all part of why I always wanted to be my own boss. To have the flexibility to set my own schedule, and work around having a family. So, I think the crazy part is just truly realizing that day is almost here.
Here’s to an amazing June, and my little man’s arrival in the very near future! :)
