he may be doing all the work when it comes to growing that baby, but you can still offer a helping hand in making those nine months easier for the mom-to-be.
Help Around the House
Since nesting instincts will be in full gear, spend some time helping her organize closets, finish those photo albums, or paint the nursery. Also, those hard to reach nooks and crannies collecting dust are even harder to reach with a growing belly. Offer to clean, do the dishes, or fold laundry so she can spend some time off of her ever-expanding ankles.
If you can’t be there in person, surprise her with a cleaning crew that will come to her house and make it shine.
Watch What You Eat with Them
Support a healthy weight gain by making nutritious meals or researching recipes filled with pregnancy must-haves, such as folic acid and protein. And, since she’s been given a list of things she can’t indulge in, help her out by offering to skip the alcohol, Brie cheese, and sushi dinners.
Help with the Baby Registry
Figuring out nursery design, what to stock the changing table with, and which gear to get can be overwhelming for parents-to-be. So why not help them fill out their registry and take them shopping? If you’re a “been there, done that” kind of parent, offering advice on what they’ll need and what they shouldn’t bother getting, can be extremely helpful. You’ve done the research, so why not pass on your wisdom?
Help Pre-address the Baby Announcement Envelopes
It’s a great way to catch up now while greatly helping her for later. Once baby comes, her hands will be full caring for a newborn, but of course she’s going to want to get her baby announcements out as soon as possible. Spend time pre-addressing and stamping the envelopes. This way, they’ll be ready to go after baby arrives. This is also helpful to do with thank you notes after her baby shower.
Offer to Throw a Shower
Don’t take offense if one is in the works, but know that you do get the credit for offering!
If she takes you up on it, plan it around the time of day she has the most energy. Work with her to create the guest list and send out invites a month to six weeks in advance, letting guests know where she’s registered. Either offer to throw it at your home, or book her favorite restaurant.
Give Gift Certificates
Gift certificates can be as good as gold. Treat her to a pregnancy massage, a manicure or pedicure, or a new outfit at a local maternity store. Also, giving a gift card to any of the places where she has registered gives her a chance to start stocking the nursery.
