The baby is due in less than one week. I am very eager for labor to begin, but I am also waiting on nature to decide it's time, so in the meantime, I've been trying to stay busy doing things that will make the coming weeks easier on my family and myself.

One thing that I am glad I've had a little extra time to do is plan and prepare meals in advance. I was never able to do this before having the other two girls and I still remember feeling sad that Dwayne had nothing on hand to prepare for dinner when we first came home from the hospital, or feeling guilty that my in-laws were here helping me recover, but there was nothing for them to eat, or feeling tired and hungry on evenings when I was on my own with the kids again, Dwayne was on his way home and I was just wishing I could run down to the freezer for something, anything! to make to give my family so we could eat home cooked food, at our own table and be normal again.

So with some extra time this pregnancy, I planned several meals and shopped for groceries that Dwayne can grab and make on his own right after we come home with the baby, some meals that his parents will enjoy and that they can make with relative ease while Dwayne goes back to work and I am still recovering, and some meals that I can just grab and thaw and put in the oven once I am on my own with the kids again.

Almost all of the groceries needed for these meals can be frozen and thawed (even the rolls) or they come in cans or boxes, so it doesn't matter whether or not we use them for a few weeks. I tried to buy and prepare enough to make most of these dishes two or three times and if all goes as planned, most of them will provide some leftovers for lunch, too. Along with meals we receive from our good friends and pizzas we order here and there, I think we will be set for at least a few weeks.  Fingers crossed.

I have no idea what life after birth with two kids and a newborn will be like. I hope it will go much easier on me now.  Here's hoping all this prep will help facilitate the peace and joy I want to be free to feel after the birth of this new baby. 

The menu includes:

Italian meatballs and spaghetti

Cheese Ravioli and meat sauce

Stuffed shells and marinara

Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Cheddar Stuffing Casserole and Green Beans

Chicken and Rice

Kielbasa and Mac and Cheese

Chicken and Cheese Penne Casserole

Sausage Lasagna

Beef Enchiladas

White Chili

Frozen beef and hamburger helper

Pulled pork Shoulder, BBQ sauce and rolls

Pot Roast, Mashed Potatoes and Carrots