While I’m no longer married to the man I first started a ‘Before Baby Bucket List’ with (and no, we didn’t have a baby), I’m now happily dating a man that I know is my life partner. Together, we’ve been planning a new kind of future and have our own version of the Before Baby Bucket List in the works. This list pulls from my old one and the new one. Hope you have fun making your own!
I’ve always known I wanted to be a mom. Now that I’m in my early thirties, dating a man that feels like my forever, seeing some of my best friends as mommas, it’s been a year of love for me. I totally believe that if we all wait for the “right time”, a baby will never be in the picture. After all, we will always be chasing dreams, making bigger financial goals, and craving those extra hours of sleep on the weekends.
This isn’t the list of things to stock up on before we have a baby, it’s the ultimate bucket list of things we want to do before venturing into the world of being parents.
If you’re in the same phase of life as us, take this time to make your own list by getting ideas from this one! If you’re already a momma, tell me which one thing you think is most important!
Our Bucket List of Things to Do Before Having a Baby:
1. Sleep in as often as possible.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my momma friends, it’s that sleep will never be the same after having a baby.
Ever since I left my 9-5 job, I rarely set an alarm unless I have an early morning workout or appointment. My boyfriend and I allow the sun to slowly wake us up as it shines through our bedroom window, and I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to not wake up to an alarm. Getting up between 7:00am – 7:30am every day is a routine our bodies have become accustomed to. On the weekends, we sleep in just a little more. It’s my goal to just listen to my body. If I need extra sleep, I allow it. I never feel guilty for sleeping in because it’s one thing that will completely change when we have a little one.
2. Stay up late with friends and drink all of the adult beverages you want.
Adulting can get hard. Work, routines, fitness, and everything in between can make us totally drained by the end of the day. However, when we have a little babe to take care of one day, we will totally miss the irresponsible late nights. I cherish our fun nights where we sip on too much wine, linger over a romantic dinner until late in the evening or stay out with friends until the sun comes up. Being able to sleep in on the weekends makes the late nights that much more fun.
3. Go on dates as often as possible.
We typically just love a good date night, any day of the week. Whether it’s concerts, shows, dinner, or something out of the ordinary, we plan to do it as much as possible before having a baby.
One of the best things to do before having a baby is focusing on your relationship. This bucket list isn’t a one-and-done kind of thing. It’s an ongoing process, and I love that.
4. Have a romantic getaway.
Life comes at you fast as an adult. From busting your ass with work to staying on top of all kinds of obligations, it’s important to slow down… together.
Booking a romantic getaway before having a baby is such a special thing. Can we do it after having a baby? Yes, of course. But guess what all of my mom friends have taught me? You’ll be thinking about your baby the entire time! Whether your romantic getaway is a bed and breakfast a couple of towns over or a lavish trip to a tropical island, do it.
Book a professional photographer during your vacation to capture these sweet moments! Check out everything you need to know about Flytographer and save $25 when you use promo code KATHERINEFOX.
5. Set out on a “bucket list” adventure together.
Don’t we all have that “one thing” we really want to do? Some of mine are realistic for right now (like going on a helicopter tour), and others are a little more far-fetched because of finances (like going on a cruise to Antarctica). But the point is that getting out on that bucket list adventure is exhilarating. It makes you feel alive.
I can be more of an adrenaline junkie so I think of skydiving or swimming with sharks. However, a bucket list adventure could be camping in the country or trying out a couples’ acro-yoga class. A bucket list adventure is one of the best things to do before having a baby. It’s an opportunity for you to create memories, grow stronger, and feel like you’re living, not just going through the motions.
6. Book that last-minute trip!
THIS. I crave this more than anything, but work and a budget just happen to come into play, too. While we don’t get to jet off to a new destination every weekend, we are certainly saying ‘yes’ to more travel than ever. Any trip that’s booked less than 2 months in advance is a thrill to me. I still get butterflies when I see an open weekend on our calendar and I book a hotel just days in advance. The spontaneous side of me will probably give in to the type A side of my personality once we have a baby. Fun fact: We just got back from an 11 day trip in Europe that we booked 4 days in advance!!
7. Selfishly splurge on something big.
There’s a theme with this before-baby bucket list – be selfish. Nick and I love to splurge on ourselves. From massages to eating out at great restaurants to adding a cute pair of shoes to my cart, or buying a new bike, we just know how to spend money! For us, splurging on materialistic things doesn’t come that easily. So maybe I’ll splurge on a pair of diamond earrings or buy a new designer bag. Nick’s always wanting a new bike or fun toy like a drone. So those are really fun splurges that seem more approachable before having the financial commitment of a tiny human!
It’s no secret that taking care of ourselves and our desires will come second once we have a family. I want to let it sink in and appreciate every purchase of a subscription box, nail polish, or expensive bottle of wine.
8. That hobby you love to do together? Do it as often as possible.
My boyfriend and I loooove a good sweat sesh. We’re both triathletes and we actually find the workouts really fun. Sharing this sport/hobby together is really special, but also time-consuming. Every time we hop on our road bikes or go for an 8-mile run, we’re spoiling ourselves to alone time. I always call it our bonding time and for us, it’s one of the best ways to stay motivated.
It seems like many parents end up working out separately once the little babe arrives because, well, the baby can’t take care of him/herself. I know I’ll cherish the little bit of fitness time alone after having a baby, but Nick is my favorite workout partner. I’ll squeeze in as much time together as we can get.
9. Purge the Things You Don’t Need.
If there’s one thing Nick and I have learned through our bi-continental life, it’s that less is more. I find so much more peace in having fewer things in our lives. We often declutter our two homes, purge of the things we don’t use, and donate to local non-profits. When I picture bringing a baby into our lives one day, I won’t be overwhelmed with extra stuff. Instead, we’ll get to add to our lives
10. Savor all of the small moments of just you two.
I want to dig a little deeper. Every long shower together, every hour spent with a good book in bed together, every relaxing minute in the pool, needs to be cherished. Those simple things have been a part of our lives for so long that we need to take a step back and truly appreciate them. I want to savor the random intimate moments or cuddling on the couch on a rainy day. I love being Nick’s partner and just spending time with him so I don’t want to forget to hold onto those sweet moments.
With all that said, we’re totally willing to give up our “carefree” lifestyle for a baby one day.
To me, the most important about having a Before Baby Bucket List is realizing that life will only get that much more fulfilling when we share a tiny human of our own. Those feelings are enough to make me realize we’re going to be ready whenever it happens. After all, one day it will be just the two of us again, and I’ll be missing all the moments we had with kids.