Pre-Parenting Tip: The Notebook
Since the start of our we’re gonna be parents journey, my fantastic partner (the mommy-to-be) has proven that she has more organizational skills than I could ever hope to have. And a big part of that organization has come in the form of her notebook. Which brings us to today’s tip…
TIP: KEEP A NOTEBOOK
Jess has been using her notebook to keep track of everything. Everything!
Every trip to the midwife (durhammidwives.com) includes the notebook. And it’s super handy. Before we go to an appointment we’re able to look back at the notes from previous visits, we can write down any questions or thoughts that we’ve had since we were there last, and before we even leave the condo, we feel like we’re better prepared for the appointment.
The notebook also allows Jess to keep track of things like her weight, which she gets asked at every appointment. Along with any other physical changes or occurrences that come up.
As the dad-to-be in the room at the midwife appointments, I’m also able to use the notebook to write anything down that gets mentioned while Jess is on the table, or otherwise unable to be taking notes. It’s a small thing, but being able to take that note right away, and not make her remember what was said to write it down later is a stress-releaving step that I’m happy to help with.
Now, this is 2018, and digital is the way to go for pretty much everything in the world… but, I still stand by the notebook in this case. Notes kept on a phone are great, and as a back-up, or short-term holding place for thoughts, questions, etc., it’s fantastic. But we have both found that pulling out the phone, finding the note, and typing things out while we’re in the room with the midwife isn’t nearly as functional as it sounds.
At 29 weeks, we’ve also found that the notes and pages are piling up. And I can only imagine how long and clumsy a digital doc (notes, or even a Google doc) would be to scroll through to find an older note if we wanted it. The old fashioned pages of a notebook are easy to flip through, we can put the date in the top corner, and it continues to work.
And, if you’re the type, or your partner is the type, or you’re both the type, that love to keep a good notebook, this is a chance to go all out!
You can colour code with fancy pens. You can add sticker tabs to keep track of important pages throughout your book. Heck, you can put smiley face stickers on it if you want. This notebook is yours. It holds your appointments and questions and answers and milestones and everything else that comes up during the nine months of baby prep. Use it in the best way for you!
So, if you’re in the baby is coming part of your life, I highly recommend going out and buying a notebook that you will be able to fill with as many notes and thoughts and ideas and planning points that come to mind.
If you’ve got any notebook tips to share, leave a comment. We’re all in this together!
