While at home.

We have so many friends who have recently had a baby or are soon to have a baby.  Recently, with a group of other moms, we were discussing that as a new mom it is easy to feel as if you are not accomplishing anything during the day.  Dishes sit piled, bed unmade, laundry is a joke.  You know what I mean?  But, in all actuality, you have fed a baby, burped a baby, rocked a baby, and maybe, if you are really motivated, you possibly even showered at some point.  Those are all accomplishments and we were joking that if you really need to make a "to do" list you should put shower and nap on that list and mark them off when you do them to show that you are getting things done!

I also know that some mamas just aren't satisfied with that still.  I understand because I was and am the same way.  So I thought I would gather a list of things that a new mom (or really any mom) could do while staying at home with baby.

+ Start a blog.  {wink face}  That is exactly what I did.  I always wanted to be a consistent blogger, but always felt too busy.  I never stuck with it until I started staying home with Gideon.  And it has been therapeutic and amazing in so many ways.

+Write your child's birth story. This was my first blog post for Batman and Belle.  I love reading birth stories, so why not write my experience. No two are ever the same and I love looking back on all the details that I would most likely forget if I had not written them down.  Share it with family and friends so they can reminisce as well or submit it to online forums that share birth stories, if you feel comfortable.  *I'm fully aware that there can be a lot of judgment when it comes to birth stories. Don't feel shame for your experience. I was induced and had an epidural. That is my story and I love it.*

+Work on the baby book.  If you are planning to scrapbook or baby book your child's first few years of life, why not work on it while it is happening.  I would pull Gideon's book out while he laid on the floor or in the swing or during nap time and would work on the parts I could.  This helps you not feel overwhelmed with the task when your baby is a year old and you realize nothing is filled out.  It also helps you keep events/milestones straight.

+Find a new recipe and devote your day to it.  Look on Pinterest or pull out the cookbooks you have never used (or is that just me?) and find something you want to try.  It doesn't have to be difficult.  Spend your entire day around this task.  Go to the store to get what you need. This will be a great break from being inside.  In the afternoon or evening, pull the baby swing, rock-n-play, bouncer, etc. into the kitchen, turn on some music and get to it.  I loved doing this with Gideon.  And he loved the new environment and watching me.  Talk to your baby about what you are doing.  Set the table, maybe add a candle.  And when your husband gets home he will be amazed and call you superwoman.

+Send snail mail. Who doesn't like getting actual mail?  No one!  So why not be the person to send it?  Print photos of your little one, write cards, if they are old enough let them scribble on some paper to send or find craft projects on Pinterest to do (you know, the ones where you stamp your baby's feet and all that).  Mail them out to grandparents, aunts and uncles, etc.  They appreciate it more than you know.

+Start an Etsy shop.  Maybe you are a crafty, crafty woman (unlike me), and have some amazing talent when it comes to making headbands, baby clothes, jewelry, etc.  If you have the supplies and are willing to put in a little more time you could start an Etsy shop to sell your goods.  If you are planning to be a full-time SAHM, it would also be a great way to make a little money on the side.

Do you have anything else to add to this list?