Monday, February 15, 2010

Baby Bucket List on Repeat?


Did someone hit the "repeat" button on my baby bucket list? Two years ago for our 1st wedding anniversary Chad and I went on a mini roadtrip to North Carolina from Florida to go snowboarding in the mountains near Boone. I had never been and we both agreed we should do it before we had kids, which we assumed would be very soon. Now one month before our 3rd wedding anniversary we still have no children and we are revisiting things we had already crossed off the "things to do before kids" list. This has been a common theme circulating in the TTC community lately as infertility has impacted many couples who thought this vacation would be their last one as a childless couple only to find themselves booking another vacation for two a year later.

Since we live so close to a great skiing area we decided to take advantage of our new geography and go snowboarding before we have kids...again. We have crossed off, and even repeated, so many things on our "baby bucket list" - Europe,bungee jumping, roadtrips, NYC, tattoos, cruises, snowboarding- that sometimes it becomes a painful reminder of just how long we have been on this journey to parenthood. But this weekend we also realized that each of these have been amazing experiences and in many ways prepared us for the different parts of our journey. Although I am ready to be a mom, I wouldn't trade these moments with Chad for anything. They have made us a stronger, more well-rounded couple which has not only helped us through the trials of infertility but I believe will also make us even better parents.

We had a great time snowboarding for the 2nd time and really enjoyed the chance to spend the day together, blowing off some steam before this IVF cycle gets started. My mock transfer is scheduled for this Wednesday and I start meds that day also. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about all that's to come, so snowboarding was a great way to get out some nervous energy. Even though I thought the next time I went it would be with my kids, watching them learn to ski or snowboard, I am glad that we took advantage of this opportunity. Chad was such a kind and patient teacher and it reminded me of just how much I love him and what a wonderful father he is going to be, and reaffirmed that we are making the right choice by going forward with IVF.

So now I am curious. Do you have a "baby bucket list" of things you want to do or accomplish before you have children? What have you already done or even repeated? What do you have left that you hope to do before your family expands? I would love to hear your pre-baby goals and dreams!


11 comments:

Courtney said...

We totally had a baby bucket list as well. We have accomplished most of them, a couple have been put on hold but I so totally know what you mean.

*hugs*

Long Road to Baby said...

My list of things just keeps growing. I know the baby isnt coming any time soon, so i keep creating things Id like to do...

Jenna said...

Hm when I think about the things we wanted to accomplish before we had a child...I think we did them already. I never actually called it a baby bucket list, but in essence that's what it was. I suppose we're just re-going through stuff again.

Jen @ After The Alter said...

Last January DH and I went away as our "last trip" before kids..lol well I think we'll get a repeat of that soon..although we hesitate planning because I keep thinking i'm going to be pregnant..lol
I guess we just try to make the most of it...go out, go to dinner..and remember that life is good.. (as much as possible)

Tiffany said...

You are so true about the bucket list, and how things sometimes have to be repeated. Next planned on ours is tatoo's, and NYC. It looks like you've already accomplished those!! I'm so excited about your IVF, your going to do great!

Three Cats and a Baby said...

We've been doing "This could be our last time we get to..." for almost 7 years now so I really get it!

I am so glad you were able to get away and relax. Thinking good thoughts for this month!!

NaVe said...

I admire your baby bucket list - I have always been too afraid of facing what you are faced with right now to make one - worried that I would have to keep adding on and adding on. But I love the fact that you are able to focus on the happy times that your list have brought you and Chad. It's so great that it has re-strengthened your love :D xx

Adoptive Momma said...

We never had a bucket list but we did have a "last hoorah" after getting the call from the agency that our oldest son would soon be ours. We went out of town the weekend before he was born and we can remember nothing about it. We were so preoccupied with his arrival.

Holly said...

I am so proud of you two! I cannot wait for you to be parents! love, Love, LOVE to you and Ashley!

Karen said...

When we first decided to TTC, we decided to have one last trip to Vegas. That was over 3 years ago. We never thought that it would be this difficult. This month we decided to take a break before I start my last 2 months of clomid. So we are headed back to Vegas. We are now full circle.

Kim3278 said...

I think the "bucket list" just grows with each kid! We did a lot before our first and then tried to fit in that much more before our second. Now we are trying to fit in EVERYTHING before our third. LOL. Best wishes to you. I have really enjoyed reading.