The Countdown is Real - Preparing for Baby with Less Than Four Months to Go
Hey Bleu Bells,
This week, let’s get honest about the rollercoaster that is preparing for a new baby when you’re also juggling a full-time job. Here I am, less than four months away from welcoming a little life into this world, and let me tell you, the panic is starting to set in—I have *nothing* prepared. No baby clothes, no nursery set up—nada.
I know this can be done in less than two weeks, but I still feel unprepared. I can’t shake this feeling of being scared. I know I live in an imperfect world, and I am imperfect, but I secretly want to be perfect for Sariah. I want her to always see me at my best, but we all know that is not real. It’s funny that I want to try and be perfect for her, but I know deep down inside I am not perfect. These are the crazy thoughts that play over and over in my head. I want her to think I am the fittest, disciplined, cleanest, and passion-driven woman she has ever encountered. How amazing would that be? It may also be a bit unrealistic. But I also want this for myself. It sounds crazy, but it’s just the thoughts of your average Shay, lol. I’m working on it, y’all. Day by day is a challenge, but also a day closer to being the woman I truly want to be for myself first and for Sariah.
Being a working mom-to-be means my days are swallowed by work, and the million other things life throws my way. But I recently realized that it’s okay to lean on others for support, something I always found challenging. I've never really depended on anyone, but now, with no immediate family nearby, the idea of asking for help feels even more daunting. I’ve always been this independent woman who manages to do everything independently; I'm not saying it is always done right or perfectly. But I’ve felt that if someone lets me down in getting something done, it might as well be me.
Now, things have changed. I am learning to accept I cannot do this alone. It truly takes a village to raise children. I know this based on my lifestyle of dating a man with a son and working in education. Children need so many layers of support outside their parents. We honestly cannot do this work alone. I am not saying it can’t be done. We need more than two parents to support children outside of financial matters. As an adult, I cherish my relationships with my aunts, uncles, and cousins. They keep me full of love and support constantly. I want and need Sariah to know what that feels like. The feeling is like no other. It is pure love. You feel your most vulnerable self around them. This is what a village feels like.
As the reality of motherhood inches closer, my parents' absence hits harder. Knowing I can't just drive to their house to ask for advice or support is a strange, unsettling feeling I have never experienced. My parents are incredibly supportive and always helped when I needed them, but I’ve always made a way not to need them constantly or sometimes in certain circumstances. But this journey—no matter how daunting—also marks a new chapter where I must embrace the help around me.
Honestly, this is me admitting I like being in control, and this is no longer happening. Am I ready? Hell, I’m not sure. But I am sure about one thing—I'm stepping into this new role, ready or not. And I will need all the support I can get, even if it means stepping out of my comfort zone. So, it’s time to leap forward and build the best life for my daughter.
To all my Bleu Bells, if you’ve been through this whirlwind of preparing for a baby, drop your tips and share your stories. How did you manage the nerves, the preparation, the whole new world of becoming a parent?
Change happens only by your effort to want it
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Change happens only by your effort to want it 〰️
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Stay tuned, stay connected, and let’s ride this wave together.
With love and a dash of panic,
Shay Bleu 💙
A memory I will never forget
I want to thank all of you in the Bleu Bell community for all the encouraging texts, words of affirmation, and overall love you have poured into me these last few weeks. I’ve struggled, and you all have made it easier to get through this new transition day by day. This weekly Bleu Buzz is dedicated to you all! I wouldn’t be here without any of you! You are truly my village. Please share my Blog and YouTube channel with anyone you think would love to be a part of our Bleu Bell community. See you all Sunday!!!