In preparation for the chaos that might ensure after the little one arrives I have successfully prepared two enchilada dinners, one large lasagna, three servings of beef chili, four servings of an Indian inspired chicken dish and four servings of cooked/cubed chicken which can be thrown into pasta dishes with little work or effort.
The chest freezer is also stocked with three large prepared pizzas from Costco, which can be loaded with home cooked veggies and pineapple. The pantry is filled with go-to staples like dried pasta and store bought spaghetti sauce. I also purchased a couple of ready-to-eat soups that can be heated straight out of the can or jar.
I bought a few packs of shredded cheese, which can be used to top off the pizzas or added to the lasagna, enchiladas and chili I prepared. I also made certain that we have butter and sour cream on hand, because baked potato night can always be a fall back if everything else fails.
My husband thinks the combination of freezer dinners and pantry staples is probably enough to get us through the first few weeks after the baby arrives. We’ll need to send someone out to the grocery store in search of fresh fruits and veggies, (or dial up Peapod), but I also have a few cans and packages of dried fruit and frozen vegetables on hand.
I also purchased two discounted gift cards to Boston Market and received a gift card to a local Italian restaurant that has killer take out.
I don’t want to over do my preparations, but I also want to make sure that dinner is one of my last concerns. Do you think I have enough on hand or should I prepare a few more make-ahead meals?
Can't believe how pristine your freezer looks! Wow, envy.
A few more cans of soup (I'm thinking the Chunky kind) and/or stew wouldn't be hard to keep, and sure come in handy. You can stretch them by serving them over rice. (My family is passionate about beef stew, especially the Dinty Moore brand, served this way. Scrape off the accumulated fat before you heat it, and it's surprisingly low-fat.)
Chicken noodle soup also is reasonably-priced and be doctored up nicely. But you're looking great so far — I'd agree with Husband.
I think you've done more than most would. I didn't prepare any food ahead of time, and I still did just fine. It would have been nice to have it done, but not necessary. Unless you end up with a c section, you'll be pretty mobile after a couple weeks, and you'll be able to hold the baby while you heat something up or put them down in the crib for a minute to start something on the stove. You'll be just fine.
You might want to consider a couple of one-hand food items, like apples, granola bars, etc….the first couple of weeks you'll be glad you have easy options like that.
@Cindy Brick – We do try to keep the fridge and freezer relatively clean, otherwise I lose track of what's in there. Thanks for the advice about the soup. A friend of the family just happened to provide some homemade chicken noodle, which we immediately placed in the freezer.
@Kaylen – Great suggestion on one-handed snacks. I wouldn't have thought about that š
When you are at the hospital take advantage of breakfast, dinner and supper. You are not going to get room service like that at home. Concentrate on eating and resting. both births I was wide awake for 24 hrs. I did manage to get a little more sleep with the second. Trust me, you need it.
Good comments from all. One handed food is a must!
@Susan – Awake for 24 hours! I hope I get a little more rest than that, but good advice on taking advantage of the hospital meals.