Freezer Prep

My Freezer and Food Prep Before Baby Arrives

In a perfect world, we’d all have just enough time to completely prepare for the...

In a perfect world, we’d all have just enough time to completely prepare for the baby’s arrival and then get a solid week of down time, right? Time to just relax, get a massage, grab lunch with friends, nap, maybe read, lay on the couch and get a start on some Netflix binging, and like this picture shows, enjoy a slow morning with your coffee. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always pan out that way. For me, with Luca, the first day of my “relaxation week,” I literally showered and laid my head down to take a nap on the couch and my water broke. It’s literally like he knew everything was ready for him and he came at that exact moment.

I can’t wait to see how baby girl decides to arrive! At this point, I’m 37 weeks pregnant, so it’s a complete waiting game. While I wait, I’m living each day like it’s my last as a family of three and soaking in all the “alone” time with Luca, while also prepping as much as I possibly can so if she does arrive early, I’m as prepared as can be. AKA activate nesting mode!

Next week, my goal is to begin my freezer prep! Sadly, I don’t have much freezer space, and I need to keep some of it for breastmilk! I wish I could prep meals for weeks, but I just don’t have the space, so it’s not even an option. I’ll be focusing on preparing a few things to last me that first hectic week. Beyond that, I’m just going to keep mealtimes very simple and stick to my go-tos. For these go-tos, I’ll be able to throw dinner together in 30 minutes and have a list so that my exhausted brain won’t have to do any thinking. More on that below!

And this time around, honestly, I’m more concerned about Luca’s food than my own. I’ll be focusing on making meals that we can both eat, because I’ll be home when he’s home for lunch, and I’ll want to sit with him and spend that special time together. Of course, I’ll be making his go-tos, like Broccoli Grilled Cheese and falling back on easy foods like Applegate’s chicken nuggets. We’ll see how it all pans out, my friends who have multiples tell me that it’s much easier the second time around and you’ll be surprised how much extra time you have, because you’re not as overwhelmed. Talk to me in a few weeks, haha!

What I’m Making for the Freezer

  • Vegan Pumpkin Oat Muffins (recipe in the Inspiralized Littles eCookbook) – for Luca
  • Blender Oat Muffins – for Luca, a few batches
  • Veggie tots from Inspiralized & Beyond – for Luca, a few batches
  • Chicken burgers (to serve on a bun with sweet potato wedges and avocado)
  • Turkey meatballs (to serve with spiralized veggies or roasted veggies and couscous)
  • Turkey bolognese (I’ll prepare just the sauce and serve with spiralized veggies or roasted veggies and potatoes)
  • Quinoa chili (to serve with avocado and toast)
  • Freezer Breakfast Burritos (for those hectic mornings!)
  • Lactation bites – I plan on having these again, they were such a tasty snack and boosted my supply!

My Go-To Quick Meals Once the Freezer Runs Out

I hope this is helpful for you mamas prepping your freezers!

with love, Ali

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comments

  • Dear Ali! Congratulations! And appreciation for all your excellent work. And amazing organization. So, I would like to say with full appreciation, and say lovingly: One thing has stood out for me as I see you prepare for BABY Girl. You've spoken about your preparation, food, the blog, the name of the person who will be doing work, your plans to have time to bond with baby girl, all wonderful. And leaving me willing to stick out my neck and say:" this may be --if not immediately, then down the road-- hard for baby #1! For Baby the Older, tis the same as if your husband brought home another wife. And I miss seeing time for someone else to do infant care, and you to have time, perhaps lots of time, with your firstborn. I hope this is not unwanted input. I did read and re-read this post, and it was sans mention of the one about to be de-throned ( tho you will likely have family around.) With warm good wishes to all of you RJ
  • IT’S NOT LETTING ME REPLY DIRECTLY FOR SOME REASON, BUT RJ HER SON IS LUCA. SHE MENTIONS SPECIAL TIME WITH HIM A FEW TIMES. ALSO HAS PREVIOUSLY TALKED ABOUT GETTING LITTLE GIFTS AND MATCHING DOLLS AND GENERAL CONCERN ABOUT HIM ADJUSTING. Just FYI. :) Also unsure why i can’t use lowercase? Having some mobile formatting issues i think, tech people.