Ack.
There's a lot to do y'all!
Parenting experts talk about a "nesting instinct" that kicks-in near the end of your third trimester. It is described as some sort of biological or evolutionary function that causes a mom-to-be to slightly lose her mind - stories abound (although I don't personally know any of these people) about women cleaning their homes top to bottom with a toothbrush and making enough freezable food to help a family survive a small world war or minor coup.
Like I said, I don't know anyone who "nested" like this. But if nesting does exist, I don't think it has anything to with biological or evolutionary reasons. Women just generally know that we have to get the shizz done. And it's super hard to do that before you finish working.
But now I'm "officially" done work and my nesting list is longer than I want it to be. Let me share (and hey, feel free to volunteer to take-up anything on this list):
1. Make a nesting list: Seems obvious enough but this speaks to how everyone's list is going to be different and you need to think about what has to be done. I will be focusing on things that I know are going to be hard to do with 2 little ones, particularly in the middle of winter. If it's your first baby, your list might look different than mine.
2. Schedule the "selfish" stuff: Trust me that before you have your baby, at the very least, you're going to want to get a hair cut and get your colour done. You will be pretty much house-bound for 6-8 weeks which may mean that you don't care about this, but think about that first day out...I'm also going to schedule a pedicure. Manicures are useless and borderline not helpful for a new baby. There is a lot of sucking that happens for that first little while and a lot of it is on your fingers. Keep your nails short and chemical free.
3. Pack your hospital bag: there are a fair number of lists out there that will help you do this but be sure to include some stuff in your bag that makes you feel good too - lip gloss, nice lounge-wear/pjs, a pillow from home. And, of course, the cutest outfit *ever for your little one to come home in.
4. Fine, cook food: but let's not go crazy here and do it because you enjoy it, not because you feel like you should. People love giving and bringing food to new mamas. I bought these great Pyrex dishes at Walmart during my nesting phase with Archer and I still use them today. If you buy a few in a smaller size you can make a few bigger dishes and divide. Tomorrow, I plan on making this slow-cooker chicken pappardelle recipe the ladies at Sweetspot are raving about.
5. Get the nursery together: You really won't be using the nursery for 6-8 weeks because baby will be sleeping in your room. But again, in the spirit of doing what you can, when you can, it doesn't hurt to get the crib set-up, do (or rather, delegate) any painting that needs to be done -- (particularly important to do before baby to keep paint fumes away) and pack some drawers or a closet with your new baby essentials. Check-lists abound on what you need in those first few weeks. It's worthwhile getting your hands on one. Also be sure to do a once-over laundry of new (or used) baby clothes you're bringing in. New baby skin is super sensitive to everything so use a good all natural detergent.
6. Plan a "last dinner" with your girlfriends and a date night with your hubby: it's going to be a while before you get out of the house past 6pm so pick your favourite restaurant (preferably one with super comfy chairs - it's not fun to sit for more than 10 minutes at this stage of the game) and get your besties out with you to have a few laughs. Some mamas-to-be might even a glass of wine. I'm just saying. And I want to hit the movies with my hubby. Any recommendations?
7. Get your technology in order: You never know when you could go into labour. I feel like it could be happen at any second. Seriously. At this point in the game, make sure your (and your partner's) blackberry or iPhone is always fully charged and pack a spare charger in your hospital bag. Put together your email list for the birth announcement and make sure your camera's batteries are charged and you have enough memory to take the millions of pictures you will no doubt take in those first few days.
8. Nap, nap and then nap some more: who are all these nesters that have like unlimited energy at the end of their pregnancy? I don't know about you but I pretty much haven't slept through the night for a month. It's just too bloody uncomfortable. Turning from side to side is a monumental task that often results in you realizing mid-flip that you have to get up and pee. Totally annoying. So cat naps are the way to go. Do it when you can, where you can.
ok with that so long as she agreed to do everything on this list). Anyway, who can blame your little one for being a little cranky? So while I don't think I'll be able to particularly lessen the impact of the trauma of the actual day, I can show him just how much I love him with lots of pre-baby snuggling.
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