I spent a considerable amount of time this weekend doing little "get ready for the baby" types of tasks. We are now the proud owners of a crib and dresser, though they won't actually arrive for a few weeks. Even if they're not in by the time the baby comes (honestly, it'll probably be close) I'm not too worried as I have the cradle that daddy made when I was born that I intend to use on another floor, but we can tote it upstairs for the time being if needed. Anyway, I spent a little more than I initially planned on, but I have some very good rationalizations, and that's all that really matters, right?
I've also started trying to figure out what I need vs. what is good to have vs. what is just silly. I think I'm making progress on that score and once I have a handle on it, I'll probably just register at Target. Tim's family (and my sister) has been clamoring for a registry, so if they want to buy us things, I'm not going to say no. I read (well, not every page, but most of it) Baby Bargains this weekend as well, and that's helping with some of the sorting process as they seem to have a pretty balanced view of why some people like certain things and why that may or may not actually be necessary. And maybe if we can actually find out the gender tomorrow then I can try and think about colors. I've basically talked myself out of needing a crib set of any kind for now, seeing as you really can't use much of it until they're older anyway (due to SIDS risks etc.) so that end of the color discussion is moot. (Plus, sheesh they're expensive.)
Now I'm trying to see what parenting books I need to cram into my brain before January. I'm pretty sure I know what I need to know as far as infant care, but my sister made a comment the other day that I've somehow allowed to totally undermine my confidence. So...time to read. Anyone have suggestions? Leave a comment! (And since I know you're reading this, dear sister, you are not allowed to be upset about this - this is just how I am when stressed and nervous, you know this. Don't take it personally - I'm not.)
In the mean time, today is my first day at a new job and I'm trying to figure out exactly what I'm doing. Because now I feel like if I don't go back to work after the baby I'm going to be letting a huge number of people down. At the same time, since this isn't a sure thing until it's a sure thing, it would have been ridiculous not to go ahead and follow through with starting the new job...and worrying about it is just a big heap of stress that I probably don't need right now, given the fact that I was up most of last night watching in fascination as my pulse beat visibly or listening to it thunder in my ears when I tried to lay on my side and pretend that I was actually going to be able to sleep. I know it'll all sort itself out - I just need to figure out how to remind myself of that little fact. (In the meantime, if you interact with me in the real world, if you could go a little easy on the teasing or pseudo-guilt trip type humorous banter, which normally I'm quite happy to participate in, it probably would be good.)
So that's life in the land of the stressed (that would make a good Saturday morning TV show - could probably borrow some of the plots from Land of the Lost) - but hey, in 44 days (or thereabouts) I'm gonna be a mom!
1 day ago
_What to Expect in the First Year_ is very helpful, but you probably already knew that. The rest of my recommendations would involve narcotics to take when your children begin driving, but by the time yours begin, there will probably be way better selections available.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
The book that was most helpful for me in the first few months was The Secrets of the Baby Whisperer by Tracy Hogg.
ReplyDeleteThings you must have:
onesies/sleepers and plenty of them
bibs and plenty of them
cloth diapers and burp cloths
bottles - I recommend Dr. Browns
formula and distilled water
diapers and wipes and plenty of them
sleep sack and swaddler for sleeping
pacifiers
pediatrician
Those are the basic basics.
I'm sure you'll get lots of advice and stuff. Take what you need of both. =)
Well, I screwed up the title/link, but at least the link works.
ReplyDeleteBret - thanks! I've been looking at that one and it gets such widely spread reviews on Amazon that I wasn't sure which way to lean.
ReplyDeleteJen - You're awesome. Thank you thank you thank you. And that's another book I've been seriously considering - so I think I'll add it to my pile when I hit Borders later this week.
My wife (she would know) recommends 'What To Expect When You're Expecting'. She didn't read it all the way through, but she said it's a great reference guide.
ReplyDeleteMy only advice relates to the stress that you are feeling right now and that is to remind yourself that you were born to be a mother. Instincts will take over when you least expect and most need them. ;-) I have no doubt you are going to be a wonderful mother!
ReplyDeleteAnd as for the job, don't worry about it. You've already proven yourself a great job-getter, although if it's a company worth keeping, they will be more than accommodating of your maternity leave.