Happy Bums..Happy Mums!

As I gradually become accustomed to being pregnant, I am also beginning to wonder, "when the hell am I going to start getting "things" ready?" So far, the nursery is painted and that is all! No little doohickees or bumbledoos or squeeky things to mention. Not even a little shirt! Well...wait..I do have a free sample of diaper rash cream from the maternity store on the window sill, waiting so pathetically to be opened. The slogan keeps me amused: "Happy Bums, Happy Mums." Quite honestly, I am starting to feel utterly unprepared and a tad overwhelmed. Some of our old apartment-living habits are kicking in again too and I hate it! What I mean is a glass here, a sticky ice cream bowl there. Here we are with a brand new dishwasher that we longed for for years, and we neglect to put our used dishes in it right away. Why are such small things getting to me in such a big way? Our computer/ guest room is still in the same condition it was in a week after we moved. I want all of the comfort and reassurance of being prepared yet I am hesitant to get started. I am doing laundry weekly, yet the dryer is slowly turning into another dresser drawer. I forgot to water the plants last week. If you ask me, it seems like quite the daunting task to be one of those people who knows what they need to solve a problem and make an effort to get tasks done. Here's the kicker...at work, I am one those ready-for-anything people. Then, when I get home... not so much. When I read excerpts from Pregnancy Weekly, or any other PG magazine, they bombard me with so many choices and goodies that I will eventually need (stress), while at the same time dangling this sense euphoric calm and beauty. The moms in these magazines are doing yoga, eating healthy, watering plants, moisturizing their skin, their homes are nicely decorated, wearing the coolest maternity clothes and making me wish I could transport myself to that perfectly prepared-for world. Am I rubbing my belly enough to comfort and connect with my baby? Am I paying enough attention to myself? I don't have belly cream...I want belly cream. Perhaps I will make belly cream a starting point toward comforting me and baby. First, I'll get the belly cream, and then I'll get a move on.

My friend Heather sent me a list "goodies" that she found very helpful during her 1st pregnancy. Thank you Heather! This list has definitely helped calm me down:

MUST HAVES Both Big and Small

Stroller (think about winter….by this I mean wheels)
Breast Pump (if you plan on nursing). I recommend electric
Baby Bjorn (or some sort of baby carrier)
Bottles (make sure you have the right nipples) Unfortunately there is no way of knowing if your baby will ever take them…but if you are lucky, they will, and you will have them, if not, you have lots of bottles.
Portable Diaper Changer
Diaper Gene (it’s where you put the stinky diapers)
Some sort of baby chair (vibrating is nice, but not necessary. Toys that dangle are also nice. A chair that lasts until their toddler years is a good choice). Miles spent a lot of time sleeping in his chair for his day naps.
Pack n Play (it’s basically a bassinette and play pen and kids bed all in one…it’s good for traveling, and when you have baby company, and when baby sleeps in your room)
Monitors
If you want baby to sleep in bed with you, there are co sleepers, sort of like my change table (if you know the shape I mean)but for your bed….they are cool. I’m soooo getting one.
High Chair
Books
Lots of receiving blankets & face clothes (you will get plenty of these without asking)
Nursing Pillow. I used “My Breast Friend”. LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!! To each their own, but I really didn’t like the nursing pillows that were literally a pillow shaped like a crescent moon…they didn’t fit properly. Even if you don’t plan on nursing or can’t, it’s great to use for bottle feeding too!
Car Seat


NICE BUT NOT NECESSARY

Swing
Exercaucer
Bouncer
Diaper Warmer
Ocean Wonders (it’s that noise maker in the crib)
Mobile
Mirror for the car to look at baby in the back