Before Baby
Thursday, October 27, 2011 
My third trimester is fast approaching, and we've been busy trying to get things in order before the baby arrives (read: life is CRAY CRAY.) It seems like my to-do list never ends, and we've also had to make two very tough decisions this month. One thing at a time, right? I know I'll never be 100% prepared for parenthood, and I can't wait for February to arrive!
So my husband and I made a trip to the Container Store (j'dore that place!) and have focused on apartment organization this week. Cleaning out our closets, under the bed, inside the cupboards – it's brought me a lot of peace about our living situation. People may call this nesting, but in reality it's a necessity for us. After all, we live in the standard small Manhattan apartment with two dogs and a baby on the way. We've had to channel some creative floor planning to maximize space.
Other things we've been doing in prep for our biggest life change ever: took a relaxing babymoon to reconnect and regroup, got our finances in order, and made a registry of all the things we'll need to purchase before the baby arrives. Obviously my health and wellness have been a top priority. I also took a three-week writing retreat, have been enjoying prenatal yoga classes, and am reading up on all-things pregnancy & parenting. We're looking for a new church and researching pediatricians in our neighborhood. There's lots of loose ends to tie up this winter... For one, I need to do some research about how to prepare my dogs before the baby comes home from the hospital! See Roscoe, above, sleeping in our fleece blanket on the couch? He's in for a major reality check. I also coordinated a few fun NYC-outings (like theatre & sporting events) over the next two months so that we can enjoy a few memorable date nights (last ones for ages??).
So, parents and non-parents, please share, I'd love to hear: What things do you recommend taking care of (or would you plan on taking care of) before the arrival of your first child? What actions helped smooth the transition into this *huge* life change? What were the *top* items on your to-do list, or maybe something you wish you did? Thanks for sharing! We are so excited to welcome our little one into the world!!!
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Reader Comments (12)
can't wait to meet your little one!!
my recommendation: send all your laundry out to get cleaned. Our laundry room is so unreliable!! the little dry cleaning place on 93rd and broadway is only 90cents a pound. So worth it!! i tried it last week. i pretreated all of the stains in the kids clothes, dropped off the bag and picked it up the next day. Perfectly folded!!
I don't have children, so I dunno. I think I would be most concerned with coordinating finances.
You are going to have a sweet little addition in no time! How wonderful! Also, I just read your about me and you studied at the UA and that's where I'm studying right now! What a small world. Love your blog!
Sounds like you are doing things right, especially on the relationship front. The only advice I have to give is to not be stressed if ever last thing isn't done. I tried to clean my house before my little girl was born and I almost had her in the car. It will be okay, you can still do things after they come. Also, have you read 'The Happiest Baby on the Block?" Life saver. Good luck!
spend lots and lots of time with your husband. Go on walks, out to eat, watch movies at home late and night, bask in the last moments you will have just you two :) Finding the new norm with baby can be challenging, but as the cliche saying goes, well worth it.