Bits and Pieces: What I am up to

Although the Oral History Project has ended, I have still been busy... When people ask what I have been doing, I don't know what to say, but what comes to mind is "preparing for baby" and in my mind this takes many forms. So this is what I have been up to:

• Searching for Day Care: i.e. calling a million people who don't call you back, finding lots of people who just filled their "infant opening", interviewing people who have gross carpet or seem sketchy in some other way, constantly thinking about all the possibilities in your mind that you need to take into account: your gut reaction, location, hours, price, number of kids, professional development, half-time vs. part-time, commute time, and then stressing about it all the time. 

• Preparing Nursery: Note: this has not gone very far, but alas Mom is coming next week to paint the nursery. She is also offering to buy linens from Pottery Barn Kids to match- fun! So far we have sanded, taped, cleaned out, and then put more junk in. The crib is just waiting to be set up, along with some other pieces.
  

• Organizing: Finding space in our basement that will remain "open" for baby gear "yet to be used" and "already used". It feels good to be clearing out old picture frames, maximizing space in the laundry room, and building shelves in husband's work bench/ tool storage area. I like the feeling of purging, especially with a goal in mind. Already disposed of: small bookshelf given away for free, old end table given away for free, thousands of teaching files thrown out, and a few things listed on Craigslist. We also used the last big package of insulation that we had been storing.

• Nesting: finalizing all home projects- finishing up the basement, repainting the living room (there's a good story), and other small things that we will never do once we have an added "friend" in our lives.

• Bradley Birthing Class: Every Sunday night from 4-6:30 pm. Husband and I complain about this, but it is nice to have a certain amount of time dedicated to learning about nutrition, breastfeeding, the different stages of labor, how to have a natural child-birth if you want one, and many other fascinating things. I realize that the doula who runs our class is the compilation of about 35 books I don't have time to read on giving birth, babies, pregnancy, etc. So even though it is a big time commitment, it is worth it.

• Homework for Bradley Birthing Class: this can range from attending a La Leche meeting, reading information, doing exercises, practicing relaxation, or preparing nutritious snacks for the class. Husband and I are marginally successful at getting all of it done.

• Sewing Lessons: Friend LEH and I are making a quilt together for BBF. Although my mother in law quilts like a pro, and I have always wanted to learn, I never have taken the time. I learned how to sew a long time ago, but have never really worked at it, nor do I own a sewing machine. So, it is fun to be guided through making a quilt by a good sewer and perfectionist, especially when it is for the baby. I have discovered I especially like picking out fabrics and patterns. Least favorite part is making sure everything is straight. 

• Seeing Friends: trying to make the most of opportunities to be out and about, knowing that baby will make it a little more difficult to head to the bar with friends, see live music, or be spontaneous.  The most commonly thing heard from new parents is: enjoy sleeping, but also get out- eat out, go to movies, and get out on the town while you still can.