"Brewing of the Bean"

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The B.B.A List

John and I have started checking off the items on our B.B.A List (Before Baby's Arrival List). I've heard that the mommy-to-be will "nest" before the baby arrives (defined as the uncontrollable need to clean one's house, brought on by the desire to prepare a "nest" for the new baby), but I think we are both involved in this nesting process. I've also read that nesting can lead to irrational tasks, such as scrubbing the stove with a toothbrush at 4 a.m; I do not think anything I've included on our B.B.A List is irrational, maybe preparing and assigning a name to an actual list is a little odd, but I want to be sure things get done. The list, so far, includes:

• Cleaning and scheduling any needed maintenance on my car (done)
• Preparing frozen meals for after Charlotte's arrival (done)
• Assembling, installing and organizing all the baby stuff (almost done)
• Cleaning all the baby's clothes, bedding and other washables (not done)
• Organizing my work stuff so I can easily pick up where I left off (almost done)
• Organizing all the pantry items so we have to do little shopping those first 6 weeks (almost done)
• Create more storage space (kinda done)
• Organize a child-care schedule for my return to work (not done)

I think these are all super-reasonable things, and seeing them listed and being able to check items off as I go, that makes me extremely happy! Anything I missed?

Making the Best of a Snow Day

Packing for the Hospital

Just like everything else related to pregnancy and child birth, you can find 2,000 different suggestions of what to pack for the hospital, from the high-class birthing dress (I didn't know child birth required formal wear) to the best ipod playlist, every website, twitterer, midwife and doctor has their opinion. Here's what we plan to pack, anything we forgot?

1. Slippers-I do not travel without slippers or slipper-socks


2. Toiletries- I have heard that the first shower after child birth is one of the most relaxing life experiences, I plan on being prepared


3. Nursing tanks and comfy, disposable pajama pants- for the days after Charlie is born


4. Something to keep us occupied- I purchased some Madlibs for the occasion


5. Birth plan


6. Charlie's first outfit (Do I need to pack anymore than what she's going home in?)


7. Charlie's coat and blanket


8. Cameras


9. Snacks


10. Extra $$ for the vending machine


11. Going home clothes for me


12. Netbook to update the blog!


13. A bathing suit for John- just in case I do decide to labor in the tub or shower, he can come too


14. The ipod- I have put John in charge of creating a playlist for the occasion, any suggestions of music to be included welcome!

I am sure there is something I am forgetting...

I Can't Wait to...

• wear pants with a fly (though, when I do get to wear normal pants again, I may not remember to put my fly up. It's been so long)
• sleep on my stomach
• sleep past 4:30 a.m
• drink a glass of wine or, even better, a martini!
• sit up straight
• lift weights in the gym
• go more than 2 hours without having to use the restroom
• wear sneaker, heels, knee-high boots
• meet our daughter!

On the other hand, I will miss...

• feeling my baby moving in my tummy
• always feeling like I could eat (I love to eat!)
• having a reason to not do things (clean the tub, carry in the groceries...)
• having an excuse to nap
• the experience of pregnancy.

Birth plan?

How do I plan something I have never done before? I feel like what I want might be a bit of a fairy tale. That's where my experienced-mommy friends come in. Please, read my birth plan; do you think it's a pipe dream or am I on a realistic path? Is this an experience that I will really have the option to plan, or is this beyond my control? I don't know.

Birth Plan

1. If labor begin naturally, when would you like to be admitted?
I would like to be on my feet and active for as long as possible. If that means not being admitted 'til later, than that's my plan; or, I will insist that I not be laying in a bed any sooner than necessary if I have to be admitted earlier.

2. Are you willing to have labor induced?
I do not want labor induced.

3. What is your attitude toward pain relief?
I want to give birth drug free, but if deemed necessary, I am not opposed to receiving medication. I would prefer to employ all other options, including laboring in water (not give birth in water), using a labor ball (whatever, it's a big yoga ball...), HypnoBirthing, etc., to avoid the use of medicinal pain relief.

4. Who do you want in the room with you when you deliver?
My husband only.

5. What are your desires regarding breastfeeding?
I want to breastfeed my baby as soon as possible. I would like to be breastfeeding within one hour of delivery.

Does this all seem reasonable? Is it possible to plan child birth?

We have created a little space for the baby. Our little co-sleeper family will be living together in this space for a while. Our living-arrangement plan feels right to me. We are going to be one little, closely-inhabiting family.