Nesting as defined by Miriam Webster: “(of a bird or other animal) building or occupying a nest.”
To nest is very human. After all, we want the place we call home to feel good. We want it to be what we want it to be. Clothes put away, the kitchen organized, pictures on the wall, and candles lit are just a few of the different ways that we build our homes. When you are pregnant, nesting is a very real thing… an urge, really. Everyone, I am in hardcore nesting mode.
I am currently 34.5 weeks pregnant. Considering my type A tendencies, I am fairly behind on nesting this time around. BUT I am making up for lost time and getting things done at a pretty good pace now. I view nesting as more than just getting the baby’s things organized and put away. Nesting, for me, is about making the home as a whole is exactly how I want it. Think of my version of nesting as spring cleaning on steroids. I want everything cleaned, organized, cleaned again, and stored exactly as I see fit. When my baby comes, I am going to have a lot going on. Trying to figure out what’s in the pantry is an unnecessary waste of time. Now, if I clean it out this week, what’s in there will not only be sorted and organized but will also give me the opportunity to throw out expired things and/or donate items that I know we won’t use anytime soon. Beyond the pantry, there are kitchen cabinets to be cleaned and wiped down inside and out, crown molding to be dusted, windows and screens to be washed, and spring prep for our yard to be completed. Then there is the nursery. The nursery is done… minus the art work being hung up but fear not! That will be done by Friday of this week.
Nesting is important to me because when my little man comes, I want to be able to focus on him, Rosemary, my husband, and sweet Bella. I want to know that things are under control for what will be a very lax summer season. Don’t get me wrong- the house will still be cleaned weekly but the bigger projects will be under control and therefore, not a problem. If I let things pile up, I risk my OCD itching my brain. I won’t sleep. I will have to finish all of these things before I can potentially relax. I refuse to put myself through that with a new baby, nursing, sleep issues, and all the other transitions that come with adding a family member to our lives. Doing it now is GOOD for my mental health. Below is my personal nesting list that I have been working on for the past few weeks.
Baby’s Nursery:
– Clean out existing closet
– Clean out dresser
– Decide on new blinds or decide to wait?
– Frames for pictures/artwork
– Pick a quote decal
General House:
– Kitchen cabinets wipe down inside and out
– Pantry clean out
– Install window AC units
– Dust floor boards and crown molding (whole house)
– Clean out Rosemary’s closet
– Swap winter wardrobe for spring/summer (Kendall)
– Dust master closet
– Dust under master bed
– Organize bonus room
– Build Murphy bed
– Reinforce stairs
– Text plumber re: boiler
– Paint window sills
– Re-grout master bath shower
Baby Gear Set-Up:
– Crib
– Nursing chair
– Swing
– Pack n’ Play in master bedroom
– Install carseat
– Switch R’s car seat to Marisa’s car at 2 weeks prior to birth
– Baby tub out of storage
Yard:
– Turn mulch
– Raise American flag and Army flag
– Flag pole garden bed planting (geraniums?)
– Utility box flowers
– Email B. T. re: aerating and detaching
– First mow
– Plant herbs (cilantro, basil, mint, rosemary, maybe thyme?)
– Hanging baskets
– Clean out garage
– Pressure wash fence
OK… please note that a lot of this is actually done. This is my actual list that I have had from the beginning. We were lucky enough to have some family members who have considerable handyman/contractor skills come help us with bigger things like building a Murphy bed, stabilizing our staircase, paint, and shower stuff. Thanks goodness for them. If Issy and I had to do all of that, we simply couldn’t. We have neither the skills nor time. To be honest, I DO have the time but not the actual strength or ability to bend… baby bellies will do that to you. Much of the nursery stuff has been done for a few months. What’s left is a bit of the yard list, setting up some of the baby gear, and a few things under the general house list. I would say we are 78% done. I have about 6 more weeks to finish the rest. AND I WILL. Heck, by the end of Sunday, May 1st, I will be about 89% done. We are getting there. It feels really good to know that. Mentally, nesting helps calm down my mind. Nesting will help me to enjoy my last few weeks of pregnancy. I want my last two weeks of pregnancy to be all about resting, being with my family, and eating cake. Bring it on!
The Salty Exchange 