Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Update

I haven't posted in a while, so I thought I should maybe write a quick update. Things have been really hectic, and I'm trying to take one day at a time. We have less than a month to go until the baby's due date. Wow. Just wow. It's so surreal.

We have been trying to get things better organized around here. I still have a lot to do. It's not that the rest of the house needs a ton of work, but I'm feeling like everything should be in it's place. Is that nesting?

We hung up a few things in the baby's room, but we're still working on it. I may actually make a new piece of art to go over the baby's crib. I'm trying to get other things done first, and then I'll come back to that. The room is pretty much put together. We have a crib, dresser, armoire, bookcase, glider, and a rug. That's about all that will fit in there! We have other basics for when the baby will arrive, but we'll worry about the other things after.

Most of my time lately has been spent getting ready for the school year. I'm working up until the baby is born, and then I'm taking off the remainder of the year unpaid (except for a few vacation days.) I'm trying to get things ready for my substitutes at work. It's looking like at least 2 different people (maybe more) will be teaching my classes over the course of the year. Multiple people makes it kind of hard for me to plan. I'm trying my best to keep things general and to make copies of everything. I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed right now, but I'm doing my best to get things done so I won't have to worry about it later.

In other news, I am going to a doctor appointment with the expectant mom on Thursday. I'm really excited. I think it's so nice that she's letting me be a part of it. We've still been talking through email. It's been really nice.

14 comments:

Erica said...

First, I can totally relate on the crazy "nesting" instint. I'm in the same mode as you are...and it's driving me nuts. It's like I can leave well enough alone without deciding I better rearrange the pantry now "while I still can..." As if I don't have enough to do!

Hospital gift for Z....I'm thinking about putting together a little "hospital kit" with things like lotion, facial cleansing clothes, candy, gum, etc. I have a list of items if you are interested (just post on my blog).

Erica

Leah said...

I've been so looking forward to a new post, and am so happy to hear things are going well.

I can only imagine how overwhelmed you feel. Just remember that all the baby will need are basic items, and you and Steve can get the rest in time. :-D

A gift idea for Z. . . Hmm. . . Maybe a nice and comfy pair of PJ's for the hospital? Or comfy slippers, or something like that?

Thinking of you. Hope thursday's appointment is a good one. :-D

Wendy said...

I know you can def. relate, Erica!! I'll check out your blog for ideas for the hospital -thanks!

Leah - I just visited your blog!

I did pick up some little slipper socks from Bath and Body Works. I like the pajama idea but we are limited to the amount of money can spend. I'm afraid pjs would put us over our limit at this point!

I guess I just need to figure out something else with the slippers...

Tara said...

How exciting! It seems like it's flown by from my corner of the internet, but I know it hasn't for yall!

I have no idea on a gift for Z. I think the items you already have sound perfect!

I am so glad for you that you can take the year off from school! That is WONDERFUL!!!

Amber said...

how exciting that your time is right around the corner:)

Melba said...

Nesting, definitely...mine occurred a bit later than is typical since we literally got baby over night, but there is an irresistible urge to make everything "perfect" for your little one. Rest assured though, that baby isn't going to care one way or another what your house looks like as long as he/she has you and other key people... :)

I think it's so cool that you get to go to the dr. appointment with Z, how exciting!

Hugs,

Melba

A to Z said...

Hi Wendy!!! I'm getting so excited for you guys!!

Regarding gifts for Z -- our social worker told us NOT to get any gifts for the birthmother, but I don't know if that's because of personality or if it was a legal thing (would it be perceived as exchanging gifts for the baby - or something like that). I wanted to send Logan's birthmom flowers or something, but we were advised not to (again, could be personality). Also, ours was mostly closed (we never met her), so that might be why.

But I've heard of some people buying a nice frame to put a picture of all of you and the baby on birth day. I think that would be a nice gift for her to keep forever. I'm sure you'll come up with something great!

Ruth L. Snyder said...

What an exciting time for you! We never had the privilege of going to the hospital for the birth of any of our children, but they are definitely all worth the wait. (We have 4 adopted children.)

Lost in Space said...

Love all that nesting, Wendy. (-;

You know I've been saying "wow!" for awhile now. LOL.

I wish it weren't all so overwhelming with school too, but I know you are going above and beyond to make it all perfect.

I'm excited for you on Thursday and can't wait to hear all about it.

I don't have any great ideas for the Z at the hospital, but know whatever you decide on will be perfect...real helpful, huh? (-;

Anonymous said...

I nested, for sure!

We took L a photo album for the pictures we would be sending and also a bracelet with a Tree of Life charm on it.

Jamie said...

yes, that is certainly nesting!! i did the same thing ~ we had to fly to where milo's birthmother was so, keeping up on everything was a daily job!! :)

we certainly brought gifts to the hospital and were advised that this was something very thoughtful that milo's birthmother would treasure. we purchased a simple necklace with milo's birthstone, i made her a scrapbook to put all the pictures in that we send her of milo and since we knew she was making a "build a bear" for milo, we decided to make one for her too. (turns out we each chose the same exact bear :))

at the hospital we bought her some non-slip really cozy socks and she brought the tie blanket that i had made her for christmas. so....what about her own cozy blanket? (they have some really cozy inexpensive cute ones at Ross)...or a journal to write about her feelings? you know her better than any of us so maybe these ideas don't fit her, but......

are you staying in the hospital with the baby? if so.....you could maybe get her some magazines or a book by an author she likes?

it's getting closer and i'm so excited for you!!! :)

Wendy said...

Tara - thanks! I'm excited to have the time off, too - I had always hoped that when we had a child I would be able to stay home, at least in the beginning. Looks like it will work out for us for this year. :)

Amber and Ruth - Yes, it IS right around the corner! Can't quite believe it.

Melba - Thanks for making me feel better if everything in the house isn't as 'perfect' as I would like it to be!!

A to Z - It's okay for us to get something (according to our agency and case worker.) We just have suggestions on types of things and we have a dollar amount to stick to (per the agency.) I like your frame idea. I hadn't thought of that.

B - Thanks. I know you already know about what I've been dealing with (stress-wise) with getting things prepared for work. Thanks for understanding. :)

Holly - I like the bracelet idea but we're going to wait on jewelry - we plan to get her something in the near future.

Jamie -- How funny is this? I just got little slipper-socks (the cozy ones you're talking about) and this past weekend we decided to make build-a-bears, too! I'm going to write about it once I have pictures to post.

I really like the blanket idea and the books and magazines.

We're going to do some kind of jewelry but not right now - probably after the TPR is signed.

Thanks for all of the suggestions!

Anonymous said...

Hope the appointment goes well today Wendy! Love you lots! -Janice

Me said...

A robe and slippers. I have heard from other women that gave birth that the had wished that they remembered to bring a robe and slippers to the hospital...