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Inventory and some questions

I don't know if it's the hormones or the excitement of our new baby arriving just around the corner, but my brain is not functioning on all normal circuits. My creative energy is lower than low and my organization tendencies have been shifted into overdrive. On one hand, I've been crazy productive which is quite lovely and makes me really happy. The downside is, I'm having trouble focusing on anything not related to getting ready for baby.

Rather than try to fight against it and search my mind for something interesting to share, I'm going to embrace where I am right now. One of my biggest tasks has been to get out all of the baby items we used with Addie and see if/where there are any gaps for this new babe. Digging through all of her old clothes has hands down been my favorite part of this preparatory process.


Finding little sweaters that I adored but were hardly worn...

Seeing the dress Addie wore to my sister's wedding...

Folding those unbelievably small pairs of socks... 

It's definitely boosting my excitement about going through labor just so I can hold a life that is really that tiny in my arms.

Then there's the conundrum... Addie was born in April and most of her little baby clothes were seasoned for summer. This babe is coming just at the start of autumn and we are seriously lacking in pants and long sleeved items. So--do we try and stock up on some warmer things or do we wait and see if this kiddo will grow faster than her sibling and fit into the 3 - 6 month size sooner than the baby garment industry anticipates?

Also, I am determined to do cloth diapers this time around. We have several one-sized versions that I purchased when I made the switch with Addie in the spring. I think we need quite a few more and I'm trying to decide which brand is the best to go with for a newborn booty. I've heard that some are more bulky than others on a smaller bum and some hold up better over the long run. This is where I need a few bits of mommy wisdom from those who have been there. Any grand words of advice before I make such a big investment? For now I think we have three one-size FuzziBunz, two one-size bumGenius, two other one-sized diapers in brands I can't remember, two size small gDiapers and about a dozen prefolds with three small Thirsties diaper covers.   

Lastly, my mom bought me a Moby Wrap when I was pregnant with Addie, which I loved. I did use it, but not extremely often. Something tells me that Lena will be quite a bit more familiar with being "worn" than her older sister. I've been thinking about purchasing a sling so I have another option for holding her close as I move throughout the day. I have no idea which ones are good and safe and easy to navigate. Experience is the best teacher---any thoughts, baby-wearing Mamas?

It's so funny to me that in some ways I feel totally ready to take care of this new life and in others I feel scared to death and clueless. I suppose that is the crux of motherhood--finding the balance between the ebb and flow of confidence and insecurity. Most of the time, life moves too fast to sit down and really think about it. Then there are those quiet moments when I'm folding a onesie that is so very small, it looks like it was made for Addie's doll...

I'm reminded that this precious life has been entrusted to us for a reason and all we have to do is make it through one day at a time. We just have to cradle her and embrace her into our family with nothing but unconditional love and acceptance. All the rest, even the supplies or lack thereof, will take care of itself.

4 comments:

Us said...

I feel your pain with the seasons of clothes. This kiddo will be born three months earlier than Sadie...just enough to really throw off the clothing. I'm hoping they'll be at least some overlap. But it is really fun to go through all the clothes. Plus, I've been buying a lot of clearance summer clothes for next year for Norah. Target has a ton they're getting rid of right now...and I mean 75cent shorts and things. Get on it girl!

Jennifer said...

Oh! I love that nesting feeling. I think now that when I go through the Kid's baby clothes I can still smell that little infant and get a sense of longing for all those emotions a new baby brings. I'm getting excited for you!

sara said...

LOL--nesting is such a blessing and a curse all wrapped up into one! (My husband would definitely say it's the later.) Since our little event on Tuesday I have been in hyper drive getting things done and although it's been a bit stressful, I adore having all of those tiny baby things strewn around everywhere.

It won't be long now until it we're deep in the land of new baby. I can't wait!!!

Kerry said...

How fun to see those little things again and to have the chance to use some of your favorites. There weren't many things we could use again with Nora of Henry's. The one thing that was our favorite was a little gown printed with starts and moons. It was a garage sale find and was worn to perfect softness.
As for the cloth diapers, we did a mix for Nora. We had a lot of hand-me downs from friends and therefore a mix. I know a lot of different cloth diapering mamas and almost all of them prefer something different. I'd try out the different kinds you have and see which you like best before you commit a lot of money to any one brand. I've been thinking about you lots lately! Hang in there mama!