Here it is: the big milestone. I have no idea why 36 weeks was stuck in my head as the moment I would be Really Pregnant, but it was. And now I'm here. And time is still moving forward. Incredible.
I still feel great, but with the semi-maternity leave starting (I have to go back to work for a few days next week, but I'm ok with that. Eases the transition, I think), I am noticing that I am getting a sort of panicky need to get things set up for Romulus. When I mention this, everybody smiles that annoying oh-the-joys-of-pregnancy smile and says, "Somebody's nesting!" in an obnoxious tone (you know the one). Nesting is, officially, a term I hate, alongside the terms "preggers" and "preggo."
I mean, I GUESS it can be considered "nesting" to feel like your newborn baby should have a place to sleep. But why all that "Oh she's nesting!" goofiness when, seriously, it just makes sense to want to have a few basics? I think I'm just a little more stressed about it than most because I don't have a whole lot of cash, so I am trying to get the most out of what I spend. All I can say is, for all of my bitching about France, they are AWESOME to new mamas. I just got my prime de naissance last week and it is the only thing that is making any sort of purchases even possible. Thank you, CAF! Still, I am going to be very vigilant with my money, as I know I will have many more purchases to come.
Which brings me to my next question: what is the difference between, say, the Ikea crib I saw for 40 euros and the 450-euro crib I saw at Aubert? Wood quality aside, I mean. Am I missing something here? I can clearly see a difference in pricing as applied to strollers, for example, because they can come with all kinds of bells and whistles. But cribs? What makes one crib worth ten times the price of another?
In the end, I guess I am "nesting" as people seem to like to say, because I am hoping to get finish everything that needs to be done as far as getting things set up at the casa in the next two weeks. I have two reasons for this:
First, because as of next week, Romulus could technically decide to appear and it would be a-ok. I would be up shit creek if he did that, as literally all I have for him to date is one bag of disposible diapers, a few cloth diapers, one ROCKIN blanket and a shit ton of onesies. In other words: no bathtub, nowhere to sleep, and no butt cream. He has one drawer in my dresser and that is all. If you came into my house today, you'd have no idea a baby is on the way. That's ok, but since there actually IS a baby on the way, maybe I should start working on that...
Second, I can tell my energy to be out and about is waning, mainly because I have so much pressure on my pelvis at all times. My legs get stiff and it makes it hard for me to make a full stride. This is not super painful, but it does get annoying. Sometimes it is better than others, and overall I am still motoring almost as fast as usual. But when I start stiffening up, it can start to really hurt, and there's no solution other than to sit back and put my feet up for an hour or two. For now, it's not bothering me too much, but I had a terrifying thought today while out shopping: It's only going to get worse from here until D Day. In other words, I should really get stuff done now, just in case I start feeling like crap. I have a hard time seeing myself feeling better at week 39 than week 36, you know? He's only going to pork up in there, and drop lower, and thus disturb my walk even further.
So yeah, I guess I just feel like getting some stuff done. I belong to an online forum with a bunch of other ladies due in June, and they are so ahead of the game. They've already packed their hospital bags (I don't have half the stuff they suggest you bring), taken pictures of their nurseries (yeah, well... I'll just have a corner of my bedroom set up at some point...), bought their travel systems, and some are even starting to prepare frozen foods for the few days immediately after giving birth.
Ha! I'm just working on the first two and will be deeply, deeply satisfied when those are taken care of.
thoughts? oh yes, i have many thoughts on this subject. first off, there is no difference in the cribs...go with the cheap one. the baby business is a brisk one as they know you want "the best" for your baby and they charge you accordingly. rip off. also, half the stuff on the hospital list you don't need. i think lists vary, but on the whole, just bring things that will make you feel comfortable...PJs, a robe, your own pillow. i thought one thing on my list was crazy, but i bought it anyway and i'm glad i did: brume d'eau pure. my husband sprayed it in my mouth while i was in labor. your mouth can get very dry and it's nice to have something wet, especially because all i had to do was open my mouth...no fumbling for a cup, drinking through a straw, etc. i can't remember if you are going to nurse, but if you are, i love the nursing pillow i was given. i highly recommend getting one. it's too bad i live so far from paris as i would gladly donate the things we aren't using anymore. and don't worry, you still, most likely, have lots of time to get the things down that you need too. my baby was so overdue, in the end i did have a freezer full of meals. you never know when Romulus will arrive, but i'm sure it will be at the perfect time. can't wait to hear about it!
I wish I had some sort of advice to give, but not being a mommy myself, all I can say is that I think you're doing GREAT, as always, and that I'm sure things are going to fall into place just in time. You're super well-organized, and it sounds to me like you've planned things out well.
Keep taking good care of yourself, and let it all come together naturally -- as it will!
Sending you warm thoughts...
When I was pregant with Kilian (my first) we actually found his crib on the street (encombrants) so no, there is no difference between the cheap crib and the other crib. It is just as Cara said.
however, that being said, get a "real" stroller (Buy a Landau convertible to a regular stroller second hand if you can... Heck I would have offered you mine if the mice hadn't eaten it. Fuckers.). Babies need support for their backs and those easy folders (en canne?) are too "old" for Romulus ...
Last month. The French say that baby "fait sa toilette". He could come anytime now.
max is napping (!!!) and i'm catching up :)
i'm using a 60+ yr old crib that was my father-in-law's, then my husbands...if you like it, it works and is safe, then no diff.
and about the frozen food? picard is so the way to go. there are women who have it all together, and then there's our type. i wasn't prepared either. room wasn't cleared out for the crib, clothes not washed etc. and still, it all works because thats our personality! xoxox.