Monthly Archives: April 2009

Quite a few of my friends have been busy having babies. First babies, second babies, third babies, and a fourth (eek!) baby. It’s the first time mommies that need to nest most, devoting the last few weeks of their pregnancy to making sure the nursery is perfect and that they have all the right equipment. (The friend on her fourth, she’s simply wondering where she stuck the stroller, and how’s she going to explain to #3 why it isn’t “lost” anymore.)

Words of advice to those of you going into this endeavor the first time around: Make sure the nursery is comfy – for YOU. Babies don’t sleep through the night – for YEARS sometimes. (It took a tonsillectomy at age 4 before my son slumbered soundly.) Make sure you have a comfy spot to nurse. Gliders are ugly, but they are really comfortable, and you can resell it when you wean.

Do you feel peaceful surrounded by the paint color? I chose a cheerful yellow for my first born (not knowing the sex) and I discovered really quickly that the color agitated rather than calmed me (and maybe him, who knows). Be sure to have a bookshelf, and a side table for all the water and juice you’ll need to drink to stay hydrated while the little guy suckles. And an ipod, and even a little television to get you through long nights. (First time around I was addicted to cheesy detective shows, from Matlock to Magnum. Second time it was HGTV.)

A mobile above the changing table and a little hook on which to hang the distraction toy you’ll hand her when she’s old enough to entertain herself, because she’s not going to suddenly enjoy having her diaper changed. That should get you through the first year.

I’ll do kids’ rooms with big boy and big girl beds soon.

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