Not that I'm not excited to meet the little goober. I can't wait to see what it looks like and what its personality is like. To find out just who it is that's been kicking me all this time. I can't wait to hold it and cuddle it and all that fun stuff you get to do with babies. I guess I'm just starting to realize all the stuff you need to worry about once they get here... even though most of it is stuff I probably don't need to worry about for months or more, and some of it is just plain stupid. I guess this is probably just something that comes along with becoming a parent. But anyway, here is some of the stuff that's been racing through my mind of late:
- The gear question. Do we really need a swing/bouncer/exersaucer/pack 'n' play/bassinet/what have you? How do I know if I need it? Which one do I get? Where am I going to put the darn things in our tiny apartment? I find myself torn between wanting to be as prepared as possible, and not wanting to take up valuable space storing things I don't actually need.
- Even though I plan to breastfeed, should I have bottles on hand? How many? Do I need a bottle warmer? Sterilizer? Where am I going to put those things in our crowded kitchen?
- How am I possibly going to fit every essential item into the diaper bag in order to be prepared for any scenario?
- Our apartment totally isn't baby-proof. Breakable knick-knacks are at eye level. Electronic equipment is accessible with all kinds of exciting buttons to push. Sharp knives and scissors are in low drawers. Cleaning products are ripe for consumption, as is cat food and litter. Just throwing that out there.
- How much stuff do I have that I don't want my kids reading/watching/listening to? Do I get rid of it or just hide it or leave it out and say no? How much stuff am I going to have to delete from my computer?
- How much silly/cute "just between us" stuff are we going to have to stop doing and saying with little copycats around?
- It seems like there's no way all baby's stuff is going to fit in the nursery, especially since I still have more to get. But again, that gear question. How many outfits do I really need? Can I get away with slapping a diaper on, forgoing clothes, and keeping it wrapped in blankets for a couple of months? Because blankets, I have. ;-)
- Do I have any idea how to teach someone right from wrong, keep a curious little mind engaged, foster creativity, and plant the seeds for a love of learning?
Anyway... that's just a glimpse into my head. I'm not really as bad as I sound. There's just a lot to think about with kids. You want to raise them well and keep them safe, and you only get one shot. From the outside looking in, knowing that I'm about to get tossed in the ring, ready or not, it is rather intimidating. That's all. :-)
Luckily I don't have to do it by myself. I might have more experience changing diapers, making bottles, and dressing wriggly little guys, but Joe knows a lot more about how their minds work as they grow and how to teach them things. So I think together together we will make a pretty good team!