Did your usually relaxed housekeeping standards tighten right up when you were pregnant? I discovered a novel urge to obliterate dust, decorate a nursery-to-be, and organize my linen closet. Chances are, I’m not alone
By Megan Powell
I was on a baby forum the other day (for parents with babies due in May) and one thread caught my eye—nursery pictures.
Scrolling through, I noticed that there were A LOT of Pinterest-worthy nurseries. Completely done. Just waiting for a baby. And then I began feeling stressed out.
I’m a planner, but we don’t have a nursery even close to completion yet. What will eventually be the new baby’s room is currently an office. Not only does it need some major items like paint, a ceiling fan, blinds and a much-needed closet renovation, but our baby items are all still lurking in the dark basement storage nook.
I made a to-do list out that night, and it was long. So naturally, the stress increased.
Maybe it’s because I’m also busy looking after my 3-year-old, but I feel like I’ve barely had time to sleep (I haven’t), let alone plan the perfect colour-coordinated nursery and make it all cozy.
Pinterest vs. Reality
Am I in the minority here?
I had to remind myself that my first baby’s room was a work in progress until about two weeks before he was born. And by work in progress, I mean that the room had no floor and was used as a construction/work zone for the renovations in the remainder of the house. We were literally nailing trim in the room the night before he was born.
So compared to last time, we’re in much better shape.
On the other hand, this nesting sensation is really starting to pick up, especially as I head into the third trimester (!).
I think that as long as the nursery is ready, my 3-year-old’s play area set up to help keep him occupied when needed, and my cupboards are cleaned and organized (I know, not important), I’ll feel better.
After deciding the nursery needed to be done ASAP, I went on a cleaning and organization rampage. The linen closet was carefully sorted, every kitchen cupboard and handle was cleaned, and every single surface got a thorough dusting. You know, because my unborn baby will notice these things…
The reality is that when the baby arrives, the house will become a tornado zone of toddler toys, piles of clean laundry waiting to be folded, and dishes waiting to be washed. The baby will sleep in a bassinet beside our bed for the first few months, and his or her room will likely only be used for diaper changes and naps.
It’d be nice if there were blinds on the windows and my obtrusive desk were out of there, but this baby will not notice or care about the cute pictures on the wall or the neatly organized dresser drawers.
Still, I’m determined to do something to ease the nagging nesting feeling. I’m setting aside weekly goals, much to the chagrin of my husband, to try to get not only the nursery semi-ready, but also other items in the house that I know will become a near impossibility once we have a newborn.
I'm not alone
According to the American Pregnancy Association, the nesting desire seems strongest for women whose babies are due in late spring or early summer—that’s me. Spring cleaning, anyone?
It also normally intensifies in the final weeks leading up to labour. Feelings that bring it on, especially later on, can sometimes relate to boredom of being pregnant (I do not fall into this category) or recognition that the baby’s care is going to take up a lot of your time and energy (yes, yes, yes!). For others, there is an overwhelming sense of excitement and they want everything perfect for the baby.
Many women, on the other hand, never get this nesting feeling. I never did with our first, so I’m still getting used to these new desires to have everything ready and exactly in its correct place before the spring arrival of this new little one.
For now, I’m going to try to avoid browsing the nursery room pictures on baby forums and Pinterest, and work on getting my very minor weekly goals accomplished.
Now, I must go clean my cupboards.
Megan Powell's second baby is due this spring. Follow along as she blogs weekly for momstown, chases her energetic 3-year-old around and tries to resist the urge to clean behind the washing machine. Megan also blogs at henfamily.com
