<\/p>\nBack in October, when I went on my “first-ever overnight retreat”:\/news\/2007\/separation-anxiety\/ “since Lucy was born”:\/news\/2007\/lucy-misses-mama\/ , I started thinking really hard about one pressing question: what resources will we need to thrive once this new baby is born? <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
p{color:gray}. Photo: How will it be to have a little sister, Lucy?<\/p>\n
It is easy for me to start imagining the worst sometimes: no sleep + colicky baby + cranky toddler + anxious mom = grumpy family! But this fall the thought came to me: How would it be if things go really smoothly when we bring the baby home? Wouldn’t that be awesome? Who knows? Maybe this baby will emerge peaceful and easy-to-soothe. Maybe Lucy will love her little sister to bits. Maybe we’ll all be able to handle the changes gracefully and cover everything with love. It could happen!<\/p>\n
So, I’ve been trying to train my mind to think about what we’ll need to thrive instead of worrying about how badly things might go. Most likely we will be tired for a while, Lucy will have some challenges adjusting to her role as big sister, and our family will experience some deviations from our normal routines. But I bet there are things we could have in place to help us flourish even in the midst of challenging new situations — and I want to know what those are!<\/p>\n
This question of resources is probably a question I’ll be asking all of my life, in many different areas. I remember reading “_Birthing From Within_”:\/news\/2006\/birthing-from-within-by-pam-england-rob-horowitz\/ and considering Pam England’s question that each mother should ask herself: “What is it I need to know to give birth?” The first thing that popped into my mind was, “Will I have all the resources I need to give birth and become a mother?”<\/p>\n
Looking over the past 20 months, I can definitely say “yes!” to all of these things. I’m so grateful for the resources God has provided for me: an amazing husband and fellow-parent in Jon, wonderfully supportive family and friends, a darling daughter, wisdom from books and real live humans (not to mention you commenters here at BNN!), an excellent pediatrician I trust, fantastic midwives, a cozy home…more things than I can even list!<\/p>\n
So, as we get ready for the Belly-Baby to arrive in approximately 86 days, here is my list of questions I’m working through and ideas I have for resources and next steps. Lots of progress, so far (noted in parentheses)!<\/p>\n
*Equipment*
\nWhat furniture or equipment will we need to buy or borrow?
\n* two dressers — side by side, to make space in our bedroom for co-sleeper (Thanks, Mom, for offering to buy these for us!)
\n* diaper changing station outside of Lucy\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s room (“patemm pad”:http:\/\/patemm.com\/product.html & basket?)
\n* “bouncy seat”:\/news\/2006\/sleep-smile\/ (borrow from Jane)
\n* “exersaucer”:\/news\/2007\/saucer-flashback\/ (borrow from Jane)
\n* a place for baby’s clothes (spare dresser in closet)<\/p>\n
*InterVarsity work*
\nHow will I get my InterVarsity work done now that I can’t count on naptimes?
\n* Look for childcare 1-2 mornings per week
\n* ask “Jeanne”:http:\/\/houseinprogress.net\/ for ideas
\n* hire a “North Park”:http:\/\/www.northpark.edu\/ student<\/p>\n
*Napping*
\nHow will Mama get a nap, especially in the early months?
\n* Lucy and Baby nap at the same time (wouldn’t this be nice?)
\n* Papa watches babies
\n* Babysitter watches babies
\n* Lucy visits friends
\n* Lucy watches a video — what are some good ones that won’t drive me nuts?<\/p>\n