The Big Time Baby To-Do List, Revisited

So, remember that time I had a huge freak out about everything that needed to be done and how I was afraid we wouldn’t get it all finished?  Turns out I should just shut up about that (and, uh, KNOW MYSELF), because as of today at 33 weeks & 1 day (33 week picture coming tomorrow), we’re pretty much ready for baby.  Yep.  Donezo with almost everything on the to-do list, even packing the hospital bags.  Here’s the list again, updated:

Second Trimester To-Dos:

* Research daycare options:
             * Visit daycares
             * Get on any waiting lists/make any deposits necessary to secure a spot

We’ve picked our daycare (close to our house and on my drive to and from work), and I will be dropping off our deposit this week.

* Research registry and register!

Done and done.  We had our shower already too!  And I am sending out all of our thank-you cards today.

* Find a pediatrician.

I’m so excited about our pediatrician.  Not only is her office located essentially across the road from our house (NICE), but she is also a board-certified lactation consultant!  It’s like killing two birds with one stone. 

* Nursery:

            * Pick a paint color; paint
            * Purchase crib & dresser (for use as changing table)
            * Purchase crib sheets; make crib skirt
             * Slip-cover the upholstered rocking chair we already have (gliders are expensive!!!)
             * Hang shelves & hanging rack
             * Organize closet—paint as well?
             * Other miscellaneous décor items

So happy with how it turned out!

*Sign up & take childbirth and breastfeeding classes.

We decided not to do this.  I am still trying to see if I can find a breastfeeding class I can get into (so far none are working with my schedule), but otherwise I’ve read two books and plan to check out all of these breastfeeding webinars from Isis Parenting.

Third Trimester To-Dos:

* Purchase & install carseat.

Received our carseat as a gift from my parents (AWESOME), and installed it this weekend!  We’re just riding around with the base in the car now though (in case of accident…we don’t want to have to buy a new seat if we are in an accident, so the seat is sitting in the nursery).  We still have to get this checked at the fire department but it’s very close to our house so we’ll do that this week!

* Pack hospital bag.

My bag and the baby’s bag are both pretty much packed.  Post on this coming!

* Get some new maternity bras that can transition into nursing for those first few days, until I can get properly fitted for nursing bras after my milk comes in.
Went with some nursing bras for Target.  Also got a nursing tank and a nursing sleep gown.  Was gifted a sleep bra as well.

* Create a contact list for who to call, etc. when labor starts and after baby is born.

Just need to write this down.  In my hospital bag I have a file for paperwork, and this will go in there, as well as the contact information for our pediatrician and any paperwork the hospital gives us to take home (birth certificate/social security/etc stuff).

* Assemble any baby products necessary.

* Wash all baby clothes, etc.

* Create a list of easy-to-make, freezable, and crockpot meals.  When closer to due date (if possible), do a total grocery shop to restock pantry for easy meal prep.

Have a list of meals created, still need to stock pantry and I’d like to make a couple of meals ahead of time.  We’re ok with relying on takeout for a few days, too.

* Pre-register at the hospital; double check and confirm they have the information on file.

Will do this when my doctor tells me to!

So, this begs the question:  what else am I missing?  I want to finish up reading a few books and go on some dates with the husband, but other than that I don’t have too many baby-related activities to do. 

How early were you ready for baby?