Baby To-Do List

I had no idea just how many things my brain could process at one time.  If you think planning a wedding is a stressful experience, try planning for a baby!  I know the experienced moms out there are shaking their head thinking, "Oh dear, you have NO idea." but I'm a planner.   I like change, don't get me wrong - I'm beyond excited for my life to turn inside out (I like a challenge!) but - I'd really like to have all my ducks in a row before it happens.

So, because I would like documentation of this (quite frankly, I just need to spew some word vomit here) I figured I would make a post out of it.

On my to-do list:

• Interview pediatricians - I suck, I was supposed to do this months ago but....I forgot.
• Arrange my insurance through work to cover my "leave" - I'm not coming back but I'm entitled to a paid leave (and extension of my benefits) so I'm using it!
• Hunt for a new insurance plan that covers our family without being outrageously expensive.  My plan to continue with my work insurance fell through - we'd be going from $230 a month for two people to $1,235 a month for three.  HOLY SHIT - the coverage is AMAZING but good god!
• Compile addresses and print labels for birth announcements.
• Pick out/purchase birth announcements and see about hiring a photographer for newborn photos for said announcements.
• Pack hospital bag.
• Tour hospital.
• Take childbirth classes.
• Take breastfeeding class that comes free with childbirth class.
• Yell at contractors that they "better be finished with the basement by September 1st!"
• Pick out sinks, tub, cabinets and lighting for bathroom in basement.
• Buy a bed, mattress, bedside tables, lamps, bathroom fixtures for guest room/bathroom.
• Find a way to not only get a hell of a deal on a fireproof gun/rifle safe but also find a way to get it down into the storage area in basement before the walls are painted (I know we'll scratch at least one wall trying to get it down there, those things weigh 500 pounds!).
• Interview the 10-15 people who have applied to be the service writer at my husband's shop and start training one immediately so he can come home at a decent hour when the baby comes.
• Write thank you notes from last baby shower
• Take all useless crap from basement to the dump
• Get the carpets professionally cleaned after the basement is done and before the baby comes (very small window)
• Have the A/C and furnace serviced (I have a coupon from Living Social to use!)
• Get all the air ducts cleaned since they have now been coated in concrete and drywall

For the nursery/baby/me:

• Put together stroller, install car-seat and have inspected (Dave)
• Hang shelves, install blinds, put together storage shelves, and move recliner into nursery (Dave)
• Diaper bag (I registered for one and someone bought it but I never got it...?  Weird.)
• Trash can with lid
• Lamp
• Nursing bras, tops and other accessories
• Belly Bandit

Just a couple things that I have to get done in the next 4 1/2 weeks.  A little stressful - luckily I work well under pressure.  I just wish I knew exactly how much time I have!  Unfortunately I don't have that luxury so I've been busting my balls trying to check off as much as possible from the ever-growing list!