Changes...

So as we continue to wait and anticipate Baby Maia's arrival, we know we have to make some changes before she's born.  Everything from rearranging furniture to cleaning up the house... and trying to find ways to be as germ-free as possible and avoid exposure to illness!

Right now the focus is on changing some furniture in our bedroom.  Sad to say, but the furniture in our room is made up of mismatched hand-me-downs from the 1980's!  We're due for a new bedroom set, which we'll get eventually, but for right now we got things started by getting a smaller and more modern looking desk... so we can say goodbye to my old grade school desk that takes up so much space, and it's not really usable space either. What this all means for us is that we'll have more space for a little crib! I imagine the first several months she'll be in our room with us, so a crib is essential. All other baby-related things, like her clothes, will go into big brother Marcus' room.  He's been so good and more than willing to help out with anything he can, it's really too cute!  He gave up almost half his closet space for his baby sister and also 2 drawers in his dresser.  At first he wanted the baby to sleep with him in his bed (not one of his greatest ideas!), but realized he's kind of a "wild" sleeper and will most likely hurt her.

Speaking of Marcus, we've been thinking of ways to keep him as clean as possible, especially once Maia comes home from the hospital.  The doctors have told us that staying away from germs is imperative, especially after heart surgery, since her immune system will be compromised. We've slowly been letting family and friends know that although we'd love for them to meet the baby, catching a cold or any kind of sickness is just too risky the first few months. Unfortunately, with Marcus going back to school at the end of August, he will be exposed to many kids and germs! So other moms of heart babies with older siblings, have suggested a routine, one that would also work for adults, like daddy.  So before coming near the baby, whether the person is coming home from work or school, first thing to do would be to take off/change clothes and then either shower or scrub down surgeon style!  I think this is what we're going to end up doing because I really can't think of anything better at the moment, but I'm always open to suggestions! In general, anyone that comes near the baby would have to wash up regardless if they plan on holding the baby or not... so I think I should start stocking up on not only diapers, but also some antibacterial soap and sanitizing gel! I might as well add lotion to the list too!

Anyway, so that's what's mainly been on my mind lately... preparation!  I'm 31 weeks right now and that means we only have 8 more weeks to go!!! I'm not yet feeling a sense of urgency. But then again, I usually don't worry about anything unless there's actually something to worry about!... It doesn't help that I'm a big time procrastinator, so I'm hoping Maia doesn't plan on arriving early!   

Before I go, let me introduce you guys to Marcus - he'll be documenting our journey too with his own video diary!