[mom2alex]

Nesting was my biggest source of comfort. For our years of IF I wouldn't even allow myself to pass by the baby dept in stores. I was so afraid that others would see me and know that I did not belong there. I had this weird sense that motherhood was a club and I was forbidden to join. I didn't feel like I deserved to be excited and plan for a baby that didn't even exist yet (or so I thought).

Once we started the adoption process I took on a totally different attitude. I finally allowed myself to feel and act like a mother. And it felt great! The word "entitlemnt" is perfect. I considered myself and expectant mother and did everything that someone who was pregnant would do. Since my "gestation" period could be long, I tried to do things at a moderate pace. One month I painted, the next I made some bedding. Little by little got things done. I wanted to really appreciate this stage and enjoy the preparations. Plus it allowed us to put the pictures of the completed nursery in our profile. I know my daughter's b.mom loved being able to see where her baby was going to sleep.

And clurock is right, it is hard to do all that once you have a newborn. I know we could have run around like crazy people and gotten everything perfect for our daughter, but I enjoyed it so much more doing it ahead of time and taking my time with things. Once she came home, it was all about just holding her and looking into her eyes. The nursery, at that point, would be far less important.

Do what feels right to you and don't listen to anyone else!