[angelstamper]

For the past 11 months I've been waiting to hear the DS was coming home and for the "nesting" to set in. Now we are one week away from holding him for the first time, and I can't seem to get my act together. Several months ago I finished the nursery and had a baby shower, so we have everything we need, and it is all organized. But, my house needs a good spic-n-span and I can't seem to get going. My windows need washed, the baseboards need wiped down, the dust under the things I dust "around" needs to be taken care of, and I need to start packing.

Don't get me wrong, I am over the moon excited about brining him home, I just can't seem to get into that "nesting" mode. Is it normal not to nest? I really hope it doesn't set in the day before we leave, but I'm afraid that is what is going to happen. I feel like I'm still in the "waiting" phase (I am, but UKWIM). The only thing I seem to be able to do is make lists of things DH needs to do (really things I can't do).

This is the go-to-place for support. I could use some wise words/advise.

TIA

[Guatemom]

I think you're right--it just hasn't set in yet. I remember with Connor back in '05--even when we got "the call" on Thurs to be in Guat by the following Tues morning--everything was still a big blur to me. I couldn't focus enough to do what I really thought I 'should" be doing. Altho thru the whole time, I had laid out in my mind the exact course of events and things I thought would/should happen and be done--yeah right! When it comes down to it, we're exhausted and still in neutral. I think just the whole waiting and waiting, and then all the sudden-you're supposed to snap out of it and kick into high gear, you know? You just can't. It has to HIT you (like bricks!) and it will, just wait! I'm so happy and excited for you. And enjoy the "lull" right now, it will pass!

[IH8MEAT]

I think it's normal... You ARE still in the "waiting period".

[KKR213]

Don't worry about not nesting. Like Guatemom I got on the call call on Thursday that my appointment was on Tuesday! I worked late both Thurs and Friday to finish stuff up there. Did nothing to get ready at home those nights. Kinda just spun my wheels. Packed and then re-packed because I felt I missed stuff. I got it together over the weekend (left really early on Monday) and enlisted my sister to finish stuff up for me at home while my mother and I went to pick up my son.

Just get the important stuff done and have a wonderful pick up trip!!

[isabel41206]

A Friend Of Mine Hired A Proffesional Cleaning Crew To Come In And Give Her Place The Once Over Just Before She Left (wish I Had Done Same) That May Be An Option For You. Go Enjoy Your Pickup Trip.

[Justhavfaith]

I agree with what the other posters have said. I just couldn't seem to "get going" either. I was great at celebrating but, my body went into shock and I needed a few days to recover before the chores. Your lists will be helpful in that last minute frenzy to finish everything. Just focus on the big things and don't worry about the rest.

[brink]

I can relate. After nearly two and a half years (don't ask), and even though we've brought home three other kids from Guatemala after long waits, it's still hard for me to believe we are out of PGN and could get the call to travel in a month or so. I think it's a bit like the deer in the headlights. It's startling in some ways, to think the day has nearly arrived when we can finally travel. Plus there's so much to do around here normally, that I'm probably just trying to avoid truly digging in. The final reason is maybe true for you too, that we just don't want to let ourselves truly dive in emotionally and let loose all these emotions we've been holding back during the wait.

[hopeful4baby]

I am all about the cleaning crew. Get in some good "me" time so that you are fresh!

[Michelle Smiles]

Honestly? For me, I had trouble believing it was really going to happen. I was so emotionally worn out from the process that I just couldn't seem to focus on anything - let alone nesting. I had to write everything down because I was so scattered. I think I just wanted to nap until we picked her up for good because I was just drained.

[annaguat]

Well it sounds like you did a lot of nesting already and are pretty much set up. Even with birth children not everyone nests. I remember visiting a friend right after she came home from the hospital with her third little one. Nothing was ready and all she had out was a box of baby clothes she had asked her DH to take out of the garage. Now I am the opposite and will have everything ready washed, washed and washed again just by thinking of a baby. LOL We are all different. Maybe if you don't get that deep cleaning nesting instinct hire some one to do it. Hey who says you have to be the one cleaning. I often have DH washing down walls and base boards before a little one comes home. Enjoy your remaining time if it is relaxing before baby is there or cleaning. Whatever makes you happy. Congrats upon the up coming home coming of your little one. Anna

[angelstamper]

I knew that you guys would be helpful. Thank you. I guess being a first time mom, I was looking forward to the nesting.
Well, if it happens, it happens, if not, not. Who wants to do windows anyways? LOL

Thanks for the cleaning crew idea, but DH already axed it, and I pick my battles carefully. This one isn't worth the added stress.

Thanks again!!!!

[MoonKitty77]

Originally Posted by Michelle Smiles

Honestly? For me, I had trouble believing it was really going to happen. I was so emotionally worn out from the process that I just couldn't seem to focus on anything - let alone nesting. I had to write everything down because I was so scattered. I think I just wanted to nap until we picked her up for good because I was just drained.

I was EXACTLY the same way!

[ERAmy]

I hate to clean so Ive never had that sort of "nesting" problem. But as someone else said, youve already "nested" as babys room is done and baby things organized.
Packing can be last minute and babies dont care if the windows are washed or not.
Enjoy your trip and enjoy your new son!

[gumqueen30]

Honey it will set in I am working on the nursery like crazy and we are still in PGN.
It will happen your nesting is just lazy right now. Give it a day or two.....when I have bunco at my house I know for months when I have it and when do I start cleaning and hitting the major panic button the day before.
I buy the gifts months in advance and plan what snacks I am having and then it is OMG bunco is tomorrow and I go nuts cleaning.
Don't worry your just taking a break
Big Hugs

[JustBarbara]

Amy - love your answer! Seriously, I too was a bit numb after I got the call and it was only on Saturday when my sis said I had to get cracking that I did - actually I did get a lot of help from people and just put everything together in 2 days. All that matters is that you get on the right plane and are there in time to pu DS. Your timeline is great BTW, congratulations!