I'm a lover of lists.

Back in high school a friend asked me and a bunch of others at a gathering what we "really loved" in life. He also added that it could not be a person. The first thing that came to my mind was making lists. I really do love it. I love it because it keeps me organized, keeps me on the ball and makes me feel in control when I have 1,000 things to do in a certain period of time. Just simply making the list makes it feel a little more manageable. You can find a menu list, a grocery list, a Costco list, a daily list of things to do, a bill paying list and a long term to do list all within the walls of my home. Well, I wasn't the first to answer my friend's question that night, so I had to follow the few responses before mine, which were things like "art", "music", and "the mountains". When I confidently stated that I "loved making lists" I was given the evil eye and was told, "I'm talking really love, Jessie". So this post is for you, Kevin, if you ever read it. I really do love making lists...I did then, I do today.

I'm putting this list of things I need to do and buy before the baby comes so that I can feel more ownership in making sure it happens (since you all know I need to get my butt in gear).

"TO DO FOR THE BIRTH" LIST
1. Pack hospital bag.
2. Tour hospital (I actually completed this one today and was sold on birthing there when I spotted a large Coke fountain located in the mother's "snack room").
3. Pick names for this baby (suggestions welcome).
4. Install car seat (after digging it out of storage).
5. Get over cold so I can breathe normally.
6. Schedule my doula (which really means buy my sister a plane ticket).
7. Make some major decisions about vaccinations (after I buy and read Dr. Sears's book).
8. Buy stool softeners (sorry, that's gross but much needed), Dermoplast (a must for every new mother), and a baby record book.

"TO DO FOR THE NURSERY" LIST
1. Move office downstairs.
2. Paint.
3. Wash newborn clothes.
4. Finish quilt.
5. Get paintings from Pam.
6. Get vinyl letters from Allie.
7. Buy diapers, diaper changer cover, bumper pad and doorknob lock (so Henry can't get in).

TO DO LIST FOR HENRY TO BE READY FOR BABY
1. Move into a twin bed (after we find the money to buy one).
2. Potty train (after I buy and read this book).
3. Make a plan for him while we're at the hospital with baby (you, you and you are on the list of people to call if needs be, just so you aren't surprised).
4. Buy a double stroller (how will I ever choose?), this nifty contraption, and some type of "I'm a big brother now" gift (any ideas?).

I'm feeling better about all of this already. I'm sure it will never all be done, but now I at least have something to refer to. I love making lists....you gotta try it, it's free therapy!