Thoughts

Lately I've really started thinking about the little things that I have to get done before this baby comes. Sure, Skip and I have had a list in the kitchen for a few months of the major "household" changes that need to occur, in terms of rearranging furniture and rooms and such. However, up until just recently I have managed to keep my brain free of other details that I might either need to get done before the baby comes, or things that I've been told about birth/babies/pregnancy-- the things that people say to me along the lines of: "I wish I would have known this when I was pregnant/in labor/bringing home a newborn." Here are my latest pregnancy thoughts:

1.) How are birth certificates handled? Does the hospital file it? [Got this one answered by a co-worker. Check.]
2.) I will need to apply for the baby's Social Security number. [Also answered by coworker, Froedtert does it for us. Check.]
3.) Call the doctor who we've decided will be our pediatrician. Find out if she will follow the vaccination schedule we want.
4.) Add the baby to my insurance.
5.) Pre-register at the hospital. [Thanks for that one, Sarison.]
6.) Finish filling out FMLA forms and turn them in.
7.) Get the carpets cleaned so the baby doesn't get salmonella like I did at 6 months old.
8.) Figure out when to pack my bag for the hospital, and what to put in it.
9.) Start thinking about tying up any loose ends at work and finish up projects in case I go early.
10.) I was told that my boobs will hurt like hell when I am transitioning out of breastfeeding.
11.) I need to talk to my doctor about whether or not my tattoo will pose an issue if I need an epidural. Not planning on one, but just in case...
12.) My water might break while I'm in bed, so I was told to get a waterproof mattress pad.
13.) Start cooking and freezing some meals now because I won't want to cook after the baby comes.

I'm not REALLY stressed out, but my mind is running a mile a minute these days just thinking about things. Thinking, thinking, thinking. I wish there were things that I could DO to practice before this kid comes, because I'd really like to prepare myself. But alas, apparently there isn't much I can do besides just wait patiently and feel it squirm in my tummy to Frank Ticheli. I suppose that'll do in the meantime...