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Home ยป Blog ยป Nesting

Nesting

by Sarah Turner Clover Lane

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There is nothing like the smell of Dreft.  I washed all the blankets and diapers and tiny baby clothes and then stuck my nose in the piles again and again, hoping that lovely scent would induce labor. I’m kidding about that part…as much as I am done with being uncomfortable, I know how important it is to have a fully cooked baby.

I have a pile started for my bag to the hospital but it’s been four years and I feel like I am forgetting things.  I am still nervous after five births.  Maybe it’s because I have a new doctor now, or have a longer drive to the hospital, or just know what to expect so know that nerves are going to be part of it.  I hope and pray it all goes smoothly and there are no glitches.  This is my last time to experience it-the excitement of the labor pains beginning, the overwhelming pain, and then the joy of meeting our new baby and I want to savor every minute.

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August 1, 2012 ยท 41 Comments

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Comments

  1. Cath says

    August 1, 2012 at 6:04 am

    I love this photo, the thought of smelling baby clothes, and you packing your hospital bag. I'm hoping/praying all goes smoothly for you too. And having not had "fully cooked babies" (loved that phrasing), I agree. Keep 'em in as long as you can! xoxo

    Reply
  2. Anonymous says

    August 1, 2012 at 6:07 am

    Amen to that! Savor it all Sarah:))

    Reply
  3. Shari says

    August 1, 2012 at 6:55 am

    I still have such vivid memories of washing and preparing those newborn clothes and loving that smell! While caring for a newborn has always been very stressful for me, this is one small part that I hope I NEVER forget.

    I'm curious to know if you usually get an epidural or not? I did 5 births without and then got one for my last one. I'm so glad I did because it allowed me to do what you described, savor every last moment. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  4. Unknown says

    August 1, 2012 at 6:59 am

    So happy for you! I love how smells bring amazing memories!

    Reply
  5. Sarah says

    August 1, 2012 at 7:30 am

    So excited for you!!! Preparing for a new baby is the best ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  6. Jennifer says

    August 1, 2012 at 7:48 am

    How exciting….I loved seeing the pic of all the precious baby gear laid out on your bed. I know you have to be so excited to see and hold your precious new baby. I'm really happy for you Sarah. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  7. vera says

    August 1, 2012 at 7:58 am

    Completely, totally, 100%, very, very, over the moon excited for you!!!

    Reply
  8. luvnmy10 says

    August 1, 2012 at 10:48 am

    You are going to be great! You just put into words how I have felt. I love the white stacks–my favorite is white on new babies, so clean and fresh and pure. This little person is going to be soooo loved. Don't you laugh when people make comments about big families and kids not getting enough attention? I had to wait in line to hold/feed my 10th little baby. Hang on, its going to be a wonderful ride!

    Reply
  9. weiz says

    August 1, 2012 at 10:50 am

    I read your blog often and love the way you write and the photos you take.

    All the best with your birth! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  10. Magnolia Verandah says

    August 1, 2012 at 11:09 am

    I had forgotten the smell of Dreft. I remember when I had my 4th it occurred to me how fortunately I had been to have 3 healthy children, and I must admit I asked myself "was I pushing my luck". Thank God my last baby was healthy.
    I was with my youngest daughter at the birth of two of my grandsons – its a very nervous time to see your own baby in pain and going through labour – all natural but I would rather be going through it myself!
    Fingers and toes crossed for you. You are experienced after all.

    Reply
  11. Cindy says

    August 1, 2012 at 12:06 pm

    Good luck! Hope you've taught your older kids or husband how to blog so that we can here the news after the big event.

    Reply
  12. knit one, knit two says

    August 1, 2012 at 1:37 pm

    Looking at those stacks of freshly washed onesies made my ovaries twitch! Enjoy your last couple of weeks of nesting! August is a wonderful month to be born!

    Reply
  13. Mary in Boulder says

    August 1, 2012 at 1:56 pm

    Oh, the anticipation! I remember it well. Thanks for reminding me of those precious days of waiting and wondering. That's what I love about your blog!

    Reply
  14. Stephanie says

    August 1, 2012 at 2:06 pm

    We are all just as excited as you!

    Reply
  15. Unknown says

    August 1, 2012 at 2:19 pm

    it's so weird. this blog world. i read some of your entries and cry because i feel like i know you and your family. and i am so excited for you during this moment in your life. i am your exact age and cannot imagine being pregnant and giving birth again. you're amazing. i do know, however, about taking care of a baby at this age. my daughter lives with us and i watch her baby all day while she's at work and sweet kinleigh is with us 24/7.

    Reply
  16. Simply LKJ says

    August 1, 2012 at 2:44 pm

    So excited for you! You will be amazing! And yes, there is nothing like the smell of Dreft other than that of a newborn after a bath!

    Reply
  17. Jennifer says

    August 1, 2012 at 3:13 pm

    I love that smell too! Heaven on Earth especially while holding your bundle of joy. So exciting! This almost makes me want to go for a third but we are two and through!

    Reply
  18. Maureen says

    August 1, 2012 at 3:32 pm

    Heaven on earth… enjoy each moment.

    Reply
  19. Jenny says

    August 1, 2012 at 4:13 pm

    You're my kinda gal, Sarah. I love this picture, especially your book peeking out of the corner. Books and baby laundry? Yes, please!

    Don't worry about your hospital bag. As I'm sure you know, there's really little you need that the hospital won't have. I didn't pack mine until after my water broke, and I still wish I hadn't brought half that stuff. =)

    Reply
  20. Anonymous says

    August 1, 2012 at 4:14 pm

    Is it weird that i want to DIVE thru my computer screen and take a big sniff of that cute little pile of laundry! <3

    Cheers
    ~ Jillian
    http://www.hersplitends.com

    Reply
  21. Rose Jorgensen says

    August 1, 2012 at 4:27 pm

    It'll all come back to you I promise. All of my four kids are five years apart and with each child all the memories of how to care for an infant came back all too quick! Enjoy the rest of your pregnancy, and your little one soon! It'll all go by way too fast! xxx

    Reply
  22. MegJill says

    August 1, 2012 at 4:50 pm

    I love reading your blog and am so excited for you to have another baby to love! Your life and the way you manage your home inspire me!

    Reply
  23. kara jayne says

    August 1, 2012 at 5:58 pm

    this is so good that i have a little ache in my chest. even though i know we are done this post makes me want another one. seriously…i'm so so thrilled for you. having a baby is the best experience in the world…and you do it so well. good luck.

    Reply
  24. Ruth says

    August 1, 2012 at 6:38 pm

    I think I had that yellow banded onesie, it's one of my favorites. Best Wishes to you and the baby!

    Reply
  25. Still Reviewing says

    August 1, 2012 at 7:57 pm

    So excited for you. I love being pregnant and all of the excitement that comes with giving birth (even with the pain and I gave birth 3 times without drugs) and then the moment when you meet your precious baby for the first time. It's an amazing miracle. Enjoy every precious second.

    God bless you and your family.

    Reply
  26. Becky says

    August 1, 2012 at 9:38 pm

    Wondering how you know this is your last time….my mechanic comes from a family of 22 kids, all single births. His mom got started when she was 21 and pretty much had one every year. She had what she thought would be her last one at age 44…then imagine her shock (and horror?) when she got pregnant again at age 48!!! (was 49 by the time she had the baby) All were healthy, praise the Lord.
    Wishing you an easy, fast delivery and most of all, a healthy little one!

    Reply
  27. Sleen says

    August 1, 2012 at 9:38 pm

    I savored #4's birth, thinking he was my last (I was 41). Then his brother came along two years later.
    You never know ๐Ÿ˜€

    Reply
  28. Ali says

    August 1, 2012 at 10:29 pm

    I love the smell of Dreft! No more babies at our house! But, I sweetly remember that wonderful smell!

    Congrats and enjoy the wait for baby! That is always exciting! No matter how many times you have done it!

    ~ Ali

    Reply
  29. The Locklins says

    August 2, 2012 at 1:01 am

    I SO enjoy your posts. Especially this one. I'm so with you. Savor every moment. I can't wait to have a second to experience it all over again. Sending you lovely thoughts and prayers. Your blog brightens my day!

    Reply
  30. Karen says

    August 2, 2012 at 2:17 am

    love your picture! We had that sleeper with the gingham animals on it, from my first 1995. Savor every minute, I have with my last!

    Reply
  31. Jill says

    August 2, 2012 at 2:56 am

    I think i can smell that laundry all the way here….mmmmm! Good luck and enjoy every second! I am jealous!!

    Reply
  32. Erin Southwell says

    August 2, 2012 at 2:57 am

    So happy and excited for you!

    Reply
  33. Anonymous says

    August 2, 2012 at 2:57 am

    Your photo of the baby things evokes so many lovely memories of such a special time.

    Enjoy your nesting.

    Reply
  34. Shawni says

    August 2, 2012 at 5:48 am

    Oh the smell. Oh the thought of a newborn. my heart is all in a bunch. So excited for you!

    Reply
  35. Colleen says

    August 2, 2012 at 12:15 pm

    Can't wait to see the newest baby!!! Don't worry about the nerves. I think the more babies you have, the more nervewracking it gets, so you're normal! Besides, God has already planned for the exact second this baby will be born, so it's outta your hands ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  36. Melissa says

    August 2, 2012 at 3:26 pm

    I am on #4 and I think I am the most nervous I have ever been!!
    enjoy!!

    Reply
  37. meg duerksen says

    August 2, 2012 at 5:44 pm

    i am so happy for you.
    and SO jealous.
    ๐Ÿ™‚
    be strong.
    you can do it.

    Reply
  38. Valerie says

    August 2, 2012 at 7:04 pm

    God bless you and your family. Praying that you do get to savor this time. I hear you about getting more nervous. I feel like I was more relaxed expecting my first baby than third. Ignorance is bliss, right?

    Reply
  39. Rachel says

    August 2, 2012 at 11:51 pm

    That moment of meeting your new tiny baby for the first time, of gazing into his or her eyes . . . is the most magical, amazing thing I've ever experienced. I could live it over a thousand times!

    Reply
  40. Corrie says

    August 4, 2012 at 8:13 am

    I just had my 5th and last baby a few weeks ago and made the most of all of it! I was so nervous the last few weeks and then the most and relaxed on the day:)

    enjoy this special time
    corrie:)

    Reply
  41. TheFiveDays says

    August 5, 2012 at 6:18 am

    Ahh, what a special time this is. I am thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers… ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply

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Sarah Turner

When our first baby was placed in my arms I knew there was no place I wanted to be other than home with him every day. Twenty five years, and five more babies later, (six children, now ages 26-8), I still feel the same. I blog here about motherhood, how to make a house a home, easy recipes, and simple living. You can read more about me here.

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Nothing pretty, flashy, or spectacular. Just an o Nothing pretty, flashy, or spectacular.  Just an ordinary Monday morning breakfast counter after the kids leave for school.  Because ordinary gets the short hand in our culture but really it's extra special. 
It's a symbol of unselfishness, contentment, prudence and gratitude.  There is a certain peace about the ordinary.  It's the opposite of temporary-it holds the joy of contentment and gratitude and prudence all in one hand.  It's lends itself toward peace, and a settling in, not a constant search for more or less or anything.  Ordinary is authentic and good enough- in short it's a gem in disguise. ๐Ÿƒ
I love my home and I hope you do also. With all t I love my home and I hope you do also.  With all the imperfections and maintenance it requires, when I pull up and walk in I want to stay, to relax, to feel safe, for daily life to be easy, and to care for "home". I want simplicity, ease, convenience.  To me when my home is simple, without being filled to the brim of things that just take up space I love it best.  I hope if you've participated fully or even partially as time allowed in 40 Bags in 40 Days you've found that joy and pride in your home.  I plan to share more little challenges and tips as the year proceeds to trouble shoot areas and keep maintenance effortless and the house love flowing.  Daily life in our homes should bring us joy and ease while we care for our families, we should be thoughtful stewards of our money and of our time and simple living is the answer to that. 
Thank you for participating! ๐Ÿก
I think this is one of the best things about the 4 I think this is one of the best things about the 40 Bag decluttering process.  When I know what I have and have removed all that I don't, it cultivates more discretion and caution about what I bring back in.  I think there is also some realization of how much money is wasted on fads, or thoughtless purchases.  It's quite eye-opening.  I've become so much more careful, and find we all take better care of things, as do my children.
The final week of 40 Bags in 40 Days! I've tackle The final week of 40 Bags in 40 Days!  I've tackled all the areas of my home with exception of my oldest daughter's room (not the photo)- which she is excited to work on this week.
The simpler the room, the easier it is to clean an The simpler the room, the easier it is to clean and straighten up.  And then the more enjoyable it is to actually sit in that room.  It's not a hard equation, all it takes is ruthless purging-and not just little things but larger items also.  Functional furniture is the key and very few decorative pieces especially when children are in the home, makes life so much easier. 
๐Ÿƒ
As we head into the last week of the 40 Bags in 40 As we head into the last week of the 40 Bags in 40 Days Challenge I'm hearing from so many of you what a difference it has made in your appreciation of your homes, a certain contentment, and at the same time a thrill of looking in on the organized kitchen, closet and living space.  I agree!  I love purging, cleaning and organizing a space and then going back later that day just to get that wonderful sense of accomplishment.  It makes such a difference! 
๐Ÿƒ
A lighter, fresher, calmer home is the result of de-cluttering.  I even had a participant who had been planning on listing her home, start 40 Days just to get her house ready to sell, and then was so ruthless in the process and also thrilled by the results that they decided to stay put in what seemed like a new home to them.  What a savings of time, money and energy. 
๐Ÿƒ
Next week I will be talking maintenance and answer all questions! โ˜€๏ธ
Tips For Shared Kids Rooms- This bedroom has seen Tips For Shared Kids Rooms-
This bedroom has seen every configuration possible.  With kids spread out 18 years apart, I've had to be creative over the years-which I think is the key to sharing rooms.  It is all possible-I consider it a rare luxury and privilege to not have to share a room although I know that is not the norm today. 
๐Ÿƒ
I like to create a simple look with white furniture (this ends up making room transitions easier also when moving someone out and someone else in.) I also like to match bedspreads for a cohesive look. 
๐Ÿƒ
Clip on bed lights save space. 
๐Ÿƒ
A simple shared book shelf can hold a child's special books and knick knacks and if necessary can be assigned per shelf.
๐Ÿƒ
When my kids were younger I had my dad build me a large wooden roll out box for under each bed.  This held each child's toys. 
๐Ÿƒ
All clothes are kept in a closet instead of dressers to save space.
I feel like I bailed on everyone following 40 Bags I feel like I bailed on everyone following 40 Bags progress and tips.  My excuse is the stomach flu ravaging us all here in the last week with me being the last to fall and the slowest to recover.  On top of that the weekend before I tried to roller blade (don't even ask how many steps I made it) and majorly bit it.  Thankfully I think I just sprained my arm. So I've been using one arm for nursing sick children back to health, and doing whatever cleaning and cooking and straightening I can do.  Alas, last week was a wash.  We have two weeks to go.  I'd like to continue and end on a high note.  How about you?  Even a little de-cluttering counts! Spring is in the air and I can't wait to throw open my windows and let fresh clean air circulate through my fresh clean orderly home. โ˜€๏ธ๐ŸŒท๐ŸŒฑ
Especially where kids are concerned- we tend to th Especially where kids are concerned- we tend to think that the more things they have the happier and more occupied and loved they will feel.  Nothing can replace human interaction and I've found that too many toys has the reverse affect.  They cause overwhelm-just like us - we'd rather sit in an orderly space than one filled with too many things to do and too much stuff.
โ˜€๏ธ
When it comes to kids closets here are some tips-
1. Hand me downs don't all have to be received.  Or received at all.  Be choosy and keep just what they will use and need.
2. When children are presented with too many choices, tension and acrimony can exist.  Being able to open a closet with a reasonable amount of outfits can create more peace.
3. Cultivating independence in care of clothes is easier when there is less and the space is simplified and organized. 
โ˜€๏ธ
More tips coming on the blog this week.  I am moving my blog platform so I can't make any promises - it's under construction and that's exciting!
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