And so – let’s get back to gardening and the preparations in both nursery’s. Plant and baby.
The dreaded Baby Shower is on Saturday!
My plan was for the garden to be a delightful work in progress. To look less of a demolition site and more of a promise. And the plan has worked. The lawns are done. The edges are trimmed, and today, between the baking of meringues and bread I will tidy the beds.
TimTam dug a big hole around behind the lemon tree so I will fill that with new soil (I have a little left over) and smooth it over.
Then watch TimTam like a hawk when she is out there.
And tomorrow I will take off all the anti animal sticks and deterrents. The cat frequently climbs in to the big garden and sits on a piece of timber to watch the birds in the next door neighbours big tree so I will leave a sitting spot for her. She has not dug any holes in the garden so I am pleased with the plan.
Granny Nanny
Daughter has one more month of work before she goes on to maternity leave. But we decided I would start washing the piles of hand me down linen and clothing and tidy the nursery a bit.
You just never know with babies so best to be prepared. Plus – you know me – I like to get ahead of the game if at all possible.
We have so many newborn baby clothes. she does not need to buy a thing.
I am already creating newborn packages for the local immigration woman’s center. Though I have not found it yet! There must be one – right?
Washing and folding and storing all these garments and a multitude of muslin wraps, it is calming, grounding even.
We start birthing classes next week. So much has changed since I had my babies. And as my daughters doula and advocate I want to know everything.
Two things I have discovered: Here is Victoria, Australia – in the public health system – a birth is free – there is no charge – but a mother needs to take everything to the hospital for her baby. His clothes. Even the nappies. Apparently the hospital does not supply anything for your stay.
And secondly – if you have a natural childbirth they are happy for you to go home after FOUR HOURS. Back in the day I had to beg to go home the next day. I even had to sign myself out. Four hours seems a bit fast for a first baby.
Baby is looking above average in size so in two weeks we are off to have a scan. (Yes, this is free too). A big baby alters the birth plan apparently. We will see.
No bills. No need for insurance. Though she has the basics through the police force. If you do have extra health insurance you can choose to go to a private hospital. I am not entirely sure how that all works anymore. I will find out for you.
Daughter is happy for you all to catch glimpses into her journey.
Lots to learn.
Love Celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
24 responses to “preparations in the nursery”
I can’t help with advice on the hospital situation as I’ve never had a baby here! Or ever… But I suspect if she’s got health insurance through work and it covers maternity and childbirth, she’d pay her annual excess (unless she’s already done so for another procedure or stay), and that would be it. She’d probably get a quieter room, and the hospital might be a bit plusher, but it depends where she’s going. There’s quite a few to choose from! But best to do your own investigating, as you’re on the spot and far more informed about what’s needed.
I love the nursery decoratins, by the way! And that photo of tiny onesies on the line is so uplifting and cheerful.
Oh the hospital and midwives etc are all underway. It is a big hospital too!
Gosh, it all seems to be happening so quickly now! Only one more month! I’m sure the baby shower will go wonderfully! The yard with its gardens looks lovely. No doubt a good time will be had by all! 🙂
One more month til leave – then a month of waiting. Or whenever baby decides to come.
It looks like you’ve got enough outfits for all eventualities!
I said to soph we will only need to wash once a month and by then he will have grown out of them anyway!!!
Ha ha 🤣
That little one will have everything he needs by the look of those stacks of items! So wonderful to then pass them on. Most US first time mom’s stay 24 hours if both mom & baby are doing well. Four seems pushing it just a bit for a first timer… Would love to know what you are learning when classes start. I’m always interested given that I taught about pregnancy, childbirth and newborn care for so many years. I hope you both find them helpful.
I look forward to you tagging along! At least. The mechanics of it are still the same!
Sounds like your opinion of showers, (baby, bridal, etc) is much the same as mine. So far I have been able to avoid most, all but close family, bff’s and so on. I’ll send a gift, just let me stay home!
yup! That’s me! And to be honest this is the first one o have ever attended. Though if there are games at least I have my own studio to disappear into!’
Lucky you to have gone this far without suffering. Oh, and oh the dopey games.
As a Canadian I am blessed to have free health care. It should be a right. Celi – what about your health care there? Are you able to register as an immigrant to access health care?
we have free health care in NZ too. When it is expensive like that in the US people leave it too long to seek medical care. Just the fear of a big bill kept me away.
As a Canadian, I cannot imagine the fear of not being able to just go to the doctor or hospital when needed. Even more so if your child is sick. Waiting ends up with things being more complicated and more expensive. If people are healthier then society is healthier and happier and will function better. Those medical bills can be astronomical!!
I love the Dino and the natural look of baby’s room and all of the tiny baby things, it all looks so calm and relaxing. that’s so kind to find a place to donate the extra’s to. wow, I wish the finances of having a baby were the same in the states, it’s just the opposite here -) looks like you’ll be ready for the shower !
it cost my son in California 10,000 a baby. Incredible.
The shower will be fine! Good food and the opening of presents will be fun. Timtam will keep the ladies in line. Ha! I gave a shower once years ago for a coworker. I was out of sorts too, but it turned out great. Those little onesies are so cute!
Whole families are coming so I will have kids to entertain. TimTam will hide in the bedroom – he has never been a one for strangers.
The garden looks lovely and there is nothing as nice as a clothesline full of little clothes. I took a picture of my daughter’s baby clothes on the line so I’d have that memory to look back on. People might think that is weird, but it is the little moments that you forget that I wanted to keep a piece of.
The garden already looks like a promise of what’s to come!
Love seeing baby clothes on the line.
I usually managed to avoid various “showers” as well. the very few I had to attend were crammed with miserably stupid games – I’ve never been remotely interested in games. I’m no good at pretending I’m having a good time either. I did not participate in the madness, just sat quietly in a corner wishing I was elsewhere. No one I know now would inflict something like that on anyone so that’s a plus. Now we just get together, have coffee, tea or punch, nibble food and give the gifts without all the silly stuff. No one misses it.
Good luck with all f this…..one thing sfor sure ‘eveything’s going to be alright:):) xx
You’re certainly getting organised – all that washing and folding looks great. Four hours does seem very short after the birth. Back in the day it was days even for a natural birth. Glad you will be there to help, guide and support.