Welcome to the first entry of my “big girl” blog, The Semi-SAHM!

For future reference, SAHM = Stay At Home Mom. The “semi” part comes from the fact that after my son is born, I will still be working as a nanny – but bringing him with me. I’m thrilled to be able to do this, not just because it means I’ll get to be with him each day, but also because it means I won’t have to figure out childcare. With all the other things to think about when a baby is on the way, having one less is a real relief.

As of yesterday, I am 34 weeks pregnant with Ethan. I know I should be getting really excited about the fact that there are only a few weeks left before I get to finally meet him, but I’m really starting to freak out. We have been scrambling to try and get everything organized, but it seems like the minute one project is completed, three more pop up!

My new system is just a “little by little” approach. Each day, I’m going room-by-room and doing at least a little bit of tidying and organizing. Even if it isn’t much, it’s better than nothing. I always find it so easy to be overwhelmed by a mess, get intimidated, and just ignore it. Of course, since this isn’t the Sims and I can’t use a cheat to get lots of money and hire a maid, that generally doesn’t work out too well.

Our biggest problem is that we simply have too much stuff. I sold/gave away about 3/4 of my wardrobe (and plan to get rid of even more after Ethan is born), we cleaned out our bookcases (which were more or less storage shelves), and finally went through those last few boxes of junk from when we moved in…and yet, with the addition of items for the baby and the fact that there are three adults living in the two-bedroom apartment we rent, it seems like we have less space than ever!

Yes, Spell Check, I agree that was a long sentence. I don’t feel like rephrasing, though.

Anyway.

My goal is going to be to get rid of at least one box/garbage bag worth of junk per week until I have the baby. It may not make a huge difference, but anything is better than nothing at this point. I also need to clean out my car (have you seen “50/50”? You know Anna Kendrick’s car? Mine’s a little like that). It’s a wreck and I know it. I was really good about keeping it tidy, but then just got too busy and ended up on modified bed rest for a few weeks, so it got bad all over again. On top of all the little things, I also need to make sure we are accomplishing the big stuff: reorganizing the pantry, dining room closet, linen closet, kitchen cabinets, and bedroom closets, setting up the rest of the baby items, and trying to figure out what our housing situation will be once our lease is up.

Phew. I’m kind of exhausted just thinking about it. May the Force be with us.