Nesting!

Now that our recent extensive and exciting travels are over, and we are settled into our new apartment, there's one clear thing that needs to be done before the baby arrives: nesting! Nesting, or getting one's physical space ready for a new baby, serves a valuable psychological exercise, scholars say, preparing a couple for the arrival of a baby. It involves stuff like painting a nursery (which we won't be doing), making things for the baby (more on that below), etc.

Well, we wouldn't want to disprove scholarly wisdom...so a-nesting-we-shall-go. Both Jo and I have become active nesters of late. Jo's nesting has largely taken the form of the organization of the "twigs" that comprise our "nest" (i.e., putting stuff away, cleaning). Recently she set aside a closet area for the baby's stuff and had a lot of fun folding and arranging all the adorable baby clothes for about a half hour (Dave's note: that must be India time, because once she goes into that closet it's all over).

Earlier on in her pregnancy, Jo also made a couple of things for the baby, including this adorable elephant.

Dave's nesting has principally revolved around the creation of baby-related "twigs". His first twigs have been 4 fitted sheets for Noah-belle's Pack and Play crib.

Next on the list? Do-it-yourself swaddling blankets, bibs, cloth diapers (perhaps), waterproof diaper bag, and baby carrier (modeled on the design/materials of my banjo/fiddle case)....

Now, back to sewing! With a list this long and growing, it's going to be a busy month or so before our long-awaited "guest" arrives. For those of you who haven't heard about this, a colloquial way of saying that one is pregnant in Hindi is to say that one is "expecting a guest." (Dave's note: something tells me this guest will be here for an extended visit!)

So cute.

The Meek's Journey to India

Notes from the traveling desk of Rita Meek, guest blogging extraordinaire


Friday May 20. After months of planning, many e-mails, and a number of Skype sessions, we headed off to see David and Jo in Delhi, India. Sandy Beale drove us to the Wilmington train station, and we, our four bags, and a computer bag and a backpack went by train to Newark International Airport to begin our amazing adventure. We took a non-stop flight on Continental, leaving at 8:30 PM (Eastern Daylight time) and arriving in Delhi Saturday, May 21 at 8:30 PM (Delhi time).

We got there earlier than expected, and customs was a breeze to get through. After David and Jo realized we were at the International arrivals rather than the local arrivals, they came to meet us and when we saw David and Jo we were so excited!

We took a cab ride to their apartment in New Delhi. They live within one block of a busy market street, where they do much of their grocery shopping. We got settled into their home, and then opened up the suitcases filled with things for the baby, books they had ordered, chocolate goodies (can’t beat those “Mrs. Field’s Super Fudge brownies” that Rita makes!), hiking gear, etc. Then to bed for a well-deserved rest!