Nesting for Summer

I, like many parents-to-be, went through a “nesting” phase when I was pregnant. Dennis and I did a lot to make ready our physical space.

There was a nursery, all decorated and ready to go. All the baby clothes were washed and put away. We were a little less prepared for our first baby (in more ways than one) because he was about 3.5 weeks early. I mean, we knew he was coming, but there were still some loose ends that hadn’t been tied up (ahem, hospital bag). For our second child, I was overdue by about a week and ended up being induced. I had already started my leave at work. So our house was extremely clean, the fridge was stocked, laundry completely caught up, and everything was ready to go. It was a great feeling.

I started to think about how I really enjoy this “nesting” phase. I get excited for new things and new chapters, and there’s a sense of renewed energy while I’m getting things in order for something new. I feel like this nesting allows me not only to get excited about the new thing, but to enjoy the new thing fully once it arrives.

I’m kind of in this phase now.

No, we aren’t having any more babies!

I’m talking about summer vacation nesting.

Being a teacher, I’m about to spend a lot more time in our home. I’m counting down the days more enthusiastically than my children! A huge part of that is getting things in order so the space is a plesant place to be. I’m excited to close the book on this school year and open a new one that involves time with the kids and getting into a home rhythm. The nesting process is getting me excited about this new chapter while also ensuring that I’m not going to spend my vacation time doing a ton of cleaning and organizing!

I started a list of every room in my house, and the things I’d like to do to reclaim the space. For example, finally empty the top kitchen drawer and find a better home for about a million pens, pencils, and random items like a tape measure. Empty the entire pantry closet - get rid of old food and all the empty boxes and wrappers. The kids will definitely be equal partners in this one because the adults in the house aren’t the ones putting empty boxes or wrappers back into the closet!

In a weird way, with every space that gets a fresh start, I’m clearing away some mental clutter. Making space and clearing the cobwebs. Clearing away the stress of the school year. I’ve let some things build up because weekends have been needed to catch up. Now it’s time to clear that stuff out.

Of course, as life flows along, I know I will be doing something similar at the end of August - getting ducks in a row before the great plunge into the 25-26 school year.

But for now, let’s make clear a spot for the sunscreen and beach towels. Let’s clear a spot in the living room that will be the perfect place to curl up with a book to escape the summer heat. Let’s make sure the freezer has room for popsicles!