Naturally Nesting

What is "nesting" and why does it happen? One definition of nesting states: "Around the fifth month of pregnancy, the "nesting" instinct can set in. This is an uncontrollable urge to clean one's house brought on by a desire to prepare a nest for the new baby, to tie up loose ends of old projects and to organize your world." Okay. But what is the biological process that causes it to happen?

I've been pondering this a lot lately because I am naturally an organized person. The above definition describes me on a normal non-pregnant day. Unless I am deathly ill, you will never find my unshowered during the day. Dirty dishes do not last in my sink. My house may have toys strewn throughout, but it is always clean. I organize my grocery list according to the departments in the store for maximum efficiency. I am always willing to try my hand at any home improvement project. I have my church bags packed the night before church. I plan my menus weekly. Every week I send out a family letter through email and mail three copies out to various members who are not email savvy. The list could go on and on. Being organized is my game, which is probably why when I haven't had the calling to teach in church I have been a secretary in various organizations. I like to run a tight ship.

So what does nesting do to me when I am pregnant? I've been known to repaint rooms 9 months pregnant. Right now I have most of my Christmas shopping completed, almost all my Christmas letter envelopes addressed, Christmas letter written, the baby's clothes washed, folded, and ready plus the bassinet set up and waiting, Jimmy's baby book finished, etc. If I could hang up our Christmas lights, I would. Last night I got fed up with our stove top and completely opened it up and cleaned it out. Take the definition I shared at the beginning and times it by 100 and then you'll have me now.

But I take pride in my spazziness. What's wrong with being organized? It makes my life easier. And what is wrong with nesting? Why does it get such a negative vibe? Granted, I haven't done anything insane like scrub all the door handles in our home, but still what's the big deal about being prepared? I'm proud of the way I do things. Sometimes I think my urges to organize are a bit odd, but I just can't help it. My husband knows enough now to just stay out of my way when I get a project going. But I am glad he isn't like me because often he'll tell me to just relax and let it sit for a day. He helps to keep me in check.

Still, I think this whole "nesting" thing is funny. I see nothing wrong with it. I have this big life changing experience coming up and so let me get out my excited nervousness. Let me be crazy and organize. Just sit back and reap the benefits. Now we just need to come up with a positive definition for me when I am not pregnant and yet still very organized.