The Registry

With the third trimester rapidly approaching, my fears that there will be no baby have evaporated. They are being replaced with the sense that I've just wasted seven months of preparation time. Even the animals at my house seem to know something is arriving. They jockey for a position on my lap that allows them to put their front paws around my belly and rest their chins on the big lump.

Staying home yesterday would have been so pleasant especially with the furry creatures who want to snuggle. Instead, I went to Target to register for baby things. The staff was friendly and helpful. The inventory was completely overwhelming. I was completely unprepared for the volume of things.

The babies I recall baby sitting for had a few toys, diapers, food, and a crib. I registered for a baby swing and a baby bouncer. A small portable crib got on the list. A mother walked by with a screaming toddler who threw himself on the floor and couldn't be persuaded to walk away. I started to feel anxious about the whole parenting enterprise.

The baby bottles were next. I plan to breastfeed, but baby sitters will need bottles. I was getting a little dizzy and wanted to sit on the floor with my head between my knees. Another mother with a wailing child walked by in the cart. With the registry only partially completed, I went home exhausted. The nice folks at Target say I can finish later in the store or online.