What seemed like a soft, and suspiciously consumerist concept for those of us, is now a very real urge and behavior to me. Despite my skepticism, I am "nesting" hard.
I hunt and gather. Before I can stop myself, I have huge reusable shopping bags full of pillows, comforters, duvet covers, furniture, diapers, baby clothes, proteiny snacks. I watched out for organized clutter not even months ago. That feels like a past life as I peer from behind an armload of fresh linens and cushions.
I rationalize that there is a practical reason for this response. In my case, my growing baby bump will make it even harder for me to carry and arrange objects such as the queen sized bed and mattress, dresser, and 7'x9' rug. The large comforter and other heavy bedding were challenges in the first trimester, let alone the third. Also, being increasingly busy with graduate school, full time work, and time for family, friends, and community.
So here we are, my beloved bump and I, with the objects that we will need for support and comfort with two bodies in one. A changing table to be merciful on my back. A huge rug to muffle the acoustics of a new tiny human coming soon enough.
I wonder, did consumerism finally grip my subconscious? I only have aspired to minimalism. Then a truly minimalist, and fellow fiscally and environmentally responsible person mentions that he is also almost helplessly nesting too. This is surprising, but also validating.
Can nesting be gentle on our environment and our finances? Maybe. Items can be lucky sigdewalk-finds, snagged on craigslist, or from our favorite sustainable and thrift shops. I mind that everything can be washed and sanitized or sterilized before tucking with lavender soaps in the linen closet. Yes, the linen closet is my favorite place. Admitedly, most of these favorites were tucked away for fear of stains. Boldly (for me, anyways) my favorites made their way to my bed: linen duvet, soft cotton flannel sheets, and hand embroidered and crocheted pillowcases.
