With just seven days until my due date (and a strong suspicion that Baby P will keep us waiting), we’ve officially started preparing for her arrival.

We’ve already tackled the nursery, but now “getting ready” means being prepared for labor and the very first days home with our daughter. From the moment we learned we were expecting, the idea of a growing family crept into everything we do, and now the reality has finally sunk in: we made a person. It’s surreal to think there’s a little human inside me who will someday walk, talk, go to school, and maybe roll her eyes at her dorky parents with paint in their hair. Accepting that has made the final preparations feel all the more meaningful.

Here are the practical and sentimental steps we took to prepare for Baby P’s arrival:

1. Practical protection for bed, sofa, and car: I’ve been fixated on the idea of my water breaking on the bed or couch, so we bought a waterproof mattress protector and a small waterproof blanket for the sofa and car seat. They’re comfortable—much less “diaper-like” than I expected—and were an economical purchase. For peace of mind, protecting our organic mattress and favorite couch felt worth it, especially since my mom’s waters broke in bed with every child. (Side note: I secretly hope my water breaks somewhere hilariously public, like Target—because that would make for a great story.)

2. DIY baby memory book: John suggested making our own baby book as my birthday gift, and we had a blast putting it together. We bought a fabric-covered 8.5 x 8.5″ album and patterned paper, then added printed prompts and pockets for keepsakes like the hospital bracelet, a going-home hat, and inked footprints. Our DIY album cost about $15 and lets us record Baby P’s milestones, photos, and quirky “future predictions” where we guessed her hair color, first word, and even a possible future job. It’s sentimental, personal, and looks sweet on the nursery shelf.

3. Preparing our dog for the baby: We read tips about helping pets and newborns get along and learned that bringing home a gift for the dog can create positive associations. We’ll also let our dog sniff a blanket that smells like the baby before bringing her home. We picked up a few special treats and a new chew toy for Burger to help him feel included and excited when Baby P arrives.

4. Blog backup content: To keep the house blog running smoothly during those first intense weeks, we built a buffer of posts: Reader Redesigns, tutorials, Look & Learns, and other short features. That way readers will still get regular content while we adjust to life with a newborn and the inevitable sleepless nights.

5. Cloth diapers and savings: We invested in BumGenius one-size organic cloth diapers from a local shop we love. Cloth diapers will significantly reduce landfill waste and save us money over the long run—savings we can put toward future projects or another child. Our efficient front-loading washer and dryer will help keep water and energy use low, and we’re glad to be making an eco-conscious choice.

6. Washing baby clothes carefully: I washed all new baby clothes, bedding, and removable car seat covers with a cup and a half of vinegar to remove residue from dyes and chemicals common in non-organic items. The clothes come out soft and odorless. I had one laundry mishap—tiny hot pink leggings with the whites—but the soft pink tint that resulted actually charmed me and reminded me that things won’t always be perfect, and that’s okay.

7. A pretty pillowcase for delivery photos: A reader’s tip convinced me to bring a pretty pillowcase to the hospital. It’s a small detail that can brighten delivery photos and draw attention away from my post-birth puffy face. I found a lovely one on sale and received two as a birthday gift—practical for the hospital and pretty in our guest room afterward.

8. A multi-purpose sound and light solution: With limited outlets and space in the nursery, we looked for a two-in-one device. We chose an iPod I-Home dock that plays music and can loop white noise downloaded from iTunes. It also has a color-changing ambient light feature, so it acts as a white noise machine, music player, and light machine all in one. It’s an affordable, space-saving solution recommended by friends and family.

One quote we found especially touching was: “A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for.” We’re so excited to meet Baby P and start this new chapter. If you’ve prepared a home for a new baby, pet, roommate, or guests, we’d love to hear what you did to get ready—what helped you feel calm and prepared for the new arrival?