Baby Cometh

4 months to go and there is much to do. Things to buy, things to prepare, things to ensure are in place, people to meet, and of course the mental preparation needed to wrap our heads around parenthood. Oh yes, I forgot to mention the enormous amount of literature to read to get prepared and informed.

One of my many great strengths in the workplace is project management. So I think it is time to take control and ensure all things are in place. 5 key drivers:

1) Facilities Management

• Out with the old – a major cleaning needs to take place. This involves the clearing of one the “study room” which has morphed into a store room which actually is more of junk room. (Immediate Action)
• Putting in place some semblance of a “moving” nursery which will welcome Mojo. (Needs future action)
• Logistical plan of housing a possible total of 5-6 adults + Mojo in a house with 2 actual rooms, one study and an attic. (Needs future action)

2) Vendor Management

A particular strength of mine when dealing with outsource partners in India or China but in this case, it’s 3 possible sets of vendors;

• Confinement Lady – from Malaysia who speaks no English. (Already sorted)
• Domestic Helper – Needs to be sourced through maid agencies and by God’s grace we will have someone exceptional. (Needs future action)
• Infant Care – this has been on the cards for a while but has gone dormant and needs to be restarted. Time is running out here. (Immediate Action)

3) Acquisitions

This one is tough and expensive there is an excel sheet created by the wife which lists all the essentials that needs to be purchased for Mojo and her comfort, as well as our comfort.

• 10 things related to infrastructure
• 19 things for baby
• 8 things for us, mainly Mum

I shall delegate this to the wife to track. Wife take note! (In progress)

4) Training and Development

For this I have been delinquent, relying on my now meager but then promising efforts, it is time to step up my game. Wife has been doing the necessary and I need to get with the program.

• There is lots to read to get oneself ready – Parenting, Baby Development, Brain Development, Flash Cards, Music Enrichment and Early Nutrition all of which I have little or no formal idea. (Immediate Action)
• Pre-Natal classes will supplement majority of the curriculum but self study would go a long way – Thank God. (Needs future action)

5) Recreation

My favorite portion of the plan because with every well executed plan and successful delivery there must be some fun and celebration. Does not need to be expensive but just some couple time. Its just as important as all other points and should never be overlooked!

• Mandatory Date Night (minimum of one per month) – splash out! (Immediate Action)
• Possible weekender trip – BKK, PEN, DPS? (Needs future action)
• TV nights – something we both love and can do together (In progress)
• Always live well, laugh often, love much! (On track)

M on a mission