"Professionals" vs. "Mom's"

Yesterday I posted this on my Facebook page: "Attn Mom's: I am 23 weeks pregnant- what should I be doing? Classes? Nursery set up? Please let me know! Thanks!"
I will get to the responses a little bit later, but for now, here is what the "Professionals" say I should be doing:
* Start planning nursery
* Consider using a doula and start interviewing
* Pick up some baby books
* Research public and private cord blood banking
* Schedule monthly OB visit
* Start considering name possibilities
* Start thinking about baby shower
* Start interviewing pediatricians
* Consider getting maternity photos taken
That's just what I should be doing during week 23! There is more stuff I should be doing next week during week 24. Here is what I have done so far this week:
* Worked
* Grocery shopped
* Cooked dinner
* Cleaned the house
* Done some laundry
* Took care of my sick Husband

Who has time to keep up with the "Professionals" list when you have a job, Husband, and a life?! I am NOT knocking what the "Professionals" have to say, I am sure all of that stuff is important, but what happened to just having a baby, not knowing "What to expect when you are expecting", and figuring it all out when the baby arrives. Isn't that part of the fun of having a child? Wouldn't you rather say that you figured it all out on your own as opposed to saying "That's what the book says I should be doing"!? Now, don't get me wrong, I have the "What to expect when you are expecting" book. I made my sister buy it for me the week after I found out I was pregnant, and I read it religiously for a couple of weeks, but I haven't picked it up since around 12-13 weeks pregnant. Again, I am NOT knocking anyone who reads all the books your Doctor recommends.

Now, getting back to how the "Mom's" responded on my Facebook question. Here is what they had to say:
* "You should go on a vacation with your husband and relax! When baby comes, all that stuff they teach you helps a bit, but you will know what to do! Life will be all about baby soon!" - Rebekah Stevens (Mother of 2)
* "SLEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And do NOTHING for a few more weeks!!! :) Life will never be the same!! Wouldn't trade it for the world! But, SLEEP and be LAZY!!! haha ;)" - Tanya Nolette (Mother of 3)
* "You are too cute! Everyone's comments are right on! If you haven't already, go on babycenter.com and when you sign up for updates for your pregnancy they will tell you all you need to know each step of the way! Have fun!!! :)" - Charity Reesor (Mother of 3)
* "Sleep is very important and also enjoy peaceful showers!!! b/c once the baby comes everything changes but for the better!!" - Maria Bennett (Mother of 2)
* "Sleep... Peaceful showers .... I totally agree... Running somewhere to get one thing without strollers and an entourage.... And relax... And listen to your sister.... :) that's all..." - Whitney Koester (Mother of 2)
* "Go to the movies, go out to eat, read a book, relish the days you get to sleep in, and take your time at the grocery store." - Karen Wolfe (Mother of 1 & 1 on the way)
Funny how they said nothing about what the "Professionals" said I should be doing this week.

You always here the Doctors say how each pregnancy is different, well each way you choose to prepare for a baby is different. I don't think that one way is better than another, I just think that each woman needs to decide for herself how she is going to prepare for this new journey.

This is what I have learned from posting that question on Facebook:
I am just the type of person that would rather just figure it out as I go along, listen to other Mom's advice, and have faith that it will all just fall into place!