Getting ready for Baby

I am not sure I mentioned this on the blog yet: we are having a boy! Yeah!  We are starting to get things ready for him - which means sorting through three bins of blankets, bibs, clothes and shoes.

Three bins of teeny tiny baby things!  Hand-me-downs from his big brother, and from his cousin.   I need to sort everything by size, not necessarily by what the tag says.  It feels like a monumental task.  Maybe I will start with blankets.  I think we have enough to fill the dresser.

 I also did a bit of shopping...(only a bit)

Here's the deal...we have all kinds of stuff, but his closet is NOT FUNCTIONAL.  I need a second bar up front (lower), and REAL SHELVES in the back...

Sounds like it is time for a little home improvement project! 

We need

- 1x4's

- a new drill

- some plywood (cut down to size) 

I am certain I can accomplish this myself (which means it will actually get done before my due date).  I built the shelves in the utility room earlier this year.  Not to mention there is already a second bar in the closet, behind the first.  I can steal this and move it below.  The plaster walls don't scare me...I figure if there are studs in there, I will find them!

I am not sure if this project qualifies as nesting...or procrastinating.  Since I really don't want to start washing the baby clothes until I have a place to put it all.  

Have you ever tackled a mountain of hand-me-down clothing? Where did you start? What do you think is better for baby stuff - hanging up, or folded? 

ps...I need to find a new place for the extra throw pillow inserts, currently hanging out in the crib. The Halloween costumes can go into one of the empty bins and sit on the new shelves...the exersaucer, uppa stroller bassinet, activity mat, and other bulky baby items will be shoved into the shelves as neatly as possible. I wish there was a tidy, Martha Stewart worthy way of storing baby things.  Why can't it all collapse down into a shoe box?    

hmmm....maybe I will make (or buy) cute throw pillow covers that can stay in the nursery...then just toss them on the floor when not in use.  Perfect to prop baby up when he starts to sit (and fall over)....hmmm...maybe? 

UPDATE:
I went through things last night and this morning.  Now we are down to three manageable piles...first pile: 0-3 months, second pile: 3-6m onesies, third pile: 3-6m sleepers (also a fourth pile of newborn stuff sitting on the rocking chair - sooo tiny!)...the larger things went back into a tote.  I also found an additional bin of burp cloths and other blankets.  I have my first of two loads of blankets in the washing machine!