How a New Mom Prepares for Hurricane Irene

As a lover of Mother Nature and the wrath she can inflict, I have always relished in the chance to witness more of her unending power. But as the weekend draws near, and her next threat is imminent in Hurricane Irene, I am finding myself more wary of the impending doom because for the first time I am a mom.

Since May 13, when my daughter Danica was born, a lot has changed in my life, as any parent knows. I spend my money on diapers and formula now instead of DVDs and computer games. I stay in Saturday nights to spend time with her instead of hanging out with friends.

And, when a massive storm system approaches such as Hurricane Irene, I worry about her welfare instead of preparing to celebrate with my customary cigar.

When I first heard about Hurricane Irene two days ago, my first thoughts were that this would be my daughter's first major storm.

My second thoughts were "Do we have enough formula/diapers/bottled water/wipes?" Then "What do I need to do to protect our home so that she is safe?" And lastly "Will she notice anything different or will she still be safe and secure in her world?"

I cannot begin to imagine what it would be like if we had to evacuate. Prior to her birth, I knew that I needed to have the two cat carriers handy and a bag with bottled water, cat food, a flashlight and lots of batteries.

Now I know I have to pack at least a nice sized suitcase with diapers, clothing and blankets for her, formula, water, and all the other things that infants cannot live without.

And for the first time in my life I am realizing that I may not be able to stay where I am to protect my cats. It is a difficult thing to think about; leaving my cats behind, but it isn't a difficult decision to make because Dani is my top priority.

So, as I write this article, I am making a last minute grocery list for the weekend and mental notes on how to secure our home to make sure we are prepared.

And I am hoping that Irene takes mercy on a new single mother who wants to keep all the lives she is responsible for safe and secure.