Hi Ed, thanks for the update, glad you had a positive trip, it sounds like everything is beginning to fall into place for you. I'm sure most first time parents feel like they've a million things to organise before the baby comes (we did) but it sounds like you are bang on track. I think the idea of getting someone in to help with the cleaning is a great one - have you thought about getting an au pair - they can often help with child care too which might be a help in the early weeks.
All the best to you and Melanie - you're in the home stretch now!
Liz