My goal this time around was to pack more thoughtfully, have less stuff, and make the stuff I had easier to find.

Since I wrote this before having my baby, but am just now getting ready to post it, I thought I would add some notes on what things I used, what I didn’t, and what I wished I had or had someone bring me from home.

These are my actual hospital bags – the rolling suitcase holds all of my things. Last time, I used a duffel bag, and I found rummaging around in it made things messier. With this bag, things should be easier to find and get out without making so much of a mess. Here’s what’s in it:

• Plastic baggie with chapstick, lotion, hair ties, and some of those stretchy athletic headbands. The baggie is labeled so my husband knows that these are the things I will want for laboring. I used all of these, but the athletic headband came off at some point during hard labor/pushing. I didn’t notice.
• Two nursing tanks and nursing bra. One tank would have been fine, except I spilled tea over one, so it was nice to have a back-up. Sadly, the nursing bra was a bust as I was too big for it by the time I left the hospital.
• Nursing pads – I have a single pack of disposables and two pairs of reusable pads. Didn’t need.
• Two pairs of underwear, different cuts. I love the mesh panties, but I’ll need something to wear home. I have two styles of underwear I’m hoping will be comfortable for wearing home; both are pairs I don’t mind throwing out, if needed. I only used one – the giant, granny-style, fold-down maternity undies were perfect for wearing for the first couple of days.
• One pair of lightweight, long-sleeved PJ’s. I got mine from Target, and the top buttons down so I can unbutton for nursing (I plan to wear a nursing tank underneath) and button up for visitors. I love these. They were the perfect weight and when I needed to spot wash them, they dried quickly hanging in the bathroom.
• Nursing gown. I packed the gown I wore after having C but didn’t like because it didn’t offer enough coverage. I thought I’d throw it in there just in case I have a c-section and don’t want to wear pants. I didn’t have a c-section, so I didn’t use these.
• Zip-up hoodie for nursing gown coverage and/or to wear home if its cooler (I’m bringing this as a robe substitute, because it takes up less room in my bag and is more versatile). I didn’t use this either, since I loved my PJ’s soo much.
• Going home outfit: maternity yoga pants, maternity/nursing tank. Super comfy.
• Slippers Surprisingly, I didn’t use these. I wore flip-flops in, and either went barefoot or wore those.
• Fuzzy socks Again, I’m surprised I didn’t use these. I might have it had been cooler out when I delivered?
• Older towel (a friend who just delivered at the same hospital I’ll be in highly recommended this, or I would have left it out.) I used this every day and was very glad I had it. The hospital towels were thin, small, and a little scratchy. They were great for hair and drying places I was worried about blood, but it was so nice to have a towel to actually wrap around me.
• My toiletries, deodorant, toothbrush and razor for my husband. Used them all.
• Make-up. I purchased duplicates of all my make-up so I could keep it packed in my hospital bag. Last time around I planned to grab my make-up bag and bring it with me, but it ended up that my husband needed to get all of my bags for me, and I was without make-up and hair-doing things until my mom arrived, about a day after C was born. Used!
• I wish I had packed my sound machine, but I had my mom bring it for me. I’m a fairly deep sleeper, but noises really bother me when it comes to falling asleep. We were in a room right across from the nurses station, so we could hear them talking and commotion, if there was any. Also, the clock in our room was super loud and distracting to me when trying to sleep. The sound machine didn’t cover it up, but it gave me a nice white noise to focus on and made me feel more like I was at home.

You’ll notice I’m bringing my Boppy this time. I know a lot of second-time moms don’t, but since nursing was a big struggle with C and I’m not an “experienced nurser,” I thought it would be really helpful. I didn’t have this the first time around, and wished I did. I used this every time I nursed in the hospital, except maybe the initial time after birth.

Under the Boppy is a small canvas bag that has mostly my husband’s things, including:

• Money for food. Our hospital’s cafeteria is cash-only. Used more than once.
• A pair of comfy shorts and t-shirt for sleeping in. Not worn, apparently sleeping in jeans isn’t a big deal to my husband.
• A “nicer” t-shirt. Worn.
• Socks. I have no idea if he used these or not.
• Granola bars for us to share (one of the few easily portable and shelf-stable snacks we both like). We ate some of these, but there was also a small snack area for patients, so we got a lot of snacks there for more variety.
• Coconut water for me to have after labor. I drank this as soon as I was cleaned up, and it was so nice.
• Phone and camera chargers. Used.
• Folder for taking home all the paper the hospital will give us. Didn’t use. Our hospital gave us a folder for all of our papers.
• Camera. Duh.

NOTE: All of these things could have fit in my hospital bag (except maybe the snacks) if I hadn’t packed a towel.

I’m also bringing a flexible tote for carrying things into and out of the hospital, as we’ll probably loose and gain some things during our stay. Right now, the baby’s bag and a Big Brother bag for Colton are in it. In the baby’s bag:

• Going home outfit (I have a warmer and cooler version of this since the weather here has been all over the place of late). He wore his Little Brother shirt home, even though it was too big, so he didn’t wear these.
• “Little Brother” shirt and coordinating pants.
• Outfit for hospital pictures. He wore his Little Brother shirt for this too.
• One extra outfit I think is super cute. He wore this, and it was super cute with the matching hat and booties.
• Cute knit hat for hospital wearing. Worn, but the hospital provided a super cute knit hat as well.
• Miracle blanket (I contemplated not bringing this, but it is the only blanket I can swaddle with, so if the baby is sleeping in our room most of the time, I need it). Didn’t use. My husband shocked me with his swaddling ability.

NOTE: We didn’t have any fun outfits for C when he was born for a while (my husband brought our things but forgot the baby’s), and the hospital had plenty of cute clothes. I really only *need* one or two outfits, I just wanted to have more on hand because its fun.

In Colton’s Big Brother bag I packed some things that could be used at the hospital, but I also wanted things that would be fun, easy, and low-mess to use once we got home:

• Color Wonder marker and paper.
• Pack of plastic construction vehicles.
• Melissa and Doug reusable stickers and color w/water pad.
• Set of stamps (found for under a buck at WalMart after Easter)
• Glitter crayons.
• Chuck the Truck coloring book.
• New book about Trucks.

I’m thinking we’ll leave everything in the car, except my bag, until after delivery, and we can leave C’s bag in the car until we know he’s coming to visit.

We’re not bringing all of our social security cards and other documents, as we didn’t need them last time, so I’m not anticipating needing them again. I’m also not bringing any reading material (which is on every single packing list I’ve seen) because I just don’t read during labor, or after the baby’s born. I feel like that might be unique to me, but if you’re planning a natural birth, you won’t be reading, and I was just so busy figuring out my baby and talking to visitors, there just wasn’t time.

I’m curious; are there any items you consider must haves in your hospital bag? Or is there something lots of people bring you find unnecessary?

]]> http://longbrakeliving.wordpress.com/2013/06/07/first-and-last/feed/ 1 longbrakeliving firstandlast http://longbrakeliving.wordpress.com/2013/06/02/nathan/ http://longbrakeliving.wordpress.com/2013/06/02/nathan/#comments Sun, 02 Jun 2013 00:22:38 +0000 longbrakeliving https://longbrakeliving.wordpress.com/?p=4325 ]]> Nathan Jordan was born May 28th at 4:01 am.

My labor started right as I was going to bed to prepare for my induction, and all I could do was laugh.

We are all enjoying our newest addition, and slowly adjusting to our new family life.

How far along: 40 weeks

Size of baby: According to my doctor’s guess, baby weighs between 7.5 and 8 pounds. I think the baby is about 20 inches long.

Weight Gain: 32 pounds.

Symptoms: Somewhat regular, but not painful contractions. I actually went to Labor and Delivery because I thought I might be starting labor, and with my history and family history of fast-coming babies, I didn’t want to wait. Apparently, I have contractions that are doing nothing; not bringing the baby down, not causing any change, nothing. Other than that, I’m just experiencing general tiredness and discomfort.

Exercise: Not really. Going to make an effort for a nice walk today though.

Clothes: Maternity!

Cravings/Aversions: Nothing specific.

Movement: Still having those strong pushes and occasional kicks under the ribs.

Worries: That this baby will never come. That my induction go terribly and/or end in a c-section because my baby refuses to come.

Milestones: Induction tomorrow!

Best Moment this Week: My parents are coming tonight. I’m anticipating that being pretty awesome because a.) my mom will feed me, b.) they will entertain Colton, and c.) it means I’m about to have a baby.

This room used to be our bedroom until we moved upstairs. The previous paint color was a dark gray-blue, which I really liked for our room, but seemed far too dark for a nursery that I really wanted to have a fun, happy, light vibe.

I knew I still wanted a gray for the walls, just much lighter. After much discussion and some third-party opinions, we went with Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl, color matched at Home Depot.

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This was the image that gave me an idea of the general feeling I wanted for the room, but until Sarah told me I needed red buffalo check, I had no real idea where I was going to go for this space.

The red buffalo check lead me to the gray and white star sheeting and a white and navy crib bumper, both via Pottery Barn kids. I really wasn’t excited about Pottery Barn Kid’s pricing, but once I had the image of all three together in my mind, I had to have it. I stalked eBay for months, but never found what I was looking for that was in good shape, the precise color I wanted, a reasonable price, or didn’t come with a bunch of other things I didn’t want. I was lucky enough to catch the bumper on sale and get free shipping on it and the crib sheets (I ordered two so I would have a back-up).

They work together fabulously, and I’m so glad we had saved for this baby and were able to purchase them. The chevron blanket has a minky back and is from this etsy shop. She’s on vacation now, and was when I purchased this, but I just convo-ed her and she sent it out to me quickly.

I also made this mobile for the room. Well, I made the felt balls and Sarah and Caroline assembled and hung everything. I love the color it adds, and its totally baby approved!

I would, however, like to add a large letter (I’m thinking a paper mache one from Joann’s) over the crib, once Noodle arrives and we settle on his name.

I think a large, red letter between the top of the crib and the mobile would give this wall the pop it needs. Plus, if its cardboard, it will be totally safe for above the crib.

Sarah and Caroline also sewed these fabulous curtains with red star fabric Sarah hunted down for me. They need to be hemmed, but I’m in love. The rug is from overstock, and we happily already had three red children’s chairs, so one just made its way to this room and fits perfectly under the window (not sure if it will stay here or not).

We found a great dresser at a local consignment shop to hold all of Noodle’s hand-me-downs. It is a little smaller than Colton’s, but has the same drawer set-up, which I really like. I also like the more classic styling of this dresser; I can see it working in lots of other rooms if the boys end up bunking together in the future.

I convinced my somewhat unwilling husband to hang photos above the dresser (he objected on the grounds that C stands and bangs on his dresser now, but he’s two, so I figure we’ll worry about this when we get there). He did hang them, but a little higher than I requested; ah well, compromise is a great thing!. We hung our brother art work, which I adore, first. The top left frame has a fun animal alphabet print I found via Pinterest. The bottom left frame is scripture from Jeremiah. I really liked the verse and found it already written out in colors that worked perfectly in the room. The two bottom middle frames are empty, but I plan on putting Noodle’s footprints or handprint in the top frame and one of the maternity photos Caroline took for me in the bottom frame (it is white, but has a yellow border, which I think will look fab with her photos). The top right frame will have a Dr. Seuss quote, and the bottom right frame has a picture of a sweet, sleeping fox that I found for free back when I was looking for things for Colton’s room.

The changing pad cover came from IvieBaby. It popped up during a flash sale they had recently, and I love it. I love all of the bedding in her store, but it was out of our price range. If its in your budget, I highly recommend her shop – the sewing on this is impeccable and it is perfectly contoured for our changing pad.

This area, to the right of the crib, needs the most work (seriously, how sad is this photo!?). The rocking chair was my great-aunts and was also in C’s room. The quilt was mine as a baby, and as much as I love it, it doesn’t work as well over here as I wanted. I’m planning on making pillow covers in both the star and buffalo check fabrics, so that might help tie it in better. The table is the perfect height, but a little unsteady for two boys running around, I think. I’m hunting for something better (I’d love a piano stool, but then I’d need some way to fix it at one height, so that might not work either), but in the meantime, this will work.

The lamp is also a placeholder; my parents have a lamp made from a Barnum’s Animal Cracker tin. The shade may need to be replaced, but I’m really excited to get this in the space.

My husband is building three forward facing bookshelves for me, but they probably won’t be finished until after the baby is born. They’ll look like these, but beefier and longer and white (seriously, the one he finished is so heavy I question how on earth it can be hung; once it is, I could probably do chin-ups on it). My dad is also going to paint a picture for the room, which I think will look nice on this wall as well. The one he did for Colton is about two feet framed, so I think it will work scale-wise on this wall.

While it isn’t quite finished yet, I love this room. Frankly, I think that’s a miracle, since when Sarah and Caroline were here a few weeks ago, I kept saying I had no idea what I wanted in the room. Hopefully it won’t take forever for us to get everything in order after our boy is here!

How far along: 39 weeks

Size of baby: Probably around seven pounds at this point. Maybe seven and a half.

Weight Gain: 31 pounds. This is the time I start packing it on because I loose all self-control. “I’m pregnant!” my brain says, “eat as much as you want while its still socially acceptable!”

Symptoms: Low pressure, lots of bathroom trips, super tired from about 1pm on, occasional contractions. All totally normal for this stage. I think I’m starting to swell just a bit, which I did with Colton. Then, I apparently was swollen just a tiny bit all over and didn’t notice until he was born and I started having night sweats, I’m assuming this is what’s happening this time. I’m also hoping it is contributing to at least some of my weight gain.

Exercise: More walks and a zoo trip where I carried C most of the time, but not enough to really be classified as exercise I don’t think.

Clothes: Maternity!

Cravings/Aversions: Chipotle…I think I could eat that every day for the rest of this pregnancy, even though I hadn’t eaten there in years until nine weeks ago. Apparently I have an aversion to Chick-fil-a, though I’m not sure if I’m truly adverse or if I’d just much rather be at Chipotle.

Movement: Still strong pushes, mostly consisting of Noodle pushing his bottom around. He made a funny sort of triangle shape the other day pushing his rear out.

Worries: Random things, like my water breaking in embarrassing public places. Some worries about crazy things going wrong in labor, but those are very easily tempered by my absolute love and trust of my doctor. I’m also worried about going in for my induction (scheduled for Tuesday!!) and not having dilated enough to have a successful one (meaning one that isn’t overly painful and ends in a c-section). I think I’m going to go for it regardless, as long as my doctor thinks it will be fine, but I feel a little stressed about it.

Milestones: None on the going into labor front. Last week I was barely a one and hardly effaced, as of Monday I was a two tunneling into a one, which is a lot more progress than I had the two weeks prior. It is slightly discouraging because I was a 2 to 2.5 at 38 weeks with Colton, so I just feel like I’m “behind.” But I’m trying to remind myself that something is happening, which is good, so I can’t complain too much about things going slower than I’d like. Plus, I still feel reasonably comfortable most of the time (and I get to have a baby! And soon!), so I really can’t complain or feel sorry for myself.

Best Moment this Week: I’ve been telling Colton that Noodle will come at the end of may, and he has been asking consistently for a while if it is the end of May yet. I finally told him it was the end of May this week, and his immediate reply was, “is Noodle coming out?” I told him no and he said, “I not ready to come out, I think.” I love that he understands as much as he does and is excited (at the moment) to have a little brother.

How far along: 37 weeks

Size of baby: according to my doctor, Noodle weighs between 6 and 6.5 pounds right now and will weigh between 7.5 and 8 pounds when he’s born. (He used something called the Leopold, rather than ultrasound, which has a much smaller margin of error.)

Weight Gain: 28 pounds???? It may be a little higher, but I’m sure it will even out over the week, so we’ll call it 28.

Symptoms: I’m a frequent flyer to the bathroom and have been having more low back pain. I think the back pain is more a symptom of sleeping on my side than anything else, but I could be wrong.

Exercise: Does pushing a double stroller up a hill and around a zoo count?

Clothes: Maternity!

Cravings/Aversions: Craving sweet things and Chipotle, not really adverse to anything.

Movement: Still strong pushes, mostly consisting of Noodle jabbing his bottom into my ribs. He needs to get the “go down!” memo. Also, every time he kicks me on the left I feel his hand poking me on the right. Someone has disco fever.

Worries: Since I feel pretty good, I’m concerned I’m going to end up being pregnant forever. My doctor won’t let me be pregnant forever, but since I was on time with Colton, going overdue doesn’t excite me too much.

Milestones: Baby is considered full term! If he’s born this week, Noodle shouldn’t need any extra support and would probably not need to stay in the NICU.

Best Moment this Week: Sarah and Caroline came! Not only did we have lots of fun with the kids, but they also sewed my nursery curtains and crib skirt and put together and hung my mobile. I watched, wrote thank you notes, offered opinions, and slept. They are the best nursery slaves ever, and I shudder to think what state this poor baby’s room would be in (and what state my pregnancy hormones would have me in), without their help. I’m pretty sure I can’t thank them enough for them complete and total awesomeness.

How far along: 36 weeks

Size of baby: Baby weighs about 6 pounds and is approximately the size of a bowling ball or watermelon (hopefully a small one, because that seems really big!).

Weight Gain: 26 pounds. The same as last week! This is extra good since I’m certain this next week will be like a 2 pound gain with all the fun birthday dinner, husband cooking on my actual birthday, baby shower, Sarah and Caroline visiting going on. All in one week!!!

Symptoms: I thought I was feeling low pressure last week. Um, no. NOW I’m feeling a LOT of low pressure. And cramping. Some of the pressure/cramping is so painful its hard to move. But if I can manage to change positions, I can usually find one that relives that sharp pain, which makes me super happy.

Exercise: Like I was going to start this now.

Clothes: All maternity clothes and very happy about it. I decided on Saturday this baby was head down and super low when I had on a pair of pants I had worn a week ago with now issue and had to keep pulling them up so my stomach wouldn’t hang out from under my shirt. It was a super attractive look.

Cravings/Aversions: Chocolate. Noodles/pasta. Things that are easy for me to cook.

Movement: Still strong pushes, with occasional sharp kicks and jabs. Based on the pelvic pain/cramping/pressure, it feels like Noodle has very broad shoulders that are pushing on my pelvic area. Not sure if that’s true, but it sure is what it feels like.

Worries: Not a whole lot this week. I’m a little worried I won’t be able to have my doctor deliver my baby again this time, since my due date is on Memorial Day and he is out of town the Thursday and part of Friday before.

Milestones: Baby’s bones are beginning to harden more, but will remain somewhat soft/pliable to get through the birth canal.

Best Moment this Week: I decided to totally rip off this super cute brother art project, and tackled it this weekend. Colton, who normally loves painting, wasn’t as into it as I thought he would be, so we got creative. He painted his hands to make hand prints, we both painted our finger tips to paint with, and we used lots of different grass, ferns and leaves as well. Even though there were some stressful moments with someone wanting to run away, it was nice to be outside, all three of us, working on a project for our new baby.

How far along: 35 weeks

Size of baby: Baby weighs about 5.5 pounds and is about 18 inches long.

Weight Gain: 26 pounds.

Symptoms: Total “pregnancy brain.” I know medical people say this doesn’t exist, but then why does every woman I’ve ever talked to experience this to some degree? Suddenly feeling a lot, lot more tired. I’ve also been feeling more low-pressure, which I’m hoping means baby is head down, getting ready to be born.

Exercise: Still none.

Clothes: Maternity clothes! Although, now I’m bummed I put away my wintery clothes, because its cooler here now and I’m too tired to mess with undoing and then needing to redo this.

Cravings/Aversions: Chocolate covered soy nuts. I ate this all the time with Colton, and have just started wanting them again.

Movement: Lots of strong pushes, some that even make my belly look distorted and triangular shaped. A week ago my Dr. said Noodle was head-down, and even though it feels like he can move everywhere, I’m going to assume that’s still correct.

Worries: I’m concerned with how Colton will handle being a big brother. My Bible Study group had a small shower for me last week, and when I told C we had presents for Noodle in the car he immediately looked disappointed and said, “but where my presents?” One of the ladies had sweetly included a little something for him, and I told him he had a small present and he perked right up, which is good, but just that he immediately felt left out made me worry about how he would do. I have some special things he will receive from the baby, he will get to pick a special present to give his brother, and have been talking to him about how much Noodle loves his big brother, all the fun things C can teach him, and how he is my big boy and good helper, all of which I hope will help ease the transition. All I can do is wait and see what happens.

Milestones: If Noodle Baby were born now, he would do well and likely not have any long-term health issues from being born early. He is mostly fully developed now, so his main job for the next 5 weeks will be gaining weight.

Best Moment this Week: Noodle’s room is finally painted! We also set up his crib and bassinet, and I dedicated Saturday to unpacking and refreshing our baby clothes. They are now clean, folded in drawers, ready for baby. He also has diapers! Nothing else is really ready for him, but if I suddenly and unexpectedly go into labor, we have the necessities ready.

How far along: 34 weeks

Size of baby: Baby

Weight Gain: 24 pounds…24 pounds…please be 24 pounds! Turns out, its 25 pounds this week, which still isn’t bad.

Symptoms: I have finally reached the point where I need to use the bathroom at least once a night. If I don’t wake up and go, I can barely get out of bed in the morning, thanks to the pain of my child sitting on my bladder. It doesn’t feel like I have to pee so much as it just feels like the baby is going to come out, dilated or not.

Exercise: Still none.

Clothes: Maternity clothes! I put away my wintery maternity clothes this week, and in the process I pulled out some clothes I think will work well postpartum. Obviously I don’t know how things will end up postpartum and what I’ll feel like wearing, but it does seem like I have a reasonable amount of things to wear early on.

Cravings/Aversions: None in particular, other than chocolate, which is pretty much a constant craving for me.

Movement: Still getting strong pushes and rolls that seem to be all over the place. I can’t figure out where this baby is at all. I think he’s head down because of the pressure on my bladder, but the way he moves feels like he’s still little and moving everywhere.

Worries: All of a sudden I had this terrible thought that I’d like this baby more than I like Colton. Not love, just that I’ll think one kid is cooler, or easier, or more fun than the other. Maybe this is what moms mean when they say they worry they will love one child more than the other.

Milestones: If I went into labor this week, my doctor wouldn’t try to stop it. Even though I wouldn’t be full-term, he says at that point whatever would be causing me to go into labor would do more harm to the baby to keep him in than coming six weeks early would.

Best Moment this Week: I was carrying Colton, and said something about I thought I had to go to the bathroom, but it could be his knee pressing into my bladder, or Noodle sitting on it, I wasn’t sure. Colton said, “Me and Noodle are kicking each other!” Ah, brotherly love.