Ladies Night

We had a lovely night on the town with some of my best lady friends. Here are a few photos. Note to self, "I really look and feel bloated. I am anxiously awaiting the nugget's entry into the world."

Hospital Bag

I think it's time to start packing a hospital bag. In one magazine it said you should have it ready to go in your third trimeseter. I'm less than a month away.

Here's a list of the suggested items I'll be packing over the next few days.

Pack for the Hospital:

* Baby Book
* Back Massager and Oils or Lotions
* Bathrobe
* Birth Plan
* Booties for Baby
* Bottled Juice
* Camera and Extra Batteries
* Car Seat that is Pre-Installed
* Cell Phone and Charger if Allowed
* Change for Vending Machines
* Chapstick
* Comb/Brush/Hair Products
* Comfortable 6 Month Maternity Clothes for Trip Home
* Comfortable Lounging Outfit
* Contacts or Glasses
* Deodorant
* Extra Clothes for Dad
* Extra Pillows
* Gown to Wear During Birth to Throw Away Later
* Hair Bands to Pull Back Hair
* Birthing Ball if the Hospital does not Have One
* Hair Dryer
* Health Insurance Card
* Hospital Pre-Registration Forms
* If Cold, Car Seat Bunting
* Makeup
* Money for Cafeteria Food
* Mouthwash
* Music CD’s and Player
* Notebook and Paper
* Nursing Bra Pads
* Nursing Bras
* Object to Focus on During Labor
* Pediatrician’s Phone Number
* Phone List and Pre-Paid Calling Card
* Pillows from Home
* Prescription Medication
* Receiving Blanket for Trip Home
* Several Pairs Loose Fitting Underwear
* Shampoo and Conditioner
* Slippers
* Snacks for Dad for Long Labors
* Snacks for You for After Delivery
* Special Clothes for Baby Hospital Picture
* Special Clothes for Baby Trip Home
* Special Soap
* Toilet Paper
* Toothbrush and Toothpaste
* Two Pairs Loose Fitting Pajamas that Open in Front for Nursing
* Video Camera, Charger and Tapes

From the Hospital

You will be provided with a few things for you and your baby in the hospital. Bassinettes usually have drawers that will contain items for your baby. These can include a hat, hospital baby blanket, pacifier, suction bulb and diapers. Your hospital may send Mom home with large sanitary pads and one or two cold packs for your vaginal area. You may be given a squeeze bottle to be used for warm water cleansing after visiting the bathroom.

I also read that bringing your own tolilet paper is a good idea if you don't like the cheap, thin ply stuff. (I would have never thought of that.)

Housekeeping

We've decided it's time for a housekeeper and today was the first visit. Worth every penny! Thanks to our neighbor Lisa for the recommendation and referral.

Doctor Update

Another doctor appointment and this time we found out the baby is still breech. Going forward the appointments will be weekly and my next one is on my birthday-- next Wednesday. That's when we'll have to determine, assuming the baby has not already flipped, whether we want to have an external version or simply schedule a c-section. Right now I'm leaning toward a c-section.

Cloth Diaper Covers

In my quest to learn about cloth diapers I learned that it's a good idea to put a diaper cover over the cloth diaper. This made me think of the plastic looking underwear, aka the training underwear, but this is not the case. There are so many cute diaper covers that are available and many of them have cute prints and Velcro. The link here is to a site that has many options of diaper covers for those that are curious.

Four Pounder

We went to our baby class on Sunday and walked by the nursery. There were only two little babies in there because most babies stay in the room with their mothers. One little baby we saw weighed in at 4 lbs and 14 ounces. It was crazy to me to see that little baby knowing that the nugget I'm carrying around is larger than the baby in the nursery window. For perspective, the photo in this blog is one of a baby weighing in around four pounds.

Great Expectations - Our Last Baby Class

We spent most of Sunday at Prentice Hospital for our last baby class. This class, Great Expectations, provided every detail that a first time mom and dad would want to know from understanding what baby tar is and how long it lasts to all those things no one ever talks about regarding child birth. We also learned about breathing, Lamaze and what to do after the baby is born. It was frankly quite overwhelming but there's no turning back now. The baby is on its way whether we are ready or not.