Hospital Bag + Countdown

 One of the things on my list of to-do's is to finish packing mine and the babies hospital bag. Starting off with the essentials - all of the little crap you will want or need at some point during your hospital stay. When I was in the hospital with Harper, I didn't completely know what to bring - I either brought things I never used or didn't bring things I actually ended up needing. This time around I think I did a little better.

These are the things I packed (and a few things not shown in the picture that I will add):

- Tucks: An absolute must. I didn't bring these the first time because I had never heard of them. After pushing for three hours with Harper, I had a lot going on down there and the nurses brought these in for me and I was very thankful! You literally tuck them in between the cheeks and voila, instant cooling sensation. 

- Deodorant: Pretty self explanatory.

- New Mama Bottom Spray: This isn't necessary but is nice if you have itchy, irritating stitches. You just spray it on your bottom area and it gives kind of a cooling sensation.

- Light Body Spray: Obviously hospitals are a no-fragrance zone but I'm still bringing a lightly scented body spray in case I need a pick up. I will probably use it when I'm getting ready to leave the hospital. 

- Hair Elastics: You definitely need a few of these if you have longer hair.

- Mama's Nipple Butter: I used this nipple butter for the first few weeks when I had Harper because my nipples kept getting dry from nursing. However, I didn't find this stuff helped for really sore nipples, that is why I am also bringing the next item. 

- Medela Lanolin Cream: This stuff is seriously a life saver! I had super sore nipples for the first three months of nursing Harper - even a badly bruised (purple/black) nipple from Harper biting down on me - this is what saved my poor little nipple. Love this stuff! I still use it currently since Harper is still nursing before bed as nursing while pregnant can make your nipples very very sensitive.

- Preparation H: Again, pretty self explanatory. If you are one of those lucky women that only push for 10 minutes, you might not need this. However, if this delivery is anything like Harper's, I will be prepared with my industrial sized tube of Preparation H. There's nothing to be ashamed of, birthing a baby is not the most glamorous thing ever. And when you're pushing for an extended period of time - what the hell do you expect is going to happy?

- Oral Hygiene Items: These items will be for both Fraser and I. We will just need to add our actual toothbrushes to the bag once I start going into labour.

- Lotions, Creams and Lip Balms: With Harper, I had a reaction to the epidural and became extremely itchy all over my body to the point of my skin drying and flaking off. I think I may bring a larger tub of lotion, like my cocoa butter I use on my belly - just in case. I'm also bringing two different lip balms in case they get chapped.

- Hair Stuff: I'm bringing a hair oil as well as a headband to keep my hair out of my face. The hair oil I will use after I take a shower or I end up with a tangled mess!

- Long Maxi Pads: I'm bringing several of these since the ones at the hospital are like mini-mattresses in between your legs (although very helpful that first 24 hours after giving birth when your flow is very heavy).

I'm sure I am forgetting a few things but I think I have all of the necessities in terms of all of the little things I will want or need.

As for bigger stuff like clothes, I will be bringing the following:

- A Robe

- Slippers

- Socks x2

- Larger, more comfy underwear (possibly even maternity)

- Nursing Bra

- Nursing Pillow

- Small Blanket (for Fraser)

- Pillow (for Fraser)

- Comfy Pajamas 

- Maternity Leggings

- Comfy Top

-  Ipad

- Ipod

- Charger(s)

- Snacks 

- Few items for Fraser (sweatpants, etc.,.)

Again, I might add a few items last minute but I think I have a pretty good list!

I am 35 weeks this week - so the countdown is officially on. It will be interesting if she come's early or late. EEK. All I know is that very shortly, we will have another sweet little girl and I am so darn excited.

Boogie Bubbles & Anxiety

(Dried boogies and orange creamsicle stained cuteness)

Harper has had a yucky cold for the past 4 or 5 days which has meant lots and lots of boogies. The poor thing goes from being congested to having snot running down her face. The first few nights were brutal because she had such a hard time sleeping with her nose being blocked up - which meant I wasn't getting much sleep. I immediately had Fraser run out to pick up the Vick's vaporizer, baby Vick's and a snot sucker (yum). It's hilarious and slightly sad how much she loves having the baby Vick's rubbed on her chest and back. She would literally bring me the jar and while I'm smearing it on her, she would lay back and say "mmmmm". Poor thing. I remember how lovely it was to have my mom put Vick's on my chest and back when I was sick, it is very relieving when you're so stuffed up.

Although it was very apparent from her sniffles and non-stop stream of green goodness snot, Harper was truly in the best mood considering. I made a point to get her outside into the sunshine to get some much needed fresh air. We've discovered she loves it outside and is a total pain to get back into the house (a tantrum usual follows the second you start walking towards the door).

Overall for Harper's first time being sick, she has been a little trooper. I am looking forward to no more boogies though :)

Fraser's having his wisdom teeth taken out tomorrow and having to be put under for the first time ever - which is giving me major anxiety. I know everything will be fine BUT I am a worrier and will be happy when he's home in bed so I can take of him!