My bags are packed, I'm ready to go...

I think we're officially ready for these babies to make their debut! The nursery is done, I have a fresh manicure and pedicure, there are enough homemade meals in our freezer to feed us for nearly two weeks, Mr Bibliosaur and I went out to see a movie and have dinner last night, and my hospital bags are packed and stashed in the trunk of the car.

I found it really helpful to read what other ladies packed for their hospital stay, so I'll post a list of what's in my bags as well. Like my birth plan, this is a very pared-down list compared to the examples you might find online - after years of traveling, I'm all about packing light! And there was a lot of stuff that I either didn't think I'd use (like magazines/books - I can always chat to Mr Bibliosaur or ask him to get me a few magazines from the maternity waiting area if I get desperate) or simply wasn't interested in (like an iPod since I genuinely don't care about music during labor and delivery, or my own clothes for laboring in since I'm fine with a hospital gown).

Plus, if we can stay at our local hospital - more about that drama here, in case you missed it - it's only 10 minutes away from our house. So if at some point during early labor or in the days after delivery I realize I missed something critical, Mr Bibliosaur can easily run back home to grab it. If we have to go to a hospital further away and I realize I missed something that we can't buy, then oh well - I'll survive.

I've separated things into two bags - my bag, which will be the one Mr Bibliosaur will bring up when we first arrive at the hospital, and the babies' bag, which can stay in the car until after they're born:

MY BAG
For Labor
hospital paperwork (health care card and the special card used in Australia to record maternity health - these are both always in my wallet)
birth plan (several copies)
massage oil/lotion
hair ties
change of clothes and a sweater for Mr Bibliosaur
snacks and change for the vending machines

For Post-Birth
nursing tanks (I'm holding off on buying nursing bras until I get a better idea of what size the hooters will be post-birth)
yoga pants
granny panties
slippers
maternity pads
breast pads
toiletries (travel size): comb, soap, shampoo, conditioner, lip balm, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste
Lasinoh cream
pen and paper/notebook
going home outfit (a loose fitting top and maternity jeans)
plastic bag for dirty clothes
cell phone and charger
camera w/ spare batteries/charger

BABIES' BAG
disposable diapers and wipes (yes we're still using cloth, but not for the first 6 weeks or so and most hospitals here don't provide disposable diapers)
preemie outfits (Aus. size 00000) x 4
newborn outfits (Aus. size 0000) x 4
socks x4
hats x2
muslin wraps

OTHER
nursing pillow - I have this one, which is specially designed for feeding twins

We're taking two sizes of baby outfits because I'm unsure which ones will fit our boys. While there's no doubt that they'll be born earlier than the average baby, they're also larger than the average babies are at this age, so they might fit the newborn clothes vs the preemie ones (I've read that with the footed onesies, this is largely a matter of length, not weight).
 
Do you think there's anything critical that I missed? I'm not worried about the little optional extras or luxuries - I just want to make sure I haven't left out any of the necessities.

My Top Must-Haves for L&D and the First Week at Home

Last week I posted what we packed for the hospital. Even though we only live a half mile away, we packed in a way that wouldn't require anyone to dash home to get one last thing. I also wasn't 100% whether or not I'd end up with a c-section and a four to five night stay or just be there for two nights recovering from a vaginal delivery. Therefore I did over pack in the clothing department. Everything else we actually used. My top five must-haves for labor and delivery (besides a supportive husband and mother and our awesome doula) are:


1. Birthing/Yoga Ball

2. Alternative attire to the hospital gown ( I wore a sarong and bra top for L&D and my own button front PJ's for post partum)


3. Mellow/soothing music

4. Sleep Mask (I had one from an international flight amenities kit)...kept out the light from the fluorescent overhead lights and also helped me stay "in the zone" when nurses/staff would come in and check the monitor, IV, etc.

5. Massage (I was extra lucky...not only did I have the doula working her magic, but also my mother, who is a certified Rolfer.) I had two massages the week before my delivery (one was the night before). Then, while in labor, there was someone constantly massaging at least one part of me (back, shoulders, legs, feet, hands, etc.) It really helped me work through the pain of labor and relax both physically and mentally.


Aside from diapers and wipes, the car seat to get home from the hospital and of course, my
husband home from work this week and half of next, these are my Top 5 Gotta-have-'em when the baby comes home items:


1. Nursing Pillow (Boppy or My Brest Friend...I have both and use the Boppy in my rocking chair and the Brest Friend for nursing in bed or the living room)

2. Moby Wrap or similar (we DIY's our own for $21 which gave us two...one to wash, one to wear. Or in our case, one for me and one for Daddy).


3. Breastfeeding friendly tops and tanks (I only had two nursing tops and wish I had more before coming home from the hospital.)


4. Rocker/Recliner...mine swivels which is an added bonus!


5. Swaddling blankets, burp clothes and baby blankets


I am also going to add nightlights. We've installed them in our room, the baby's room, bathroom and kitchen. That way I can navigate through our home with our LO in the middle of the night without switching on overhead lights. It helps me to stay safe and also feel more "rested" despite not really getting a long stretch of sleep.


We are also glad we decided to use disposable diapers and wipes until the baby passed all of her meconium. It's just been easier to transition from the hospital to home. Especially since Mr. Divasaur just learned how to diaper a baby from the nursery staff at the hospital. We've been using Pamper's Swaddlers in NB (the hospital sent us home with Size 1 but we already had the NB size on hand and are preferring its fit to the Size 1's on our 8 lb. baby). We were using natural bamboo, unscented disposable wipes from Walgreen's in a Lionsheart Wipes Warmer. Genius! Our LO is not a huge fan of being changed and the warm wipes help calm her down. After her meconium passed on day 6, we transitioned to our cloth diaper and wipe stash. We're using cloth wipes with water in our wipes warmer and it's working beautifully. It seems that our LO is actually preferring cloth...she fusses a lot less now that we're not using disposables any more.


Things I have tried to use this week but am realizing are not for us:


1. Miracle Blanket (my baby likes her hands by her face when she's swaddled since that's how she was positioned in uetero). Also other "pre-formed" swaddlers...we're sticking with big, thin flannel and stretch cotton blankets.


2. Speaking of which, the cute flannel "receiving blankets" that you typically can get are TOO small to successfully swaddle a newborn. At least in our case. So we've been using them to "line" the bigger ones we got from the hospital and make the swaddling warmer. Other than that, I guess I'll be using them for changing diapers and mopping up spit-up.



3. Newborn clothing that goes over the head is not convenient with a brand new baby. Especially one that needs to be naked to nurse (she's too cozy otherwise and just dozes off...so I strip her down to her diaper, get her latched on and then cover her up with a blanket or wrap/carrier).


I got several gowns that are like a t-shirt on top and a long with elastic on the bottom because I was advised that these are great for a new baby. Same with onesies...the kind that go over the head and snap in the crotch. But before her belly button was in the clear, it was a pain to use those gowns and onesies. For the first week....I was loving the few kimono-style wrap and snap styled t-shirts that we have. They stayed off her belly button perfectly and it was easy to open them up, lay her on top and dress her. Way more easy than jostling her around to get something over her head, across her belly button and down.



Also, my DH has large hands and is having a hard time with little buttons and snaps. Again, in time I'm sure he'll feel more confident with them...but he is most comfortable with a sleeper we have that has a zipper up the front. I don't like it as well because the metal pull ends up right under our LO's chin and I feel it might dig into her or something.

Other than that, all I can say is for the first week home really plan on staying flexible and adjusting all expectations. I have had to give myself little pep talks all week that there's no one way to do this...despite all the advice available from friends, family, books and web sites. For me, it's about staying in the moment and tuning into my LO's cues. I am lucky because she is a really easy baby. She only fusses when she's hungry or has a wet/dirty diaper. So I am learning as I go. And always remembering that the first three months is basically the "fourth trimester" for her. So my days and nights are filled with lots of snuggles, kisses, breastfeeding and diaper changing. I know that this time will flash in a blink of the eye so I plan to embrace every moment of it, even though it means my eyes are blinking less than they used to before she arrived. I am now grateful for those sleepless nights of the third trimester. It's as if they helped "reset" my body clock for what's an acceptable amount of sleep/rest with which to function.

Thirty-Nine Weeks

Today I am thirty-nine weeks and one day pregnant and it's my last day of this pregnancy. I will be induced tomorrow at 5 a.m. and plan to meet our little girl tomorrow. Mr. Divasaur is adorable...he purchased 4 dozen birthday cupcakes in chocolate and vanilla to share with the staff at the hospital tomorrow. They are the same cupcakes I bought to announce my pregnancy at work! And he keeps singing the Happy Birthday Song. He's positively giddy. Several times today he's said, "honey...we're having a baby TOMORROW!"

I, on the other hand, am vacillating between calm composure and overwhelming anxiety. I am nervous about what could or could not happen tomorrow. To me. And to my baby. I am praying that everything happens the best way that it can. And trying to meditate and be positive. I have resting a lot and it's felt good to just cat nap when I need to sleep. Mr. Divasaur and I went to a movie and have eaten at a couple of our favorite restaurants. We've taking walks and given extra attention to our furbabies, who are super clingy right now. We've also updated our Birth Plan (to include that fact that I will now be induced), shopped for last minute baby things (Lanisoh, Soothies Gel Breast Pads and infant finger nail clippers), and finally packed our hospital bags. Yes, there's two. One with clothing and toiletries and the other with extras such as bath sheets, pillows, comfort measures (massage lotions, tools, etc.), camera, laptop, etc.

Here's what's in our bags:

Purse with ID, insurance card and epidural registration card

Clothing for me:
Sports bras and sarong (for L&D)
Fleece Robe
PJs (three pair of button front tops/drawstring pants)
Nursing Tanks
Socks
Crocs (for shower, walking the halls, etc.)
Uggs
velour hoodie/sweatsuit (one in pink; one in black)
Granny panties

Clothing for baby:
NB sized outfit with hat, socks, onesie, etc.
0-3 sized outfit with hat, socks, onesie, etc.
Bunting
Outfit for first photo (hospital photo)
Swaddling Blankets

Clothing for hubby:
Lounge clothes
Shoes
Socks
T-shirts
Underwear
Glasses & Contacts
Swim trunks (for assisting in shower)

Electronics:
Camera with charger and USB cord
Laptop with charger
Cell Phone with charger

Extras:
CDs for labor/post partum (or use laptop with AccuRadio.com)
Bath sheets (2 - one for me; one for DH)
Birthing Ball
Bath mat (for birthing ball and/or shower)
Snacks/drinks for mom, hubby & doula
Cupcakes for nurses/staff
Moby Wrap
Notebook/pen
Pillows (body pillow, king sized pillow and one smaller one)
Extra blanket for hubby
Change for vending machines/cash for cafeteria
Car seat
Birth plan (several copies)
Tennis balls and other massage tools/items
Massage lotion/oil
Essential oil (Grapefruit)
Hard candies
Breath mints
My Brest Friend Pillow
Travel Neck Pillow

Toiletries:
Glasses and contacts
Contact Solution
Lip Balm
Lotion
Make-up
Hair products
Hair clips and headbands, etc.
Lanisoh
Q-tips
Neti Pot
Vaseline
Tucks Pads
Eye drops
Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
Nail file/baby nail clippers for baby

We live 5 minutes from the hospital so if there's something I want and didn't pack, I'll send my mom back to get it. That said, I've packed with the possibility that I will have to stay 4 nights in case my induction leads to a c-section. I am hoping for a vaginal birth and to check out after 24 or 48 hours at the most. We shall see. DH plans to stay with us as long as we're in the hospital, even though I've told him that if he's not sleeping well that I'd prefer he go home and sleep in our bed and come back in the morning. Again we'll just have to play it all by ear.

So there you have it. I cannot believe that this time last year we had just decided that we were ready to start our family and now, a year later, we're preparing to meet our baby girl. It's amazing. And what a wild ride. While the end of my first pregnancy is near, I am sure that this is just the beginning of what will certainly be a life-changing journey.

Hospital bag - What I used!

Hello! I promised to check back in with you all about what I used at this hospital... So here goes! Below is my original list, with notes after each item. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any specific questions in the comments section.

I think the biggest thing I can say about a hospital bag is that you never know what kind of labor you are going to have (I ended up being induced and having a c-section), so you need to be flexible and either plan for anything or be ready to send friends and/or family out for last-minute items.

Anyway, here goes!

Laptop with iTunes, complete with DH-created baby playlists (Also: charger! laptop bag!) -- This was essential! I am so glad we had great music to listen to the whole time. DH also bought some speakers to attach to our laptop so I could hear the music better. Loved it! DVDs to watch on laptop -- Also key! We grabbed 3 dvds on our way out the door. We ended up watching one - "The Rookie." It was a great way to pass the time and take my mind off of the pain. Great movie too, made us cry! Magazines (US, People) and easy reading books ("Lipstick Jungle") -- Just brought US magazines... But didn't read any. I have since read them while nursing. Only thing I read in the hospital were e-mails on DH's iPhone and hospital handouts/forms. Baby Name Books ("Beyond Ava & Aiden," "Cool Names for Babies") -- We had decided on a name by then, so we left these at home. "Breastfeeding Made Simple" & "What to Expect" books -- I think I left these at home too. I don't think I would have needed them, so I'm glad we left them. Pen & notebook to write stuff down on -- I used both the pen AND notebook. The nurses kept asking me what TIME I last breast fed and how long on each side, so I got in the habit of writing that down. I also wrote down the time of a dirty diaper change and what type b/c the nurses asked that too. Baby book with sheets for the baby's footprint (hospital told us to bring) -- I updated the baby book with details at the hospital, but since I had a c-section they did the footprints out of my sight and I was not able to get one for the book. But we got a "souvenir" birth certificate with prints. Camera & charger -- Used this a TON! Essential! Video camera & charger -- DH used this too, much to my chagrin. LOL. Cell phones & chargers -- Essential! Printed out Birth Plan with extra copies -- Gave one to my nurse, but it was already outdated since I was being induced. It was not necessary, but it was a good exercise for me to write. I did have key phone numbers on there that I referred to, so it was a good thing to compile. List of numbers to call after birth: Insurance to add the baby, HR number to start maternity benefits, pediatrician number to make sure they check out baby; photographers to book newborn session asap... This was very helpful, as noted above! Our pediatrician did not show up within the first 24 hours, as they were supposed to, so I used this sheet to call them and the hospital had not notified them, so they sent someone asap. Glad I had the number handy! Printed out call list: Who to call when we head to hospital; Who to call right after. DH handled this. Since I was induced, we didn't really need this... E-mail lists have already been created and saved so DH can send out the news afterward -- This WOULD have been helpful if we had Internet access at the hospital! Doh! With no internet, DH updated both of our Facebook pages. But it was a couple days later when he was able to go home and send out the official e-mail from our computer. Snacks for DH (and me after labor): Water, granola bars, cereal, nuts, chocolate, popcorn (there is a kitchen with microwave and fridge we can use) -- This was very helpful for DH during my labor. And I looked forward to having the popsicles, which I loved! Snacks for me during labor: Popsicles, caramel candy (my Dr said OK) -- I had popsicles! Yum! Hot/cold packs (right now they are stored in freezer) -- I was sooo hot (hormones) after the birth, so I used the cold packs then. They were nice, but not essential. Electric heating pad -- Left this at home Hot water bottle -- Left this at home 2 wooden massage things -- Did not use Tennis balls -- Left this at home Exercise ball -- Did not use due to induction and c-section keeping me confined to bed. So here is a good thing to keep in mind: You won't know what type of birth you'll have, so be prepared for anything but flexible... Lip balm -- Used this Hair ties -- SO HELPFUL, also my little clips for fly-aways. I used an extra hair tie on my wrist to help me remember which breast I last fed from... My own pillow(s) in bright red pillow cases so hospital won't take mine (not white pillowcases) -- SO GLAD I had my own pillow! The hospital one wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but my own pillow was very nice and comfy, plus it was good to use for nursing. Socks that I don't mind getting yucky, think ones with rubber on bottom -- The hospital actually gave me socks with grippies, so I used theirs! I also got two pairs to take home and keep! Score! House shoes to walk around the halls in -- VERY helpful! Phone card to call my sister in Spain -- Did not need since she flew in to surprise me and was THERE! Kleenex so I'll have the soft kind because DH is a crier. Heck, we all might cry... This was helpful but not essential DH has a stopwatch on his iPhone -- Did not need since I never went into labor Our wallets with health insurance cards & keys (this is on the list so we don't run out with our heads cut off and forget) -- Essential, duh! Note that you might need your ID to check in at the hospital. And you'll need a credit card to pay for anything in the cafeteria, a private room and/or nursing bras that you buy. Directions to the hospital (already saved as a "favorite" on our car's GPS system!) -- Great to have it saved on our GPS! Chicken Out Menu (it's close to the hospital) -- Did not need the menu, but we did send my parents there to pick up stuff! Toiletries: toothbrush/paste; yummy Aveda shampoo/cond; razer; soap; lotion; hair brush; hand lotion; face lotion; body lotion (unscented); make-up; q-tips; hair dryer -- I used ALL of these items! ESSENTIAL! Especially make-up... It made me feel better! My own bath and hand towel (hospital ones are thin and yucky) & bath robe -- ESSENTIAL! Their towels were TINY! Definitely needed my own towel and hand towel. Plastic flip-flops for shower (lots of yucky stuff have been in those showers!) -- ESSENTIAL! Nursing bra (from Motherhood Maternity) -- Wore this home but did not need since they come around and sell nursing bras while you are in the hospital and I bought two. Sleep bra (from Motherhood Maternity) -- VERY helpful since my ladies were SORE! Nursing gown & robe OR Nursing top, with pj pants & robe (from Motherhood Maternity) -- VERY HELPFUL! ESSENTIAL! All you do in the hospital is breast feed, so the nursing gown and robe was KEY! Since I had a c-section, the pj pants were NOT comfortable due to my incision. So my mom went out and bought me another nursing gown, which was the only thing I could wear. Boppy nursing pillow (already washed slipcover) -- Used this, but it was not essential. Lanolin, nursing pads, maxi pads (just in case I don't like the hospital brand stuff) -- Not needed since the hospital provided stuff was fine. Granny panties (I actually really like the Medala ones...) -- The granny panties I brought were low riders, so I could not wear them after a c-section. I used the hospital disposable ones and my mom went and bought REAL granny panties for me to wear home and after the hospital, although I did get a whole stack of the disposables to take home... (I had Always pads with wings at home, which was KEY! The hospital pads are thick and no wings. Ugg!) Comfy clothes to wear home (black yoga pants, black nursing top: theory is that black makes you look thin... And baby's outfit is all white) -- I did wore exactly this home! Baby outfit to wear home: kimono top, matching pants, hat, blanket, mitts (Margery Ellen -- already washed) -- Alexa wore her outfit home! Although it was a bit big on here and her pants came up to her armpits! We still have not used the mitts tho... She hasn't really scratched her face. Maybe this is a case by case thing. Swaddle blanket & receiving blanket (already washed) -- Used the blanket that matched her going home outfit and thenused a swaddle blanket to make a head cushion in the car seat. Pacifier & clip (optional) -- She won't take it, so in our case, it was not used... Burp cloths (already washed) -- Helpful to have at least one for the car ride home. Diaper bag & some extra diapers, wipes, etc. -- I was glad I had my diaper bag because it's pretty and made me feel pretty to carry it, but I did not need it or any diapers or wipes because the hospital gave us plenty Car seat (already installed in car) -- ESSENTIAL! Neck pillow for car seat (or use swaddle blankets, which is actually what the car seat police told us to do) -- We used a swaddle blanket, rolled up Mirror in car to see baby (installed) -- Used this! Sunshade in car next to car seat (installed) -- Used this too! DH bag (he should bring his own towel too, and pillow and change of clothes...) -- He used all his stuff!

All my bags are packed, ready to go ...

Just got back from a Mexican restaurant! I ordered enchiladas and the waitress asked me if I wanted green, red or sour cream sauce.

Huge Watermelon-resembling pregnant woman: Which one is the spiciest?

Bewildered young blonde waitress: Green! Definitely! (Nodding, big smile)

Watermelon farm with a head and two legs somewhat resembling a person: (Without batting an eye) Let's go with GREEN. And lots of it.

Sadly, I couldn't even finish my meal. Arg. No room for food in this belly! However, I did manage to find some room for gelato. Mohito gelato. Just because I couldn't have a margarita and virgin margaritas suck. Trust me on that one!

So now I am back home and just in case I pop tonight, I figured I should post my hospital bag list... Just in case anyone wants to know! I poured over books and Google for days to put together what quite possibly is the BEST HOSPITAL BAG LIST EVER. In my humble opinion.

So, FWIW, here is my list, in random order (retyped since my version is in Excel, because sometimes I'm kind of a dork):

• Laptop with iTunes, complete with DH-created baby playlists (Also: charger! laptop bag!)
• DVDs to watch on laptop
• Magazines (US, People) and easy reading books ("Lipstick Jungle")
• Baby Name Books ("Beyond Ava & Aiden," "Cool Names for Babies")
• "Breastfeeding Made Simple" & "What to Expect" books
• Pen & notebook to write stuff down on
• Baby book with sheets for the baby's footprint (hospital told us to bring)
• Camera & charger
• Video camera & charger
• Cell phones & chargers
• Printed out Birth Plan with extra copies
• List of numbers to call after birth: Insurance to add the baby, HR number to start maternity benefits, pediatrician number to make sure they check out baby; photographers to book newborn session asap...
• Printed out call list: Who to call when we head to hospital; Who to call right after
• E-mail lists have already been created and saved so DH can send out the news afterward
• Snacks for DH (and me after labor): Water, granola bars, cereal, nuts, chocolate, popcorn (there is a kitchen with microwave and fridge we can use)
• Snacks for me during labor: Popsicles, caramel candy (my Dr said OK)
• Hot/cold packs (right now they are stored in freezer)
• Electric heating pad
• Hot water bottle
• 2 wooden massage things
• Tennis balls
• Exercise ball
• Lip balm
• Hair ties
• My own pillow(s) in bright red pillow cases so hospital won't take mine (not white pillowcases)
• Socks that I don't mind getting yucky, think ones with rubber on bottom
• House shoes to walk around the halls in
• Phone card to call my sister in Spain
• Kleenex so I'll have the soft kind because DH is a crier. Heck, we all might cry...
• DH has a stopwatch on his iPhone
• Our wallets with health insurance cards & keys (this is on the list so we don't run out with our heads cut off and forget)
• Directions to the hospital (already saved as a "favorite" on our car's GPS system!)
• Chicken Out Menu (it's close to the hospital)
• Toiletries: toothbrush/paste; yummy Aveda shampoo/cond; razer; soap; lotion; hair brush; hand lotion; face lotion; body lotion (unscented); make-up; q-tips; hair dryer
• My own bath and hand towel (hospital ones are thin and yucky) & bath robe
• Plastic flip-flops for shower (lots of yucky stuff have been in those showers!)
• Nursing bra (from Motherhood Maternity)
• Sleep bra (from Motherhood Maternity)
• Nursing gown & robe OR Nursing top, with pj pants & robe (from Motherhood Maternity)
• Boppy nursing pillow (already washed slipcover)
• Lanolin, nursing pads, maxi pads (just in case I don't like the hospital brand stuff)
• Granny panties (I actually really like the Medala ones...)
• Comfy clothes to wear home (black yoga pants, black nursing top: theory is that black makes you look thin... And baby's outfit is all white)
• Baby outfit to wear home: kimono top, matching pants, hat, blanket, mitts (Margery Ellen -- already washed)
• Swaddle blanket & receiving blanket (already washed)
• Pacifier & clip (optional)
• Burp cloths (already washed)
• Diaper bag & some extra diapers, wipes, etc.
• Car seat (already installed in car)
• Neck pillow for car seat (or use swaddle blankets, which is actually what the car seat police told us to do)
• Mirror in car to see baby (installed)
• Sunshade in car next to car seat (installed)
• DH bag (he should bring his own towel too, and pillow and change of clothes...)