What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

After my post last week I've had a few people asking what I packed in my hospital bag so I thought I would do a short list.

When preparing for Shelby I asked a lot of friends what they packed, along with reading blogs and books.

In the end there were things we packed that we didn't need and things we should have packed.

I thought I would do a short list on what you don't need and what you do need.

Again...

As I've said before, everyone has a different experience so what I needed might be different for others.

Again..

I had a baby in the NICU, which not everyone experiences.

My advice to every soon to be mom is to pack as if you did, because you never know your circumstances.

* Clothes - pack clothes for your baby to go home in. I chose a prissy outfit because that's just who I am. Others choose to have their baby travel home in sleepers or a onesie. I think it depends on your personality and the time of year your baby is born. 

As for other clothes for your baby while in the hospital. You could bring a sleep sack if you prefer, but mainly they stay in the clothes the hospital provides, especially if you're having them sleep in the nursery at night.

When it comes to clothes for Mom pack a couple of comfy outfits and at least one set of pajamas.

As for pants, you're going to still be in maternity clothes so pack some of your pants from at least your second trimester. As for pajamas, I would suggest a gown over something with pants. Your tummy will be sore and you're not going to want anything cutting into it.

Again, I didn't do this and regretted it. 

I would also pack some sort of shoes other than slippers or the ones you're going home in. This again, is in case you're in the position to where you have to visit your baby in the nursery or NICU. It doesn't hurt when you have visitors too.

What NOT to pack is a robe. I just KNEW I was going to wear my newly monogrammed robe and slippers while in the hospital. Well, I'm here to tell you. I'm glad I didn't.

It might be TMI, but you have a lot of blood and other fluids making their way out of you and anything you are wearing could be ruined.

For that first day stick with the items the hospital provides. Yes, that includes underwear. They might be weird but wear them until after you get home.

* Electronics - I had been told all sorts of things to bring. I had this vision of Brad and I sitting in the delivery room listening to music, watching TV and surfing the net.

We packed an IPOD docking station, laptop, video camera, camera and God knows what else.

All we used was our IPhones, video camera, camera and Kindle.  Again, everyone has a different experience.

* Other items - several people told me that they waited to shower until they got home. I did not. I felt gross and had to shower so I suggest a pair of shower shoes and whatever toiletries you use at home. I knew I wasn't going to wash and blow dry my hair so I brought dry shampoo and yes, even makeup(which I didn't use).

I also suggest bringing a BOPPY. I didn't do that either. I was told the hospital would provide one. They didn't.

* Breast feeding paraphernalia  - I had planned to breast feed and had all sorts of items with me including nipple cream, a nursing tank and nursing bra. Of course, I chose not to nurse. All I can say is save your receipts on those items. I'm sure glad I did.

The only other thing I would suggest you bring with you is your baby book and some sort of file for paperwork.

The reason for the baby book is so they can do footprints in there(even though they provide another document), and the file will give you something to put all of the paperwork that they give you during your stay. You'll refer back to a lot of that in the weeks afterward.

Not the most exciting post but hopefully helpful!

If you have any other questions shoot me an email!

Things People Don't Tell You

Since my last post was about all the things that people do tell you that aren't always true I thought I would follow up with a post about all the things people DON'T tell you.

Again, this is OUR experience so take it or leave it as you will.

#1. Take an extra change of clothes for yourself at the hospital.

I had numerous people tell me that they over packed for their hospital stay and that I shouldn't even worry about bringing pajamas because I would stay in my hospital robe the entire time.

Well, that wasn't the case for me.

As you know Shelby was in the NICU right after birth.

Mom has to visit baby in the NICU.

I was glad I had packed a set of pajamas and slippers because that's what I wore down there.

I really wish I had packed an extra set of clothes because I felt stupid walking through the hospital in silky PJ's and slippers.

As for what type of clothes - bring pants that you wore in your 2nd trimester.

Your tummy is sensitive and you won't want any sort of band cutting in.

#2. They don't show you how to breastfeed right after birth.

I figured that they had some sort of lactation consultant on hand right after to show you what to do and how to do it.

NOT!

I was clueless, and as much as the nurses want to help they're really not equipped.

I truly think that was part of the reason Shelby turned blue and quit breathing right after she was born.

I was breastfeeding her and I'm not sure I was doing it right.

I still believe she choked.

That is the reason I chose NOT to continue breastfeeding.

I knew I was going to have anxiety every time I would have went to feed her.

I wanted to enjoy my baby not be so stressed out.

So she's a formula baby.

I was a formula baby.

Brad was a formula baby.

We're both fine.

#3. You swell up after giving birth.

No one told me this and I know that everyone has a different experience but I was shocked at how much I blew up.

I didn't deal with a lot of swelling during pregnancy so I had no idea what was going on when I started to swell.

I looked like the marshmallow man.

The doctors told me that it was all the fluid going to Shelby that had nowhere to go after birth.

It took a week or so for all of it to go down.

(look at my hands in this picture)

#4. Take the sitz bathtub home with you.

I got cocky and thought I wouldn't need it.

Well, I'm here to tell you.

Take it and everything else(and then some) they give you at the hospital home.

I'm still sore where I was stitched up and it's been 5-weeks.

I have to soak in a bathtub once or 2x's a day for relief.

This is normal according to my doctor.

It would have been easier to have the sitz tub instead of having to get my entire body in the bathtub each night.

Another word of advice which I had read about and did is to take stool softeners from the day you give birth.

You're going to need them!!

#5. Hospital visitors aren't ideal.

This is one that I had actually been told by a couple of people but I thought I would throw it out there again.

Other than immediate family, visitors at the hospital don't make sense.

In fact, for us, it didn't even make sense to have our parents there because we didn't have our baby at all.

After Shelby was born she was in the NICU and the parent is only allowed to take 1-person in there at a time.

Also, the rooms are small and you are tired as is Dad.

Have visitors stop by after you get home.

That's all I can think of right now but I'm sure there are other things.

I'll have to jot things down about life here at home and what we were prepared for what we weren't.

Happy Thursday!

It's a rainy one here and they're calling for snow tonight!!! 

YAY!!!

Shelbywatch

I'm still here and STILL pregnant.

40 weeks and 4 days now.

Lots of updates since my last post.

~~~~~~~

First off, my Twitter friends have started #Shelbywatch so join in on the fun if you want. 

(hence the title of this post)

I'm @DeNanner on there.

Second off, a couple of hours after my last post the nurse called with our induction instructions.

She said we are to check into the hospital the night of the 11th and will be having the baby on 12.12.12

That's a day later than I posted but it is what it is and at least my baby won't have a problem remembering her very cool birth date.

Right?

Even, if it does mean me being pregnant for a little bit longer.

I keep getting the question of how I'm feeling.

Well, its day to day and depends on how I sleep.

Today has been a good day, but I slept well last night. 

I do get uncomfortable but that depends on how the baby is positioned.

As I sit here right now I'm comfy, but an hour from now might be a different story.

I'm done with work and so is Brad.

He's taking the rest of his vacation and a few personal days.

We've watched a lot of movies, cleaned a few things around here and are just trying to stay busy.

That includes, dressing Buddy up and taking pictures of him in front of the tree.

Cooking.

 Even doing a little holiday baking together.

 I decided I needed to get out of the house this weekend so I met a friend for a jazz brunch on Saturday and today I attended my Delta Gamma Charlotte Alumni annual cookie and ornament exchange.

Since, I have nothing better to do I packaged my cookies up in bags with tags.

I made Trisha Yearwood's White Chocolate Cranberry cookies that the Food Network posted last week.

They are amazing!

Make them.

I had Brad take a picture of me before I left for the party.

This is a really crappy one and I'm ginormous, but I least I have a record of it.

Dresses and leggings are what I live in these days.

 I haven't done anything with this group in a very long time so it was great to see some of these ladies.

Every year people bring their daughters.

Can't wait to bring Miss Shelby.

 There's always the ornament exchange.

 Which the kids really enjoy.

(by the way, this year's party was held at an alumna's photography studio)

There's another alumni who was a Dee Gee at LSU just like me.

Her sister was actually in house at the same time I was.

Always fun to see her.

She has a 3-year old and this little man.

Logan, who is now 5-months old.

Of course..

The cookies..

 Egg nog logs.

Can't wait to try these out!

 Overall, I'm glad I went and got out of the house.

I left with this pretty ornament.

And, a ton of yummy cookies!

 That's all I have for today friends.

We're going to look at Christmas lights with the neighbors tonight.

I'll leave you with another picture of our Christmas tree.

 And, all the wrapped presents underneath.

Hope you all are having a GREAT Sunday!

40-Week Bump and The End is Near!

This will be the last weekly update for this pregnancy.

Kinda crazy when I think about it.

Today is Shelby's due date and she's obviously not here or at least not yet.....

We went to the doctor this morning and they've set an induction date for next week.

Basically, if she doesn't come between now and Monday Brad and I will check into the hospital Monday night and the process will begin.

That means Shelby will be born on Tuesday 12/11/12.

We could have probably asked for 12/12/12, but honestly I'm ready and don't want to wait even one more day.

As far as how I'm feeling.

I'm feeling like I'm 9-months pregnant!

Uncomfortable and a lot of pressure down below, but nothing to be considered 'contractions' at this point.

I'm not dilated either, which the doctor says doesn't mean anything.

He said my water could break tonight and it would be 'go time'.

~~~~~

As for my last big weigh in at the doctor?

ZERO pounds gained in the last week!

I can't even believe it because I have eaten TERRIBLE lately.

It's made me feel better, or at least I think so?

HA!

That means, for this pregnancy a total of 28-pounds gained.

Not to shabby.

I really made an effort not to gain a ton because I know how hard it is it get it off afterwards.

Overall, this pregnancy has been wonderful, minus the 7-weeks of excruciating mystery pain.

We are so READY to meet our little girl!

I can't even believe it's really going to happen.

We're going to be parents!!!!

This time next week she'll be in our arms and ready to take on the world!!

Talk about the BEST Christmas EVER!!

I'll sign off for now but will continue to give updates between now and Monday and will for sure be announcing her birth on here!

CIAO!

Shelby, It's TIME!!

Tonight, I'm taking a quote from the movie Steel Magnolias and making it my own.

SHELBY, IT'S TIME!!!!

It really is.

My due date is this Wednesday, December 5th and Brad and I are both ready for Miss Shelby to make her way into this world.

Brad has been joking, is serious, when saying that he's ready to feel all the love and joy in his heart that everyone has told him comes with becoming a parent.

I had planned to work through Wednesday but after this weekend I woke up this morning and knew it would be my last day at work.

So, I'm officially READY for baby.

I have a few days that I'm able to use before my actual leave goes into effect so I'm hoping she is here no later than 12/12/12.

Which speaking of..

Wouldn't that be a crazy birthday?

My Mom pointed it out. I had not even thought of it because I hope to God I don't have to wait that long even if I have to be induced.

I'm really hoping she comes tomorrow because it's my Dad's birthday and it would be special, but I'm not getting my hopes up.

So, I'm here and still waiting.

I'll do my best to update the blog and be sure that you all are all in the loop!!

Until then....

Say a prayer that she comes sooner rather than later!!!!

Prepping for Mommyhood

I feel like I'm in the middle of college finals right now.

Now that we're less than 2-weeks(at least) out from having a baby I'm starting to freak out and read every last thing I can get my hands on that will help me know how to feed Shelby, help her sleep and everything else in between.

I know books aren't going to tell me everything but there are tidbits here and there that I am getting and it's making my anxiety a little bit better!!!

One is the ever-popular BabyWise book - which I literally have been been CRAMMING with. Skipping some sections and reading others.

Any advice you gals have on that book are greatly appreciated!!

It's OVERWHELMING!!!

The other book is Secrets of the Mommyhood.

This book is a little less, okay A LOT, less intimidating approach to preparing for 'mommyhood'.

It's written by a 30-something mother, who happens to be IRL friends with my blog bestie, I Do Declare.

Heather Alexander's approach to all things pregnancy and baby are downright awesome!!

Not being a HUGE reader this book is more of an outline and high level look at what you need to know.

In short -- it's simple and easy to read for people with short attention spans like me!!

Since reading I've already repacked parts of my hospital bag, put Ultimate Crib Sheets on my 'to buy' list along with scented trash bags for poopy diapers while on road trips, and much more.

Not going to lie, I was dreading reading another mommy/baby book but this one is actually refreshing and makes me feel like I'm going to be A-OKAY!!!!

So, if you're just starting the pregnancy journey or nearing the end, pick up up this book which is low in cost and easy to read!

Click here to order!!

And, let's hope my next post is about having a baby and not about preparing for one!!

5-days and counting until Shelby's due date!!!

Weekend in Pictures

I feel like all I want to do is sleep and be lazy these days.

It's pretty sad even though I did manage to get a few things done around the house this weekend including start on my Thanksgiving day table scape.

(We're hosting)

I haven't totally finished it, but a part of me wants to wait because if I go into labor it won't happen at all.

HAHAHA!!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Now for our weekend in pictures..

Even though we laid low we did have dinner at LuLu's Friday evening to celebrate her husband Keith's birthday.

 Everything was so pretty and the food was delicious.

So much so, that I ate WAY too much and didn't last too long into the night.

 The menu included yummy creme brulee.

 Since I didn't take a 37-week picture I had Lu take one of me at her house.

I'm rocking a lot of black these days because it's really all I have that fits.

Just a few more weeks!

Saturday was full of errands including buying items for our Thanksgiving feast such as the turkey.

While out shopping I noticed that my favorite little oranges are back in stores.

CUTIES!!

 We also finished up a few last things for Shelby.

Well, mainly Brad did.

He installed her car seat, and put together several things that were still in boxes.

We're getting excited!!

 We even made a stop at Babies R Us today to buy a few more things.

It was the first time during this pregnancy that we actually opted for the special parking.

I had to take a picture.

We are both working a couple of days this week then it's Turkey Time! 

As I mentioned, everyone is coming to our house.

More to come on that!!!

Being Thankful --The Difference One Year Makes

As we near the end of this pregnancy I've been doing a lot of thinking.

Thinking not only about the last 9-months but about the last couple of years.

Earlier this week it dawned on me what a different place Brad and I were at this time last year.

It was the week before Thanksgiving that we were deep into the IVF process.

I had my egg retrieval and we were waiting on news of how our embryos were doing.

We learned on November 17th that the ones that had survived had quit growing and that we would have nothing to transfer.

For those of you not familiar with IVF, that means, no chance of getting pregnant.

Back to square one.

All that time.

All that money.

All those shots.

All that emotional stress.

For nothing..

Talk about devastation right as we entered the holiday season.

Now, one year later, it's an entire different story.

I almost can't believe it's actually happening.

Shelby's due date is less than 3-weeks away.

We're actually having a baby!!!

God is good peeps!!

God is good.

We have SOOOOOOOOOO much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving!!!

Not a Whole Lot Going On....

I feel I need to update the blog tonight, but in all honesty, I feel like there's not a lot to report.

Now, that we're a month away from Shelby's arrival we're laying low and there's nothing overly exciting to report.

We spent the weekend doing more stuff around the house, but we did manage to get out for a date night to Emeril LaGasse's 'E2' here in town.

We had talked about going to watch the LSU vs. Alabama game with the local LSU Alumni group, but deep down I knew I wasn't going to feel up for it.

Instead, after dinner we headed home, got in our comfy clothes and watched the game via our couch.

Exciting?

Maybe not in your eyes, but it was total perfection in mine. I was comfortable and the game, which ended up being a crazy one with us losing, didn't end until midnight.

I was totally disappointed but at least my Tigers played this time, unlike our last meeting with Alabama in the National Championship game.

Since, I know I could technically go into labor any day I'm trying to get out and see people and do things I know I won't be able to do afterwards.

So, today I met two of my b/f/F's for Sunday brunch at Toast in Dilworth and we literally were there chatting for over 2-hours.

LOVED IT!!

I'm running low on clothes these days since my tummy is growing by leaps and bounds but at this point I refuse to buy anything else except bigger tights or leggings.

Me in my OOTD for brunch.

I love it when I catch people staring at my tummy or someone(which happened) today, comes up to me and asks, when I'm due.

I guess I can see why when I look at this blurry, yet all too telling picture of my tummy from last night.

Shelby is rolling around, kicking around all hours of the day and night.

It's really amazing to feel.

Wednesday, I'm officially 36-weeks and we have an ultrasound to tell us how she is positioned and figure out what the game plan is.

C-section or wait and aim for a vaginal birth.

We're getting excited!!!

More to come...

Happy Sunday!

Weekend of 'TCB' and Festive Treats

We got A LOT done this weekend when it comes to getting things ready for Shelby.

It started early with 4-hours of shopping and running errands on Saturday, or as Brad likes to call it 'Taking Care of Business'.

I was so worn out from all the walking that I had to come home and nap before our scheduled dinner party at Robyn and Jeff's house(Brad's brother and SIL).

I was in charge of bringing some sort of dessert or sweet treat so I opted for these rice krispie treats I found on this blog.

The kids and the adults both seemed to love them.

It was great to see them and the kids.

Miss Paige is getting so big.

She's a big soccer star scoring 6-goals in her game today!

 Terrible picture of me, but in my defense, I was tired!!!

Today we worked more on the nursery and on stuff around the house and took time to rest as well.

 Only a few more touches to the nursery then I will be able to show it to you all.

That's it for today.

Stay tuned!!

34-weeks

We are really starting to countdown the weeks, and now days, until Shelby gets here.

At my checkup this week they told me that she is still breached and that if she stays that way at 36-weeks then they will schedule a c-section for November 29th or 30th which will have me at 39-weeks.

I'm not freaking out about it because it is what it is.

Time will tell but I've decided I'm only concerned with a safe delivery.

One thing is for sure. 

Baby girl is moving around like crazy! It's so surreal to feel!

Other than feeling tired and uncomfortable, things are good. I've gained 22-pounds overall and I've been blessed with little or no swelling. I even still have my wedding rings on believe it or not!

I guess the only thing I really have to watch is how much I eat at night. Getting too full is a recipe for disaster. I can't breathe and feel sick uncomfortable.

This weekend we are going to continue to put the finishing touches on the nursery, buy items we still need, and spend time relaxing and visiting with family.

TGIF!

Shower for Shelby

This past Sunday one of my very close friends, who happens to be a work colleague, hosted the most lovely baby shower for me.

It was truly the icing on the cake now that I'm in the home stretch of this pregnancy.

 She stuck with the pink and green theme since those are the colors in Shelby's nursery.

She even went as far to have someone to bake a cake that matches the fabric in her nursery!

 How unbelievable is this?

I'm still in love.

It was delicious too.
Debbie, from Debs Sweet Cakes here in Charlotte made it.

I wore the same dress as I wore to my last shower because frankly, I couldn't find anything I liked better in the colors that I wanted.

And, I'm sorta over spending money on maternity clothes.

As I mentioned, my close friend was gracious enough to host this shower and it included 13 of some of the greatest women I work with at my current job.

Karen and I have known each other for nearly 8-years now and Brad and I just adore her and her husband Mike.

The shower was held mid-afternoon and she had all sorts of delicious munchies for everyone.

And, of course cocktails too.

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic. 

That green bottle at the end is a Dryck Bubbel Paron sparkling pear drink from Ikea of all places.

I am on a mission to get some for the holidays!

It is AWESOME, especially if you can't have the real thing -- meaning wine.

One of my other favorites that she served were pear slices topped with pimento cheese.

Who would have thought?

She got the suggestion from a friend who had this at a recent wine tasting.

A MUST try!

Absolutely everything was wonderful and I was lucky enough to have my Mom at this shower too.

I'm secretly happy that her business has slowed down a bit allowing her to be around during my pregnancy.

Other shower guests included Sheila, who I worked at Fox Charlotte with.

She now does the same thing I do for work, just at the competition down the street.

Great minds think alike.

Co-workers Emberly (in town from Boston), and Von.

Kim and Tiffany.

And, my manager and friend Cindy.

Cindy has been there for me through all the ups and downs!!

I appreciate her friendship a ton!

Shelby racked up in the gift department.

She got cute outfits, blankets, a stroller, activity mats.

Fun bath time toys and necessities.

A baby briefcase.

This was one of the more clever gifts, click here to buy one as your next shower gift.

Perfect for Type A's like me, it's an organizer for all the baby paperwork you get before and after the baby is born.

It allows you to keep everything from the birth certificate to the doctor's bills in one place.

I couldn't be happier!!

There were also books, diapers and a ton of other great items given.

I feel so LUCKY to have such great friends and work colleagues!!

Thanks again to my friend Karen for hosting and all of my friends for attending!

It was an intimate setting that can be described as nothing less than perfect!