Are you ready?

I feel like I get asked this question practically every day. I'm not really sure of the answer though.

I mean the nursery is ready as you saw already. The pack-n-play isn't put up but it's out of the box and ready to be set up. The clothes are washed, the diapers are washed and everything is put away. The car seat isn't installed yet but it's sitting in the garage ready to go in the car.

The house is clean, meals are made, keeping up with laundry, etc so that it won't be too bad when he makes an appearance. My bags are packed and ready to go.

Am I ready for the sleepless nights? No way, I mean mentally I know that they're coming but I don't know what to expect when it comes to that.

I've read up on breasting and I feel like I am ready to give it my all but I don't know how well he'll do with that. Will he latch on, will my milk come in ok?

What kind of baby will he be? Quiet and calm like I was or loud, noisy and colicky.

And giving birth, oh wow, so not sure about that at all. My plan is to do what I can to manage the pain on my own, and if I can't handle it then the epidural is ok too. Right now though every ache and pain and tightness is like a light bulb, will labor start soon, what's next. Will he be early or late?

And going back to work is a whole other beast!

So, am I ready?

Yes, I'm ready to hold this little guy in my arms. I'm ready to love him unconditionally. I'm ready to help him grow into a young man and teach him lots of new things. I'm ready to take him places and watch him interact with his dad and grandparents and aunt and uncle. I'm ready to face the challenges that come with being a parent and having a baby even though I have no idea what they will be. I'm ready for the unknown and ready to give it my all. I know that with my husband we can do this, we'll figure it out, we always do.

Did you hear that baby, we're ready when you are!

Nursery Reveal

After much taping and painting and washing and moving and nailing, baby c's room is 99% completed!  If you remember, I posted my inspiration photos for the nursery here and here, we ended up going with the squares thanks to your awesome comments.  The last 1% to finish is the letters for his name that we ordered that have not arrived yet and probably won't be here until the middle of June (which is why you see a nice blank green wall in the first picture).

Looking in from the doorway:

 

My favorite wall:

Close-up of the decals:

 Dresser and Changing station:

Crib and Book shelf:

Lots and lots of clothes washed and ready for baby c to wear!

• The bedding is part of the Carter's Laguna collection.  
• The crib and dresser are from JCPenny, but are no longer available (bought them on clearance).  
• The glider is the Storkcraft Tuscany Glider and is rather comfortable!

I'm quite happy with the way that it all turned out!  It is definitely much, much, much brighter than I would normally do.  The letters will go over the back wall where the crib is.  I'm pretty sure the squares on the wall are my favorite.  I am glad we got the decals to put on that wall they really do look great!  I'm also glad I won the book shelf debate!  :-)

So glad that it's done!  Now we just need a baby to put in there!

Bags are Packed!

Finally, they're packed!

(Yes, they're hanging out on the dog crate until they go to the car!)

Here's what I've got:

Baby's Bag:

• 2 blankets
• A few diapers and travel package of wipes (just in case)
• An outfit, hat and socks to wear home (maybe)
• 2 sleepers with hats and booties to wear in the hospital
• A few plain white onsies
• Bibs (3) and burp-cloths (3)
• Nursing Cover
• Hand-sanitizer :-)

My Bags:

• Paperwork
• Book from class on childbirth and breastfeeding
• Pediatrician Information
• My pre-registration form
• Consent forms
• Birth Certificate Form
• Identification/Insurance forms
• Snacks for KC
• $1 bills for the vending machines!
• Boppy Pillow
• Things to keep my occupied/document and help with labor (our hospital has the birthing ball, bar and popsicles already there for patients)
• iPad (with Movies) with Charger (so I can blog too!)
• Breastfeeding Book
• Kindle (just in case)
• Camera (with extra battery)
• Toiletries
• Shampoo, Soap, Razor
• Make-Up
• Hair care (pony tail holder, headband, etc)
• Contact Solution & Glasses
• Sanitary pads and nursing pads
• Clothes
• 1 nursing night-gown
• 1 nursing pajama set with robe
• Slipper sock with grips on bottom
• Socks! (I don't like cold feet)
• Flip Flops
• Skirt and sweats to wear home, depending on how I feel
• Big nursing top and maternity shirt to wear home, depending on what feels comfortable
• Undergarments - (incl a nursing bra)

KC still needs to pack his change of clothes and toiletries but that's not too big of a deal.

So I ask all you momma's who just delivered, what am I missing? What did I bring that you didn't find necessary?

Other question, so far I have nothing in newborn size for baby c yet. I know, I know, I just didn't want to get stuff if he was going to be bigger, which he has been measuring all along so far. Depending on the size of your baby, what size clothes did your baby wear home?

38 Week Update!

How far along? 38 weeks - I'm pretty sure we'll be holding out to at least 40.

How big is baby?  6.8 pounds/19.5 inches!  About the length of a leek.

Weight gain? 41lbs I've gained quite a bit in the last few weeks, the Dr. says it's all water weight given the 90+ degree temperatures we're having.

Symptoms? Exhaustion, swelling, heartburn, a few Braxton Hicks.

Sleep?  Ok.  Definitely getting worse.  Up to use the bathroom at least 2x/night.

Food cravings? Basically anything cold, lots of popsicles and ice. 

Movement? Still lots, I took a movie the other day and it's rather amusing to watch.

Gender?  It's a boy! 

Clothes?  Maternity Pants and maternity tops and regular cardigans. 

What I am looking forward to? All done with work, now to relax and get some things done.

 

What am I missing? Somedays, just the sense of feeling 'normal'.

Milestones?  He has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold his hand for the first time! His organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb. Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? If he's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If he's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time he's 9 months old.

Other?  Finally hung up the pictures in the nursery and took some photos to share.  I also have my bag packed.

Baby announcement options!

So technically baby c isn't here yet but I have been looking for some announcements to use so that I have a bit of an idea what I would like when he does finally arrive. Callie Nicole blogged about this great deal at Shutterfly and I couldn't agree more, what a great option considering we have about 60 announcements to send!

Here are some of my favorites so far:

1 Picture



Announcing Baby Boy



Safari Friends Cocoa



It's a Boy!



Baby Giraffe

2+ Pictures



Hello Baby Boy



Zoo Who Blue



Boy Oh Boy

So hard to decide! Maybe we'll have to pick after we have a picture to use, they're all so cute!

Have you found any other place to get them for a better price? Which one do you like?