I’ve hit the 37 week mark, so baby is officially (early) full term! He is the size of a winter melon, and like Henry keeps telling me, “I am three now so baby brother can pop out anytime!” Since that could totally happen (and he can now be born at Breath of Life), we should probably get our act together and prepare for this little one’s arrival.
Seriously, until yesterday all we had prepared was purchasing diapers and wipes. Oh, the joys of a second child. I had a panic moment when we couldn’t locate our infant car seat and base despite knowing it was around here somewhere. Keith found it after two trips into the hundred degree attic, in good condition. In less than stellar condition was Henry’s old baby swing, where he basically lived for his first few months of life. Thanks to the magic of Oxyclean and laundry detergent, it looks great, and is ready to be rebuilt with its new motor.
Today’s priority in terms of preparing for baby brother’s arrival is to pack my go-bag for the Birth Center. This really means packing bags for the entire family, including a cooler with snacks and drinks for the birth. Here’s my list of what I think will be helpful to have for childbirth and immediately thereafter, as well as my three guys’ must haves:
First up, my bag:
- Robe
- Pajama Nightshirt
- 2 Bathing Suit Tops (for the birthing pool, in case I get out and want to get back in later)
- 2 Nursing Camisoles, Underwear, and Socks
- Yoga Pants
- Toiletries Bag with Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Shower Stuff, Hairbrush, Glasses, Makeup, Chapstick
- iPhone and Charger
- Flip Flops
- Depends and Always Maxi Pads
- Nursing Pads & Lanolin
Keith’s Bag (letting him pack so not pictured):
- Camera + Battery
- iPhone + Charger (includes our labor playlist)
- Change of Clothes
- Flip Flops
- Bathing Suit
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste
- Essential Oils (lavender, peppermint, orange)
- Massage Bar
- Tennis Ball
- Rice Sock Heating Pad
Baby’s Bag:
- Going Home Outfit (pajamas or onesie)
- 2 Hats
- Pair of Socks
- Diapers and Wipes
- Erythromycin Eye Medicine
- 2 Blankets
- Burp Cloth
- Installed Car Seat
- Gift for Big Brother Henry
Henry’s Bag for Oma and Opa’s House:
- 3 Outfits including Underwear
- Pajamas
- Diapers and Wipes
- Shoes
- Bathing Suit (always a good thing to have in Florida)
- Socks
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Notes on Henry’s Daily Routine
Food Cooler (to be packed later):
- Gatorade
- Nalgenes for Water
- Silk Dark Chocolate Almond Milk
- Yogurt
- Cheese Sticks
- Cheese-Its
- Honey Sticks
- Kind Bars
- Granola Bars
- Fruit