Packing the Hospital Bag

Today I'm linking up with A Blue-Eyed Boy Met a Brown-Eyed Girl and sharing what I have packed in my hospital bag.

This is something that I have been researching pretty much since day one. I wanted to make sure that I had all of the essentials and nothing was left out. I packed my bag at 36 weeks because my worst case scenario was having my mom or mother in law having to pick out my pajamas, underwear and all of the other things I needed!

For Me I packed:

• Nightgowns- I packed 3 because I'm not sure what I will feel like wearing- one was a really great nursing top nightgown that I'm sure I will love!
• Nursing Bras- I packed two in different sizes because I've never done this before and I'm not sure how out of control the girls will get :)
• Disposable Nursing Pads- I bought the Johnson's Brand

• Pillows for Hubby and me- on our hospital tour the Nurse told us that theirs are really flat and covered in plastic and good pillows are top on the priority list for both of us for a good night's sleep
• Camera with completely empty memory card and extra batteries
• Socks
• Robe- to wear when company comes
• Baby Book- to have her hand and footprints put in and for any last minute thoughts I want to put in there!
• Boppy Pillow

• Toiletries- Travel Size Shampoo and Conditioner, Body Wash, Mouthwash, Toothbrushes and Toothpaste, Deodorant, Lotion, Facial Cleansing Wipes and Contact Stuff for Hubs
• Hair Dryer
• Dry Shampoo



My All Time Fave!

• Hairbrush
• Make-up- because I definitely don't want pictures of me without any!!!
• Chapstick
• Ponytail holders for labor and probably after
• Comfortable Maternity Dress and flip flops to wear home
• Towels for both of us because I've heard the Hospitals weren't great

For Hadley I packed:

• Going home outfit that me and my two sisters wore home form the hospital
• Three outfits to wear in the hospital
• Monogramed Diaper Cover- because really every little girl should always have diaper covers!
• Pacifiers (I think I packed two different kinds because I wasn't sure which she will like)
• Monogramed Bib to wear with her going home outfit
• Pretty Pink flower bow to wear with her going home outfit (IF she has hair- praying she does!!)
• Two recieving blankets
• Blanket that her Daddy was brought home from the hospital in
• Diamond cross necklace from her Great Grandma- not sure if she will wear it but we will definitely have pictures made with it
• Ruffle socks
• No-scratch mittens
• Burp Cloths
• Crochet Shoes to wear with Going Home Outfit

If you have any suggestions for this first time Momma, please let me know because I'm sure I am forgetting something really obvious!

It's our Anniversary!!!!!

 A year ago today I was surrounded by 6 of the most beautiful girls that meant the world to me along with my parents who had given me all of the love in their hearts. I spent most of the day crying because I was so overcome with emotion and couldn't believe that not only had this amazing man picked me but we were about to vow to spend the rest of our lives together. My wedding day had finally arrived and all I wanted was to see that handsome fella standing at the end of the aisle waiting for me.

 Our wedding was everything that I dreamed it would ever be and much more. My sweet Momma had so many little surprises planned out for me and she made the day so special. I tried to soak in every single moment because I knew I would never get this day again.

 Everything was perfect.

If you had stood before me on my wedding day and told me that how much my life would change in one short year, that on my first anniversary I would be 9 months pregnant with a daughter and preparing for her arrival, I would have laughed at you.

Although we have dealt will challenges over the past year, it's been the best year of my life and I am so thankful that God chose this man to be the one by my side everyday. Our ability to rally together and get through the tough stuff and compromise even when we both want our way has been God's blessing to our marriage. I've heard that the first year of marriage is the hardest but I have a feeling that won't be true for us, the first year has been a breeze, it's the second that is going to send us for a loop :) but I'm excited to see how we handle it. I've been blessed with the kindest and most selfless man I've ever met and he just so happens to make me laugh every day, I think I did pretty good!!

If you are reading this blog post I ask one simple thing, please say a prayer that we can continue to love and like each other every day and have many more wonderful years together.



37 weeks

How far along?: 37 weeks down- 3 weeks left!!!!!!

How big is baby?: a watermelon!

Your full-term (yay!) baby is gaining about 1/2 ounce a day and getting her first sticky poop (called meconium) ready. She's also brushing up on skills for the outside world: blinking, sucking, inhaling, exhaling, and gripping (it's getting strong!).

Weight gain?: I have gained 30 pounds total

Stretch marks?: Unfortunately I have developed a few :(

Maternity clothes?: These days I only get dressed when I absolutely have to. I am living in Hubby's t-shirts and my stretchy pants. When I do get dressed it is most certainly maternity clothes!

Sleep?:  Sleep is getting a little better but I think I'm just so tired I pass out most nights and don't move until it's time for a potty break!

Best moment this week?: I had a wonderful baby shower this past weekend at my family's church and Hadley got lots of cute things!

Food cravings?: Not significant cravings!

Gender?: Baby GIRL!!!! Hadley Kate Thomas

Movement?: I'm feeling lots of rolls and turns and her strong kicks (though seldom) take my breath away

Labor signs?: Lots of contractions and back pain. At my appointment this week I found out I am 1cm dilated! Hopefully we can keep up the progress and not get stalled at 1 forever.

What I'm looking forward to?: I can't wait to meet our daughter!!!!

Just a little bit closer

Time for Hadley Kate to make her arrival is ticking much quicker than I could have ever imagined. It really seems like just last week I found out I am going to be a Mom and just yesterday that I found out I am going to be a Mom to Hadley. Since having some more painful than usual contractions one night last week, I have been in serious cleaning and organizing mode. The thought of her deciding to make a surprise appearance and not having everything just so has been making me crazy. There was one morning in particular that I woke up at 5:00 am because there were towels that needed to be washed. My husband thinks I am going crazy and I'm beginning to agree!
Thankfully Hadley's room is complete with the exception of finding the perfect nightstand to go beside her rocker but that can wait for the time being. Her hospital bag is packed and every blanket and stitch of clothing has been washed and put away. I'm still gathering things as I think of them for my hospital bag and the hubs can pack in the blink of an eye.
Wednesday I made a trip to meet my baby sister (she's not really a baby since she just turned 20 but she's the baby to our family) for some shopping and catching up. It's rare that I get to spend time with only one of my two sisters so this was a special treat to hear what's going on in her life. Before getting to be HUGE pregnant, I could shop like a pro but my how things have changed. I realized quickly that Rachy Rae was slowing her pace so I could keep up and making frequent stops for me to rest.
Needless to say I'm still recovering from the shopping trip and had every intention of doing a post on Hadley's Nursery but I'm thinking that will probably happen early next week so be on the lookout for that!

35 Weeks

How far along?: 35 weeks down- 5weeks left!!!!!!

How big is baby?: a honeydew melon!

 Your baby is standing tall  this week at about 20 inches and continues her steady weight gain (she’s about 5.5 pounds). While she won't get much longer, she will continue to pack on the pounds — including large amounts of baby fat — right up 'til delivery day. Something else that's moving at a mind-boggling pace these day: fetal brain development! There’s a lot going on inside that tiny head, which is, by the way, still soft to allow an easier exit through the birth canal.

Weight gain?: I have gained 25 pounds total

Stretch marks?: Unfortunately I have developed a few :(

Maternity clothes?: I've completely given up on trying to fit into my pre-pregnancy clothes! I'm now mostly in dresses these days with the weather being so extremely hot!

Sleep?: Sleep is getting more and more difficult. I'm having lots and lots of cramps during the night and rolling over is a challenge.

Best moment this week?: I had a great doctor's appointment this week and found out that Hadley is right on track and is in "position" I think that nesting has finally kicked in and I've been getting everything ready!

Food cravings?: Not significant cravings! Everything tastes great but my appetite has decreased I think mainly due to running out of room in my belly!

Gender?: Baby GIRL!!!! Hadley Kate Thomas

Movement?:  I'm feeling less and less kicks and more big movements and wiggles from sweet girl!

Labor signs?: Lots of cramps lately but warm baths help!

What I'm looking forward to?: At this point I'm just flat out giddy like a kid at Christmas waiting on her to get here! I absolutely can't wait to meet this sweet little girl!

Oh Pregnancy!

34 Weeks!

How far along?: 34 weeks down- 6 weeks left!!!!!!

Yes, I'm aware my "Thomas" in the background is crooked!

How big is baby?: the size of a honeydew melon!



Your baby is clocking in at five pounds and could be as tall as 20 inches by now, and the vernix (the white coating protecting your baby’s skin) is getting thicker. She now urinates about one pint per day. Get the diapers ready!




Weight gain?: I have gained 23 pounds total



Stretch marks?: Unfortunately I have developed a few :(



Maternity clothes?: Mostly dresses these days with the weather being extremely hot!



Sleep?: Not sleeping at all! We have created a no phone calls before 9:00am because for some reason I fall into a deep sleep between 6 and 9. I do try to nap when I can during the day.


Best moment this week?: Feeling baby girl's little feet pushing and watching her move. We are getting so excited about her arrival!


Food cravings?: ICE! I can't get enough, mainly sno-cone ice but sonic ice is super delicious! I told the Dr. about this craving and it turns out that it meant my Iron was low so I'm on Iron pills now. Still craving it whenever I'm outside for a few minutes but I think it's mainly the heat.





Gender?: Baby GIRL!!!! Hadley Kate Thomas



Movement?: I have been feeling less kicks and more rolls and jabs these days. A few nights ago we were laying in the bed and of course that's when Hadley girl gets most active, anyway I felt a serious little footsie sticking out and told Hubby "OMG, you have to feel this!" Well the little stinker stopped moving and Hubs just kept talking and in the middle of his sentence stopped and said "WOW, that's weird!"




Labor signs?: No real labor contractions but lots of painful fake ones. Thankfully resting and a warm bath help make them go away.



What I'm looking forward to?: I am finally close to getting her nursery finished and have so much fun playing in her room. I am thrilled to meet my sweet little girl and see her with her Daddy!