What's In My Hospital Bag?!

Now that I am officially 35 weeks pregnant, it is also officially time to have my hospital bag all packed up & ready to go! Being the planner I am, I started working on this at the very beginning of the 3rd trimester. I finally have everything washed, organized & packed, and we are all ready to go (just in case Mason decides to make his entrance a little sooner than we are expecting!) 

I compiled my own hospital bag checklist by doing just this, reading through all my favorite bloggers' hospital bag posts and deciding what I thought I needed. Being the notorious over-planner & over-packer that I am, this may just be the hospital bag post to end all hospital bag posts. Because (I will be the first to admit) I packed A LOT. 3 bags worth to be exact! And this is a super detailed sneak peak into what's in my hospital bag...err...bags!) 

Yea, yea...you heard me right. I packed 3 bags. But for me, this just seems like the most systematic and organized way. The first bag is what I'm calling, the Labor Bag. For this, I am using my thirty-one essential storage tote. It's not very big, and still pretty light after being filled up. Technically, this is the only bag that we really need to bring into the hospital AT FIRST, because this is all the stuff we will need while I am actually in labor & delivery. (All the rest can wait until afterwards!) Here is what this bag contains:

Baby Be Mine Delivery Gownie - So I can labor & deliver in style! This is quite obviously not a necessity (you can just use the gown provided by the hospital.) But, I know this will make me feel that much better about myself during the process. Here is the one I got!
A pair of comfy socks & flip flops - I am planning on wearing my super cozy white ankle socks during labor/delivery, because that's what sounds comfy to me. But I stuck the flip flops in there in case I'm feeling too hot, or that's just what I'm wanting at the time. (The flip flops will also double as shower shoes for after delivery.)
A hair tie, hair clip, and bobby pins - In uncomfortable situations, I tend to want my hair out of my face. Not sure why, but that's the first thing that will drive me nuts. So I packed a small cosmetic bag with stuff to keep my hair back, plus the next few items...
Chapstick - This one was recommended by our Lamaze instructor. Breathing exercises & hospital air for hours...it's a must have!
Lemonheads & Mints - Another recommendation from our Lamaze instructor. She told us to bring things to suck on, to keep our mouth moist. She specifically mentioned Lemonheads & mints...so of course, I just packed both!
Colgate wisps & gum - in case either of us (hubby or I) feel like we need to freshen our breath. Just figured it might be needed after hours of laboring.
Contact cases, solution & glasses  - this one is for hubby only, since I don't wear glasses. I just threw a contact case and a travel solution into the little bag in case he feels like switching to his glasses.
A comfy outfit for hubby - I packed Greg his favorite sweatpants and a comfy v-neck so he can change and be comfy and ready for the long haul!
A pair of socks & underwear for hubby - again, just for his comfort/convenience during the labor & delivery process.
3-7 dry snacks - I packed a few granola bars, pringles snack packs, etc. mainly for hubby. The hospital will not let me eat during labor, but that doesn't mean Greg has to go starving! I wanted to make sure I had a few things in there for him to snack on and keep his energy up. Plus, I may be grabbing for one of those Cliff bars after I deliver and am feeling ravenous!
DVDs and/or Calming Music - Our hospital has DVD players in every L&D room, and they told us we could bring DVDs if we wanted to help pass the time. I packed Gilmore Girls Season 6 (of course!) and the movie Life As We Know It. I also packed headphones to use with my phone if I need to zone out to some music. 
Camera & Phone with chargers - no explanation needed here. I would probably panic if I didn't have my iPhone.
Baby book for footprints - our hospital reminded us to bring the baby book as they will put the baby's footprints in there right after birth. They also tell the daddy-to-be to bring a shirt of his choice that they will footprint. This would have absolutely been the one thing I would NOT have thought of on my own...so I'm glad we know & will get them!

IMPORTANT: If you are not planning on bringing your whole purse to the hospital, don't forgot to throw your wallet into this bag on the way out, so that you have your ID and insurance card!

Next up is the Postpartum Bag. This is the big guy. It's essentially just my bag. I am using this Polka Dot Print Weekender Bag from Target. It holds everything that I will need for my mini hospital 'getaway' of 2-3 days + all my postpartum needs. Because we (luckily) live within 5 minutes of our hospital...after labor & delivery is over, Greg will be going back and forth to our house to take care of himself, the pets, etc. So I really didn't need to pack anything more for him. What I did instead was iron and hang an outfit for him for each day, so he has clothes ready that match with baby and me! However, there is still room in the bag if I had needed to pack these things (like you would if your home is not close to your hospital and your hubby does not plan on leaving until you do). Here's what's in this one:

3 comfy/pajama type outfits- I'm pretty sure, at least in the US, the protocol at most hospitals is a 2 night stay for a vaginal delivery and 3 nights for a cesarean. So I packed 3 options, just in case. This Baby Be Mine Nursing Gown (with a matching receiving gownie for baby) is what I plan to wear the day after delivery. I wanted something cute for when the majority of our visitors will be coming to see baby Mason. I also packed this Victoria Secret sleepshirt (easy access for breastfeeding), as well as one pair of comfy PJ pants with one of my favorite Motherhood v-neck shirts. On the off chance I have to have a c-section and don't want anything touching the scar, I purposely stuck mostly to nightgowns and really loose fitting clothing. (All these options aren't completely necessary. You can totally hang out in the hospital gowns for your entire stay...but I know I will feel better in my own clothing.)
2 nursing bras (different types) - I packed one underwire one with some good support for during the day, and a comfy one for night.
The Belly Bandit- Another non-necessity, but this is something I have definitely been wanting to try and plan to start using the day after delivery. They are meant to help shrink your waist and hips (and uterus) back down after pregnancy and basically just hold everything in. (I hear these are really great for c-section mamas as well!) I bought the Original, which you can find right here.
Hanes Hi-Cuts cotton underwear - There is a first time for everything ladies! So cheers to my first pack of legit granny panties! I just bought the highest-waisted pack of Hanes cotton underwear I could find (in one size larger than I would normally need.) These will work great with my...
Always Overnight Maxi Pads with Wings (extra heavy flow) - PP bleeding happens, and while the flow and duration is different for every woman...it sounds like a pack of these will work well for those first few days. (The hospitals also provide you with something...a mesh underwear sort of thing? But I only plan on using their stuff if I run out of my own)
4 pairs of comfy socks - just several extra pairs of my favorite white ankle socks
Slippers - I'm just bringing these for a little extra comfort while walking around our room with my swollen postpartum feetsies.
A pillow - Because have you seen the ones they supply you with in the room? And I figured Greg might want to use it for sleeping/napping in his chair there. Plus I had to use the cute matching pillowcase that came with my delivery gownie! 
Prenatal vitamins - gotta keep taking them, even after baby comes!
All essential toiletries - I packed my Vera Bradley hanging travel organizer full of all the essentials (in travel size). A loofa, dry shampoo, regular shampoo, body wash, travel razor, body lotion & deodorant in one compartment. Face cleansing clothes, a mini dove beauty bar, face lotion, 2 toothbrushes (one for both of us), toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, hairspray and q-tips in another. The top compartment has my comb and a few pieces of jewelry I plan to wear after delivery.
Makeup bag - My regular little makeup bag with just my essentials, nothing fancy. Yes, I do intend to do my makeup while I'm there...I'm one of those women. But it seriously only takes me a few minutes.
A hair brush - self explanatory
Blow dryer, straightener/curling iron - I'm also one of those women who plans on doing my hair while I am there. My hair is thin and takes less than 10 minutes...so it's not a big ordeal for me. At the very least, I will let my hair air dry and eventually get around to taking 2 minutes to straighten it.
Mommy's going home outfit - Since I'm pretty positive it's going to be pretty stinkin' hot when we head home...I decided to pack the dress that I wore for my baby shower from Motherhood Maternity. It will be lightweight and easy peasy, but look nice at the same time. (I don't want to go home looking like an absolute slob kabob!)

Side note: lots of hospital bag posts recommend bringing a robe for yourself. I decided to forgo this since I am not a robe wearer and the clothes I have packed will cover enough so that I won't feel the need to cover up anymore. But this is where I would have packed one if I was going to.

Finally, we have the Baby Bag! This bag is for anything we will need for Mason + any breastfeeding needs (since that is what I am planning on doing.) For this one, I used my diaper bag! The Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy in Earl Grey, which you can find here. Here is what's inside:

1 outfit for during the hospital stay - I packed the matching receiving gownie set that came with my nursing gown. I saw this and just thought it would look so cute for us to greet visitors in. (Once again, the hospital will provide you with side snap shirts, swaddling blankets, and things to put baby in while you are there for your stay. I will be using what they provide for the most part. This is strictly for visiting only...hopefully we can avoid any poo catastrophes during that time!)
2-3 different swaddling blankets - Along with using the hospital blanket, I packed a couple different swaddling blankets that match with his different outfits and in case he may have a preference for one over the other. I included one muslin swaddle & one flannel receiving blanket.
2 going home outfit options - I am bringing one option (our preference) in a newborn size and an extra option in size 0-3 months (because most newborn sized clothing only goes up to 8 pounds.) Although we know they have estimated that Mason will be right around 7.2-7.5 pounds if I went full-term...it's still pretty hard for them to really get an accurate number on this. So just in case he ends up being a little bigger, we have an option that will definitely fit him. (I also threw in one white side snap shirt for underneath the outfit so he is going home in his own)
Going home blanket - I put a light thermal blanket in his bag that will match with either going home outfit. When you head home with baby, they like to see that he is fully dressed with a hat covering his head, mittens & socks (if the outfit doesn't have them attached), and a blanket to go on top. Because I know it will still be pretty hot out, I don't want to overheat him. So I packed all light things, with the muslin swaddle as a back up in case it's really scorching!
Baby hats - I packed 3. One to match with each outfit! This way, I know I have one that he can go home in, and two others I can use during the hospital stay if I so choose.
2 pairs of mittens - to avoid scratches to his precious face if he isn't wearing something with built-in mittens
2 pairs of baby socks- to keep those adorable little feet warm if he isn't wearing something with built-in footies
Hand sanitizer - I know the hospital has the hand sanitizer right outside every door, but I brought my BabyGanics one. (For our convenience and just to give an extra little hint to visitors that they should be sanitizing their hands before they hold our newborn!)
Nursing pillow - This is a must since I'm planning on breastfeeding! These first few days in the hospital are going to be critical in establishing this relationship and routine with him. 
Any other nursing needs - This includes my nursing cover, disposable nursing pads, gel soothie pads, lanolin cream, and my breastfeeding bands (These are just those elastic hair bands. You wear one on the wrist you last fed on, to help your sleep-deprived self remember which boob to use the next time!)
A couple different pacifiers - As long as we aren't having issues with breastfeeding, I plan to introduce a pacifier while we are there. Pacifiers help reduce the risk of SIDS by 90%! Most babies will have a preference and even reject certain pacifiers, so I brought 2 different options.
Any props for professional pics - (a special blanket, hat, etc.) We have a photo shoot lined up for after we return home with our choice of professional photographer. However, our hospital offers a 15 minute complimentary photo session on the baby's first full day of life. Since it is complimentary, with no obligation to purchase...we are going to go ahead and do it, just in case we get a really great shot! I packed two other blankets (a personalized one I received as a gift, and one that I just love) specifically for this photo shoot.

Last but not least, although this does not go in any bag, it is super, duper important. Baby's car seat! Make sure you have it installed in your car (and checked by a certified installer) well before you make your way to the hospital for labor & delivery. They will have daddy bring the car seat up when it's time for discharge, and that is the only way you're getting out of there with your baby!

Well...if that isn't the longest blog post in history! This literally took me DAYS to write. But I wanted to be super thorough...and I hope it helps. If you have made it this far in the post...here is my gift to you! My hospital bag checklist all in one easy to print & use document. (I checked the second column as I accumulated and set aside everything I needed and then the third column once it was actually washed and packed in it's rightful bag.)

The Ultimate Hospital Bag Checklist

2 final quick notes:
All the products shown in the pictures are exacts of what I have or have purchased. 

There are obviously a few items that will have to be packed at the very last minute (ID and insurance card (aka my wallet), my makeup & hair tools, prenatal vitamins, and Greg's glasses). A little tip for remembering these things: Stick a big old post-it on the big bag with that list so you will see it, grab that stuff and throw it in before heading out the door!

34 Weeks

Well!...it's been a bit of an interesting week since I've updated last. As I had mentioned in my 33 week post, I had an appointment the next day (Wednesday, July 22). For those who have never been to a prenatal appointment...here's a quick rundown of how it works: check in, provide a urine sample, get weighed, have blood pressure checked, wait for doctor, see doctor who checks fetal heart rate with monitor, answers any questions & tells you when to come back next. And that's it! It's a pretty quick & easy process...unless a red flag shows up along the way.

Well, at this appointment...the red flag was waved. I had also mentioned last post how my scale at home had been broken, so I wasn't sure about my weight gain. I was a little shocked when I stepped on the scale there to see that it had jumped up from about 23 pounds to between 26-27 pounds up. Red flag #1. Shock and red flag #2 came when the nurse checked my blood pressure and it had jumped up to 130/98. (I have been running right around the 120/80 mark at all my other appointments...so this was not a normal blood pressure.) If you know anything about pregnancy complications, you will know that they were immediately concerned that I was developing pre-eclampsia (just wiki this if you've never heard of it). Basically, not good.

I was only supposed to see the nurse that day since my doctor was out on a delivery. But because of the blood pressure and the weight gain, (which can be a symptom of pre-e) they wanted me to wait there until the doctor arrived to see what we would do and if my blood pressure would go down. About an hour and a half later, the doctor arrived and of course, my blood pressure was still not down (I mean...duh...now I'm in panic mode). So she promptly sent me over to labor & delivery at the hospital to go on the blood pressure monitor, fetal and contraction monitors, and have labs done.

Thankfully, by the time I arrived at the hospital and settled in...my blood pressure was consistently back down to normal and my urine and blood labs came back fine! And baby was just chilling, happy as can be in there.They sent me home to do a 24 hr urinalysis lab and follow up blood work that would give them some more information. I was to see the doctor again in one week.

I rested and watched my sodium all week long, and am happy to report that when I returned back for my appointment yesterday, I had lost those extra 3 pounds and my blood pressure was normal. My labs showed a small amount of protein in my urine...which isn't great...but is also not something she is concerned about at this time. We will be doing repeat labs in the next couple weeks to make sure these levels are not elevated any more. So while I am not completely in the clear...I'm still doing well for now. Thank God! I am just to be resting more, watching my sodium, and being weary of any symptoms I shouldn't be experiencing. Prayers that this continues in the right direction and my blood pressure stays within normal levels!

I just wanted to have some answers before I came back to update on week 34 of my pregnancy. So I'm happy to be back with some positive news and still cooking this little babe! I believe it was just a combination of lots of things that happened the week prior...eating a poor diet, stress, and WAY overdoing it for the week with very little rest. As hard as it is for me, I guess it's time for me to start letting go a bit and relaxing a lot more!

How far along? 35 weeks today!
Total weight gain/loss: As of this morning I am back down to right in between 20-21 pounds up from my pre-pregnancy weight. (Low-sodium diets are no joke...they work. Buh-bye excess fluid!)

Stretch marks? I'm definitely seeing some right on each side of my belly button. They are not big and are not obvious though unless I'm in direct sunlight. Nothing I'm too concerned about...I think they will fade right away.

Sleep: still sleeping well...although the crazy, weird pregnancy dreams seem to have made a comeback this past week!

Best moment this week: Seeing normal blood pressure readings! Sometimes things that seem unideal in the moment end up being a blessing in disguise. Spending some time in labor & delivery brought me to find that I feel very comfortable and at ease there...which is a great thing to know going into my final weeks of pregnancy!

Miss Anything? Salty, crappy foods...I'm not going to lie.

Movement: lots of it. And right on cue, the kicking feeling has changed to very big, obvious body movements. I can literally feel his entire foot dragging across my stomach now. I have also felt him having hiccups for the first time (and 3 subsequent times) this week! 

Food cravings: Remember how I had mentioned last week that my food cravings were starting to go to the salty side? Yea...I think that was a big part of the problem last week. Note to self: don't go eat a ton of shitty Mexican food the day before a doctor's appointment. It made me retain fluid for sure! I would love to go get a fatty, salty meal from McDonald's for lunch...but that's going to be a no go (at least until baby Mason is born.) I am in the process of readjusting my taste buds and finding some new, healthier cravings!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope 

Gender: Boy...and I am growing increasingly jazzed about this! OMG the clothes. I am having way too much fun shopping for my little man. (I think I may be devoting some time on this blog to 'little man style' once he is here!)

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: This is the first week where I would say I officially hit the uncomfortable stage. I just feel pretty darn pregnant. The belly is in the way, I'm slowing down, and getting a little short of breath every once in a while. And I officially just can't stand the heat. So, I'm pretty much just resting in the air conditioning in between small spurts of productivity nowadays. 

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On! And my fingers are less puffy this week (thanks to eating low sodium) so it's perfectly fine.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Had a couple of down moments this week, worrying about the health of my pregnancy and baby. (And possibly a little breakdown over having to watch what I'm eating. Hey! This is hard for a very pregnant lady to accept!) But I realized I needed to turn my attitude around and be thankful for how good this pregnancy has been to me and how blessed I am that my baby boy seems to be doing perfectly in there.

Looking forward to: seeing more babies being born on my Facebook support group! 3 were born this week and it is so much fun waiting in anticipation to see their little faces on the screen. I'm excited for when it's my turn!

Speaking of when it's my turn...my hospital bag is officially packed and ready to go! Check back tomorrow for my What's In My Hospital Bag post! 

Dudes & Diapers & Drinks...Oh My!

This past Saturday, July 18, we had Greg's 'Drinks & Diapers' party at our house. After attending one of these parties himself, Greg always said he wanted to have one when we were expecting our first child. So, I decided to throw one for him. We invited all the important guys in his life (my dad, our uncles and cousins, and all of his closest friends.) Basically, a diaper party is like the man version of a baby shower. The host provides the food & drinks, and the guests shower the daddy-to-be with diapers. Here's a little look at Greg's fun little last hurrah before becoming a dad.

   Once again, I turned to Etsy to find the perfect invitation for the party. I wanted to somewhat stem off the theme from my shower and stick with the rustic, burlap mason jar look. I was really excited when I found these and they had the diaper raffle insert to match! (Plus we all know I love a chalkboard!) Because these also had the mustaches, I thought they were great for a guy's party and added another little accent for decorations!

I'm not sure how many guys care about or notice party decor, but I had to have a little fun. I LOVE party planning! So I set up two small folding tables. The first one had two beer & diaper cakes I made, complete with buckets of peanuts in the shell on top. (Because what guy doesn't love peanuts in the shell?) In the middle of the table, I put a basket full of diapers as a little 'activity' for the guys to do called 'Late Night Diapers'. The sign on the side said, 'Please write a funny, encouraging message to the daddy-to-be.' So the guys used the markers to write funny notes to Greg on the front of the diapers. (This basket will be reserved for Greg's use only so he can at least have a little laugh during those nighttime diaper changes!) 

 

                     

Since our area had a heat index of 111 degrees on Saturday, (WHAT?!) we had to move the party inside for the most part. So I utilized our dining room area for the diaper cakes tables and 'sweets' area. Here's a shot of the Blue Moon Cupcakes I made. These ended up being a big hit! And all I did was make a boxed cake and replaced the water with beer. Stir a little orange zest & juice into some store bought vanilla frosting and you've got yourself a cupcake that tastes just like your favorite bottle of beer...with garnish! I also made 'Pub Cookies' with Sam Adams Boston Lager and some good, old fashioned Rice Krispie Treats (I've found these are always a favorite with guys. They ate the whole tray!)

 

Speaking of food, I spent a long time debating on the menu for this party. I wanted it to be 'man food', stuff I knew guys would like and would eat plenty of (to soak up all the booze that would inevitably be consumed). It also needed to be food that I could basically set out and leave out, since I obviously wouldn't be staying at this party (it was guy's only!) So what Greg and I decided on was that he would grill burgers & brats and the rest would be 'set it and forget it'. Appetizers were chili cheese dip with tortilla chips, bacon wrapped smokies, and a meat, cheese & crackers tray. 

The main meal was burgers & brats, with ALL the fixings; ketchup, mustard, mayo, relish, tomatoes, onions & pickles very purposefully displayed in none other than mason jars. 

Side dishes included crockpot corn on the cob, crockpot baked beans, potato chips, and a delicious pasta salad that my mom made (she also sent a tray of watermelon). And of course, desserts were the Blue Moon cupcakes, pub cookies, and rice krispies. I found all the recipes I used off of Pinterest, and they were thankfully all a success! Almost all of the food went by the time I returned back home at the end of the night.

The main 'party area' was our breezeway (since that's where the bar is!) In there, I set up a gift table. Once again, I was shocked as guests started arriving and were so generous with the amount of diapers they brought. (It started filling up before I could even get a good picture of the table all set up!)  On the right side was my gift to Greg, his 'daddy diaper bag', filled with diapers, wipes, a toy for Mason, a book called 'Kisses for Daddy', and 'The Baby Owner's Manuel.' In the middle was the mason jar we used for the diaper raffle. The sign here said, 'If you brought a pack of diapers (any size) place your ticket in here for your chance to win a prize!'

 

                   

 There was a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prize. 3rd place received a half pint of Fireball Whiskey with a $3 lottery ticket. 2nd received a pint of Fireball Whiskey and a $5 lottery ticket. And finally, the grand prize winner took home a basket full of "Greg's favorite things" including a six pack of Sam Adam Summer Ale (with lemons), a fifth of Captain Morgan, a pint of Rumpleminz, and a handful of lottery tickets.  

 

My final touch was at the bar where I set out mason jars with mustache party straws for drinks! 

I snuck in just a couple of pictures before I headed out with my mom for dinner & a Redbox movie at my parent's house. By the time I got back home that night, it seemed like everyone really had a great time! I'm glad Greg got a night to enjoy some time with his favorite guys before our lives change forever (and of course for the better!)

 (Last but not least, the aftermath of Greg's Drinks & Diapers Party. WOW that's a lot of diapers!!)

33 Weeks

How far along? 33 weeks, 5 days
Total weight gain/loss: I finally did weigh myself several days ago and I was correct last week that I was right in between a 22-23 pound weight gain. Now, the batteries ran out on our scale at home. So I'll have to see at tomorrow's appointment if I've gone up more since then. 

Stretch marks? Still not really any changes. I may have gotten a few small, barely noticeable new ones, but nothing I am concerned about (I'm not even really sure...I may just be seeing things)

Sleep: still sleeping well. Trying to soak it up before the major sleep deprivation begins.

Best moment this week: Greg's diaper party! We received SO many diapers!

Miss Anything? Being able to sit and stand up comfortably. And I am starting to miss my old body (I'm ready to be able to diet & exercise and get it back!)

Movement: Lots

Food cravings: I've noticed that my cravings have started to go more towards the salty side lately. I've really been feeling Mexican this week. Taco Bell...nachos...taco salads. Yum!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Gender: It's a Boy!

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: Heartburn decided to give me a break this week. And for that, I am very thankful.

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On...although I'm not sure they should be. I haven't really had much swelling at all, but it's been super hot here this week. So my fingers are a little puffier than normal. I couldn't really take them off if I wanted to.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!

Looking forward to: Mason's arrival! (I could go for skipping that labor & delivery part in between though.) But, he needs to keep cooking for now. I just can't believe how close we are getting!

32 Weeks

How far along? 32 weeks, 5 days
Total weight gain/loss: around 22-23 pounds up 

Stretch marks? Still no changes in stretch marks 

Sleep: is great! (Minus the fact that I swear I must be getting up about 10 times throughout the night to pee. Urgh)

Best moment this week: Finishing up decorating Mason's room and getting everything put away, so the room is clean & tidy again. I'm also having fun getting the decor together for Greg's diaper party that is coming up this Saturday. I made beer & diaper cakes! (Can't believe how easy those were to whip up!)

Miss Anything? Nah

Movement: All the time. 

Food cravings: Not really. Nothing even sounds good to me this week...except a McDonald's Filet O Fish. Heh.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Gender: It's a Boy!

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: Heartburn and a general uncomfortableness that is starting to finally hit me. I feel like my walk has officially turned into a pregnant waddle, and I can't seem to get comfortable when sitting or laying down. And getting back up...well that's just a joke...I look absolutely ridiculous!   

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!

Looking forward to: I'm excited for Greg to be having his diaper party this weekend. And honestly...excited for myself that it will be done & over with after this weekend (since I am the one planning it, preparing the house, decorating & cooking for it.) After that, I can just focus on the last few things I need to accomplish before Mason arrives!

31 Weeks

How far along? 31 weeks, 6 days
Total weight gain/loss: I honestly haven't even checked this week, but I would say maybe just one more pound up. So around 21 pounds total right now. The weight gain has slowed down quite a bit as I am starting to run out of womb...I mean...room. (hehe) But seriously, I just can't eat much at one time anymore, or I feel extremely uncomfortable. So I am just sticking to little meals here and there. 

Maternity clothes? Definitely! But all the maternity clothes I purchased in the beginning are all still fitting just fine, so I'm happy about that! 

Stretch marks? Still no changes in stretch marks 

Sleep: Definitely no lack of sleep here 

Best moment this week: Just working away on Mason's room and setting more stuff up for him. Greg even assembled the travel system the other day (and I strolled around the house with it for quite a while to check it out!) More and more baby stuff just keeps popping up around the house and it's making it more and more real that he is soon to arrive! 

Miss Anything? Not really, but I am starting to wonder if I am going to miss being pregnant after I have the baby 

Movement: All the time now.

Food cravings: Pringles. And they give me such bad heartburn! But I keep eating them anyways...

Anything making you queasy or sick: Just if I eat too much. 

Gender: It's a Boy!

Labor Signs: No

Symptoms: The heartburn. It has been no joke lately. Definitely won't be missing that once I am no longer pregnant.

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!

Looking forward to: Having Mason's room and closet completely organized and finished. It still looks like a bomb went off in there since the shower happened and I can't decide where I want to put anything!

In other news, I am starting to feel a little panicked that there is so much to do in so little time! I will be 32 weeks tomorrow, and I am hoping to have everything completely done and ready by 37 weeks. This gives me 5 weeks to get the rest of what we need before he arrives and get it all organized somewhere, plan and prepare for Greg's diaper party, do all the other cleaning and organizing around the rest of the house I want to have done, and prepare and pack our bags for the hospital! And unfortunately I just can't move as fast as I am used to anymore. I know these weeks before his arrival are going to fly by in no time. But I also just can't wait to meet our baby boy!

Showered with Love...

Last week, on Sunday, June 28, I had my baby shower. My mom hosted the event, and my mother-in-law contributed as well. We had it a local steakhouse that is very popular for special events such as this one. We actually had one of my bridal showers there almost exactly four years prior to celebrating this next exciting step in our lives together. Here is a look back at the beautiful day we were blessed with.

A little look at the invitations we selected and the matching 'bring a book' insert. We ordered these invites from an Etsy shop. I was so happy with how they turned out! 

 Because we are naming our baby boy Mason, we decided it would be fun to go with a mason jar theme for the shower, in baby blue of course. Once my mom and I decided on the invitations, we used those as our inspiration for the rest of the shower. We went for a rustic chic look using mason jars and natural burlap in variations of blue, tan, and white. 

My mom and I made the centerpieces using large mason jars. I wrapped the jar in a lace trimmed burlap ribbon, added the decorative paper flower and pearl center to each one and wrapped twine around the rim of the jar and tied it off with a bow. My mom did the flower arranging using blue sprayed mums and babies breath. My favorite part was that you could still see the word MASON printed across the bottom portion of each jar!

           

 

The favors for the guests were at each place setting and were a decorated cookie in the shape of a onesie with the baby's name written across them. These were seriously just a delicious as they were adorable! (We also placed a tan heart shaped sticker with a number under each cookie for a quick and easy game. We just drew numbers as we opened gifts, and the person who's number we called won a little gift themselves.) 

On one end of the room, we set up a sweet table with the cake, as well as cake balls that my friend Kelly offered to make. On the table was a chalkboard sign I made that said 'we're expecting a sweet life with Mason' (because it wouldn't be an event that I was involved in without a chalkboard sign!) We added a little more decor with tissue paper poms and placed a baby photo of both me and Greg on each side of the table. I loved that we were both sticking out our little tongues in our pictures and I can't get over how cute Greg's picture is and how much he still resembles it! I can't wait to see who Mason comes out looking more like! 

 

 

On the opposite end was the gift table. We had a banner with baby's name, Mason Gregory, going across the middle and a basket with the 'game' prizes inside. The lucky winners received their choice of a Bath & Body Works body cream or hand soap (all in blue!) We also did a 'guess how many' game with a decorated mason jar full of Hershey's kisses. The winner took home the jar as well as a Bath & Body Works 3 wick candle. I was shocked at how fast the gift table overflowed as all of our wonderful guests arrived. 

 

 

 

     I wish I would have gotten a picture of the meal because it was divine. Each guest enjoyed a first course of bread & salad and then had their choice of entree (either Butt Steak, Boston Baked Scrod, or Chicken Piccante) with the most delicious baked potato and seasonal vegetables. Dessert was cake (white with lemon filling...my ultimate fave) served with vanilla ice cream. Everyone also received a homemade cake ball. I enjoyed the time being surrounded in love and great conversation with our closest family members and friends.

Me and my best friend & the hostess with the mostest, my momma.

Greg joined me to open all the gifts which everyone literally just showered us with. We received so many beautiful things. We had plenty of laughs with some funny gifts for Greg, including his daddy diaper duty tool belt and survival kit. And also a few tears as I received some very touching gifts from my grandmother, who is soon to become a great-grandmother for the first time! In her gift she included an old mason jar that she found in my Grandpa's office and filled it with pennies from his change jar. She said they were his pennies from heaven. (The jar is now proudly displayed in Mason's room). In addition she and my aunt passed down a beautiful heirloom blanket that my dad and all five of his siblings were baptized in and a hand crocheted sweater that a few of my cousins (the grandchildren) were baptized in. Everyone put so much thought into their gifts for Mason, all the way down to the cards and wrapping.

I cannot express how touched Greg and I were with everyone's love and generosity and how completely blessed we feel. We're so appreciative to my mom for putting so much thought and hard work into creating such a beautiful day for us and to all our loved ones for sharing in the day with us. We already know Mason is one of the luckiest little boys in the world to have so many people who love him so big.