We’re literally 5 weeks from D Day. This is ridonkulous. No, that’s not a word, but I’m using it anyway. Ri-DONK-u-lous. Here’s some things from the past week.
Baby has been kicking even moooore lately. He is a mover and a shaker and it seemingly never stops! I’m actually being woken up by him a few times a night now (ha! Serious prep for the near future, go figure) and sometimes, juuuust sometimes, it’s a bit painful, those little kicks and punches. He’s just trying to get comfortable in his ever-closing space in there, but if he could just maybe be a little gentler whilst he moves himself around? No? Oh, okay then. That’s fine.
Sometimes when he kicks, I can feel his tiny little foot and it is the COOLEST and also kind of scariest thing ever! Because I mean. It just feels so fragile and small and here I am pushing on it with my big hand and I don’t know. It’s crazy. And when he kicks me wayyyyy over on my right side? Well, it gets me every time.
So this is something that actually happened last week, but I forgot to mention it and I don’t want to forget it, so. We were at Target and a lady said to me, “You look amazing! If more people looked like you pregnant, there would be a lot more people having babies!” And that just made me all sorts of happy. So thank you, kind stranger, for making my day.
My bff surprised me with news of a Baby Shower she’s throwing me!!! She is just the best. This one will be more of a “Friends Baby Shower” since my other one was strictly family. And it’s co-ed, so Zack will be there, too. I’m super excited for it! This Saturday can’t come fast enough!
We have our maternity photos round two this weekend, also. So. Busy weekend. I’m making my own flower crown, and hoping it comes out well enough to maybe post a little tutorial on how I made it on here? We’ll see. I’m not promising anything. I’ve never claimed to be one of those super artsy DIY-er types. I can try, though, right?
There’s also this: Things are getting way closer, and my doctor told me last week that if Baby Did What came now, he would be fine! What! So. This made me slightly panic and also get very excited, and I’m working on my packing list for the hospital. Gotta be prepared, right?
What are the “hospital bag packing essentials,” if you will? Any suggestions from all you mamas reading out there?
xo
p.s. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! :) Have an Irish Car Bomb for me, why don’t you? Or at the very least sneak some Bailey’s in your morning coffee. I won’t tell. ;) As for me? I’m celebrating with a green smoothie. #pregnant
Jessica
love, love, love your top! I want to buy one! I’m 24 weeks pregnant and was just curious what size you ordered? it says the sizes run pretty small. Congrats on baby, that kind stranger is right, you are always glowing and look amazing! I love your fashion sense and I am always looking at your blog for suggestions! I love being pregnant, but girl it is hard to find outfits that look good these days!
Katie
Aw thanks girl! :) It does run small! I got a Large- and it says it’s a dress, but there is NO WAY it could fly as a dress, at least not for me. Totally a top. But a cute one! :) And you’re right: It is not easy dressing this growing bump sometimes! I’m glad I can inspire you a bit- that’s awesome.
xo
Sarah Macon
Oh hospital bag! Couple of things, be sure and take you some stretchy pants to wear home and after birth. DON’T take your own panties, use the mesh ones the hospital provides. Also bring everything you would need to get ready at home and get a shower, fix hair, do some make up after. Makes a big difference on how you feel and when you see pics you won’t be grossing yourself out! Take everything the hospital offers. Not even kidding, diapers, wipes, formula, EVERYTHING. Even if you plan to breast feed, take the formula. You don’t know what will happen and if you don’t use it, donate it. Stash all of the diapers and ask for more every time a nurse comes in. Hmmmm, phone chargers, camera battery/charger, books, laptop, eye mask for sleeping, and whatever keeps you entertained while bored. There is a lot of down time. That’s all I got for now! You look fantastic!
Katie
Ahhh thank you so much for all of those great tips!!! :) I definitely agree about not wanting to feel gross- such good advice! I’m totally going to be stashing those diapers too. So funny.
xo
Helene in Between
oh that must be sooo cool to feel the baby kick like that!! so neat! and i have no earthly idea what to pack- I am definitely not one to ask! a green smoothie sounds great for today, I think I’ll join you!
Katie
It is the coolest feeling ever!! :) Get that smoothie, girl. Mine was delicious.
xo
Christa
My packing list has changed with each kid, but the must haves are: cute pj pants and nursing tank tops, slippers with a grippy bottom (the floors in a hospital can be slippery), nursing pillow for ease and comfort nursing every 2 hrs, magazines, a few snack items, comfy clothes for both you and baby to go home in. And I totally agree with taking absolutely everything the hospital offers you.
Katie
SLIPPERS!! Yes! Such a good idea! :) Thanks for the tips!
xo
Jena Roach
You’re so close! :)
A surprise baby shower sounds like so much fun. What a nice friend! :)
Katie
I knowww! I’m so excited eek! :)
xo
Verna
I forgot my boppy the first time and lanolin the 2nd time. I think I remembered most of the important stuff the 3rd time. :) Pacifiers, if you have specific brand you want to use, I like wearing my own clothes so I bring some (dark) stuff to wear. Snacks for your husband. :) Here’s my list. http://vernamichelle.wordpress.com/2013/05/28/packing-for-the-hospital/
Katie
Thanks for that link- very helpful! :) I’ll definitely be sure to have snacks in the bag, too- great idea!
xo
Tina
Do not bring yoga pants, haha. The undewear and pads and stuff that you’ll be wearing are like a huge diaper and so make sure you have big sweatpants or pj pants or else people will see your huge diaper haha.
Katie
Hahaha omg I didn’t even think about that!! Okay, good to know!
xo
Jamie
That lady is so right, you are the cutest pregnant girl! And that’s so exciting that he could safely make his appearance at any time! And that’s so sweet of your friend to throw you a shower! yay!
Katie
Aww thanks girl! :) And I know, I’m super excited for the shower!
xo
Diana
You are soo cute pregnant. I love your top. I’m also wondering what size you got. Also, is the site legit?
Katie
Aw thanks girl! :) I got a large! They do run small, and they call it a dress on the site, but that’s laughable. It’s a top, for sure. ;) It’s totally legit- I’ve ordered from them a few times and never any problems! Only thing is, shipping takes longer than normal, but it’s based out of Hong Kong, so that’s why.
xo
Emily
omg you seriously are the cutest pregnant girl ever.
I really really suggest bringing lots of you OWN stuff to the hospital- anything that’ll make you feel more comfortable. Clothes for the baby so he doesn’t have to wear the silly hospital ones. Anything that you feel like you want to use for the baby, blankets, swaddles, pacifier, bottles, boppy pillow- and whatever else :) Then anything that you feel like you want to have for any down time, as well as chargers for your electronics. and I totally agree with taking home everything the hospital gives you, they throw it away after you leave anyways so might as well!
xoxo
Katie
Aw you are so sweet!! :) I got a boppy from my last shower, so I will definitely bring that! And you know I will be stocking up on anything and everything they want to give me! haha ;) Thanks for the great tips!!
xo
Because Shanna Said So
Ahhhh, I remember exactly how you are feeling right now…so close, yet it seems so far away!! You are going to be a mommy in the next month!! WOW!! I am so over the moon excited for you guys…cannot wait to see Round 2 of maternity pics!!
Katie
I knowwww it is SO surreal thinking about the fact that I will be a mommy NEXT month!!! Crazy crazy crazy!! :D
xo
Katriel
One of my other fav bloggers posted her hospital bag list a few months back and it cracked me up so I thought I’d share…. http://bevcooks.com/2013/12/thoughts-on-this-whole-being-knocked-up-business-5th-and-final-edition/
And more pics!!! I agree with target lady…if everyone looked like you pregnant, it would be super trendy.
Katie
You are so sweet. And that list/ entire post was HILARIOUS. That girl is awesome. Thanks for sharing!
xo
Taylor
Ahh so close! So exciting! Have a great time at your shower!!
Katie
I knowww! Thanks girl! :)
xo
Katie
I love what that lady said to you! So sweet!
It is crazy exciting how soon Baby Did What will be here! Of course, I have never had a baby so I have no words of wisdom on the hospital bag but maybe the clinging cross I gave you? I just thought of how it would be a good thing for Christian mommies in labor. Might help them not break the fingers of whoever is holding their hand haha :)
Katie
Girl, that gift made me bawl like a little baby. You are the sweetest most thoughtful person and I’m so glad to call you a friend. <3
xo
Alyx
So, so exciting!! My must-have for the hospital – slippers and chapstick. And a nursing bra and tank (and a nursing cover if you’re going to have a million visitors). Oh, and for baby- lots of jammies and a swaddle me swaddle sack. Best thing ever.
Katie
Chapstiiiiick. I am literally obsessed with chapstick and would be SO upset if I forgot that! I wrote it on my list! :)
xo
Ann
You’re getting so close! That stranger spoke the truth. :) Also, I saw a parent-to-be giveaway today on http://birdalamode.com/ and thought of you! That’s all.
Katie
Ahhh that is an awesome giveaway!! Thanks for the head’s up :)
xo
Lauren
Booties, mittens, and maybe nail clippers for baby. My daughter came out with long finger nails and kept scratching her face. The hospital didn’t have any fingernail clippers so I was putting the booties on her hands. Bring both newborn and 0-3 month sized clothes in case the little guy is bigger than expected, it happens. And remember everything you bring into the hospital you have to bring home plus a baby and possibly gifts and anything else you aquire. I felt a bit overloaded when we were leaving.
Katie
Your list is amazing! THANK YOU! :) And I love the part where you said you have to bring home everything you bring “plus a baby” hehehe that made me giggle for some reason :) Probably because I’m just ridiculously excited!!
xo
Alison
Don’t forget snacks!! I’m not a fan of hospital food, so snacks are a must for me lol. Toiletries, makeup for a minimal face, chap stick, gum, headbands+hair ties, button/zip/open front sweater, comfortable nursing bra, nursing tank if you think you will like that, comfortable yoga or sweat pants, socks+comfortable slip on shoes, cheap pack of underwear on whatever size would fit you right now (the hospital undies don’t stay on me lol), phone/tablet/laptop+power cords ….and then of course outfit,blanky, and car seat for baby :)
Katie
Okay, I love everything you said. Thanks for the tips! :)
xo
Kendel
Holy woah, it seems like just yesterday that I was reading the announcement and now you’re at the finish line! That is craaaaaaaay-zzaaaaaay…more like crazy awesome though! Time has flownnnn. Seriously though, that lady is right! I’m gonna be coming to you for maternity clothing and just general ‘oh good god, I’m having a mental breakdown again’ advice when I’m pregnant…in like seven years or so ;)
Katie
I KNOW!! Girl. It’s CRAY. haha and I will for sure be here when you need that advice, sweet girl! <3
xo
Gina
Love that lacey top! Also, OMG 5 WEEKS! Crazy!
Katie
I KNOW!!! It’s absolutely nuts! :)
xo
Erin
I did a whole post on packing my hospital bag and I stand by every single one of the things I used! Except the book…it was a nice thought but reading never happened! Also add a portable speaker…if you’re a music nut like me you will be very thankful for this! Here’s my post if you’d like to check it out!
xoxo
http://lovethecampbellsblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/packing-my-hospital-bag.html