Hospital Bag Checklist

Now that I feel like I am a pro with my many visits and stays at the hospital. I feel as though I have perfected my hospital bag contents. Here are a few must haves to include in your bag:

Comfy sweats or pjs- Who wants to wear the ugly open butt hospital gowns? I know I don't. I felt much better once my husband arrived with my favorite flannels. Pack more then one, if you think you may be there for more than a day or two.
A Good Trashy Book or Magazines- Lets' face it, a trashy book is one of the best ways to take your mind off of things, plus make the time fly by.
Toiletries- Nothing can make a person feel better then a nice warm shower with all of the amenties from home. Don't forget the shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, deodorant, a hairbrush, blowdryer & moisturizer. And for the ultimate for the pick me up, don't forget your makeup bag!
Your own pillow and blanket- Sounds strange, but nothing was better or made me more comfortable, then when my husband brought my favorite blanket that is usually on the couch and a soft, broken in pillow!
Your cell phone & address book-My iPhone helped keep me sane during the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep. Plus once you have your baby you'll be able to call everyone and let them know the good news.
A going home outfit for baby-Don't forget booties and mittens, some new baby's fingernails come out long and the mittens will help prevent scratches.
A going home outfit for you-Bring something that is comfy and will make you feel good about yourself!

Now all I need to do now, is go to the hospital, have my babies and return home with them. I am a little tired of spending so much time at the hospital and coming home with nothing more then a hospital band!

How to Prepare for Baby 2 & 3?

So many people keep asking me what are my plans once the twins arrive? I think it is really hard to come up with a plan, because I just don’t know. Do I go from having a part time babysitter to a full time nanny? Do I get a housekeeper to come once a week? Do I send my 2-1/2year old to preschool? Or do I just go crazy? I have struggled with all these thoughts, plus what the added expense means to my family and me. I struggle with the thoughts of having a stranger in my house, and ultimately feel uncomfortable with the invasiveness of it all. I realize that I am resistant to help and like things just the way they are. So like everything, I just have to play it day by day.

Even though I am not sure how I will manage day to day life once the boys arrive. I know I must prepare. And prepare is what I’ve done.

Here are a few things I have done to prepare for Baby A & Baby B:

1. Figure out how to order my groceries online & have them delivered. One less errand to run!
2. Make a ton of meals and freeze them, so on those crazy days it will be one less thing to think about.
3. Work the neighborhood and meet the local teenagers who can possibly baby-sit on a whim’s notice.
4. Join an online mom group. So I can log in on those days where I just can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.
5. Make my daughter feel special everyday. So when the boys are born her little world is not rocked too much!
6. Have small wrapped gifts (the dollar bin at Target is fantastic) for my daughter, for those days when she just a little something extra to keep her occupied.
7. Play “laundry” with my daughter. A great learning tool and gets a project done. I mean how many 2-1/2 years olds can sort darks from light! Maybe when the boys arrive, she’ll still be able to sort while I am holding a tyke or two. I know that’s nuts…but why not dream?

I know I may not be in reality yet. I know things will change dramatically and at times be incredibly overwhelming, but I figure if I plan for the worst, it can only get better, right?