Oops. I have never packed a bag in advance of going into labor. This is a shock even to me. I am a consummate list maker and knew I would need a bag at the hospital I just didn’t ever actually do it. I abhor packing of any kind. This aversion to putting my things in bag for an overnight stay or longer only got worse with kids. I am last minute girl to the nth degree when it comes to packing, so much so that if it can be avoided we no longer take early morning flights – I just can’t get it all together.
I have never had a problem with my last minute packing. It’s not like we are flying to the hospital and for me, the hospital is very close. It’s not like I cant send Ross home if we need something. I will say that I have been a very good packer given the fact that I was in labor doing it.
First, of course, and the longest part of the list really, was all my technology. This time will be no different. I absolutely must have:
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Blackberry and charger – You do want me to tweet don’t you?
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Laptop – Hospital has WiFi and I don’t sleep after having babes. At least not so far. I went 2 days after Sophia and almost 3 with Miles before the adrenaline wore off and I caught more than a half hour nap. It is all just so exciting and so, the laptop keeps me occupied and happy when not nursing in the middle of the night when even HGTV goes goodnight. Have you seen it? It is so sad – these little stars come on the screen and they say Goodnight before going to paid programming. You know – how to make a million dollars on eBay. I wish. I will be blogging away and posting pictures of my little miracle all over the place! Laptop is a REQUIREMENT for me.
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iPod and charger and speakers – I have a thing for liking the music that is around me and really hating when something is on that I dislike. Turns out in labor I am really picky. So now I have learned I need my ipod with a special play list. I am thinking this will not matter as much if I need to have the c-section but I will be prepared anyway.
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Video Camera – I am thinking the Flip this time but I think maybe my hubby will be better with the Sony. What to do? Bring both!
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Regular Camera and backup and charger. Seriously we bring two cameras and chargers and I DO charge batteries in advance of going into labor.
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It is not here yet but if it comes I will bring my new Kindle from the hubby. Just seems like you can’t have too many things to play with.
Then, for Me. I bring my pillow. And I bring lots of socks. I live in socks. I could never forget either. I always keep a toiletries bag packed for trips so I just throw this in. It always has mini sizes of all my faves as well as a razor and toothbrush and lotion and all that good stuff. I then throw in my hair dryer and my makeup bag (all I wear is lip gloss, some mascara and maybe a little brush over with powder in the day) and I am done. I brought jammies the first time and never touched them. I was happy in the doubled up hospital gowns and I gotta say – post baby I thought those mesh granny panties were the bees knees. They gave you pads (not just old school ones either they have everything from your pantyliners to your heavy duty ones) and a robe and little slippers. I was actually impressed. I really did not need anything to wear except something to go home in. For vaginal births I just brought a pair of yoga pants. I may, this time, bring something even looser as I have heard post surgery most ladies have not liked anything touching the wound. Oh – I did bring a night time nursing bra and My Brest Friend nursing pillow. I wanted support for me tatas and I wanted some coverage up there. So I used the very soft elastic no wire anywhere pull to the side bras that I slept in every night while I breastfed both babies for a year. Due to swine flu I will have to be wheeled down to the lobby to see my kids so I may bring some sort of pajama set for that.
For the baby I will bring a go home outfit and the car seat and due to the cold a warm blanket. They take care of everything else and you leave with like a months worth of stuff for your little baby. It is so easy!
For our tummies we will bring snacks and candy to suck on and throughout my stay hubby will go to Brueggers for bagels. I just love bagels. And Diet Cherry Coke. Mmmm. I am just weird and like to chew on ice and have hard candy to suck on. It calms me down.
For hubby – bring a blanket and pillow. He should get some small comfort on that tiny bench bed he needs to sleep on so that he can jump up in a moment if you need him. He might also appreciate a roll of nice soft TP. You will not be needing it or caring, but it is a good idea.
So really I think that I have a pretty good hospital or I am just unusually laid back after birth because I am just pretty chill with what they give me and my baby. Oh – I do bring a mirror because I do care what I look like as all the technology I bring sends my pictures all over the Internet!
So will I pack in advance? Since I have to be there at 5:30 AM next Tuesday, it seems I will have to really get moving next Monday night huh?
When did you pack? What did you pack? Did you need anything special for a c-section? What did you absolutely not use and what did you wish you had? I would love to know – especially since I will have some time to add to this list this time around!
It’s just 8 days now…WooHoo!
Also I would like to apologize. I took my Ambien tonight before posting. If this is written in some alien pregnant language, please forgive me. I am not myself. I am actually going to sleep!
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I am the Ringmaster of this circus. I have 3 small children who don't know what that means so I just say "Boss" and they get that. I am a mom who loves to write, build things, make things and love on my kids and my hubs. I am also in the midst of a love affair with social media. Always busy, usually laughing and never without words. Thus, Mommy Words. 
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Good luck with your birth!! You have an amazing sense of humor. I wish I had one that good when I was 6 days out. PS I loved the mesh undies too. Good times.
Twitter: ThetaMom
January 11, 2010 at 10:44 pm
OMG girl, 8 days away!!! You are really having a baby soon!!! I love your list, and of course you’ll be tweeting with us! We can’t wait to meet this little one!
.-= Theta Mom´s last blog ..A Stranger In My Closet =-.
sooooo exciting!!! I have another bloggy friend that is due in about 11 days so I have been anxiously awaiting both of your deliveries!!!
Can’t wait!!
.-= Just Add Walter´s last blog ..Check it out! =-.
As I said before, I have never packed a bag for any of my 3 births. Nada, nothing, no how, no way. So what happens is that if I need anything afterwards the hospital supplies it or hubby brings it the next day. I usually go home the next day, so not a biggie. I did end up with c-section with my first and I didn’t need anything special in the hospital, but boy did I want a bunch of pillows to prop myself up on the bed at home – it HURTS to get up and down – you need those stomach muscles when going from a laying down to sitting up, so it was just easier to sit up most of the time at first. 8 days – you are so close!
.-= TooManyHats´s last blog ..Monday Menu Mania =-.
Urgh. That reminds me of my idiotic packing when little L’s birth was coming closer. You know what they say – that the baby can arrive anywhere between 38 and 42 weeks. Well, I made sure I had the bag packed by week 37 and as a result had to stare at it for almost 6 weeks! Next time I am not going to pack, but I am going to make a list for the husband in case I’ll have to rush off. Much better.
PS: ipod is a great idea!
.-= Metropolitan Mum´s last blog ..So how do you choose the right school for your child? =-.
This brings back so many memories of getting ready for the hospital. I mean it was only 19 months ago but wow what an experience! I honestly believe having a sense of humor like yours makes stressful times so much easier. I cant wait to see pics of the new little one! I also have an award for you over at my blog! I know you prob dont have time to repost and I totally understand. I just thought you deserve it because I love your blog!
.-= Kristi´s last blog ..Toys and Awards =-.
Those mesh undies did kick ass! I used to tell Carl to get used to ‘em b/c they were NEVER going away. LOL! And Even though you’re not a packer, you STILL have everything organized! I’m the same way.
.-= existentialwaitress´s last blog ..There comes a moment in every husband’s life… =-.
Twitter: gratefultwinmom
January 12, 2010 at 2:37 pm
Amazingly coherent with the Ambien….I did have a c-section–twins of course–and it does HURT to get up and down. Good thing you have the co-sleeper attached to the bed at home. It’s a life saver to help you get in and out of bed at home. Kind of functions like a hospital bed bar. Don’t make this mistake–I was holding the baby and tried to sit down in a chair without using my hands on the chair arms. Ouch!! Make sure you grip something getting up and down. Sounds like you’re really ready. The electronics sound awesome. Can’t wait for the flip videos.
.-= Grateful Twin Mom´s last blog ..As Time Goes By, the Future Glints on the Horizon =-.
I need to do this… I keep making lists and losing them.
.-= SuZ´s last blog ..Bad Mommy… Bad. =-.
I packed as soon as they told me I was pregnant! My daughter was an IVF baby and I am one of those anal, over prepared people. Of course, I repacked my bag twenty times before the big day and in the mad dash to the hospital we completely forgot it. In my case, they only kept me 24 hours so we were in and out almost before I realized we forgot the bag, My Mom brought clothes for me and baby to wear home and life was good!
.-= Carol´s last blog ..Family home evening =-.
I can’t believe you only have a week to go! It sounds like you have your bases covered. Just remember to bring an outfit for yourself to come home in.
I have to admit, I may copy and paste your list here. It really is so different once you already have children. With my daughter, I packed my hospital bag a month ahead of time! This time around, it’s the furthest thing from my mind and I have a feeling I’ll be tossing random socks and underpants into a bag at the last minute.
Hang in there and savor these last few days with your belly, your other babies, and hubby. I just know it is bittersweet.
.-= Momisodes´s last blog ..They really are magical =-.
wow it sounds like you have a good hospital. When I had Snaffles we have to take everything, even sheets for the cot!
.-= snafflesmummy´s last blog ..Writing Workshop Week 9 – Those People =-.
I think you are officially the most organized person I know. I never gave my bag half as much thought — my only focus was getting those little suckers out. And because of my lack of planning, I look HORRIBLE in all my after birth photos.
Only 8 days! Wow. Hang in there.
.-= Zen Mom´s last blog ..When Did I Get So Old? =-.
Twitter: zanditaylor
January 14, 2010 at 3:56 pm
I am issuing 30 day notice for EVICTION. Tenant will have 30 days in which she can either gather her belongings and promptly vacate the premises, or wait until the final day. After which, she will be physically removed from the property.
She’s being evicted due to breech of contract and destruction of property. Expansions only to the FRONT of the house, within reasonable limits, were discussed. Not only have these limits been exceeded, but additions to the back of the house were also made!
Remodeling and gutting of the home was never approved, nor was changing the initial layout and base structure. And due to property damage, there are now leaks in both the upper AND lower levels of the home. On top of which, the landlord has received numerous complaints about nightly disturbances.
After 30 days from this day that she doesn’t comply with the notice will result in immediate and forceful removal at landlords discretion.
.-= Zandi´s last blog ..Anatomy of a SuperMom Part 2 =-.
Twitter: mommywords
January 14, 2010 at 10:27 pm
30 days – this chick has 5. Outta there! Will you come visit me?
Twitter: zanditaylor
January 16, 2010 at 10:27 pm
yes I’m coming to visit you… r u nuts ? You think I’d miss this opportunity!? I’ll call you tomorrow. EEEEEEEEEEEEKKKK excited for you!