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back to the hospital

We are officially 3 weeks away from our due date!  So, it is probably time to pack my hospital bag.  I definitely waited a lot longer than our first birth.  I had my bag packed since the sixth month of our pregnancy with Emma. We were thrilled to be pregnant!  This time around, I had so much on my plate like slowing down a business while starting up another business, keeping up with an inquisitive toddler, caring for my loving husband, and maintaining a household (with additional help from our toddler’s caregiver and one of my closest friends while being in Italy).  I was so incredibly busy, I often had to remind myself (or Sara’s kicks would remind me) that I am pregnant.  Not to say, we take any pregnancy for granted as Sara will be our second rainbow baby.  But, I have found keeping busy helps to keep my mind off of the worry of losing another pregnancy.  

I have been so busy that my good friend helped me to start packing my hospital.  To my surprise, she already had everything packed for Sara for a 3-day hospital stay!  My friend included some wonderful gently worn hand-me-downs from Big Sister Emma like warm cozy pajamas, super cute onesies, colorful bibs, socks, booties, and blankets (regular and receiving).  These clothes will fit larger because Emma was born in August and Sara could be born between now and mid-December.  So, rather than 0-3 month clothing, Sara will have 3-6 months clothing.  If Sara is anywhere close to the size of Emma at birth, I do not think we will see a big difference in the clothing size.  For example, my husband bought a matching newborn hat and bootie set for Emma and the hat did not even fit her head!  I did not even bother to pack that hat for Sara.

We certainly will remember to pack the car seat. My friend even packed my three hospital gowns that were sent from my mum as a pregnancy gift.  These gowns are absolutely ideal for nursing as they zip or snap down the front.  The added bonus is that they have pockets!  I will also need to pack a few other things like our birth plan, which I detailed in our Pregnancy Album.  I need not forget my wallet and insurance card.  I will also need toiletries, a robe, slippers, socks, nursing bras, maternity pads, pregnancy pillow, nipple cream, cocoa butter, coconut oil, vitamins, hair ties, toothbrush/toothpaste, and cell phone/charging cord.  I will pack a pair of comfortable pants, but I definitely will prefer the freedom of a nursing gown over any pair of pants.  I may also pack some snacks that satisfy all the tastes like salty and sweet.  But, I look forward to my husband bringing fresh baked croissants every morning like during my last hospital stay.  

This time around we are delivering during a pandemic.  So, I will need to bring several masks.  Also, we will not be packing anything for my husband as he won’t be staying at the hospital.  The other downside to delivering during this time is that visitors are prohibited.  Lastly, I will coordinate Mommy and Baby going home outfits.  That wraps up the remainder of the items needed to include in my hospital bag.  Now, I am looking forward to our final hospital visit this week!