Pregnancy helpers

Yep, it wasn't easy.

At the end of Judah's pregnancy I recorded this list of actions and 'things' that helped with pregnancy
round #2. I'm seeing that I forgot to post it, but feel it's still good material and may be helpful to other mama's out there.

I'd like to thank all the friends who have lent their helping hands and pregnancy gear that helped me through the harder days of belly vs. toddler.

Helpful Friends...

Lent me their maternity pillow
Listened/Celebrated/Lamented/Texted/Chatted with me every at every stage
Arrived early to Root Group to help prep and lend their husband to play with David
Stayed late after Root Group to clean up
Babysat David so I could go get a pedicure 
Washed dishes
Carried and changed loads of laundry
Babysat David during worship practice so I could stay put
Threw me a "Last Hoo-rah! Diaper party for Judah"
Organized a meals for mom sign-up
Brought their toddler over to play with David while I got mom-chat-time
Dropped by lasagna leftovers
Played with David while I did laundry, sewed
Treated me like I was exhausted, even when I tried to pretend like I wasn't


Helpful Things...

1. Maternity Pillow
2. Celestial Seasonings Herbal Teas (specifically Lemon Zinger) as a decaf option
3. Sweet Petula Mediterranean Mint Butter Balm for belly
4. Craigslist boxes of plentiful maternity clothes, one stop shopping
5. Coconut water, or boxes of healthy drink options for on the go

I think there must have been more helpful things I found, but this is where the list ends. Maybe with round #3, it'll grow.

The Grant Hospital Bag Round #2

Since this round #2, I should be more savvy at packing the best equipped hospital bag for a Grant birth. You know how they say you forget labor pains after the baby is delivered (ha, but you remember they're horrible), well you forget your mental packing list too! So here we go - for kicks & giggles and future reference:

How beautiful is this etsy bag! We'll be using a regular old black duffel bag,
but wouldn't this beauty just add some glamor to the experience?!

GRANT HOSPITAL BAG

For Laura

• Wallet
• Phone & Charger
• Massagers
• Toiletry bag
  - Toothbrush
  - Toothpaste
  - Contacts & Solution
  - Glasses
  - Shampoo & Conditioner
  - Face wash
  - Moisturizer
  - travel hand lotion
  - Burts Bees Tinted lip balm (so important!)
  - Hair Dryer
  - Curl gel
  - Curling Brush
  - Make-up (those bella baby pics aren't cheap so I want to look my 'best')
• Hair ties, headbands, pins
• Blk strapless dress
• Oatmeal Cardigan
• Nursing Tanktop
• Blk skirt
• blk undies 
• Gray slippers
• Crocs
• Coconut Water Juice boxes
• Prune Juice
• Almonds
• Pretzels
• Gum
• Wine
• Nursing pads
• Nursing cover
• Breast pump tote bag & bags

For Tripp

• Wallet
• Phone & Charger
• Tooth brush
• Deodorant
• 2 shirts
• 1 light sweater
• 1 change pants
• 2 undies
• Book
• Camera & Charger

For Judah

• Baby Blanket for Photos
• Wipes
• 2 footed pants and shirts
• 1 sleeper

Some of you may be wondering about the wine, is this allowed in a hospital? In the event I find super-human strength to deliver w/o drugs, I'm treating myself and Judah (via boob) to an entire bottle of Chardonnay over a 4-6 hour period. Either the little guy's going to be buzzing on Norco or Chardonnay, same difference really and possibly the latter is healthier.

Also important to remember are things to ask the hospital for:

From Hospital

• Lanolin
• Nuk Pacifiers
• Postpartum girdle
• Hand pump
• Nipple Shields
• Peri Bottle
• Pads
• Ice packs
• Undies
• Remaining Diapers
• Vaseline for Judah 
• Sitz Bath (I recently read that hospitals sometimes provide)

(P.S.) I've already updated this list since posting, so it's going to be toootaly complete by the time we hit the road to the Hospital.