What I Packed In My Hospital Bag

When I think back to my last few hospital stays, I can’t really pinpoint what I packed in my bag when I had all of these babes. Obvious things of course, but I wanted to compile a quick list of what made my stay the absolute best this time around. I know it’ll come in handy when my sister and cousins are prego. Also, a neat little way to look back at what was “in” when I had this last baby boy. Hello…permanent pregnancy brain!

  1. Nursing Maternity Bras: I bought this cute blue with white polka dots one and these on Amazon. They aren’t terribly expensive so it’s worth just having them in the hospital even if you don’t breastfeed forever.
  2. Cute bag: I know it might not be a big deal but, believe me, when you start packing for a four night stay in a hospital not really knowing how things are going to go–a cute bag makes a difference. It puts a smile on your face and that’s huge when you’re nervous about the upcoming day.
  3. Hair ties. While the hospital may seem like it’s going to be a relaxing time, there are way too many people coming and going, poking around, and making you do things that you don’t want to do, that your hair out of your face for some of these “fun” activities is necessary.
  4. One package of baby wipes. I love the Target brand. They come in handy when you can’t get up to wash your face or you need a little refreshing under the pits.
  5. Something special for your favorite nurse. My dad brought me a few of these little coins that are simply placed in their pockets to remind them that they made a difference.
  6. Cute BIG underwear.  To be honest, most of my time was spent in the big, mesh underwear that is needed to keep everything IN. But, on your way out, you may want to throw on a cute pair that covers the bootie and other places just to make things normal.
  7. Gummi Bears: If you like sweets, it’s a good way to get a little something when the nurses aren’t looking! :) I’ve been in situations where I got in trouble and then again where the nurses are cool.
  8. Carter’s onesies: Look on their website. Cheaper than the stores.
  9. Socks: Not only socks but cute and comfy ones. Stance. And done.
  10. Pajamas: Victoria’s Secret. They’re cute and obviously popular. Get some button down ones and you’ll be good. And complimented. ;)

Welcome Baby Ben!

For a long time before Baby Ben arrived, I wrestled with the feeling of taking on too much (am I really ready for another child? can I do it?) and a feeling of sadness knowing this is the last time I’m going to carry a baby. My Aunt Nancy always told me that her favorite part of being pregnant was feeling the little butterfly kicks. And, I’m right there with her.

As soon as I laid eyes on this little cutie pie, I was 100% in love. On March 7, we welcomed Benjamin into the world at 10:02 a.m. At an even eight pounds, he was healthy and hungry–something I could completely relate to. Ice chips after not eating for how long?! I’m exhausted and want a soup/salad combo with a pineapple shake!

He looks like Blake and Bryn but with a twist, and has long fingers that everyone seems to comment on. All of the nurses gushed over how adorable he was and I couldn’t agree more. That button nose and those eyes! My heart melts each time he’s awake!

Welcome to the family, Ben. We love you so much and can’t wait for the years ahead!







The Twins Have Arrived!

Finally, after 37 weeks and 6 days, our two adorable girls arrived on March 22nd at 7:51 a.m. and 7:52 a.m. Brooklyn weighed in at 5 lbs. 8 ounces while Bryn was 6 lbs. even.

When we arrived at the hospital, I was excited and a little nervous. Were the babies going to be ok? I wonder what we are having!? What if something happened to me during the c-section? Was I really going to be THAT sore? I made the mistake of looking up c-section info a few nights before I was supposed to deliver. What a mistake. This was easier than having a regular delivery (and I thought having Blake was a piece of cake!).

I hope in the coming days to write more about my experiences of the delivery, recovery, having twins, etc. But, for now, I leave you with a lot of pictures. Thank you to our friends and families for all the love this past week. We are so very lucky!















30 Weeks & Craft Night

Well, today I went in for my 30 week ultrasound of the twins. Have they grown! Each are weighing in around three pounds. Can you believe it? That’s bigger than Blake’s total weight when he was born!

Like I’ve shared with many of you lately, I’m not 100% sold on the C-section route so wish me luck that these babies turn (Twin A has his/her feet down while Twin B is diagonal). I also was told that my appointments, as of 2/11/13, are going to be twice a week. Whoa. It’s really getting close… and I can’t wait!

Since the twins weren’t really cooperating when we were trying to take their picture, I decided to share a few shots of my baby Blake. We had a little craft night filled with way too much glue, water-colored hearts, flowers made out of tissue paper (remember making these as kids?), and card stock. Valentine’s Day is weeks away but who knows what is going to happen with this belly full of babies!