An Amendment to the Hospital Bags-What I used and didn't

Items that were a must are highlighted.

Labor Bag

Clothing

o    Nightgown or labor gown (the greenish colored thing) is from Pretty Petal Pushers  (I didn't get to wear it)

o    1 pair of warm fuzzy socks (which you can't see because they are black (lol) and a pair of UT slippers just in case I need to walk around (which i didn't use, I just walked around in the socks)

Paper Work (which I put all in a file, under the breastfeeding book)

o    Insurance Information, hospital forms

o    phone numbers of people to call after birth (already in phones

o    Identification

o    Insurance card

o    Birth plan(didn't need a hard copy)

o    Folder with all contact information for both our insurance and my maternity leave (didn't need at the hospital)

o    A go time email to friends and family(didn't use)

Electronics (not shown in picture as we are still using them)

o    Camera and video camera-extra batteries/charger and memory cards

o    Cell phone and charger

o    Ipad/laptop/charger cord

Might need/want

o    Notebook and pen (not packed but ready to go)/Baby Book (was too engrossed in baby)

o    Magazines/books (especially about babies or breastfeeding) 

o    Tennis ball for labor massage

o    Makeup bag in my little purple bag

o    Chapstick- in the purple bag

o    My orange cup with straw for water (not packed because I use it) Hospital gave a big gulp type thing

Snacks

o    Hard sugar free candy

o    Trail mix

o    Granola bars and other bars

o    Fruit (this will be a grab and go thing)
o    Vitamin water

Postpartum Bag
Clothing

o    Pajamas for sleeping/lounging-the leopard print top (so comfy and a pair of black spandex-y type pj pants)

o    Slippers (which are in the labor bag and will be transferred after labor) 

o    1 pair of warm fuzzy socks (the pink and multi color fuzzies)

o    Underwear that you don’t mind to toss (these are super soft and cheap clearance from JcPenny

o    yoga pants (bought on clearance at Target but would love it if they didn't get ruined because they are super soft and will make good lounge wear for the next couple of weeks)

o    Nursing tank/built in bra tanks and nursing bra (the sleep kind) with a cardigan (the grayish looking thing) to wear over (I packed 3 tanks because they were all super soft but all had different fits. I didn't know which one would work best for nursing)

o    Zip up hoodie (my all time favorite hoodie-Victoria Secret Pink-It has UT sparkles on the back of it-little man is arriving just in time for football season in TN)

o    Outfit  to leave the hospital in (a little black dress-soft, jersey knit from Target) It was raining so I just wore the black yoga pants, black built in bra tank, and the cardigan with my black flip flops

o    1 nursing bra from Babies R Us (The built in bras were much more comfy)

Toiletries

o    Hair dryer (not packed-still using) (only had to spend one night)

o    Makeup Bag- will be transferred from the labor bag

o    Travel size-toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, soap, deodorant, mini tissues, vitamins, tylenol (they had me use motrin), Mama mio belly oil, germ-X, q-tips, Mama Mio Skin Care lotion and Boob Tube lotion, face wipes, dry shampoo, and Natural laxitives (which I have yet to find)(I bought Colace but they supplied it for me at the hospital)

o    Shower slippers (just a cheap pair of flip flops)

o    Sanitary napkins like Always Infinity/Depends the orange things (I have to say that the sticking things did not work well)!

o    Adult diapers (not the cheap kind) the big orange things-this was just a suggestion and we will see if it works-I liked them for the first 2-3 days, they didn't bunch etc like a pad does sometimes.

 Ease Postpartum Aches and pains

o    Belly Bandit/hip slimmer

o    Lanolin (I used a all natural Nipple Butter)

o    Tucks infused with witch hazel (they gave me these at the hospital so I brought mine home)

o    Heat and ice packs for breast and abdominal area

o    Spouted bottle to clean your lady parts without having to wipe (said I would get one of these at the hospital)

o    Breast pads (the little purple bag has two but I have more in an extra box that will stay in the truck unless I run out of something)

o    Nipple cream/nursing cream (nipple butter)

Might need/want

o    Baby book or something to stamp baby’s foot (in labor bag

o    snacks

o    Pillow and blanket-do not use a white one as the hospital one is white (not pictured)
   
    Baby Bags

     Infant car seat (will be in car)

JJ Cole Diaper bag which I love!!! and has way more room that it looks like it does and way more compartments to store things-completed 

Clothing

o    4 baby outfits- the little brown 2 pc monkey set, the brown one piece that buttons up the side, the green and blue plaid button up, and the monkey button up (newborn size) and a sleeper gown (wasn't sure of the temperature in the hospital or when we leave-August and September can be funny-hot during the day and cooler in the mornings or evenings

o    Going home outfit (the white outfit with the monogram) was pouring the rain so we didn't bother

o    Onesies-one that goes with the 2 pc monkey set

o    Hats to match the outfits- a monkey and a brown and white stripe

o    3 pairs of socks plus one pair of fuzzy socks-so cute

o    Baby mittens - 2 pairs-one monkey and one white and yellow

Blankets

o    3 receiving blankets (used maybe one)

o    Swaddle blanket

o    Big blanket to cover (in the car seat) and one white one

Feeding

o    Bibs (3)

o    Burp clothes (2) I love the blue and brown one at the end (left)

o    Breastfeeding pillow (my brestfriend or my mambo which is not pictured)

o    Will have in the car just in case-Breastfeeding pump/bottles

Changing

o    Diapers and wipes (not pictured-but you see the wipes case)

o    Diaper rash cream and Germ-X

Might need/want

o    Binky-the little monkey

In the end, if I ever did this again (which I WON'T) I would make sure that I had:

1. My own pillow and blanket -it was so cold in the room -also I should have one for the hubby
2. A breastfeeding pillow-loved the Brest friend the best
3. SNACKS!!!! (a hospital's feeding schedule was nothing like I was used to)
4. Home comforts-fuzzy socks, toiletries
5. Nipple Cream

Spotlight Saturday...Baby Products I couldn't do without

My spotlight for Saturday has to go to the product that travels everywhere with me...from the hospital, to upstairs, and downstairs, to small trips to the store. It is the Brest Friend. I purchased this item from either Totsy or Zulily. I can't remember which one exactly. What I do know is that normally it is like around 40 dollars at places like Babies R Us, but I scored this one in navy blue for 19.99. I absolutely love this product for helping me to breastfeed. I love the side pocket, and it is so soft. I have to admit, I bought a Mambo too to help with breastfeeding but it looks like it will be used more for Korbin and tummy time. The brestfriend just works so much better for me. You attach it around you, and it is soft. Korbin loves it. It is like when he sees me get it out to put it on his eyes light up. I have neck and shoulder problems and the Brestfriend helps to alleviate some of the issues I have-some not all. I can't imagine how bad I would hurt if I didn't have this product though. Also being health conscience, I like the fact that it does not contain those icky fire retardants.


Another product that has been a lifesaver is Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Nipple Butter which is organic, vegan, and toxin free! It has helped me sooooo much. I use it every day. At first my boobs were cracked and dry and hurt soooooo bad. It was like an instant relief when I used this stuff. Eight days postpartum and breast feeding and my boobs look great-no cracks, bleeding or any other unpleasantries.


These are the two most important things that I have needed these first few days. They are honestly products I couldn't have made this breastfeeding journey without. They have made it so much easier, less painful and more pleasurable-well at least as pleasurable as it can be to have a hungry human being chomp...I mean latch onto your boob.

Introducing...

KORBIN BRU BOAK 

BORN SEPTEMBER 7TH, 2012

WEIGHT 7 LBS 

19 INCHES LONG

 We love this picture. We couldn't believe that our newborn could hold his head up like this less than a couple hours after birth.

Aunt "Giga" my best friend, Christa with Korbin

The "Big" Sister Kaitlyn with Korbin

Please respect my little Korbin by not pinning/copying pictures of him. Thanks!

Eviction Notice

Right before leaving for the hospital. We had to be there at 12:01 a.m. Friday morning September 7, 2012 for my induction. You can see the anxiety in my face. We thought this eviction notice would be a cute last chalkboard post. 

38 Weeks

How far along? 38 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss:  21 lbs
Maternity clothes?  No, and sooooo glad that I didn’t need any of them!
Stretch marks?  No.
Sleep: When it is good, it is good. When it is bad, it is really bad.
Best moment this week: Being told that his birthday was going to be on the day of his 39 weeks. (We actually have to go to the hospital at midnight the night before, so this will be my last weekly photo.

Have you told family and friends:  Yes.
Miss Anything?  Yes, again an ache free body.
Movement:  Still a stretching feeling, and a foot that loves my right side. (But I love feeling his little heel-actually pretty big heel)
Food cravings: Still loving breakfast foods, mangos, well and other fruits, chocolate chip protein bars
Anything making you queasy or sick:  Not really. Feeling okay now.
Have you started to show yet:  Yes.
Gender:  BOY.
Labor Signs:  Maybe, maybe not. Aches and pains.
Belly Button in or out? I guess it will be an innie.
Wedding rings on or off? On-but some mornings I need lotion to get them on because my hands are swollen, but an hour or so later they fit fine.
Happy or Moody most of the time:  Happy.  So happy, but I have been a little more moody. I think I am just over it. I am anxious, nervous, a bundle of anxiety and nerves.

Weekly Wisdom:  Rest and relax this week. This is the last time I will have by myself without a baby demanding my time.
Looking forward to:  Finally bringing my little boy home, showing the nursery for the first time, and telling our families the name of their grandson, nephew, cousin, etc.

Note: I enjoyed my Labor Day-haha so funny-weekend by having a pedicure with my bestie and then a little shopping. I was shopping for the after, and taking her shopping for her birthday. It was nice just to relax. It was also kind of shocking to think that I was in the mall for the last time without having a stroller to push.

Months of Reflection

I've had ten months to sit and think, reflect, dream, create, and recreate. Today, I go in to the hospital to be induced at midnight. Tomorrow, hopefully, I will be holding our little one in my arms. I am a bundle of nerves, energy, hope, excitement, etc. I don't know exactly how to explain all the feelings I am feeling. But out of them all, I think I am feeling closure. I look at life like chapters in a book or novel. I have opened and closed so many in my short 30 years it is really unbelievable. This was a chapter of my life that I thought I would never start, let alone finish. I never thought when I married Jeff in 2011 that I would be sitting here on the eve of my son's birth less than 2 years later. Life changes so rapidly around us. I was always the girl who didn't want to have children. I had been unfortunate enough to watch 2 marriages fall apart, and I couldn't imagine my own with Jeff falling apart. I was afraid of children. I was afraid I was too selfish, too controlling, too predictable, too set in my own ways to bring a child into my life. I am finding out that while I do like to be controlling-not in a demanding sort of way and not in a way that effects my relationships with people but more in a way that I have a mapped out plan of my life- that I need to ease up on that aspect as things don't always go as planned. It seems to me, my life was always planned out for me. I always knew what I wanted, how I wanted it, when I wanted it, and how I was going to get it-especially when it came to my education and job. My life has always been like a dance...and I have always had to be on and have it together. This pregnancy has taught me a lot, not just about myself but about others. I do not always have to have it together. I do not always have to be on. I can let others do things for me. If I can't bend over to pick up something on the floor, it is okay to ask my husband to do. If I need to sit down and rest, it is okay that others are up working around me. None of that has any effect on my self worth...and it has been a humbling and sobering experience.

As my last few hours of a 2 size family, plus dog and step daughter, comes to an end, I am excited to "read" the next chapter. Heck, I am excited to "write" the next chapter. I look forward to tonight and tomorrow with anticipation and excitement. In a sense, I know that nothing after tonight will ever be the same again, and as much as change scares me, this one doesn't. I feel love. Love for my parents, love for my husband, love for my little pooch, love for my family, love for my son. It is like an all encompassing feeling that I am feeling. People told me that tonight/tomorrow my life would change and they could never explain the feeling and get an accurate account. I believe that, because even someone like me who works with words for a living is simply and utterly speechless at the thought that tomorrow I will have one of the most important jobs in the world: MOMMY!

Tutorial Tuesday: Mini Mama Photo Studio

Sooooo, I know that I am going to want so many pictures of my little angel. I know that I am going to want to have a professional photographer do some, but at the same time, I have so many ideas that a one-two hour session is not going to cut it. So, enter my homemade mini mama photo studio. I have been buying props from ETSY-a white bed, a nest, baskets, different beanie hats, blankets, rugs, etc. I purchased this garment rack from Walmart for like 15 dollars. Then, I went to the fabric section and purchased some different fabrics. Surprisingly the one that works best is a black and white one that was vinyl for a tablecloth. Then all you need is baseboards, (one works that you can cut in half and paint different colors) and then different size clamps. I also have floor boards that were extra from doing the floors upstairs to use. I will post more specifics after I actually use my studio. I tried with my little pooch but she just didn't want to sit still in the basket.

Do you know what you are eating?!

Do you know what you are eating? I recently had a shock. I went to the doctor for my last appointment after I found out that my sugar test had come back high. I was supposed to do another 3 hour glucose test, but there wasn't time. So he told me to go on a low carb diet. I almost laughed. Low carb me?! The response "I really don't eat bread" was on the tip of my tongue, and I am so glad that I kept it there. Once I got home, I googled it.

SHOCKING! My beloved fruits-a lot of them were on the bad list for a low carb diet! I never really knew that fruit could be bad. So, I started do a little more research on how to eat better, as I know I am going to have to kick it up a notch to lose my 21 lbs of baby weight after he is born this week. I have been looking at clean eating, vegan, and just healthy choices-not that I don't feel that I eat well. I am actually probably one of the best "diet" without a diet eaters around. (Of course, even I splurge-I am looking forward to Thanksgiving with my aunts butternut squash "potatoes", my uncle's stuffing (which I am sure is soooo bad for me) and sweet potato casserole...lol). But again, I need to get my game face on to get back to what I was before. (Back before this photo)

11 weeks pregnant

I remember reading an article and I can't for the life of me remember where I saw it or I would post the link. Do you look at the PLU code on your fruits and vegetables. I never did. I just thought that the cashier needed to punch that code in to the the price of the item. But then I read that PLU sticker will tell you whether the fruit was organically grown, genetically modified, or produced with chemical fertilizers, herbicides or fungicides. WHAT?! How come I have never heard of that before. 

PLU stickers:

• that have 4 digits and begin with a “3″ or “4″: produce is conventionally grown (meaning produce was sprayed with weed killers and chemical pesticides).
•  that have 5-digits and start with “8″: produce was genetically engineered (meaning have been chemically treated).
• that have 5-digits and start with “9″: produce was raised organically. (meaning that it was not treated with chemicals).

After I read this I did a little research, and did come up with this pdf link. 

http://plucodes.com/docs/IFPS-plu_codes_users_guide.pdf

"Nesting"

So we spent the day with mom and dad trying to check off my never ending to do list.
Today we:

• Mowed the lawn and weeded (well daddy did)
• Jeff and I purchased a super awesome Samsung washer and dryer from Lowes on Sale  for Labor day (yeah buddy) and had to go pick it up and then dad and Jeff had to carry the old ones downstairs, then the new ones upstairs, and then get them hooked up...3 loads of laundry later only two mishaps. The first is when Jeff began the first load and we watched as water leaked out the bottom of the washer...apparently there is a little door with a hose that you can use to "drain" your front load washer so it doesn't get that "funky" mildewy smell that the guy at Lowes had showed us, and Jeff forgot to check to make sure it was sealed...oops. The second was something with the washer being unlevel....so it started making a heck of a racket....ooops. 
• Finished hanging the chandelier in our son's room-it had sooooo many crystals
• Hung a 75 lb mirror in our son's room-Jeff's arms are hurting from that one
• Dishes washed and put away
• Garment rack assembled (I did it all by myself-yay) for my little photo studio I want to use once our son gets here. 
• Cleaned out the garage to put the extra washer/dryer in and give me a little more room to get in and out with the little one.
• Created a Kaitlyn's Big Sister Diaper Duty bag to give to her at the hospital...she already asked if she could skip school-good thing Jeff said "No"-the teacher in me would have died
• Made a pitcher of my new favorite "drink"-Apple Cinnamon water- super easy-water, one apple cut up in slices and 2 cinnamon sticks...the cool thing is that you can use the apples and cinnamon more than once-actually today I just poured more water into the jug and the weird thing is that the water almost seems stronger in flavor. Sooooo refreshing.
• My mom got all the stickers off the glass of the picture frames and shadow box
• Dad loaded up a truck full of stuff to take to the dump-Jeff is always working and so the trash tends to pile up in our garage until he gets a free day....and believe me with boxes from all the baby stuff...you run out of room very quick.
• Finished gathering up the stuff to take to the hospital.
• Worked out a game plan with mom and dad for Thursday evening (when we go to the hospital).
• Mom mopped the floors-I told her she didn't have to because the maids would be here this week and they were going to do a really good deep cleaning.
• Went to Wallyworld
• Created a craft storage bin (out of one of those wide 3 drawer plastic things that you can get at Walmart) for all my crafts
• Organized (to some degree) my photo props
• Finished my photo prop burlap canopy-it was like 50 dollars or more on ETSY, and I thought I could sooooo do that.
• Shocked the pool.
• Cleaned out the fridge this morning before Jeff even rolled out of bed.
• Mom cleaned out our fan that is a must in our bedroom...I am getting soooo very hot here lately....waking up drenched from head to toe. 

I am sure that there were a lot of other little things accomplished today. I want to end on this very sweet note:

Approximately 10:30 last night I hear Jeff rummaging through the kitchen. I think he is looking for a bedtime snack (and he has a hard time finding anything that is not right there in front of his face-men don't know to look behind anything-lol). So I ask him what he is doing. He replies, "I'm nesting." What?! You're nesting. lol. He comes into the living room where I am sitting and tells me that he is just doing some things that was not on my to do list but that he thought I might attempt to do tomorrow while he was at work. He said he just wanted me to rest so he was trying to take care of things so I would rest. AWWWWW...Heart melt. How did I ever get so lucky?

Birth Plan

Okay so I have two plans on here...the first is what I wanted at the beginning...but the second is the one that I am actually taking to the hospital. Notice it is much smaller!

Birth Plan

Name: Jone Jones Boak/Jeffrey Boak

Hospital: St. Mary’s

Doctor’s Name: Lowell McCuley

Attendants:

I’d like the following people to be present during labor/birth

1.       Husband-Jeff Boak

2.       Relative/s- My mom and Dad (Linda and Gary Johnson

3.       Children-Allow Kaitlyn in only before/or after baby is born (no during)

Amenities

I’d like to:

·         The lights dimmed

·         As few interruptions as possible

·         Wear my own clothes during labor and delivery

·         Take pictures and/or video during labor and delivery

Hospital Admissions and Procedures

Once I’m admitted, I’d like:

·         My husband to be allowed to stay with me at all times

·         Only my practitioner, nurse, and people I wish to be present (i.e. no residents, medical students)

·         To eat if I wish to (sugar free candy etc)

·         To try to stay hydrated by drinking clear fluids or eating ice chips instead of an IV

·         To walk and move around as I choose

·         To not be made to lie on my back, 45 degree angle is fine

Other Interventions

I am not interested in:

·         An enema

·         Shaving of my pubic area

·         A urinary catheter (unless I must)

As long as the baby and I are doing find, I’d like to:

·         Have intermittent rather than continuous electronic fetal monitoring (20 on, 20 off). (I cannot sit on the couch for an hour without having to get up because it hurts. I cannot imagine hours in a bed.)

Pain Relief

I’d like to try the following pain-management techniques:

·         Accupressure

·         Hot/cold therapy

·         Massage

·         Medication

If I decide I want medicinal pain relief, I’d prefer:

·         Regional analgesia (an epidural and/or spinal block)

·         Walking Epidural

·         No painkillers or Demerol

Pushing

When it is time to push, I’d like to:

·         Do so instinctively

·         Be coached on when to push and for how long

·         Would appreciate warm moist compresses and perineal massage to reduce the risk of a tear

I’d like to try the following positions for pushing:

·         Semi-reclining

·         Lean on my partner

·         Squatting

·         Whatever feels right at the time

Vaginal Birth

During delivery, I’d like:

·         To give birth without an episiotomy (I am hoping to protect the perineum. I am practicing ahead of time by squatting; doing Kegel exercised, and will be starting perineal massage. I would appreciate guidance in when to push and when to stop pushing so that the perineum can stretch.)

·         to avoid vacuum extraction

·         to avoid forceps usage

·         to not let the epidural wear off while pushing

After birth, I’d like:

·         To hold my baby right away, putting off any procedures that aren’t urgent (I would appreciate the evaluation of the baby to be done with the baby on my abdomen, with both of us covered by a warm blanket, unless there is a situation).

·         To breastfeed as soon as possible

·         Not to get oxytocin (pitocin) after I deliver the placenta unless it’s necessary

·         To wait a minute or two  before the umbilical cord is clamped and cut

·         My husband (or my dad if my husband cannot) to cut the umbilical cord

·         Not to include a hepatitis B vaccine or the eye ointment for STDs

C-section

If I have a c-section, I’d like:

·         To make sure all other options have been exhausted

·         My husband to be present at all times during the operation

·         My hands left free so I can touch the baby

·         An epidural for anesthesia

·         The baby to be given to my husband as soon as he’s dried, if appropriate

·         To see him as soon as possible

·         To breastfeed my baby in the recovery room, if needed

Cord Blood Banking

I’m planning to:

·         Public bank or private bank

Postpartum

After delivery, I’d like:

·         All newborn procedures to take place in my or my husband’s presence

·         My husband to stay with the baby at all times if I can’t be there

·         To stay in a private room

I’d like:

·         Kaitlyn to be brought in to see/meet the baby as soon as possible after birth

·         The baby to room-in with me unless I need a rest or am not feeling well

Feeding Issues

I plan to:

·         Breastfeed exclusively

·         Use the help of the hospital lactation specialist

Do NOT offer my baby:

·         Formula

·         Sugar water

·         Water

·         Artificial nipples (to prevent nipple confusion)

Circumcision

·         I want him to be circumcised at the hospital

Baby’s Health

If baby is not well, I’d like:

·         My husband and I to accompany him to the NICU or another facility

·         To breastfeed or provide pumped breastmilk

·         To hold him whenever possible

Discharge

I’d like to:

·         Be discharged from the hospital with my baby as soon as possible

Birth Plan (Bold are a must)

Name: Jone Jones Boak/Jeffrey Boak

Hospital: St. Mary’s                                                        Doctor’s Name: Lowell McCuley

I’d like the following people to be present during labor/birth         

1.       Husband-Jeff Boak

2.       Relative/s- My mom and Dad (Linda and Gary Johnson)

3.       Children-Allow Kaitlyn in only before/or after baby is born (no during)

I’d like to:

·         Wear my own clothes during labor and delivery

·         Take pictures and/or video during labor and delivery

Once I’m admitted, I’d like:

·         My husband to be allowed to stay with me at all times

·         Only my practitioner, nurse, and people I wish to be present (i.e. no residents, medical students)

·         To eat if I wish to (sugar-free candy, gum etc)

·         To try to stay hydrated by drinking clear fluids or eating ice chips

I am not interested in:

·         An enema

·         A urinary catheter (unless I must)

I’d like to try the following pain-management techniques:

·         Accupressure/massage

·         Hot/cold therapy

·         Regional analgesia (an epidural and/or spinal block) but no painkillers or Demerol

When it is time to push, I’d like to:

·         Be coached on when to push and for how long

·         Would appreciate warm moist compresses and perineal massage to reduce the risk of a tear

During delivery, I’d like:

·         To give birth without an episiotomy (I am hoping to protect the perineum. I am practicing ahead of time by squatting; doing Kegel exercises. I would appreciate guidance in when to push and when to stop pushing so that the perineum can stretch.)

·         to avoid vacuum extraction/forceps usage

·         to not let the epidural wear off while pushing

After birth, I’d like:

·         To hold my baby right away, putting off any procedures that aren’t urgent

·         To breastfeed as soon as possible

·         My dad to cut the umbilical cord-super important to me as my dad has never seen/participated in a birth

If I have a c-section, I’d like:

·         My husband to be present at all times during the operation

·         An epidural for anesthesia

·         To see him/breastfeed as soon as possible

After delivery, I’d like:

·         All newborn procedures to take place in my or my husband’s presence

·         My husband to stay with the baby at all times if I can’t be there

·         The baby to room-in with me unless I need a rest or am not feeling well

I plan to:

·         Breastfeed exclusively

Do NOT offer my baby:

·         Formula

·         Sugar water

·         Water

Circumcision

·         I want him to be circumcised at the hospital

If baby is not well, I’d like:

·         My husband and I to accompany him to the NICU or another facility

·         To breastfeed or provide pumped breastmilk

·         To hold him whenever possible