Second Time Around

For over 19 months I've been trying to write this post. Now I have sweet little R2 kicking away and it's a great time to get my mind ready for the impending delivery date.

When Karoline was born I read every book and I asked every question I had to all of my Facebook world friends. Come to find out, there's no way to 100% prepare for having a baby and there are still several things that you really can not know until you've experienced it. So, to all of my friends who have told me that I better write everything down so that when they have kids I can pass along the info, this post is for you. Who am I kidding, despite the fact that we will have two kids under two this post is for me too. I am now a mom and experience mom brain on a regular basis. I'm hoping this post will get me in the right mind set to be prepared for baby number two. 

Bare with me as this list will be in all forms ... 

• You really don't need to take pillows to the hospital.
• Pack extra clothes, just in case your stay is longer than you think it might be.
• You don't have to wear that horrible hospital gown or a gown of any form after you have the baby. Who knew, I wore a gown the whole time. No one told me I could change, so I didn't. Wish I would've, next time.
• You can change your baby. No your baby doesn't have to wear that ugly little white shirt and look like a hospital baby the whole time. 
• Disclaimer: I had minimal laundry to do when we got home because of not changing into our clothes. 
• Take a swaddle to the hospital (the ones with velcro) their blankets do not keep the baby snuggled up tight.
• Take your boppy pillow for nursing at the hospital.
• Bring more snacks than you think are necessary for your husband. Maybe even make him order himself a pizza.
• Keep everything the hospital gives you. Ask for extra pads before you go, the ones they provide are fantastic. 
• Don't take anything to the hospital that can't be replaced. 
• Read books about getting the baby to sleep before the baby is in your home and you're desperate. I recommend, "The Baby Whisperer." Never, ever pay full price. Find a children's consignment store and buy it, they're everywhere. 
• Bottles: Only buy one of each kind, maybe two different types and wait and see what one your baby likes. Then and only then buy more, if you need them.
• Google, "mastitis," and read about it so you know the symptoms. Catch it early and it might not be as HORRIBLE as what I experienced. 
• When breastfeeding keep a towel, or several within arms reach. You'll thank me later. 
• Disposable breast pads, buy them, buy LOTS of them. Washable are great after a few months but for the first few months you'll go through them, and you'll go through them fast. Seriously, if you think you have enough of them, double it. 
• Feminine pads, some of all sizes, buy as many as you can. You think I'm joking, I'm not. Don't worry about buying name brand, the store brand works just as well. Put them in the freezer when you are needing some relief. 
• Gripe water drops!!! Find them by the baby Tylonal (might want to get some of that too, we didn't use it until Karoline was older but it was nice to have on hand). Gripe water saved us on several occasions. It is a must!
• Breast milk bags, lay them flat when you freeze them so they will store easier. Found that out the hard way. 
• The "Diaper Genie" is in my opinion a waste of money. We bought a bathroom size trash can that has a foot pedal lid. It keeps the smell out and we just empty the can often. Oh, and Walmart bags are free!! Every diaper genie I've ever experienced still has a nasty odor when the lid is open. Not sure about you but I'd rather toss a Walmart bag more often and keep the smell out of my house completely.  
• Completely cover the changing table with these amazing little white square (12"x12") pads, you can find them at Babies R Us. When I say completely, I mean it ... even with little girls. If you don't do this, you'll know why I said to soon enough. 
• Cloth diapers are the best for cleaning/soaking up spit up. 
• A spray bottle with a little clorox and water is your best friend. Amazing for getting stains out of onsies, and for getting the bath tub clean in a pinch when the baby explodes. Keep that bottle handy! It was such a huge help when I was home alone with Karoline and needed to sanitize fast. 
• Hand sanitizer (in every room) and lotion, you'll need it. 
• Stock up on everything that you can before the baby comes. The last thing you want to do is go to the store after the baby is here.
• If someone wants to visit you and they ask if there is anything they can bring, take them up on it. I was so hungry after Karoline was born. I should have asked everyone that came over to bring a fruit or veggie tray. 
• Lower your standards for your home. I drove myself crazy and really didn't take time to just enjoy holding Karoline. I was always worried about keeping the house clean and the laundry done. Something I wish I could take back. 
• Do what you can when you can. If you want to hold the baby while they sleep, do it. Yet another thing I wish I would have done. No matter what that baby will learn how to sleep in their own bed at some point in time. I don't know too many people who still sleep with their parents. 
• Increase your fiber in the last few months of pregnancy. 
• Tucks pads, google them and what they are for if you aren't sure. Put them in the refrigerator if you are needing a little extra relief. 
• Medical glove full of ice, place where needed. Sounds funny but I've been told this really works wonders. 

To those moms who are anxiously awaiting their sweet baby remember this. Although these last few weeks may be uncomfortable, try to savor the moments. Put your feet up, feel your baby move and rest. Please remember that there are women everywhere who would give anything to be in your shoes. Having a baby is a blessing and for some it is a dream that is still out of reach. So, while your feet may hurt and you are anxious beyond belief, give thanks.

I'm sure at some point in time I will add to this list. But, for now this is a pretty good start. I hope that any and all who read it will take away some useful information. Please comment if you have something else to add to the list. Like I said, I'm hoping that my second time around will be a little easier. Any information or tips will be greatly appreciated!