It feels like everything is starting to fall into place. There are still a few things to do, but nothing pressing. I'm starting to feel the closing weeks of the pregnancy coming on and I've even done a little nesting. (House bleached from top to bottom, Check!) :)
I forgot how small all the little baby things were! When I got the diapers out I almost cried.
Sorry Baby-Ne! Holynd called this spot! We nicknamed this stroller, "The Snot!" It's much greener than I thought it would be, but it was still perfect for the budget I had.
Such a good helper!
The other day, a friend of mine (a fellow preggo friend) asked if I had any wisdom on the last few weeks of pregnancy and delivery to pass down. At the time I laughed and said that I was in no position to offer advice because I had a hard delivery with Holynd. But, I've been thinking about it ever since and yes, there are a few tidbits of information I think I can offer.
Note: Take these words of wisdom with a grain of salt. I guarantee no specific outcomes.
*You will notice that the pregnancy hormones that you actually like (healthy hair, fast-growing nails, that infamous pregnancy glow, less acne etc.) start to disappear weeks before delivery. Remember how your skin was so healthy you could almost go without any concealer/base? Yeah, that'll end before you even think about heading to the delivery room. All the sudden you'll be standing in the bathroom mirror wondering who this zombie standing in front of you is. Your amazing hair you've enjoyed since about month 4 will all the sudden go flat and limp... It may even start to fall out. (It WILL fall out after delivery no matter what). Splurge and move your hair appointment up, maybe even go get a pedicure, or break out your facial moisturizer you haven't had to use in months... Do what you have to do in order to make yourself look decent in those "birthday" pictures.
*If you haven't already been sent a bill/estimate/notice of how much your delivery is going to cost, ask NOW. It's a good idea to at least have a guess from your doctor's office, rather then waiting for the mailman to drop off the news. If you read this early enough, you may have time to start making payments. A partially paid for delivery will ease a lot of stress while in the hospital. Plus, if you've already paid your doctor, you won't feel bad making requests during labor and delivery. (You will get a whole bunch of separate bills from the hospital afterward).
*Be nice to the nurses and follow their advice. Seriously, if you go to the hospital and they tell you to go home, don't wig out. NO ONE HAS STAYED PREGNANT FOREVER! You will have the baby! You'd hate to make a totally fool of yourself only to show up the next day actually in labor and have to look at those same faces again. With that being said, if you have a specific "plan" for delivery be nice when giving requests/instructions. There's no excuse for being impolite. Seriously, don't forget your manners. It's not their fault if you stall at 5 cm for 6 hours or that the epidural-guy decided to take a late lunch.
*Take change in your hospital bag. It's hard to eat on the hospital's timetable and sometimes you'll want a snack during a 2am feeding. Take change and dollar bills for vending machine snacks. Your husband has already put up with your cravings for 9 months, he doesn't need to run out and get your favorite snack now that your no longer pregnant.
*If you want a "birthday" gift from your husband, start hinting now.
*The first shower you take after the birth will be the greatest shower you've ever had in your entire life. Enjoy it because once you get home you're doomed to smell like breastmilk or formula for 6 months. Don't take a really strong smelling soap in your bag. Your baby will hate it. Go for subtle smell or even break out a bottle of baby soap you got at your baby shower.
*Don't take nice pj's to the hospital. Just trust me on this. Dark colored comfort clothes that you won't mind having ruined are the best. Don't pack your entire house, but if you're worried about needing more pj's, leave some laid out at home and send your husband to take your worn laundry home and pick up the clean laundry. No one wants to be the person bringing in 14 bags.
*Send your husband home before they discharge you to make sure your house is in somewhat order. People will show up as soon as you get home to see the baby.
*Make your husband rack-up vacation time to be used after your come home, just a day or so.
*When you first get to the hospital leave everything, but you and your husband, in the car. Unless the baby is already out of you, there's always a chance you'll be sent home.
*Eat before you go to the hospital, even if it's not meal time. BUT, remember, whatever you decide to eat will probably be thrown up during labor. That Cafe Rio burrito may sound good, but it would definitely hurt to throw up. Most hospitals won't let you eat during labor and don't be afraid to ask for a Diet Coke right after your done pushing. (I had a caffeine headache like no other! There was nothing better then holding my newborn and enjoying a coke at the same time).
*If you're tired, ask the nurses to take the baby to the nursery. Don't feel guilty, IT'S NOW OR NEVER! Just ask for two hours alone to relax and snooze a little. Time it so that the baby goes to the nursery nice and full.
*If you're in pain afterward, SPEAK UP! They can give you stuff for that. There's no reason to be in pain while you're trying to bond with your new baby. If painkillers make you sick, ask for hefty dose of Motrin.
*If you plan on nursing, take your nursing cover in your hospital bag. There's nothing more embarrassing then having the cafeteria guy come in to bring you your lunch and you're scrabbling to find the baby's blanket.
*Make your husband take a bag of his own stuff. Even if it's just a change of underwear. Labor may take close to an ENTIRE day and you won't want him taking off to go home when baby is only minutes old. Most hospitals don't provide blankets and pillows for dad, they will set up a cot in your room.
*If you wear contacts, take your glasses. If, for some crazy reason, (AND THIS PROBABLY WILL NEVER HAPPEN), you have to be put-under you'll need to take your contacts out.
I think that is all my wisdom. Just go into the last few weeks of pregnancy with an open mind. Plan can change completely during one doctor's appointment, so roll with it and remember that no matter how the baby gets here... THEY GET HERE. :)
