home stretch
34 weeks
Not much new happening in the pregnancy arena over the last few weeks. I am huge—although decidedly smaller than I was with Charlie—and starting to feel all the regular aches and pains that come about when you spend your days walking around with an extra 15 lbs. sticking out in front of you. Oh, and did I mention the insomnia? Currently 4:50 a.m. and I have given up on sleep for the night. Too bad the rest of the city can’t open this early so I can get some stuff done.
As far as preparations go we are pretty much set—nursery:check, car seat:check, drawers full of sickeningly pink clothing:check. Now all we need is a baby to come home and utilize all this gear we’ve accumulated. I will say that it has been much easier this time around to focus on what we really need and filter out many luxuries and/or space-takers we can live without.
Here is a list of a few of our essentials:
A good baby swing—We have the the Fisher Price Baby Papasan, which we love…and so did Charlie.
Non-leaking BPA free bottles—Since we switched over to Born Free with Charlie, we’ll use those this time around as well.
Soothie Pacifiers—Crossing our fingers that this one will actually use one for the first few months.
Robeez—Essential for holding on those annoying little socks.
Swaddling Blankets—Charlie was a lover of the swaddler. These light weight ones look great for the winter months when she’ll be bundled up in warm p.j.’s
Ergo Baby Carrier—This may be a little harder to use, but once you get the hang of it, it is truly a backsaver.
BOB Revolution Double Stroller—This thing might be the size of Alaska, but it is pushes so smoothly you stop caring about what a pain in the ass it might be to get in and out of the car.
Is there anything on your baby must-have list that should be on mine?
October 6th, 2008 at 6:31 am
The room is so pretty! I love that bird quilt.
Most of those things (except the double wide stroller and pacifier) my sister used with Finn. Robeez are so cute. What about baby legs? Finn lived in those. Babies in leg warmers are way cuter than adults in them.
October 6th, 2008 at 7:14 am
I should be able to answer this question, but now that I’m past the baby stage- my brain seems to be malfunctioning. Plus, for everything that worked for Ava, it was an entirely different story with Max. I’m sure you’ve got it covered!
But if you get a screamer, you’ll need lots of fortitude. And fortitude sometimes requires a little “medicine” for Mommy and Daddy, so you should probably add alcohol to the list as well! Lastly, a well-stocked freezer of meals is a good idea. I made loads of dinners and froze them- which came in really handy on those days I didn’t have the energy to cook.
Hey! Maybe I can mail you my famous lasagne or chicken enchiladas!?
October 6th, 2008 at 9:26 am
Patience. Lots of patience. And flexibility, with a dash of perspective. You’re on call 24/7 again… so in the tough moments, just remember that it will go by so fast. Your children are just two years apart, that’s close enough to still remember what you’re doing
That really helped me out when Paige appeared on the scene.
I held out and bought a double stroller after Paige was born, and I have to say it was completely underused. Makenna much preferred walking on foot. Not the best money we spent.
The greatest thing to have is a Bjorn or the Ergo, which you have. Paige lived on my chest for the first, I don’t know… 8 months?
Good work, you’re almost done!!
October 6th, 2008 at 10:17 am
The nursery looks great and so do you! Looks like you’re all set… I can’t think of anything to add to your list. Now we’ll just have to play the waiting game
October 6th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Hola got so big so fast, he grew out of the blanket swaddles rather fast. So, the miracle blanket and the swaddle me’s became out way of wrapping that puppy up.
I can’t wait to use my Ergo. I think we are almost there! We used our Peanut Shell, then Bjorn (worn correctly without pain!)
We tried the Born Free’s, due to the BPA issue and Hola’s mouth was too small for the wide mouth nipple ( also an issue with breastfeeding), He would pop off the nipple making this popping sound, therefore creating more air. We switched to Dr. Brown’s BPA free ones and have been happy ever since. (Just in case you need another kind!)
Other than that, I think you guys are set! Welcome to the land of two! Put your seat belt on!
October 6th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
I can’t add anything from my list due to my inability to believe I’m pregnant again myself.
You look wonderful and you two will be excellent the second time around. The baby will be calmer and you’ll know what to do without totally freaking out.
Like 180 said, a well stocked bar is always in order to deal with colic and frustration but most of all, you have each other. That’s the best gift one could have during new and exciting adventures together.
Congrats again!
October 7th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Yay! I’ve been waiting for this!
You were a sanity saver on Saturday, thank you SO very much.
And, I’ll let you know what’s on my list in about a year.
October 8th, 2008 at 9:38 am
The room looks awesome! You are inspiring me. I doubt you’ve missed anything that you need.
October 8th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
I love it! It must be so fun planning for a girl. The room is fantastic and you look fantastic too!