As of my last appointment on Tuesday, things seem to have stabilized with me. All my labs were stable, no protein in my urine, and a healthy looking baby according to the non-stress test. My midwife presented everything to the Doctor (as they are co-managing my case) and she said that they would like to induce at 37 weeks (3 weeks time) pretty much to avoid any further complications with me in those last few weeks. We are going to still take it week by week and will continue to see the midwives twice a week for check ups. I have been reading as much as I can get my hands on in terms of Preeclampsia/Labor/Induction/Etc. so we feel like we are informed at least and I think we will continue to have a better idea of where this is going.All that said, I don't feel ready. 6 weeks is one thing but 3?---holy cow. All of a sudden, I am realizing that we haven't actually purchased anything for the baby ourselves (extremely lucky for family and hand-me-downs) but I don't even know what I am missing but I know I don't have it because I don't have much. I want to bring him into a little settled world and right now, our lives are anything by calm and settled. Although my parents and family have been super rock stars and helped me rehab a room upstairs for him and the bathroom (pictures to come within the week) since my ability to do any of this is nil.
I am having a bit of a super spaz today with the way the pregnancy has evolved these last few weeks, life in general, and its been raining for 2 days straight now.
QUESTION:I REALLY WOULD LOVE TO KNOW THOUGHTS ON THIS.
What is something(s) you loved having (feel like you couldn't do without) for your little people or you know others liked having for their little people or yourself after the baby? Or something cool you found?
15 comments:
Chris. I know the feeling of not feeling ready. Finn was 2 weeks early.. and it actually all happened perfectly. My labor with him was SO much better than it was with Cole who was 2 weeks late. I hope everything goes well for you!
I would say:
1. Infant carseat. You're stuck without it. (And I would make sure to get a good one. I love the Peg Perego.)
2. baby carrier (bjorn or sling) {It allows you to make dinner, go on walks, email, etc. Especially if you have a fussier baby!}
3. stroller if you walk a lot (although the babies usually love the carrier if the stroller isn't a priority now)
Oh.. and diapers. Lots of diapers.
As far as clothes,
1. infant sleeping gowns for the millions of changes during the night.
2. swaddling blankets (not receiving blankets- they're useless). and PLENTY!
3. soft clothes including socks
4. burp cloths
The rest (highchair, shoes, bigger clothes, etc.) can always come later.
Email me. (spillopen@gmail.com). I'm happy to pass along some things I'm not using any more if that's helpful.
I had two summer babies, here are things I loved:
binky
a blanket made out of seersucker fabric- it was perfect for summer
my car seat fit into my stroller, I loved that-hated the wheels on the stroller, but they are a lot better now. You can even buy strollers that any car seat fits into.
rocking chair
Boppy for nursing (my friend made me one, but overall I'm glad I invested in a brand name one for Missy)
Classical music cds
baby monitor
bouncy chair (I wasn't much of a sling mom)
Ditto on the diapers--it takes a lot of diapers in the early days
Desitin- I like the old fashioned brand best. Mom used it and I liked it.
Lanolin- helps with sore nipples, unexplained rashes on your baby, soothing any irritated skin
Nursing pads- I leaked
Clothing wise- I also liked the gowns and onesies. I would normally go through 3 outfits a day for the baby, sometimes 5 or 6. So it is good to stock up.
Don't panic- you are going to be an awesome mom, it's all good. Healthy baby. Healthy mom. That's the goal.
boppy
lanolin (for sore nursing nips)
infant gowns
lots of burp cloths
wipes
diapers
comfortable clothing for you that you don't mind being seen in (people will want to visit you & the baby, or you will want to run to the store, and changing your clothes is really the LAST thing on your mind)
seriously, that will get you through the first month
Chris, I am of no help in that department...Tara is 33 this year...
But, I remember one of the sisters in the ward made me a small quilt that was perfect for throwing over my shoulder for when I was out in public and needed to breast feed. We were both covered...
I forgot to say nursing cover. it was my #1 must this time around.
You can make a nursing cover with any remnant of fabric you like. It's basically the same idea as an apron- just a large square with a neck strap. Mom could totally handle that. (like how I volunteer her)?
Chris, we have a baby bjorn carrier that you can have, we LOVED it, but obviously he grew out of it.
I know that feeling of not being ready. Be prayerful Chris, God will not leave you comfortless.
I was induced with Mac, worst experience of my life. But for the absolute best reason.
I cant say enough about the goodness of Phil and Ted strollers. I wouldnt be without ours.
OK, I had everything for my first (very, very generous friends and family) but I had given/sold it all by the time I had my last (and he was a boy and the other two were girls). I didn't want to buy much, and I found that there is very, very little "have to have" things.
That said -
I'd go with:
1. infant car seat
2. diapers
3. Someplace for the baby to sleep
4. A sling
5. I loved my boppy
6. Onesies.
7. Receiving blankets
8. I liked having the pull-on pants (I think I used the Gerber brand ones.) A onesie and pants and you're done. Not as many snaps.
onesies, bjorn, for jammers I recommend the kind you can zip or the "dressing gown" sort because no matter how cute they may be snaps or trying to stuff leg into little holes at night really are not fun to have to do in the dark-while vision is blurred due to sleep deprivation.
I can't believe i forgot this one a "kiddopotomus" http://www.amazon.com/Kiddopotamus-Snuzzler-Complete-Support-Ivory/dp/B000DZS720/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1243801617&sr=8-2 sort of device. The rolly things that are just for the heads don't work as well as this full piece deal-io. It works the best for the head support in car seat and stroller things. Get one you won't regret it-definitely on Sara's must have list.
I'm glad you are doing better and we wish you the best with everything in three weeks! I'm sorry I have no pro experience mother advice to offer, but seems that your ladies have given you the best knowledge out there :) (and helped me out for the future as well! how kind of them).
The things I loved are:
Binkie
Onsies, long sleeve and short sleeve
light blanket for nursing (I prefered a soft cotton)
Bouncy chair (great place for the baby while you shower, they can be in the bathroom in their seat)
Baby gowns as well
Stroller
Cabbage, (for nursing ask me later)
Healthy snacks on hand for me
crib size blankets
my guess is you have enough already for this little baby.....just wait and see how he fits into your world and then asses what you need.I think all we had for harriet was a few gowns nappies and a carseat. Not even a bed. The only thing this baby needs to feel settled is for you and Mike to have a great relationship.
here's some more ideas
http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/straightfromthebottle/archive/2009/03/04/straight-from-the-bottle-s-top-five-must-haves-for-infants.aspx
Chris,
I keep forgetting you have a blog! Anywho, my two cents on baby stuffs pretty much matches the other postings (dipes, carseat that fits in stroller, burp cloths, jogging stroller etc). Although I would recommend having the desatin with 40% zinc oxide on hand in case of a particularly fierce diaper rash. Also, I'm a fan of little cloth gloves and long sleeved onesies, especially for the evening. Lastly, in case you don't have a rocking chair we have one of those exercize balls that has been great to rock Sofi to sleep on, also great for burping and really comfortable.
Congratulations again and I hope everything goes perfectly for you.
Love,
S&S&S
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