Before we went to the Hospital to deliver our little girl I looked at a couple of lists for ideas on what to pack for the Hospital. Check out my list here.
If you were to ask my husband he would tell you I am a bit of an over-packer. I believe I can be but I went ahead and packed most everything on those lists, items for mom and dad. It was all out on the bed and I thought "There is no way anyone needs all this stuff." As it turns out, I was very glad I had it.
I was going to be induced because we were overdue and have very low fluid. We got to the Hospital at 5 p.m. on Thursday night but we were going to have to wait because the nurses were all busy with moms in full labor. Every time a Dr. or Nurse came in and told me that they would start me shortly, some one would come back in shortly after and tell me that more moms were there in full labor. It took a full 24 hours before anything started. At this point I was very grateful that I had packed most everything on my list. I had nothing else to do except paint my nails, read, play some card games with my husband.
For next time I think I will pack two bags, one to grab and go if we have to head off to the Hospital in a hurry and another with all the extras so if it looks like we will be spending a little more time at the Hospital I'll have some stuff to keep my mind and hands going.
As a first timer my husband and I have no idea what to expect when we go to the hospital for the delivery of Baby Yeates. When I went to the hospital with my sister {almost 10 years ago} I took a pillow and my toothbrush with me ~ that won't really work this time around, I have a more central role to play. So I decided to make a list of what to take and get things ready before hand.
I went online to try and find a list of things that I need to be sure to have with me and and to help because I'm sure there are things I would not even think about if it wasn't pointed out to me.
As I'm looking at the list there are somethings on here I am thinking just sound a little overboard and other things that I know we won't need, like the list for the siblings, but I'm still including it for those who do have older children. If I have everything on my list I'll pack it all, just to be on the safe side, and let you know what I thought was a must have, nice to have and no need for. some of it might also be redundant, on both lists for you and your husband, but there is no need to over do it, that is just more stuff to keep track of. Many of the things I have found on these lists are also things that the hospital will provide but it might help the laboring mother feel more comfortable to have her own items from home that she is familiar with.
For
Her:
Health insurance
card
Pre-registration
forms from the
hospital
Nursing bra(s)- This supports swollen, tender
breasts, and helps keep breast pads in place.
Sports bra- Many women find these extremely
useful during water birth or when using the birth pool; they are also good for
suppressing lactation if you are not planning on breast feeding.
Breast pads- You will need these whether or not
you are breast feeding because they stop leaks by absorbing milk.
Nursing pillows- These can be used if you are breast
feeding or bottle feeding; either way they reduce the strain on your arms,
neck, and back when feeding your baby.
Nightgown and
robe- Make sure they
open in the front if you are planning on breast feeding. They will get dirty. Any Clothes of your own that you wish to
wear, as an alternative to hospital gowns
Slippers- During early labor it is always
recommended to walk around. These will also come in handy as you make trips to
the nursery to check on your new baby.
Socks- Many women complain of their feet
being cold during the delivery, so have a couple of pairs in case one pair
becomes soiled.
Going-home outfit- Choose one that fit you when you
were around 6 months pregnant.
Toiletries- To be more comfortable, take a
toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, chap stick, makeup, hairbrush, shampoo,
soap, lotion, hair dryer, etc.
Sanitary pads- The hospital can provide you with
these, but many women feel more comfortable when they bring their favorite
brand with them. Remember, you are going to need a pad designed for a heavier
flow.
Hair clip or band
if you have long hair-
Women with long hair like to have it pulled out of their faces during labor and
delivery.
Pillow from home- This makes you more comfortable;
just make sure you have a different colored pillow case on it to distinguish it
from hospital pillows.
Extra wash cloths- These also need to be colored to
distinguish them from the hospital’s wash cloths.
Magazines/something
to read- You will not
have a lot of down time, but there could be a few minutes here and there when
you could read.
Mints or breath
strips- Many women
experience nausea/vomiting during labor and delivery; these will help freshen
your mouth or the mouths of your support people.
Lollipops or
other hard candies-
These can alleviate dry mouth.
Glasses and
contact case
Breast feeding
book- Take along any
reference books that would be helpful.
Baby book- The nursery often will take your
baby book and put your baby’s footprints in it. This will save you a lot of
time and trouble.
A
notepad or
journal and pen or pencil- Track your baby's feeding sessions, write down
questions you have for the nurse, note what the pediatrician tells you,
jot
down memories of your baby's first day, and so on. Some people bring a
baby
book so they can record the birth details right away.
Large envelope/file folder- This may be used
to store any loose paperwork.
Tube socks that
have been filled with tennis balls or rice- These can help alleviate the sore aching
muscles during labor. Just take a tube sock and place three tennis balls inside
the sock. Tie or sew off the open end of the sock to keep the tennis balls in
place. Many women like to place these between their backs and the bed because
the pressure applied makes them feel better. You can also fill a sock with
uncooked rice (but not instant). These can either be heated or placed in the
freezer and provide comfort during painful contractions.
Massage tools- (Oils, massage tool, etc.)
Waterproof pads- for the car ride
List of people to call
Focal Point- (If you want one)
Cell phone charger or prepaid phone card
For
Him:
Change of clothes- Maybe two sets
Pajamas
Bathing suit- For shower, this is also important if
you and your partner are planning on a water birth or using the birthing pool
during labor.
Toiletries
Snacks- Labor can be a long process, so you
want to be prepared.
Cooler filled
with drinks and sandwiches-
This keeps the partner close by and can help avoid multiple trips to the
hospital cafeteria.
Quarters for the vending machine and/or pay
phone- Remember not all hospitals allow cell phone use.
Watch with second
hand- my husband has never had a watch, he just uses his phone for everything so that's what we'll use here
Video/still
camera - Make sure you
have extra tapes, film, batteries, chargers, etc.
Extra memory
card/film
Address book- This will help you contact friends
and family about your new arrival.
Massage oils- Many labor classes discuss the use of
massage oils during class because they can help alleviate back labor.
CDs/CD player/MP3 player- Soothing music may help you and your
partner relax both during and after labor.
Take out menus Cell phone charger or prepaid phone
card
For
Baby:
Infant car seat
and infant head support-
You will not be allowed to leave the hospital without one; make sure you bring
the instructions.
Going-home outfit
Hat- Babies lose the vast majority of
their body heat through their heads.
Booties/socks
Receiving
blankets- Newborns love
to be swaddled, and these blankets are perfect for swaddling.
Newborn diapers- If they do not have the umbilical
cord area cut out, make sure you fold them down.
Wipes- Begin with the wipes that are
designed for newborns or sensitive skin.
Mittens - Many newborns will have longer nails,
so they can easily scratch their face and other parts of their bodies.
Cans/bottles of
formula- This will allow
you to begin with the formula that you have chosen to feed your baby.
Baby Book- for getting the foot prints
done by the nurse when paperwork is done.
For
Siblings:
Crayons, markers,
paper, coloring books
Books
Toys
Snacks
Special camera
Gift from big
brother/sister to the baby-
This can be something that was picked out prior to delivery by the older
sibling.
Gift from Mom and
baby to the big brother/sister- Many times older siblings tend to get
jealous around the birth of the baby. A special gift can help alleviate this
problem and allow the big brother/sister to know that they are still important.
Anything else you think you can use
(Candles, pictures, etc.)
Number of La Leche League or other
breastfeeding support
Number of diaper service (if you need to
arrange for delivery)
Car Seat with instructions
Make sure you have a supply of
heavy-duty pads waiting at home!
My list is put together compiling lists from the following websites:
Well I have to apologize right off the bat today. When I was making this quilt I was just trying to get it done before I had to pack it up to move and so the pictures I took were just for me to remember how I made it for future blankets.
I
made this blanket during this past summer and have not had time to post about
it with the craziness of moving and trying to get settled. But here we are now.
Classes have started for my Husband and I am at home with Bentley
anxiously awaiting the arrival of our little angel.
But I can not keep it to myself, I LOVE how it turned out and so I wanted everyone to see it, and if you want, to make your own. I sure hope it's my little girls favorite, or at least one of them, she has plenty of hand made blankets from family that love her!!
Since
things have calmed down a bit and before they pick up again {my due date is in
TWO weeks} I thought now would be a good time to post the baby blanket and
list the tutorial.
The tutorial is going to be a bit long and wordy, especially since I don't have pictures for every step. If something is not clear or if I left something out, be sure to leave me a comment so I fix it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
First thing is first. You need to pick out your material.
I had picked out this material with a different type of blanket in mind
but then changed my mind on what type of blanket to do. To do it as I have my
blanket you will need:
Five pieces of flannel, if you get the 44” you
will need 25” cut. {It’s always a good idea to get a little bit more} Try as
they may, we all know that material does not get cut straight at the cutting
table. This will give you a little room to work with when you take it home and
lay it out to cut your squares.
Obviously I was not planning on using this as a tutorial so the next
step I didn’t take any pictures of but hopefully I can explain it well enough.
Leave your material folded and lay it out vertically, one at a time, and cut
five {5} inch strips, you should get five {5} strips from each piece of
material.
With the strips I squared up the edges by
cutting the ends off. Keep your material folded in half {this will help so can
cut two squares at a time}, turn it so it is horizontal, and cut out 5” {five
inch} squares. By the time you are done cutting all your material you will have
80 squares from each of the five {5} different materials.
The
hardest part for me was the layout of all the squares. I finally took out a
piece of graph paper and sketched out the design. The blanket will be 10
squares by 10 squares.
I went through and ordered the squares from left to right for each row.
{This made it easier once I started sewing. I could just pick up the next piece
and go, I didn’t have to keep looking back at my pattern.}For the back to turned my graph paper a quarter
turn and ordered the squares from right to left {I wanted to try and make the
pattern more random and not have the same piece of material for the squares
line up on the back that were on the front.}
Now to start all that sewing!! This is where it can get a bit confusing, if I had pictures it would make perfect sense, so I will do my best to explain it.
Take the stacks of row one for the front and back. With the first
squares from each stack put the two wrong sides together. Now take the second
squares from each stack and put them wrong sides together. Now you will stack
all four pieces together and sew a straight down one side leaving a ½” {half
Inch} seem. Open up and separate the first squares from the second squares.
Continue with the third squares from each stack and put them wrong sides
together. Place them under second squares from that row and sew on the opposite
edge from the first seem {make sure that when they are sewn together, the ½”
{half inch} seem is facing the same way as the first one.} By the time you are
done with that row you will have 10 squares across.
Follow the same steps to make the next nine
rows.
Now you are going to sew the rows together. Make sure to stack row one
and row two with the back sides together. Do this for all 10 rows.
I also sewed a ½” {half inch} straight stitch
around the outside edges of the blanket to keep the outside squares from
opening up. Now you will snip the ½” {half inch} seam allowance from each
square to help fray the edges.
Wow,
that looks like a lot of work once it is all typed out. You can definitely tell
I was not planning on making a tutorial out of this one.
Finally you need to take a pair of scissors and snip all of the
½” {half inch} seams so that it will fray {also trim off the excess thread from sewing all the squares together.} Now all that is left to do is wash it to get all the loose fray off of the blanket.
AND Ta Da!!! A wonderful hand made quilt full of love.
This was a custom order that I did over the summer. How cool is that, my largest order so far is also my first international order too. She knew exactly what she wanted and was great to work with. Check out all the fun colors she chose for her family. If you would like to make a custom order go to my store {AlwaysBeCreating} and send me a convo.
A friend of mine asked me to help her with her living room while we were back in town for a bit. Not only was the room fun to do but it was a great excuse to get together.
There were somethings that she really wanted changed and others that we needed to design around. They also just had the fireplace put in and she loved the simple yet sturdy mantel. Her kids are still young so she wanted to keep a play area for the them. The seating was going to be kept too but she did want to get a new stand for her TV. The old one was one of those tall pine or oak ones with the cabinet doors that always had to be open to watch tv. She wanted something with a smaller profile. They had lived there for about 10 years and had the same box valences the whole time, a very floral, formal pattern, so she wanted something a bit more modern. Between the two of us this is what we came up with {I think her husband was happy just to have some change going on}.
They went on a trip for about a week which gave me time to paint. Well I don't think I will paint another room all by myself again, but I do love the colors. She had picked out some colors to go with the tile around the fireplace but we needed a blue that would help mesh with the blue in the valences as well.
Unfortunately for her I started into a 3 month battle with morning sickness that kept me in bed almost the whole time. Sleeping was the best way to get away from always feeling so gross.
Here are the pics. Take a look and let me know what you think.
There is a bay of three windows and we wanted to give the illusion of one big window. The addition of window treatments helped here to hide the brakes. They will also help with the temperature in the room so heat doesn't escape in the winter and the cool air stays inside during the summer.
Paul was my handy man putting the valences up for me and making sure everything fit just right.
The Kids Corner. Both shelves were laying down so I flipped one up since the kids are tall enough to reach which gave room for the window treatments. The kids corner will be gone in a short time so we weren't going to spend the money on new shelves but with the butter cream window treatments, they don't stand out so much now.
Oh a fun little reading corner.
I love how the fireplace turned out with everything. Nicely framed by a window on each side. The red helps to give a pop of color and tie in the mantel.
This is the piece I am most in love with. We found it at a consignment shop after looking everywhere else. If I wasn't moving all the way across the country and would then have to tote it with me, I would be a bit more jealous. The front had shutter doors on it and I think it would go great in a little girls room. But I think it works fantastic here for the entertainment center. It has a lower profile and while it might be a larger piece it's not over powering in the space. I just love it.
I love that my husband is graduated now and has the drive to continue on in school. Not going to lie, I'm a bit nervous about moving ALL the way across the country pregnant and having our first so far away from my family and the familiar. But, here's to a great new adventure.
We had some personal info on there so I had to tweak it a little bit to put it out there for everyone to see. But here is Paul's graduation announcement. I love how it turned out and while I might be a little biased, I think he is a pretty handsome guy. He will also be a great dad!!
A couple of my favorite items would be the wire letter. I would get the first initial for our sweet darling due this October. The only problem is that we haven't been able to settle on a name. I also really like a lot of the jewelry pieces and hair accessories.
Well I had something come up that I really was not expecting...morning sickness, and it hit hard and long. Unfortunately I was just starting a huge {it probably seems bigger than it was because of the morning sickness} project for a friend. I didn't want to get out of bed or even eat because I knew how it was all going to end anyways.
Well I'm doing better now and I have finished her project {pictures to come} and am finally feeling up to creating projects again, especially ones for our little one coming in October.
To start off I want to share one of the simple projects I did. It is just a bracelet and earring set made with the birthstones of my husband, the baby in October and me. It was even easier to do because the 'pearl' beads came already assembled in a chain. I got the other two birthstones and attached them in between. Very simple but I love the way it turned out. Kind of like those big chunky cluster bracelets women are wearing these days but without having to be big and chunky.
So a couple of weeks ago I got an e-mail from a lady {Jesseca} saying that she wanted to feature me on her blog and was wondering if I would do a giveaway. Well since she was the fist to ask I went ahead and told her I would donate two items for the giveaway. Check out her blog to enter. Good luck everyone!!
I am so stocked about it, I can't wait to see who wins.
We moved on New Years Eve. I know, not the best time to do it but that is really all that was available to us. My husband just finished his two Bachelor Degrees and so we moved back to be with family. Can I tell you I have loved being around family. We have time to visit everyone, when we used to come down on weekends we already had tons to do and we always felt bad about those that we didn't get to see.
I have a couple of projects to finish up and wanted to share what I have going on.
Can you tell from this picture what we will be making. They are so cute but why buy them when you can make your own and make them exactly how you want them!!! It might take some time but trust me, well worth it.
Not everything is where it should be since we have moved and I can not find my wire cutters. The gold beads have wire stems and I'll need to trim them down. So for now you will just have to wait in anticipation. Trust me, it will be worth it.
