hospital bag picks

Yes, yes, yes. I wrote one of these shortly before Phoebe was born so why, Grace, WHY must you assert your almost identical and profound thoughts about hospital baggery ALL over again? I don't know. Why do a mediocre job at something once when you can do it twice?! That's my mantra these days.

No, I'll admit I'm feeling a little bit something {anxious? manic? crazier than usual?} not being able to properly nest in a furnished apartment {ah!! fine! For the first time in my domestic life I've stayed weirdly on top of the laundry for all of the ex-utero Pattons and that has to count for something, I hope} and so I'm pouring all of my insomnia and energy into packing the perfect hospital bag because ... that's like SO important. The truth is, the hospital is quite a bit further from our apartment than our house and I really don't want to have to ask Simon to come grab such-and-such {something essential like lip balm, of course} with all the kids in tow and I don't know ... we'll just go with crazier than usual.

Skim/skip as you must. I don't blame you. It's mostly repeat with warmer weather versions of my favorites and I did steal and share a lot of your insightful and helpful comments and suggestions from the last post because your wealth of knowledge will forever and ever trump mine.

buckle up for the inevitably wild ride.

1. bag - duh. Petunia Pickle Bottom generously sent this bad boy several months ago and we took it down to Florida in February and I love it. It's big but not TOO big and the perfect size for a few days away at the spaspital. When deciding what would go into storage for the month and what would come on the flight with me, Julia, and the baby down to Tampa - this was the first thing I set aside. But! do not be afraid to bring your rolly suitcase. Simon says people do it all the time - especially if you're staying post c-section and need the extra room. You do what you want.

2. going home outfit for the baby - forgot this once! Felt reallllly dumb. I like long sleeve footiesbut I tucked a couple of my favorite onesies in my bag (and ordered these too because our apartment has no a/c and I'm sure he/she will be SO appreciative of the missing two inches of sleeve)

3. Boppy - I'm a longtime Boppy devotee (and a huge fan of these non-cutesy covers) but some of you mentioned My Brest Friend has being a better alternative? I'm verrrrrrry curious. Once we move I might have to give it a spin.

4. nursing tanks - I prefer them to nursing bras and live in them for several weeks post-delivery ... but I'm thinking I just haven't found the right bra? but I did see these at Target and they look perfect {but am so very open to suggestions as this is very much outside of my realm of expertise}

5. sweater/robe - Couldn't live without it. Well, I could but I wouldn't like it. People are coming in and out of your room as they (sort of) please and it makes for a quick nursing cover (not! that you need to cover up, of course but ... I like to) and helps me feel somewhat pulled together. SOMEwhat. I like the ones that tie but ... personal preference, of course! And now that I'm thinking about ... maybe a kimono might be better suited for the summer months? The possibilities are endless.

6. super comfortable pants - for a long, long time I was all about these yogas (and I still love them, in addition to these leggings if tapered leg is more your speed - I go back and forth) but I've grown to love these Palazzo pants that would probably be a lot softer on a c-section incision and more comfortable without looking 100% pajama-y (although - nothing wrong with pajama wear! nuh-thing) these sleep jogger pants (technical name) look real nice and oh! best of both worlds! yoga sleep pants (again, technical name, bb). I really should just punish you with a whole post about hospital friendly pants, that would be a blast. I won't. I don't think.

7. slip-on footwear - I sang the praises of these slippers last year and I still love them but I'm sweating just sitting and typing at the moment so I'm wondering if I should just bring my VERY favorite flip flops? Maybe that's gross. I don't know. Game time decision ... bait that breath for the final pick.

8. toiletries - {super bummed that bag is sold out - the price was right and my current bag is double digits old - and it shows} you do what you want but I like having everything (within reason) with me. Makeup, hair stuffs, shampoo + conditioner (unless your hospital is extra ritzy and provides this?) and lotion. That first shower is the very best and it's nice to have all your beauty bff+e's. Or at least it's nice for this high maintenance princess. Probably the most important one for me to remember is some sort of lip moisturizer because my lips always get really dry during labor ... not sure why. I love this stuff especially.

9. camera - of course! We have a Canon Rebel T1i that we bought used a few years ago but I'm not a photographer at all and I know there are MUCH nicer cameras out there. After reading and reading and saving and saving I bought this lens but this is a great beginner lens. We've been super lucky to have nurses that are happy to manhandle our camera and snap photos but I wouldn't be terribly disappointed with "just" cell phone snaps for immediately post-delivery. There's plenty of time later in postpartum to take the fancies.

10. Going home outfit for YOU - {not pictured} I've always just worn sweats but I've never had a baby in the super warm weather so I thought it might be fun to have a lightweight flowy shirt to wear over my tank and comfy pants? Or not. I don't know. Maybe I'm overthinking it and should just go do some more laundry but I bought this shirt one size up and it's perfect and looks pretty uterine swell friendly.

absolutely don't forget:
chargers (if you're responsible and HAVE one like I don't -- an extra camera battery?)
insurance info

optional:
your own pillowcase (not my style BUT ... gotta save room for my unnecessary going home shirt!)
New Mama Bottom Spray (have it, heart it)
Earth Mama Angel Nipple Butter (have it too, heart it too)
extra bag for freebies (welllll not sure how "free" all the diapers and wipes are BUT, you should still take them)
socks (if you want, I don't but! some people feel strongly about this)
playlist (never have I ever but ... 5th time might be a charm?)
laptop - we always have plenty of time to enjoy a little Hulu ... no lightning fast labors for Grace
snacks for baby daddy
these blankets because they are the (I'm going to say it) bomb dot com

more! there has to be more! But I really do want to know about nursing bras .... many thanks in advance.

and ...

... happy birthing!!

(this is Phoebe!)