The end of last week, I thought I should probably get going on packing, since there was less than a month to go. I was kind of thinking it wouldn't be that long anyway, so I started washing clothes and gathering things together. Mel's bag was first:
Basically the same as the last time I packed a baby bag, but with lots of pink instead. There are a few things I am packing this time that I forgot/wished I had last time.
1. SwaddleMe Velcro swaddle: As soon as we started putting Reed in these he would sleep much longer. Just swaddling him in a blanked wouldn't work. Hopefully Mel will be a better sleeper than him.
2. Soft swaddle blanket: To layer under the Velcro one. The small SwaddleMe's are still a bit big for a newborn. So I got some sweet Aden and Anias girly blankets. Reed loved carrying them around the house. He's very into dragging things and watching them follow him around right now.
3. Vaseline: My pediatrician told me about this before Reed was born, but I didn't think about it when getting ready for the hospital. Would have made those first diaper changes much easier. That stuff is sticky!!
4. Burp cloths: How could I forget these last time?! Oh well, lesson learned.
5. Hair bows: of course
I also invested in some cutesie clothes for the new big brother and little sister.
Sweet, huh!? I had to do some research and special order them because, for some reason, people don't make "big sibling" clothes smaller than 2-3T. Anyway, these are way cuter than anything I could have bought at the store.
My bag is reasonably the same as last time, again with a few things I wished I had last time:
1. Lightweight robe: I don't know why I didn't have one last time, but I really wanted one.
2. Travel toiletries: I was induced with Reed and had the chance to plan ahead and pack all my stuff. This time we're pretty sure I'm going to go into labor on my own so I can't pack all my regular stuff right now. So I made a trip to the store and got everything tiny I could think of. Now I don't have to worry about leaving something at home in the rush to get packed, since I'm pretty sure she's going to be a quick one!
3. Flip-flops for the shower: Okay, I had these last time, but I wouldn't have even thought of it if someone hadn't told me.
I did a few crafty things in the last few weeks to round out Mel's room.
At MOPS we made super cute photo displays out of wooden blocks. Mine had to match the décor in Mel's room. Here's where it's hanging out:
Then I needed a place to put all of her headbands/bows. I found a great idea on Pinterest with a Quaker Oats can.
I wrapped it in cute paper that matches the room. I also used paper out of the same stack for the wood block above and the M for Mel's wall.
I used rubber bands to hold it in place while the glue dried.
The paper wasn't quite wide enough to go around the whole can, so I put another piece on there. I used the ruler to hold down the seam so it would stick well.
Once that was done I needed a base for it. I found this really heavy one at Hobby Lobby that was perfect. Since the can is so light, I needed something to weight it down so it wouldn't constantly fall over.
I just glued it on the bottom, and voila! Cute headband holder. I can pull the top off and put things inside, too.
All-in-all we are ready. There's still no crib in Mel's room, but she won't be sleeping in there for a while so we've kept the guest bed in there. It gives my mom a comfortable place to sleep when she stays the night.
I've been hoping Melanie would come early since I've been feeling VERY pregnant the past few weeks. The whole getting up and sitting down thing is tough, along with actually sleeping at night. I don't remember being this uncomfortable with Reed so maybe that's a sign that this pregnancy is quickly coming to a close (or I just don't remember my previous pregnancy like I thought). Oh well, only time will tell!
Hopefully little girl will be here very soon!
Enjoy!
The Turners
