What I actually used out of my hospital bag

I was ultra-organized while pregnant, and preparing for everything that comes along with a baby. I had my bag packed for a least 2 months in advance. And repacked the closer my due-date came.

In the end, I only used about a 4th of what I packed. And I wanted to remember, for the future.

Here's my much paired down list

- wallet (insurance card, cash, drivers license)
- glasses
- contacts, contact solution, case
- toothbrush and toothpaste
- deodorant
- hair brush
- hair bands
- bathrobe
- socks
- tablet, charger
- cell phone, charger
- camera, charger
- medications
- crackers
- comfy pajamas - tank tops, shorts, loose pants
- nursing bra
- outfit to go home in (can be appropriate pj's), plus sneakers
- car seat
- outfit for baby
- infant nail clippers (hospital does not have)
- suitcase to put everything inside (does this go without saying?)

The hospital provided everything Heidi needed. If I had wanted her to wear something else, or be wrapped in a different blanket, that would have been ok, but I didn't have that need. Their hat was cute enough, so she remained in that. She used their wipes, shampoo, diapers.

The hospital also gave me unlimited juice and crackers, but I liked having my own crackers as well. The salt tasted good! They provided all the sanitary items I needed, and funky underwear to go along with it. There was a cute bag of shampoo and conditioner (I didn't even need a razor, there was no way I was bending over that long!). I was given plenty of pillows and blankets, so didn't need any of my own. Between visitors and the baby, I didn't need any other entertainment besides the TV when I couldn't sleep, and the computer for Facebook. I wrote a birth plan, but threw it out before we even left for the hospital. I came to the conclusion that the nurses and doctors would talk to me directly and not stop to read a piece of paper. And obviously I wanted a "normal" birth, so that went without needing to be written down. I ended up having to be convincing that I didn't want drugs, but the nurses and doctor listened to me. All in all, a very good experience for my first over-night hospital stay.

Baby Shower Gift

Kelby's younger sister and brother-in-law are expecting their first child in November. I wasn't able to make it to the baby shower, but wanted to give them something personalized. So this is what I came up with. A Taggie Blanket with the baby's name (Aubrey) embroidered on one side. And three home-made balls to play with. I am really pleased with how the balls came out!

For Tennley

Good friends, far away in North Carolina just brought a baby girl into this world. This is my present to her, a handmade taggie blanket. This type of blanket some babies like because the ribbons act "tags" on toys, and babies are always putting tags into their mouth. The picture on the right is working on photography skills.

Here's the most complicated sewing project thus far. Baby bloomers!!!!! So cute :)  The size on the pattern said for 6-12 months, but I don't know if I believe it. Unfortunately, I don't have a baby close by as a model, so we just get pictures of the pants. And they look like real pants, not bad for a first time.

Sewing Machine and Cloth Wipes

Sorry for the lack of posts the past couple of weeks. Sickness, and then a long road trip with Kelby took me away from the computer.

My sewing machine arrived, with lots of pieces and a large instruction book. The first night I played with the numerous settings, winding the bobbin, and threading the needle. It self-threads, but is a little finicky.

I decided to keep it easy for my first project. A co-worker is doing cloth diapers, so I made some cloth wipes for her. After reading lots of websites, I chose cloth flannel as my fabric, patterned for one side, and one color for the other side. I used cloth flannel because I read it does the best for cleaning baby bottoms, and it was on sale at JoAnn Fabrics :) I cut lots of 8x8 squares of fabric, and then used my NEW sewing machine to sew both pieces of fabric together. I used one stitch, straight lines, and made 90 degree turns. And then I had to figure out how to use the cutting feature as well!!! FYI, 8x8 was chosen because they will fit into regular baby wipe containers.

Wonder what my next project will be????