hospital bag: what did we REALLY need?!

I was totally one of those first time moms. You know the type! Obsessively researching on Pinterest and blogs, asking all of their mommy friends, researching some more: what am I going to need to pack for the hospital? I planned to pack one bag for my husband and me and one bag for baby! That was all I knew for sure! At 36 weeks 7 days I decided to just go for it! Here is what I packed:

Mommy:

2 pair black leggings 

1 black nursing tank

1 black nursing bra

2 pair black comfy panties 

2 pair socks

2 comfy oversized sweaters/cardigans

Water bottle (reusable: I use an EcoVessel)

Toiletries (for both of us):

Travel Toothbrushes (that fold in on themselves so they don't sit on the sink)

Toothpaste

Deoderant

Travel dry shampoo

Travel shampoo and conditioner

Travel hairspray

Travel handheld mirror

Makeup

Vaseline (my makeup remover of choice)

Comb

Hair ties 

Heavy flow pads

Daddy**:

2 boxers

1 undershirt

1 tee shirt

1 pair jeans

1 pair comfy pants

1 sweatshirt

** this was all he let me pack!

Miscellaneous:

Camera

Camera charger

Cell phone chargers

Granola bars and snacks (candy for hubby)

Pens

Large reusable shopping bag for bringing home gifts (we have a large one from TjMaxx)

Breast pump flanges and collection bottles (in case I needed; they had the pump at the hospital)

Baby:

2 short sleeve onesies

2 long sleeve onesies

2 pair mittens

2 pair socks

2 coming home outfits (one newborn, one 0-3 months: you never know!)

2 warm hats

2 receiving/swaddling/cover the car seat blankets

2 burp cloths

Car seat

I packed for my husband and myself and our misc stuff in a standard size duffle type travel bag.  I packed the baby's stuff in the backpack type diaper bag we received as a shower gift since it was larger than my regular diaper bag! 

So now, for what I actually used! 

I used one pair of leggings, the nursing tank, and one sweater for the day I went home.  The rest of the time I stayed in the hospital gown since it wasn't hideous and it was so easy for nursing! 

I used the incredibly attractive (not!!) mesh postpartum undies the hospital provided the entire time I was there and coming home.  They also sent me home with three packs of the undies! I used them for about a week after we got home! 

For the most part, I didn't use most of the clothing items I packed.  It is personal preference, but that's what worked for me! 

I did use my water bottle! The tiny cups and pitchers that are available to you just didn't cut it for me! 

Most of the toiletries were used, with the exception of the pads. Again, you will want to use the ones the hospital provides! They also sent me home with over a weeks worth of supplies! Take it! 

My husband barely used any of what I packed for him! He used the comfy pants for night time, that was it! Because we went to the hospital from the doctors, we didn't have the car seat, etc., so he was able to run home and gather what we needed and shower and change at home! 

Our sweet baby boy lived in the hospital onesies and their swaddling blankets. It was just easier! Also, I should mention, diapers and wipes were provided and sent home with us! We did use the mittens because those little nails are razor sharp and he loved to scratch his face! The only thing we used was a onesie, his newborn coming home outfit, a hat, and the blankets on the day we went home since it was barely 40 degrees outside! Aside from that, we didn't use anything else we packed for him! 

All of the miscellaneous items were used, with the exception of the breast pump because I didn't need it! 

And there you have it!  This was my experience at the hospital where I delivered.  I know each hospital is different and may provide more or less, depending. I recommend calling ahead of time if you are unsure of what will be provided! Looking back, I know I overpacked.  Next time I will pack lighter! I was happy I packed all I needed, however! 

Try not to stress :) Remember: if you forget something, there will be someone who can pick it up for you if the hospital doesn't already have it! Best of luck mommies and happy packing!!

who doesn't love a good recipe...

Before I give you a delicious and simple weeknight meal recipe, let me first start with a mini freakout!

Ahhhhh! I am almost 30 weeks! Where has the time gone?! This baby boy will be here before we know it! 

I am having trouble getting up off the couch or out of bed, struggling to put on shoes and socks, have been dealing with those precious rib kicks (*sarcastic*), and had to do this:

Which I passed, thank goodness! However, I wouldn't trade that's experience for the world!!! Feeling so happy and so blessed every day!! 

Mommy and daddy are so excited to meet you, little one! 

It my everyday search for easy weeknight dinners (planning ahead for when baby arrives!!!), I came across a recipe similar to this one.

I switched it up a little bit and was pleased with the results! Super fast and super delicious! I made it with an Asian cucumber salad and regular salad with ginger dressing.  It was divine =) I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!!

Asian Scallion Beef

8 or so oz of beef tenderloin - thin sliced (I had a strip steak and used that instead) 

2 1/2 tbsp oil

3 or more stalks scallions - cut into 3" strips

1 onion sliced

3 cloves of garlic - sliced

1 tsp corn starch

1 tsp soy sauce

1 tsp Chinese wine (I used a Chinese rice wine)

2 tbsp fish sauce 

2 1/2 tbsp soy sauce

3 dashes of white pepper (you could probably use regular pepper too)

1/2 tsp sesame oil (I used a hot sesame oil... We like it spicy!!) 

1 tbsp sugar

Salt to taste

Marinade beef for a minimum of 10 minutes in corn starch, soy sauce, Chinese wine mixture

Stir fry beef in heated wok or skillet until half done; Remove and set aside

Drain wok, add oil, stir fry onion and garlic

Add beef; Stir

Add sauce; Stir

Cook until done

Add scallions

Add sugar, salt, pepper to taste (I did not use all of the sugar)

Serve warm with steamed white or brown rice

**As a side note, next time I plan to double the sauce recipe.  My husband and I ate the beef over the rice and would have liked a little more juice! 

Enjoy! 

new year, new baby...

I can not believe it is 2015!

This is the year my darling husband and I will become parents for the very first time! 

It is finally sinking in now.  I have been trying to set up my baby registry (oh my gosh there are so many different products out there!) and that has proven to be more time consuming than I though!  I have decided to set up an Amazon registry and a target registry.  It has been utterly overwhelming, but so much fun! 

Over this holiday break, the hubs and I were able to start on the nursery.  Though I am limited in what I can do to help out, kitty made sure he was right there to pick up the slack:

I can't wait until this room is complete!  We have quite a bit left to do, but it is coming along! 

Also, we have decided upon two names! We will decided officially when he is born, but to have the two options picked out is so exciting!  It has been stressful as of late trying to decide on the right name for our little boy.  What a relief it is to have picked two names we both love! 

It is back to the daily grind for me today! Here is a picture of me giving in to a cup of coffee this morning.  I couldn't get through my 12 day ahead of me without it! 

Happy Monday xoxo

it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

The Christmas season is my favorite of the year.  While I love the fall, look forward to the spring, and enjoy every moment of summer, there is something special about the holiday season.

My family has always done Christmas in a big way.  The house is always decorated with the most beautiful and festive decorations (sometimes before thanksgiving!), we have the most precious traditions that we keep to this day despite my sisters and I being 26, 24, 21, and 18, and we do we all can to keep the spirit of Christmas alive and well each and every day.  

My darling husband and I trimmed our tree and hung our stockings (for mommy, daddy, nemo, and rugby this year!) a few weeks ago: 

it looks so cozy! 

also a few weeks ago we had our annual gingerbread house "party" (read: COMPETITION!!).  It is a tradition that was started years ago and one we all look forward to every year:

I love my house this year! In years past I have felt my house was rather lackluster, however this year I was very pleased! 

With a little over a week left until Christmas Day, I have officially finished my Christmas shopping. My sweet husband still has a few things left to get, however with a little persuasion I plan to drag him out of the house this evening to finish! He would wait until Christmas Eve if it were up to him! 

We are enjoying every single day of this holiday season, one that seems extra special because we are eagerly anticipating the birth of our miracle baby boy!  I am just about 26 weeks now!  In two days, my due date count down will be in the double digits! (99 days!!) 

Six month "bumpie" (bump selfie!).  I am feeling great!! I wear out easily, but that isn't anything a few minutes off my feet can't fix!  I have been eating healthy, working out regularly (a post on my pregnancy workouts a little later!), and enjoying this ride! 

Feeling so blessed this holiday season.  I hope that you and yours are enjoying every day.  Love, peace, and happiness today and every day *

23 week update...

I hope you and yours had a wonderful thanksgiving! My thanksgiving was exactly what I had hoped for.  It was a relaxing day filled with laughter, love, and delicious food! 

Just one of the delicious turkeys we had! 

My handsome hubby and my beautiful niece playing play dough on the couch after yummy turkey dinner! 

Loving me some holidays! I have been decorating for Christmas all weekend.  Christmas shopping is almost done!  I love this time of year =) 

In other news, we are currently 23 weeks 4 days along in the pregnancy!  Last night my husband was finally able to feel the baby kick =) I have been feeling him kick around for a few days now, but my babe was unable to feel movement on the outside of my belly.  I have an anterior placenta (placenta is directly in front of the little one) which basically means that baby has a few extra layers to kick through.  As a result, I felt him move much later in the pregnancy than some others without an anterior placenta may have.  Last night was a special and memorable moment for us.  

Just a quick pregnancy rant for you all! My goodness I am getting slower and slower in my workouts! I am someone who enjoys working out (jogging, HIIT, pilates, kettle bells, you name it!).  I try for a minimum of 30 minutes a day depending on my schedule.  I have tried to remain consistent in my workouts (with the approval of my baby doctor I should add!), however I am noticing it has been struggle city for me lately. My runs take me much longer (not to mention the bathroom break every mile or so), my HIIT workouts are all done with the modifications for the most part, and my muscles tire out much faster.  Thank goodness for the motivating powers of fitnessblender and blogilates!  Without these two YouTube channels, my pregnancy workouts may have been nonexistent! 

Anyway, finishing up work and headed for my 24 week checkup with my babe! 116 more days little one! 

maternity pants?!

Ahhhh! I have reached a milestone in my pregnancy!  My first day in maternity pants!

At 22 weeks 4 days, I am still able to wear my pre-pregnancy pants comfortably (occasionally with my trusty waistband extender) with the exception of my go to straight leg black dress pants.  Due to the clasp closure, I can not use my waistband extenders! 

It was rather warm this morning (...enjoying it while it lasts! Snow tomorrow. Ohhh New England) and I didn't want to wear my boots. Instead I looked through the Rubbermaid bin of maternity clothes my girlfriend Stephanie gave me last Friday.  Right there on top was the cutest pair of black gap maternity pants size 2.  Tried them on and ohmygoodness! So comfortable! 

I am not sure how much longer I am going to be able to wear my regular pants comfortably! It may be time to invest in a few maternity staples =) 

Hurry up little one.... We still have a few months left, but mommy and daddy can't wait to meet you! 

welcome to my world:..

Hello world <3

I've always been one to journal. I kept a pen and paper journal for ten years and only missed four days in total.  I've decided that eight or so years is enough time off... it is time to get back into it!  My life has changed in so many beautiful ways since then and I can't wait to share it all with you! 

I am now 26 years old, in love with my wonderful and amazing husband, and expecting a baby! I could not be happier!! I can not wait to get started on this incredible journey with you all...

... That will have to wait until next time, however =) I am 22 weeks pregnant, just got home from work, enjoyed a delicious dinner with my husband, and now it's cuddle time with my boys (hubby and puppies) because this mama is sleepy <3