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Bun In The Oven

HOSPITAL BAG: WHAT TO PACK

July 30, 2014 by Cassidy Leave a Comment

I was in prep mode today, and started to pull some things together for our hospital bag. I packed so many things I didn’t actually use when I gave birth to Rylie, and remembered a few tips I learned while I was actually in the hospital. Here’s what we are packing, and a few tips I hope will come in handy this time around!

What to pack:

  • A comfy going home outfit for baby. We don’t seem to make babies over here that are normal newborn size (Ry was almost 9 lbs at birth and 10 lbs by the time we left the hospital…and this baby has been measuring bigger than she did in utero), so we pack 0-3 months. I don’t know if newborn size fits most newborns, but easier if the outfit is a little big than too small 🙂 This onesie is from baby Gap.
  • A comfy going home outfit for you. With Rylie I packed a huge robe and clothes for going home that weren’t the comfiest. I didn’t realize how (ahem) messy post-birth can be, so never ended up wearing the robe. I also didn’t totally realize I would leave looking pregnant still. I’ll be packing some great transitional pieces from Wendy Bellissimo’s maternity line to wear home.
  • A gift for your older child. So much attention will be on baby, and so many packages and gifts arriving for the new little one. We decided to get Rylie a few little gifts (2 books and some finger puppets) that would be from her new baby brother. That way, when she comes to see him for the first time, she feels extra special. The gifts were wrapped by my friends at Sweet Paper.
  • Pre-written thank you card for your doctor and nurses (oh and chocolate, bring chocolate!) This was some advice we got from a doula we’ve worked with. Thanking your providers, and being THAT room that has chocolate for everyone, is never a bad idea. Mostly because you (hopefully) are being given great care, but also because it provides a positive environment and initiates a great relationship with those that will be caring for you and your baby. This card is Rifle Paper from Sweet Paper.
  • Soft organic multi-use blanket. The hospital does provide blankets, but I couldn’t resist these soft organic ones from Numpfer. I’m obsessed with all their stuff, so simple, so soft, all organic. Oh man, I can’t wait for skin-to-skin snuggles with this light blanket draped over us…

(not-pictured)

  • Birth plan. If you have one 🙂
  • Toiletries. Face wash, toothpaste/toothbrush, hair ties/brush. I never actually took a full shower in the hospital because I had an unplanned cesarean with Rylie, I had a sponge bath 🙂
  • Chapstick. Trust me, you’ll need it. We didn’t pack it the first time and I had to have someone go buy me some. For whatever reason, you’ll need chapstick!
  • Little security blanket/Lovie. From the moment Rylie was born I introduced her little lovie, an owl blankie from Angel Dear. For awhile I only kept it near her little face while we nursed, and as she grew older she eventually slept with it. It became a great transitional object for her when I returned to work, or when we traveled. We bought a bunch of them, so we never worry about losing it 🙂 She doesn’t need it now of course, but she still loves it.
  • Snacks. For you, and for papa.
  • Headphones and eye mask (for labor). When you tune out your senses, you can channel your inner cave woman…nothing makes you feel more like a cave woman than labor 🙂
  • Videocamera/Non-Phone Camera. Phones are great, but we’ve been trying to take more videos on our camcorder and real camera. You’ll want to capture some of those first few days/nights.

Tips:

  • Ask for a lactation consult soon after birth. Sometimes it takes them awhile to come by, and you’ll want as much support as you can get, and the quicker the better.
  • Everytime a new nurse comes in, ask for more pads and the mesh boycut underwear the hospitals carry. I found that the hospital pads were my favorite, and I needed the mesh/boycut underwear for quite awhile. I wish I had taken home more. (note* I don’t know how your hospital works and insurance, so see if you are able to request more of these things).

That’s all I can think of for now! What did you pack?! What are your tips?! I can’t believe we are having a baby so soon…I’m starting to really get excited 🙂

Filed Under: Baby, Bun In The Oven, Favorite Things, Mama Drama

MY ONLY CHILD

June 27, 2014 by Cassidy Leave a Comment

I remember the last few weeks of my pregnancy with Rylie, I started to grieve a little. It was something I didn’t want to talk about, but I was having some overwhelming feelings of sadness for the loss of a time in our life (David and mine) where it would just be the two of us. With those feelings came a tremendous amount of guilt, how could I feel this way when our DAUGHTER was about to be born.

I’ve since talked to a lot of mothers who have reported feeling something similar towards the end of their pregnancy. It would make sense that someone would be afraid of how things might change in one of the most significant relationships in their lives. This time around, the feeling is intense, but this time…I’m grieving the loss of having Rylie as my only child.

bellybump-18bellybump-19

I know that my heart will grow, and that when this little boy is born I will look into his baby eyes, smell his baby head, and wonder how we ever lived without him. Yet, I also know that things will change, and Rylie will no longer be my one and only.

I’ve cherished our days together, the one’s where it’s just me and her. The days I get to soak her up, give her all of my attention, and all without distraction.

bellybump-25

This will change.

I also know that we will still get those days, if I make it a priority. I  know that soon enough, there will be a little buddy in her life. Someone who will be tied to her in a way that only a sibling can be. Her childhood memories will always include this little brother we are giving her. Our days, while not just the two of us anymore, will take on a richness that goes beyond anything we have known…because HE will be there.

bellybump-29

I just wanted to put it out there, if you’ve felt something similar…feelings of grief about a loss of what you have had in a significant relationship towards the end of your pregnancy. I believe that this is a normal and understandable feeling and reaction. I’m trying to show myself some compassion for having some of these thoughts and emotions so strongly lately.

Also, I’m sorry to everyone else in Rylie’s life who has not been able to see her as much lately…I’m definitely hogging her to myself these days. I’ll try to practice my sharing in the coming weeks 😉

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Thank you Nikki for these photos, I’ll cherish them forever.

Filed Under: Baby, Bun In The Oven, Family, Mama Drama, Photo Shoots, Rylie

BABY BOY NURSERY INSPIRATION

June 26, 2014 by Cassidy Leave a Comment

I didn’t realize how much fun decorating for a little mister could be! I am 100% in nesting mode, so thought I’d share some of my little man nursery inspiration.
eversonroom1. Serena and Lily Rug 2. Land of Nod Black and Gold Globe Light (it makes super cool designs on the ceiling when turned on!) 3. Alison Show Mobile 4. Land of Nod Side Table 5. LWPH Sews Crib Sheet 6. Anthropologie Driftwood Wallpaper 7. Little Lights Bolt (currently don’t ship to the U.S., but I’m dying over this…especially being a Charger’s fan 🙂 8. Land of Nod Glider (obsessed with the copper detailing) 9. Sharp Tooth Studio“Wild One” Banner

Happy nesting for all you other nesters out there!

Filed Under: Bun In The Oven, Nest

MOTHERS DAY INSPIRATION SHOOT FOR FREE PEOPLE

March 9, 2014 by Cassidy Leave a Comment

Last weekend was pretty incredible. We had the chance to be a part of a Mother’s Day shoot with Free People. The best part…zebras, and baby camels, and some wonderful mama’s and babes…oh my! It was truly a day I will always remember.

Photography:  By Amy Lynn Photography (@byamylynn) (Facebook)

Other Mamas: Isobel Benesch of Bel and Beau, Kelli Murray of Kelli Murray, Nikki of Jeadore

Creative Direction:  Isobel Benesch

Styling: Heather Rome

Set Design: Amber Thrane

Florals: Siren Floral Co

Makeup: 1011 Makeup

Free People Link: Mother’s Day Inspiration | Free People Blog

freepeople-byamylynnphotography118Happy Mother’s Day everyone, especially to my mama…who showed me how to love.

For some mother’s day advice check out Glitter Guide’s post today with some shared words from some of my favorite mama’s.

Filed Under: Baby, Blogging Mama, Bun In The Oven, Fashion, Glitter Guide, Little Ones, Photo Shoots

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