AUBREY KINCH

Bed rest is not ideal, you guys. I've found that even working from home and being on a computer all day is something that's not really allowed for an extended period of time so it's been interesting working through all my last clients before I start my official maternity leave! It has given me the opportunity to check and recheck my hospital list so I wanted to share everything I've packed along with some splurges to make the experience a little more calming and peaceful!

-leggings
-tank tops
-oversized cardigan
-robe
....whatever will make you comfortable and easy to nurse in

These are the basics, obviously! Something I recommend having no matter what because either you'll really need them or the hospital might supply them but they aren't ideal. When it comes to an extended stay away from home, I want to be as comfortable as possible so if that means you bringing your own goodies, do so! You know what will make you happy and less stressed so take the time to think through if any and all of these items are something you'll require as every person is different.

*** Don't forget your honey will need all their goodies as well so pack one bag together or one for each of you. Andrew and I always share a bag and I went ahead and made him a little "daddy survival kit" with his favorite snacks and things to keep him busy if labor is long and uneventful.

Now these items come down to what will make your stay more peaceful and like home. Again, labor could be something very easy and quick or it can be an experience that is chaotic, long and hard so I want to be prepared for either scenario. That being said, these items just seem like a good buffer for if there's a lot of down time and I need to get my mind off contractions or simply making me more comfortable while staying away from home.

On the same note with splurging, I decided to get a new bag for our time there to lug everything in. I wanted to have a little treat and something to get excited about when we were whisked (haha- I'm sure it'll be quite dramatic) away about to welcome our angel baby so I chose to get a fabulous black leather duffle bag and a new toiletry carrier from Hudson and Bleecker. With all these little items I was packing, I knew I needed something simple yet functional so I wasn't going through ziploc after ziploc looking for deodorant. That being said, my new case from Hudson and Bleecker is perfection. First off, it's a lovely snake print which I'm obsessed over and carries two clear storage bags inside and one smaller printed zipper pouch. I was able to contain all my toiletries, along with some of my splurge items into this little unit with room to spare. Talk about perfect for packing! Once I'm done using it for the hospital stay, I plan to use the clear bags for our diaper bag and the smaller pouch for a card/key holder for my personal things to also throw in Emery's diaper bag.

I know being a first time mom, this could be an outrageous list but I was really trying to be prepared and feel this is what will work for Andrew and I. If I missed something, please let me know and I'll make sure to pack it away for our delivery day!

We are so close you guys! It's been such a process of feeling like we've been pregnant forever but also like it flew by and I feel like these last weeks are just dragging. It's the total cliche thing to say but truly, I get it now. We've been keeping busy with family in town and other events and plans to get our mind off all things baby which helps, but she's always there, you know?

As we're crossing things off our list, I thought it wise to document where we are because we really are all set and ready for her to come any time now! The remaining things uncrossed here are all in place and ready to go as well but we needed to schedule them as close to her potential due date (October 27) as possible. Speaking of due date, that's exactly 37 days away! Eeep. My doctor will gladly deliver and welcome labor after September 30th so I'm definitely praying she wants to make her debut sooner than later. Selfishly, we have things happening the first week of November that are needing me functioning so with that said, I wouldn't hate her coming sooner. ;)

As for an update with me, I'm feeling a lot of pain and aches all throughout my body but mainly in my pelvis and lower back. She's sitting head down as of Wednesday and is moving like crazy daily! I've started losing my plug (TMI) which could mean nothing or something and at my last visit my blood pressure was high so I'm now on weekly appointments until her due date. I had a cervical exam on Wednesday and I'm currently closed without dilation, as well. I'm beginning to take evening primrose oil (pills) to help soften my cervix and I planned the prenatal massage because I've heard it can also help start labor naturally. With all that to say, I won't do anything else to help push her along quicker because I want her to come when she's ready and healthy but a bit of the natural things can't hurt, right?

Okay, enough rambling. I'll be back at the doctor Monday so if anything changes, I'll update! I also plan on sharing what I've packed for my hospital bag as well as her baby book I'm making in the next few weeks along with her nursery reveal and my baby shower! Stay tuned.... have a safe and fun weekend! xo

Remember how I said I felt a little crazy for getting things ready so soon for baby girl? Well last night I experienced some contractions for about 3 hours starting at 18 mins apart increasing to 12 and then they stopped. I'm totally fine now, not hurting or feeling a thing but I've been having a lot of Braxton Hicks lately too. This just assures me I can't be too prepared for her arrival. Just saying!

I also realized last night that every weekend until Emery is due, we have something planned and going on. I have to say I'm a little bummed and a little encouraged by this. On one hand, Andrew and I don't have a lot of just time for us anymore but it also keeps us busy so I'm distracted from the countdown. You win some, you lose some- right?

On a similar note, I've had an overwhelming sense of love for my husband lately. We are celebrating 5 years together in a couple weeks and we talked about how things were when we started dating to how they are now and it's so fun seeing how our life has evolved together. He's been so kind to me, rubbing my feet and being so attentive the last few weeks and I'm just cherishing that man. He has a heart of gold and I never want to take him for granted.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!