prepping for baby!

Life has been a whirlwind since Christmas...I haven't even uploaded all the photos and videos from that yet but it was a good one!  I'm sure I'll get around to it at some point.  These days, we are back in school and preparing for a new baby brother ;)  I will be 35 weeks tomorrow and I feel like I'm 40 weeks already.  I know that may sound dramatic but believe me, it isn't.  I've been really uncomfortable for weeks but my nights have been particularly tough this week and it has really been affecting my mood, which then affects the mood of our home.  I have a lot to overcome in the next few weeks so my family doesn't remember this time as one of a mean, grouchy mom.

I am in the full-swing of nesting.  My mom is coming in 2 weeks to help me clean and get things ready but honestly, there might not be anything left for her to help me with by then.  I cannot sit still during the day.  Today I cleaned up the diaper champ that has been sitting in our garage for a year, washed the carseat cover, set up the bassinet in our room, ordered new washcloths and baby towels, and wiped down the doors, doorways and some of our baseboards.  I am dying to repaint our bathroom but I might just have to get Mike to restrain me.  So as you can see, I'm serious about it. 

Online shopping has been my new best-friend over the past few months as I've gone through all of our baby gear, restocking things, upgrading a few, and just replacing some items that have gotten a lot of wear and tear from my 3 other pregnancies and babies.  There is a lot that I just know I don't need and won't use.  There is so much out there that moms feel like they HAVE TO HAVE but they really don't need at all.  His hospital bag is packed and it is pretty much empty, y'all.  I'm not kidding. I've put together a little list of things I've found that are necessary for a newborn.  And the best part, if I don't buy everything I see or want, I can afford to splurge a little when it comes to the things I need!

1.  Gerber unisex onesies- I brought both girls home in these with cute pants and matching head band.  They are the most practical things ever for new babies.  I ordered them in NB size because 0-3 will be HUGE at first.  They are easy to get on and off, they have the little fold-over hand mitts built in, you can pair them with any little pants you want, you can screen print on them if you choose...they are the BEST.

2.  Gerber 3-ply cloth diapers- I do not use these as actual diapers but they make perfect burp cloths.  I usually get a pack early and sew a strip of cute fabric down the middle to "dress" them up and make them look more like burp-cloths than diapers.  I've made them as gifts for friends and used them myself.  They stay on your shoulder so easily, they are soft and absorbent.  

3.  Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump- I have an electric pump I got through our insurance last time I was pregnant but I honestly didn't have time to sit down and really pump with a 4-year-old and 2-year-old running around.  I hardly ever even used bottles, I just nursed Jillian on demand.  I know this might not work for everyone but this time I decided to get a manual pump for those occasions when I can pump.  I don't have to hook it up to any outlets, I can pump in the car, etc.  I ordered a few extra bottles to go with it but I won't even open that box until I actually need to use them.

4.  New swaddle blankets- you can use any swaddle blankets you prefer.  There are so many different kinds out there.  Light-weight jersey knit ones are perfect here in Louisiana because it isn't ever that cold.  I do have some I used with Drew but a few new ones for a new baby is always nice.  He'll have hand-me-downs for the rest of his life ;)

5. Boon bottle brush- bottle brushes get so gross, I'd hope everyone replaces theirs every now and then!  We haven't used one in a while so its time for a newbie!  I've never tried this one that Boon Inc. makes but I like that it isn't a sponge because those get torn up and musty.  We'll see how this one works out.

6. Babyganics bottle wash and baby shampoo and body wash- I love this brand.  After trying different kinds of sunscreen for the kids this last summer and discovering this brand's I've been hooked.  Obviously, you'll need baby body wash anyway so get the kind you love!

7.  noise machine app- babies do need to get accustomed to noise but a good sound machine app on your phone can work wonders for everyone who is trying to get a good night's sleep.  Honestly, Mike will probably benefit from this the most!

8.  a good brand of newborn socks- my mom bought Drew some of these socks when he was born and they were my favorite because they didn't constantly come off of his little feet.  

9.  diapers and wipes- the hospital will send you home with diapers for your baby so don't even bother packing any in his hospital bag.  Obviously though, you will need LOTS of these when you get home.  I wouldn't recommend getting an economy-size box of NB diapers because some babies are only in NB diapers for a week (a.k.a. Susanna).  I usually buy the Parent's Choice diapers once my babies are in size 3s because I just feel like Pampers are so soft and sweet and more gentle (and the kind of smell good?) on tiny babies.  Once they start moving around, get the cheap kind, by all means!

10. A swing!- (disclaimer:  you do NOT have to buy this particular one to have a comfy, happy baby. I borrowed a baby swing for both Drew and Susanna because I didn't get one at my baby shower and they were 100% content).  Mike's aunt bought us the Mamaroo when I was pregnant for Jillian and I LOVE it, she LOVED it, it was amazing.  Would I have spent that much on a swing personally?  Probably not!  If you can afford it or if you are having a shower (which you probably aren't if it is your 4th kid), this is the one to get though.  I remember when Mike was putting it together (which is super easy, by the way) we both looked at each other and wished for one in our size!

I am getting really excited to meet this little boy.  The kids talk about him all the time and at night after prayer when we get in our "I love you and you and you and you and you" circle before goodnight kisses, they've included an extra "you" and point at my tummy!  I feel like, after today with all my cleaning of the baby gear, we will pretty much be ready whenever he comes.   I've never gone all the way to 40 weeks.  Drew was 5 days early, Susanna was 2 weeks early, and Jillian was 2 1/2 weeks early so even though I technically have 5 weeks left, which gives me plenty of time to feel 100% ready (is that even possible?), I just never really know.

What are your newborn must-haves?  What have I left off? What do you feel like you thought you needed but really didn't?  I'd love the hear!