Prepping for Baby Number Three

Third time's the charm- or so they say. Whoever "they" happen to be, they clearly weren't talking about pregnancy.The first few months of pregnancy were "normal" for me. I was incredibly tired, usually sick and overall unhappy. *waves* Sorry Hubby.All of a sudden, we were 20, then 24 then 30 weeks through this pregnancy and I started to get antsy."I have to set up the nursery. We don't have a theme.""We have no baby boy clothes left." (We gave them all to friends who could use them.)"We need a monitor, a car for three kids, a sound machine, DIAPERS.""Do I remember how to have a baby?""What are we going to name him!?""WHAT ARE WE MISSING?"Here we are at 37 weeks and I'm still trying to get my head around being a mom of three very soon. So I'd like to share five tips with those of you doing this for the first, third or 8th time.

1. Focus on the stuff that matters. Getting a breast pump if you're going to breastfeed = important.Washing 6-9 month baby clothes = not important.You really only need clothes to be ready from newborn to 3 months to get you through. Trust me, you or your SO will be doing laundry anyway- so you have time. Depending on how long/where you're going to have baby sleep for the first few days/weeks you may have more time for the nursery too. We tend to keep our new babies in a bassinet in our room for the first month and then transition them to their cribs. I always like to have the nursery set up before baby arrives, but I know that in a pinch, that's a less important part of baby-readiness.
2. Pack your bag(s)If you have other kiddos you'll have to pack two bags, in theory. If your kids are taking a mini-holiday with family when you go to deliver your new addition you'll need to have a bag packed for them as well as for yourself.Things to include:Mom's Bag-Something to wear home-Breastfeeding-ready shirts/tops-Toiletries for when you get to shower (don't forget your toothbrush, deodorant and glasses/contacts if you need them) *Skip the makeup if you don't need/want it. This is your time!-Hair Ties if you're putting your hair up-Clothes to bring the baby home-Phone charger & phone-SO's changes of clothing, toiletries, charger, etc.-SNACKS (just in case)-Book, cards or something to 'do' while you're transitioning through labor, just in case it takes its time, all labor's are different.(Fun side note here: During my first delivery I actually brought along a season or two of The Big Bang Theory to watch during the first part labor. I do remember the nurse asking if I was ready to turn off the DVD, you know, so I could have a baby... HA!)-Birth Plan/Supplies if you're doing something special/different that the hospital doesn't provideKids Bag-Clothes/PJs for 3 days-Bedtime items (blankies, etc)-Note from Mom/Dad-Diapers/wipes if necessary
3. Put the baby seat in the carMost hospitals won't let you leave without showing them you have a properly installed infant car seat ready to go. Instead of having your SO rush to put it in, have the seat installed for a couple of weeks before you're due. Just in case!
4. Clean the houseNo not YOU. Ask for help or hire a company to come do a one time cleaning before you go. It may seem a bit "extra" but once you've had your new baby the last thing you want to do is come home to a messy abode!
5. Be FlexibleChildbirth is everything they say it is- magical, difficult, exciting, and more. Having a plan and an idea of how you'd like it to go is great, but don't be set on those exact circumstances. Listen to your doctors and nurses or midwives. Let them be the experts and allow your body to do what it already knows how to do.

You'll be holding your new baby before you know it! Be Great,M