Nursery Theme with Lorena Canals

Stylish, natural, functional, washable. These aren't words that typically all describe an area rug. But those are exactly the first three words that come to mind when thinking of Lorena Canals. I learned of these magical rugs when I was pregnant with Fallon and had to have one for her nursery. We actually tested out the washable quality long before we imagined when something spilled while setting up her room. A sugary orange drink was spilled right on the pretty little pristine white stars on baby's brand new rug. Everyone sort of panicked until I said it's washable! The orange was long gone before Fallon was born and that rug still looks brand new. 

When I was thinking about a nursery theme for baby #2 I just couldn't quite come up with anything I loved that was gender neural. We've chosen not to learn the sex of our baby, like we did with Fallon, until he or she arrives. And then I was shopping for something else one day and it hit me. A bit of a minimalist, understated take on the classic jungle theme. Black + white with some pops of green. Yes, that was it. White walls with black accents would be perfect! So, you bet I was excited when Lorena Canals was kind enough to send us a gorgeous black berber rug with tassels that was exactly what I wanted. I love that they have options for any room in your home and that can transition from nursery to toddler room and beyond. 

The rug arrived just as we were finishing up painting and moving in the furniture. You can tell right away the quality level of these rugs when you feel the weight and material. When we rollout and positioned the rug it was clear this was THE rug for the room and really pulled all my ideas together. If we change things up when baby is little older, the rug could find a new home just about anywhere else in my house. It's so versatile, handmade with all natural dyes and VCO free. And I mean, how can you not love a pretty rug that's easy to run a vacuum over or throw right into your washer to clean?! As a mom to a toddle tornado with outstanding mess making abilities plus 3 dogs and 3 cats, these qualities in a rug are everything. I want a Lorena Canals rug for every room in my house!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks

It's that time of year again, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is upon us! Every year there is so much excitement and hype surrounding this sale and honestly it never disappoints. You can snag so many great pieces for fall at steeply discounted prices and get a jump start on next season's wardrobe. Although early access has been available to Nordstrom card holders for a week, the sale goes live to the public tomorrow. I'm sharing my top picks and I have a strong feeling many of these items will sell out quickly, so get them while you can!

You know by now that leggings and tees are my jam so of course I was drawn to a few of those immediately. Black moto leggings are a staple for me because I can run around in them or dress them up a bit if I'm feeling fancy. I am all about the layered look when it gets chilly and soft, cozy cardigans are where it's at in my opinion. Grey is my favorite neutral but burgundy will be swooping in for fall. Honestly I'll still be in sneakers and probably Ugg boots most of the time but I think I'll have to finally give OTK boots a shot. Plain old distressed jeans will always have my heart but I've been looking for a pair of distressed black jeans. And they would pair so well with the cognac leather jacket or the cold shoulder sweaters. And did you honestly think I wouldn't throw in a comfy pair of pjs pants? I mean, they have grey stripes. SOLD. 

Happy shopping!

Everyday Favorites

As a SAHM I no longer have to follow a dress code every day, but I've fallen into the habit of wearing a kind of uniform. Running errands, pushing the stroller through the park and chasing my wild child aren't actives that lend themselves to nice polished outfits. So most of the time you will find me in leggings with a tee and sneaks, a hat to cover my messy hair, sports bra underneath and earrings to make me think I look a teensy bit put together. And of course an iced coffee. I have the pieces that make up this momiform in varying colors and brands but after nearly a year on the jobI've found my go-to favorites. So today I thought I'd share them all with you.

My hat is under $10 and comes in lots of fun colors. These earrings are 2 years old but they're still a best seller and go with absolutely everything. The softest v-neck pocket tee that isn't too oversized yet not too fitted comes is several great colors and it's currently on sale! A sports bra that's supportive yet not restrictive and so easy to nurse in? Yea, I have it in several colors. Every mama needs a good pair of black leggings and these are hands down the best! And I couldn't be happier that sneakers are so stylish because these Nikes are incredibly comfortable + light weight and if I posted my outfit every day y'all would be SO sick of seeing them. Of course my momiform isn't ever really complete without some teething jewelry for Fally. Our favorite brand has the prettiest styles that you've probably noticed I wear all the time and you can save 15% off your purchase with my code HILARYPFEFF.  

What's your momifrom?

I'm Lovin' It

I've decided that sharing things I'm currently loving shouldn't have to be reserved for Fridays. So these posts will just pop up from time to time whenever I feel like it! I somehow managed to roll into this weekend with my house clean, all the laundry caught up and my hair washed. Chocolate chip cookies were baked yesterday afternoon and we spent the evening with family. It may never happen again but man did it feel good. 

If you haven't noticed, I've been wearing the same pairs of slip on sneakers all the time lately. I saw these at Target last week and for $25 they had to be mine. 

One of our favorite brands for swaddle blankets just released some super adorable new prints. I am swooning over the grapefruit blanket and the fairy garden quilt for Fallon. 

I find myself in v neck tees so many days, worn alone or underneath a jacket or cardigan. I have several brands and styles but I have found a favorite. I might have to get every color!

A goal for this year is to simplify my life, starting with getting rid of things we don't use. This book is great if you're trying to do the same! 

We're also trying to get some better organization throughout our home so I picked up some new baskets to hold all the things we keep underneath our coffee table. It looks much nicer and everything now has a place so it can be put away. 

It might sound counterproductive to be buying more while attempting to simplify. But the idea is to get rid of what we don't love or no longer has a purpose and have things that make sense in our life. No dog bed has made more sense than these Coolaroo loungers. The dogs love them, they're super easy to clean, they're not total eyesores and you can vacuum right underneath them!

Happy weekending friends!

Friday I'm In Love

As awesome as Christmas was, I'm ready to get back to normal and let things calm down a bit for the winter. I can't believe this is the last Friday of the year! I may or may not make a resolution, but I'll ponder that over my beverage tomorrow evening. In the meantime, Friday fun. 

I made cranberry white chocolate muffins for a little holiday brunch and again on Christmas morning at our house. They were a big hit and everyone keeps asking me for the recipe. You're welcome.

If you're in the market for a pair of leggings that feel exactly like pjs but look exactly like pants, here you go. I got these for Christmas and I actually could sleep in them. They are the perfect addition to my momiform.

It's unlikely you will ever see Fallon without a bow if she isn't wearing a hat. Partially because I think she's so flippin' cute with a bow on fuzzy head and partially because people call her a boy without one. And it drives me nuts! Our newest favorite shop has some adorable options for any baby girl. 

We are in the thick of sleep training and it's pretty clear Fallon likes to hold something to soothe herself. Have no fear, there's a Slumkerkins with her name on it (literally) on its way to us. 

My friend sent me this article and it was just what I needed to read this week. I'll be 30 next year and if I spend the next decade of my life tired, untoned and chasing after kids, then won't i be lucky?!

One of my very favorite clothing companies for babes, June & January, is having an end of year sale with 40% off! Their hoodie jumpers are the best and I wish I could buy them in every single color for Fallon. 

Happy last Friday of 2016!!

Cozy Slippers

I'm a KY girl right down to my bare feet in the summer time but I love wearing slippers all winter long. Now that I stay home with my kiddo, I can be found wearing some of my beloved cozy footwear all day long and even sometimes to the grocery! I have a nice little collection, that my husband endlessly makes fun of me for, but I love them all so much. If you think it's silly to have a pair of slippers for every occasion, well you're just wrong. I had my eye on some super fuzzy Uggs last year but couldn't bring myself to spend the money. This year I received them as a gift, immediately put them on and have barely taken them off since. Of course my sweet baby girl would decide to poop on them. Insert the Kevin McAllister scream here. While I go work on operation shit removal, check out some of my favorite comfy slippers for yourself. 

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Holiday PJ Party

There is something about putting on pjs that just immediately lowers my stress level. I have my comfy clothes that sometimes double as clothes I wear out of the house but I really love me some cute pjs (that I almost never wear in public). Having a baby means I get to shop for pjs for both of us and oh man am I jealous of the selection for kiddos. Why don't they all come in my size?! It has already been so much fun rocking festive jams this month and you can bet we will keep it up until the new year. I could really go crazy buying them for every single day through Christmas but that would just be crazy. Or would it? In case you love having pj parties as much as we do, I thought I'd share some of my favorites for mama + munchkin.

Trimming The Tree

Growing up both Chris and I always had a live tree for Christmas. We would go out to a Christmas tree farm and spend forever picking the perfect tree then eating our free candy canes on the ride home. I love the smell of fresh pine and I remember how dad would slice a piece off the trunk for my sister and I to each put in our rooms. We would watch Christmas movies and carefully select ornaments to put on the tree. I am so fond of those memories. Even though Fallon is too young to understand, we still want to start making those kinds of memories with her.

When I moved out I had a fake tree for awhile because I didn't think I could handle a real one on my own. But I missed having the real tree, despite the mess and having cats to contend with. This year we didn't make it out to the Christmas tree farm but we did go pick out a live tree at a cute little lot near our house. I wore green plaid flannel and Fallon wore Christmas jammies and boots and had the sweet old man working there absolutely smitten. She was so excited to see all the trees and I swear she "chose" the one we took home when daddy pulled it out. It was her first Christmas tree picking experience and it was better than we could have planned. 

Chris got the tree all set up in our living room and put the lights on it we had from last year for me. Then it was my job to decorate. Well, although fun, it's quite a job, and life got in the way. It took me a few days longer than I had hoped, but I finally trimmed that tree. If you followed my Instastory you know I ended up taking down last year's lights because I wanted "warm white" instead of "bright white". Of course I put them on backwards (with the plug at the top) and had to take them off and put them back on. WHY?! But once I started putting up ornaments and seeing ones from when I was a kid, I just got all the warm fuzzy Christmas feelings. I tied some ribbon on for a finishing touch and wrapped a $20 white furry blanket around the base (because I'm too cheap to pay $50 for a tree skirt!).

The lights are crooked and uneven. The ornaments don't all match. The ribbon has frayed edges because I bought the wrong kind. But when I turned on the lights and showed my baby girl, she lit up brighter than any Christmas tree I've ever seen and our tree instantly became perfect. One day when she's old enough, I will be able to show pictures of her first Christmas tree and remember the way she smiled, reaching for the colored ornaments and wiggling with excitement. 

Beanie Babes

Most days I try to get out of the house with Fallon, even if it's just to run through the Starbucks drive thru. She's a high stimulation kid so staying home all day bores her. Now that it seems the fall weather is here to stay, I'm loving all the beanie hats for mama and baby. I run cold, always, and wearing a coat while running errands is kind of a pain, especially now with a munchkin in tow. There isn't really much room in the cart anymore and I need both hands when I'm out and about. Fallon can't wear a coat in her carseat so really, throwing hats on both of us is the easiest thing to do, plus they are basically another way to accessorize! I've linked some of my favorites currently out there for you and your mini in case you wanna be beanie babes too. Can you tell we like pompoms? 

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Happy Friday!

Friday I'm in Love

Fri-YAY!!! Where have you been? While it's definitely been a productive week around here, it's also been stressful. I had to fast for a blood test today which meant no coffee this morning. The horror. This mama is ready for some down time + a cold one. On the positive side, it's finally feeling like fall and that means lots of favorites. So many favorites. I won't bombard you with them all but it just wouldn't be right if I didn't share a few. 

I love navy nails for fall and I finally found the perfect shade. 

A neutral pair of booties is a staple in my fall wardrobe but I've been hesitant to go the open toe route. This pair changed my mind. 

I tend to be a bit of a candle hoarder all year long but the fall scents are by far and away my favorite.This one is at the top of the list, makes your house smell like pancakes.

I've been drooling over all the pumpkin and apple recipes on Pinterest but I absolutely must try these pumpkin gooey butter cakes. 

If you came to my house you might say I've gone a bit pumpkin crazy with my fall decor. But I added an adorable print to break up the madness. 

This isn't fall related but my sister showed me this hilarious video about breastfeeding in public and I'm a sucker for sarcastic humor. 

Have the happiest weekend friends!

Mama Must Haves

Cold Brew / Make-up Wipes / Dry Shampoo / Larabar / Tee / Concealer / Lip Balm

We've made it to the halfway point of the week y'all so cheers to that! It's already been one of those Friday where the hell are you? kind over here. Monday we were cleaning and organizing our garage and found out we have a mini infestation of brown recluse spiders. BROWN RECLUSE SPIDERS. I get the irony of it being close to Halloween but c'mon, this is terrifying. Thankfully we only found 2 live ones and the rest were dead but since you cannot spray for them, glue traps it is. I'll be having nightmares for years I'm sure. Tuesday one of the cats, I'll let you guess which one, so kindly knocked my phone off the table and shattered the screen like a dun da dun...spiderweb. Is there a theme here? I hope not. Today was a glorious crisp fall morning so Fallon and I headed out for a walk under clear skies. Halfway in, WHAM the rain clouds appeared out of nowhere and it started pouring. Girlfriend was sleeping and covered under her stroller but I hauled ass home and ended up drenched and out of breath. I guess I can count that as a workout right? RIGHT?! God help me for whatever mishap tomorrow brings. 

As mamas we deal with mishaps on the daily and we all have our little things that help us get through. Today I thought I would share a few of mine in case you're having a week like me and need SOMETHING to be easy. I may be late to the party but I heard a saying for the first time that fits perfectly today and I just love it. Take those sour grapes and turn 'em into a wicked glass of wine. Then drink it. 

Friday I'm in Love

Happy first Friday of fall y'all! Decorations are up, pantry is stocked with pumpkin and apple flavored things, fall candles are burning and PSLs are on the breakfast menu. The only problem is Mother Nature hasn't received the message yet here in NKY and we are still baking in 90 degree weather. C'mon fall, my blanket scarves and boots are calling my name! I realize it's been a LONG time since I did a Friday favorites post so while the weather is a total bummer, let's focus on the positives.

Can we talk about how awesome these shoes are?! First of all, I scored them for 20% off with free shipping. Sperry quality and style at a discount, SCORE. They fit true to size and are really comfy plus they go with everything. I'm not kidding, I've worn them every day for the past week. It's the perfect way to add a little spice to the jeans + tshirt uniform I'm sporting these days. 

Speaking of jeans, I might just have a new favorite pair. So I don't know about you but back in high school, which was 10+ years ago for me, Abercrombie & Fitch was it. All the cool kids wore their graphic tees and jeans and I was pretty sure I was one of them. I was also pretty sure I knew everything. Sorry mom! But I grew up and left A & F behind along with my know it all attitude so I was pretty excited to find out that the brand actually grew up too! You will still find that cool, casual west coast vibe all of us who rocked the clothes in high school know and love. But A & F has something for us now young professionals, parents and stylish 20-30 somethings. I am absolutely in love with these distressed skinny jeans for several reason. The rips are in all the right places, they have definite stretch without being too tight or loosening up too much with wear. I was warned to size down because this particular pair runs large and they fit like a glove. Now that's a confidence booster for a mama with an 11 week old!

While I was out on a Target run last weekend I spied this rug that's been popping up all over my Instagram feed. In my cart it went and I am not sorry about jumping on this bandwagon. I can't wait to dress up my porch (okay it's really just a stoop) for fall around it. If you follow me on Instagram @hkpfeff523 you are sure to see it again. And again. You've been warned.

I've only been doing this mom thing with a human kid for a short while, but man it can be overwhelming. Parenting articles, social media and just our peers in general all say we should always do this, never do that and OMG you do what with your child?! Not to mention we are usually our own worst critics and constantly making ourselves feel guilty. So I absolutely loved this article my mom sent me and feel compelled to pass it along. Sometimes not giving a crap is just what the doctor ordered. 

I can pretty much always find something I like for myself at Old Navy but now I'm having all the heart eyes for their baby girl clothes. One of my favorite pieces of clothing in my closet is an army green utility jacket I got a few years ago. You better believe I snatched this one up for Fallon as soon as I saw it because OMG now we can match. I know, I know I will pay for this one day. 

Happy Friday loves!

Friday I'm in Love

I'm sure if you're on any form of social media you've seen a post that says, "Friday is coming tomorrow and she's bringing wine," on a Thursday evening. Oh how I wish I could have a glass of wine. Well, Friday is here and since I can't drink wine I thought I'd share some recent favorites instead. This very well may be my last post that doesn't include an overload of baby things!

The off the shoulder trend has stolen my heart. This dress comes in a few colors, is so comfortable and flattering (even at 9 months pregnant!) and it's only $25! I ordered yellow but all the choices are pretty for summer.

My latest shoe obsession continues. The sale on these is still going on and I cannot wait to get mine. Even though I've had some swelling in my feet, the gladiator style kind of masks it and surprisingly the other pair I have remains comfortable. Hopefully I'll be rocking these new ones with a cute baby and skinny feet.

I decided that I don't care if I'm 29 and a mom, I'm still going to wear cut-off shorts. I've been waiting to have the baby to order these but I might just go ahead and get my regular size and hope I can get back in them before the end of summer, dream big. What can I say, I have no problem being barefoot in cut-offs with a baby in my arms. #kentuckygirl

Probably statement necklaces aren't very practical with a newborn and I'll most likely be in t-shirts covered in who knows what the majority of the time. But I love this one so much and it would even dress up a t-shirt for that first time I go out without the kiddo.

My best friend for over ten years is getting married tomorrow. I'm beyond honored and excited to be her matron of honor but these glow in the dark legs of mine need a little color. Okay so probably my giant 38 week pregnant belly distracts from everything else but since I'm wearing a shorter dress it would make me feel better to have a bit of a tan on my legs. I've tried a lot of self-tanners and this one is pretty awesome. I even use it on my face and no streaks!

Happy first weekend of summer!!!

37 Weeks: Full Term!



Gingham Shirt / Leggings / White Tank

 

37 weeks, full term baby! As of my last doctor's appointment I was 90% effaced, 2cm dilated and baby was in a 0 position aka engaged. All of that could add up to nothing really if it stalls out or it could mean baby P is going to arrive any day. My doctor and I discussed induction if I make it to 39 weeks, which would be next Thursday. Why? Well, I think it might be a good thing to share with you. Genetics gave me my dad's athletic body type and while I'm grateful for that, it means my hips aren't exactly ideal for birth. My baby has measured right on track this whole pregnancy, save for those long, long legs, but we have to keep logistics in mind. Baby P is already a healthy birth weight with great lungs and at this point just gaining weight aka fatting up. I am all for going the natural route, if it's the safest, but in my case that probably just won't be the best option by 40 weeks or more. I do absolutely realize the amazing things the female body is capable of all on its own and there are millions of stories of how small women delivered large babies naturally and without complication. I'm just not willing to take the risk of my baby getting stuck and ending up with an emergency C-section if there is a healthy way to try to prevent it. Right or wrong in the eyes of the world, it's what my doctor, my husband and I feel the most comfortable with. So, if munchkin does not make his or her arrival by next week, we will go ahead and give the kid a little push.

Symptoms: Dilation/effacement continue to progress. I've been crampy with lower back pain and feeling tons of pressure in my pelvis as the baby has dropped. Contractions have come and gone but with no consistent pattern yet. My hands and feet swell everyday, just some days more than others. It is a combination of the heat and the fact that I sit at a desk all day. I get up and walk around as much as possible but it's not always enough. My eating habits are a bit odd now. I feel like my appetite is waning though once I start eating I end up getting down much more than I thought I would. I don't mean overeating, my portions are the same, I just eat more than I think I will. I got a huge burst of energy Sunday morning and went walking, worked out and cleaned for hours. I'm anxious and excited and just praying for a safe delivery while we wait.

Master Bathroom Mini Reno

Once upon a time I told y'all that we were in the process of updating our master bathroom after buying our house. It's been several months but it's finally finished, except for a few decorative touches, and today I'm sharing how it turned out.

 

I knew I wanted grey and white with some dark wood accents for a nice flow from our bedroom. Last year before our wedding I had registered for our silver tree shower curtain (sold out, similar here) and it kind of served as the starting point. I love, love, love the faux wood tile we chose and the new white vanities + tops really pop against it and the dark grey wall color, courtesy of my dad at B&E Decorating Center. Go see him if you're local. Shameless plug. You can also get the dark stain used on the mirror frames and floating shelves and/or a very custom look like the sliding barn door at his store.

 

The existing vanities were about 3 inches shorter than we wanted and the tops and faucets were very outdated. We bought everything new and considered new mirrors until my mom had the excellent idea to just frame out the plain glass with stained wood. My dad cut, stained and put together the frames so you can imagine how much cheaper that was! I was probably most excited to see the "dressing room lights" go because that is just so not my style. We replaced them with these from Home Depot for a more modern look.

 

My walk-in closet is behind the curtains, which I have found so much more convenient than having an actual door. It opened so far into the L shaped closet it was difficult to get into the corner and I don't even know if I'd be able to now with the belly I'm sporting! I also like that it adds some pattern and looks decorative. These rugs are super fun and soft underfoot. The idea was to add some texture but not compete with the shower curtain. We added this cabinet over the toilet to house all of our extra toiletries and anything in the medicinal/first aid category. It was important to have these things up high and out of sight with a baby on the way. The decorative floating shelves were something I had seen on Pinterest, of course, and they ended up being a fairly simple project. They were actually ordered as newel posts and then stained to match the mirrors and mounted with a kit like this. I'm still trying to figure out how to style them but that will be the fun part!

 

And finally, the barn door. There was originally no door into the main area of the bathroom, just a doorway and then a door to the separate toilet area. I wanted a door for a few reasons. Of course there's the privacy factor. We like to keep the blinds in our bedroom open during the day and we were constantly having to remember to close them when taking a shower since there is a direct sightline into the bathroom. Chris and I have never been and probably never will be on the same schedule, so one of us is always waking up earlier than the other. Until we had the door I would so bad turning on the light and making noise getting ready for work while he was still sleeping. It doesn't matter so much now that it's warm but during the colder months it's nice to be able to keep the heat in while showering. I have loved the sliding barn door idea for a few years but never had a place to put one and so this seemed like the perfect spot. We bought an unfinished wood door and a hardware set and my dad stained the door, built a header across the top of the opening to the room to make it a standard doorway and then installed it for us. I am beyond thrilled with how it turned out and makes a nice statement on the bedroom side too.

 

We are so thrilled with the turnout!

 

 

What's in My Hospital Bag

As a first timer on the birthing scene I found myself reading many posts with similar titles to this one as my pregnancy progressed. I mean what the heck are you supposed to bring to have a baby besides your pregnant self? Apparently the list is extremely varied depending on who you ask. I officially have less than 3 weeks to go but since any time could be show time now, my bags are packed and ready. I debated doing this post because, well, do any of you really care what I'm bringing to the hospital to have my baby? But I know reading posts from other moms was incredibly helpful to me, especially now that my brain has become mostly scrambled eggs. 

I'm that person who always over packs, for EVERYTHING. And somehow I still always manage to forget something. What gives? I'm also a big fan of having my own stuff, basically bringing all the comforts of home with me if I can. So I packed probably way too much shit into a big canvas bag like this for myself and my brand new diaper bag for the babe. I would like to point out that my bag passed airport security as a carry on last year so it's not really THAT big. But I digress. Yes, I know that the hospital provides mostly everything both of us will need, but like I said, it's just my way to bring lots of my own crap. So, here's the list.

FOR MAMA

Robe - I bought this one because I didn't want to risk ruining one I already have. I'm pretty modest and you will not find me up and walking around with my booty hanging out the back of a gown. I like this one because it's light weight and soft, the perfect length and if I never wear it again, it wasn't expensive.

Slippers - Summertime in KY means you will most likely find me barefoot if I'm home. In a hospital, not so much. These are cute enough, easy to slip on, washable, and have grips on the bottom, very important if you don't want to bust your ass on those slick hospital floors.

Flip Flops - You could just bring these and skip the slippers but my plan is to wear these babies in the shower. Yes, hospitals have to be clean but I don't plan to have my feet on any part of those floors because I KNOW what has probably happened on them. Mine are old so if I feel the need to toss (or burn) them later it's no big deal.

Nursing Tanks - On several recommendations, I bought 2 of these and I have to admit, I've already been wearing them. They are so comfortable and seem awesome for a first timer like me.

Nursing Bras - I bought these to sleep in and these for during the day. Since they take up so little space in the bag I packed them all but if I'm able to get dressed at home before going to the hospital I plan to just go ahead and wear one in.

Underwear - Okay we all know how babies are supposed to come out and usually do, or the alternative that requires surgery. In either case I expect some very comfy yet probably disposable panties are going to be necessary. I bought a few different types after hearing about what is offered at the hospital because I'm just guessing I'll be glad that I did.

Clothes - I realize after giving birth you don't magically shrink back down to your pre-pregnancy size/shape.Wouldn't that be nice? I packed a pair of my favorite maternity leggings, a lose fitting t-shirt like this  and this and a zip up hoodie that is probably way too fancy for the hospital but I don't care.

 Nursing Supplies - Some ladies have their milk come in before they leave the hospital and others don't, so I threw some of these and these in just in case as well as a little jar of this. I know that the hospital provides a pump but since this is all new territory for me, I'm brining my own so they can show me how to use it!

Toiletries - I packed travel sized versions of my toothpaste, face wash, moisturizers, shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo, deodorant and lip balm in one of these wet bags. I will also throw in my make-up bag if I can because I know I'll at least want some bronzer and mascara when the visitors arrive.

Postpartum Care - Since this is my first rodeo, I had to defer to seasoned moms on what I would need in this department. Hospitals provide a lot of products but like I said, I like to have my own stuff. Based on the suggestions of others, I'm bringing a few of my own pads, a box of Tuck's, a few of these ice packs, a bottle of this spray with the BLUE LID, NOT THE RED and some Colace.

This & That - I am told the hospital towels are scratchy and barley big enough to dry your hands let alone your whole body and the pillows are flat as pancakes. I'm bringing my own of each as well as my nursing pillow because I'd like help learning how to properly use it if necessary. We don't have a camera, just our iPhones so I'm bringing a charger because Lord knows we can't live without those suckers.

FOR BABY

 Hats - Okay I have to admit I am kind of obsessed with baby hats. They are so tiny and cute I can't even handle it. I'm packing 3 because I can and because one is gender neutral and one of the other 2 will make it clear that baby Pfeff is a girl or a boy.

Mittens - I've been around enough newborns to know that they come out with talons. Word on the street is that these mittens stay on the best and keep them from scratching up their cute little faces. I packed both pairs that I had ordered.

Swaddle Blankets - I'm in love with the fun patterns and baby burritos. Of course they aren't necessary. Of course I'm bringing 3.

Sleeper/Socks - I'm too excited to wait for baby to wear his/her own clothes until we get home. I packed newborn and 0-3 months since we don't know how big/long this munchkin will be.

Let's be honest, I only packed a separate bag for the babe because I wanted to use my new diaper bag. If the first thought of the hospital staff when I waddle in with my luggage is rookie mom then so be it. I've been thought of as worse I'm sure. I think most spouses/partners have a bag as well or double up with mama but in our case this won't be necessary. No, my hubby won't be leaving us high and dry but he will be going back and forth to care for our zoo at home. So he can change/take a shower quickly before coming back if necessary. I also purposely left out snacks. All I will be permitted during labor is ice chips. Chris is welcome to chow down on whatever he pleases OUTSIDE of my hospital room. And after I give birth I seriously doubt anyone will turn me down on fetching whatever my little heart desires. I'm just guessing that won't be sliced almonds or a granola bar I have stashed in my bag.