No, I did not have the baby yet.
And to be quite honest? I’m shocked. Since T came relatively early (a day into my 37th week), I just sort of asumed that my second baby would be on the early side, too. And yet here I sit, almost 38 weeks pregnant, as people shower me with such helpful and unsolicited comments as “Wow! That kid hasn’t dropped yet!” or “You seem like you still have plenty of time!” and my personal favorite (courtesy of my doctor) “You’re not truly ‘progressing’ yet…I think we have another few weeks here.” Thanks a lot, MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL. Who asked you?
This surprising turn of events has caused me to evolve from Typical Over-Prepared Pregnant Lady into…well, basically, Sean Penn’s character in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. (By which I mean that I’ve become completely laid-back and relaxed about everything, and NOT that I’ve turned to surfing and smoking copious amounts of weed.) I feel like I have all the time in the world before this baby comes, so much so that I haven’t even packed a bag for the hospital yet. Here is a list of super-important things I’ve been doing instead of packing a hospital bag:
- Working on my follow-up “Ask A Jew!” post.
- Taking pictures of my pregnant self.
- Demonstrating a complete lack of willpower to save my Us Weekly and OK! magazines for the weekend--as is my usual habit--and consequently now spending far too much time wondering whether Joe Simpson really WILL drive Tony Romo away from Jessica and if Charlie Sheen’s marriage will last.
- Organizing my hat collection.
- Yes, really.
- Frantically finishing up whatever I can at work.
- Making soup. (I recently purchased an immersion blender, and have been making all these new pureed soup recipes I never tried before for the sole purpose of testing it out.)
- Catching up on Top Chef.
- Apropos of item 6, working through my disturbing crush on Tom Colicchio. And trying to restrain myself from shouting “suck it, ho!” every time cheftestant Lisa appears on the screen. (WHY? WHY IS SHE STILL ON THE SHOW? AND WHY DOES SHE NEVER SEEM TO WASH HER HAIR? I NEED ANSWERS!)
- Assigning myself the challenge of writing T’s birth story in 100 words or less. What’s that? You say it can’t be done? OH, REALLY:
Me: Ow. Ow. Must go to doctor.
Doctor: You're not in labor. See you next week!
J: Can I go to the Mets game?
M: Why not? The doctor says I’m not in labor.
J: Thanks! Love you! [leaves.]
M: Oh, shit. OWWWWWW. [Repeat every five minutes until I decide to call doctor.] Hi. I know I just saw you, but I’m having regular contractions.
Dr.: Meet me at the hospital; we’ll check you out.
Me: [Calls J.] Get your ass home now!
Dr: Wow. You’re 4 centimeters dilated. You’re having this baby tonight.
J&Me: WTF?!?
[A blur or pitocin, epidural and pushing ensues.]
Toopweets: Lo! I am born!
~The end~
Anyway, all of this begets a few questions for you guys:
Any ideas on what to pack for the hospital? Yes, I know I’ve done the whole childbirth thing once before, but I’m going to be very honest with you: I DIDN’T HAVE A HOSPITAL BAG THE FIRST TIME AROUND. (See above, re: very sudden and surprising birth of child.) We had grabbed the camera, just in case, and I’d shoved some random crap into my bag as we were leaving, but we were totally caught off-guard. I honestly thought they were going to check me out and send me back home. I had no idea I was having the baby THAT NIGHT, especially considering my ObGyn had told me not five hours before that I was nowhere near being in labor. J went back home afterwards and packed up some stuff for me, so it all worked out, but still.
Anyway, here we are, two years later, and I suppose I should display just a modicum of preparedness this time around. Also, perhaps your suggestions will compel me to get off my ass and actually...PACK. I made a list of pretty much everything I can think of that I might need, but (a) I could totally have forgotten something, and (b) is there anything random that you (or a friend…or a loved one) found particularly useful and/or couldn’t live without?
My second question is for those of you out there with kids. Plural. When you were having your second (or third…or fourth) kid, how close to your due date did you give birth? I know this has no bearing on me, but just humor the curious pregnant lady here.
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47 comments:
Hi! I'm delurking for this one, and I'm excited to be the first to post. My first baby was over a week late and I had to be induced. He must have been quite cozy because he was not coming out on his own. There were complications in labor, so my doctor planned to induce my second one on my due date. She came a week early! And the labor couldn't have been more different than the first time around. In fact, the two of them couldn't be more different now! Love your blog. Good luck with your second one - hope it's soon!
Can you bring the laptop? So we can see your little bundle mere moments (OK, FINE. Hours, at least?) after they arrive?
I'm going to bet on the 21st. Do the Mets play that day??
I'm pretty sure that I didn't use anything I packed except my pajamas and pillow, and that my husband brought me anything I needed. That, combined with people bringing gifts, meant that we entered the hospital with one suitcase and left with three. It was a bit crazy.
So my advice on what you need:
1. A nice pillow.
2. Pajamas (with a button front if you plan to nurse).
3. An outfit for the baby which probably won't fit anyway.
4. A book or magazine you can ignore because you will be too busy staring at the baby or else sleeping.
5. A fresh change of clothes to wear home. Sadly, these should be maternity clothes.
6. Soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, brush, etc.
The end. Anything else you turn out to need, someone can bring you.
Oh, and since you are Metalia, I will add item seven:
7. Lipgloss.
Good luck!
I guess 6/17.
Also, cheftestant? LOVE THAT. I hate Lisa too. She's very aggressive. What was up with her growling, "CONGRATULATE ME NOOOOOW." Um, no. You suck.
Richard's, "Congratulations on the bronze" was classic.
I kind of understand the crush on Tom. But I had a crush on Spike which the entire INTERNET tells me is totally disgusting, so what do I know.
DeLurking here to wish you luck!
My guess is that you're closer than you think - the Dr. was wrong last time, right? I am betting on Saturday the 14th at 12:15 am (nearly missing Friday the 13th).
:) Becky
http://www.stinkylemsky.typepad.com/
"Lo! I am born!" is my new favorite thing ever. I am guessing 6/14. Because it sounds nice and also is the day I graduated from college many moons ago.
I guess 6/21. Please don't hate me!
For packing, I would say that you should not forget your toothbrush and toothpaste. I have no idea what else you will need.
PS Lisa SUCKS.
1st baby- came on due date.
2nd baby- 3 days late.
:)
None of my children came on their due dates. The girls were later and they chose to induce my son (last child) two weeks early due to the size and speed with which my middle child delivered. However I don't think an almost 8 pound baby is two weeks early (that's how early they induced with my son). I don't think later babies necessarily come early, but labor does tend to come faster!
I'm just going to get to the heart of the matter and chime in on the most important of these matters.
LISA SUCKS.
I would say that she is sleeping with one of the the judges, but no way would any of them go within 30 ft of that wench.
Gag.
P.S.
Tom is hot. I am not sure why.
I have totally been hanging out thinking you were in labor. Hi, imagination! Anyway - first: I'm betting on June 23, for no reason other than that I have a feeling your baby is going to be a stickler for being right on time. OKay, fine, maybe it's just wishful thinking so I'll get to see you when I'm in NY the week before. Whatevs.
Also, oh my GOD, how I hate Lisa!!! She is such a raging bitch, and I hate her haircut. And "it would be nice if you said congratulations". I'd like to kick her in the teeth. (Um, hi, psycho much, Lara?) I, too, have a crush on Tom.
I have no advice on the hospital bag front, but I do have some very canny tips on hat organization.
"Ho" is a lot nicer than what I was calling Lisa at the end of the last show. She disgusts me! Did you see the audience poll on that one? Who should pack their knives and go? Lisa got 91% of the vote! I'm so mad that Antonia went home instead.
Your new babe shall be born on June 19.
I say 6/17 because that's the first date that popped into my head.
Is this like The Price is Right? Do I get a prize if I am the closest, but not if I go beyond the date? Do tell.
As for packing advice or info on how early/late a baby might be...I've got nothing. No babies in sight for me yet.
Oh and YAY for the upcoming bebe!
"Lo, I am born?"
You are awesome.
Lisa sucks, and I love Tom Colicchio.
That is all.
I find I am always taking notes with your posts, which I love.
#1) Hat collection? Seriously, that's at least a 3-4 part blog "series" waiting to happen. Think about it.
#2)Immersion blender = love. I just have a cheapie Braun one and use it all. the. time.
#3) I have had a "thing" for Tom Colicchio for many years now, which I am admitting here, for the first time evah. But I wonder...doesn't he have a little "gay" about him? My gaydar is in the shop, so I'm relying on instinct here.
#4) My vote is sometime between 12:00 noon and 9:30 p.m. on June 17th.
June 18 sounds like a good day. :)
I was very glad that I brought my own pillow (being a nurse, I already knew that hospital pillows suck). However, I always read that people bring their own pajamas, but I didn't - and I'm glad I didn't. With all the postpartum stuff going on... down there... I'm glad I ruined a hospital gown and not any cute pajamas. I DO agree with Dr. Maureen though: don't forget your lip gloss! :) Many blessings to you, your family, and (soon!) your new little one!
De-lurking to say:
1) June 10.
2) My husband and I actually both have crushes on Tom...is that wrong? I think it's the combined general awesomeness and the thought he could make us the best food ever.
3) OMG LISA! How is she still on the show?! Every week, I think she MUST be going home...yet she stays. Ugh.
I sadly have no advice about hospital packing as I am unmarried and childless, BUT I do have to say that I HATE LISA, so much that every time she narrowly escapes packing her knives and going, I yell out at the TV in anger...when I'm all alone in my apartment. Sad? Yes, but that is the horror of Lisa.
Oh, here I was thinking your silence meant you were giving birth - turns out you were simply busy!
My first was 4 days late and had to be induced. My second was a day early, I think.
My hospital bag was much smaller the second time around. I just cared about having a camera and batteries.
My guess: Father's Day! (awww...)
The only time I reached into my hospital bag last time was for the magazines and the lip gloss. Of course I had packed the kitchen sink because my first two were born in the UK and OMG have you seen the state of hospitals there?
I was completely overwhelmed to realize that a US hospital would provide me with such luxuries as a hospital gown, diapers for the baby and a clean bathroom.
Enough about me, for you I predict a birth around your due date. Keep us posted!
First time posting here - great blog.
Re packing for hospital - I was ueber prepared for #1 using the Vogue Kids Prep List circa 2001 LOL! Of course, um, the suitcase sat under my bed for 2 weeks (I was 1 day overdue!).
For #2, I went into labour 12 days early and T. was born 10 days early so a bit of a leisurely scramble...
For #3, went into labour 2 weeks early and M. was born a day later so yet another scramble (although somewhat less leisurely as I was in and out of the pool and shower in between packing!).
And yes agree with one of the previous posters: bring your laptop. And what to pack? I don't really know how American hospitals work with diapers, etc. and how long you stay in et al. I'm Canadian but have live in Australia for 12 years so all kids born here - I had all 3 in a fancy-schmancy private hospital so basically all I had to pack were clothes and sundries for me, a paci for the baby and a going away outfit as they provided all clothes and diapers and formula, etc. for my leisurely stay.
Hint: Depending upon how hot the weather is, I find might accelerate things a bit. My last 2 were born in the summer during a heat wave which I think contributed!
Best of luck - do you know what you are having?
Pack clothes and sundries for yourself (inc. camera, if you wish to immortalize the Blessed Event), clothes and blankie for bebe.
My first was 10 days late and had to be induced. My second came on her own 3 days late. May I just say that going on your own is a vastly preferrable option. Hurts less.
Anyway, June is a big month for my family. Grandparents anniversary on nthe 14th. Mom's BD on the 20th. Daughter on the 21st. I'll say the 18th. Just 'cause.
My first was one day late.
I am currently 10 days overdue with my second.
Hope your second is more punctual than mine.
Oh Metalia. I wish I could be more positive but my first was 6 weeks early and second was induced 7 days after my due date. I was certain that since I went into early labor the first time that my second would be early as well. Ha! Not so much. But the second time was SO much easier! There I ended on a happy note.
I am saying 6/25 for the grand entrance.
I was shocked to read you didn't have a bag packed when you had T because I got my list of what to pack from you!!! I actually included it in info I give friends who are expecting and want advise. I'll send it on back to you. :)
Um, I also got my list of what to pack from you! How could you not have had a bag packed? You had impressed me with your extreme organization! I don't remember if you had this on your list, but bring spare camera batteries and your cell phone charger. I didn't use much from my bag- but being that I was in the hospital for 5 days post C-section- I had my husband bring my laptop so I could send pics to people.
I suddenly want an immersion blender as well. All those soup recipes that call for a nice creamy soup...
I clearly have no hospital bag-packing advice to offer, but I would bring comfy flip-flops. Or slippers.
Also: I think it should be enacted into law that every baby born must say "Lo! I am born!" upon arrival.
Both my kids were cut out two weeks early. The third will be sliced and diced as well.
and seriously lisa, peanut butter mashed potatoes? how could you ruin such a beautiful vegetable?
Emily, over at captainhambone.typepad.com, compiled the scarily but wonderfully comprehensive Great Big Hospital Bag Packing List back when she had her first baby. You'll find a link to it on the left-hand column of her blog.
Hope it helps, and good luck!
I just had my second baby and I was 38 weeks 4 days, but I was induced because of preeclampsia.
Things I couldn't have lived without in hospital: laptop, camera, camera cord, cell phone, chargers, pillow, boppy, lanolin, toothbrush.
Things I took and did not even get out of bag: hair dryer, curling iron, make up, pj's, underwear. I just did not care what I looked like and did not get out of hospital gown until time to go home. The horror!
OMG you're having a baby! Soon! Yay!
Trombone was an induced labour 5 days past date.
Fresco was born the day before his due date (after a membrane sweep 2 days earlier to avoid another induction) 1st labour: 17 hours (first twinge till baby) 2nd labour: 12 hours (first twinge till BABY - but unlike #1, only 2 hours of that actually hurt)
Here are my most valuable stuffs for hospital stay:
FOOD
WATER (hospitals are so dry)
Trashy magazines / trashy literature
Lovely smelling shower gel for the first, beautiful, post delivery shower and your own towels
Earplugs in case the walls are thin and you have a room next to some newborn twins who are on different feeding schedules EEEEEEEEE
Good luck!
Oh, and I guess June 17.
Est and Kate-- I KNOW! I had the best packing list ever, and never even got to use it, such was the blur of my labor and delivery. I'm trying to do things right this time around, though. :)
Oh, and an update for the curious among you: Apparently, the baby has "dropped" according to my mother, mother-in-law, and two strangers. Stay tuned.
I had an unplanned c-section with my first and I really wished I had brought along more reading materials because hospital TV sucks. This last time, I brought my laptop because brand new hospital = wireless internet access. Woo hoo!
If there is no c-section involved, I remember packing chap stick (don't ask me why, I don't remember that part), my own comfy pillow, a robe and my own pajamas and slippers. Don't forget slippers -- with no slip bottoms (although this last time they gave me some at the hospital and insisted I wear theirs).
I was the same way procrastinating with my second pregnancy too. I did a lot of blogging and Christmas shopping and present wrapping and not a lot of baby preparing. At least not as much as with my first.
Good luck and hope the last few days/weeks treat you well!
My first baby was one week early, and my second was two days early.
And the second time around? I barely packed anything in my hospital bag, since I hardly used anything from the massive bag I brought the first time! This time, however, I did pack concealer and lip gloss so my first postpartum pictures would be slightly less hideous. Only slightly. But it did make a difference, so I highly recommend that.
But who am I kidding. You probably already have the proper lip gloss selected. :)
I say 6/17. At 2:14 am
This is my first season watching TC, and if Lisa wins, it will be the last. I predict June 18, as this is my older son's birthday, and why should it not be about me in some way? Definitely pack several lipglosses, and a pillow (since they never have enough at the hospital). Order your minions to retrieve and bring you anything else you need. Hope you're feeling well!
Hey--no tips on what to pack since the last time I had to do so was 20 years ago and I'm sure times have changed. (I mean I was told to bring hard candies.)
First baby, 4 weeks early.
Second baby, 10 days early.
But again, twenty + years ago I don't think they fully knew how to predict said due date (I never had an ultrasound).
I'll go with June 25. My anniversary.
Good luck!
this is what i took to the hospital: NOTHING. you need something to take the baby home in and something to take yourself home in. that's pretty much it. oh, and lansinoh.
oh, and ps:
emily - 5 days late
josh - 3 1/2 weeks early
isabella - 5 days late
Delurking as well
My kids were born 19 months apart and I had to be induced both times at 42 weeks. It must have been cozy up in the coozi. ew.
Also of all the things I brought I am most haooy that I had warm socks, Several pairs of Mens Pajama bottoms in a dark plaid (just in case), and a little boombox with my husbands and I's favoriute cd's (we got so sick of watching tv but it was nice to have something on in the background) - Wilco the Summerteeth album got us through both hospital stays. Well that is my 2 cents - spend it however you like. xo
My goodness, your tummy is adorable!
I'm thinking that the baby will come on June 21st, I'm not sure why though.
I've decided that Lisa looks like Charlize Theron in Monster Ball, thats the one where she plays an over weight serial killer. Lisa embodies this character mostly when being judged at judge's table. She is a beast.
Lovely daughter, you were 10 days late and your brothers were close to on time or early. Just remember, you are still early, just a different early than the first. I am so glad you met those strangers who confirmed my and your mother-in-laws diagnosis of "dropped belly"!waiting by the phone. love, mom
you have to read this interview with Tom Colicchio, i found it hilarious (the last question)
http://nymag.com/daily/food/2008/06/new_yorks_jada_yuan_was.html
As for what to pack for your hospital stay, pjs, a robe, slippers, make-up (yes you might want it, everyone will be taking pictures). laptop please!
With my first child, I was two weeks early. My second child was one week early. I say you will have your baby on June 17th. :)
I was going to ask how many hats constitutes a collection, but then I remembered you were a huge "Blossom" fan back in the day. You likely have LOTS of hats, for all I know.
I am no help on the "what to pack" or "when to expect the kid to come" stuff, having never had a child myself, but doesn't the whole thing usually take quite some time? I imagine you have lots of time to pack, even if you don't start packing until after the first contraction. Procrastination works for me; why not you as well? :-)
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