The all important hospital bag

I've seen so many blogs about what people are packing in their hospital bags (How did we survive before Pinterest?) I felt I just had to contribute my own.

Now, keep in mind that I will have a scheduled induction so they can make sure I have all my clotting medications before labor, and will probably stay an extra day because of the bleeding disorder.

I won't be packing an outfit for me to go home in, I'm just gonna wear the same thing I came in. (The joys of scheduled deliveries) I'm planning to wear a tshirt and exercise capris. Sooo super comfy.

• Coming home outfit for Ellie (one in Preemie, one in Newborn. I have small babies)
• Blanket that Wyatt picked out for Ellie
• sports bras for me (hopefully I can find nursing ones before then)
• Baby's First Year journal so I can document emotional stuff while it's fresh (I love it, it has writing prompts so when my brain is mush from lack of sleep...)
• Gift from Ellie to Wyatt
• Picture of Wyatt
• notepad and pen for any questions I may have
• Uno (Wyatt's favorite card game. When he visits, I want to try to make a few minutes just for him)
• Toiletries in travel sized bottles
• lotion
• camera
• a pair of underwear to come home in (I am so using the disposable ones in the hospital.)
• flip flops, so when I get out of bed I can slide them on. Might bring 2 pairs, one just for the shower
• Hairbrush, headband, ponytail holder
• drink packets...I hate plain water
• iPod and speakers
• Phone charger
• tablet and charger
• my own pillow (with a dark case so it stands out)

So there it is. The all important hospital bag list. I might add to it, but I think that covers everything. 

Yeah yeah

It's been a while. Life happens, ya know?
So, here I am now, posting again. I really do go back and forth about whether I ever want to post because there are people who I know use some of the things in my writings against me, or as fodder for gossip, so I really find myself not being as open as I'd like. And if I'm not being open, what's the point of this stupid thing to begin with? I don't want to make my blog invite only, because, well, I'm awesome, and I want people to find me. Honestly, after all the infertility mess, I know how nice it was to find a kindred spirit in the World Wide Web. It's my hope that somehow some of the stuff I wrote about will help someone else through their stuff.
Anyway, clearly I've decided to start posting again. Know what? I'm me. If you don't like it, or you wanna use it against me, then that's on you. I will forewarn you...my blog is going to be taking on a whole new spin in the realm of single parenting because (drum roll please)
I'm pregnant. 31 weeks today. Yup. Go figure. And, I'm still single. I can pick 'em, right? The situation sucks, but I firmly, absolutely, wholeheartedly believe that EVERY baby is a blessing. And after all the aforementioned infertility crap, I'm completely over the moon. Scared a little, sure, but I can do this single mom thing. Been there, done that. I certainly didn't plan for this to happen, but I'm not gonna look a gift horse in the mouth. This has not been an easy pregnancy, and some days I have had to fight to keep this little girl in there, but she's still there, so...so far, so good.
I'd love to say that I'm keeping my blog as a way for people to find crafty stuff, or awesome recipes, but honestly, right now my life doesn't feel together enough to really be an inspiration to anyone. I'm focusing on being a mom, and the best mom I know how. I'm going to try to post every day, and some days may be recipes, or crafty goodness, but in less than 2 months I'm going to be lucky if I remember where I put the baby, so....
Anyway, to those who I consider *real* friends, I've missed you. I've missed following your blogs, and I've missed feeling like I'm sharing with you. So welcome (back) to the jungle.

I've had weekly ultrasounds. This is Ellie at 24 weeks, smiling....with her hand in front of her face. (All those ultrasounds, and in ALL of them, her hand was in front of her face.)

Here she is at 26 weeks, sucking on her fingers.