BABY MAMA DRAMA

I'M KIDDING...KINDA, SORTA, BUT NOT REALLY...

As soon as I left the Emergency Room last night, I immediately worried about THE BLAHG! Gawd forbid there wasn't a post to be published and I might make everyone think that I was in labor. Oh, the horror! Flyboy assured me this was the least of my worries, and he was right. However, I thought I should check in and let you know what's gone down in the past 24 hours. For those of you who'd rather get to the point—there's NO baby. Max is still hanging out in m' belly on the corner of awesome and bomb diggity.

Here's the deal. I always imagined that if I had a boy, he'd be an ornery little guy. After marrying FB, I realize this was a given—I just didn't think Max would be scheming so soon! Yesterday's events had me referring to our baby as "The Boy Who Cried Wolf." Was he going to make his entrance or not?! I just know that I never wanted to be that preggo who was alerting her family, only to take the exciting news back hours later. I guess I'm reminded once again that I have little to no control of the current sitch. That's pregnancy!

Yesterday started with an appointment to see my nurse. After a relaxing weekend cozied up on the chaise lounge, I figured my blood pressure had surely improved. With Flyboy by my side, they strapped the cuff on me and I was still registering around 160. WTF, mate?! After multiple attempts to try to get me to "relax", they opted to hook me up to a machine and monitor my heart rate, the baby's movement, and my contractions. Of course, Max decided it was nap time and I was ordered to eat a granola bar to wake the fella up. C'mon kid, work with me! After an hour of evaluations, they sent us home and told me that depending on the protein levels from my 24-hour "specimen" collection (sorry, that was the prettiest way to word it...), there was a good chance I would be induced as soon as Monday evening. Flyboy went back to work, and I hung out around the house waiting for their phone call. I tried my best to relax, but for me that usually entails cleaning. Naturally, I whipped out the ol' steam mop and scrubbed my worries away.

Around 2:30 pm, my nurse called and said I needed to report to the emergency room for more observation and to bring my hospital bag in preparation to be induced later that evening. Of course, my doctor was out of town, so I'd be seen by someone else. Hey, I guess that's a perk to only meeting the guy twice, right?! I called FB to fill him in on the news and immediately called the local kennel to see if they had any availability for Tripp and Beesly. I packed kibble and toys for the pups, laid some clothes out for FB, and within thirty minutes the four of us were headed into town. I couldn't help but be overcome with emotion; I thought D-Day was upon us.

Long story long, I changed into a hospital gown, they strapped a bunch of machines up to me, and monitored my BP for 1.5 hours. After a brief discussion with the nurse on duty, we bonded over our mutual white-coat syndrome. Finally, I felt as though someone understood what I was going through! I obviously didn't want to take the elevated BP lightly, but I also know that I'm a bundle of nerves. As soon as she advised me to lay on my side and started taking my blood pressure again, we were back down to 114. Phew! Before they could allow us to go home, we needed Max to start moving again. I downed some orange juice and sucked on a Werther's. C'mon kid, work with me! Finally his movements were regular and I didn't seem to be having any contractions, so they sent us home around 6:30 pm. Part of me felt a giant sense of relief (I was REALLY hungry!), but I think a tiny piece of me hoped we could get the show on the road already. I guess that's a good sign I'm ready—or as ready as one CAN be. For now, we continue to sit and wait. The pups are still at the kennel (just in case), and my hospital bag remains locked and loaded in the back of The Rig.

Thanks for hanging in there as blog posts are intermittent. When he does arrive, you'll know. I promise!

LIST MAKERS GONNA LIST

List makers gonna list...

Here are a few items that have been invaluable these past 35 weeks:

• Storq Basics // I read a lot about this line on various blogs, and it didn't disappoint. I ended up buying the skirt and tank toward the end of my first trimester. The buildable pieces are amazingly comfy and the material is yummy.
• Bump Nest Pregnancy Pillow // If this was Andy Cohen's Clubhouse and I had to choose just one of these items to give my Mazel to, it would have to go to m' body pillow. I initially thought I could go without one, but the bigger I got, the more challenging it's been to sleep. I truly regret not taking the plunge and buying this sooner. It seems rather spendy for a body pillow, but I assure you it's worth the investment. The only downside is that every time I get up to visit the restroom throughout the night, I have to worry about claiming it from Flyboy. He's kind of obsessed with it.
• Women's Seamless Camisole // I've tried so many different brands throughout this pregnancy, but these are the absolute best. They're long (Woo Hoo!) and hug your bump giving you a smooth silhouette. I wear them underneath knits and tees, as loungewear, and when I work out. You honestly can't beat the price and they wash up really nicely.
• Great with Child by Beth Ann Fennelly // When we found out we were expecting, I purchased a handful of pregnancy books. While they were intended to be helpful, I found them mostly scary. This book calmed my nerves and reassured me that this motherhood thing was going to be alright—it's the pep talk I needed so badly.
• The Color Curator Necklace // I haven't had the best luck in terms of maternity clothing options, so I've relied heavily on colorful accessories. While this necklace is simple, it adds a little punch to any basic knitted dress or tee. At a certain point in pregnancy (for me, that's NOW), you're lucky if you have three outfits on rotation.  
• Quorra Ballet Flats // A self-proclaimed ballet flat connoisseur, I wanted something comfortable to wear as I skipped around Swell Rio throughout the spring and summer months. This has been my go-to pair of shoes.
• BKR Water Bottle // When you have to hydrate like it's your job, you might as well have something cute to sip from!
• Mustela Stretch Marks Double Action Cream // A day after learning I was pregnant, I ordered my first tube of this cream. I promise you, it works like a charm and worth every cent. Applied twice a day, there's not a stretch mark in sight.
• Matchstick Maternity Jeans // I was a fan of J.Crew's Matchstick Jeans prior to becoming preggo, so I was delighted to see they had a maternity option. I was initially skeptical about them, but they fit perfectly. Almost nine months into this whole pregnancy thing and they're still hard at work. I only wish J.Crew would expand their line of maternity wear.
• Prenatal Vitamins // I never had issues taking pills until I got pregnant. I found myself struggling to get my vitamins and supplements down without gagging. I tried a few different brands, but I prefer this bundle by The Honest Company.
• Kind Granola Bars // You never know when hanger will strike. It's best to have one of these stowed away in your purse.

BAG LADY CONFESSIONS

Last Thursday—days shy of hitting 34 weeks—Flyboy and I finally met our doctor. Maybe it's just me, but it felt a little nutty to shake this man's hand for the FIRST time in 8.5 months. Oh, hello! He seemed pretty nice, but it took this whole pregnancy thing to another level of realness. October 12th will be here before we know it, and whether or not I feel prepared to welcome Max into the world really depends on WHEN you ask me. Ha! In an effort to cross any remaining tasks from m' to-do list, I figured it's time I start thinking about my hospital bag. As someone who delights in bags and packing, this ought to be 60 percent fun and 40 percent terrifying. Filling my trusty weekender with as many fun and functional items as possible ought to put me at ease. While I'll also be toting along the not-so-cute necessities, I thought I'd focus on a few colorful essentials to take with me on D-Day or Delivery Day.

WHAT YOU'LL FIND IN MY HOSPITAL BAG:

• Labor & Delivery Kit // I'm a sucker for all things Pinch Provisions, so naturally I was drawn to this handy must-have.
• Baggu Weekend Bag // My colorful essentials deserve to be schlepped around in something cute. Baggu to the rescue!
• Vintage Pajama Set // I plan to bring along several comfy options. This pajama set is one of my all-time favorites.
• Striped Onesie, Hat, and Booties // Because Max deserves to come home doused in striped cuteness...
• Clarity Pouch // In an effort to look and feel semi-attractive, it might be nice to have a few of m' fave toiletries on hand.
• Camera // I imagine we'll want to document the momentous day as Captain Adorable graces us with his presence.
• Swaddling Blanket // It's time to put those swaddling skills to good use, and polka-dots make everything better.
• Pom-Pom Slippers // In case we're just meeting, I have an affinity for pom-pom everything. These need no explanation.    
• Bye Felicia Tee // Some people love being preggers, but I'm SO ready to say Bye, Felicia! This shirt says it best.
• Refresh Oil // A refreshing preggo pick-me-up. This stuff smells crazy good, and it helps curb queasiness and anxiety.
• Thank-You Goodies for Nurses and Staff // I plan on having a few blank thank-you notes, chocolate bars, and Starbucks gift cards with me so we can properly show gratitude to the hospital staff.

To all the pregnancy pros who might read this, feel free to share any suggestions. 

What did you find handy or helpful?