Hi Ali,
I'm due September 10th and I went through my nesting three weeks ago already - we're hoping this will bring baby on at least a couple of weeks early since Kyle starts Kindergarten Sep. 8th! So unfortunately it's not an exact science...
You're nursery looks great. Mine is still part my dressing room and Kyle's playroom plus it now has the crib in it. A little tight, but Kyle's train table will go downstairs in a few weeks.
Pack light!! When I went in with Kyle I had way too much with me (I also packed healthy snacks - which they won't let you eat anyway prior to delivery.) I ended up moving rooms three times from triage to LDRP to high risk (and delivery room) back to LDRP (in 6 hours - that's all it took for me - so no time for massages or walks or anything). Kevin and my Doula did not appreciate having to lug my gear around.
This time I have one bag with only the necessities. All the advise you've received so far I would agree with too.
All the best on your big day and hope you have a great experience (pain and all)! My best moment was having Kyle placed in my arms after he was checked out and him looking at me with eyes open wide - it was surreal!
Irene

I totally agree about the granny panties, the nursing-friendly pjs (this might mean you need to buy a nursing top, but a loose and very stretchy tank top or baggy old t-shirt will do in a pinch), and the lip balm.

You must not even think about bikini or g-string undies, trust. Just... trust. It'll be a while until you're ready for those.

And don't stress out too much about the birth estimates. I was also told 7.5 pounds with one of my babies ("plus/minus 1 pound", they said) and ended up with a 9 pounder just 1 day later. Goes to show that these estimates can be way way off (in either direction).

Thanks, Angie! Great tip. Though I've been told they have already estimated our baby is over 7.5 lbs and I have no doubt the head will be large given the size of our own heads.... sigh....

Hello Ali & Alex...
Wow... the nursery looks great! Just need baby now and it will be complete!
Don't forget to bring a few extra receiving blankets for the car seat- my little girl was so tiny her head didn't sit right and we "padded" the seat with the blankets to make her comfortable.
Good luck... take lots of pictures and don't forget to update us
SO excited for you!!
take care.....Angie

Thanks, Devon that's so sweet of you! I really appreciate the tips!

Hi Ali,
Nursery looks great - you and Alex must be soooo excited. Since Jamie and I just went through the delivery process 4 months ago there are a few things that I had with me that were very helpful. Bring lip balm - when the contractions get stronger and closer together and you are doing alot of mouth breathing, your lips get pretty dry pretty quick. I loved having my own nursing friendly PJ's. The first time around I stayed in the hospital gowns, but this time it felt much more comfy to be in my own PJ's. I did not buy/bring nipple ointment the first time around - what a mistake. This time I used the Medela nipple cream and it was amazing!! Anything you can do to help that area is highly recommended. The last thing I can think of - and this may sound funny - but bring granny panties. Alot of women bring bikinis and find out that the pads they give you in the hospital stick out the front and back. Also, just in case you have a C-section you will want something that sits higher so it does not interfere with your incision. We have our fingers crossed for a safe, speedy delivery and can't wait to hear that the little bundle of joy has arrived. Enjoy the experience - even though there are parts you will want to forget. I had a C-section for my first and a VBAC for my second and both experiences were amazing. Oh, there is one more piece of advice I can give you. Go in with a very relaxed birth plan. The more structured your plan, the more areas there are for disappointment. We went in with the mind set of "go in pregnant, come home with a happy, healthy baby". That way, if you end up having to have a C-section, or you get an epidural when you were thinking "natural" it won't make you feel like you have "failed" or anything like that. There are alot of emotions and hormones involved and sometimes a little thing can seem like the end of the world at that moment. Do what works best for you and baby. If you do that, then you have succeeded in every way possible. Good luck!!

Thanks BB! I love getting advice from other Moms on all of this stuff. There are so many things I wouldn't know to pack! My nursing pillow is huge but it's coming with me!

Beautiful baby room!! I Love It!!

I'd definitely bring slippers b/c the hospital floor is really gross, even with socks on. The house coat is also a great suggestion. I guess something never change in 15 years since Takoda had her last baby. Hahah... As for tops, I'd go with a button down PH shirt which makes it really easy to nurse. You can button down as low as necessary rather than having the whole top taken off or using a nursing top which may or may not fit right so soon after giving birth.

As for the baby, make sure you bring a light blanket to shield off the sun and extra clothing. I needed a second outfit for my son because he dirtied the first one (I can't remember what from). I'd also bring your own nursing pillow. The pillows at the hospital really sucks. Nursing can be awkward at first and there's nothing worse than trying to juggle the pillows for your back and the pillows under the baby and your arm.

Good luck Ali! Can't wait to see the good news!!

BTW, I did end up buying the lambie bumper from Pottery Barn. It looks adorable!

LOVE the nursery!!! I'm laughing about the over-packing, a woman needs to be prepared for anything! :)