Preparing for a Little One Link Up

So I came across a really cool link up on my friend, Melissa's blog, and I have been meaning to follow the schedule, but I forgot. So, sorry to Kaitlyn over at Wifessionals for being late to the party, but I couldn't resist this fun link up!

Last week's topic was Nursery Organization and Ideas, so I figured since I'm behind, I'd play catch up first! Besides, I LOVE Tinley's nursery. It's my favorite room in the house. Aside from making the initial pregnancy announcement, finding out the sex, and the actual delivery process, designing and decorating the nursery for Justin and I was so fun and exciting. 

When we first moved in our house, the room we chose for T's nursery was previously a little boy's room. The walls were blue, the carpet was blue, and the trim was oak. We had our work cut out for us. But, we found the perfect bedding at Pottery Barn Kids, a calming lavender paint that we couldn't resist, and gorgeous furniture at Restoration Hardware Baby & Child. Combine all that with new white carpet, and new white trim, and you have Tinley's adorable, relaxing nursery. Here's a few pics:

And here are a few of my favorite things about T's nursery:

This was given to us by my good friend Leah. It's the cutest thing ever, and the flowers and her name are actually made of ribbon and scrapbook decals. Of course, I'm a sucker for anything with a name or monogram!

We found purple gingham ribbon that matched her curtains perfectly and attached them to her letters. I love the way they turned out! Hubs did an awesome job!

There are two butterflies in the corners of her room, one small and one big. I love them, and she points at them and smiles so big!

This is another gift our friend Dawn made for us. Don't you think she should open up an Etsy shop?!

Her bow holder. A must. I mean, look at all those bows! This one is from Mudpie, and we had it monogrammed.

This was actually her changing table, we ordered the topper that screwed on top of the dresser, but I've since removed it since she's a big girl now. It made way more since to get this and just add the topper, because I now have more drawers for storage, and boy, do we need them! I recommend to any new momma that's designing a nursery to do the same thing. Changing tables are a waste of space, in my opinion.

Her closet. Yikes! This is nothing, it's since been cleaned out. Twice. I have it organized with dresses/bubbles on one side, shirts/onesies on the other, and the bottom is pajamas, snowsuits, coats, cover-ups, and rain coats. The shelves are used for shoes, blankets, and bags. 

Her hamper. How cute is this?!

Her chair. She loves it! I also used it for our monthly pics.

My chair. It's so comfy! And later on, it converts to a non-rocking chair. 

We also have matching bins, but these have since moved to the playroom. They're great for her books, dolls, stuffed animals, and small toys. 

When I was looking for some pics of her nursery, I came across some of our maternity pictures we had taken by my friend, Jamie, and I just had to share them:

It seems so long ago!

And now that I've rambled on and on, I'll get to today's actual topic: Packing for the hospital: For You and Baby. I signed up for The Bump as soon as I found out I was pregnant, and would recommend any expecting mama to do the same! Aside from making a super cute baby website and getting E-mails every week on how big the baby was and what she was up to, I got some really helpful tips on preparing for baby, including a list on what to pack and what not to pack for the hospital. I found the list I received here. It was really helpful and I pretty much followed it to a T, packing both a bag for me and a bag for baby. Here are some things that were must haves:

Just waiting and relaxing!

For me:

• Cotton underwear that you don't mind ruining
• Non-skid slippers for walking around on that cold, dirty hospital floor
• Camera, an extra memory card, and the charging cord
• Sweats and a sweatshirt to go home in. (You are still swollen, so don't plan on getting in those pre-pregnancy jeans right away!)
• Toilitries to shower with (BEST shower I ever had!)
• A notepad and pen (For keeping track of everyone that visits, and brings flowers, cards, gifts, etc. for thank you notes!)
• Phone and charger, for all those social media updates and quick pics!
• Lip balm (the hospital is very dry!)

Hubs also packed a pair of pajamas because we were induced at night and we knew he would be staying a while. He did come home and shower and bring me food once she arrived though, so he didn't need a huge bag. 

For Baby:

• An infant carseat
• A blanket for the ride home (We also needed a snowsuit, since T was born in January!)
• A going home outfit

Of course, there are probably some other personal items you might want to include, but I'm telling you, you do not need a lot. The hospital has pretty much everything, and there will be plenty of friends and family to bring you anything you forgot. Think about it this way: The more you pack, the more you have to bring home, on top of what you'll gain. So pack light! :o)