Some things to remember...

You would think that since this is baby #2, and I've done this before, I would have things figured out and nothing would feel new.

Wrong. Everything felt new again.

Here are some things I've learned... or maybe re-learned because it's been almost 4 years. Some things the memory is sweet and welcomed... others not so much.

* Holding a tiny newborn in your arms is one of the best things ever! And realizing that she's yours and you get to keep her forever makes you feel so spoiled. It kind of makes you feel like you have to keep it a secret because if someone finds out, the whole plan might crumble.

* Don't pack your own nightgown and socks to the hospital. You'll be worried about ruining your stuff and especially grossed out about letting your own socks touch the hospital floor. You may as well leave them home and make your hospital bag lighter.

* It's disgusting to shower at the hospital. It's pretty equivalent to a cheap hotel. Gross...

* Having people bring you anything you want after pushing a button is priceless.

* Not all lactation consultants are created equal. This time around I actually got a nice, helpful lady... not one who said "Well nursing isn't for everyone!"

* If you sit wrong on the ice pack (which is really just a rubber glove stuffed with pellet ice) it will pop and leak all over you and your bed. And the nurse will probably think you're ridiculous every time you call and ask for a new ice pack and gown.

* A blow-up donut can be a girl's best friend every where she goes.

* The salmon from the hospital catering service is what you should order for every meal. Seriously... every.single.meal!

* A headband flower or bow goes over the right or left eye even if it seems too big for the baby's head. Putting it more to the side looks silly and a little twenties-ish... or maybe like an eighties sweatband.

* Looking down and knowing that little angel is a gift straight from Heaven is the sweetest, most humbling feeling.

* Having a "cool" phone with games and Netflix is necessary to keep a 3 year old entertained in a hospital room. Oh and pack clorox wipes for the hospital because kids touch everything... and hospitals are dirty.

* Sending the baby to the nursery at night is great! They still bring her in to nurse every few hours but then they take her back when you're done even if she hasn't fallen asleep yet. When you get home, you don't have this luxury. After night feedings, sometimes it takes a while for her to settle down and fall asleep again which means you don't get to fall back to sleep yet.

* Being able to take the sacrament in your hospital room on a Sunday morning is such a neat experience and a great blessing. It's overwhelming to know that people take time out of their Sundays to come and do that for people they don't even know. And they share messages that seem meant just for you. 

* Don't pack up all diapers and wipes and send them out to the car with the hubbs with all the hospital bags. You have a baby now so you need a diaper bag! The nurse looks at you like you're stupid when you have to ask for an extra diaper and some wipes because your baby just pooped and you have nothing with you but her carseat.

* Putting your tiny baby in the carseat for the first time is a little scary because you realize just how tiny they really are compared to those huge straps and buckles.

* Going home is wonderful especially if you have a sweet husband who waits on you and even wakes up for nighttime feedings when the only thing he can do is get the baby in and out of the bassinet and burp her a few times.

* Taking a picture of a newborn who is awake and wiggly is pretty difficult.

* It sucks just a little when you realize that although nursing is wonderful, no one can do it for you. You don't get breaks! Taking a break = Pumping and then walking downstairs to freeze the milk.

* Having a baby is like playing dress up with a real-live baby doll. It's fun to dress them up even when you know you're not going anywhere for the day.

 

* Any difficulties, pains, or irritations the last 9 months are quickly forgotten and you realize that it's all so worth it every time that tiny body snuggles into you.