Packing a hospital bag is stressful, especially if you've never packed one before! When I sat down to think of all the things I would need for two days in the hospital with a new baby, I was immediately overwhelmed. Some people tell ya you need nothing, others give you a list of 100 things.

So what did I do? What I've done 1000x. I reached out to my friends, who luckily wrote a whole list for me, read other blogs and checked with my hospital. I think I've gathered some of the necessities and some of those non-necessities (like a great face cream) that'll just make me feel a bit more at ease and like myself.

Since I have no idea what 2 days is going to be like in the hospital, I may have over-packed.



Below you'll find a printable checklist to help you prepare! What did you pack in your hospital bag?
FOR MOM // 
Insurance Card: The non-fun part of going to a hospital. Make sure it's in your wallet, hospital bag or wherever you won't forget. 

Shopping for your registry can be tough. Honestly, I put it off for months because I didn’t know where to start. It’s unlike any other type of registry, because if you’re like me, it's your first baby, aka your first registry. It was easy with my wedding registry because picking out things I personally wanted was easy. But picking out things I need for a baby, when I have no clue what I need for a baby, was so hard.

A few weeks ago, I shared my registry must haves. It was an extensive in-depth look at registry must haves. But even that can be overwhelming! So today, let’s break down my most favorite registry items. We're at 35 weeks guys! It's almost baby time! 


If I had to go back and pick just 10 things, these are my must haves.

• Cradle/Bassinet. The Halo Swivel Bassinet. I love this little bassinet because it's the thing our baby girl will sleep in for her first few months. I cannot wait to have her next to us in a few weeks!  

• Stroller. I'm obsessed with our stroller. It's the Uppa Baby Vista and I love how easy everything clicks in to it. Our car seat clicks in, plus it has an infant carrier and a toddler seat. And, it's gorgeous. I can already imagining her zipping around town in this beauty.

• Crib mobile. I just love this little rose mobile because it's part of her room. It makes her crib look so dang sweet. 

• Swing. We registered for this Snugababy Fisher Price Swing and it's currently set up in our dining room (to be moved to the family room) once she's here! I can already see this little babe swinging away. 

• Diapers. I was told to register for the brand I want, so if people want to buy to diapers they know the correct brand. I went with Pampers Swaddlers. We didn't get anyyyy diapers from showers, so I went out and bought some last weekend! 

• Hooded Towels. These Pottery Barn Baby Faux Fur Bath Wraps are almost too cute. I can't wait for her first little bath. 

• Baby Monitor. We did a lot of research on this one and ended up with the Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor. 

• Activity Gym. I loved this one from Pottery Barn Kids. So darn cute.

• Receiving blankets. I think the blankets are my favorite accessory. I especially love these Aden and Anais muslin blankets. 

• Diaper Bags. I'm OBSESSED with my diaper bag! I got a Freshly Picked and Rosie Pope diaper bag backpack and they are so gorgeous. 

Guys, we're getting so close to baby! We're officially 5 weeks from our due date and it's crazy to think that we get to see her so soon. Stay tuned for another bump-date next week and a nursery reveal!

Happy Tuesday!

1. Daydreamer: This wonderful chair was built for busy moms, giving flexibility to move around the house and get things done. My daughter, Miss B sat in the daydreamer while I cooked, cleaned and did the laundry. It’s incredibly easy to move around the house and much more convenient than similar products like a bassinet. 

2. Baby Shusher: I never realized how much work “sssshhhing” is until I had Miss B, spoiler alert…..it’s exhausting! That’s when I was introduced to the Baby Shusher. It has become my go-to baby shower gifts that I buy for my friends--even if they haven’t registered for it. It literally ssshes for you and it’s small enough to toss in your purse for when you are out and about or place it by the car seat to help make getting around town easier. It is truly a must have item for all new moms.
3. Placenta Encapsulation: Now this one may sound a little crazy to some new or expecting mom’s but it really worked for me. This is the process of preparing the mother’s placenta after the birth of her baby by dehydrating, powdering, and placing it into capsules for the mother to use as she sees fit. There are many benefits to taking placenta pills. Check out more information here http://americanpregnancy.org/first-year-of-life/placental-encapsulation/. 

I decided to try placenta encapsulation to help my hormones levels gradually regulate instead of quickly dropping post baby. I believe that it did allow my body's hormones to adjust at a better rate and I felt very balanced post-baby. I can truly say I never experienced any depression or big mood swings while taking my placenta pills. I highly encourage you to do some research on placenta encapsulation it's worth it!! 
 4. Beachwaver: As a new mom there was nothing better than getting to take a shower and do my hair. I’m one of those people that when my hair is clean and curled I feel like I can conquer the world. It is fast, super easy to use, and best of all those waves last a couple days. All you need is a touch up here and there before your next shower. 

5. The 3 F's: These were a must have for me after having Miss B—Family, Friends and FaceTime. As a first time mom and a perfectionist, I knew that it was going to be really hard for me to ask for help and take "me" time. I encourage all new moms to do what I did and ask your family and friends to help keep you accountable when it comes to taking time for yourself. It might just be a phone call with your best friend or a longer shower than normal. Take a few minute to be alone and breath.