Baggage
Someone in our house is concerned. Someone who is usually the most attuned to me.
Last week I went through a frenzied get-the-hell-outta-way-of-the-vacuum-and-Magic Eraser-phase.
It was an unhealthy combination of nesting and preparing for Chinese New Year. There are all sorts of crazy superstitious consequences I don’t need looming over my head in case I accidentally washed my hair or bought new shoes. Besides, no one else was going to do the chores.
So by Saturday night, the house was shiny and everyone’s hair was freshly cut.
Including the dog.
And after the fury of preparing for Chinese New Year died down, my body began to throw a tantrum.
Although I may have thwarted some possible hocus-pocus misfortune, my efforts initiated a full day of contractions. A solid twenty-four hours of intense tightening and pressure.
By 4am on the way to the loo (for the tenth time that night), I glanced across the hall at the nursery and noticed my hospital overnight bag lying on the ground.
It was still empty. Well, minus the 3 Musketeers. Which is still there thankyouverymuch.
So I spent yesterday afternoon meticulously picking out items to pack I know will be absolutely necessary while in the hospital. Just in case.
I think I am set, but I think a certain someone seems a little worried.
The moment I finished packing the suitcase, our dog parked himself beside it.
He didn’t move from there for hours. He just sat in the room alone, moping until after the sun went down.
I know he knows I’m pregnant. In fact, I think he knew before I did. But I wonder if he remembers what this all means. He’s been down this road before.
Another new little person moving in, another little person who pulls, grabs, and screams, and who will eventually just outsize him.
Could explain some of his white hair.
*What did you pack in your overnight bag? Any suggestions? I’ve already packed the basics (toiletries, Pj’s, maternity and baby clothes, etc). I’ve also included an extra baby blanket to get the baby’s scent on it, so that Dadisodes can bring it home for the dog to smell.
**Yes, there is still plastic wrapping around the crib mattress. I’ll get to taking it off soon…eventually…I think.
Congrats on packing the overnight bag! You must be getting excited! Poor doggiesodes.
Cookie´s last blog ..Holding On
February 16th, 2010 at 8:33 pm
Having been around the block three times now, I have come to learn that the most vital items in your bag will be your:
laptop
phone charger/power cord for laptop
movies
snacks
Other than that, you’ll probably be too busy being accosted my medical professionals for anything else.
Muthering Heights´s last blog ..A Painter By Any Other Name…
February 16th, 2010 at 9:11 pm
Poor pooch. You can totally see the unhappy expression on his face. Congrats on packing your overnight bag, but then I thought you were doing great with just the candy bar.
Gung Hay Fat Choy!
Run DMT´s last blog ..The Sweetness of Pancake Day
February 16th, 2010 at 9:14 pm
Nice post.. love reading it. Mine is up..
grace´s last blog ..Wordful Wednesday :My Valentine Gifts
February 16th, 2010 at 9:17 pm
Oh gosh, it’s been so long, but I know I packed like I was going on vacation!! LOL
Your doggie looks sooooo cute just sitting there! Dogs do sense when there is a change about to happen. Aww!
Alicia´s last blog ..I HEART FACES-"I WANNA DANCE!"
February 16th, 2010 at 9:33 pm
That dog looks so sad! I just packed the basics for the hospital, plus my laptop, camera and Twilight DVD.
Lauren´s last blog ..Sea World!
February 16th, 2010 at 9:36 pm
Aww… he’s so adorable and huggable! Yey! Your bag is finally ready. I didn’t pack anything, my hubby had to go home and get the stuff. I was so not prepared!
ceemee´s last blog ..Spot the color: Red
February 16th, 2010 at 9:44 pm
I didn’t pack one, aside from the toiletries and some clothes I’d need as I lived in the hospital for all 3 nights(maybe 2, I forget) both times. Except the first night of my 2nd. My whole Dad dying thing…
Anyway, I think it would be funny if you pack some really weird stuff like dirty magazines or something a little edgy. Just tho throw the nurses off guard. Although after giving birth, a sense of humor may not be something you have at the time.
I miss the anticipation a little, but just a little.
Hockeyman´s last blog ..Who has the cutest new niece? I do
February 16th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
Poor little thing. She’s already missing you.
I never packed a bag until I was heading out the door. I always wanted to get to the hospital, take care of business and get home.
angie´s last blog ..Kristen’s Custom Creations Giveaway
February 16th, 2010 at 10:11 pm
Wow! It’s getting really close!! Good luck:-)
February 16th, 2010 at 10:12 pm
The only thing I can think of is slippers (ones you can slide on and off easily. The laptop, etc. was a very good idea.
Joyce-Anne´s last blog ..That Damn Tree
February 16th, 2010 at 10:29 pm
Doggisodes! Him and his compatriots always hover around the mommies to be huh? Very interesting. I thought about you on VDay this year b/c I knew it was the same as Chinese New Year. Woo hoo!! You’re the first (and only) person who explained the customs to me (via your blog) which made me feel very cool! Happy New Year!
Jameil´s last blog ..Hypocrite!!
February 16th, 2010 at 10:39 pm
You know, I have no memory of what I packed in my over night bag. Probably just a change of clothes, tooth brush and stuff for the baby. The second one came 10 days early and caught me completely off guard. I went to the hospital with the clothes on my back! Hubby had to bring me the goods……which as I recall, wasn’t good.
Michelle @ one crafty mama´s last blog ..WW – Things that make me smile!
February 16th, 2010 at 10:41 pm
Oh! You’re pup looks so woeful. I do think they know. It’s the same thing that makes them all mopey when you pack for vacation!
As far as hospital bags go… I think slippers are a great idea. And my own pillow was definitely a plus!
February 16th, 2010 at 10:57 pm
Awwww. Poor puppy.
Jennifer´s last blog ..More sickness, the Olympics and Begging, Random Tuesday Thoughts
February 16th, 2010 at 10:58 pm
ipod, iphone, books, CDs, DVDs. Oddly enough, my husband & I watched a movie one night in the hospital after our 2nd daughter was born. We had some free time while my mom was watching our older child at home.
Asianmommy´s last blog ..Book Review: Handle with Care
February 16th, 2010 at 11:09 pm
Slippers, so my feet never had to touch the hospital floor. (I’m insanely paranoid about this, ever since I lived in Brazil for a year and a half.. we always had shoes of some sort on, even if they were just flip flops, to prevent intake of germs. Hospitals are germy. Gross. You’ll need slippers.)
Also, the other great item – body spray, because you just smell funny.. even after you’re able to stand long enough to shower. All that hospital smell, and milk and baby, and blah. Gooood body spray.
February 16th, 2010 at 11:16 pm
Yay for packed suitcase! Good Job
)
I have NO memory of what I packed, or even IF I packed, yikes! I do remember having a “birthing emsemble” which is a crack up because it included a whole cashmere louging outfit with a robe!!! Yes, I wanted to be fancy for the occasion, eventhough I had not been able to shave my legs for several days, LOL.
Did you get the Brooke PBK collection???? I looove that one and so almost bought it when I was first told we were having a girl…good thing I waited
You did an awesome job getting things ready, New Year’s and all. Very proud of you! Now we just need a sweet baby girl, hopefully who will have a name picked out as well.
Take it easy till then. Hugs,
Carlen
February 16th, 2010 at 11:21 pm
Yay for packed suitcase! Good Job )
I have NO memory of what I packed, or even IF I packed, yikes! I do remember having a “birthing emsemble” which is a crack up because it included a whole cashmere louging outfit with a robe!!! Yes, I wanted to be fancy for the occasion, eventhough I had not been able to shave my legs for several days, LOL.
Did you get the Brooke PBK collection???? I looove that one and so almost bought it when I was first told we were having a girl…good thing I waited
You did an awesome job getting things ready, New Year’s and all. Very proud of you! Now we just need a sweet baby girl, hopefully who will have a name picked out as well.
Take it easy till then. Hugs,
Carlen
February 16th, 2010 at 11:22 pm
I definitely did the bare minimum and it worked out great. Toothbrush, toothpaste, slippers (flip flops), my pillow AND…..my own pads! The ones the hospital give you are not quite as nice and thick as I would like them to be. Is that too much info?
February 16th, 2010 at 11:35 pm
Oh my goodness!! That is so sweet!! I did not pack my bag until I was actually leaving for the hospital – I’m terrible about packing. So, you are lightyears ahead of where I was.
Upstatemomof3´s last blog ..Stupid Snow
February 16th, 2010 at 11:44 pm
Looks as though you may have a stow away.
Poor little pup.
I had to bring my iPod with me to help me through the contractions a bit. It did help a little.
Kat´s last blog ..We Are In Deep Smit
February 17th, 2010 at 12:30 am
Awww, he looks so sad…poor doggy. Good job getting your bag packed. Can’t believe you did all that cleaning for Chinese New Year. BTW, love the crib decor!!
February 17th, 2010 at 12:34 am
I have no clue what I packed… sorry I can’t help! But that photo of your dog and the bag is just too cute. And, as always, you had me laughing in this post. Thanks!
Genny´s last blog ..It was kind of like Where’s Waldo…
February 17th, 2010 at 1:11 am
Aww Poor puppy knows whats up and doesn’t look thrilled about it. I think he just doesn’t want you to go away
MBonn´s last blog ..This is why I’m hot…or ya know, not.
February 17th, 2010 at 1:11 am
Girl you look like you got all the basics covered, and your little protector is awaiting the arrival of who he’s going to protect I’m sure. My dog did the same thing. It’s precious.
Xmasdolly´s last blog ..WORDLESS WEDNESDAY – BRRRRR
February 17th, 2010 at 1:40 am
That is so sweet about the dog! I don’t really remember what I packed, but it almost certainly included a book and a magazine.
February 17th, 2010 at 1:44 am
I packed a huge overnight bag for my 1st and didn’t bring a single thing for my 2nd…okay well I didn’t have time. BUT all I needed was my toothbrush and some hair ties and I called it good!
And I am so impressed that the 3 musketeers is still in the bag!
Erin´s last blog ..Tongue NOT in cheek
February 17th, 2010 at 1:45 am
Aw, poor doggie. Dogs are sweet like that. I have cats, and cats just take it out on you — like pretending the baby’s room is their litter box. Grrrr.
Snack items are good in your bag, because you might not get a meal quickly in the hospital after you get a room. Vitamin waters too. Or your beverage of choice. My husband also packed a bag because he remembered the room was cold and the lounge chair wasn’t comfortable. He actually brought a camping cot, pillow, blanket, the works. Yep, that’s my man.
I’m so excited for you!
Holly at Tropic of Mom´s last blog ..Love is still in the air
February 17th, 2010 at 1:48 am
My dogs all seemed to know I was pregnant before i did and once I was on bedrest, they were all my “protectors”
Ok, it might not be a typical thing to pack, but, my husband packed a bottle of Jose Cuervo and 2 shot glasses. (I had spent 6 months on bedrest and he wanted us to celebrate having our “lives back”. haha)
debi9kids´s last blog ..The King & Queen of the Party
February 17th, 2010 at 2:11 am
Slowly but steadily you’re getting ready for the big day.
The photo of the dog is adorable. Poor guy, he’s worried!
Jientje´s last blog ..Macro Monday, Saint-Amour
February 17th, 2010 at 3:11 am
Dogs are smart; maybe the certain someone knows something you don’t…..
My brother’s dog gets IN their suitcase any time they pull it out. She wants to be sure she’s not left behind!
February 17th, 2010 at 5:22 am
I’m one of those that thinks dogs and cats ARE super-sensitive to what’s coming.
My own story: my cat used to sleep on my belly when I was pregnant with Zoë – which was a lot bigger than yours (which made it ultra comical). I packed the overnight bag about 2 months before I was due, and left it in the crib. We were all – doctor included – convinced I’d have a premature baby, so I was being really prepared (it wasn’t just that I wanted 35lbs of weight off of my bladder, nope). So anyway, the cat would sleep on my belly at night time, when I was reading, crocheting or watching a movie. Then, spontaneously one night, she was DONE with the belly, and started sleeping on top of the overnight bag, in the crib. The next day is when I started having false labour.
Zoeyjane´s last blog ..On reigning it in
February 17th, 2010 at 5:36 am
Awwww…puppy looks so sad. Mine knows if the bags are out…the extra clingyness starts there and then. and will lay next to the bags all the time too.
February 17th, 2010 at 9:23 am
Bring lots of things that will entertain you and massage devices and oils for your hubby, so when the going gets rough, he can smooth it out!
Elaine B.´s last blog ..140 Hours of Fame
February 17th, 2010 at 9:36 am
He definitely knows something is up! Cute picture!
MomOf4´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Happy 5th Birthday Big Guy!
February 17th, 2010 at 9:39 am
Adorable !
February 17th, 2010 at 9:56 am
I love the way pets react to packing. My kitty got the short end of the stick when kiddos came into the picture as well. It amazed me how patient that ratty old cat was with them;)
February 17th, 2010 at 10:10 am
i bet he’ll know when you’ll be in real labor!
socks/slipper socks for wearing during your hospital stay (i always found hospitals to be extra chilly). i second the recommendations on snacks and the chargers. if you can, bring your own tylenol/ibuprofen/advil (i was tricked into taking one of these for the post-partum pain that i didn’t even have and was charged $30 by my insurance! and i know that what they administered was the same pain reliever that you can buy at the drugstore.). i also remember bringing chapstick in case my lips got dry…but i didn’t use it. if you’re husband will be staying with you overnight, pack a bag for him too (or he can pack his own bag…ha, ha) with snacks, drinks, and whatever he feels would make his stay more comfy.
February 17th, 2010 at 10:16 am
It’s amazing how tuned to our emotions dogs are. He’s so beautiful.
Sounds like you got the basics down. Try to add something that will help you pass the time pre labor; ie. music, a book. Although, I brought those during my last labor but never used them. It’s good to have, just in case.
Maria @ Conversations with Moms´s last blog ..The Medical reason is
February 17th, 2010 at 10:37 am
Packing that bag makes it all the more exciting that the end is close and you’ll soon be bringing your newest ‘Sodes home.
I packed heavy socks in my maternity bag too, I could never get warm enough in the hospital.
Tara R.´s last blog ..Love is patient…
February 17th, 2010 at 10:48 am
Your Doggisodes is such a good boy. He does look concerned. Maybe he’s sensing the contractions and worried about you leaving. Anyway, he’s sweet. Sorry you’re going through such a tough time with this pregnancy. xoxo
February 17th, 2010 at 10:55 am
My daughter arrived 3 almost 4 weeks early. I never had a chance to pack an over night bag.
HaB ´s last blog ..A Day Home with Daddy
February 17th, 2010 at 11:01 am
Awww, what a fabulous pet you have there. Mine likes to sit next to his food! LOL
I went in to premature labour a month early and had to go to the hospital where they were able to stop it. The whole time I was there I was panicking about every thing I hadn’t done yet, such as pack the bag and make up the crib! My recommendations are to just take what you need — remember you have to unpack it when you get home!! Best wishes to you.
If I Could Escape´s last blog ..I’m the grumpy old troll …
February 17th, 2010 at 11:18 am
wow,
i wish Pete well,
he looks sad but calm and handsome!
Happy Wednesday!
jingle´s last blog ..Thursday Poets’ Rally Week 6 (Feb. 18-Feb. 24, 2010)
February 17th, 2010 at 11:36 am
My dog knew I was pregnant before I did too. He got really protective of me when I walked him.I didn’t put my crib up until the baby was born. My MIL’s superstition.
Secret Mom Thoughts´s last blog ..Shake Baby Shake!
February 17th, 2010 at 11:53 am
It sounds like you are ready. Your dog is beautiful. I hope he adjusts well to the knew addition.
Cascia @ Healthy Moms´s last blog ..365 Perfect Things to Say to Your Kids
February 17th, 2010 at 12:49 pm
Good Luck my dear may you remember to pack all you need
February 17th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
My son was born at 36 weeks and I never go to packing a bag for him. However, the one thing I found I really wanted after he was born was fingernail clippers. My son’s nails were so long when he was born, but the hospital couldn’t clip his nails, for liablility reasons. They said I could file them but that didn’t go over so well with a newborn. Had I had my own clippers I could have cut them myself.
Good luck!!!
Danielle´s last blog ..Chayce Update
February 17th, 2010 at 2:33 pm
I swear I can hear our dog sign when my kids come into the room.
Congrats on finally packing. Did the eat the 3 Musketeers while you packed?
February 17th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Year of the Tiger here we all come! I think the shot of the dog by the crib is very sweet. It sure sounds like everyone may be really ready for the babe to arrive.
Glad the bag is packed.
killlashandra´s last blog ..Brood Mare Rodeo
February 17th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Oh he is sooooo adorable! Too sweet!
February 17th, 2010 at 4:15 pm
That picture is so cute but sad at the same time. Maybe your dog is sad that you’re going to be away for awhile too?
I brought my own pillow to the hospital. There was just something comforting having it there with me.
Sara´s last blog ..Vanilla Oatmeal Bar
February 17th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
Glad you’re packed!
I packed a big huge back and hardly used any of it. I was so overwhelmed that I stayed in that stupid hospital nightgown the whole time. Of course, that was my first. I expect that seconds are much less freak-out-ish.
Rachel @ Grasping for Objectivity´s last blog ..Rachel, Child Not-So-Star.
February 17th, 2010 at 5:06 pm
I’d bring books, movies, music, cards, laptop of iPhone. And any special treats (ahem, chocolate) for a nice reward after baby comes.
Allison´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday (The Big Ball Sandwich)
February 17th, 2010 at 5:24 pm
Soon. Very soon now.
lceel´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – The Bean
February 17th, 2010 at 5:29 pm
Aw. Sweet puppy! And don’t ask me what to pack. My labor was induced six weeks early due to high blood pressure. I hadn’t even packed yet! I’m on the phone with my husband screaming “Undies! PJs! Saline solution! And my Wonder Woman comics!”
Yeah. I’m bad for labor & delivery luggage advice.
Coal Miner’s Granddaughter´s last blog ..Sex-Crazed Underwater Bad Ass*
February 17th, 2010 at 5:41 pm
Dogs know a lot about the dynamics of a household. When our youngest is away on scout trips, the dog prowls around, looking for him. She knows something’s wrong.
The Mother´s last blog ..Helpful Test-Taking Strategies for Parents
February 17th, 2010 at 6:03 pm
Glad you packed the bag because it’s good to be prepared. I’ll leave it to those more experienced to provide you with advice, but it’s clear that the pooch knows something’s up for sure. Molly gets the same way when she sees ME packing a bag … and stays underfoot so she doesn’t get left behind. She LOVES to stay at Camp Ilene when I travel ya know because she gets to play with fur-friends all day long (and sleep with them too).
Hugs and blessings,
Sacred Ruminations´s last blog ..Early Evening Musings …
February 17th, 2010 at 6:11 pm
Remember that crazy list they gave you in childbirth class? I packed every single item on that list. And, didn’t use any of it!
Mama Zen´s last blog ..Diva
February 17th, 2010 at 7:25 pm
Make sure and schedule some doggy and me time.
Undercover Princess´s last blog ..Torture
February 17th, 2010 at 9:34 pm
Awww…that photo is so cute!!!
And remember your comfy slippers that are a little too big. (I was shocked how big my feet got afterwards.)
Jenners´s last blog ..Oops….This Wasn’t Quite What I Had In Mind
February 17th, 2010 at 10:46 pm
You are WAY ahead of where I was at 7ish months. I didn’t pack a bag until the week before and even then I used pretty much none of what I packed. And the nursery? Ha. We didn’t get that done until she was 4 months old and we moved her in there from the co-sleeper.
Love that doggisodes camped out in there. Pretty darn cute!
Cara´s last blog ..SNoMore 2010
February 17th, 2010 at 11:46 pm
Are you getting that close? Oh my goodness!
I have to have chapstick/Carmex/Burt’s Bee’s, whatever can keep the lips from chapping!!
Elaine´s last blog ..WW – Sweet Sight
February 17th, 2010 at 11:51 pm
Oh….he looks sad…and you’ve still got that candy bar?!!? Wow!
Glad you’ve got the bag packed. It’s 124 in the morning so I’m afraid I’m little to sleepy to remember what “essentials” I took along other than my cell phone to keep everyone updated.
Marie´s last blog ..Will Return Monday, February 22, 2010
February 18th, 2010 at 3:25 am
I cannot remember all that.
It was ages ago . lol
Both my daughters are young adults now.
All the best!
hugs
shakira
shakira´s last blog ..ABC WEDNESDAY – E FOR EXCEPTIONAL
February 18th, 2010 at 3:25 am
Poor little doggy. I think my cat knew before I knew with both of my kiddos.
Don’t forget your camera, laptop and cell phone and their respective chargers.
Also, the nursing bra (if you are) and “boob cream” as I call it.
Oh, and hard candy for labor…I so needed that.
February 18th, 2010 at 10:41 am
Girl, you need to take it easy! Look, I’m the first person to get annoyed at those who think pregnant women should just stay home and sit down and, you know, sew or something. But still, you’ve got to take it easy, babe.
Things to add, aside from the camera, which has already been said: a notebook and pen, you baby diary if you have one, and personally I like to bring some lavender essential oil, which is a natural relaxant.
Elisa @ Globetrotting in Heels´s last blog ..Far or near, we do love you New York!
February 18th, 2010 at 11:57 am
Wow, baby is going to be here before you know it! Awww, look at that sad face. My puppies put on that face every time the see a suitcase come out.
Jeanne´s last blog ..It’s All A Blur
February 18th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
Our dogs HATE when we bring out our suitcases. My little pom even gets IN it and barks at us if we try to take her out. Dogs are such funny little creatures, yes? Like little humans!
You’re getting so close and I am SO excited! It seems like yesterday when you announced you were pregnant! (Tho I’m sure you don’t feel that way
)
February 18th, 2010 at 5:16 pm
sorry, no advice. But I can tell you what I brought to Korea!
The boys in my house got new haircuts too. And we made 1000 dumplings. Yum. I love Chinese new year.
CC´s last blog ..Facing Pain Together
February 18th, 2010 at 7:08 pm
I packed snacks. I was starving after the birth of both my girls and wasn’t patient enough for my hubby’s return from the fast food place.
Besides, you can never have enough junk food!
Dejoni´s last blog ..I am in hell and yes, it has froze over
February 18th, 2010 at 11:48 pm
I swear our dogs knew I was pregnant too!
And whenever any suitcase comes out, they mope and mope.
Sweet-looking crib!
Camera!! Videotape!! That’s all you need.
. Getting soooo excited for you, Sandy!
February 20th, 2010 at 11:52 am
I packed massage oil with an essential oil scent of lavendar for relaxation. I think something like this is good for lower back labor or foot rubs — unless you have rocket fast labors and/or don’t want to be touched while in the midst of it all.
MommyTime´s last blog ..I Ought to Be an Editor-in Chief
February 22nd, 2010 at 9:43 pm
What a precious dog. He does seem a bit worried though.
The one thing I remember I made sure to pack for the delivery room was two pairs of nice warm cotton socks. Those rooms are usually pretty chilly.
Anne´s last blog ..Do You Clean for the Cleaning Lady?
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:22 pm
A book and a stack of gossip magazines. That’s what you left out! Our dogs were completely oblivious to the bag, but my cat slept on top of it for days to make sure he wouldn’t miss it when I left.
Karin aka perpstu´s last blog ..Little Boxes of Evil
February 25th, 2010 at 1:06 pm