{ hospital bag }

So it's getting to be crunch time, and I'm finally starting to think about the hospital and all the things that I need while I am there. You just never know when these little ones are going to come, so it's best to be prepared...so I'm trying to do that now. 

I looked on a couple blogs and looked around my house trying to come up with a good list of things to take. And I have A LOT of things that I wrote down. I may or may not stick to everything but I figured it would be fun to blog about it, in case anyone else out there needs to look at a list for ideas too! Everyone's experience is different so if there is something that isn't on my list that you think is a necessity PLEASE feel free to include it in the comments section. 

Ok, here goes...

1. Pajamas

2. Clothes to leave hospital in

3. Flip flops {for the shower...you never know how clean it is}

4. Socks

5. Nursing bra or sports bra

6. Undies {the hospital gives you some pretty stylish mesh undies, but you may be more comfortable in your own}

7. Towel

8. Pillow {It's nice to have a pillow from home}

9. Boppy {I didn't bring this for my first baby, but I'm definitely considering it for this one}

10. Make-up {there is no doubt pictures WILL be taken at the hospital...I'd rather look half way decent than like a zombie in them}

11. Travel size toiletries {I went to Wal-Mart about a month ago and thought,"These would be perfect for the hospital!!!}

*shampoo + conditioner

*deodorant 

*toothbrush + toothpaste

*contact lens solution

12. Hair brush and hair bands

13. Any hair styling products and tools {In case you want to feel do your hair...don't get your hopes up, but you would be bummed if you did and you didn't have these things}

14. Lanolin {for those sore nipples}

15. Body lotion

16. Thick maxi pads with wings {in case you don't like the ones the hospital provides}

17. Cell phone charger

18. Camera

19. Ipod or Ipad {for music and movies/shows}

20. Trash bag for the car {this was an interesting idea that I found...you sit on the trash bag in case your water breaks so you don't have to clean up a huge mess later on}

21. BABY CLOTHES!!!!

*onesies

*sleepers

*hat

*scratch mittens

22. Baby blanket/swaddle

23. Diapers and wipes {the hospital will provide these too, but I think it's ok to be over prepared for the ride home}

Those are the things that are on my list...hope it helps for some of you! I know it's a huge list, but if you just keep most of it in the car, then you can have your husband or family member bring it up so you don't have to. 

This is how it started out...sitting in the waiting room for my appointment this morning. I've added to the list, but this is the original. 

{ halloween }

We had such a great Halloween! Took us a while to nail down what Berkley was going to be because she changed her mind almost daily. But once we decided that a mummy was a good idea there was no going back. It wouldn't have even been very cool if it wasn't for Grandma Dianne and her awesomeness at the sewing machine. We are totally in love with how it came out. 

And 2 nights in a row Berkley sat down and let me braid her hair in 8-10 braids!! She was so good! 

Next year I think we are going to have to dress up as a family...but what to do?????

Pictures taken by Grandma Dianne. :) 

{ family pictures }

We decided to do family pictures before the baby came and I'm so happy that we did! I LOVE how our pictures turned out and it's so nice to have pictures of the 3.5 of us! 

Matt always jokes that family picture day is the worst day of the year, but this year it was great! I tried not to stress so much, because I know a lot of the tone of the shoot is attributed to the parents (cough). So all you parents out there make sure that you are happy and relaxed so your kids are too! And bring lots of snacks to bribe your kids with.

My friend Jalene from J. Taylor Photography (who is totally sweet and fabulous) took our photos. It was seriously so fun and I enjoyed being in front of the camera instead of behind it. Matt and Berkley are still very much against getting their pictures taken, but I think even they will tell you that it was enjoyable. 

{ pumpkin patch }

Went to the pumpkin patch today...felt like the hottest day of the week. I went all bundled up with Berkley and Benton all bundled up, just to end up taking off all the layers. Which normally I certainly wouldn't complain about...but I just want it to be cold! Until after I have the baby...then it needs to be nice. Haha...yeah right. 

Anyway...we met my Tia (Aunt) Mely and Abuelo's (grandparents) there and we had such a nice time! It's so nice having them here and I'm going to be sad when they leave to go to Texas for the winter, in a couple weeks. I'm so glad we were all able to go and get some cute pictures. Well except for me. At times like these I really wish I had an awesome point and shoot camera so anyone could take a picture for me and I could actually be in it. THAT'S what I should put on my Christmas list!! 

Hope you enjoy the pictures. 

{ disneyland }

I started thinking about this trip a long time ago. I wanted to do something really special with Berkley before the baby came and I really wanted it to just be the two of us. Something that she would remember and something that she would love. When thinking about flying on a plane by myself with a toddler, and being 7 months pregnant, then going to a park where you walk literally all day long, it didn't seem too enticing. But the more I thought about it and the more I felt like I could make it happen, the more excited I got. When thinking about how happy Berkley would be it made everything else seem so small and like a small price to pay for something she would remember forever. 

I decided not to tell Berkley that we were going to Disneyland. That was one of the hardest things I've done. I love giving her surprises but I was going to have to keep this one for a LONG time! So since I wasn't going to tell her I figured that I'd take that surprise all the way to the Disney gates. I blindfolded her and put her in her stroller and away we went. By the time we reached the gates she was pretty agitated, so I thought I would take her blindfold off there and then she could see everything up until we got to the castle. She was a little overwhelmed and, I think, scared at first but once we got going she was so ecstatic. 

I should mention that we went with my friend, Rebekah, who was a life saver! She knows the park pretty well and took us everywhere we wanted to go. It was so nice not having any specific agenda except let Berkley do what she wants to do and go where she wants to go...and see the princesses. It was pure happiness watching her get excited about every little and big thing that she saw. And just following her around all day. Of course I had to stop several times to rest and eat and drink, but she was such a great sport. The day went by so fast and I'm so grateful that we did this!

I truly think parents should do something like this with their kids, even if it's only once in their lifetime. Not necessarily go to Disneyland but plan a surprise trip or outing that they know their kids will love. And if you can do it with an individual child, I think all the better. It makes them feel loved and appreciated and they will always have those happy memories.

One of my favorites...her meeting Cinderella for the first time. 

Carousel

Rebekah on Dumbo!

Teacups

These next few are of Berkley waiting in line to see some Princesses and her not wanting to get her picture taken. 

Coveting another little girl's autograph book. 

We got to meet Cinderella twice!

Ariel asked who Berkley's favorite princess was. Her reply,"You are!"

In line for Winnie the Pooh

Berkley driving! Ahhhh!

Love that cute head poking over the steering wheel. 

Bummed we didn't get to meet Belle, but we saw her in the parade!

Berkley was very excited to finally see her. 

On the train. 

Minnie was so adorable. 

Here are some instagrams that I took. Us on the plane, her hair, Berkley blindfolded, our first ride (Peter Pan), Buzz ride, Dumbo, meeting princesses...by the way one of Berkley's favorite parts of the trip was when Snow White called her Pumpkin Pie, she about melted...We ate some yummy donut things, met Rupunzel and Flynn Rider!!! And totally crashed at the end of the night.