Preparations

Today was a big planning day for Baby! We had our tour of the hospital birthing floor and started preparations for the baby shower next month!

The hospital tour, though short, was a great way to not only feel prepared but also help make the whole pregnancy thing seem even more real. Despite the growing belly and kicks, getting to see the place where I'll eventually give birth and actually imagine it happening is a big step toward recognizing that this baby is coming sooner than we think (like only three more months)!

After signing up for the tour online through the hospital's website, and taking the time to sign Hubby and myself up for a birthing class next month as well, we knew where to go to at our specified time. I double checked at the hospital info desk and then soon we were on the third floor birthing ward, signing in for the tour and snacking on free Wheat Thins and cookies they provided while we waited.

There were at least four other couples there, and one girl by herself, in the lobby flipping through the informational brochure magazines they provided us with. Then our tour guide came out and had us line up outside the labor and delivery doors.

I'm not gonna lie, it was kind of like something out of a movie. Our tour guide introduced herself as Memory--what a perfect name for someone who works in the baby section of a hospital! Her friendly demeanor as she explained the hospital layout was then interrupted by the double doors opening behind her. A woman in a hospital gown being pushed in her wheelchair emerged. "I just did my tour Monday," she told our crowd, almost as if she were a scheduled guest speaker. "Then Tuesday I wound up back here! I wasn't expecting that!" She sounded both tired but in good spirits, and the group laughed as she wheeled away.

When we prepared to go down the hall, next up was a guest appearance by my very own OB-GYN! I wasn't used to seeing him outside the doctor's office, but I recognized him instantly as he hurried down the hallway and ducked through a side door. If he wasn't in a hurry I might have said, "hi" and asked if he was delivering a baby. But given the fact that he was rushing down a hallway of a hospital, I could pretty much assume he had more important things to do than stop and talk to our group.

Memory led us through the hall and the first thing she pointed out was a little button on the wall next to a painting of an orange elephant (the hospital's logo). She said every time a baby is born here, they press the button and a lullaby plays through the whole hospital to celebrate! I almost started tearing up at that! It didn't help that the walls were adorned with pictures of newborns and happy parents cuddling their tiny babies. When Memory mentioned skin to skin bonding of babies and their dads, I really wanted to cry. It wasn't all heartfelt smiles, however. A loud and constant beeping through the hallway was likely an alert, and I had to remember that emergencies happen here too.

We entered an open hospital room and Memory gave us an overview of what to expect when we arrived for our labor. All of us would get a room like this one where both labor and bonding with the baby would take place. This is when she explained skin to skin for both moms and dads. She showed where Baby would be weighed, where the bathroom and equipment closet was, and even a couch for dads to sleep on.

She went over the kinds of things we should consider bringing with us to the hospital (our own shampoo will be much better than hospital shampoo, and don't forget something for Hubby to sleep in) and the items we really didn't need (the hospital provides diapers, wipes, pads, and underwear). They don't provide pacifiers since the hospital bills itself as "baby friendly" and the false nipple can confuse a baby in the first few weeks. They also don't send you home with formula, but will provide it in the hospital if you choose not to breastfeed. You don't need a carseat when you first go into labor, just the very last day. Labor items like yoga balls, peanut balls, and a squatting bar can also be provided so you don't have to lug any equipment with you.

Memory stated that the hospital's anesthesiologists are really good (they'll kick any bad ones to the curb, she promised) and their nurses are amazing. After delivery, you can expect to stay in the hospital 24-48 hours if you had a vaginal delivery, and 2-3 days if you had a c-section. She said your doctor will have someone on call for them if they aren't available when you go into labor, and a laborist doctor is on call 24/7 at the hospital to assist too.

Finally, Memory gave us her insider information for arriving if you go into labor after hours (the main doors close at 9pm and open again at 5am). Rather than going through the 24/7 ER (filled with flu germs and where they're required to triage you), you can enter through a side entrance to the hospital in a separate tower that is also open 24/7. Then loop around toward the cafeteria to find the elevators that will lead you to Labor and Delivery.

After the 30-minute tour and information session, Memory recommended we all preregister for the births, since we were at the hospital already. Hubby and I went downstairs to fill out hospital paperwork and essentially "check in" for the big day to come in June.

It was exciting, and made me just a tad bit nervous, but I was happy to check one thing off my list since I knew I wanted to deliver at this hospital. After that, I could enjoy preparations for a hopefully more relaxed event: the baby shower! After sending out online "save the date" invitations that morning, I asked Hubby to drive me by a local bakery after our hospital tour so I could place an order for the baby shower cake.

I'd previously started the process for ordering cookies and decor for the shower as well--all storybook Winnie the Pooh themed! While some items are still in process, we already have a photo backdrop, a scrapbook for the guestbook, some little Winnie the Pooh toys and cutouts, and shower favors: little bear-shaped honey jars and Classic Pooh bookmarks. We also have a banner and more cookies on the way. Then that will just leave logistics like tablecloths, plates, cups, utensils, and tea--along with food that Hubby's aunts will be providing.

Yesterday, one of Hubby's aunts even took me shopping for a baby shower dress! I found three that I like at really great prices and am still deciding which one will ultimately be for the shower and which will be used for maternity photos! Those are in the process of being scheduled too! We've found a location and reached out to the photographer, so it's just a matter of working out the details and contracts. I swear, it almost feels like prepping for this baby is like prepping for another wedding!

Thankfully, both Hubby and I have already put in for and had our parental leave accepted, so most non-party logistics are set for when Baby arrives as well. Then the shower should help us prepare with supplies we will need when Baby gets here and allow one last celebration before the real work of raising a child begins.

So for now, that just leaves preparing the nursery, finishing our cleaning, and packing a hospital bag as we await a busy April of showers, classes, and final decisions--like maybe a name? That's still on our list of things to do too!