I was like Flea but in reverse. With no 1 I was told to be packed by 34 weeks, but I actually packed at 38 weeks. This was a psycological thing I think - before that I just wasn't "ready". With Tom I was going to pack on my first day of maternity leave. But he had other ideas and arrived at 36 weeks on what would have been my last day before maternity leave. I had no bag packed and a really quick labour so just grabbed the absolute basics on the way out the door - another set of undies, breast pads, maternity pads, one change of clothes and toiletries I think. DH brought the rest the next day. It didn't really matter though, by then we were pretty good at knowing what I'd need. But like Flea, no baby things were ready at home so poor DH had a busy week!
I packed mine at 37 weeks, just after I finished work ,somehow convinced I was going to go early. So much for that theory! This was after my baby shower and after I had washed all the baby's things and set up the nursery, etc. I have 3 bags really, my 'in labour bag' which is small, a hospital-stay bag and the baby's bag which DH will keep in the car until we need it.
I agree that it is such a reality check to find yourself folding itty-bitty baby clothes and nursing tops and stuff. Just taking those tiny 000 bonds singlets off the washing line had me going "awwww!"
The only annoying thing with packing early is that half the thing you pack you end up digging out again to use, so I guess my bag is a work in progress. It is all very exciting though.
Someone asked me if I had remembered to pack makeup so I'd look presentable in photos. LOL The idea of bothering about lip gloss and concealer hadn't occurred to me. But I packed it anyway!
I had Izzy's clothes washed and put away by about 35 weeks. My labour bag still wasn't packed when I was 40 + 4 and I went to my OB appointment only to be told I was being induced in an hour!
Like Monnie said, packing the bag for me was a bit surreal and very definitely a feeling of "oh my God, this is happening to me". I just couldn't get my head around the fact that it actually WAS happening to me, so I just couldn't force myself to pack the bag until I had that order from my OB - strange when I'm usually completely over-organised/planned with everything else in life.
I am gonna have fun packing mine. I have to go to Townsville (800km east) four weeks before EDD. So will have to basically pack all of my stuff then! Baby clothes etc. DH and I decided that we would buy one thing per grocery shoppin day for baby or me and we have HEAPS for the baby. Went looking for nursing and maternity pads. NO maternity pads in the shop and one brand of Nursing pads. Was shocked - so will have to wait till i get to Townsville to shop for that sort of stuff. I will be packing a huge suitcase when i go back. While I am there I plan to pick up a little back pack for my little one and pack it and a bigger bag for me. Just hope I dont go early - cause I will be in BIG trouble if I do! LOL
Happy shopping & packing all!
My aim was to have it packed by 38 weeks. I've made a list and put all the necessary "purchase" items in there, but I don't have enough spare clothes (I'm down to 2 outfits that fit!!!) so these will go in at the last minute. I figure if I go early DH can just look at the list when he comes home for supplies and bring those extra things.
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