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Watson Ansley

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Updated Hospital Bag | What I Actually Used

For anyone who missed it, I wrote a whole blog post before giving birth about what to pack in my hospital bag. I wanted to pack enough, so that I had options as well as my own personal items. The hospital provides a lot for you, but each hospital is different and I wanted to feel as comfortable as possible. Below, I have copied my original post but have written in bold next to each item whether or not I used it and if it was helpful or not. Hopefully this is helpful for any mama’s to be out there.

For Mom:

Clothing:

  • Robe– Love this one from Pink Blush Maternity. Decided to go with black to keep me fully covered. I ended up not wearing this, but I have used it a lot since getting home.
  • Night Gown– Can’t rave about this brand enough! Functional buttons and the softest material I’ve ever slept in. I was in my hospital gown the first two days (nurses made me wear that when I checked in until I was in the recovery room). After that, I wore this gown majority of the time. Really comfy, not restricting, and easy for breastfeeding.
  • Underwear– Whatever you prefer. I know the hospital provides mesh undies as well! I actually wore the provided mesh undies the whole time in the hospital and the first couple days at home. Didn’t use any of the undies I brought but good to have just in case.
  • Nursing Tanks– Grabbed both the Auden brand (from Target) and a few from A Pea in a Pod (which I think are even softer and roomier). I didn’t use these until I got home, since I was in my night gown most of the time and my milk wasn’t in yet, so I barely wore a bra. Once I got home I definitely used these! I prefer the tanks from A Pea in a Pod- much softer and stretchier.
  • Nursing Bras– Got both regular and sports bra to have options. Auden brand from Target. I wore my Auden sports bra from Target in the hospital for when I left the room to walk around. Very comfortable. Since getting home, I ordered a 3 pack of nursing sports bras on Amazon too. I have been living in all of these! All linked below.
  • Socks-Linked some grippy socks, which I’ve heard are great for the hospital. I personally didn’t use my socks because I didn’t buy any grippy socks before going to the hospital, so I just wore the ones they provided.
  • Slippers– Linking both a pair from Amazon and Ugg slippers that have good soles for walking inside the hospital and outside. I wore my slippers the whole time once I was in the recovery room. Before that, I was mostly in the bed with the grippy socks on.
  • Maternity Yoga Pants– I’ve been wearing these my entire pregnancy and definitely will afterwards. You can fold over or wear over a bump. Will be a good option for after delivery. From Pink Blush Maternity. Personally I didn’t feel like wearing pants in the hospital. Good to have in case I got cold, but I mostly wore pj shorts and night gown in the room and a maxi dress when we left the hospital.
  • PJ shorts and PJ shirt– Love that these are functional buttons and super soft. Also, linked another favorite pair of PJ shorts. All from Target. These are a great option as well. I definitely recommend bringing a back up pair of PJ’s in case things get messy. These have been amazing for breastfeeding in the hospital and at home.
  • Joggers– I threw in some joggers that I had from Old Navy to wear either at the hospital or when we leave. Like I mentioned above, I didn’t wear any of the pants I brought. Glad I had them just in case. I recommend maybe just bringing one pair of comfy pants.
  • Oversized nursing friendly tops– I’ve added a few options here (both long and short sleeve) button downs. I ended up wearing the short sleeve button down top but not the long sleeve. Good to have a “real shirt” to change into other than PJ’s. We also had a photographer from the hospital do a photoshoot that we were not aware of beforehand. Would have been good to have a real pair of clothes to look decent for those photos ;).
  • Shower Shoes– Any flip flops will do, but I love these from Target. Great for the pool too! These were a must for me! (Germaphobe here!)
  • Nursing Pads– Haven’t used these yet, but my sister raves about both options that I’ve linked. Great for post-partum leaking. I didn’t need these in the hospital yet, since my milk wasn’t fully in yet. BUT ever since I got home, I haven’t gone a day or night without them! If you plan to pump or breastfeed, I highly recommend buying these before you have your baby, so you are ready to go when you get home from the hospital! I also later ended up buying disposable pads too because I was doing SO much laundry washing the other pads. Both are great though. All linked below.
  • Going home shoes– Any that your prefer. I will probably throw in my Tory Burch Flats and some tennis shoes. I decided against bringing the nice shoes and just wore my target flip flops with my Amazon maxi dress (linked below) when we left the hospital.
  • Amazon Maxi Dress– This dress has been my top seller ever since I got it at the beginning of my pregnancy. It is non-maternity, but worked for me in my true size from before I was showing, to 41 weeks, and even 2 days post partum. Wore this home and it was super roomy for my post partum belly and the black was great to cover everything up! šŸ™‚
  • Getaway Expandable Tote Bag – Click here to shop my Getaway bag. My pattern is sadly sold out, but I’ve linked a similar option. I swear by this bag! Whether it’s work, travel, or hospital bag, it is a MUST in my opinion. It was definitely helpful to bring to the hospital!
Click the images below to shop.
Click the images below to shop.

Toiletries:

  • Make up– I plan to just bring my regular make up bag. I didn’t wear make up until we were in the recovery room. I put on mascara one day and then a little bit of make up the day we left, just to feel myself again. Like I mentioned above, if I knew we were going to have a photoshoot, I would have used more of my make up.
  • Make up wipes– I love these Neutrogena make up removers. These are always a must in my opinion. I had on makeup when I first got to the hospital so I used these to take that make up off and then again in the recovery room.
  • Dry Shampoo– Grabbed this Bastiste Dry Shampoo to bring because nothing drives me more insane than greasy hair! I used this probably once or twice. However, I did shower almost every day to make myself feel better.
  • Shower Toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner, face wash, body wash, lotion. Travel size would be ideal. These are all a must for me. They didn’t provide any of this and I always need my own shower stuff.
  • Tooth Brush and toothpaste– Obviously whatever you prefer. Travel size toothpaste would be ideal. Definitely, yes!
  • Towel and wash cloth: I’ve linked a dark set to hide any post birth fluids (so pleasant, I know, but the truth!). I know the hospital has these, but I prefer to have my own. So so glad I brought my own dark towel and wash cloth. Austin didn’t bring his own and said he wished he did. The hospital towels were extremely small and very thin.
  • Towel wrap: I also threw in a velcro towel wrap just in case. The easier the better after birth! I didn’t use this, but it would be super helpful. I recommend either this or a towel, maybe not both.
  • Brush– Whatever brush you prefer. I bought an extra one to throw in my bag ahead of time, so I didn’t forget it. This is also a must for me!
  • Lip Balm: I am obsessed with this Aquafor Lip Balm. Super healing and goes on looking like a light gloss too:). I don’t think I used this until maybe the recovery room, but it’s always a must-have for me in my purse!
  • Depends: I know most people choose to use the mesh undies and pads the hospital provides (which I may also do), but I’ve heard these are also a good option to have, especially at night time. Definitely good to have these. I used them at night when I got home. Didn’t use them in the hospital because the nurses set me up with what they offered.
  • Nipple Cream: Obviously haven’t used this yet, but I know it will be so helpful for breastfeeding. I used this a couple times in the hospital and definitely when I got home. It is most helpful in the beginning stages when your milk hasn’t fully come in since your nipples are pretty dry.
  • Perineal Spray: If I delivery vaginally (which is the plan), I have heard this spray is so helpful and comforting for healing after birth. I have used this almost every time I go to the restroom. It is cooling and helpful for healing! Definitely recommend this and/or Tucks wipes!
  • Cardigan: Click here to shop my cardigan shown in the pic below. Threw this in my bag in case I am cold. Good to have, but I didn’t use it because it was too complicated for me to have a lot of layers on with everything going on with my body. The least amount of layers, the better!
Click the images below to shop.

Misc:

  • Snacks: Trail mix, bars, beef jerky (for hubs), other easy grab-n-go snacks. This is mostly for husbands. I wasn’t able to eat majority of the time in labor. Once in the recovery room, we had family bring us food and coffee and there was also a 24 hour cafe where we could get food. I recommend bringing a few easy snacks too!
  • 10 ft phone charger: Grabbed this 3 pack off of Amazon. Always good to have back ups. This is also a must for both you and husband!
  • Pillows: We are both bringing our own pillows. I’m so glad we brought our own pillows! It made the hospital bed more comfortable. It was also helpful to have a different color pillow case other than white but not 100% necessary.
  • Boppy and cover: This will be great for holding baby and learning to nurse in the hospital. I mostly used a regular pillow in the hospital especially during the night to feed her. I would say this is helpful to have for feeding and when visitors hold your baby but not 100% necessary until you get home.
  • Nursing/Carseat cover: Got mine from Copper Pearl. Unfortunately can’t link, but they are so cute! We didn’t use this in the hospital, but I’ve used it whenever we go anywhere to cover carseat and to feed in public.
  • Laptop and charger: For shows, work, journaling, etc. If anything, this would be good for hubby. I was too busy either with baby or sleeping to use the laptop. Austin did get a little bored though, so this would be helpful!
  • Headphones: Great for blocking out noise or when trying to rest. I didn’t use these because I would have had to constantly take them out with the nurses coming in and out and needed to hear baby cry once she was born. Austin didn’t use them either because he needed to hear when I called his name! Haha! šŸ˜‰
  • Sleeping mask and earbuds: Grabbed this set off Amazon. Life changer when trying to sleep, especially in a busy hospital. Definitely used this eye mask every time I went to sleep. Super helpful for quickly falling back to sleep between nurses coming in and out and between feedings once baby was born.
  • Extra bag: We will probably throw an extra tote in the car for everything that the hospital gives us. We ended up leaving our extra tote in the car, but we shoved everything from the hospital in our other bags;). We didn’t have an overwhelming amount from the hospital to bring back, but I asked the nurses for some extra ice packs and mesh undies before we left.
  • Insurance Card/ID: Can’t forget these and your hospital registration forms if required. I did my registration online, so I didn’t need to bring my paperwork with me. I don’t think they asked for my insurance card either, but I always keep that in my wallet just in case!
  • Envelop for baby birth certificate: I just threw a couple regular big white envelops for the important documents. You don’t get your birth certificate in the hospital (newbie here!) BUT we got a lot of papers and important info that we needed to keep in a safe place. The hospital gave us a folder with some forms, but it was helpful to have an extra envelope or two!
  • Fan: Austin and I both can’t sleep without a fan now. Even though we probably won’t be sleeping in the hospital, it will be good to have air and noise! Austin used this fan by him at night and it definitely helped both of us sleep!
Click the images below to shop.

Baby:

  • Onesies: I threw in 2 white onesies for the basics. The hospital puts baby in long sleep tees, so we didn’t use our onesies, but good to have one!
  • Going home outfit: I will share the exact outfits we got after she’s born, since we got them monogrammed and aren’t sharing her name yet. If you are local, we got our monogrammed night gown and hat from Baby Braithwaite, which she wore when we went home. They have also been great for sleeping. The nightgown also buttons into pants.
  • Bow/headband and gown: I threw in this adorable Posh Peanut gown and headband (can’t link this unfortunately). This is what we used for her announcement pictures, and it was so cute! The headband we got is a little big for a newborn, but it worked for pictures:).
  • Swaddle Blanket: The hospital will provide swaddles, but I wanted to throw in this blanket because it was too cute. (Unfortunately, can’t link this exact blanket either, but linked a similar option). We swaddled her in this a couple times, but the nurses mostly used their blankets to swaddle her.
  • Blanket– We got a precious monogram blanket that we want to bring for pictures when she’s born. My mom got a precious white and pink monogram blanket off of Etsy, and we used it for the photography pictures.
  • Car Seat: We went with the Uppa Baby Mesa Carseat. We have loved this carseat so far!
  • Baby Canvas for footprints: Such a cute gift from a friend and can’t wait to stamp baby girl’s foot. We didn’t have a chance to do this in the hospital, but we finally did it when she was two weeks at home! The hospital also stamps her feet on paper when she’s born.
  • Paciā€™s– I tossed in a couple of the Avent brand for the hospital. We have other options at home too. I quickly learned that people have different opinions on using a paci that early with newborns. Our lactation consultant advised not using one until about one month if you want to exclusively breastfeed. The nurse said it didn’t matter, and they asked us if we wanted them to use the paci when she got fussy in the nursery (if she wasn’t hungry). They provide paci’s (usually Soothies) and used them when needed. She hasn’t had any problems with nipple confusion, and we still use paci’s (soothies/wubbanubs and Mam brand so far) at home. All that to say, the hospitals provide paci’s, but if you have a preference, I recommend bringing your own too.
  • Socks: Baby socks for the little toes, of course! A couple pairs are good to have for baby!
  • Mittens: Some hospitals may not let you use these on babies and some say it’s fine. Mostly for preventing scratches on baby’s face from their own finger nails. We brought these but didn’t use them. Haven’t used them at home yet but some of her onesies have the sleeves that fold over into mittens and that has helped her not scratch her face.
Click the images below to shop.
Baby Blanket: Etsy
Monogram Hat & Gown: Baby Braithwaite

Daddy:

  • Air Mattress: We were planning to bring this but after our hospital tour last night, we confirmed that they do have a couch and not much room for air mattress, so we will leave this at home. (Ask your hospital just in case).
  • Sheets: Hospital provides these, so we will also leave these at home.
  • Blanket: For husband to sleep. More comfortable to have your own. Linked Barefoot Dreams blanket, but may throw an older one in too just in case. This was great for Austin to have to sleep more comfortably. I didn’t use a blanket from home because I didn’t want it to get messed up with everything going on if ya know what I mean ;)!
  • Pillow: For husband to sleep. YES!
  • Athletic Shorts x 2-3: I’m sure this will be all Austin will wear in the hospital. This was true. Maybe more in case you stay longer like we did.
  • Sweat Pants x 2: In case he gets cold and for lounging around. Also told to bring a sweatshirt. You never know how cold the rooms will be. Austin did end up wearing sweatpants.
  • T-shirts x 3-4 (day time and sleeping): For Austin to wear during day and night. He wished he would have brought a few more since we stayed longer, than we thought. I recommend throwing in one or two extras in case.
  • Toiletries: He will share shower stuff with me, but will bring his own personal toiletries.
  • Slippers: For comfort in hospital room. He used these the whole time.
  • Shoes: He will probably bring a pair of flip flops and tennis shoes. He brought tennis shoes to go home.
  • 10 ft charger: This will be so helpful for us each to have our own. This was a must for him too to reach to his bed.
Baby

Ansley’s Birth Story

Our sweet babyā€™s due date (or ā€œguess dateā€ rather) was September 18th, 2019. From the very beginning of my pregnancy, I just had this feeling she would be late. I started to lay out items for my hospital bag a couple weeks before, just in case she decided to come early. Once I hit about 39 weeks, we figured it was time to actually put everything in our bags and have it pretty much ready to go. 

Just waiting on baby girl to make her appearance.

At this point at each doctorā€™s visit, I still wasnā€™t dilated which wasnā€™t a huge surprise to me because I felt 100% normal (other than constant back ache that I had the whole second half of my pregnancy). After making it to 40 weeks, Austin and I went in for my doctorā€™s visit, and they did an ultrasound and cervix check. The ultrasound showed everything was looking great. The tech laughed when she saw the full head of babyā€™s hair on the ultrasound screen. After the ultrasound, we went back to see the doctor for a cervix check and were also hoping for a membrane sweep to speed things up (she wasnā€™t able to do this at 39 weeks because I wasnā€™t dilated). Unfortunately, at this 40 week visit, I still wasnā€™t dilated, so once again she wasnā€™t able to do the sweep.

Soaking up these last few days with baby in my belly.

At this point, she suggested we go ahead and schedule an appointment to come back in the follow Monday morning, September 23rd (It was Tuesday, the 17th and my due date was the next day on Wednesday, the 18th) to do another cervical check and a stress test. If I still wasnā€™t dilated, then we would be checked into the hospital that night to start the induction process.

Heading out for my birthday dinner the night before we got induced.
Last family photo of 3 (Millie counts of course!)
(September 22nd)

Sunday, the day before we would go into the doctor, was my birthday. Austin and I went to dinner to celebrate our last night of just the two of us and when I got home I started to get a headache, which quickly turned into a migraine the next morning. We woke up to head to the doctor that morning, and sure enough, I still wasnā€™t dilated. So, after my appointment, Austin and I went home to finish up a few last minute things and then headed to the hospital to start the induction process that night.

Pit stop at my parent’s bc the hospital called us on the way to tell us to come in at 7:00pm instead of 5:30pm, but we had already left the house:).

We checked into the hospital and started Cervadil which was meant to soften and prep my cervix overnight. Contractions started not long after (luckily, I couldnā€™t feel them at this point). We tried to rest as much as possible that night, although the nurses came in so many times to check the monitor on my belly. The next morning, they removed the Cervadil, and I was only 0.5cm dilated. I had about an hour to shower and eat a light breakfast before they started Pitocin (to officially start induction). 

The Pitocin IV was started around 7:10am on Tuesday, the 24th. About 8:45am, my doctor (who luckily was the doctor on call, praise God!) came in to check my cervix again. She said I was about 1cm and went ahead and ā€œstripped my membranesā€ to speed things up. She said my water would probably break on its own soon. Sure enough at about 11:15am, my water broke! This is when the contractions really started to speed up (I hadnā€™t really felt any up to this point). 

After a little while, the nurse asked if I wanted to go ahead and get the epidural. It seemed a bit early and although the contractions were painful, I didnā€™t think they were that unbearable yet. However, I didnā€™t want to risk it being too late if things continued to speed up. So, she went ahead and called the anesthesiologist. About 12:45pm I got the epidural. (Side note: I was only allowed to have fluids and Italian ice while on Pitocin, and only ice chips with the epidural. Another reason I wanted to wait before getting it). At this point, I was of course confined to the bed, since I was numb below the waist.

Tired eyes while baby girl takes her sweet time!

About 2:30pm, I was only 2cm. The Pitocin had been on the highest level (24). I was getting a bit discouraged because my body wasnā€™t naturally picking up on this whole laboring process. The doctor decided to turn off the Pitocin at about 3:50pm to give my body a break and see if things would regulate on their own. It was off for about 20 minutes until they turned it back on. At 6:15pm I was still only 3.5cm. At this point, I was getting super nervous that things just werenā€™t going to happen on their own. I really wanted to have a vaginal birth and had a fear of having a c-section, since my water had been broken for a little while already, and my body didn’t seem to be naturally progressing.Ā 

My migraine had still not subsided and the doctors were giving me as many meds to help as possible, and it just wasnā€™t going away. At 8:10pm, the nurse took my temperature and I was running a fever of 101.4, which obviously is not good when you are having a baby. We werenā€™t sure if it was from the migraine or just all the stress on my body. At 9:10pm, it had gone down to 100.5 and then about 9:40pm, the doctor checked me and I had jumped up to 7-8cm! That was such a relief to hear, since I wasnā€™t progressing much at all earlier in the day. My doctor later told me that she was really glad she stopped the Pitocin for a bit to let my body work its magic.

A bit earlier, I had noticed that my left side was starting to gain back feeling and my right side was number than the left. A new anesthesiologist came in and decided to ā€œre-adjustā€ my epidural, since he thought it may have veered to the right, causing my right side to be number than the left. Sadly, that didnā€™t really work.

About 10:30pm, I began to have really bad contractions on the left side in my lower back and front side. The epidural wasnā€™t covering this pain, and I knew I was getting closer to delivery. At 10:55pm, the nurse checked me and I was 9cm. At this point, the nurse was calling the anesthesiologist again to try to figure out why I was still having feeling on my left side. I continued to ā€œpush the buttonā€ to increase the medicine. 

Finally, the pain started to subside just in time! I could still feel some contractions, except this time I felt a little bit of that pressure that everyone told me aboutā€¦ you know, that ā€œitā€™s time to pushā€ pressure! I wasnā€™t sure if it was the real thing or not, but I told Austin he should get the nurse in case this baby came flying out on the next contraction lol!

Luckily, she walked in, told me to get into position, and I said ā€œwhat are we doing?ā€ She said, ā€œPushing!ā€ I knew I was close but not that close! It was go time! I freaked out for a second and said, ā€œAhh, Iā€™m not ready!ā€ Haha, well ready or not, baby was on her way!

After an hour and half of pushing (I know it seems like an eternity, but it went by super fast), my precious baby girl was born at 1:27am on Wednesday, September 25thĀ and placed on my chest. The best feeling ever! I was able to have skin to skin time, and Austin cut the cord.

We were able to lay there, dozing off, while the nurses cleaned and weighed baby Ansley. It wasnā€™t until about 5am that we switched rooms and headed to the post-partum recovery room. At that point, we had been awake for 24 hours. The nurses took baby girl, and we were able to sleep for about 2 hours. 

Since I had a fever at birth, the nurses required us to stay 48 hours after delivery to monitor Ansley to make sure she wasnā€™t affected at all. Praise Jesus she was all good! During the 2 nights in recovery, the nurses were able to take baby Ansley during the night, so we could sleep and would bring her back every 3 hours, so I could breastfeed. This was such a good idea, since we hadnā€™t slept in so long.

We were finally discharged Friday morning (got there Monday night). Although, we were there for a long time, it honestly flew by so fast. I knew I was going to be so sad to leave to hospital. Not only because the nurses were so helpful, but because I knew I was never going to get those precious moments back. 

Although labor and delivery were long, I wish I could have paused time in that room to soak it all up just a bit longer. I feel so blessed to have had a smooth pregnancy and delivery. I read so many stories and asked all my mama friends about their experiences which was so fun for me to hear, but honestly, I was still a bit terrified going into labor and delivery. Of course, everyoneā€™s stories are different, but I wanted to share mine as a positive hope for anyone that may be nervous going into delivery. It is such a beautiful time and the pain (big or small) is all to bring your new human into the world! The emotions you experience as you prepare to go from just husband and wife to bringing your baby into the world is the most incredible thing Iā€™ve ever experienced, and I would do it all 100 times over again. Iā€™m still overwhelmed at how the Lord heard my prayers and delivered them in those moments. Each tiny thing I prayed for was answered, and I truly felt the presence of the Lord protecting our little family every step of the way.

Ansley Mae Harris
Born on 9/25/19 at 1:27am
7lb 4oz | 20in long
Shop

The Most Necessary Accessory: A Watch by JORD

Enter to win $100 off a JORD watch here: https://www.woodwatches.com/g/watsonansley

If you know me, you know I love some great accessories to perk up my outfits! Iā€™ve been in need of a new watch, so I was thrilled when Jord (pronounced Yode) reached out to me to partner. With menā€™s, womenā€™s, and uni-sex styles, you are bound to find a style you love. Austin is already trying to steal my watch! šŸ˜‰

One thing that is super unique about their styles is that they are a mix of natural and largely re-claimed materials (how cool is that?). Also, the fact that they are based in St. Louis ;), which is where I grew up (shout out to STL!).

No matter your wrist size, each watch is made to fit your exact wrist. I love that it also comes with extra links if further adjusting is needed.

Another special perk is that most Jord watch backplates and all Cedar humidor presentation boxes can be engraved! You know I am obsessed with all things engravable! Perfect for a personalized gift, too! On top of that, most Jord watches have the option to mix and match faces and woods. Hello versatility!

Compared to other watches Iā€™ve seen and purchased; the detailed wood in their watches stands out in terms of quality + craftmanship + style. It is unlike any watch I have ever owned, and I love that this style goes with so many of my outfits, both dressy and casual.

Iā€™ve partnered with Jord to gift one of you, male and female, a $100 off any watch in their collection. All you need to do is click the link here to enter! All other entrants will also be emailed a consolation 10% off gift code. 

*Extra Perks*
– Every watch comes with a one-year warranty and options for return & exchange
– Free worldwide standard shipping!

www.jordwatches.com/g/watsonansley


Mens Wooden Watches
Baby

Hospital Bag

As I am writing this post, I can’t help but get emotional thinking that in a week or two we will be bringing home our baby girl. Our lives are about to be changed forever, for the better! I love sitting in her nursery that is so calm, sweet, and quiet (for now, haha), while I’ll dream of what’s to come for our family.

I’ve been reading a lot and asking friends what they thought was most important to bring in their hospital bags. Most have said very similar items, and I’ve also been told that the hospital provides just about everything you would need. Personally, I feel most comfortable with my own stuff. So, I was sure to include those items, while at the same time, trying not to over pack too much. Girl’s gotta have options, amirite? šŸ˜‰

I started by laying out items that I wasn’t currently using a few weeks ago. Then, I decided to purchase duplicates of a few small items that I was still using (toiletries, etc), in case we need to rush out the door, so I don’t forget anything. I finally got everything in a bag, ready to go for whenever little one decides it is time!

*(Below I’ve listed out the items that I’ve packed and linked everything in the pictures for you to directly shop)*

For Mom:

Clothing:

  • Robe– Love this one from Pink Blush Maternity. Decided to go with black to keep me fully covered.
  • Night Gown– Can’t rave about this brand enough! Functional buttons and the softest material I’ve ever slept in.
  • Underwear– Whatever you prefer. I know the hospital provides mesh undies as well!
  • Nursing Tanks– Grabbed both the Auden brand (from Target) and a few from A Pea in a Pod (which I think are even softer and roomier).
  • Nursing Bras– Got both regular and sports bra to have options. Auden brand from Target
  • Socks-Linked some grippy socks, which I’ve heard are great for the hospital.
  • Slippers– Linking both a pair from Amazon and Ugg slippers that have good soles for walking inside the hospital and outside.
  • Maternity Yoga Pants– I’ve been wearing these my entire pregnancy and definitely will afterwards. You can fold over or wear over a bump. Will be a good option for after delivery. From Pink Blush Maternity.
  • PJ shorts and PJ shirt– Love that these are functional buttons and super soft. Also, linked another favorite pair of PJ shorts. All from Target.
  • Joggers– I threw in some joggers that I had from Old Navy to wear either at the hospital or when we leave.
  • Oversized nursing friendly tops– I’ve added a few options here (both long and short sleeve) button downs.
  • Shower Shoes– Any flip flops will do, but I love these from Target. Great for the pool too!
  • Nursing Pads– Haven’t used these yet, but my sister raves about both options that I’ve linked. Great for post-partum leaking.
  • Going home shoes– Any that your prefer. I will probably throw in my Tory Burch Flats and some tennis shoes.
  • Getaway Expandable Tote Bag – Click here to shop my Getaway bag. My pattern is sadly sold out, but I’ve linked a similar option.
Click the images below to shop.
Click the images below to shop.

Toiletries:

  • Make up– I plan to just bring my regular make up bag.
  • Make up wipes– I love these Neutrogena make up removers.
  • Dry Shampoo– Grabbed this Bastiste Dry Shampoo to bring because nothing drives me more insane than greasy hair!
  • Shower Toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner, face wash, body wash, lotion. Travel size would be ideal.
  • Tooth Brush and toothpaste– Obviously whatever you prefer. Travel size toothpaste would be ideal.
  • Towel and wash cloth: I’ve linked a dark set to hide any post birth fluids (so pleasant, I know, but the truth!). I know the hospital has these, but I prefer to have my own.
  • Towel wrap: I also threw in a velcro towel wrap just in case. The easier the better after birth!
  • Brush– Whatever brush you prefer. I bought an extra one to throw in my bag ahead of time, so I didn’t forget it.
  • Lip Balm: I am obsessed with this Aquafor Lip Balm. Super healing and goes on looking like a light gloss too:)
  • Depends: I know most people choose to use the mesh undies and pads the hospital provides (which I may also do), but I’ve heard these are also a good option to have, especially at night time.
  • Nipple Cream: Obviously haven’t used this yet, but I know it will be so helpful for breastfeeding.
  • Perineal Spray: If I delivery vaginally (which is the plan), I have heard this spray is so helpful and comforting for healing after birth.
  • Cardigan: Click here to shop my cardigan shown in the pic below. Threw this in my bag in case I am cold.
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Misc:

  • Snacks: Trail mix, bars, beef jerky (for hubs), other easy grab-n-go snacks.
  • 10 ft phone charger: Grabbed this 3 pack off of Amazon. Always good to have back ups.
  • Pillows: We are both bringing our own pillows.
  • Boppy and cover: This will be great for holding baby and learning to nurse in the hospital.
  • Nursing/Carseat cover: Got mine from Copper Pearl. Unfortunately can’t link, but they are so cute!
  • Laptop and charger: For shows, work, journaling, etc.
  • Headphones: Great for blocking out noise or when trying to rest.
  • Sleeping mask and earbuds: Grabbed this set off Amazon. Life changer when trying to sleep, especially in a busy hospital.
  • Extra bag: We will probably throw an extra tote in the car for everything that the hospital gives us.
  • Insurance Card/ID: Can’t forget these and your hospital registration forms if required.
  • Envelop for baby birth certificate: I just threw a couple regular big white envelops for the important documents.
  • Fan: Austin and I both can’t sleep without a fan now. Even though we probably won’t be sleeping in the hospital, it will be good to have air and noise!
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Baby:

  • Onesies: I threw in 2 white onesies for the basics.
  • Going home outfit: I will share the exact outfits we got after she’s born, since we got them monogrammed and aren’t sharing her name yet.
  • Bow/headband and gown: I threw in this adorable Posh Peanut gown and headband (can’t link this unfortunately).
  • Swaddle Blanket: The hospital will provides swaddles, but I wanted to throw in this blanket because it was too cute. (Unfortunately, can’t link this exact blanket either, but linked a similar option).
  • Blanket– We got a precious monogram blanket that we want to bring for pictures when she’s born.
  • Car Seat: We went with the Uppa Baby Mesa Carseat.
  • Baby Canvas for footprints: Such a cute gift from a friend and can’t wait to stamp baby girl’s foot.
  • Paciā€™s– I tossed in a couple of the Avent brand for the hospital. We have other options at home too.
  • Socks: Baby socks for the little toes, of course!
  • Mittens: Some hospitals may not let you use these on babies and some say it’s fine. Mostly for preventing scratches on baby’s face from their own finger nails.
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Daddy:

  • Air Mattress: We were planning to bring this but after our hospital tour last night, we confirmed that they do have a couch and not much room for air mattress, so we will leave this at home. (Ask your hospital just in case).
  • Sheets: Hospital provides these, so we will also leave these at home.
  • Blanket: For husband to sleep. More comfortable to have your own. Linked Barefoot Dreams blanket, but may throw an older one in too just in case.
  • Pillow: For husband to sleep.
  • Athletic Shorts x 2-3: I’m sure this will be all Austin will wear in the hospital.
  • Sweat Pants x 2: In case he gets cold and for lounging around. Also told to bring a sweatshirt. You never know how cold the rooms will be.
  • T-shirts x 3-4 (day time and sleeping): For Austin to wear during day and night.
  • Toiletries: He will share shower stuff with me, but will bring his own personal toiletries.
  • Slippers: For comfort in hospital room.
  • Shoes: He will probably bring a pair of flip flops and tennis shoes.
  • 10 ft charger: This will be so helpful for us each to have our own.
For the Home

Living Room Decor

In May of 2018, Austin and I bought out first home. We were blessed be to able to build and design it the way we wanted (for the most part), since the whole neighborhood was new construction. What a fun process! Although, I have never had any experience designing or building anything, it was such a fun learning process. Thank goodness for Pinterest!

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The Design

Our ā€œthemeā€ for the house was ā€œModern/Farmhouseā€ style. Lots of whites, greys with some rustic wood hints. We knew over time we wanted to purchase new furniture and decor to make the house flow with our theme. My first priority was the living room space, since that is where we (and our guests) spend most of our time. After living with some old furniture for a little while, we decided to finally purchase a new couch and love seat (Ashley Furniture: most pillows shown came with the couch and loveseat), so that Austin and I had more space to lounge while watching our nightly shows ;). With the back door to the left of the ottomans, it didnā€™t make much sense for us to keep a big chair in that space like we had before, since it blocked the door way. So, I grabbed these cute little ottomans from Target that also have storage space underneath.

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With the couch in place against the wall, we decided to do a little picture collage above it. Keeping it in line with our theme, I grabbed each of these frames and the ā€œHelloā€ sign from Hobby Lobby. They have the best frames and wall decor for such great prices. Hard to pass up! I had seen this pouf over and over and just needed to have it. My original plan was to put it in the babyā€™s nursery, but for now, we have kept it down stairs and it seems to work perfectly in the living room.

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Our whole living room, dining room, kitchen space is one big open concept, so it took me a little bit of time to decide how I wanted to space everything out. The black shelves behind the kitchen table seemed to be a great addition to our extremely long wall (Crate and Barrel) and also helped tie in some darker tones in such a light space.

This is just a quick peak into our living room space. Over time we would love to add a new coffee table or circular ottoman in the center and even get a new living room rug. One thing at a time, right? 
To shop these items, click the images underneath each picture or message me for direct links to any items not linked. Hope you enjoy:).

Shop

Pink Blush Maternity

baby shower | 31 weeks pregnant

While I have definitely worn a lot of non-maternity clothes while pregnant, I have also loved rockin’ maternity styles with my bump. No more old school frumpy maternity clothes y’all! I’ve always been a boutique lover, and Pink Blush has been my go-to since being pregnant. Their styles are so on trend and also extremely comfortable, especially with a growing bump. Be sure to check back weekly for new website discounts too! They always have good deals to offer!

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All dresses 30% off with code OMG30

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Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

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Baby

Gender Reveal

Before I got pregnant, I always thought whenever I did get pregnant, I would definitely want to find out everything I could know about the baby as soon as possible. Nowadays, there are so many different tests offered. We were asked if we wanted to do so many different ones at our first appointment, it was so overwhelming. My first thought was that we would definitely do the early blood test to find out the gender. Come to find out, that was offered as early as 10 weeks (which seemed super early to me), and that test was also combined with the chromosomal, genetic, and down syndrome tests. Austin and I went home to think about everything. Did we really want to know all of that? Maybe we wanted to know the gender, because we were antsy and inpatient, but the other test results wouldnā€™t necessarily do anything for us except cause us to worry the rest of our pregnancy if something was wrong. We decided to forgo the 10-week blood tests. The next appointment, I was told we could find out the gender at 16 weeks through a gender ultrasound scan. There was a separate cost for it, and we may or may not be able to see the results from that scan. At that point, I was so ready to know what we were having and waiting another 4 weeks for the anatomy scan seemed like forever! However, I didnā€™t want to pay for a scan not knowing if they would 100% be able to give us the official gender results.

I went home again, looked at the calendar, thought a little bit. We knew we wanted to have a gender reveal party, so we decided after going back and forth trying to coordinate with familyā€™s schedules, it just made more sense to wait until 20 weeks to officially find out the gender. We planned a little party for Saturday, May 4th (assuming I could get an anatomy scan appointment sometime earlier that week). Sure enough, Austin and I went in on Monday, April 29th for our anatomy scan. It was so exciting to finally see how much our baby had grown since our last ultrasound at 10 weeks. We got to see the 4 chambers of the heart, little fingers, the head, a precious little nose, a cute tummy and more. Then the ultrasound tech turned the screen to find out the gender, so we wouldnā€™t see. She put the results in an envelope saying ā€œgender surpriseā€ which I had to later hand off to my sister, and Austin and I went about our day anxiously waiting for Saturday to arrive. 

My younger sister and mom had offered to help plan our gender reveal, which I was super thankful. (However, it was at my house and the OCD, control freak in me had to do some shopping, cleaning, and prepping of my own.) A few weeks before the party, I ordered a set of blue and pink confetti and powder canons for the actual reveal. We decided to do everything pink and blue, so I ordered pink and blue cupcakes, donuts, a banner, and lots of decor! We couldnā€™t have a brunch party without a mimosa bar, duh! (and kiddy champagne for the pregnant lady). We also had tons of food from fruit, veggies, a chik-fil-a platter, cinnamon rolls, pimento cheese sandwiches, chicken salad sandwiches, and more! Everything was set up and ready by 10:59am, just in time for the first person to walk in right at 11:00am!

Just for fun, I had my guests bring diapers to guess ā€œboyā€ and wipes to guess ā€œgirlā€. Everyone started strollinā€™ in between 11:00 and 11:30 with their guesses which was so fun to see. I loved having my family and a few close friends in my home mingling, enjoying yummy food, and getting to know each other. I had to stop myself to just look around and see all these sweet people in my life who cared enough about Austin, our future baby and me to be celebrating this special day with us. 

Around 12:00pm, we had everyone make their way outside, so we could finally do the reveal! I was SO nervous and excited, my heart was beating out of my chest! My sister grabbed the correct color canons and handed them to us on the top of the hill with all of our loved ones circled around. The countdown beganā€¦3ā€¦2ā€¦1ā€¦.POP! ITā€™S A GIRL!!!

That moment was up there in best moments of my life! I was and still am so excited and grinning ear to ear. Something in me knew it was a girl the whole time, but Austin and I both had to prepare our minds for a boy too in case our gut feeling was wrong. (All in all, we would not have cared either way about the gender, as we have just prayed for a healthy baby). But everything I had pictured in my head up to that point was all girlie things. Now I get to make those visions a reality! 

We walked back inside and my sister had already lit candles on a huge decorated pink cake and had a banner for us that said ā€œITā€™S A GIRL!ā€. (She really pulled this whole thing off!). I was on a high the rest of the party and whole weekend (I actually still feel like Iā€™m dreaming). It felt like my wedding day, it was that special! 

Austin and I are so incredibly thankful for everyone who came to celebrate our future baby girlā€™s life and couldnā€™t have done it without the help of our families and friends! We cannot wait to meet our sweet princess!

Xoxo, Watson

Travel

Travel Essentials

One thing that I have always loved is traveling. I started at such a young age with my family and have continued with Austin, since we got married. However, the one thing I have always dreaded is the packing part! Don’t get me wrong, I am one of those crazy OCD, color-coordinated, planner types, yet I still get stressed out thinking about having to pack. With as much as we travel, I figured I would share a few items and tips that have worked well for me after all these years. Whether we are going on a weekend road trip or heading to another country for a week, these are a few things that have helped ease the process, and I hope you benefit from it as well.

Plan & Prep: The first thing I typically do when beginning the packing process is figure out what our schedule will be during our trip. Depending on the length of the trip, I may or may not actually write down the schedule. This way I have a visual or mental picture of what all I will need. From there, I usually start jotting down notes on my phone of what I will need to pack. Once I have a decent list, I actually start laying out outfits for each day based on what we will be doing (and a few extras to have options, of course!). I literally think through every day like I would be getting dressed at home, including under garments, jewelry, hair tools, make up, perfume, etc.

Organizing Your Suitcase: Once I feel like I have mostly everything prepared, I will begin adding it to my suitcase. This past Christmas, I got this gorgeous new white Luggage Set which has so many compartments and removable pouches that you can use for underwear, socks, hats, or even dirty clothes on the way home. Although my luggage came with tons of packing pouches, I also got these Packing Cubes to use inside of my suitcase. These are a game changer for me! I literally roll up every pieces of clothing (by category) and feel like I fit so much more into my suitcase AND in an organized fashion.

Toiletries and Jewelry: When it comes to organizing my jewelry, I will lay out the pieces that I plan to wear with each outfit before I put my outfits in the suitcase. I usually throw a few extra accessories in just in case. For shorter trips, I typically will use my Jewelry Box to organize my jewelry. This works SO well to keep each piece separated, layered, and prevent tangling thanks to all of the small compartments inside. This can definitely be used for longer trips as well, but if I end up packing a lot of accessories, then I will use my Toiletry Hanging Bag. This bag contains a few different size zipper pouches for whatever size items you need to pack. My favorite is the big pouch at the bottom for all my statements necklaces or bulky items. This is also a perfect toiletry bag. The best part is it hangs, so once you are to your destination, just hang it in the bathroom and you won’t take up counter space during your trip! The last and most recent purchase for my trips was this amazing Beauty Train Case. This is even bigger and better in person than shown online. I have used this for bigger items like shampoo, conditioner, face wash, dry shampoo, and hair spray. The separating piece in the middle helps keep you organized as well as the many zipper pockets in the inside for smaller items. This is a must! (I’ve linked a few more of my favorite go-to travel toiletries below as well.)

For your trips: There are always a few items that I typically bring no matter where I am traveling. The first one is my Engravable Getaway Bag! No joke when I say this is my most used and probably best bag I’ve ever owned. (I have it in at least 3 patterns). The best part about this bag is the versatility. Raise your hand if you always come back home from trips with more stuff? Happens every time! This bag actually expands for that purpose. It fits under the airplane seat or in the overhead and can be tossed right over your suitcase while rolling through the airport. It also works perfect as a beach bag or tote during your trip, so you don’t have to pack an extra bag. The second must-have essential in my suitcase is my Steamer. Nothing’s worse than finding your clothes super wrinkly when you arrive at your destination. This steamer has been a life saver for my trips. It is super light-weight, making it easy to throw into your suitcase, and takes less than a minute to heat up to steam your dress before dinner. Another favorite that I can’t travel (or live) without are my Tory Burch Miller Sandals. Believe me when I say, WORTH THE MONEY! I have worn these so much. They are super comfortable for walking through the airport, walking around town, and even on the beach. They also are adorable and can be dressed up for a nice dinner. Even when I pack other sandals, I usually end up wearing my Tory’s the whole trip anyways.

Hopefully a few of these tips and favorites help ease your stress when it comes time for your next trip, whether it is near or far, so that you can enjoy every moment of your adventure!

xoxo, Watson

Baby

Baby Registry Recommendations

Many of you know that Austin and I are expecting our first little one in September. Up until a few weeks ago, I honestly hadn’t thought about the registry AT ALL! Really, it just didn’t seem all real that we were actually going to have a baby. As I have gotten further along in my pregnancy, and talked with a few family members (my sister and sis-in-law are also both pregnant), the planner in me started to kick in! I wanted to start registering and looking at options, but I had absolutely no idea where to begin. Has anyone else ever felt like you have so much to do, yet you have no clue where to start, so you just keep putting it off? Haha, yup, that’s how I felt in that moment. ABSOLUTELY CLUELESS!

Luckily, I knew a handful of people who either have had babies or are currently expecting. So, I decided why not just post a few questions on my instagram to see what YOU all love for you and your little ones. Man, did y’all come through. Life savers! That was probably the most responses I have ever received. So, I started googling and researching those items that you all recommended. The next weekend, Austin and I went to a few places to actually look, touch, feel, push around (strollers), etc.

Receiving those recommendations for you all, doing my own research, asking around, and then going to the stores to actually see for myself was a HUGE help! I felt so much better and way less overwhelmed. I felt like I actually had a plan and knew what I was looking for instead of stressfully and aimlessly staring at baby stuff that I didn’t know how to use.

Of course, I am by no means any sort of expert, but I want to share a few of the items that you all were loving and that have helped me so much in this process so far! More to come as this journey continues, but you can check out some of my favorites below so far:).

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