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What’s in my hospital bag?

November 20, 2017

I was told to have my hospital bags ready come week 34 just in case considering my 22 week scare when bubba tried to make a very pre-mature entrance. So one Friday night while having contractions at home at 34 weeks to the day… I decided it was probably a good idea to go ahead and get my bags packed so I felt at ease. You know, my planner’s mind needed some peace of mind that things were good to go in case this baby decides to come early. Come 37 weeks now, though, it is standard to have your bags packed regardless. So today I am sharing my hospital bag with you!

I started packing, following different templates that I could find from Pinterest, but there were so many that seemed over-packed, others I felt were seriously lacking some of the basic necessities for mama. This is my packing list, what we were told to bring from close friends/what I felt I needed to make the hospital as comfortable of a stay as possible. Let’s be real, it’s not the most comfortable place to be stuck in… ok ok, it gives me the heeby jeebies. So I was very intentional in packing things that I know would make me feel good (cute pajamas, new slippers, my best hair and make-up products…) Judge away, but it’s what makes me feel comfy.

My Hospital Bag

For Mama

1-2 birthing robes (you don’t want to wear the hospital gowns… you just don’t)
2-3 different pairs of nursing-friendly jammies/nighties for after labor (I bought a few new pairs I know will make me feel good and confident as our family comes in to visit)
2-3 nursing bras
Favorite shampoo, conditioner, body wash (splurge… evidently, this will be the best shower of your life)
Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash (mouthwash for during labor- your mouth will dry out)
Hair brush & pony tail holders
Styling tools for later (I know I will want to do my hair and feel put together)
Make-up, make-up remover, face wash
Always Discreet Panties (Yes, adult diapers… better than massive pads for postpartum)
Bikini top for laboring in the shower (if you don’t wanna be completely exposed)
Slippers
Cozy socks
Cardigan or nursing-friendly jacket
Going home outfit (bring a couple options- you have no clue how you’re going to feel)
Nursing pads, nipple creams, etc.
Essential oils for labor/ post-labor: Peppermint (nausea), Clary Sage (induces/continues labor), Lavender (relaxation)
Milk Snob nursing cover

For Baby

Newborn diapers
Baby wash- request the hospital use yours for first baath if you care
3-5 swaddles
3-5 onesies
Hats
Mittens
Socks
Security blanket
Small lovey
Take home outfit (check the weather frequently before labor to ensure you have something fitting)

Other (these can be in dad’s bag OR separate packing bag)

X-box (For movies/Sling Account- this can be part of dad’s packing list)
Movies for X-box (long nights ahead at the hospital- pick your go-to movies)
Snacks, breakfast foods, drinks
Water jug
Bath towels
Blankets (one for you and dad)
Pillows (one for you and dad)
Laptop, charger
Phone & phone charger
Aux cable (to connect playlist to speakers if your hospital room has this)Photos by Cottonwood Road Photography for The Cake by Hannah

Clear Birth Plan & D-Day Checklists

November 8, 2017

I am a planner… I feel like we have established that fact in our Cake relationship at this point.

But, in case you’re new around here… I am a big time planner. Like, write it ten times in different ways on different mediums just to feel better prepared for whatever is coming or happening type of planner.

So as we wait for baby -ONE MONTH TO OUR DUE DATE- I have had to really let go of control considering the fact you can’t really say to your kid, “Alright, come this day at this time so I can have everything ready, I feel prepared both emotionally and physically, and it’s just gonna be a hunkydory day.” Well, I suppose a scheduled C-section you can sort of have that… but even still- you never know! Something my midwife advised us to do was write out a birth plan. This not only helps you see on paper what you want from early labor from home all the way through postpartum, but it is an easy way to inform your nursing staff at the hospital of exactly what you want on D-Day. It will minimize questions, confusion, unwanted medications or action, and will keep you focused on what matters- bringing that baby here.

I wrote out my birth plan with help from a friend who had an identical birth to my dream plan. She said her husband literally just handed it to the nurses when they arrived at the hospital.

I also created check-lists that are hanging with my birth plan on the fridge for Paul when I go into labor. From what to make sure is in the car, who to contact, to “is the spare key ready for our friends who are set to come take care of Presley” and “lock the front and back doors.” I thought through everything he will be needing to do to hopefully help make those moments a little more at ease and less frantic. It will also give me the freedom to labor and stay calm rather than answering questions and running around like a mad woman trying to make sure everything gets done.

Easy Birth Plan Guideline for Non-medicated Birth:

Birth Plan for ______________

(A clear birth plan to give to nursing staff at hospital)

Mom:

Dad:

OB-GYN:

Baby’s Gender/Name:

Other People Allowed in Room During Labor

Name:

Relation to Mom-to-be:

Early Labor

-I plan to labor from home for as long as possible until active labor has begun. My midwife will be notified immediately once contractions/labor has begun, and I will keep in contact with her every 2 hours or less until told to leave home for hospital.

-I will be using breathing techniques and other learned natural methods of relaxation to manage labor pain.

Active Labor

-Intermittently monitored

-Up and moving during contractions (even in the scenario of required continuous monitoring)

-Have a hep-lock instead of being hooked up to continuous IV

-Vaginal exams only when necessary

-I would like to labor from the bath tub/shower if requested

**For pain management** I would like to have an unmedicated labor and birth. Any form of pain medications/epidural will be by request only.

Transition/Pushing

-I would like non-directive, instinctive pushing

-I would like to push in whatever position feels right to me and is safe for my baby

-I want to avoid an episiotomy

-I would like the baby placed on my chest immediately for skin to skin contact

-Please delay cutting the cord until it has stopped pulsating

-Your team may cut the cord unless requested otherwise by father of baby

Immediate Postpartum

-I would like the baby to remain on my chest for as long as possible- please delay any baby care that cannot be completed while baby is with me in first moments together.

-I plan on exclusively breast feeding our son

-Vitamin K, Erythromycin, and Hep B may be given to our baby at proper time

-Nobody is allowed into our room after delivery unless accompanied by my husband

-Baby will be circumcised at hospital

Thank you so much! We are so thankful for all of you, and are certain this will be an amazing experience with your team.

xoxo,

Contact Immediately When I Go Into labor:

***Here you will list out who you want spouse to contact immediately upon going into labor- keep this list short for hubby’s sake

*Be sure to make it clear ahead of time who you are okay with parents/immediate contacts informing of labor (how many people do you REALLY want to know while you are in labor that you are IN LABOR)

Friends to tell early on in labor:

***These can be people your spouse contacts or immediate family (those listed above) can contact for you

People allowed in hospital room day of delivery:

***Think through your personality and who you would REALLY want allowed in your hospital room half naked in your most vulnerable state after laboring and feeling exhausted…

Allowed to our house the first days following:

***This is totally up to you, your personality, etc. BUT think through it beforehand- you will not want to when you’re sleep deprived.

Check–list for Dad on D–Day

Is the carseat installed?
Hannah’s luggage in car
Birthing Ball in car
Pauls luggage & Dad Bag in car
Aux cable/iPhone chargers/Laptop charger
Contact list of immediate family to inform
Dog pottied/fed/in front office with food, water, and toys
Spare key for Sanfords to take of Presley
Snacks and waters packed for P + H in room
House and dishes tidied
Doors locked
Hannah’s diaper bag
Laptops
X-box for movies (movies Hannah wants will be in her luggage)
Playlists ready on Spotify/ Commercial free Spotify purchased
Pillows and blankets for P+H (regular and pregnancy)
Boppy Pillow

FAQ Coffee Chat with Paul & Me

November 6, 2017

Hey y’all!!

I am so excited about today’s post, because I am doing something I have never done before. Rather than trying to keep emailing or sending back DM’s that are restricted to a certain amount of characters, I wanted to get on video with Paul to answer some of our most asked questions. These are q’s I get emails or DM’s about a couple times a week; from asking about ministry, being a pastor’s wife, marriage in general, dating, buying a home, setting up a budget… we get these kinds of questions way more than I could have ever expected or dreamt. First off, I am blown away by how much we DO get asked these kinds of questions, and I don’t take that lightly. That you would value what we have to say about marriage, babies, budgeting, buying your first home… that is so special to me and I just want to say “thank you” for trusting us and welcoming us into your lives. Like, what? That just blows my mind. When you email me asking for prayer about situations in your life, I want you to know I pray for you. I know your stories, I care about your heartache and frustrations, and I am cheering you on.

Alright so here we go! Rather than a big long written post that you’ll skip around in and skim through, here is a much more exciting way to hear our answers to allllll the questions.

Disclaimer: We are young, don’t have all the “right” answers, and learn daily how to better our marriage, faith, and life. On that same token, I do also believe in the truth that you only have to be a couple steps ahead of someone in a similar season to be able to help and speak into their situations. For example, I have now experienced pregnancy, therefore I can help my friends who will be pregnant in the future through their pregnancy by telling them what worked for me while also encouraging them to do what feels best for them. So, without saying we know or have all the answers (because dear Lord, we do not and that’s why we have mentors!), we are answering these questions to the best of our ability and what worked/works for US.

Take what we say and custom tailor it to your own life, relationship, marriage, budget… all the things!

I combined and narrowed down a lot of your questions to be able to keep this as general and concise as possible, while still answering with practical, in-depth steps of action you can take. And, bonus, you get to know my hubby better -I am obviously a big fan of his and want you to know him better- and maybe get to know us as a couple together better. So grab yourself a cup of coffee (or glass of vino- and drink one for me please?), cozy up on your sofa, and enjoy!

xoxo- Han

Outfit Details:

Exact jacket from Landry Kate

LK Instagram: @shoplandrykate

HUGE shoutout to our favorite videographer (and dear friend), Jordan Stratton, of Stratton Creative. If you need video content for your company, wedding, event, etc… he is your guy for sure.

Incredible content, incredible turn around time.. he’s just seriously so good.

Prepping for Baby Together

November 2, 2017

The days are flying by at this point, and thank goodness for that because my body is aching and I have never felt so ready to knowingly and willingly endure pain before in my life. Like, let’s just do this. I told Paul last weekend, “What if we all anticipated Jesus’ coming like we did to get a baby out of us by 34 weeks?!” All while in the middle of trying to put pants on and breathing heavy, because lung capacity is at an all time minimal amount currently, and it really was the thought I had haha. You just can’t make these things up. I have also definitely fallen over attempting to put pants on lately, so there’s that.

Moral of the story: Pants are always optional- especially while pregnant.

(But if necessary, these from the Ingrid & Isabel line at Target… holy smokes. So good.)

As Paul and I have gotten ready for baby- the car seat, nursery, birthing classes, hospital prep, etc.- we have also prepared emotionally the best we possibly can. We have valued every minute together and said “no” to a lot lately. If we can have an evening together, which isn’t often, we take it. We’ve done the nursery together, shopped for baby items together, and done as much as we can together. This is our baby and our new life, and it’s most certainly a team effort despite the fact I am the one carrying Baby K. Life is about to change as we know it, and we get that.

I have always known and believed you only fall more in love with your spouse as you grow older together. But, I didn’t expect to love him so much more and in so many new ways as I have throughout pregnancy. Sure, I figured I would love him in a new way as a dad once K is here, but being pregnant alongside my husband has grown a deep love for him that wasn’t there before. I didn’t even know I had space for it, and it’s been incredibly sweet to experience. I can’t hug or kiss him enough.

We have started to picture life with K around. At night we read a story from The Storybook Bible out loud to get into a new routine, and we talk to K a lot. We want his name to be on our lips and part of life before he’s even here. We pray for him as though he’s already here. We sit with Presley and let her sniff my belly, hear his name, and smell all of his tiny clothes and toys. His nursery has been free range for her to explore so that she, too, is as accustomed to this new tiny human that will be taking over all of our lives as best as possible.

So, to answer the question, “How have you prepared together emotionally for a baby?”

Well, it’s looked like taking every minute together we can, knowing now is the last of our time in our marriage we will ever be like this. It’s putting our phones down more than ever and feeling the baby move and kick together. It’s taking advantage of every opportunity we can to connect and do new things together. It’s going to the grocery store together, it’s being more intentional than ever to ask good questions at the dinner table. It’s stealing kisses whenever you get to, and it’s being blubbering babies together every time we finish something new in the nursery or see a little boy out and about or on television (For real, though. I have never seen Paul cry so much before until we were parents to be).

Preparing emotionally together for baby is just as important as prepping the home for baby. You can have all the best baby items, the best stroller, the best car seat, the top-rated mattress and monitors… but if you haven’t made baby part of your routine and life before he gets here in some capacity, I truly feel it only increases the shock of the new addition. Of course, we are first time parents. Of course, we can’t speak to that with full knowledge and I won’t even try to act like I know it’s true. But, it’s helped us prep for K. It’s made us excited and feel like he’s already part of our lives without even knowing him yet.

So there’s that. We’ve been incredibly intentional with time together, and have started to do life slowly but surely as though he’s here. There’s not a ton you can do to do that, but having his stuff around the house and making him present in the home before he’s here is something you can do.

We cannot wait to meet K! It’s crazy to think how close we are. Like, insane.

xoxo- Han

Outfit Details

This top is from Pink Blush, here. I got so many compliments on this adorable but slightly edgy crushed velvet top. Collar neck + crushed velvet= 2 trends in one top WITHOUT being too extra. I love it worn with this pair of black denim from Target (They’re less than $35!!!).

My slide on mules, here, are still my go-to right now in pregnancy. They’re the bomb.

All photos by Cottonwood Road Photography for The Cake by Hannah

Christmas Card Ideas

October 24, 2017

We are well on our way to Baby K’s delivery in early December -if we make it the full 40 weeks- and we can feel the weight, heat, and pressure of racing the clock to make sure life is ready (or… you know, the best we can possibly be prepared) for the arrival of baby. We hung curtains last night which makes the room feel that much more ready, and I cannot wait to show y’all our nursery reveal with DaVinci Baby and a whole bunch of other sweet partners who have made K’s room just AMAZING.

With preparation for baby also means preparation for mommy. I have never… taken off haha. Even when I worked a 9-5, when I had “time off” I was working on the blog. Being I work from home now full-time, I literally don’t even realize sometimes that I am working when I think I am “relaxing.” So, to make sure I give myself as much of a true maternity leave as possible for late November into January, I am knocking out photoshoots, collaborations, and content now for all the way through January. Though it’s a lot I suppose, I actually LOVE IT haha. I will be pregnant in posts post-baby’s arrival… but I love having months worth of stuff planned and ready to go. So, all that to say, we are knocking things out, winding down meetings and email lists, and all the things. My type-A self is so on cloud 9.

I think the shoot I am MOST looking forward to is our upcoming annual Christmas card photoshoot with (duh.. who else) Cottonwood Road Photography at the brand new wedding venue The Nest at Ruth Farms who we happen to know the precious owner of, and she is just simply the sweetest. As I started searching for tops and dresses to narrow down what type of photos I wanted to do for our cards, I decided to just go for it this year. You can see from our past years that we leaned toward casual and more “normal” attire. But, these photos will be like maternity photos, too, being that they’re so close to my due date, so I wanted to get something a little nicer than I would usually go for in our Christmas cards. I mean, I might not ever be pregnant again during my favorite time of year, so I just want to really celebrate and soak in the festive spirit. I also just got so dang excited for the holidays from looking at dresses, and may or may not have added a couple other fun dresses for upcoming parties and events.

I have put together a bunch of dresses I found and deciphered between for our photos (I had 15 in my cart for ASOS before I had to narrow down…). Some are maternity strictly, and others are not. But, ASOS totally just made me a fan from their amazing maternity dress selections that are festive, fun, and so cute! I wanted a little “extra” without being too much and not me.

Which dress do YOU think I chose for our photos?!

I have included our Christmas Card shoots from each year of our marriage. Hopefully it can help you with pose ideas and outfit ideas! I can’t believe we are celebrating our 4th Christmas together as a married couple. WOW. Time flies, y’all.

Year 1 (10 months married… and too broke to get a haircut for doodle… haha!)