Postpartum Needs

I just returned from visiting my friend Emily for the first time since she gave birth to their beautiful baby girl. I couldn't believe how gorgeous this little newborn was, they usually aren't so cute when they're "fresh from the oven." Anyway, my eyes were opened to the fact that I need to be preparing some things for my own postpartum needs, whereas right now I am only focusing on what the baby will need. So, once again, I plea for the advice of you seasoned mothers. What items did you find essential for the first few weeks after giving birth? Please don't be embarassed to mention things like hemmorhoid cream or pads, we all know postpartum life isn't glamorous. I just want to make sure I don't overlook anything, and I'm sure Daniel will appreciate me buying most of these things ahead of time, instead of him having to run out to the store in a hurry to find me the right feminine products :)

I look forward to hearing your wonderful advice, as always! I have to say, I've REALLY benefitted from all the comments you have left so far, and I am very thankful for each of them.

Thanks in advance!

Weight Gain Woes

I just returned from my 36+ week appointment, and am somewhat distraught about the number that showed up when I stepped on the scale. I know everyone says, "The weight will come off, don't worry", but that's not the part I am worried about. What I want to know is, why am I gaining so much weight and still receiving comments from people that I am "so small" for being due in a few weeks. I dont' mean to sound vain AT ALL, but where is this 40++ pounds I've apparently gained? Do I have a ginormous baby that is highly skilled at at remaining as compact as possible in my womb so as not to poke out too much?

I loved the doctor's friendly "reminder" that everything I gain from here on out goes directly to the baby.....what is that supposed to mean? Do I put myself and, therefore, my baby on a diet so she won't be too big to push out? It's a rhetorical question, i know dieting during pregnancy is bad. It's just that I don't feel like I overeat, nor do I gorge on junk.

Any of you feel like sharing your weight gain stories from your pregnancies? Should I just let it go, and not worry about the weight? All I know is, I'm getting close to a number I NEVER want to see on a scale, and I don't really know why.

In other baby news, we had an ultrasound to make sure baby is in a head down position, and she is. We asked the Doc to check the gender again, just to be sure, and wouldn't you know it....baby decided to be modest once again (this happened in our last ultrasound). Baby curled up in a tight ball, with her legs crossed....what a modest little thing! So....we're still pretty sure it's a girl, but there is always a chance of being surprised. Whatever gender baby is, we are getting more and more excited to meet our precious child!

Thanksgiving

I just thought I'd share some photos of our trek into the mountains to get this year's Christmas tree. We spent Thanksgiving with a couple we are friends with, and their families. It was very nice, and we were thankful for the chance to spend time within a family, even if it wasn't our own. We missed our family a lot this Thanksgiving, and I am already saddened by the fact that I won't see my parents' house at all this Christmas. Oh well, I'll save my complaing for another post :) Enjoy the pictures for now.