What’s in the “go bag?”

It’s been long overdue for a post on what’s going on with this 38/1/2 weeks pregnant mama so I thought this would be a fitting post as I am just barely hanging on to the day to day life as a family of four. #pooped

I am definitely one to not overpack and sometimes forgets things but I like to think in this case my better half can always go home and get it if I am in dire need.

I’m bringing my leather Lilyjade diaper bag to keep my smaller items and a duffel for the rest. I got these Calpak & ohjoy packing cubes and so in love with the bright colors and what you can put inside. They’re perfect and love the zipper! Below (in no particular order) is what I feel are must haves at the hospital as a 3rd time mama!

• Belly Bandit Mother Tucker corset
• Depends underwear (who wants to ruin their own!) & pantiliners (they’ll have at the hospital but usually the really thick kind with no wings)
• Outfit for baby to go home in – something with leggings since he/she will be going in a car seat for the first time.
• Comfy outfit (2) – loose sleeves so they can take your blood pressure and buttons/zip up if you plan to breastfeed! I would just wear the hospital gown and then when it’s time to head home, change! Keep your own clothes nice and clean. 😉
• Socks to keep those little toes warm
• Comfy slippers to walk around in and flip flops for the shower
• Swaddle blanket for the babe (and to take pictures in!) we love ours from Bebeaulait. The cutest prints and oh so soft muslin material. They’re a definite must have.
• Toiletries (if you have contacts, bring glasses as you’ll be up at random hours – go figure 🍼).
• Hydroflask so you stay hydrated with your choice of hot/cold water.
• Some snacks because we know hospital food is oh so good.
• Psst….and plenty of space in your duffel to sneak home some hospital goodies (e.g. diapers, formula)

T-11 days but hopefully sooner like today!! ☘️☘️

Cheers for now and thanks for reading.

Missing Cali.

With summer finally here in London (I think it’s short lived as it says it will be raining yet again on Friday and Saturday), it’s funny the particular things I miss and wish we had in London. Who knew I would think of toilet seat covers as one of them? 

📷: LAX bathroom before flight back to London. 

I also think of good charmin’ toilet paper as well since I just can’t seem to find the perfect toilet paper in London. 

Target – oh man, how I love thee. Although my husband sure doesn’t miss this, I do. It’s seriously the one stop shop to everything along with great deals and the cutest things from marimekko to ohjoy. By the way, she’s got an amazing blog on DIY to pictures of her family to cute clothing to dress your littles in. I would jump on following her blog and just subscribe to get in your inbox. This gal is a serious inspiration and goal to strive to become a mom boss. ♥️

📷: ohjoy collection – love the alphabet line of course to tie in with my alphabet boardbook series. #lovebooksbyaj 

California Pizza Kitchen – my chain restaurant that I love way too much. Two must haves are the Sicilian pizza (if you’re a protein lover) and the delicious spinach artichoke dip. Yummy in everyone’s tummy – I swear. Ok, maybe not the super health conscious or anyone wanting to be remotely healthy. #cheatmeal

Water time – living in the ‘burbs, definitely spoiled with the abundant pools, splash pads, beaches and fountains to frolic in. 

📷: beach water fun in Cali #nofilter

📷: penthouse water fun in London 

Snacks – just to name a few I haven’t found in a normal London market (so many and we wonder why obesity is a problem in the USA 😮)

• Red vine (I hear it’s at Costco!)
• Cheetos – flaming hots
• Chex mix
• Cheez-its
• Goldfish
• Lemon heads 
• Tostitos – restaurant style (they’re the thin ones)

Am I leaving you with a case of the munchies now? BUT, don’t get me wrong either, I love London and all the adventures we can go on so quickly around Europe. Maybe I got overloaded with vitamin D yesterday and today and that’s why I wrote this blog or maybe I’m just missing Cali – soon enough we’ll be home as a family of 4 + reunited with our dog. 

Side note: currently at 35 weeks pregnant and feeling a lot better with the belly bandit upsie belly for back support and this growing belly (ultrasound said baby is at 5 pounds!). Bamboo soft wrap and comfy to wear with nothing digging into your growing belly. The other fabulous thing is it comes with a cold/hot gel pack that sticks into a pocket in the wrap to soothe your back – perfect for this “heatwave” here. 👍🏻☀️🇬🇧 #bellybandit 

Cheers for now and thanks for reading! xx