Was It Everything I expected it to be?

Recently some girlfriends and I went and saw the new Aussie movie Goddess. It was a lovely somewhat light hearted movie which had its pros and cons. It was about a mother of twins who had put her career on hold to be the primary carer of her toddlers until they were school age and, the movie tells of her struggles of being home and of missing her love of singing and performing, her career that is.

It got me thinking about how I felt about being a stay at home mother after 14 months of not being at work and of continuously changing nappies, wiping drooling mouths, soothing teary eyes and rarely sleeping in past 7am?! Was motherhood all it was cracked up to be? Did I get any nasty reality checks that made me think "why am I here"? And did I miss having a job to go to outside of the home?

As I sat in the cinema asking myself if motherhood was all I expected it to be, I instantly came up with the answer "yes"! Although I've had/have many challenges and frustrations along the way (and more to come I'm sure) that, sometimes I even think it would be easier to work an 8 hour shift in the office, I still would not trade 'my stay at home mum' status for a million bucks. I don't miss work and I don't crave a career other then my calling to be a full time home maker. My family, my kitchen and my home are my career and I want to be constantly striving to be better at what I do.

As I continue to ponder my thoughts on having become a new mum just over 12 months ago I can't help but think that my 'empowering' experience as a first time mum would not have been so wonderful without the support of my husband, the backbone of our family. Although Matty in the kitchen cooking may cause a near domestic and for me to suffer a stress attack (hehe) he nevertheless is extremely helpful around the home. On days when he isn't working till past 7 he is otherwise home in time to give Rupert his dinner and shower (something I'm finding rather difficult to do at nearly 9 months pregnant). I am very thankful for the wonderful  husband and father he is.

What was becoming a first time mum like for you? Was is what you expected (whether you resumed work or stayed at home)? Are you a mum who likes her outside job or are you a mum who prefers to be at home? If there's one thing I've learnt its that we are all different and what works for one family may not for another.

Well I must sign off here as I have much to do!
Last night I was awake 3 times with a series of contractions or braxton hicks which started to worry me a little because, with Rupert I never got braxton hicks until days leading up to his birth! I have much more nesting to do before baby can come!
I haven't yet cleaned out the fridge or finished cleaning out a couple of draws, the floors haven't even been cleaned once this week ( I often do it twice a week), my legs needed shaving and my hair is unwashed! ... I'm just not ready yet!

Preparing for Our New Addition

So with just 6 weeks to go I think it's due time I organised my bag for the hospital!

 I don't claim to be an expert after just having one baby however, I'm feeling a lot more prepared mentally and know what to expect this time round. 

I know that in my bag I will need:

• fruit. 
• lollies.
• light snacks.
• own water bottle - the plastic cups can be a little small and flimsy for such an active event!
• large box of disposable nursing pads - don't know about you but new mum's can make a ton of milk and those pads need changing many times a day! And unlike the cloth pads (which are good when your milk flow slows down) they also prevent leaking through your clothes.
• cotton nightie with spaghetti straps - great for when your getting in and out of the bath because you can just hitch it up. Also easy to slip off the shoulder for babies first feed.
• gym pants or tights - I found these to be the comfiest after labour. They sit firm around your belly which, feels good when the skin is loose and you still look 4- 6 months pregnant. Its a good idea if they are black (pads don't always hold everything) and if you wear long tops over them. Visitors don't want to see how big those maternity pads are! 
• comfy maternity bra.
• slippers and socks.
• maternity pads - several packets, no explanation needed!
• make-up is a must for me! I was in hospital for 5 days with Rupert and it was so nice to get up each morning and make myself look pretty, which then made me feel good. 
• body wash - the most beautiful smelling wash you can find. Nothing too strong (subtle is best) and no perfumes but something that will make you feel like a gorgeous mama.
• change of clothes for hubby - even if your only in hospital for the day. Changing newborns nappies can be messy!
• beanie for bub. 
• size 0000 wondersuit - several if your going to be in hospital for a few days.
• baby singlet.
• baby socks or booties - hospitals are freezing!
• blanket/muslin wrap or in my case I'll be packing an Ergo Cocoon  - they are magic!
• baby thermometer - not needed at the hospital but something you should have handy at home.
• disposable nappies - cloth nappies are provided while your in hospital and are preferred for the first several days so, you can easily monitor babies "movements" but you'll need your own nappy for the ride home.

Well I think I'll end my list there. No doubt there are a few things missing but otherwise a good start for packing my bag for the hospital.

Comment with your own packing tips and preferences. This is what I've come up with after my experience with Rupert but every mum is different and, I'd love to know what worked for you.

Mama Essy

Rupert the day he was born.