WE EAT | Tomato + Cucumber Greek Salad with Farro

Really, this is for my eating.  While meal planning for this week, and browsing through the most recent issue of Cooking Light, I all but doggy-eared the entire magazine.  I have been looking for quick and healthy things I can make a big batch of and graze on all week - and this seemed to do the trick for my brain. Not to mention- the easiest lunch on the planet?

I have made this twice already - the first time I didn't change a thing, and the second time I didn't have everything I needed for the dressing ingredients, so I used a regular old store bought red wine vinaigrette dressing I had on hand.

Both equally delicious!

Greek Tomato + Cucumber Salad with Farro

serves 4

from Cooking Light

1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoons black pepper

2 cups cooked farro (I cooked mine according to package directions; used chicken broth)

1/3 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved 

1/3 cup sliced red onion

10 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved

1 pound small pickling cucumbers, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/2-in slices

4 ounces feta cheese (about 1/2 cup) 

--

Combine the first 7 ingredients in a large bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Stir in farro and the next 4 ingredients (through cucumbers), and toss gently to combine. Top each serving with feta cheese.

I was able to find the farro easily in my grocery store, but you could surely sub out the farro for quinoa, whole wheat couscous, or even brown rice.

I also made sure to use pasteurized feta cheese - just flip over the package to the ingredients list and the first one or two ingredients should say made with pasteurized milk.

Most recognizable brands are usually pasteurized and safe for pregnancy, but I always double check.

I used the left over olives, cucumbers, and feta cheese for this Watermelon Salad - because, watermelon in the summer is just required. 

Our Weekend in Pictures

The weekend!  We have just two more of these before our sweet little girl arrives and this one couldn't  have been more full.  

Dips in the pool, picnic with friends, pizza date night out sans babes + another date night on the patio with a couple of our favorite chickies and more water play at the splash pad.

We stayed up ways past our bed times and naps were an after thought.. although it had to have been a record of how many times my girls fell asleep NOT in their own beds- which is rare.  We ended with Sunday morning praise + lunch with friends and lastly, our Sunday evening adult Bible study while Jordan's Aunt Sherrye spent some silly time with the twins - marking many things off our bucket list.

This is what summer is all about:)

poolside wraps /shelby chic // swim suit / gap

 flower bow / jameson monroe // tee / riley clay

 sippy / nuby // glitter clips / averie + jane

 maxi dress / vintage crown

I think just about every friend and stranger made comments about how low I am carrying our littlest - directly to me or not so discreetly under their breath mentioned that there is no way I would make it two more weeks.

Here's hoping, folks.  I hope you all had an amazing weekend!

Weekend DIY

Its been one of those weeks where I just felt like today would never everrrrr get here. 

ever.

I have officially reached the stage in pregnancy when I am completely unmotivated and just want to be incredibly lazy.  My co-workers are lucky that I arrive to work (late) every morning in a 'presentable' manner.  The no-pants club hasn't made its debut to all these biz professionals.

yet.

My nesting comes in sprees and most often when I am awake to midnight doing piddle-y things to make me feel more accomplished and free to go to bed.  Other times I cant bring myself to get off the couch to do a darn thing.

BUT- I promised a Weekend DIY in the title of this blog post, which is what likely drew you in to read.

Truth be told, this little blog-o-mine will never be a credible DIY blog, as badly as I wish to be crafty.  I have plenty of ideas, but my OCD brain never allows the follow through.

BUT..

..for your Weekend DIY: The perfect bubble bath.

I have become pretty crafty with getting the perfect suds for a couple of my favorite girls - and while its not a great big secret, I get asked about them often.. because, well a lot of my grammable material is in the tub.  It is absolutely their most favorite place to be right now. 

Did you know there is like seven hundred different recipes for making your own bubble bath via Pinterest? You wont find a recipe here.

Tubby Todd Bubble Bath + a couple squirts of regular dish soap

=

bubbles for dayyyys.

If you really want to get a good sud going, you could also soften your water first.  If you have hard water, add a little baking soda to the water and stir that around and then add the bubbles- they will froth up a lot more.

The best end to my week is looking forward to a weekend with these two bubble babes and their daddy.  Bring on the weekend!

More #bubbletubfortwo sweetness

Summer Bucket List | 2015

With the official start of summer over the weekend (July 21st), what better time than now to share our Summer Bucket List?  in resolution to keeping you all fooled with my organizational skills.. I've been meaning to knock this list out since early May, but that hasn't happened yet.  Something about being pregnant and marking things off my 'to-do' list don't mesh well in my brain.  

BUT- we are here now, and I'm excited to share.. as well as continue with my theme of foolery in that we will get everything marked off this list before baby girl arrives in three weeks or less.

Yea, nope.  

Regardless, some of these bucket list items have been checked already and some will be marked off as a family of f i v e before the summer comes to an end.

--

//make homemade ice cream//
When I mentioned doing this soon to Jordan (he's a pro), he basically lost his marbles with excitement.  Homemade ice cream is his favorite!  The girls haven't ever tried it yet, so this will be fun for them to help daddy with.  I found many Pinterest ideas for making homemade ice cream in a bag and all kinds of ways to do it.. but for the girls' age the traditional ice cream maker is the route we are going this year.

//go to the farmer's market//
There are TONS of small markets in and around the cities we live.  You can easily find a local farmer's market through googling your own city.  I love the idea of walking around the market and letting the twins pick out their own piece of fruit or veggie to take home to 'prepare' or eat right away!  

//mom + daughter mani/pedi date//

This was so much fun to do with my girls.  They loved to paint their toes and request it often at home.  For our first time, Jordan dropped us off and hung around close by in case I sent a panic S.O.S. text for him to come to the rescue.  But really, they did great and sat very still while they had their fingers and toes painted.  We have plans to do this once again before baby girl arrives- because mama is in need of a fresh pedi:)

//watch fireworks + play with sparklers//
This is an easy one with all the bajillion options for the fourth of July.  I have a feeling the sparklers may scare them a little, but cant hurt to introduce them!

//puddle jumping//

With all the rain we have been having- it is really easy to find a puddle!  Not to mention.. just let them be little- get a little messy, a little wet, and have a lot of fun.. even while wearing white!
Not my smartest move, but hey we were in the moment.

//make homemade pizza//
We cook at home together a lot.  Allowing them more time in the kitchen with me makes for a fun activity.. perhaps after visiting the farmer's market?  

//go bowling as a family//
Pull out the bumpers and order a pizza for the table to share.  This one would is super easy and affordable to do with young kiddos- especially the twins' age.  

//build a living room fort//
Auntie and Uncle J make the best forts for their sleepovers with the twins and I am determined to be just as fun:)  They pull out the blow up mattress and make a legit fort that consumes their entire dining room.  I think their daddy and me have a challenge.
//sleepover with Auntie + Uncle J//
Baby Greyson will be here in just a couple weeks (or less !!), so we are hoping to squeeze in just one more sleepover before he arrives.  The girls ADORE spending the night with those two.  

//paint with water//

When the girls visited their Granny, Woogie, and Bunny last month, Bunny had the genius idea of painting with water.  The girls talked about it (and still do!) non-stop upon their return.  One $6 pack of paintbrushes and two $1 plastic pails and you have cheap toddler entertainment for eternity.  Okay- for like a half hour to 60 minutes- but thats like forever on a mom watch.

//visit the splash park//

We've done this many times- and its f r e e!  Really great way to meet up with friends and run through  the water on a hot day.  We love the splash pads!  Again.. google your city and those surrounding to get an idea of local pads in your area.

//finger paint//
Its been a couple months since we transitioned our dining room into a play room for more space (the smaller room we had it in was way too small).  Truth be told there is nothing to share about it because it is relatively incomplete.  I got in nursery planning mode and lost interest.. but finger painting a couple of canvas prints (cheap and occasionally on sale at places like Hobby Lobby or Michael's) would be fun to hang on the walls of the room for added decor.  Not to mention- it would be way fun for the littles!  Jordan and his dad are 3rd generation painters on the side of firefighting, so they have 'drop cloths' to be able to lay out to protect the patio.  I would find something similar to protect whatever your allowing the kiddos to paint on.

//chase the ice cream truck//
Not always but sometimes I hear the ice cream truck music playing through our neighborhood.  We will track you down - even if its for a scary Spongebob ice cream head.

//visit a children's museum//

We discovered Play Street a couple weekends ago after attending a birthday party and LOVED it!  They have open play during the week and it would be a great place to take the girls for a couple hours of make believe fun. I also would love to take them to the Perot Museum of Nature + Science - we've been meaning to go for months - but I think this summer would be a great time for their age to go for a half day. 

//go to a baseball game//
My favorite part of summer.  I LOVE going to baseball games.

//stay in our pj's all day//
I'm thinking PJ's + movie marathons + living room fort.

//go to the zoo//
We've been a couple times to the Fort Worth Zoo as well as the Dallas zoo, but not yet this summer!  With my maternity leave coming up, going on a Wednesday when its half-price would be opportune- not to mention that the FW Zoo just opened a splash pad!  We are SO there.

//swimming until the sun goes down//

We've done this nearly every day since the pool opened.  Every available afternoon after I get home from work we load up the strolled and walk to the neighborhood pool.  This makes for a little bit later of an evening (dinner at 730p vs 6pm), but we have really been enjoying the days being longer so we can catch a few rays before bed.

//have a park picnic//

We've done this a couple times with friends and plan to make several more attempts to getting outside and doing to more often this summer (in the shade, mind you..).  I usually pack easy things like cut up fruit, popcorn, crackers/goldfish, cheese sticks, and nuts.  Easy things that aren't super perishable and don't need an enormous cooler to tote around.  We have a park date this weekend, actually- coupling it with a splash park playdate:)

//see a movie in a theater//

We've successfully seen our first movie in the theater!  Aside from 3 potty breaks in between, Inside Out proved to be a success - not to mention super cute for the adults!  We decided this would be a great idea for our 2.5 year olds because they will actually sit through an entire movie while at home.  I think the first time they needed to go potty, it was a true need..and the rest of the trips were because they found it to be a game to take their very pregnant mother up and down the stairs:)

//make homemade smores//

This is sort of like the homemade ice cream and swimming until dark.  Its summer.  You just have to.

//visit the water park//

I mentioned of our recent trip to the water park HERE after winning a family pack of tickets on the radio, and we had so much fun that I am dead set on making another trip before its over.  It is affordable (girls still get in for free!) and really focused on the little kiddos. 

//eat sno cones//
there is a place almost within walking distance of the house- my pregnant brain is dreaming of a cotton candy (pink) cone as I type this.  I think I might just have to leave and go right now.

//play with side walk chalk + scribbles//
Another fun way to pass up the time with toddlers.  Daddy has been working in the garage a lot recently, and while mama is at work he brings them outside with him to play and there is almost always chalk involved.  We decided after seeing all the toddler doodles on the garage floor that we wanted them their forever.. SO- Jordan's amazing idea was we to let the girls color all over the garage floor, making sure to drawn puppy and wubby, and definitely including the newest little sister (mama can take care of her coloring) and then sealing it up forever.  

//blow bubbles//
I just bought one of those enormous bottles (I mean h u g e) of bubbles and plan to use them all up before the summer is through.  It is the most favorite thing for the girls to do!  Bubble love has turned into bubble bath love - if you follow on IG you have definitely seen my #bubbletubfortwo photos.

//feed the ducks at the pond//
You mention the d-word around Parker and Jolie and the day is over unless you find something to feed them and a handful of ducks to chase around. 

//visit story time at the library//
Barnes and Noble has story time during the week (it is on Tuesday morning where we go) as well as our public library.  There is a splash pad right next to our B+N, so its like knocking two birds with one stone before nap time.  Thats a win!

//attend open gym//
We have several churches in our area with 'open gym' that allow, during certain hours, the public to come and play.  Its free and provides some great indoor playtime when it feels like it eight hundred degrees outside.
A couple local that are our favorite: The Ark at Grace Pointe Church, The Treefort at Watermark Church, The Tubes at Irving Bible Church
There is also places like Jump Street ($4 for under 4 years) and Pump It Up that the girls will wear themselves out in. Of course the indoor mall areas are always a win (and free).

...

//have a baby//
We will get that marked off the list here pretty quick, I think..

36 Weeks

banner / little dovie  

tee // motherhood maternity

pants // maternal america

How far along? 36 weeks + 2 days

Total weight gain: 23+ pounds -- after my appointment yesterday, the belly's fundal height is measuring exactly 36 weeks.  She also, after feeling around a little, is convinced that this little girl has turned breech.  It wouldn't surprise me- she kept me up the entire night before moving her little body all over the place!  I have a sonogram scheduled for next Monday afternoon, so we shall see!  I am not doing a VBAC, so her position doesn't really matter.. but I am curious due to the fact that she's been head down for about 5 weeks already.  I know girl, I'd be tired of my sitting on your head, too. 

Maternity clothes? Nothing fits this bump unless it has side-ruching.  I try to fit into regular tees and tanks, but its laughable and clearly only acceptable amongst the family at home:)  I is SO hot these days - even if its only 95 (95 !!) degrees outside, the humidity makes it feel like 148.  Pants are optional - and that is no joke.  I am notorious for wearing sweatpants in the summer time, but not this summer.  The more lightweight the material is, the better.. including those yoga pants I'm wearing.  They are definitely a splurge (hello, Nordstrom Bucks) but I know for a fact that these will be amazing post-baby belly also.  I never stopped wearing my Gap tanks (which are 40% off right now) after pregnancy/nursing the twins.. and I have a feeling those will fall into the same line.  

Peek-a-Belly. I have thought long and hard about just giving up and wearing a tent for the next three weeks, or so.

quilt / anthropologie

Sleep: Yep.  How amazing it is to not have to deal with insomnia this time around in pregnancy. That was numero uno on my complaint list with the twins.. and I am oh-so thankful that I don't deal with that now.  I have a feeling it has to do with a couple of busy toddlers and their energy level times a billion for 99% of their wake hours.  The moment they are in bed, I am ready to hit the pillow, too!

Best moment this week: I had to take the twins with me while solo to my OB checkup  because Jordan was working.. they did SO good.  I was really impressed with my little sidekicks- because morning appointments can go a handful of ways, and most often it isn't in my favor.  I made sure to bring books and crayons for them to sprawl the exam room, but they were so interested in what my nurse and Dr. Walsh was doing pertaining to 'mama's tummy'.  Parker was the sweetest and laid her hand on my belly as we listened to the heartbeat,  and then again as Walsh measured me for growth.  She was saying her name non-stop (Dr. Walsh and her staff do know her name..) and it was just so precious.  In the last month they have really taken mind to the bump that is always in the way.. I'm curious as to how they will act once the bump is no longer an issue for them and fitting into my lap.   

Miss Anything? The usual: tummy sleeping, normal eating, being able to make it through the day without a cat nap, being heartburn-less..and basically fitting into my regular clothes with ease.

Cravings:  Nothing really new from the normal of the last 35 weeks - except I've come to desire an iced (half-caf) coffee from Starbucks.  Never been an iced coffee drinker, and it really must be beach my body reads at nine-hundred degrees and I need something to cool it down.  Oh- and we've had grilled steak twice since the weekend.  Its Wednesday.

Symptoms: Nada much to complain about really - BUT the congestion has returned.. even with the humidifier going at full blast every night.  Its super mild, and I'm assuming related to being late in my pregnancy.  I have also come to start taking off my rings before bed at night.  I'm swelling in my hands only over night and into the morning, making it so uncomfortable for the first few hours I'm awake.  If thats all I've got- I'll take it.  Braxton Hicks are becoming more regular - again, something I dealt with the twin pregnancy really earlier on (about 24 weeks), so I know the drill with these.  We've gotten to the point where her sudden movements in the womb will promote a BH.  No biggie.  Walsh did make the comment that if and when I start to have contractions that are 10 minutes apart, I needed to head to the hospital. I know thats not the normal recommendation - but with a previously high risk pregnancy under my belt, she's taking all cautions. 

Looking forward to: We have finished her nursery!  Just weeks away from her arrival.  Ok.. well- we still have no mattress to lay her on, but I picked up the bedding yesterday, which was really the final piece to the puzzle for the nursery completion.  I cannot wait to share!  I had a huge sign of her name made to hang over her crib, SO.. her nursery reveal will be post-birth, but I promise it will be quick.. because I cant hardly wait.  We hung everything on the wall over the weekend, and it totally made the room come together as complete.  Now- we just have to wait for this sweet baby girl to get here.  3 more weeks!

36 weeks / twins

A Fire Station Father's Day | 2015

Father's Day at the fire station has officially become somewhat of a tradition.  Two of the last three daddy holiday's have been celebrated at the fire station (Jordan's first and now third Father's Day).

We actually don't mind this one single bit.  Gives us a reason to hype up the special trip to see the fire trucks and blow the engine horns.  Jolie and Parker call every single ambulance and fire truck they see "Daddy's truck" and make the "whee-eww, whee-eww" sound as it passes by.  

Probably the cutest thing I ever heard.

We arr so very proud of this guy and what he means to us.  I swear I wouldn't survive raising these girls alone - and they absolutely adore him.  

While would have loved to be celebrating him with a couple of steaks on the grill + beer (for him..) + a sunny afternoon by the pool - a trip to see daddy makes for just as an amazing day.

Plus- I brought Jordan's favorite cake (butterscotch bundt cake + salted caramel icing).  When there is cake in hand, the guys always appreciate our visit. 

This is my new favorite picture to date.   

 Jordan is on the rescue squad for Station 6, and the girls hoot and holler over the 'rescuuuuue' when we visit.  

 The last time we visited, Jordan pulled out the water hose and got it all set up for the girls to spray, and they caught a run.  This time he wasn't going to let that happen (well, he was going to try).  

They LOVE playing in the water, and the entire way home they talked back and forth about the fire station visit and about the water and the 'rescuuuuuue' and that they got to blow the engine horn!

Not to mention the chocolate chip cookies and the 'balloons' made out of medical gloves they kicked around the fire station kitchen while the guys made lunch.  

 bow / ruby blue originals // tank / wise birds co. // cardigan / beau hudson

shorts / old navy // shoes / toms (similar)

I cannot help but be so grateful for our little family of 4 and soon to be 5.  The way he loves our daughters is absolutely everything and I cant wait for this wee baby girl to arrive for her to be able to feel the love of her daddy first hand.  He is so very invested in this family - it beams from his sweet soul and I couldn't be more grateful for his leadership over this house.

We love you so, Jordan.  

Happiest Father's Day!

Father's Day 2013

Packing for the Hospital | Baby Number 2

Technically baby number three, but this is my second delivery.. but that was just too much for a blog title, but you get the idea.  As I am approaching the end of my 35th week of this pregnancy, I guess I would say it might be a good idea for me to start thinking about what is going in my hospital bag.  

Truth be told..I basically broke the internet searching for what in the world to pack in my hospital bag when preparing for the twins' birth. I scoured pinterest that led me to blogs that led me to making a list longer than you can imagine for what I was supposed to be packing.  But really, what else could I have done while laying in the bed for months leading up to our hospital stay..? I was a master list-maker from the thrones of bed-rest.. and I can promise that Jordan can attest to this.  Needless to say - I was overwhelmed and basically I over-packed.  I literally brought two bags for me (and the girls) and didn't even crack the zipper for the 5 days we were there.  I thought for sure I would be dressing the girls (and myself) while we were there.. which meant I needed 10 outfits between the two of them alone, and they never came out of the white tee shirts the hospital provided until the day we loaded them into the carseats for discharge.

I had a friend ask me recently if I wrote a blog post about packing for the hospital when I delivered Parker and Jolie, and the answer was a big fat N-O.  For my second delivery I decided to take what I learned the first time I packed a bag and put it to use this time.  The List is what I think will work for me based on what and how things when the last time I was post-partum

The Essentials | ONLY

• Toiletries -- basically bring whatever makes you most comfortable for your post-baby stay.  For me it is shampoo, conditioner, bodywash, toothpaste, mini shower pouf, toothbrush, facewash, hair dryer.. you get the idea.  I was in the hospital for four nights and five days, and because I was in the hospital for a longer stay than typical, I brought my regular size bottles of toiletries.  I ended up only taking a shower twice while in the hospital - I wasn't in the best shape and moving around the first couple days was pretty painful (bed rest and abdominal surgery don't mesh well..)  but, after I did- I felt SO much better! You could probably stand to leave the hair dryer at home, but that's totally your preference.
• Lip balm -- I mentioned my favorite balm in this post, but have also come to love the Honest Co. organic lip balm after receiving a sample it in my bundle of prenatal vitamins last month.  Hospitals tend to have dry air and I ended up sending Jordan out for some last time, so I am sure to pack it for this hospital stay.
• Hairbrush + hair ties -- the topknot is my very best friend, so I want to make sure I've got something to hold my hair up - especially when me and the little miss are learning to nurse and of course it is a refreshing feeling to get  your hair off your neck.

For Mama

• Support Binder/Abdominal binder/Belly Band -- whatever you call it, you will appreciate it after your baby is born.  My OB prescribed and provided one while I was in the hospital, but it is my understanding that not all docs will do that - so it might be something to ask about before heading to the hospital for delivery.  It helped to make it seem like not everything was going to 'fall out' the moment I put two feet on the ground to make the journey to the bathroom 4 steps away.
• Stretchy, soft + comfy clothing -- The first day of my stay (D-Day) I was in no shape to get dressed.  It wasn't until day two that I was ready to be in my own clothing. I made sure to pack a couple of each item incase I needed to change due to a run in with teeny baby poop/pee or spit up.
• Pants (2-4 pair): For my fellow C-section mamas, look for pants that you can wear higher or lower than your bikini line - yoga pants with the wide, fold-over waistband are great.  I have this pair and this pair in my bag ready and waiting to be worn.  Super soft and super stretchy.. and even though they are maternity, they are really perfect for postpartum wear.
• Bras (2): Just say no to the underwire.  I stopped wearing underwire bras months ago.. and if you are planning to breastfeed you'll need to say bye-bye to that kinda support from now until the end.  I have packed two nursing bras - this one I have talked all about before (HERE), and this one is new and as pretty as a nursing bra can get:)  I also plan to wear my favorite bralette so I'll have it with me in case I need it.  While not a technical nursing bra, it is stretchy enough to be BF'ing friendly.
• Tops (2-4): If you're planning on nursing, keep in mind ease of access for breastfeeding.  I wore these maternity tanks throughout my pregnancy with the twins, and they were fantastic for breastfeeding- they have great stretch and hold their shape very well.  I wore them as undershirts every time we went anywhere.  I've gotten a handful more for this pregnancy, and plan to wear them again postpartum for nursing.  Whatever you bring- make sure they are nursing friendly if you plan to breastfeed.
• Sweater: Even in the middle of the summer, I plan to bring a light sweater or shawl.  You could even bring a robe if that's what you prefer - but not all three:)  I am cold-natured, and hospitals are notorious for freezing you out.  Also would be great to have something to cover up with while you are walking the halls. 
• Slippers-- You'll be up and moving around, walking your room, and the hospital hallways is important for recovery (and sanity).  I wore some slipper booties that I tossed in the trash before we went home.

For Baby
As bad as you want to, he/she doesn't need their own bag..

• Beanie -- the hospital usually provides one, but I had some custom made for the twins and again for this little girl.  This is a total preference, but I just love these beanies for my teeny baby's heads.  I'm not usually one for a monogram, but they are just perfection.
• Take Home Outfit -- I picked out something easy - just the sweetest little sleeper outfit (to match her beanie).  Since I'm not totally sure what size she'll need, I have packed both newborn and 0-3 months.  You could also do just a onesie and stretchy pants. Keep in mind that gowns aren't able to be used in the car seat - so leave those for home wear:)  Don't forget the socks to keep those teeny toes toasty!

Don't Forget 

• Camera & charger
• Laptop/tablet/iPad & charger
• Cell phone & charger
• Any meds you're taking (talk to your doctor first, obviously) -- I have packed my prenatal vitamins and Omega-3's
• Insurance card/ID/etc: --They'll ask for them in the mountain of paperwork you'll be signing at check in and check out.
• Boppy or other nursing pillow (if you're breastfeeding) -- I didn't bring the My Breast Friend Twin Pillow or the Boppy the first go round, but really wished I had.  When I was first learning to breastfeed I would set up mountains of pillows around me - and it still didn't get both of us in the right position.  I definitely have this ready to go!
• Car seat -- You don't need this until you're leaving, so it can just stay in the car. You can also bring your car seat cover - if that's something you have preference for.  Winter/Summer babies probably would appreciate the protection from the sun/cold.

Stuff You Think You Need, but Probably Don't

• Underwear (other than what you wear in) -- I brought several pair of oversized cheap cotton panties that I planned to wear and toss, but, really the hospital provided mesh panties is the only way to go.  I didn't get into real panties until I got home.  I couldn't hurt to bring, but I can all but promise you wont be wearing them.
• More than one newborn outfit -- Like I mentioned earlier, I way overpacked and brought outfits for the twins that they never wore.  The hospital gave use little t-shirts and swaddle blankets for your own use, so you really only need something for the trip home.  You better believe I'll have extra hairbows and such, but anything else I plan to leave at home.
• Newborn care items -- The hospital gives you everything!  My hospital is 'baby friendly' and does not provide a pacifier, but everything else- you name it: diapers, wipes, snot sucker, blankets, whatever you can think of.  We went home with a TON of stuff, even a couple Halo braind swaddle sleep sacs (amazing).
• Diaper bag -- you don't need any newborn care items, so you don't need a diaper bag.  As bad as you want to bring it (I did and didn't need it) just leave it behind. It will get its fair share of use.
• Pads -- When I was packing my hospital bag for my stay with the twins, every single blog/site I landed on told me to bring pads. The hospital will give you some that are BIG enough and absorbent enough for what you need - you cant actually get those at the store:)  I'm telling you, mesh panties and giant hospital pads all the way. 
• Nipple cream/pads -- the hospital provided these. Parker and Jolie HATED the nipple cream and even if I had just a teeny bit they would scream their head off - so I have doubt I will use it this time at all..
• Breast Pump -- I brought my own, but ended up using the hospital grade they provided during my stay, so I don't plan to bring it this time.  After nursing the twins I always pumped just so I could make sure I was telling my body I needed to make more for feeding two! 

When I first sat down to write this post, the very thought stressed me out and made me a tad overwhelmed- but its not so bad.  Hopefully this is helpful- I am notorious for going back and reading my own blog posts for reference - and I am pretty sure this will be referenced a couple more times before little miss is here and again for the next babe (next babe?!)

I'm packed and ready!