checklist

you will be pleased to note that i did, indeed, make it to target. despite my "bed rest" i ventured out last week on a mission to feel...prepared. i made it a very quick trip, but i bought just what i needed. i found, cleaned, sanitized (although i realize this will be done again before they're used), and organized all six million of ben's bottles that are now graham's bottles. i updated my collection with a new drying rack, new nipples, new bottle brush, new pacifiers and the best part-- awesome storage containers to sit on my kitchen counter in hopes to de-escalate the "baby stuff everywhere" affect once he gets here. now, let me clarify... i am breastfeeding, but i am a huge believer in pumping and giving milk in a bottle at least once a day, hopefully by someone else. i love my little darlings, but i don't want them to be dependent on only me 24 hrs a day. it's just not healthy for either of us. so, that explains a bit of my urgency for the bottle parade. i like to be prepared. :) what's wrong with that?

here are some other things that are officially DONE:
(whenever i make a list and ben is with me, we always go over the completed list together and he always says "check" after each thing... so this is partly an ode to him.) :)
-car seat arrived, check.
-all baby paraphernalia (bouncy seat, swing, pack n play...etc) cleaned, washed, cloroxed...check.
-baby tub clean and avenno sensitive soap and lotion purchased, check.
-stroller de-toddlerified and re-babyfied, check.
-new pj's and robe bought for me for my hospital stay, check. (side note, they are SUPER soft and awesome...how did the world survive pre-tj maxx??)
-"going home outfit" that ben wore found and washed for graham, check.
-swaddling blankets found and washed, check. (i'm a HUGE swaddler mom...ask katie delbonis...i'm such a pro that i can swaddle grown adults...)
-pumping equipment ready, replacement parts in order and sanitized, check.
-all baby clothes washed and put away, check.
-nursery completed (except for a few things...), check!

i still haven't bought any diapers but only because two of my best friends are throwing me a "diapee and wipee" shower november 8th. (the invitations are ADORABLE!!) so, i decided i can hold out for that. i am so excited about the shower! it's really pretty different having a same sexed 2nd child. sometimes it really feels like it's not as special because few things are brand new and people tend to have the attitude "eh, just another boy." of course, craig and i don't feel that way at all. it's not about graham being another boy, it's about him being an addition to our family. he deserves just as much celebration as our first. but anyway, the fact that someone is even throwing us a shower is thrilling!! we are so appreciative and are so glad others want to celebrate with us. having ben meant the world to us, but this baby means the world to us in different ways. babies are miracles regardless of the situation, but if you know our story, you know graham is a definite miracle.

so...as you can see, we have been busy (yet careful and restful) here at the sluder home. we have a few other things to do, but basically now all we need to focus on is getting graham here safe and sound. thank you so much for the friends and family who came to visit us and brought us dinner last week! you guys are awesome and very much appreciated!!