34 weeks

By this time in your pregnancy, you should be starting to think about what its going to be like once your little one gets here in 6 weeks. Prepping for your baby means packing the bag for the hospital, washing all of the baby's clothes in a gentle detergent (I personally love the smell of Dreft), and ensuring the baby's room is ready to go. I also recommend picking up some of the books you may want to read about what to do during those first few weeks. I highly recommend Happiest Baby on the Block by Dr. Harvey Karp. It was basically my baby Bible the first few month's of my daughter's life. I plan to re-read the book this week to brush up on my newborn skills.

If you are planning on going back to work and breast feeding your baby, you will need to pump at work. I recommend taking some time now to research the topic and pick up a book or two that will help you navigate through this time. No matter how supportive your work situation may be, you will want to ensure you understand your rights. Working women who are also nursing need a lot of support. If you know of any nursing mother's at work now, try starting a small club or support group with them. If nothing else, get to know them better! The tips they can give you when you are just returning to work will be invaluable. I loved the camaraderie of the IBM women who wrote Milk Memos (authored by Cate Colburn-Smith and Andrea Serrette). It is a publication of a journal kept by women sharing a pumping room.

If you have any other books that you recommend to friends and family, please feel free to leave a note in the comments section of the blog!

31 Weeks

My dear friend and business partner, Wallis, is showering my family with a brunch next weekend to celebrate the pending arrival of our second daughter. This incredibly generous offer reminds me that moms-to-be these days need to buck tradition! Sure, this is my second baby and generally it isn't convention to throw me another shower. However, aren't all children meant to be celebrated?!

I started thinking about all of the new traditions and ideas that are available to moms. Instead of registering at department stores, think about setting up an account to have family and friends contribute to your child's college fund. There are several websites out there that can get you started. Having a girl? Why can't you paint the nursery blue or another gender-bending color? The nursery should reflect your personal style. Not a fan of toting around large totes? Instead of a diaper bag, think about buying a small clutch that holds only diapers and wipes. You will have the essentials for a quick trip to the store or when you take a walk down the lake front. 1154 Lill carries a "Jack" design that can be customized with the fabric of your choice!

Good luck keeping cool in this early summer heat wave!
Gina