Important advice

Throughout my pregnancy, I received a lot of advice from friends, family, co-workers, books and instructors in the classes that we took. When push came to shove (pun intended), everything escaped my mind except for a few critical bits.

1. Use the ice pads. 
2. Empty the cart that the baby's basinette is on. Take the wipes, the diapers, the bath supplies and everything else that's in there. 
3. Take a blanket and hat home to the dog. This was great for us because Chino was able to conduct a full inspection before we brought Baby Bean home.
4. Have giant, overnight pads on hand. You'll need them.
5. Bring your Boppy or breast feeding pillow to the hospital. Your arms will thank you.

Here are a few tidbits/observations of my own (in no particular order - except for #1):

1. Use the ice pads. Yes, its that important.
2. Breastfeeding is not natural and it is hard. If you want to do it, commit to it and know that it will take awhile for you and your baby to figure things out. For me, it was physically and emotionally painful. It took awhile for my milk to come in, which meant that I was frustrated and my baby was screaming. Just when I was ready to give up, things started to click, but it was heart breaking to know that my baby was hungry and there was nothing I could do about it. I'm thankful for Nick and for my mom who supported me, dried my tears and told me that everything would be okay. And it is.
3. In addition to figuring out how to install the car seat in the car, making sure its level, make sure you know how to install the baby into the car seat. Seems like a no-brainer, but when you're exhausted and overwhelmed and emotional, it is a difficult task.
4. Take a sleeper as a going home outfit. It is just easier than pants.
5. When ordering food, order two entrees. Insurance is paying enough that you can stealthily feed your hubby too.
6. Tip for daddies - take your own pillow and blanket. It might make your uncomfortable couch a titch more bearable.
7. Don't feel guilty about sending your baby to the nursery for a few hours so you can sleep. Or, if you feel guilty - just do it anyway because the sleep was worth it.
8. A tip for mommies and daddies - Its okay to cry. A lot. The happy hormone plug was abruptly removed and it takes awhile to level off after that. Not to mention the huge, life changing event that just occurred and the adorable tiny human that is now yours to take care of.
9. If you chose to breastfeed, go to a lactation consultant and get a bra fitting. Your boobs will thank you.
10. You will figure out your own way, what works and what doesn't and it is okay that it isn't what worked for your super mom friends or for the instructor in your baby care class. Be sure to tell yourself that while you enjoy the initial moments of cluelessness as you and your baby start to get to know one another.