So we have had a few visitors sneak in for a peak lately, and the most popular question has been what are my favorite items to have as a new mommy. Of course, Scott is number one on the list but that is not an available option for other mommies out there (sorry he's happily mine). Alright, here are a list of my favorite things that I COULD NOT live without after having a baby.

1. GOD. Prayer and perseverance is priceless. Let Go and Let God; after all He created us and this is what we were designed for.

2. A Breast Pump. Regardless if you plan to breastfeed (I hope you try), you will need a pump to relieve the engorgement that will happen when you get home from the hospital around day 3 or 4ish. Hint: Ask to use the electric pump in the hospital because you are allowed to take home all of the attachments that go to the pump that are given to you. Why you ask? Those attachments turn into a manual hand pump that you can use at home when you wake up overflowing with milk that needs to GET OUT NOW! Also: Make sure you check to see what your insurance covers regarding pumps. With the new health care laws that went into effect this year, some plans cover a FREE electric breast pump with a valid prescription from your doctor. So ask you doctor ahead of time for the Rx in the hospital so you can fax in your request right away.

3. Nursing Pads. Get as many as you can, stock up on them ahead of time and change them as often as you can to prevent thrush from developing and well, of course, to keep your clothes dry while you can.

4. Nursing Bras. These essentially kept me feeling like a woman, held in my nursing pads, and came in all varieties (including sports bras, tanks, shirts, etc). Plus they provide a coverage and comfort for when you become a pro in public. I snagged all of mine on sale and ordered a lot online from home (thank the Lord for Target's daily deals). I only bought one bra and nursing tank ahead of time so I would have it in the hospital in case I needed a bigger size.

4. Pillows. Lots and lots of pillows. Have one in each room in your house so you can support yourself and baby during feedings. Boppy pillows are nice, but not necessary at every feeding since everyone is different and we learned to be resourceful we weren't going to carry a boppy every where we go.

5. Feed Baby App. Seriously, the best next thing to sliced bread. This app on our phone kept track of the duration of each breast-feeding and wet and dirty diapers daily. It helps A LOT! Why, because of giving birth you are brain dead in respect to a memory.

6. Milk storage Bags (and freezer storage container if you are going back to work). You are pumping LIQUID GOLD. Whether or not you are fully breastfeeding or using any amount of formula, do not underestimate the fact that every drop of you milk is priceless. Your milk is full of antibodies that helps keep your baby from getting sick, which is not in artificial baby's milk. So store it; in the fridge and freezer. Here's a GREAT milk storage guide if you need to know the guidelines: Kellymom Milk Storage Guidelines. Kellymom is one of the only ".com's" that I would every refer regarding breastfeeding.

7. Fisher-Price rock'n play sleeper. This little contraption is amazing. We love it and we can't brag enough about it. We take it EVERYWHERE. I mean, it folds up and goes with us so Abby has a familiar item to sleep in whether its a road trip, or visiting a family or friend.

8. Bassinet. Scott and I made a mutual agreement from the beginning; I feed, Scott cleans. Meaning he changes diapers and I nurse. This has worked beautifully for us. Scott has been willing to change diapers for the night time feedings in order for me to know that I'm not alone during the nights. Our nurse in the hospital really hit home with us when she was discharging us. She advised that Scott play a roll during the night, and no roll would be too small. Why? Because the number one reason, she stated, of postpartum depression is because the mommies feel alone. So Scott sleeps with the bassinet on HIS side of the bed (I know! He is the best!) so he wakes up right away with the baby, changes her, then hands her off to me and goes to sleep. I am so proud of him. Oh yeah, this bassinet lifts up and there is a changing table built right in. So it is invaluable at 3 am for Scott.

Carry me Near 5-in-1 Bassinet

9. Nursing cover/ Receiving Blankets. I underestimated how much use I would get out of my receiving blanks right away. I didn't have a nursing cover right off the bat, and the blankets worked as a cover and milk soaker-upper. We went through so many blankets daily, so I am happy and thankful that we were given more than we registered for! Now that I have a nursing cover it makes nursing in public so much more effortless, but I'm glad that I know how to substitute a blanket when necessary.

10. Baby Carrier. Thank God for being able to hold my baby while having my hands free. This comforts her so much to be close to me when I need to move around. I don't ware her all day long; I want her to be comfortable in all areas of our home. However, this item is amazing and so very useful in and out of the house.

Infantino Sash Mei-Tai Carrier and Traditional Flip Front/Rear Facing Carrier in Action

11. A decent Camera. Trust me, you are going to want to take a lot of pictures for later. After all, when Scott and I looked through all of the pictures I realized how much that I had forgotten already. Take a picture right when you get home and then take monthly pictures afterward, you will be so happy that you did when you look back on them to reminisce! And especially because of photos like this when we walked on a date to Starbucks today :)

As you can see, Baby Girl Wood decided to come before I could take the infamous 38 week bump shot. So we did one better and took a picture this week with her instead! Below is a picture of Angie, her daughter Lucy and I, when their family came down to Florida for their vacation. Little did we know that my water had broken and I was in labor while we met for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory! The birth story will be posted in a future post :) This was the best week of our lives, and we are exhausted, understandably. We will be taking a sweet little hiatus from our blog while we enjoy some private family time together. I will be back-posting future updates to keep everyone in the loop. Thank you for all of your continued prayers, love and support during this tender and cherished time.