Landon's Birth Story!!!

He is FINALLY here and he is the love of our lives! We are feeling so blessed....tired......blissfully exhausted.....but we can't imagine our lives without him. This will probably be my last post on this blog. I will be moving back to my regular blog with updates from now on. BUT, since I am turning this blog into a book for Landon, I need to make sure I write about the day he was born. I am warning you, its going to be long, maybe a little gory;), but I want to make sure that I get every detail down before I forget.....

It all started on Thursday, October 4th at 2:30 am. I woke up out of a dead sleep with a contraction in my lower back. I got up walked around and didn't have any more, so I laid down and tried to go back to sleep. The same thing happened at 3:30 am and then 4:40 am, so I woke up Travis and we got up and sat in the family room to try to time them and see if they were going to turn into anything. Honestly, within the HOUR they were about 5-6 minutes apart, the parents were called, and we were on our way to St. Joe's. In the car they seemed to come even closer together and were pretty painful, BUT still in my back/bottom. I seriously thought that I might not make it to the hospital.

We arrived at St. Joe's around 6:00 am. My parents met us there and Travis' were on the way. They had me go to Triage to be checked. I was at 6 cm and FULLY effaced!!!! My contractions settled around 5 minutes apart. They started getting a room ready for me in Labor & Delivery and told me that if I wanted an epidural, now was the time to decide. Everyone (including the nurses) thought that I would deliver in a few hours...

Mr. Landon had other plans.

I moved over to a room in Labor & Delivery. We were all so impressed with HOW nice the room was. I was introduced to my nurse Katy who would be with only me until I delivered. She was so nice and young, I liked her instantly. She hooked me up to an IV and called anesthesiology to order my epidural. My doctor was not on call. But, Dr. V (who is in the practice) was for the next 12 hours. I had never met her before, but she was very sweet and young and I liked her right away too. I also had a resident working with her that I LOVED. Again, never met him. His name was Dr. S and AGAIN he was so sweet, not sure if I could of made it through the delivery in the end without him being part of the team.

As I was waiting for my epidural, we kept watching the monitors waiting to see what would happen and if things would start progressing as fast as everyone thought they would. The funny thing was I was having a bunch of really strong contractions that I couldn't even FEEL, and the strong ones that I could were still in my back and bottom. Katy was surprised with how active Landon was and kept mentioning it throughout the morning. They let me eat and drink. I later found out that this was because I came in so far along. I was grateful though and it made me more at ease.

At 9:30 am the anesthesiologist arrived for my epidural. I did totally fine with the injection. But, a few minutes later I started to feel a little lightheaded and they had me lay on my side. I broke into a cold sweat and they ended up having to give me a shot of epinephrine in my leg to get my blood pressure to come back up. It was a little scary for me because I thought I might pass out. They told me that this does happen quite often and it wasn't anything to be alarmed about. The epinephrine made both of our heart rates rise for a short time, but all was well in the end. I was numb, not completely, but it took the edge off for a few hours while I progressed.

I continued to have strong contractions for the next few hours. Some I felt and some I didn't. Again, I NEVER had one SINGLE contraction up front. All of mine were contained in my back and bottom which made it hard to sit. I was worried about having to have a catheter, but they said that I didn't have to have one with the epidural as long as I could urinate on my own. Let's just say I was a peeing champ ALL day. Even my nurse said she had NEVER had a patient who could pee in a bed pan with an epidural!;) Yeah, that's right, I'm proud of pee!;)

Around 2 pm the doc came into check me. I was around 9 cm and fully effaced. She ordered "a whiff of pitocin" to get me to complete so I could start pushing. They only gave me a small dose and after about two hours I was having a LOT of pressure and pain in my bottom and the contractions were strong enough that I felt like I wanted to start pushing.

The doctor came back in and checked me around 4pm. I only had a little lip of cervix left. She told me to hold off on pushing for a little while longer so that I would be 100% ready to go. The next 2 hours were the most painful.   First of all, I found out that I was having full on back labor. Apparently, the epidural doesn't really cover that. So, I was basically numb below and around the area I had all of my contractions...FUN times.

I was in so much pain at one point that I was basically doing gymnastic like moves all over my bed during the contractions. Travis, my mom and nurse Katy were all worried I would fall out of the bed, but it was like I had to be up, on my knees, halfway over the bar, up on top of the bean bag anywhere but laying on my back. The doctors were in and out checking me and finally decided to have a dose of meds put into my epidural port to help with the back pain/pressure. While it took the edge off, it did NOT take away the pain. Travis and my mom were such a big help through all of the pain. It was so rough at times. I was in and out of it, delirious from the pain and I could hear them asking what could be done, how much longer I would have to go through this etc.

The doc came in and checked me around 6 pm and I was FINALLY complete and ready to push. This is when things got difficult and to be honest, a lot of it was a blur. I pushed for the next THREE HOURS!!! They started off having me push every other contraction so I could rest in between, but towards the end I was pushing at every single one that I had the strength for.

The main problem was that even though Landon's head was right there, ready to come out, because of the back labor he was above my pelvic bone. So during a contraction, I would push, things would open enough for everyone to see the top of his head, then when it was over he would go back up. Basically, he was stuck.  I remember being so exhausted, but wanting him here so bad I would do whatever it took to get him out. I remember seeing Travis and my mom's face and them asking the doctor's how much longer I would have to go through this pain. I remember the doctor's telling me that I was doing a good job and that they were shocked by how strong I was to keep going. I remember at the end the doctor told me that I had a half hour left to push or I was getting a c-section. It was then that I took everything I had left and used it to get him down more. There was no way I was getting a c-section after almost 15 hours of labor!!!

After the half hour was up, the doctor said that she wanted to try the vac and see if she could get him out. She was confident with progress that was made in the last half hour she could get him out with the vac.

What I didn't know was at this time the room filled up with about 25 people. A team to do the vac, a team for the baby and a team ready to take me for an emergency c-section. She hooked up the vac and when I had my next contraction she turned it on. All of a sudden I saw his little head, (he was wailing away) then his shoulder, then during the next contraction he was OUT!!!!

I was so out of it, but I do remember thinking he was the most beautiful thing that I had ever seen in my Whole. Entire. Life. His eyes were wide open and he looked right at me. He was screaming so loud, but when they laid him on my chest I kissed him and told him how much I loved him and he stopped crying right away. My mom, Travis and I were sobbing and everyone else in the room was definitely relieved.

Our little man was finally here.

I will spare you the gory details of what happened to me. I've decided to block a lot of what happened (pain wise) out of my mind. It's going to be a rough recovery, but he will always be worth it. I would do it a hundred times over to have him here. I am finally a mommy and I have my perfect little angel in my arms.We are beyond blessed!:)

Landon Ramsey Rolfe
Born October 4th, 2012
8lbs 3oz
21.5 inches long

Random labor details I don't want to forget:
-Both doctors staying past their shifts to be there for my entire delivery.
-The look on Travis' face when he saw Landon.
-Seeing my mom's face and hearing her scream out that he was here as he was coming out.
-Dr. S telling Travis during my pushing to "remember the diamonds."
-Dr. S up on his knees in the bed behind me helping me to push so I could get above Landon.
-Having both doctors and our nurse Katy track us down the next day to visit. Even though they didn't have to, they stopped in to say hello, see how I was recovering and to hold Landon.
-Dr. S telling me that he honestly never saw a woman do what I did, that he couldn't believe that I kept going and was able to get him out. He reminded Travis this is why men don't give birth...they could never handle it.
-Landon looking up at me the first time he heard my voice. He knew I was his Mommy.

39 Weeks AND...

STILL pregnant. This boy is as stubborn as his mommy. I swear he is just hanging out in there waiting to come out on his own time....he clearly doesn't care what we try to do to get him out...he is perfectly content in there. But, I AM SO READY!!!!! 

Friday morning I went to my doc appointment. She said that I am almost FULLY effaced and between a 4 and 5!!!! She told me that she wanted to strip my membranes to try to get labor jump started since my body is clearly halfway through the "labor process" with no "consistent" contractions. She warned me it would hurt and I am not gonna lie, it was really uncomfortable, but at this point I am ready to do whatever to get labor going.  She was happy with the amount she was able to remove and she said that usually they see a baby within 48 hours after the procedure.

Before I left she joked that first time babies just don't "fall out" so I should be good. I keep thinking at this point am I going to be at a 7 or 8 with no contractions????? When will the party get started? I mean my body has done all this work with manageable pain and no contractions worth timing....what is finally going to get this boy going?

Friday night I didn't sleep a wink. I was having lots of pressure and pain in my lower abdomen and contractions here and there ALL night. The problem is they are not in any sort of pattern I can time. Minus a few chair grabbers they were nothing I couldn't "handle."

Saturday morning I was able to take a 2 hour nap after a night of zero sleep and then got ready for the day very slowly. I was still having a lot of pain and pressure when I walked or got up from a laying or sitting position. I thought for sure yesterday was the day. I walked around the mall with my mom to try to get something going, but was only able to really do it for a few hours before I started to feel more and more uncomfortable and needed to head home to rest.

I thought for sure last night was the night. But, here we are 48 hours later and NO BABY!!! While I am still uncomfortable all over, the pain and pressure has seemed to subside a little, which makes me wonder if its the calm before the storm or just him digging his heels in (literally in my ribs:) for another few days.

SIGH.............................I will be walking until I drop today!!!!!

Please send labor vibes my way. I am so ready for our little man to be here!


How far along? 39 weeks.
Total weight gain: Same as last week.

Symptoms: Pressure, Pressure and more Pressure!

Maternity clothes? Just living in sweats.

Best moment of this week: Finding out I was a little further along and that having my membranes stripped should get him here quicker.....not quite sure about that one.

Food cravings: Appetite has decreased which I hear is a sign of labor.

What I miss: Just being able to do anything without sweating, breathing heavy or being in pain!

What I am looking forward to: JUST GETTING HIM HERE ASAP!!!!!:)

Hahahahaha....even The Bump is ready for me to have the baby!!!!:)
Your baby's the size of a watermelon!
Are we there yet? You’re probably feeling like you want to get this baby the heck out of you. We’re not sure, but the impatience and discomfort many moms feel around 39 weeks (and beyond!) might be nature’s way of getting you mentally prepared for delivery. Remember how freaked out you used to be about it? Now, at week 39 you probably don’t care what you have to do, you just don’t want to be pregnant anymore!
Baby keeps growing, despite being so crowded in there. He probably weighs around 6.2 to 9.2 pounds and measures about 18.9 to 20.9 inches.

your baby at 39 weeks

• He's probably able to flex his limbs now.
• His brain is still rapidly developing -- he's getting smarter by the week!
• His nails may extend past his fingertips.
• 

Dear Landon,

I know I am only days, hours, maybe even minutes away from meeting you...my little peanut...and I am consumed with both joy and fear. Joy at the thought of finally getting to see your little face, holding you in my arms, and giving you kisses all day. But, I am also scared to death to have you finally be "outside" of me, where I can no longer protect you from everything and I have to share you with the world. I know that all will be okay, I can't be selfish and have you all to myself for much longer. There are SO MANY people who love you so much and cannot wait to meet you!

Your dad and I always joke around about what kind of little boy you are going to be. All I can say is Lord help us all if you are anything like your mom was when I was little. Believe it or not, I was pretty much 100% boy until I was about ten years old. Climbing trees, climbing onto roof tops, jumping from trees to roof tops, basically climbing and jumping off of everything, being knee deep in mud, water, swamps, collecting toads, grasshoppers and spiders and keeping them as pets!!! I was fearless and I am surprised I survived the blood, bumps, bruises and stitches!;) I can only hope you will be more laid back like your dad, but I have a feeling you are going to be strong-willed, hard headed and fearless like your mommy and grandma's!;)

Ever since we found out we were having a little boy I've been thinking of what kind of man you are going to be. Of course I want you to be just like your daddy and grandpa's....patient, caring, loving, hardworking-not afraid to get your hands dirty, loyal, honest, ALWAYS putting your family first and yourself last...I know that you will be and do all of these things.

Your daddy and I want you to have a strong faith. Even stronger than we do. We want you to rely on God, everyday, all throughout your life, not just when the chips are down. We want you to be open-minded, tolerant and accepting of ALL people. A good friend who is always willing to help and stand up for what is right. We already know you will be an amazing husband and father one day. Most of all we want you to ALWAYS be yourself, follow your dreams and do what you want to in life.

Oh, my little Landon, I love you so much my heart could burst. I know my life will never be the same once you are here. But, I have been waiting the past thirty years to be your mommy. Your daddy and I are so lucky that you chose us to be your parents and we cannot wait for you to get here. You are one blessed little boy who will always be surrounded by so much love!

Love,
Mommy

38 Weeks!

Had a little bit of a shock at my doctor's appointment on Friday. I went in thinking I was probably still at a 1...maybe a 2. BUT, it went like this:

The doctor measured Landon and we heard his heartbeat...everything was perfect.

She asked if I had been having any contractions this week...I told her nothing that noticeable....just more pressure than anything.

She checks his position...he is still head down with his feet curled upright into my right rib cage.

Then she checks to see if I've progressed any further.

She says I am a 3 then says...oh wait...more like a 3.5...well, maybe closer to a 4!!!!!

Then she tells me I am 80...maybe even 90% effaced!!!!!

WHAT?????

She looks at me kind of weird and says. "Are you sure you aren't having ANY contractions?"

I tell her no, and she tells me to stay close to the hospital. She is thinking any day now. I am still in shock. I think mainly because I'm NOT feeling anything and have no other clear signs of labor. She told me to be grateful that my body is doing all of this work on its own and that Landon is already in position.

Almost everyone that I've talked to was having full on contractions and in the HOSPITAL when they were at a 4 and almost fully effaced. So, that is what is freaking me out. I am just hanging out feeling tired, out of breath and having lots of pressure...but ZERO contractions.

She also warned me that she thinks my labor will go quickly.

I never thought that he would be early and I would have to worry about going fast. I pictured many hours in the hospital laboring PAST my due date. But, in the end it may still be that way. She reminded me that first time babies love to stick with their mommies, but also said that once you are at a 4 things usually come fast!

Only time will tell. In the meantime, I am just hanging out waiting for Landon to decide his birthday!;)

I will keep everyone updated!!!!


How far along? 38 weeks.
Total weight gain: *Shocker* I actually LOST a pound!:)

Symptoms: Pressure, Pressure and more Pressure!

Maternity clothes? NOTHING fits!

Best moment of this week: Hearing his heartbeat and finding out it won't be long now!:)

Food cravings: Milk, pumpkin seeds, Twix and chocolate marshmallow ice cream.

What I miss: Just being able to do anything without sweating, breathing heavy or being in pain!

What I am looking forward to: Just wondering if he will make his appearance this week and be a September baby like his mommy!:) 

Your baby's the size of a pumpkin!

Baby is about 18.9 to 20.9 inches long and weighs about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds. Her head is now about the same circumference as her abdomen.

your baby at 38 weeks

• She may have about an inch or so of hair already.
• She's slowly shedding that white goo on her skin (called vernix caseosa) but you might see some of it at birth.
• 

I'm Pregnant and I Know it....

HILARIOUS and so true...

37 Weeks!

Just a little late...this week is getting away from me. I've been busy at work. Trying to get all of my assessments done at night so I can pass them out to the parents this week...just in case!;)

Had my doctor's appointment Friday. I am still at a 1 and he is still head down. I was a little surprised I was still at 1cm considering I was on my feet ALL last week at work! But, in the end I am happy to have more time. I would like to get through September with work and Erica's wedding on the 29th...then Landon is free to come ANY time after that. Like how I am still talking like I get to "pick" when he comes?!;)

This weekend I celebrated my 30th Birthday...9 months pregnant....not exactly how I imagined it. But, I had a great day and in the end he truly is the best gift I could ever ask for!!!:)

I have my next appointment this Friday. We shall see what I am at...I am very interested to know if I've progressed any more. A lot of people have told me that I really dropped this week and I am definitely feeling more pressure when I walk. Just waiting on Mr. Landon now to decide when he wants to come!:)


How far along? 37 weeks.
Total weight gain: I have hit the 40lb mark....although everyone around me has "assured" me I am "all baby" I doubt Landon is going to weigh 40lbs;)

Symptoms: Feeling large, out of breath and bending is out of the question!:)

Maternity clothes? NOTHING fits!

Best moment of this week: Finding out he is still head down and I still have some "time" to get things in order before his arrival.

Food cravings: Milk, pumpkin seeds, Twix and chocolate marshmallow ice cream.

What I miss: Just being able to do anything without sweating, breathing heavy or being in pain!

What I am looking forward to: My appointment this week to see if I am dilated any more!

Your baby's the size of a winter melon!
Yay! Baby has reached full term. He likely measures around 18.9 to 20.9 inches and weighs about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds. He's gaining about 1/2 ounce each day.

your baby at 37 weeks

• He's practicing some skills: inhaling, exhaling, sucking, gripping and blinking.
• He's getting his first sticky poop (called meconium) ready for his first diaper.
• 

36 Weeks!

9 MONTHS!!!!!!!! In the home stretch....28 days to go....if I make it that long!

Had my doctor's appointment this past Wednesday. I found out that he IS HEAD DOWN (Yay!) and I am 1cm dilated. I know that 1cm is nothing, but I wasn't expecting to be dilated at ALL so that was a little shocking. Especially when the doctor said I could go in a few weeks or ANY day now!!!! Yikes. Good thing Travis cleaned out both cars and installed our car seat bases this week!:)

I also found out that he is around 6lbs right now. She estimates that he will be around 7lbs which I was SO HAPPY to hear. She said that she would be really surprised if he was over the mid 7's @ birth...so it was good news all around.

I am not going to lie I have been a little freaked out since my appointment. Not that I don't want him to come, I do, very much so. I really can't wait to see him, hold him, kiss him all of that good stuff. I just never really opened my mind to the idea that he would be here in September!!! For real, I would joke that it would be cool if he came before or on my b-day on the 15th, but I NEVER REALLY HONESTLY thought that would happen.

It would be nice to make it through two more weeks of work at least. But, I know he will come when he comes and all will be good. I will keep you all posted. I am anxious to hear what I will be dilated to this Friday at my next appointment...last chance to make your guess in our game. I've added it to the side bar if you want to play!:)

How far along? 36 weeks.
Total weight gain: I feel like it fluctuates based on swelling, but the weigh in @ the doc has me at 35lbs...so we will go with that!:)

Symptoms: Feeling large, out of breath and bending is out of the question!:)

Maternity clothes? Feeling like NOTHING fits!

Best moment of this week: Finding out he is in the right position and is going to be smaller than I thought!:)

Food cravings: Milk (gag...HE wants it not me) and donuts. Packing on the lbs!:)

What I miss: Just being able to do anything without sweating, breathing heavy or being in pain!

What I am looking forward to: My appointment this week to see if I am dilated any more!

Your baby's the size of a honeydew!

She's still in the 17.2- to 18.7-inch and 4.2- to 5.8-pound range and continues to beef up.

your baby at 36 weeks

• She's getting closer and closer to being able to breathe on her own.
• Her skin is getting smooth and soft and her gums are rigid.
• Her liver and kidneys are in working order.
• Circulation and immune systems are basically good to go, too.
• 
  

Here is my *Official* Bump Collage....Months 1-9:

Here is what I am looking like at 9 Months:

Here is what the bump is looking like at 9 months:

Just a few pics to share...

From the first day of school!:) I am back to work, but this year is definitely going to be different! Let's hope I can make it through each day on my feet and more importantly make it through the month of September!!! I have a feeling I will be going to bed around 5pm tonight!;)

35 Weeks!

Officially back to work this week! While I am happy to get out of the house and see the teachers/meet my students, I am a little nervous about how I am going to do on my feet all day. I've been having some issues with my feet swelling lately. Not sure if its the heat returning, or just the point I am at in the pregnancy, but it can get pretty bad after only a few hours on my feet. I don't exactly have the type of job where I can sit all day behind a desk, but I am hoping to sit as much as I can to keep it down because it is no fun!:( I even bought some flats the other day to wear to work and had to buy a size and a half bigger then my normal size so they would fit and actually be comfortable!!!

Landon is doing great. I am hoping to find out this Wednesday if he is head down and also how big he is since I will be *almost* 36 weeks. Just hoping they don't make me wait another week. I am really anxious to find out more about what he is up to in there. So, the ultrasound would be nice to have this week.

I keep having dreams about going into labor. I also keep wondering *when* he is going to make his appearance. Will it be in September or October? Will it be on my 30th B-day on the 15th? Will I be able to go to my good friend Erica's wedding on September 29th? Will he be early? (seems to be the pattern with babies I know born this year) or will he come late like Travis and I did? I was a little over two weeks late and Travis was over three weeks late...I know things are different with inducing nowadays, but he does seem to like it in there.

I go back and forth with when I want him to come (ha...like its up to me:). Sometimes I want him to come early, just so I can get my hands on him sooner! Other times I think it would be nice for him to come mid-October so I will have more time at home with him around the holidays...although the thought of him just getting bigger and bigger in there is a little scary.

Speaking of his arrival, if you haven't already, please make your guess in our game!:)


How far along? 35 weeks.
Total weight gain: 30ish lbs!!!

Symptoms: Feeling large, out of breath and bending is out of the question!:)

Maternity clothes? Feeling like NOTHING fits!

Best moment of this week: Hearing his heartbeat!:)

Food cravings: Strawberry Milk, Chocolate Milk and Powdered Donuts! Yum!

What I miss: Just being able to do anything without sweating, breathing heavy or being in pain!

What I am looking forward to: My appointment this week to see how big he is and if he is head down!!!!

Your baby's the size of a coconut!

He's about 17.2 to 18.7 inches. From here on out, he won't get much longer, but he's plumping up. He's now about 4.2 to 5.8 pounds, and he'll put on a pound or more of baby fat before birth.

your baby at 35 weeks

• Now, his hearing is fully developed, and he responds best to high-pitched noises.
• If it's a boy, his testes have probably fully descended.
• 

Make your guess!:)

Since it is getting close, I am adding a game for everyone to play. Just click on the icon and enter your name and guess on when Landon is going to arrive, how much he will weigh and how long he will be!:) I am interested to see your guesses!:)

Please tell me...

What did you pack in your bag for the hospital????

Nesting in FULL force...

"In human females, the nesting instinct often occurs around the fifth month of pregnancy, but can occur as late as the eighth, or not at all. It may be strongest just before the onset of labor. It is commonly characterized by a strong urge to clean and organize one's home and is one reason why couples who are expecting a baby often reorganize, arrange, and clean the house and surroundings."

Um, yeah, you could say this is what I've been up to lately.

It started with all of the wonderful gifts that we got from both showers. Trav put together the stroller, rocker, bouncer and swing within days. I felt like they had to go up ASAP. We decided to put the swing, bouncer, and rocker on the front porch and we can just pull them into the family room as we need them. Obviously, the stroller is going in the car with the car seat. But, for right now it is parked on the porch. Chuck loves to lay in the bottom basket for now!;)

Next up is the pack n' play. We really love it. It is super easy to set up and take down and I love the newborn changer and bassinet that sits above it. We decided to set it up in the family room. That way we have easy access to a place for the MULTIPLE daily changes and he can also nap in the bassinet....it also vibrates and plays music...it's pretty neat.

My FAVORITE thing is all of the STORAGE areas. It has a hanging rack on the side with a laundry bag attachment. I put all of the necessities on the side rack: waterproof changing pads, burp cloths, Vaseline, Desitin etc, and hung the laundry bag. Then I tried to figure out a good way to utilize the storage space underneath the changer/bassinet. I decided to use these black IKEA drawer organizers. Two are filled with diapers and wipes and the other two are full of clothing/swaddle blankets. I just took all of his newborn and 0-3 month sleepers out of the nursery and decided that they would be the most accessible here for the next few months. As for Chuck...we are TRYING to train him to stay away from it. But, we may have caught him napping in the bassinet one day!;)

Next up is his bassinet. Thanks to the teachers it was already fully assembled and ready to go!:) Our master bedroom is on the first floor and his nursery is upstairs. So, we are planning on having him sleep in his bassinet in our room for the first few months. I have to say that I LOVE this bassinet. I didn't realize it had so many cool features when I registered for it.
 First of all, it has a remote...how cool is that? It vibrates on several different settings and even has movement that simulates the mother's womb. It plays different kinds of music and has mobile above it that MOVES....all controlled by the remote...now that's my kind of bassinet!:)
As for Chuck, he likes to sleep on the bottom storage shelves...melts my heart...

Next up is organizing the kitchen cabinets with bottles and such. We registered for this AVENT Infant Starter Set with Sterilizer. I was a little skeptical of the sterilizer, but honestly, I can't say enough good things about it.
First of all, it's pretty large. You can toss in all of the bottle pieces, pacifiers, nipples etc onto the top section. Then you add water to the bottom part. Snap the top and bottom together and place it in the microwave for 3 minutes. The steam sterilizes EVERYTHING!:) Then let it sit in the microwave for a minute, take it out, remove the top, and it turns into a drying rack! Once everything is dry, I rinsed out the sterilizer, dried it and have been storing it in a drawer. In two rounds (honestly, like 20 minutes from start to finish) Travis and I were able to sterilize all of our bottles, pacifiers, nipples etc.
For right now we are storing our bottles in a cabinet with my Enfamil/Similac formula stockpile...

I saved the best for last. My MOST FAVORITE thing....BABY CLOTHES!:) After spending a bazillion hours washing blankets, gowns, sleepers, onesies, undershirts, socks, and his ACTUAL hanging clothes I was able to start putting outfits together for him and organize his closet!
We installed this IKEA closet organizer a few months back. It has three large wire shelves on the left side of the closet, one shelf and two clothes rods in the middle and this big built-in drawer organizer on the right. This built-in is my favorite part. It's interchangeable and can hold giant wire baskets as well as plastic bins.
I decided to put his sleepers, gowns, onesies, undershirts, socks etc. by size in the wire baskets. Then I decided to use the plastic bins to store blankets, bedding, sheets, toys etc. Then I started putting outfits together for him, hanging them, and separating them by size. Styling Landon was by far my favorite "nesting" thing to do. It took me a few weeks because I get so wrapped up in how cute the clothes are, how cute he will be in them and then that trails off into excitement for him to get here, imagining what he will look like etc. and I'd lose my focus!:)

Only a few more things to share for FUN!:) Here is a sneak peek of a few his outfits that I "styled" for him to wear this Fall. *Almost* EVERYTHING is from Gap or Old Navy, the two cutest places I've found boy clothes!:)

I've also been looking for my favorite quote everywhere to hang in his room. I finally got sick of searching and just decided to make it myself. I found this wooden owl at Michael's, painted it, distressed it and stamped the quote on it:

Hopefully, we are prepared as we can be. I know that our world is about to be turned upside down. No sleep, no time for anything, stressed out, having everything be about Landon and not us. I can't wait...:)
And lastly, if you have survived this never ending nesting post, a few updated nursery pics!:)