Feb 13 2010
Last Minute Valentine’s Day Activities and Gift Ideas
Baby photo credit: doriana_s
- If you have simple PhotoShop skills you can follow my easy to use instructions to download this free photo frame (shown above) and add your own image inside the red frame. Instructions are at the end of this post.
- There’s time to make chocolate covered strawberries. And, they’re quick and easy. The kids would have fun with this project.
- Valentine’s Day crafts for kids.
- If you’ve got some time today or even tomorrow you could attempt to make a Valentine’s Day cake that will *wow* everyone who get a piece. There’s a surprise on the inside — when you cut into the cake it displays a red heart. The baker shows a simple tutorial on her blog. You’ve got to see it.
- One of the allrecipe.com users, Celeste, submitted a photo of a Valentine’s Day (or I should say Night) picnic she created for her and her husband fireside at their home. Looks very romantic.
- RealSimple.com has a Valentine’s Day dinner menu that claims to be “stress-free.”
When all else fails, wait until the kids are in bed and put on a movie. It doesn’t matter what you do as long as you are together.
Photo Frame How to:
- Open valentinewrap.psd in PhotoShop.
- Click (highlight) on the “Insert your photo here” layer.
- In a new window, Open your photo.
- Size your photo to 375 x 500 (width x height). (Go to the Image menu, choose Image size, type in your dimensions and click OK.)
- Drag your photo to the open valentinewrap.psd file. Since the Insert your photo here layer is highlighted it should show up behind the red border.
- Save the file as a JPG. (File Menu, Save as.)
Enjoy!
Paperwork –pre-register at the hospital. This is a must. It will save you time and allow you to go straight to triage when you enter the hospital. Bring all of your paperwork with you when you go to the hospital.
Clothes — You won’t really need an outfit except to wear for your journey home. Instead, bring a nightgown (a nursing nightgown if you plan to breastfeed) and robe, slippers, socks (for the birth if you want), going home outfit, flip flops, nursing bras and nursing pads.
Toiletries — Most lists say to bring sanitary pads so I kept it on my list, but the hospital will most likely provide these for you. You’ll get really big ones. And, some hospitals provide special paper underwear to use while you are there so you don’t have to worry about ruining your new set from Victoria’s Secret. Bring all the regular toilitries that you would to a hotel. You’ll be taking a shower at some point and will want to feel fresh.
Relaxation — Bring items that make you comfortable. For the most part, these are things for during the birth. A back massager is good for your spouse to use while you are in labor. A rice sock can be made by putting rice in an old tube sock and sewing it shut. It can be warmed up in the microwave or cooled down in the fridge to be used on your stomach while in labor. I admit that I created one of these for my first pregnancy, but didn’t end up using it. Hard candy to suck on since you won’t be allowed to have any food. Pillow spray if you want that special relaxation smell while in bed. Your own pillow if that suits you.
Electronics — don’t forget to bring your cameras to document the occasion. Make sure your batteries are charged and/or you bring battery backup. And, don’t forget the flash cards.
For your Partner: A watch to time contractions, toiletries, change of clothes (but not too many since he can go home), clothes to sleep in. If your partner typically sleeps commando or with a lovely pair of undies you might suggest he bring some PJs that would be suitable for others to see him in. Entertainment — he’ll have downtime while you are in labor and might want to read, watch TV or play a video game if you have a portable gaming console. I’d suggest you discuss this ahead of time so you know what you are getting into.
For baby: Infant car seat. They won’t let you leave the hospital without one. Cute outfit for the baby’s first hospital photo. Bring more than one, in different sizes. I had one for my son that ended up bring huge. Going home outfit. Receiving blanket — you only really need this if you want a special one. The hospital gives you plenty of the white, with blue and red striped ones to use while you are there. Infant caps. Again, the hospital slaps one of these on your baby right away so you don’t have to bring your own, but if you want your baby to be seen in a cute cap, bring your own. You don’t even really need to bring your baby any clothes. The hospital will put him/her in those little white t-shirt tops with the parts that fold over the babies’ hands. And, they usually provide diapers.
Other: cash — vending machines, valet parking, you name it you might need cash. Don’t forget your purse and wallet. A good idea is to have a small purse that will fit inside your luggage. My hospital makes you carry your luggage from room to room. Here’s the scenario: you are rushed to triage to wait for a room (husband is pushing screaming wife down hallway while pulling luggage), you get moved to the labor room (finally!) husband pulls luggage while you are pushed in wheel chair (hopefully), and then after the baby is born you get moved to your regular room, husband drags that suitcase along. The less bags he has to manage the better. And, remember you are not going to be in charge of the luggage or your purse so make it manageable.
