1) Sefiras HaOmer, the counting of the Omer, began on the second night of Pesach, and will continue for 49 days until the Yom Tov of Shavuos.
L’Chatchilah, the Bracha on the sefirah, as well as the counting should be recited while standing. (See Mishna Berura 489:6).
2) If the sefirah was said while sitting, B’Dieved it is acceptable, and no re-counting is necessary.
This halacha applies to men and women [whose minhag it is to count sefirah] alike. (In a few days we will discuss in more detail, whether women are obligated in this Mitzvah or not)
3) The counting of the Omer should preferably be done as soon as possible after nightfall (preferably the same amount after sunset waited after Shabbos to do Melacha, should be waited for the counting of Sefirah as well)
If one davens Maariv early, he should be extremely careful to have a system set up whereby he will remember to count the Sefirah when the time arrives.
4) It is a good idea to always count the Sefirah again during the day [without a Bracha], thus if the counting was forgotten the night before, the day counting will suffice to the total counting of the 49 days.
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