So, I know I have been MIA for a few weeks but I'm back and ready to chat :) All is well after the shooting at the school a few weeks ago, and things have gotten back to normal (whatever that means ) :)
I attended Kelly's baby shower yesterday (thank you Amanda for hosting such a magical tea party) and it was very nice to see all the girls as well as little Harper. Kelly got some great and adorable clothes for the future baby Josephsen and we all got to oooohhhh and aaaahhhh over everything.
J and I are doing well here in the sunny city and he decided to accept a job offer, so we are on our way to total adulthood! I am very excited for him because as he would say it "it's his DREAM job" and I couldn't have asked for anything else. I only have about 5 weeks left in school and then I'm off to Seattle for some fun on the West Coast.
The baby is still doing well (I'm sorry I haven't posted the recent U/S pics but I have yet to figure out our scanner-but I will have them up sometime in the next few months :) ) I am starting to wonder if the grumbling in my tummy is ever baby Andrew but for now I will have to wait until he/she decides to make their precense more well known. We are set to find out the baby's gender May 19th so please be checking for that in the next few weeks. We are very excited to find out the gender and I can't wait to start registering and buying more things for the baby.
I have decided with all the verteran mother's/ preggies out there I would like to use this blog as a forum for suggestions and words of wisdom. So I will start it: If you have any suggestions for stroller brands and snuggly brands that have worked for you please let me know. O would also like to know what I shouldn't even bother purchasing yet, because the baby wont need it for a few months or even for the first year. Thank you to everyone who has already made wonderful suggestions and I hope to learn from all of your wonderful insight and wisdom in the coming months.
See you all at the next one!
7 comments:
Yay, you are back!
My 7 weeks of wisdom is as follows:
-Stroller (per yesterday's conversation): The lightest one that does everything you need - ours is the Combi City Savvy Select.
-Car Seat: Graco Snugride (there are many different ones available, we found one in a cute print that was very well padded - they DO vary in padding, but are all top rated for safety).
-Crib/Changing Table (you can use a dresser)/Storage: Check Ikea to see if you like anything - we found LOTS of furniture for Harper's room there (you can see his room on the blog, if you are interested - we're very proud of it).
-Changing Pad: Cooshee Changer - A MUST HAVE ITEM, in my opinion. No need to wash the covers for the changing pad, just wipe and be done. It comes in way cool colors, has sides (great if you choose a dresser for a changing table), and is comfortable! Harper loves to hang out on his green one. (I got this tip from Mommies With Style, a great blog that you might be interested in reading).
Things I skipped or could have skipped: Bottle sterilizer, wipe warmer (many safety issues surrounding these, too), CRIB BUMPER (I know, bummer... But, again, many safety issues), "Swaddle Me" (I thought it would be awesome, but have never been successful) - instead, watch "Happiest Baby On The Block" DVD, have MANY receiving blankets, and become a pro at swaddling.
Consider holding off on a baby sling/carrier-type thing... If you have baby with you, sizing and logistics would likely go MUCH more smoothly. We struggle with our, nearly every day.
Things we use every day (It's amazing how little you really need):
-Our bouncer seat (he sits in it while I make dinner) -Burp cloths (cloth diapers are what we use)
-MANY MANY diapers
-MANY MANY baby wipes
(you cannot have enough wipes. Costco sells them in massive quantities).
You are going to have so much fun shopping, preparing and dreaming about your new little one - it is so much fun! Thanks for soliciting suggestions - I hope others will post, too, so I can use their ideas. You will hear so much, just like you probably do as a teacher, and I'm sure (just as you do as an amazing teacher - congrats on you award, by the way - sorry I failed to mention that yesterday) you'll sift through it all and find the pearls, discarding the trash.
I'll stick that book in the mail this week! Sorry for the uber-long comment. See you soon!
I am glad to hear that the baby and mommy are doing great. Congrats to J on a dream job!
You will be tempted to buy lots of things, but your baby will need very little. Of course you will need necessities, which are already mentioned by Amanda.
My advice is the following:
- No Newborn Outfits. I know, they are very cute and irresistible, but the baby grows very fast and the clothes shrink after the first wash. I recommend buying 3 months from the start.
- Choose the baby outfits that are easy to put on (one piece). To dress up a newborn could be challenging.
- I used the baby carrier (I have Red Castle Sport, other brand was recommended by Rebecca, i think Ergo Baby) since Hayden was born and I am still using it. I found it very usefull.
Good luck! Post some pregnant pictures as well.
Oh... One more every day item: The Diaper Champ! Do you see the pattern of diapers developing?
Yay for updates! Sorry I have no advice to give...but I'm always here to help in any way I can!
Okay, I'll throw my two cents in here:
1) I totally agree with Amanda on the stroller - light is best (and test out collapsing and opening it in the store!). We actually just got one of the "Snap-N-Go" bases that go with the car seat in the beginning. Then, we got one of the super cheap umbrella strollers ($20) that is great for the mall, planes, etc. and a FABULOUS jogging stroller. They can't use the jogging stroller until around 4 months but it is awesome.
2) We got a co-sleeper (like a mini crib that goes next to your bed) so that Mia could sleep in our room with us. Baby can also sleep in a pack-n-play. It made the middle of the night feedings much easier!
3) Amanda is so right about the bouncer - you will definitely want one and preferably one that vibrates! This will be your lifesaver as it can go into the kitchen/bathroom with you. you have to pee sometime....
4) We also got a swing that I found pretty helpful - not all babies like them though.
5) on the carrier issue - I loved our Ergo carrier. It is great ergonomically for the baby and for you. But, Amy mentioned that Lyla found it too hot. It is also best when they are a bit older. I love the sling now (as you saw at the shower) but hated in the first months. Some people rave about the Moby Wrap but I haven't tried it. Looks really cool though.
6) A Boppy! This is awesome whether you are breast or bottle feeding and is great for tummy time and sitting up.
If you are breastfeeding, there are these amazing things that are called "soothies". Helps take away the soreness the first few weeks. They should be at Babies R Us.
Good luck! Feel free to ask questions! I can't wait till you find out what you are having! And congrats to J on his job!!!
Rebecca
Oh, and I forgot!! (Mommy brain) Lots of black and white images. Newborns LOVE these and it is great stimulation for them. We got really cute flashcard-type animal images from egiggle.com.
Othewise, toys in the beginning are kind of eh. Even now, Mia's favorite thing to play with are my keys or the outer jacket of her books. Definitely get a play mat though for tummy time!
I have no suggestions on babies since.. well I dont have one! But I am glad you are doing well and CANT wait till we know the baby's sex!!! I am going to be an auntie!!!
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