OK, so we're walking through the mega store that is Babies R Us, and Danny's being a good sport as we're looking at strollers (he likes the Jeep version), and car seats (Eddie Bauer is his fave)...um, who knew my husband was so tied to brand loyalty? ;)
And then we get to the furniture section and find a couple of pretty cool contemporary designs ... one in fact that looks like it was made to go with the dresser we bought from By Design a couple of years ago...modern sleek Danish lines, dark rich cherry wood, and silverish-gray handles. I don't know if Holden will dig it, but I think it looks nice... I don't really know what Holden will dig though. All I know is that the kid really likes church hymns, has an aversion to fast food (for the most part) and likes red meat on occasion (everyone knows that's not me craving the carnivorous foodstuff).
Sooo, beyond that... there's breast pumps, and bottles, bibs and blankets...and a myriad of other things that don't even begin with the letter "B." (Hmm, maybe I should get that children's book "Big B, Little B, What begins with B?")
IT'S ALL SO OVERWHELMING!!!
How does a new mother know what to chose? What's she'll like? What he'll need?
When I registered for our wedding, I felt like I had a pretty good idea as far as things I would use in my home... I mean, I was 28, and I had been living (to some degree) on my own for about 10 years between school, work, etc. I knew what colors I wanted to decorate with (thankfully I think we've decided light green, white and a splash of dark chocolate for Holden's room). I understood that a girl can never have too many fluffy white linens (especially if they come in egyptian thread count between 400 - 800, or higher if you're feeling ridiculously luxurious.) I knew I was more likely to use a waffle iron than a kitchen aid, that my stoneware would be best utilized as plain white...likewise chargers and linen napkins can even make cold pizza delightful, and orange juice tastes better out of a wine glass. Pretension in the kitchen is not so bad... I keep a picture of Audrey Hepburn above my sink just to remind me that one can be fabulous even while doing dishes.
But I had time alone and to "nest" as a single to discover what my tastes are... what I'd want in my dream home. What prepares you for motherhood essentials? PerhapsIntuition? Um yeah, I don't really have that yet.
So my question is, MOMS, what do you need? What's been the thing/s that you've found for motherhood that has been the hidden gem or the no-brainer (yes I have the list from Babies R Us... but it says register for a breast pump... Great idea, but there's like 10 varieties! How do I know what works? What I'll want? What will be bet for the baby?)
H.E.L.P. - M.E. - NOW!!!
As much as I'd like to believe that hanging a picture of Audrey in the nursery will make mommyhood easier, truth be told, even I recognize it's not really going to make me a better mom. Though it may remind me that even when changing diapers you can still be fabulous.
COMMENTS - FEEDBACK PLEASE!!! (Fathers welcome too!)
post script. also, does anyone know of a diaper service in SLC? Danny's not too excited about cloth diapers... but how can we call ourselves environmentalists if we don't at least try a mix of plastic and cloth?!?!? (It's so hard being me.)
12 comments:
I've done all the research known to man on all the safe products etc. We have a Chicco travel system, they are really cute and an all in one type deal, but I recently heard that they pulled their bases from Babies R Us. Britax makes the safest carseats but they are pricey. We loved the idea of a convertable crib, one that can change to a toddler bed and a twin as your baby grows. I could go on and on but i'm sure your other readers will have more suggestions for you. I also have found a ton of "your type" of blogs that will help you figure out what is the safest products for your baby (organic foods, plastic bottles etc.) E-mail me if you are interested in the links. Good luck!
Happy Birthday!! Love You!
As for the baby stuff, we really like the Graco brand, bouncer is a must, you want a good baby monitor, I like Avent bottles, thin flannel blankets, lots of burp cloths - but I'll have you covered on that, get an exesaucer, I still love Baby Einstein, and of course he'll need his own little yoga mat! Does babyrus carry those?
One thing FOR SURE!! I thought i needed LOTS of blankets (which they tell you not to use because of SIDS). DON'T USE THEM. After Kale almost killed himself by getting all wrapped up in them overnight...I became addicted to "sleep sacks". A blanked you zip on them like clothing. Erin Allen converted me. All my blankets are in storage now except for winter use to cover the car seat outside.
Mel Smoot
oh my gosh, I hated registering at babies r us! I remember i went in and I started to cry because I realized i was gona need 2 of everything and i was so freaked out! That store is a nightmare. I agree with everything Marie said! For sure burpclothes...the cloth diaper ones are best! I think you should try using disposable diapers...they really aren't that bad, seriously. Also, i loved my baby einstein exersaucer and a bouncer yes...a must. Also, loved the Avent bottles. I didn't breast feed because of the twin thing but I heard that those "hooter hider" things are awesome...or Whitney's brother sells those things...she has a link on her blog...she swears by them. Good luck...
p.s. I had the Graco car seats and stroller and I liked them because they were a lot lighter than the preg prego one. We really liked it; good safety rating too.
Hey dude! Chillax on what the baby needs! You'll get tons for your showers, and your mom will tell you all the stuff your missing! I say get the bare essentials that you need to bring him home, and then see what kind of baby he is, you'll figure out really fast what he likes and what he doesn't! And, it changes with every kid!!! Just enjoy!! Tell your fam hello!
There is No diaper service in UTAH, I have looked and reasearched and there is nothing here! So, good luck on that one!
Definently Sleep sacks, agree with Melanie! Britax is a good brand, also Peg Perego (But it's spendy).
Others may disagree but I wish that I would ahve waited to buy a breast pump until after you know if you have supply. PERSONALLY, I would just wait until after you deliver and talk with a Lactation consultant, they are so helpful!
Last thing, for now, haha, I would either get a front pack to carry baby and/or a baby sling, that way you can do stuff around the house and have baby right there with you.
I think I saw some bedding options on the palinforpresident.com website. I think Holden will really like the NRA bumper with the shotgun sheets.
Don't worry. Everyone feels like that and everyone survives.
Love you.
Don't get a Diaper Genie!! They don't work very well and your nursey will just stink. Just take the diapers outside to the garbage!
My only suggestion is to get a video monitor, we had one given to us for Harper and it saves us. Sometimes when he wakes up in the night we just watch him on the monitor to make sure he is ok and wait til he falls back asleep. I think if I didn't have it I would feel the need to go in his room and check on him every time he cries to make sure he is ok. We love it!!!!
Ok, so I would just get a Graco infant seat and then get a Britax toddler seat (pricey but so worth it), I totally loved my nursing cover up and it's not just because my brother started a business (they are called OBUBA's, www.obuba.com, but maybe you can look online and tell me what you like and I can hook you up there), I really like the avent bottles and the medela pump (if you have money, go with the double, especially if you are going to have more kids!), oh suite, there is so much that you are going to learn and so many different opinions.
I nannied twins and they had cloth diapers and it is quite messy (you have to clean the poopy ones in the toilet first, oooh gross) but toally go for it if you feel so inclined! You are awesome and Holden is one lucky dude!!!
I hear adderall is all you really need... (I'm so glad you get my jokes.. right...?)
So, after reading all the comments first... I have to say I AGREE!!! First I agree, you will be abundantly blessed in your baby showers!!! Waiting until after little guy comes home is a great idea too! He isn't going to need much but sleepers, diapers, wipes and food to begin with!!! The medal double pump is the best!!! Pricey but worth it, bottles are another thing he will have to decide, Jaron and Isaiah both liked the platex bottles with liners, you might not like that with the environment and such?? =-)
bouncy is a must!!! you are going to be an awesome mom and you have such a great mom to help you! I can't wait to see pictures and hear all your stories! Oh and one more thing I agree on go for the meds!!! EPIDERALS ARE AWESOME!!! love ya, tell your parents hello
gotta go change a diaper!
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