First off, Happy 29 weeks Micah!
Here is his most recent picture:
Although we have already went and registered at two different stores, I find myself nervously checking over and adding or taking items off of our registries. I then humbly came to the ugly epiphany:
I have no idea what I am doing!!!
I have been overwhelmed recently with the plethora of "things" you need for a baby! So many opinions, products and necessary material items, that I am officially overwhelmed! It is scary because I do not even know where to begin! I do not know how to take care of a baby; therefore, I have no clue the necessary items needed.
It is even harder because what do I truly "need" and what is merely "convenient". I cannot even separate the two.
My friend Caroline's recent blog gave some insight: DakotaGirl: What do you really need for a baby?
Will you help? I am humbly coming to ANYONE that will help to ask for the very necessary items that helped you or that you suggest!
After a few months of actually having baby, I will generate my list of "needs" and "conveniences" to help other moms out... because I am sure I'll have an opinion too :)
Article of the week: "Mother Lover; keep your relationship strong when baby creates a new plus one" by Sarah Granger from the magazine Pregnancy and New Born
Matt very much spoiled me last night by taking me makeup shopping! I haven't had new makeup since our wedding, and he wanted to make me feel beautiful. The best part is that he took a real interest in what I wanted and helped me pick out different shades and brands that would look best on me :) I love my dear husband, so I find this article a good reminder of how the marriage still has to remain strong, and that only happens when you intentionally put effort into it!
The article outlines several steps for the Wife to take to intentionally reconnect with her Husband.
1. Plan Ahead- Talk about the changes and expectations for the newborn baby. Divvy up chores and have a plan, but yet be willing to be flexible and work together.
2. Judge Not- Give him a break! If he is trying, he deserves credit!
3. Make Time- date night should be a priority!
4. Feel the Love- Intimacy
5. Speak up- Communicate honestly and openly!
Awww thanks for the mention! I know I missed things on my list as well. If you are not opposed to some "gently used" items I have a bunch of things you can have. A baby bathtub, boppy pillow & two covers, miracle blanket swaddle, another brand of swaddle who's brand name escapes me at the moment. I know how overwehelming the registering business can be and almost despise Babies-R-Us for the pressure they put on new parents with way too many options & the books of things they tell you that you need!
ReplyDeleteItems that I found necessary:
ReplyDelete*carseat: look at the material. Make sure its easily washable. Also look at the material and try to get one that may not make the baby so hot.
*diaper bag- a BIG one with lots of room, a changing pad (resuable), and pockets. I have a Vera Bradley one that my hubby got for me as a present
*stroller- look at size and weight.
*If breastfeeding nipple cream and nursing pads
*bath time items: washcloths (I use 1 for her face, 1 for her body, and 1 to clean her bottom), baby safe shampoo, towels with hoods (this is very helpful since babies lose heat through their head quickly), we use a baby bath tub, but I have heard of mommies bringing baby into the tub with them to give them a bath. We also bought a space heater to heat our bathroom so that it wouldnt be too cold for Abby. She was very unhappy when cold.
*burp cloths- I LOVE the trifold cloth diapers as burp cloths as they are very thick and offer protection between baby and me. No leaks!!
*Swaddlers- LOVED them so much!! They were super easy to swaddle Abby without having to worry about the blanket coming apart
*pack and play: Abby sleeps in it at night time next to our bed
*for clothes Abby lives in sleep and plays. We have a handful of cute outfits but these are so easy to change diapers in and put on.
Items that are Abby LOVES (but every baby may not):
* bouncer: it is so nice to be able to bounce her in it. We also sit her in it when she does not want to be held
*swing: helps her fall asleep when she is so tired that she does not want to sleep
*Jumperoo: she is just beginning to like it.
*Bumbo: buy used! Also, try out some one's first to see if your little one likes it. Abby loves to sit up but cant on her own quite yet so it is helpful, but not necessary
Items that have been unnecessary (atleast for us):
*wipes warmer- didn't even buy one. Abby does not complain about cold wipes
*bottle warmer- I breastfeed so I don't use a lot of bottles. I actually only have 4 since she only takes 1 bottle a week and we put the bottle breastmilk container in a cup of hot water to warm it up.
*for bedding you do not need the set. We got it and haven't used it yet. First of all you cant use the comforter due to a SIDs and suffocation risk. If trying to save money, just buy sheets for the crib to match decorations.
If you have any questions please ask me. I'll give you my opinion from my experience and what I read. This list is not complete, but I have to tend to Abby. Good luck!!