I'm finally getting around to writing down the things we need to get together before Thumper arrives for myself and as a way to flag handmedowns we might be looking to mooch, and have discovered that we cannot edit our old Alternative Gift Registry. This list is not designed to be a registry -- more like a place for us to compile the things we need and track what hand-me-downs we can mooch from people we know! So, as we get ready for the arrival of our daughter, here are some of the things we are looking to acquire...
- New pack and play: ours went up north to Westford when Cora was born, and Thumper's MA Gramma has said she wants to replace the one we had. But now it sounds like Stacey and Aleck have one that is already in the DC Metro Area, so we may just borrow their.s. We need to figure out what exactly we need, and as of now I think we'll use it as a naptime locale and changing area, and probably keep it in our (to-be-reorganized) den. Stacey mentioned we'd need sheets but I think we have some somewhere -- need to check.
- in-bed co-sleeper. I need to do more research but looking for some sort of "bumpers" to use for Thumper, may be this: http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Delight-Snuggle-Beige-White/dp/B004LKS0H0/ref=cm_cmu_pg__header or http://www.gobedbug.com/GOPAGES/infantcosleep.htm.
- bouncy seat. Ours was so well used that I think it's been retired, but it is nice to have a restraint that is also fun for a kiddo to bounce around in -- Sean was a big fan.
- Activity mat. We need to find the great one Liz got us -- the disadvantage of having great friends who provide storage is that we are not clear what stuff is where.
- Infant car seat. While Bub has found some that may work for Thumper from infancy through childhood, I do recall that it is nice to have a "bucket" seat for going out to meals/walks/socializing with a stroller base. I am thinking we might see if someone has a bucket we can borrow, and then still invest in a more versatile carseat that we'd actually use for a car.
- Dresser. I'm not quite sure where we will store Thumper's clothes and if we'll get her the same dresser from Ikea we got Sean -- thinking so, since they'll eventually share a room.
- Entertainment center/storage. We'll need to use our TV wall for more storage (think toys) along with some way to keep the TV and other electronics away from small hands (hopefully some sort of enclosure). This is a biggie we need to figure out, and started to scope out Ikea's offerings without success so far, so it looks like we need to do some furniture shopping.
- Baby gates. Mostly flagging that we do not need these right away, and will need to see if we are still in our same place or somewhere else by the time Thumper gets mobile.
- Diapers. We intend to again use cloth diapers, but it is always good to have some of the "travel" version rather than have to transport dirty ones back home. We'll probably do the Amazon Subscribe and Save thing again.
- Wipes. See above, we'll probably do Amazon, but maybe will figure out using cloth washable wipes too.
- Clothes. We have a few gift outfits and scored some things at the Shining Stars clothing sale today, and I think we will take Mandy up on her offers of using Grace's handmedowns, with perhaps even Bub's/Cora's as backup. I have no problem with re-using lots of Sean's stuff, and in particular don't see why we'd need to have gender specific items like pajamas or pants. As will come to no surprise, I am not looking for a lot (or really any) pink.
- Breast pump. I am glad to report that mine has returned from regular use out in California and, even better, the new health reform law covers breastfeeding supplies so if the motor is not what it used to be, my insurance can cover my purchase from the Breastfeeding Center. Yeah for public policy!
- Classes. I may pursue a 2nd-time-parenting group with PACE (http://www.pacemoms.org/id13.html), and will look to do a lot more Mom and Baby Yoga (where babies are involved but the focus is on yoga for moms) as well as Itsy Bitsy Yoga down the line. Given that maternity leave overlaps with summer, I'm excited about seeing if I can find other new (or new again) moms who want to do some regular hiking in Rock Creek Park or other outdoorsy stuff.
Perhaps this is obvious, but this blogpost is 95% note for myself to make sure we are on top of things (somewhat, at least), but figured I'd do it as a way to let folks know some of the things we are thinking about. It is so much less daunting the second time around, perhaps too much so. And, it is very handy to have Kate around with my adorable nephew Will, in part so I can see what they use and be reminded of what it is like to have a baby (rather than a 4 year old). In fact, this blogpost has been written primarily at their place, staring at their stuff while babysitting a sleeping Will. I know the Farbsons timed it to be convenient as a refresher course for us, and for that I am grateful. :)
Curious about names? Check out http://www.babycenter.com/415_baby-name-list_9351911_165364475342.bc for our working list. I've spent about two weeks really focused on Iris, but that is apt to change...
Sooner or later this baby will wake up, figure I better get ready. Lots of love to family and friends!
- New pack and play: ours went up north to Westford when Cora was born, and Thumper's MA Gramma has said she wants to replace the one we had. But now it sounds like Stacey and Aleck have one that is already in the DC Metro Area, so we may just borrow their.s. We need to figure out what exactly we need, and as of now I think we'll use it as a naptime locale and changing area, and probably keep it in our (to-be-reorganized) den. Stacey mentioned we'd need sheets but I think we have some somewhere -- need to check.
- in-bed co-sleeper. I need to do more research but looking for some sort of "bumpers" to use for Thumper, may be this: http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Delight-Snuggle-Beige-White/dp/B004LKS0H0/ref=cm_cmu_pg__header or http://www.gobedbug.com/GOPAGES/infantcosleep.htm.
- bouncy seat. Ours was so well used that I think it's been retired, but it is nice to have a restraint that is also fun for a kiddo to bounce around in -- Sean was a big fan.
- Activity mat. We need to find the great one Liz got us -- the disadvantage of having great friends who provide storage is that we are not clear what stuff is where.
- Infant car seat. While Bub has found some that may work for Thumper from infancy through childhood, I do recall that it is nice to have a "bucket" seat for going out to meals/walks/socializing with a stroller base. I am thinking we might see if someone has a bucket we can borrow, and then still invest in a more versatile carseat that we'd actually use for a car.
- Dresser. I'm not quite sure where we will store Thumper's clothes and if we'll get her the same dresser from Ikea we got Sean -- thinking so, since they'll eventually share a room.
- Entertainment center/storage. We'll need to use our TV wall for more storage (think toys) along with some way to keep the TV and other electronics away from small hands (hopefully some sort of enclosure). This is a biggie we need to figure out, and started to scope out Ikea's offerings without success so far, so it looks like we need to do some furniture shopping.
- Baby gates. Mostly flagging that we do not need these right away, and will need to see if we are still in our same place or somewhere else by the time Thumper gets mobile.
- Diapers. We intend to again use cloth diapers, but it is always good to have some of the "travel" version rather than have to transport dirty ones back home. We'll probably do the Amazon Subscribe and Save thing again.
- Wipes. See above, we'll probably do Amazon, but maybe will figure out using cloth washable wipes too.
- Clothes. We have a few gift outfits and scored some things at the Shining Stars clothing sale today, and I think we will take Mandy up on her offers of using Grace's handmedowns, with perhaps even Bub's/Cora's as backup. I have no problem with re-using lots of Sean's stuff, and in particular don't see why we'd need to have gender specific items like pajamas or pants. As will come to no surprise, I am not looking for a lot (or really any) pink.
- Breast pump. I am glad to report that mine has returned from regular use out in California and, even better, the new health reform law covers breastfeeding supplies so if the motor is not what it used to be, my insurance can cover my purchase from the Breastfeeding Center. Yeah for public policy!
- Classes. I may pursue a 2nd-time-parenting group with PACE (http://www.pacemoms.org/id13.html), and will look to do a lot more Mom and Baby Yoga (where babies are involved but the focus is on yoga for moms) as well as Itsy Bitsy Yoga down the line. Given that maternity leave overlaps with summer, I'm excited about seeing if I can find other new (or new again) moms who want to do some regular hiking in Rock Creek Park or other outdoorsy stuff.
Perhaps this is obvious, but this blogpost is 95% note for myself to make sure we are on top of things (somewhat, at least), but figured I'd do it as a way to let folks know some of the things we are thinking about. It is so much less daunting the second time around, perhaps too much so. And, it is very handy to have Kate around with my adorable nephew Will, in part so I can see what they use and be reminded of what it is like to have a baby (rather than a 4 year old). In fact, this blogpost has been written primarily at their place, staring at their stuff while babysitting a sleeping Will. I know the Farbsons timed it to be convenient as a refresher course for us, and for that I am grateful. :)
Curious about names? Check out http://www.babycenter.com/415_baby-name-list_9351911_165364475342.bc for our working list. I've spent about two weeks really focused on Iris, but that is apt to change...
Sooner or later this baby will wake up, figure I better get ready. Lots of love to family and friends!
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