Weekend Links

I have a couple links today, for your weekend browsing pleasure. First my current amor: my Holy Grail of chocolate bars:
Green & Black's organic Maya Gold chocolate bar. "Dark chocolate infused with spices and a hint of orange". Oooh, baby. Be still my heart. This is perfection. You can find them lots of places. Happy shopping. :)

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Next, an essay for your reading pleasure. Please, don't miss this.
How to Talk to Your 43 year-old Son When He’s Only 13

(from the essay)
"When you speak to your children today, you are also speaking to every day of their future selves. Parenting is outside of time. Take care and take heart in that."

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And finally, just some fun: a great list of some of nature's strangest critters.

Seasonal Flu and H1N1: To Vaccinate or Not?

On a couple of the email lists I read, people are discussing the flu vaccines. Parents are thinking about seasonal flu, and H1N1 (Swine flu), and whether getting vaccinated is the right course for their families. I can't answer that question- it's a personal decision with a lot of variables involved, and a lot of strong opposing opinions that I feel have merit. However I have been researching facts that can help me make the decision for my family, and I can share what I've learned and the conclusions that I have drawn. Perhaps my words and these statistics will help you as you decide the best course for your own family's health.

As of right now, I do not plan to get the H1N1 vaccine for anyone in the family, nor do I plan on getting the regular flu vaccine. I am open to changing my mind if the situation changes, however. I've been doing research to help me be more informed in my decision. I live in Georgia (USA), where H1N1 is particularly prevalent right now. The situation certainly deserves my thoughtful attention.

A little background: my children are all vaccinated. (Meaning the "normal" required vaccinations for children.) I have altered the vaccination schedule to delay certain vaccines, and to spread the shots out more so that each visit is limited to one triple-vaccine only, or no more than 3 single-vaccine shots. (I feel that this makes for an easier load on the child's immune system at any given time, and also makes it easier for me to watch for and pinpoint adverse side effects, if they occur.) I have opted out of the varicella vaccine for now. I think I'm a little behind on my schedule right now, but in general we've kept up with the vaccinations pretty well. My decisions are based on a combination of my own bias, research, the AAP recommendations, what feels like common sense, and gut instinct. It's not terribly scientific.

The only time I have gotten the flu vaccine for myself or the kids was when there was an infant in the house. Those years, I had myself and the older brother(s) get the thimerosal-free flu vaccine. All other years we've gone without, and only had mild flu one year. I avoid nasal-mist vaccines, as they have a higher rate of adverse side-effects than the injected flu vaccines. Also, I prefer flu vaccines that are free of adjuvants.

Based on my research, no one in our household is on the list of high-priority candidates for the H1N1 vaccine. The kids, being 6, 4 and 2, are arguably "school-age", so they could be considered high priority. However some researchers think that the higher incidence of H1N1 in school-age children has a lot to do with the fact that most of them are in school, where diseases are spread quickly and easily. Kids are germy. I think that makes sense. So as homeschoolers I feel pretty comfortable that we aren't priority number one in needing the H1N1 vaccine. We are all in good health, and none of us has a neurological or an immunological disease (thank goodness), so that's in our favor. (Mortality rates from H1N1 are higher for those individuals.) I'm pretty sure none of us has a bacterial infection (nasty if combined with flu). I hope to maintain good health and hygiene as much as possible. I am more vigilant about everyone taking their vitamins each day, and I plan to check our vitamin D3 and vitamin C intake and add extra if necessary. So far, H1N1 is mostly a mild case of flu for most individuals that contract it. For now, my risk-benefit analysis tips me toward not vaccinating for flu. However if the morbity of the flu this year starts to look really alarming (not just alarmist, which is what we have right now) then I will certainly consider the thimerosal-free flu vaccines. Also, if I fear the supply here will run out early in the season, I may decide to go ahead and vaccinate just in case.

There are some risks from the H1N1 vaccine (as with all vaccines), and specifically there is concern that it could be linked with a neurological disease called Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). There was an H1N1 vaccine in the 70s that seems to have caused a higher rate of GBS in vaccinated individuals than in the normal population. Whether the newer H1N1 vaccine carries the same risk remains to be seen, although health officials assure us that the new vaccine will be safer. Either way the risk is small, so if H1N1 proves to be a strong danger than the risk-benefit analysis may still favor the vaccine.

I hope you find this helpful as you make your own decisions. I've looked up a bunch of statistics that have helped me come to these conclusions- I cited my sources but didn't bother to keep actual links, I'm afraid. I'll copy and paste what I have, though it will make this a very long post indeed. One particular statistic I looked for was the average mortality rate of seasonal flu in past years. I started wondering, because I kept hearing news reports about people dying from H1N1, and it sounded really scary. But then it occurred to me that probably lots more people die every year from regular flu, but it's not reported. Sure enough:
"normal" flu yearly averages: From WHO (World Health Organization): "With seasonal flu, we see in the United States over 30 million cases. We see 200,000 hospitalizations and, on average, 36,000 deaths." (During the entire fall and winter flu season.)

By contrast:
H1N1 this year: On August 8, 2009 (most recent confirmed data from CDC I could find), CDC is reporting 477 deaths due to H1N1 in the US.
Of course, that number hasn't even begun to reflect the actual cold and flu season here, so expect a much higher number before this is done. However it's quite small compared to the number of flu-related deaths in the US on a normal year. One thing about all my research on this: it may not have made me fear H1N1 overmuch, but it's taught me to have greater respect for the flu in general.

More statistics:
(CDC reports) In pediatric deaths (36 as of Aug 8) due to H1N1:
67% had at least one high-risk medical condition. Among those with high-risk medical conditions, 92% had neurodevelopmental conditions (e.g., developmental delay or cerebral palsy).
43% had a laboratory-confirmed bacterial coinfection (usually a staph infection or strep throat)
52% had received at least 1 dose of the 2008--09 seasonal influenza vaccine
and 61% had received anti-viral treatment

(CBS News reports) More than 80% of the pediatric deaths due to H1N1 in the US so far have been children over 5 yrs old. Almost two-thirds of the children who died with swine flu had epilepsy, cerebral palsy or other neurodevelopmental conditions. In a previous flu season, only a third of pediatric deaths had those conditions.

(CBS News reports) Swine flu has caused more than 1 million illnesses in the United States, the CDC estimates. More than 550 deaths and 8,800 hospitalizations have been reported to date.

(CBS News reports) The risk of death from H1N1, CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton said, is roughly 1 in 1000 people. She said you should weigh that risk against getting vaccinated, which, however safe the vaccine may be, the risk is never zero. It is possible that swine flu vaccine could cause GBS (Guillian-Barre Syndrome), a brain disorder. She also says that the risk of getting GBS from the H1N1 vaccine is very low -- one in every million vaccinations. (Earlier in the article the rate of GBS infection is stated as 1 case in every 100,000 to 1 million vaccinations.)

(The Rhode Island Dept of Health reports) The majority of H1N1 vaccine will be packaged in multi-dose vials and will contain thimerosal, a preservative found in some vaccines. . . . because some women are concerned about being exposed to preservatives during pregnancy, a limited supply of preservative-free seasonal flu vaccine and H1N1 vaccine will be available for pregnant women and small children.

That's all I have now. I've been saving it as I have time to look things up. Hope it helps!

High Fructose Corn Syrup

Have you heard about mercury in high fructose corn syrup?
This is something I heard about recently- there was an article in the Washington Post that was posted on a homeschool list I read. Apparently it's now being circulated in email as well, because my sister in law recently wrote me:

"Hey, Kit, I see that [name removed] forwarded this same article to you also. I wasn't able to read the whole thing because it trailed off into a ....................., and I could not find some link or something to open up to read the rest of it, but I assume you can, cuz yer a cumm-puter wizerd. But you always verify things on some sight, that I forgot the name of, so I have 2 questions. Are they full of sh*t? Does High fructose corn syrup have mercury? Also, I have heard opposing arguments about high fructose corn syrup being the reason all of america is getting fat as sh*t, basically, the other side is saying it's a lie, because it's made from corn, and corn can't be bad for you. But what about the "High fructose" part? What's that about? Is there some kind of sugar released when corn is processed a certain way that makes it fattening?"
* * *

(Disclaimer: I'm no computer wizard; I simply use them more than sis-in-law does, and have the patience to fiddle with them until I figure out what I need to know. So I've become a go-to source of computer information for some family members. Basically, I'm just a proficient googler.) :)

I spent a little time on my response, and thought some others might find it informative as well. It's a combination of quick online research and my own bias, so take it for what it's worth. Here's what I wrote:

* * *
Hey!
Yes, it is true. The article was indeed published in the Washington Post, and in several other publications as well. Here's the Washington Post article:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/26/AR2009012601831.html
US News and World Report:
http://www.usnews.com/blogs/fresh-greens/2009/01/28/mercury-found-in-high-fructose-corn-syrup.html
FOX News:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,484088,00.html
And a webmd.com article which lists the foods that were found to contain mercury:
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20090127/mercury-in-high-fructose-corn-syrup
From the webmd article:

"Overall, we found detectable mercury in 17 of 55 samples, or around 31%," write Wallinga and colleagues.

Here is the list of those products:

* Quaker Oatmeal to Go bars
* Jack Daniel's Barbecue Sauce
* Hershey's Chocolate Syrup
* Kraft Original Barbecue Sauce
* Nutri-Grain Strawberry Cereal Bars
* Manwich Gold Sloppy Joe
* Market Pantry Grape Jelly
* Smucker's Strawberry Jelly
* Pop-Tarts Frosted Blueberry
* Hunt's Tomato Ketchup
* Wish-Bone Western Sweet & Smooth Dressing
* Coca-Cola Classic: no mercury found on a second test
* Yoplait Strawberry Yogurt
* Minute Maid Berry Punch
* Yoo-hoo Chocolate Drink
* Nesquik Chocolate Milk
* Kemps Fat Free Chocolate Milk

Wallinga and colleagues caution that their list was "just a snapshot in time; we only tested one sample of each product. That clearly is not sufficient grounds to give definitive advice to consumers."


Apparently the reason (they think) that high fructose corn syrup can contain mercury is that some of the plants processing it use contaminated caustic soda. Caustic soda is needed to produce high fructose corn syrup, and some plants that produce caustic soda use "outdated" mercury cell technology to do so- which can produce caustic soda that's been contaminated with mercury.


Of course, high fructose corn syrup has been under fire for some time now, as many nutritionists and scientists have begun to point to it as a significant contribution to the high levels of obesity in the US. I learned more about it here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_fructose_corn_syrup

To sum up, they're not sure precisely why there's a correlation, though there are some ideas. One theory is that due to the nature of the sugars in high fructose corn syrup, it's digestion is not regulated by the body as well as the digestion of natural sugars. Another idea links high fructose corn syrup to harmful carbonyl compounds (which are elevated in people with diabetes). Another study shows that large quantities of fructose can cause insulin resistance- another link to diabetes. Yet another study suggested that a diet rich in fat and high fructose corn syrup can suppress the sensation of fullness (leading to overeating), and cause leptin-resistance- which can lead to weight gain.

Yes, the corn industry refutes all these studies for various reasons. High fructose corn syrup is simply a sweetener made of lots of fructose ("fruit sugar") and a little sucrose (like cane sugar). Sounds pretty benign, doesn't it? However it's not a naturally occurring sweetener, and studies do seem to indicate that for whatever reason, it's bad for us. We are apparently just not built to be consuming THAT much fructose. Besides, it's so highly processed (including using at least one GMO ingredient necessary for production) that I view it as highly suspect. (Just as I view artificial sweeteners like splenda.) I try to stick with honey or plain old sugar, and simply limit how much sweet stuff we eat. (I read lots of food labels.) Never trust an ingredient that sounds like a chemical compound.


So, does that answer your questions? :)

Kit

We're back!

I just want to post to let you all know that things are fine here, and I'm still alive and kicking. :) We had a brief family vacation to Florida last weekend, and adding trip preparation, the trip itself and of course unpacking/recovery to my usual list of duties has completely wiped blogging from my accomplishments for the last several days. I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things.

Billy was heading to Orlando for business, and we figured if he was spending the money on gas and a hotel anyway, then we might as well all go and spend a day at Disney. We've taken the boys before (my Uncle and Aunt work there, so it's great for us!), but this was their first time to the Magic Kingdom. We weren't interested in trying to do everything; just being there was an adventure for them. They were thrilled to ride the boat to the park and see the castle. We rode Pirates of the Caribbean (babyman too!), and they climbed the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse. They waited in line to fly on Dumbo, but that was the only long line of the day. We played at Winnie the Pooh's house, rode the train, played on Tom Sawyer Island and watched a show at the castle before leaving the Magic Kingdom. While Sweetcheeks napped in the stroller, we rode the monorail to Epcot for drinks and dinner in "Morocco", and finished up the evening with the fireworks show. It was a good day, and all three boys were remarkably well-behaved. I'd been prepared for trouble, but everyone kept their cool nicely. Babyman charmed perfect strangers everywhere we went. He seemed to genuinely enjoy himself. :) Next time we go, we plan to spend several days.

A highlight for me was our hotel- I got a great deal on a room at the Embassy Suites in downtown Orlando (near Billy's business obligations). The service and amenities were excellent! I highly recommend it. This trip also marked Babyman's first swim- we enjoyed the hotel's pool while Billy was off doing his thing. Babyman liked the water. Littleman and Mr Sweetcheeks LOVED it, of course.

So, we are home and I have been catching up on laundry, bills and blogs while marching through our normal day-to-day necessities. (I am also participating in activities for Sweetcheeks' Montessori school and am planning our big summer family campout). So perhaps you will forgive my dreadful lack of blog updates. And as for right now, I really must go to bed.

Tired, and some Breastfeeding Advice

Sorry for my absence! Nothing major going on here; just normal busy. I think my lack of sleep has been catching up to me, though. Wow, last night I was . . .

OK, so that was as far as I got yesterday. Now it's Saturday morning. I was going to tell you about being catatonic Thursday evening, wishing that Littleman and Sweetcheeks could brush their own teeth and put themselves to bed. They, on the other hand, were positively bouncing off the walls. Seriously. I mean, that always seemed like a typically exaggerated cliche to me, until I watched my boys springing around the living room Thursday evening. They really looked like escapees from a pinball machine. As long as they weren't endangering themselves, the lamps or the TV, it was pretty much OK- so I conserved my energy and left them to it.

Anyhow, I've been barely keeping up with the normal details, let alone finding the time to blog. I miss it! Blogging's really become a part of my days. I wish I had time to keep up with it more, and read others' blogs more. Ah, well. Perhaps in the near future.

* * *

I've been meaning to offer up a small insight for breastfeeding moms: the nursing tank top. See, with my first son I started out using a cover-up when I tried nursing in public. (Another popular brand are the Hooter Hiders- LOL!) Just a step up from throwing a blanket over baby and mom, the cover-ups are pretty self explanatory. I didn't like them. It was a bit of a hassle, I felt conspicuous and embarrassed, and Littleman kept yanking them out of place. I found I preferred to hide in the car to nurse rather than struggle with the cover-up. (Three babies later I care a lot less about being modest, but I am also more comfortable breastfeeding in general- with the first baby, I was still learning how to breastfeed successfully, and it was too much to have to worry about my appearance at the same time.)

When Sweetcheeks came along, I definitely wanted a better alternative. Next in line to try was a nursing shirt. I shopped Motherwear.com and Expressiva.com for some basic tops I could mix and match in my wardrobe. Score! I loved them. They were comfortable, well-made, hassle-free and no matter how squirmy Mr. Sweetcheeks was, I could easily be discreet. A long sleeved shirt and a couple T-shirts were enough to get me by for awhile. Soon however, I was running into some problems with this solution: first of all, they are quite expensive. (Not as big a deal for me, since I practice extended breastfeeding and I planned on having more children. It's less cost-effective for someone who wouldn't get that much use out of them). Second, with so few nursing shirts at hand it was hard to keep up with laundry fast enough to always have a clean one ready. And of course, there was a certain lack of variety in my wardrobe. As I became more and more comfortable breastfeeding in public, I would simply wear whatever I wanted, and find a corner that was somewhat out of the way to lift my shirt. The more comfortable and confident my demeanor, the less anyone noticed what I was doing. That worked fine- I certainly never had any disgusted looks or negative comments like some nursing moms have to endure. However, I was still a bit self conscious, especially about that leftover baby fat on my torso. Who wants to show off her pale, pale stretchmarked love handles just to be able to feed her baby?

So with Babyman, I decided to try something new: a Glamourmom nursing tank. I'd heard good things about them, but balked at the price. When I got a chance to try some secondhand, I snapped them up. Turns out, there's a reason for the buzz. On the site all the models were pictured wearing the tank top on it's own, which works OK. But it's real value is as an undershirt. Take any top in your wardrobe, put it on over a nursing tank and voila! Instant nursing shirt. Lift the top layer to nurse, while keeping your torso fully covered. It's been great for me. So my new recommendation for nursing moms is to buy a few nursing tank tops, and call your nursing wardrobe complete.

OK, OK, it's not quite as simple as that- it can still take a little experimentation to find a variety of clothing combinations you are happy with. After all, this suggestion does nothing to make your pre-pregnancy clothes fit you properly again. Nor is it ideal when it's summer here in GA, and wearing two shirts would be torture. If you want a nursing tank top to wear by itself, the Glamourmom is OK. But the BEST nursing tank I've found is the Bravado nursing bra tank. This tank top is SO flattering. It has a real bra's support, not just a "shelf" bra like the Glamourmom and other nursing tanks I've seen. Best of all, it's slightly flared shape just skims the body for a nice, slimming silhouette. Other tanks I've tried hug the body- good as an undershirt, not usually so attractive on it's own. The only two downsides to this tank (besides the price, again) are that it is too thick (IMO) to comfortably wear under other clothes, and it has no coverage at all for the breast when you unclip it to feed. Minor quibbles, since when I wear it I feel pretty!

SO. Nursing moms looking for some comfortable, discreet options for breastfeeding in public: Get a couple nursing tanks to wear under your clothes, and if you think you might want to wear a tank top by itself (or under a jacket) get a Bravado nursing bra tank. But really, the best camouflage is a relaxed, confident demeanor. You have every right to feed your baby, wherever you may be. I just like to hide my squishy tummy while I'm at it, LOL! :)

Thumbs up to the Bravado nursing bra tank!

take 2: circular breathing

Monday, March 17, 2008

take 2: circular breathing
Current mood: sleepy

CRAP CRAP CRAP.
I had this great blog post almost complete, and my laptop (at more than 30% battery power) shut off unexpectedly. It's been having serious battery issues lately. And *!@^*!! myspace does not save your work until you finish and post. So the whole damn thing is gone. I have got to do something about this battery, and I really must start composing my blogs over at blogspot instead, or in a word processor. Dammit.

Sigh. Lesson learned? Old habits die hard.
Oh, wait. Here I am again. Composing in myspace. Nosir. Nosirree. Off to blogspot I go!

* * *


Anyway, what I was saying is that there's one in every family, I think. The vortex. The conversational black hole. The one who practices circular breathing. Once they corner you and start talking, there is no escape.

In our family, it's Billy's "Aunt" M. She is visiting Billy's folks right now, and today I brought the boys up to see everyone. Babyman was unusually good, which meant I could sit outside and knit for some time. Now, there are good and bad things about knitting in Aunt M's presence. On the one hand, I become a sitting duck just waiting for Aunt M to come sit beside me and crochet (and TALK!). On the other hand, I can concentrate on my knitting and just nod my head and murmur once in awhile to show that I am not ignoring her. Aunt M's conversational black holes are, shall we say, imaginative. It's too bad she won't write some of these stories down- unfortunately, she prefers voluble oral storytelling. I can't remember everything she told me of today, but here are just a few examples:
- By about 1 1/2 years old, her son knew his full name, his address, and he could dial his home number on the telephone. He knew all about strangers and knew he shouldn't tell this information to anyone. He was also speaking in full, coherent sentences, and could hold an adult level conversation. (Her son tragically died at about 2 years old or so- this I know to be true- so I can understand why she would wish to fantasize about what could have been).
- In the same vein, there was a lengthy story about how her son could play any piece of music by ear on his toy piano, everything from TV show themes to complicated classical pieces. He requested a baby grand piano. He was really quite a prodigy.
- I learned that Jerry Lee Lewis was an SOB who cussed out little kids. It was Aunt M who put him in his place, of course. She threatened to "go public" with his disgraceful behavior if he didn't shape up.
- However Frank Sinatra was a lovely man who knew Aunt M on a first name basis. He had a beautiful Chinese Junk (green) that Aunt M got to tour.
- There were a number of anecdotes from her disgraceful marriage, all of which ended with Aunt M standing up for herself and putting her husband in his place. There was also the tale of when she had a miscarriage 3 months into her pregnancy, when she'd not been aware that she was pregnant. It was twins, and the miscarriage was her husband's fault. She never told him. Some of these stories made me a little uncomfortable, because I don't know if they are true or not. I didn't know how to react appropriately. I'll have to ask my mother-in-law about it. Luckily Aunt M never stays with one subject for too terribly long, because to pause for breath would be to lose her captive audience.
- She told me about the wild lizard who fiercely "protected" her while she was napping- another in a long tradition of tales about her special affinity with animals.
- Oh yes, and there was the goose who could communicate with her.

I wish I could remember more of them- they really are quite interesting. They do start to blur together after awhile, though. I was starting to get a little desperate when (thankfully) one of the older boys needed something from me, and then Babyman woke, and finally Aunt M was called away to do something. Whew.

* * *

Oh, guess what I was finally able to order yesterday? A wii! We've been wanting one for the studio for quite some time, but have been unable to find one available. I'm excited! It looks like a lot of fun. I am sticking to my plan not to have video games here in the house, but Littleman will be able to enjoy it when he hangs out at work with Daddy. Plus it will be fun for our clients. Anyway, I mention it here just in case one of you are looking for one- as of yesterday, there were still quite a few in stock at. . . oh, wow. Damn. Well, I just went to get the link to post here, and they are all gone. Wow. I'm sorry! But it was here at www.toysrus.com that I'd found it. Maybe check your local Toys R Us store? Probably better to call ahead.

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Today's thumbs-up is for these awesome photographs by Michael Eastman. Enjoy!

Hair, will- and yes, rosemary!

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Hair, will- and yes, rosemary!
Current mood: catalyzed


I think I am going to cut my hair.

No no, hear me out!

I would really like to be able to wear my hair down more, without it getting ridiculously tangled up in everything I am doing. I'd like my hair to frame my face, instead of being pulled back in my ever-present ponytail, doing nothing for my appearance. I'd like to do something to improve my daily appearance, because these days I feel like I always look like hell. (Lack of sleep, ill-fitting clothes, infrequent showers and a frazzled demeanor can do that to a gal). And, (dare I say it?) I think I'd just like a little change. What good is all this romantic, luxuriantly long hair if all I can do with it is keep it out of the way?

I went and asked a really good hairdresser's advice today, and she gave me some good ideas. I think I'm going to make arrangements for an appointment soon- something that will take some planning, as I'll have to find a sitter for the two older boys and an adult to tag along and hold Babyman. (Or some other suitable arrangement). And, don't worry! It will still be long by most standards.

And it will always grow back. :)

* * *

Today Billy and I finally got around to working on our will. This is something we've been meaning to do for awhile- anyone with kids really should have one. Most people can do it themselves with online forms and websites like www.legalzoom.com. We ultimately decided to consult a lawyer, and I think that was the right decision for us. I am looking forward to having it all squared away- it is one more checkbox in my mental list of financial planning goals. Baby steps. Besides, it's no fun to have to think about what would happen if both Billy and I were to bite it too soon. My precious children. . . Even though we have wonderful family who would be ready to help, it's chilling to imagine our plans having to be enacted. As one family member added after agreeing to be an executor, "Drive safe!"

If you haven't made your own will, go ahead and do it. It can make sure your wishes are carried out, it can go a long way toward protecting your assets (and we're not just talking rich folk here; we all have some assets), it makes things much easier on your surviving family as they tie up your affairs, and it ensures that any children you have will be entrusted to the guardian of your choice, rather than someone of the state's choosing. Pretty important stuff.

OK, off my soapbox.

* * *

Today's thumbs-up is for gelato! Specifically, Paolo's Gelato in Atlanta. Still more specifically, for Paolo's rosemary gelato. Yes, rosemary. Ooooooh, Oh. So. Good. ~drool~

Blank, bunk beds, and some thumbs-ups

Saturday, March 01, 2008

Blank, bunk beds, and some thumbs-ups
Current mood: blank

As so often happens, if I wait until all the kiddos are sweetly asleep before I sit down to blog, I am sitting here staring blankly at the computer. None of the assorted ideas I'd had to blog about are making themselves known at this moment. I'm tired. Also, it's hard to think when the dog is licking himself repeatedly- that slurpy lick, lick, lick is driving me mildy insane.

I think it is time to look at bunk beds. Sweetcheeks is currently still in the crib in the nursery (Babyman sleeps in the cosleeper in our room), and a couple days ago he finally decided to climb out of it. We still have a while before Babyman will need the big crib, but I'd rather have Sweetcheeks in a big boy bed than climbing in and out of the crib when he is groggy. Besides, he's been doing great with staying dry all night, and if I am going to put him in underwear at night he really ought to be able to get out of bed to go potty. So I think a trip to Ikea is in our near future! Ahh, Ikea. Somebody hide my wallet!

I need to do dishes, so I am going to make this short and boring. (Sorry). But I realized that I forgot to do a thumbs-up on my last couple of posts! So you get a few of them tonight. First, thumbs-up to the Arm's Reach cosleeper which I referenced above. This is one of THE most valuable pieces of baby gear we own. We have the "mini" size, and my babies have been able to use it until they were between 8 and 10 months old. It is SO helpful. It also makes a great little travel crib.

Next thumbs-up goes to Scott Wade's dirty car art. He uses dry paintbrushes to draw in the texas dust on his car's rear window. Um.

Finally, thumbs-up to this video that Kyddryn brought to my attention:



I just think that's really cool. :)

to finish. . .

Monday, February 18, 2008

to finish. . .
Current mood: tired

Earlier today I had to cut my computer time short, and so didn't really get to finish my post. I don't have that train of thought running anymore, but at least you got a cute pic to admire. Since I am enjoying posting pics for you, here's another random shot:


Sunset, Blue Ridge Parkway, NC

* * *

Lately a couple of you have let me know that you have been reading my blog posts and enjoying them. Thank you!! It makes me feel really good.

* * *

Since I didn't do a thumbs-up last post, here it is for today: footie pajamas! For adults! This is what I got Billy for Valentine's Day. We have fleece footed pajamas for the boys, and Billy has always lamented that you cannot buy such things in adult sizes- he wanted some too! Well I finally found some, and they're pretty awesome. I may end up having to get some for myself, in fact. They have some in velvet. . .

Snow!! Scones, and some thumbs-ups for your enjoyment

Saturday, January 19, 2008


Snow!! Scones, and some thumbs-ups for your enjoyment
Current mood: cheerful

SNOW!!! Sustained, steady, big-fluffy-flaked snow! I feel like a kid every time I glance out the window. It makes me want to do a little happy jig right there, whether I'm pouring my coffee or changing a diaper. If I've been doing something else for awhile, and forgotten to look outside, I grin like an idiot when I spot the snow still swirling steadily down. Hooray, snow!

On the one hand, I'm missing an opportunity to appreciate this delight with Littleman and Sweetcheeks. I can count on one hand the number of times it's snowed in Littleman's experience, and only once has he been able to play in it- last year, when we had to travel to Beech Mtn NC just to find enough snow to slide around in. Since the boys are spending the weekend with their Auntie and Grandma and Grandpa, I'm missing the delight of their experience with it. But on the other hand, I am in a cozy mood today, happy to appreciate the snow's beauty through insulated windows. Lately I have not been feeling adventurous about outdoor adventures in all weather- which is a bit out of character for me, so perhaps it's something instinctual related to having a new infant. Anyhow, instead of mucking about in cold wet frostiness, I slept late, read emails, made coffee and baked scones, all while delighting in the fluffy crystalline magic that continues to grace my view of outside.

Mmmm, scones. I haven't made these in a long while, though they are a favorite of mine. This recipe is from a cookbook, but I copied it ages and ages ago, so I don't know who to give credit to. They are quite simple, and I love them:

Raisin Scones

2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
3 tsp baking powder
2 Tbs sugar
1/4 cup cold butter
1/2 cup raisins (or dried berries), soaked in hot water for 1/2 hour
1/2 cup half & half or cream
1 egg, beaten

- Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
- Sift dry ingredients together. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry blender.
- Add the drained raisins to the flour mixture.
- Mix the half & half with the beaten egg and stir into the flour mixture. Use a fork, and do not overmix. It should just take a few turns.
- Divide the dough into three balls, and pat each out into a 1/2 inch thick circle.
- Cut each circle into 4 triangular scones, and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake until golden brown, approximately 12 minutes.
Serve with butter and jam.
Yum!

(note: I don't have any cream right now, so I substituted a mixture of 2% milk and plain yogurt. It worked just fine).
This used to be my signature New Year's Day breakfast, paired with mimosas and good coffee. I've never been much of a drinker, so I was happy to get up earlier than the other revelers and help them face down their hangovers. Then, we'd all go hiking. Ah, the good old days! :)

* * *

SO- how many thumbs-ups do I need to catch up? LOL!

First of all, I wanted to share this artist's website- check out her lovely photography:
http://div.dyndns.org/photos/

Next, if you need to be taken down a notch, go here for some excellent insulting:
http://www.pangloss.com/seidel/Shaker/index.html
(Thou lumpish, hell-hated whey face!)

Here, cool Dads (and Moms, Grandfolks, Aunties, Uncles. . .) can find a variety of helpful resources on everything from frisbees to slot cars, hand shadows to skateboarding, juggling and model trains to hand shadows and ventriloquism:
http://www.fordads.com/cooldad.html

Finally, a thumbs-up goes to Born Free baby bottles. (They also make sippy cups, which I plan on getting later). They are made of plastic that is free of bisphenol A, which is a potentially harmful chemical found in all sorts of plastic goods. The alleged danger is controversial, but I've decided to try and reduce my family's exposure to bisphenal A, so I picked up some Born Free bottles for Babyman's occasional bottle of pumped breastmilk. There are more parts than our previous bottles had, because the Born Free bottles have a special valve. The valve works GREAT- much less leaking and burping with these bottles than with any other bottles I've tried. I'd especially recommend them for babies who use bottles frequently. note: Glass bottles are also free of bisphenol A (and all other unknown plastic substances that might be harmful), but glass is not recommended for breastmilk, only for formula.

* * *

I am going to get some work done. Maybe I'll be back later!

The snow has stopped. Sigh. It was lovely while it lasted!

Christmas recap

Thursday, December 27, 2007


Christmas recap
Current mood: thirsty

I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas! We've had a great time so far. We've had not one, not two, but FOUR Christmases so far, with one more to go. First at my Mom's last Sunday, then at Billy's folks' Christmas Eve, then a quiet Christmas morning celebration here to see what Santa left, Christmas dinner at my Dad's, and soon we'll travel to see extended family for our final Christmas. Sheesh! The downside of this is, of course, all the traveling and organization involved. But it has several benefits, not least of which is that I didn't have to clean my house for company, and did not have to cook for anyone other than ourselves (and not much of that). So even though I love having everyone over to my house for Christmas, this year's plans worked well.

Santa did a good job choosing gifts this year. :) Littleman and Sweetcheeks both love their gifts (and each others' gifts too!). First thing, they grabbed their swords and shields and mounted their "steeds" (scooter for Littleman, Rody pony for Sweetcheeks) and had a little joust of sorts. Too cute! It's a good thing there weren't too many things to open, because they were having so much fun that they weren't very interested in what else might be waiting under the tree. Eventually they got around to the rest of their gifts, and appreciated them too- but Santa's gifts win the prize this year. :) Makes me feel good.

There's more I could write of course, but I am tired. I'll just leave you with today's thumbs-up:
(other than Rody, who is a HUGE hit)- the award goes to these "meditation rooms" (more at http://www.lime.com/meditation_room ). Check them out, and breathe deeply. Enjoy.

Toys for the Holidays: a list

Monday, November 12, 2007

Toys for the Holidays Current mood: lazy You know, one thing I just love to do is to shop for the boys. It's my retail therapy, I guess. I also love researching quality stuff, and then trying to get good deals. Every year I make a list of gift suggestions for the boys' birthdays and Christmas, for my own enjoyment and for any family members who are interested. It works out great because for me it is like window shopping with a purpose, and it also helps interested relatives choose gifts that I'll be just as pleased with as the boys are. Still however, my main suggestion to the relatives is to keep it simple and just contribute a little bit to the boys' savings accounts. If we start that habit early, the boys will never miss a bunch of gifts from the Grandparents and others. In my last post I mentioned the boys' Christmas lists, and I'll clarify here that at this young age, I am still talking about MY list FOR them- they aren't really serious yet about having their own preferences. (I will rue the day when that changes, LOL!) It helps that we do not have TV channels, and thus their exposure to commercials is limited. I try very hard to keep my list pf purchases pretty simple each year- I do not want to get stuck in a rut with them expecting a large number of fancy gifts under the tree each year, nor a bunch of fad items that they will quickly tire of. I try to make every gift count. I hope I can keep this up, not only with my own list but by encouraging the rest of the family to do the same. Anyway I thought it might be neat to share my planned gift list for each of the boys for Christmas this year, and some of my thoughts on the items I chose. These are all the items from parents and Santa (and from the pets, LOL- a family tradition). Perhaps it will help you find some unique, quality items that your little one will love! So, here's what will probably be under our tree- shh! Don't give it away! :) For Littleman, 4 years old: 1) a set of rainbow wooden stepped counting blocks - These will be great for building with, but I also plan to use them as a math manipulative in our homeschooling. They are classic, beautiful and NOT made in China. I think Littleman will enjoy making geometric designs and building structures for their hotwheels cars, pirate figures and animals. 2) a set of dominoes - This is very basic, but Littleman has been asking for some and we do not have any. Plus, they are a great toy, both for setting up and knocking over, and for working on counting skills and matching. I don't know where this particular set is manufactered, but I think the safety risk is minimal. They are made of renewable bamboo, which is good for the environment. 3) a beeswax candlemaking kit - This is a wonderful, simple activity that I know Littleman will enjoy. The beeswax is lovely to work with- vibrant colors, and it smells so good! Excellent activity to stimulate the senses and work on fine motor skills. He will be excited to make candles to burn and to give away. Plus, this kit is made in the USA! 4) 2 books- he is getting "Giving Thanks" and "First Encyclopedia of the Human Body" - The first is a beautiful book with a peaceful, earth-centered tone that encourages children to find gratitude for the beauties around them. The illustations are lovely. I think this will be both an enjoyable read and a good reminder to cultivate gratitude in our daily lives. The second is a fantastic non-fiction volume on the human body. We have other books in this Usborne series ("First Encyclopedia of. . ."), and they are great- Littleman enjoys them and learns a lot from them, and I do not expect we will outgrow them anytime soon. He is always interested in what's going on inside our bodies, so I think this book will interest him a lot. 5) probably a scooter, since he has been wanting one so much. - I am struggling with this, because we don't want to spend a lot on it- he already has a bike he loves, and I don't expect the scooter to be played with all the time. However, finding an inexpensive scooter that is NOT made in China is proving near impossible. If I cave and buy one made in China, we'll probably get this Radio Flyer scooter. Otherwise, I'm not sure what we'll do about this. A scooter sure would bring that magic Christmas morning smile to his face, though! :) For his stocking, he'll have some pirate band-aids, rainbow crayons, animal crackers, stickers, beginner chopsticks, a little build-your-own bird feeder kit, a Namits game, and some underwear. That does it for Littleman. For Mr. Sweetcheeks, 2 years old: 1) a large set of rainbow wooden arches - These are another beautiful, classic toy with lots of opportunity for open-ended imaginative play. I know Sweetcheeks will love stacking them and making tunnels for their other toys to play in, and I look forward to seeing what else he comes up with! They can combine well with other stcking/building toys that we already have (and with Littleman's blocks, above). NOT made in China. :) 2) a natural wooden name train - These are made in the USA, and are completely compatible with the wooden tracks and accessories we already own. We have a couple train cars made by this company, and they are beautifully made. It will, of course, spell his name. He loves playing with the train table, so it's nice to be able to give him a train that's not made in China (unlike the Thomas train stuff, some of which has already been recalled). 3) a pad of drawing paper and some beeswax block crayons - We already have some of these crayons, and they are awesome. They provide smooth, rich color and are easy to grasp. They're natural, and they smell nice. And best of all, they are nearly impossible to break- whereas we cycle through Crayola stick crayons (even the chunky ones) like crazy, these crayons last and last. Sweetcheeks will be happy to have his own set. By the way, some "cheapo" brand crayons have been recalled in the past, due to excessive amounts of lead. And kids do sometimes ingest crayons! These are NOT made in China. 4) 2 books- he is getting "Forest Bright, Forest Night" and "1001 Things to Spot on the Farm" - The first book has very nice illustartions, with fun details to spot of animals in their natural habitats in the forest. First you read about animals that are awake during the day (and maybe spot other animals sleeping) and then you flip the book over and continue the story with all the animals that come out at night (and spot the day creatures now sound asleep). The second is another Usborne book, with tons of things to hunt for in the detailed illustrations. It's sort of like the "Where's Waldo" series, but with a wide variety of things to find. I saw this book, and knew instantly that Sweetcheeks will enjoy it. Plus, every review I have read or heard about it has been stellar. 5) a Rody Pony ride-on toy - These things are wonderful fun. Sweetcheeks can climb on the pony and bounce, bounce, bounce his way around! Classic, and very active- great for improving balance and gross motor skills. NOT made in China. Plus, it's sure to bring that magic Christmas smile! Sweetcheeks will be thrilled with this. For his stocking, he'll have some pirate band-aids, bathtub crayons, animal crackers, stickers, beginner chopsticks, a wooden slide whistle, a "big boy" fork, spoon and knife set, and some socks. That's it for Mr. Sweetcheeks. For both boys together, there will be a foam set of knights' swords and shields accompanied by a book on Knights: "Knights" - They will love this, and I will love that they can beat each other up with something fun and soft, rather than with hotwheels track, wooden train track, drumsticks or the hard plastic swords that Auntie gave them this weekend. (~sarcastic~ thank you, Auntie ~/sarcastic~). Plus it will encourage dress-up and imaginative play, while the book brings a little cool history into the picture. (It's another fantastic Usborne non-fiction book). I don't know where the sword set is made- probably China. Oh, well. For new babyman, just born: 1) a set of rainbow wooden stacking/nesting bowls - Once again (spotting a pattern here?) these are beautiful, classic, open-ended and NOT made in China. Stacking/nesting bowls are a superb baby toy- good for stacking and nesting, of course, but also for playing little hiding games, carrying around, putting things in and out, and later as an accessory to our play kitchen. Babyman will grow into these. 2) a board book: "Global Babies" - This beautiful little book features gorgeous close-up photographs of babies from all over the world. (Babies LOVE looking at pictures of other babies!) It has simple, loving text but mostly it's about the pictures. Wonderful baby book. And for his stocking, a HABA Zig-Zag wooden teether. (not made in China). Done! Wow, it always looks like a lot when I write it all down- but if you can envision Christmas morning, I think the boys will be very happy with these things without there being too much junk. I hope this list might give you some fun ideas for your own shopping!

grown ups, pregnancy (still), veterans and toy shopping

Sunday, November 11, 2007

grown ups, pregnancy (still), veterans and toy shopping Current mood: accomplished Well, the boys are still hanging out at Grandma and Grandpa's with their Auntie, and still having a blast. Billy and I slept SOO late this morning (for us, anyway) and that was amazing! We've been out to eat a couple times, and were actually able to eat our food uninterrupted, while it was still hot. We have been able to converse with each other freely, like adults, without interruption. We got a little shopping done that was easier without the kids, and were able to leisurely browse in a bookstore. (WOW). It's been nice just spending time with each other. I'm still hoping to meet babyman soon. :) These "fake" contractions are a nuisance- they can be so strong and frequent, but I'm not yet in labor. Signs do continue to improve, though- and I actally had a cleaning bug tonight- could it be the "nesting instinct" kicking in?? I did a bunch of dishes, threw out old food in the fridge, took out a bunch of trash and did a lot of tidying/organizing. I'm about to throw a load of laundry in, too. It's been awhile since I had the energy for a cleaning run like this one, so I hope it is a good sign. :) If these contractions don't peter out in awhile, I'll take a nice bath and try timing them. I just hope I can tell when I should go in- on the one hand I definitely don't want a repeat performance of last time, but on the other hand I don't want to cut it too close! So, we'll see. One thing I have been doing is to try and find toys on the boys' Christmas gift lists that were NOT made in China. With all these recalls continuing (did you hear about Aquadots?? SCARY!) Billy and I are loathe to take chances. Besides, as we have realized how difficult it is to find stuff made anywhere other than China, we are beginning to understand that the issue goes beyond safety. It simply cannot be good for our country to be manufacturing SO MUCH of the stuff we buy overseas. I will be paying much more attention to the things I buy, and looking for stuff made in America when I can find it. Happy Veteran's Day, by the way. If you know a veteran, be sure to thank them for their service. It means so much, and yet how often do we remember to recognize that? I guess I will sign off for now. I do want to get a bit more cleaning done, and have a nice bath. (are these contractions 5 minnutes apart again?? sheesh. . .)

Made it! And party time.

Monday, November 05, 2007

Made it! And party time. Current mood: cheerful Woohoo! We made it to full term. Of course, my due date isn't for a few weeks, but baby should be just fine from here on out. So, as far as I am concerned, it's time to get moving! LOL. I'm really glad he's waited this long, but now I am ready to meet him (and NOT be pregnant anymore). ;) Littleman had his birthday party, and it was great! We did it up at Grandma and Grandpa's house, and had a really fun time outside. The weather was gorgeous, and we played with bubbles, frisbees, Tball, the dogs, and of course pinecones, sticks and rocks. The boys stripped off their shoes, rolled up pantlegs and dangled their feet in the lake. They found all sorts of natural things to throw into the water. We watched a couple huge herons fly about. Billy and the boys tried flying a kite (the field isn't ideal for that, though). And we grown-ups really had the opportunity to chat, which was great. Pretty much everyone honored my request to NOT bring gifts, which is pleasing. Littleman came home with a small pile of cool stuff. Perfect! :) Incidentally, the biggest hit was a set of Magnatiles. They are a cool toy- at one point all six cousins were grouped in a tight circle, building together. That's kids ranging in age from 2 - 12. It's a set of geometric-shaped tiles that are magnetic on every edge, allowing you to construct 3-D structures. It sure was a nice day, and the boys had a blast.

Pregnancy update and Pumpkin Bread!

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Pregnancy update and Pumpkin Bread! Current mood: uncomfortable Things keep looking brighter for little babyman! I had a prenatal appointment today, and everything is looking great. Though I am still encouraged to "take it easy" and stay hydrated, I am now past all likelihood of being put on bedrest. Hooray! Should I go into labor, it's pretty unlikely that they would try to stop it. Now, babyman probably still has some development he needs to complete before making his appearance- lung maturity and a good breastfeeding reflex being the main things I think- but every day brings us closer to a safe, uncomplicated delivery of a mature, healthy baby. (Knock on wood, of course!) As I've mentioned before, I am quite ready to NOT be pregnant anymore. However, whether we are actually ready for babyman to come home is really another story! LOL. I still have quite a few things to do, but I'm working my way through them slowly. And besides, we'll make do whenever he is ready to arrive- we've done it before! :) Checked the kids' consignment store today, and scored (amongst other things) a great coat and a pair of shoes for Littleman! Perfect- I'm so happy to find them used (in fantastic shape) rather than paying full price for them new. (And higher-ticket items like coats and shoes can be hard to find in the right size on consignment!) I forgot to mention that we went to the Montessori school's Fall Festival last weekend. The weather was beautiful, and the boys had fun. We contributed pumpkin bread for their bake sale- Littleman helped me make it. It's my Gramy's recipe, and it turned out delicious! I thought I'd share it here (with a couple modifications I made): Gramy's Pumpkin Bread - 2 c sugar - 1 c brown sugar - 4 eggs, beaten - 1 c oil (I used safflower) - 1 1/2 tsp salt - 1 tsp cinnamon - 1 tsp nutmeg - 2/3 c water - 1/4 c cream or plain yogurt (optional) - 2 c canned pumpkin (note that 2c is slightly more than 1 can- I opened 2 cans, used just a bit of the second can and saved the rest of the pumpkin for pancakes one morning) - 3 1/2 c flour - 2 tsp soda Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 2 loaf pans well, and lightly dust with flour. Set aside. Mix the sugars, eggs, oil, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, water and cream or yogurt in a bowl. Add the pumpkin and mix well. Stir in the flour and soda. Pour batter into the 2 loaf pans, and bake for 1 hour. Easy! Mmmm.

The quest for all-natural products that work. . .

September 6, 2007 - Thursday

The quest for all-natural products that work. . . Current mood: annoyed I wish I could find an all-natural (phosphate-free) detergent for my diapers that works right. I also can't seem to find a natural (paraben-free) deoderant that really works. I have tried a variety of all-natural detergents, and for some reason they have all caused build up in the diapers- that is, over the course of a few washings the detergent is leaving residue in the fabric, causing the diapers to REEK once peed in. The stink of the diaper pail will make your eyes water. This isn't normal for the cloth diapers- normally the diaper pail hardly smells at all. I have tried Bi-O-Kleen, Charlie's Soap and even plain washing soda with a little Simple Green. My favorite so far was the Charlie's Soap- the diapers smelled SO fresh and clean coming out of the dryer! But unfortunately now the build up has become obvious, and I know the Charlie's Soap doesn't work well with our water for diapers. Sigh. At least I can use it up on other laundry! I'll keep looking. Part of the reason we use cloth diapers is because they have a lesser impact on the environment than disposables do, and I'd like to carry that awareness further by using a detergent that's better for the environment as well. Similarly, I'd prefer to use a natural, paraben-free deoderant. I have read several articles that detail potential health hazards from regularly using deoderants that contain parabens. Again, I've so far tried several types with little success. The Tom's of Maine deoderant didn't work at all (too bad- it's a great company), and neither did a tea tree oil formulation that I tried (I forget the brand). Years ago I gave the salt crystal thing a try- it works remarkably well for several people I know. Unfortunately my body chemistry didn't jive with it. So far the best one has been an apricot deoderant by JASON. It might do the trick in cooler weather- it made a valiant effort even during our recent heat wave when I tried it out. For now however, I'm back to 'bad old' Secret or whatever it is I last bought. At least it's cheaper and it works. I have had a lot more success with other natural products- the Trader Joe's and Seventh Generation dishwasher detergents work great. Burt's Bees has lots of really wonderful baby care products, lotions, lip balms and other cosmetics that I recommend. (What I've tried has been great, anyway). Tom's of Maine makes good toothpaste and mouthwash. We use castille soap often. Trader Joe's has a great citrus shampoo- works nicely, cheap and smells divine! Vinegar-water is an excellent all-purpose cleaner. (A little vinegar is also good in lieu of fabric softener for the laundry). Baking soda and lemon together can scour pans and clean the sink. I moisten cloth baby wipes with a solution of water, castille soap, almond oil (olive oil is good too) and lavender essential oil. I'm probably forgetting other successful all-natural products we use. OK, Sweetcheeks is really making a mess of what remains of his dinner. I think he's done.

Cloth Diaper Primer

Here is some basic information for those interested in cloth diapers:

Kit's Quickie Cloth Diaper Primer

Newborn:
Prefolds- These are the classic flat, rectangular cloth diapers that most people think of when they think "cloth diapers". They have a slight learning curve, since you have to learn how to fold and fasten them onto the baby. Also, they require a cover. They're my favorite newborn diapers because they are absorbent and most of all, cheap. Newborns go through a LOT of diapers, so you want to have plenty on hand or else you might find yourself doing laundry a lot more often than you'd like. Also, they're great for burp cloths and eventually, cleaning cloths. Prefolds are usually cotton (sometimes hemp) and come in bleached (most common) or unbleached. CPFs (Chinese Prefolds) and IPFs (Indian Prefolds) are what I think are highest quality. Prefolds generally come in several sizes: Preemie, Infant, Regular and Premium (same size but premiums are thicker), and Toddler. Most children only ever need infants and premiums. I ordered our prefolds from www.mtdiaperstore.com- great customer service and very good prices. Lots of places sell prefolds.

Kissaluvs size 0- These are infant fitted diapers. A fitted diaper is "baby shaped", like a disposable, and fastens on with velcro or snaps. (Kissaluvs use snaps). Fitted diapers also need a cover. Kissaluvs are relatively inexpensive, but cost more than prefolds. They are soft, very simple to use and are darned cute. Kissaluvs are not as absorbent as prefolds, though. Kissaluvs are readily available from retail sources for cloth diapers. Try checking the websites I list at the end, and check www.kissaluvs.com. Other good (probably better) fitteds for newborns are Muttaqins and Bijou Baby Gear diapers.

Covers- There are many different choices for covers to go over the diapers. The cover will be waterproof or at least water resistant, and will be pull-on or "wrap style" (like disposables- fastened with velcro or snaps). For a newborn, you want several- at least 8 or so. Covers with gussets at the legs are good for containing runny newborn poops. Cheap is good, and I like Proraps- they are cheap, easy to find and they get the job done. I really like Imse Vimse Bumpy Day covers too, though- not as cheap but much nicer feeling. The Bumpy covers do wick moisture however, if the diaper underneath is too soaked. I like fleece covers because they are very breathable- good for keeping away diaper rash. They also wick if the diaper is soaked, even more than the Bumpys. Fleece can be rather bulky. My favorite fleece covers are Sugarpeas. All these covers should be available at retail sources for cloth diapers. Fleece covers can also be custom made by some WAHMs ("Work At Home Moms") who make cloth diapers.


Other diapering needs-
Wipes: cloth or disposable. I use cloth wipes which I bought from various WAHMs. If you use cloth, plain water is fine or you can mix or purchase a wipes solution to wet them with.

Diaper fasteners: for prefolds. I recommend Snappis. No more pins!

Diaper pail: any old flip-top trash can will do, or get a Diaper Champ. There is no need to use a "wet pail" method- just toss the diapers in the dry pail, then throw them in the wash when you're ready.

Diaper pail liners: use trash bags, or get reusable waterproof bags. I use cheap, washable waterproof drawstring bags from the camping section at Target.

Diaper rash cream: if you'd rather not stain the diapers too much, avoid creams that have fish oils in them. Our favorite diaper rash remedies are Burt's Bees Baby Bee diaper cream, Triple Paste and Aquaphor. All a bit pricey, but all work really well. (Especially Triple Paste).

Laundry Detergent: I know, no-brainer- but some detergents leave buildup on diapers, which can make them stinky and cause diaper rash. (Hemp diapers are particularly susceptible to buildup). What works for you will depend on how hard or soft your water is, how much detergent you use and how sensitive your baby's skin is. Many people have good results with plain old regular Tide detergent, if they use only 1/2 the recommended amount. I get great results with the Publix store brand Free and Clear detergent, using 1/2 capfull for a full load. You might need more for hard water. The way to check for buildup is to put clean diapers in a hot water wash (no detergent at all), let it agitate a couple minutes and then look at the water. If there are soap bubbles, then there is detergent buildup. Wash them with plain water until the bubbles are all gone, and start using less detergent. If diapers come out of the dryer not smelling quite clean, then you are not using enough detergent. Oh and never use fabric softener on diapers! Talk about buildup! This may all sound confusing, but I promise, washing the diapers is really no big deal.

Fleece liners: Optional. Microfleece wicks moisture away from baby's skin- so fleece liners are used inside the diaper against baby's skin to keep him/her dry. They're great, especially if you're trying to ward off rash. They can be purchased from cloth diaper retailers, or buy microfleece by the yard and cut out your own. Fleece is like felt when you cut it- it won't unravel.

Doublers: Optional. A doubler is an insert for a diaper that increases the diaper's absorbency. They may or may not have a stay-dry fleece layer on top. If you have a "super-soaker" baby (or less absorbent diapers), you may need doublers.

Diaper bag: I include this to mention that you will need a larger one than most folks, since cloth diapers take up more room than disposables do. Or, use disposables when out and about.

That about covers what I'd recommend for cloth diapering an infant. There are loads more diapering options, but personally I think it's better to wait for those until baby can wear a size medium in diapers- babies just grow out of the newborn and small sizes too quickly for more expensive diapers to be worth it. But once in a size medium, it's fun to find what other kinds of cloth diapers work best for you. Which brings us to. . .


Older Babies and Toddlers:
Prefolds- you already know about these. They're still what makes the bulk of our stash. Once baby makes firmer poops, a fastener is not entirely necessary- some people just trifold the diaper and lay it in a wrap-style cover, then put the cover on.
Contour or "Prefitted" diapers- need a cover. These are a cross between prefolds and fitted diapers- they are contoured to fit baby (so no folding), but they do not have snaps or velcro. You can use pins or a snappi, just like prefolds. They are usually simple, inexpensive diapers.
Fitted Diapers- need a cover. Kissaluvs are an example, but many find that those aren't great for older babies. There are an astonishing array of fitted diapers available, mostly from WAHM cloth diaper websites. They can be made of cotton, hemp, bamboo, in a variety of fabrics- hemp is popular because it is super-absorbant. They come in different sizes and fasten with velcro or snaps. Babies are shaped differently, so some "brands" of fitted diaper will fit your baby better than others do.
Note: some fitted diapers are a "one-size" system- one size of diaper fits your baby from birth to potty training. This can be very simple and economical, IF the diaper fits your bay's shape well. A popular one-size system with good reviews is Motherease (www.mother-ease.com). Another option are "two-size" systems- a popular one are Sugarpeas diapers.
Pocket Diapers- these are shaped, like a fitted, but do not need a cover. They do need an insert or "stuffer". Pocket diapers consist of a waterproof outer layer and a microfleece (or other stay-dry fabric) inner layer. In between these layers makes a "pocket" in which you stuff something absorbent (the insert or "stuffer"). You can purchase special stuffers or simply use microfiber towels from the automotive section of Target or WalMart. Pocket diapers secure with snaps or velcro, and when stuffed they make an "all-in-one" diaper that is just as simple to put on as a disposable. These are extremely popular, and the most popular pockets are Fuzzibunz, which are readily available. Other easy options are Bumgenius (available in a one-size option), Swaddlebees, Happy Heineys and Drybees- but there are lots of different kinds.
AIOs- "All In Ones". These are like pockets, but you don't have to stuff them. They are usually the most expensive cloth diapers, but are the simplest to use. They are truly "all-in-one- waterproof layer on the outside, absorbent inner lined with a stay-dry layer inside. The absorbent inner might be all built in (simplest, but takes a long time to dry!) or might snap in, so that it dries faster. I have Very Baby and Lucy's Hope Chest AIOs, which are nice, but I prefer pockets.
Covers- again, there are a ton of options. In order from most to least waterproof, yet least to most breathable, some fabrics used are: PUL, nylon, wool & fleece. My favorite covers are wool, though they require separate washing by hand. Fleece is super-breathable too, but might wick if the diaper is soaked. PUL is breathable enough for most babies, and is very waterproof. I recommend Bummis Super Whisper Wraps- and they come in cute prints too!
Other stuff- a mini sprayer that hooks up to your toilet, for spraying off poopy diapers. MUCH nicer than the "dunk and swish" technique! And possibly flushable rice paper liners- some people swear by these for dumping poop with no mess.

I guess that covers older babies. We use mostly prefolds and some fitteds during the day, pockets and AIOs when out and about. At night it's super-absorbent fitteds with an Aristocrat brand wool cover. AIOs and pre-stuffed pockets are also excellent for other caregivers, preschool, or nursery staff who need a no-brainer diaper. I like fitteds or prefolds with a wool or fleece cover because my babies are rash-prone, and that's very breathable.

Some good cloth diaper retail websites:
* www.naturalbabies.com
* www.lilbunz.com
* www.kellyscloset.com
* www.punkinbutt.com
* www.thebabymarketplace.com
* www.mtdiaperstore.com
* www.chooseydiapers.com
* www.cottonbabies.com
* www.babysenchantedgarden.com
* www.emibeans.com
and there are more. . .



A few great WAHM cloth diaper sites:
* www.lucyshopechest.com
* www.righteousbaby.com
* www.daisy-doodles.com
* www.snap-ez.com
* kindheartedwomen.com
* www.thebabyblanket.com
* www.loveybums.com
* www.sugarbums.com
* www.fullmoonbabygear.com
and that's just the beginning. . .


Some good websites for info on cloth diapering:
* www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php
These are the forums for the Baby Bargains book. Check out the "Butts" forum. This is where I have learned just about everything I know about cloth diapers. There is a "CD 101" thread, you can search past threads for specific keywords, and you can join and ask questions- everyone is very helpful!
* www.mothering.com/discussions
Again, forums where you can find answers to cloth diapering questions. These forums also discuss lots of other aspects of natural parenting- they're great but I don't visit them, because they are big and I get sucked in!
* www.realdiaperassociation.org
A pro-cloth diaper organization's site with loads of useful information
* www.diaperpin.com/home.asp
More than you ever wanted to know about cloth diapers! Also very useful CD product reviews
* diaperpages.com
A mom's cloth diaper info site
* www.thediaperhyena.com
All kinds of great info, including a pictorial on folding cloth diapers
* www.dy-dee.com/html/Folding/folding.html
More help folding prefolds
* http://www.pinstripesandpolkadots.com/basics.htm
TONS of useful information- especially on washing and detergents

baby names, first haircut and toy recalls

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

baby names, first haircut and toy recalls Current mood: uncomfortable Ok ok, everyone- NO, we do not yet know what we are going to name the new baby. But because there is so much interest, I will provide the current short list of possible names. Keep in mind that 1) this list is totally subject to change, 2) we will probably disregard any feedback we get on names :P , and 3) we will almost certainly reserve our final decision until we've actually met the little guy. The name will be some combination (a first name and a middle name) from our short list: Nigel Sage William Julian Orion (And YES, Sage is actually a boy name. It is now used for girls as well, but it remains gender neutral). I also like Peregrin, but I think it's out. :) * * * Mr. Sweetcheeks finally got his first haircut! (sniff). I asked them to preserve the curls though, and they did a great job I think. The new cut is very cute. Not as short as we do Littleman's! He was great for the stylist- perfectly content to watch Elmo while she worked. I think he appreciates that his hair no longer gets in his eyes or gets caught in the carseat straps, and it also tangles less. I still haven't fixed our camera (MUST remember to do that!) So I had to pick up a disposable camera to preserve the memories. :) Now if I can only get it developed before I lose the darn thing. . . * * * I am really getting irritated by these toy recalls. Luckily, the only ones we've had so far were wooden Thomas trains- we just don't have that many plastic toys. (These recalls only strengthen my prejudices against plastic and character toys. . .) It really makes one think twice about buying anything that was made in China. I am on the fence still about one of Sweetcheeks' upcoming birthday gifts- we are considering an accessory for the train table since Sweetcheeks has been really enjoying it lately, but as far as I know all the Thomas stuff is still made in China. Can we really trust it? Lead in the paint is not something I want to fool around with. I have been paying a lot more attention to where things are manufactured, lately. I STILL have not been able to locate two items that we own that were part of the Thomas trains recall. Lord knows where they've ended up- I hope I find them soon!

Baby Gear Guide!

Saturday, August 04, 2007

Baby Gear Guide! Current mood: calm Kit's Big Guide to Baby Gear Through the First Year: (Just in case you'd like some ideas on what to buy, borrow or steal) Books I Really Used: (for before pregnancy and afterwards)- - Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler -useful information on tracking your cycles, for the purpose of getting pregnant or avoiding conception. (for during Pregnancy)- - The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy by Vicki Iovine -a funny, enjoyable read that is loaded with good information. - Your Pregnancy Week by Week by Glade B Curtis -it's fun to track the development of your baby in the womb each week as it happens. - What to Expect When You're Expecting by Heidi Murkoff -very useful as a reference book to look up specific questions, but boring (and unnecessary) to read cover to cover. Also, not good for the hypochondriacs! - Yoga For Pregnancy by Sandra Jordan -good postpartum, too - Baby Bargains by Alan & Denise Fields -excellent information on all kinds of baby gear- I used this book a ton. If my lists here are helpful to you, check out this book! (for postpartum and the first year)- - the reading material from the prenatal class and the hospital -clear, to the point, very helpful stuff - The Girlfriend's Guide to the First Year by Vicki Iovine -again funny and enjoyable! Focuses on what happens to Mom postpartum- which is extremely helpful, as most books don't even mention some of this stuff. - What to Expect The First Year by Heidi Murkoff -again, good as a reference - Your Baby's First Year by Steven P. Shelov -this is good because it has tons of information, and most likely follows what your pediatrician would tell you. (AAP recommendations). The manual your baby didn't come with. - Amy Spangler's Guide to Breastfeeding by Amy Spangler -This book was indispensable for me. Concise, very clear and practical breastfeeding info. - The Complete Book of Massage by Clare Maxwell-Hudson -great for Mom, (and Dad!) and has infant massage techniques too, with good photos. It is my favorite massage book. - Itsy Bitsy Yoga by Helen Garabedian -really cool - Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child by Janet Zand, Robert Rountree & Rachel Walton Positively fabulous baby and child home medical reference. Offers information on natural and traditional remedies as well as conventional modern care. Lets you decide what fits best in each situation. A must have. - The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp -Absolutely indispensable to me in the early months with a colicky, high-maintenance baby. I hear there is a video, too. - The No-Cry Sleep Solution by Elizabeth Pantley -The best "sleep training" book I've found, should you want to try it. I feel it is a good middle ground between the "attachment parenting" technique (see Nighttime Parenting by William Sears) and "cry it out" (see On Becoming Babywise by Gary Ezzo, or the book by Ferber), both of which are also popular methods of dealing with sleep problems. - How To Raise a Brighter Child by Joan Beck -a bit outdated, but still has great information on early learning and a bit on discipline that's good. - The Healthy Baby Meal Planner by Annabel Karmel -I used this a lot once Simon started in on solid foods, and I like it. There are other good books out there on this subject, too- for instance I hear that Super Baby Food is good. And an honorable mention: Mothering magazine. I love this magazine! (for the baby)- - Happy Baby Colors (or similar) - Baby Faces (or similar- a real hit, from very early) - Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt (a classic) - Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown (also a classic) - Touch and Feel Wild Animals (or similar) - The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (another classic) - Global Babies (pretty cool) Basically, board books with bright, simple pictures are good. Texture and interactive books (like Pat the Bunny) are great. Rhyming and repetitive books are good for language development. If you speak a foreign language, get books in that language as well as books in English. Gear I've found useful in the first year: (note: by the second baby, I'd fine-tuned my preferences a little. Where applicable, items marked with a * are things that were just as indispensable the second time around.) * Graco SnugRide Infant Car Seat with LATCH (I hear the Safeseat is now preferable to the Snugride) - Snap-and-Go stroller frame (Kolcraft makes something similar)- note: I used the heck out of this with the first baby- the only reason we didn't use it the 2nd time around was because I always reached for the double stroller, or a baby carrier instead. - Baby Bjorn front carrier, *Patapum carrier (we use the heck out of the Patapum) * Arm's Reach Co-sleeper (GREAT!) - I have the "mini" * Pack and Play playpen * crib - infant swing, and/or vibrating bouncy seat or infant seat * Baby Trend High Chair - sling (love mine -www.hotslings.com -just be sure to get the right size!) - jumper seat - Silver Cross Camden stroller (best "all-around" single stroller we've found so far) * Britax Roundabout convertible carseat with LATCH (still VERY happy with this) * Kelty Expedition backpack child carrier (fabulous for hiking) - Buggy Bagg shopping cart cover or similar (also good for restaurant high chairs when baby is still fairly small) - and I would have liked to have had an "activity center" (blanket for the floor with toys suspended above) Breastfeeding stuff I've found useful (other than yourself and your baby, which is all that's truly necessary): - Luxe Boppy pillow (has a removable washable cover, which is handy). I hear the "Breast Friend" nursing pillow is also good. I used this all the time the first time around. * Lansinoh lanolin cream for your nipples (I don't know if I'd have made it through those first few weeks without this!) * rocker-glider and gliding ottoman with nursing stool (expensive, but nice if you can swing it) - a clock or watch near where you nurse, to time feedings if you want * snacks and lots of water for you If you wish to pump and feed breastmilk in bottles, (which can be very handy): - Medela Pump-in-Style electric breast pump (expensive new. check out second-hand ones on ebay- Medela says you shouldn't use a second-hand consumer breast pump, but all the nurses and lactation consultants I've talked to say that it's OK. My pump came from Goodwill. Just get new tubing and attachments). - extra set of attachments for Medela pump (a lactation consultant at the hospital might give these to you- by the way you should ask to see a lactation consultant while you are there, even if you feel you have a handle on things) - car adapter or battery pack for Medela pump - a set of 4-oz bottles and nipples (you may have to try different kinds of nipples to find out what works for your baby) - breastmilk freezer bags - bottle brush - drying rack for bottles, nipples and pump attachments * some good nursing bras- check out Medela bras, and the Bravado nursing bra or YES! bra- and get a professional fitting after your milk comes in - a cover-up for nursing in public, if you are so inclined, or some *nursing shirts- check out www.motherwear.com and www.expressiva.com * breast pads (I prefer natural washable ones- especially wool-backed, some moms much prefer disposable) - a good book on breastfeeding (see book list) - a friendly lactation consultant's phone number (or the number of a trusted friend experienced with breastfeeding) * www.kellymom.com (fabulous! So helpful) - some ibuprofen and some patience! (It gets WAAY easier, I promise!) Feeding items for "solids": * lots of bibs * lots of washcloths (just get cheapy ones from Target or similar) * little plastic bowls (with lids is nice) * little plastic spoons (I prefer the Take and Toss kind, which I wash and reuse) - a mesh teether-feeder or two (like the Baby-Safe Feeder)- these are great!! * sippy-cups (you may have to try a few to see what your baby likes. We use Nuby, Playtex and Take and Toss. We've used Avent, but they are a pain). - a dishwasher basket for sippy-cup valves and other small items, if you are so inclined * a baby food mill for grinding food, or a food processor or blender for pureeing food * a steamer for fruits and veggies - ice cube trays to freeze baby food in Tablespoon-size portions (for quick and easy meal preparation later on) - a book with nutritional information, preparation techniques, suggested ages to introduce different foods, etc. is useful too (see book list) * a highchair (see gear list) - a dog to clean up after the baby, when baby starts self-feeding and throwing food around (or use a cheapo plastic shower curtain on the floor under the high chair- but there will still be a mess!) * FOOD, of course. Your pediatrician will have recommendations. I prefer organic, when possible. * a Snack Trap snack cup for finger foods like cheerios Clothing items: Now, remember that you will probably get a lot of clothes from other people- new and second-hand. When you do buy some clothes, definitely find some kid consignment shops in your area to check out. You can find new and barely-worn adorable clothes for a fraction of the price you'd pay new. As baby gets bigger you will have a better idea of what kinds of clothes work best for you, (it's definitely an individual preference kind of thing) but here are a few items I'd recommend you buy to start out with. Beware of buying too much before the baby is born, though- keep all receipts because you could have a preemie, a small tyke or a jumbo baby- you just don't know! * side-snap Tshirts (for before the cord falls off, and because you'll worry less if you don't have to pull a shirt over that very wobbly little head) * lots of cotton onesies (Tshirts that snap under the crotch), short and long sleeved, depending on the time of year * little footed outfits (called "sleepers" I think- great in jersey, terrycloth, velour- anything soft and comfortable) with snaps in the crotch and legs * little socks that stay on- my absolute favorites are by Trumpette * a few little hats (the hospital will provide a good one to start) * some little mitts - if you like them, some nightgowns with elastic or drawstring bottoms. I didn't use them much after the first 2 weeks, because it's hard to put the baby in a carseat, carrier or swing when they have a gown on. But some mommies swear by them because they do make infant diaper changes very easy. You will also want some cute outfits to show the little darling off in, but as I mentioned earlier you will probably receive these as gifts. My favorites were some of the footed sleepers, a little pair of overalls, and a little pair of Old Navy jeans to wear with onesies. (Incidentally the sale rack at Old Navy always has really cute stuff for cheap. You may want to check sales at the Gap, Babies R Us, Gymboree and the Children's Place too, amongst other possibilities). Later, some soft-soled shoes to protect baby's feet as he or she starts walking outdoors. I LOVE Robeez. (Found at Nordstrom, Stride Rite and robeez.com). Baby Care: (*all this stuff was just as necessary the second time around) - tiny nail clippers - bulb syringe (the squeezy-thing for sucking out spit-up and later, snot) - some baby wash/shampoo (I liked Aveeno) - a small bath sponge and/or washcloths - little hooded bath towels - an infant bathtub, if you don't have a good sink to bathe the baby in (laundry sinks are GREAT). Mine is a hand-me-down plastic tub which is OK. There are also inflatable bath tubs, bath "hammocks" and the Eurotub, which is big but has great reviews. - rubbing alcohol and Q-tips for the umbilical cord, if recommended - diaper rash cream (Experiment to find what works for you- I have tried tons of different kinds, and the best for us is Triple Paste. You have to request it at the pharmacy counter, but it is not prescription. Burt's Bees, Boudreaux's Butt Paste and Aquaphor also work well for us). - vaseline (all sorts of uses) - digital thermometer - baby lotion (and/or Burt's Bees baby massage oil) - diapers (cloth or disposable- I use cloth, and it's GREAT!) - diaper wipes (cloth or disposable- cloth wipes are recommended, at least for infants. They are gentler on baby's skin. They work better, too!) Good sources for cloth wipes are: simonscustomcloth.com, littlelounginglizards.com and lucyshopechest.com (or make your own!) - Hyland's homeopathic tablets- definitely for teething, and I also found the colic tabs to be very helpful. (better than Mylicon drops, in my opinion). - infant tylenol drops (just in case- very good to have on hand) - also useful: Orajel, saline nose drops, Baby Vicks Vapo-Rub, Bach's Rescue Remedy (for you) and Neosporin - a cool mist humidifier or a vaporizer is very handy - later, a tiny toothbrush, a "gum massager" (fits on your finger) or just a washcloth and safe-to-swallow tooth gel (start using this every day as soon as a tooth appears) Start good habits (yours and theirs!) early. - baby sunscreen for later (after 6 months) - A pediatrician you love, with a 24-hr number to call with health questions. I interviewed lots of pediatricians to find one I was really comfortable with, who shared my philosophy on baby and child medical care. Other Important and Just Useful Stuff: (* just about all this stuff was just as great the second time around) - lots of laundry baskets (for laundry, toys, blankets, whatever- even works as a moses basket when baby is really tiny!) - Diaper Champ diaper pail (uses garbage bags or liners, so no special refills to buy!) - lots of flannel receiving blankets - a fleece receiving blanket or two - crib bedding- fitted sheets and a mattress pad are all that's really necessary, but I love my crib bumper and skirt. No need for a quilt, except maybe for playing on the floor or to hang on the wall - a sheepskin, if you are so inclined (My second baby has one, and it's awesome!) - an unbreakable crib mirror - a CD player and some music [I love the Kenny Loggins CD "All The Pretty Ponies", Enya CDs are lovely, my Simon loves Nicollette Larson's "Sleep Baby Sleep", we also use Norah Jones, Bach, Beethoven, a great CD called "Celtic Odyssey", and Simon and Garfunkel. We also listen to public radio, but use anything you and baby like! (a friend of mine swears by the Beatles' "Revolver")] - a crib mobile, and an interesting mobile for over the changing table - speaking of changing table, I recommend getting a dresser for the nursery and putting a padded vinyl pad on top, instead of buying a separate changing table. Just make sure it will be a comfortable height. Why spend money on a changing table? - a stuffed animal or other "lovey" (don't worry too much about buying toys- you will probably get them whether you want them or not!) - more cloth diapers for burp cloths etc - a pacifier, if you are so inclined, and a "mam" clip to keep it handy (you may have to try several kinds of pacifier to find what your baby likes. Once you find it, buy a bunch!) - a nightlight - a baby monitor- even if you don't need it for around the house, it allows you to take a shower while baby is napping, without worry - a rearview mirror for in the car, so you can see baby in the rear-facing car seat while you are driving - vinyl static-cling see-through car window stickers to keep the sun out of baby's eyes if necessary (the suction-cup kind are a hazard in a crash) - a good diaper bag- it can be an actual diaper bag or a backpack, or whatever works- I prefer one with lots of pockets and a strap that STAYS on your shoulder - a portable changing pad (will probably come with the diaper bag) - a soft bristled baby hairbrush. This is handy for it's intended use, but also it is a fascinating object for babies. - you may want to use Dreft detergent for the baby clothes at first. Another good laundry detergent is Charlie's Soap- I use this on cloth diapers. It's all natural and biodegradable, though a few babies are sensitive to it so watch out for that. And don't use fabric softener on baby stuff! - interlocking plastic links to attach toys to the crib, high chair, stroller, wherever - honorable mention for HABA wooden teethers and rattles- love these! - a baby memory book and/or photo album, if you are so inclined- I love "Baby Time- A Fast, Fun Keepsake Album", because it is easier to keep up with. - a good camera. If you are a picture-taker, consider a digital one- you will save money on film and developing, and it makes it easy to share pictures with friends and family (assuming you have a computer!) - baby gates, electric outlet covers, cabinet locks, etc. When babyproofing the house, I found it good to crawl around to see what looks enticing and what is in reach. Once you baby-proof, invite a friend with a curious toddler over to visit. Follow the toddler around, and you will quickly discover what you missed! - some friends with babies. If you don't have some already, make some! It's super helpful to compare notes, gripe with, swap moral support and spend time with others who are in the same boat as you. You'll need adult conversation with people who won't mind your baby obsession. (And yes, you will be obsessed!) - other help: nearby relatives, a doula, babysitters, a housecleaner- any and all help that you can afford (and tolerate!) is good. You NEED some help- so go ahead and ask! (This is an example of "do as I say, not as I do"- we all need the help, but some of us need to work on asking for it!) Gift certificates for doulas or housecleaners make great baby shower gifts! (tell Grandma) - as baby gets older, you may want to look into fun classes to do together: infant swim classes for instance, and "mommy and me" classes of all kinds- movement, play, music. . . check a local YMCA or Gymboree center, "The Little Gym", and local parks and recreation classes for options. - for cloth diaper users, I have tons of suggestions and recommendations. I could probably talk your ear off. Suffice it to say, they have come a LOOONG way from the days of pins and rubber pants! Some final notes: Remember, this doesn't have to cost the moon! Hand-me-downs and gifts are great, the library is wonderful, and when it's time to buy always check thrift stores, consignment stores, craigslist and ebay! You'd be amazed what you can find. Finally, sales racks and outlet stores are good places to find deals, especially on clothing. Good luck, and enjoy!