So, we're starting to get a bit of the 'nesting' bug around here. Getting some cleaning and organizing done, and starting to think through logistics a bit more. And, we have already secured several of the things that we deem absolutely mandatory to have on hand as soon as baby arrives, though that list is pretty short! (We're going to have a LOT to do and buy when this little person finally turns up!)
I will warn all you non-baby-minded folk that the following gets into a level of detail that will leave most enormously bored. But hey, this is a baby blog! And, for those who have a clue what I'm talking about, as always, I look forward to hearing your opinions, advice, and insight.
So far we've got our Amby Baby Infant Hammock--which we are hoping delivers the promised restful sleeper we would sooo like to have! ;) They come incredibly highly recommended, and tend to work best fresh from the womb--as babies are still longing for the snug fit and rocking motions they experienced in utero. So, our fingers are crossed that this particular purchase (and very tough get, btw) turns out to be worth it. It's nice because it is highly portable, and comes with a travel bag, so we can bring it with us if needed (though it is quite bulky).
And, as I am typing this I learn that our infant car seat w/ base has arrived! That is a an absolute must have if we plan to bring baby home from hospital--since they won't let you leave without a properly installed car seat in your car. We will be bringing our car and seat over to the North Adams Fire Department this week to have some expert instruction and installation to make sure that thing gets in there correctly. I think it'll be made a bit simpler as our new Baby Mobile (the PT Cruiser, if I've failed to mention that baby-inspired acquisition) has the handy dandy latch system in the back seat. However, I am completely ignorant of all things baby seat related, and really have no clue what the hell the latch system looks like, where to find it, or how to use it. So, expert instruction here we come! ;)
Those are the two main priorites we had for advance purchase items. In addition, over the next couple of months we will be acquiring a generously subsidized breast pump through a special program offered by Ross' health plan. Since that is shipped through a separate company, who takes an indeterminate amount of time to deliver the pump, we'll be taking care of that paperwork earlier than later, and probably have it in hand well before the arrival of little Thumper.
I've been really good about resisting the shopping bug so far. It's been really difficult, and has required some serious self-discipline and restraint. I've been channeling my buying desires into my varioius registry building exercises--it's like filling a shopping cart, without the commitment of checkout--and accumulating an enormous list of bookmarks to be revisited at the appropriate time. This also means that an intense amount of research and comparison shopping has gone on in the last seven months--informed by numerous parenting and baby magazines, discussion board chatter and reviews, recommendations from friends, and numerous google searches.
For instance, after much research and many reviews (both online and from people we know), I'm inclined to use BumGenius 3.0 diapers to get our little person from newborn status through potty training. This looks to be an amazing product, with very satisfied customers. These are the newest technology in cloth diapering--as easy to use as disposable, as reliable, and much much more cost effective. One investment at the outset gets us through all of diapering (though we will probably supplement with disposables, especially at the beginning, when we are away from home, so as to avoid the carry-factor)--about $300 vs. about $4000. And, better for most sensitive tushies (though occasionally a baby will have skin that actually prefers the disposables--so we'll see how things go).
I found a cool website that allows you to take several different brands and models of cloth diapers (including the Bum Genius 3.0, as well as another Bum Genius model) out for a trial test-run. It ends up costing just $10 for the trial, and we can make sure we're satisfied with the experience prior to making the commitment. Not bad. And, if I do go ahead and get that trial pack in hand now, the actual trial period doesn't start until baby comes.
We're figuring out what other things might need to be picked up immediately, and then a bit later, so things go smoothly when baby gets here. Based on the recommended shopping lists from various retail giants, there are about four hundred products we absolutely must have if our little one is to make it to toddlerhood in one piece. Hmmm...I'm not really buying that. I'm more inclined to try to identify those actual must haves, and then see what would be nice to add once we get to know our little Thumper and her tastes a little better.
Fascinating, eh? ;)
xoxo
tara
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