Thursday, September 18, 2008

Most Useful Things (for us anyway)

As far as modern baby conveniences go, there are a few gems that I couldn't have "lived" without. Not sure I can think of 10, but we'll see how many I can think of...

10. Floor gym/mat: Probably baby specific, especially considering Henry hated his swing and seat, but he LOVED his floor mat and it was a lifesaver for many, many months.

9. Exersaucer: the kid used this FOREVER. Even once he didn't want to sit in it anymore, it converted into a play table that he would use to pull himself up on. Brilliant.

8. First, a Paci...


7. Then, and still now, our two middle fingers...



6. Swaddle Me Blanket. Oversized, a perfect square. Fabulous. Hated those little flannel ones (sorry, said they were felt yesterday). A little pricey, but worth it.


5. Boppy. I had a hard enough time trying to figure out how to nurse...with my eyes rolling into the back of my head from the pain...that not having to worry about propping up his little body and having that extra cushion was awesome. Besides, as any mom who is in a size F nursing bra can tell you, nursing is a hands on event! (yes F...as in: A, B, C, D, DD, E...F).

4. Medela Breast Pump. Being a working mom, I never could have exclusively nursed for 6 months, and continued nursing (w/ solids) until his first birthday w/o this.

3. A Bjorn for daddy. I liked the Bjorn...but it kinda hurt my back. Andy, loved it and would willingingly wear his little munchkin. It came in handy though, when I was running a quick errand and I didn't want to take all the time to wrap myself up in my...

2. MOBY WRAP!!!! Okay, as I really sat down and tried to figure out what was an essential item that I would never go without for subsequent children, I realized that at the end of the day, so much of it is unnecessary (albeit sometimes convenient), most of the rest of it is specific to your child's likes/dislikes (so what worked great with Hen Ben may be a colossal failure with the next)...but at the end of the day, I ADORED my Moby. (Even if it was handmade). It kept my hands and arms free, my baby was close, I could kiss his little head with ease, and he would sleep peacefully for hours all snuggled up like he was in the womb again. Priceless. Just priceless.

#1. Daddies. I really don't know how single moms do it. When Andy goes out of town on business for more than a day, I suddenly have new appreciation for all the little things he does. Not to mention how much FUN a daddy is. Henry and I play, but daddy is definately the fun one. I came home from a meeting the other day to find the boys standing in the living room...Andy with a sheepish grin...and one of those music channels on cable on the TV with Justin Timberlake on..."What are you guys doing???" I ask..."We're dancing!". Henry was bounding around the living room in circles laughing hysterically. Didn't know Andy was a JT fan...Sexyback anyone? :)

3 comments:

Rachel said...

The only thing I didn't have was a moby wrap, but I would want to try one if we have another. I agree with all the likes, especially the exersaucer, it was a welcomed member of the family for a good six months!

Kristen Borland said...

#10. TOTALLY agree.
#9. again, TOTALLY agree.
#8. ahhh... one of the best inventions!
#7. okay, my kids are finger suckers, but i'm sure it's just as important for some as number 8. and i've noticed that a lot of kids go for those middle fingers instead of thumbs. pretty interesting.
#6. YES! and the cheaper brands aren't as great... my kids were too skinny for the velcro to be in the right place, and i had to add my own.
#5. agree.
#4. agree, or the hospital pump you can rent, which is even more efficient. since i couldn't nurse, i could at least give some breast milk for a few weeks.
#3. agree. it hurt my back too, actually, but, yes, good for daddy. that's why i'm going to try the moby wrap this time.
#2. look forward to it!
#1. the ultimate BEST!!!

great list!

Serenity Now said...

AJ has just discovered love for the exersaucer, but I can tell it's a hit - and the activity mat is a winner too!
I'm so glad the Moby made your top 10 - I couldn't live without mine, it goes everywhere with me and I use it at least once a day...it's a grocery/shopping lifesaver for me.
and I completely agree with the DADDY - how do those single mom's do it?? It's nice to have someone else in the house who understands my frustrations and gives me a shoulder to lean on :)
Great list!