Check Lists updated!

Sorry I have been MIA if you've been reading this blog. I had a bout with depression and then sickness. It surely doesn't help Rick and I have to drive up to Kentucky constantly..

So I took a couple of checklists for my husband's sanity and averaged out the amounts. I don't know if I need all this or what but we will see....

Any feedback is appreciated

NURSERY NEEDS
3-4 Crib Sheets (2 of them came with my bedding yeehaw so I need 2 more)
3-4 Bassinet Sheets
2-6 Waterproof Pads (I use these for a million different things.)
2 Mattress Pads
2 Stroller Blankets
2-5 Recieving Blankets (I know these are a dime a dozen and Skylar still plays with some of hers. Rick grabbed a few last night so I need 1more or so)
Blankets
Mobile
Bassinet, Cradle, or Co-Sleeper (A MUST for us)
Crib with a Crib Mattress
Changing Table
Diaper Pail
Bouncer or Infant Chair
Rocking Chair
Baby Monitor
Infant Swing (A portable one will be handy with all our traveling we do as well as a bigger one that will stand the test of time)
Night Light
Pack and Play (we have a pretty heavy travel schedule so this is a must)
Dresser

√ Bedding Sets (We are starting to think Sir Leaps Alot could be girlie)

(I ended up with two. I may sell one. One is Peter Rabbit and the other is Wendy Bellissimo's Sir Leaps Alot. I hope they are both unisex!)

Clothing

√ 3-10 Short Sleeve Onesies Newborn Sized
(I have ten of these some are white some have color, Do I need Long sleeve? I know I will need bigger ones that go up to 12 lbs)
6-8 Stretchies or PJ's (I have five of these I need 3 more)
1-2 Two piece outfits (August is an inbetween month weather wise here so I will need some for the hot weathered days and the cooler weather days. I think I have two right now for the warm days.)
3-6 Rompers (I have two I need 4 more)
√ 3-6 Gowns (YAY! I have eight of these! They are all unisex though)
2-3 Blanket Sleepers
1-3 Sweaters
1-3 Hats (I have 6 hats 3 boy and 3 white), The suggestion on Xanga was 10?
√ 1 snowsuit
6-8 Socks
6 Bibs
3-6 Washable Pants (do they mean like diaper covers cause I put this under clothing LOL! I have 1 pair of pants to go with a onesie I guess I need 5 more)
6 Kimono's and or T-shirts (I got three newborn sized Kimono things for the first week of life. I need 3 more) I have 2 kimono's that are 0-3 months
Home from the Hospital Keepsake Outfit and Maybe another one for pictures
√ 2 Newborn Hand Mittens (So they don't scratch their face)
2 Cool weather outfits
3-10 Up to 12 lbs (0-3 Months sized) Onesies (I know i will use these when it gets cooler! I have eight, 2 more are needed)
6 T-Shirts 0-3 month sizes (I have 1 I think I need 5 more but I am not sure?)
3-10 Long sleeve onesies possibly? Newborn and or 0-3 month sized? I have 2 long sleeve onesies do I need 8 more?

I bought the baby an off white and tan jacket

CHANGING SUPPLIES

I plan on doing mostly disposable but I probably will do some cloth diapers
10-12 per day of the Disposable Diapers. (How many of each size should I buy ahead of time?)
2-5 Dozen cloth diapers
Baby Diapers
Wipe Warmer
4-6 Diaper Pins

BATHING AND GROOMING SUPPLIES

2-4 Towels
Tons Washcloths
Baby Bath
Baby Shampoo
Baby Oil Creamy
Rash Cream
Vaseline
Cleaning Wipes
Cotton Balls
Baby Nail Clippers
Baby Brush and Comb (I would like two, one for travel or the diaper bag)
Baby Tub

HEALTHCARE SUPPLIES
Tylenol
Antibiotic
Peroxide
Calamine Lotion
Hydrocortisone Cream
Rehydration Fluid
Sunscreen
Rubbing Alcohol
Medicine Syringe
Gauze
Tweezers
Nasal Aspirator
Thermometer
Q-Tips

GEAR FOR GETTING AROUND

Travel System
Extra Carseat with Base or just extra base
Baby Sling or Baby Carrier (I would like one of each)
Diaper Bag
Car Seat Cover
Stroller Blanket
Convertable Car Seat

FEEDING ACCESSORIES

12 Burp Cloths
6 Four Ounce Bottles
10-12 Eight Ounce Bottles
4-6 Bottles for Breastmilk Storage with Caps
Breast Pump
? Milk Bags
? Pacifer
High Chair (we want something like this http://www.target.com/Fisher-Price-Space-Saver-High-Chair/dp/B001HTJQNA/qid=1236719395/ref=br_1_67/192-6864824-4891335?ie=UTF8&node=1041930&frombrowse=1&pricerange=&index=tgt-mf-mv&field-browse=1041930&rank=pmrank&rh=&page=1)
Bottle Brush
2w 2 Weeks of Formula if I can't breastfeed
lanolin
Breast Pads
3 Nursing Bras
Boppy
Water for Formula if Applicable
dishwasher caddy (suggested on Xanga THANKS I totally forgot)
drying caddy (for storage)

OTHER

Gates
Exosaucer
All Free and Clear Baby detergent (any other suggestions)
Saline Nose Spray
Gas Drops
Liquid Benedryl
Did I already say Boppy? There are so many different ones...
Xanga suggestion ~ "would only get 2 packages of newborn sized and 3-4 packages of size 1 4 packages of size 2 and then 6 packs of size 3 they seem to say in those the longest, for cloth diapers you need special detergent and a stripping agent and make sure you wash them about 7 times beore using them if you've never used cloth diapers just email me and ill give you the info. you also need your wipes either the disposable kind of the cloth kind and with that some solution . and a tub to put them in. you'll need some type of diaper pail for the cltoh diapers and a diaper genie or a diaper dekor plus is what we have and love it. you will also want a blanket to cover up the baby while your chaign them so they wont get cold and a special toy that they cna play or lok at jsut when they are being changed this will help imensily when they get older and want to scoot all over the place, also have extra socks on the changing table dont ask me why but they always seem to stick thir foot or sock in poo and then they need new ones. make suretoget a coolmist humdifier most babies get congested with in 2 weeks of coming home and thats the only thing that will help them sleep"


Thank you to http://www.xanga.com/starry4life for the suggestions

I am currently registered at Babies R Us (yes you will see two I am sorry they are messed up just pick one I guess LOL. There are also two at Sears... Hopefully when I do Target it won't be messed up as well LOL. AAFES stuff is always welcome here!!

Freepeats

Freepeats
"Freepeats is a way for parents to get gently-used baby, kid and maternity items like clothing, high chairs, bouncers, swings, bikes, and toys for free from other parents who have finished with them. It's also a way to get rid of baby cast offs without having to load up the car (and the kids) and take them to the thrift store."

Freepeats members can post gently used items to give away on the forum for their city. They can also look at the other items that are available in their area. Arrangement for pick up is made between "giver-awayer" and "taker."

Freepeats is available in these cities (listed here alphabetically in "sentence form" for the sake of space!):

Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Birmingham, Boston-area, Buffalo, NY, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, OH, Cleveland, Columbia, SC, Columbus, OH, Dallas-area, Denver, Detroit, Greenville, SC, Hartford, CT (opens 3/16), Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, FL, Kansas City, Knoxville, TN, Las Vegas, Louisville, KY, Los Angeles, Madison WI, Memphis, TN, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Nashville, New York City, Oklahoma City, Omaha, Orlando, Phoenix, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Portland, OR, Quad Cities (Davenport IA, Bettendorf, IA, Moline IL, and Rock City IL) (opens 3/16), Raleigh-Durham, Saint Louis, Salt Lake City, San Antonio TX, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa, FL, Virginia Beach / Norfolk VA, Washington DC

Freepeats continues to grow each month, adding new cities as quickly as possible.

If you'd like to see some of the items that people have scored from Freepeats, check out the testimonials on the Freepeats Blog.

If you have any other questions, please see the FAQ post at Freepeats.

Lifetime memberships are $4.95. This week, Angie is giving away 10 FREE lifetime memberships! Just fill out the form below for your chance to win a free membership to this fantastic organization that helps so many!

Giveaway ends Wednesday, March 18th at 5 pm EST. Winners will be contacted by email and announced in Wednesday night's dinner post.

Is it just me I hope Breast Pumps aren't in Greek??

I tried nursing and pumping with my first two children. Mackenzie got nipple confusion thanks to an unnamed source grrrrrrr and no one wanting to HELP me. My "adopted" mother was like the Breastfeeding Cloth Diapering Nazi... but did she teach me anything about it NOOOO. The lactation consultant was worthless she would attach Mackenzie and then leave. I am like wahhh. I had a manual pump at the time and I could sit there and pump for an hour and literally get an ounce. That wasn't going to cut it. So needless to say between his latex enabler and my lack of knowledge and support he didn't even nurse a month.

Round two... Skylar did a little better although people thought I was starving her. You know if you give a breastfed baby a bottle of formula they get that wasted drunk look? Well thats what Skylar looked like so then I started getting pressure from my Pedi and sister OMG there was no letting up... This time I tried an electric pump... again pretty worthless I swear squeezing my chest probably produced more milk.

Round Three.... I am 99% sure I will be WIC-less.... I am again bound and determined to nurse... I haven't even thought about buying bottles because the bottle will just be a temptation. So I think my only way to go is a Hospital Grade Breast Pump... Then I started freaking. I see so many different types of Medela breast pumps... Are they hospital grade? Are they the best of the best? Which style is the best? Is there another brand? Where do I look how do I review. UGH HELP...

Gender Prediction Tests

Old Wives Tales Gender Prediction

38% chance
of a boy

62% chance
of a girl

Congratulations!
The old wives tales indicate that you are having a girl


Baby Gender Prediction Based On Baby's Heart Rate
One of the popular theories on baby gender prediction is based on the baby's heart rate.

The theory states that if your baby's heart rate was 140 beats per minute and above, you would be having a girl. If the heart rate was under 140 beats per minute, then you would be having a boy.

While this would be a quick and easy baby gender prediction method, there is actully no evidence that this theory is accurate. There is recent study, "Sex, Heart Rate, and Age" from Terry J. DuBose, M.S., RDMS; Director Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, which indicates there is no correlation between fetal heart rate and the gender of the baby.

Peridot's has been right at 160

Needle or Wedding Ring Gender Prediction Method
This an easy baby gender prediction method to try. Take a pin, needle, or wedding ring and attach it to a thread or strand of hair. Hold the dangling item over mom to be's belly while she is lying down. If the needle or wedding ring swings in a strong circular motion, you will be having a girl. If it moves in a to and fro motion like a pendulum, you will be having a boy.

An alternate version of this baby gender prediction method is to dangle the needle or wedding ring over the expectant mom's wrist instead of belly.

Drano / Draino Gender Prediction Method
This baby gender prediction method has been around for decades, and makes it's rounds regularly on the web as a potential way to find out what gender your baby is.

The recipe to test this method is below, but it is NOT advisable that you try it as it produces very toxic fumes and the results are unreliable.

The drano / draino gender test should be performed after the 4 month of pregnancy.

This test must be performed outside in a glass / jar that holds can hold twice as much urine as you use as there is a bubbling, smelly, and caustic chemical reaction when you add your urine to the crystal drano.


What is needed for the Drano / Draino Gender Prediction Test:
Approximately 2 tablespoons of CRYSTAL Drano
Medium glass or glass jar. It is best to just throw the mixing glass away after performing this test.
Two to Three ounces of urine, preferably the first morning urine.
Take the test materials outside. Add your urine to the glass jar with the crystal drano in it. There will be a rapid chemical reaction and it is best to stay well away from the glass jar while the fumes are being produced.

When the reaction stops, observe the color of the test.

If the mixture darkens to a brownish color within the first 10 seconds - It is a boy.
If there is no darkening or color change after 10 - 15 seconds - It is a girl.

When you are done, you will need to carefully dispose of the mixture as it will have a very bad smell and still be very caustic.

The color results above are not very reliable as you will find many different variations of the colors in the results with people interpretting them all differently. This is not a reliable way to determine the gender of your baby, and could have serious side effects to the mom to be if the fumes are inhaled or the mixture gets on the skin. NOT RECOMMENDED as a baby gender prediction method.


Get your own gender prediction!

Congratulations!


You have a 42% chance of having a boy.
And you have a 57% chance of having a girl.







And Here's Why...
You are carrying the extra weight around the hips and bottom, so it's a girl.
The hair on your legs is growing faster during pregnancy, so it's a boy.
Your feet are colder than they were before pregnancy. You are having a boy.
You refuse to eat the heel of a loaf of bread. You are having a girl.
Dad-to-be is gaining weight right along with Mom-to-be, which means that you'll have a boy.
The maternal grandmother doesn't have gray hair (dyed or natural), so a girl will be born.
You had morning sickness early in pregnancy, so you are expecting a girl.
You are not looking particularly good during pregnancy. Therefore, it must be a girl, because girls steal their mother's looks.
Your chest development has not been very dramatic during pregnancy. You should expect a boy.
Since the sum of the mother's age at conception and the number of the month of conception is even, it will be a boy.
Your urine is a dull yellow color, so you will have a girl.
You are craving sweets, which means that it is a girl.
Your nose hasn't changed during pregnancy, which indicates a girl.
You have been craving fruits, so it is a girl.
Your baby's heart rate is 140 or more beats per minute, so it's a girl.
You must have orange juice every day, so it's a girl.
You are having headaches, so it's a boy.
Your belly looks like a basketball, so it's a boy.
You use the handle, so it's a boy.
http://www.childbirth.org/cgi-bin/boyorgirl.pl

Gender Prediction Quiz
83 % chance of having a girl

Check Lists!

Sorry I have been MIA if you've been reading this blog. I had a bout with depression and then sickness. It surely doesn't help Rick and I have to drive up to Kentucky constantly.

So I took a couple of checklists for my husband's sanity and averaged out the amounts. I don't know if I need all this or what but we will see....

Any feedback is appreciated

NURSERY NEEDS
3-4 Crib Sheets (2 of them came with my bedding yeehaw so I need 2 more)
3-4 Bassinet Sheets
2-6 Waterproof Pads (I use these for a million different things.)
2 Mattress Pads
2 Stroller Blankets
2-5 Recieving Blankets (I know these are a dime a dozen and Skylar still plays with some of hers. Rick grabbed a few last night so I need

1

more or so)
Blankets
Mobile
Bassinet, Cradle, or Co-Sleeper (A MUST for us)
Crib with a Crib Mattress
Changing Table
Diaper Pail
Bouncer or Infant Chair
Rocking Chair
Baby Monitor
Infant Swing (A portable one will be handy with all our traveling we do as well as a bigger one that will stand the test of time)
Night Light
Pack and Play (we have a pretty heavy travel schedule so this is a must)
Dresser
√

Bedding Sets

(I ended up with two. I may sell one. One is Peter Rabbit and the other is Wendy Bellissimo's Sir Leaps Alot. I hope they are both unisex!)

Clothing

√

3-10 Short Sleeve Onesies Newborn Sized

(I have ten of these some are white some have color, Do I need Long sleeve? I know I will need bigger ones that go up to 12 lbs)
6-8 Stretchies or PJ's (I have two of these I need

6

more)
1-2 Two piece outfits (August is an inbetween month weather wise here so I will need some for the hot weathered days and the cooler weather days. I think I have two right now for the warm days.)
3-6 Rompers (I have one I need

5

more)
√

3-6 Gowns

(YAY! I have eight of these! They are all unisex though)
2-3 Blanket Sleepers
1-3 Sweaters
1-3 Hats (I have three girl hats so I will wait and see if I need boy or unisex ones), The suggestion on Xanga was 10?
1 snowsuit
6-8 Socks
6 Bibs
3-6 Washable Pants (do they mean like diaper covers cause I put this under clothing LOL! I have 1 pair of pants to go with a onesie I guess I need

5

more)
6 Kimono's and or T-shirts (I got three newborn sized Kimono things for the first week of life. I need

3

more)
Home from the Hospital Keepsake Outfit and Maybe another one for pictures
2 Newborn Hand Mittens (So they don't scratch their face)
2 Cool weather outfits
3-10 Up to 12 lbs (0-3 Months sized) Onesies (I know i will use these when it gets cooler! I have three

7

more are needed)
6 T-Shirts 0-3 month sizes (I have 1 I think I need

5

more but I am not sure?)
3-10 Long sleeve onesies possibly? Newborn and or 0-3 month sized?

CHANGING SUPPLIES

I plan on doing mostly disposable but I probably will do some cloth diapers
10-12 per day of the Disposable Diapers. (How many of each size should I buy ahead of time?)
2-5 Dozen cloth diapers
Baby Diapers
Wipe Warmer
4-6 Diaper Pins

BATHING AND GROOMING SUPPLIES

2-4 Towels
Tons Washcloths
Baby Bath
Baby Shampoo
Baby Oil Creamy
Rash Cream
Vaseline
Cleaning Wipes
Cotton Balls
Baby Nail Clippers
Baby Brush and Comb (I would like two, one for travel or the diaper bag)
Baby Tub

HEALTHCARE SUPPLIES
Tylenol
Antibiotic
Peroxide
Calamine Lotion
Hydrocortisone Cream
Rehydration Fluid
Sunscreen
Rubbing Alcohol
Medicine Syringe
Gauze
Tweezers
Nasal Aspirator
Thermometer
Q-Tips

GEAR FOR GETTING AROUND

Travel System
Extra Carseat with Base or just extra base
Baby Sling or Baby Carrier (I would like one of each)
Diaper Bag
Car Seat Cover
Stroller Blanket
Convertable Car Seat

FEEDING ACCESSORIES

12 Burp Cloths
6 Four Ounce Bottles
10-12 Eight Ounce Bottles
4-6 Bottles for Breastmilk Storage with Caps
Breast Pump
? Milk Bags
? Pacifer
High Chair (we want something like this http://www.target.com/Fisher-Price-Space-Saver-High-Chair)
Bottle Brush
2w 2 Weeks of Formula if I can't breastfeed
lanolin
Breast Pads
3 Nursing Bras
Boppy
Water for Formula if Applicable
dishwasher caddy (suggested on Xanga THANKS I totally forgot)
drying caddy (for storage)

OTHER

Gates
Exosaucer
All Free and Clear Baby detergent (any other suggestions)
Saline Nose Spray
Gas Drops
Liquid Benedryl
Did I already say Boppy? There are so many different ones...
Xanga suggestion ~ "would only get 2 packages of newborn sized and 3-4 packages of size 1 4 packages of size 2 and then 6 packs of size 3 they seem to say in those the longest, for cloth diapers you need special detergent and a stripping agent and make sure you wash them about 7 times beore using them if you've never used cloth diapers just email me and ill give you the info. you also need your wipes either the disposable kind of the cloth kind and with that some solution . and a tub to put them in. you'll need some type of diaper pail for the cltoh diapers and a diaper genie or a diaper dekor plus is what we have and love it. you will also want a blanket to cover up the baby while your chaign them so they wont get cold and a special toy that they cna play or lok at jsut when they are being changed this will help imensily when they get older and want to scoot all over the place, also have extra socks on the changing table dont ask me why but they always seem to stick thir foot or sock in poo and then they need new ones. make suretoget a coolmist humdifier most babies get congested with in 2 weeks of coming home and thats the only thing that will help them sleep"