Mommy Gadgets

So I saw a commercial for a Gyro Bowl and I was considering getting it for Little Will. Although William doesn't have the tendency to spill as much as he does have the tendency to splash his food everywhere. So the Gyro Bowl wouldn't stop that.. but I watched this review here... She mentioned the Munchkin Snack Catcher and I looked for it at Target and it was 2 for $3 so I grabbed them and so far its working pretty good. Now none of them are 100% spill proof they are about as spill proof as your average sippy cup haha!

Also its cold season around here. Skylar got it from her oldest brother.. she had it for four days. Then William had it for four days. Then Rick had it for the weekend... I had it for two months. With a two week break (for me) we all got it back again. While looking for a soft cotton product to wipe William's nose with I found these Boogie Wipes. I am like ahh well regular baby wipes just smear the mucus around his nose. They arent much help but with the Boogie Wipes aren't as thick or moist as the regular baby wipes I use (Pampers, Huggies or AAFES brand) I guess there is some type of product in Boogie Wipes that helps dissolve the mucus. Anyways they work pretty good if William didn't mind getting his nose wiped!

My Day

I went to my OB appointment and I am measuring a whopping 4 weeks ahead but I only gained 4 lbs :) The doctor didn't make me go on Iron Pills HOOOAH he said I can double up on Flinstones! He scored points! I also discussed with him about me being frightening of my PTSD interfering with the c-section and he said not to worry he can do a c-section in under 20 minutes lol and I can have loopy medicine as soon as William is out which takes 5 minutes or less. Then I went shopping because our house closed today and I get a little spending money for William. I got only good deals too. Eddie Bauer diaper back pack for $12 or so... And all the bath stuff he needs for under $20. Then I got almost all the rest of his bedding except for two pieces. So I can sale his old bedding finally. I wish I could make what I paid for it! I may have to sell it on Ebay to get that. I get all shiney and happy when I do things and accomplish goals relating to my children. I cleaned his "room" and it makes me SOO happy. Being anemic makes me feel like junk though I am soooo tired.

Check list updated... is it getting shorter?

NURSERY NEEDS
3-4 Crib Sheets (I have one. I need three-four more)
2-6 Waterproof Pads (I use these for a million different things.)
2 Mattress Pads
2 Stroller Blankets
2-5 Recieving Blankets (I have four I need 1 more.)
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 fifteen)
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 five I need 1 more)
√ 3-6 Gowns (YAY! I have twelve)
2-3 Blanket Sleepers
√ 1-3 Sweaters (I have three)
1-3 Hats (I have 6 hats 3 boy and 3 white), The suggestion on Xanga was 10?
√ 1 snowsuit
6-8 Socks ( I have three I need 5 more 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 have thirty)

3-10 Long sleeve onesies possibly? Newborn and or 0-3 month sized? I have 2 long sleeve onesies do I need 8 more?


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 ( I have three I need 1 more)
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 (used)
Car Seat Cover
Stroller Blanket
Convertable Car Seat

FEEDING ACCESSORIES

12 Burp Cloths (I have three. I need 9 more)
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

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

Lets Talk CLOTHES!

Ok so if you know me well enough you know Children's Place is my favorite brand to buy my kids. I don't pay retain non-sale prices for Gymboree EVER... If its something at CP I like I will put in the extra money to get before it goes on sale... Normally their prices aren't that high unless its a holiday season. Plus I am always armed with my 10% on my credit card (its amazing how I don't have a balance too!) Plus whatever season pass they send me. SO I save save save when I buy Children's place clothes. I worked there for over a year and Skylar's closet was often filled with Children's Place clothes... and still is!

I don't really like a whole lot of Gymboree Clothing lines compared to Children's Place Clothing lines for Skylar anywho. I will usually find one line or two a year and buy it on sale or off of ebay.
Last year I was in LOVE with the Royal Garden & Schoolgirl Rock's line. I got Skylar a few pieces from each line. As well as some from Ballet, Holland Days, & Parisian Rose..

I do however like their layette sets and always have. I like the idea (as well as my kids like the idea of) Having a warm blanket to go with their clothes. I prefer them for newborns I guess they don't have the crazy color combinations like they do for the older kids lol. Plus I am picky on what Skylar wears (certain dresses and skirts, halter tops, tank tops etc)

So I've search and searched nearly daily on Ebay for Gymboree blankets that are inexpensive. Layette sets so I have more of a selection than what's just currently for sale. I have found two new lines that I love for William and One that also is too way cute! Flying lessons (which was from 2006) The good ole postman delievered William's first outfit from this line today. I also like Fly with Me oh its oh so adorable! So the search goes on LOL. I am still looking for a good deal on the blankets of other sets and a few other lines like Brand New Baby (with Monkeys and MAYBE Elephants) and the Husky Pup. How cute is that??

Attention Online Shoppers

Attention Online Shoppers!

Do you buy your kids stuff online? (We thought so!)
Get the best deals by knowing the *secret* code to get free shipping, special discounts, or other bargains. Sleuth it out at these Websites:

Currentcodes.com

retailmenot.com

Couponheaven.com
____________________________
***quoted in Parents magazine**

http://www.barefootmommies.com/2009/05/attention-online-shoppers.html

Also a tip from my friend Crystal is mrrebates.com :)

We got a present!

I woke up a little after 10 because I sensed someone was in my room. Wicked sense I've gotten since the deployment. My eyes immediately saw the words GRACO on a huge box. Jamesy felt bad he forgot about Mother's Day and wanted to help with William. So he wanted to buy something we really needed so he bought William http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3402604&CAWELAID=326907825. I couldn't sleep much after that my head is racing and he makes me so proud and I want to thank him I just don't know how :)

Update on the Registry's!

Woot just so you know I've updated the registry's with the things I've already picked up. Like the thermometer at Babies R Us and pieces of the bedding at Target :)
Like I got the bumper for my bedding off of ebay instead of just buying it in Target :) But I deleted it off the registry..

So go check it out...
Oh yeah and my disclaimer yeah there is multiples it was either out of my control or there for a reason :)

Target
Registry # 014134600000586 (its registered under my private email address)

Babies R Us.
Registry # 93058777
93484980

Sears
Registry ID: 900006269559010101
Registry ID: 900006444116010101

Burlington Coat Factory
Registry Id: 13841625

buybuybaby.com

Friday Night Goodies.

I went to Gymboree while Rick was getting his hair cut. I got all this for $50 plus I got $25 in Gymbobucks. I also got another blanket and a t-shirt for Skylar. I actually got a layette cheaper than I would at Children's Place.





I really wanted this entire set but we are out of cash and time they are doing a floor change this weekend. I love love love Children's Place.

Diapers Diapers Diapers

With just less than 3 months left shopping seems to be my frenzy.. Perhaps because I don't have a nursery to set up? LOL...

On the message board we are all speaking about how many of each size diapers to buy..

I am quite smitten with the idea of using Bum Genius cloth diapers 3.0 One size fits all... but I don't know if we will have the money to invest in it. I don't know if I will have them not for the lack of trying... Not to mention their ONE size starts at 8 lbs and never in my life have I come close to having an 8 pounder... Now my oldest was 7 lbs and my youngest is 5 lbs so I doubt William will be 8...

I have yet to buy any diapers due to I want to see what I DO get at the baby shower. Here's hoping LOL but I wouldn't know how many to buy the guide says 10-12 per day of the disposable and/ or 2-5 dozen cloth. I was told at Nurturing Moment I would probably need to start out with about 20 Bum Genius. I do however remember from previous births that they usually say 1 dirty diaper for each day of life? Is that right?

SO whats the consensus?

Cribs cribs Cribs

So basically here is my story. We are stuck in a small house where the baby will have to share a room with us (but cannot co sleep due to Hubby) until probably estimated around ....When the baby is 6 months old. Maybe sooner or maybe later. I don't know...

After that the baby will have his own nursery of course. So we have been weighing the options of Bassinet, Cradle, Crib, Co- Sleeper, or Pack and Play

Bassinet ~ Pros are small won't take up much room, Its one of the cheapest options to start out with and gives us more time to save for the crib we want. Cons it won't last long possibly not the 6 months, The cats will use the storage basket as their own personal bed (not really a con we expect it lol)Most of them rock and that would seem annoying to me. Our favorite is the Zen Bassinet by Fisher-Price

Cradle ~ Pro's are it will be sturdier than the Bassinet??, The same price estimate as the bassinet, No storage basket underneath, Cons are Baby might outgrow it too soon, no storage underneath, rocking would seem to be annoying to put a sleeping baby in it. Da Vinci Futura Cradle in Cherry

Crib ~ Pro's Once all buy all meaning I won't have to buy anything else hopefully till the child reaches school age or preschool. All About Baby has a floor model for $800 (including alot of pieces of furniture not just the crib) Con's We don't have that money in the bulk of it to put on a crib, It takes up more room, Newborns usually don't like Cribs, its the most expensive of options out there....but the long term investment is better. I dunno part of me wants to just get like a cheap Jenny Lind (not my favorite things) until we move or save the money for a crib....
My top three cribs are the Babies Dream Crib (even if we don't get the floor model the crib itself is one of the cheaper ones but with the sturdiest wood.. I need to see if I can find reviews on it. Serenity Crib

Basset Baby Star Dreams Lifetime Crib

Co-Sleepers Pro's and cons are The baby can practically share the bed with me it might be easier to breastfeed I don't know since the probability of myself having a c-section it might be hard to fish the baby out lol. The displays at Babies R Us didn't seem so sturdy, I have read reviews that they didn't exactly fit up to the bed (we don't have a frame for our bed? This is probably a Con, Arms Reach

Pack and Plays Pro's are we have to buy one anyways due to heavy travel schedule it looks like we could be traveling out of the state at least twice a month for an overnight trip. That may change. Rick has TDY's in Ft Campbell as of right now, We might have to make a few trips to sell our property in Texas as well as visit family, Also visiting my family in Georgia. Storage is a great pro for a P&P, They baby can still practically co-sleep with us. Con's We have to disassemble and reassemble every time we want to move it, Cleaning (not all sheets fit these pack and plays) It doesn't seem healthy for a baby?, Not sturdy, I do have cats it seems like it would attract them more. Rick will hit it see what I wrote below, It can take up as much room as a crib.

If I buy the same pattern as the Travel system will it sell better?
I have a Graco Travel System on layaway but at the time of this blog I am not sure what fabric it is. Its on hold at the PX and they only have one Graco Travel system.

However Rick seemed to like this one Chicco Lullaby LX- Adventure(Green/ Beige) and we saw this one in a magazine I thought looked cool...Ok so I looked and it looks like they don't have a "boy" version of the one i like by Baby Trend I have seen one at a Resale shop that had a removable bassinet this was a really cool feature! Not sure what kind it was anymore but I haven't seen anymore like it retail maybe it was a year or so old they change them so often. This one also has alot of side storage Jeep Trek Easy Travel Playard I guess these are the ones we like best plenty more on our registries... that we will also love to have. Oh and one last concern LOL LOL I know my husband the floors have to be totally clear because he doesn't watch where he is walking (yeah he will be pissed for me putting that but I guess he should LOL) He kicks or steps on things that are in his path... no matter the size. I know I will kick his butt every time he accidentally kicks trips or hits the baby's bed while they sleep. Either that or he will get so pissed its in his way that he will end up taking it down or moving it to somewhere I don't feel comfortable with it lol.

Here are the bedding options we have....
Peter Rabbit sorry about the picture quality the pictures of it are scarce online since I had this set originally when Skylar was a baby and it was discontinued then...



Wendy Bellissimo Sir Leaps alot to possibly Coordinate with Lambs and Ivy Froggy Tales Both are discontinued (yeah don't ask what my fascination with picking out discontinued bedding lol



And I have pieces of this and I think this is my FAVORITE although it gets bad reviews. I get it here at Kids Line Pop Star




Of course the others we like are We like Dogs, Monkey's, Transportation (PLANES and TRAINS), Camo, Bold Colors no characters if we can help it please :)


So help me with the Pros' and Cons. What do you think I should add? What did you buy and prefer?

Panolpy

As soon as we have pictures I will be posting them but for now Rick says I have the camera's and well they aren't on my desk except the old one lol... so when I round up all three and upload the pictures I will be posting them on this very post..

http://www.panoply.org/

This morning I knew the Catholic Church was having a Yard Sale and we checked several others and then finally went to the Catholic Church and not much to speak of. I did pick up some really inexpensive but very unique clothes for William. The owner told me they were her oldest sons clothes as a baby. The age of her oldest son? 33... One of them was a NASA suit :) That was at a community yard sale.



Then we went out to Panoply it was hot today and there was alot to do and see at Big Spring Park. My body isn't used to that much walking either but I fought through it and drank plenty of water. We enjoy going to the festival... and better yet the best part of festivals (other than family time?) Funnel Cakes...
Pictures of Skylar playing drums...

Diapers Anyone?

So this was interesting... I am doing both Cloth and Sposies... I know that diapers.com has both and I plan on ordering from them in a month or two to get my stash started lol.

So if anyone else is ordering diapers... They will match and beat prices... They were already cheaper.. You get free shipping if you order once a month or have a $50 order from them.. If you sign up and use my referral code on your first order (ARMY9249) You will get $10 off your first order plus you will help me out by giving me a $5 credit and $1 for each additional order... Oh yeah they take coupons too

If you have any 3 generation one size fits all Bum Genius to sell or give away contact me pwease!

Coming Home Outfit

I haven't decided on anything yet

I am keeping my eye on Gymboree.com layette's, I would like to find a classic carters layette but I went to the outlet and didn't see nothing that was classic. I am a Childrens Place addict www.childrensplace.com

Maybe I should do something Military related since Hubby and Oldest brother are in the military? I like the idea of Big Sister Little Brother but its hard to find my 6 year old Big Sister t-shirts since she is a 6/7... maybe I can get them something matching off of cafepress.com or etsy.com

I was thinking she would wear it when he was delivered? Big sis/ Baby Brother shirt

Children's place is great for coordinating the whole family maybe something from there.

We live in the Rocket city so Rick and I are playing around with the idea of Rockets :)

We were going to the NASA Museum but here is something on Etsy Link

I love layette's I am a sucker for a cozy blanket




More Big Sister/Little Brother Ideas
Pillow Case Dress.... I wonder if I can customize this?
Appliqued BIG SISTER chocolate brown tshirt
Baby Brother t-shirt or onesie

and this is my favorite outfit he owns so far



Any suggestions? Anyone want to share what your little one came home in? Ohhh and Links are a wonderful thing hehe

Showing off

I started to take pictures of things that I've gotten the baby but got bored lol I got too much

Gymbo blankets I got for $10 for all three

Towels, Matching wash clothes and bibs

First two pieces of my bedding I want. I am getting a little at a time. Camo and Airplanes what could be better?

His toys including the build a bear Skylar made him he also has some Peter Rabbits and a Froggy Webkinz too lol and I think a Winnie the Pooh set

I had to have the airplanes lol

I love the outfits with the matching blankets. That are a higher quality than Recieving blankets. See the camo hat and mittins too? Yes the onesies in the package have a plane on it too LOL

This is my gymbo package of the day I don't buy Gymbo unless I find it on ebay but they have their spring sale and I got this. Romper, Blanket, Bib and a t-shirt :)

My Lists

My Check list

What I do have

What Clothing is missing
believe it or not this keeps me sane

Can I get a Happy medium?

My husband is entirely too laid back for my liking. I need to be goal oriented. I have a friend that freaks over every penny short. My husband I think he's just trying to avoid the price tag of this baby. But like for instance the ebay auction for a brand new boppy and two covers for $30 and he passes it up. Does he know how much more that would hurt to buy at Babies R Us because I am gonna need it. I don't want him to freak out like my friend over every penny. But I wish we could discuss when and how we are buying these things for the baby.

So far we have clothes and bedding nothing else... I am worried. Should I be worried?

My close friends are miles away psychologically and physically. One of them probably my closest female friend kinda ignores the fact that I am pregnant, She doesn't ask how I am doing or anything. I think its because she isn't pregnant even if she tells me different. She's just SERIOUSLY distant from me. I could really use a preggo buddy even if they aren't preggo. Kinda like a girlfriend to get pedi's with or a maid of honor type role since hubby is seriously failing at it. I am tripping on depression dealing with all this chaos. I feel like if I let my husband be laid back then nothing will get done.

Who can help me set goals...

Make sure I have all the babies clothes by.....what date?

Since we are stuck in a little house until the Army lets us out. I am giving him a huge walk in closet for everything he needs... organize and set up closet full of clean clothes and etc ..... by what date?

Set up sleeping area in the master bedroom by ...... what date?

Buy all big purchases by..... what date?

In considering these dates I can be at double the risk for preemie birth...

What are some purchases you've already made and what are some your waiting on.

I plan on renting a breast pump from my OB before buying one to make sure the darn thing works for me since none other has worked. It was his suggestion.

Clothes we Still need

Preemie Size TCP Onesies
Preemie Size Gerber Onesies
Preemie/NB Winter Outfit (with blanket)
Preemie Hospital/Picture outfits
3 diaper covers up to 12 lbs
Newborn Booties
Preemie Pajama's
3 Kimono's
0-3 Month romper (just one more)
O-3 Month 2-3 Blanket Sleepers
0-3 Month 1-3 Sweaters (I won one off of ebay so it when it gets here i will knock one off
0-3 month Socks (you know that go with everything)
6 bibs
0-3 Hospital/ Picture outfits
0-3 month Winter sets (I need 2 with blankets)
0-3 month (5) T-shirts what for I am not sure?
0-3 month pair of jeans
0-3 month khaki's

For all my other baby needs you will have to see the full list *sigh*

Recalls

Infantino Recalls

Taggies™ Sleep'n Play Infant Garments

Old Navy Recalls

Fisher-Price Recalls 3-in-1 High Chairs

Fisher-Price Recalls Simplicity’s Rainforest™ Portable Play Yards

Infantino Expands Recall of Infant Rattles Due to Choking Hazard

Current Baby Products Recalls

Under the wire

I have 13 days till Easter
I have 14 days till my Birthday
I have 24 days till I have the Luncheon with General Myles.
I have a month to a month and a half till My Baby Shower (I Think) and the portraits are done...

I would love a dress that goes with all these events and any that might come up...
I want it to be church dress, I don't want anything that screams cotton, Spring colors if possible but not too bright and as close to business attire as I can because thats the dress code. UGH

Ok considering my own style and comfort level (none of these are long enough gah!), What fits into all the needed catergories
and the budget even weighs in a little bit
Here are my top three choices right now...
Twist-neck drop-waist dress
Sleeveless Ruffle Front Maternity Dress
short sleeve empire waist maternity dress


HELP ANY TIPS?