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 :)

Closet Deadline 2 days behind but DONE!

We have a huge hall way closet. I had been hanging Skylar's clothes in there and sharing the closet for storage for a few months now since her closet is small and her room is a jungle. So when we found out we were going to stay in base housing for a little bit with a baby I had to come up with some way to store all a newborn's stuff in there as well. Many of you know I am addicted to the show clean house and they feature a company called the container store. I did some reasearch I went to Lowes, Home Depot and even Target to see different closet storage ideas. Of course being in base housing I can't do anything drastic! I called the Container Store and then even mapped out a useable space like the one they have pictured above. That was my goal to acheive. They gave me an inventory sheet than ran over $400 dollars. With the housing drama in Texas I had to cut costs and decided to try and do it cheaper.

Here is the closest I have to a finished product. On the right the colored cubes is an organizer I bought from avon with the days of the week on it and cubbies for each her undies and shoes etc. So I put her clothes for the week in these cubes to make it effortless for others (Skylar included) to get her dressed. The plastic drawers are for William's Onesies and Gowns.. Botttom drawer I just threw in Skylar's bike shorts she likes to wear alot. Hanging above is her dresses for church.

Lets look on the shelves. The canvas bin on the right is for PJ's and Night gowns (she converted from thick footies to regular two piece pj's quickly lol) and Socks and Undies in the tupperware. Pushed way back in the corner are tights and leggings.

I got these great bins for $3 at Target. They are stackable and I have Williams socks, shoes, bibs, hats etc... in each one... I will probably get Skylar similar ones that are pink because they work GREAT!

There are all William's clothes hanging up and his receving blankets and blankets that go with his layette's in the tupperware below. I open the tupperware and it smells so DOWNY fresh lol.

All Skylar's school clothes hanging up. Her play clothes can go in her room. I work with a limited amount of drawers and hang mostly everything.

Bigger blankets, bedding and our duffle bags for when we travel are on the top shelf of the closet :)

Tickers

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?

This Week's Activity

This Week's Activity:

Discuss some personal issues. Would you like to have your son circumcised? If so, do you want it done in the hospital? Will you have a religious ceremony after your baby's born? Would you like to stay home with your baby full- or part-time? These are just a few of the big decisions you and your partner should discuss now. Even if you think you both agree, it's best to share your opinions openly to avoid misunderstandings and hurt feelings.

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?

Hangers?

I figure I can use small toddler hangers or baby hangers to hang all Williams clothes. I will need to hang 90% of everything. So where do you get the best hangers at the lowest price?

Woot update. I will keep checking around but I was given a few links to check out so I will do that. www.hangersdirect.com and http://www.onlykidshangers.com/ Btw readers I don't shop at Walmart cause I have everyone telling me to go to walmart lol I won't go there not even for hangers :)

http://www.blogger.com/profile/09599539470544233570

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

Great I need Summer Clothes

Date Record Max Normals Record Min
Aug 01 104 / 1935 90 | 70 | 0.12 58 / 1925
Aug 02 102 / 1957 90 | 70 | 0.12 59 / 1925
Aug 03 104 / 1957 90 | 70 | 0.11 61 / 1925
Aug 04 103 / 1947 90 | 69 | 0.11 55 / 1950
Aug 05 103 / 1947 90 | 69 | 0.11 53 / 1929
Aug 06 106 / 1930 90 | 69 | 0.11 55 / 1948*
Aug 07 108 / 1930 90 | 69 | 0.11 54 / 2004
Aug 08 108 / 1930 90 | 69 | 0.10 54 / 1989
Aug 09 103 / 1935* 90 | 69 | 0.10 55 / 1976
Aug 10 103 / 2007 90 | 69 | 0.10 50 / 1954
Aug 11 105 / 1935 90 | 69 | 0.10 57 / 1967*

So the weather is pretty much normally 90 degree's for the first two weeks of August.

Secrets of a Thrifty Mom

http://www.cafemom.com/dailybuzz/toddler/3438/Secrets_of_a_Super_Thrifty_Mom_Part_3

Nurse Home Visit

ACS (Army Community Service) came by today. I used to volunteer a bit there so I know the nurse really well her name is Mrs Charlene and she came by to evaluate the need and stuff. She gave me lots of literature and we talked about some concerns and stuff. I feel a little better about somethings and she will be back in a month :)

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?

I have a new best friend LOL

So for all you scrapbookers I have an enabler alert for you. Have you seen the cheap quaility name brand stuff you can get from the likes of TJ Maxx, Marshall's and Ross? I mean its probably old news to you but its new to me and why didn't anyone share? LMAO. I got two premade scrapbooks for my daughter and her friend to just stick their pictures in for %6 each.... K and Company!!
So its not cheesy and its quality! WOOT

Now the reason why I posted this in the baby blog lol...
I loove these stores but so far my best luck came from Marshall's Why I have two Ross' Two TJ maxx' and Two Marshall's LOL...is beyond me but hey... More opportunity for these deals.

Calvin Klein Snow Suit retails $44 and I got it for $5

Another Calvin Klein Special lol Pullover, Shirt and Jeans retails $56 & i got it for $7


Polo jogging suit retails for $30 and I got it for $7

DKNY Baby Romper retails for $20 I got it for $5

and this is just Carters but I love these type of outfits that have a matching blanket. I got this in NB size cause I am almost positive little man is going to be tiny like his big sister... So I will have to go back and get the bigger size...
Tag says $24 and I got it for $9.99 and Blanket was $17 and I got it for $6.99

I also got a Calvin Klein Romper I didn't get it out of his storage thing but it was like $5 or $7 (now I want to matching onesies lmao and bibs...)


Oh and this little button down that will look cute with Cords or Jeans with a sweater I bought him on Ebay from Children's place... Don't cha think its cute?
Another Carters Brand for $3.00


Oh yes and Olenka gave me the tip that Ross has Maternity Clothes. I got me an adorable pair of black capri's I can dress up with two blouses I bought. So something cute comfy and Casual I can buy a fancy pair of flip flops and wear to church or everyday... Thanks for the tipppp How did I neglect not shopping there for so long?

Unbelievable that these are all brand new, Name brand clothes cheaper than Children's Place, Wal-Mart and Target.... ALSO cheaper than even most Consigment sales and thrift stores lol....

So yesterday morning we headed out to find a yard sale but God decided to send us rain... so I thought about this one Thrift store or Consignment store that Betty and I happened upon a few months ago... Rick and I went to find it. BINGO its OPEN and I found some little Peter Rabbit Outfits, A Ralph Lauren Romper, Cute baby hats, and Another Blanket set like the doggy one I spent the same amount of money on the used as I did on the new!

People that know me know I don't shop at Walmart I refuse to spend a dime there. I went an over an entire year without shopping there. I stopped wanting to do business with Walmart in Feburary 08 due to their business practices and how they have directly effected the economy and MY life. So yesterday when we went to see this awesome consignment sale they weren't open for another hour but we had driven 25-30 miles. I said Rick lets go to Walmart and just WALK around. I don't want to spend money just walk around the store. I was a little curious as to see if they had any Peter Rabbit clothes like they used to as well. So we walked around Walmart and then we were bored after about 30 minutes and we both still felt confident that our family doesn't go there for business. The prices aren't that much cheaper than Target (I found the same outfit at Target even LOL) Rick and I just kinda laughed off the fact we weren't even tempted by them. Customer Service was rude as usual too.

Our TV's are breaking one right after another in our house so I kept pitching proposals to Rick about getting him his promised Homecoming Present he has wanted. I did the research. I called several techy people. I got a tip that his TV was going on Sale at Target... We grabbed a rain check when they ran out still unsure we wanted to spend that much money at this point... Its a good thing I finally talked him into at least paying for half because we got it for even a cheaper price than the sale price. He played being daddy to his TV while Skylar and I went and had some fun and registered for the few things I spied at Target that Babies R Us or anywhere else didn't carry. Plus with us being Army and all our friends and family spaced out world wide I don't know where they feel comfortable shopping so I have registered at Target, Sears, Babies R Us, and Burlington... Just do a search for my name or contact me for the info...

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.

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"