Is this what you'd call the "Nesting" instinct???
I will post belly pics on Friday as I am currently in Indianapolis for a Sales Meeting. Good. Times.
In other news, I have a growth ultrasound and glucose test next Monday. Let's start praying Max has a sweet tooth!!!
Finally, all you Mom's/Dad's out there: I would love any opinions (good, bad and ugly) regarding where we've registered... did you register at any of these places? How were they about returns/exchanges? Are you glad you registered here or totally wish you did not???
We are registered at BuyBuyBaby, Pottery Barn Kids, and Target... yes, we avoided Babies 'r' Us all together (thanks in part to Mandy's fabulous stories :)
I would also love recommendations on bigger/important items: do you love/hate your stroller/car seat/high chair? Was the more expensive, convertable furniture worth it? Or do you adore/loathe your Ikea stuff? What do I need that everyone forgets? What do I totally NOT need that everyone (ok, every book) says I should get? What monitor's do you have? And is the more expensive Medela pump REALLY that much better?
Tell your friends I'm asking... I'll take any advice, even the "(un)solicited views of a stranger" :-)
3 comments:
Congratulations Anna on making it this far in your pregnancy! You seem to be really enjoying this season. I know you and I have never met directly, but we are “friends of a friend” of many people… I saw your request for info, and while I am certainly not a sage on parenting, I did just have my first child in December, I’m frugal, I do my research, and I like to make lists… so, for what that is worth, I hope this info helps you out.
When registering I used the book “Baby Bargains” as my guide. It was invaluable as a practical list of what you might need and how one would use it. Its cheap and worth every penny.
Competitor’s Coupons: So, Buy Buy Baby and Babies R Us both accept competitors coupons, which means you can use their coupons at the other store… where this gets interesting, is that you can also use those 20% off Bed Bath and Beyond coupons (BBY owns Buy Buy Baby) at both stores, provided it is not expired. I generally waited ‘till the big item (furniture etc.) went on sale at BRU, then came in with another 20% off BBY coupon and got things deeply discounted. Keep your eye out online too, as Babies R Us often has printable coupons.
Stroller: Both my sister and I love our Baby Joggers. They are not the cheapest, but they are not in the Bugaboo range either… They are fill size yet lightweight with an easy folding feature. They are super easy to maneuver; my sister has the double (twins) and can use one hand to navigate the stroller. Truly, they are AWESOME strollers. And for the car seat stage, just get a car seat adaptor bar for $25… I would not purchase one of those stroller, car seat combo sets… the strollers are generally bulky and the only real benefit is that the patterns match… Obviously, this is achieved in other ways too…
Monitor: First of all, they all suck. Either they have interference with cell phones/internet/ or they are crazy expensive. We have the Sony one with two receivers, one for our bedroom, and one downstairs. Just be sure to get on with lights, as we often just keep the volume down and watch the lights. Also, it has the “sound activated” feature. Basically, that is when your little one is sleeping it does not broadcast the static noise, it only turns on when there is sound in the room.
Pump: The more expensive one is worth it for only the ability to go hands free… I say that for those who are pumping quite often. If it is just for an every now and again, I say don’t spend the money. I also here that there are inexpensive (and cute!) wraps that one can use to hold the pumps on, in that case, go with the less expensive pump.
I have a few friends who asked me to make a list of my “must have” baby items, so I made an amazon list (http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/M264SONQ6JN6), if you are interested…
Okay… how is that for unsolicited views of a stranger?
Take care and blessings to you over the next few months!
-Allison Smith
my advice - the expensive medela pump is totally worth it! i had the cheap one for about half the time that i was nursing (i only pumped once a day) but decided to get the expensive one based on some friends' recommendations and wondered why i didn't do it sooner -- it's soo much quicker than the cheap one! do it! :)
I finally had a minute to look at your registry and here are my "2 cents":
1. Color monitor: everyone I know that has had one says the picturee blows. That's why we opted for the b/w Summer Infant one and it's great.
2. Baby Bjorn bib: have it and hate it...it fits them weird and food falls down behind it.
3. Dishwasher baskets: I have Dr. Browns bottles too so if I were you I'd get the Munchkin brand ones - they have outside slots that you can slide the inside piece from the bottle into thus leaving more space on the inside of the basket for all of the other pieces. (I know that seems like it's no big deal, but trust me)
4. Diaper Pail - I would recommend getting one that uses regular kitchen bags instead of the ones you have to buy refills for. You'll be annoyed with having to buy the refills. We have the Safety 1st one and it never smells.
5. Stroller - I saw that you registered for the Peg Perego which is, obviously, a great stroller. However, if you're planning on having more kids (which I'm assuming you are) you will probably end up kicking yourself for getting such an expensive single stroller when you'll end up needing a double before you know it. If I were you I'd rather see people put their money toward other things that you need more.
6. Bottle warmer - I would take it off. If you get him used to warm milk at all times he'll demand it. Not ideal when you're in a pinch.
7. Bottle sterilizer - you don't need it. Steam your bottles before the first use and then you'll wash them in the dishwasher from then on. It's an extra, unnecessary step and will only take up more space on your kitchen counter.
8. Bassinet - you are totally welcome to borrow mine. It's one of those things that you will probably only use for a couple weeks to a month tops. Again, you'd rather have people put their money towards the things that you really need.
Totally just my opinions...feel free to use or not. Love ya!
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