Favorite Things: March 2015

Here's what I'm loving, as we emerge from our ice-covered winter madness.

This one's for the ladies--no baby or kid stuff here. If you've survived, you deserve it!

1. Garnier 5 Second Blur Instant Smoother

This was an impulse purchase at Target (have you ever HEARD of such a thing?!), but I think it works. It's not a cream; it goes on dry. I think it definitely made no-makeup skin look better and helped even out some of that late-winter redness.

2. Starburst jellybeans

Need I say more? Hello, Easter candy aisle. *currently 10% off with Target Cartwheel app*

3. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation

I read a good review of this online and had a Nordstrom gift card, so decided to try it out. They gave me a generously-sized sample at the Armani counter (another reason to love Nordy), but I'll be buying the full size. It is light and provides good sheer coverage without being heavy or cakey.

4. Coconut oil

I've been using this for everything. I bought a big jar at Target and put it in the stand mixer with the whisk attachment and whipped it for about 5 minutes (h/t to Kate for the prep tips). This makes it less waxy and much more spreadable. You could add a few drops of essential oil if that's your thing, too. When it was painfully cold and dry outside, I put some on the baby in the bathtub for a few nights, and it definitely smoothed out his little dry patches. I've used it on the ends of my hair, as a lip balm, and on adult skin as well. It's also a good makeup remover and I'm sure has a billion other lifehack uses. A little bit goes a long way, so it's definitely a winner in terms of bang for your buck.

5. Bobbi Brown Sheer Lip Color in Tutu

I've been wanting a lip color that didn't really look like lip color, if that makes sense. Just sort of finishes the look but doesn't make a bold statement. Everything can look a little washed out this time of year, you know? The girl at the BB counter (again, at Nordstrom) said this color looks good on almost everyone, and I believe it. It also feels moisturizing and doesn't get dry or flaky. I've never dropped real money on a lip color before--drugstore gloss all the way, baby--but I feel good about this one.

6. Revision Teamine Eye Complex

This is by far the most effective thing I have found to address dark undereye circles. It addresses the actual causes and diminishes them, rather than just covering them up (although they also sell a concealer). I highly recommend to moms and other people who feel or look tired on the regular. Maybe I'm a sucker, but I saw almost instant improvement. It was recommended to me by Gwen, my skin guru at Elan, but it's on Amazon (link above) and elsewhere online.

7. Problem-Solving Pants

This is actually two items. The jeans in the picture are Madewell's High Riser Skinny. They're pretty much exactly what they sound like. They are not, like, fashion high-rise--wear them as you would normal jeans--but they're just high enough to contain (rather than bisect) any ghosts of pregnancies or doughnuts past. They run pretty true to size, even if they're a little tight when you try them on. They have just enough stretch to get to a good place, but don't end up sagging. They look good with flats and are a normal person length (hallelujah), though they sell them in tall. I've also worn them in boots, so they're slim enough for that. Highly recommend. I have a dark blue wash and black, but they have lots of color options.

My second fave in the wobbly-bits-containment category is Liverpool Pull-On Jeans. Whoever invented pull-on jeans is a goddamn genius. Mine came in my last Stitch Fix box, but I found them on Amazon and think these are essentially the same. Obviously do not wear them with your shirt tucked in like the goofy model, but you can see that there's no zipper or button. Naturally, this makes them more comfortable and also makes them lay more smoothly under a long or flowy top. They're really soft, but they are actual denim--not leggings or pajama jeans or something gross. And yes, you just pull them on. Basically they are all the best parts of maternity jeans (minus the full panel) without being such (I'd say they could work for early pregnancy and postpartum, but don't think they could serve as actual maternity jeans. Sorry). I would suggest sizing down--I wish mine were a little slimmer fitting.

Happy March, everybody. You made it (and if you're somewhere where there's still 6 feet of snow...you'll make it too. You're doing a great job). Treat yo'self. Boots's orders.


Amazon links are affiliate, but I have only included Amazon links if the price there is the same as or less than where I bought it. I bought all these products with my own $$--no freebies.

Boots Chooses: Around the House

Often, when I exchange enough texts or emails from friends about a certain subject, I decide to go ahead and just turn it in to a blog post. You know, in case anyone is actually reading and hoping to get valuable information in addition to Backback photos.

Boots Chooses is a series I've started that attempts to answer the "which _____ do you use?" questions exchanged by parents all the time--at least in my crew. Kiddos change so fast that you think you've purchased every available item out there, and then they go do a new thing that you need to accommodate. There's so much information and so many options now, plus online reviews and lengthy blog posts about how to make your registry and avoiding genetically modified sleep sacks or what have you...

I'm not going to go that in-depth or extreme, or even claim that I've road-tested all the options and settled on the best of the best (see Lucie's List for that. She's done it and it's great). I'm just sharing what I've chosen and what we're currently using in little slices of daily living. It's kind of like Favorite Things, but a little different.

The first post in Boots Chooses is the things we use around the house and to help us organize daily existence. It's not exclusively kid-related, but I've gotten more systematic since C's been around and especially now that he has calendar needs too (swim lessons...birthday parties...).

As always, no pay for play here. 

Erin Condren Life Planner

 

So...I'm still a paper-calendar devotee. Yes, we have Google calendars and iDevices--maybe too many of them--and I strongly advocate the shared Google calendar as a proven marriage-preserver. Nobody can claim "you didn't tell me" we were having dinner with the So-and-Sos on Tuesday. {Note: not a jab at BA. I am JUST as bad, if not worse, at forgetting stuff like that now.} But I digress. My point is that I still think there's a place for paper planners in the digital world. There's tons of stuff I need to note that doesn't need to go on the actual calendar, and I like to see the whole week in this view.

My lifeline is the Erin Condren Life Planner. This is my third one and it's laid out the way I like and need it. I also realize that everyone has their own particular (STRONG) preferences about planners, so I'm not trying to convert anyone here. But I can think of at least 4 friends who now use them, so maybe it's your thing.

Generally, her stuff is a little cutie cute for me, but the planner just works. I have also liked her gift labels. Check out the site--there's even a video of all the ways you can use the Planner. Like you don't know how. They're customizable, which is handy, and there's also one just for teachers. You can do 12- or 18-month options, and start the year whenever you want (e.g., when I was a student, I preferred August-to-August calendars). She also runs specials pretty frequently, so you can offset some of the price tag. Email me for a friend invitation and $10 off your first purchase.

this thing I made

Pretty self-explanatory, this one. The problem I was addressing was that we need different things from different stores, and it wasn't working to keep them all on one list. One the one hand, I can't hit all the stores in one day, but I'd lose the list between the regular grocery run, Target (THE breakfast sausages), and Costco (47000 animal crackers, bulk razor blades, cheap gas). On the other hand, a simple white/chalkboard wouldn't work, because I want to be able to take the list with me. 

I bought: white board (came with the marker and the magnets that are holding it on), large Post-It pad with magnet on back, washi tape, another pack of the square Post-Its. I mounted the white board in the kitchen with the included sticky foam squares, and put the included sticky magnet squares on the back of the smaller Post-Its so they'd adhere to the white board. Obviously you could alter the categories and layout, but these are mine. Fifteen minutes at Office Depot and definitely do-able for under $40 or even less, depending on what you already have around. 

All Free & Clear detergent

We used free & clear detergent even before the kiddo, because sommmmmeone (not me) has sensitive skin and our clothes need to smell like nothing. Even if you have a wee one, don't buy Dreft. It's a racket, and not even "free" of all the things. For a while I used some organic one because they had like a 280-load drum of it at Costco (do you even need your detergent to be organic? No you do not) but I finally admitted that it wasn't getting our clothes as clean as I wanted. So I am back to the ol' standby, and finally feel like things are sufficiently clean. Not sexy, but there you go. 

I run an empty washer with hot water and bleach about once a month and/or in case of sick gross load. Sorry, environment. You also know I love the blue Oxy stick and I often put a half-cup of borax right in the washer. It's a cheaper, better laundry booster. 

Clorox Anywhere spray

Again, all the things have to smell like nothing, so I don't care for Lysol and such. I also try to be reasonable about not sanitizing everything, because I tend to lean toward the hygiene-hypothesis camp. But sometimes you just gotta bleach the s out of some stuff. Like when someone has had a GI virus, or with babies that share toys, or after a poop adventure, or the dogs get up to some questionable retrieving. This is an effective but very weak bleach solution (read: safe for clothes and items that go in mouths). It's what preschools use, so trust me here. The best part is you can just buy it once and then use the bottle to mix your own refill (Google for instructions).

Diaper Genie Elite

This is the diaper-containment device I chose for the nursery. We're pretty happy with it. My point here is less to convince you to buy this one over all the other ones and more to release yourself from going through the Amazon reviews with a fine-tooth comb and obsessively comparing diaper pails. People expect WAY too much from their diaper contraptions. It's a plastic pail of poop. Eventually you will be able to smell a poop smell. When that happens, take out the trash. Nothing's perfect. 

I do not know what makes this one Elite, but I do like the blue plastic bag that ties off on both ends and makes a poop tube you can just put in the other trash. That part works well. 

Dyson Animal and Digital Slim Animal

I've sung the praises of over-priced vacuums elsewhere on this blog, so I'll keep it brief here (ha). If you have creatures in your home (the kind with 4 legs or 2), I am here to settle the question for you. It's worth it. 

a cleaning service

Real talk. I tried to do it on my own for a while, and it just doesn't work well. Find whatever room you can make in the budget and enlist some help--whether it's monthly, weekly, or just when the shower gets too scary to bear. Otherwise, you and your partner spend the entire weekend cleaning up (wallowing in resentment), or you find yourself facing terrible choices like between cleaning a toilet and playing with your child. Just because you are a parent doesn't mean you are automatically a housewifeperson if that's not your thing. This is me giving you permission to outsource it. 

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Thus concludes the first post in Boots Chooses. Thanks, friends! I have a few more lined up, but I'm also happy to take requests--leave one in the comments and I'll see what I can do. I'll link to all of them, or you can click the label on the right side of the blog to pull them all up in one place. Note that there will be overlap (e.g., the highchair appears in "Gear" and in "Feeding"), but my goal was a one-click stop where you can ideally find what you're looking for no matter how you're searching. 

August Citrus Lane

Good stuff! This might be the best box yet in terms of how it lines up with our current needs. The insert said the theme is "back to school," but that's a pretty loose concept for an infant...

Rich Frog Little Stackers

click pictures for links

The one that came in our box is actually a froggie, but you get the idea. The segments are attached by velcro and pull apart. It's sort of like those plastic ring stackers, but soft like a lovey. I think he'll like that because he has just started to get interested in some of the loveys we have (that I've been holding on to since baby showers and other gifts). Also available at richfrog.com

Cleo's Color Book

This one is also part of the Barefoot Books collection, like Bear Takes A Trip that came in an earlier box. Mr C really likes that one (yes, I can tell that he likes some books more than others...though it might just be for chewing purposes), so I imagine this will also be popular. 

Use code EXPLORE for 20% off your order at barefootbooks.com

CleanWell All Natural Hand Sanitizing Wipes

This morning I was looking at the jumperoo--where he now spends a good portion of the day--and wondering how those crumbs and dog hairs even got ON there. I have some Clorox wipes or whatever, but since he puts everything on the jumperoo in his mouth, I didn't know if that was the best idea. So I think I'll try these on the toys. The pop-up canister is probably too big for the diaper bag, but I have the Little Buddy wipes from the last box in there. 

Use code CWCL13 for 20% off at cleanwelltoday.com

Bottle/Sippy Cup Strap

Ah Goo Baby

(multiple patterns available on Amazon; this isn't the one I got)

If you've read much around these parts, you know Mr. C isn't much of a bottle man. However, we had his 6-month checkup this morning and have been given the go-ahead to introduce a sippy cup (of water). He definitely likes throwing stuff overboard (though he hasn't quite discovered the sublime joy of "I Throw, You Pick Up, Mommy" a/k/a "Uh-Oh!"). So this should be handy on the high chair/stroller as he gets down with his sippy cup self. 

On that note...does anyone have sippy cup recommendations? There are approximately a billion to choose from. The pediatrician recommended starting with one that "sprinkles" (i.e., is not totally leak-proof), otherwise it will just become a toy. I'd also prefer ones that aren't eye-melting with their licensed-character explosions, but will go with the best product in the end. I'll share it when I find it, too. 

4 Month Faves

Baby Merlin's Magic Sleepsuit

Advertised as a product for helping baby wean off the swaddle, it's probably worth the price just for the entertainment value. It's basically a suit made of fleece + a down comforter and is designed to keep baby warm (no blankies in the crib!) while muffling the startle reflex somewhat. I like that his hands are free and he can still get them to his face--this will be even better when he can replace the paci himself--and that the neck scoops down so there's no risk of it covering his face. I can't claim with 100% certainty that it is indeed magic, but I'll say this: a) the kid sleeps pretty well, both at night and for naps, and b) I've tried to put him down without it--usually as a result of him having fallen asleep without being suited up--and he wakes himself up in minutes flailing like he's trying to bring an aircraft in for a crib landing.

Buy the 2-pack so you always have a clean one. Trust.

Also, put it in the dryer inside-out or it will never dry.

Motorola video monitor

Now that he's in the crib full time, the video monitor is a must. This is the one we registered for (people also like the Summer Infant one), so I thought I'd do a little review.

Pros:

• seems to have the highest picture quality, especially with the night vision (the better to see his scary baby demon eyes)
• good range and beeps when out of range so you are aware you're not getting transmission
• you can pan/tilt the camera ("child unit") with buttons on the monitor ("parent unit"). Useful if your child is a migratory sleeper, like mine
• microphone option...like a one-way walkie-talkie?...lets you talk to baby from the parent unit. So I can reassure him that I'm on my way or whatever. 
• sensitive audio (but adjustable, in case you only want to hear the loudest cries and not every rustle & fart). Audio monitor is on even when video screen is off, and you can also see the audio with the colored lights across the top

Cons:

• Not cheap, but none of them really is
• I think the battery life is actually pretty reasonable (I keep it plugged in at night and probably use the video pretty heavily, which I'm sure is a battery drain), but my primary complaint is that the battery life icon is not super reliable. It will stay on 4 bars for a while, but then seems to go from 3 to red to dead really quickly. 
• Related: in an ideal world, I'd have a second charging cord for the parent unit so I have one upstairs and one down. 

One caveat...this is actually our second one. The monitor unit on the first one went out within a few months. I think this might have been because I kept it in the same room as the camera before I was really using it--this one makes like that "hot mic" noise if I move them too close together. But I can't be sure. Anyway, Motorola customer service was not helpful, but Amazon was. They sent me a return label for the defective one and will issue a refund when it's received (I'm actually toying with the idea of keeping it so that I have a second camera; it can support up to 4 cameras on one monitor). The main problem with this was that I needed one in the interim, so you have to go ahead and buy your replacement while waiting on your refund. Obviously this is standard business practice but worth knowing. I took the one from my parents' house so I wasn't monitor-less. I guess my bottom line is that I can't speak to whether it's a reliability issue with this model, but I would advise purchasing whatever monitor you choose from Amazon in case something similar happens to you. Stores won't take them back and, as I said, Motorola was not helpful. 

Kick & Play Piano

This was recommended in a Lucie's List email somewhere in the third month, and boy was she right. In Babyland, this is like SO FUN. Little man loves it. Not a ton to wax poetic about here, but I'm glad something re-captured his interest after the regular playmat got a little stale. Basically, he lies on his back and kicks the piano keys. They play the notes, and then a little ditty. The piano is now in kicky position (i.e., perpendicular to the floor) but also flips up to be parallel to the floor so that he can play it that way once he can sit. Also, the toy bar arches over the mat for when he's on his back, but switches easily to a position so that he can look in the mirror for tummy time. I get way better tummy time on this than other ways I've tried (that don't involve me holding him).

Precious Planet mobile

Or, as it's known around here, "Light Show." This was also recommended in a Lucie's List email. Fisher-Price makes several, but I ultimately got this one because of the light projection. Totally the right call. It's actually TOO exciting for him to use on the front end of sleep time (although you can turn off the projection and just do sounds/mobile), but I turn on Light Show at wakeup time to ease the transition. Sometimes I can get 20 extra minutes to sleep or get things done while he lies there and talks to it.

I also think we can use it for a while (a quality that is becoming increasingly important as I think about what I've spent on baby gear from Amazon in the last 3 months alone). The sound buttons are designed so that (an older) baby can press them on his own. He's actually hit one in his sleep before and turned on the mobile in the middle of the night, scaring the everliving daylights out of me. It has heartbeat, nature, and music options. Don't worry, helicopter parents, the music is labeled "Bach/Mozart/Beethoven" so you can feel like your little one is getting some culture while he lies there and looks at highly accurate representations of smiling cartoon animals that don't even come close to living near one another (e.g., lion and polar bear). Also, when baby starts pulling to stand in the crib--that is, when s/he can grab the mobile--it can be removed and the light show will project on to the ceiling.

Penguin says: "CRIB BUMPERS! NO!" 

Another great feature: it has a remote, so I can turn it on from the doorway to the nursery rather than going in and having him see me. You can see this feature illustrated by the smiling, peaceful mom in the Amazon photos, which is exactly like real life.

is her nursery outer space?

Just one note: It's really easy to attach, but I wanted to mount it on the far side of the crib so that I didn't have to lean around it to get to the baby. This means it's kind of backwards, and Light Show actually projects upside down. Fortunately, he's a baby and I don't think he cares. However, if he thinks all the world's hippopotamuses (hippopotami?) are upside down when he's 3, remind me of this.
Soothies pacifiers

Itzy Ritzy car seat cover

I got this as a shower gift, but just put it on the car seat. It definitely snazzes the ride up a bit, but I think the main thing it has going for it is that you can take it off and wash it. 

Pea in the Pod nursing tanks

This one doesn't have anything to do with the 4-month mark--I've had them since the beginning--but I figured they're worth mentioning at some point as they're in heavy rotation. 

You can get them on Amazon, or at the store. The store is almost always having some sort of promotion (e.g., buy 3 get 1 free). You'll need a bunch, especially in basic colors for layering. So go wild. 

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I think I probably have a few other faves right now, but those are the major ones. If I keep going, I'll never get this posted and then he'll be going to awkward middle school dances and driving.

So finally...

Peanut Butter M&Ms

(that's not a link. If you can't think of where to buy M&Ms, you have other problems)

I can't lose the last 10lbs of baby weight? Weird. 

3 Month Faves

Here's what we're diggin' in the third month...

Wubba Nub

Somewhere along the way, he got more in to the paci. I notice certain times when I can tell he just wants the comfort of the ol' sucking reflex, but doesn't want to eat. It's usually before a little nap, and it seems to help him focus enough just to fall asleep. So we are not highly dependent on it, and I hope we don't become so (I was anti-pacifier back before I was a parent when I knew everything but it just seems like so many people have trouble parting with it eventually). Overall I am ok with it, because it also seems to have given him enough practice with a faux nipple to get better at the bottle.

But the Wubba Nub in particular is great (I prefer the lamb) because the Soothie pacifier tends to pop out and bounce on to the floor, but the lambie part has enough weight to kind of keep it right there. He isn't dextrous enough yet to grab it and put it back in his mouth, but it at least keeps it corralled. We use it almost exclusively in the car to get through those tough red-light moments.

Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?

When looking at Light Fixture from the nursery floor gets a little tiresome (for me, not him), this is a fave. I think the pictures are just right for little eyes at this point. He likes to talk to all the animals. Also, lying side-by-side on the floor is the best way to look at a book at this point, for those who were wondering. I felt guilty that I wasn't reading to him because everyone is like READ TO YOUR BABY  OR THEIR BRAINS WILL FALL OUT but we couldn't really finagle the logistics (you know, him not being able to sit up but me needing my hands to hold the book). But then I did this and le voila. Y'all should have told me.

BONUS: contains Macaroni Penguin.

Monkey Seat

Well, Fisher-Price calls it the "Deluxe Monkey Bouncer" but we call it Monkey Seat. It may or may not have songs about it. Much like the swing, it's not a miracle worker, but it vibrates and has lights and sounds and--if he's in the mood--he'll look at it for quite a while so I can get some things done. Or at least go to the bathroom. On one magical day, he chilled therein for FORTY minutes.

It also has a weight limit of 25 lbs, as opposed to the Newborn Napper from the Pack N Play (15 lbs), so I got it in anticipation of outgrowing that. He was also ready for something more inter/active. Also, it's light enough to carry it one-handed around to where I'll need it--helpful. People also rave about the Rainforest one. I'm sure he'd love that--he likes Rainforest Mat at Doc & Jules's house and has Rainforest bouncer over there but has yet to break it in--but honestly I just got the monkey because it was cheaper.

Pottery Barn Kids gingham hooded towels

Whoever told me that these were the best (I think it was more than one person) was right. They're pretty plain, but really soft. We also have lots of other cute hooded towels that will be great for when little man is a bigger little man, but these are perfect for babies. The hood stays on right for Jedi master impersonations and they don't swallow him up.

Kissy Kissy gowns jammies

We have a nice little bedtime routine, but I still find it easier when we can use the jammies that just snap up the front--everything just goes more smoothly. We only have two of these, and I basically do laundry all the time so we can have one at bedtime. He's not in the newborn size anymore, but I also like that these still have the cuffs that can fold over little hands. We're weaning from the swaddle, so he sleeps with one arm out and I feel like the cuff keeps his little hand warm. It also keeps him from poking himself in the eye, which is a real day-ruiner for him. He likes his hands by his face, and rubs his eyes when he's tired, but isn't quiiiiite coordinated enough to not gauge himself from time to time, and then he doesn't understand what happened. So what I'm saying is the cuffs are good for sleeping. I convert these to leggies during the day because I hate the gown riding up, but it's nice to have the gown option for middle-of-the-night diaper changes. Which I don't do. 

Blueberry Crisp Clif Bars

Afternoon snack.

Leveret onesies

Actually...did you know...Gerber technically owns the term "onesie," so all other companies have to use another term. So these are bodysuits. But really they're onesies. These are our replacement for the Gerber kimono side-snap shirts. They're just standard onesies, but they're better quality cotton and seem roomier. They come in a 5 pack, which is great because they're our go-to on especially spitty days. They're also stretchy enough that they can come down (rather than over the head) in the event of a blowout situation. Just a nice basic. 

Baby Bjorn

As the weather warmed up, I started to worry that baby C got a little too roasty toasty in the Moby, so we got out the Bjorn (he's less pressed up against my body in it). I like that it's easier to put on while out and about, and also easier for others (e.g., dad) to wear. I think C is also a little too big for the Moby's newborn hug hold but doesn't have the head control for the other holds. So we may be on a little Moby hiatus. Basically, the Bjorn is my friend right now. 

{* some people have concerns about babies' hips in these "crotch dangler" style carriers. I discussed this with multiple pediatricians and they all agreed that they're fine, as long as baby is only spending a reasonable amount of time in the carriers and still gets plenty of time to move freely on back and belly. So if you gasped in horror when I mentioned the Bjorn, that's what I have to say about that. There are lots of different carriers out there, so you can find one you feel good about. }

Boots's Favorite Things: Newborn Edition

This is not an exhaustive review of our registry, though I'll gladly discuss the finer points of car seats and strollers with you over coffee or wine. Probably wine. Rather, I wanted to spotlight those things that were most useful in the first two months. This could be due to frequency of use, sheer utility, or lifesaver status.

1. Aden + Anais blankets and burpy bibs

online at Amazon or at adenandanais.com

in stores at Nordstrom

For magical reasons I cannot explain, these are just the best. The blankets are thin but warm and can be used for a range of needs: swaddling baby, covering car seat, makeshift burp cloth, rolling up under car seat or mattress, grabbing a cat nap...the list goes on. I have used a lot of the other blankets we received to cover the play mat on the floor, etc., but these are the ones I grab every day for the basics. They get even softer over time. I would say you probably can't have enough (I received 2 of the 4-packs of the muslin swaddler blankets). If you are in the phase of your life where you're a frequent baby-shower-goer, these should be on your short list of go-to gifts. 

The burpy bibs are also great. They're a little unusual looking but do basically what it says on the box. Their shape lets you tuck it over baby more easily, and you can snap it in the back if you want it to work as an actual bib. For now, I drape it over him and under his chin while he eats--he gets the dribbles for realz and I'm not in to changing my shirt after every feeding--and then it moves quickly up on to the shoulder like a standard burp cloth. I was gifted a 2-pack plus a bamboo one, which is even softer, so I bought another. I'd also say you can't have enough burp cloths (and many of ours are just the basic, cheap, prefold cloth diaper thing, so it's not like I shelled out for all the fancies). I think they're now stashed all over the house in any spot we might settle. 

2. Pack n' Play

I chose this one before we knew the sex of the baby partly because I liked the color and found the "design" to be less offensive to my home decor than a lot of the others. But I stuck with the choice because of the features. Generally, such items are called playards and are great if you'll travel with baby. But, like Kleenex, the brand name has become the generic term, so people talk of their Pack n' Plays...but there are like 48 models. I'm here to help. Specifically, ours is the Graco Pack n' Play Playard with Cuddle Cove Rocking Seat in Winslet (phew!). Because our bedroom and the nursery are upstairs, but we spend most of our day downstairs, this is our main downstairs baby station. This was the right choice for that use because of these features:

• changing station on top with storage bin on side for diapers and other baby accoutrements (snot sucker, alcohol wipes for cord stub, etc.)
• the Newborn Napper Rocking Seat (that cozy-looking thing). A total life saver. It snaps securely into the top frame, like it is in the image, but that bad boy also comes out and can move around the house with you. Like, say, right outside the shower door. It rocks like a little cradle, but also connects to the little vibrating battery pack--which later can be hooked up to the bassinet pad, brilliant!--so it also vibrates. On 2 settings! He loves it. 
• If you take those 2 items off the top, it can be used as a bassinet up to a certain weight. Lots of people opt to use this as their bedside bassinet before baby moves into his own room, and they swear by it. It's nice for that because not only does the bassinet pad hook up to the vibrating pack as mentioned, but you don't have to bend over as far to lift baby as you would if you were just using it as a regular playard
• Finally, the standard use: a portable crib for travel, grandparents' houses, etc. 

Basically, what I'm saying is that this is your all-around workhorse, and they can be used in lots of different ways. Poke around and find the combo that works best for you (compact? no bells and whistles? twins?). My parents also have one at their house, and it's great because we have everything we need while we're over there (mostly a changing table) but my mom can fold it up easily or wheel it out of sight when we aren't around. 

3. Snap shirts

Not a ton to say here, other than it's what they use in the hospital, so it must be good for the itty bitties. The kimono style is easy in the new new phase because a) it goes around baby, rather than over the head (SCARY) and b) unlike a onesie, doesn't cover the cord stump. Once the cord falls off, the onesies/bodysuits are good too. The cuffs also flip over into little mitts to cover baby fingernails. They're really ok in this, a diaper, and wrapped in a blanket for the first little while. You've got enough to figure out without adding complicated wardrobe tasks to the list. Baby C started in the newborn size (5-8 lbs) and quickly moved up to the next size. Also good for when they're just having a spitty day and you're tired of changing "good" outfits. 

4. Magnolia Baby snap-front gowns 

(except BA has declared we must refer to them as "jammies")

Reasoning as follows:

• They snap down the front. It is way too scary to pull anything over baby's bobblehead at the very beginning
• They have cuffs to cover the baby talons if you have a little face-scratcher
• Easy access to diaper--but are convertible if you want them to have leggies
• I enjoy thinking of the ridiculous items a baby might need to keep in that tiny breast pocket

Available locally at Plaid Rabbit and Helen's.

5. baby washcloths

You need a bunch of these for bath time and wipe downs. Get as many as you think you'll need, and then get more. The cheapies are fine. If you have a boy, you REALLY need a bunch because they're the best option for stopping the geyser during diaper changes. You think they pee on you if you don't cover it, right? Wrong. The physics are such that they pee on their own little faces and it's the saddest thing because they can't figure out WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?!?! But you're laughing. But it's sad. 

6. Baby Connect app

in iTunes store

At the beginning, you have to track every diaper to be able to report to the docs. This was especially important for us so we could make sure C was getting enough milk to clear out the jaundice. I still track almost every feeding--even though he's growing well and that's all going fine, I sometimes forget when he last ate. I have just started tracking daytime sleep to see if I can uncover his natural nap schedule. Since the iPhone is always in hand when feeding, I found it much easier to track everything on the phone rather than with paper and pencil. There's also an option to sync across caregivers, if that's helpful for you. It's $4.99 on iTunes, which is pricey for an app but very cheap for an essential item used multiple times a day. I especially like the different ways to look at the data, which I won't bore anyone with here but suffice it to say it is nifty and helpful. 

7. My Brest Friend

Why, oh why the terrible name? Obviously I get the (terrible) pun, but must you spell it so, Mr. or Ms. inventor and CEO of Brest Friend, Inc.? Worst-named best product ever. Just get one if you are intending on breast feeding. And probably pretty great for bottle feeding as well. For the record, we do also have the beloved Boppy, staple of baby showers everywhere. I still recommend that--almost all guests prefer it just for holding baby. But when we are talking feeding, and the long hours it requires, the shape and support of the MBF is the way to go.

8. Moby Wrap

If this list were ranked, this might be my #1 choice for 3 reasons: 

1.  He pops right in it (still in the "newborn hug hold" but probably about to outgrow that) and I suddenly have use of two hands. There is only a short list of things I cannot do with baby in the Moby, including but not limited to: shower, cook hot foods, drive, sleep. This lets you regain your productivity. Or, let's be honest, just your basic ability to eat something and go to the bathroom. If you CSI'd the Moby, you'd know everything I ate in the last two weeks.
2. It keeps baby close and builds a force field that repels grabby strangers with their germ hands. I was pretty bold about taking baby out in to the world at the beginning (with the pediatrician's ok) because I thought it was best for both of us and for maintaining some normal people things. So if BA and I wanted to walk down to 12th for a quick meal, into the Moby C would go. And I didn't have to worry about people touching him or anything because there's something about wearing the baby on your body that keeps them away. So it's a sanitary sanity saver for the early weeks and probably beyond.
3. He just likes it. He'll usually fall asleep on the walk down to 12th. For a couple weeks, he took a 3-hour afternoon nap in it while I puttered around the house. During the 6-week fussfest growth spurt, it was the only thing that calmed him. To him, it's just like being held. To me, it's a lot easier. 

Only caveat is that it gets warm, so don't overdress baby. Don't be terrified by the mystical wrapping process--videos on the website and YouTube guide you through it and you get proficient quickly. I think other carriers are fine and people love them...Bjorn, Ergo, whatever floats your boat. But I liked that I could use this one from day one, whereas others require baby to be able to hold his head up pretty well (or the purchase of an infant insert). We'll add additional carriers to the repertoire soon.

9. Naked (brand) smoothies

Quick and substantive sustenance you can manage with one hand. 

10. Reese's eggs

Because mommy needs a treat, and it's probably better than day drinking. It has to be the eggs, though, because the chocolate and peanut butter are in a perfect ratio, and you can be satisfied with just one. Most days. I was fortunate enough to have a newborn in the Easter-candy season (which starts the day after Valentine's Day now, apparently), but I will be stockpiling them.

HONORABLE MENTION:

Aden + Anais Serenity Star and/or tap lights

The 5 S's from The Happiest Baby on the Block

A&D ointment

My Little Snugabunny swing

Hospital Bag: Redux

As promised, I went back and made notes on my hospital bag post. Nothing earth-shattering, but if you're using it as an actual guide, I figure it should be field-tested. Happy to take questions and comments!

Packing The Hospital Bag

As promised, I have updated this to reflect my actual experience. I wanted to do that before I forgot. A note on my experience: I ended up being induced and had a long labor. However, I also had an early epidural, so I was not really up and walking around during labor. That meant I didn't use a lot of things that one might in that phase. Also, I delivered late at night and was moved to post-partum at about 3am. I think the flow of your stay could be pretty different depending on time of delivery. Overall, the approximate timeline:

• Admitted at 8:30pm on Friday, 2/8
• Cytotec and monitoring overnight. After the first 2 hours of Cytotec, I could get up and walk/go to the bathroom, etc.
• Started Pitocin at 3:45am. Could still walk around but had IV pole
• Epidural morning of Saturday, 2/9--no longer mobile
• Delivered at 11:32pm on Saturday, 2/9
• Moved to recovery around 2 or 3 am on Sunday, 2/10--could walk with assistance then and was fully mobile by Sunday day.
• Spent Sunday in recovery and was discharged around 11am on Monday, 2/11

3 nights; 2 days.

This is the current to-do. I am packing for me and baby, and BA is in charge of his own bag (don't worry, I scoured the internet and asked friends for suggestions). The goal is to have them ready by mid-January (34 weeks or so).

The packing lists are based on quite a bit of research and a little bit of making things up. It's probably too much, but that's also probably a rite of passage. I wanted to post my intended packing list here for now--so people can suggest changes before we go, if necessary. Then, after the hospital stay, I will update it with my thoughts on what I'm glad we had, what we could have done without, and what I wish we'd taken instead.

This looks really long, but most of the items are pretty small.

For Me:

• My own pillow. Hospital ones are notoriously thin. This is almost universally suggested.
• Shower shoes (rubber flip flops)
• Slippers
• Socks. Some sites suggest non-skid for the hospital floors, so I found some cheapies on Amazon. [My hospital had these but they were good to have packed nonetheless as I was unsteady on my feet after delivery. As noted, I wasn't up and around much during labor. Wore my own socks then and was fine until I got hot and took them off. Was barefoot for the actual delivery--good thing I got that pedicure!]
• Sports bra, nursing bra/tanks
• Nursing pads, nipple cream [You probably wouldn't use this much at the hospital--at least after a vaginal delivery--as milk does not come in until you're already home, but I still think it's good to have because you just never know.]
• PJs and robe. Some people are sticklers for having their own clothes--I don't really have a problem with hospital gowns and understand the reasons why hospitals keep patients in gowns, so I will probably take minimal clothing for myself. Just enough to make sure I have the option to be warm/covered up for visitors. It's not really that long of a stay, after all. [I wore my own nightgown in recovery on Sunday. It was a nursing gown and nice to have but not essential.]
• Maxi pads. The hospital will have a bunch of these, so I may or may not actually end up bringing any. [Didn't take any...you can't buy at a store the kind of supplies you need right after birth, so you've got to go with the hospital ones. Go home with as much as you can.]
• Towel--for any number of uses, including but not limited to post-shower
• Gatorade. Don't leave home without it. [I was really glad I had this to lend some variety to my Clear Liquid Diet--but it made the bag heavy!]
• Magazines (probably not for me to peruse, LBH) and pens (lots of forms to fill out) [We were glad for both of these...I didn't read any magazines but the peanut gallery had to pass some long hours]
• iPhone and charger. I will say this again later, but seems to fit here as well: in my past experiences as a visitor in this hospital, I have found that cell service--at least on our provider--is very poor if not nonexistent. This is because of all the cables and medical equipment in the ceilings, etc. blocking a signal. Thus, I do not anticipate the phone/texting being our main mode of communicating with friends and family while we are in the hospital. We'll definitely figure something out for the big news, but it's likely I'll use this blog as a quick and streamlined way to get info to the masses. I just want to prevent hurt feelings up front by saying it's not us--it's that there's no service in there.
• Camera
• Going-home outfit--still maternity wear, per the advice of many friends. I'll post more details on what it actually ends up being later. [I wore my Ingrid & Isabel leggings that I'd worn into the hospital, a nursing bra {he wasn't feeding much but you're not supposed to wear underwire}, a tshirt, and a lululemon sweater jacket with Uggs]
• Book from childbirth class [Didn't look at this but it would probably be useful for some people. In recovery, they gave us a little "Mother & Baby" book published by the hospital and that was useful. BA and I consulted it for feeding questions, etc.]
• Empty tote for extras [This is a MUST!]
• Toiletries
• face wash/wipes, moisturizer [I was really glad I had the face wipes so I could wash up when I couldn't get out of bed]
• toothbrush/toothpaste [I also had a pack of those Wisp disposable "toothbrushes"--also nice for when I couldn't get up]
• deodorant
• contact case/solution and glasses--people have told me you want the option of either one at different times (e.g., glasses for when you're tired but they tend to fog up during labor if you're hot)
• hairbrush, hairdryer
• **hair ties** I have been reminded of this by several people [Put your hair up before getting an IV...I didn't and had to have Sara help me and it was all just a mess]
• **chapstick** ditto. Hospitals are dry and there's a lot of panting (for lack of a better term) during labor
• travel-size shower supplies, lotion
• makeup (not the whole pageant arsenal)
• Gifts for nurses [I consulted my sister on this one. She said that everyone likes edible treats, of course, but they just get put in the break room and eaten by everyone. I wanted to acknowledge people individually, so I bought about 10 gift cards to Au Bon Pain--there is one in the hospital--and gave them to our nurses as their shifts ended. Sara just wrote "thank you for your excellent care!" on all the envelopes they came with. Maybe all the nurses were great actresses, but they all seemed genuinely grateful. I just wish we could have done more, because they were all so awesome.]

For Baby

• blanket--to cover baby when heading home. It will be February, so your own blanket needs might differ depending on the time of year
• wipes
• pacifier
• mittens or outfit with hand coverings. The ones pictured above are kimono-style snap shirts for newborns with cuffs that flip over their hands so they don't scratch everything to death. 
• hat
• going-home outfit with legs for carseat (i.e., not a gown) [He wears nb in some clothes and 0-3 months in others because he was 8 lbs--right at the cutoff--so I think it's good to have a shirt or outfit in each size. But you can always just keep them in the hospital shirt if needed.]
• Boppy--can be left in car until needed. Seems bulky and some people say you don't need it, but a lot of others say it helps a lot with learning to breastfeed and to provide counterpressure on your incision if you've had a c-section. [We brought it in with us. I didn't really use it for feeding, but every single visitor used it to hold the baby, so it's worth it for that.]
• car seat--Also leave in car until needed, but they won't let you leave without one.

NB: there are things that would pertain to both of these lists that I am told the hospital will provide, so I'm not taking them. Your hospital might be different, and I'll update with the real deal on the flip side. These include: the mesh underwear, some nursing supplies, pads, lady-part care supplies, and diapers and clothes for baby (they have diapers, little shirts, and hats). People generally recommend against onesies in the hospital because you don't want to cover their little cords, plus it's easier for the medical people to do their jobs if they can have quick baby access. So little shirts are enough, and they can stay warm with blankies (also provided).

Take home with you:

• peri bottle
• Tucks pads, Epifoam
• mesh undies
• the really large pads plus the ones you put on top of them (they show you how to layer the Tucks and the foam and make a nice little concoction). The "smaller" pads get cold after you unwrap/crack them. Take a bunch. They're bulky, which is why extra totes are great to take.
• Prescriptions, if relevant
• diapers
• Vaseline
• (gauze for circumcision care, if relevant)
• aspirator bulb
• baby comb
• alcohol wipes for umbilical stump
• they also gave us a tape measure
• anything you want as a keepsake: id bracelets, card from nursery bassinet, etc

For BA

As I mentioned, he's in charge of his own bag, so we'll see what makes it there and what gets used. His situation is a bit different as he'll be able to come home and shower or get things as needed.

• Comfy clothes
• Underwear
• Comfortable shoes/socks
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Chapstick, deodorant
• Snacks and gum (this was suggested by someone who pointed out that your support person will likely be hitting the coffee to stay pepped up during a long labor, but that the last thing you'll want is coffee breath up in your face saying YOU'RE DOING A GREAT JOB)
• Change for vending machines (not sure this is still timely advice, but it doesn't take up much room) [There actually was at least one late-night vending machine run for drinks...other than that, you can get people to bring food for you and the crew.]
• iPhone, iPad/kindle/book, chargers
• Music? This is not a huge part of the "birth plan" but I can see it being handy if we're hunkered down for a while. As it's generally on the phone or iPad, no extra things to pack. You could make a playlist if you're so inclined. 
• Other clothes, toiletries, supplies at your discretion
• Trash bag. This was suggested by blogs to put in the car in case your water breaks on the way to the hospital; I don't think that's much of a risk for us given that we live about 2 minutes away. However, I think it's probably a good thing to have around in general, and could be useful in the room or for bringing extras home, etc. 
• Some smart person brought an extra blanket (Nantucket sweatshirt blanket). This was great for BA when he slept on the pullout chair/cot, and also for me when I randomly got really cold once or twice. 

I think he did a good job...didn't really have any major misses. I'll check in with him and see. It was a long haul, so probably magazines and phone charger would be at the top of the list of recommendations. 

I really think it's probably not as much as it looks like, but we'll see. What do you think--is anything critical missing? Anything provided by the hospital that I can leave off? Put it in the comments!

After delivery, I wasn't supposed to lift anything heavier than the baby, so it was all on BA to load up the car, etc. This was kind of a pain and took several trips, but I don't think that was really because we overpacked. All in all (other than my bag being heavy on the front end because I was smuggling in liquids), I think we did it about right. 

Holiday Gift Roundup

I guess it's a blog tradition or something to do a gift list around this time of year. While I don't really consider myself part of the "blogosphere" (I think you have to have more than just your mom as a reader to do that), I thought I'd jump on the train anyway. Mostly because I just like lists. It's kind of a hybrid between a regular gift list and another "favorite things" list. So here are a few ideas to buy for me. Or other people. Or me.

It's mostly for normals, with just a few preg suggestions at the end (as I realize that people who are 8 months pregnant at Christmas likely make up a very small portion of people's lists).

I was not compensated for sharing any of these, but you can put cash in my mailbox if that makes you feel sad.

For the ladies:

Urban Decay Naked 2 eye palette

I don't have the Naked 1 palette, but this sequel is highly-anticipated and causing quite a buzz on the interwebs. Given that there's about to be a lot less makeup in my life, having everything together in one palette seems appealing. It's a lot of neutrals and greiges, which is pretty much my jam. 

Williams-Sonoma flour sack towels

To be clear, I'm not suggesting that you give someone JUST dishtowels as a gift. Ask my mother and mother-in-law what happens when housewares are given as gifts (hint: things get thrown). But if you know s/he would dig them, and maybe your gift is already culinary themed, these are my favorite. They don't look like much, but they are huge and soft and great. 

anything by Nico + Lala

click here for the gift guide

I'm giving away a secret here, but these are my go-to ladies for anything party-related, custom-designed, you name it. I have them to thank for this fabulous blog design, actually. Invitations, Christmas cards, custom golf balls...if it needs swankifying, they can do it. They also have ready made items if you don't need a custom design. Their gift guide has 10 picks under $100 and I think any one of them is a great idea for friends. 

I think candles have a little bit of a reputation as a lazy gift--like the thing you get the girl you don't really know well enough to get a personal gift for. But they can also be really great. A personal fave is Nest candles. I gave my sister the Pumpkin Chai one in October and she texted me saying that she literally wanted to marry it, which I think is a decent endorsement. They have a nice holiday one, and I like the Wild Oats + Bourbon (obvi) for year round. Also Peony Blanche. They look nice and don't smell overpowering. 

Corkcicle.

This doesn't really need a lot of explanation, other than to say that I'm disappointed in myself for not being the one who invented it. 

Scharffenberger Brut Excellence

Sparkles! The New York Times recently wrote a review of American sparkling wines (when buying for the holidays, the real Champagne can be a budget-buster). This was the one they chose as the best value--it retails for about $17-$20 a bottle. 

For the gents:

Boys are tough to shop for. They don't usually know what they want, and when they do, it's sometimes not something that makes a great gift. Like underwear. It's also tough to recommend things to buy for "your man" (gag me Cosmo-mag speak), because they're all pretty different. Is he kind of metro? A dudical dude? The power tool type? So ironic it hurts? I don't know. So I am just putting some things here that I think BA would like, and you can take that for what you will. He is a regular dude (awesome-type, obviously) who wears regular non-tight jeans, drinks beer and bourbon AND wine, likes hanging out and stinky cigars, prefers to outsource the handyman tasks, would still use a bar of soap as shampoo if we weren't married, plays golf and tennis and can shoot some things (in a sporting non-redneck way), is smart and cares about world events, and likes nice things but thinks that stores are just large display places and would never actually spend the money to take a Nice Thing home for himself. 

First, the obvious choice would be bourbon. But I think I'm going to have BA write a bourbon roundup, so you can hear it straight from the aficionado himself. 

Whiskey Advent Calendar

Hurry! You're already behind!

Gold-banded Double Old-Fashioned glasses

We have Christmas DOFs ("bourbon glasses," in this house) and fancy cut-crystal wedding-gift ones, all of which get used, but BA prefers the plain ones for casual use. You know, your standard Tuesday night bourbon. It is key that they have a very heavy bottom. This makes them feel more manly. We don't have the ones pictured, but I think the gold band adds a very cool, retro-now Mad Men vibe. And if your dude doesn't want to be Don Draper even just a little bit, then we probably aren't friends. 

Barbour lambswool scarf

I think men like Barbour the way we like anything Kate Middleton wears. Like you can imagine yourself being some important person in the English countryside with lots of dogs doing something sporting that Americans don't really understand. Also, Barbour has recently teamed up with Jack Spade (yes, that's Kate Spade's husband) and released this collection, which is kind of cool. The man in your life can indulge his James Bond Skyfall side.

Come on. Everyone wins here. 

and one more for good measure. 

No word on whether Scottish groundskeeper is included with purchase.

[Then spend some time chuckling at this (NSFW): Your LL Bean Boyfriend]

And then you can buy yourself this: The OPI Skyfall collection

they kind of mailed it in on the names, which are usually the best and punniest part, but they're actually all good colors which is not always the case with these forced tie-in gimmicks "collections" they do.

Bose Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Every time we fly, he says he wants these. I take this as an indictment of humanity, not an actual gift request, because hating people and thinking they're stupid is a perfectly reasonable response to today's air-travel experience. Also, I'm not about to gift him anything "noise cancelling" with a baby on the way. If I'm hearing it, he's hearing it. But I'm sharing it with you because apparently he's not alone and lots of guys like these things. 

Silicone Ice Ball molds

Hip, fancy artisan cocktail bars serve their bourbon (and other drinks) with ice balls instead of cubes. The thinking is that they melt more slowly, so they keep your drink cold without diluting it, like so: 

Will your man-person actually make and use ice balls? I don't know. Does he use the whiskey stones you got him last year? But it's an idea. I actually know several ladies who would enjoy this as well, so don't feel gender limited. Throw it in some pinot grigio and start a new trend.

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet

Also not really gender-specific, but I'm putting it here given my rule about not gifting housewares to women (outlined above). These are surprisingly inexpensive, durable (I'm talking multigenerational), versatile, and kind of rugged rustic feeling. We have 3 and use them often. Throw in a subscription to Garden & Gun and you're legit. 

Also consider experiences rather than things. BA and my dad did this butchering class together about a year ago, and said it was great. We got to meet up with them afterwards and eat a great meal (it really was fabulous, and I don't usually flip over lamb). It looks like they're doing a hog class this January at Miel ($150). Tasty.

For peeps with pups:

Simply Fido 

(ours is more like a lovey--a bunny head on a blankie--but I don't see that on the site). 

Ok, so these are pricey for a dog gift. Or for a gift for some humans. But our dogs love theirs, and I love it too for a few reasons. The main reason is that it does not contain any stuffing, because ours will de-stuff a regular old dog toy in an obscenely short time. I got ours at Whole Foods (like the dog cares that the shit it's ripping to shreds is organic) but you can search online as well. 

For the pregs in your life:

Ingrid + Isabel belly leggings

Here's what they don't tell you. After weeks at the beginning of pregnancy sort of wishing you could wear maternity clothes so you're definitely pregnant-not-fat, you have a nice phase where you can wear some good things. THEN YOU OUTGROW THE MATERNITY CLOTHES. I don't even know what else to say, other than...leggings. 

artist's rendering

of freezer gel booties

because this item does not exist as far as I know

If you want to make millions, invent these and sell to people with swollen feet. BA says he wants to make millions, but I'm starting to doubt his commitment to the cause. 

Until then, just a massage should do the trick. 

Tennis balls

Yes, really. I mean, don't give me any, because we have a ton. But would maybe be a good stocking stuffer? I use one to lie on with problem owie spots, like nerve flareups (e.g., sciatica, upper back). Don't roll around on one unless you want to cry--just stay pretty stationary but put pressure on the spot. The burning means it's working. You can also put a couple in a tube sock and VOILA! Instant back massager. Dogs and husbands also enjoy tennis balls, so they're just generally good to have around. 

Other ideas: gift cards (she can use as she wishes, before or after baby) or accessories that don't remind her that she is puffy (necklaces, scarves, earrings; NOT rings or watches or the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man's jaunty cap). 

No.

Merry merry, everybody.