A few of my favorite Christmas books

I'm not sure I could ever compile a list of Christmas books that is totally complete, but here are a few I pulled out of my Christmas box last night and sighed as I organized them. [in no particular order, just the order I pulled them out - all links are to Amazon, because I love them]

• Christmas Jars by Jason F. Wright. A feel good story with a simple action that even the youngest of children can understand.  We all save our change for other things, why not to serve others?
• A Christmas Thief by Carol Lynn Pearson. Another classic feel good story, but I love how it centers around a nativity. 
• The Witch's Christmas by Norman Bridwell.  I love that witch.  I love her at Christmas.
• The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans. This one I actually have two extra copies of and I'll send it to you if you need one of your own.  Love, love, love.
• The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojceichowski.  I'm really hoping my kids will sit still for this one this year.  The illustrations are lovely and the story is too.  Another one about a nativity.  I'm a sucker for nativities.
• The Innkeeper's Wife by Lynda M. Wilson.  I love when I can relate to a story, and I can relate to this one. 
• The Other Wise Man by Henry van Dyke.  If you haven't read this one, you may as well just drop what you are doing now.
• The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. I assume you are not breathing if you don't know about this book.
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss. My mom actually tried to memorize this book one time.  Read it with that in mind next time and you'll understand why she chose a different book to memorize. :)

I'm missing so many, it is almost embarrassing.  So tell me, what is your favorite?

A Few of KaLee's "Mama" Hints

We all have things that work for our kids, but I know that I am always looking for good ideas.  I'll admit, most of my advice will have more application for those with multiple children, but I'll try to think back to my time with only Easton and come up with a few. :)

I'd love to hear your hints, etc. in the comments!

• I always try to have fruit snacks and stickers/a piece of paper in my diaper bag.  These two things have saved MANY a doctor office waiting room or other store waiting experience.
• The timer is your best friend.  Even kids who can't understand "time" can watch numbers go down and understand that when it rings it is their turn, etc.
• I started counting backwards from 5 when I'm serious about them obeying and need them to make a good decision quickly.  Then counting up from 1 is used for races and other things.  I think that distinction has helped.
• My kids take one nap per day in a crib/bassinet.  This is hard to do when you have those snuggly newborns and grandma/grandpa/dad/anyone is dying to hold them but really keeps the "arm sickness" as we call it around here at bay.  So far, none of my kids have gotten too used to napping while being held.
• As evidenced by the weeks that Devynee spent with socks on her hands, I try really hard to not have my kids be thumb/finger suckers.  I figure I can take away a binky or blankie, but I can't cut off a finger. 
• When nursing with multiple children I do one of the following: 1. Turn on a television show for those 20 minutes so you know where the child/ren are and they are semi-entertained. 2. Start the timer for 20 minutes so they know how long it will be before you can help them with that puzzle, etc. 3. Have them gather books and read to them while I nurse and they hold the book and turn the pages. 4. Be okay with them crying.  Every kid has to learn to share. :)
• Speaking of nursing.  It is okay to set the baby down (who will definitely cry, by the way) while you discipline/deal with the others.  I never let nursing be the "do anything you want to do and get away with it" time.  The baby survives and picks up nursing as soon as the other children are dealt with.

Without getting into sleep training and discipline (two very controversial topics) that is all I can think of for now. I'm sure as soon as I hit post I'll think of something awesome that I should have added.

My favorite kid...

websites and apps.

You didn't think I was going to pick a favorite out of my own kids, did you?

Websites
Notes: Easton loves playing on the computer.  I used to let him watch some Youtube.com videos, but then he got a little too good at navigating without me, so now, at my house Youtube.com is broken.  And it will stay broken for a very long time.  Now I try to keep him on websites that are educational and fun.

http://www.pbskids.org/ I suppose this one is a no brainer, but I thought I would mention that I feel like it is geared toward a little older kids, as Easton could navigate other websites (namely disneyjunior.com) way before he really got this one. Some of the show specific websites are hard for even me to find the link back to the main page, which is annoying.

www.disney.go.com/disneyjunior/ This one is easy to navigate, but also has lots of printables so you have to watch how many pages your kid prints out.

http://www.starfall.com/ Easton has only ever played on the free version, but the learning games are easy to use and he will be so excited to answer the questions about what sounds different letters make, etc.  I've heard that the pay version is fantastic, but haven't forked out the money just yet.

That is it for websites that Easton can go to.  His other favorite computer activity is to pull up folders full of pictures of him as a baby (of which there are lots, as he is the first child) and scroll through them one by one.

What sites am I missing?

Apps
Notes: All of these apps are for the ipod/iphone.  My phone is actually a droid, but after watching how my ipod touch was officially commandeered overtime by the kids (yes, Kendree can work it as well), I have not downloaded anything for them on my phone and I take the ipod with us to doctor appointments etc. and that is what they get to play with.

I'm not going to provide links for these, as I assume you'll find them through the appropriate app store.

Alphabet Car (free although my kids love it so much I paid for the upgrade)- Love the educational aspect and there are levels for even the very youngest of kids.  Plus it includes driving, which is always a plus.

Shapes by Toddler Teasers (free) - A game that lets you guess as many times as it takes to get it right, applauds and then gives the child a sticker.  A winner in so many ways.

Curious George Dictionary (free) - If your kid loves Curious George they will love scrolling through the words and pictures of this dictionary.

Make it Pop ($1.99) but oh so worth it - Love that there aren't insane ads that take the kids to the app store, and this one is one of the quietest games that my kids love.

I know I am missing lots here...please enlighten!

A Product I LOVE

I don't talk a lot about products, just the ones I really, really love.

One of those is the Signing Time DVDs.

Both my kids sign (Easton still), and both of my kids LOVE the DVDs.

It is their 10th anniversary, so for the next two days, you can get single DVDs for $10 each (limit 10).

This is a FANTASTIC deal.

So, I thought I would share.

Want more of my thoughts on the product?  Start with the Baby Signing Time DVDs for kids 3 and under, they are much more entertaining for the little ones, then as your kid starts to get older (between 2 and 3) add to your collection starting with Signing Time Series One Vol. 3.  It will have some repeat signs from the Baby Signing Time DVDs but the Silly Pizza Song alone is worth your money.  Then continue to add to your collection and enjoy communicating with your child and less tantrums.  For reals.

P.S. I think they must be having significantly more traffic than normal on their site, so be patient.

While we're talking about babies...

perhaps I will enlighten you with my rules for baby gifts.

1. Books.  Everyone can always use more books (especially first-time mommies).
2. Disposable stuff.  You might as well give something that they are going to have to throw away spend money on anyway.
3. Handmade.  You can't go wrong with a handmade gift.  [unless your homemade gift is not usable or cute, but I know I'm not talking to anyone in that category]
4. If you are going to buy clothes, buy 9 months or up.  Everyone loves the tiny stuff, so you are sure to give an outfit that will really get used if you buy the bigger sizes. [I don't always follow my own advice.  Sometimes a darling outfit will sway even me]

Now go forth and give! :)

Baby Must-Haves: The Sequel

You probably don't remember, but when Easton was six months old I did a post about my favorite baby gear.  I thought that it was time for a re-visit to that idea, seeing as how I am totally an experienced mom now and my opinion should mean that much more to you.  Dudes, I have TWO kids.  How can I not know it all?!?!

:)

There are a few things that remain on my list.  I love them forever more and will probably ask to have them placed in my casket [note that when I was typing, I totally typed bassinet right there the first time] when I die.  I'm just going to type a few notes, but you can refer to my first list if you want a little more information.

1. Triple Paste.  I cross my heart, this stuff is the bomb-diggety, no doubt.  Just the fact that I have 3-4 tubes in my house at all times should attest to the wonderful-ness.

2. Kiddopotamus SwaddleMe.  They are now carried in every Wal-Mart I've been in lately and are only $10 each.  You NEED this product, I promise.

3. Papasean Cradle Swing by Fisher Price.  I still have the same complaint--this baby takes up a lot of floor space, but seeing as how Kendree still enjoys a swing every day, I can't give it up.  I need that hands-free time.

4. BundleMe by JJCole.  Again, I'll refer you to my first post, but know this, I'm getting it out for Kendree again as soon as the snow flies.  As long as my babies are in the Graco car seat and it is winter, they'll be using it.

As for the other five items on my previous must-have list?  I still used them with Kendree [except the binky, she won't take that], but if necessary, I could have lived without them.  Some of that is due to the fact that as I have mentioned approximately 1 bazillion times, Kendree is such a content little gal. 

Now, onto the things that I like.  Again, I'll refer you to my previous post and go from there.
I still really like the Bounce Bounce seat, the bath seat and my beloved pump.  I haven't used a mobile for Kendree [and would prefer for her to not get attached] and have never been able to use the Baby Bjorn like I want to.  For what it is worth, I've tried the Moby wrap [well, a homemade one] and purchased a baby carrier from www.sevenslings.com.  I like the sling from Seven Slings the best.  It's a small piece of fabric that can stay in my diaper bag all the time, Kendree stays really snug in it and I don't have to wrap a super long piece of fabric around myself.

And finally, the items that "they" tell you to buy that I just don't use.
I stick by my previous opinion on the Boppy.  I thought I could turn things around between the Boppy and me with baby #2.  I knew that I didn't want to use it for nursing purposes, but was convinced that I could find uses for it.  I did lay Kendree on top of it a total of 10 times as a newborn (more use than it ever got with Easton), but then I promptly forgot about it and never used it again.  As for the Bouncer, I did end up sending it to my sitters' houses [thanks mom and Erc!] and it seemed to get use there, that being said, I didn't miss it at my house.

New additions you ask?
1. Fisher Price Deluxe Booster Seat.  I initially heard about this from my cousin Amy.  It seemed like a great solution for apartment life, and I still love it.  It's compact, can go anywhere and served as Easton's booster seat until we needed it for Kendree two months ago.

I think that's it!  Thanks for sticking with me and I'd love to hear your thoughts on all of this.

Singing Time

I mentioned a while ago that I had been asked to serve with the children at church.  More specifically, I led them in singing. 

It may be the most favorite calling I've ever had. And that's saying a lot, considering I was ward chorister for a while in high school and that was absolutely fantastic.

I only ended up having this calling for about four months before we moved, but there are definitely some things that the kids love/have worked better than others, so I thought I would share.

1. Using popsicle sticks for fairness in picking children. [imagine these popsicle sticks have kids names on them and are red on one end and green on the other.]

I took every child's name in both senior and junior primary and wrote them on a popsicle stick.  Then, I colored one end of the stick red and the other end green.  Each primary has their own can of sticks.  When I am in need of volunteers, I draw a green-ended stick out of the can.  The stick then returns to the can with the red side up so I know that child has had a turn.  Everyone gets a turn and then all of the sticks are turned back over to the green side.  This works especially well with my junior primary since they have a harder time understanding "turns" but can see the visual of the colors on the sticks.  Note: I use the sticks of kids who are not there to call on any visitors we have for the week.  That way, no one is left out.

2. Bean Bag Number Toss.  My mom saw this idea years ago with an old shower curtain, but we didn't have one of those, so a cheap plastic tablecloth did the trick.  I drew on the lines and numbers.  Before Sunday, I write up the list of 20 songs for each singing time (different songs for different ages) making sure to have some be "Child's Choice." and give them to the pianist when I get there.  That way we both have the songs and page numbers ready to go.  The kids get to toss a bean bag on to a number. Note: I use four hymn books to hold down the corners and mark where the kids have to stand with the container I keep the bean bags in. [DVD on the mat for size reference]

3. Temple Flower Picking.  I got my set up on a CD I purchased with singing time helps, but this would be incredibly easy to duplicate on your own.  One picture of the closest temple and hand cut flowers.  The kids (both young and old) love to pick a flower and hope that they find one of the six bees hidden that tell them how that song is supposed to be sung. (Standing on one leg, eyes closed, arms folded, etc.)

4. Numbers.  Numbers are your friends.  Every special help I use I put numbers on the back of the flowers, animals, etc. and have those numbers assigned to a song ahead of time.  I don't have to redo any of the items, just rewrite the list I give to the pianist.

5. Name That Tune. Again, this technically came from a singing time help book, but it couldn't be any more basic. Type up songs with the page numbers and place in a jar. You have the opportunity to add songs they already know, or songs that you want to work on. One child comes up and picks a slip of paper and takes it directly to the pianist (I don't even get to see). That child then decides how many notes the pianist will play. The rest of the children guess the song and then we sing it. The child who guessed correctly is the next one up to choose.

6. Letter of Each Word. This has been a great help with songs that don't have obvious "picture" helps. Even the junior primary kids that can't read yet understand what is going on. I write down the first letter of every word of a new song. As we sing it, I cover up one row at a time (usually I let the kids choose) until we don't have any letters showing.

7. Chimes. This is really for "free" weeks, but the senior primary LOVES it. My parents gave me a set of pipe chimes for Christmas this year. [Instructions and songs here]. Using the notes assigned to each pipe, I wrote out several songs and had the kids sing the song once (to get the tune and rhythm in their heads) and then we played each song twice.  All it took was taking away pipes if they played when it wasn't their turn and they did great.

Any brilliant ideas you have to add?

A Summertime Must-Have for Babies

I didn't know I needed it, but it has been a lifesaver.

Cool for the heat? Check.

Keeps out the massive amounts of pesky mosquitoes? Check

Blocks out that sun during naps? Check

Super Cute? Double Check

I first saw these when my friend Lindsey had one for her little girl, but I was convinced that my beloved BundleMe would be sufficient.

But then, it got hotter and I needed something different.

Enter Lindsey's sister-in-law.  She whipped one up for me and I am in love.

 I wanted something gender neutral so I wouldn't have to get a new one with subsequent babies. 

The flowers pin on and when removed, the handle straps just have the rickrack ribbon.

I think they would be fairly simple to make, and maybe, if I get ambitious I'll make a few for gifts.  For now, I'm happy paying money for one that is just darling.

NoseFrida. The Snotsucker.

How's that for a title to grab your attention? or send you clicking onto the next page very quickly, your choice.

Kendree has a constant stuffy nose.

No really, constantly.

I've taken her to the doctor and as it turns out, it's just another joy of living at 7200 feet. (love it)

We used to spend hours (not consecutively) everyday sucking the poor girl's nose.

Then, a family friend recommended the NoseFrida.

Lifesaver!

Seriously, if you don't have one already, hurry, lickety-split and order one.  You'll be thanking me--I promise.

Now, a few notes:
1. You actually suck the snot right out of your own child's nose.  That's a little weird to get used to, in fact, I didn't tell Ronnie what the NoseFrida was really all about since he is the primary nose sucker in our family and I knew he would tell me not to get it.  Instead, I said things like "people in Europe have been using it for 20 years!" and "the [name omitted] family loves it!"  Worked like a charm.
2. You know how with those little bulb suckers it is a 20 minute process to get visible snot out?  You suck, the baby sucks it back in, you suck, the baby sucks it back in, repeat one million times.  Because of the constant sucking that the NoseFrida lets you do, everything is so much quicker.
3. The part that goes into the nose is much bigger, so you don't worry about impaling your child. at all. (this is also a great feature if your kids have a little bit bigger nostril openings (like mine, thanks to Ronnie's genes*))

Aren't modern conveniences** wonderful? 

*He would probably argue that the pot was calling the kettle black on that one.
**If one can call sucking your own kid's snot convenient.

My New Favorite Accessory

For Christmas I asked for a necklace from The Vintage Pearl. 

The only problem?

I didn't know what I was having, or what we would be naming that baby once he or she was here.

So, my mom got me a gift certificate.

And after Kendree was born, I ordered.

It came yesterday, and I am in love.

You better believe I'll be wearing this bad boy every day.

Because I am a giver*

I'm assuming that a lot of you readers out there are kind of in my boat.

Busy.

Must make food for family.

And if you are in my exact boat (which is an awesome boat by the way) you cook because the family has to eat, not because you love it.

But if you love it, more power to you.

So, I'm going to share my tried and true, quick and easy, delicious recipes with you.

Just click on this little link and you will be taken to a document you can print.

If you have a few to add, please leave them in the comments. I'm ALWAYS looking for new recipes.

*The giver reference is for my mom. She claimed the other day that I was not a giver (in the ingredients I put into my pasta salad--I make it the way I like it and make Ronnie pick out a few things) and I'm trying to prove that I am, in fact, a giver.

KaLee's Crafting Favs

You know how I am always telling you about my latest project (be it cards, scrapbooks, or something else to keep me busy)?

Well, I have things that I cannot live without.

Okay, so I could probably live without them, but crafting without them is not acceptable.

1. My 3M ATG 714 Tape Dispenser Gun. I know you are thinking that I am talking to you in a foreign language right now. I got mine here and it is a big investment ($41.69 before shipping), but you will praise my name (and the gun) if you do a lot of paper crafting. The thing I love the most about it is the hold that the adhesive has. When I have used other adhesive, I have had cards fall apart after a few months--not with this baby. Plus the rolls of adhesive are inexpensive ($2.54 or $3.49 for 36 yards--depending on if you need acid free or not). Scrapbooking obviously requires the acid free, and I use the cheaper one on all of my cards.

2. A Cutting Mat. You can get these at Walmart. Mine is about 2.5 by 3 feet and I use it for everything, sewing, stamping, painting, gluing, the list goes on and on. It helps to have an extra layer between the paper I set down to protect the table and the table--since I always make a mess. Plus, the surface is smooth and great to work on.

3. Fiskar's Paper Cutter. Mine was purchased through Stampin' Up! ($24.95), but you can get them a lot of places. I especially like the metal that mine has mounted to it (as shown in picture). It gets so much use that the marks from 2 inches to 4 inches are barely there.

4. Paper Snips. Again, I purchased them from Stampin' Up! ($9.95) and I swear to you they are the best! I have one that I only use on ribbon (so it stays super sharp) and the other pair I use to trim small pieces of paper. I know you think I am crazy for loving a pair of scissors so much, but I swear to you--they are fantastic!

5. Scor-pal. I love this baby ($39.95), but if you don't make cards, it might not be for you. It allows you to score creases into paper wherever you want. For design, or for folding, and it is incredibly easy to use.

6. Ribbon Keepers. I have so, so, so, so much ribbon and organization is always a challenge. I love these keepers. The ribbon is not on a rod, so individual spools can be taken out of the holder easily as well as roll easily when in the keeper. Again, these are available through Stampin' Up! ($11.95-$18.95) and while I am a demonstrator, I promise I am not trying to make you buy things from me.

7. Crop-a-dile. If you use eyelets, this is the tool for you. Allows you to punch holes and set eyelets SILENTLY (key in a house with a baby). Available all over for right around $20.

There you have it, the things that KaLee loves. Let me know if I am missing anything vital--I'd love to add to my collection of stuff (as much as Ronnie would rather I didn't).

Summertime Favorites

Mint chocolate chip ice cream (okay this is a year-round treat)
Sunscreen
Blindingly white legs becoming just snow white
Fresh cut grass
Sidewalk chalk
Bike rides
The lack of jackets
Otter pops
Fireworks
BBQs at the park
Swings
Flip-flops

What are some of your summertime favs?

A few of my favorite beauty items

{Note: This post was totally going to have pictures. That were numbered. Using Photoshop. But then, my computer decided to be dumb, so excuse their absence.}

1. Everyday Minerals Foundation. We've all seen the infomercials. Ladies with suddenly flawless skin--but the prices! I just couldn't justify it. Until I found Everyday Minerals. They have a trial program. You get to try three different foundation colors, a blush and a concealer in mini sizes and just pay shipping ($3.95), this was the perfect way for me to make sure they were all they said they were. Next thing I know, I'm buying their custom kit. Six full size items for only $34. I can't tell you enough how much I love them. My face looks great and I don't have to reapply during the day. Zits literally disappear. Anything that can do that has my full support.

2. Foundation on my eyelids. I use old liquid stuff (leftover from before I found EM). Apply it right after my regular foundation, let it dry and then apply my eyeshadow. No more embarrassing creases at the end of the day. There are several eye primer creams available that do the same thing, but why pay money when you have something at home that will do the same trick?

3. BenzaClin. None of us like to talk about them. Zits. Pregnancy did a number on me-my face was a disaster area. After trying lots of different creams, rubs, masks, and cleansers I decided to ask the doctor. He prescribed BenzaClin. A lotion you apply ONCE a day (I'm all for easy). My face is clear and smooth without the dryness issues I was having with ProActiv plus it is totally economical. Cheaper than almost everything else I tried.

4. Hempz Body Lotion. LOVE. THE. SMELL. If this stuff was edible, I would totally eat it. I know everyone's preference with smell are different, but this is seriously my most favoritist EVER. Get some-your nose will thank me.

5. Pomade. Or more specifically, I use Garnier Fructis Style Surf Hair Texture Paste. Put it in after blow drying and before straightening to get just the hold and straightness you want. The difference this product has on controlling my frizz is amazing (and my hair is straight to begin with).

6. Venus Razors. These are old news, I know. BUT, if you are not using them, your legs are about to go on strike. You can be pretty sure that they are growing more leg hair out of spite. Smooth as silk and I've never cut myself.

7. French Manicures. On your toes. I've been doing this since college (thanks Cher) and love the ease. My nails look done, I never use nail polish remover (the white gets cut off when I trim my toenails, so I can just paint again), and it takes a total of 30 seconds on Sunday mornings before church. They dry in about a minute and I don't have to walk all careful-like. I am not careful AT ALL! No one is close enough to examine your toes, they look down, see the white tips and think "She is soooo together!".

8. Deodorant. Just deodorant. None of that antiperspirant stuff. No more marks on white shirts, or embarrassing wet spots. It took my body about a week or so to adjust to the change, but I'm never going back. You'll remember my quest to solve this problem a while ago.

Now, please share your favorites! I'd love to have the endorsement of friends so I can add to my must-haves!

KaLee's Baby Must-Haves (plus other things I couldn't weed out)

{I apologize in advance for the length of this post}


So, I’ve been a mom for six whole months. Which pretty much makes me an expert. (yeah. right.) I remember well the job of preparing for that joyous little bundle. The lists I made. The online shopping I did. The reviews I read. So, to make things a bit easier for those of you out there who trust my opinion above all others (which is all of you, right?...RIGHT?) I put together a list of baby things that I LOVE, and then some that I like and a few things I didn't ever really use. Obviously, I am having a hard time narrowing it down.

Items I can NOT live without
1. The SwaddleMe Blanket by Kiddopotamus. Granted—not every baby will want to be swaddled. Most newborns want it for a while and Easton wanted to be swaddled for 5 months. These blankets made the process painless. I also believe that Easton slept for WAY longer due to the fact that his flailing arms didn’t wake him up. They are now my baby shower gift. Source: My Wal-mart doesn’t carry them, but you can order site-to-store online and save on shipping.
2. Pacifier (binky in our house) by MAM. Again, not every baby will want one, but Easton had a very strong sucking need and would have TOTALLY been a thumb sucker if I would have let him. I opted for something that I can take away when he is older (this is where I would say that “the weaning” will happen around his 1.5 to 2 year mark, but if motherhood has taught me anything—it has taught me to never have an opinion before the event takes place). Source: Any major retailer. I will warn that the classic ones (pictured) are getting harder and harder to find.
3. A Nursing Cover. I purchased one from milkchic, but now that I have it in hand—they would be incredibly easy to make. I love the stiff portion at the top that allows me to see Easton and the strap around my neck that prevents him from pulling it down. Every time I use one in my church Mother’s Lounge, I get compliments from other moms. Source: milkchic.com or your own sewing machine.[note: there are TONS of online sources for these—just choose your favorite]
4. Triple Paste. Unfortunately, Easton has sensitive skin. A trait he gets from both his mom and his dad, so he was doomed from the start. There are a lot of great diaper rash creams out there—but this one was recommended by our doctor for heat rash and all of Easton’s dry skin problems and it has cured things that nothing else can. Source: I got mine at Wal-mart (you may have to ask for it at the pharmacy, but you won’t need a prescription).
5. Clip and Go Mobile by Tiny Love. I love, love, love this mobile. It has made car rides possible and has entertained Easton for more hours that I should probably admit. The best part is its portability. You can Velcro it on the car seat, then attach it to the Pack n’ Play when you visit friend’s houses. It has black, red and white sides for when your little one is tiny and then turns over with soft bugs for older babies. Source: Again, I got this at Wal-mart (can you tell that it is the only store in my town?). And again, I would order site to store and save money if I were you. [note: the only con is that it doesn’t really work on a crib. See “Items I really like” for my recommended crib mobile]
6. Suede Mini Diaper Bag by Carter. I cannot count the number of times that I have gotten a compliment on this bag. It’s little. It’s cute. I didn’t register for it originally, but instead the larger version, but then my genius aunt saw this and decided that it was the size she was always looking for and could never find when her kids were younger—so she bought it. I love the size. Large enough to hold all of the essentials—plus some, yet small enough that it is not a pain to carry around. This bag has been everywhere! Source: My aunt got it from Babies R Us and it is the only place I could find it online as well.
7. Bumbo. This is a great little chair. It allowed Easton to sit up at a young age and be a part of family meals and game time. We are currently using it to feed Easton while we research and purchase a high chair. Make sure to follow the safety instructions to ensure your child’s safety. Source: Any major retailer.
8. Papasan Cradle Swing by Fisher-Price. This was a fantastic asset to our household. Easton loved the side-to-side swinging and was mesmerized by the mobile and music. He sent hours in it as a newborn and it was great to have my hands free for a few minutes. There are just a few cons: It takes up a fair amount of floor space and runs on batteries only although our D batteries were only changed once (after 4 months). As Easton got more mobile, he became uninterested (around 5 months) but every baby is different. Source: I recommend searching around for the best deal. Currently on Amazon.com it is cheaper than I paid for it and as long as you don’t need it RIGHT away you can get free shipping.
9. Bundleme by JJ Cole. For a winter baby, this was KEY! I loved that I didn’t have to mess with coats, etc, but instead could stick on a hat, zip up the Bundleme and hit the road. The BEST part was that it never blew off in the wind and was impossible to drop in the store, parking lot, etc. If it worked for me in frigid Wyoming—it will definitely work for you! Source: Any major retailer (I’m pretty sure I got mine off Amazon.com).

Items I have really liked
1. Bounce Bounce Baby Activity Zone by Bright Starts. Let’s face it, the reason I originally bought this one over any of the others was that it was half the price. Since then I have grown to love it. Easton is entertained by bouncing and playing and I am guaranteed that he is right where I put him. Source: I got mine at Wal-mart, but I am sure they are available a few different places.
2. Baby Carrier Original by BabyBjorn. I’ll admit that I don’t use this all of the time, but every time I have used it, I have loved it—and so has Easton. There have also been countless times when I have wished that I had brought it along. Source: Any major retailer (mine was ordered from Target.com).
3. Rainforest Musical Mobile by Fisher-Price. When Easton finally transistioned from the bassinet to the crib (at 4 months) I lost the use of my beloved Clip and Go Mobile. Since Easton puts himself to sleep for naps and bed, a little music is necessary. I have loved this mobile. The music has two volumes and you have three music channels and one rainforest noises channel to choose from. It also has a remote—for those times when seeing mommy would not be a good thing. I also really like that the mobile part is removable and it can still be used to play music and as a nightlight as Easton gets older. Source: Any major retailer. I ordered mine site to store from Wal-mart.
4. Bath seat. You can see the one we have in this picture of Easton. I love that it is not a separate bath that I have to figure out storage for (key in an apartment), but still provides Easton with support while bathing. I was unable to find it anywhere online—so I apologize for the lack of a link. Source: I bet you can guess—Wal-mart.
5. Pump In Style Original Breast Pump by Medela. I realize a pump of this magnitude may not be necessary for every new mom—but as a working mom, it has been a life saver. I would start looking at these earlier vs. later so you can find a good deal. I was tipped off to a sale and was able to get mine for $175+shipping. {just wanted you to have a price point} The link I was able to find has it for MUCH more. Source: Any major retailer but I’ve only seen the sales online.

Items I thought I needed, but haven’t really used
1. Boppy. Everyone will tell you they are wonderful. I thought I totally NEEDED one, so I bought one. It made nursing MORE awkward and as soon as I stopped using it, things got easier. I used it minimally when Easton needed tummy time and I have put it around him twice as we are now working on sitting up. Bottom line? Not worth my money.
2. Bouncer. Again, a product that was highly recommended. I was an extremely lucky mom—whose child was not colicky. Easton preferred the swing and since the swing could move on its own and the bouncer required some human help—Easton was in it one time. I’m still hanging onto it incase my next child loves it, but if I had it to do over again I would wait to purchase one until I needed it (especially since you can get them anywhere).

Are you tired of reading? I apologize again for the length of this post, but now when anyone asks me my opinion—I can just refer them here.

Note: I [unfortunately] did not get paid for this post. Take it for what you think it is worth.