Nice to meet you.

My friend, Andrea, and her seven-month old son, Sean, came to visit us this week. It's been a few months since we've gotten to visit so it was a lot of fun playing catch-up.

And guess what?!

Andrea's a lazy mom too!!

I registered for {and received} this same feeding spoon that Andrea's using here:

It's a spoon AND feeding container! Talk about mess-free {hello, friend!} and convenient. Andrea even mixed two jars of baby food to feed Sean at the same time. She said he won't eat anything without fruit so she dumped a jar of applesauce in too!

At my shower I was teased about how lazy I am for wanting such a device...hahaha

Most of those in attendance had never seen one nor heard of it.

I love that Andrea's a lazy mom too!! :)

Baby Buys: Edition 7 - Sock it to me.

No bare feet for my baby!

I stumbled across an incredible product lately, and thought I would test it out.

It's called Stay Put Socks!

Stay Put Socks! is a clear silicon rubber ring that has been tested and proven to keep babies socks on their feet. The device simply slips over the outside of your baby’s socks and keeps them on all day. The device should be around the SMALLEST part of the infant’s ankle, just above the ankle bone. Watch to make sure the device is not too tight. It should NEVER leave a large indent or red mark. If this happens, the Stay Put Socks! is too small and you will need to move up a size. They come in 6 sizes; NB, XS, S, M, L, and XL. Enjoy your Stay Put Socks! I am confident you will love them and want to tell your friends all about them!
Sincerely, Kate Brotherson Owner, Stay Put Socks!

WARNING: Choking Hazard, Not a toy for children under 3.

The above is a picture of Lynden wearing his Stay Put Socks! The good news is...

they work!

They really do. I had my doubts, but they definitely live up to their name. We have put these to the test twice this week and never once did Lynden's socks come off. I could never keep socks on Raegen's feet, so I think this is a great product for mom's that like to use socks {some moms do, some moms don't}. The rings can be purchased individually{$3.99} or as a package of six {$19.99}. The online package includes one pair of each size ring, NB, XS, S, M, L, XL. According to the size chart, Lynden has already surpassed the NB size so I emailed the owner and asked if I could make my own package of six. She was very timely with responding and had no problem with me creating my own package. I ordered two XS, two S, one M, and one L. I made my purchase on Thursday, 4/1, and received it in the mail on Monday, 4/5. Better yet, shipping was ONLY $.54 cents!! Talk about reasonable. After tax, my total was $21.83.

The size XS best fits an infant 100mm ankle or 0-3 months. Lynden does not fall into that category!! ha. So we jumped past the XS size and have had great success with the size S {I was afraid they would be a little big, but they're working great}. I would absolutely order these again and for the price, they're a great gift as well.

Baby Buys: Edition 6 - Do you speak baby?

Have you heard of the "baby whisperer"? Better known as Priscilla Dunstan?

from Dunstan Baby

I saw her on Oprah {many moons ago when I was a fan...haven't watched Oprah in years...no longer a fan} and was

AMAZED!

She has a keen sense of hearing and can depict all kinds of sound. When she became a mother she noticed that her baby made differing cries depending on his needs. She noted these in a journal and eventually identified distinct needs associated with each cry. Her theory was tested on over a thousand babies and eventually the "Dunstan Baby Language" was developed.

In a nutshell, there are five different cries ALL babies make regarding hunger, tiredness, need to burp, lower wind/gas, and discomfort. After I saw her segment on Oprah I immediately ordered her DVD. I watched it numerous times before Raegen was born {this is highly recommended so you can differentiate your newborn's cries immediately} and Billy even watched it a time or two as well. At birth Raegen's first cry sounded like "neh" and Billy and I both knew what he wanted...

to eat!

Knowing the different cries really helped me as a first time mother to know what Raegen needed. I absolutely love this DVD and have loaned it out countless times. If you know me personally and would like to borrow it, just let me know. Or if you'd like to purchase it yourself, you can visit the Dunstan Baby website. The price has dropped CONSIDERABLY since I purchased this over three years ago...down to $40 from $65! It is truly worth the price though.

Baby Buys: Edition 6 - It's the little things...

Here are a few of my favorite "small" baby products that just make life simpler.

Medela Quick Clean Micro-Steam Bags

These are great to sterilize pacifiers, bottles, cups, breast pump accessories- sheilds, tubing, etc. The bags are reusable and work in just three minutes. The steam cleaning kills 99.9% of most harmful bacteria and germs. Each bag can be used up to 20 times. These are a must in my household. If you don't have a microwave though, these won't work for you! ;) In your case, it's the 'ol tried and true stove-top boil method. I am still using my bags from when Raegen was a baby, but I know they can be purchased at Target. You can also visit Medela's website for a complete list of where to find Medela products near you.

Munchkin Arm & Hammer Fresh Totes

The fresh totes are little bags {approx. 3"x3"} filled with odor-eliminating baking soda and scented with lavender. They are great to fresh and deodorize diaper bags, closets, changing tables, and in my case-- diaper pails!! I hang them at the top of my diaper pails and it wards of unwanted odors. They come in the cutest patterns and colors too. It is suggested to replace the totes every 90 days or when they lose their effectiveness. My sister has used these for a few years now and now I'm a loyal customer too! I just love the way they smell...so fresh. I purchased mine at Target, but they are available at a number of stores. You can check Munchkin's website for a complete list of where they can be purchased.

Baby Buys: Edition 5 - Say my name

I LOVE these BumpyName Orbit Labels from InchBug.

They stretch to fit on virtually anything...sippy cups, bottles, snack containers...

and

"will never peel, fade, or wash away!"

They come in a package of 4 for $12.95 for the one-line labels and 4 for $13.95 for the two-line labels. They also make great gifts.

Ashlyn received a package of four in her Easter basket from us last year. Her name was short enough that we were able to include her first, middle, AND last name on the label.

What's better?

Here's a promo code for 10% OFF your order!

Code: APR30PAR

expires 5/15/2010

I also LOVE Raegen's sippy cup. It's The Safe Sippy, a stainless steel cup from Kidbasix. They are pricey, but safe, durable, and virtually leak proof. I purchased them in November 2008 and they still work great!

Baby Buys: Edition 4 - Cover that bum

I'm sure you expected this sooner or later. ;)

I'm quite the fan of cloth dipes and wipes.
They're not just economical, they're ADORABLE!

Cloth dipes and wipes are probably the BEST baby investment you could make. They will save you money in the short run and can make you money in the long run! :) {you can easily resell your cloth dipes...can't do that with disposable! ;)}

"new" newborn in wool cover

You ask, "why would anyone use cloth diapers?"
To be fashionable, no less! :)

5wk old in Monkey Doodlez

I've got two converts and counting

{three if I get to count Kibs, but I'm pretty sure her cloth diaper road

was paved well before she met the likes of me ;)}...

you could be next!

Lynden's stash of prefold diapers and covers is ready and waiting!!

{hint, hint, Lynden!! :)}

Go here to read my post

"What's in a diaper?"

Baby Buys: Edition 3 - SwaddleMe, please!

I can't tell you how many times have I heard, "I've never been able to wrap my baby like they do in the hospital!" Well dry those tears, no need to fear! I introduce to you the...

Kiddopotamus - SwaddleMe Swaddling Blanket!!

photo courtesy Kiddopotamus

When I had Raegen I received three of these hand-me-down swaddlers from B's aunt and absolutely fell in LOVE with them! I was never a master at the traditional receiving blanket burrito wrap and this swaddle blanket allowed me to not focus on my short comings as a new mama!! haha! It is so easy to use and keeps baby snug and comfy. They come in all colors, fabrics {microfleece, cotton, & cotton flannel}, and sizes {preemie 3-7lb, small7-14lb, & large15-22lb}.

I tried other brands as well, but found the Kiddopotamus to be the best. When Raegen was a baby I could only find these online, but have since seen them in Walmart, Target, and Babies 'R Us stores. They are available online from numerous sources and I'm sure you could find them on eBay for a great price too. The average price for one is $10, and trust me, it's

worth.

every.

penny!

It stays fastened with three simple velcro tabs. When you throw it in the wash, just fold the tab down to prevent the velcro from sticking to other items in the wash. One of the best features is you can easily change baby's diaper WITHOUT removing the wrap. Simply pull the leg pouch down and VIOLA!, baby is ready to be changed!

photo courtesy Kiddopotamus

There is also a harness access slit in the back of the blanket that allows it to be used safely in swings, car seats, and strollers. Click here to see and read more.

I have given numerous of these as baby gifts over the past three years and I can't count how many people I've lent the original three hand-me-down blankets to...I'm pretty sure my sister's even used them two separate times with two different babies! :)

It's a great gift to give AND receive! :)

Baby Buys: Edition 2 - Tie one on.

I saw this video on You Tube a few months ago and thought it was hilarious.

If you're a fellow baby wearer, you will too! :)

My baby buy of the week is the sling, wrap, long piece of fabric twisted that holds the baby...

whatever you want to call it! :)

I refer to mine as a wrap.

You can wear it in a crop,

You can wear it while you mop!

You can wear it at the zoo,

you can wear one or even two! {kids, that is! no joke!}

You can wear it in construction,

you can wear it and still function!
You can wear it in a crowd,

you can wear it where it's loud!

I LOVE my baby wrap!!

Did I mention I LOOOOOOVE my baby wrap?

My sister introduced them to me when Raegen was around eight months old...

wish I had discovered it sooner!!

Can you say

hands-free,

stroller-free,

carseat-free?!?!

They are WONDERFUL!

There are several places to purchase them online and my sister and I also make them to sell.

{just click on our buttons on the left side of the screen to view products}

Here's the newest one I made for baby Lynden.

Maybe we'll actually get to use it at a HOGS game this year {hint, hint to the hubs!}. ;)

And another I made for an order recently.

I have discovered it's easiest to have a "marker" of sorts for the center point {hence the appliques}. There are numerous ways to carry your baby...

cradle carry

cross carry

front wrap cross

pocket wrap cross

kangaroo carry

and so on.

It's also easy to create your own carry style.

Most directions start with finding the center point of the wrap. Having an applique on center just makes the process quicker. Just search online for "baby wrap directions" and a host of tutorials will pop up. Several video tutorials are available on You Tube as well.

Wraps are great for carrying newborns, infants, and toddlers too!

You can nurse discreetly in them and there's no better place for baby to nap. They also work great as a barrier to keep strangers and germ-covered hands at bay. You can easily pull the wrap up to cover babies head to protect them from wind, light, and crazy people! :) It's okay...they can still breathe...haha.

This baby buy will not only make your life easier {can you imagine me taking an infant carrier in to the grocery store? Raegen sits in the front...carseat in the basket...where do I put the food?! Solution? Wrap Lynden up!}, but it's also a great way to bond with baby.

I can't tell you how many of these I have made and given as gifts and the number one thing I hear is, "I wish I had started using it sooner!" :) I promise it's not complicated to learn the different carry styles...please, if I can do it... :)

The wrap is so comfortable. I used traditional baby carriers before I discovered the wrap and after thirty minutes or so, my back would start to hurt. With the wrap, babies' weight is distributed more evenly. You can also pull the fabric down over your shoulders to help distrubute the weight even more...you probably noticed in the pictures that's how I carried Raegen the most. It's also extremely versatile. You're not limited to only a front or back carry. It also takes up literally no room at all. I have a small bag I keep mine in. When I take it off I just wad it up in a little ball and stuff it in the bag! :) It's not cumbersome at all.

If you, or someone you know is having a baby...this is a MUST-HAVE! :)

You know what they say... "when mama's happy..."

Baby Buys: Edition 1 - Big Brother is watching.

With only 2-4 weeks of pregnancy left, I think it's time to hang up the "Prego Picks" hat and share some of my fave "Baby Buys".

One of the best gifts I received when I had Raegen was a baby monitor from Aunt Katie. But let me assure you, this is no ordinary monitor. It is a Summer Infant Day&Night Handheld Color Video Monitor.

photo courtesy Summer

It is actually her "staple" baby gift for new moms.

The Day&Night Handheld Color Video Monitor from Summer Infant is a truly portable unit that allows parents to see, as well as hear, their baby while moving around the house. It's ideal for checking on baby without waking them. There are also traditional sound lights that visually show baby's level of activity. Nighttime LED lights on the camera make the baby fully visible in a darkened room, while the portable video monitor has rechargeable batteries plus an AC adapter and offers a belt clip and kickstand for extra convenience. from Summer website

It has become one of my favorite gifts to give as well...er, contribute to as a "group gift". :) It is available at most major retailers and has that "major retailer" pricetag too! After tax and shipping costs it runs $200, but I have recently found a great seller on eBay that I can purchase it from for half that price!

The camera and monitor have two channels to minimize interference and also provide the ability to add another camera and view activity with the same monitor. The camera and monitor are portable and can easily be taken on a trip. Aunt Katie brought hers along while visiting last year and we were able to view her baby in one room and Raegen in another on the same monitor, simply by switching the channel. Some monitors come with two cameras or additional cameras can be purchased individually. I contemplated purchasing an additional camera only, but for the price {$75-$99 on eBay}, I could purchase an entire set {$109.99/free ship! from fave seller}...so that's what I did!

{I was actually able to make this purchase with monies received from friends and family that showered baby Lynden!}

The boys will each have their own camera over their bed and I'll be able to view them on one monitor.

Most people don't realize that THREE years later, we're STILL watching Raegen on his video monitor. Just the other night I turned it on to "spy" on him...he had pulled his over-sized stuffed horse onto his bed and was riding it! Giddy-up! haha! There have been countless times we've grabbed the video camera and filmed the monitor screen so we could record him doing something funny. It has definitely received much use and abuse over the last three years and still works perfectly. What I like most of all is the peace of mind it gives me. In the past when Raegen would fuss or cry out, I could always check the monitor first to see if he needed my attention {leg stuck in crib, etc.} or if he was just fighting sleep.

This baby buy is well worth the money!