Monday, July 16, 2012
Monday, April 23, 2012
9 months old
Here are some updated pictures a bit after her 9 month old mark.
This girl loves to sleep with the blanket over her head. It does concern me sometimes when I look at our video monitor to find a sight like the above. But we have a smart kid... She does make a breathing tunnel in the blanket.
McKinley is fascinated with our cats Gunner and Trey. I will feed them in the morning (she thinks their food is yummy too) and watch her interact with the cats. She gets really excited if the cats come up to her (she begins giggling and shaking). McKinley is a better cat grabber right now than petter.
Team Tuma at the MS Walk. My mom has had Multiple Sclerosis for about 15 years. Fortunately her form of MS is not as disabling as it is for others. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to help with research, therapy & finding a cure for MS....
First time drinking from a straw... And first time drinking juice.
Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
This girl loves to sleep with the blanket over her head. It does concern me sometimes when I look at our video monitor to find a sight like the above. But we have a smart kid... She does make a breathing tunnel in the blanket.
McKinley is fascinated with our cats Gunner and Trey. I will feed them in the morning (she thinks their food is yummy too) and watch her interact with the cats. She gets really excited if the cats come up to her (she begins giggling and shaking). McKinley is a better cat grabber right now than petter.
Team Tuma at the MS Walk. My mom has had Multiple Sclerosis for about 15 years. Fortunately her form of MS is not as disabling as it is for others. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to help with research, therapy & finding a cure for MS....
First time drinking from a straw... And first time drinking juice.
Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Cloth or disposable?
The idea of handling soiled diapers may make you cringe. Assumptions from our own days of being a baby may come to mind. We think about having to deal with tri-folds, diaper pins, poop, a diaper service, smell of urine or more poop, hand washing & hanging, soaked diaper covers, and the list can go on.
You may be surprised that as a cloth diapering mama, I have hardly had to deal with any of these hurdles.
Technology has evolved and so has cloth diapering.
Do your research, and you may be surprised to learn that you too can be a cloth diapering household. It is easier than you think.
WHY I CLOTH DIAPER
1. Save $$$$
Personally, I would rather cloth diaper and use the money toward a trip.
For me, i bought some new cloth diapers and some 2nd hand. Total, it cost an estimated $300. AND I plan on using my cloth diapering supplies for our next children as well. Which is another good point...
2. Reusable
3. Less environmental foot print
4. Hobby
5. Less Diaper Rash
HOW TO GET STARTED AND ADVICE?
Needs:
4-6 Shells (based on washing every 2-3 days)
20-30 inserts (based on washing every 2-3 days)
Diaper pail
Diaper Liner (personally prefer "Planet Wise") Amazon to purchase
Bleach free, dye free detergent. I use Country Save. It's a bit more expensive so I only use this detergent for diapers. Amazon to purchase
ADVICE:
When the sun is out, dry them outside. The sun is a natural bleacher. The stains are "sunned" away =)
Sprayer - attaches to your toilet. You can spray off the poop into your toilet prior to throwing it into the washing machine.
Don't need a diaper service, unless you truly desire one. To me it seemed simpler to do it myself. I simply throw the wet ones write into the washing machine. The #2 diapers I give a quick spray to in the toilet and than I throw them into the washing machine with the wet ones. I do give the diapers a double rinse. Sometimes a double wash.
Use a fleece liner when applying diaper cream. Protects the cloth insert.
WHY I CHOSE FLIP DIAPERS:
Next step is deciding on the system you want to use. This is where some research is necessary. I actually went to the local baby store "Fletchers" and checked out the different brands they had in stock. I was sold on Flips for a number of reasons. Here they are:
1. Snaps - as baby gets older they can potentially undo velcro. I get annoyed with washing velcro and having stuff stick to it. Snaps are more secure than velcro. Yet easy for me to take on and off the little one.
2. Grows with the Baby - The diaper gets larger as the baby gets larger. No need to purchase more covers as she grows.
3. it is NOT pocket style - A lot of the systems have a pocket that you slide the insert into. It just seemed a bit easier if you could lay the insert right into the cover and put it on. The flip diapers bypassed the step of trying to stuff something into a pocket.
 |
| Top left is the tri-fold Organic insert. In the middle is the cover and on right is the "Stay Dry" Insert |
They even have a disposable insert. I don't use these too much.
 |
| McKinley, Diaper Cover, Stay Dry Insert |
5. No leaks or blow outs. McKinley is almost 9 months old I can't even recall the last leaked or blown out diaper we had. The flips hold up nicely.
 |
| Easy Peasy... This is the diaper prior to going on baby |
WHERE TO PURCHASE:
Local to Eugene is clothdiaperoutlet.com
She even has a great page title Cloth 101 If you want to do some more reading and research.
diaperjunction.com/used-cloth-diapers
kellyscloset.com
Fletcher's in Eugene.
and Amazon.
Good luck and have fun!
 |
| Happy Baby all snuggy in her Cloth Diaper |
Monday, March 19, 2012
March Madness
It's one of our favorite times of year in the Larsen Household... Brackets are everywhere. We even helped McKinley with her first bracket. She had two pieces of paper and whichever one she grabbed determined whether she was picking an upset or not. Ha ha ha. We actually didn't do that. Come on we're not that over the top :)
We enjoyed our time in Portland watching the 2nd & 3rd round games. Here are some pictures.
 |
| McKinley has gotten pretty use to napping through basketball games, but since this was a long haul of 4 straight games we got her some ear muffs to help. |
 |
| Gone are the days of only being able to watch one game. Love it that I can now dictate which game I want to watch. |
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Sleepy Baby
I have personally gotten a kick out of McK's sleeping habits...
Everytime we put her to bed she has to find her "snuggle spot". It is typically in the corner of her crib and she will arch her head back and roll to one side. We couldn't figure out where she got this until one night I noticed that Nick does the same arching action in search for sleep comfort.
The second funny thing she has developed is right before she falls asleep she will lay in her bed and use the last bit of energy to play peek-a-boo with her blanket. We will put her to bed and hear her giggling away at herself while playing peek-a-boo. It will last a few minutes and than she's asleep.
 |
| She can sleep anywhere, anytime. Even at basketball games =) |
At a young age we began reading Mck books. The only book we could get a reaction out of her with was "Very Busy Spider". At 4 months old she would smile when we made animal noises. And well, we have been reading it practically every night since.
Note to viewer: My animal noises are not the best (Nick makes a proper duck noise & does it way better than me) but none the less I have been assured by family that my animal noises have greatly improved over the past few months. Practice Practice Practice =)
Friday, March 2, 2012
Everyday
Everyday it seems McKinley is learning something new, discovering a new noise to make, or expressing a new face.
We go from lying in a bathtub and kicking, to sitting upright in a tub swaying like a buoy, to splashing with her hands, to playing with a rubber ducky. It feels like this all happened in a matter of days.
I love each day with her because it's a new discovery. I feel blessed to observe her figuring out who she is and how she fits into this world. Right now it is simple complexes. Later on it will get more complicated. It's only the beginning of a lifetime of discovery. I pray and hope she continues to go about it with the attitude she has now...with thoughtfulness, careful calculation of risk and a smile on her face.
We go from lying in a bathtub and kicking, to sitting upright in a tub swaying like a buoy, to splashing with her hands, to playing with a rubber ducky. It feels like this all happened in a matter of days.
I love each day with her because it's a new discovery. I feel blessed to observe her figuring out who she is and how she fits into this world. Right now it is simple complexes. Later on it will get more complicated. It's only the beginning of a lifetime of discovery. I pray and hope she continues to go about it with the attitude she has now...with thoughtfulness, careful calculation of risk and a smile on her face.
 |
| Discovering Bubbles |
Saturday, February 25, 2012
A little bit cute
At 7 months...
*McKinley enjoys watching herself. She will giggle at herself in a mirror or when watching herself on my iphone. During the video below you can hear her faintly giggling... she got a cold and had baby laryngitis. She was sick for a few days... but kept smiling.
*Likes prunes, apples, bananas & carrots. Does not like peas.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Night Time Road Trip
Long trips in a car with a little one can be difficult. Especially in the evening prior to "bed time". It's dark and there is nothing to entertain the child confined to a car seat.
That was until...
The Snow Peak light came to the rescue once again. This thing hooked perfectly to the bar of the car seat and provided McKinley with entertainment.
Go to www.snowpeak.com to get one of these lights! It goes with us on every over night trip.
That was until...
The Snow Peak light came to the rescue once again. This thing hooked perfectly to the bar of the car seat and provided McKinley with entertainment.
Go to www.snowpeak.com to get one of these lights! It goes with us on every over night trip.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Do you miss coaching?
"So do you miss coaching?" I have been asked this question numerous times.
Short answer: No
Long Answer: I know that coaching involves more than just showing up to a gym with basketballs and having fun with a bunch of teenagers. It makes me feel exhausted just thinking about all that goes into coaching. Than you add to that my personality as a detail-oriented perfectionist, and my competitive drive (I don't settle for mediocrity... so I work my butt off so I don't lose), and well it just sounds like a heckuva lot of work.
Does that mean I will never get back into it? I am always thinking and planning. I have ideas rolling around in my head of how to stay involved, but I also have to be realistic with myself. I do enjoy being around the team atmosphere (I miss playing signs & mafia =), mentoring young ladies and the rush of "Game Day". But I also know that means sacrificing other areas of my life.
I figure that God knows what it will take to get me back into coaching. If that is where he wants me, he'll provide the opportunity. For the time being, I am enjoying this new life and feel like I made a good trade!
But hey, if you hear of a part-time coaching gig... let me know =)
I love hanging out with this kid. She is seriously such a joy. If you are ever in a bad mood, just come on over and hold McKinley. She'll cheer ya up in a matter of seconds.
At the moment she enjoys making a fake cough sound, wrinkling her nose, and just giggling. I swear she never cries, and only smiles. I am one blessed mama. (I tell her everyday she needs to stay like this all the way until she is 18)
I have been cross-fitting and swimming. I even join a few of my besties for workouts (Bethany & Cheryl) and yes, my dad too. It feels good to be in shape and crossfit is my cup of tea. I love the competition, the drive to improve, the team atmosphere and the intensity. I actually look forward to going to crossfit each day.
I have also been getting outside once a week. (See pics below) My passion for the outdoors has been renewed and I actually have the time to do it. Not to mention that I was able to get back into rock climbing.
I have adopted a Paleo Lifestyle. It is not a diet but a lifestyle. Basically I am the opposite of a vegetarian. Give me meat and lots of it =) Well, not exactly. Paleo also incorporates lots of veggies, fruit and whole-fresh foods. It gives me a focus when planning meals and allows me to experiment with cooking as well.
Many of my friends and family had grown accustomed to me being M.I.A. from November to April. NOT ANYMORE! I am alive, active and ready to meet up for coffee, lunch, a play-date, or whatever. It's nice to finally be around so people can count on me in case they need something.
Don't get me wrong. I was blessed with 5 years of wonderful parents at the high school. The vast majority of the parents whose daughters I served "Got It". They understood the big picture of sports, the character development and the needed growth that was occurring. There were a small handful who were clueless. This happens in all avenues of life when working with people. I just have more patience in helping kids "get it" than I do for helping adults to "get it".
This fall I changed the ringtone on my cell phone. "Why is this significant?" you ask. Because my old ring tone reminded me of my prior coaching life. Whenever I would hear the cell phone ring I would get this dreaded feeling in my gut of "Who is it now and what do they want from me?" I realized that, while coaching, the majority of people calling me where demanding something of me, complaining, or telling me about a "issue". All in all, chances are that person behind the ring was going to be a Debbie-Downer to my relaxing evening at home. I realized that I had attached a feeling of dread to my phone ringing. So I started fresh... with a new ring tone.
All-in-all I now decide what I am going to do each day. I don't have to meet other people's demands. The result is a slower paced, less stressed life and a much more relaxing one. I am enjoying this season and my new ring tone!
Nick does 99% of running his own business. He has a system down and he is good at it! I don't want to ruin his flow. But every now and again I figure out a way to chip in and help him. Whether it be just chatting with him while he wraps muffins, or making him a healthy lunch. He puts in an insane amount of hours of work in during the winter. I like to think that I am a huge help by simply being available and not being stressed out myself. I get to be the calming beacon during the winter.
Bottom line... BALANCE IS ESSENTIAL IN LIFE! It feels good to be in equilibrium again.
Short answer: No
Long Answer: I know that coaching involves more than just showing up to a gym with basketballs and having fun with a bunch of teenagers. It makes me feel exhausted just thinking about all that goes into coaching. Than you add to that my personality as a detail-oriented perfectionist, and my competitive drive (I don't settle for mediocrity... so I work my butt off so I don't lose), and well it just sounds like a heckuva lot of work.
Does that mean I will never get back into it? I am always thinking and planning. I have ideas rolling around in my head of how to stay involved, but I also have to be realistic with myself. I do enjoy being around the team atmosphere (I miss playing signs & mafia =), mentoring young ladies and the rush of "Game Day". But I also know that means sacrificing other areas of my life.
I figure that God knows what it will take to get me back into coaching. If that is where he wants me, he'll provide the opportunity. For the time being, I am enjoying this new life and feel like I made a good trade!
But hey, if you hear of a part-time coaching gig... let me know =)
Here are some of the trades I am enjoying.
I traded in being a part of the daily growth of young women... for... being a part of the daily growth of my own daughter.
 |
| McK & her Haley Doll BEFORE |
 |
| McK taking down Haley Doll |
 | |
| AFTER: 1... 2... 3... McK WINS! |
I love hanging out with this kid. She is seriously such a joy. If you are ever in a bad mood, just come on over and hold McKinley. She'll cheer ya up in a matter of seconds.
At the moment she enjoys making a fake cough sound, wrinkling her nose, and just giggling. I swear she never cries, and only smiles. I am one blessed mama. (I tell her everyday she needs to stay like this all the way until she is 18)
I traded in getting others in shape... for... getting myself in shape.
 |
| This was a WOD (Workout of the Day) that my dad and I competed in together. |
I have been cross-fitting and swimming. I even join a few of my besties for workouts (Bethany & Cheryl) and yes, my dad too. It feels good to be in shape and crossfit is my cup of tea. I love the competition, the drive to improve, the team atmosphere and the intensity. I actually look forward to going to crossfit each day.
 |
| McK and I snowshoeing around Clear Lake |
I traded in planning practice... for.. planning healthy meals.
I have adopted a Paleo Lifestyle. It is not a diet but a lifestyle. Basically I am the opposite of a vegetarian. Give me meat and lots of it =) Well, not exactly. Paleo also incorporates lots of veggies, fruit and whole-fresh foods. It gives me a focus when planning meals and allows me to experiment with cooking as well.
I traded in building a team full of love and unselfishness... for... building those qualities back up with my friends.
Many of my friends and family had grown accustomed to me being M.I.A. from November to April. NOT ANYMORE! I am alive, active and ready to meet up for coffee, lunch, a play-date, or whatever. It's nice to finally be around so people can count on me in case they need something.
 |
| Mommy and baby snowshoe adventure to Salt Creek Falls |
I traded in having to attend "problem-solving" meetings, others gripes, and dealing with people who just want to complain... for... a much slower, and less demanding lifestyle.
Don't get me wrong. I was blessed with 5 years of wonderful parents at the high school. The vast majority of the parents whose daughters I served "Got It". They understood the big picture of sports, the character development and the needed growth that was occurring. There were a small handful who were clueless. This happens in all avenues of life when working with people. I just have more patience in helping kids "get it" than I do for helping adults to "get it".
This fall I changed the ringtone on my cell phone. "Why is this significant?" you ask. Because my old ring tone reminded me of my prior coaching life. Whenever I would hear the cell phone ring I would get this dreaded feeling in my gut of "Who is it now and what do they want from me?" I realized that, while coaching, the majority of people calling me where demanding something of me, complaining, or telling me about a "issue". All in all, chances are that person behind the ring was going to be a Debbie-Downer to my relaxing evening at home. I realized that I had attached a feeling of dread to my phone ringing. So I started fresh... with a new ring tone.
All-in-all I now decide what I am going to do each day. I don't have to meet other people's demands. The result is a slower paced, less stressed life and a much more relaxing one. I am enjoying this season and my new ring tone!
I traded in organizing fundraisers.... for... organizing my husband & being his helper.
Nick does 99% of running his own business. He has a system down and he is good at it! I don't want to ruin his flow. But every now and again I figure out a way to chip in and help him. Whether it be just chatting with him while he wraps muffins, or making him a healthy lunch. He puts in an insane amount of hours of work in during the winter. I like to think that I am a huge help by simply being available and not being stressed out myself. I get to be the calming beacon during the winter.
Bottom line... BALANCE IS ESSENTIAL IN LIFE! It feels good to be in equilibrium again.
 |
| I am trying to check out local hiking trails I've never been on... this one was the ridgeline trail to Bald Mountain |
 |
| McK's first trip to the top of Pisgah. |
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
6 months old
McKinley Mace Larsen
She had a big 6 month day. Lots of accomplishments!
She
also sat up for the first time for a consistent amount of time. Prior
to today she could only sit for about 10 seconds. Today she probably
made it past a minute. Official sitter upper.
She had a big 6 month day. Lots of accomplishments!
 |
| Legend Baby at 6 months and ready to head to the gym. |
 |
| She ate food for the first time. Dad decided fruit would be a better start than veggies. So we went with pears... And Yes, that is a REF BIB. Thanks to Mike & Crystal who found it for us =) |
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Baby Products YOU need
Okay... since I have a lot of friends pregnant right now. Must be something in the water... (be so kind now to give a good ol belly laugh after that comment =)
I thought I would recommend a few products I absolutely enjoy. Remember, a lot of these you can also get second hand.
First of all, prior to having a baby I was somewhat of a "gear junky". This mostly consisted of rock climbing and backpacking/camping gear. Now I am a "baby-gear junky". So here is some cool baby gear.
FlyeBaby
This thing was great for a lap baby on an airplane. McKinley could face me, she could fall asleep without being in my arms, and it gave me more freedom as well.
Ergo Carrier
I tried a bunch of different things... from a wrap, to a bjorn, etc. The wrap was nice around the house but too complicated elsewhere. The Ergo just plain ROCKS! I have the infant insert which is nice for when the baby is under 3months. Rumor has it that you can take kids around in this thing up to 2 years old. It's very easy to take off and on and to put baby in. I got a more "sporty" one so Nick wouldn't mind carrying our little one around. With the next kid I imagine we won't even bother with the other carriers.
A Jumper
We got a jumper that has hook type things (great to hang toys and teething items from) as well as has a little flat surface in front. I am so glad I accidently got one with these options. McKinley loves her jumper! I also feel better cause I feel like she's getting some kind of exercise rather than just laying or sitting in a swing. Adds good variety to her baby activities.
Highchair that attaches to counter
Don't bother with a stand up high chair. This is a one-in-all type high chair. You can take it with you wherever you are going too. I got one that spins 360 degrees so that we can easily feed our little one. I dunno yet how handy that will be... McKinley will start eating solids next week so I'll have to get back to you. But I love having this attached to our bar counter. She can play while I cook and etc. (The bumpo isn't safe on top of a table cause once they get strong enough they can shimmy it off the counter)
A Bottle Warmer
Why didn't I break down and get this sooner!!! We went the first 5 months with out this. Silly me! I did old school style, on a stove or boil water in a microwave. That method took forever compared to our bottle warmer. In a matter of a few minutes I have a warm, just right bottle for my screaming and starving little one.
FLIP Diapers
Yes, I am doing cloth diapers. I actually really really really enjoy it. Now remember, she hasn't started on solids yet =) We are also at home with our little one so we are not asking a care-giver to do this. The extra laundry really isn't that bad. I love the FLIP brand of diapers because they are so easy and convenient. You don't have to stuff a liner between the shell and the fleece. Just put the liner in the shell and viola... you are ready to go! If you are going to be at home with your little one... I would recommend exploring the use of cloth diapers. It saves soooooo much money and it's really easy compared to what our mom's had to do.
BOB Stroller
The Cadillac of strollers. I just plain love it. Not convenient for traveling.... but very easy to maneuver a kid around anywhere and anything. I actually took McKinley on part of the Ridgeline trail in Eugene in this thing. So for those who want to get out and about... this is your stroller.
SnowPeak Lantern
www.snowpeak.com
Okay, so I am promoting my brother's company a little bit here =) But this is one cool product that is great for EVERYTHING. I take this little lamp with me everywhere. It's in my room so I can read when Nick wants to fall asleep. It's in my travel bag for hotels where there is no "night light". (I hate having to check on a crying baby in the middle of the night in a pitch dark room... turn on the big light and now the baby is WIDE awake)
Breatfeeding Equipment
Stock up on all this stuff. It seems that most mom's (and baby) have a difficult time learning the art of breastfeeding so be prepared for the worse. Soothing pads - for the few hour breaks you might get in between feedings. Get Nipple shields - for when it's really painful to feed but you have no choice. Breast Shells - to allow air to circulate and so your nipples are not constantly "glued" to your bra. These things allowed me continue to breast feed through this difficult and painful time. NOTE: I was fortunate that these worked for me. Sometimes they don't work but I guarantee you you'll want to have them prior to baby being delivered cause you are going to want to try everything before giving in and choosing not to breast feed.
GoCrib
Now I know this is quite a bit more expensive than a "pack-n-play" but in my mind it seemed well worth it. We actually bought this at REI with our dividend so it seemed like a great buy to us =) The pack-n-play is just WAAAAAAAY too bulky. Yeah right taking that thing any where. We have taken our GoCrib everywhere. McKinley sleeps in it anytime we are not sleeping at home. I imagine it'll also be nice when she gets to be a crawler to giver her some "boundary" play space. (We'll see how that goes) It folds up into a back pack. Very compact and easy to blow up.
Osprey Pack
I haven't gotten this yet. It doesn't come out until next month. But i looked at the reviews and videos of it. It just seems down right AWESOME! I am excited to get myself one. It seems like the equivalent of BOB when it comes to strollers. The Cadillac of back pack carriers.
Bumbo Baby Seat
Because... it's just great!
If any other mom's have some recommendations feel free to add your insights under comments.
I thought I would recommend a few products I absolutely enjoy. Remember, a lot of these you can also get second hand.
First of all, prior to having a baby I was somewhat of a "gear junky". This mostly consisted of rock climbing and backpacking/camping gear. Now I am a "baby-gear junky". So here is some cool baby gear.
FlyeBaby
This thing was great for a lap baby on an airplane. McKinley could face me, she could fall asleep without being in my arms, and it gave me more freedom as well.
Ergo Carrier
I tried a bunch of different things... from a wrap, to a bjorn, etc. The wrap was nice around the house but too complicated elsewhere. The Ergo just plain ROCKS! I have the infant insert which is nice for when the baby is under 3months. Rumor has it that you can take kids around in this thing up to 2 years old. It's very easy to take off and on and to put baby in. I got a more "sporty" one so Nick wouldn't mind carrying our little one around. With the next kid I imagine we won't even bother with the other carriers.
A Jumper
We got a jumper that has hook type things (great to hang toys and teething items from) as well as has a little flat surface in front. I am so glad I accidently got one with these options. McKinley loves her jumper! I also feel better cause I feel like she's getting some kind of exercise rather than just laying or sitting in a swing. Adds good variety to her baby activities.
Highchair that attaches to counter
Don't bother with a stand up high chair. This is a one-in-all type high chair. You can take it with you wherever you are going too. I got one that spins 360 degrees so that we can easily feed our little one. I dunno yet how handy that will be... McKinley will start eating solids next week so I'll have to get back to you. But I love having this attached to our bar counter. She can play while I cook and etc. (The bumpo isn't safe on top of a table cause once they get strong enough they can shimmy it off the counter)
A Bottle Warmer
Why didn't I break down and get this sooner!!! We went the first 5 months with out this. Silly me! I did old school style, on a stove or boil water in a microwave. That method took forever compared to our bottle warmer. In a matter of a few minutes I have a warm, just right bottle for my screaming and starving little one.
FLIP Diapers
Yes, I am doing cloth diapers. I actually really really really enjoy it. Now remember, she hasn't started on solids yet =) We are also at home with our little one so we are not asking a care-giver to do this. The extra laundry really isn't that bad. I love the FLIP brand of diapers because they are so easy and convenient. You don't have to stuff a liner between the shell and the fleece. Just put the liner in the shell and viola... you are ready to go! If you are going to be at home with your little one... I would recommend exploring the use of cloth diapers. It saves soooooo much money and it's really easy compared to what our mom's had to do.
BOB Stroller
The Cadillac of strollers. I just plain love it. Not convenient for traveling.... but very easy to maneuver a kid around anywhere and anything. I actually took McKinley on part of the Ridgeline trail in Eugene in this thing. So for those who want to get out and about... this is your stroller.
SnowPeak Lantern
www.snowpeak.com
Okay, so I am promoting my brother's company a little bit here =) But this is one cool product that is great for EVERYTHING. I take this little lamp with me everywhere. It's in my room so I can read when Nick wants to fall asleep. It's in my travel bag for hotels where there is no "night light". (I hate having to check on a crying baby in the middle of the night in a pitch dark room... turn on the big light and now the baby is WIDE awake)
Breatfeeding Equipment
Stock up on all this stuff. It seems that most mom's (and baby) have a difficult time learning the art of breastfeeding so be prepared for the worse. Soothing pads - for the few hour breaks you might get in between feedings. Get Nipple shields - for when it's really painful to feed but you have no choice. Breast Shells - to allow air to circulate and so your nipples are not constantly "glued" to your bra. These things allowed me continue to breast feed through this difficult and painful time. NOTE: I was fortunate that these worked for me. Sometimes they don't work but I guarantee you you'll want to have them prior to baby being delivered cause you are going to want to try everything before giving in and choosing not to breast feed.
GoCrib
Now I know this is quite a bit more expensive than a "pack-n-play" but in my mind it seemed well worth it. We actually bought this at REI with our dividend so it seemed like a great buy to us =) The pack-n-play is just WAAAAAAAY too bulky. Yeah right taking that thing any where. We have taken our GoCrib everywhere. McKinley sleeps in it anytime we are not sleeping at home. I imagine it'll also be nice when she gets to be a crawler to giver her some "boundary" play space. (We'll see how that goes) It folds up into a back pack. Very compact and easy to blow up.
Osprey Pack
I haven't gotten this yet. It doesn't come out until next month. But i looked at the reviews and videos of it. It just seems down right AWESOME! I am excited to get myself one. It seems like the equivalent of BOB when it comes to strollers. The Cadillac of back pack carriers.
Bumbo Baby Seat
Because... it's just great!
If any other mom's have some recommendations feel free to add your insights under comments.
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