Friday, January 30, 2009

Free For All Friday: Favorites, Football, Freebies, and More

Announcements at the end...

T.G.I.F!  Today is day five of our Virtual Baby Shower.  It's been a fun week of activity, beginning with celebrating the Year of the Ox (and, of course, all of our own animal signs), in honor of the Chinese New Year.  Tuesday we explored thoughtful keepsakes we could make using the fingers, toes, and feet of our little ones.  Wednesday we shared all sorts of ideas about archiving our children's memories, important headlines, and other moments in time, and yesterday we took time out to play the inevitable baby shower game.  

Consider today the portion of a baby shower when structured activities are over and guests are left to sit around, sharing stories, advice, and mommy tips.  Today, after all, is Free For All Friday.  Newcomers, this is the day of the week when we benefit from the collective creativity and wisdom of our community.  The floor is open for you to talk about whatever you want or to seek advice on the topic of your choice.

In the spirit of this week's baby shower, I would like to propose a topic.  The question will be easiest for current mothers to answer, but those of you with illustrious day care or baby sitting careers should have plenty to share too.  Here it is...

What baby related item did you register for, thinking it would be essential, only to find out you would never use it.  Conversely, what did you not register for, that you later purchased, and could never have lived without.

I can't stop there.  There is way too much going on in this community of ours.

Sunday is the finals of the Super Bowl Snack Throw Down!  East v. West, with Onion as the featured secret ingredient.  Rumor has it East submitted an onion dip and West submitted a salsa.  It would be anticlimactic if I let the day come and go with only a brief announcement on Monday of who won.  No.  Today - Free For All Friday - we need to take a minute to wish Maureen and Lori luck and to make some predictions.  So whose going to win?  East, onion dip or West, salsa?  For added challenge... of the 20 anticipated bar flies at Struble Suds on Sunday, how many votes will the winning dish receive?

Next Freebie Friday and then it's on to announcements.

If you work outside the home, or ever have, you'll know what I am talking about.  There are people in our work places with whom interaction is not required, but whose company we actively seek.  You are drawn to them for reasons including things such as shared interests; their knowledge on a topic about which you know nothing; sense of humor; an office so filled with stimulus it's the perfect work break; or maybe just that their candy dish has a better selection than anyone else on your floor.

Today, I want to introduce you to Stacie.  Stacie is someone I met while working in Louisville, Kentucky.  The nature of our jobs on campus were not such that we were required to work together, but Stacie is someone whose company I actively sought out.  There are innumerable nice things I could say about Stacie.  She is smart; self-assured; an activist; knowledgeable about a lot of things, but still curious; funny, thoughtful, and has cork screw curls that most women would die for!  Oh, and have I mentioned that her interests and talents are more eclectic than anyone else I've ever met?  She is a walking cocktail party, able to move swiftly from conversations about the state of higher education, to politics, drama and the arts, massage, baby delivery, and just about everything in between. 

Bottom line.  Stacie loves all things pregnant.  Soon she will launch a website displaying a variety of mommy-related (and more) creations.  Diaper bags, toy bags, baby slings, and other novelty items are among a few of the sewn items you can expect to find.  Today, Stacie is offering to give away a Belly Cast Kit.  The kit is used to make an impression of your pregnant belly.  Talk about a creative way to commemorate your pregnancy!?  Once made, many women paint or decorate the cast.  To win this cast you must: (1) be one of our Virtual Baby Shower guests, and (2) guess the name of her beautiful 11 month old baby boy.  Hint.  Six letters, beginning with the letter "L" and ending in "N."

Announcements: 
  • Price is Right Winner:  While many of you did well, there is only one winner to yesterday's game.  Hands down, Cheryl O'Pry with a PERFECT 10!  Congratulations, Cheryl!  The final answers were: Q-tips, $1.06; Bibs, $8.99; Fitted Sheets, $10.99; Gym, $64.99; Wipes, $3.69; Diaper Bag, $68.99; Johnson & Johnson Liquid Soap, $3.39; Platex Drop-ins, $9.99; Robeez, $27.95; Baby Tylenol, $5.99. 
  • Goal Fishing:  Hopefully the 20 of you who signed up to participate in Goal Fishing have received your materials in the mail.  Let the fun begin!   Quarterly we will use the blog to check in on Goal Fishing participants to see how you are doing toward your resolution.  The first check in will be sometime in early April. 
  • Thumbprint Pictures:  We got some great submissions.  Check in tomorrow to see what was submitted and to "CASE" some ideas!
  • Virtual Party Host:  Whose up next?  We are looking for a party host for the month of April.  Remember, all you have to do is gather five friends and identify a topic that would be of interest.  I do the rest.  So far Heather, Katie, and Kristen have taken advantage of the opportunity.  Going once, going twice... 

47 comments:

Anonymous said...

Clarification on goal fishing...are we supposed to identify ourselves to our fish or do we keep it a secret like peanut/shell?

What items:

Unnecessary:
wipe warmers (they dry out the wipes),
newborn bottle nipples if breastfeeding (we didn't start the bottle until she was old enough to be ready for the next size up)
An expensive monitor (evidently the longer the range the MORE interference/feedback you'll get)
The expensive bedding set...we used the sheets/skirt and bumper but the quilt has NEVER been used because at first it was too big to use and it is so much stiffer than her softer blankets now.

Couldn't have lived without:
pack n' play to have Lily sleep in our room
small receiving blankets
a few outfits/sleepers that are preemie sized or newborn (Lily was 7 lbs 11 oz and all the 0-3 was WAY too big for the longest time)
electric breastpump: INVALUABLE if you are nursing and going back to work!!!!

That's it for now though I'm sure I'll have more. For all those who don't know I'm slightly obsessed with this online mom's group that I joined ages ago...long before I even got pregnant as they had a section for babies on the brain. It is at momscorner.activeboard.com and it is a great resource/service for all your questions/advice etc... as you enter into motherhood (or re-enter in the case of Kelly and Erica!)

East vs. West...I'm going with Lori's Salsa and hoping it represents a big win by the Cardinals this weekend!!!!

Anonymous said...

Big Announcement: Last night I created a highlowaha facebook group for all you highlowaha'ers who frequent that site. So...if I'm NOT your facebook friend become my friend so I can invite you to the group!!!

Julie said...

Superbowl Snack Throwdown:
Lori's Salsa will win over Maureen's Onion Dip 12-8 ... Lori's going to need that win to fall back on when THE STEELERS BEAT THE CARDINALS!!!!

My Free For All Friday Contribution:
Just because I know we've all gotten to know each other so well, I couldn't let today happen without sharing ... WE ARE HAVING A SNOW DAY AT SCHOOL!!! One of the preschool teachers (originally from the Buffalo, NY area) has ordered 10 TONS OF SNOW to be delivered for both the MORNING and the AFTERNOON preschool sessions!!!! I know many of you are sick of snow, ice, and everything cold, but for me this will be a nice little piece of home, delivered out here to me in the desert!

And, it's a jeans day ... and you better believe that I'm wearing one of my STEELERS shirts ... while in Cardinal's territory!!!!

Have a great Friday, HLA :)

Also - CKB, I got my Goal Fishing stuff and my ornament - thank you!

azlori said...

OH Julie......Trash talking from the west side of the valley so early in the am? If you don't make it through the day cuz you are wearing Steeler colors can I keep the jeep? Even your Jeep knows who the best teaam is since he is always sporting red! But thanks for the vote for the salsa! Have fun at your snow day!
I'll hope for a close "game" when it comes to the onion dip and salsa! 10-10 tie or 11-9 victory for one of them!
Unnecessary item:
multiple pacifier types...only liked the one from the hospital
wipe warmers

Couldn't have lived without:
Bath tub seat
cloth diapers for burp towels
car seat toy bar
swing
bouncy chair
and that favorite pacifier from the hospital!
Yikes! It's late...need to get ready for work! TGIF!
Have a great day HLA!

Julie said...

Lori, yes, you can have my Jeep if I don't make it through today ... but for what it's worth, from a rookie's perspective, that color of my jeep more closely aligns with ASUs colors, not the Cards!

Im no mother, but I will say one thing no one can live without is a camera with either a big memory stick, or better yet, an external hard drive! *SNAP*~*SNAP*~*SNAP*

Kristen Giger said...

JULIE JULIE JULIE: I THOUGHT THAT JEEP WAS SUPOSED TO STAY IN THE FAMILY, AND YOU'RE GOING TO WILL IT TO A RIVAL IN ENEMY TERRITORY?? WE NEED TO TALK!!!
Oh that's right, I guess you're just confident in the ability ofPITTSBURGH to bring down the STEEL CURTAIN on those tweety birds!

I also predict AZLori's salsa will win, just because I don't like onion dip. It will be a blow out 18-2 (maybe also representative of the WIN PITTSBURGH will have? not that I'm trash talking or anything!)

CKB: Got my fish in the mail yesterday as well!

Julie said...

Lori, just so everyone understands, you only get my jeep IF i don't make it through today alive ... and you also inherit my car payment :)

That being said ... Kristen, have no fears!! AND, Pitts will win!! Bookies (spelling?) in Vegas are putting 40-1 odds on the game in favor of the Steelers!

Katie said...

Good morning and Happy Friday!!!

My contributions to today's free for all will be via my experience from working in a nursery at a daycare.

Couldn't have worked without:

Forehead thermometer (you run it across their forehead and it comes back with the temp)
Swaddle blankets (if you plan to swaddle, they make blankets for you now that make it so much easier!)
Boudreaux’s Butt Paste (best diaper rash cream of all!)


If going to daycare:
Extra bottles (so you aren't constantly cleaning them like a mad woman)
Blankets that smell like home (a small comfort)

I think Lori's salsa will win 14-6. GO CARDINALS!!!!
Also, I have not received my things for Goal Fishing. That's the JMU mail system for you!

Kristen Giger said...

This is gonna be a looooong one...

UNNECESSARY:
Wipe warmer (mother in law and husband insisted on this one, so we have one)

37,000 newborn and 0-3 outfits. I kept Jennifer in a sleeper most of the time. Take some of the smaller outfits back and exchange for larger ones. Also, she was 8pounds 3 ounces and I still have a long sleeved onesie with tags on it for "up to 7 pounds"

NECESSARY:
Crib set: We went all out and got a matching border to put in the nursery. I agree that we never put the quilt on her to sleep, but we used it on the floor for playtime sometimes.

Mobile: gotta have it...it puts her to sleep every night

Travel System: We got the car seat/baby carrier and stroller set. It was WONDERFUL. As a stay at home mom who can't sit still I put many, many miles on that stroller.

Electric Breast Pump: I'm milking as I type this. I bought a relitavely inexpensive one (The first years) and have been completely satisified.

Swing: After my husband put a very fussy baby to sleep by swinging her in her car seat by hand, we decided we needed a swing...it has been a life saver on more than one occasion.

Bouncy seat: It is a great place to feed them cereal for the first time, as they are usually still to little for a high chair

High Chair: Look for one that you can clean easily!!

Pack and Play: Worked great for visiting the in-laws or my grandparents, both of whom live out of town

Car Window Shade: We do lots of traveling

Mirror to put over back seat to look at baby (not 100% necessary, but sure is good to have!)

MEDELA STEAM BAGS!! A personal FAVORITE. These bags can be bought at target, babies r us, and other places. Each bag can be used 20 times and it sterilizes bottles, pacifiers, nipples, breast pump stuff all in about 3 min in your microwave! Get a box of bags now!!!!

P.S: As for the price is right items...who spends $68.00 on a diaper bag? We use th eblack Similac one that came from the hospital!!!

azlori said...

Julie,
How' bout I get the jeep and Kristin can have the car payments? Works for me! That way it stays in the family somewhat! I'll loan it to her if she is ever out this way!
GO CARDINALS!

Anonymous said...

This weekend is going to be a great Super Bowl event - I think that the score is going to be very close.
As for baby stuff -
Need -
Swing, baby bjorn (Matthew wanted to be walked hours on end, it gave my arms a break) - Long range baby monitor - preferably the new Graco - I was able to have a drink with my neighbors outside while the kids were sleeping.
AND... SHOP TOWELS from Costco - these plain white terry cloth towels are the best and cost effective- 60 for $20 - They last forever and you can bleach them clean. I just bought a bunch for my neighbor.
Didn't need - diaper gene - get a good trash can with a seal and it works better and longer.
Good luck pregnant ladies - enjoy the wonderful world of motherhood.

lindsaymarie said...

although i probably should be faithful to my east coast roots, i am rooting for the cardinals and i love salsa, so i'm predicting lori for the win.... 13-7.
i got my goal fishing package yesterday! when i went to the mailroom to pick it up, my friend who works there said "oh! i just saw yours, it's so cute!" so you made my day and made the seton hall mailroom staff smile.
i don't have any suggestions for baby registries... get back to me in ten years or so for that... but if your babies are anything like me or my brother, they'll fall in love with one blanket and all others will be unnecessary. we both still have our favorite baby blankets.

Cheryl Houston said...

I can't remember what I registered for and didn't use. I think we got a hand-me-down warmer that was good for a while but yeah- they dry the wipes out. Diaper Genie- I used it a lot at first but then it just got to be a hassle and was easier to just use the plastic bags from the store. But, I lived where a dumpster was handy so... We lived in such a small condo that the monitor wasn't really necessary but it did come in handy when we were at Andy's parents house.

I loved our swing and the activity chair thing- you know the thing you put them in and can spin around and play with the stuff on the tray infront of them. I loved the gowns that had the little hand protecters so they didn't scratch their face.

I'm going to vote for Onion dip- 12-8.

I WON!!! I can't believe I got all 10 right. Cool!!

I received my Goal Fishing info and would also like clarification if I'm supposed to stay a secret or not.

Anonymous said...

I have NO clue what baby items are necessary and those that are not necessary.

STACIE...and other...you may want to check out this website: www.yourlittlestitch.com

A girl I worked at summer camp (Julie, it's Di...and she lives in AZ) has her own fleece baby cloth website. She custom makes them. Check it out!

I'm a big fan of salsa these days so I vote for Lori to win 12-8. I also vote for the Cardinals to win 100000-3. I do NOT like the Steelers :)

Happy Friday all!

Anonymous said...

I want to play too. My wonderful wife mentioned the Costco shop towls. The funny thing is you buy them in the autoimotive section. Nice white terry cloth "hand size" towel beats the over priced "pretty" burp towels. I agree with her on the diaper genie as well, but she left out bottle warmer. A warmer is stupid. Feed your kid room temp formula, you can do it anywhere at any time with no fuss or muss. For the record, I did get up at night and feed Prince Matthew a bottle so I am able to comment (but yes Cristine did it more than I). Lastly as mentioned before, you can do without golf clubs because when a baby arrives, your game goes away:)

As for what you "must have", that would be patience. Followed by a close second...coupons. Kids are expensive.

Super Bowl.......I call a tie. I like salsa (make it hot), and onion dip. Works out well they will both be at my house. Incase anyone wants an actual "play by play" update...call the hotline....630-CLD-BEER (630-253-2337) and I will answer.

Claudia @ Highlowaha said...

So much good advice is embedded in today's posts! I suggest passing today's post and comments on to anyone you know who is pregnant.

As for my must haves:
Cloth diapers... not for the purposes of diapers (I am not near that admirable), but instead as spit up cloths and rags to clean up all the messes. My youngest is almost two now and we still use them to clean up the floor after dinner. Once their duty in the kitchen is over, they will go out to my husbands workshop in the garage.

Large bath sponge: We never got one of the big tubs that you set in the bath tub. Someone advised us to just get the big sponge (shaped like a teddy bear) and place them on that at one end of the tub. I loved it because at the end of bath time all we had to do was wring it out and hang it up to dry. No big piece of equipment necessary.

Less is more when it comes to baby gear.

Something I had, but rarely used... my running stroller. It was not easy to maneuver. Besides I realized that running without kids was one of the purposes of my even exercising. It's a nice break and the time alone was needed. Umbrella strollers, on the other hand, I am a big fan of. Small, inexpensive, and easy to transport.

Meeshie said...

I'm gonna guess that Stacie's sons name is Landon!

I've registered for most of the stuff that everyone has mentioned is necessary! And going to change some of the other things we've registered for the twins. It's good to know that I have a place I can come to and ask the "stupid" questions about babies, and their respective items. I've never had my own...I've always just been able to give them back!

Claudia @ Highlowaha said...

Michelle... Yes now you will have two of your very own and while 99% of the time you will love it, there will be the days when you wish you could just give them back. Someday maybe my husband will get post about the morning he came down stairs to find me curled up in the fetal position crying. I was on like night four of being home from the hospital. Jack would not sleep, not stop crying, I was engorged, and the reality that sun was coming up and I was going to have to endure a whole other day of non-stop crying and pain was more than I could handle at that very moment. Now we laugh about it, but boy in the moment...

Everyone needs to identify the one friend they can call at a crazy hour for a dose of sanity. For me it was my friend, Susan. She has a medical background and stays up late reading. She was/is my go-to person!

Claudia @ Highlowaha said...

Oh, ONE MORE IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:

Yes, GOAL FISH participants... You may reveal yourself to the person you have been assigned. You will be communicating for a year and unless you were former CIA, keeping a cover going for that long would be very difficult!

Cheryl Houston said...

I am going to call myself lucky on this one. My babies were normal. Not the best sleepers through the night but they did sleep. We had our colic and potty issues but for the most part- happy babies.

With that- my baby making factory is definetly closed!

Anonymous said...

Items You don't need:

Most of the "stuff." I found it creates a huge mess and you don't use it. I think it's easier if you wait and see what your baby likes. I've purchased a swing or bouncey only to find that my baby hated it. I now recommend that people try it out at a friend's house with their baby and if they like it THEN make the purchase.

What I use a lot:
Baby Blankets (various sizes and textures)
Clothes
Baby Sling/pack/carrier
Car Seat
Breast Pump (NICE ONE, don't waste money on inexpensive, they break and hurt your nipples. ouch)

I love me some nice soft, not inexpensive onsies. They last, look nice and feel good to baby.

People will give you toys and fancy clothes.

I know Stacie's baby's name! But I'm keeping mum.

I did not receive my goal fishing in the mail. I am, however, iced in. (With Stacie and said baby...)

Anonymous said...

I dont have kids yet...but I have had four younger brothers. a swing and a bouncy seat are two of the best things i think because my mom could stick them in there for a little bit and have two free hands again. its also nice to have those things when i am babysitting a baby that has one or two older siblings and need a minute to do something with the older one...

as far as the snack throwdown. i am going to vote onion dip, but its going to be a close race at 11-9.

and i still have not recieved my goal fishing info...but because of bad weather around here all week, i am sure the mail is a little backed up...though we have been getting our mail everyday!

have a great day HLA!

Cheryl Houston said...

Oh! The best advice I got about being a mom is it's okay to let your baby cry. If you need a break, take a break. If you know he/she is fed, dry and they are just having a moment (or day in your case Claudia), put the baby safely somewhere- a crib, a swing, a bouncy and let the poor thing cry. Take your break, gather yourself, take the dinner out of the oven or whatever you need to do. Take a deep breath, think a happy thought and then tend to your child.

If you are calmer then your baby will be, too. :)

Anonymous said...

The thing that you DON'T need: Diaper Genie. Seriously, what could be more disgusting than a giant diaper sausage link? I use cloth diapers now and I only wish I had known how easy it is so I would have used them with my first two.

The one thing I couldn't live without: my sling! I have a Maya Wrap and love it.

I too know Stacie's baby's name and will not spill the beans. Also I second all the wonderful things Claudia said about Stacie. The belly cast kit is wonderful and makes such a special keepsake!

Katie said...

All of this is so perfect as my friend Brittany from college just had her first child today- a healthy baby boy! I will have to pass along some of this info to her as she will certainly be needing it in the weeks/months/years to come!

Anonymous said...

I agree Cheryl...I had to walk away from Lily just this morning. She TRIES to tell us what she wants and gets SO frustrated when we can't figure it out. This morning we were going in a circle of frustration so I just walked away and asked Bal to try and help her.
I also agree about waiting to see what they like. Lily rarely used the swing...more when she was tiny but she LOVED her exersaucer.

eknoxuk said...

Hmmm...we definitely got too much stuff from our registry! Number one no need is wipe and bottle warmers!
I also second the bedding, because there doesn't seem to be much time that you can actually use a bumper when its not a hazard and you can't use the blanket! I sold it all for $20 at a yard sale!
I'd also add a bumbo seat. They looked really neat, but I never used it.
Also, don't register for little blankets, that seems to be the biggest gift people give not from a registry, so you end up with a ton.
You definitely need a couple of sets of sheets and waterproof mattress covers! Also the Papasan bouncy seat was the only thing I could get to soothe my son when he had acid reflux.
Good advice-do what works. Don't feel guilty about letting them sleep in a bouncy seat! Its a great trick and better than sleeping in your bed!
Also, when you decide to breast or bottle feed, stop anyone from trying to make you feel guilty about your choice. And don't make yourself feel guilty if you choose to breastfeed but it doesn't work well for you!
Relax:) My new motto is "simplicity"

eknoxuk said...

Nicole, May I ask out of curiosity-how much does a cloth diaper service cost?

Anonymous said...

OK- let's see if I can remember everything for today:
Unnecessary baby items I registered for:
bedding for bassinet- child was big and not in the bassinet for long.

Necessary items-
quality breast pump
quality monitor system
burp rags
bibs

Stacie's son's name: I wanted to guess Landon, but I know that has been guessed so I will go with Larson.

I wanted to go for Lori's Salsa as I am on teh west side- but I love onion dip. So, I will go for the onion dip

I did get my goal fishin stuff yesterday. I like this person's resolution as I am also trying to do the same- but yet I put down a different resolution. Hope in trying to keep this person on target I can do the same.

Congrats Cheryl on winning yesterdays game-

And Heather I would join the facebook group- what do you need from me?

maureen said...

Lori.... it doesnt matter at this point who wins, we made it this far and I wish you the best!

Besides I like salsa and onion dip! I think at this point the real winners are "The Strubles" they get to have both.

HAve a good day HLA! Even those of you who want me to LOSE LOL!!!

maureen said...

Unnecessary: wipe warmer, teething rings, rattles

Very necessary: Swing, monitor, burping cloths, bouncy seat, pack and play

God I remember my son having the infant gowns with the draw string. Now they are made with elastic... How did we all survive the prehistoric "baby clothes" era?

Peggy said...

Had a cloth diaper service for the first baby(... he got his drivers permit yesterday, yikes!!!) LOVED it.... loved the swing... mine was so old, had to wind it up manually and every time it stopped.... the cranking noise startled the baby and woke them up! High chair, I had gotten a wooden one to 'match' the furniture.... should have got the plastic easier to wash kind....hated the diaper genie I got at a garage sale... dogs are good for licking up the crumbs and food that gets tossed on the floor!

My sad, soupy story.... we moved from Wisconsin to Tennessee 3 weeks after youngest was born... I had a barely two year old, brand new house, no yard yet (800 miles away from the only place I had ever lived, no family)... it was 95+ degrees, 45 days straight when we moved in and dh worked 45 minutes away in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains.... there were days he came home and all three of us were crying as he walked in the door.... I'm sure he wanted to turn right back around and go back to work!!!

Anonymous said...

Kelly if you search under Find People you Know on Facebook for Heather Snow I'm the one in Dallas/Fort Worth with a cheesy toddler as her picture. If you friend request me I'll add you to the group.

lindsaymarie said...

i just wanted to share that i just ironed my patches on my new patchwork denim, and because i live in a dorm room i have an iron but no ironing board... and i was silly enough to iron on my rug... so now i have a little burnt spot on my rug. oops! luckily it was a cheapo dorm room rug. but now i'll think of HLA every time i see the little spot, HAHA! at least my patchwork denim looks great.

Cheryl Houston said...

Lindsay- What are using to put your patches on? I just put some more patches on my jeans the other night. I love the way they're turning out!

Claudia @ Highlowaha said...

Ooooh.... Lindsay and Cheryl... I love all this talk about Patchwork Denim. Everyone will want to get their Patchwork Denim in tip top shape, as there are big things coming up on Highlowaha! Stay tuned!

Anonymous said...

So much advice to take in - I may just have to print this all out later! Missed out on the fun game yesterday, as we lost electricity Wednesday night, but now I've taken up residence with my Dad to stay warm for the weekend. The electric company is saying 7-10 days before everyone is restored - I'm so grateful Eleanor isn't here yet!

I know Stacey's son's name, so I don't think its fair to participate in that competition! Belly casts sound neat though - I've never heard of it!

Good luck Throwdown competitors... both options sound really good right now!

Anonymous said...

Another FFAF question: What is the best item/tip for traveling with Baby? Mark and I like to hit the road a lot!

Anonymous said...

best tips depend on what age...travel alot while they are really little as all they'll do in the car is sleep!

once they are a little older...say 10 months it gets a little harder. I say bring lots of healthy snacks and a few sippy cups. Be careful to put something under them in the carseat in case of a blowout. Travel early or late so they sleep for a big portion of the trip (or schedule a trip to Nashville/Bowling Green during nap time). Take fun new toys that they don't get to use alot, fun books are good too. Finally, if all else fails get one of the portable DVD players that hooks on the back of the headrest. That was a lifesaver for our drive to KY this winter.

Anonymous said...

oooh and the mirror thing is essential when they are rear facing so you can see if they are content/sleeping whatever...

Anonymous said...

Heather- I searched for Heather Snow from Dallas/Fort Worth and did not find one- only one from Austin. here is my email if you can request me?
kmagnuson@mso.umt.edu
Thanks

Anonymous said...

Kelly...is that you with the blue shirt and little girl in yellow?
If so you have a friend request.

Anonymous said...

that is me and I got yoru request- thank you

Anonymous said...

Whoever asked about the cloth diapers...

I don't use a service. Cloth diapers are fairly inexpensive. The most cost-effective system is to use prefolds (about $2 each) with a waterproof cover ($10-15 each). You will need 12-24 prefolds and 3-5 covers, depending on how often you want to wash them. Washing them is not hard either.

There are lots of options out there. Diaperjungle.com is a good resource. Feel free to email me if you have other questions. nza@insightbb.com.

Kristen Giger said...

Another absolute necessity...a diaper disposal system. I use the diaper champ. We looked at the diaper genie, but you have to buy replacement bags for them instead of using regular plastic grocery bags.

Another side note: I am constantly getting coupons for babies r us...some that I have now and will not be using are:
1) 15% off every vaporizer, humidifier, thermometer, or air purification item
2)15% off gates or gate extensions
3) 15% off every monitor
4) 15% off every bathtub, bather, or diaper pail
5) 15% off Born Free or Playtex infant feeding items
6) 15% off Avent or Dexbaby MilkBank infant feeding items
7) 2 for $10 Diaper Genie refills
8) $2.00 off three baby wash, lotion, shampoo, or diaper rash items
9)$2.00 off on every Huggies Pull-ups or Pampers easy ups training pants

**If you want any of these I will be happy to mail them to you.

Anonymous said...

See Kristen...we never got a diaper disposal system and Lily is 20 months...my sister had one and it just ended up smelling horribly so she advised against it. I haven't ever missed it. We just invested in a good trash can that holds the smell like Nicole suggested.

Katie said...

Melanie, Good news for you, I hope! My friend who lives down the street from you got her power back this evening...hopefully you did too!