And Baby Makes Four

It is striking to me that the ultrasound pictures of human babies look just like the alien photos in tabloids. We had one that was just like them. I used to wonder how much I could get from the Enquirer for my "proof" that I was carrying an alien child. Used to creep my husband out, but I thought it was funny.

Oh, nifty. One of my friends showed me her ultrasound video, and it was very, very good and fascinating and scary because there'd be moving, pulsing, mushy nothing, and then suddenly, BAM! An alien face peeking out, centre-frame. And then more mushy plusing nothing, and WHAM! two little feet pressed against "the camera". I always jumped when the baby or a recognizable baby-part actually came into view.

That jogging stroller rocks!

Actually it's not all stuff we "need," necessarily, and it's not all stuff for Baby X. Some of it is for Theo. I'm hoping to be able to have a Theo Birthday/Shower/Housewarming sometime this summer so this should cover all our bases. I don't especially like registries but I do get asked what we "need" and what Theo would like for his birthday, so I thought this registry might help.

You can also check out "www.backtobasicstoys.com":www.backtobasicstoys.com (who does not have a registry but does sell gift certificiates). They sell primarily "basic" toys, such as wooden toys, and lots of things that do NOT require batteries or make noise!

Also "www.rungreen.com":www.rungreen.com is a John Deere product web site and they sell cool things like a little kid wheelbarrow and real (small) tools, as well as a really cool trike and a pedal tractor! I will probably also set something up on the following web site (another registry), which sells many of the same things as Back to Basics but is MUCH more customer friendly: "www.sensationalbeginnings.com":www.sensationalbeginnings.com.

As I said, we don't necessarily "need" much for #2, but what I've learned after going through one baby already is that there are things I WISHED I'd had, would've been nice to have had in retrospect, or am pretty sure we will want to have this time around (esp with two only 2 yrs apart).

One such item is the nifty Bumbo Baby Seat. I can't say for sure that Theo would've used it, but if so, it would've been a sanity saver. The problem with him is that he always wanted to be sitting up, even when he couldn't sit up by himself, and of course he liked to be held much of the time. This was a real challenge.

Thanks for thinking of and taking a look at our little alien.

I think that is precisely the right reason for registries - people want to know what would be useful, and since they/we (as a society) don't all live next door to your/any of our friends' mother anymore they can't discreetly ask her what you need.

My other comment is that there is just no way of knowing what baby #2 will need or want. Funny story: One of my good friends was convinced during her first pregnancy that the baby would sleep in a crib, because that was the right place. Well, baby #1 did not actually go to sleep when placed in the crib, so he ended up sleeping with them, a lot. So, she comes around to the Dr. Sears/sleep with your baby because it's natural and best theory. Baby #2? Couldn't fall asleep when being touched. Had to be put down in a separate place to relax. You just never know.

I know I was devoted to my sling through babies one and two. Then I babysat a child who came with his own Baby Bjorn carrier - if we should ever have baby #3 (pleaseGodnothankyou) I am getting one! It was worth every penny.

Best wishes for the hot NJ summer, it can't be easy. One good thing you can say for pregnancy, it is never a permanent condition.:)

Blessings,
Robin

Just dropping in to wish you a happy Father's Day!

All the best.
--Barbara