Here is a blog entry with a few things that I admit aren't really needs, but boy-howdy, would they be nice to have!!
Rob and I went out to our fall mushroom hunting grounds this last weekend to see it in the spring. For now it's still mostly under snow! We saw some fungus, but nothing we'd want to eat. We did see a couple of guys going for a hike, each one with their own child and their own child carrier! One was a Kelty Child Carrier and the other was an REI version. I have to say that the Kelty was PIMP! It has a sun/rain hood that in Washington is more of a rain hood! When you start looking at accessories, they have little stirrups so Baby has something to put their feet on (so cute!!) and a bug net to protect from all those pesky little mosquitoes (and deer flies when we travel)!
Talk about carrying a child in a back pack, have you ever noticed those little gaps caused when pants ride up on kids and their little ankles and calves are exposed to the elements? That's where BabyLegs come in! They are so cute and functional! The testimonials on the site, make me want a pair for myself! In fact I don't think they really fit into the title of this blog, as the more I think about it the more I start to consider it a need! (So, I went back to Blog 6 and inserted it near the clothing topic!)
Then of course there's the yoga classes that I'd love to take, I can even take baby with me after it's born! I've taken yoga before for a short time, I ran out of money long before I ran out of interest, but I could tell that I benefited from even that short time that I did it! I think it'd be a great thing to do for exercise to prepare for baby and then after too!
I've been going to the sites of the advertisers in Mothering magazine, boy, oh, boy! I've added a few other things that would make lovely comfort gifts to MyRegistry. Earth Mama Angel Baby is full of lovely comfort things, Natural Nipple Butter sounds sooo goooood! I've actually started a registry at the site so I don't have to list everything I'm interest in on MyRegistry. I've also used the sites in Mothering, on MyRegistry as examples for clothing and toys that I like and approve of!
I've also started a wish list on Amazon.com under my name and/or e-mail, with a few hints to make sure you know it's me! There are a few parenting books, but then there are more books that are about food and consumerism that I think will help me be a better person and a better parent, we'll see!
This will be one blog that I anticipate updating with some frequency!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Saturday, March 8, 2008
#8 Blessingway/Baby Shower(s)
The first time I had heard of Blessingways was during my doula class, then a year or so later, a friend of mine had one that I was invited too. Ever since then, I've known that I want one too.
"Blessingways are celebrations of pregnant and adoptive women and their transition into motherhood. These special mother-centered gatherings offer friends and family a fresh approach to honoring, supporting, nurturing,
and encouraging mothers-to-be." - from Blessingway.net
With my mother incarcerated, it has become even more important to me to bring those that love and support me nearer to me. I've been rather estranged from my mother for a while, but she always came through for the big things, like my wedding, and I am realizing that I am missing out with not having her here with me during this time when I've heard that mothers and daughters really bond in a way they had never known. I need to have the women (and men) that care about me around me and supporting me in a way that is undeniable. I do keep in mind that I am now free to find women to fill the role of "mother" and I have many!! (Gramma, Cathy, Karen, Stephanie, Renee, etc)
While all that I am officially requesting from the Blessingway, is the presence of my friends and family and their participation in the "ritual", I do want to mention that as far as gifts go, they're for the mama (that's me, hehe). This is your opportunity to gift something, that if you're a woman, would've wanted for yourself (but with my picky-ness in mind), either in pregnancy ( a leg waxing), or after (postpartum cloth pads), or both (organic lotions/spa basket). My doula does do massage and a few other services that I really benefit from, but it's not covered in the doula package until the birth, so I'd take that as a gift as well. I'll make sure that Tina, tinagayle77@gmail.com (my go-to-girl) has my doula's number and the number of my favorite leg-waxer! If you're wondering where to buy natural/organic stuff, I'd try your local natural foods store (a fruit basket or gift certificate sounds great too!). In Tacoma, that would be Marlene's, on 38th St (mall side of the freeway), next to Taco Bell. The internet is a great source, as long as you're able to view the ingredient list. I really like Lush.com, it's a great company and they actually have a few stores in the U.S. now, even one in Seattle!! Another e-store is Earth Mama Angel Baby, good stuff! (In general products have to be at least 70% organic to call themselves organic and usually clearly state their percentage on the package.) I've already mentioned, in previous blogs, a few things that would easily be considered mama gifts, check out the list in blog 7 for other ideas! I've also been adding things to MyRegistry.com like crazy!!
As far as the ritual part of the Blessingway, I'll work with a close friend or relative to get all of that sorted out and send out the details with the invitations. You can probably expect something like a request for your personal positive birth stories or moments, prayers for the health and future of our baby and new family, a poem that inspired you or that you wrote, a single loose flower, a candle to light at the Blessingway and again at the birth, an offer of help for after the baby is born, such as dishes, laundry, vacuuming, a foot massage, and one of my favorites, meal prep or drop-off! (Remember, Rob's a vegetarian and he should be taken care of too!) Whatever strikes your fancy! I plan on doing a belly cast, probably before people arrive or maybe later in pregnancy, I'll get that all worked out later!
Speaking of later, I had anticipated asking for the baby shower to happen after the baby is born, as we're not going to find out the sex of the baby until it's born or if Rob has his way, until it goes off to college, that way folks will know what colors to buy (not that I'm a fan of a strictly pink or strictly blue wardrobe - hint hint). Well, my Aunt Cathy has different plans (we're related, can you tell? *we do what we want*). She says that we can have one before and one after, that there are things that we'll need before the baby comes and plenty of non-gender items to gift. This is a good time to remind folks that there are more neutrals than just yellow and green, there are soft browns, creams, earth tones, and such. Girls can wear a lovely blue. She's planning the pre-birth party for the last weekend of June, and I know that it will be at our family church. She also said someone else can plan the post-birth party - any takers? I figure that I'll plan the Blessingway for August 2nd. We can wait until later to plan the other, probably for September.
So, all those that would like to attend a party - there will be ample opportunity. Please go to whatever shower you'd like, if there is something specific you'd like to gift the baby, pick which ever party best suits you and the gift. Regardless of whether or not your going gift anything other than your presence, you should come to at least one of them and the Blessingway!
"Blessingways are celebrations of pregnant and adoptive women and their transition into motherhood. These special mother-centered gatherings offer friends and family a fresh approach to honoring, supporting, nurturing,
and encouraging mothers-to-be." - from Blessingway.net
With my mother incarcerated, it has become even more important to me to bring those that love and support me nearer to me. I've been rather estranged from my mother for a while, but she always came through for the big things, like my wedding, and I am realizing that I am missing out with not having her here with me during this time when I've heard that mothers and daughters really bond in a way they had never known. I need to have the women (and men) that care about me around me and supporting me in a way that is undeniable. I do keep in mind that I am now free to find women to fill the role of "mother" and I have many!! (Gramma, Cathy, Karen, Stephanie, Renee, etc)
While all that I am officially requesting from the Blessingway, is the presence of my friends and family and their participation in the "ritual", I do want to mention that as far as gifts go, they're for the mama (that's me, hehe). This is your opportunity to gift something, that if you're a woman, would've wanted for yourself (but with my picky-ness in mind), either in pregnancy ( a leg waxing), or after (postpartum cloth pads), or both (organic lotions/spa basket). My doula does do massage and a few other services that I really benefit from, but it's not covered in the doula package until the birth, so I'd take that as a gift as well. I'll make sure that Tina, tinagayle77@gmail.com (my go-to-girl) has my doula's number and the number of my favorite leg-waxer! If you're wondering where to buy natural/organic stuff, I'd try your local natural foods store (a fruit basket or gift certificate sounds great too!). In Tacoma, that would be Marlene's, on 38th St (mall side of the freeway), next to Taco Bell. The internet is a great source, as long as you're able to view the ingredient list. I really like Lush.com, it's a great company and they actually have a few stores in the U.S. now, even one in Seattle!! Another e-store is Earth Mama Angel Baby, good stuff! (In general products have to be at least 70% organic to call themselves organic and usually clearly state their percentage on the package.) I've already mentioned, in previous blogs, a few things that would easily be considered mama gifts, check out the list in blog 7 for other ideas! I've also been adding things to MyRegistry.com like crazy!!
As far as the ritual part of the Blessingway, I'll work with a close friend or relative to get all of that sorted out and send out the details with the invitations. You can probably expect something like a request for your personal positive birth stories or moments, prayers for the health and future of our baby and new family, a poem that inspired you or that you wrote, a single loose flower, a candle to light at the Blessingway and again at the birth, an offer of help for after the baby is born, such as dishes, laundry, vacuuming, a foot massage, and one of my favorites, meal prep or drop-off! (Remember, Rob's a vegetarian and he should be taken care of too!) Whatever strikes your fancy! I plan on doing a belly cast, probably before people arrive or maybe later in pregnancy, I'll get that all worked out later!
Speaking of later, I had anticipated asking for the baby shower to happen after the baby is born, as we're not going to find out the sex of the baby until it's born or if Rob has his way, until it goes off to college, that way folks will know what colors to buy (not that I'm a fan of a strictly pink or strictly blue wardrobe - hint hint). Well, my Aunt Cathy has different plans (we're related, can you tell? *we do what we want*). She says that we can have one before and one after, that there are things that we'll need before the baby comes and plenty of non-gender items to gift. This is a good time to remind folks that there are more neutrals than just yellow and green, there are soft browns, creams, earth tones, and such. Girls can wear a lovely blue. She's planning the pre-birth party for the last weekend of June, and I know that it will be at our family church. She also said someone else can plan the post-birth party - any takers? I figure that I'll plan the Blessingway for August 2nd. We can wait until later to plan the other, probably for September.
So, all those that would like to attend a party - there will be ample opportunity. Please go to whatever shower you'd like, if there is something specific you'd like to gift the baby, pick which ever party best suits you and the gift. Regardless of whether or not your going gift anything other than your presence, you should come to at least one of them and the Blessingway!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
#7 Comprehensive List
I'm going to make a list of the items that I've listed in previous blogs and which blog you can find the info regarding each one. This way when I think of something to add, I'll add it to this list and it'll be the only one gift givers will have to really recheck! I'll try to list them in the order that I would/will buy them for myself. If I hear that someone is getting or has gotten me something from the list, I'll make a note! ALERT: I've found a website that allows you to create a personalized gift registry that doesn't keep you in one store!! MyRegistry.com Our visitor code is monkey. You can enter either my or Rob's name to find our list. I'm trying to find a piece of clothing or a toy that is more an example of the site than an absolute request for myregistry. Also, if you have a question about something, maybe something that isn't on the list, please feel free to contact one of my bestest friends, Tina at tinagayle77@gmail.com she's willing to be my go-to-girl!!
body pillow/birth ball - blog 4 -BOTH PURCHASED!
cloth menstrual pads - blog 4
doula - blog 4- COVERED, MOSTLY
birth pool - blog 4 - GIFTED
bras - blog 4
cloth diapers - blog 3/5
cloth wipes/washcloths - blog 3/5
family sleeper - blog 1
diaper bin/pail liner - blog 3/5
car seat - blog 4 - PURCHASED
diaper bag - blog 5
breast pads - blog 4
boppy - blog 6
breastfeeding shirts - blog 6
Slings - blog 1/5
play yard - blog 1 - GIFTED
baby hygiene products - blog 6
baby clothes/toys - blog 6/16
breast pump - blog 6
postpartum doula - blog 12/13 KINDA COVERED
couch/bed - blog 4
Health Savings Account - blog 4
subscription to Mothering Magazine - blog 2 - PURCHASED
high chair - someone specific is being asked - CONFIRMED TO BE GIFTED
changing table - blog 6 - GIFTED
baby backpack - blog 9
yoga classes - blog 9
pregnancy photography - blog 12
Blessingway gift ideas - blog 8/myregistry.com (monkey) - OVER
Baby Shower info - blog 8 - OVER
I feel like I'm asking for a lot, but I imagine that we'll end up getting a lot of it ourselves. I am spending a lot of time and thought on this, at least I'm not running through Target or Sears, just zapping things -"'cause they're cute". I also need to remember that I'm asking for a lot of things not to be given and I'm sure that it will all even out in the end!
Recap on things that we DO NOT need:
plastics
*pacifiers
*teethers
*toys
bottles and bottle accessories - I have specific requests and need very few - I'll get them myself.
crib
stroller
diaper genie
baby monitor
disposable diapers
common rash creams
Johnson & Johnson products
I'm so excited about having this baby, I have to remind myself that I enjoy this part too!! The morning sickness is gone, but I'm waiting to feel the baby move!
body pillow/birth ball - blog 4 -BOTH PURCHASED!
cloth menstrual pads - blog 4
doula - blog 4- COVERED, MOSTLY
birth pool - blog 4 - GIFTED
bras - blog 4
cloth diapers - blog 3/5
cloth wipes/washcloths - blog 3/5
family sleeper - blog 1
diaper bin/pail liner - blog 3/5
car seat - blog 4 - PURCHASED
diaper bag - blog 5
breast pads - blog 4
boppy - blog 6
breastfeeding shirts - blog 6
Slings - blog 1/5
play yard - blog 1 - GIFTED
baby hygiene products - blog 6
baby clothes/toys - blog 6/16
breast pump - blog 6
postpartum doula - blog 12/13 KINDA COVERED
couch/bed - blog 4
Health Savings Account - blog 4
subscription to Mothering Magazine - blog 2 - PURCHASED
high chair - someone specific is being asked - CONFIRMED TO BE GIFTED
changing table - blog 6 - GIFTED
baby backpack - blog 9
yoga classes - blog 9
pregnancy photography - blog 12
Blessingway gift ideas - blog 8/myregistry.com (monkey) - OVER
Baby Shower info - blog 8 - OVER
I feel like I'm asking for a lot, but I imagine that we'll end up getting a lot of it ourselves. I am spending a lot of time and thought on this, at least I'm not running through Target or Sears, just zapping things -"'cause they're cute". I also need to remember that I'm asking for a lot of things not to be given and I'm sure that it will all even out in the end!
Recap on things that we DO NOT need:
plastics
*pacifiers
*teethers
*toys
bottles and bottle accessories - I have specific requests and need very few - I'll get them myself.
crib
stroller
diaper genie
baby monitor
disposable diapers
common rash creams
Johnson & Johnson products
I'm so excited about having this baby, I have to remind myself that I enjoy this part too!! The morning sickness is gone, but I'm waiting to feel the baby move!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
#6 Things Needed After Birth...
I feel like I have "scrambled brain" today, but here I go...
I plan to breastfeed for as long as baby and I decide it works for us. I do hope for at least a year, as recommended by the U.S. Surgeon General, 2 years as recommended by the World Health Organization, is optimal, and anything beyond that is pure bonus!! (Read here for info on extended breastfeeding.) Taking these plans into consideration, I anticipate needing some breastfeeding shirts, because as strange as it may sound, I don't care if someone sees my nipple, I just don't want anyone to see my belly as I pull up my shirt!! There are a few sites that cater to nursing attire, try google-ing, nursing shirts, breastfeeding shirts, or attire, etc. There are a few patterns available. One site I've found offers free catalogs and within them, sketches as to how the shirts work. I've shown my Gramma the catalog and she said, "Well, I can't even tell how they're supposed to work!" My point exactly! I pointed out the page with line drawings and ordered her a catalog for herself, as she's got 2 sisters-in-law that sew (Gr. Aunt C and Gr. Aunt P)!! A few years ago, I found a site that had a quick easy pattern for making any t-shirt into a nursing shirt, but, of course, I cannot find it now. All one would have to do is cut an 11'' vertical slit in the shirt between the breasts, (sew the edges down if rough edges bother you) sew off the top and bottom to prohibit further "slitting", (at your local fabric store) get a 12" square of fabric, place it over the slit, sew the top and bottom edges to the shirt and viola, you've got a nursing T! As for my preferences regarding tops, I like to have at least some sleeve, as I do not like my upper arms and do not wear tank tops. I like loose fitting tops, as I am a well rounded woman, so I don't like clingy material either. While my infant is due in the heat of August, and while anything lightweight I can layer things over, I just thought I'd mention that winter is only a stones throw away. I also, want to give a big shout out to my Gramma, who has already gifted me 2 nursing pajama sets! Thank you, Gramma!
Breast pump - I've got a little research to do on this one. I want to check with Consumer Reports, but so far it recommends renting one. Seeing how I want to breast feed for some time, maybe buying one will be more appropriate for us, I'll let you know!
For Baby...
I might be a little incomplete on this list, but I'll do my best. When considering baby clothes, I'd like to recommend that one go to consignment or second hand stores, I'm not picky about a little stain here or there. I'd like organic for new when it can be afforded (easiest to find on the internet), but when dealing with second hand, we're not encouraging the use of pesticides, we're reusing and recycling, and for the most part any of the yuckies that I'm trying to avoid will be so washed out of the stuff that I won't worry about it anymore. I'd like to stay away from images of well known cartoon characters, as I see it as advertising to my child and my child advertising for them without pay! I do love overalls, on boys or girls! Please remember, the baby is being born in the heat of August, but winter is just around the corner! I have listed an example piece of clothing on myregistry.com. I'd also like to mention BabyLegs, they help protect the ankles and calves from the elements when pants ride up!
When it comes to toys, please remember that there won't be a crib, so any of those items that attach to the sides of cribs will be unnecessary. I also want to make the same request as I did with the clothing, that you please try to avoid images of cartoon characters or the like. I admit that I also worry about the chemicals used on stuffed animals and the materials they're made of. Please consider hand made toys of natural material, unstained, natural dyes, etc. I'm not excited by toys that make artificial noise, flash lights, take batteries, etc. or are made in China!!! I have listed on myregistry.com a few toys that are examples and will take you to sites that are good places to start and get an idea of what I'd like my baby to have.
Changing table - this is a rather fancy one, but it has multiple functions and is made of natural and safe materials. Natural (color) is preferred. This request, I admit, is not a need, but if one where so inclined, this is the table I'd like. I like the fact that you face the baby rather than have the baby sideways. If we don't get this CT, I'll just use the piece of furniture that my mother used with me, no biggie!
As far as baby hygiene products, Johnson & Johnson does not interest me. I use organic soaps, moisturizers, and the like, so I want to use the same on the baby. Please visit a site like this one
to get an idea for safer products. There is another I'd like to recommend as soon as I find the link. I do like organic jojoba oil. It takes a long time to go rancid and my favorite brand's motto is, "If you wouldn't put it in your body, don't put it on your body!" Here is a site RE: brands that not to use halogenated fire retardants!
I have a high chair in mind, but someone has offered to make a purchase of something expensive that isn't on our list, so I'm going ask for the high chair instead. If that person is unable or unwilling to get us the chair, I'll be sure to list it in the future!
O.K. - I'd like a boppy too. They've got a new model called the miracle middle, it fits 'more' waist lines! As far as covers go, I'll list a few choices, 2 would be great! I like the organic cover in a soft neutral, the pistachio dots, the pottery barn green chamois, sage boa, vintage toile, and probably my favorite because it has some orange, Rob's fave color: rainforest and stripes.
Like I said, this part of the list seems a little short, but what else does a baby need, clothes, a couple of well made toys (and maybe not even those), mama, and papa.
I plan to breastfeed for as long as baby and I decide it works for us. I do hope for at least a year, as recommended by the U.S. Surgeon General, 2 years as recommended by the World Health Organization, is optimal, and anything beyond that is pure bonus!! (Read here for info on extended breastfeeding.) Taking these plans into consideration, I anticipate needing some breastfeeding shirts, because as strange as it may sound, I don't care if someone sees my nipple, I just don't want anyone to see my belly as I pull up my shirt!! There are a few sites that cater to nursing attire, try google-ing, nursing shirts, breastfeeding shirts, or attire, etc. There are a few patterns available. One site I've found offers free catalogs and within them, sketches as to how the shirts work. I've shown my Gramma the catalog and she said, "Well, I can't even tell how they're supposed to work!" My point exactly! I pointed out the page with line drawings and ordered her a catalog for herself, as she's got 2 sisters-in-law that sew (Gr. Aunt C and Gr. Aunt P)!! A few years ago, I found a site that had a quick easy pattern for making any t-shirt into a nursing shirt, but, of course, I cannot find it now. All one would have to do is cut an 11'' vertical slit in the shirt between the breasts, (sew the edges down if rough edges bother you) sew off the top and bottom to prohibit further "slitting", (at your local fabric store) get a 12" square of fabric, place it over the slit, sew the top and bottom edges to the shirt and viola, you've got a nursing T! As for my preferences regarding tops, I like to have at least some sleeve, as I do not like my upper arms and do not wear tank tops. I like loose fitting tops, as I am a well rounded woman, so I don't like clingy material either. While my infant is due in the heat of August, and while anything lightweight I can layer things over, I just thought I'd mention that winter is only a stones throw away. I also, want to give a big shout out to my Gramma, who has already gifted me 2 nursing pajama sets! Thank you, Gramma!
Breast pump - I've got a little research to do on this one. I want to check with Consumer Reports, but so far it recommends renting one. Seeing how I want to breast feed for some time, maybe buying one will be more appropriate for us, I'll let you know!
For Baby...
I might be a little incomplete on this list, but I'll do my best. When considering baby clothes, I'd like to recommend that one go to consignment or second hand stores, I'm not picky about a little stain here or there. I'd like organic for new when it can be afforded (easiest to find on the internet), but when dealing with second hand, we're not encouraging the use of pesticides, we're reusing and recycling, and for the most part any of the yuckies that I'm trying to avoid will be so washed out of the stuff that I won't worry about it anymore. I'd like to stay away from images of well known cartoon characters, as I see it as advertising to my child and my child advertising for them without pay! I do love overalls, on boys or girls! Please remember, the baby is being born in the heat of August, but winter is just around the corner! I have listed an example piece of clothing on myregistry.com. I'd also like to mention BabyLegs, they help protect the ankles and calves from the elements when pants ride up!
When it comes to toys, please remember that there won't be a crib, so any of those items that attach to the sides of cribs will be unnecessary. I also want to make the same request as I did with the clothing, that you please try to avoid images of cartoon characters or the like. I admit that I also worry about the chemicals used on stuffed animals and the materials they're made of. Please consider hand made toys of natural material, unstained, natural dyes, etc. I'm not excited by toys that make artificial noise, flash lights, take batteries, etc. or are made in China!!! I have listed on myregistry.com a few toys that are examples and will take you to sites that are good places to start and get an idea of what I'd like my baby to have.
Changing table - this is a rather fancy one, but it has multiple functions and is made of natural and safe materials. Natural (color) is preferred. This request, I admit, is not a need, but if one where so inclined, this is the table I'd like. I like the fact that you face the baby rather than have the baby sideways. If we don't get this CT, I'll just use the piece of furniture that my mother used with me, no biggie!
As far as baby hygiene products, Johnson & Johnson does not interest me. I use organic soaps, moisturizers, and the like, so I want to use the same on the baby. Please visit a site like this one
to get an idea for safer products. There is another I'd like to recommend as soon as I find the link. I do like organic jojoba oil. It takes a long time to go rancid and my favorite brand's motto is, "If you wouldn't put it in your body, don't put it on your body!" Here is a site RE: brands that not to use halogenated fire retardants!
I have a high chair in mind, but someone has offered to make a purchase of something expensive that isn't on our list, so I'm going ask for the high chair instead. If that person is unable or unwilling to get us the chair, I'll be sure to list it in the future!
O.K. - I'd like a boppy too. They've got a new model called the miracle middle, it fits 'more' waist lines! As far as covers go, I'll list a few choices, 2 would be great! I like the organic cover in a soft neutral, the pistachio dots, the pottery barn green chamois, sage boa, vintage toile, and probably my favorite because it has some orange, Rob's fave color: rainforest and stripes.
Like I said, this part of the list seems a little short, but what else does a baby need, clothes, a couple of well made toys (and maybe not even those), mama, and papa.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
