Planning for #3, Part 3

So, plans have changed about when we will be trying for another child, but if you know me, you aren't surprised to learn that I still have been gathering some of the things on my list.

I haven't looked at my "Want/Need to Get" list for quite some time, yet something interesting has happened.

I found a stroller to fit a Chicco Keyfit 30 someone was getting rid of and forgot completely about this list when I had.

I got a Flower and Branch drying pieces on sale, forgetting they were on this list.

I just bought another swaddle because it was so cute and I didn't want to miss out before Walmart stops carrying them.

It's funny how things like this work; Heavenly Father inspires us in every aspect of our lives, even the parts we may think to be small.

See y'all!

Links for My Baby List

*my link for the printable wasn't functioning, sorry for that.  I will try my best to get it going!

These are links to what I use myself, or close to what I have.  Some of the things I have for Baby, I've had them since we planned for Evelyn, back in 2010.  I was happy to see that many of those products are still the same, just with new colors; lets me know I did my research right and found proper products for my baby.
We plan for baby on a student budget.  Much of what we buy is the cheaper of things.  The more expensive items that we have, we had saved for, we were gifted them, or we found them on Craigslist.

Sleeping

• 1-full size crib, white Jenny Lind crib, my Craigslist find
• 1-crib mattress, can find many here, we actually have two, one we have from Evelyn and one that came with our Craigslist find
• 1-crib wedge, buying this one, helps keep away acid reflux which runs in Tom's family
• 4-crib fitted sheets, simple and white
• 4-waterproof mattress pads, so useful, I've seen parents layer these with the sheets for easy and quick clean ups at night
• 1-mesh bumper, safest
• 2-crib rail covers, get these or diy these, I say two because when you wash one, you want to be able to put another immediately, that's why our crib has teeth marks, because she was washing the cover
• 1-half size travel crib, this is the current color, we use it as a bassinet and for day trips to relatives' homes
• 3-fleece fitted travel crib sheets, be sure they are fleece, babies hate cold mattresses and it took us awhile to learn that's why they wouldn't sleep well. I made my own (will show later)
• 4-swaddles, don't have these but they are so cute, just found these, cheaper versions of aden + anais, made by them, I have a few muslin given to me
• 4-sleeper sacks, for winter, for summer
• 1-night light of some kind, like this, or this kind, or even this
• 1-baby monitor, low tech or high tech, you just need to hear the baby

On the Go

• 1-infant carseat, this is what we have in a different color, I checked crash ratings and consumer reports, and found this at the top of just about every list
• 1-carseat cover, find this for just the shipping
• 1-piddle pad, this can be such a life saver on trips
• 1-back seat mirror, this one has a light, but I also have this plain one from Evelyn
• 1-seat protector (for the car), one of the best investments for your vehicle
• 1-jogging stroller, closest to what I have, my actual jogging stroller is a find, literally, no money, I'll post on that later.
• 1-light stroller blanket, receiving blankets are best for this, sometimes they just need a little more
• 1-stroller bunting (for cold, cold days), cheaper than you think
• 2-infant sling/wrap, can find these for just the shipping, or make your own
• 1-backpack or mei tai carrier, bought or homemade
• 1-diaper bag, newest version of mine, I love mine (gifted), this is my alternate (much cheaper)
• 1-travel nursing pillow, I got the green one on sale, the only way I'd buy it, when we were trying for Raven.  So glad I did, since it's what I took to the hospital to save space.
• 1-travel changing pad, mine isn't made anymore, it's fancier, but you only need it to be simple
• 1-travel wipes container, this way you can reuse and take what you need
• anti-bacterial hand wipes, use them on shopping carts, restaurant high chair, toilets, everything
• 1-shopping cart cover, so baby doesn't chew on the cart
• snacks (for baby and Mama), HEB favorite for baby, sweet and healthy for Mama!
• water for Mama, just got the pink one!
• 2-nursing covers, find these for just shipping or buy or diy this
• 2-toys for baby, this doesn't take much space, this makes noise, just don't take it to church or a funeral, Raven loves them both

Bath Time

• 1-infant tub sponge insert, can set inside sink
• baby wash, use the sleepy time
• baby lotion or baby oil, ditto on the sleepy time
• 3-hooded towels, covers this and the next
• 3-washcloths, can use for cleaning babies gums also
• 1-rubber duckie, or any rubber bath toy, it helps baby feel happy and calm at bath time, in turn, helping you

Diapering

• diapers, our go to or go a little greener
• wipes, our go to or these, if you do cloth (or even just washcloths)
• diaper ointment/cream, the usual or search for cloth safe creams
• 1-wipes warmer, for our home, proven to be a necessity for first months of life to keep the peace
• changing spot (could be a table, dresser, or bed), I have a changing table but as the kid gets older, changing spot is all over
• 2-baskets (hold diapering supplies), these give you a place for every thing and extras, have one with changing spot and another in the living to keep you from running back and forth, useful when you have more than one.
• 1-5 liter trash can w/lid and oder eliminating trash bags, a bit much, but this is what I'll be getting 3rd time around, and don't forget these!  We had a Diaper Genie for the first two, but the plastic absorbs the smell, eventually, and it's so big that it stinks up the room before it's full.
• 1-changing pad (if using table or dresser), simple and contoured
• 3-changing covers (if have changing pad), one in use, one in the wash, one in the diaper station
• 3-waterproof changing pad liners (either way), you want to protect whatever you change baby on

Other Things

• 1-baby indoor swing, don't think you have the space?  Check out this one!
• 1-pack n' play, not what I have, but since I got mine at a used baby store, I don't have the extras and I looks like this.  Surprisingly, cheaper than I thought, but, still got mine cheaper.
• 1-baby seat, not a need at all, but when I was pregnant with Evelyn, I wanted it.  I bought mine at a hometown store downtown, one I had seen a long time and was determined I would get it when I'd become a mother.  It was all sentiment for me, and totally not a need.
• 2-teethers, simple or not (don't have this but look how cute!)
• 1-album/baby book (to record baby events), this, or if you're LDS, or if you just want photos
• numbers of family and friend that will help keep you sane
• 1-humidifier, haven't used it yet but I should
• baby toothbrush, the one I'm using on Raven (#2) and these for Evelyn (#1)
• teething gel, this is what we used with Raven, just don't get it mixed up with Neosporin, we didn't ever do that, but they look very similar when you have it in a first aid kit.
• health kit, we have an older one of this, ours didn't come with the mitt or spay bottle
• thermometer, for the ear, I think this is the newest version of ours.  We bought ours when we were about to have Evelyn in 2010, still works perfectly.
• baby Tylenol, sometimes babies just hurt, this can help them sleep better if their teeth are bothering them, or anything else.  We used this as a last resort when we couldn't get Raven to sleep while teething, it helped the house sleep for sure.

Clothes 
(don't take off tags until they wear it)

• 3-infant caps, we never used them, my kids over heated too easily, but we still bought them, just incase.
• 5-newborn creep n’ crawls with snaps, so you won't have to undress baby to change her
• 1-package of newborn socks, buy plain, then add designs on bottom with puffy paints
• 1-newborn church clothes, dress or onesie button up with slack look a likes
• newborn mittens, newborns don't mind them, they chew their fingers through it, pack extra in the diaper bag because their hands get too cold from their saliva.
• 6- 0-3 months outfits
• 2- 0-3 months church clothes, they can use this size longer, that's why I doubled it.
• 6- 3-6 months outfits
• 2- 3-6 months church clothes
• 9- 6-9 months outfits
• 3- 6-9 months church clothes
• 1-jacket (size will depend on season)
• 1-coat (size will depend on season), cute!
• 6-pairs, shoe socks (variety of sizes), for pretty little girls, bigger girls and handsome boys, bigger boys, I used these for church and when we went out for them to dress up more

Feeding

• 1-nipple shield, life saver!
• nipple cream, apply liberally, it's not harmful to baby
• breast pads, washable or disposable, I prefer washables
• 1-automatic breast pump, I had been gifted this and bought need tubes
• 1-pump holder bra, I am getting one this time around!
• 1-feeding pillow and cover, this just makes it so much easier on your back
• 1-nursing necklace, I have a grey one. They help keep baby occupied as they get more curious about the world around them, when you nurse.
• 3-bottles, I used these for Raven, these for Evelyn, though they were different then, and I prefer the Avent.
• 1-bottle cleaner or dishwasher container, want, don't forget these, and if you use the dishwasher
• 1-drying rack/mat (if you hand wash), this is the one I want, but this works too
• 1-rocker, glider, or favorite seat, I bought my pink one on Craigslist, but this one is closest to it
• 1-lumbar pillow, this is for comfort when feeding, had to show off what my mother in law gave me, or use this if you sit on a bed or couch
• 1-neck pillow, again, for comfort for the middle of the night feedings
• 1-high chair, I have a younger version of this I bought at a used baby shop
• 4-baby bowls and spoons, I like colorful, dishwasher friendly, and stackable
• 4-bibs, just get a pack *update! Took a trip, and used these!  So much better, especially when traveling, than cloth!

Several things I have, I bought them used, or I had them handed down.  I'm fine doing that with a stroller or high chair, but I would never do that with a car seat.  Never buy a used car seat.  You don't know what it's been through, and even if you know those giving it to you well, it's best not to take the chance.  You don't want to get into a wreak and always wonder if it'd have been better if you had a new car seat instead.

When buying used things, check the joints, corners, check the plastic for stress marks, check the metal for rust and/or dents, and always wash what you can before using it.

When buying for baby, think safety first.  Don't just buy something because it's a fad or because you think it'd look cool in your living room.

Did I leave anything out?  Remember, I've only had girls, tell me what would be added to the list for a baby boy.

Hope y'all enjoyed this very long list of everything for Baby!

Like to hear from y'all soon!

Never Too Early: Planning for #3, Part 2

In the previous post to this, I showed a picture of my start of lists for Baby #3, but I made no mention of it.  This post will be about my start of baby preparation.

I always start with a notebook of some kind.  My dad has a box of composition books, so that is what was easiest for me.  My favorite notebooks have the spiral on top, but these are second best.

This is my Baby #3 Planning Composition Book

It's nothing fancy, and I don't indent to make it fancy.  I picked the simple dot print to remind myself that I need to keep things simplistic with this baby.

With Evelyn, I wanted it all, with the first, you usually do.  When Raven came around, there were still many things I wanted to try that I had learned about after Evelyn.  Now that I am preparing for #3, I know what I like best since I've tried most things.

I know that I love carrying baby in a carrier, I prefer this over strollers.  I love that I finally have a jogging stroller!  I like kids in jeans, they are the cutest thing ever on little kids.  Dresses with pockets are the best for a girl toddler and I will breast feed again.  I always want to use a wipes warmer for at least the first three months of Baby's life, and white crib sheets are the best and easiest.

There are other things I have learned over the years of being Mama, and my lists are what that is all about.

My first list is "What We Have."

I am still adding to this as I remember what we have stored.
When my sister in law had her last kid, she gave me all her cloth diapers and slings.  I have yet to use a sling carrier, but I still use the mei tai and soft backpack style she had already given me, all the time.  One of which she made herself!

My second list is "Want/Need to Get."

Later, this list will be split up and details will be give for each item.  I give myself reasons, so when I look back later, I can determine if the need or want is worth it.  Stepping back and coming again can give a fresh perspective, or at least, a better one.  While I have "want" and "need" together, I mark them with a "W" or "N."

Next list is "Things To Do."

I will not be sharing this list!

I have a few surprises on it for you to see in the future.  

I don't like ruining surprises.

This list also includes things that need to be done with the girls to get them ready for baby.  Raven getting into a big girl bed and Evelyn getting used to the top bunk, are a few things on the list for the big sisters.

What have you done to get ready for baby?  I always love learning how others prepare for baby!  Hope to hear from y'all soon!

*Wait for an upcoming printable version of my baby list!  It will have just the basics and a few extras for happier mamas and babies!

It's Never Too Early: Planning for #3

This post may appear that I am nesting, but I am not.  Though I am not pregnant now, we do plan on trying this year.  This is me, getting ready before I need to.

(The start of many lists to come)

When we first had Evelyn, we thought that it would be so great to have the changing table built right into the crib.  Plus, this changing table laid the baby straight out in front of me, instead of causing me to twist awkwardly to change the baby...every day...at least 10 times a day.

Below, is the model we picked and my parents bought for us.  Delta, model Dakota.  This was back in 2010, this specific one is no longer made, but similar styles are still out there.

We were in a two bedroom apartment when we first had this crib; we occupied one room, Evelyn had the other for all her things.  It fit snuggly next to a white cabinet on one wall.  It took up more than half a wall.  With one child that was not a problem.

When we had Raven, we were in a three bedroom house with slightly larger bedrooms than the apartment.  While Evelyn had her own room, with a queen sized mattress, we put the crib into our room.  I wanted to have Raven sleeping in her own crib, so we had it in our room.  We still had enough room for us.  With two children, it was still not a problem.

Now that Tom is in full swing of school, we know that we will only be in apartments, or small houses, and we will also be growing.  Evelyn will be six and Raven will be two this summer, and they will only need more space as they get older. 

Another problem I had with this crib, is the height.  The changing table is high for me, I'm 5'2", and my husband, at 6'2", whenever he would change the baby, his belt buckle hit that bar you see at the feet, causing it to wear and chip.  The crib part was difficult for me when it was on the lowest setting, so much so, that I kept a step stool at the crib.  It was a pain.

In our grand plan, trying for a baby would be happening this year.  So I've been looking at things on Pinterest, of course, and mentally reviewing what we have, what I wanted to get, but hadn't, and what we will need if our next will be a boy, not a girl.  I dreaded, even thinking, how we would handle our mammoth crib.  It still sits, put together, at my mother in laws house, which was the house we had been renting previous to now.

I was asking about bunk beds at a furniture store and the man asked what kind I wanted.  I told him that one with stairs would be ideal, but we needed one with just a plain latter to conserve space.  I told him how I regretted the larger crib now because of not having the options of separation.  At that moment, I had a great awakening, and I realized, we could sell our current crib and buy a smaller one!  Why I had not thought of it before, I wasn't sure yet.

Later that day, I went on Craigslist, and was actually searching for old plastic ride on toys, like the Cozy Coupe or Radio Flyer, to redo.  I checked toys and found none, then checked baby, and I found this...

Okay, I didn't actually see this, but in my mind it looked this way.

I saw an ad for a white Jenny Lind crib by DaVinci.

 It was being sold for $50.  That's right, only $50!  I immediately text the seller and tried to get her to hold it since she was in the city over.  Only 45 minutes, but with schedules, it would be complicated to get to her quickly.  She said she wouldn't hold.  I convinced Tom to go with me the next day.  He thought it wasn't a deal we should pass up, and agreed.  I text the woman back, letting her know that I would be coming for the crib the next day.  She told me about the mattress for an extra $25 and that she would throw in the mesh bumper.  She told me she also had a chair.

Also for $50.  A glider is something I desperately searched for when we were preparing for Raven, but I was unable to find a price low enough for our budget.  I told her that I wasn't sure.  She said we could change our minds later, she didn't mind, she was just trying to get rid of all the baby stuff.  When we arrived at her house, the next day, she and her husband told us that we could take it all for $100 flat; crib, mattress, and glider.  They let us talk, and we eventually gave it all to them.  The glider was loving used, a small tear and dirty at the seat, but still cozy and smooth.  Raven loved it so much.  She loves bright colors and things that stand out, and if this chair does anything, it stands out.

Tom told me that this would be added onto my Valentine's gift.  I love practical gifts, so I was perfectly content to say that it was.  After all, it is pink!

Now, since we don't know if we will have a girl or boy next, in the future, I may have to recover the chair or use a slipcover on it.  If it's a girl and we have it in our room, Tom still may have me do that.  It is bright and he gets migraines.

To me, it is never too early to plan, and I think my mass of notepads, notebooks, and lists show that clearly.  I do this so I don't miss any details and kick myself later.  Self-preservation, in a good way.

I hope to get back here soon and tell you more of what is happening in my life!