Finially, Some Help Around Here

It wasn't long ago that my sweeping adventures looked more like an all-out brawl...Gwendolyn fighting and yelling at me to give up my broom, all the while holding on to the broom as I tried to move it front to back...very annoying.

Now, I can sweep the whole kitchen floor in one try, as she labors along with me. Now, I know they sell little toy brooms...I just found them to be incredibly flimsy, with the bristles unable to stand on their own. Besides, she really likes the "real" things a lot better.

This is a lobby broom by Rubbermaid. I got it at the Home Depot for $5.99. Someone, on line, even suggested trimming off the bristles to make it shorter...which would be an excellent idea...but I'm pretty lazy and it works just fine for us this way!

To be fair...she does still try and take my broom every once in a while so that she can have BOTH of them...but that's just Gwendolyn.

Organic Cotton Pajamas @ Costco

My Costco has 100% Organic Cotton Kid Pajamas (Hanna Andersson brand) without flame retardant...for $11.99!

Google wouldn't let me upload any pics...but they are great!

They are thicker, sturdy cotton, without feet (Great for Tucson Summers). It looked like they go up to size 3.

There were some really cute pink ones, but alas, I opted for the less cute boy-ish ones in every size...hoping they will last through, at least, one more kid.

Babysteals.com

Just wanted to pass this along...

I found this website (babysteals.com) and it looks like a good one to subscribe to.

One thing that caught my attention was the post about the (glamour mom nursing tanks) that they found on sale a little while ago (there is almost no inventory available, now, though).

These tanks are truly awesome and I remember spending a lot on one with Gwendolyn and only being able to buy ONE because of the cost. I'm sure plenty of women can wear the regular ones that are around $20 (half the price)...but I tried lots of those (walmart, target, etc) and they are definitely not made for those of us with big boobs that need lots of support : ).

You can get the GlamourMom tops with long length and they are very supportive, with thick material.

These can also be found on the Mom4life website (a real favorite of mine). At Mom4life, shipping is always free (no minimum) and I have found their prices to always be at, or below, the comps. Also, their customer service is impeccable! I have exchanged and returned countless things due to size, etc...they are always great to work with.

Wanna Hear something REALLY COOL...

Okay, so after I wrote my last POST, I left the house and went to Walmart (yes, I AM a Walmart shopper). When I got home I had received an email confirming an order for one beautiful new MOBY WRAP, on its way to my house!!!!

My wonderful friend and (lucky me) sister-in-law, Jenná, wanted to buy it for me. So, she did!

I am totally shocked and completely ecstatic! And, I have realized a few VERY important things...

1. Jenná is VERY interested in the "favorite Aunt" position.
2. Rather than trying to find things USED, a much better way to get stuff is to have people BUY THEM FOR YOU!!!

So, any following posts will start like this..."Who wants to buy me (fill in the blank)..."

Moby Baby Wrap

Here's the fun part about getting ready for a new baby...the STUFF!

Now, I'll be the first to admit...you don't need a ton of STUFF...and most of us moms have way more than we should have actually purchased (either because we didn't know any better, or because we just couldn't help ourselves). And, actually, with this second baby...I have never been more motivated to spend as little money as necessary, while still getting some of the things I think will make life more enjoyable and convenient.

Anyway, I LOVE my New Native Baby Sling for the little baby. It's so easy to put on put baby in. I even still use it if I'm running in and out of a place and don't want to feel the whole weight of a giant Gwendolyn.
I LOVE my ERGO for the bigger baby and for daddy-use and any time we need to be active. It's awesome. I miss using it now that I'm pregnant and more aware (with strong reprimanding from my trusted Chiropractor) that I really do need to let the stroller bear the burden of a 25lb squirmer.
I am so blessed to have so many wonderful things...and, I'm now very interested in locating a used MOBY WRAP. This is one of those things that has a really great rep for being very lightweight and easy to move around with, with an infant...like to do dishes or play with a 2 year old! I would like to spend $15 or $20. Does anyone know of anyone who is finished with theirs or who never really used theirs and wants to recover some of their investment? I haven't found one on my Craigslist, yet.

Ta DA! (Bibs...again)

I found a GREAT BIB!! I just love taking her bib off and not having the food be all over her clothes. It's really long and really is waterproof and sturdy. I just wipe it off (and only on occasion ;)

It's $10 (totally annoying price...but totally worth it). When my husband gets excited about a purchase I made...I know it's a good one! He would prefer we just all just sit in an empty house with large T.V.s...we could keep the baby naked, therefore not having to worry about stained clothes!

I got this one at Babies R Us (Bumpkins Junior Bib). They always have those "15% off one item coupons!

Bibs...FYI

Is anyone else amused by that fact that this is my 3rd blog about BIBS???

Anyone reading this should know that when I began my blog I decided that I would write about WHATEVER I wanted and that I would not succumb to the pressure of keeping it updated and would resist the need to feel weird if I didn't blog about an event (or 10) and that, even if I wanted to write about something but didn't get around to it, I wouldn't feel bad about it.

So, here I am...talking about bibs...

The new bib I planned to try at IKEA was a total bust...It's BIG...too Big. Maybe for when she is a few years older! Just thought I would share!

My darling Sister-in-Law, Jenná, was kind enough to look at me like I was crazy, when she saw the bib , and point out that there was a 4 yr. old pictured with the bib! But, she also wheeled my cart through IKEA...so I let it slide.

Anybody Want a Bib...Or Something Else From IKEA?

I'm having bib issues.

I had mentioned the Kiddopotamus Bib in an earlier post. I really loved this bib, but then Gwendolyn started eating more on her own and this bib is no longer a match for her! It's fine to get her naked and let her eat...but then I have to wipe off her whole body instead of just her hands and face. My "little controller" HATES being wiped off!

I thought this post from Passionate Homemaking, about IKEA’s Barnslig Rand Bibs sounded cool and I'm going to try the bibs. I had planned to be at IKEA within a week or two, anyway, so if anyone in Tucson wants me to pick something up for them, (provided it's not too large ;0) I'm game! Let me know!

Yes, I DO Know the Muffin Man...for Goodness Sake!

Yeah, so the Muffin Man is just fine... as are all those black birds that were baked in some pie. But Gwendolyn and I need a little JESUS around here!!! I think my 8 month old is a little bored with Derek Webb and Rich Mullins!

I'm looking for some fun, baby and kid Jesus music, and I know there are a ton of you out there who probably have some great suggestions! Just help point me in the right direction, if you will!

Also, if anyone knows of a kids album of Hymns...that would be awesome!

Peas, Please!

Today was Gwendolyn's first taste of real food! I don't know if she actually swallowed any of the pureed peas her Daddy fed her...but it was fun, non-the-less.

And, nearly as important as this step in her baby-hood is MY culinary accomplishment. I am VERY proud of my peas! It's fun to make the food and I am excited to do more. I love the way it looks and it's cool that I know exactly what is going into the food. I have no idea how it tastes, because I HATE peas...but look how pretty!!!

It's a VERY easy process, but you wouldn't know it if you were in my kitchen this morning. I actually burned a whole pot...apparently I don't know how to use a simple steaming basket. I broke the Magic Bullet...but now I get to go shopping at Costco for another food processor!

I have a couple of mom friends, Mandy and Sarah, who each make their own baby food and have sworn by it's simplicity and their enjoyment of the process. They both love the Cooking for Baby cookbook from Williams-Sonoma...and now I know why. It's so pretty and nice and helpful...and fun! It's not necessarily an organic cookbook...but the purpose is to encourage wholesome, less processed cooking for baby.

Very Useful Baby Gear (According to Me!)

I love it when I get the scoop on products that people have found really useful. So, I wanted to pass this info on to any new moms and shoppers for new moms...

There are lots of baby slings out there and It's good to try them out and see which works for you. I love the NEW NATIVE baby sling. I use it a lot more often than I thought I would. Then again, I also thought I would have a baby who was a little more predictable (silly me!).

I've ordered many things from the MOM 4 LIFE website. Free shipping! I've also returned and exchanged things. They have awesome customer service too! Check out all the options for baby wearing.

Also, these nursing covers are a must...It's made nursing in public, or at family gatherings, so much less awkward! The one I got is a Hooter Hider / Bebe Au Lait Nursing Cover. With this one, you can see the baby and the baby can see mommy!