tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68044555450231742932024-03-13T21:57:03.950-06:00The Organized New MomAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618294855057034473noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804455545023174293.post-20977230831272228982012-11-15T14:30:00.000-07:002012-11-16T16:35:04.576-07:00Organized New Mom Tip #35: Enter Pedi Visit Info Straight into the Baby Book<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When you bring your baby home, you have the best of
intentions to document every little milestone. The big problem with that logic
is that you have just brought your baby home.
Newborns have a knack for sucking all of that lovely <span style="font-size: small;">scrap booking</span> energy
right out of your body. </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Some of the most important information I’m sure you’ll want
to keep is your little one’s progress as documented from his/her pedi visits.
That stuff is gold to new parents, right?</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Don’t tell yourself you’ll do it later. You won’t. Don’t put
it in a special pile in a special place and tell yourself you’ll just spend a
weekend assembling it all at once. You won’t. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The only way you’re going to keepsake this
whole mess of memories is to walk straight through the door, fresh home from
the doctor’s office, straight to your baby book and enter Baby’s progress right
then and there. It takes just a couple of minutes to do it, and over time you’ll
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embarrassed about when you show his prom date.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--VOMB3sfQpY/UKVYO-N3HpI/AAAAAAAAALo/_18t0Xu0pC4/s1600/Baby_BA16010GN_BD_MD_L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--VOMB3sfQpY/UKVYO-N3HpI/AAAAAAAAALo/_18t0Xu0pC4/s320/Baby_BA16010GN_BD_MD_L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618294855057034473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804455545023174293.post-68176204794790172662012-10-18T14:30:00.000-06:002012-10-18T14:30:00.538-06:00Organized New Mom Tip #34: If you have a dog, buy them a dog tag silencer<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you have a dog, I <u>PROMISE</u> you will experience this
situation: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You FINALLY get the baby to sleep. You gingerly place him in
the crib. You creep ever so quietly out the door. You silently close the
nursery door. Then the dog, who is right outside the door because she follows you
around like you’re a rock star ever since you brought your bundle of joy home
from the hospital, decides this would be the perfect time to shake and scratch
profusely, causing the tags on her collar to jingle like it’s the frickin’
North Pole at Santa’s workshop. After shushing the dog, you wring your hands
and wait. You listen. Then you hear that dreaded cry on the other side of the
door that says, “Congrats, Mom. You just earned yourself a repeat of the last
60 minutes.”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Some would say that this is not a problem. Some would say to
just take off the collar and bypass the noise altogether.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These people do not have a border collie who
on a whim decides to jump the fence to go exploring*. These people also must be
perfect and always remember to put the dog collar back on the dog before
letting the dog out. I am not one of these people, and was getting tired of
picking up my loveable canine at the shelter (thank God she has a chip).</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Get a dog tag silencer**, new Mommies. Get one now. You will
thank me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*We have since
fixed the fence so she can’t get out. Happy endings, yay!</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">**Our dog tag
silencer is so very appropriately named “Peace Tags”, from a company called
Paws and Tails. Here’s their website: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.paws-and-tails.com/peacetags-tagsilencer.aspx">http://www.paws-and-tails.com/peacetags-tagsilencer.aspx</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(This is so not a paid endorsement).</span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AAvs8tqKPH8/UIBf9SoJlmI/AAAAAAAAALY/4PmnYOgLJ2Q/s1600/school+05-06+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AAvs8tqKPH8/UIBf9SoJlmI/AAAAAAAAALY/4PmnYOgLJ2Q/s320/school+05-06+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Our wonderful dog, Arwen, whom we love (much more now that we she wears a dog tag silencer)</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618294855057034473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804455545023174293.post-54045384973778814652012-10-04T13:48:00.001-06:002012-10-04T13:48:38.356-06:00Organized New Mom Tip #33: Don’t Overbuy Oversized Baby Items<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Registering for your baby shower can be overwhelming when
you consider all of the gizmos and gadgets on the baby market today. I’ll let
you in on a little secret: you don’t need it all. This isn’t a blog entry
listing the most important baby essentials. Heck, just go on Pinterest or
Amazon and you can get that info within seconds. I’m just here to remind you to
not blindly purchase every big baby item that looks cool. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For example, do you really need a pack n’ play…and a crib…and
a co-sleeper? Do you really need a bouncer…and a baby swing…and a floor mat? The
answer is probably not, and you’ll be grateful for the space you save by not
having oversized baby stuff cluttering every inch of your house.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So how do you know what you’ll really need? Here’s what I
did:</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Ask other moms-They’re the best resource! </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Read product reviews-So many times a baby gadget
looks so freakin’ awesome, but when you read the reviews you really learn
whether or not parents actually found it useful.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Wait until Baby is born-Sometimes you need to
find out your little one’s personality before learning what he or she will use.
When it comes to big baby stuff, all you really need is a car seat and a place
for Baby to sleep before the big birth day arrives. </li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vxG0HFbVIKQ/UG3nrfDs3iI/AAAAAAAAALE/1NsrDGylDtY/s1600/180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vxG0HFbVIKQ/UG3nrfDs3iI/AAAAAAAAALE/1NsrDGylDtY/s320/180.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son Will's favorite big baby toy by far was his floor activity gym</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618294855057034473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804455545023174293.post-61241948791499797482012-09-06T14:30:00.000-06:002012-09-06T14:30:01.602-06:00Organized New Mom Tip #32: Baby second-hand = Mommy’s best friend
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am blessed with tons of family and great friends who
supplied me with everything I need to take care of a newborn baby. After enjoying
the initial baby shower plethora of gifts, I slowly began to realize something:
people don’t keep sending you
replacement outfits for the ones your baby outgrows! Nuts. I also quickly discovered
it was not so economical for us (like most families) to buy everything new.
Double nuts.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">
Of course I knew my guy would grow, but I was just too
wrapped up in the here-and-now to think about what came next. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember my first trip to the baby
second-hand store in my neighborhood, and my jaw dropped. Near perfect outfits
and toys at a margin of retail were suddenly at my fingertips. I started paying
attention to garage sales and online listings like Craigslist for baby merchandise
and found the same thing. That’s the thing about babies: they grow fast and go
through toys quickly. Yay for me! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some tips:</span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">
Find out where ALL the baby second-hand stores
are in your neighborhood. I guarantee you there’s more than one, and they tend
to lurk in strange places like old strip malls or residential homes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
Build a relationship with the owner of your
favorite store. You’ll soon realize you need a place to give back all of the
outgrown baby items you bought! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Go EARLY to garage sales that advertise big item
baby things like activity gyms and strollers. Those buggers get picked over at
the crack of dawn.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">
Join some sort of “mommy” online community group
in your neighborhood. Not only is it nice to have the company, these classifieds
are rich in hard-to-find baby second-hand items.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">
This is probably a no-brainer, but don’t buy
everything you need for Baby second-hand. I’d stick to new car seats and new
breast pumps. (Eww.)</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: x-small;">Of course, where's the fun in NEVER buying something new?</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E6EMQthOUig/UEkEhbqiEdI/AAAAAAAAAKk/83U1cUNc3Eo/s1600/MP350008.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Pumpkin Baby Beanie</span><br />
<a href="http://www.justdelivered.net/Pumpkin-Baby-Beanie_p_808.html"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">http://www.justdelivered.net/Pumpkin-Baby-Beanie_p_808.html</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div align="center">
</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618294855057034473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804455545023174293.post-30957717816870733112012-08-29T12:00:00.000-06:002012-08-29T12:00:05.010-06:00Organized New Mom Tip #31: Use Resealable Canisters for Baby Cereal<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Once your little one is old enough to try baby cereal, you’ll quickly understand true frustration when it comes to measuring out the right amount from that little “convenient” spout they add into the side of the cereal box. When you pour the baby cereal grains, there’s always a bit that gets stuck in the top corner of the box, and when you set the box back down, that small trapped amount is liberated to settle quietly like new-fallen snow over every surface of your kitchen.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Use large air-tight canisters for your baby grains and skip this inevitable curse, and don’t forget to label them if you buy more than one type of baby cereal. Those little suckers all look exactly alike. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Note: I just spent 3 days trying to upload a video of my son trying baby cereal for the first time. Alas, my efforts were fruitless. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was adorable and cute. Instead, I’ve included a link to some useful baby bibs that are essential when you feed your baby his grains for the first time. These bibs, while awesome, are not as adorable or cute as the video. Sorry.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.justdelivered.net/Baby-Bibs_c_7.html" target="_blank">Click Here for Awesome Baby Bibs for Feeding Your Little One Baby Cereal</a></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1sa-NJ2gt70/UDzOp8I6lmI/AAAAAAAAAC8/2eKUsIvE_no/s1600/16013+AnimalCrackers+Bibs_L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1sa-NJ2gt70/UDzOp8I6lmI/AAAAAAAAAC8/2eKUsIvE_no/s320/16013+AnimalCrackers+Bibs_L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618294855057034473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804455545023174293.post-9856379228886612792012-07-12T13:33:00.000-06:002012-07-12T13:33:10.429-06:00Organized New Mom Tip #30: Create a Playlist for Baby<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">If you’re not using Pandora by now (or something similar) it’s time. While CDs and yes, even tape cassettes, will always have a place in my home, even I have moved onto handheld devices for my everyday music. Why shouldn’t your baby too? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Here’s how it keeps you a more organized mommy:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s portable (Duh)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you have a newer car, just plug your playlist or radio stream into your speakers and Baby enjoys music on the go</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">No blaring or inappropriate ads-some streams require a paid upgrade for this, which I highly recommend</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Easy to Add/Remove or Like/Unlike a song-Tired of hearing “The Wheels on the Bus” for the umpteenth time? Get rid of it!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Easy to mix genres-my son’s mix has everything from classical to Reggae to lullabies</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618294855057034473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804455545023174293.post-57507805464071313192012-06-28T14:13:00.000-06:002012-06-28T14:13:24.865-06:00Organized New Mom Tip #29: Change “Make Room for Baby” into “Camouflage your Baby Storage”<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With a new baby comes stuff. Lots and lots and lots of stuff. If you have a “cozy” home like I do, this can create a division between your <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">before-baby self</i> who wants a hip, modern space to hang and your <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">after- baby self </i>who wants your little one to have everything she needs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Being creative about how to store your baby’s big items is a nice compromise between your old and new lives. Don’t be fooled-your living space is going to change. There’s no way to hide that ridiculously enormous Jumperoo unless you happen to have an extra walk-in closet just aching to be filled. There are some things you can do to make your home look less like a baby shower threw up all over it. Being a new mom, you deal with enough spit-up as it is.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some quick easy tips for de-babifying your home:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Buy Baby Gadgets that do Double or Triple Duty</b>-This ensures you have everything you need, but you’re saving valuable floor space.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Buy Baby Gear that Folds up Easily</b>-If it lays flat it’s much easier to store under the sofa or in the closet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ditch Your Hard-Cornered Coffee Table for a Cushy Large Storage Ottoman</b>-It can be expensive, but it’s worth it, and it’s the quickest way to access and hide baby toys. When it’s closed, it functions as another mobile seat in the room, and even works well for quick diaper changes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Avoid Cutesy Baby Themes and Use More Sophisticated Storage Bins</b>-You can’t tell what’s in them when they’re tucked away neatly. We still store my son’s books in a set of 3 elegant woven bins under our kitchen buffet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Use Closed Door Cabinets Instead of Open Shelving</b>-Out of sight, out of mind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Clean out the Hall Closet</b>-Do you really need 10 coats or your husband’s skateboard from high school taking up room there, or would this valuable storage space be better served hiding the bouncer away?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Designate a Play Space for Baby</b>-You’re not going to be able to hide everything, and when you have a small play area already set up, you’re more likely to keep it neat, tidy, and manageable. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rotate Baby’s Toys into the Play Space</b>-You don’t need the play mat, the bouncer, the swing, and the saucer out at the same time. Take turns bringing them into your child’s environment, and they will always be new to him. </span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618294855057034473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804455545023174293.post-22536040368272291562012-06-14T14:42:00.000-06:002012-06-14T14:42:28.889-06:00Organized New Mom Tip #28: Set up a Shutterfly account<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Every new parent loves to photograph their newborn like they’re the latest and greatest runway phenomenon, and you’ll be no exception. I literally wore my camera around my neck during the day in fear of missing some new milestone, and quickly found myself with a new fear: where do I store all of these baby pictures safely?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Your answer is (ta-da) Shutterfly! This is not a paid endorsement of the website; in fact, if you can find a more awesome way to store, edit or buy photo products, let me know and I’ll drop them like yesterday’s diaper trash. What’s most important is that you set up an account on any photo website, but my preference by far is </span><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.shutterfly.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now that that’s out of the way, here’s why setting up an account makes you an Organized New Mom:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Free Backup Storage</b>: I always store all of my baby pictures and videos on my computer, but downloading them to Shutterfly guarantees I’ll still have them in case I accidentally set my hard drive on fire. You can save as many photos as you want, but if you want to save more than a few videos, be prepared to pay an annual fee.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Organize Your Baby Pics by Album</b>: I save most of mine by month and year. This way, if I’m looking for, say, an adorable old Christmas baby picture, I know to look back around the December months. It’s easiest to set a monthly date on your calendar to empty your camera of your photos so you don’t lose track of when your pictures were taken.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Set up a Share Site</b>: Shutterfly allows you to create a “Share Site” (don’t worry, it’s easy and also free) so you can share your baby pics with your family/friends to ooh and ahh over. They in turn, can save them to their own accounts or even purchase them. These Share sites are only viewed by people of your choice, which for me felt much safer than posting them on Facebook or other social networks for anyone to see.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Use your Baby Pictures to Create Photo Gifts</b>: Every year, my sisters and I create a photo calendar of all of the grandkids to give to my parents for Christmas. It’s almost too easy to just go on each other’s share sites, pick our favorite pictures, and create the calendar, all on the same site. I do the same thing for our holiday cards and it usually takes me about 30-40 minutes to assemble the card and purchase copies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Discounts on Ordering</b>: Shutterfly loves to email their customers with special coupon codes for shipping, photo packages, and photo merchandise. I’ve taken advantage of screamin’ deals, especially right before big holidays.</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618294855057034473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804455545023174293.post-91116683336857968732012-05-18T07:36:00.000-06:002012-05-18T07:36:30.192-06:00Organized New Mom Tip #27: Place a Lighted Clock within Eyesight of Where you Nurse/Feed/Rock your Baby<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">It’s not like you won’t figure this one out pretty quickly on your own, but I’d thought I’d spare you the hassle of that disorienting middle of the night feeding when you’re sitting in the dark wondering if you’ve been rocking your little one for<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>10 minutes or 2 hours. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">This tip is also very helpful if you prefer to nurse your baby on a set schedule and for a certain amount of time. Don’t bother with a watch; too often you’ll dislocate your shoulder pivoting your arm just enough so you can simultaneously check the time and not wake your baby or disrupt him from nursing.</span></div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618294855057034473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804455545023174293.post-88396179410744730782012-05-03T10:10:00.000-06:002012-05-03T10:12:02.691-06:00Organized New Mom Tip #26: Choose a Convenient Nursery Hamper<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">There are tons of adorable little fu-fu nursery hampers out there, but don’t be quick to just pick up the hamper that coordinates with your nursery set. With as much quality time as you’ll be spending with your baby’s laundry, it’s essential to find a hamper that you’ll hit it off with from the start. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find the following qualities in my son’s nursery hamper irresistible:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lightweight</b>-This way you can just lug the whole hamper to the laundry instead of dragging dirty burp cloths and onesies behind you in your wake.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Handles</b>-for the same reason as above</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Vinyl or Easy-Clean Lining</b>-You’ll want to give it a quick wipe-down and Lysol spray every now and then.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fits Where you Need it to</b>-Mine nestles perfectly and secretly in my son’s closet.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Cheap</b>-There’s so much selection it isn’t hard to save a few bucks.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Neutral Color</b>-That baby blue hamper with clouds and stars isn’t going to grow well with Baby. Do you really want to buy a new hamper every time your child’s bedroom décor changes? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> My perfect nursery hamper-not much to look at, but it does the job</span></div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618294855057034473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804455545023174293.post-76247388619788670612012-04-19T14:24:00.000-06:002012-04-19T14:24:48.239-06:00Organized New Mom Tip #25: Sort the Nursery Closet by Size<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Baby clothing size is confusing enough, and if you have a steady stash of growing sizes coming your way from a generous neighbor or relative*, those adorable onesies are never going to stop coming. You might as well get some organization now before you and your well-dressed baby are overcome.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you’re reading this while your baby is still cooking, I congratulate you on your luck, because now is the best time to get the closet ready. After the baby arrives is still fine, of course, but you’ll be in “New Baby Mode”, and at that point you’ll probably be ready to trade your best nursing bra for 30 minutes of sleep. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After all of the baby showers and well-wishing, I plopped my 8 months pregnant bottom in my son’s nursery and got organized. Here’s the plan that I still use to this day:</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Separate those 0-3 month cutie-patootie outfits and hang them first in a convenient location in the closet. </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Put up a closet divider tab and then hang the 3-6 month sizes, and if you have enough room, do the same with the 6-9 month sizes. Bonus points if you have adorable hangers and custom closet tab dividers. </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">KEEP ALL SIZES SORTED AND IN THEIR PLACE!</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Place an empty storage bin at the bottom of Baby’s closet. When you find an outfit is too small, just toss it into the empty bin.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When most of one size is in the bin, it’s time to take that entire size out of Baby’s closet and move on to the next size. I know that some outfits are almost too unbearably cute and filled with such wonderful memories that it’ll be emotionally distressing to put them away. BE STRONG! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> You’ll be thankful for the closet space.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Decide if you’re going to keep or pass on the outgrown clothes. If you’re keeping them, remove the stained, torn, or just plain tired garments and get rid of them so you don’t have to sort them out later. If you’re letting them go, I know many moms who are into the whole consignment scene. I just put them in a box and give them to ARC. No muss, no fuss, nice write-off. (Of course I keep the outfits I can’t part with. I’m not insane…)</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7.</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you have bigger clothes in storage, grab the next biggest size, give them a gentle wash, and hang those in the closet. If you come across an outfit that you don’t think your baby will wear, just get rid of it and don’t feel guilty about it. In my experience, it’s better to let another family enjoy it instead of it sitting in your closet unused, sad and lonely.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8.</span><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Repeat the process as Baby grows, or in my case, every 2 weeks.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*<span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Thanks to my sisters, Lara and Jill for all of the wonderful hand-me-downs. Just because I jest doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate being drowned in baby socks, bibs, and an unreasonable amount of CU and CSU baby outfits. </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618294855057034473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804455545023174293.post-19328431830107244992012-03-22T14:03:00.000-06:002012-03-22T14:03:06.702-06:00Organized New Mom Tip #24: Set up Hand Sanitizer Stations<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Everyone will want to hold the new arrival, and that’s hard to deal with while your Mama Bear instincts are in full throttle. The easiest way to appease your germ phobia is to have designated hand sanitizer stations throughout the house. When someone asks to hold the newbie, all you have to say is, “Of course! The hand sanitizer is right over there!” Keeping hand sanitizer in a convenient location also acts as a good reminder for you to slap on a little now and then between diaper changes*. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Good places to stash the sanitizer:</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By the front door</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By the changing table</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Guest bathroom</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Your bedroom/bathroom</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s also a good idea to carry a mini bottle of sanitizer in the diaper bag for when those inevitable complete strangers insist on grabbing Baby’s hand in the grocery store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s always fun. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*Don’t forget to keep hand sanitizers out of Baby’s reach. Those little buggers will get into anything close by.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618294855057034473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804455545023174293.post-70774383244365701432012-03-08T14:25:00.000-07:002012-03-08T14:25:38.333-07:00Organized New Mom Tip #23: Accept Help (Even if You Use it Unconventionally)<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Of course you need help. It takes a village, and all that, right? Sometimes it just seems like more work than it’s worth to arrange for the sitter, write out the monumental list of things the sitter needs to know, summon the energy to get ready for a night out, and then worry about how the baby’s doing the whole time you’re away. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There’s a smarter way to go about it. First of all, accepting help from people doesn’t mean having them simply babysit. If a friend or a family member is there to help (REALLY help, and not just make googly eyes at the baby), then give them a task that WILL help you. Ask them to drop off the dry-cleaning. Give them a list and some money for the grocery store. Let them hold the baby while you hop in the shower. Arrange for them to take the dog for a walk. If they are really there to help, they’ll be happy to do it. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Those first few weeks after childbirth makes you feel like a sore-in-tender-places hermit, so if you feel the need to go away from the kid for a bit, you’re not alone. I suggest you attempt to find a kind soul who can commit to a set schedule a few times a month to come over and baby sit while you get out and run free. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In my experience, arranging for the same person to babysit at the same time meant that there was no stressing about finding and scheduling a sitter, and eventually there was no long list of instructions to write out every time. My fantastic sister-in-law came over once a week (almost every week for a year!) for an hour or so. It was extremely therapeutic to be able to get my hair cut or shop without lugging around a baby carrier for an hour every week. Knowing I could count on this time lifted my spirits on those overwhelming days. Thanks Rachel-I am so looking forward to repaying the favor!</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618294855057034473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804455545023174293.post-18770732679472942792012-02-09T14:03:00.000-07:002012-02-09T14:03:00.234-07:00Organized New Mom Tip # 22: Learn to Use a Baby Sling (By Yourself)<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rockin' a baby sling is fantastic for a new mom (or dad). It’s hands-free, better on the back, and it keeps your little one close, which is right where he or she wants to be anyway. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Will first came home, I wore him every day, all the while thinking how I was knocking this new mommy thing out of the park. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">THEN, my husband went back to work, and I realized my crucial mistake: I didn’t learn how to put Will in the sling by myself. I remember standing over him and holding the empty sling, watching him coo happily on the bed. The only thing I was wearing is what must have been a very perplexed expression on my face.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Of course I eventually just taught myself how to sling him on my own, but it took a lot of practice before I felt like I wasn’t going to drop the little guy on his noggin in the process. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I needed a spotter for what seemed like the first hundred times, the whole while cursing myself for not learning this when my husband was at home with me those first few days. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Even if it does take a lot of practice for you too, I recommend you keep trying until you’re a slinging ninja. Once I felt confident enough, it was liberating to be able to strap him on by myself and walk out the door with two free hands. I also recommend you learn how to sling from the back seat of the car. Grocery shopping is so much more pleasant with a sleeping baby cuddled up next to you.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I thought about including a list of instructions for how I slung my baby on my own, but quickly became aware of the dozens of different types of baby slings on the market today, and of course they all have different safety recommendations for wearing your baby safely. I don’t want to get sued for teaching you the wrong way, so just be sure to read the instructions for your own baby wearing contraption.</span></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2bcfMcnyf_k/TzQyzypquyI/AAAAAAAAACg/0aRZUTmbPGw/s1600/100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" sda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2bcfMcnyf_k/TzQyzypquyI/AAAAAAAAACg/0aRZUTmbPGw/s320/100.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Both Mama and Baby Lovin' the Baby Sling</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: xx-small;">P.S. Buy the Gumdrop Pacifier from <a href="http://www.justdelivered.net/GumDrop-Pacifiers_c_38.html" target="_blank">my store</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618294855057034473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804455545023174293.post-56461853003297177292012-01-26T15:27:00.000-07:002012-01-26T15:27:35.538-07:00Organized New Mom Tip # 21: Place Baby’s Outdoor Necessities by the Door<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How many times do you rush out the door with the carrier along with a handful of other miscellaneous necessities only to realize a mile from home that you forgot your baby’s sun hat for the park? Designate a spot right by the door reserved ONLY for Baby’s outdoor essentials so you can quickly pick and choose what your little one needs on the way out.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Be vigilant about keeping these important items organized and at your fingertips; when you get home make an effort to put everything back in its place so they’re ready to go for your next excursion. It’s also important to keep it simple, as most everyday baby items such as diapers and hand sanitizer are better kept in the diaper bag (See Tip #4). As the seasons change, so does what your baby needs when you leave the house. Below are some suggestions for what to keep handy:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Warm Weather</span></i></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sun Hat</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Baby Sunglasses</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Baby Sunscreen (both the stick and the lotion)</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Insect Repellant</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Light Sweater</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rain Jacket</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cold Weather</span></i></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Heavy Coat</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Warm Hat</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mittens</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fleece Jacket</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Boots</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Extra Blanket</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is a tip that only becomes more useful as your baby grows into toddlerhood, so it’s better to establish it now so it becomes a good household habit.</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618294855057034473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804455545023174293.post-74306436469146988902012-01-12T14:54:00.001-07:002012-01-12T14:55:08.976-07:00Organized New Mom Tip # 20: Wear layers<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Getting drooled on, spit on, or pooped on is part of the territory when it comes to new motherhood, but that doesn’t mean you have to walk around with baby remnants or a burp cloth on your shoulder while you’re out with your little one.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">While I’m not saying you should be ashamed of wearing baby spit-up (heck, I wore it like a badge of honor) , I am saying that it’s good to be prepared in case the situation-at-hand calls for a spotless shirt. Wearing a couple of layers makes it easier to accomplish this goal.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had a beloved light hoodie that I wore most of the time that pretty much went into the wash at the end of each day. I usually wore a t-shirt under that and then a cami tank under that. That gave Baby 3 shots to destroy my ensemble before I was forced to change. If I was out and about and Will decided to dive bomb me, I would just peel the layer off, roll it up, and throw it in the diaper bag. It was much easier than trying to clean up the mess on the spot. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You don’t have to be gross like me and wear the same clothing every day. Stores like Old Navy and Target sell tons of clothes with layering options, and they’re usually found at great deals so they’re cheap to replace. </span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618294855057034473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804455545023174293.post-35686592254474581782011-10-14T07:43:00.000-06:002011-10-14T07:43:34.921-06:00Organized New Mom Tip #19: Keep Baby Meds in a Designated Spot<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s the middle of the night, and you’re awakened by your baby’s wail. Keeping all of his/her medications in the same spot <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all the time</i> can make a tough and stressful situation just a little bit easier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though this sounds like an obvious thing to do, it’s too easy to just leave a bottle by the sink because you get distracted only to really need it and not remember where it is. Taking the extra few steps to put baby meds where they belong saves you time and headaches in the future-guaranteed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Don’t forget:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Always keep meds out of reach of little hands</b>. Even though new babies can’t grab them right away, they’ll be able to sooner than you think. It’s better just to designate a safe spot right from the get-go so you don’t have to move them later.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Put baby meds in a convenient spot</b> and right within your reach when you most need them. We found the best place for us was above our son’s changing table. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Keep baby meds separate from your meds</b>. Not only is it safer, you also won’t have to go rifling through the medicine cabinet to find what you need. </span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618294855057034473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804455545023174293.post-70564884564182946312011-09-15T20:14:00.000-06:002011-09-15T20:14:49.541-06:00Organized New Mom Tip # 18: Nursery Storage-Bins are a New Mom’s Best Friend<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">…which is good because they’re everywhere. I, like so many others, can appreciate a good storage bin because they never fail to be so darn useful, especially in Baby’s room. I recall sitting in the middle of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>my son’s nursery, with said son still in my belly, feeling overwhelmed by how I was going to fit all of my newly acquired baby shower gifts into his tiny 10 x 10 ft. bedroom. I had to get very creative, but I managed to organize it all, and storage bins played a major role in this little miracle. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some tips:</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Look for wasted space in your nursery-</i>most likely you can turn it into useful storage space with a bin. The most over-looked dead space in Baby’s room is under the crib, but be careful: cramming too many things under a crib can become a dangerous fire hazard. </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Measure your space BEFORE purchasing storage bins-</em>eyeballing it quickly before heading out to the store can lead to frustrating returns or bins that are too small and don’t maximize your empty storage space. I managed to find THE PERFECT size bins for his changing table because they not only were the right height and length, but the width was so exact that I was able to nudge 3 bins in there instead of 2. I wouldn’t have been able to find those without proper measurements first.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Don’t sacrifice fashion for function</i>-if you find the right size bin but you’re not crazy about the color or look, don’t buy it. There’s too many fish in the sea.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Do sacrifice a little $$ for perfection</i>-if you do find the right size bin and it’s also the perfect color and look, be prepared to grab it even if it’s not on sale. The Perfect Storage Bin is a beautiful thing.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NckuDJH3Zic/TnKBGLIUU8I/AAAAAAAAACU/RwH8CDO3BIc/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NckuDJH3Zic/TnKBGLIUU8I/AAAAAAAAACU/RwH8CDO3BIc/s320/030.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: xx-small;">No drawers on this changing table, but storage bins </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: xx-small;">still helped me to neatly organize all of his essentials.</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M_hhlcjtMMU/TnKBKe916kI/AAAAAAAAACY/u2I2Liws0gM/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M_hhlcjtMMU/TnKBKe916kI/AAAAAAAAACY/u2I2Liws0gM/s320/034.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">These 3 large bins under the crib add much-needed nursery storage in a </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: xx-small;">usually overlooked spot.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618294855057034473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804455545023174293.post-51540142280031911012011-08-24T15:44:00.000-06:002011-08-24T15:44:09.457-06:00Organized New Mom Tip #17: Keep Doubles of Big Baby Items at Places you Often Visit:<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You probably already know that traveling with a newborn can be tedious, exhausting and can get a bit ridiculous the way your car becomes crammed full of baby gear. Notice I said “ridiculous” and not “unnecessary”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chances are you’ll need and use every item you bring along for your tike (don’t forget Tip # 3 to help you weed out what you do or don’t need for travel). It’s important to keep your baby’s schedule as close to normal as possible when you travel, which makes it understandable to feel the need to lug around Johnny’s nursing boppy or tummy time mat.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A great way to leave some breathing room in your car is to make the effort to leave doubles of all the baby items you often use at places you visit frequently. I’m not telling you to go out and buy a brand name, brand new double of what you have at home; in fact, I think it’s a bit silly to do so. Second hand stores and garage sales are usually chock full of perfectly acceptable baby items that people are usually desperate to get rid of and work perfectly well for the short term. Whether we’re talking about Grandma’s and Grandpa’s for a weekend trip or your sister across the country several times a year, this tip helps make your excursions less hectic and much more enjoyable.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Below is a suggested list of items you might want to keep at your frequent travel stops:</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pack n’ Play or Crib </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Changing table or Changing Pad</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yoga Ball (works great as a substitute rocking chair for soothing cranky babies)</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bouncer</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tummy Time Activity Mat</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Boppy</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Diapers/Wipes</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bottles</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Baby monitor</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">White Noise Machine</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mobile or Aquarium Soother for Crib</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AGHiPToARus/TlVui3lQ88I/AAAAAAAAACQ/T9HOTZf2nUg/s1600/086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AGHiPToARus/TlVui3lQ88I/AAAAAAAAACQ/T9HOTZf2nUg/s320/086.JPG" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will and I enjoying a quiet morning on my parent's farm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and feeling oh-so-glad to have a comfy changing table handy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> instead of a flimsy diaper bag mat. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618294855057034473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804455545023174293.post-2394009801650041142011-07-31T16:54:00.005-06:002011-07-31T18:19:59.815-06:00Organized New Mom Tip #16- Make your own baby food<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Not only is it healthier for your baby, it’s cheaper AND it can be easier if you do it right. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I first started making food for Will, I told myself I’d only do it as long as it didn’t drive me to the Looney Bin. Turns out I never had to buy a single jar of baby food, nor did I ever want to.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here are some tips to keep you on track:</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Plan ahead</u>-Make your baby food all in one big batch and only make baby food that you can freeze for weeks at a time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whenever you need a meal, it’s as simple as grabbing a cube from the freezer and heating it up. Home cooking for Baby is not easier if you have to come up with a new meal every night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We always had at least one veggie puree and one fruit puree in the freezer so our little guy had some variety in his diet.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Splurge a little for the right tools and you’re more likely to stick to it</u>-I bought a baby food puree cookbook (one that keeps it simple is best) and a set of baby food cubes with measurements that are freezer and dishwasher safe. You can also buy a fancy baby food puree processer, but I got by on my ordinary old blender. Below are links to the items I chose, but there are many like them on the market. Make sure you choose the items that work best for you.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Baby Food Cubes- </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Cubes-Storage-Containers-Bisphenol-/dp/B001B5DTO2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311712428&sr=8-1"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Cubes-Storage-Containers-Bisphenol-/dp/B001B5DTO2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311712428&sr=8-1</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Baby Food Cookbook- </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Top-100-Baby-Purees-Healthy/dp/0743289579/ref=pd_cp_ba_2"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">http://www.amazon.com/Top-100-Baby-Purees-Healthy/dp/0743289579/ref=pd_cp_ba_2</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><u>Select easy-to-puree produce</u>-you don’t want to spend half your life peeling, chopping, or mincing something that only ends up making an ounce or two of baby food. There are so many easy-to-prepare options that you don’t have to sacrifice your baby’s nutrition. Some simple prep purees include butternut squash, broccoli, pears and frozen peas. Bananas and avocados are so crazy easy that all you have to do is mash them and put them in a bowl. Although spinach, mangos, and apples are oh-so-good for Baby, they take a little more prep time and you might not want to plan to make them on a regular basis.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Of course, always, always, always consult your baby’s pediatrician before introducing a new diet.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dynOT6CyXZWHzq0lhCQvj4a9teXCOx_f-GYlWzm-P9bJOXMQo7710PA0iyarzsOYf-M-xJydUraqn_JzKEOcA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Our son Will trying homemade sweet potato puree for the first time</span></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618294855057034473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804455545023174293.post-65490622262642051502011-07-13T14:27:00.000-06:002011-07-13T14:27:05.670-06:00Organized New Mom Tip # 15: Waterproof Mattress Pad on your Bed<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Go to the store, buy one now, and put it on your bed. You’re certainly not going to be thinking about it when you and your leaky baby pass out in your bed after a 3 AM feeding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to learn this tip the hard way. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NmYo1lxAxTA/Th3-ETIN05I/AAAAAAAAACM/ByFDz8LOfKQ/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NmYo1lxAxTA/Th3-ETIN05I/AAAAAAAAACM/ByFDz8LOfKQ/s320/015.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son Will, then 3 months old, taking a <br />
morning cat nap on my well-protected mattress</td></tr>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618294855057034473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804455545023174293.post-14215884824800569392011-06-15T14:01:00.000-06:002011-06-15T14:01:12.675-06:00Organized New Mom Tip #14: Relax your wardrobe<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This might sound like a “duh” kind of tip, but it’s harder to do than it seems. At first, in the midst of all the pooping and spit up, I didn’t care at all that I was spending my days in a t-shirt and yoga pants, but after awhile I caught myself looking longingly at my high-heeled “hurts-like-hell-but-man-do-they-make-me-look-good” knee high boots. If you’re a SAHM like me, it’s especially hard because you don’t get to enjoy fancy outfits during normal working hours away from home. The most important thing about this particular organized new mom tip is that you’ve got to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tell</i> yourself you’re going to do it. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself buying pretty dresses and strappy sandals yet opting for comfortable shoes and 100% cotton when you leave the house. Trust me. In the long run, dressing down your closet makes life much easier both physically and financially. </span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618294855057034473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804455545023174293.post-6700498467490781402011-05-04T15:37:00.000-06:002011-05-04T15:37:39.571-06:00Organized New Mom Tip #13: Exercise<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ugh. I know. Sometimes the last thing a new mom wants to do is pull on her yoga pants (that are probably a bit tight because of the baby weight) and hit the gym. Believe me, I can sympathize.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I gained around 50 lbs. with my pregnancy, and I was anxious to get it off ASAP.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember being disappointed when my doctor told me I couldn’t do anything but light walking for exercise for 6 weeks after giving birth. So I walked. I walked and I walked and I walked – lightly. I was slowly losing weight but I discovered something more important happening. I felt FANTASTIC when I was walking. Everyone knows the stresses of a new baby can make you feel like you don’t have much control in your life. I found that exercising-even just light walking-gave me back that feeling of control. My focus on losing weight suddenly faded away and I was able to relax and just enjoy my daily exercise. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I was able to do more strenuous exercising, I worked hard to make time during the day just for me to work out, and it paid off. Not only did I end up losing more than just my baby weight, I became a much happier, much calmer, and more organized new mom. Exercising is now just a part of my daily life, and if I skip it, I feel like something is missing. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Not sure how to get started? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s what worked for me:</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take your baby for a daily walk. Like I said before, it’s all you’re allowed to do the first 6 weeks. </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once you’re ready to do more, schedule a light workout while the baby naps, because the dishes are less important. I started with a post-natal yoga video while Will slept in the bouncer next to me.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Join a Mommy/Baby Yoga or Exercise class. Since I’m not into group workouts I never did, but I have mom friends who did and really enjoyed them. </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Find a workout facility that offers drop-in child care. Once you find the right one, you’ll be hooked. I still take Will to our local rec center at least once a week. You’ll get an uninterrupted workout, plus your little one gets to socialize with other babies.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As everyone says, start slow. If you find yourself dreading your workout, stop immediately and find a new one. Before you know it, you’ll be in the market for a smaller pair of yoga pants. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618294855057034473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804455545023174293.post-30846539725627246152011-04-27T15:44:00.000-06:002011-04-27T15:44:08.455-06:00Organized New Mom Tip #12: Keep Essentials on or Near the Changing Table<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lre_FBj4sss/TbiM_YKq44I/AAAAAAAAACI/ZD5XSqXdJPc/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lre_FBj4sss/TbiM_YKq44I/AAAAAAAAACI/ZD5XSqXdJPc/s320/045.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Everyone knows to keep the diapers and wipes near the changing table, but what new moms don’t realize is how many other things you need to do for your baby on the table besides wiping a bottom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I quickly realized after Will was born that I needed to overhaul the whole changing area. The hanging mobile was moved from the crib to the table where he enjoyed it all the time, as you can see from the picture to the left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here’s a list of everything I kept handy around the changing table the first few months after Will was born:</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Diapers</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wipes</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Diaper Cream</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Baby Tylenol/Other Meds</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thermometer</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Baby Toothbrush</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Baby Nail Clippers/File</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nose Aspirator (the bulb thing)</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Extra Pacifier</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Comb</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Onesies</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Baby PJs</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Baby Socks</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bibs/Burp Cloths</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Receiving Blankets</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Extra changing table cover</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunscreen</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kleenex</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hand Sanitizer</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Small Squirt Water Bottle</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Extra Rattle or Board Book</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although this list seems excessive, I used every last item from this list almost daily, and I suspect other parents do too. Most of these items are small so they’re much easier to organize than at first glance. I have some open storage below the changing table for the linens, so if you actually have a dresser, you’re set. For the rest of the little items I hung pocket storage above the table which works perfectly, since it’s important to keep meds out of reach of grabby little hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pictures below give you a better idea how I organized the table area. Keep in mind that I now have a 19 month old, so the items pictured are a bit different from the above list. </span></span> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iVnLh58npEU/TbiB7dua7KI/AAAAAAAAACA/dlywl9X_St8/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iVnLh58npEU/TbiB7dua7KI/AAAAAAAAACA/dlywl9X_St8/s400/035.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Convenient pocket storage hung to the left of the <br />
changing table keeps meds and small items <br />
out of Baby's reach </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7GCJfIsE5A/TbiCEJdXh-I/AAAAAAAAACE/5w4HLCArpLQ/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="height: 205px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 279px;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7GCJfIsE5A/TbiCEJdXh-I/AAAAAAAAACE/5w4HLCArpLQ/s320/037.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interesting images, toys, and books keep Baby happy-<br />
I had to take the mobile off when Will started<br />
pulling it down, but he used it for a good 9 months :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vzk-55aQSuM/TbiBw9sRSrI/AAAAAAAAAB8/QNJPB7TUFQo/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vzk-55aQSuM/TbiBw9sRSrI/AAAAAAAAAB8/QNJPB7TUFQo/s400/033.JPG" width="300" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Storage baskets are a new mom's best friend.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I also have some big storage baskets underneath the crib</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618294855057034473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804455545023174293.post-50268396760948093022011-04-06T15:58:00.001-06:002011-04-06T16:03:23.506-06:00Organized New Mom Tip #11: Create an Online Baby Wish List<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you have a large family like I do, prepare yourself for the wonderful support system that will surround you and your newborn baby. You must also prepare yourself for the plethora of questions from loved ones about what baby products/clothing your bundle of joy will doubtlessly need. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s a no-brainer to create a gift registry when you’re pregnant in preparation for your baby shower, but news flash: you don’t get everything you need at your baby shower, especially since babies don’t stay size 0-6 months forever. Since loved ones feel the need to buy adorable little babies cute little presents now and then, I quickly discovered the perks of creating an ongoing baby wish list. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here are some recommendations for getting started:</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 37.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Make sure your wish list is accessible online, especially if you have family and friends who live out of state. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 37.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Choose a store that has a variety of products. I’ve had anything from board books to bath toys to teething necklaces on Will’s baby wish list.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 37.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Keep it simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stick with 1 or 2 of your favorite baby stores and keep your lists at 1 or 2 pages. Your goal is to make it less difficult for people to buy a gift for your baby, not more.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 37.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Maintain your wish list. Check it every couple of weeks to make sure that everything is up-to-date and your baby still needs the items on the list. </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 37.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Choose a variety of products at different price points. I know it’s shocking, but not everyone wants to spend over $100 on your baby.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 37.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When a person asks you about buying a gift for your baby, be tactful. Say something like “I know that he/she will love whatever you choose, but if you’d like some ideas, I have an online wish list at ______". <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Around Christmas or birthdays, I send out a small e-mail with a link to the wish list to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>JUST</u><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></b>the people I know who are planning on getting my son a present. Again, be tactful to avoid any hurt feelings or awkwardness.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let me take this opportunity to say two things. One, to those of you reading my blog that have ever gotten my son a present NOT on his wish list- we LOVED your gift. It was perfect and exactly what he needed. Two, a shameless plug: create a fabulous online baby gift registry at my website </span><a href="http://www.justdelivered.net/giftregistry_home.asp"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">http://www.justdelivered.net/giftregistry_home.asp</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. Check it out. You’ll feel better if you do.</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618294855057034473noreply@blogger.com0