Our Favorite Baby Gadgets

In the last few weeks Phil and I have definitely found the gems within our baby arsenal that make life a little easier and more enjoyable. I am sure this list will change and morph as we August does, but for now here are our top choices for happy living with an infant.

Katie's Top Three Infant Gadgets:

Earth Mama's Natural Nipple Butter:
A total life savor. Cool and refreshing on the nipples. I think I used half the jar in the first two days of breast feeding. Made of all natural ingredients, it is safe for the baby to consume so there is no worry about when you apply it or needing to wipe it off when feeding.

Mini Shower Diaper Sprayer:
This little invention is a natural companion for cloth diapering. The mini sprayer attaches to the toilet and allows you to rinse dirty diapers right into the toilet. It has worked great for us. We just rinse the junk into the toilet, ring the diaper out, and throw it into the diaper pail until we have enough for a full load (about every other day we do a wash of diapers). It is a superb accessory for the cloth diapering venture.

The Boppy:
The Boppy is a 3/4, donut shaped cushion that is totally invaluable to everyday proceedings with an infant. It is perfect for breastfeeding as it brings baby right up to breast level. It is also great for propping baby up in a seated position, or practice on their tummies. We have found it helpful when August doesnt want to be put down, but dinner is ready and on the table. He can hang out on the Boppy, be close to the skin, but allow us to have our hands free to eat.



Phil's Top Infant Gadgets

Graco Travel System:
The travel system is a combo carseat and stroller. The great thing about getting a travel system is that the car seat fits into the stroller without having to take baby out of the car seat and transfer them into the stroller. We have enjoyed many walks with the stroller, which also has a basket on the bottom to store the diaper bag, and cup holders for Mom and Dad's coffee. The best part is we got it off of Craig's list from a couple moving back to the main land. A steal of a deal and a totally helpful gadget.

The Boob: This one explains itself!

3 weeks with August

August is almost 3 weeks old already! Life has definitely changed in the last 3 weeks, and oddly, it is still very much the same. Phil and I are adjusting to the joys and rigors of life with an infant, and August, I am sure, is adjusting to life in this wide world.
What amazes me is just how different every day can be. Some days August is happy and ready to go out and do errands with me, and some days we don't leave the house. Some days he sleeps for hours, and other days it is hard to get him to sleep for an hour at a time. Some days there seems to be a pattern in his behavior, but most days we are just bewildered about what he wants or needs and what will come next.

August is certainly growing and is a very good eater. It is so funny to watch him get revved up to eat. First he starts to suck ferociously on his hands, fingers, and wrists. If you are holding him, he might also use a shoulder to satisfy his suckling needs. Then when the boob is offered, he gets so excited he doesn't know what to do with himself. He arms go up, he starts to coo, and I have to almost strap him down to focus him enough to start eating.

August is also a baby with a thousand different facial expressions, all of which he has no control over. Phil and I can never tell what is about to come, because his face can go from a smile to a wail in a nano second. He has this coy face, and a stern face, an anxious face, and an excited face. We have been trying to capture some of these looks on film, but by the time the flash goes off, his expression has totally changed.

So far Phil and I are having a good time - getting through the challenging moments, and savoring the precious moments. We are set to move here in a week or so and are hoping that August will cooperate to help us make it a successful venture. I am very happy that I will not be starting back to work until the end of August, so I will have plenty of time to get settled and spend time with this little guy.