Thursday, September 21, 2006
To register or not to register...
It's funny...I had "issues" with signing up for a gift registry for the baby. We didn't "register" anywhere when we got married...Koreans don't do that...they just get money in lieu of gifts. But I agree...the whole idea of registering does make total sense. You get the things you want and need, and avoid getting duplicates and/or things you have no use for. BUT...it seems kinda funny doesn't it? How do you respond when you receive something from your registry? "OH, I LOVE IT!"...of course you love it, you PICKED it. Or "What a surprise!"...no it's not, you PICKED IT! Or "Thank you, you shouldn't have"...again you PICKED IT! It just seems a little weird. Anyway, Rob and I went to Toys R Us to register tonight. It was fun for the first 10 minutes. Then we both got super confused. Besides not knowing what is considered appropriate registry items to pick (can you pick things like diapers and baby wipes?), more importantly we didn't KNOW what we WANTED!!! You would think running around the store with the scanner-gun would be fun, but we just stood around lots, looking around, staring at everything wondering which highchair, which bouncy chair, which swing etc. we wanted. Then Rob asked "Shouldn't you know this stuff? Shouldn't you have researched which ones are better than the rest?" Ummm, no...I've been busy looking online at fun baby-stuff, like finding funky crib bedding and getting ideas about which colors to paint the nursery. We honestly stood there, getting more and more confused, more and more frusterated, more and more impatient and snappy at each other (maybe me more than him). Baby stuff is confusing...so many patterns, so many features, so many name brands, such BIG price differences. And it doesn't help when you don't know what you're having...having to pick everything that would be suitable for a boy or a girl. I am going to have to admit Rob's right, and start researching baby products...any hints and suggestions on what baby products are good, bad, can't live without, and/or a waste of money? I may have to amend my registry...
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12 comments:
Hey Joyce, I am surprised that you who love surfing the 'net' for everything and anything that you didn't check out the "best of..." yet?!
Christian's mom put him in the cat's basket when he was first born and see, he turned out okay...
The only thing that I am going to strongly suggest to put on your "list" is a digital thermometer... since you are a bit too paranoid and probably freak out trying to keep one in the baby's mouth (or bum)!
I never used the diaper genie pail. I didn't find it practical at all. Also I loved the Fischer Price bouncy chair. I also loved the Fischer Price highchair. The one with the removable tray so it was easy to clean. I'm sending you the playpen that Susan had bought for me so you don't need to get one. And I didn't use any of the bath stuff that I bought for the babies. I just went into the tub with them. That's just me though I found that easier. And you finally updated your blog. YEAH. I look forward to your new postings as much as I look forward to getting my weekly copy of People magazine in my mailbox.
Haha Audrey is funny! I agree with her on the fisher price bouncey chair, it's the best one.
A baby bjorn, which you already have.
I don't really think parents need to buy all this stuff for their babes to go in. We have arms to cuddle them in. Lots of that stuff is a real waste of money cause your baby might hate it or use only a couple times. Is there someone you can borrow from to see if your baby likes it first then you could go and buy it?
In the first months we used recieving blankets alot, so lots of those (the bigger ones are better for swaddling).
Lots of people gave us money, we put it in Jaia's bank account then when he needs something, we go pick it up. Seems to work well for us, but I'm not a fan of registrys...soooo...yeah....
hhhmmmmm not really at that stage yet. But, um, let me know which ones you decide are the best after your research. Yeah that's right I will let you do all the work ;)
Also I don't really know what that stuff you were talking about for a nursery on the walls is. It sounds like alot of work though. I have asked a friend of mine to paint a mural on the walls of an enchanted forest. Sorry it took me so long to get back to you, I am extremely lazy sometimes. ;)
Hey Joyce,
Send me your mailing addres (soniaansari@rogers.com). I can mail you the Fisher Price Bouncy Chair, Bumbo, Gymini playmat and a few other things (got LOTS of bibs that Brandon is no longer using) if you're willing to pay for the courier shipping fee.
Sonia
Sonia,
You have a bumbo????? I want one for Jaia, I'm just waiting for when we go to Kelowna next. Did Brandon like it?
oh oh Sonia...now you have Kaili and me who both want your stuff!!! ha ha ha...
The bumbo was really helpful. I bought it after Brandon was born, so I know what it was like not having one (with Ava).
It was great for when baby is ready to have solids (pre-highchair), or just using it to put baby down when you need to go washroom and he/she wants to be near you (sounds gross, but you know what I mean!), sitting and playing with toys, also great to keep by the door when the family is getting ready to go out and everyone is putting on shoes and jackets. At this stage of the game, I am using it just near the door to immobilize Brandon so that he won't put shoes in his mouth while we were all getting ready. But, I can live without it now that he's crawling and will be walking soon.
Sorry Kaili, I wish I had more stuff! I only have 1 bumbo and I've already promised it to Joyce.
As for what other stuff I couldn't live without..nursing pillow, baby carrier, Eurotub, bravado nursing bras, Mossberry Sore Bum Balm (for diaper rash and barrier cream), Ameda or Medela Breast pump, Avent steam sterilizer, LOTS of bibs with a velcro or snap closure (for teething phase), durabib (for eating solids), exesaucer and booster seat (for when you eat out and all the boosters are in use or they are disgustingly dirty).
Ok, this sounds bad, but we loved our walker (which we bought when it was legal and we're no longer using because Brandon is too big). I don't want to start a flood of posts..I know it's illegal in Canada. But, I must say it was amazing to use once the baby is strong enough to push him/herself along. It freed up our hands (when cooking, cleaning, etc.) and allowed baby to follow me around the house. It's the same one we bought Audrey. Ours is made by Graco and is still legal in the US. I think if you use common sense, it's a safe product. I would never use it on the second floor, or somewhere where the child has access to stairs. We already have a bunch of people who want ours for when they have kids.
I think that's it..if I think of something else, I will let you know!
Sonia
OMG! Sonia, I bought my new nephew a walker in the States. I didn't know it was illegal in Canada!!!! That settles it...if I ever have a kid, someone else has to raise it. I don't know squat!
Shannon, don't feel bad, I'm sure you're a wonderful Aunt! Audrey always says SO many nice things about you. I wouldn't have known it was illegal too if I didn't have kids and just happened to be watching the news when the piece was airing.
Canada is just really conservative and tends to ban stuff out of fear rather than allowing people to use common sense. But, I guess there must have been a lot of children who had fallen down stairs in them or fallen forward in those cheaper style walkers that people pick up on the lawn at corner gas stations.
Honestly though, I had no fears of using the Graco walker, as long as I knew that my basement door was securely closed and I used it on the ground level of our home.
Hey, if it's still legal in the US, it can't be that bad can it?!? LOL
Sonia
Thanks Sonia! I think I'm a good aunty - at least I haven't seriously harmed any of the nieces and nephews...yet... and most have gotten over that whole "recoiling in fear" after the last episode. ;) All kidding aside, my first niece had one of those walkers and loved it, so I assumed the latest nephew would love it, and tonite Kaili explained why it was illegal. I guess I just assume most people would think of putting up a barrier or close a door to stairs, but oddly enough, some people don't.
Thanks for the insight, but I still will have all of you knowledgeable mums on my speed dial! LOL
Peyton loved her free standing jolly jumper (not the one you hook up in the door). The only place I've seen them is in the Sear's catalogue, but, well worth the investment. Sean and I also highly recommend the Fischer Price baby monitor (the cheap one, no fancy cameras or anything, it's white and blue). It has good range (if you're outside or something). I was actually going to get you one of those Bumbo things as a gift so I'm glad I read your comments to know that your getting one anyway......Jess
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