OUR NEXT ADVENTURE
Josh and I are super psyched to be parents! Though, we have only been married a little over two years, we've known each other for nearly a decade. We traveled the country - from Charleston, SC to San Francisco, CA and almost all of the states in between. We've even had the privilege of exploring abroad - walking the footsteps of Christ in Israel, geyser gazing and hot spring baths in Iceland and biking/hiking/kayaking/camping in Norway. We've really enjoyed our time as a couple and can't wait to introduce our little one to the world and take him/her on future adventures with us!
TRIMESTER #2
We are 16 weeks now - almost half-way! My belly is growing daily (pictures coming soon) and I'm actually starting to look like a have a little bun in the oven. It's a lot of fun to plan, dream and imagine how "life with baby" will be. We can't wait to take Baby Dish on strolls around our property, on trips to the Farmer's Market and, eventually, on treks to other states and countries. But first, we have to get through the pregnancy and building our house!
TO SHOWER OR NOT TO SHOWER?
We are so blessed to have such supportive family and friends. They have showered us with prayers, phone calls, visits, and cards. Though we have absolutely adored our "congrats showers", we are a little weary about having a "real baby shower". Josh and I are really struggling with if, how & where to register. It's the first grandbaby for both sides, so we know our little one will be loved unconditionally. But we just broke ground on our house, and are still living with my in-laws...We just don't have room for a lot of extra stuff!
QUALITY vs. QUANTITY
I guess you could call us "Hippy Minimalists", as we prefer to invest in a few quality items - organic, local & toxic-free - that we trust and use for years to come. We would prefer it if our friends and family would spend their money on ONE quality item, rather than waste their money on a bunch of the cutesy, trendy items that don't work, aren't really what we like, aren't necessary and/or will break in less than a year.
Yes, organics tend to cost more, but do you know why? "Organic" means everyone gets to live/work in a safe, pesticide- and chemical-free environment. So when I wrap my baby's tush in a soft, organic cotton cloth diaper, not only can I trust that it's healthier for Baby Dish, but the workers who picked the cotton and sewed/handled the diaper were not exposed to toxic chemicals.
"Made in USA or Europe" also equals "higher quality". If you don't believe me, compare a "big box" organic fitted diaper to a diaper like the "Growing Greens One-size Fitted Diaper" from Babee Greens - a NC-based company in Asheville. The stitching and fit on the NC diaper is superior! And when you "Go Local", you are supporting your community and local economy. Though the baby industry is changing and these items are easier to find than they were a decade ago, we found out yesterday that "baby superstores" rarely carry high-quality items.
THE BABY SUPERSTORE
We were actually looking forward to our visit to the "baby superstore" yesterday, but the uncanny scent of baby powder at the door and the giant warehouse with wall-to-wall items made us want to turn and run in the opposite direction. We perused the aisles of plastic toys, disposable diapers, fancy strollers and countless items made in China. We quickly realized the baby industry was just as bad as the wedding industry. Honestly, does a 1 month old really need a baby spa bath with bubbles and lights?
Josh and I are super psyched to be parents! Though, we have only been married a little over two years, we've known each other for nearly a decade. We traveled the country - from Charleston, SC to San Francisco, CA and almost all of the states in between. We've even had the privilege of exploring abroad - walking the footsteps of Christ in Israel, geyser gazing and hot spring baths in Iceland and biking/hiking/kayaking/camping in Norway. We've really enjoyed our time as a couple and can't wait to introduce our little one to the world and take him/her on future adventures with us!
TRIMESTER #2
We are 16 weeks now - almost half-way! My belly is growing daily (pictures coming soon) and I'm actually starting to look like a have a little bun in the oven. It's a lot of fun to plan, dream and imagine how "life with baby" will be. We can't wait to take Baby Dish on strolls around our property, on trips to the Farmer's Market and, eventually, on treks to other states and countries. But first, we have to get through the pregnancy and building our house!
TO SHOWER OR NOT TO SHOWER?
We are so blessed to have such supportive family and friends. They have showered us with prayers, phone calls, visits, and cards. Though we have absolutely adored our "congrats showers", we are a little weary about having a "real baby shower". Josh and I are really struggling with if, how & where to register. It's the first grandbaby for both sides, so we know our little one will be loved unconditionally. But we just broke ground on our house, and are still living with my in-laws...We just don't have room for a lot of extra stuff!
QUALITY vs. QUANTITY
I guess you could call us "Hippy Minimalists", as we prefer to invest in a few quality items - organic, local & toxic-free - that we trust and use for years to come. We would prefer it if our friends and family would spend their money on ONE quality item, rather than waste their money on a bunch of the cutesy, trendy items that don't work, aren't really what we like, aren't necessary and/or will break in less than a year.
Yes, organics tend to cost more, but do you know why? "Organic" means everyone gets to live/work in a safe, pesticide- and chemical-free environment. So when I wrap my baby's tush in a soft, organic cotton cloth diaper, not only can I trust that it's healthier for Baby Dish, but the workers who picked the cotton and sewed/handled the diaper were not exposed to toxic chemicals.
"Made in USA or Europe" also equals "higher quality". If you don't believe me, compare a "big box" organic fitted diaper to a diaper like the "Growing Greens One-size Fitted Diaper" from Babee Greens - a NC-based company in Asheville. The stitching and fit on the NC diaper is superior! And when you "Go Local", you are supporting your community and local economy. Though the baby industry is changing and these items are easier to find than they were a decade ago, we found out yesterday that "baby superstores" rarely carry high-quality items.
THE BABY SUPERSTORE
We were actually looking forward to our visit to the "baby superstore" yesterday, but the uncanny scent of baby powder at the door and the giant warehouse with wall-to-wall items made us want to turn and run in the opposite direction. We perused the aisles of plastic toys, disposable diapers, fancy strollers and countless items made in China. We quickly realized the baby industry was just as bad as the wedding industry. Honestly, does a 1 month old really need a baby spa bath with bubbles and lights?
Humans have been having babies since time began. Sure, people have invented things to make life easier, but how many of those things do you REALLY need, especially in the beginning. Babies are small. They eat, sleep and poop. How much could they possibly need besides love, care and the basic necessities?
A HIPPY MINIMALIST'S BABY WISH LIST
I'm going to take a chance and make a shopping list of what I think we will actually need for baby's first 5 months.
*Note: This could be incredibly insightful or way off-base, given the fact that I am a first-time mom who has not changed a diaper since my babysitting days - nearly 20 years ago! Next year we will have to see how accurate my wish list was!
EAT
-Nursing pillow + organic cover
-Breast pump
-Lifefactory glass baby bottles + a Bottle cleaning brush
-Comfortable chair/rocker + side table + lamp with soft light
-Natural Rubber Pacifiers, if absolutely necessary
-Breast feeding Tea - for mom
SLEEP
-Hushamok Organic Baby Hammock* - for sleeping, rocking and , later, swinging.
-Soft organic baby blanket
-Swaddling blankets (3)
-Crib + Crib Mattress + Sheets (2)
*Ok, so maybe the baby hammock isn't a necessity, but I'm kind of obsessed with this sexy, self-soothing hammock. I am convinced that we will all get more sleep with baby in a hammock instead of a stationary bassinet or our full-sized bed. I'm justifying the cost of this pricey item by the fact that it is not much more than a co-sleeper which can run $200+; It's a safe, healthy, natural alternative to sleeping in a car seat or bassinet all day/night; the fact that we could use it on trips to our property or the grandparents' houses; and we can use the stand for the swing attachment when baby gets older!
Did I convince you yet?
POOP
-Organic one-size fitted diapers (20)
-Organic cotton prefolds - newborn (12), small (24), medium (12), large (12) - *assuming 12 = 1 pkg; The bigger sizes will be used as burp cloths, clean surface for diaper changes on the go, etc.
-Snappi fasteners
-Wool diaper covers - newborn (2), small (2), medium (2)
-Waterproof diaper covers - newborn (2), small (2) - preferably PVC-free, made in USA
-All-in-one diapers - newborn (2), small (2) - for road trips
-Organic cloth wipes (30) & natural disposable wipes for on the go
-Diaper pail or trash can with lid
-Wet diaper bag (1-small for on the go, 1 large for home)
-Coconut oil - for baby's bottom and for homemade cloth wipes
-Organic changing station/pad - for the counter in our bathroom
*We really want to try cloth diapering with prefolds to start. We know it's more messy, costs a little more up-front and can be more time-consuming, but we imagine that the cost of disposables can add up pretty quickly, especially with newborns. So I imagine this list will be longer than the average parent who will invest in a stack of disposables of all sizes.
CARE
-Charlie's Soap (4 large tubs, estimating 1 per month)
-Lanolin bar or wash - for wool items (1-2)
-Vinegar (2 large jugs) - for the rinse cycle for cloth diapers
-Portable cloths hanger/dryer - for "sunning" cloth diapers (UV rays = natural bleach)
-Baby washcloths (2) & Hooded Towel (1)
-Dr. Bronners' baby-mild sensitive soap (3 bottles or bars)
-Puj Flyte Baby Bath - for our bathroom sink (we have no room for a big baby tub right now)
-Nosefrida Snotsucker (1)
-Baby thermometer (1)
EXPLORE
-Sheepskin rug or soft blanket (for tummy time)
-Books board and soft
-Wooden rattle
-Stuffed animal
-Teething toy or necklace
ON-THE-GO
-Car seat
-Baby Carrier
-Diaper bag (or large bag/backpack/tote with pockets)
-Travel system stroller
WEAR - all organic, if possible
-Wool sleep sack (1)
-100% cotton sleep sacks/gowns (2)
-Wool/cashmere leggings (2)
-Wool/cashmere shorts (1*
-Footies (5) - for our winter baby
-Socks (4 pairs)
-Bodysuits (6)
-Caps/Hats (2)
-Wool/Cashmere Sweater (1)
*Wool/cashmere pants and sleep items sound odd, I know, but from what I've read, wool is naturally antimicrobial, softer than you think, regulates temperature whether it's winter or summer, absorbs liquid (i.e. pee) without making baby wet/cold - protecting clothing, sofas, beds, etc. I figure, it's worth a try and the little extra it will cost. My favorite Asheville, NC company, Babee Greens, makes all kinds of great wool/cashmere products. (FYI - I'm not sponsored by Babee Greens, and am not getting paid to say nice things about their products. I'm just a big fan!)
DECORATE
-Fensted paper mobile
-Bookshelves - for a few of our favorite childhood books and any we get as gifts
-Sheepskin rug
-Framed pictures
-Nightlight
*OK... so these aren't necessities, but rather appeal to my "nesting" instinct and will be used for years to come.
My Inspiration for a "Minimalist Nursery"
(Source: Houzz)
A HIPPY MINIMALIST'S BABY WISH LIST
I'm going to take a chance and make a shopping list of what I think we will actually need for baby's first 5 months.
*Note: This could be incredibly insightful or way off-base, given the fact that I am a first-time mom who has not changed a diaper since my babysitting days - nearly 20 years ago! Next year we will have to see how accurate my wish list was!
EAT
-Nursing pillow + organic cover
-Breast pump
-Lifefactory glass baby bottles + a Bottle cleaning brush
-Comfortable chair/rocker + side table + lamp with soft light
-Natural Rubber Pacifiers, if absolutely necessary
-Breast feeding Tea - for mom
SLEEP
-Hushamok Organic Baby Hammock* - for sleeping, rocking and , later, swinging.
-Soft organic baby blanket
-Swaddling blankets (3)
-Crib + Crib Mattress + Sheets (2)
*Ok, so maybe the baby hammock isn't a necessity, but I'm kind of obsessed with this sexy, self-soothing hammock. I am convinced that we will all get more sleep with baby in a hammock instead of a stationary bassinet or our full-sized bed. I'm justifying the cost of this pricey item by the fact that it is not much more than a co-sleeper which can run $200+; It's a safe, healthy, natural alternative to sleeping in a car seat or bassinet all day/night; the fact that we could use it on trips to our property or the grandparents' houses; and we can use the stand for the swing attachment when baby gets older!
Did I convince you yet?
POOP
-Organic one-size fitted diapers (20)
-Organic cotton prefolds - newborn (12), small (24), medium (12), large (12) - *assuming 12 = 1 pkg; The bigger sizes will be used as burp cloths, clean surface for diaper changes on the go, etc.
-Snappi fasteners
-Wool diaper covers - newborn (2), small (2), medium (2)
-Waterproof diaper covers - newborn (2), small (2) - preferably PVC-free, made in USA
-All-in-one diapers - newborn (2), small (2) - for road trips
-Organic cloth wipes (30) & natural disposable wipes for on the go
-Diaper pail or trash can with lid
-Wet diaper bag (1-small for on the go, 1 large for home)
-Coconut oil - for baby's bottom and for homemade cloth wipes
-Organic changing station/pad - for the counter in our bathroom
*We really want to try cloth diapering with prefolds to start. We know it's more messy, costs a little more up-front and can be more time-consuming, but we imagine that the cost of disposables can add up pretty quickly, especially with newborns. So I imagine this list will be longer than the average parent who will invest in a stack of disposables of all sizes.
CARE
-Charlie's Soap (4 large tubs, estimating 1 per month)
-Lanolin bar or wash - for wool items (1-2)
-Vinegar (2 large jugs) - for the rinse cycle for cloth diapers
-Portable cloths hanger/dryer - for "sunning" cloth diapers (UV rays = natural bleach)
-Baby washcloths (2) & Hooded Towel (1)
-Dr. Bronners' baby-mild sensitive soap (3 bottles or bars)
-Puj Flyte Baby Bath - for our bathroom sink (we have no room for a big baby tub right now)
-Nosefrida Snotsucker (1)
-Baby thermometer (1)
EXPLORE
-Sheepskin rug or soft blanket (for tummy time)
-Books board and soft
-Wooden rattle
-Stuffed animal
-Teething toy or necklace
ON-THE-GO
-Car seat
-Baby Carrier
-Diaper bag (or large bag/backpack/tote with pockets)
-Travel system stroller
WEAR - all organic, if possible
-Wool sleep sack (1)
-100% cotton sleep sacks/gowns (2)
-Wool/cashmere leggings (2)
-Wool/cashmere shorts (1*
-Footies (5) - for our winter baby
-Socks (4 pairs)
-Bodysuits (6)
-Caps/Hats (2)
-Wool/Cashmere Sweater (1)
*Wool/cashmere pants and sleep items sound odd, I know, but from what I've read, wool is naturally antimicrobial, softer than you think, regulates temperature whether it's winter or summer, absorbs liquid (i.e. pee) without making baby wet/cold - protecting clothing, sofas, beds, etc. I figure, it's worth a try and the little extra it will cost. My favorite Asheville, NC company, Babee Greens, makes all kinds of great wool/cashmere products. (FYI - I'm not sponsored by Babee Greens, and am not getting paid to say nice things about their products. I'm just a big fan!)
DECORATE
-Fensted paper mobile
-Bookshelves - for a few of our favorite childhood books and any we get as gifts
-Sheepskin rug
-Framed pictures
-Nightlight
*OK... so these aren't necessities, but rather appeal to my "nesting" instinct and will be used for years to come.
My Inspiration for a "Minimalist Nursery"
(Source: Houzz)
So we will have to see how I did predicting my wishlist a year from now!
Anything I'm missing that were must-haves for you?
Anything I'm missing that were must-haves for you?