Pottery Barn Changing Table

Comes in white or sun valley espresso (same as crib).  on sale for 299.00

Changing Table

cute one!  top comes off for nice dresser.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=11045697&findingMethod=rr

espresso color - slightly different
http://www.walmart.com/ip/South-Shore-Angel-Collection-Changing-Table-Espresso/15105889#ShortReviewTitleBar

Sleep Tips

• The biggest help was when I read an article in American Baby magazine about sleep,,, it talked about babies being extremely cranky when over-tired, it said from 0-3 months the MAX amount of time a baby should be awake is 2 hours, and no more than 3 hours at 3 months. Also they should sleep a minimum of 45 minutes for a nap. It said that parents often try any number of things when an over-tired baby starts to fuss which makes it worse as you further over-stimulate your child. 
• Keep a log of baby's sleep patterns and see if there are any natural patterns to encourage. When the baby is 4 months, he can distinguish days from nights and can benefit from a more predictable established sleep schedule and nap schedule.
• Keep the area around the crib free of toys and clutter so they know it's time for sleep and not play.
• From the early days, put the baby in his own crib for at least one nap a day - even if they are sleeping in your room at night.  This helps them get used to a little separation.
• Babies sleep better in a cool room, but don't put them directly under a vent because sudden changes can disrupt their sleep. 
• Keep the room dark and don't have shiny things that could wake them - even nightlights are not necessary.  Babies aren't afraid of the dark until 18 months.
• Cotton and natural fabrics are better for baby to sleep in.
• The book "Baby Wise" is all about how to give your child the gift of sleep. It teaches you how to create a pattern of eat, wake, sleep and gives you guidelines for how to put your child down to sleep for naps and at night that will help him/her learn how to sleep through the night by 7 or 8 weeks! My husband and I have been following their philosophies since our baby was born and he is 6 weeks old tomorrow. Last night he slept through the night for the first time! Teach your baby good habits from the start (no co-sleeping, no things they become dependent on to fall asleep like food, or a carseat, vibrations, etc) and you will both be happier sooner and more rested.

New Mom Survival Guide

Great page of tips/tricks/instructions:  From The Bump

Some Gems:

• use pampers baby wipes for sensitive skin on newborns so they don't get a rash (others say any wipes are fine)
• use alcohol with a qtip to swab the umbilical cord (pull out and clean the bottom part too).  do not get it wet until it falls off - sponge baths only.
• start off with liquid formula - it will be easier while in iowa, and some babies tolerate it better when they are younger because of less bubbles.
• Diaper change every couple of hours during the day - night time at feedings
• Diaper champ not necessary - put in bag and put outside
• Aim penis down when changing diaper
• Fold diaper down so it doesn't touch cord
• You can't spoil baby in first 3 months
• Keep things bright/noisy/moving during the day - calm/dark/quiet at night so they don't get days and nights mixed up.  
• Put baby in crib for night and longer naps
• Keep baby upright 20-30 minutes after eating
• Not all babies have trouble with gas - don't worry if they won't burp unless they are fussy
• Sterilize by dishwasher, boiling 5 minutes - or get microwave sterilizer
• Baths a couple times a week
• Babies like routines - Bottle - Bath - Cuddle/Book - Bed
• Keep cord dry, but if it gets a little wet, no big deal
• Can just do sponge/wash cloth baths on a flat surface with a towel put down.  Use a little soap or not!
• Don't have to use special baby detergent unless baby is sensitive
• Hats for heat loss
• 
  

Meredith Packages

Here are some ideas for packages to send:


Girly Box (and Lucas)

• Lucas Gear (Meredith, Brothers, Mom)
• Target gift card
• glee nail polish
• favorite lip gloss
• sparkly eye shadow or glitter?

St Patricks Day Box

• Lucky Socks
• Lucky Necklace
• Green gum, mints
• Green maternity shirt?

Baking Box (easter?)

• cute apron and/or pot holder
• sprinkles
• cupcake liners
• cute shaped baking pan?
• cookbook

Craft Box

• glitter
• fancy papers
• stickers
• cute scissors
• craft kit or book

Spa Box

• fuzzy socks
• lotion/bath gel (victoria's secret stuff?)
• girly magazine
• cute mesh sponge
• eye pillow
• foot/leg lotion

Changing Table

From Ikea - 129.99 - we could put baskets in the top part, and add cute drawer pulls from pottery barn.

Crib

 

This is the Kendall crib from pottery barn.  They make a low profile one that sounds perfect.  I also like this as a color scheme for our nursery.

To Do - Baby Supplies

• See what Lisa has
• Figure out what else we need
• Create registry
• Decide on bottles

To Do - Baby Prep

• Take Infant CPR Class
• Take infant care classes?
• Find pediatrician
• Rob tour LDAC Day Care?

• New Car
• Take vacation

To Do - Nursery

• Decide on theme
• Decide on paint colors
• Pick out Crib
• Mobile
• Pick out changing table
• White rocking chair?

• What to do with red chair?
• Keep bed or couch in other room?

To Do - Financial

• Figure out before baby budget
• Amounts for out of state adoption
• Taxes/Bonus
• Vacation
• New Car
• Figure out maternity budget
• Both Lori and Rob talk to benefits
• Make sure to turn in adoption credit to Lucas
• Make sure to claim 20% of IAC on taxes
• Day care
• Figure out post baby budget
• Talk to financial planner
• Retirement planning
• College fund
• Savings/Investment

To Do - House Cleaning

• Coat closet
• Get cubbies for top and bottom?
• Laundry room cabinets
• Bathroom cabinets (make room for diapers!)
• Garage
• More hooks on side for strollers?
• Clear out some stuff in the armoire (make room for toys!)
• Go through blankets in armoire and chest (weed out)
• Clean kitchen drawers/pantry
• Clear out bottom drawer with potholders to put baby stuff?
• Make room for bottles and stuff
  

Doctor

Just picked out a doctor to interview.  He is at Tamalpais Pediatrics with offices in Novato and Greenbrae.  We will set up a meet and greet appointment with Dr. Lee. 

Dr. Lee is originally from Maryland and received his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. He then moved to New Orleans for medical school at Tulane University School of Medicine. Following medical school, he did his pediatric internship and residency at the University of Texas, Southwestern – Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, Texas.
After finishing his residency, he moved to Marin and joined Tamalpais Pediatrics in 2000. Dr. Lee’s special interests include sports medicine and international adoption. His hobbies include fly fishing, golf, home projects, traveling and photography. He is married and lives in Marin with his wife, his son and his dog, Lucy.

400 Professional Center Dr.

Suite 423

Novato, CA 94947

(415) 892-0965

Office Website 

Changing Table

Link to Shopping Info - 200.00

You're finally on your way!

We have waited for so long - and finally our baby boy is on his way!  Maybe I'll write more about the journey later, but I suddenly realized that I need a place to keep track of all the plans we are making.  It's so exciting - and there is so much to do!