So, I spent some time adding some stuff to some baby registries the other day.
Thankfully, due to friends and family with babies already, we've got a lot of stuff covered. Hand-me-downs and some "let me buy this from you for super cheap" have really put a huge dent in the "stuff we need" column. This pleases the penny-pinching* part of me and the crossing-stuff-off-of-lists part of me as well. Also, watching for sales on stuff has allowed us to stock up on more than a full day's worth of cloth diapers so far! Go us! I feel accomplished.
So I set out to fill the gaps in our "have" list by putting stuff onto registries, and while I was doing it I felt great. I'm making decisions! I'm asking for stuff! Then, when I was done, the thought occurred to me that I would have to share these lists with people. People who have babies. People who might think certain things about me based on my choices for MY baby. People who have babies and think that the stuff I'm asking for isn't right for babies. I was caught up in one of those incredibly self-centered, self-conscious bouts of over-thinking where I'm convinced that people merely tolerate me, or just put up with me to be polite, because I'm still a 13 year old GIRL sometimes.
Don't worry, I found my big-girl panties and will be putting them on and coping with those stupid thoughts and eventually sharing those lists with the people who need them. Besides, I had lots of good input for those lists. People with babies told me stuff they liked, and at least two of those people actually agreed on some stuff, so that was helpful. I've tried to heed internet advice when it seemed to make sense. I mean, I'll be honest. I used to babysit and I've got 4 niecephews & a friend's kid whom I've known since birth, but that's pretty much the extent of my knowledge of babies. I watched, and I remember some stuff, but not all the details of what you need at the house to cope with a tiny person living there and relying on you 100% for 100% of their lives... I know what an aspirator IS and why you need one, but I don't know how to use one. Someone will show me how to do that, right? Is there a class for that? I know I'm supposed to steal the aspirator they give me at the hospital. That much I remember. Anything else I should swipe while I'm there? Any of y'all had a baby at MCD? Tips? Tricks? Helpful reminders?
I'm ready to be unprepared for stuff no matter how many things we buy. I mean, as ready as you can ever be for unexpected stuff. I expect there to be unexpected stuff.
And speaking of unexpected stuff--If you ever want to be freaked out about giving birth, just go to lunch with my boss & co-workers. Man, do those ladies have some scary stories. Dropping the baby out at 3AM in the hospital laundry room?!? They're better than the internet sometimes...
*Now I have visions of pinching this Penny, which I wouldn't do in a malicious way, or probably at all, but you know... there it is.
5 comments:
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From what I've heard, with ANY hospital stay you're supposed to swipe anything and everything you can lay your hands on in the hospital. They're going to charge you (or your insurance) for it whether you take it home or not, so you may as well get the benefit of it. In particular, I've heard some people swear by the baby blankets?
As far as MCD goes, you can take everything (if I remember correctly) except the t-shirt they put them in and the blanket. (Which means the aspirator, extra diapers, a hairbrush, extra formula- if you are using any, the hat, etc.) And- don't worry about what other people think about the way you are raising your baby. It's your baby, not theirs. :)
I always try to remember when I look at baby registries that *my* preferences aren't everyone's preferences. Then I usually try to get something that they registered for that I also liked :) They'll probably show you how to use an aspirator at the hospital (for sure they will if you ask.)
Where did you find a deal on cloth diapers?
i've heard to take whatever you can get from the hospital, it's like a hotel in my mind, you're paying for it, right? :) when i get overwhelmed with the stuff that comes with having a child i remind myself that ourselves, our parents, and generations before that did just fine with a lot less. we decided to register for babycare class, i definitely need a refresher for a little peace of mind.
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