Category Archives for gifts

Birthday Gifts

Ruby’s birthday is coming up in about a month. She sort of understands birthdays (and what one does to celebrate), but is too young to go so far as to request or even expect gifts. I’m sure this is the last year she’ll be so naive, and we’d like to take advantage of it.

So, if you are family or a close friend who is already planning to give her a gift, please read on. You may be wondering what kind of toy, book, or clothing item would be appropriate to get for Ruby. The truth is that she has plenty of all of those things. She received several great toys for Christmas that have not even been brought out yet (because she got so many). Instead, we ask you to consider a gift in any amount to her college fund. This is a gift she will appreciate for the rest of her life, and she’s too young to find it disappointing to get that instead of a toy. In 15 years, your contribution will about double, so even a small amount will make a difference.

If you already have a great gift in mind for her, something you’re excited to give, by all means go ahead! This is just a suggestion for those who are still searching for an idea. Ruby will, of course, be perfectly happy to receive birthday wishes from people instead of presents.

There are several ways you can contribute to her college fund. The easiest is to give us cash or a check written to us (which we will deposit). If you’d prefer to be more discreet, let me know and I can provide you with the necessary details to send your gift directly to the college fund. We appreciate your consideration of this idea (even if you decide to get Ruby something else).

Blankets, blankets, everywhere

Ruby received another blanket yesterday. This one is a handmade quilt — the second we’ve received from a relative of a friend that we’ve never met. Apparently, quilters have a hard time finding people to give their quilts to. Ironically, Ruby’s Nana has taken up quilting as a hobby since retirement, and I’m sure she’d love to get in on the quilt-giving action.

Ruby has now received six hand-made blankets since birth. Believe it or not, each one gets used. There’s the upstairs-play blanket, the downstairs-play blanket, the other-peoples-houses-play blanket, the make-the-stroller-soft-and-cozy blanket, the wrap-the-baby-up-to-sleep blanket (in several sizes), and the keep-the-baby-warm-while-walking blanket. On top of this, she’s got a bunch of non-hand-made flannel blankets for warmth, propping, and drool protection.

Here’s the latest addition. Ruby seems to like it.

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Baby Gear

I thought I’d take a minute to mention some of the gear that we’ve found most useful and/or essential so far:

Lap pads: These are pads made of thick cotton that go on the changing table. They’re amazingly absorbent, and can contain a lot of pee.

Hair dryer: The discovery of this basic appliance made diaper changes go from a shrieking struggle to a happy, relaxing time. We prop it so it’s blowing up toward her bottom end (but not too close to burn). She loves both the heat and the noise and it’s one of the most potent relaxation tools we have.

Cheap cotton wipes: Like the kind you use to remove makeup, we use these with plain water to wipe her bum. It turns out that regular diaper wipes were giving her a diaper rash, stupidly enough. With plain cotton and water, we rarely need diaper cream anymore!

Cheap Costco washcloths: My mom gave us about five million of these, and we use almost all of them between laundry days. They’re great for spit-up, drool, keeping milk wiped up during nursing, and many other things.

Onesies and sleepers: It’s folly to try to put anything more complicated on a newborn. Ruby lives in sleepers (or just a onesie, if it’s warm enough). For extra warmth, we just put a bigger, thicker sleeper on top. I should add that hats and socks also have their place.

Changing table top: This is meant to be portable, but we leave it on top of a regular piece of furniture and it works fine for her changing table.

My Brest Friend nursing pillow: This is a must-have for new mothers who are just figuring out the positioning for breastfeeding. It’s good while you build up your arm, hand, and wrist muscles. Just overlook the stupid name.

Nipple shields: These saved me when I thought the nipple pain would kill me. They’re a good temporary measure. (I used the “extra small”.)

Soothies: Cooling gel pads to use in place of nursing pads. They are indeed very soothing! They’re also easier to handle than nursing pads because they stick to you rather than your clothes. If only they were cheaper…

Glamourmom nursing bra/tank top: This bra-and-shirt in one is great. It provides enough support, and is discreet for nursing in public. I plan to live in these this summer.