This post has been on my heart and stewing in my mind for a while now...almost 8 months, actually! It's been that long since one of my best friends told me she was pregnant. I have to tell you, that every time I hear someone share the incredible news that they are going to be parents...a mom, a dad...for the first time, my heart does somersaults for them. I have been changed in my role as a mother. Changed. When I hear the incredible news that someone else will be given the chance to be transformed through the journey of parenting one of God's created ones, I absolutely cannot be more excited for them! What a gift this journey is!
When Jenny called though, it was different. I wasn't just excited for her and Matt to be given the gift of a new baby to call their own, my heart immediately turned from excitement for them and began to praise GOD for the miracle of life He'd created. Jenny's story is an incredible one. We've been friends since junior high when I moved to her hometown and since then experienced the roller coaster of life together...school dances, soccer games school plays and sleepovers quickly turned into saying goodbye during college as we parted ways to two separate schools. After college we both got married, stood next to each other as bridesmaids in each others weddings, and then began supporting one another from afar through one trial after another. Jenny was diagnosed with cancer just as I was leaving for Illinois. Through the gracious hand of God, she is now cancer free after being treated by incredible doctors and being bathed in prayer through the process.
The question always lingered in my mind since that time though ...
Would my friend ever get to be a mother?
After a long time of waiting and praying for a baby of their own, Jenny and Matt began the adoption process, fully embracing the call God gave us to minister to the orphans in this world by making one of them their own. It was just as this process was in full-swing, that Jenny called me to say that God had other plans for them! She had just learned that after such a long time of faithful prayer, she was pregnant! The awesome thing about God's timing, is that by beginning the adoption process, their hearts had been stirred toward adoption for another time in the future! God is so good and His timing and plans are PERFECT. Every time.
You can read her story HERE at her blog, Running the Race.
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So here's the really funny part...I've been thinking ever since she announced she was pregnant, that I would answer a question that I get asked every once in a while from a new mother-to-be...
What are some of the most important things I should register for?
Walking into Babies R Us and looking at their list of 'Must-Haves' for new moms can be more than overwhelming. All of the sudden the 'fun' task of walking around a baby store, choosing things for your little one turns into a nightmarish scavenger hunt while you try and find every little feeding accessory, nightlight and bottle warmer they insist you must have to survive life with a newborn...
I'm here to tell you...it doesn't have to be that way!
The funny part is, that I had visions of trying to be like one of those really-hip "baby-stuff-reviewers" who give you pros and cons for each item along with pictures of myself using them.
Ha! Sorry.
Seeing as how my oldest will be turning 6 this summer, all my stuff is too old to review :) Baby stuff is like technology...as soon as you think you have the latest and greatest THING..someone else comes out with something later and greater than the one you now have. AND...every mom's list will look a little different :) I have SO many friends who are mothers with very different parenting styles, who all claim to NEED or NOT need different things for their babies. It will rarely look the same, but it's worked for them and their little ones...
So here it is...my very short, very unelaborated list of
...Baby Things I've liked...
(in no particular order)
Baby Carrier
I used a Bjorn for my first 3, and used a Hotsling when Rylee was a newborn-4 months and now have an Ergo and love it...I prefer it over a stroller! I'm all about trying to travel as simply as possible now, and carrying her allows me to tend to my other three hands-free, while still holding her...
Bouncy Chair
I loved this for when they were 0-4ish months...I've had many fun conversations with my babies, making dinner while they watch :) This has also been a great place for my little ones to nap all over the house!
Jumper
Definitely not a necessity, but handy for those months before they can crawl, but are too squirmy for their bouncy chair anymore...my kids have loved jumping! I love to hang our jumper in the doorway of our house when we're playing outside....Rylee jumps while watching everyone play since she can't be running around with them quite yet.
Double Jogging Stroller
I like to run, so this has been used a TON since having my boys. Almost daily, we'll run to the park to play...now my boys ride their bike while I run with my girls behind :)
Pack 'N Play
We've used ours as a portable crib when travelling, but now, it's where Rylee sleeps every night.
Car Seat
one that would fit them throughout all the stages (infant-booster seat). As for not having the infant seat, I think I'd prefer carrying them in my carrier...much less bulky and easier on your back than carrying them in those seats. The only time I've been thankful for my infant carrier is during Illinois snow storms, but even then, I think carrying them close and covering them with my jacket or a blanket or the sleeping hood on the Ergo would've worked just as fine, if not better!
Nursing Cover
I've loved my nursing cover...check out these made by my friend Laura from Fruit! They are great for discreet nursing when you're outside of the home, which I am, often!!! Honestly, I used one for my last 3 babies and LOVED it, but didn't have one for Ryder and I survived just fine with a blanket :)
Booster Chair/Feeding
I've loved having a booster seat that attaches to our regular kitchen chairs. Not only is this great space saver, but it's fun to have our little ones join us for meals at our level :) I've also loved making my own baby food for my babies and though there are many wonderful baby food making appliances out there, we've always used the food processor attachment that came with our blender, and then put the pureed fruit or veggies in ice cube trays to freeze. Once frozen, I would pop them out and store them in a labeled freezer bag. When meal time arrives, it easy to pop a cube or two in a glass bowl, defrost in the microwave and mix with rice or multi grain cereal or anything else appropriate for their stage :)
Diapers
I LOVE cloth diapers, and wish I would've invested in my own from the start. My grandparents generously gave us a few months of diaper service when the boys were young, and that's when I began to love using them with my babies...Then, a friend of mine passed her bumGenius (all in ones) brand diapers to me to use for Rylee...I've loved them. I use cloth at home and Seventh Generation disposables when we're out and about...
Clothes
I have been incredibly blessed to be passed down clothes from friends with slightly older kids. I cannot tell you what a blessing this has been to me. Because of this, I have hardly had to purchase any items of clothing for any of my kids, but for those of you who may not have this luxury, I would encourage you to try consignment shops before spending top dollar in the mall. They grow WAY too fast to spend a lot of money on their clothes, and thankfully, there are a lot of ways you can avoid spending their college tuition on clothes if you seek out stores or resources in your community where your little one can look cute for cheaper!
Moms reading: Please post a comment including YOUR favorite and most helpful baby item! I'd love to hear what's been helpful for you as you've cared for your your little ones :)
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This seriously covers it for my must-have items...you notice I don't have a wipe-warmer on there or even a diaper pail. I've had both, but if given the choice, would probably not get them again. If you ask your neighbor, they may have a different list and if you ask a mother living in an African village in Kenya you'll get an even smaller and more focused list of things she says she needs in order to care for her babies. All that to say...there is no right or wrong list, just know that you don't need to buy out your local baby store to be 'ready' for your little one's arrival :)
In honor of my dear friend who is about to become a mother for the first time, I wanted to be helpful in someway...to somehow give her something that would help lighten the load as she embarks on one of the most challenging and beautiful callings I've ever had the honor of answering. The above list of things have helped me take care of my babes physical needs to some degree, but it doesn't even scratch the surface in answering the real question...Baby, what do you NEED?
Jenny,
My dear, sweet friend and sister-in-Christ...
It is with a great sense of relief that I can tell you the following...
You've been given many beautiful and heart-felt gifts over the course of your pregnancy. Many that will be used and be very helpful to you in raising your new little son or daughter well :) The awesome and amazing truth of it all though, is that even if you lost all of these gifts tomorrow, you would still have the most precious of them all...the knowledge of the saving gift of Jesus, God's son. With Jesus leading you in raising the child HE created, there is never anything you could ever be in want of, because He promises He will take care of your every need. He's done it already for you in so many ways, and will continue to give you all you need to equip your children in saving knowledge of Jesus.
Praise Him! I'm so excited I get to see Him do it up close as we move back to California and closer to you and your growing family soon :)
May the Lord bless and keep you as you spend your last days of pregnancy preparing for your little peanut to enter the world...my advice in the last days - Get as much sleep as you can, rest and PRAY for wisdom to parent the child God gives you according to His will for their life...instead of praying for health, wealth and happiness as many sometimes do, God calls us in Matthew 6:33 to just seek His kingdom first, and the REST will be added to you according to His wisdom and desire for you. :) It's a freeing thing, to not be so wrapped up in having everything you may need for your little one and to instead entrust them daily to the One who knit them together ...the One who wrote their story before the beginning of time...and the One who knows exactly what they NEED...life with Jesus. Because you and Matt have placed your life in the life-giving hands of Jesus, you already have all you NEED. All the rest is like icing on the cake :)
I love you friend, and can't wait for you to hold that sweet little one in your arms soon :) Can't wait to be there with you as we celebrate the GOOD work He has done!!! We praise you Lord!
The funny part is, that I had visions of trying to be like one of those really-hip "baby-stuff-reviewers" who give you pros and cons for each item along with pictures of myself using them.
Ha! Sorry.
Seeing as how my oldest will be turning 6 this summer, all my stuff is too old to review :) Baby stuff is like technology...as soon as you think you have the latest and greatest THING..someone else comes out with something later and greater than the one you now have. AND...every mom's list will look a little different :) I have SO many friends who are mothers with very different parenting styles, who all claim to NEED or NOT need different things for their babies. It will rarely look the same, but it's worked for them and their little ones...
So here it is...my very short, very unelaborated list of
...Baby Things I've liked...
(in no particular order)
Baby Carrier
I used a Bjorn for my first 3, and used a Hotsling when Rylee was a newborn-4 months and now have an Ergo and love it...I prefer it over a stroller! I'm all about trying to travel as simply as possible now, and carrying her allows me to tend to my other three hands-free, while still holding her...
Bouncy Chair
I loved this for when they were 0-4ish months...I've had many fun conversations with my babies, making dinner while they watch :) This has also been a great place for my little ones to nap all over the house!
Jumper
Definitely not a necessity, but handy for those months before they can crawl, but are too squirmy for their bouncy chair anymore...my kids have loved jumping! I love to hang our jumper in the doorway of our house when we're playing outside....Rylee jumps while watching everyone play since she can't be running around with them quite yet.
Double Jogging Stroller
I like to run, so this has been used a TON since having my boys. Almost daily, we'll run to the park to play...now my boys ride their bike while I run with my girls behind :)
Pack 'N Play
We've used ours as a portable crib when travelling, but now, it's where Rylee sleeps every night.
Car Seat
one that would fit them throughout all the stages (infant-booster seat). As for not having the infant seat, I think I'd prefer carrying them in my carrier...much less bulky and easier on your back than carrying them in those seats. The only time I've been thankful for my infant carrier is during Illinois snow storms, but even then, I think carrying them close and covering them with my jacket or a blanket or the sleeping hood on the Ergo would've worked just as fine, if not better!
Nursing Cover
I've loved my nursing cover...check out these made by my friend Laura from Fruit! They are great for discreet nursing when you're outside of the home, which I am, often!!! Honestly, I used one for my last 3 babies and LOVED it, but didn't have one for Ryder and I survived just fine with a blanket :)
Booster Chair/Feeding
I've loved having a booster seat that attaches to our regular kitchen chairs. Not only is this great space saver, but it's fun to have our little ones join us for meals at our level :) I've also loved making my own baby food for my babies and though there are many wonderful baby food making appliances out there, we've always used the food processor attachment that came with our blender, and then put the pureed fruit or veggies in ice cube trays to freeze. Once frozen, I would pop them out and store them in a labeled freezer bag. When meal time arrives, it easy to pop a cube or two in a glass bowl, defrost in the microwave and mix with rice or multi grain cereal or anything else appropriate for their stage :)
Diapers
I LOVE cloth diapers, and wish I would've invested in my own from the start. My grandparents generously gave us a few months of diaper service when the boys were young, and that's when I began to love using them with my babies...Then, a friend of mine passed her bumGenius (all in ones) brand diapers to me to use for Rylee...I've loved them. I use cloth at home and Seventh Generation disposables when we're out and about...
Clothes
I have been incredibly blessed to be passed down clothes from friends with slightly older kids. I cannot tell you what a blessing this has been to me. Because of this, I have hardly had to purchase any items of clothing for any of my kids, but for those of you who may not have this luxury, I would encourage you to try consignment shops before spending top dollar in the mall. They grow WAY too fast to spend a lot of money on their clothes, and thankfully, there are a lot of ways you can avoid spending their college tuition on clothes if you seek out stores or resources in your community where your little one can look cute for cheaper!
Moms reading: Please post a comment including YOUR favorite and most helpful baby item! I'd love to hear what's been helpful for you as you've cared for your your little ones :)
*******************************************
This seriously covers it for my must-have items...you notice I don't have a wipe-warmer on there or even a diaper pail. I've had both, but if given the choice, would probably not get them again. If you ask your neighbor, they may have a different list and if you ask a mother living in an African village in Kenya you'll get an even smaller and more focused list of things she says she needs in order to care for her babies. All that to say...there is no right or wrong list, just know that you don't need to buy out your local baby store to be 'ready' for your little one's arrival :)
In honor of my dear friend who is about to become a mother for the first time, I wanted to be helpful in someway...to somehow give her something that would help lighten the load as she embarks on one of the most challenging and beautiful callings I've ever had the honor of answering. The above list of things have helped me take care of my babes physical needs to some degree, but it doesn't even scratch the surface in answering the real question...Baby, what do you NEED?
Jenny,
My dear, sweet friend and sister-in-Christ...
It is with a great sense of relief that I can tell you the following...
You've been given many beautiful and heart-felt gifts over the course of your pregnancy. Many that will be used and be very helpful to you in raising your new little son or daughter well :) The awesome and amazing truth of it all though, is that even if you lost all of these gifts tomorrow, you would still have the most precious of them all...the knowledge of the saving gift of Jesus, God's son. With Jesus leading you in raising the child HE created, there is never anything you could ever be in want of, because He promises He will take care of your every need. He's done it already for you in so many ways, and will continue to give you all you need to equip your children in saving knowledge of Jesus.
Praise Him! I'm so excited I get to see Him do it up close as we move back to California and closer to you and your growing family soon :)
May the Lord bless and keep you as you spend your last days of pregnancy preparing for your little peanut to enter the world...my advice in the last days - Get as much sleep as you can, rest and PRAY for wisdom to parent the child God gives you according to His will for their life...instead of praying for health, wealth and happiness as many sometimes do, God calls us in Matthew 6:33 to just seek His kingdom first, and the REST will be added to you according to His wisdom and desire for you. :) It's a freeing thing, to not be so wrapped up in having everything you may need for your little one and to instead entrust them daily to the One who knit them together ...the One who wrote their story before the beginning of time...and the One who knows exactly what they NEED...life with Jesus. Because you and Matt have placed your life in the life-giving hands of Jesus, you already have all you NEED. All the rest is like icing on the cake :)
I love you friend, and can't wait for you to hold that sweet little one in your arms soon :) Can't wait to be there with you as we celebrate the GOOD work He has done!!! We praise you Lord!
I almost don't want to admit this, but during the baby stage, old-school "Baby Einstein" videos bought me 30 minutes a day for whatever uninterrupted task I needed to do that day. I <3 Baby Einstein.
Ha! SO funny Anne, I'm staring at our 2 SETS of Baby Einstein videos now :) Ryder watched the most and with each added kid, they've had more entertainment then they knew what to do with :) Baby Einstein has nothing on LOTS of siblings :) Right, mother of 5!!!
I am with you on all these things especially Jesus! I also loved having a bumbo for Caleb, what a great seat we took everywhere and it helped him learn to sit so quickly. I also loved using sign language, it made such a difference in communicating before they are able to speak words. And once a little older we have loved the system your baby can read! :) Yay for another precious child of the Most High coming to join us here on Earth....excited for you and your family little one!