Momma Must-Haves

I spent a good portion of Amélie's nap this past Saturday writing up this list with lots of details for a relative. As I got about half-way through, I wished I would have typed it out because I have lots of friends that are going to be new mommy's. It'll also be good for me to look back on and perhaps edit when we prepare for our next frijolito.

This list includes things that I've tested/used and absolutely loved.

Gear


Stroller: We used the Uppababy Vista and the City Mini by Baby Jogger. My fave, hands-down, is the City Mini. It's super light, unbelievably easy to fold, and it maneuvers fabulously. It has an attachment you can purchase in order to use it with the infant seat. I'm already thinking that we might get the double one if the next bean comes along while Amélie's still interested in riding along. We also have a BOB jogging stroller and it's the best.

Car Seat: We did our research using a handy little guide, Baby Bargains and it was really helpful when it came to deciding on the infant car seat. We went with what they suggested at a reasonable price-point and got a Graco Snugride. We decided to go with the one that goes up to 35 lbs, just in case.

Good Helper

Crib: We purchased the "Gulliver" crib model from IKEA. It received high ratings in the book and it's been great. I wanted a white crib, but they have it in numerous colors. It has a smallish footprint, it's simple, and it's really affordable. I have heard Walmart has some pretty snazzy styles for great prices.

Mattress: I purchased our eco-friendly mattress at Target. Nothing super fancy; just a mattress. They do suggest that they be firm for baby's safety. I got our pad there as well.

Bouncer: This is one of the few "fun" accessories we wanted for Amélie since we heard so many good things about having one. We used it a lot! It's easy to move around the house and Amélie found it really enjoyable. I selected ours based on a simple design and color scheme. I'm really not into bright colors. Fisher-Price is the leader in these things.

Noise Machine: We did get the cute snuggly Sleep Sheep, but it didn't play as long as we'd like it to. So, we downloaded Hawaiian white noise from iTunes on the pod and play it on repeat the entire time Amélie is sleeping. We have a fancy shmancy dock for it that Eric got through work.

Monitor: We registered for the Sony Baby Call Nursery Monitor and it worked just fine. I feel like my mommy instincts are more superior to any monitor out there. Your hearing is amazing when it comes to baby!

Carrier: We could not have survived without the Ergo. During the month that Amélie only wanted to be carried in order to fall asleep, this saved us; big time. But, that's not the only reason we love it. It's soft, holds your snuggly newborn in close and keeps them warm, and has the best lower back support. We did purchase the newborn insert and it was super. I used it to grocery shop when the bean was too small to sit up and I still use it whenever the stroller isn't convenient. I can't say enough good stuff about it.

Pack N Play: We bought ours from Craigslist and it's been great having it for visiting friends and family or when we have another baby sleeping over.

Bassinet: I highly recommend this for the newborn stage. They're up so often, it's so convenient to have the little one right next to you. We used this universal stand.

Chairs: We bought a high chair from IKEA and it's been wonderful. I can't remember the model name, but it's black and all wood. We wanted something simple and this works. Without the tray it fits up close to the table. The Bumbo is great too. I still have yours Stephanie!

Diapers: We tried a number of different brands when Amélie was a newborn, but what we ended up liking the most are Pampers. Since Amélie was a preemie, we needed to use preemie sized diapers and they offered them. We started out with the Swaddlers and are now using the Cruisers. Hopefully, we won't be using them for much longer! We also have found Desitin to work the best for baby booty rashes.

Changing pad: I don't remember what pad we bought, but I think I probably debated about getting the natural version or the other one. I think I just went with what was a reasonable price. We've been using it on top of Amélie's dresser from day-one and it's worked out perfectly. We also have this little number by Skip-Hop. I keep it stocked with diapers, wipes, and a spare outfit (onesie) and it hangs out in my trunk. It's great for an emergency situation and for quick trips. 

Diaper Bag: Our first diaper bag was a Petunia Pickle Bottom. I loved it because it made sense and is super cute, but honestly, I don't love it. It's bulky and doesn't have enough pockets for me. I hate digging through a dark bag with a smallish opening trying to find the one thing I need. It drives me nuts. So, I use it mainly for trips. I used a couple different things until I found this Skip-Hop Duo Deluxe Diaper Bag. It has LOTS of pockets, comes with a changing pad, and is affordable.

Mine has dots (this isn't exactly the same model), not cherry blossoms. But this one is CUTE!

Diaper Disposal: Munchkin Arm and Hammer Diaper Pail. It does the job; keeps stink in the bucket.

Soft Things


Sleep Sack: All the sleep sacks Amélie used are by HALO. We especially loved this version with the swaddle built in. Amélie is a bit of crazy sleeper, like her daddy, and this always kept her snuggled up so she could sleep all night.

Swaddling Blankets: Aden + Anaïs. Super duper fabulous!!!! They're BIG, made of the softest muslin (which is very breathable), and can be used for lots of other things too. Cover for the stroller on a breezy day? Bam! There you go! They also have cutie patterns. We got the stars ones. They sell them at Target, but their patterns are not as cute and they're not quite as big as the ones you buy elsewhere. 

Sheets: Buy lots! I bought ours at Target and B r Us. 

Hooded Towel: Not only are they cute, they're functional! I'm going to add washcloths in here with this one. Carter's = good. 

Onesies: Gerber's are the sweetest, cutest, little things on a baby. Ooohhh....sooo cute!!!

Pajamas: Eric loves babies in pj's and I totally understand why. CUTE! Amélie slept in footie pj's for a long time and now sleeps in top/bottom combos. I really like ones that open up from the bottom for a quick diaper change. Like these by Dwell.

If Breastfeeding

Boppy: Awesome! It saves your arms, big time! It also works for tummy time, sitting up, giant neck pillow, and sweet snuggling. 

Nipple Cream: Motherlove. I tried Lansinoh and it.was.painful. I purchased the Motherlove cream at the lactation center at our hospital and thought it was wonderful. As wonderful as nipple cream can be. =) It's obviously safe for baby and it has a really smooth texture that goes on easily.

Nursing Bra: My fave were by Bravado. Our lactation center sold them, but I also found them at a little shop called Natural Expressions in SF.

Nursing Tanks: I wore them under my shirts in order to not expose myself completely and also to keep me warm on chilly days.

Books


The Happiest Baby on the Block (although we watched the DVD) Dr. Karp's tips are fabulous and very effective.

A Nursing Mother's Companion It's nice to get some wonderful advice and not feel like a loser because it's sooo hard.

The Baby Whisperer Yeah, I pretty much followed every single word in this book. It helped that Amélie's what she calls a "textbook" baby.

First Aid


- saline drops or spray ( I also really love Boogie Wipes)
- aspirator like the one they use at the hospital
- baby nail clippers
- thermometer
- baby acetaminophen
- humidifier

Other Bits


Wipes Warmer: Not really necessary, but I was convinced by my mommy when she told me she used to warm mine up when I was a baby. So sweet. My mommy did it. We have the model below by Prince Lionheart.

Premium Wipe Warmer

Detergent: We used Dreft and it smells like baby. 

Bath Time and Lotions: We only use Aveeno baby products.  My fave is this bath soap and the lavender lotion. We use it for sleepy-time bath time. I also really like their bath + shampoo. All their products smell really good and are all natural. I love the way Amélie smells. 

Bottles: We used Avent from the beginning and never had any problems with them. I really love the fact that they sell sippy cup spouts to replace the nipple once they're older. We still use them. 

Breast Pump: I went with the Medela "Pump-in-Style" and it worked out great. I used it a lot and it's still working. 

Baby Tub: Agh. What a waste of money! They have those super fancy "spa" tubs and they are soo not necessary. We stuck with a storage tub that got used for storage once Amélie outgrew it. We added in this sponge to keep baby in place. For five bucks at Target, it was totally worth it. 

Summer Infant Comfy Bath Sponge

Pacifiers: I suggest trying out a few and finding one the babe likes best. Amélie favored a specific brand when she was younger and then we stocked up on them. They tend to disappear. We only use it when Amélie sleeps in order to avoid a paci addiction. 

Okay, so I'm out of steam now. I'll probably come back to edit it, but this is what I would consider to be the stuff you really need. 

Hope it helps! =)

Blanket for Bean

A few weeks ago I purchased a yard of this fuzzy wuzzy fabric at my local fabric store (with a coupon, of course) because I could not stop touching it. It is sooo wonderfully soft and cozy. It seemed like something the bean would probably enjoy too and it has a quilted pattern similar to the other fabric used on her bedding set I made. Also, it's the same exact color! I bought it and thought I'd somehow include the other fabrics I'd used for the bedding in order to make it part of the "set." I eventually found that I didn't want to use the other fabrics for the back side and instead made a little compromise. I bought more fuzzy wuzzy fabric and then used the leftover quilted fabric from the bumper to cover the piping around the edges of the blanket. Woo. I again bought another yard (with a coupon) and got to work one evening after work. This is what happened:

{double-sided fuzzy wuzzy blanket with quilted fabric trim}

{close-up of the quilted trim}

It's super easy to make a blanket like this. Here's the how-to: I didn't take pictures of the steps, so I'm going to explain it and provide pictures of the items used. 

Materials Needed:

{you need this. 

I didn't end up using this one because I felt like it was not wide enough, so I bought thicker cord}

{you also need this little piece for your sewing machine. 

The name of it? I don't know...skinny foot? If you really want to know, I'm sure you can find it's name on the web. yucky, fat pregnant fingers. Only one of my rings fits.}

{this is how it's attached. You can attach it on either the left or right side. I prefer the left. This little foot lets you get your seam all right up and close to the edge of your fabric covered cording.}

Obviously, you also need fabric. I used two yards of the fuzzy wuzzy and about a half yard to cover the cording. Note: this is how much I needed, but it depends on the width of your fabric. The quilted fabric was 54 inches wide, which, is wider than the fabric typically found at your local store. 

Step One:

     -Cut fabric to be used to cover cording in long strips. I usually cut mine between 2.5 and 3 inches wide. 

Step Two:

     -Wrap fabric around cording and sew using the "skinny foot." You want to make sure you measure how much cording and fabric you'll need before doing this. If your fabric isn't long enough to cover all your cording, just sew the strips of fabric together before covering the cord. 

Step Three:

      -Sew fabric covered cording around the "good" side of your fuzzy wuzzy fabric. "Good" meaning the side you want to see.

Step Four:

      -Sew other piece of fuzzy wuzzy fabric with "good" side facing the other piece's "good" side and covering the cording. Make sure to sew it up close to the cording.

Step Five:

     -Make sure to leave a hole big enough to turn your blanket inside out.

Step Six:

     -Turn it inside out.

Step Seven:

     -Sew your opening closed. You're finished!

Denim Love

I love, love, love my jeans. Actually, not just my jeans; I love my denim jacket and I've had my share of denim shirts and dresses. But, don't get me confused with someone that loves to wear the "denim tuxedo," á la vintage Britney and Justin...

{no. thank. you}

I could probably do something like this though...

{images via darling dexter}

When it comes to the beanette's attire, I'm positive that denim will be making an appearance. She already has something like the one below. Her's is from the Gap too, but I did not go out and spend $30 on it. Umm...no, I'm too frugal for that. It does look exactly like that one; perhaps it's already on clearance in the stores and not the web?

{romper from baby gap}

I also really like this little sun hat from Baby Gap.

{so cute}

Then, today, while sitting watching the tube while home sick with a yucky stomach bug, I saw these on some pop news show.

 

{huggies denim diapers}

I'm not sure how I feel about these yet. My first thought what that they were cute, but the more I think about them, the more I don't love them. What about poop explosions and cold San Francisco weather? I'm also a fan of cute little leggings and onesies that would cover them right up. I do have to say they are a fun concept.  What do you think?

The Bean Bassinet

In the post about the bean stroller I mentioned the fact that we'll be using the bassinet portion of the stroller as a portable bed for the chiquita. The plan is to obviously use it with the stroller when we go out on errands and also keep it by our bed at night until we feel like the bean is ready for independent sleeping in her crib. We're going to try and use the crib from the very beginning during the day, but I think it will be a whole lot easier having her close at night. Does this seem like a good idea?

Uppababy(the stroller maker) sells a lovely stand specifically made for their bassinet, but it's definitely out of our price range(although even if we had the money, I wouldn't buy it). Here it is in action.

{cute, but definitely not $350 cute}

After realizing this was not going to work with my frugal ways, I went on a search to find an affordable option. I searched and searched and found....ta-ta-ta-da:

{the rocking bassinet stand by jolly jumper}

I actually originally found it in a baby store in Marin where they carry the Uppababy and a stand almost exactly like the one above. The one I got is actually better, in my opinion. I was able to try it out with the exact bassinet and found it fits perfectly! woo hoo. Yet, being the cheapskate frugal girl I am, I wasn't about to pay $90 for it at the baby store. This is where my friend the internet came in to play. You can find everything on the internet. I did a quick search and found it for $45, actually $42 with tax after using a coupon code I found on the internet. Thank you internet! I didn't mind paying that much for something we probably won't use for more than a few months. The other cool thing about the internet option is that they have it in seven different finishes. I bought ours in black because the bassinet is mostly black and I wanted it to match. I considered the cognac to match our furniture in the master and then I thought about white to match the bean's furniture, but black won this time. The other neat-o thing; it's universal. Basically, it works with any average bassinet or moses basket. yay. Yeah, I'm excited. Oh yeah, and the stand rocks! 

The Bean Stroller

Not surprisingly I changed my mind about the stroller. I thought we'd decided on the Bumbleride Flyer, but I changed my mind after finally getting some one-on-one help from a stroller expert at the baby store. The first time we went on a Saturday, it was CRAZY. There were so many people there and it was nearly impossible to get an employee's attention. When we finally did get some help, our employee wasn't the most informed or experienced. She was helpful, but we definitely lacked information and comparisons. We still left thinking we'd found the winner, until I stopped into a small baby store in Corte Madera last week. The employee at this store was super helpful and suggested another stroller for our lifestyle. We don't drive very much, we walk almost everywhere or take the train, the stroller is not going to be collapsed very often, we live in the city...etc. I also returned to Lullaby Lane today (I had the day off!) to get more advice, since the store in Corte Madera didn't carry the Bumbleride Flyer, and an opportunity to ask all the questions I wanted. I left the store again convinced that the one we needed was not the Bumbleride, although it is a very nice stroller, but instead the UPPAbaby.

{UPPAbaby Vista in Carlin Green}

This is why the hubby and I were convinced:

• bassinet- the baby can sleep comfortably from day one in it. It detaches from the frame and can be used as an in-home bassinet. You can purchase a stand through UPPAbaby for lots of money or a generic stand for a lot less. We figured this will be really nice until the bean is moved permanently over to her crib. The mattress inside is cozy.
• big basket- it's got a huge basket! 
• big wheels- the tires are solid and can be used on more "off-road" type of terrain as opposed to the smaller wheels on the Bumbleride flyer. I don't know how often we'll really be doing that type of riding, but it's an option. The bigger wheels also allow for easier maneuvering. Also, if they are in any way damaged; you can replace the wheels without having to purchase a new stroller. 
• car seat attachment- you can purchase a car seat adapter for a really small price and use it with the car seat. We were thinking of buying the stroller base a lot of you girls suggested, but this will work the same. 

{Graco adapter on Vista}

• easy fold- That is self explanatory. They compare this one to the Bugaboo a lot and this one folds a whole lot easier and faster than the Bugaboo. It also allows you to fold it down with the toddler seat in place. The Bugaboo does not. 
• toddler seat- The toddler seat has lots of options for sitting upright or reclining. 
• We found one on Craigslist!- I knew there was no way the hubby would be okay with spending $700 on a stroller, especially since I'm not willing to, so I started looking on Craigslist after my visit at the baby store last week. I had to find it for a deal in order to get the hubby to buy in and I found one yesterday! The problem with the one on Craigslist, no toddler seat. The solution: When I went into Lullaby Lane today I asked about buying just the toddler seat and it's possible to do that. Yay! The cool thing about this stroller system is that you can purchase all the parts separately, if needed. One thing breaks, you only have to replace that one part. So, we bought the one on Craigslist at a super fabulous deal and plan on getting the toddler seat later. The cost of doing that is still cheaper than the Bumbleride Flyer and the toddler seat will be brand-spankin' new! I also get to pick the color. I'll probably just pick the classic black. The one we brought home tonight is the color in the picture. I love green, but you can't go wrong with black. =)
• rumbleseat- when we do decide to have another bean, we can use the same stroller to carry BOTH of our frijolitos. 

{Rumbleseat behind car seat}

{Rumbleseat behind toddler seat}

The Bean Diaper Bag

{ooooooh}

{aaaaahhh}

{woooooo}

{oh yeah}

I actually wasn't looking to buy a diaper bag today. I went looking for some clothes that fit and what did I happen to stumble upon at the Gap?!?! A Petunia Pickle Bottom bag for half off! Not only is it super cutie and stylish...it's their "glazed" version, which mean the fabric is coated with a water-resistant and dirt-resistant something or other. I don't know what you'd call it? Glaze, perhaps?? 

Anyhoo, just had to share. Steph, I know you have one...do you love it or not?

Now, I'm off to my pre-natal massage! It was the Christmas gift from the hubby. So sweet!

Bean's First Onesie

Yup, this is what the bean scored yesterday when I felt like it was time for me to buy our frijolito some clothes. I guess I've been waiting to find out the gender so that I can go crazy on the little jeans or the girly dresses, but I just couldn't help it. 

I purchased all the items at the babygap. The top one says, "I love mommy" with a little blue heart in the background. The grey bodysuit has a bunch of little guitars. I just couldn't resist that one because I knew it was going to make the hubby happy. It did. 

This is How We Ride

The beetle/bug is my car of choice.

Even before the time I was old enough to drive, I've always had a fascination and real appreciation for those adorable cars. As I sit here in my quiet classroom (The kids are gone for the day and a week. woo for ski week!!), I literally have 4 different types of bug paraphernalia surrounding me.

When I was in college, the car I'd been driving was totaled. When I finally received my insurance money, I was out and looking for my little bug. My mom never let me have one because she swore they were death traps. Mom, what does she know??hehe. I ended up with a completely original, almost-in-mint-condition, blue bug named Bert. I bought it from the original owner, a little old lady, that had named the car. Bert the blue bug and I had a great time until he ended up getting rear-ended.

While he was in my possession I immersed myself in everything bug and learned a lot! I ended up working on my own bug's engine and am able to tell you what year bug you have just by taking a quick peek at it. You can say, I am a bit obsessed with bugs. I was and still am. You can see me driving around the City in my white VW Beetle now.

Anyhoo....I'm sure the bean's attire will without a doubt be displaying "our" love for the bug. Especially since we'll be selling the lil' bugger in order to get a larger family car. I'll still need a little bug in my life somewhere; somehow.

How cute are these?!

{VW Bug Onesie}

{Onesie from a childs closet}

VW Bug Applique Mckinley-Allen Designs

Baby in the Bucket

Hmmmmm....does this baby tub look like a big bucket to anyone else?

{Get your very own Spa Baby Tub here!}

It's supposed to be a fabulous for the bean's bath. I'm skeptical about paying that much for something like that. I'm actually sure about the baby probably being warmer and there being no slipping and sliding around....but still. 

Rockabye Baby!

The hubby and I took a  little trip to Lullaby Lane today to test out the stroller I've been considering, the Bumbleride Flyer. I'd forgotten about Lullaby Lane, but was recently reminded of it after two different blogs I read mentioned their visits to LL. The last time I went was when my mom was pregnant with my 18 year old brother, so it's been a really long time. That place has been around forever, I think since the 1950's. I do remember it being quite the shopping experience because they have sooo much to offer. It actually has four different stores on the same block; the original store, a "gear" store with strollers and such, a clearance store, and the toddler to teen store. They calls themselves the "baby superstore" and I have to completely agree.

We focused our visit on the Gear store and found they carry almost every possible stroller that's worth carrying. It also happens to be one of a few places that carry the Bumbleride Flyer. So, what did we decide on? Were we sold by the BF? We were. We decided it has everything we need and like. It has the handle that moves back and forth (so you can face the baby or not), the fully reclining seat with the foot thinger that goes up to become suitable for an infant to sleep in, a nice basket, smooth maneuvering, a big umbrella, holds up to 45 lbs., not very heavy, works with an infant carrier, and it's super cute to boot! They sell it there for $360, but I already found it on the internet for much cheaper. Yay! We're going to save up a little to get in a few months.  Our bean's going to be rollin' and rockin' in this cool ride! Oh and there's other colors, not just the fancy orange. I'll probably just get the black one...messes won't be as noticable.

{Hey, good lookin'!}

Our one take home score of the day was a great lullaby CD. I'm listening to it right now while the hubby plays along with his guitar. I think its even put Rosco to sleep. =) It's called Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions of Bob Marley. The informational bit on the back says, 

"No baby, no cry. Bob Marley's lilting melodies will gently sway your loved one to sleep. The perfect antidote to restless nights, these comforting renditions will transform bed time into a peaceful wonderland."

I think it could very well work some magic. It's so soothing and rockin' at the same time. The CD caught our attentions when we noticed they actually have lullaby compilations of bands like No Doubt, The Eagles, The Beatles, Nine in Nails (can you imagine?!), The Smashing Pumpkins, Led Zeppelin, Metallica...and such. Here's a sample of what we're listening to right now: Rockabye Baby! Bob Marley's " Buffalo Soldier". I think we might have to go back and get The Beatles CD too. 

The Bean Car Seat

I mentioned earlier this week that the hubby and I were lucky to score a fabulous deal on the car seat. It was purely by accident and we're very happy about it! We've been scoping out the things we want to get. So, we were pleasantly surprised when right after physically checking out the car seat at Babies R Us and deciding it was the one for us; we then found it at Tarjay. Woo. I should give the hubby the credit because he was the one that spotted it. I was actually looking for one for my brother's baby. What we'd get? This little looker...

{Graco Snugride 32 Infant Car Seat-Rittenhouse}

Our Baby Bargains book gave the Graco Snugride 32 an "A" grade. Then, after our really detailed explanation from the supervisor at BRU on how to properly install the seat and all the ins and outs of this fancy shmancy car seat (it's really not that fancy), we were convinced. Did you know you can get your car seat properly and certifiably installed by an expert for free!? Well, now we know. We were looking at either this one or the Chicco KeyFit 30. It turns out that the Chicco doesn't work with most universal stroller frames and it's pretty heavy. The only complaint our book has on the Graco is that it has only one crotch position. Is that really a big deal? Is it?

We ended up with this pretty little black and white pattern also by accident. It was the only one they had for the clearance price. The hubby was totally okay with it, so I went with it. Easy peasy. I guess it sells for $170 at Tarjay and we got it for $118. Yay! A better deal than the one at BRU. Oh yeah, we also noticed that BRU does price matching. That's neat considering they seem to have a lot of their items priced a bit higher than most stores.

Did we do okay?

No Winner

My fabrics arrived quickly. I received half of my order yesterday and the largest part today. I'm bummed. The colors are not as they look on any pictures I found of the fabric. Weird. Even the pictures I found on that shop that sells the organic baby stuff do not look like the fabric colors in person. What the heck?!

I really love the pattern on the flannel and will probably still use it (the colors on that were correct) for something, but I'm going to see if I can return the other ones. The part that is supposed to be yellow (which is the part I loved the most) is actually GREEN! Yeah and not just kinda green, but totally green. The hubby saw it and said, "Oh, that's some green fabric." Poop. I don't want green, I want yellow! Anyways, back to the drawing board for the fabric. Not a winner.

On the other hand, I did find the fabric for the glider. Oh yeah, we have a glider. Actually, we've had a glider for months now. I found it on craigslist for $25 and I couldn't pass on the great deal. It has a little story to go with it.

When I saw the listing and picture, it looked like the one below. A nice, creamy chenille in white or at least off-white. We went to pick it up and were stuck in TERRIBLE traffic crossing the Bay Bridge into Oakland and didn't get to the family's home until dark to pick it up. I saw it in their garage with the lights on and it looked, again, like the one below.  Alrighty then, loved it, loaded it, and brought it home.

But, as I'm driving home, I keep looking at it in the rearview mirror and at some places, it looks sorta pink. Huh, pink? When I get home, we unload it and I take a look at it inside with our lights on and it's PINK! I don't know if I would have bought it knowing it was pink, but I love it now. It's soo comfy and in really great shape. For $25 dollars it was a fabulous deal. This chair is still for sale for $400, so....yeah, I got a deal.

Anyways, I did some research to find out how much it would cost to have a slipcover made and I might as well buy a new chair. Except, I know I can sew the slipcover and removable covers for the pillows (they're removable!). I think that's going to be my project this weekend. Another long weekend for me! I bought the fabric and it cost me about $50 total. That is a price I can handle.

The Bean Bed

I think I've found the bedding I want. It's exactly the color combination and gender neutrality(is this a word?! who cares) that I was looking for. I'm going to think about it for a few days, share it with the hubby and then make my decision for sure. Although I love it now...what if I don't like it next week?!

First off, let me share the crib we went to buy on Sunday, but weren't able to get because it was not pulled down from their top shelves. I guess IKEA has a rule against taking big items down from their big shelves during store hours. I get it...safety and all, but I wanted it then! Good thing it wasn't the only thing we were picking up that day. We bought a big new dresser. What a bummer it would have been to have driven out there and not gotten anything.

{IKEA Gulliver}

Why did we decide on a crib from IKEA, you say? Well. Our baby resource book highly suggests this crib for a number of reasons. First off, it's affordable. This crib is $99! Deal. They gave this an "A" grade in contrast to well known companies getting an F (there were a lot of underachievers on the list). It's solid wood and built well. It transitions into a toddler bed. It also has simple styling. Which is what I want. Our place in the city has old Edwardian architecture and details and having a mix of furniture, like this little Swede piece is going to balance the look. It will allow the room to look fresh and modern with a twist of vintage and not like a grandma version of a nursery. Note: We're not going with their mattress. We'll be getting one from Babies R Us.

This is the dresser we're pairing it with, also from IKEA. The Hemnes.

This also has nice straight lines and a ton of storage space. We needed a new one because the one in that room is falling apart and because this baby momma has to share the dresser with the bean. Our place in the city does not have enough closet space, so I've been using the future nursery as my dressing room. I'm still going to have to keep my stuff in there. Hope the bean doesn't mind. =)

Now, the baby bedding.

{hey, I think that's our crib!}

{ooohh...grey, white, and yellow dots. love}

{look at all that handmade goodness}

{bump bump}

The etsy seller BabyDarling makes these all herself. She uses some of my favorite fabrics from Amy Butler for all the items she makes! I love me some Amy Butler! I've hoarded lots of her fabric in my stash. BabyDarling will make this baby bedding set from any of the Amy Butler fabrics that she has in her collection. I'm in heaven! But this combination of colors and fabrics just makes me soo excited. Polka dots are universal for a baby and the large botanical print doesn't really scream girly. I think the colors also help. Oh, did you see the little rhino on the blanket...she puts any little animal you want on there too.

Check out a few of her other things...

I love it all!