Pics on picasa

Here are some pics on picasaweb of Jeff working on the floor of the cabin with all our junk shoved in one room plus the 3 latest baby hats I've knitted. I can only upload 5 pics at a time, and the library is closing :(. Be sure and check out the other blog entries from today! They list the "have's and the have-not's" of the baby world :)

Knits and floor repair

The "Have-not's" or baby items to be scavenged

1. highchair (hopefully wooden)
2. baby socks
3. slanted stool for breast-feeding in a chair
4. car seat/carrier (I think nowadays they're two-in-one? I'm unsure tho)
5. grade-a, top-of-the-line, super comfy baby sling (D thinks she would like to provide this)
6. jumperoo
7. baby swing
8. kid books! I live to read
9. biodegradable wipes
10. plastic mat-type-thing to protect mattress under baby during early phases of natural infant hygiene
11. foot-powered trike (no pedals)
12. stroller
13. bathing system for baby (need advice from moms on this one- is it unnecessary or way to convenient/safe to pass up)
14. video recording device (maybe I could borrow one?)
15. earth-friendly bath soaps
16. a dresser for baby clothes
17. diapers. WE DONT WANT ANY. We are practicing Natural Infant Hygiene- a process by which older family members are able to tune into the signs and signals from the baby that imply a need for evacuation. Humans are fully aware of their bodies from birth and are inclined to pee and poop in a place that is away from places of rest, other humans, and the body. Why spend 3 years denying this natural desire?

Please use the "comment" tool in blog to suggest other gear you think we need or express an interest in locating any of the items for us. Or maybe you just have comments. Regardless, we'd love to hear from you.

The "Have's" or baby-related things that have all ready been gifted

1. a midwife! Sarah Hood has taken us under her wings.
2. one monkey suit for 1st/2nd year (complete with pawed footies, Good looking out Jessa!)
3. probably too many baby blankets (mom has no sentiment for our old blankies)
4. 3 receiving blankets
5. baby's first hand-knit hat (I think it will be the upside-down buttercup in the picture)
6. newborn gowns and onesies up to 3 months (grandma says I have plenty which translates to: I'll only buy you a couple more because they're a quarter a piece at a yard sale)
7. one pair of baby's first overalls
8. size 6 all-stars found at Goodwill
9. probably 6 bibs
10. one pair of fully equipped boobs
11. a few outfits sized 3-6 months
12. organic baby lotion (dutch discount!)
13. couple rocking chairs
14. pregnancy pillow
15. one loving, supportive partner
16. a baby rocker for summer
17. the classic plastic keys
18. one stuffed duck

Baby Registry: prepare to meet Scavenger Hunt

I had several ideas on the way to Richmond today.
Idea 1: Have pumpkin carving contest with family when they visit for the weekend of October 24th.
Sub-idea: hay ride?
Idea 2: Invite Judy and Chuck (Jeff's mom and stepdad) to join us on this festive weekend to begin family meshing.
Idea 3: Arrange for a bike trek through the Redlick region whence these family members congregate.
Idea 4: Discard baby shower arrangements for weekend of 24th: too cliche. I can't picture both boys and girls in my social circle coming together for cheesy baby games and I don't want to disclude anyone's interests. Plus, I want my dad to come. Baby shower would scare him off.
Idea 5: Create an online document titled "9-month scavenger hunt" I was swayed to make a baby registry. So I did. Amazon.com was highly entertaining, but it rarely has used baby goods. Items are always shipped... it's just too commercially consumistic (this is a premium word derived from consumerism). I think the most environmentally friendly approach must be used goods and occasional support of new organic or free trade products.
Really, I would just like to invite those who are inclined and enthusiastic about helping Jeff and I raise a family through the purchase of material goods to check out a list of the things we don't have and are, to some extent, required to have for the addition of a newborn. Ace example: Car seat. Requirements: hopefully smells nice, not be produced by Costco, weighs less than 30 pounds, comfortable for very small human being.
So, my hope is that I can turn my running list of baby supplies both needed and already possessed into an online document that can be changed (by family and friends) as family and friends hopefully continue to scavenge needed items and place them in our lives through whatever means necessary. Jeff is the computer whiz. Hopefully he knows an easy way to do this.

Library windows: where all the ideas happen!