Updates

I will be posting over Memorial Day weekend, but right now I have to get myself and the dogs out of the house because someone is coming to see it.
This weekend's posts will be on Braxton-Hicks Contractions, changing table pads, inducing labor at 39 weeks, and excitement over motherhood.
Please stay tuned!

Daddy's Hospital Bag

Two night's ago, Jeff packed his hospital bag. It was endearing. He has all the technology and reading materials that we are going to need. He has actually thought things out well, and I get excited when I see him thinking like a dad. The next decision he'll have to make is if he wants a daddy diaper bag. I have a great black, white and red bag, so it's not too girly. He can use that one, but there are some cool ones out there for dad's. So we'll see.

In the meantime, you may be packing a diaper bag of your own. There are so many to chose from. On Little Baby Headquarters, we have colorful bags, black and white bags that are easy to wipe clean, and fancy silk bags with matching clutch purses. Best of all these bags are Made in the USA. Right now with outsourcing and the shakey economy, I think it's important to keep our hard earned money at "home".

Enjoy your shopping on Little Baby Headquarters. You'll find the perfect diaper bag.

Wipe Warmer vs Wipe Warmer Update

We only have one wipe warmer left at Little Baby Headquarters.
Those people ordering the DEX Space Saver Wipe Warmer seem to be aware that these vertical standing warmers are almost impossible to find. If you are in need for more space and a better designed wipe warmer be sure to get the last one in stock. We should be getting in a new shipment soon. Thanks for reading and shopping!

38 weeks and counting!

Yesterday I hit the 38 week point in my pregnancy. It was very exciting! Jeff and I continue to complete many items on the TO DO list, and with every CHECK OFF, I hope she is closer to coming. Last night we were talking about the long journey, and we are so excited to start a new type of journey very shortly.

If you have read my first post, you all may know that this pregnancy truly is a miracle. Through our three years of trying we knew we would get pregnant by God's blessing, but we always wanted to have two children, so we filed to adopt a daughter from China. We feel so blessed to have two daughters on the way.

Right now this is where the long journey has taken us. In 2010, somewhere between April and June, we will be matched with an infant girl to become our daughter. Everything is completed and waiting is our only job. God's deliver of her will be wonderful!

In the meantime, we are here in 2008. In two weeks time, or hopefully sooner, our first daughter will be born to us. No paperwork was filed for her, but the years of devout prayer and faith have brought us to this point. We soon shall meet Sophia in all her grace.

In these next two weeks, I'll keep you all updated on our progress. Pregnancy has been so beautiful. Feeling Sophia's slight fetal movements are the highlight of my days. Nurturing her and caring for her has been a priviledge. Listening to her heartbeat every week with Jeff is magical. But, now...now we are ready to do all that and so much more for her out of the womb. Say your prayers that her last 2 weeks are healthy and that her delivery is safe and smooth. In the meantime, I continue to swaddle her in the womb and continue to fold the blankets that will swaddle her in her crib.

Last night we added one step to our pre-baby cleaning process that I didn't mention in my post yesterday. Cleaning household pets and products. Allergens that are held in fabric that your pets rest on should be attacked before baby arrives home.

Research has stated that a baby inherits the possibility to have allergies, and 50% of babies have a chance of developing allergies if one biological parent also has allergies. That number jumps to 75% if both parents have allergies. Hay fever and pet dander allergies are commonly passed on from parent to child.

Keeping a clean house, a clean pet, and clean pet toys and beds will help prevent respiratory and skin problems early on for your child. After washing fabric beds and toys, be sure they are completely dry to prevent mold growth.

Just another tip from a type A mom who loves keeping a clean house:)

Cleaning for Baby's Arrival

As you may be able to tell, I have quite the type A personality. Cleaning is very important to me at all times, but now it is even more important. Jeff and I have been working hard to clean the house but we have been very careful to do every thing thoroughly.

For those of you getting ready to do spring cleaning or pre-baby cleaning, here are some very helpful hints.

1. START WITH CLOTHES CLOSETS: Anything you haven't worn in a year or so, donate. Ask your accountant for a list from Salvation Army. You can get great 2008 tax deductions by bringing your clothes there.

2. DO THE HOUSE CLOSETS: Get your winter coats dry cleaned now, so they are ready on that first winter day. With baby, trips to the dry cleaner will be difficult. Take everything off the floor and mop the closets to clear all dust bunnies.

3. Get all carpets and couches cleaned. Be sure to air out the dampness after shampooing to be sure no mites arrive.

4. Bring all window treatments to the cleaners. You would be so surprised how much dust is held in your beautiful curtains. Dust leads to allergies.

5. HOME OFFICE REDO: Cleaning the home office won't only make you feel more organized, but I bet you'll find money:) You will find coupons to Staples, free offers from credit card companies, receipts for your tax folder and so on. Take time to reorganize your filing cabinets and to create new folders. Create a folder for the new pediatrician, maternity bills, and trust funds or college funds.

6. Get the cars detailed. It is worth the money. Taking the car to the car wash is one thing, but getting it detailed is very necessary. The detailer with not miss one nook or cranny. The odors, spills, stains and dirt will be just a memory. I know the car will be a disaster once baby starts throwing her Cheerios, but it is best to start with a clean pallet. You don't want to put a brand new, clean car seat in a dirty car.

Remember to click on the ad to the right for GET ORGANIZED. You will receive a 15% discount on everything until the end of May.
Have fun spring cleaning!

Simplicity Bassinet

Last night Jeff put together the baby's bassinet. I must admit, I love the one I chose. It's beautiful and extremely functional. It does have a co-sleeper option, but according to my research it's not encouraged.

Before registering, I read up a lot on infant sleeping options before baby was ready for the crib. Here is some interesting information I found.

Be sure to buy a new crib or bassinet. If not buying new, be sure that the crib meets federal standards recently put out. These standards and approved features can be found on www. jpma.org. Many products you buy will also come with a stamp from JPMA and that is important to look for when buying.

Never sleep with baby in bed with you for many reasons. First, adult bedding and mattresses are way too soft. Firm mattresses in bassinets and cribs help fight the possibility of SIDS. Also, over tired parents have been known to roll over on baby. With "baby exhaustion", some people have trouble awakening. Just recently, we heard of this scenerio on Tv and both children died. Lastly, baby can get caught in between the mattress and headboard of an adult bed.

Keep babies warm but not too warm. A light blanket or sleeper zip up outfit is plenty. Toys and comforters can heat up the bassinet or crib. This also leads to dangerous sleeping situations for infants.

The best case scenerio is to have baby sleep in your room until about 6 months of age in a new or regulated crib or bassinet.

Safe sleep is nothing to fool around with, so do your SIDS reasearch and buy carefully.