Thursday, March 11, 2010

Review: The Tummy Tub



Never heard of the Tummy Tub? Neither had I until I spotted it on a friends Facebook. Now this interesting piece of tub-ware has captured my heart ~ and Jack's too! I really dislike those old recliner tubs and can still envision my little siblings writhing around in them during bath-time. The simple design of the tummy tub allows my baby to sit comfortable in a cross-legged "fetal" position. The depth of the tub keeps the water temperature from cooling (no more luke-warm baths!) and the side helps support Jack's back so he can sit up and splash. So why not just use a bucket? The tummy tub is perfectly designed for bathing your baby with smooth rounded sides, a rubber anti-skid ring and a low centre of gravity for safety and stability. Jack now enjoys his baths on the dining room table, the bedroom floor, and even in a crowded living-room surrounded by a bunch of curious aunts and uncles. ;)


They also sell some snazzy stools that I've yet to get... check it out! Both tubs & stools come in a variety of different colors.

Tummy Tub Stool (Blue)

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Review: The Original Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper



For a lot of couples, one of the first thoughts that come to mind after they find out they are expecting is: where are we going to put the baby? We had been learning a lot about attachment parenting and the benefits (both for mother and child) of keeping your baby close during the night. Our room arrangement at the time didn't leave space for a full-blown crib and besides: aren't cribs rather superfluous for a little infant? From experience, I knew that they never ended up sleeping in cribs anyway! :) I wasn't opposed to the idea of our baby sleeping in bed with us, but I wanted something close-by that I could lay him in if need be.

Jack and I have fun on the bed while the Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper (back left) waits for sleepy-time. :)

I had seen the co-sleeper at a friends home a few years before and remembering how convenient it looked decided to do a little online research. Voila! The Arm's Reach co-sleeper! This "glorified pack-and-play" comes with a removable bassinet and attaches right onto the side of your bed. Our son now sleeps within perfect view, ear-shot and reach of us. I don't have to get out of bed in the middle of the night to fetch a hungry baby or (for all those anxious mothers out there!) check to make sure he's still breathing. When our little angel falls asleep nursing I can transfer him easily into the bassinet without disturbing his peaceful slumber. We love it. Jack loves it ~ and we all love the restful sleep it brings! :)

Sleeping soundly within arm's-reach :)

The Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper comes in many different models/sizes (and colors!) to fit your needs. We chose The Original Co-Sleeper because of it's large sleeping area (40 x 28") ~ I wanted something that Jack wouldn't grow out of too quickly! Now, after 2 1/2 months, I know the co-sleeper would have been worth getting even if he only slept in it for the first 4 weeks. The comfort and peace of having Jack close is such a blessing! Plus, his cocoa and cream Original matches our brown duvet! ;)

Reviewing the Registry

Thank-you to everyone who came to our baby shower and/or sent gifts! We were so blessed by all your love and generosity. These past 2 months have been full of excitement as we welcomed our son into the world and set out on this wonderful journey of parenthood. We have had a blast trying out all the cute, helpful, or just-plain-FUN gifts that we received. After all the research I put into choosing baby items for our family it has been neat to see how they have all worked out for us. I thought I might use this space to review some of our favorite items as well as any parenting books, resources and other information that we have found helpful.

Aunt Hanneke tries out Jack's play cutting food ~ fabulous gift from Nana Flynn!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010




JACK FLYNN THOMAS

Born At Home: December 3rd 2009
12:13 PM ~ 9 lbs ~ 20.5"

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

With the approaching arrival of our little one (due the end of November), we have put a great deal of time and consideration into choosing natural, organic and chemical-free baby items and products for our home. Some of these items may be found in your local Babies-R-Us, but the majority are available only from online stores. Henceforth we've created our own personalized online registry! We have tried to present a clear and simple list~ striving to make your shower-shopping as easy as possible... Thank-you for visiting!

NOTE: After purchasing, PLEASE CONTACT THE FLYNN FAMILY so they can remove the items from the list (specify quantity purchased). You can email them at: ____________.

Baby Clothing: Since we do not know whether our baby is a boy or a girl we request gender-neutral clothing ~ or better yet, just wait till after the babys born (we are well-supplied with newborn clothing from my mother ;). We also prefer 100% cotton and other natural materials (no synthetic fabrics, please!).

Onesies, Gowns, Socks & Infant Hats

Receiving Blankets

Warm winter Blankets

Diapers: We desire to use cloth "gdiapers" for our baby and will need a variety of sizes; available at gdiapers.com.
gpants: 10-15 of each size (small, medium, large)
gcloth inserts (NOT the "disposable" inserts!): 40-50 of each size (small, med/large)
extra snap-in liners: 15-20 of each size (small, med/large)

Cotton Baby Washcloths


Pacifiers: need 2, (0-6 months/blue&green) available at BabiesRUs: http://www.newbornfree.com/ProductInfo.aspx?id=4865848

Bottles (only need 1 two-pack of each, available at BabiesRUs):
Born-Free Glass Baby Bottles: (9oz/1 pack): http://www.newbornfree.com/ProductInfo.aspx?id=2795995
Silicone Bottle Sleeves (1 pack/Blue): http://www.newbornfree.com/ProductInfo.aspx?id=5144034


Armsreach Co-sleeper Sheets: (Organic 60%Cotton/40% Bamboo Fitted Sheet - Original; color "natural"): available at http://www.armsreach.com/shop-3/nature-perfect-and-organics-9/organic-60-cotton-40-bamboo-fitted-sheet-original-51.html

L.A. Baby Natural Organic Crib Mattress: (best price) http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11333187


Stroller (tandem jogger):

Miscellaneous:


What We Already Have:
Ergo Baby Carrier
Moses Basket
Baby Swing
Baby Back-Pack (for Hiking)
Diaper Bag
Lambskin
Armsreach Co-sleeper
Boppy
Chicco Hook-On Travel Seat
"An Angel in My Arms" (CD, Serene & Pearl)
BabyBjorn Little Potty
Manual Breast-pump
Carseat