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Monday, January 31, 2011

Making It To Minneapolis.










We packed all of our stuff last night and loaded the car this morning. Sophie said she'd take the first leg of the trip. Minneapolis, here we come! We were so excited starting out. Our trip quickly went from a 14 hr road trip to a much longer, nail-biting journey. About 3 hrs in, I took over driving. We promptly hit a huge ice storm.









The picture was taken during hour one, when taking a picture was still an option. Our antenna and wipers ended up looking like giant rock candy sticks. After that, the only thing we could do was hold our breath. I'm pretty sure my bottom lip is totally non-existent from nervously gnawing on it and my knuckles are going to stay white for a while. Once the ice started, there was no pulling off or changing lanes for that matter. Testing your brakes resulted in a pulling skid. We proceeded with everyone else at a cool 35 mph. Not exactly making what I would call good time on the road, but the upside is...we will arrive alive. The weather is only supposed to get worse. Apparently, we are beating the biggest dump of snow, which will happen tomorrow afternoon. Just passed a hearse in a ditch...We hope every body is okay. The Governor of Illinois just declared a Disaster. Good thing we are almost out of Illinois. Sophie has pooped in her sleep and left us with new found incentive to get a car air-freshener. Speaking of Soph, she has actually enjoyed this trip. She laughed and played with her toys and watched a bit of Charlie Brown Christmas, then fell asleep for the night at her normal 7:30 bedtime. I love how everyone who is on tour checks in on each other, especially those of us driving. There are a lot of us driving the tour and we always check in with each other, but especially today, with the dangerous conditions. We are grateful for a group of really great people. Eric and I decided to push thru and drive the entire way tonight. The further north we got, the better the roads got. We needed to beat the storm because the worst of it is apparently yet to come. We were the last of our friends to get there, but arrived safely in Minneapolis at 4am. Thank God for keeping us all safe.
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Sunday, January 30, 2011

Put On Your Sunday Clothes

















Today, Soph and I walked to the Hermitage, a one hundred year old hotel, in downtown Nashville. It was beautiful! Sophie enjoyed the plush lobby furniture and mommy liked the stained glass ceiling.
It's a Sunday in Nashville and I was surprised to find that most restaurants and stores were closed.
Lots of homeless in the downtown area, but no one is around, they move their beat to a different area. There is a park off of Union that was just packed with homeless people hanging out and today it's like a ghost town. Soph and I walked the area by the War Memorial which was pretty cool.









 We went to the theatre between shows for a visit with Eric.  Haven paid us a visit and showed Sophie how to crawl like a princess.

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Saturday, January 29, 2011

Puppet Theatre

This morning we took Soph to see "Anansi: The Spider" at the Puppet Theatre at the Nashville Public Library. It was so cool. Rod puppets and marionette puppets told the old African folk tale. Sophie was very excited, waving her arms and sqealing, but we aren't sure if her swirls were from the delight of the theatre or simply seeing a bunch if other little children around. Probably a bit of both.













I got to go see Eric in his show tonight, because his Uncle Craig and Aunt Nancy babysat. The whole cast was wonderful and it had been so long since I'd seen the entire show, I almost forgot just how talented Eric and all our friends are. If we are coming to your city, you have to see "Shrek:The Musical." It's so rare that a role comes along that really showcases your singing, comedic chops and allows you to have some meaty acting scenes as well. This is that show for Eric. He rocks! Yes, I may be partial, because he's my husband, but he is amazing in this role!

Side Note: Dolly Parton renovated the lead dressing room in this theatre when "9 to 5: The Musical" was here and Eric is getting to enjoy all the perks. Here's a picture of it!




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Friday, January 28, 2011

Nashville Family

Today was Danly Day. Uncle Craig, Aunt Nancy, Jake, and Melissa Danly all came to our hotel to hang out in the afternoon, had dinner with Soph and me, and then headed to see Eric's show, Shrek:The Musical at the TPAC. This is Eric's mom's brother's family and they now live in Nashville. They were super sweet and so excited to meet Sophie. They had a lot of fun playing with her before they went to the show. I'm so excited for them to see it.























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6 Month Check Up

Sophie's 6 month check up was today. We can't even believe how quickly it has gone. After doing a lot of research, I settled on Green Hills Pediatric Associates. We had Dr. Godfrey and he was wonderful. The whole practice was super clean and the staff was so nice to us. They made us feel at home, even though we are far from it. Sophie was still measuring in the 75th percentile for height, 80th for weight. Dr. Godfrey said she was perfect and about 3 months ahead of schedule, as far as motor skills, eating habits, and sleeping habits,development goes. He said we had already incorporated all the things he wanted to see happen for her. He was stunned that she's only using a sippy cup...no bottle! He suggested we start her in teething biscuits, yogurt, and table food (I.e. Breadsticks, pizza crust,...). She was such a trooper during her shots. She held daddy's fingers and looked up to him for support.













Eric and I had a date planned for after the show. Our dates normally begin very late, with the show and make-up removal. We went to hear some bluegrass music on Broadway in Nashville (aka Honky Tonk Row). Our friend Robyn Berg cane to the hotel and watched Soph.




Sophie had a tough time at the end, but as soon as we got home, she went back to sleep. It was great to hang out and Eric and I had a lot of fun!

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Thursday, January 27, 2011

Sophie, With A Laughing Face

We dropped the insert in the crib this week.  Sophie had begun to push herself around in the crib.  On the monitor, I watched as she attempted to sit up and so we called it a day.  We dropped it right away.  No point in having an accident. 

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Home, Home On The Road.

Nashville was rainy today, but Soph was up for anything.






With our Mutsy rain guard, she was kept warm and dry when we went for lunch. So, last time Eric was in Nashville on the first National Tour of the Broadway Show, "25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," he had the French Dip of all French Dips at the Sheraton. We have now been twice and by the time we leave here in 7 days, we will have probably been 7 times. I will say, it's good, Ve-ry good. Soph had a ball playing with all her new toys today. She had a newfound energy and curiosity that felt stale just yesterday. Eric had an early day for sound check and Soph and I had free dinner at the hotel. I did a ton of laundry, so we are all set with clean clothes. It wasn't to bad of a process here. There was only 1 washer and dryer, so we had to get in the stroller and elevator for the in and outs of 4 loads, but I just planned it around her naps an she did great. Boy, was she wired tonight! I knew she must be tired 'cause she'd been up since 3:45pm, but she was on the floor rocking and in her entertainment center just smiling and laughing! We did books and bath time (sink time) and bottle and she settled right to sleep a bit later than usual, around 8. Here's a video of what our "home" on the road for a year looks like.


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Monday, January 24, 2011

We Bought Everything But The Kitchen Sink

       Arrived late last night at Homewood Suites in Nashville, TN. We are excited to be in Nashville cause it's such a cool city. The Music City, as they say. First thing on our agenda, rest today. We wanted today to be very restful as we have had a full schedule of traveling on the day off the last few weeks. The Homewood SUITES is really more of a typical hotel room than a suite. It always makes life trickier when we don't have a door or different section. The first room we were in here had no sunlight and our windows were right up against a parking garage, which was a little bit creepy. We asked to move. This new room has much more light and I'm not worried someone creepy is looking in from 8 ft. away.
       Next up, Babies 'R' Us! Needing to replenish our baby staples (wipes, food, diapers...), we headed to BRU. Gradually, we've been getting rid of things that she's grown out of (toys and clothes, alike). We are now at a point where she is in need of some clothes in the correct season. It was so much fun to get her new stuff!  Yes, this is a boy's fedora, but Sophie needed it for a poker game and other detective adventures.  She rocks it well.





       Soph's bath time was shortly after we got home. Unfortunately, there are no bath tubs at this hotel, so we used the sink. Soph was a little scared and confused without her normal bath time ritual, but she was super happy to have daddy there to help.





       In other news, Eric and I have not showered today.  Welcome to parenthood.

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Sunday, January 23, 2011

Duck, Duck...Bear!




It was a Sunday here, so two shows again. We decided to check out today and head to Nashville tonight. After checkout, Eric headed to the theatre and Sophie and I headed over to the Peabody to see the famous ducks marching down the red carpet. So the march is more of a run, but it was really neat and I'm glad we saw it. It took all of 30 seconds though.



Soph and I had coffee with Sarah P. and went to the theatre to spend the day listening to the show and watching the Bears game. Eric's dressing room had the only backstage tv, so we set up snacks and had Packers and Bears fans alike, in and out all thru the game. It was a lot of fun...even though we lost:(











Without a hotel today, Soph was going to have to spend her naps in her stroller, fully reclined, and go to sleep there too. The upside is, we got to spend lots of time with daddy that we wouldn't normally get. She took her full nap and went to bed at her normal time. So far, so good! Hopefully, she'll transfer well to Nashville. Praying for a safe drive tonight. It's only 3 hrs and then we get to rest all day tomorrow in Nashville.
In most cities, the cast signs a mural they've (Denny Paschal) made on the backstage walls of the theatres and this is the one they left in Memphis.



On the road again.
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Saturday, January 22, 2011

Wow, Thank You!

       I just want to take today to say thank you to all the people who are reading this blog.  The blog, originally created as a journal, has been up for 1 wk and we have had over 1500 visits.  I have always said the more people that love this baby, the better off she'll be.  I think she has it pretty good.  We appreciate the love. 
       Eric had a 2 show day, so it was just Soph and me for the day.   When Soph and I went down for breakfast, one of the men who worked here asked if she was a boy or girl.  I smiled politely and answered, "Girl."  His reply?  "Oh I think she looks more like boy."  What?!!!!!   If it wasn't for his Franz from "Father Of The Bride"-like-accent, I may have been offended.  Instead I just had to laugh.  Who says that?  By the way, Sophie is very feminine looking anyway.  Her eyelashes touch her eyebrows.  Not a trait commonly associated with men...I don't think, anyway. 
       We watched Salt with Ashlee G. and Christine (other wives currently out on the road), while the babies napped. After their naps Soph and Cole played and it was so fascinating to see her observing and trying to play like a 1-yr-old. We are leaving the hotel in the morning, so I'm getting all our bags ready tonight.  Soph and I will go to the theatre in the morning with Eric and spend the day watching the show and, of course, the game. The Bear's game, that is.


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Graceland, Memphis

                                            Eric, Lisa, and Sophie in front of Graceland Mansion!

       Last night, Carolyn, the traveling teacher for the young girls in the cast, came over to sit with Sophie, so Eric and I could go to a friends going away party.  It was at a place called Rum Boogie, where a live New Orleans style band was being featured, on the famous Beale Street.  Beale Street is a long street filled with restaurants and bars, mostly known for a vibrant nightlife.  Eric and I had a great time out with friends.  Thank you to Carolyn for so sweetly watching Sophie.
       Today, was Graceland day.  We were so excited and the day totally exceeded our expectations.  It was such an awesome peek into the life of a man who forever changed music and it's place in our world.  We also found it oddly interesting that we have a few commonalities with the Presleys.  We got pictures of eric with his and Elvis Presley's initials, which are posted around the house.

And, while I am not named after Elvis's daughter, my name is Lisa Marie, which also, is what he named his plane:)

One of our favorite parts of the tour was seeing Elvis's Vegas Costumes.


     We had no idea how down to earth and generous this man was.  To be such a huge legend, even in his own lifetime, he maintained a seemingly grounded life, with family around him.  It's really sad that he died so early in his life, but, boy, did he get a lot done while he was here.  A true legend.


OKAY, LET"S GET TO THE REAL REASON ANYONE IS READING THIS...SOPHIA!
     Sophie was such a good baby during the whole Graceland tour.  She was awake and leaning forward for the first part and then took about an hour snooze.  She slept on the way home and had a normal bedtime.  I always get a bit concerned about messing with her schedule, but she's very flexible and as long as she gets about 3 hrs during the day (normally napping at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.), and it's not too close to bedtime, she is in good shape.  I seriously believe her schedule is a leading factor of why she is so happy and easy going.  With different environments, weather, and people all the time, she is as happy as a baby could be.  "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child," by Dr. Marc Weissbluth.  Best book ever or get his app.  Also, awesome.  And, while I'm at it...when Eric and I first brought her home, we used all the methods from "Happiest Baby On The Block."  This book has a DVD if you can't bear to read another pregnancy/parenting book.  It really works! 
 

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Snow Day!

Here, in Memphis, it was truly a snow day. Big fat flakes fell from the sky from about 12:30-5:30. Sadly, it kept us from visiting Lauren and Helen at their house. Daddy did breakfast with us and then went to St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Haven (Fiona) and Eric dressed up in costume so that the children could meet Shrek and Fiona in real life. The children's hospital visits are always very moving for Eric and he always comes home grateful for our healthy family and awestruck by the strength of the children and families he's met. Soph and I spent the day with a visit to Cole after the first nap and a visit from Sarah Peak ( cast member and friend) after the second nap. Book time pushed into bath time tonight, as Sophie wanted more time to study " I Love You, Good Night." Way to hit the books, Soph!!











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Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Rendezvous With Friends.

Eric had a few press engagements early this morning, so Soph and I did breakfast and watched Daddy on TV.  Check it out.

We then headed over to the world famous, Rendezvous BBQ.  We had lunch with the Abrahams and it was really great BBQ, but best of all, they had real sweet tea (when tons of sugar is stirred into it while it's still hot, then served over ice. MMMMM.)

Our next rendezvous was with Lauren Kuenle, my old roommate from NYC, who has since married and moved to Memphis with her hubby (an Orthopedic resident at a hospital here.)   They just had a beautiful baby girl named Helen Louise, who is 3 months old.  I couldn't believe that we, who once sat on the couch watching Scrubs and eating Laughing Cow cheese,  now sat on the couch with our babies. 
I couldn't get over the fact that 3 months ago Sophie was that small.  My head spins over how quickly the 3-6 months went.  Helen was just precious and it was so sweet and fun to hold this docile baby and so funny to hand her back and pick up my little wiggle worm.   Sophie was not sure about the whole experience.  At first, she was just taking in the whole thing, trying to decide how she felt about it and what exactly, it, was.  She hasn't seen a baby smaller than her before.   Sophie tentatively reached out to touch the baby, as if to test what this new toy would do.  To see her around a younger baby was fascinating.  I've only seen her marvel at Cole and his tricks...walking, his dexterity with toys, rolling, eating.  She is normally the docile one on a play-date.  This time, she grabbed the reigns as the elder child and ran with them.  She played vigorously with her toys and was very talkative.  I think she wanted to make sure daddy was still paying attention to her, even though he took his turn at holding little miss Helen. 

Today, really sent home how quickly this time is escaping us.  I'm holding onto every moment with her.  These past 6 months have been the most amazing times of my life.  Mothers have always talked in cliches and I've always dismissed them as just that.  Now I know how real those feelings are and all those cliches now warm my heart or bring tears to my eyes.  I am officially a mom.

And now...I'm crying.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Sophie's First Jam Session!

 
Sophie and Cole Rock Out!

Sophie and Daddy Have A Sweet Morning!
Sophie Strength Training

We had the most relaxing morning.  Soph slept so well in her little nook that we all awoke feeling super refreshed.  We went down to enjoy our FREE breakfast at the Residence Inn, who, by the way, has the absolute best breakfast around.  They have everything you could want or imagine for breakfast...Waffles, yogurt, oatmeal, fruit, eggs, sausage, bacon, biscuits, gravy, and more!  Yummmmm!  We headed back to the room and took a nap.  Because we have an awesome internet connection here (not always the case,) we were even able to iChat with both sets of grandparents!  iChat is seriously the best invention ever!  We have used it for years to stay close to our loved ones, when the miles are between us.  Eric headed out extra early this afternoon, as he does on opening nights in a new city for sound check and to get situated with his new dresser and dressing room.  Sophie and I headed up to the Abrahams for a play-date with Cole.  Cole is 13 months and Sophie is now 6 months.  Check out this video as he shows her a thing or two about playing the drums.  Welcome to Sophie's first jam session!

Monday, January 17, 2011

Sophie, I've A Feeling We're Not In Kansas Anymore

So, we headed from Kansas City, MO to Memphis, TN today by car. It was an 8 hour drive, which took us about 9, with stops. Sophie did so great. She took her first nap late, so she slept for the first hour and a half of the drive. Not being able to sit or work on crawling was tough for her because those are her new favorite things to do. She kept pulling forward in the car seat, exhausting herself from pushing forward on the seatbelt with all her might. Soon after getting over that situation, she was happy to play with her toys and when she was done with that it was on to the iPad. There are actually lots of cool interactive apps for babies. Great for days like these. It was a super stormy day and a terribly flat drive, but I had the best company in the world, so it was great. We are at the Residence Inn in Downtown Memphis and so far, so good. I love it when hotels have a little alcove area for Sophie's crib, especially when there is no door except the bathroom one. Yay! Eric and I are even watching a movie on the tv as opposed to the computer. I'm so happy. This is so much better than our dungeon-like room in...where did we just come from?...Kansas City. Anyway, we are super happy to be here and looking forward to Graceland on Friday.































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Sunday, January 16, 2011

Good Game...Good Game, Kansas

Eric had two shows today, so Sophie and I had the whole day to fill. We were invited to Kyle's girlfriend's parent's house in Overland Park. We headed over with our laundry in tow. We arrived at about 1:30 and were warmly welcomed as if we were family. Her parents were totally in love with Soph and just held her and loved on her so much. They had a big, old golden retriever named Gus and Soph wanted to be best friends. They were very curious about each other. There is always an apprehension when it comes to dogs and babies, but he couldn't have been sweeter. We ate lunch, watched the Bears defeat the Seahawks, did laundry, ate dinner, and headed home. Soph was her happy go lucky self. She's just a little social butterfly. Megan's mom, Denise, was the absolute coolest! She folded our underwear! Why are people so nice? It was great to get the chance to do laundry and have Soph sleeping or playing right there. We have all clean clothes as we head to Memphis!!!! Yay! Soph fell asleep on the way home and I got back in time to see a little bit of the Golden Globes. Good thing I really like watching the fashion cause I had to have the sound turned down. On the drive there and back today, I discovered something. I like Kansas. The people are nice and happy and it feels like old-fashioned America. You know, like the 90's, a simpler time, when people were generally happy. It was a great day! The Jets won. The Bears won. And we spent time with an awesome family and Uncle Kyle in a beautiful home.


Uncle Kyle, Megan and Sophie.



Megan's family and Sophie.
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Saturday, January 15, 2011

Happy UnBirthday! Sophie is 6 Months Today!

Soph woke up after a not-so-good night's sleep with a super happy disposition!

Soph and I went for breakfast in the hotel and let daddy rest up for his 2 show day. Though the rooms at The Hotel Phillips aren't my favorite, the restaurant has the best hotel food ever! After the usual playtime with daddy and first nap, it was about 40 degrees and we headed out for that long awaited fresh air. We had really been missing our daily walks. We went to Main Street, which had tons of stuff, but THE place to go was apparently Latte Land. Sounds magical, right?!








We headed down main Street to check out the AMC movie theatre with the lazyboy-style, rumble seats and in theatre waiter service. It looks awesome! Depending on our schedule, we may have to do a Sunday date night. We walked up to the Sprint Center and back home, browsing a few cute clothing stores on our way (Garment: there's a bar in the middle of the store that has tons of really cute, over-priced clothes. Now that's a business plan. We just browsed:). Soph took her afternoon nap in the room and then we headed to see Eric at the Theatre. There is a way to go to the theatre underground, but there are lots of steps, so we briskly walked the cold two blocks. Not bad at all. We always wonder if when she sees Eric as Shrek, if she sees him as Daddy or Uncle Shrek. I felt today she really knew he was Daddy. Soph practiced feeding herself dinner in Daddy's dressing room.

Back to the hotel for the usual books, bath time, bottle, bedtime all before 8. 
       Then I ate my Lean Cuisine in the bathroom.  The packaging on those things are too loud to open in the room with a sleeping baby.  Don't judge me for eating on the toilet.  Unless, of course, you are thinking that I'm awesome.  Then, judge away!

        Happy UnBirthday, Sophia!!! We are so proud of all your accomplishments and your sweet nature! We are so blessed to have you as a daughter!

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Friday, January 14, 2011

Kansas City Visitors

Sophie's Uncle Kyle, Eric's bro, flew out to Kansas City today with his girlfriend, Meghan. Her fam lives here, so they all saw the show last night and met us to hang out this afternoon. Sophie made the rounds and won everyone's hearts easily. She's talking a lot today. I'm still learning the language though. We put the blog on facebook today and told our family about it, so we hope everyone is enjoying it.
Uncle Kyle Petersen and Sophie


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Thursday, January 13, 2011

The master list I used to register for everything we needed for travel.

Porta-Petersens
What we have needed on the road.



      Okay, so this list has been through the hands of many a new mommy.  None of those mommies were travel mommies, so once this list made it to me, it got a huge travel overhaul.  It was a great template for me to work off of, so...thank you, Joyce.
      My needs changed as she has grown, but these are the things I needed to get me started.  Some of these things you won't need right away, but will want to have on hand because if you are on your own a lot, you will not have the time or energy to go and get them.
      Because we are traveling all the time, there is no way to always have everything you need at all times.  We have to replenish our stashes more often than most because we cannot travel bulk.  Here's how we do it.  As soon as we get to a city, we run an accessment of were the closest drugstore or grocery is.  I ask if there is a store that delivers and I've found this is the most convenient route.  Sometimes, you can order grocery items ahead and have it waiting for you when you arrive.  Residence Inns are very good about that service.  So we always gauge at the beginning of a stay, how much we will need to get through that stay and take us through the travel to the next city.  We also find that searching out the Post Office, laundry facilities ( what you need to make that work i.e. detergent, quarters...where to get quarters), grocery, gas, baby needs, are all important things to locate upon arrival at a new destination.  Call before you venture 30 minutes to a Babies R Us though, so that you don't show up only to find out they are out of business or moved.  Google Maps or your Garmin don't always have the most up-to-date knowledge of these things.
     

SLEEPING

Pack-N-Play -  Graco, has a detachable diaper changing station. (Diaper Change Station: Used it for the first 8 wks only...not really necessary and doesn't travel well.)
Bedding- 1 thicker/softer fitted sheet and 2 thin fitted sheets for easy packing
Blankets - JJ Cole Outdoor blanket
Vick's Warm Mist Humidifier (Great for winters when it gets dry)  Something small and travel lite/easy packing.
Baby Mittens-  3 sets


TRAVEL

Sturdy Stroller- for use in all kinds of weather and environments.  We bought a Mutsy and have loved it.  It works with a bassinet, car seat, and front/back facing stroller seat that works for the infant and graduates to toddler.  The foam wheels come on and off with the single press of a button and the entire stroller folds in one step.  It has a super easy push...just as easy as a Bugaboo, but I didn't have to take a class on how to brake it down and set it up again. 

Compatible with a car seat.
Rain cover for bassinet and stroller seat.
Car Seat - Graco Snug-Ride
Diaper changing mat
2 light blankets for changing weather.
Pacifiers and paci- holder.
Stroller toys - that hook on to stroller.
Drink holders that hook on to the stroller, for mommy and daddy.

PLAYTIME

Seat Saver-  Has an insert for infants(4 months plus) and the insert comes out when she becomes a toddler.  This prevents us from having to get two separate  seats.   Lots of people prefer the Bumbo Baby Sitter - (Great for when your baby gets to be around 4 months - strengthens her back and prepares her to sit up at 6 months old) -- also great to lug around to restaurants or when you need to do things in the kitchen..etc.

Baby Einstein Neptune- or any other playmats for babies to do tummy time and lie around on.

Books

FEEDING AND NURSING

Boppy - with two slipcovers - Helps when breastfeeding and also to lay your baby on for tummy time.

Medela Free Style Hands-Free Breast Pump ( I love these!)

Medela Valves and Membranes

Medela Quick Clean Micro-Steam Bags - 5ct

Medela Breast Milk Storage Bags - You can pump directly into these and they re very easy to use and do not take up a lot of packing space.  The Platex is good if you use the drop-in system. I use the drop-in liners and I like it but others prefer regular bottles.

Lansinoh Ultra Soft Nursing Pads - 36 Count  ( once you use these pads..you won't want to use other ones....it helps with all the excess leaking and they are super thin and perfectly shaped, so it doesn’t look like you have tissue in your bra).

I personally used Medela bottles b/c it came with the electric pump, but I switched to the Platex Drop-In System at 5 months , which I love since it’s super sanitary and you only need to sanitize the nipples.

Nipple/Bottle Brush (2)

Bottles - short and tall.  By the time Sophie got to 8oz. feedings, I had weened her, so we didn’t need 8 oz bottles that were pump compatible.

Bibs-  Didn’t need bibs until I started giving baby food at 4.5 months, with hopes of her having learned to actually ingest any of it by the time she is 6 months.





BATHING AND DIAPERING

Bath Tub - collapsible sling style.  This is one that fit into our suitcases.

Hooded Towels-  You don’t need a billion of these.  If you are traveling, 2 are plenty.

Washcloths- 5

Kiehl’s Baby- Someone gave us a Kiehl’s Baby Bath set and I used that to start.  I only noticed how nice it was when I started using something else.  If you can’t get Kiehl’s, Aveeno is a good inexpensive alternative.  I can’t always get to a store that sells Kiehl’s when I need it, so we often use Aveeno.

Aveeno baby bath time set.

Wipes

Swaddles- 1 or 2 packs of newborn (They come in packs of 4 usually)  You can also get what my husband and I call Swaddle-4-Dummies.  They are actually called SwaddleMe and they come with velcro on them and a little pocket for the feet.  They are so easy that you can and will do it in your sleep.

Size 1 diapers- 3-4 packs

Size 2 diapers - 1

Gerber 6-Pack Premium 6-Ply Cloth Diaper - Prefold :  This is great as a burp cloth!

Burp Cloths (you'll need a lot of burp cloths...at least 10)

Munchkin Disposable Diaper Bags and Dispenser- I could not live without this product.  This is a must have.  Do NOT leave home without these.


SAFETY

Summer Infant handheld video monitor.   Sometimes it’s nice to use this even if you are in the same room.  I usually face her toward a wall and then put the sun guard up over the back so she feels secure and cannot see us moving around her.  Around six months, I started really using it to see if she was finding her way back to sleep after waking or if I needed to help her.  Sometimes it was just a lost paci that caused the outcry.

Simithicone Drops

Infants' Tylenol Concentrated Drops - 1 oz.

2-Pack Mylicon

Vicks Baby Thermometer - Rectal

Enfamil Tri Vi Sol Drops

Desitin Diaper rash cream

MOMMY/DADDY STUFF

Diaper Bags- We bought the Diaper Dude.  It’s awesome.  The pockets are ideal and there is a checklist on the inside of the outer flap that is a great tool for Mommy and Daddy alike.

Swaddle Plus- Used for covering while nursing out and about and also for swaddling.

A Really Great Camera!!!! 

CLOTHING
Going on the road for a year, it was tricky to take everything with us.  You want to keep clothes one size bigger than they actually need with you at all times.  Get rid of what they grow out of immediately.  One day you wake up...they are in the next size clothes.  Evaluate what you send home.  If it is already very “used,” donate or chuck it.  Some things just won’t last in a box until your next baby.  Also, evaluate if sending it to storage is going to cost more than just buying new.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Kansas City, MO

So, here we are in Kansas City, MO for a week and boy is it frigid. The windchill leaves us at negative 11 degrees. That is sooooo cold, which puts quite a damper on our fresh air walks. We are hardpressed to stay entertained in the hotel room. We are at The Hotel Philips here. It has a pretty lobby and a nice ballroom that they are currently using as the restaurant. The normal restaurant is under construction. There is no where to go in this cold except for the lobby and the room, which is pretty much a basic old fashioned hotel room. They call it vintage, but it really is just dated. Very clean, however. We have a mini-fridge and small microwave, but not much else. The crib is tucked into a dark corner, which wasn't hard to find since the entire room is extremely dark. There is not any natural light and it can be very depressing to spend an entire day inside one dark room. Luckily, we have all of Sophie's new toys to play with. I took her to the lobby a few times just for the change if scenery. We are probably a little lonely this wk too because the Abrahams are staying with friends in Kansas, the Milahey's are in NY, Keri Foley isn't in this city, and Eric had press all day today. At least we are only here a week and Eric has the daytime on Thursday and Friday to spend with us. Yay!!!


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A Mother Of The Year Award & Sophie's First Word, All In One Day?!!!

We traveled from Tempe to Kansas City today. Sophie was a pro yet again. I, sadly, was not. I lifted Soph to smell her diaper and...bonk, her head hit the plane ceiling. She didn't even cry. I did, however. Not only did I already feel horrible, but we were on a company flight, so I, of course, felt that the world was judging me. I replayed it about five thousand times today. Sophie was totally fine and couldn't have been more fun at dinner. Eric, Sophie, and I had dinner at the hotel restaurant and she was smiling, laughing, and talking the whole time. The waitresses all wanted to chat with her.  She only had eyes for daddy though.  She was just focused on him the whole time, until I said something that made her look to me and laugh, then she turned to Eric, leaned forward, and said very plainly, DADDY.  We screamed with excitement!  She wasn't babbling or just making noise.  This was a very deliberate, "DADDY."  What a day!








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