More of the same...

So yet again I find myself searching and researching stuff online for Babies... however, today's topic is more on child care - needs for the 1st year or two, ways to punish for misdeeds, what is needed the week or two before birth and first few days home from the hospital after birth, ways for them to earn money, and ways of keeping from spending tons on trips... honestly it's kinda cool looking up how others have handled certain aspects of all of these different times of a child's life!!



** Baby Shower gifts:

1. Children's books instead of cards...
2. Since I want to try cloth diapers, each guest bring one cloth diaper if they buy disposables..?
3. Speaking of disposables, if your last name falls in A-F bring newborn, G-L bring size 1, M-R bring size 2 and S-Z bring size 3.
4. Same as disposables with baby clothing... otherwise way too many to wear!

** Week or two before delivery - OMG some of these things I just can't imagine ever thinking about, and here are my 4 favorites:

1. Home Cleaning Service or have a house cleaning party if you have really nice friends/family! (Make sure the fridge is cleaned too)
2. Have plenty pads (yuck), hand soap and toilet paper in stock..
3. Put a water-proof liner on the bed - for Breatfeeding and possible leaks.. really cool idea is to have two sets of sheets and liners on the bed in layers (liner, sheet, liner, sheet) so it makes for quick changes if needed... this would work for crib too4. Daddy suitcase/survival kit along with one for Mommy... ooo and signs for the hospital door to inform visitors of situations where room needs to remain clear of guests!!http://dearbabyblog.com/post/4718750068/a-candid-list-of-things-to-do-in-the-last-weeks-of

** Home from the Hospital:

1. Soothies Gel Breast Pads, Breast Pads and Maternity Bras- Think Breastfeeding...

2. Swaddle Baby Wrap

3. another SD card for your camera4. frozen meals and snackshttp://keepupwithusjones.blogspot.com/2012/07/10-things-for-your-first-week-home-with.html

** Baby Care:

1. Make a diaper bag packing list (http://66.147.242.155/~checkli2/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/checklistmommy-diaper-bag-pack-lists3.pdf)...

2. Sleeping through the night assistance (http://delightfulmomstuff.blogspot.com/2012/02/newborn-sleeping-through-night.html)

Then I was also thinking about chores and money too... specially after hearing the argument/convo my DH had with his mom about when he was little...

1. Make a board for chores- each "chore" will be a label on a magnet with a $$ amount attached to said item (once the child selects the chore, if there are siblings no other child can do that chore until the next time it comes up on the board or 1st child gives up that chore).

2. Make a Ransom Box - this will be for every time a child leaves out a toy or bookbag or whatever after a warning to pick it up. Item will be placed in a Ransom Box, child must choose a "To-Do" penalty out of an envelop in order to get back the item (http://madsmemories.blogspot.com/2009/08/moms-ransom-rubbage.html)

3. Differentiate between a "Experience Day" and a "Gift Day" - Experience days would be such days were you go to zoos or parks (water or theme), Gift days would obviously be for gits... and speaking of gifts (http://secretsofasupermommy.blogspot.com/2010/03/birthdayfun-things-to-do-on-real.html)