preparing for baby hanks

Having a baby is a pretty big deal for us, as I assume it is for most people, and I obsess over all the details, all the time. Making decision after decision for the nursery and then all the registry items felt never-ending. I don’t know what I would do without my older sister to call once a day with the ‘do I need this?’ and ‘what’s that for?’ questions.

and I am sure we made more than one mistake along the way.

with my shower in just a few days, I thought I’d share some items off of my registry. Some are practical, some are fun. I did get a lot of things from my sister as hand-me-downs, so we were able to splurge a bit more and get some cute things. I’ll include some of her favorite items she gave me, as well.

The registry:

I used babylist so I could share from a bunch of places, including some small shops and etsy stores. I found it mostly easy to use and shop from. I did start my registry really early, and I realized closer to my shower that some items were out of stock that I originally selected. IMportant to check!

1.) The mockingbird stroller - I was between the uppababy stroller and the mockingbird. My sister was all team uppababy, and I just couldn’t justify the price. I didn’t like that I couldn’t find a mockingbird to try out. But the reviews! People were so happy with it and even in side-by-side comparisons, the mockingbird stroller came out ahead.

2.)Meri meri cuteness - I’ve had a designer crush on meri meri for years, and their baby clothes and toys are no exception. I love that everything has a sense of whimsy and magic. And that is something I want to be in baby girl’s world.

3.) Nanit baby monitor system - when I used to nanny in college, I always worried about the baby when I wasn’t in the room. My brain imagined 100 things that could go wrong, And that wasn’t even my kid! I’m nervous I will be nervous, so I wanted a baby monitor system that kept track of their vitals as well for extra peace of mind. Definitely a luxury item. My back up option is the lollipop which is cute, inexpensive but doesn’t have all the fancy tracking.

4.) barefoot dreams blanket set - these are so soft and special. I loved this bee one.

5.) Babyfrida sets - I’ve never had a baby before, so I wanted the full kit of baby care essentials. Baby Frida is a favorite among moms, and this convenient set has the essentials.

6.) books - I included a few pretty books. As an illustrator, I fall in love with the illustrations in children’s books all the time. My dad built wood shelves for her nursery, and I was very excited to add her first stories to them.

7.) natural seagrass changing basket - I’m not sure if this was the best solution, but it was soooooo pretty. She will probably grow out of it at some point, and the foam changing pads without covers are probably the best call, but the heart wants what it wants.

8.) Hatch sound machine - everyone has one of these because they are lovely, and they do the job beautifully. And for when I am visiting family or out and about, there is this travel style sound machine I added as well.

9.) light up bath toy - my nieces have this little guy and he is very cool. well made and a fun little bath toy. I can’t really explain it more, but I knew I wanted one.

10.) Bath time set - this set includes all the basic needs you’ll have for bathing a baby - aside from an actual baby bath itself. These can be used for several years and the neutral gray tone won’t completely clash with my bathroom, which is a shared space.

11.) bottle warmer - self-explanatory, but even though I plan on breastfeeding, warming up bottles quickly and easily will be how my husband is able to assist.

12.) bottle sets - these are what my sister used and since the bag you use to pump is the same for feeding, these save time. this was the first thing she had me add to my registry for good reason.

13.) Maxi-Cosi convertible car seat - I went through a few models, but I like how this one grows with the baby. seems less wasteful in general. I lucked out and got another car seat from my sister, as well. I’ll add that one at the bottom.

14.) baby jogger city suite multi-level playard - for travel and for convenience at home.

15.) mushie pacifier clip and holder - plus their other food goodies! Everything is beautiful and well made.

16.) Nuna baby carrier - a bit of a splurge for a carrier, but it lasts for many stages and I know my husband will appreciate how easy it is to use.

17.) Mambobaby float - this was a splurge we probably could have waited on, but I was excited to get baby girl in the pool this summer! I heard amazing things about this one, and after seeing my sister’s baby pool floats expire quickly each summer, thought it was worthwhile to try.

And as for the wonderful things gifted to me - so no registry required - there was the snuggle me | dock-a-tot | boppy pillow for nursing | Doona car seat/stroller | bouncer |