Baby Steps

Emily Hope.

2009-05-15T09:08:00.003+01:00

Almost exactly twenty four hours ago my beautiful wife gave birth to our equally beautiful first child. Emily Hope was born at 9:18 weighing 8lbs 4oz. I won't go in to any great detail but the birth was almost entirely free of complication. I'll leave the telling of the whole story, at least as much as she would care to share, to Naomi herself. It was a long day as we barely slept before Naomi's contractions started last night. It wasn't a good feeling having to say goodbye to them both and leave them in hospital overnight but I had my first uninterrupted night's sleep for a few months and undoubtedly my last for some considerable time to come.
For now, here are a couple of photos.

Waters Broken

2009-05-13T15:57:00.002+01:00

Naomi's waters broke at home at approximately 12:45 this afternoon. The hospital confirmed this and now a altogether new flavour of waiting is unleashed. Apparently 86% of women go into spontaneous labour within 24 hours of the waters breaking.

Finally Some Scan Pictures

2009-03-17T07:59:00.007Z

Okay, these aren't of the best quality as they are digital scans of thermal prints.
These are from the twenty-ish week scan that was done back in January.

Update(Update):(The thumbnails should now open the correct images)

NCT First Meeting.

2009-03-17T07:42:00.003Z

We attended our first NCT meeting last night. I think it would be fair to say that we were both a little nervous at the idea of meeting with a group of complete strangers to be taught about pregnancy, birth and looking after a newborn. I turns out there was no need to worry at all. The four other couples in the group are all around our ages and completely friendly. The group leader split us into expectant-Mums and Dads-to-be for a couple of exercises and both groups seemed to have a very good time of things.
The NCT (National Childbirth Trust) is not free but does allow you to meet a smaller group of local people in the same situation as yourself. We know of many people who used NCT in the past and are still in regular contact with the people they met there.

Purchased: Pram, Seat, Bag

2009-03-02T07:53:00.003Z

Sticking resolutely to previous form I've left it too long since my last post and have decided to forget a lot of things I was going to write about.
So here is a quick update to maybe get things rolling again.

I posted a while ago some links to do with car seats. We had decided that we were going to fore go the infant carrier option and head straight for a fixed car seat that would see a child from birth to around 3-4 years. Our plans for this changed when we bought our pram. My wife has had her heart set on a Silver Cross for sometime (truth be told she really wanted an Emmaljunga Mondial but with our Fiat Punto and modest home that would have been an utterly ridiculous choice.)
When we found out that Mothercare had the Silver Cross 3D Pram System on sale the choice was pretty much made for us. As part of the deal the matching infant carrier seat was thrown in for free (saving us £100). Not only that but the pram actually fits in the boot of our car!

The pram came with a small changing bag which is ideal for when we'll go out for a walk or in the car but we really wanted a larger one that can be used to take everything that will be needed in hospital for the birth as well as whenever we visit friends and relatives in the future. We decided on a JuJuBe bag that we got at more than 30% off while at the Baby Show. The one we bought is nice and large and in colours that I don't object to carrying.

Sites: BambinoGoodies, Glow Maternity and Baby

2009-01-09T16:34:00.002Z

A couple of UK based websites:

Bambino Goodies is a blog site that collects reviews and features.

Published every weekday, the blog comprises of news, reviews, features, and trends. Think coolhunting and a shopping guide mixed together!

Glow Maternity and Baby is the online presence for a bricks and mortar shop in Devon.

selling a range of trendy maternity wear, new baby gifts, pregnancy accessories, cloth nappies and much more all under one roof!

Bath Toy Bucket

2009-01-09T12:33:00.003Z

Found on: babygadget.net
Original article here: http://www.babygadget.net/2009/01/bath_toy_storage_bucket.php

Another bath toy storage solution.

An inner piece with bottom holes is nested in the outer bucket with handles to allow water to drain away from toys to prevent mildew.

More Babies: The Thunder Of A Tiny Herd

2009-01-09T07:59:00.003Z

In the last couple of weeks we have had two couples that we know go public with the news that they are also going to be parents. Our first is due in May and our friends are both expecting their finances to take the hit in July.
So congratulations to Anna and Scott and Karen and Jason.
It's nice to think that a few people in our circle of friends will be going through a similar experience together and can support each other.

As a side note, we had our twenty-week scan last Friday but were unable to complete all the necessary checks as Dumpling was lying on their stomach directly under Naomi's belly button with it's hands in front of it's face. So we're back in the hospital on Monday to try and get the final checks done. Everything that could be checked was absolutely fine so we don't have any concerns.
I'll post copies of the scan pictures - including all the ones we've had so far for comparison - early next year.

Any Questions?

2008-12-08T08:27:00.001Z

OhDeeDoh: Changing Table Question

2008-12-04T20:57:00.001Z

Found on: ohdeedoh.com
Original article here: http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/good-questions/good-questions-changing-table-suggestions-070729

An OhDeeDoh reader asks for changing table advice (see below).
The OhDeeDoh community respond (see above).

The dilemma is what to do about a dresser/changing table. While we loved one by Nurseryworks, I am hoping to find something to complement the room for much less $. Ideally the piece would be able to grow with her through the years. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Ubi Changing Table

2008-12-04T20:51:00.003Z

Found on: tinydecor.com
Original article here: http://www.tinydecor.com/furniture-80/changing-tables-85/ubi-changing-table-373.html

The Ubi Changing Table is a low profile table alternative to changing mats. It can be used on the floor, useful when the little one is in a struggle mood, and does not require furniture to support it.

Get an extra hand to help with diaper changes! Designed by a mother, the Ubi Changing Table, is both stylish and functional. This modern changing table is made of bent wood and upholstered with an easy-to-clean surface. It has a built-in spring-loaded diaper dispenser, which stores a small stack of diapers and automatically feeds a diaper to the top surface after baby is changed. Fasteners on the top surface hold the diaper in place while changing baby.

Kid Kustoms: Roddler

2008-12-03T21:43:00.002Z

Found on: kidkustoms.com

Kid Kustoms offer a 'Hot Rod' stroller that converts into a custom trike for an older child. See the clip below for more.

Ducduc: Showcase Rooms

2008-12-03T21:29:00.003Z

Found on: ducducnyc.com
Original article here: http://www.ducducnyc.com/showcase.php

ducduc are a company that supply complete collections for 'infant' and 'youth' rooms. The showcase rooms offer some inspiration when looking at furniture and decor for a nursery.

OhDeeDoh: Baby Essentials Question

2008-12-03T21:24:00.003Z

Found on: ohdeedoh.com
Original article here: http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/good-questions/good-questions-baby-essentials-070731

An OhDeeDoh reader recently asked for advice (see below).
The OhDeeDoh community have been responding (see above).

My husband and I just found out that I am five weeks pregnant with our first child! This was a HUGE surprise for us. We are extremely excited, shocked, and grateful (which I'm assuming is pretty typical).
My question: I'm overwhelmed by all of the "must-have" baby products out there. I want the best for my baby, but I don\'t want to spend a fortune or end up with a bunch of things we don\'t use. I thought Odeedoh readers might have some advice on baby essentials...?

Boon: Frog Pod

2008-12-03T21:14:00.004Z

Found on: booninc.com
Original article here: http://www.booninc.com/products/FrogPod

We just bought one of these as a present for a friend and it looks pretty good. It could be seen as a luxury but makes a great addition to a kid-friendly bathroom.

The Frog Pod helps with children’s bath time clean-up, providing a drainable scoop for collecting and rinsing toys and a wall-mounted base for storing bath products. The Frog Pod attaches to the bathtub wall with one of three options: adhesive strips, suction cups, or screws.

SpunkySprout: Wall-Mounted Changing Table

2008-11-25T08:23:00.002Z

Found on: spunkysprout.com
Original article here: http://www.spunkysprout.com/wachta.html

A very cool looking wall-mounted changing table. It certainly offers a practical solution. Unless you're looking at having a string of kids or running a nursery the price may put you off.

Bo Ekstrom, the designer of a line of well crafted bent wood changing tables and stations knows what it takes to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing piece of furniture.

OhDeeDoh: Puj Tub Baby Bath Alternative

2008-11-25T08:18:00.002Z

Found on: ohdeedoh.com
Original article here: http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/bathtime-goods/puj-tub-069604

OhDeeDoh has an item on the Puj Tub. A collapsible insert for bathroom sinks that works as a baby bath and packs away when not in use.

This soft tub can conform to any standard bathroom sink, and when bathtime is over, it hangs flat.

Blanket Sites: RainOrShineKids and Wearables

2008-11-25T08:02:00.004Z

A couple of sites for blankets.
RainOrShineKids offers blankets (and other products) with one side waterproof and the fleece. The B-Blanket has a couple of ties that allow you to attach it to strollers, carriers etc.
http://www.rainorshinekids.com

Also ModernTots (mentioned in an earlier post) offers the Walk With Me Blanket which includes a hood and 'arms' that allow it to be tied around a carrier or baby.
ModernTots Walk With Me Blanket

Knitty: OpArt Blanket Pattern

2008-11-25T07:45:00.002Z

Found on: knitty.com
Original article here: http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall08/PATTopart.html

A knitting pattern for a blanket that features a spiralling square tunnel motif. This appeals to my nostalgic side as it looks like the cheap video effects you'd see in early 90's rave videos. It also has benefits for child development apparently.

This pattern also appeals to the developmental process of infant vision. Babies are born color blind, and with very poor vision (about 20/400 for a normal infant at birth. They are naturally attracted to high contrast, black and white images, since these are more distinct to them. From a distance of a foot or so, a newborn will be able to distinguish only the larger stripes on the edge of the blanket, with the thinner ones fading away into a solid gray, as the baby matures, the thinner stripes will become distinct. To an adult, however, it’s a fun, funky pattern with an optical illusion of a square tunnel spiraling away.

UK Product Sites

2008-11-19T18:53:00.002Z

A couple of UK sites that have been mentioned for specific products previously but supply a number of pregnancy/baby/toddler products.

http://www.babygurgles.co.uk/

http://www.bumpto3.com/

Maternity Clothing: Belly Bra

2008-11-19T18:47:00.002Z

Found on: babygadget.net
Original article here: http://www.babygadget.net/2007/01/belly_bra.php
Product website here: http://www.babygurgles.co.uk/belly-bra-p-243.html

Support your bust, your bump and your back with our exclusive Belly Bra® Our ingenious top gives you a lift in your 3rd trimester with total comfort and extra support that actually takes weight off your pelvis.

Maternity Clothing: Bump Box

2008-11-19T18:37:00.003Z

Found on: bumpto3.com
Original article here: http://www.bumpto3.com/product.aspx?DISPLAYCAT=bump&CAT=Products&CATGRY=maternity_wear&PID=KF112

Build a versatile maternity wardrobe around these beautiful key pieces from Bump Essentials. The four-piece Bump Box contains a camisole, round-neck top, skirt and bootleg trousers, which can be worn together or combined with your existing maternity clothes to make great new outfits

Site: ModernTots

2008-11-19T18:29:00.002Z

Found on: moderntots.com
Original article here:

American site with a mix of product ideas. Reasonably good for inspiration.

Automatic Stroller : Not Recommended

2008-11-19T18:20:00.003Z

Definitely *not* recommended.

DailyBeast: 10 Ways to Avoid Hipster Baby Names

2008-11-13T21:18:00.002Z

Found on: thedailybeast.com
Original article here: http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2008-10-14/10-ways-to-avoid-hipster-baby-names/

Ruby. Oscar. Matilda. Hugo. A baby naming guru rails against the current crop of clichés.

Here’s a style conundrum: How come hipster mommies and cool dads, who claim to have a horror of conformity and a thirst for quirky individualism, all choose the same baby names? Why do parents who are trying so hard to move ahead of the crowd end up simply jumping off a groovier bridge?