kids are expensive. that’s not unknown. i did not anticipate purchasing any big ticket items for baby #2, however, thinking that i’d already have them all from that “it’s my first kid, time to get top of the line products” parenting mentality. turns out, there are a few splurges i’m going to make, and they don’t bother me one bit [or i’ve just found a way to justify them – ha!]
- the halo bassinet: we borrowed a bassinet with logan, and it worked perfectly! we had the dockatot that we owned inside of it for a long time, and then just used the bassinet alone. here’s a similar style to the one we used. i’m opting for a halo bassinet this time because 1. the owners of the bassinet have a new babe coming [yay — another cousin for our kiddos!] and 2. after having a c-section and opting for a second one, i am on board with anything that helps minimize the additional stress on my midsection. the halo bassinet i supposed to be the best option out there for moms that are healing from a c-section, so i’m all for it.
- the willow breast pump: at $500 a pop, this was not an easy decision to make, but after randomly researching it in front of my husband one day, joey goes “so, are you going to do it?” it had never occurred to me to actually consider it, but his support in trying to make my breastfeeding journey easier [he was v. supportive the first time around] made me actually stop, read reviews, and decide that this was indeed worth every penny to get my freedom back. the idea that i could pump, hands free / cord free / outlet free really sounds like a great plan. like, life-changing almost. i could pump in the car! i could move around the house and DO things while i pumped, not stand at my kitchen counter! i’m still researching what my insurance will cover of this, if anything, but if not, i’m definitely considering it an investment in my baby’s physical well-being and my mental health.
- a new/different stroller: we ran our graco jogging stroller pretty much into the ground [i’d say the cost per use was pretty low — we used it SO much, plus traveled with it], and i’m looking for a double stroller that i can use our current graco carseats with + have logan in. we will keep the existing single strollers we have, but it would be nice to load up both kids and go for a walk this summer. my plan is to stick with graco because we have used multiple graco products in the past two years and been VERY happy with them and we already own all the baby carriers that insert into them. i don’t want to completely overhaul our child transport system for the sake of one stroller. this purchase may not happen for a little while, but i’m starting to research. if any of you moms have a reco for the best graco double stroller, please send it my way!
to say i’m excited is an understatement; to say i’m prepared is probably a stretch. you know what the great thing is? i don’t need all of this stuff right away [well the bassinet is probably a big deal, but i have a few weeks to get that and luckily target has two day shipping :)]. i’m just excited i know enough to research all of these products and feel confident[ish] in my purchasing decisions, making life at home easier once we bring the newest puncochar home. because goodness knows, it’s going to be an adjustment in other areas [looking at you, logan], so the more i can feel confident about ahead of time, the better.
thanks for reading!