Introducing Jack's Brother, Baby Ben!

I am so embarrassed that all of my great intentions of blogging have fallen short (translation: non-existent). I have had a very good reason and that has been the new addition to our family, Baby Ben!! It's not just Jack's Mom Says anymore - it is Jack and Ben's Mom Says! While Jack has adjusted beautifully to the addition of his little brother, my husband and I are still working out all of the kinks of our own adjustment. Going from one child to two was a significant change, especially with both of them so young. I loved 'having' most of the baby gear already available (and assembled), but still needed a few new purchases. Having friends that are currently pregnant and have asked me what they need to get for their little loves, I have sat down to go through my must haves form Baby Jack that are being  used again and my must have new purchase for Baby Ben. So for all my mama-to-be friends, these were the must haves:

The  Puj Tub is piece of foam is so simple and basic it chaps my hide that I did not think of this brilliant idea and patent it! Holds iddy bitty babies in most every sink comfortably so that you can easily wash and clean all of their many creases and folds. Jack used to fall asleep in this all the time. Ben usually stayed awake, but that is mainly because there is a 2 year old Jack helping me wash him!

The Fisher Price Cradle 'N Swing has been a lifesaver with both of my babes. Both spent the first few months of life contentedly swinging and snoozing away. LIFESAVER. Could not have done without.

Our current favorite item is the Jumperoo. Lovingly called the 'Circle of Neglect' it has kept both my babies HAPPY and OCCUPIED while I frantically squeezed in a shower, pumped breastmilk, threw together dinner, did laundry or tried to pay bills online. Even better, with Ben in the Jumperoo, Jack will jump around  him and get him to jump/mimic his movements, my boys are actively playing together and laughing - what more could a mama want??

Lastly, the last 'must have' that we have gotten our money's worth and then some has been the Pack N Play. For snoozing, for setting a baby that has just learned to roll, for minor containment while trying to do something. It is easy to travel with and set up and lived at the grandparents house for a good six months. It also was big enough for Jack to sleep in until he was almost 2. 

Now, for the family of '2 kids under 2' gear.... I tried my hardest to hold out and not purchase anything new, not only because I was not working and we were on a tight budget, but I already had SO much kiddie gear in my house, we were running out of room. Of all my purchases, this one was well worth every single penny (and it was a large amount of pennies)...  The Double Bob Revolution . I LOVE this stroller. Hands down the most expensive piece of baby gear I purchased with either child and well worth the money. For our purposes we needed a jogging stroller that would fit both kids, was compatible with our Peg Perego car seat, would work on cobble stone and sand, and that would continue to fit both kids for a couple of years (many strollers are too short for older/taller kids to keep their feet from hitting the front wheel or hanging over the sides).  It has performed up to the task and then some. It is very easy to run with, has all of the safety features we were looking for and both kids fit comfortably in it. Compared to our 2010 Single Bob, the style and design changes are all better (more user friendly peek-a-boo flaps to see kids when canopy is down, lock buckle to keep stroller folded up). The Revolution has always been our favorite of the Bobs due to front wheel being able to swivel or lock at your discretion - really important for active joggers and for those cruising on uneven turf.

Very happy to be blogging again and am making a conscious effort to do so more! Too many great adventures and discoveries have happened on this crazy road of parenthood that must be shared!! Until next time, Jack's mom says make your baby purchases thoughtful and functional, everyone else will get you the fun and frilly stuff!