Thursday, October 6, 2011

The Find....

I am quickly learning that staying home when you don't yet have a baby (or babies) to take care of is dangerous for the pocket book because I now have the time to scour the web for "necessities" that I see on sale.

For example, I have been told that in lieu of a diaper bag, many women find it easier to use a canvas tote - so yesterday I became aware of a sale at Land's End and found an extra-large, zippered tote in natural and brown (the color I would have ordered anyway) that was half-price at $25! Having a coupon for free shipping made it irresistible - so it's on it's way:



I was also reading a message board about restraining toddlers who are now walking and demand their independence - which also means "running away" from their parents in milli-seconds is a good idea!

The general opinion was that using harnesses for small children was perfectly acceptable - much better than putting any child in danger. In fact, many children feel "grown up" with their "backpack" on.

One woman talked about being in an airport bathroom and stopping a toddler who was in the stall with her Mom, ducked under the door and decided to explore on her own. Fortunately, the woman was able to cut the toddler off at the door while the Mom was pulling up her pants in a panic. Other parents told similar stories about how they had no doubt that having their kids attached to a harness saved their kids lives - multiple times.

Of course, an image immediately ran through my mind of being in a store by myself and having one Twink zig while the other zagged. So, even though we won't need them for at least 18 months, I searched for and saw the following two Gold Bug harnesses for less than half-price and ordered them:



I am also quickly learning that when you see something you really like for your babies, buy it - because you might not see it again. For example, a few months ago I saw a Fisher-Price 2-in-1 Swing & Rocker in Wal-Mart where the swing chair is detachable and converts into a free-standing rocker - so when the baby falls asleep, I could easily carry the baby to where I am working without having to wake him or her up. It was one of the last ones, so I bought it. Sure enough, they haven't restocked it and I haven't seen a detachable swing like it since.



Today, I met friend for lunch and was near my local Goodwill - so I stopped in for a gander. Since it's important for us to have a "library" from which to read to our children starting as soon as possible, I am always on the hunt for inexpensive children's books in good condition. Instead, I found the deal of the of the day! A hand-made ride-on wood horse for $13! The neck has a pin system that allows the toddler to swivel the front half and turn. It's clear some little child was very much loved by his Dad, Grandpa or Uncle (ok, maybe it's not right for me to assume a man made this - I am sure a woman can make this too - but it's comforting me to think about a grey-haired man in his workshop smiling while cutting, sanding, assembling, and staining)...and now our kids get to ride on it! (Can you tell I am excited?!)




If nothing else, it looks great in the nursery right now! Thank you mystery donor...we will LOVE this!

2 comments:

Lindsay said...

That swing is very neat! Great finds!! Enjoy your shopping!!!

Unknown said...

Hey great finds...I am just learning aboutit all so great little lesson too! Have fun getting ready!

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