So here's the deal...we're going to be first-time parents. Of toddlers (under the age of 5, so maybe a little older than toddlers). And it's a little hard to prepare when you don't know age or gender. This is where all of you, internets, can help.
Monday night we registered at Target. Part of the reason for doing this is the ability to update the registry online from Ukraine once we know more information about the kids. But there are a few things we will need regardless. What I would like you to do, if you have the time, is to check out our registry--not to buy things, although you certainly can if you want ;)--and offer suggestions of other things we may need or want. Some things were left off because we already have them (playpens), others because we won't need them (bouncy seats). Other things were left off for lack of information--there were some super cute outfits, but Mark made me control my nesting urges. :) :) So for those of you have/have had/know of/think about toddlers, we'd love your input!!
P.S. This isn't just for parents! I know of a lot of people without kids *ahem* who know lots about them!! Sometime those without do a better job of looking beyond the obvious and seeing the things we really need. :)
P.P.S. To get to our registry, click HERE. To leave comments, click on the word "comments" under the post and follow the directions.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
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10 comments:
I'm so excited for you guys!
Here's a few things that might be helpful:
1) baby gates
2) child-proofing latches for cabinets or doors
3) lots of purple TCU-inspired things
(ok, so maybe that last one is not an absolute requirement.
Jenn A.
There are a few things I recommend, but may be geared more toward the younger age of toddler-hood
1) bibs, love them and saves on laundry
2) stain sticks and travel stain sticks (although baby wipes work wonders)
3) child-friendly dishes and silverware (I usually check out the inexpensive plastic plates/bowls)
4) a potty seat, sometimes a toilet can just be too overwhelming to a little bottom
5) flushable wipes for little kids too (can save on wasted toilet paper and gets little tooshies super clean)
6) crayons, coloring books, paper, safety scissors and glue (if you're brave) with fun things to glue (puff balls, macaroni, etc)
I hope this helps. I am still overwhelmed with excitment for you all; you and Mark and your beautiful children.
Congratulations!
I have been following your story, hoping to gain insight for a possible adoption from Ukraine in our family's future. We have a nearly 3-year-old biological child now, a boy, and would like to expand the family through adoption.
Having my little boy, I would reiterate the toddler potty or potty seat (to fit on a big potty) as necessities, as well as the kid-friendly dishes. I would also suggest bed rails. They fit on the sides of normal beds to keep toddlers from rolling off the edge; one step up from a crib. My boy still moves and rolls A LOT and would fall off a normal bed without those life-saving rails!
My prayers are with you!
I'll definitely check it out and try to give you some pointers. My youngest daughter is almost 5, and believe it or not I already forgot what is essential for toddlers!
You guys did a good job on your registry. I didn't know they made car seat protectors! I *want* one!!!
I agree with the child freindly plastic dishes somebody mentioned. A baby gate will be wasted on a climber but if you have a very young toddler, it could be essential. You could wait to register for that until you find out if you have a baby or not.
One of the things I asked for with Lyra was educational toys. Stacking, sorting, lacing, placing...'Mellissa & Doug' makes a lot of really good toddler toys. You could check them out. Those are great when you need a few minutes to get something done and you don't hold to turning on the TV:):):). A video or two, like Thomas the Train or something, may save your life on a sick day though so, though I know you have no intentions of using the TV as a daily babysitter, you may want to have one or two on hand for emergencies.
The potty chairs have been given some thought. :) We don't have room in our 8'x5' bathroom (that includes the tub!) for an actual potty chair, but we were considering the ones that attach to the toilet seat.
And, as averse as I am to TV watching (my goal is no TV AT ALL until they're school age), we have a ton of kids' videos--lots of veggietales, but also the old Charlie Brown, Curious George, Disney. What I don't have are Blues Clues!! *gasp--I just realized this* I love Blues Clues--must go register for BC!! Don't worry, T, I'll watch them while the kids are napping. ;)
I agree with all the comments given.You may also want to get a small step stool for the bathroom your child will use most for teeth brushing & handwashing.
Your list of books is great, and you can never have too many. Reading time/laptime with your child is a wonderful bonding experience and will help with language, etc.
The T-shirt sheets at Target are nice from a softness perspective, but they do tend to shrink unevenly at times. Just FYI.
Depending on the age of the child you adopt, a good stroller might be nice to have. Another option is a wagon. We found one that was a "little red wagon" that was plastic. Two seat backs lifted up from the bottom to offer seats with belts for younger kids (plus cup holders)
Kids' music CDs are great for travel and also bedtime.
One other art related idea that we've loved - an easel/chalk board. Ours has a magnetized easel on one side then a chalkboard on the other. Both sides have clips for paper.
Regarding clothes, they are adorable and it's hard to resist, but kids grow really fast and their play can be really hard on clothes. So I've enjoyed finding gems at garage sales, second hand stores and hand-me downs from family members. I do buy some things new, but this way, I don't worry when paint, food, mud, etc gets all over things, plus don't feel bad when she's outgrown things so quickly.
Keep us posted! Best of luck!
I would also suggest "Signing Time" videos.
http://www.signingtime.com/
Since there will be a language barrier for a little while, you might consider using easy sign language for colors, foods, playtime signs, etc. Just until your children learn the words in English. Also I saw the post about bibs. My son is 5 and still uses them for spaghetti and soup. "Bibsters" are great! They're made by Pampers, I think. Great for eating out and easy clean-up at home!
I've loved reading your blog! Praying for a safe adoption journey for you!
God Bless!
Martha J.
Adopting Tibor (4 year old little boy with Down syndrome) from Hungary
http://thepaperpregnancy.blogspot.com
I have a couple of suggestions! In the middle of the night, when nothing else worked, we often used the Baby Einstien videos to play softly and calm him down. They are just music and simple images, but they are fantastic - very soothing. You can get the CDs too.
One of our favorite books was also a very simple one: "What Makes a Rainbow?". It's great!
I'm not sure what kind of bedding you've got for their beds. We have a water proof matress pad on both of my kid's beds. (The crib and the big bed.) They come in all different sizes and really work well. Get a good quality one that doesn't feel plastic and it will be worth the money. We don't have bathroom accidents with Shelby anymore, but it's handy when she's got a stomach bug and can't keep food down.
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