My new favorite time of the day

About a year ago I wrote about my favorite time of day.  It was first thing in the morning while I nursed him.  A year later I almost don't remember what that was like.  Things have completely changed and William has grown and developed and those cuddles seem so far away. 

I have a different favorite time of a day.

I watch him play.  I tickle him to get him to laugh.  He rubs his eyes and yawns.  I ask him if he's ready for bed and he walks and waits for me to open the gate so he can climb upstairs.  Diaper change and soft pajamas.  We brush his teeth and then he brushes mine.

Then we sit.  We sit in the rocking chair my mom gave my dad when they got married.  We rock and I ask what song we should sing tonight.  He doesn't respond because he has no idea what I'm saying, but I know one day he'll be able to answer.  I pick a song and I sing in his ear.  He puts his head down on my chest.  He's always so tired.  He starts to hum to the song.  My heart just melts with this.  I kiss his cheek and tell him good night and that I love him.

I lay him down and cover him with his favorite blanket and he pulls it up to his shoulders.  I push his glow worm.  I step outside.  I hear him from in the hall push the glow worm again and again and again.  Then nothing.  He's asleep. 

My Favorite Things - 6 months

When William was three months, I made a list of my favorite baby-related things that you can find here.  Three more months have gone by and that list has already drastically changed as far as how William is developing.  So I figured I'd update with my 'new' favorite things at six months.  Some of them are repeats from three months because I still love them and it didn't feel right leaving it off!

1. ERGObaby carrier - Umm....yes, please!  I mentioned last time that I loved my Moby (still do), but as William started to grow, it wasn't as comfortable and the material started to sag (yes, he's a big boy).  At the recommendation of...well, everyone, I got the grey Performance ERGO and I absolutely LOVE IT!  It is so easy to use and absolutely comfortable whether I'm wearing lil' man on my front or back.  Hubby loves it too and probably uses it more than me!  MUST HAVE!
2. Jumperoo - I'm pretty much convinced that this thing was invented by a genius.  I'm guessing while Einstein was messing with all that relativity mumbo jumbo, he was drawing up plans for this magical invention.  This gives lil' man absolute JOY!  You can hear him squealing in excitement every time he's in this thing.  We can use it to wear him out so he sleeps better and I know it has to be working out those legs muscles.  a.ma.zing.
3. Boppy - Even though it's much easier to nurse lil' man now that he's gotten bigger, I still love it and use it every day!
4. B Snug Bugs - William is only six months old, it doesn't take much to entertain him.  He would be content rolling around on the floor and playing with a fork and rocks (let me clarify, I do not actually allow my son to play with forks and/or rocks).  However, he absolutely LOVES these bugs!  They are the perfect size for him to hold or chew on and he will crawl around the whole living room chasing after them.  Seriously...LOVES them.
5. Flip cloth diapers - Rumparooz were my favorite diaper previously, however they run super small and William is about to outgrow them.  That makes me sad.  Flips are slowly becoming my new favorite!
6. California Baby Calming Diaper Rash Cream - Still love it!
7. Video monitor - Since William is sleeping in his crib, this is nice to have.  When we were deciding what to register for, we both thought it would be unnecessary to get a video monitor...until we saw it.  Just a nice piece of added comfort when lil' man is now fifteen feet away instead of just two.  hehe
8. Beaba Babycook - I've only used it once, but I have a feeling it is going to come in so handy.  I already know that is makes making baby food super easy!

Again I say, all of these things are nice to have.  William is happy enough just laying on the floor with his mommy and daddy without any fancy gadgets to keep him entertained so far.  That time is kind of amazing. 

My Favorite Things - 3 months

Lil' man is almost three months old and hubby and I are starting to get the hang of things.  In general, we are trying to make an effort in our life to "minimize".  Really trying to think about what we buy and trying to clear out stuff we don't need around the house.  We are making some progress, but have light years to go.

With that said, most things are completely not necessary at all when you welcome a new baby, but they can still be amazing at making your life easy.  Three months in, this is my list of "my favorite things" for baby.

1. Boppy - when creating a baby registry, my husband fought me on this one.  His reasoning: "Can't you just hold the baby while you nurse him?  We totally don't need that!"  Umm....no, we don't "need" it, but it's wonderful!  I use it almost every time I feed LM and it's a nice support if I need to set him down for a sec.  I know there are plenty of options for nursing pillows out there, but I love my Boppy!
2. California Baby Calming Diaper Rash Cream - YES, PLEASE!  We really struggled with LM's diaper rash when we brought him home from the hospital.  Since he wasn't big enough for his CDs, we were using another diaper rash cream and it just wasn't cutting it - almost 'burning' him.  Something needed to be done!  A reader suggested California Baby and we have never turned back!  It's definitely more expensive than other products, but it's all natural and CD friendly!  William's hiney is very happy!
3. Co-sleeper Bassinet (by Arm's Reach) - It has been wonderful to have LM so close at night and if I needed to nurse him and just didn't want to get out of bed, he's right there to grab and feed.  He's still sleeping in it!
4. Bravado's Original Nursing Bra - OK, this one is for mom.  I have absolutely loved my Bravado nursing bra!  It is so comfortable and is perfect to sleep in and it offers enough support that I can wear it during the day!  Must Have!
5. Rumparooz Cloth Diapers - We have multiple types of fluff in our cloth diaper stash, but I'm a huge fan of Rumparooz one-size diaper.  There is an extra gusset inside so it's perfect for containing LM's running diapers!  You're going to pay more for these, but it's totally worth it in my book.
6. Moby Wrap - It has taking some getting used to and I definitely had to practice to figure out how to use it, but I'm loving on the Moby wrap!  From going to the grocery store to carrying LM while I'm folding laundry, it's been wonderful!
7. Changing table - we have a changing pad on LM's dresser in his bedroom upstairs, but it's so nice having a changing table in the living room. Completely unnecessary, but totally convenient.
8. Medela Pump-in-Style - definitely a must have since I returned to work.  I knew I wanted needed a double electric pump to be able to pump efficiently at work and I haven't been let down

So I think that about sums up my list of make-my-life-easier things so far!  I'm sure I will discover plenty of other wonderful baby-related goodies as I go and my list will change as William gets older.  We have an upcoming trip and I know this list is accurate since all of these things (with exception of the changing table) will be packed and loaded in the car to take with us!! 

What are you favorite baby-related things that make your life easier?!