baby gear part 2

My pal Erin posted her own list of top 10 baby items for the first weeks.  I particularly enjoy "perspective" - that is so true!  I found that if I could surrender myself to the baby's schedule, I was a much happier Mama . . . everyone says you need to be flexible with a baby, and it's so true!  Check out her post!  

So, Bo's not quite to 6 months yet so I have just a short list of what we used for the next stage.  I'd say these are great for the 2-5 month range.  

Activity Mat

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I did not have this on my registry, but I am so thankful my mom brought one out for us.  Bo uses his EVERY day.  I think he was about 2 months when we got it, and even then it interested him.  Ours is different than the one above, but I like the one shown because it folds up easily and can be put away.  Ours is just out in the middle of the floor . . . and has been for four months . . . which is ok!  Remember, surrender to the baby! :)  But the Infantino one would be easy to throw in the car for trips or long visits.  

The Bumbo

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Yes, these are great.  We are actually borrowing one that had a tray, which is perfect.  Once Bo started getting more interested in things around him, it seemed like he would leap over the side of the Bumbo to reach a toy - the tray keeps him better contained.  We also use this as our feeding chair for now.  (But we are looking for a high chair - any suggestions?)  

Car Seat Toy

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This was the best $9.99 I've ever spent.  Bo went through a loud and disturbing "I hate the car seat" phase, and this little toy got us through.  It attaches to the handles of the car seat and the singing, blinking froggy distracted Bo from his perceived agony while I strapped him down.  Now Bo can look around and see out the window a bit, but when he was littler, I think he just felt lonely and suppressed in the back seat.  His froggy buddy helped him out.  We love you, froggy toy!

Exersaucer

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Now, this thing is large, in charge, and impossible to put away.  It does not really add much to the atmosphere of the living room.  BUT . . . if it keeps the baby happy, it's WORTH IT!  Someone gave us their old exersaucer - I think Bo is at least the third kid to use it.  Now I keep it at work and he's always happy playing with the toys and strengthening his legs.  At home we use a bouncer that hangs from the doorway.  Bo is still getting used to it but I think he'll enjoy it - and it's less obtrusive.  

Jesus Storybook Bible

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I had heard of this Bible before I had Bo and was thrilled to get it in the mail as a gift from our special friends we made in Kenya.  I started reading to him before nap time and got tired pretty quickly of the same little books and Toddler Bible that has one sentence per page.  This is a Bible I think we'll read over and over again as our kids grow.  Sally Lloyd-Jones tells stories from the Bible with fresh perspective and incorporates Jesus into each one.  I find myself looking forward seeing how she will weave in the need for a Messiah and show how this or that person was a shadow of the One to come.  It's wonderful!  And it is our greatest hope for Bo that he will grow to love the Lord.   I hope by reading to him now, we establish a pattern that we can continue as he grows in understanding.  

Now Bo is moving into the "independent sitter" stage and will soon be moving around the house and eating solid foods.  I would love to see what you think is most helpful for these next few months.  Help, help!