A big Welcome! to everyone looking for this week's Seven Quick Takes link-up and many thanks to Kelly from This Ain't the Lyceum for letting me host this week. I hope you all feel at home here.
I usually start things off with a song, so let's jump right in.
1 - It's been more than two years since I've featured this song, but now is the time to bring it back. Long time readers and friends will hopefully remember what this means.
2 - If you're new-ish around here, well I don't want to leave you in the dark so I'll just tell you: 15 weeks today = due date of January 1, the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God.
3 - This just may be why I was thinking about Marian names and asked Facebook for more ideas. There were some pretty good ones, too!
4 - It may also be why I've been drinking lots of Dr. Pepper and eating lots of McD's french fries, salads with Kraft Caesar vinaigrette dressing, and Jimmy John's Italian Nightclub sandwiches. It's also why just the thought of eggs, milk, lunchmeat, pickles, olives, salsa, tomatoes, and cheese slices made me gag for the last 3+ months.
God bless Travis for stepping up his game and being okay with cold cereal for dinner.
5 - It's also why I spent the last few months napping and sleeping in and laying around and not really blogging much at all. Morning sickness, it's a bummer.
6 - Badly stained, collapsing, expired, or just doesn't work any more - so it was with a lot of our infant items. Since most of our baby stuff was seven years old and had been well used by five kids we got rid of it. The following Amazon links are affiliates.
So now I'd like to get some feedback from you guys. We have an extra crib and crib mattress but I'm hoping for a Moses basket to keep near the bed for the first few months (while we figure out just where in the world we can fit a crib in our 3 bedroom home with 8 people). I was looking at this one by Badger, but if anyone has any reasonably priced suggestions please let me know.
We also need a new highchair and (eventually) a booster seat so I was thinking of going with Summer Infant Delux Infant Booster. Thoughts?
Infant car seats are super expensive! Geesh. I want something light and would prefer something small (lots of carseats!), but maybe we'll go with this Cosco one. I know we're talking about my baby's safety, but I really don't want to spend $100+ on something that will be used for a few months, although these are affiliate links so maybe I'll get enough Amazon credit that I can buy whatever I want. ;)
And finally, every time I see one of my friends with a muslin blanket I feel even more affirmed in my judgement that swaddle blankets of 7 years ago were a joke, especially for my 9, 10, and 11lb babies. These new blankets are so big and lightweight and lovely. I'd like three.
7 - We have had some traumatic birth experiences in the past and so I would really appreciate prayers for a healthy, 8lb baby and an easy labor.
Thank you everyone for joining me today! If you're new here please feel to join the gang. You can get the posts via email, with Feedly, or with Bloglovin'. I'm most active on Facebook, but I also like to hang out on Instagram, and I always do Twitter chats when the latest episode of The Visitation Project airs Sunday nights.
And now it's your turn! Please, link up!
Yay! Congrats Bonnie!!!! Sorry to hear about the sickness but definitely get the muslin blankets and I vote Ikea high chair. Just got rid of our old monstrosity and switched to the $20 ikea one. It is cheap, small, cheap, sleek, and did I mention cheap??!?
ReplyDeleteI will pray for you and baby!!!
I second the Ikea highchair! We were gifted a fancy highchair, but I bought an Ikea one second hand because it is so easy to clean, easy to use, takes up minimal amount of space. You can also get the tray, but it's not necessary if you have space at your table....but with 8 beautiful family members that might be tight 😄
DeleteCheap, small, AND easy to clean! Ikea may have just won. I don't want to drive to Chicago to get one, here's hoping I can order it online.
DeleteI third the ikea highchair. Inexpensive, easy to clean, and durable. We have the tray with ours and like it a lot. You should be able to order online, just beware ye olde shipping costs. But still cheaper than most you'll find. And a big Congrats with lots of prayers for you, baby, and family!
DeleteBonnie, do you have any online yard sale groups? I found mine in a Facebook yard sale group for $8 with the tray and I only had to drive 15 minutes!
DeleteI forgot to say earlier, CONGRATULATIONS!!
Yay Bonnie! Praising God for your willingness to bring another sweet baby E into the world, especially considering your crazy labors. You're amazing. And I third the IKEA highchair. We're obsessed with them, they're 20 bucks, and you can pop the tray off to pull the chair right up once baby is ready to join the big table. I hose mine down in the tub or outside maybe...annually? (Sorry, Evie.) Also this IKEA crib is our favorite baby bed by far: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50248541/
DeleteOh my Gosh, Bonnie! Congratulations!!!! I remember you saying you may not have any more children so this came as a sweet, perfect surprise! May your any baby's life be under God's Almighty protection! (p.s. English is foreign language to me so I hope this sound Catholic-ly enough. If sure does in my language but I'm not sure for English :) ) Katarina
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteAnd I forgot: Ikea high chair is just perfect!!!!! Can you buy used infant car seat? We have MaxiCosi but I just hate the fact that you can't move the that thing you hold the seat with (a car seat handle? older? English-second-language problems :/ ) with just one are. You first have to press simultaneously two buttons on left and right side of a seat and then you can move the handle back-words and forward. That's not very convenient if you hold baby food or anything else in one arm. Just though you would like to know :)
DeleteI would definitely not like having to use two hands to move the handle. Thanks for that head's up.
DeleteAnd you were right! It's a handle! Second languages are so hard, you should hear me attempt Spanish. :(
Wow! Congrats! :)
ReplyDeleteAH! Congratulations Bonnie!! What wonderful news!!
ReplyDeleteWe love our mini cosleeper next to the bed. It's level with the bed so it makes nursing much easier and it's tinier than a pack and play.
I second the co-sleeper! Game changer for night feeding.
DeleteAnd Congratulations!
I second the co-sleeper! Game changer for night feeding.
DeleteAnd Congratulations!
Congratulations, Bonnie!! And the Aiden and Anais blankets are the way to go with big babies, trust me. :) They also make muslin nursing covers now too, in case you, like I do, get really sweaty and grumpy while nursing. My friend just got one, it's a Babe Au Lait. :) Happy gestating!
ReplyDeleteOhhhh my goodness... I am so happy to hear there is a new Engstrom!!! Congratulations and prayers for sure!
ReplyDeleteOhhhh my goodness... I am so happy to hear there is a new Engstrom!!! Congratulations and prayers for sure!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I am very excited for you and your family. I am really enjoying the Visitation Project. Thank you for all of your efforts in that program.
ReplyDeleteCongrats Bonnie!! :) :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to you and your family! That is so awesome. You are truly blessed to be able to have a big family! I'll be praying for all of you!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Bonnie! What wonderful news!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, friend! I agree, even the swaddle blankets from four years ago aren't like these new-fangled muslin ones. I like the bold black and white graphic looks of Modern Burlap. They're more expensive, though they have some Scripture quote ones.
ReplyDeleteGIRRRRRRRRRRRL I am so happy for you :) And I will be praying for you.
ReplyDeleteAs far as gear, costco carseats are all you need. They don't have bells and whistles but, they wouldn't manufacture them if they weren't safe right?
Love me the swaddlers, target brand saves lots o' dollars.
we needed a new high chair too, but I think we are just gonna skip it and use the bouncer to feed until they can sit up and then we have one of those booster seats that click to chairs.
Anyway, that's the plan.
Hey - that's a good idea - we could just use the swing. We do need a new booster, though. Maybe Ikea is the way to go.
DeleteHeck yeah I remember what it means! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! So happy to hear about your baby news.
ReplyDeleteAaaaaah! That is such, such exciting news! And to be due on a Marian feast day! Hurrah! Praying for a safe and healthy pregnancy and a beautiful baby to meet in December/January. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteOh, congratulations! What wonderful news. Car seat prices are really a bummer. We bought the higher-end one for our girl, and I sincerely regret spending the extra money on it - not only was it more expensive but it weighed approximately 100lb more (or it felt like it) than all the other ones I've tested since then!
ReplyDeleteMany Congratulations!!! Praying for you.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Bonnie!!! What awesome news!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Bonnie!! I opened up to get ready to link up and this is so much more fun!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!! As for car seats: do you have any old ones that you need to get rid of? Or other old large item baby things? We got a good deal on our seat by doing the Babies R Us trade in event and handing in an old expired seat. But you have to keep your eyes out because they only do it twice (?) a year. Also check out Albee Baby online, they usually have good deals. Congrats again! Great due date!
ReplyDeleteCongrats!! About the car seats...I haven't used the Cosco infant carrier, but we do have the next stage up as well as the booster because we get them SUPER cheap through our car insurance. And we like them! Like someone else said, no bells and whistles but they serve their purpose.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Prayers for a safe and healthy pregnancy and birth!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats!!! Oh the pain of trying to figure out where you are going to put the new one!! We just made room for one more making our total 10 in a 3 bedroom. It was interesting, but she doesn't seem to mind, and neither did anyone else :). Moses baskets are a great idea, although they are super expensive! I'm betting St. Anthony would love to find an affordable one for you!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! What exciting news!
ReplyDeleteRest easy on the car seat. Everything on the market meets safety standards so go with what fits your budget.
I just bought a Graco car seat and extra base for $94. Very basic model plus I got a really good deal and coupon codes. It's not as nice as our last one (we gave it away) but it will work! They all have to meet basic safety standards. I hope you do get lots of Amazon bucks for affiliate links and it's all free!
ReplyDeleteI'll be praying for your birth - it's about time you have one of those birth stories where the baby just slides out in one push after a ridiculously little amount of labor!
Congratulations Bonnie. That's one lucky baby. :)
ReplyDeleteBonnie congratulations!! I knew as soon as I saw the title ;) You will love the muslin blankets. There's also a new Ergo brand swaddler at Target that would work great for your big babies.
ReplyDeletePraying praying for a an awesome pregnancy and delivery. You've earned it!
Congratulations! I hope you start feeling better soon!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! When are you due?
ReplyDeleteCar seats don't have to be expensive to be safe. From the certified car seat technician: Rear facing until age 2 (or 25 lbs), chest clip armpit level and securely tightened, no bulky coats or clothes when buckled in, no car seat toys or dangly things in front of baby while driving. :) (even I don't follow all of these safety measures 100% of the time, and Nick is not happy when I don't. #oops)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Bonnie!! What a blessing - so happy for you. Sending prayers & love! And P.S. the muslin blankets are amazing. :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful news, Bonnie! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteBonnie! Wonderful news! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteMy absolute favorite thing with our last little one was the Rock N Play--great spot for entertaining during the day and sleeping at night. It is only good for about 3-4 months but it is glorious.
I like large swaddlers as I have long, big babies too. The ones from Swaddle Designs (like you linked too) are awesome. They also make great car seat covers when baby is napping. :)
One of my favorite music videos AND a pregnancy announcement??! SQT could not get any better!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Bonnie, I'm so happy for you!
We had the issue of worn/expired baby items too this time. We just bought a new carseat and ugh, it pained me to spend the money on an item that will be used for 9 months before the baby outgrows it but oh well, it's necessary.
As for highchairs, I'll be like the 10th person to recommend the Ikea highchair. We LOVE ours, it looks much nicer with our dining room set and wipes down with a wet washcloth no problem.
I also just splurged on new swaddle blankets. I love the look of the fancy muslin ones but I found some Carters ones that look equally big and light and are cute colors. Not sure what the material is, maybe it is muslin? but in any case the price was right and it should work just fine.
Congratulations! I've been hoping to hear a pregnancy announcement from one of my favorite bloggers! We just found out we're expecting lucky number seven in March.
ReplyDelete:) I can't stop grinning. Just lots of :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Engstroms.
Congratulations, Bonnie! So happy for you!
ReplyDeleteI just bought this car seat from Target:
http://www.target.com/p/graco-snugride-classic-connect-22-infant-car-seat/-/A-14779446
By buying it and two boxes of their brand diapers (size 4), I spent $132, will get $30 in gift cards back, and will have a carseat and almost 300 diapers. Seemed like a good deal to me! And I can return the carseat if I don't like it, which will cost me if I go with Amazon (which I was otherwise going to do).
Yay, congratulations!! I'm so happy for you and can't wait to meet another Engstrom baby. :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I have no babies, so I have no advice there. On the other hand, I love that video. I was a little crushed when I saw the middle school talent show version, thus proving that it's not as hard as it looks, but then I was enamored by the cute kids and it was all okay.
ReplyDeleteCongrats!!! So exciting!!!
ReplyDeleteI 52nd the ikea highchair- I ordered it online. Moves easily, looks good and last week when we are outside I literally hosed it off, yay!
Congrats! I will be praying for you and the baby!
ReplyDeleteI just had my fourth (had to replace a few 6 year old things). I really like Fisher Price's space saver high chair/booster. It is nice because it reclines back for an newborn to lay in, but can convert into a big kid seat. We have been using the halo sleep sack swaddlers, and they work like a dream. And I am currently borrowing a bassinet co-sleeper for the baby. It takes up very little space and folds up like a pack n play. :)
Bonnie!!!!!!! Many many congratulations and prayers!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Praying for you! :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Bonnie!! And prayers for the morning sickness to hit the road.
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you, Bonnie! Congrats. Praying for your little one and your peace of mind. :-)
ReplyDeleteOmG! Bonnie, congrats!!! What lovely news to share. :)
ReplyDeleteBonnie, CONGRATULATIONS on your BABY!!!! I've been out to lunch on blogs for a while, but checking in now and then -totally missed the announcement. How wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWe just had #3 in October - our kids are all about 3 years apart right now, so yes to the beginning of throwing away old baby things and sadly, perfectly fine carseats that have expired - I have to say the Fisher Price Rock -n - Play was a GODSEND next to my bed for this baby! (And a swaddle and paci - so great.) They are safe for sleep and my babies refuse to sleep flat on their back - they like the hammock-y thing. Not sure what yours are like as newborns. But it's so basic, easy to fold, not too pricey, and can be rocked with 1 - read, one - finger during the night - so many nights I just did a paci-pop-in and little rock and I was golden. (She happened to be a dream baby, too, so that helped :) My first of the three to soothe easily day and night.) We've taken it with us on short trips and I'd take it in the bathroom for my shower so I'd know if she was freaking out or happily listening to me sing badly :) Highly recommend.
As for carseats, someone may have said so, but I was reassured when someone pointed out that they all have to pass the same safety tests so even though some are extra cushy and extra "protected," they are all safe. :)
Happy planning and 2nd-trimestering! Asking St. Gianna and Gerard now for birth blessings, so I don't forget!
Congratulations Bonnie! So excited for you!
ReplyDeleteWe have had the BEST of luck with our armsreach co-sleeper. Co-sleepers are incredibly life-changing, especially if you are breastfeeding. Highly recommend! It's kind of pricey (I know you asked for not), but it is really worth it, and a lot of times people sell theirs for much cheaper on craigslist.
Congrats again!!
Bonnie! Congrats. I am SO happy for you. I know that, in the past, there were some financial concerns. I pray for both finances and easy labor!
ReplyDeleteI haven't had time to read the FB post of most of these comments, but Marian names! My favorite is Moriah because it's Marian but also for Mt Moriah- which is where Issac was to be sacrified and ultimately where Calvary is, too. I just had twins and named the boy Isaac and really wanted to name the girl Moriah. But, we went with Isabel instead.