Top 5

Since Sarah asked, my top 5 baby items:

1. The Miracle Blanket. Definitely #1. Most of our friends have gotten one from us for baby showers. We lurved it. Excellent for the swaddling-impaired.

2. A swing. We really like our Fisher Price Papasan Cradle Swing. And we used the heck out of it until Henry threathened to turn it over.

3. An easy-to-use travel system. I list this because it's something I didn't think we'd need, but I was wrong. It made life so much easier to just pick Henry up in the carrier and schlep him around, especially when he was sleeping. I'd definitely recommend an extra base so that both cars have one.

4. The Ameda Purely Yours super duper breastpump. I think it may last me through another 3 or 4 babies. I haven't had any problems with it, it has certainly paid for itself (think of all the formula we would have had to buy!), and it was just super-easy to use. I chose it over the Medela Pump In Style because of the barrier between the horns and the pump tubing--you never have to clean the tubing or worry about germs getting in there. The only annoying part was that it's difficult to find in local stores--I had to order online and make sure I had extra parts on hand. And don't forget the car plug; it came in handy a few times!

5. A really comfy chair. We have a greater glider in Henry's room that I just couldn't live without. When you're nursing for the 5th time in the same night, it's nice to have a soft rocker to plop into!