Sleep like a baby

I'm into my Third Trimeseter now - the home stretch, and the 14 weeks that supposedly feels like a lifetime. I'm still feeling great, and don't have too many complaints thus far. I know, I know..."Just wait!" and "You have no idea!" and "Give it a month or so, and you'll be complaining!" I've gotten all the knowing smiles and heard all the wise warnings. I'm not being naive, but I am going to celebrate getting this far without a hormonal breakdown, excruciating pains, sleepless nights and weird cravings. We'll see what tomorrow brings.

I do have to give some credit where it's due, however! Nick bought me this pregnancy Body Support Pillow for my birthday after a few week string of restless sleep. A lot of books and magazines will tell pregnant women that they need a lot more support when they lay down, and recommend them to lay mostly on their sides (their LEFT side, to be precise...and I'm not joking...). There are diagrams of the placement of various pillows and support systems to keep you in this position for a few hour stretch at a time (before you're heading to the bathroom, that is!). I was just not that keen on using that many pillows to sleep, so this ingenious pillow was a great find! The cool thing about this is that you can zip out the little connector pad so it's one continuous tube and use it for sleeping, either facing the tube or away from it, like this:Then, when Baby D is born, you zip the connector back up and can use it as an infant "seat"or cradle, unroll it a bit more to support a baby that's learning to sit up, or even more to support a toddler playing with toys. Then you're ready to start the process all over again! (I have an urge to sing The Lion King's "Circle of Life"...)
All in all, it's a pretty sweet pillow! It has helped me sleep more comfortably, and sleep for longer stretches of time, too! And that's ALWAYS good...more so for people around me the next day!

Baby vs. Pooch

When talking about our little pooch, Maeby Ray, in relation to Baby D, usually I caveat like crazy: "I know she's just a dog," "I hate comparing my dog to a/your child," etc..., but the truth is, getting her was one of the best pre-baby decisions we made! We knew that making the transition from a young professional, independent couple to parents was going to be rough on us, so we made the very conscious decision to get her when we did (I'll provide a visual, just in case you forgot how adorable she was!!!!):

And, even though she is now bigger and smellier and tests us daily, we think she turned out pretty well! Hopefully this is an example of what's to come! And, don't be all offended that I'm comparing my dog to my baby! If Baby D is half as well behaved as Maeby, we've got it made!!!

Congratulations, it's a Rutabega!

Ah...the internet. Many of you know my love/hate relationship with this beast, namely my lack of trust in most information stored on its countless servers. I mean, if I can post anything up here, ANYONE can. And, wow...if you want to feel confused, guilty, angry, happy, perplexed, and, ultimately, overwhelmed, just try googling for baby info on the internet. There is some stuff that's pretty interesting, and harmless, really. Such as the fact tha1t Baby D is the size of a rutabega right now- 16" long and about 1.5 lbs. (I'm not sure I've ever actually noted the last time I've seen a rutabega in person, so here is a visual:)

But there are so many other things out there as well that are so destructive to an already sensitive mind. No two sites (or books, for that matter) contain the same info or recommendations, in fact, most of them contradict themselves! It makes me wonder if, information-wise, we're better off now than 100 years ago. Medically speaking, we're light years ahead (ask my parents sometime about the children's cardiac care unit they took Chip to 28 years ago...here's a hint...it didn't exist). Something tells me, though, that it will all work out, and that there is something ingrained in parents-to-be that just kicks in. Here's hoping!

Diaper Bag Winner!

I hope everyone had as much fun as we did venturing into the wonderful world of diaper bags! I know you were able to appreciate the absolute absurdity of seriously reviewing something
whose entire existence could be fulfilled by a plastic grocery bag and which, ultimately, will become dirty beyond recognition as baby poo and vomit work their way into the nether crevices of these bags...

However...we had to have a little fun during these waiting months! So, it looks like, although we looked at a lot of GREAT bags and I could be happy with a number of them, the Oi Oi Giraffe Bag won out!
It's just too cute and too practical for me to overlook! I think it's the right size (from the information I've gathered) and it will ease me into the world of Mommy-hood nicely!

Thanks for following along in the Diaper Bag Saga, and now, back to your regularly scheduled blog...

Bag 7: Skip Hop's Dash Deluxe

Overview:
Skip Hop is my kind of online store design, simple and practical. They have tons of diaper bags in straightforward design and colors, but are also adding baby bedding and accessories. You can also order very easily off their website, which is not very common for these types of stores! This bag is the Dash Deluxe, which is a messenger-style, in the "ocean stripe" print. It can be worn across the chest or over the shoulder, and comes with stroller clips and a changing pad. It is made from poly-canvas and the size is 12.25" wide x 11.5" high x 4.25" gusset.


First Impressions:
Cute stripes! The bag is made from a heavy-duty canvas that makes the design/colors look a bit dull, but it definitely would be durable. The inside is also canvas, with one large opening and 5 side pockets. The outside boasts two bottle pockets and two front ones, with a zippered mommy pocket with key fob, and a back changing pad pocket (with included pad). This is one of Skip Hop's smaller bags, not as small as their standard "Dash," but not as big as their "Duo." I think it may be too small as a main bag.

Second Glance:
This bag screams practical, and has double stitching and reinforced seams all over the place. Their clips and strap look like they would never wear out or break, as well as the fabric! The bag also comes with attached stroller straps, which are also super-durable! Once again, I think the size is an issue, though that's more my fault than theirs, because they offer larger ones.


Conclusion:
I think I could definitely be happy with this bag, although it lacks the little feminine flairs of the others I've looked at. It satisfies the practical side of me, though! And it would definitely last forever! I think others might rank a bit higher, though, and I would love to see their larger bags!

Bag 6: Ju-Ju-Be Be Smart

Overview:
Ju-Ju-Be is a great diaper bag company, introduced to me by my good friend and mother of sweet Maddie, Kim. She has the "Be All" bag in "blue bouquet," and it's a truly amazing bag. She has used it for 6 months now and loves it! It's that bag that opened my eyes to the world of fashionable diaper bags! I already love the "Be All," so I thought I would take a look at a different Ju-Ju-Be style, the "Be Smart" in "lush paisley." This is my only bag choice that has shorter purse-like straps. It comes with the large diaper bag, and a separate removable one for quick changes. It also has a mommy pocket and measures 12" high x 13" wide x 6" gusset.


First Impressions:
I love the pattern on this bag- it's beautiful. For that matter, I really love all of Ju-Ju-Be's pattern/color choices! The shape of this bag is different than the others I tried - this is more like a purse than anything. It's also smaller than I thought it would be with less storage. I do like the placement of the pockets- the bottle pocket is on the inside, along with two mesh pockets and a large zipper one. I also adore the removable changing pocket and changing pad - I'm sure that makes for quick change runs!

Second Glance:
This is made from the most diaper-bag-like fabric, but I really don't mind it because it's so cute! I also love the shiny lime green interior fabric! It's small, though- Ju-Ju-Be doesn't mean for this to be your only diaper bag, I don't think. I also noticed it has a great mommy pocket with an attached key fob, a zipper pocket and sunglasses holder! Way cute and SO practical! The zipper that closes the large main pocket might get a bit annoying. There's no real way to close it with one hand- the ends of the zipper are on tabs, so you can open the pocket wider (which is nice) but it might make for some annoying moves.


Conclusion:
I love pretty much everything about this bag! Besides the zipper thing (which I'm sure I could get used to), I think this is just great! I'm worried about the size though, and might keep this on hand or in mind for a second bag, should I need it.

The Blizzard of 2008!

Pardon the interruption of the Diaper Bag Extravaganza... we wanted to post about the great Blizzard of 2008 that hit central Ohio last weekend. While not technically a blizzard (the conditions didn't last long enough), the storm dumped a couple feet of snow on the city in the space of 24 hours. Beth and I ventured out Friday night to an art show, but even then we could tell the city was in for a big one.

The next morning we woke up to find the minivan and, well, everything coated with a big, fluffy layer of snow. And it kept coming. The TV weatherfolks (who were remarkably calm - kudos to them) showcased a growing list of cancellations and closures. Our pastor e-mailed that church was canceled the next day, and before long, even Ohio State canceled classes. That's when you know it's bad. Beth and I hunkered down with Maeby in our warm house, and enjoyed a day of watching some DVDs and generally relaxing.

Snow is Maeby's favorite form of weather. Our prissy little pooch, who will tiptoe in the mulch in her backyard, dives headlong into any pile of snow she can find. When I started putting on my boots to tackle the sidewalks, Maeby began bouncing off the walls with excitement. Beth took some great pictures of Maeby and I outside.

Maeby likes to take a bite out of every pile of snow that I scoop. She'll rush up to the shovel and nab a mouthful - more than once I accidentally smacked her in the face (she barely noticed, though, she was having so much fun). She'll also leap in the air to catch snow in her mouth. From time to time I would throw a snowball across the yard, which would send her leaping through snow drifts twice her size to get it.

Here she is catching a shovel-full with her entire body.

One of the coolest things about the blizzard was seeing our neighborhood really come alive. Everyone headed outdoors to shovel their cars out. Because there was no traffic, kids went running up and down the street, digging caves in the snow drifts. Families carried sleds down the street, headed to the park. We even saw some neighbors walk out the front door with cross-country skis! Maeby loved it all - she greeted everyone with her tail wagging wildly.

That night we had a slumber party at our house. Karl, Jacqui, Ryan, Libby, Caitlin, and Morgan all came over. We stayed up late playing video games, then made a big breakfast in the morning. When will we next get the chance to do that?

We're definitely ready for spring, but I'm glad we had some fun with winter, too.

Bag 5: Bumble Bags Jessica Messenger

Overview:
Bumble Bags, although they get the award for world's most annoying website, carries tons of baby bags, accessories, and other stuff. This bag is the Jessica Messenger, and the print is the pretty "buttercup bliss" It comes with a matching changing pad, and can be worn as a backpack, over the shoulder, or across the chest. The interior and exterior are water-resistant and stain resistant. The size is 16.5" wide x 13.5" high x 4" gusset.
First Impressions:
This is a very pretty bag. Karl's reaction was "I think my mom has curtains just like it." I'm not sure if I would go that far, but it's definitely more feminine than I'm used to. The background is a light yellow/white mottled, which is sort of strange, but the blue, brown and green is all very nice. The bag is very floppy- it wouldn't stand up on its own, and the fabric is very soft; I can't imagine it is really stain and water resistant. Seems too good to be true.

Second Glance:
The straps are not very comfortable or sturdy, and the messenger flap is HUGE! There are a lot of great pockets, including a zip-down changing pad/pocket to keep all that stuff separate. The center pocket is huge, as well as the side bottle pockets. There is also a back pocket for mommy stuff, which I like. The cording seems pretty sturdy and durable, but I'm not sure the fabric is durable- it seems like it might rip pretty easily.
Conclusions:
This is a really beautiful bag - I love that it matches my overall color choices in my own life! This is probably my second favorite, after the giraffe bag. The straps are a disappointment, and the durability of the bag is a question. But there is no doubt I would be very happy with this bag overall.

Bag 4: Fanci-Free Kim's Convertible Bag

Overview:
This is the second Fanci-Free bag I wanted to try; same pattern as the other one but a different style. It is a messenger-style bag with the shoulder/across the chest option, as well as a backpack strap system. It has a mommy-pocket in the front, and a large central pocket. It comes with a changing pad, stroller straps and a wet/dry bag. The size is 11.5" high x 14" wide x 5.5" gusset.

First Impressions:
This is a box with a strap. I have the same problem as before with the pattern not being to my taste, but the main thing I'm concerned about now is the impracticality of a box-style-bag that is difficult to get into. There are pockets all over the place, though, and the center pocket is pretty roomy.

Second Glance:
Karl and I both marveled at the size of the over-flap that stays in place with a magnetic strip (which we love)...the flap is HUGE, and completely impractical if you're trying to get into the bag while still wearing it. It would be fine if it were a bit more pliable, but it's 2 stiff pieces of cardboard, so there's nowhere to stash it when you're rooting around in the bag. There's also the problem of the unnecessary padding everywhere, taking up space and making the bag too stiff.
Conclusions:
Like its unfortunate sister bag, it, too, is on its way back to the eBag warehouse. Even with all of the organizational possibilities with the numerous pockets couldn't sway me away from the stiffness and confusing flap...on to the next one!

Bag 3: Fanci Free Edens Carry All Tote

Overview:
Fanci Free is a baby bag and accessories company out of Chicago. This bag is their Edens in "Circles in Motion" print. It's made of water-resistant padded nylon, and has a variety of pockets all over. It comes with a changing pad and zippered wet/dry bag. It can be worn as a shoulder bag or across the chest, and comes with stroller attachments. The size is 11.5" high x 14" wide x 5.5" gusset.
First Impressions:
I apologize if any of you own this bag, but it is so ugly I can hardly look at it. Both Karl and I agree. It looks way cuter in the pictures, but, I assure you, is a clown's nightmare. The fabric is a brown background with red, yellow, blue, and green circles all over. Not a good print. (The only reason I chose this pattern is because it was the lesser of a few evil choices.) The bag is very boxy. It has no movement to it, and wouldn't conform to the body or in tight stroller spaces. There are tons of pockets; 2 on the front, 2 on the side, 3 large ones on top/middle with those spaces sectioned off.

Second Glance:
The bright yellow inside is a happy choice, and almost makes me forget how ugly the pattern is. As we try to get into the pockets, we realize that ALL the fabric is padded, the inside, the outside, and the pockets. There is no real need for this, and it makes for a very heavy bag with much less space than if it had been just double-layered. The cell phone pocket on top is also a bit silly, because it is padded, and even if my iPhone fit in there, I probably wouldn't be able to get it out. Both Karl and I like that it's not a big flap closure on top, and that the big pockets are easy to get to...but you can still barely get your hand in them.

Conclusions:
It's already on its way back to eBags! This just wasn't the bag for me- I had high hopes because Fanci-Free is a good company who has thought through a lot of problems, but simply over designed this bag.

Bag 2: Oi Oi Giraffe Messenger

Overview:
Oi Oi is a Australian-based company that makes stunningly beautiful bags. This one is brown/white canvas outside with water resistant interior. It comes with a thermal bottle bag, a plastic baby wipe carrier, a clear plastic pocket, and a baby changing pad. The two side pockets are both thermal insulated, and would fit bottles on each side. The bottom is studded with 4 nickel stands. The large, durable strap can be worn over the shoulder or across the chest. The size is 14" wide x 11" tall x 5" gusset. First Impressions:
This bag is off-the-hook sexy. FIERCE. To prove this point, we had a lady in the shop try to BUY the bag from us even AFTER we told her it was a diaper bag, and another Australian customer vouching for the quality of the bag/company. It's canvas, so it has a good feel to it, not too stiff. The bright orange interior is good for finding things in the bag, and everything about it is practical- the accessories (a thermal bottle holder!), the size, the depth, and the various compartments inside. Karl was concerned it might be a little too big, but I didn't mind too much. Overall, someone put a good deal of thought into this bag.

Second Glance:
The materials, for the most part are very high quality. We like the wipeable liner, and the bonded canvas, as well as the strap material. We are less thrilled with the imitation leather riveted strap connectors, and the fact that the bag is single-stitched everywhere. However, there is tons of space, and the magnetic closures are just great - easy to use and secure. It also sits very flat and open for ease of baby changing. We also love the side thermal pockets; what a great touch!!!
Conclusion:
This bag is the frontrunner right now! It's going to be hard to beat, even with the very few drawbacks. And it's just so sexy.

Bag 1: Loom Bandicoot with Joey Clutch

Check out the previous post if you're new to the Diaper Bag Obsession!

Overview:
Our first bag is one by a company called Loom, which also makes a variety of family bags. They clearly know what they're doing. This bag is durable; water and stain resistant inside and out with solid nickel buckles and snaps. It has a variety of ways you can carry it: over the shoulder, across the chest, or as a backpack. It also comes with a changing pad and their famous "Joey Clutch," a mommy bag that is easily removable for a quick trip into a store. The Bandicoot is 14.5" wide x 11" tall x 5.5" deep, and the Joey is 10" x 6.5" x 1". (The orange dot in the picture is the removable tag.)
First Impressions:
I wasn't too picky about the color I chose (there are TONS on the website), but I went with the Eggshell/Gray, which is just beautiful! The size is great- it is basically the same size as the purse I am currently using, so that works for me, and I love the different ways you can carry it. I am not sold on the backpack-diaper-bag, but I've heard from so many that's the way to go, so I'm not ruling it out. I like that I have a choice. The Joey Clutch is cute, but WAY smaller than my purse right now...of course, I have things in my purse that might be better suited for the eventual diaper bag anyway. It's totally cute enough to take out to dinner, though, and it comes with a detachable strap!

Second Glance:
Karl and I both marveled at the construction and materials...this bag will be around for a long time!!! The bottom is studded with 4 nickel stands, so the bag stays flat for a quick baby change. We didn't like the main opening, though- it isn't a straight zipper, it dips in the front, which is nice. But the opening it creates is only 9" wide, and the main pocket is oddly small. It's only divided into 4, a large space, 1 medium side pockets, and 2 small ones. With the included changing pad, there's not much room for all the various baby stuff. There are some handy side-pockets on the outside of the bag, which would be good for bottles or food jars, though.
Conclusions
I love the look of this bag, and LOVE the durability of it! It's the perfect size, but might not offer enough storage. Of course, if I were going on some all-day-long outing, I might need a bit more than a normal diaper bag could handle anyway!

Diaper Bag Obsession

In my defense, my tendency towards obsessive-compulsion has not reared its ugly head since I've been pregnant, which has been nothing short of a miracle. With all the baby stuff on the market right now, and companies expertly guilting already-nervous first-time expectant mothers into buying anything and everything for their baby, the air is RIPE for obsession!

But, Thank God (quite literally), I have not succumb to these pressures. Nick and I have bought a few things, mostly because they were on sale, and were what we wanted (thank you, consumer reports!!!).

However...I now need to choose a diaper bag.

I scoured the internets for weeks on every site I could find. I tried to narrow it down. I tried to find stores in the area that carried the ones I was looking at. I tried to stop looking for a while. I tried to settle. I tried to decide. All to no avail.

So I ordered 7.

But, before you freak out, I will be returning 6 of them! They will be arriving over the next week or so, and my trusty in-house Bag Expert, Karl, will be helping me rate them! I look to you, gentle readers, to help me rate each bag as well!

My criteria are as follows:
1. The bag must not scream "I AM A DIAPER BAG!"
2. It must be less than 16" wide, but be big enough to hold a bunch of stuff.
3. It should be able to double as both my purse and a diaper bag or have a pocket/addition to facilitate "mommy stuff." (I'm not about to carry a purse AND a diaper bag all the time...and Nick will have his own baby bag!)
4. It must fit me and my style, and not look out of place hanging off my shoulder.
5. It must be durable. (This will in NO WAY be the last diaper bag I buy, but I like to go for quality and durability in everything I own.)

Check back for the reviews, and please be sure to add comments, positive or negative, to the posts! I crave feedback! Enjoy!

The Calvin Spark Has Been Goosed!

For those of you lucky individuals that receive the quarterly Calvin Alumni Magazine, The Calvin Spark, you'll notice a particularly good-looking group of folks on the cover! That's right! The Spark featured Wild Goose Creative in their Spring issue as the cover story, along with a 6-page article inside! (You will also be able to view the magazine online, when they post it: www.calvin.edu/publications/spark.)
We timed our release of the new www.wildgoosecreative.com with the Spark article, so go and check that out as well!

And, please support our supporters!
Nick Fancher of Shutterthink Photography for the photos: www.shutterthink.com
Robin Oatts of Genre Creative for the website: www.genrecreative.com