I’ve had a few questions concerning what we’ve bought for baby so far, and the short answer is not that much. We paid so much for the prenatal care and birth itself (almost half of what we expect to pay total for baby in the first year!) that we’re working to limit our purchases in other areas. I’ve written once before about items we’ve picked up for baby, and though we have a long way to go before I will feel like we’re completely ready, looking at all of the boxes we have stuffed in different cupboards throughout the house does make me feel like I’m at least doing something.

The Snow Leopard Endangered Species Stroller by Baby Planet. Bought off a deals site because the price was discounted, the reviews I found were positive and it was one of the only non-garish strollers I’ve seen.

Just yesterday I bought a birth tub, not exactly “for” baby, but baby made me buy it so I’m lumping it under the baby purchases category. The Birth Pool in a Box from Waterbirth Solutions. Buying used from another homebirth mama was even cheaper than renting!

My Brest Friend breastfeeding pillow. Many complains from actual moms about ease of use by seems to be a favorite among actual lactation consultants. I bought it used off of Amazon and didn’t even have to pay shipping as the seller ended up working just down the street from where I live!

I know someone is (or several are) going to ask, but unfortunately I don’t know anything about cloth diapers, I’ll write a post about them once I actually have the baby and have used them. I bought three packs of 6 gDiapers in small/medium/large off of a baby product discount site and we plan on using these as covers and stuffing then with pre-folds. Based on some homebirth mamas I talked to I think I’m going to get some Thirsties covers as well.

This onesie from the Dallas Etsy craft fair was one of two clothing splurges I’ve fallen victim to. I just couldn’t pass it up!

My other clothing splurge? This sweet little dress purchased for $10 from an antique store near where I live. NO idea whether we’re having a boy or girl, but I figured if we end up with a boy I can always gift it to someone I know who values sweet vintage pieces like I do.

Annnnnd that’s it! That’s everything I’ve purchased so far and my baby essentials list tells me I still have a long way to go!

Luckily, we are surrounded by friends and family who’ve made it their mission in life to spoil us with gifts.

One of the most substantial gifts so far? This FREE car seat from a high school friend who has twins who recently grew into bigger seats. She offered to send us one of them and I’m pretty sure TH and I looked a little bit like bobble head versions of ourselves as we bobbed our heads over-enthusiastically when she asked whether we would like her to ship it to us. We offered to pay for shipping but the sweet thing wouldn’t let us! We’ll be thanking her each time we strap That 1 in all safe and snug.

As if the seat isn’t enough, she tucked two sleep sacks, several onesies, and a darling little blue knit cap.

Kelli Nicole gifted us a few things almost as soon as we announced the pregnancy! The kimono style pea green onesie on the right is my favorite (although That Husband maintains that it’s too feminine for a baby boy, bah! what does he know).

Also from Kelli Nicole? This plush camera for me baby to play with.

Dumpling/OMG Mom sent us a HUGE box full of goodies. Why? Because she’s the sweetest southern gal I’ve ever met. Seriously, I did nothing to deserve this. Go over to her blog and tell her how awesome she is, a hike in her comments is the least I can do to say thanks for helping me out with the things I never would have purchased myself before baby came.

Three more sleep sacks (is that the right name?) from Mandy. The little bear face with the words “I love hugs” makes me feel a little bit teary-eyed for some reason. Baby will be here so soon!

I bought something only available in Canada and Kasia was kind enough to take the time to ship it down for me. I found this onesie tucked inside as a surprise as well! I’m going to put it on baby and pretend like we were cool enough to attend the Vancouver Olympics this year.

Another bee (yes, we WB girls are pretty dang tight even after our weddings), Miss Dew Drop, drew my name for our ornament exchange this year. Her package included cookies (yum!), an avocado ornament, and the onesie you see below. Lucky me!

My incredibly craft grandma gifted us two receiving blankets, one pink and one blue. You better believe I’m going to be wrapping baby in both colors, no matter the gender. These handmade items are too precious not to be used!

She made this hat as well.

My favorite gift so far? These personalized onesies from That Sister were our Christmas gift from her this year and I adore them. Love love love!

This one is my favorite. (It reads “Andersen Organics” if you can’t see it, a nod to our organic farmer father that sister and I are both so proud of).

On my list of “must purchase” items in the next 60 days?

Birth ball (to be used for the birth and for rocking baby after his/her arrival)

Co-sleeper (baby needs somewhere to sleep!)

Deep freezer

Chair/Glider

Futon (for guests to sleep on and for me to use for breasteeding in our office)

Prefolds

Little baskets to be placed next to my “breastfeeding stations” to fill with snacks, pillows, things to keep me occupied, etc.

Sling(s)

Moms, the clothing/items you see pictures here is currently everything we have. What else/ how much do I need to be stocking up on? (Some of the above items aren’t for newborns either!)

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