Moving on up

When our girl was two weeks old, I made a list of all the important items that made life with a brand new baby easy peasy. (Spoiler alert: It’s a short list.) Twelve weeks later, here’s what we’re still using, what she’s already outgrown and what we’ve added to broaden her little horizons.

• Those blankets

I’m telling you, they really are the perfect baby blanket. These muslin baby blankets by Aden + Anais are light enough to use as a nursing cover or for shade, and plenty warm for these cooler fall days when you double them up. It’s the kind of thing you’ll use over and over again, definitely a great buy. Get the four pack—just trust me on this one.

• Pacifiers

What can I say? I’m team pacifier. And we’re still using the same size. Turns out, it’s 0-3 months, not newborn. She’s not a big pacifier baby, but there are times when it’s exactly what she needs. When she’s eaten, ready to nap and still a bit fussy, a Soothie usually does the trick.

• Bodysuits

Once the umbilical stump fell off – and whew, was that an experience—she was ready to ditch the long-sleeved little tops. Now she rotates through sweet little onesies and teensy little pants. They’re cute, easy to clean and comfy. As much as I swoon over delicate little dresses and itty-bitty skinny jeans, those things are a nightmare for a child just learning to hold up her own head. Clothes that ride up, bunch or dig into tender little baby skin? No thanks.

• Hanging toys

We hung a soft, brightly patterned little turtle from the baby’s Papasan chair, and this thing is her new best friend. She bats at it and coos to it and even aims her drooly, toothless little grin at it; it’s adorable.
Now that I’m writing this, I’m realizing that we haven’t actually introduced very much stuff, just more experiences. She digs tummy time, so that’s always good for a few minutes of entertainment. She’s incredibly interactive with us now, jabbering away, grinning and chuckling. She loves the baby in the mirror, even if she eyes that reflection suspiciously for the first moment or two. But, she’s happiest in my arms, laughing at her siblings, flirting with her daddy, taking in the world from a safe and familiar place. Soon, she’ll be ready to grasp toys in her hand, and I’ll have no more excuses for not buying the soft rattles that her siblings are so certain she needs. For now, though, her own fist is entertaining enough. And free.