Timing

A word of advice to any parents-to-be: Timing is everything.  Especially if you plan to raise a baby on a budget.  Now, what you need to do is find some good friends who are planning to have their last baby...and time the birth of your child 6-7 months after the birth their (last) child.  Then, just when you find yourself in need of all that fancy (expensive!) baby gear...those parents-for-the-last-time friends will be looking to off-load the same because their (last!) baby will have outgrown it.  Score!  See, timing is everything.  (We <3 the Thompsons).  We have also helped other generous friends clean out their basements, as well.  For instance, we have the Baums to thank for Jonah's awesome new-to-us play mat.  He LOVES it!

*Side story - The Thompsons stayed with my parents for a few days when Jen did a rotation in Des Moines.  And apparently it left quite the impression on their 4 year old!  The Thompsons will be moving next year (sad!), and when Jen asked M. where he wanted to live...he said Des Moines, "because that's where Becca's parents live!"  I guess you made a good impression, Grandma and Grandpa :)  We will miss the Thompsons when they move, and not just because of their baby gear.  True story.

Also, Jonah would like to announce that he is no longer a baby.  That's right - behind us are the days of size NB diapers and clothing.  It's all 0-3 months now.  In fact, at over 11lbs, we have had to remove the infant insert from the car seat.  Okay, okay...he's still my baby.  But we're into month two, and it really does go by so quickly.