Movies and Registries

First, if you haven't seen the movie "Fireproof," - it's a must see. Don't be detoured by the poor acting in the beginning -the rest of the movie is amazing and an amazing testimony of His grace and purpose for marriage. It was so encouraging to see something holy at the movies for once!!
Next, you must know that our amazing "human copy-cat" has picked up my nickname for Beau ("Bo-Bo"), and runs around now calling him this. It's stinkin hilarious and drives Beau insane. I can't tell you how many times this week he has said, "no, it's daddy!!"

Next - I have too many pregnant friends to count right now and have had SOOO many conversations this week about registering, that I decided to post it. There's a million things you could register for a baby, but very little that you actually use. The marketing scheme to reach mothers makes them fearful their child will be missing out if they don't have all this stuff. It frustrates me, so here's Brynne's top 5 registry list:
1. Car Seat - you have to get them home from the hospital, so an obvious must. Several friends saw my frustrations with having to buy 2 car seats in the first year, so let me recommend to go straight to the multiple age one and save yourself money.
2. Pack n' play that has a bassinet -
if you don't double register, you'll get more items. Instead of registering for a bassinet you won't use after 8 weeks (hopefully), get the pack n' play with one because you'll use that forever.

If you're about to have a baby earlier than expected, (as some of the friends I spoke with), and haven't had time to register yet, 1 & 2 are enough to get by for awhile! Don't worry!!

3. Swing N' Bounce - again, 2 gifts in one. Brynne slept in this often...even at night when she was colicky. This was my saving grace.
4. Stroller - you'll have to buy a double one later if you're planning on more kids...so save yourself a few bucks
5. Bath. WHile in the bath, give them their liquid vitamins b/c it's messy. A friend recommended giving the baby "Poly-Vi-Sol" vitamins after 6 weeks old and the AAP confirmed it this week on the news that if you breastfeed, your baby doesn't get the needed Vitamin D and needs supplement. That's my only recommendation....your kids won't be super sick without it, but believe it helped Brynne fight off a lot of sicknesses her first year...b/c she was around other kids a lot!
Okay, let's make it 6. Diapers and bottles..kinda need those.
The rest is preferrence. Seriously - it cracks me up when people say you have to have this/that...as if babies really used to have these things! One friend swore by the wipes warmer...I've never plugged it in because the cord couldn't reach, and now I'm so thankful! Brynne didn't freak out in public b/c she was spoiled by warm wipes! There are other things we enjoyed - the boppy, the bumbo, pacifier, formula dispenser, etc...,

All in all...sweet mommies to be...please know He is in control. We obsess about eating certain foods, doing things certain ways.. yayayaya. The truth is - inner city, under-nourished KIDS are getting pregnant and having perfectly healthy babies and obsessed moms are doing everything by the book and having kids with difficulties. The final say is we're not in control...I realize it more and more every day Brynne gets older. REST. We need prayer and seeking Him with the path and child He's chosen for us. If you didn't pray before...I hope you begin when you have a child!

1 Samuel 1:27-28 - "I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD." And he worshiped the LORD there.