February- Now the shopping begins

Okay, let me just say that, for the most part, I am not much of a shopper. Mostly because of finances, but I honestly do hate shopping for myself. My house, and others, on the other hand, I am game. :)

So, now that the news of the baby has settled into a definite reality....it is time to shop. LOL.  I waited a whole month afterall, and I need to get it now while I can afford it. I  received a gift Visa card in the mail for trying out a service which I did not care for...so free money! Well, sort of. :) At this point it is like what came first? the chicken or the egg? But I know my first 'baby' purchase was with this card at Carters. I picked up a blanket and a generic item or two.  My daughter's first gift, as I recall, was a figurine of an expectant mother...but I believe that came later.

Shopping for a baby is quite an adventure now. Our son works for a company that specializes in baby items. Convenient, huh? Family members discount and all that. Yes, a blessing and a curse. :)  So many things out there to pick from. Much not needed, but there regardless. The biggest thing is now things are much more generic specific, so one can't just buy, buy, buy. But...one can try. HAHAHA.  So, thanks to the gift cards, the rebate card, and family discounts, and careful budgeting, I was able to pick up more than enough for the baby- to- be, and the mom-to-be well in advance.

So it begins. I began to pick up items here and there- and treated my daughter to an item here and there for several weeks (clothes for her, baby items, etc.). I also began to go up to her work and buy her lunch so she would have food in her compromised system during this time. Though it was always a gamble whether she could keep it in her system, we gave it the old college try, regardless. Steak and chicken can get pretty pricey! But it was what she coud keep down in the beginning. Hmmmm...thinking this little person is going to be high maintenance? LOL. But I decided it was worth it because when she was away at school all week, I had no doubt her diet was less than desirable, so at least I would know she had attempted to keep at least two meals (Friday night diners) down.

Anyway- back to the shopping. So items began to accumulate. Then it was time to think about having a shower. We decided that it would be in April and the planning began.  I was encouraged by a sweet friend who said something so sweet to me about a baby's being in the world. That, and at this point we figured we would definitely see Christianity and true friendship at work.

So I made a diaper cake, and a diaper bassinet, to begin with. Then began to pick up things over the course of the next few months. Thanks to gift cards, and discounts, much was acquired. My dining room became baby shower central.

We also had news that another shower would be given in July. This child will surely be blessed, but lots of little things were purchased just in case. And...it was fun. :) Here it is June and I thought I was done...not. I still keep seeing things, but my cut in income has helped cut down on that impulse spending for now. :) And...she has plenty at this point, right? There's always the birth, and Halloween, and Christmas, and....well, you get the idea. :)