Simon's Homecoming

I realized while writing my last article that I haven't written since Noah was four months old. I'm not surprised; We've been incredibly busy since Simon came home. I figured its a better-late-than-never kind of situation to talk about when Noah first met his father.


Simon came home from Afghanistan when Noah was exactly five months old: October 23rd.


I went to work, and it flew by. I was expecting him to arrive around 5 pm, so I left work at 2 pm. Then I got a call that he was going to be home at 6:30, so I did some shopping for the pets before picking Noah up from daycare. I was getting ready at 5 pm, and I got another call saying he was going to be there at 5:30! HOLY CRAP. I immediately stopped, grabbed Noah, and left the house. I drove like a crazy person to base, and it took another 20 minutes to get to the right place. I was the last person to show up, and Simon's bus pulled up about 10 minutes after. I'm so glad we made it in time.


While I was waiting, some kid screamed "The bus is coming!" I started sobbing like a baby, and the kid was just lying. It didn't pull up for like 5 minutes afterward. But I cried and cried and cried. I was a bigger baby than Noah.


Simon got off the bus. I recognized him, but then I kind of didn't. His cheeks were sunken into his face. That took me by surprise. I couldn't tell when we video chatted, but in person it was very apparent. For a second I didn't think it was him, but I'd always be able to recognize his smile.


So we hugged and kissed, and it was adorable. Then Simon picked up his son for the first time. Noah took to him instantaneously. It was the most memorable part of the whole night. I had been very worried that he would cry, because he developed stranger anxiety a few weeks previously. For Simon's sake, I had hoped it would go well. It was better than well. It was miraculous.


And then all three of us went home together.


<3

What to buy, and when to buy it.

(Fully aware how improper the straps/clip are in this pic. I've learned some things.)

What I'm about to write about will not apply to most people. Everyone has different needs and financial situations. This is just something I've been thinking about, and what we should have done when planning for Noah. We've found ourselves with an abundance of things we don't need, and we still don't have a high chair. He's 8 months old, for god's sake. Also, I understand a lot of people have baby showers and that they often get expensive gifts at them. Feel free to use this more as a guide for what to make sure is set up and when to set it up by. Or disregard the entire article as trash.

I don't believe in buying anything before you're 20 weeks along. I'm superstitious. Whatever.

5 months pregnant: Infant car seat/stroller/travel system

The car seat is the absolute first expensive item you'll need. I recommend having an infant carrier first, then transitioning to the convertible car seat if this is your first child. It is so easy to go from inside, to car, to inside somewhere else, to back in the car, then back home if you don't have to keep waking your itty, bitty, newborn every single time you get in or out of the car. However, if you have a bunch of children, its not practical to carry this everywhere if you have other little hands to hold. In that case I would baby wear. Also, the stroller is important for some people. I have used mine less than 10 times. Noah hates his stroller.

6 months pregnant: Bassinet/cradle and bedding

This is the second thing you'll need. Baby's gotta sleep somewhere, and you'll have to put your baby down, eventually. Your baby might disagree.

7 months pregnant: Breast pump and accessories

I didn't think I would need this until I went back to work. Then I experienced what engorgement was. Pumping was my new favorite hobby the week after Noah was born. Also, pumping can jump start labor. I didn't try it, but apparently that's a real thing for desperate, full term, pregnant women.

8 months pregnant: Rocking chair and infant swing

If your baby comes early, these aren't absolutely necessary items. However, they are incredibly convenient and can help you drastically those first few months. This is why I placed them at Month 8.

2 months postpartum: Pack 'n Play

What? Nothing for your first month?! No. Because the last thing you'll be thinking about the first 4 weeks is what you want to buy next. Therefore, we skip to the Pack 'n Play. We actually needed this right away, as a means to keep our dogs from the baby. I feel like most couples don't need this right away. I came to appreciate it more when he started rolling around.

3 months postpartum: Crib and bedding

Remember? You've been using the cradle for the first few months. Although it seems necessary, it definitely isn't while your baby is a newborn. Ours was used for decoration until Noah was 5 months old. Whatever you do, try to make a sleep schedule around 3 months old. This is my biggest regret. Get the crib and use it! Jesus Christ, save yourselves.

4 months postpartum: Convertible car seat

Most babies will fit in their infant carrier way past 4 months old. Ours didn't.

5 months postpartum: High chair and feeding accessories

We didn't start feeding him food until he was 6 months old, so if you get this at 5 months old, you'll be prepared.

6 months postpartum: Play yard

You might need this sooner, especially if you can play outside with your baby. Ours is currently in our living room, because this kid can crawl like a maniac. We're looking forward to using it outside in the summer for him, too. He loves the outdoors!

I hope this is helpful for someone. I really just wanted to get this off my chest. Advice: Any month that you already have that item, spend the $200 or so on just a crap ton (haha) of diapers. Additionally, I'm a big advocate of hand-me-downs and shopping second hand shops, except in the case of car seats. Always get those brand new.

Babies don't have to be expensive.

<3 Kristin