::nursery furniture::

For architectdad and me, other than the actual pregnancy and birthing processes, decorating the nursery was probably the highlight of our entire baby experience so far. After searching all over for the perfect nursery furniture, we decided on the Aerial line from Nurseryworks.

A friend, who is currently pregnant (congratulations to A and E!), asked me which pieces of baby furniture we have. The pieces we bought are the Aerial crib with the toddler conversion kit, the Two Wide changing table and the Sleepytime rocker. All of the pieces are custom, meaning, you can pick your desired design and color for the ends, slats, rails and changing table door. We picked the snow circle ends with bead slats, and snow circle door. The rails for the bed and changing table are dark pine. The rocker is copper microsuede with dark ash legs. The website is interactive, so play around with the different combinations...it's fun! We bought the Nurseryworks bedding in orange Macaroni and pink Sea Holly. For a boy, I love the blue Peaberry. So modern and crisp.

Try buying the furniture from a place that offers free shipping, because you certainly don't want to pay $500 extra for shipping. However, since the items are heavy, there may be a surcharge anyway for handling. Try Design Public...seems like their handling fee is the lowest.

For the walls, we painted it a crisp white and applied wooden circles from FOLD on top. The circles are shipped primed and ready for paint. We painted the circles white, pink and orange to create a custom pattern. You may want to buy more than one set of circles, because each set only comes with 8 pieces. We bought two sets from Design Public; one set of smaller circles and another of larger circles. I also bought some round mirror discs and integrated them into the pattern.

::here comes the sun::

Wow, what a beautiful day it is here! Sunny and 70 degrees...doesn't get any better than this! We are sitting outside on the patio with the beagles and O, watching the neighbors walk by.

O's skin is very fair, so I have to shield her from the strong sun without overheating. I slather on Kiehl's sunscreen for children and put a big floppy hat on her. I bought a couple of hats, just in case she hates one of them. Actually, she went almost all winter without a hat on...that's how much she hates having strange thing on her head!

I bought the A. Tierney infant hat and the fairy dot floppy sun hat by Oink! baby. I bought them a size larger than O needs, so that each sits loose on her head. The A. Tierney hat comes with chin straps, which come in handy on windy days.

I hope the weather is wonderful wherever you are!

::dog food scare::

With all the dog food scare, everyone is being extra careful about what they feed their dog(s). Thank goodness our dog food brand was not affected by this catastrophe. I've been feeding the beagles Wellness Super5 Mix for more than 5 years.

The first listed ingredient is chicken, meaning it is the most plentiful ingredient. The chicken protein is free of added growth hormones and steroids. The blend of flaxseed, canola oil and white fish has kept the hounds' coats healthy. Fruits and vegetables are added as antioxidants; and glucoseamine and chondroitin keep the joints healthy and limber.

I swear by this dog food. My oldest will be 12 years old in a week, and people still think she is a puppy. She is healthy, energetic and happy. She used to have very sensitive stomach, but ever since I started feeding her Wellness, she has not had any food allergies. Taste, you ask? Well, beagles are gluttons for anything remotely resembling food, so I can't really say for sure!

Not all pet stores sell Wellness. We buy ours from Wholefoods or our local pet shop. You could also order online and have them delivered to your door.

::here comes the rain::

Oh, how I hate the rain! It's such a nuisance, especially with a 4-month old baby around. Now that O is supremely aware of the world around her, she wants Mama to carry or cart her around so she can see and experience everything. The dogs have been great source of entertainment for her though. She just loves them...will giggle and squeal in delight whenever she sees them.

While there are tons of plastic/vinyl raingear available for kids, nothing says 'rain' like Burberry. I just love the baby trench coat. It is literally the adult version, but shrunken down by 500%. It is even lined with the signature nova check in cotton. Although at $300 a pop, I think we'll have to pass on this beauty.

In addition to the fancy trench coat, Burberry also makes rain boots and snow boots for kids. Just imagine how cute O would be wearing the nova check snow boots in the Swiss Alps?!?!?! Alright, one can daydream when it's raining outside...no?

::bouncing babies::

Now that O is a little older and stronger, she is ready to sit up and take in a different perspective of the world. We bought the bouncer by Svan which she seems to like. It is made out of bent plywood and the cushion is removeable and washable. The chair back position is also adjustable so that your little one can recline horizontally and sleep in it. The lounger also has a detachable sun canopy for shading, for those beautiful spring days when you and the bebe are out on the patio or in the garden. The chair is also light and folds flat, so you could even take it out with you to the park or Starbucks if you wanted to.

Another lounger that is making its debut, is the Coco Stylewood baby rocker by Bloom. It is also made out of bent plywood, except the cushion looks like it's made of delicious chocolate leather. Its retro styling reminds me of a baby version of the Eames lounger. If you don't mind spending $200 on a baby rocker, this is the one to buy.

Both loungers feature a harness akin to that of a car seat, so there's little chance of accidental slippage. I bought the Svan chair from Modern Nursery. I placed the order over the phone to make sure they had it in stock. The woman assured me that it was and that she would ship it out right away. Two weeks later, no sign of the shipment. I called them again and they sent it out right away. When I received it, the packaging looked beat up, but the chair seemed fine.

Our NYC trip has been postponed once again. We're all bummed. But hopefully we can make it up there in a couple of weeks before the weather goes from pleasant to stifling!

::wikinomics strikes again::

The book I am currently reading, Wikinomics, mentions blogging as an essential component of Wikinomics. Through this blog, I have personally met some new friends and caught up with some old ones.

By chance, I found the blog of a high school friend recently. I emailed D and we are finally reconnected again after 17 years. Whether its MySpace or Blogspot, this interactive webnet not only has increased our knowledge base, it has allowed us to experience the world on broader terms--virtually without spatial or temporal boundaries. While sitting here at the Starbucks T-Mobile Hotspot, I have heard at least four different languages spoken... just imagine the amount of people around the world with whom they're connected via their laptops.

Now, if I could only figure out how to make my first billion using Wikinomics...

::move over kate spade, here comes fleurville::

As a fierce shoe and purse fiend, I find myself transitioning from Prada shoes and Kate Spade bags to Puma flats and diaper bags. However, thank goodness Puma has come up with really awesom designs (architectdad even has a couple of pairs!), and there are certainly plenty of terrific diaper bags in the market.

I have two bags that I use regularly, both are by Fleurville. For the stroller, I use the Re-Run stroller bag (see right). The water resistent fabric is made from recycled plastic, which makes it somewhat environmentally friendly. It comes with its own wipe case and changing pad, as well as an inner pocket for your iPod. The stroller bag attaches to the handle bar(s) of the stroller via two bungee cords with clips. It also comes with a detachable shoulder strap should you choose to carry it.

I also use the Fleurville DJ bag (see left) for longer trips. Like the stroller bag, it comes with its own wipe case and changing pad. While it is functional and aesthetically pleasing, more importantly, it is PVC free. Best of all, architectdad can carry sling-style bag without being embarrassed.

Kate Spade offers many different diaper bag styles, but they are all shoulder bags, and some are actually heavy when empty. There are other brands out there that make cool, understated bags for dads. Skip Hop and Diaper Dude are a couple which are easily accessible in many stores.

You can find Fleurville at Nordstrom and many of the online stores. However, to get the best selection, try buying directly from Fleurville.

::to register or not to register::

Well, that is the question for moms and dads to-be. I was very resistant to the idea of registering for baby items. However, I am glad I did. It is a great way of letting people, who are eager to give you baby things, know what you really need and desire. Otherwise, you will end up with tons of baby clothes, but no Diaper Dekor. Not so glamorous...but keeping the house from smelling like poopy diapers is certainly more modern.

Also, who is to say you have to limit your choices to the local baby depot??? A lot of online merchants I have provided in the ::binkies:: list also have baby registries. That's where you can register for items that are perhaps more refined and of a higher quality. Personally, I registered on Sons and Daughters, as well as Pacifier. Pacifier online is by-far the best online baby store I have encountered. Fast shipping and great service.

Don't get me wrong, I have made numerous trips to our local baby depot for the essentials, and have appreciated the selection. A 10-pack white baby bibs is a must-have and you are not likely to find that in a boutique store.

Also, friends and relatives from other parts of the country/world would be able to purchase the gift online from the registry and send it to you directly from the merchant. Our friends and family have been EXTREMELY generous, and we certain appreciate the help immensely.

SO LAUREN, GET CRACKIN' ON THAT LIST!

::m is for modern::

Hello bloggers...sorry I have not written in a few days. The weather here in Washington has been perfect, so architectdad, O and I have been out and about.

On Friday, O and I went to the National Gallery with our friend E and her adorable baby girl, S. S is only a month younger than O, so we are hoping they will keep each other company and become good friends as they grow older.

The weather was glorious and the artwork
was inspiring. O especially liked Jackson Pollock's Number 7 (left) and Mark Rothko's Number 8 (right). The black and white Number 7 is probably my favorite contemporary painting in the National Gallery of Art. Both O and S seemed fascinated by Calder's mobiles. Must be the bright colors and moving parts.

As silly as it may seem, I have been showing O the Jargonboy flashcards (see below)--given to us by architectdad's co-workers--in hopes of instilling the modern aesthetic sensibilities early.

There are 26 cards in total, each representing a letter of the alphabet which corresponds to a topic related to architecture or art. For instance, the "M" card shows a well-designed graphic representation of a classic modern house, with the caption "a sleek, cool, yet accessible lifestyle." O definitely has her favorites. She is especially attached to the Eames lounger shown on the "L" card. Mmm hmm...

The Jargonboy website gives you the names of the stores from which you can purchase the flashcards. It's never too early to teach your little one good taste!

::runaway doggies::

Okay, let's get back to the hounds. Since beagles are scent hounds, their noses are always on high alert. To ensure that they can be located--in the event they run away with their noses--I use only ID tags that are attached directly to their collars. There are some beautiful, dangling ones out there--such as the ones from George SF--but I do not trust them to stay on.

My favorite ID tag of all time is the slide-on tags from Boomerang Tags. While these stainless steel tags are removable, they slide over the collar and stay flat against the dog's neck. You can slide them over any collar you have; there is even a model for adjustable collars, as well as a model for double-ply nylon collars. Also, if your dog is a rambunctious pup, the flat tag will prevent dog toes from entangling themselves during rough playtime.

Of course, the best defense against runaway doggies is microchipping. But the slide-on tags are definitely the next best thing.

Wait a minute, you could probably slide the tags over nylon straps on diaper bags too...ain't that something???

::soft like a baby's bottom::

Now, everyone assumes that their baby will come out baby pink and smooth, perfect complexion and all. Well, that is hardly the case. When O was born, her face looked like it'd been through an acid wash. It was red, peeling and puffy. Her hands and feet were wrinkled and grey. Her bottom was about the only area on her body that was soft and smooth.

Doctors will tell you to use Vaseline on your baby. Well, don't. Not only is that stuff oily and sticky, it contains mineral oil (petroleum!) which will most likely intensify any acne your baby may have. Petroleum is great for your SUV, but not for your baby.

I use Kiehl's baby products on O. I use the foaming wash for the bath, and the moisturizing cream for her face and body. I also bought the milk cleanser, diaper rash cream and the lip balm, but have not had a reason to use them because the other two products basically cover everything. The products are pediatrician tested and preservative free. The light fragrance is pleasant and hardly noticeable.

Obviously, your baby's skin will most likely clear up in a few weeks after the hormones in her body have leveled out. But in the mean time, Kiehl's products are perfect for her sensitive skin. Also, now that summer is almost here, try Kiehl's sun protection formulated for kids.

::organic cotton...is it worth the price::

To be honest, I don't actually believe clothes made from organic cotton are better than those from regular cotton. Unless your child is super allergic to EVERYTHING, the likelihood of a negative reaction from "processed" cotton is pretty slim. However, I think organic cotton clothes might be softer--especially the natural, undyed material.

With that being said, I LOVE the clothes from Kate Quinn Organics! The designs are classically modern without being old fashioned. The color combinations on the trimmed onesies are superb. Since the base material is organic cotton, the dyed colors are muted rather than ostentatious. My favorite piece from KQO is the top-stitched, spaghetti strap shirt/dress (see right). Paired with the straight-legged pants or top-stitched gaucho pants--with the bolero jacket on top--the ensemble is unbelievably...dare I say...cute.

I have ordered directly from the KQO website and the experience was good and bad. I placed two orders within two days of each other. The second order went out to a relative in Houston without a hitch. They sent the package via USPS Priority Mail and a tracking number was sent to my e-mail; it arrived in a couple of days. The first order, which was for O, arrived two weeks later. I kept calling them asking for a confirmation or tracking number. While they were super friendly, no one seemed to know what had happened to my order. Finally, they sent the package AGAIN and it arrived three days later. Also, most online merchants will not charge you until the merchandise has shipped; KQO charged my card as soon as the orders were placed.

In the end, I would buy from them again. These hiccups do happen once in a while with online merchants, but it was worth the wait.

Another popular organic cotton brand is Under the Nile. The color selections are not great, but the natural, footed onesies are perfect for the colder months.

::book for blogging moms and dads::

Yesterday, while walking around the neighborhood with architectdad and O, I bought a book titled "Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything." It is about how companies and entrepreneurs can now utilize the internet to harness the talents and intellects of the international community. I am only on the first chapter, but I already find it fascinating.

Even if you are not into economics and commerce, you may still find it worthy of reading.

::silly rabbit...kit+lili is for kids::

Looking for modern graphic clothing and toys for your little one? Kit+Lili offers silk screened onesies, tees, dresses and stuffed toys that are perfect blend of organic motifs and graphic crispness.

I first encountered K+L products in Marchand de Legumes on Elizabeth Street, NYC. I bought O an onesie with mums graphic motif, and an orange/white striped stuffed toy (see below).

Many of the K+L products are silk screened on organic cotton and other quality fabrics such as linen. The beautifully detailed stuffed toys are made by Sopa de Principe of Argentina for K+L.

So far, I've found very few online shops that sell K+L products. Look on sites such as nonchalantmom.com and tuttibella.com for whimsical tees, dresses and toys. The K+L website is up but not quite running--no internet trading for them at the moment.

If you are looking for an alternative to the cartoon-y graphics found on other kids clothes, give K+L a try. I hope you like it.

::baby wearing::

I mentioned in the previous blog that I use the Kate Spade front carrier (see left) when I take the baby for a walk with the dogs. I forgot to mention that I also use the Hotslings pouch sling (see right) for this purpose.

O likes the sling better because the tightness of the pouch seems to remind her of the womb, while the front carrier splays her legs out and puts all the pressure on the diapered area. She will soon be old enough to face forward in the front carrier, but for now the sling allows her to look out at the world, while her head is supported by the sling.

The Kate Spade carrier (really a repackaged McLaren) features a removable pod for infants who are 8-12 lbs. This allowed us to "wear" O on us soon after she is born. As far as I know, the other carriers have a higher minimum weight recommendation. For us, it is comfortable, as it distributes O's weight on both shoulders. Also, it has a secondary harness that attaches to O's waist, which prevents accidental "spillage" of the baby when you bend over.

The sling (we use the organic hemp model) fits neatly around the baby and conforms to the baby's shape, thanks to the 3% Lycra content. However, you need to keep one hand on the baby when you bend over because she/he may "pop" out if the sling is not fitted properly.

There are also tons of websites out there that offer free DIY instruction on how to sew your own sling. The site I found most useful is here. It offers photos, as well as diagrams, of each step. I made a few slings myself by following the directions and they turned out great. The best part about making your own sling is you can choose your own fabrics.

In addition to the physical closeness that comes with wearing O, I also feel a mental connection that is no doubt beneficial for both of us. Try it...if you don't like it, there's always the Bugaboo!

::here comes the crazy lady with the baby and three dogs::

That's probably what people say when they see me out with O and the three beagles. Actually, it's not such a difficult task as long as you have the right equipment and attitude.

To accomplish this, you need the following gear:

1. Baby carrier--any kind will work; I normally use the Kate Spade front carrier for this purpose because O is securely fastened to my body in case I have to pick up dog poop.
2. Halti no-pull collar--the gentle leader also works; as anyone who has a beagle knows, they PULL...big time. So in the event of a squirrel (or rat!) sighting, I use the Halti to keep the hounds from pulling me and O to the ground.
3. Four-foot leash--depending on the size of your dog(s), you will need a leash length that will keep the dogs close to you. However, if you have just one dog, an extendable leash also works.
4. Poop bags--just make sure they are easily accessible, because you DO NOT want to fumble around for them when the time comes.
5. A good attitude--you must keep a positive attitude, and not see this as a chore; rather, this is a chance for everyone to get out and socialize.

Spring is here...so go out and have some fun!

::alright, now for the beagles::

I'll have to admit, ever since O was born, the beagles have taken a back seat. Although, as a good friend reminded me, they're probably pretty happy that mom is home with them all the time; not to mention daily mid-day walks with mom and O. I'll tell you how I do that another day.

Before I became obsessed with modern, well-designed baby gear, I concentrated my energy on modern, well-designed doggie gear. My best friend, M, introduced me to Wagwear years ago, and it has been my favorite doggie gear vendor ever since. The company was founded by a former fashion model, Amy, who has a modern and elegant sense of style. The materials and designs used by Wagwear are both classic and innovative at the same time.

My favorite--the suede shearling collar and leash set--looks adorable on the hounds and the shearling-lined leash handle is incredibly comfortable in our hands. We've had the sets for a few years now, but we still keep bring them out every winter. The beagles also each have the two-tone merino wool sweater, as well as the reflected all weather raincoat (with removable quilted lining). In the summer, the hounds (beagles are hounds, not dogs, as I was reminded years ago by a beagler) wear the canvas reflective collar and lead...very preppy.

I guess the only drawback to Wagwear is the price point. Many people cannot imagine spending $68 on a shearling-lined suede leash. But think about it this way: you are paying not only for the design, but also for quality and longevity.

Wagwear has finally opened its first store on 48 East 11th Street in Manhattan. Between cool baby stores and cool doggie stores, we'll have plenty of things to do the next time we're in NYC. Sorry architectdad!

::ultimate survival blanket...for moms and dads::

Every time we see our family and friends--or sometimes even strangers--the first thing out of their mouth is: "are you getting enough sleep?!" Our answer is always: "oh yeah, she sleeps up to 12 hours a night...has been since she was 7-weeks old!"

With that being said, I must emphasize that architectdad and I were a mess for the first month or so after O was born. Even though architectdad stayed home one week before and two weeks after, it was the most grueling time we've ever encountered...and that includes our years in architecture school. Charetting in graduate school is nothing compared to getting up every 3 hours at night and feeding the baby around the clock all day.

The one thing that saved us from complete exhaustion is swaddling. While we were in the hospital, the nurses would neatly wrap O up so that she resembled a potato--they said swaddling makes the baby feel safe (as if she is still in the womb) and helps her sleep better. After we got home, we continued to swaddle O and we really believe that it helped her sleep through the night early on.

O has, for the most part, outgrown swaddling. However, on the rare occasions when she fusses before she is down for the night, we would swaddle her and she'd calm down instantly and fall asleep. It really is amazing to see the effects of what is essentially a piece of cloth. The duration of swaddling will depend on the temperament of the baby, but a larger swaddling blanket is great for babies who like to be swaddled beyond 3 months of age.

The swaddling cloth we use is the Ultimate Receiving Blanket by Swaddle Designs. Several mod styles are available; my preference is the orange polka dots on white and the organics. Each 42"x42" (larger than most) blanket is made of super-soft prewashed cotton flannel, with beautifully finished edges. Also, the material is substantial enough that we continue to use it as a regular crib/stroller blanket. Each blanket has embroidered easy-to-follow swaddling instructions sewn in on one side. The website also has great information on why swaddling is important.

Many stores sell Swaddle Designs, including Nordstrom's kids department. I purchased mine from the Giggle store in SoHo. You can also order them online: http://www.egiggle.com/. I hope it works as well for you as it did for us.

::block the wee::

Okay, I realize that babies come in more than one model. However, since architectdad and I have the girl version, we have less experience with what a boy's parents need.

Apparently one must be very careful when changing the boy's diaper--projectile wee has often been reported. To contain the wee, someone has come up with the brilliant idea of a "weeblock." it is described on Pacifier online as "a cup-like covering that you place between [the boy's] legs at changing time."

Brightly colored designs with embroidered icons belies the weeblock's utilitarian makeup: super-soft 2-ply cotton jersey covers the secret weapon—a wee absorbing sponge. And best of all, the whole thing is machine washable.

If you are the parent of a boy, please check it out and let me know how well it works!

::vice versa baby products::

As I mentioned in yesterday's entry, the pacifier made by Vice Versa is one of the three items that I could not live without. It is not only functional, but also well-designed. The "balloon"-like stopper on the solid silicone binkie makes it easy to find when it falls out of the baby's mouth. It is also large enough for an older baby to grasp. But of course, your baby will look adorable chomping on it!

Vice Versa also makes other baby items such as the cow feeding bottle pictured to the right. The cow "udders" make up the cap, and the black spots mimic the spots on a dairy cow. The alternate design features a multi-color target graphic with a translucent blue nipple-shaped cap.

For those of us who simply do not understand the usefulness of ounces and quarts, both metric and imperial measurements are found on the bottle. However, in order to keep the graphics on the outside fresh and vibrant, I would suggest the following: 1)do not heat or clean the bottles in the microwave and 2)do not scrub with the abrasive side of the sponge.

Other VV products include a feeding spoon that doubles as a rattle and a bowl with a 3D fish face in the center, making meal time stylish and fun. See other VV products on their website.

You can purchase some of the products from Sparkability. Your order is usually processed quickly; however, they do not tell you which items are on backorder until the order has been shipped. Another internet store which sells a greater variety of VV products is Pacifier.

::books for modern moms and dads::

There are tons of well-written books out there by world reknowned pediatricians, etc. Such as "The Complete Guide for Your Baby and Young Child." While it is a wonderful reference source for birth through age 5, it is somewhat lacking in graphics and design.

There is a series of books published by Quirk which has that added graphics value, while keeping the topics light and tongue-in-cheek:

• The Baby Owner's Manual
• The Baby Owner's Manual: Games and Activities Book
• The Baby Owner's Manual: Owner's Maintenance Log
• The Toddler Owner's Manual

Quirk also publishes similar books for dog owners, cat owners and home owners. Check them out on www.amazon.com.

::three items that saved my sanity::

A good friend of mine (currently pregnant) is taking a survey of what three items a new mother could not do without. From my ::top 10 favorites:: list, I'd have to say the following three items saved my sanity:

1. Vice Versa binkies: some babies have the strong need to suck even after they are full from milk; your baby may not need it since every baby is different; helps to calm O when she is fussy or sleepy
2. Swaddle Designs ultimate receiving blanket: helped O sleep 10+ hours at night @ 7-weeks old; saved architectdad (who has a day job) from physical exhaustion
3. Hotslings baby pouch sling: makes it possible for me to walk the baby and the 3 beagles all at the same time; saved me from stir-craziness

Also, O responds quite well to the rattle, especially when she is crying and nothing seems to be able to comfort her. It somehow distracts her and makes her calmer. Works really well when we try to stuff her into the car seat.

::i can read! wait, but i'm only 3-months old::

Since O sleeps up to 12 hours/night now, she is quite alert most of the day. So to keep her entertained, I've had to start "reading" to her. While visiting our friends in NYC last year, we bought some picture books for O. They are:

• Black on White by Tana Hoban
• White on Black by Tana Hoban
• I Kissed the Baby by Mary Murphy
• Woof Woof, Baby Flip-A-Face by SAMi
• Go!, Flip-A-Shape
• Baby Animals, Flip-A-Face

O seems to be able to see them all, but her favorites are the black and white books. The sharp contrast and bold shapes really catch her attention. I believe you can buy all of these books on http://www.amazon.com/.

It's raining here today, so I guess there'll be no walks with the beagles. But at least the books will keep us occupied for a little while.

::babylegs...oh what a feeling!::

As a teenager growing up in the 1980's, I have fond memories of the days of leg warmers worn over Guess? jeans and Reebok aerobic shoes (yikes!). When I stumbled upon Babylegs, I went nuts and bought almost every style.

These leg warmers are nothing like what I'm used to--nothing like what Jennifer Beals wore in "Flashdance." They come in several modern and chic designs, ranging from super soft rainbow stripes to ribbed organic. Some styles are clearly girly, but there are some that work perfectly well for boys. Most styles come in one size, and they'll fit your little one probably until she/he is walking. Select styles come in 40cm, which will fit an older toddler.

Since my daughter is only three months old, the Babylegs are keeping her legs warm during the cool spring months. Later on, when she starts crawling, I'd imagine they'd be great for protecting her soft little knees.

You may be able to find Babylegs in some of your local baby stores. I bought mine online from www.snazzytots.com. I really enjoyed shopping from there because the website tells you exactly how many pairs of each style they have available and the shipping was super fast. I was able to track my shipment online, which is always a big plus for me.

Oh, what a feeling!!!

::fantastic stroller for urban moms and dads::

We splurged (or rather my father-in-law!) on the Bugaboo Cameleon stroller. We originally registered for it purely for its clean, modern aesthetic. However, after using it for over 3 months, we are completely sold on this versatile stroller.

The Bugaboo line of strollers are really two strollers in one, since each is both a bassinet and a seated stroller. Instead of buying a separate bassinet for the home, we have been using the stroller as a bassinet in which our daughter sleeps. She will soon be big enough to sleep in her crib in the nursery; but for now, we enjoy having her next to us in our bedroom. The added bonus is she has been sleeping through the night (9-10 hours/night) since she was 7 weeks old, but I don't know if the Cameleon has anything to do with that!

Last weekend, I washed all of the fabric components of the bassinet in the washing machine. It worked out well, but I line dried the fabric because the manufacturer does not suggest tumble drying. Also, the fabric comes in interchangeable color combinations; so if you are tired of the color you started out with, you can always change it out for another.

While the parts were drying, I put the seated fabric on the stroller just to see how it works. I then put our daughter in it for kicks. She was able to hold herself up and stay in it while we shopped for groceries. The different perspective was quite stimulating for her. She still has a long way to go before we use the seat full-time, but at least we know she likes it!

In terms of ride, the Cameleon negotiates urban sidewalks with ease and stability. The smaller wheels actually have shocks built in for added absorption. The larger wheels help with going over bumps and cracks in the sidewalk. With my daughter lying in it, I can still push it with one hand over a variety of terrains with little effort.

The only downside to the Bugaboo is that it is EXPENSIVE. The stroller base is $799.99, while the tailored fabric is $99.99 retail. Unfortunately, the complete stroller requires both the base and the tailored fabric. With tax added, the purchase can easily set you back over $900. Also, there are many accessories available a la cart. However, there are internet stores which offer free shipping. Since it is an internet purchase, there most likely won't be a sales tax. One such site is http://www.tinyride.com/. It's a small saving, but a saving nevertheless. Again, you are really paying for two strollers in one.

I'd love to hear what you think of the Bugaboo stroller!

::form follows function::

My goal is to review at least one product per day--starting with some of my ::top 10 favorite things for baby::. I will post my opinions on the design and usefulness of the product. Also, I will post where to purchase the product, since well-designed items may be hard to find in your local stores. Please feel free to add your comments; I would love to hear your personal experiences with the product.

::why binkies + noseprints::

I have been contemplating whether or not to start my own blog site. As a new mom of a baby daughter and an old mom of three beagles, I am eager to share my thoughts and resources on modern, well-designed gear for kids and pets.

Since I have decided to take a break from my day job as an architect and enjoy being a stay-at-home mom for a while, I thought perhaps this is the time for "binkies + noseprints."

Please visit often and enjoy your stay!