I think we’re done kidswise, but if I were to find myself pregnant with #4, I’d probably buy a new carseat and crib (because of the changing safety requirements that probably would have made my 11.5-year-old ones unsafe). Also, I would look at old album pics of my kids and search my memory to see which paraphernalia seemed to get the most use.

Some of my kids’ best friends’ mothers are women who married late in life and had all their kids AMA, as did my grandmother with her youngest (also at age 41).

And I second the Miracle Blanket, although Swaddle Me’s worked really well for us, too!

And yes, being “AMA” (advanced maternal age) is somewhat daunting, and I joke about it with my doctor, but I do feel like I have the benefit of experience “under my belt”, so to speak. So that’s a good thing.

But I’m so excited to be able to share our news with you all!!

Sincerely,
Sharon Graf

Seriously, AMA? My *ss.

As for baby stuff (I was going to put a post on my blog about that, as well) that I found indispensable:

1. A Graco car seat–because in an absolute pinch, it has the side slots that allow you to use it without the base, too.
2. A Snap-N-Go that fits the carseat. No bulky stroller required.
3. A Miracle Blanket. We used it only twice, but oh man! were we grateful!
4. Freddy the Firefly. Seriously. Best toy ever.
5. A Gugguli doll as a transitional object. Best doll ever.
6. Haba wooden rattles that are made in Germany, not in China, so you won’t have to worry about lead in the paint.
7. Natursutten bite rings, for the same reason as #6.
8. The Tiny Love Gymini Super Deluxe Lights and Music–baby has loved it since she was 4 weeks old.
9. Baby Einstein Move & Go Music Mirror–same reason as #8.
10. Mr. Whoozit toys.
11. For diapers, Seventh Generation. Same with wipes. We wanted to love the GDiapers, but the plastic inserts weren’t air permeable, so defeated the idea of preventing diaper rash.
12. A good breastpump, if you choose to breastfeed–Medela, hands down.
13. If you choose to formula feed, we use Earth’s Best Organic because, in contrast to the Similac Organic, it doesn’t have cane sugar in it. Also, if you choose to formula feed, add some Udo’s Choice Infant Probiotics to the bottle once a day. It helps with any formula-related poop issues.
14. A Baby Bjorn. Accept no imitations, however cool they sound.
15. A Hotsling in your size. Less complicated than anything else.
16. Seventh Generation baby detergent.

That about covers it, I think. Again, congrats!!! And don’t let the naysayers tell you that AMA will predispose you and your baby to all sorts of crap (NOT TRUE!).