me and Ben, 7 weeks, photo by Stephanie Williamson

One fun part of becoming a mom is all the gear! It’s true that you don’t need a whole lot in those first months. When the time comes, I will be happy to hand Ben some Tupperware to keep him busy instead of an expensive toy with bells and whistles. Nevertheless, having inherited a shopping gene from my mom, here is a list of things I am enjoying tremendously. Some are saving our life, some are simply wonderful gifts we’ve received.

Just last week I found this necklace by Rena Tom. I fell in love, chatted with my sister about it (she wanted to buy it for me) and the very next day it showed up in my mailbox with Benjamin on it. A gift from Rena Tom! I am now convinced it is prettyand magic.

This fleece sling by Kangaroo Corner has saved our sanity. Both Matt and I have one in different sizes.

I’ve been loving the Ergo carrier and look forward to using it even more when he gets bigger.

This gift of a cashmere baby blanket is so yummy I haven’t even used it with the baby yet. (How can I risk a blowout on cashmere?) and have wrapped myself in it at night.

Weleda calendula diaper cream is like a baby spa treatment.

Anything by Zutano on Ben is so cute I want to take a bite out of him.

Wipe warmer: I thought this was totally frivolous until I saw the magical effect it had on the baby. Changing him went from traumatic to day at the spa. Who wants a cold wipe on their warm bum?

Diaper Dekor: no stinky diaper smell.
Bugaboo stroller: Ours is a hand-me-down (how lucky are we?!) and we love it. The bassinet attachment is perfect for rolling up alongside our bed.

Glamour mom nursing tanks are sassy and functional.

I also love this Bravado nursing bra I discovered recently.

Was thrilled to find this Dutailier glider used on Craig’s List. It is sooo comfortable.

I got this fabulous Fleurville diaper bag from Jessica and adore it… I also love the Petunia Picklebottom bag.

The Baby Book by Sears and Sears is the perfect reference book for the new parent.
The Happiest Baby on the Block was the best tool in our kit for those first weeks.
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency was a fun, light read during the wee hours.
Oprah Magazine is always the best. She is my hero.
Jen Lemen’s new zine is as wonderful as she is.

And when I need the world to come to me, I go to my friend Wendy’s color collection tour in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico (One of my favorite places in the world). It’s amazing to see photos I would have taken myself through someone else’s eyes… she is all about superhero colors.

And of course, the indispensible Canon Rebel XTi.