What would Emily Post say?!

So, perhaps against all rules of etiquette, I have graciously accepted offers for two "celebrations" or "get togethers/dinner parties" in recognition of, but not necessarily titled for baby #2. It was difficult to decide how to deal with it all, but I am looking forward to hanging out with people and if it takes my birthing a child to bring them together, well then so be it.

Perhaps even more of a slap in the face of the etiquette queen, I have actually created registries at both Target.com and Amazon.com because, well, enough people were asking what things we needed this time around and since it is more specific - we need less beginner stuff, because we still have lots from the first time around, but just more of the basics/essentials that you use up (laundry detergent, stain sprays, diapers, batteries!, new pacifiers, new toothbrush, ink cartridges for our photo printer because we all know I'm addicted to pictures, etc.) - I thought it was merely a helpful service to direct people towards the brands/products we use and perhaps a few other items we didn't get the first time around or that would be nice to upgrade. I just did the Amazon one because I could add some of those more perishable items like diapers and lotions, etc. and incorporate some of those more daily products.

I'm sure the final straw, though, will be making the big announcement/list available here, rather than more discretely spreading the word via friends and family. Oh well, I can blame it on pregnancy hormones, right?

Wish List

With Dellaina's first birthday and Christmas just around the corner, I've been thinking a lot about gifts. I know she's a little young to really know what she's getting, but I have a sneaking suspicion she will have some gifts to open this year. I know Greg & I are on the back burners now, but there might be some folks that are interested in getting us something. I've always really liked and appreciated registries for weddings or babies and I've often thought it would be helpful if everyone just had a "registry" or wish list they maintained year-round so that people could consult it when it was time to get a gift: for a birthday or special occasion or as a thank you or just for the heck of it. Just knowing what someone has their eye on is really helpful. I guess in some ways it takes out the meaning of finding the perfect gift on your own, but to me, getting something you really want trumps someone having to guess and take a chance of wasting money. Now, I am not saying that I don't appreciate any gift, I'm just saying, I'd rather get someone something they really want. Also, often we don't remember all of the things we've had our eye on when we are put on the spot, so it's helpful to maintain the list year round and add things as they come up. I think there are sites available now that do this very thing (I hope they aren't making money on it, because if so, I really missed my big idea, money-making opportunity) So, anyway, for those of you that will be shopping for us this Christmas, I am going to compile some ideas in this post. Feel free to come back to it, as I will continue to add ideas as they come up. I hope it's not taken the wrong way, but I know I appreciate having some options or help when I'm shopping. Our family always tries to make everyone come up with a wish list to help out during the holidays or for birthdays, so here is ours.

Dellaina:
*Clothes -- size 12 months now, but would be great to get some future sizes, too (obviously considering the seasons). Need some basics: long-sleeve onesies/shirts, socks, sleeping clothes. I like the jumpers that don't have feet because she doesn't outgrow them quite as quickly, but the footed ones are darn cute, too. Size 3 shoes now. Love Old Navy and The Children's Place, both have great clothes and great sales! I just got her some new clothes from each place and I really love them. I love the wine velour top and the garnet lace turtleneck from The Children's Place and would love some more in different colors.
*Toys -- especially things that make noise or music (am I really saying this? please torture me with obnoxious noise-makers for my child?), balls, moving parts, blocks or puzzles that she has to figure out, things where she can stand and play
*Books are always great, too. She does have a LeapFrog, Little Touch.
*Wall letters to spell her name above her crib (I'm particular, but indecisive, go figure.)
*Rockimals? They don't have the lion one I wanted before, but I still like a lot of these: bugs, jungle animals.


Andria:
*Clothes: most likely need to try on, but would like more thin, "fashion" sweaters. Nice tops that have something unique about them. Pants (colors, cords, dressy), always shoes, right? and always love scarves, gloves and hats and fun SOCKS (Kohl's)!
*Queen-size sheets. dark color or subtle pattern (not stripes), jersey-knit
*Snapfish credits
*Scrapbooking supplies -- especially fun packs of paper, glue sticks/tape rollers/corners, die-cuts or other embellishments (baby, girl, jungle, family, dogs, holidays, etc.) corner cuters
*Backup memory for storing photos
*Photo printer
*Video camera
*Holiday decorations -- especially Christmas, Thanksgiving, 4th of July and Halloween (Pottery Barn Kids had some adorable haunted house vinyl place mats). I love wooden and tin Christmas stuff typically. Snowmen and Santas and reindeer. Kind of "country" or "rustic." Ceramic stuff that looks hand-made/glazed (Kirkland's and Kohl's have a lot of this type.)
*Movies (DVDs) I've missed a lot I'd like to see. Any of the Harry Potter movies, Lost in Translation, old Man in the Moon with Reese Witherspoon, Newsies. Obviously, need some newer ones, too. I just don't even know what I've missed.
*Seasons of Veronica Mars, Grey's Anatomy, The Office, The Wire


Greg:
*Starbuck's coffee/gift cards
*Carpet steamer
obviously, I need Greg to give me some more ideas. See, I'm not one for coming up with great ones on my own (either that, or I'm not sharing!)
UPDATE: Greg says he just wants peace on Earth. Or maybe it was peace and quiet. hmm.
*Any season of House on DVD would be great, especially the first season.
*large frying pan/wok
*Jockey Tall Man white crew neck (NOT V-neck) undershirts (Kohl's)
*circular saw
*nice man purse -- briefcase/laptop carrier, brown leather
*pants for work -- usually buy at Old Navy, rugged, but not cargo. 33 waist 34 length
*black casual belt (no brass buckle)
*Flat screen HDTV that utilizes DLP technology (the kind with the mirrors) ;)