i've made a list for us of what we hope to have by the time bubs is here - and as we buy from it, i take it off the list. i've looked at stuff from a pair of socks and mittens, up to baby bath and possibly more exxy (list is at mum's at the moment!) i've also listed what we have, so that people have an idea - and each time we go shopping, i take something else off the list.

i don't live in the city area, and no where around here sells sheets that will fit a boori cot, so i've bought them (on special) and copped flack for it - but i dont expect people to travel to Melb - and i dont' want them buying something in good faith and realising we can't use them. i've been told we have too much (umm, our cot become a toddler bed, so will potentially be used for up to four years - and FOUR sets of sheets is too much??). i understand people will buy for baby (i'm reluctant to take hand me downs - i'd rather stuff go to charity - we can afford to buy new, a lot of people can't!), but i've been to a few baby showers, and it's mostly things like clothes, wraps, nappies (which we're using mcn, so sposies are off the list), potions and lotions (we're trying to go organic/natural as i have sensitive skin, bubba possibly will have as well - and they're more exxy), toys (bring it on - we're not buying up on toys - it's practical stuff). there is a LOT you won't get at a shower, and i don't want to be almost due, and having to trek all over the place, paying full price for stuff that we need, that i could have gotten now on special

the list isn't a "if you're gonna buy, buy this" situation - more a guide of what we already have or think we'll need - if someone comes up with a different idea - fantastic! and i'm open to anyone who has had a kidlet saying "you won't need that" or "you'll need heaps more of this" - i'm a first time mum, i have no real idea - am working off what others have told me

i guess i personally feel that we've made the decision to have a baby, and have to expect to "furnish" it's needs ourselves. any gifts will be HUGELY appreciated, and would ultimately be used over something we've bought ourselves, but i don't EXPECT anyone else to buy for our baby. i want them to celebrate it the way we are - that's gift enough kwim?