I always love reading Marisa's posts when she does her product reviews, with the most recent being about informative books. I guess I'd like to do something similar with this post and write about a few things that have made me a better parent (or just stuff I REALLY like).

Book: Love You Forever by Robert Munsch and Sheila McGraw. If you've never read this children's book before you must do so. The first time I heard about it was when I was in jr. high or high school (I think it was written in the '80s). My friend's mom would talk about it, but I didn't read it myself until last year when I got it as a shower gift. It honestly makes me cry EVERY time I read it. It's about a mother who rocks and sings her baby boy to sleep every night and even creeps into his room as a grown man to sing to him. The book ends with the grown man holding his aging mother and singing to her. It's so touching. The woman who gave it to me said that she made up her own melody to go with the words to the lullaby and that she knew of groups of mothers that would get together and share their melodies to the well-loved words: "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living my baby you'll be." Rodney's melody even differs from mine.


CD: Marlo Thomas and Friends: Free To Be You and Me. Laura bought this for Maddie when she was born and then appropriately bought it for me and Will as part of his baptism gift. It was produced in 1972 and features such names as Allen Alda (from M*A*S*H), Harry Belefonte, Mel Brooks, Carol Channing, Shirley Jones, and Dianna Ross. Marlo Thomas (don't know who she is outside of this recording) explains about wanting to read a bedtime story to her niece and getting saddened by the nature of her books. Saying that not only did the books put her to sleep at night, but they "put her mind to sleep" as well. She began looking through stores and found lots of books that "charmingly dictated who and what [boys and girls] must be, colorfully directing new minds away from their own uniqueness." Alternating between songs, stories and poems, and even comedic sketches, it breaks down typical gender stereotypes. Some titles are Parents are People, It's All Right to Cry, William's Doll, and When We Grow Up. One of my favorites it a comedic sketch featuring Marlo Thomas and Mel Brooks called Boy Meets Girl. In the sketch two babies just born try to decide whether or not they are a boy or a girl. It's so cute and hilarious. If you can get past the campy 1970s feel, it has a lot to offer. I think Stanford from Sex in The City even references it as a plea for gay people.


The Ultimate Diaper Bag by Pottery Barn Kids. Right after Will was born I unwisely bought a very cute but cheap diaper bag that ended up falling apart on me a few weeks ago. Coveting such beautiful bags as Petunia Picklebottom but knowing I couldn't afford them, I found this bag in the mall and decided it was a great middle-of-the-road (price-wise) choice. Marisa later told me that it got good reviews from her sources. The size is perfect- not too big and not too small- and it's got lots of great compartments. There are two insulated bottle holders on the outside of the bag and two magnets that keep the flap closed, so no messing with zippers. The material is also washable and very sturdy. I also love the shoulder grip on the strap.


Peanut Shell Sling. One of the best investments I've made as far as baby gear goes. It's use has been invaluable, lasting much longer than the bjorn (he's too big for that now, but we loved that too when he was smaller). The great thing about the sling is that you just put them in differently as they grow. It especially comes in handy when I have lots to carry to or from the car, allowing me to hold Will hands-free. It was also a lifesaver when I had to fly to Florida alone with Will.