DISQUS

We\'ve tried most of the brands out there, and haven\'t seen a big difference (although, we tended to have a problem with the closures ripping off on the Luvs that we tried). But the Kirkland brand from Costco has been great. They fit my daughter well and seem to hold plenty. Plus, can\'t argue with the price. I agree that it\'s whatever works. :)

Little girl is working on potty training now, so I\'ll have to wait till the next one is born to try the new LUVs (March).

unfortunetly, not all of us have a grandma or grandpa around to help. And yet, we still need a night out. We\'ve been using my wife\'s neice, who we pay about $20 for 3-4 hours. But because of family circumstances (hers) and the fact that she\'s not the most reliable, we\'re gonna have to find someone else.

One thing we\'ve done is to share babysitters with friends. We\'ve had nights where we go out with our friends who have kids the same age, and we share the babysitter (either their house or ours). Works out really well (they have 2 kids and we have 1). We each chip in $20 or so and the babysitter makes out pretty well.

Also, being a youth pastor, I have a pretty good supply of teenagers who love my daughter and are willing to watch her. I know a number of churches in our area have a babysitting network of youth who can watch kids. Usually the price is pre-set ($10 and hour seems to be the going rate) but things are always negotiable.

While we do expect the babysitter to clean up after her (or him)self (open debate on male babysitters?), we\'re not hiring a maid. So I just expect the house to be in the relativly same condition that we left it in.

... for the comment about formula. Yes, breastfeeding is absolutly the best and there are advantages to it, however, there are situations (like my wife with our daughter) where she was physically unable to breastfeed. Our daughter is smart (already smarter than I am and she\'s only three :p ), active, happy, and totally healthy. And she was on formula for most of her infancy. We will see what happens with our next child (due in March) and both my wife and I hope she will be able to breastfeed, however, if it turns out that she can\'t, I have no problem with formula. I am a little tired of the guilt trip our culture lays on moms who use formula. Sometimes, it\'s the only option.
Sorry to rant on, but it\'s kind of a sore spot for me.

Grew up with sesame street, still love sesame street, wouldn\'t go see sesame street live to save my life. Went to a wiggles concert last year. LOVED IT! (I do have Eagle Rock on my mp3 player 8) ) Was sad to hear about Greg, though.

As for babies watching TV, we bought a DVD called PraiseBaby (basically, a Christian version of Baby Einstein, but MUCH better done) and started putting that on for our little one when she was only about 12 months. She LOVED it (and still does). She mostly engaged in the music. She\'s now 3 and a half and way smart, very social, and super energetic. She also loves books and singing and playing outside (just bought her first bike with training wheels :eek and she cant get enough).

We have another one on the way and have no hesitation to use the same DVD for this baby as well. I agree with foodad that it\'s all in moderation and balance.

My daughter just had her first recital and, like you, I was going to be on the hook for lessons, CONCERT FEE :eek, tickets, costume, pictures, and concert video (no videotaping allowed). I got around the no video and pictures rule by videotaping and getting pictures at the dress rehersal. Now I have an excellent video of my daughter\'s recital without the $25 video charge. (Didn\'t pay for pictures either). :grin