During My Baby's First Year, I Couldn't Live Without...
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My dog, Bess (shown left), so undemanding.
The "space ship." That's what we call that round, bouncy-seat contraption that lets them spin around and gnaw on things, all without bouncing themselves down the basement stairs.
My husband. Doug quit his job to stay home with Maisie.
Our "ocean sounds" tape. It took the edge off Madeline's colicky cries, which went on from midnight to 4 a.m. every night for about three weeks.
My mom and dad. Every Friday for 18 months, they drove six hours round trip to babysit so I could keep my Monday through Friday job and Allan could keep working Friday through Sunday.
Baby videos.
An exercise ball. I used to gently bounce on it with Marty. The up-and-down motion was somehow more soothing to him than traditional rocking.
My Bob Marley and the Wailers: Live at the Rainbow concert video. Aaron was mesmerized by it. Perhaps it was the swirling dreadlocks. Or maybe the infectious beat hit home — my wife and I did have Exodus playing in the delivery room.
Onesies. I kept my son in those cotton crotch-snap pullovers until he was way past the toddler stage. They were just too convenient to give up!
Hikes. Getting out of the house (and out of my head) and into a natural setting with the baby made me feel worlds better.
The double nursing pillow. It wasn't for me, really, but with twins, my wife couldn't live without it. Me, I needed the Jameson Irish Whiskey.
My Baby Björn. My second baby practically lived in the frontpack. It was unbelievably useful to have my hands free to make dinner, wrangle a toddler, and tote a baby all at the same time.
