Things that I’d never in a million years have considered essential items ten weeks ago:-

1) a tumble dryer – started off for baby clothes but now needed to make sure other half and I are decently dressed
2) two kettles – didn’t realise just how necessary we needed a kettle just for baby’s feed until our one broke down in the middle of a visit from friends and family
3) muslin squares – to stop what Andrew has called the ‘milk broach’ effect. My clothes and his, all have one from burping Imgoen while holding her over our left shoulders.
4) vitamin B tablets – surely that needs no explanation
5) seven hours solid sleep – not ten hours in two hour stints, seven whole hours! We are managing about five/six hours at the moment.
6) lots of new found friends with babies. I’ve made loads of lovely friends in the last few weeks Even better they all come in couples which means the other half gets to do baby talk too!

Other things that I’m sure will soon be essential:-
7) a good childminder – as I’m going to have to return to work soon (my plans to take maternity leave for six months have been scuppered sadly)
a veggie patch – Andrew is busy making sure we are self sufficient by autumn, when Imogen will have been weaned.

Deal of the week!
We’re taking advantage of more freebies this week. Tesco Baby & Toddler club is giving away a Baby Beginnings Basket with purchases of Huggies nappies (see www.tesco.com to join).