Baby Bizzie!!! Updated with pics and thread merged

[Jeff-TheBiz]

http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/1;10004;30/st/20080908/k/8ea8/preg.png
(http://www.TickerFactory.com/)



As some of you know, my wife and I are expecting our first child in about 3 months.


It is a girl and we couldn't be more excited.


I have a question to all of the parents out there.


If there was one item/service that you couldn't have done without, what would it be?

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a167/Jafarthebiz/ultrasound.jpg

[mleblond]

Congrats....better start looking for a day care soon....I hear it's hard to find one...

[RallyPlaya]

Congrats Jeff Wish You and the Wife the best

[sauga_kid]

Congrats Jeff, I'm in the same boat too, the wife is due in October. Not sure what is a must, but we went stroller shopping this past weekend and test drove a few, so many options!

[midnightfxgt]

I had no idea! Congrats Jeff! Time for a Mazda5! :)

[FoXy]

Sooo many things I could tell you. I don't have my own kids... lol But i have 2 baby nephews, a God daughter, and lots of friends with kids. Mostly you need a) TONS of diapers...(you WILL use them) and a baby swing. One that goes front to back and side to side. They are fantasic. Babies love to move and those things put ANY baby out cold, and makes them stop crying 9 times out of 10.

Congrats!!! Its tough but kids are awesome.

[FLIPDADY]

I had no idea! Congrats Jeff! Time for a Mazda5! :)
He just picked one up.:)

Jeff, what service are you talking about mang?

[midnightfxgt]

You know... the kind for new daddy's ;)

[Cardinal Fang]

Congrats Jeff!

[p-o-g-i]

Congrats Jeff!!!! Remember, they say it's a girl.... but it's never 100%. If they it's a boy, it's more likely it will be.

My daughter is 6 months old; she is our first.
Definitley need alot of diapers.... but don't worry som much about baby clothes as she/ he will grow out of them very fast. You'll probably get alot of baby clothes from the baby showers anyways.

[yearoftherat]

Congrats....better start looking for a day care soon....I hear it's hard to find one...

Congrats Jeff !!!

Daycare in TO is a bitch to find...my brother was on a waiting list for like forever. Unless your looking in Newmarket, things might be easier.

[LockOut]

Congrats, Jeff! That's pretty exciting. I wish I could be of assistancee, but I REALLY can't... haha

[Flagrum_3]

Congrats Jeff and to the Mrs!!

Items;

1. Play pen!! ~ absolute must!

2. Plenty if sleep now, cause you won't get it later :chuckle


_3


.

[Takumi616]

congratz

[Caz]

Way to go Jeff and Mrs. Biz! Shannon and I couldn't be happier for the both of you!

We just had a little girl (5 lbs 12oz) 4 1/2 weeks ago.
It has been the best time of my life, it is amazing how it changes you. I can't even remember what it was like without having her in my life. You can't but into words the way you feel.

If there is one thing I can tell you is to be prepared to bottle feed, we were expecting to use the breast and didn't have enough bottles (only a few from showers) or any formula when we got home from the hospital. They send us home with some but we really didn't know how to sterilize bottles. I had to run to Babies R' Us (gift cards) and purchase bottles, forumla and a sterilizer after only having a total of 3 hours sleep over 4 days. With the BPA plastic bottle recall, there really wasn't much to choose from.

I would look into paying extra at the hospital to get a private room, it was $30 a day as our plans only covered semi-private. Best money I could have spent that week.

Finally the most import thing, If you don't get it Dunstan Baby Language as a shower gift it is a must buy, it is a DVD that helps you learn the meaning of your baby's cries. I thought yeah right when we got it, but boy was I wrong. It is awesome!

[super_vixen]

Congrats!!! You'll have so much fun!

Services/items you can't live without:

1. A good rocking chair/glider. Something you don't mind falling asleep in cause that will happen.
2. A baby carrier (the type that straps on your body, almost like a backpack - but also has the option for the front). It's great for the baby and its great exercise. It's how I lost all my baby weight within 2 weeks! Walking with weight!
3. A Fisher Price Aquarium (attaches to the side of the crib). It was the best thing I ever got for my shower. Instantly put my son to sleep right up until he was 2. I assume they still have it, but they have a whole line of Aquarium products, the bouncy chair, etc. It sucks "D" batteries like crazy and I always wished they'd have made a plug in version, but MUST HAVE.
4. A good camera to capture all the moments! Or hire a photographer for some great newborn portraits (hint, hint) :)
5. Baby Einstein videos! Babies love them! Great way to keep them occupied while you try and get some stuff done in the house (which you will never have time for otherwise).
6. Diapers and onesies. Babies poop. A lot. It often doesn't stay IN the diaper :)
7. A FANTASTIC diaper bag. I ended up changing bags about 3 times in the first 6 months of having my son. I could never find one I liked or that held everything I wanted (but didn't feel like luggage).
8. Stroller. Comfy and the ability to last a long time (with wear and tear and also with a growing child). Some strollers are only meant to last for an infant and others grow with the child.
9. Baby swing and jolly jumper. Swing - great to get them to sleep! My son loved it. Jolly jumpers are perfect for a laugh. Babies get SO excited in them (when they have the neck control for it). My son used to jump around in it for hours laughing his head off.

Things you don't need (but will probably be given)
1. Clothes. I have garbage bags FULL of clothes that my son never touched cause he grew too fast. Plus people give you fancy outfits and your baby never wears them...they want to be comfy and have something to throw up on!
2. Towels/Blankets. I think I received about 15 blankets and 50 towels (all very nice, hand knitted or quilted), but we never used ANY of them. When they are babies, you don't use blankets because you don't want them suffocating, and when they are old enough for blankets, you can live off one or two. Not 15.
3. Playpen. I had a playpen and used it a grand total of 4 times when I went to visit my friend and stayed overnight. It was a crib alternative. I'm sure some people find use for them, but it was a waste of money to me.


Thats about all I can come up with for now. Enjoy your sleep now and definitely start putting your name on waiting lists for daycares if your wife plans on going back to work after her mat. leave.

[RallyPlaya]

Wow..... Yeah Good Luck !!! =P that Mazda 5 was a smart move

[jaM3ican]

Congrats Jeff

Angel Care Monitor

absolute must.

1 peice of advice that i have to give get the bnaby into a routine as soon as possible and don't let the baby sleep with you and your wife in your bed. you will regret it later if you do.

My baby boy is 2 3/4 months old

Good lick and congrats again

[KenYork]

Looks like you covered most of the important stuff.


Congrats!!! You'll have so much fun!

Services/items you can't live without:

1. A good rocking chair/glider. Something you don't mind falling asleep in cause that will happen.
2. A baby carrier (the type that straps on your body, almost like a backpack - but also has the option for the front). It's great for the baby and its great exercise. It's how I lost all my baby weight within 2 weeks! Walking with weight!
3. A Fisher Price Aquarium (attaches to the side of the crib). It was the best thing I ever got for my shower. Instantly put my son to sleep right up until he was 2. I assume they still have it, but they have a whole line of Aquarium products, the bouncy chair, etc. It sucks "D" batteries like crazy and I always wished they'd have made a plug in version, but MUST HAVE.
4. A good camera to capture all the moments! Or hire a photographer for some great newborn portraits (hint, hint) :)
5. Baby Einstein videos! Babies love them! Great way to keep them occupied while you try and get some stuff done in the house (which you will never have time for otherwise).
6. Diapers and onesies. Babies poop. A lot. It often doesn't stay IN the diaper :)
7. A FANTASTIC diaper bag. I ended up changing bags about 3 times in the first 6 months of having my son. I could never find one I liked or that held everything I wanted (but didn't feel like luggage).
8. Stroller. Comfy and the ability to last a long time (with wear and tear and also with a growing child). Some strollers are only meant to last for an infant and others grow with the child.
9. Baby swing and jolly jumper. Swing - great to get them to sleep! My son loved it. Jolly jumpers are perfect for a laugh. Babies get SO excited in them (when they have the neck control for it). My son used to jump around in it for hours laughing his head off.




Things you don't need (but will probably be given)
1. Clothes. I have garbage bags FULL of clothes that my son never touched cause he grew too fast. Plus people give you fancy outfits and your baby never wears them...they want to be comfy and have something to throw up on!
2. Towels/Blankets. I think I received about 15 blankets and 50 towels (all very nice, hand knitted or quilted), but we never used ANY of them. When they are babies, you don't use blankets because you don't want them suffocating, and when they are old enough for blankets, you can live off one or two. Not 15.
3. Playpen. I had a playpen and used it a grand total of 4 times when I went to visit my friend and stayed overnight. It was a crib alternative. I'm sure some people find use for them, but it was a waste of money to me.


Clothes: They grow too fast to keep up, stay a size or two bigger so they can use and grow into them, else you're buying something new every week($$$).

[mleblond]

Congrats Jeff

Angel Care Monitor

absolute must.

1 peice of advice that i have to give get the bnaby into a routine as soon as possible and don't let the baby sleep with you and your wife in your bed. you will regret it later if you do.

My baby boy is 2 3/4 months old

Good lick and congrats again


makes me think a friend of mine had hooked up a camera that outputs to a TV signal so you can watch the baby from the master bedroom Saved him lots of Sleep!!! Oh and p.s. as much as you may want to have e baby sleep with you or your wife ....don't get a crib and proper support and keep the baby on it's back....seen to many babies die when sleeping with mommy and daddy in the news....and seen too many kids over 5 years old still sleeping with mom and dad....not good!

Anyways congrats again and Hope for big fat healthy baby! :)

[bunchi]

Congrats Jeff! It's going to be fun!

Let the baby adjust, not you adjust to the baby. Don't give in to her cries. It's hard, I know. But just be strong, she'll be fine.

Baby needs... her own bed... breastfeed... stay away from antibiotics as much as possible, esp in the first 2 yrs. Doctors have tendency to prescribe antibiotics for preventive measures but by the time there's really an infection, baby's body has adjusted and the antibiotic can become ineffective by this time. Also a tendency to develop lots of allergies when exposed to these chemicals at an early age. I learned my lesson (poor child), and not doing that on the 2nd, due almost the same time as your wife :)
also try to change her sleeping position from time to time. the head is soft and can deform if left sleeping on 1 position all the time. notice how some people's heads are flat on the back? swaddle!! baby's not used to the open world... she's been in mommy's tummy for 9 months where she feels secure and tight. notice how babies get scared or their hands go up in the air, looks like they're falling or reaching for something, the moment you remove the wrap from her.

[Wild Weasel]

Congrats in advance, bro!!

[wtom]

Congrats, Jeff! What I see from my friends who have a baby/babies; SLEEP WHILE YOU CAN right now :)

[huyzel]

CONGRATS again to you & the Mrs.

TM3 babyshower meet??

[ds2chan]

wow.. congrats jeff.. cherish these baby free days as this will be considered your vacation.. =P

I think the one service you can't do without is take out.. saves you time but not money.. =)

[Skarbro]

Congrats! There are so many things I can list for you to get. Maybe I'll just drop in and chat with you at MoT.

[stealthman12]

Congrats to you and your wife!

[b.rabbit]

Congratulations on your soon-to-be bundle of joy! :) You'll make a great dad!

[SonicBoy]

Congrats. I can second the suggestion to get as much sleep as you can NOW!

Try to be there for your wife as much as possible to ensure Post partum depression does not set in. Try and get as much help as possible to allow Mom with her me time.

Are you planning on taking any Mat leave?

[iconicrocket]

Congrats.

[Chuckie]

Congrats!!
I guess the professionals can tell the gender because it just looks like a blob to me!

I have no experience so I have nothing to contribute but congrats thats amazing.

you kept it hush hush for a long time huh.. 6 months preggers already before you told us!

[Broli]

awesome, congrats to you and your wife Jeff!!

[mEtH]

That is great news, congratulations! This is going to become a great thread for any soon to be's in the future.

[TheProfessor]

Congrats Jeff, that's great news!

[3GFX]

Congrats bro! You must be so excited.

As everyone else has said, and what I've learned from two baby nephews...

...YOU WILL NEED LOTS OF DIAPERS, don't underestimate.

A good rocker is always nice too, just to be able to rock the baby to sleep with out you constantly having to sway. Plus rockers are cool.

[jaM3ican]

Advice for the wife:::

1)Stay away from gassy foods when she is born
2)If breast feeding, stick with it. It will be difficult in the begining. Both of you are learning.
3)Sleep when baby sleeps.
4)Try not to take it out on Dad when u are frustrated (Got your back Jeff)
5)Use the birthing tub, it helped my wife relax and progress with her dialation.
6) drink lots of water, to aid milk production

Advice for DAD:::
1)Be supportive, do anything Mom says(hehehe)
2)Help her with breast feeding, get in there and help both of them so baby can latch on and Mom to position baby properly
3)While she is in labour, it is okay to feel helpless while she paces around and around. Just help her focus.
4)Don't take it personally Jeff, whatever she says she doesn't mean it. There are a few things that she may say without wording it properly. especially during labour.
5) Give her you hand to hold, and breathe with her.


These are just some of the things that i have experienced just 3 months ago.

Good luck to you both!!!

Will post more when i remember.


P.S. Go and get a book called "What to expect when your expecting, This heloed my wife greatly with thinkgs that she experienced during pregnancy, and the second one "What to expect in the first year" ( I think) , She needs to read as much of this book as possible while she is pregnant, made the mistake of getting after and she has no time to read it now. She just look sup stuff when she need to.

SLEEP NOW!!!

[IMHIP2]

Congrats Jeff and Mrs. Biz!

Lots of good advise from new parents on the board.

As an old parent the thing we found most valuable was the swing. Make sure it is battery operated as the crank ones (do they still make them?) stop after 15 minutes and the child misses the motion and wakes up. The battery or electric ones can go for hours if necessary.

Next was the monitor, a breast pump and a good stroller which could carry the diaper bag without flipping over. When the kid starts to crawl you need gates - we found the expandable fisher price gates with the swing door worked best.

Also ensure your wife applies for the EI benefit as soon as possible after the birth because it takes about 6 to 8 weeks for the cash to come in. Those first few weeks after the first child is born are expensive as there are so many new expenses (diapers, etc) and only one income so the cash flow can be tight.

Also we found depending on the sex of the child, pampers worked better for
boys and Huggies worked better for girls (I think that's the way it worked - its been a few years now withour diapers).

[JiNuWiNe]

Congrats Jeff!! We're all expecting to see Mini-Biz on the forum soon!

[bolak]

congrats

[Tokyo Drift]

Congrats Jeff!!!

[Pimpin_29y]

Congrads Jeff!!

[OneDrop]

Congratulations... Jeff ...for a " Brand New" BABY GIRL !!!

I sent you a message last week and called you for the past three days...
but you are MIA. Now I know why...
Welcome to sleepless nights and changing diapers...
hope more to come ... he he he ho ho ho
...best regards to your family.

[huyzel]

Congrats!!

[CanadaGTO]

Welcome to the "Proud Papa's of '08 Club" Jeff.

[Naveg]

congrats Jeff!! this is really exciting to hear!

[STeeLy]

Wow Congrats Jeff!

[b.rabbit]

Congratulations Jeff on you and your wife's new bundle of joy!! :)

[Go_Habs_Go]

Congrats on the newborn :)

[shootemup]

Congrats!

[midnightfxgt]

Way to go Big Jeff! whoooo!

Congrats!

[SonicBoy]

See Jeff, I told you it would be early. Damn, we should have started a baby pool!

Congrats.

[Unoriginalusername]

welcome to the club!

[Mazda3X2]

Grats Jeff, now the fun begins!

[GHANNAH86]

Congrats Jeff.

[sauga_kid]

Congrats to you and the wife Jeff, enjoy the new addition!

[cwp_sedan]

Congrats Jeff!!! :)

[Gizzmo_jr]

Congratulations Jeff

[DumpInfo]

Congrats!

[FLIPDADY]

I was gonna wait for Jeff to post up something but anywhoo congrats brotha!

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

Congrats Jeff. So when are you getting a Mazda5?

[howes]

See what sitting in the sun at your desk does!!! Congrats!!

[chorizo]

Congratulations!!!

[Cardinal Fang]

Wow!

Congratulations.

[EastYork3]

Hey Jeff! Congrats man, I bet she's a cutie! Mine's still 7 months away! I'm jealous.

[dsichewski]

Congrates Jeff!

[iconicrocket]

Congrats! Jeff!

[JonsMazda]

Congrats Mr. Biz Daddy :)

[justin]

I was wondering about his facebook status from a few days ago... I didn't think he would be the type to chill out in a birthing room in his spare time...

That's awesome Jeff. Congrats.

[Slipstream]

grats jeff!!

[3GFX]

Thought this happened already! lol

Congradulations buddy, you must be proud :)

[FLIPDADY]

Congrats Jeff. So when are you getting a Mazda5?
He already has one.:)

[bigwood29]

Congratulations to you and your wife. Hope they're doing great! Decide on a name?

[Bouncx5]

Congratz Jeff from me and my family! All the best to your wife and new baby girl.

[JiNuWiNe]

Congrats Jeff!! Best of luck with the newborn!

[tweak_s]

Congratulations! Wish ya the best with the new family member

[Broli]

Congrats Jeff!!!

you know . .

Broli can be a girl's name too!

hahaha

[mit-gee-mui]

:bana2



:)

[MSMitch]

How about a TM3 baby-naming contest???
Ever thought of BIT (Biz In Training) :chuckle
Congrats! Sleep will never be......(the same)

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

Congrats Jeff!!!

you know . .

Broli can be a girl's name too!

hahaha

What do mean, "it can be...":chuckle

[Alan]

congratulations on the addition to the family!

[Tizmee24]

Congrats! Jeff

Don't forget your coffee in the morning you're goin' to need it

[Tizmee24]

BTW whats the name???

[monty0501]

Congrats Jeff!
Wishing you the best...

[sicsol]

Congratulations to you and your wife

[TheProfessor]

Awesome news, congrats to Jeff and Mrs. TheBiz.

[Scottobot]

congratulations!!!

[mEtH]

Congrats!

[06Touring3]

congrats jeff

[rktsci]

Congrats to you and the Mrs!

[ds2chan]

What do mean, "it can be...":chuckle

lol.. I was thinking the same thing..

congrats Jeff.. post up pictures when you can.

[Jeff-TheBiz]

First off thank you so much for all the kind wishes..

I am finally getting some sleep and we are finally adjusting.

Okay so after 26hrs+ in labour... my wife blessed me with a beautiful little girl.


This one was taken only 40 secs after being delivered.

9 lbs 1 ounce 21 inches...

Presenting.... Lauren Mia Holley

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a167/Jafarthebiz/DSC00750.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a167/Jafarthebiz/DSC00773.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a167/Jafarthebiz/DSC00769.jpg

[SonicBoy]

Awe, how cute and already blowing bubbles.

[kleigh]

She's beautiful.....even better than a new car :chuckle

[kaval]

Congratulations Jeff!

[S.F.W.]

Congrats Jeff, you look like a very proud father.

[EastYork3]

9lbs! holy moly way to go man! My wife doesn't like the sound of 26 hours in labour! Congrats to you and your wife!

[Chuckie]

congrats.. looks very healthy!

[IMHIP2]

Congratulations to you and your wife Jeff! It's good to have a healthy size for the first one (well your wife might disagree) as they are less fragile.

Great name. We also named our first born Lauren and funny thing, she also weighed 9lbs 1 ounce and 21.5 inches and her initials are also LMH.

They grow up quickly so enjoy these moments. I remember her foot being the length of my baby finger.... now it's a size 8 Vans.

[aris]

congrates

[x_o_k_x]

congrats!

[random.pattern]

cute! congrats!

[Mazda3X2]

She is the adorable Jeff.

Hold her all you can. Take every chance to just sit quietly with her in your arms. This oppotunity only lasts so long and I truly miss it already.

My daughter Mallory is almost three now and it's hard to get her to cuddle up with me any more. She would much rather rough house (which is also fun)and is just so busy she won't sit still....lol.

Again, all the best.

Barry

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

Congrats again Jeff. She is indeed very cute.
Also good to know she looks nothing like Broli. :chuckle

[Thrizzl3]

congrats!!

[bunchi]

congrats Jeff!

[bhrm]

26 hours of labour?

I don't think I could even work for that long. Your wife is a trooper.

congrats on a healthy baby.

[ds2chan]

26 hours of labour?

I don't think I could even work for that long. Your wife is a trooper.

congrats on a healthy baby.

what do you mean?? she got to lie down in bed for 26 hours straight.. =P

lol.. j/k..

already blowing bubbles.. pretty soon she'll be spitting up every which way..

[openuser]

She is sooo cute :) Congratulations!

[cyberscorpi0]

Congratulations Daddy Jeff!

[nicker]

Very Cute Baby Jeff, congrats to you and your wife. Fun times ahead dude, many fun times!

Also cherrish them, as they grow up FAST!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Cardinal Fang]

Nice pictures Jeff! Congrats again. Like most proud fathers I'm sure you can't wait untill she's 40 when she can start dating.

[Go_Habs_Go]

Like most proud fathers I'm sure you can't wait untill she's 40 when she can start dating.

hehehe ain't that the truth!!!!

Congratulations Jeff!!!! :)

[mazdathree]

Congrats on the newly born!

[Greg_di]

congrats Jeff :D

[whiteomega]

Congrats Jeff!

[Jeff-TheBiz]

I am no photographer by any means, but I thought this was my best shot ever.

http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/oo28/LAURENHOLLEY/305.jpg

[cwp_sedan]

Great picture Jeff!! Such little hands. :)

[Bean]

What a beautiful little angel!!!! She is a real doll. I love the picture of you holding her. So much love in your face, it is so precious. The one of her holding your finger is a real masterpiece.

Congratulations once again to you and Mrs Biz. I love Lauren as a name too.


Leslie and Aryelle

[misslyndajean]

congratulations!! :)

[MrJWU]

Congrats Jeff!!!!!!!

[btown-mazda]

Congrats Jeff

[carsnick]

Congrats Jeff

[KenYork]

Also we found depending on the sex of the child, pampers worked better for
boys and Huggies worked better for girls (I think that's the way it worked - its been a few years now withour diapers).

+1 my wife thinks so too

I'm just going over the thread for a friend.

Any new pics?

[Jeff-TheBiz]

http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/oo28/LAURENHOLLEY/DSC00970.jpg

Couple of teeth finally coming in nicely...

http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/oo28/LAURENHOLLEY/DSC00921.jpg

http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/oo28/LAURENHOLLEY/DSC00966.jpg

[Bean]

LOL

Ever the comedian eh? :chuckle

[Fuman]

Slightly resembles Jeff already!

[Krakor]

Hey Jeff! Baby Bizzie already has your teeth!

What a cutie.

Hope she is feeling much better.

:bana2

[Busdriver]

wow congrats man.

[iconicrocket]

Couple of teeth finally coming in nicely...

http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/oo28/LAURENHOLLEY/DSC00921.jpg




LOL, I hope she gets even with you later on in life.