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Last year I turned the big 3.0 and got married - I thought that was my milestone year. As it turns out, 2009 quickly overshadowed 2008 when my husband and I found out we were pregnant. I'm going to be experiencing everything for the first time as a woman and an expectant mother which is why I'm calling this my year of firsts. I'm senior editor for Marie Claire South Africa.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Baby registry

It's funny how the wheels have turned. About a year ago I dedicated an entire opinion piece moaning about how cheeky baby registries are. Well, actually, it was about baby showers in general - how people are telling guests what to wear, what to bring and most audaciously, what to buy! Via gift registry nogal! I cringed when I received my first invitation telling me to wear all white and the various items I could purchase from the various expensive boutique stores. She wasn't even a friend of mine - not someone I'd meet for coffee let alone invite over to my house for a bite either.

I remember (with embarrassment) how I would buy acquaintances and office colleagues and friends newborn baby grows or blankets as gifts. I would wander round a kiddies' store and select the cutest thing I could find. something I would buy for my child, without considering the mothers' needs. What a waste. And so here I sit, mother-to-be with cap in hand, having spent two hours with hubby at Baby City on Sunday, making my baby registry official. I know I'm going to be a particular mom. Like I don't like Avent stuff but love Nuk. and the fact that I prefer the smell of Johnson's to Elizabeth Anne is a preference I can't explain... My baby is not going to wear just anything - I've already told you how much I hate polar fleece, the pink and blue combo and anything to do with Winnie the Pooh when it comes to baby stuff! We've already bought a lot of newborn clothes (which they quickly outgrow I've been told) and newborn nappies, so we thought it would be best to include stuff for six months and up - from toys to functional equipment to dummies on the list:
* basic white vest body suits
* bumbo seat
* Nuk bottles
* Sleep sheep (makes a comforting snoring sound to help baby sleep)
* bath towels
* rattle
and more...


I hate to admit it but they were right when they said, 'You'll understand when you become a mother'.

Having said that, my sister Zanele and good friend Karin have organised a secret baby shower for this weekend. I have no idea what it's all about save that it's a destination baby shower. Yay! If my hen party was anythign to go by, it's a going to be another killer day! Plus I get one day off all the packing and moving house which is officially happening on Monday, July 6th. But that's what Hein gets for going to play squash for three hours AND going to watch the rugby on Saturday afternoon when it should have been a dedicated packing day! Nxa!

6 comments:

  1. this picture really is the bestest. you look so naughty, like you are planning something and you are so excited about cause nobody knows! Shweet!

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  2. Well... this photo was actually taken by a stranger and when my dad came home and found out we had posed for strangers, we were in big trouble! I think I was probably excited at the idea of being photographed but knew we would catch kak! Look at Nomzi and Zanele - what a bad example they were setting posing like that!

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  3. Love the photo/invite. So original.

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  4. Now, please let us know which Baby City it is.. or can we go to anyone???? Would like to get you what you want:-)

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  5. Hey Dan! You can go to anyone, ask for Zodwa Kumalo-Valentine's registry - they'll fax the list through from Baby City in Craighall Park and hey presto!
    OR you can go to www.babycity.co.za, click Wish List and then type: zkv under user name and then zodwak under password. Unfortunately, they're technologically challenged so though you can see the registry, you can't purchase online. It's just for ideas!

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  6. great.. the one in Craighall is just around the corner from my office anyway.. thanks for the head ups.

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