What Should We Shoot?

B. and I are planning to register this weekend - finally! Any recommendations on what we have to have?

What Do You Wish You Would Have Done ...

... to prepare for life with a newborn?

I just read a list of things moms wish they would have done before their baby came home from the hospital.

One mom said she wished she bought more nursing bras so she wasn't washing them all the time. Another said she wished she hadn't bought so much newborn clothing. Another suggested learning how to use her breast pump before the baby was born.

So what about you? What would you recommend I do now to prepare for our baby's arrival?

Back to School. Back to School.

I signed up for birthing class Friday. This one is over two evenings, as opposed to the six-evening and all-weekend options I had been looking into. I don't want to skimp on my birthing education, but I don't want to overdo it either. (Yes, I think there is such a thing. I think the less prepared I am for the actual birth, but better I'll do during it.)

Anyway, this class covers signs and stages of labor; OB anesthesia and medications; and relaxation and breathing techniques. Does that about cover it? Should I take a breastfeeding class too?

Seeking Massage Advice

Since the instructor didn't show up for my first water aerobics class, the club gave me a gift certificate for a one-hour prenatal massage. Evidently this is another service they offer in addition to dry cleaning and car washing. (OK, I made the car-washing part up, but I wouldn't be surprised if they would wash my car if I asked. They're cool like that.)

Until about five minutes ago, I was pretty excited about this. The initial intent of this post was to ask when I should use it. I'm feeling pretty awesome right now, so I thought saving it until I was miserable was a good idea, but I wanted some feedback.

Now, after searching the World Wide Web for prenatal massage pictures, I'm starting to wonder if this is for me. Some of those pictures are pretty, um, personal. I can handle regular massages, but now I'm not so sure about the prenatal kind. Thoughts? Comments? Words of Wisdom?

What's the Word on Diapers?

My friend M. told me yesterday that she's heard that once you know you're pregnant, it's a good idea to start stocking up on diapers. The specific suggestion was to buy a pack every time you're at the store (or once a week).

B. and I talked about it and thought it was a darn good idea. Except we have no idea what to buy. Pampers, Huggies, store brand? What size(s)? Should we just go to Costco once a month and buy a box 'o diapers instead?

So, give us some advice. Is this a good idea? How many diapers can we expect to go through in a month? What sizes should we get? Does brand "really" matter?