Baby monitors. Here is another one of those things where used some bare bones ones and some fancy-schmacy ones, but the best one we've found is somewhere in the middle. Off the top of my head between our house, both sets of grandparents' houses and various hotels, we've used at least 7 different baby monitors that range in price from $19.99 to $250+. The Safety 1st High Definition Digital Monitor (which costs $69) is my favorite by far.
What I love about this monitor is the simplicity. It is a clean and simple in every way. It runs on one clear channel and we have never had an interference issue with it (other monitors, Blackberries, clock radios, cordless phones, wireless networks - nothing!). The nursery console is small (about 2.5" square) and has a great microphone. The battery life is also fantastic. We can often unplug the parent unit during the morning nap and run around until mid-afternoon without having it lose its charge. The belt clip doubles as the stand to keep it upright on your night table. The beauty of the design is that it is so small and so simple that it virtually blends into the background when you're not using it.
Yes, it doesn't have fancy features like temperature, music, light shows, video or intercom, but do you really need them? What you need in a baby monitor is a clear sound of what's going on in the tot(s)'s room without snap-crackle-pop of interference or being tethered to the power cable (because of poor battery life). This one is a winner.
Making sure the kids have good manners is something that has always been important to us as parents. Part of that process is learning how to eat politely in a restaurant. The corner diner has been a great place to practice our table manners in a low pressure setting. For that age when dropping things (read: dishes) is the favorite pastime 
A few years ago when I was pregnant with Tot #1 I spent a lot of time looking at diaper bags. As a new mom you start to look at your diaper bag not only as a piece of baby gear, but quite possibly as a replacement for your everyday handbag (at least for the first year or two). That being said, I've never been a big fan of the luxury diaper bags - Coach, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, etc. You know it is going to get gross and possibly so gross you'll have to throw it away. You also need something that is designed by people who understand how you're really going to use. An experienced mom of two took me aside and said "Listen, there is only one diaper bag you need. The Skip Hop Duo
." She was so right.
I was perusing the bookcase tonight while getting ready to read Tot #1 a bedtime story and remembered one of my favorite books - 
and keeps the attention of even a squirmy toddler.
As a family who travels a lot, we love smart gear that makes traveling easier. Lugging a carseat through the airport for the sake of safety on the airplane is one of those things that we have always done even though it is a royal pain. If you've ever had the joy of carrying a convertible car seat through an airport you know what I'm talking about. The 
How often do you hear someone say "I LOVE my diaper pail!" I really do. If you read the review I posted yesterday, you probably picked up on the fact that the 
is tall (so you don't have to stoop over) with a lid and self seal both controlled by a foot pedal (so you don't have to squish a nasty diaper down) and its inexpensive ($39.99 or less). I also like that the multi-ply bags have an anti-bacterial/odor-blocking capability and that you have the option to tie off a small bag if the tot drops something particularly...fragrant.
. They are (ranked in order of preference):
Its hard to find a good first story book. A book with multiple stories in it, none of which are too long or too verbose or generally annoying. And if it could not involve Disney, Dora, princesses or Thomas we'd be much obliged. We stumbled on 
by Usbourne last summer while we were stocking up on books for Grandma's house and it has become a favorite (we had to buy a copy for our house too). 
Tot #1 has always been very into puzzles so we've seen our fair share. The 
is our very favorite first puzzle. The pieces are very thick (over 1/2") and the jumbo knobs make the pieces easy for little hands to grab and maneuver. The shapes are simple and linear so there are no tricky cut outs to matchup. The shape names and colors are printed on the pieces as well as on the puzzle itself (which makes them virtually self-guiding). As puzzles go, this is about as frustration free as you can get. This makes a nice first birthday present that they can grow into quickly.
With two kids who occasionally get carsick, we've come to value the concept of a removable car seat cover. After trying several, the 
, 
, 
, 
, 
, etc.). They are also available for even less without the characters (6 for $5.99 or less). The material is thin, but they feature a nice relatively thick elastic waistband that helps them stay up and makes it easy to toddlers to dress themselves. Although the smallest size is a 2T/3T, they easily fit a small 2 year old. Target, Walmart and most mid-range department stores should carry them.
, etc.). They are also available in larger multipacks without characters. The fit and material is very similar to Hanes. These also feature the thicker elastic waistband so they stay up all day and are easy for toddlers to navigate. The smallest size is also a 2T/3T, but they also easily fit a small 2 year old. They should be sold in the same places as Hanes. 
