Just call me a thief

I'm stealing my friend Kate at Barefoot Daydreams' idea of starting to conclude the year on an Oprah inspired note "my favorite things." I thought I'd make a little of my own though. 

With so many friends that have just had new babies, are having babies, thinking about having babies, I think I have some valid insights here. How about "My favorite things as a Momma in 2011"?

Here are a couple of my favorite things that we absolutely could not live without this year.

Ready?

Cheyanne's sound machine. Could. Not. Travel. Without. It. When she was born, we used a heartbeat machine to soothe her. Since then, we've evolved into this gem. Where we go, it goes. We've gone from heartbeat to ocean and now to the wind sound. Ahh peace.

These cute little sparklies never fail to get us a little extra attention when we're out and about. Cheyanne's Skechers Twinkle Toes are a little different than these (and way cuter) but I couldn't find an actual picture of them. Not only are they cute and always get compliments, but they work as great tantrum distractions. She is such a girl- just compliment the shoes and suddenly the world's a whole lot brighter.

Our "cadillac" as we lovingly call it. This Graco stroller system rocks. There is really nothing else that can be said. I loved the car seat when she was little (we moved her up to a bigger car seat at 12 months). And the stroller is just the best. 

Don't ask me what it is about this thing that babies love, but my word my little one sure does. The Sophie the giraffe toy was (maybe still is) the hottest toy on amazon for a while. It squeaks with almost every touch. It is soft and squooshy. It can be bit and chewed on in every possible direction. Its a winner.

I know I've mentioned this one before, but it still stands true 12 months later. It This Mud Pie paci holder is much cuter in person than this picture shows. It holds on well to any clothing, keeps it pretty appearance, and is really easy to clean. of course without all that, I was still sold on it because of the monogram. I'm a sucker for all things monogrammed.

I'm also increasingly becoming a sucker for all things smocked. Giant, stop rolling your eyes. She's wearing it- that's final! I have discovered a local smocking shop Shrimp and Grits Kids in Charleston that I am now an avid follower of. Although, per Kate's top favorite things list, there might be some stiff competition.

Santa, can you come back? And when you do, can you bring this in a romper size 24-36months please? And if there was a big red starred hair bow attached, I wouldn't complain either. Thanks.

Two words. Life. Saver. Ok so maybe technically its only one, but the emphasis is necessary here. If you don't have a car dvd player and you are about to have a toddler, invest in one. This has saved many a eardrum on those long car rides.

And lastly, this is for the sake of MomMom's sanity. While there are many different tasty kinds that would do the job, this recently discovered deliciousness called Menage a Trois is a never fail. And no, it does not have to be enjoyed in the company of three (har har), it tastes just as lovely on a lonely night sitting on the couch while husband is away. 

While I'm sure I could make more of this list, I think that's a pretty good gathering of my favorite things in 2011 as a MomMom. Hope this helps a few other MomMoms out there or maybe gets the juices flowing if you've got a baby shower coming up. Need other suggestions? I've got plenty! Enjoy!