Over the Edge!

During the first trimester, and into the beginning of the second trimester I made it a point to not read a lot about all things pregnancy or baby.  I read my little weekly update on "thebump," I took my prenatal almost daily, and I've avoided uncooked sushi, alcohol, unpasteurized cheeses, and almost all caffeine.  Hubs was a little amused/ confused by my lack of spastic research and reading.  I basically explained that I just wanted to know what I needed to know and the rest I couldn't really control.  Anyway, I already eat pretty stinkin' well, and I already (almost exclusively) use organic/ all natural/ plant based cosmetics and household cleaners, so I felt like I was already doing what I needed.  Then came finding out the sex ...

Since finding out that we are having a boy I have gone a little crazy in two ways:
1. Baby's Name!  This deserves a whole post, so I'll cover it later.

2. Registering.
I like products that are naturally derived.  I like companies that are good stewards of the earth.  Do I think my child will get cancer if I don't get organic everything? Absolutely not.  My personal challenges are:

- Marketing.
It's hard to see what is really a "green" product, and what is just "green" marketing.  A toy made of recycled material, might not be non-toxic.  "Organic cotton" might mean only a small percentage of the product, and doesn't usually include filling/padding.  "With organic tea tree oil," doesn't mean they took out chemicals.  A company may use waterless urinals, wind energy, and recycle everything at their office, but still use MDF in their product (or the opposite: have really green products but not practices).  It's a sea of confusing mess that can drive you crazy.  And the obnoxious thing is that there are so many certifications that you can get that there is no way to keep track of what certification means what!  Plus certifications generally mean that you will pay more, even if the two items meet the same standards.

- Price.
I feel a little selfish and snobby registering for more expensive products.  Then I feel conflicted because some of the items I will register for will certainly not be organic, which makes me feel like a bit of a hypocrite.  I don't expect people to pay more on a gift, I just expect to get less.  I actually don't expect anything.  Obviously there is no way we can afford to clothe our child in all organic cotton, so I ask myself, "if this wasn't a registry, would this be the best use of MY money."  The thing is, there are things on my registry that I can't afford and don't absolutely need.  It's quite a conundrum for me.

-Green doesn't = more practical or more effective.
Sometimes I'm suckered in by the novelty of interesting design that many green and euro products have.  This pitfall I try to avoid with only adding items that are throughly reviewed by buyers.

At the end of the day I guess I just have to have a little trust, and make the best decision I can with the information that I have.  I think any decision you can make that is healthier for you, your child, and our plant are a positive thing.  It doesn't have to be all or nothing.

If you know any mom's to be looking for cool and responsible companies, I've fallen in love with ...

giggle

wish they had one of these in Houston

&

baby earth

glad this is in Round Rock, TX (near Austin) but still wish it were in Houston

Both of these companies have plenty of items that are not organic or eco-friendly, but since I'm such a fan of their mission statements I have a lot more trust in what they sell.

So far I've done most of my registering online, but the one thing that I can't settle on without seeing is a diaper bag.  Anyone have any recommendations?

Random mile stone this week:

Hubs felt the baby kick on Thursday night!