We have one of those curved changing pads on top of a former kitchen island table (perfect height for tall people; current kitchen too small to use it). Never dropped baby #1, even when she got to the way wiggly stage. You can duct tape the pad to the top of the dresser if you're worried about it sliding (though we never did).

Currently the setup I have for baby #2 (11 days to due date!) is the changing table described tucked in a corner of our bedroom, 3 big tupperwares of clothes underneath. He might sleep in our bed, or in the pack n play (currently in Eve's closet), or in the borrowed crib that's currently disassembled in the basement. Eve slept in her stroller for the first few weeks. When it comes to baby stuff, whatever works, you know? (Except, of course, you do need a safe carseat.)

You can duct tape the pad to the top of the dresser if you're worried about it sliding

Or duct tape the kid if he wiggles too much. The boys slept in the stroller often. No, I never duct taped the boys, but wherever they fell asleep they stayed. Let sleeping babies lie.

11 days to due date!

Woo! Bet you're ready. I was mighty warm at that point in the summer.

Conclusion: EVERYONE BACK OFF BEFORE I BITE YOU. Also, how do the already-parental Bitches filter out all the noise from all directions about "I know what you must do and everyone else is WRONG and probably trying to KILL YOUR BABY OMG" before you go feral on someone?

You must pre-empt them with badges. Badges proclaiming sentiments such as "My sprog, my choice", or "If you care that much about it, get one of your own". Or just "LALALALA, I CAN'T HEAR YOU!" When they start up, point to the badge. Maybe print out stickers to slap on their foreheads saying "YOU GOT SERVED".

This is the only good way to forestall unsolicited advice. Anyone who disagrees is probably trying to KILL YOUR BABY.

Thanks Cindy. Borrowed some topical cortisone from friends earlier, but am home now. Have caladryl type stuff. No benedryl. Not completely sure it's poison ivy because it's not all in one spot. Mostly just a blister here and there. One spot between 2 fingers, but otherwise only on my forearms and one knee. It isn't unbearable, just another piece in a crappy weekend.

I lived in West Hollywood. Mostly strip malls and neighborhoods. I think I've blocked out a lot of my childhood, as it's hard to recall things.

JZ-- get what you want. Hec is a great dad and I KNOW you will be an amazing mom. I would trust your choices completely.

Just got back from Macy's where I got two new pairs of summery-but-not-too-casual pants for my business trip. Why did I need new pants, you may ask? Oh, just because I now wear a size 8, she says casually. Size 8!!! I even tried on some sixes which fit.

Oh, just because I now wear a size 8, she says casually.

Wow! Nice going missy. Haven't seen size 8 in 15 years. Again I say Wow.

eta:

I even tried on some sixes which fit.

Now that's just bragging! (Go you!)

Very cool, Robin! I saw a place offering roller skating lessons in Monterey and thought of you.

I like billytea's plan for dealing with unsolicited advice. I think you are within your rights to yell at people who tell you what you must do, JZ. You can always blame the hormones if you want to. Or counter with "OMG, how can you suggets that? ' Raising Babies Safely in an Unsafe World specifically forbids that on page 257!

That doesn't sound good, d, I hope it goes away.

I don't have any specific place that feels like a hometown. Driving through golden hills dotted with oak always feels like going home, though.

"I know what you must do and everyone else is WRONG and probably trying to KILL YOUR BABY OMG"

Some variant of "Thank you". If you're feeling snarky, "Thank you for being concerned." The unspoken "and now please fuck off" is generally understood.

Be warned, though; being in public with a baby leads to floods of unsolicited advice. I once had a total stranger scold me on the Boston T because my girl baby wasn't wearing pink.

I like billytea's plan for dealing with unsolicited advice.

Yay! -t doesn't want to KILL YOUR BABY!

Italia! Woo hoo!

megan, the French outplayed the Italians in the second half. No doubt about it. It was very nerve-wracking. Zidane's actions were troublesome. It's a shame that his career will end on such a sour note.

flea, I've searched my mental filing cabinet and I couldn't find the memo on Casper v.2. Congratulations!

JZ and Hec, I don't think I've ever actually said "Woot!" and "Yippee!" for the impending Zmayhem sprog, so woot and yippee! Do whatever it is you want to do, and let everyone else go to hell. It's your child, not theirs.

Good luck to Nora and the Empress on their first days of new and better jobs.

Hometowns--my parents brought me home from the hospital to the house they still live in, in PA. It's my hometown, but it is not my home. No matter where I live, Italy will always be my home. DC is comfortable, like a favorite pair of shoes, but there's something missing. I couldn't tell you what, though, and I've been in the metro area since '92. DH and I have significant roots here, but my heart is in Italy. DC feels more like a mistress--strong and very favorable emotions--but it's a long-term infatuation, not a deep and abiding love.

The only two places that could rival Italy are NYC and San Francisco, but I doubt I'll ever have the opportunity to call either "home."