We Mamateurs love a good ol’ Top Ten…so this week we’re bringing you the Top Ten Must-Haves for Mommies of Toddlers. (You can check out our Top Ten Toddler Must-Haves here and here.) While Brooke is out test driving minivans (jk…sort of), I’ll get this shindig started with my picks, and then she’ll be back tomorrow with her Top Ten.
Now, on with the show…
1. A cute AND functional diaper bag:
I like the Skip Hop Versa Diaper Bag. Unfortunately, my affinity for bags has transcended to the diaper bag realm as well 
HOWEVER, despite the multitude of diaper bags I own, this is really the only one that gets much use- I can’t function without the (adjustable) cross-body strap (it makes juggling a squirrely toddler and a big bag infinitely easier)…and it cleans easily, holds a TON of stuff, and has uber-accessible pockets. (PSSST! 20% off all Skip Hop items at Ecomom.com with promo code: SkipHop20 [while supplies last]. They also make the Moby spout cover, as mentioned here…and adorable backpacks and lunchboxes.)
2. Stretch pants:
photo credit here
That’s “yoga” pants to all you fancy schmancies out there. Really, all that matters is that they have an elastic waist band and look somewhat presentable in public, beyond going for a walk/jog with the ankle biter. Even when we’re just kicking it at home, between the amount of munchkin chasing, cleaning, and general running-around that I do, I may as well be doing an legit cardio workout. (Burlington mamas: while downtown last weekend, I saw a building permit for a Lululemon store in part of the former Borders building- holllerrr!!!!)
3. I Pad cover:
Not only has this saved my IPad from numerous launches off the couch, but from sippy spills as well. Etsy has tons of “fashionable” options, as do all the major retailers.
4. A trustworthy babysitter:
No value can be placed on this one. A good friend once reminded me that I was a wife before I was a mother = Date nights are important! (and so is a little solo-mommy time every once in a while 
) Having someone that Ben not only feels comfortable with, but loves spending time with, is amazeballs. Of course, our Weenie is more to us than just a babysitter 
5. Artillery of cleaning supplies:
Mine includes an ABUNDANT supply of Magic Erasers (between my dog and Ben, I should really become a spokeswoman for them) and lots of Seventh Gen All-Purpose Cleaner. Just this morning I caught the little Picasso drawing on our dining room walls. While I am happy that we have finally moved beyond eating crayons, the whole drawing pad concept is still a work in progress
6. Indestructible sunglasses:
It’s all fun and games until your nice sunglasses get snapped in half. (Or your dangly earring gets yanked out of your earlobe.) Really, it’s almost a game to see how long it takes the bugger to snag my shades off my face.
7. Copious amounts of alcohol:
Okay, maybe not copious amounts…but dear lord sometimes when it is 6:02 and I’ve had one of those days, 7:00 (i.e. nighty-night time) and my nightly glass of wine can. not. come. soon. enough.
8. Journals:
I am ashamed to admit it, but I still have yet to start a legit baby book for the little guy. I do, however, keep a journal at my bedside where I jot down all of his major milestones, adorable things he does, track his height & weight, etc. I love these May Books customizable (and eco-friendly!) journals. I am also a neurotic list-maker, so these these are truly mommy’s little helper.
9. A good camera/photo storage:
I don’t think a day has gone by since February 15, 2011 that I haven’t taken at least a dozen pics. I’m still waiting on my new upgraded camera (hint, hint! to the hubbs)…instead I just make my sister take all the pics and send them to me With kids that never sit still, shudder speed makes a world of difference.
10. A sense of humor:
Today I was shat on, had my gravy boat chipped, and slipped in overturned dog water (and nearly fell)…and it was a good day! Honestly, you just have to laugh off the little stuff. Your child running into a busy street with oncoming traffic- maybenotsomuch…but I can chuckle away a little shart. (Sidenote: I love reading Parenting, Illustrated with Crappy Pictures- she has such a humorous way of depicting a mom’s every day, even the “dull” ones…check it out!)
So, there’s my Top Ten! Check back tomorrow to see what Brooke comes up with!
-J
mamateurs
I love the copious amounts of alcohol! Too funny!!