Great gift ideas for new moms (this is not a hint for Stephen, but if he wanted to buy me something from this list I would be okay with it)

Okay this is a random post, but I've been thinking about the gifts I have loved receiving since Adler's arrival, and figured it couldn't hurt to share my thoughts...especially for those dads-to-be (if that is you, be sure you have a gift in mind for your sweet wife whose body is about to experience all kinds of crazy things you don't want me to explain)

1. Bath and Body Works Anti-bacterial hand soap - this was a great gift because I never realized how much I was going to be washing my hands those first months of Adler's life. In all the craziness, it was nice to have a great smelling/relaxing hand soap. I hate to admit that I can't remember who gave this to me...maybe it was myself? 8 months seem like a long time ago..anyways, on to the next topic...

2. Votivo candles - being at home more than you are used to, it's great to have a fantastic smelling candle to brighten the mood and lift your spirits. KT gave this to me in the "Spring" scent - I will always think of baby Adler when I smell that "Spring" Votivo candle!

3. Bath and Body Works body wash - I had the lemon and coconut scent. This was a great gift from Jaime because I have realized as a new mom, you LOVE your showers! It's your little moment in time to yourself, to not have spit-up on you, and to relax.

4. Breakfast for day after bring home baby day- a great friend of mine, Jamie Clayton, put together a sweet basket of breakfast goodies. Decaf tea (for mom), coffee, jams, honey butter, english muffins, cream cheese, and bagels. She sent her husband over to the house the day we brought home Adler. It was a great treat the next morning for me and Stephen and for all the guests that were at the house. Stocking the kitchen of breakfast food was the last thing I thought of! Thanks Jamie!

5. Powdered Donuts in hospital room - who the heck doesn't like these things? Experienced mom, Misty Fountain, was the life saver on this one. This friend was also thoughtful to bring items like tooth brush and deodorant for a forgetful mom in labor! The donuts were a great snack at all times of the day! Food in general is a great idea. My sister, Rylie, brought a chicken wrap from Jason's Deli - nothing had ever tasted so good!

6. Comfy clothes to wear around house - it was late fall when I had Adler, so when my best friend's mom sent a comfy sweater from the Gap, I was very thankful. I had not bought any non-maternity clothes, so having something new that wasn't a tent or wasn't from last year was a big treat. Thanks Janet!

7. Massage - When Stephen's mom, Raynelle, came for a visit, she took me out for a massage while Stephen kept Adler. This was great time for myself, especially as I was adjusting to picking up and carrying a new born every where I went! A must for every new mom!!

8. A gift certificate for a house cleaning - while I never actually received this gift - I had a great team of cleaners - Raynelle, my mom, and Stephen, but I could imagine if you did not have the help, what a great gift this would be!

9. A great mom to cook all your favorite foods, do you laundry, and maintain your sanity! Thanks so much mom!

10. Special band to wear with my wedding ring - the night before I had Adler, Stephen and I had a great "last date" out. While we were at the Horseradish Grill, Stephen gave me a beautiful "anniversary-type" band to wear with my wedding ring. It was really sweet of him and meant so much that he had taken the time to pick something out special for me. Thanks Stevo, you're the man!