Cellar Scribblings

[Sason]

Something new to hang up in my kitchen.



Two of the guys I've become friends with on the bowling league made me this decorative tray.






I'll be hanging it up on the wall of the kitchen when I get back from Boston this weekend.

What a lovely gift!

[Kelda]

Over hear, Baby Showers are definitely becoming more popular. Was never a thing even 5 years ago but I had a surprise baby shower, and its really an excuse for a get together before the baby comes and to play a few silly party games and eat cakes... no boys allowed though! I did get presents at the shower but these tended to be small mindings.

Over hear people think its bad luck to have prams in the house before the baby is born for some reason.. so my Mum kept Naylan's pram at hers until he was born - she was insistent!

There was a news article recently about the Finnish set up. Kids in Finland sleep in a cardboard box for a few months which is provided by the state -


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22751415


Anyway! Off the baby topic! Hello Chuck.. sorry I've been lax at coming around laterly but now I'm all caught up.. I have just made up some Halloween bags 30 or so) all ready for next Thursday and the kids I expect to arrive at my doorstep! As Suse says, I need to see this grown up mousekeeter costume!

[Penthesilea]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22751415

Anyway! Off the baby topic!

Have to go back to the baby topic for a moment:
What a wonderful thing the baby box is!

From the article:
We now live in Helsinki and have just had our second child, Annika. She did get a free box from the Finnish state. This felt to me like evidence that someone cared, someone wanted our baby to have a good start in life. And now when I visit friends with young children it's nice to see we share some common things. It strengthens that feeling that we are all in this together.


I know such a box can't solve the world's problems, but just imagine all pregnant women in the world getting such a box. Wow. Think of all the teenage moms in the US, often coming from poor backgrounds themselves and with no social net worth the name. Think of really poor countries, developping countries. Such a box can't provide equality of opportunity in the long run, of course. But it can be such a big help and a wonderful symbol at the beginning of a new life.
Imagine all the Christian charities giving out such boxes instead of putting millions in anti-sex and anti-abortion campaigns (keep the bible out of and the condoms in the boxes!). Now that would be real, selfless charity and could prevent abortions maybe as good as all your campaigns.

[Sason]

I learned about the Finnish baby box only recently, about a year ago. Such a great idea!

It started in the 1930s, to decrease infant mortality. Finland was a poor country back then, and the box from
the government provided all babies with a starting kit that would equal out the difference between rich and poor babies' start in life.

Here's a list of the content of the box today (from the article):

Mattress, mattress cover, undersheet, duvet cover, blanket, sleeping bag/quilt
Box itself doubles as a crib
Snowsuit, hat, insulated mittens and booties
Light hooded suit and knitted overalls
Socks and mittens, knitted hat and balaclava
Bodysuits, romper suits and leggings in unisex colours and patterns
Hooded bath towel, nail scissors, hairbrush, toothbrush, bath thermometer, nappy cream, wash cloth
Cloth nappy set and muslin squares
Picture book and teething toy
Bra pads, condoms

Nice present from the government, eh?  

[Katie77]

In Australia, the government gives you $5,000 for your first child and $3,000 for second or more child....it is paid in 13 payments every two weeks ....

[Kelda]

Have to go back to the baby topic for a moment:
What a wonderful thing the baby box is!

From the article:
We now live in Helsinki and have just had our second child, Annika. She did get a free box from the Finnish state. This felt to me like evidence that someone cared, someone wanted our baby to have a good start in life. And now when I visit friends with young children it's nice to see we share some common things. It strengthens that feeling that we are all in this together.


I know such a box can't solve the world's problems, but just imagine all pregnant women in the world getting such a box. Wow. Think of all the teenage moms in the US, often coming from poor backgrounds themselves and with no social net worth the name. Think of really poor countries, developping countries. Such a box can't provide equality of opportunity in the long run, of course. But it can be such a big help and a wonderful symbol at the beginning of a new life.
Imagine all the Christian charities giving out such boxes instead of putting millions in anti-sex and anti-abortion campaigns (keep the bible out of and the condoms in the boxes!). Now that would be real, selfless charity and could prevent abortions maybe as good as all your campaigns.

Its a fab box

[CellarDweller]

Back from Boston, had a great time! 

[CellarDweller]

Received another gift for the apartment, this one for the bathroom. 

A Brokie (my big bro Paul) gave me this for the bathroom.

[Penthesilea]

Received another gift for the apartment, this one for the bathroom. 

A Brokie (my big bro Paul) gave me this for the bathroom.

 
Is it a towel?

You got this from Paul? That's true love. Brokies are best!

[Penthesilea]

Hey Chuckie, I can't see much but black on your avatar. Snatched it from your FB wall and brightened it up.