I would say that the most intimidating experience I've had in recent memory was not: asking my then-wife's parents for her hand in marriage; placing the ring on her finger to seal a lifetime of commitment; signing your life away in the form of mortgage loan documents. No, I would say that the most daunting, overwhelming, paralyzing experience I've had was...stepping foot into a BABIES 'R US.

50 foot high ceilings, wall-to-wall shelves stacked with foreign objects, the sound of crying babies and bustling moms who know what they're doing. I was amazed at this underground world that I never knew of, and what is likely a multi-billion $ industry...all for this little one who has know idea or care for any of this stuff. Wasn't Jesus born in a manger? If that's good enough for Him then, hey? Okay fine, I did succumb to the innate parental urge to provide the best, safest (and always interestingly most expensive) products for my baby boy.

I don't claim to be an expert, as many authors and doctors will claim. I can just share about the things that have worked (and not worked) for my kid - and hopefully you can learn from them. I do believe that for the most part, there is no right or wrong...just what works for your baby. I try to gather reasonable amounts of information, and simply make a parental decision. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't - but we learn, and move on and continue to try our best.

Since that first trip to Babies 'R Us, I've had many more. I know where to go, I know what I'm looking for. I am familiar with the brands: Medela, Dr. Brown's, Baby Trend, Graco, etc. etc. I can't say that I don't still feel like a fish out of water, but I can walk the aisles with a sense of purpose and confidence. Don't worry, you will too - just be patient, with your baby, and yourself.