A2 Thanks. I am really happy with the bathrooms. The double vanity is about 90". It is separated into five banks--hamper (darks), sink cabinet, middle 4-drawer stack, sink cabinet, hamper (lights). There is a tower on each side of the vanity that lines up with the outermost banks. The bottom part of the cabinet that opens with its own door has outlets for hair dryer, shaver, clock. That was a big quality of life improvement since I use the hair dryer every day and didn't want it on the counter. You didn't ask but the open shower is a dream. As is the open tub/shower in the other bath. No glass to clean other than the sliver above the pony wall in the master. It doesn't get cold We did the wall-mounted faucet in the girls' bath. It was a fun change but it is challenging because you have to figure out the height early in the process when they are doing the roughing in.

I guess I'm the odd-ball here...I HATE THE BATH SEAT!! UGH...It didn't always stick to the tub right, and Timberly kept tipping it over(she's 9 months now)...of course I always had a hand on her, but it still gave me mini-heart-attacks! I decided to just put a rubber bath-mat in the tub and let her sit. At first she wanted to crawl, and then she wanted to pull up, but a quick "no," and "we're finished" solved that problem! I don't know that it's easier on my back, but it's a little easier on my ol' ticker if you know what I mean! :) I have gotten in the tub with her a few times, but the water's too cold for my taste!

Which after-bath activities really need to be done at that time and cannot be done at other times? Minimize the activities, or 'procedures' done to her. At her age, any stimulation at all is 'work' and will take effort (even if it's more or less passive on her part because her little systems are all still wiring up and all). Those things that you do do, try to do them gently but quickly/efficiently. (Setting out clothes and things beforehand might help with the after situation.) Hairbrushing, or gentle head brushing can sometimes work like a massage. Do it gently of course, but the key if this works is to do it in predictable repeated strokes. The same direction, the same gentle pace... maybe with a song or in time to some CD music. Basically, the rhythm and predictability of it sometimes is really soothing for babies (and it can help the person doing the calming too). Repeat at least 3 strokes in the same area before moving on (devote some time to this). You already do the songs (that would be another hint). Minimal dressing where possible can help you both. The dressing tips are mainly that you are the expert at predicting how your baby will move. You'll only get better and better with practice at dressing her and at knowing what kinds of designs for clothing will work for her (and you as her dresser). change can feel upsetting, unpredictability can feel upsetting, and generally only having crying as a way to express that can result in some crying even when there is a lot of soothing going on (give you both pep talks too in your songs and things)

Yeah, it's a toughie because baths alone cause dry skin from soaking in the water. I use Aveeno lotion after showering (I rarely take baths), or vitamin E oil if I'm really dry. I've also heard what works well is to use the baby oil after you get out of the bath but while you are still wet, let it soak in for a few minutes, then towel off. You will probably oil up your towels but you could have specific towels you use for when you use the oil. Less dangerous too than slipping around in the tub. This is completely unrelated but your post reminds me of a few summers ago when we had a heat wave and I had a bunch of friends over for a BBQ. We wanted to make a make shift slip-and-slide so I found a giant piece of plastic in the garage that we laid out on the lawn and hosed it down. Well, we weren't on a hill and it just wasn't slippery at all so we squirted baby oil all over ourselves and the plastic sheet and then went for it. Still wasn't slippery enough but we still had a good time. Still makes me laugh to picture a bunch of adults in swimsuits covered in baby oil and trying to fling themselves down a giant piece of plastic in my back yard. :)