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 Baby due in February, but what do I REALLY need?

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T O P I C    R E V I E W
FebruaryViolet Posted - Dec 01 2008 : 1:04:33 PM
If you believe everything that these registry stores push on you, I think you'd go broke before the baby even gets here. I am trying very hard to simplify, and streamline the nursery, and our "stuff" for the baby, but I've been criticized by family members because there's "nothing on the registry!".

I'm very thrifty and, between myself, my neighbors, and some very good friends and family members, we have are just about set with the first year's clothing hand me downs (yep, bought thrift clothes for my first child--another complaint I've heard...I don't think it's a bad thing to have hand me downs and used items as long as they're not creepy...why pay $20.00 for a sleeper that's she's going to grow out of in a second anyway?)...

So, what did you absolutely use with your baby? We are starting from scratch, so here is what I have (or have registered for) so far:

**clothes (see above)...lots of onsies, elastic bottom gowns, sleepsacks and sleepers for the first year, plus some outfits here and there.

**cloth diapers (18 from Bum genius--expensive start, but worth it in the longrun)

**bottles, bottle warmer, bottle sterilizer etc...

**receiving blankets, burp cloths, bibs

**portable crib and portable crib bedding (new mattress, sheets, etc...). This crib got great reviews as a permanent crib, and it's perfect for small spaces like our cottage, and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg ($99.00). I've looked into second hand cribs, but they're either equally expensive to new ones, or just in plain bad shape.

**stroller/car seat (our most expensive item on the registry at $250)

**I bought a dresser at a goodwill store for $15.00 which has 3 large drawers and a book case up top. We are repainting it, fixing the handles and voila! A new dresser!

What about a changing table? Why are they so expensive?

Any help you can give is much appreciated....I run the risk of being WAY too practical, so I don't want to miss anything important, but it all seems like such marketing!!!

















25   L A T E S T    R E P L I E S    (Newest First)
MissLiss Posted - Oct 01 2009 : 4:48:40 PM
We never had a changing table either. We got one of those fold in half changing pads that they have at Walmart and that thing is great. We had it in the family room, because that was the easiest place during the day to change her (since her room was upstairs) and when people came over we could just carry it up there or fold it in half and hide it behind the sofa. And we never had any luck with our Diaper Genie - total waste. I think the list you have so far is a good one. The nice thing is that if you are going to breastfeed, the baby really only *NEEDS* you and some diapers. All the rest is just extra. For formula, add bottles and you're good. So don't stress too much and don't buy things you think you might need if you're not sure, because you probably won't ever use it. After a while we figured out that we shouldn't buy something unless it was something we NEEDED, not something someone else told us was a time saver, or it looked really cool while we were at the store. Trust me. People will give you all that junk after the baby is born! And Congrats!

Melissa ~ Farmgirl #724
Use it up, Wear it out, Make it do, Or go without!
melody Posted - Feb 16 2009 : 7:09:37 PM
Do you know if you are having a boy or girl? I collect baby quilts and I may be able to find one for you...as you cannot have enought blankies....or budgies is what my youngest used to call his!



Melody
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22shortie Posted - Feb 16 2009 : 6:12:43 PM
I always found that what I was missing and what I needed the most were the small things like, Diaper cream, nail clippers, socks, baby tylenol, teethers, teathing gel..I was constantly running to the drug store in the middle of the night for something I had forgotten : )
Dont forget about a baby tub too!

Fresh and creative projects popping up on my blog daily! Stop by and check out what I'm up to today!

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Alee Posted - Feb 15 2009 : 5:25:10 PM
The bumbo's are great! Nora had one and they are so fun, but not until they are about 3 months old! They need to have neck control down pat and be working on rolling over and sitting up.

Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
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FebruaryViolet Posted - Feb 15 2009 : 06:34:15 AM
Thanks so much! I did in fact, get a boppy pillow at one of the showers, Dana (it has pea pods on it--cute!) and something called a Bumbo Seat. It's a somewhat study, soft plastic seat that you can sit them in and put them anywhere...they also sell trays so it becomes like a high chair later. Cute and doesn't take up much space at all!

We've been soooo blessed by everyone and their generosity--I am STILL doing laundry from all the little outfits from the thrift, all onesies, sleepers, etc...I like the idea of having a stash so that WHEN she dirties all her stuff, there's always plenty more in the drawer. When it costs .25, who really cares?

I did purchase some bottles (BPA free, of course) but not too many, just to see how they'd work, and I got a mix of Fuzzi Bunz and Bum Genius dipes for when she is about 6-8 weeks, and organic chinese prefolds with covers prior to that.

The nursery is shaping up, and as soon as we get handles for her lovely-dovely vintage chest of drawers (they're on order!), I will post photos. VERY happy little room, that one.

Thank you all for your suggestions...I love Lara's, especially, as we are 4 days from her due date..."a big heart, a large bed, cloth diapers and a sling!! Conrgrats on the new addition! :)"

That sounds about right!

Ingrid Posted - Feb 09 2009 : 2:16:49 PM
There were three things I always had. A rugged stroller, a play pen and a baby sling. Other than that my kids lived in sleepers, onesies, hats, and blankets to keep them warm. As long as babies are dry, warm and cozy it doesn't matter. Instead of a diaper bag I used a backpack, hands free carrying and doesn't have bunnies on it. When they started to walk and we were outside they had a one piece rainsuit. Looks like sleeper without feet but was water resitent and lined with a fleec. They could crawl, walk, tumble and stayed warm.

Give thanks to yourself everyday for all the wonderful things you do!
MissDana Posted - Feb 06 2009 : 12:58:44 PM
Hey girl! One thing I haven't seen mentioned is a Boppy. It is like having a cloth pillow innertube that goes around your waist. I tried to get pillows to prop my elbows on as I nursed or fed my girls or the babies themselves and finally a friend brought me a Boppy and it was wonderful! And once the girls were able to situp on the floor, the boppy acted like a chair back. It even went to spend the night parties later as a floor pillow and snugglie. Highly recommend them! Ask Eva, it's still on a shelf in a bedroom here!

Proud Farmgirl Sister # 267
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Especially For You Posted - Feb 06 2009 : 12:25:11 PM
First of all congratulations on our coming bundle of joy!!! I talked to my daught she has a 3yr old and a 17month old. So she would know more than I would so this is what she told me. The things you have listed are all the things that she would get. But the thing that she used and is still using for both her children (of cource not at the same time) is a mya wrap ( baby sling ) it was great for the new borns to be close to Moms heart where they were for 9 months. and can be adjusted very easily to grow with the child. She even puts her 3yr old on her back with it when she is pushing the little on in the stroller. I dosne't have to be a mya wrap that is a brand name. Good luck a God bless your family.

Tina~Farm Girl #455
lara916 Posted - Feb 06 2009 : 10:21:31 AM
a big heart, a large bed, cloth diapers and a sling!! Conrgrats on the new addition! :)



Lara #327

"Boots" Becker Homestead Farmgirls
damselfly Posted - Jan 04 2009 : 08:28:11 AM
I just wanted to tell you that I love the way you aren't getting sucked into the commercial push that makes people feel obligated to go out and purchase everything new. Before my first baby was born, I went to Goodwill and purchased a few flannel night gowns. I took them home, washed them well, cut them up, and sewed them (by hand because I didn't have a sewing matching)into little baby gowns and bonnets. After she was born, we set our little kitchen table up as a changing table. We bathed her in the kitchen sink.

I do have a suggestion or two. :0)
I see that you have bottles on your list but if you plan to nurse at all, which I HIGHLY recommend, contact a La Leche League support group in your area. It seems like nursing, as a natural process, would develop without any problems but difficulties do arise. These ladies are pros at helping you work through any nursing problems. Keep their number handy or better yet visit their group before the baby gets here.
Also, the "attachment parenting" philosophy presented by William Sears has served us well through the years. Definitely worth exploring.
All in all, I think the most important thing I ever invested in was the time I spent holding her next to me.
Best wishes to you and your little one.
-damselfly


One more thing I just remembered, a rocker recliner can get you through the worst nights of those first few months. I bought mine used for forty dollars. One of my babies had colic constantly and some nights the only way I could get her to sleep was to rock her with the bathroom door open and the shower running. The sound soothed her and eventually both of us would get some sleep. This trick worked beautifully with the other two as well but by then (thank goodness)I had one of those little "sound spas" by Homedics.

Every day you have less reason not to give yourself away. -Wendell Berry
babysmama Posted - Jan 01 2009 : 06:26:38 AM
I tried to read through the posts not to repeat anything but here is my list after three babies in the past five years.
I never used my changing table to change a diaper. It just held items that a shelf could have done just as well and it took up space. I change the kids on the floor or bed. Never used a crib or bassinet as the babies slept with us until about a year of age when I put them in a toddler bed with rails.
I don't know if you plan on breastfeeding or bottle feeding or a combination of both. Breastfeeding pretty much only requires nursing bras, nursing pads (there will be some leaking the first month or two!), and some soothing ointment for the first week or so. Bottle feeding will require formula and bottles but you don't want to stock up too much ahead of time because the baby could be allergic to a certain kind of formula (so you don't want to have ten cans sitting there when you find out you have to use another brand!) and each baby likes a certain kind of bottle so you will have to try out different ones. I nursed all three (still nursing the 7 month old of course) and never used a bottle or formula. I, personally, find it much cheaper (free!) and easier since there are no bottles to wash, nothing to mix or heat up, and no waiting for it to be ready.
Diapers. The 18 cloth diapers you have on hand should be enough...after month one or so. Newborn babies poo and pee A LOT! I felt like I was changing the kids every hour or two. I would recommend have a package or two of newborn disposable diapers on hand. Sorry, but in the first few weeks of getting into a routine, missing sleep, and being plum tuckered out I didn't even want to think about cloth diapers. Once they reach a month or two old they don't need their diapers changed as often and that is when I switch over to cloth. You could use a combination of cloth and disposables for that first month too.
Clothing. We use all second hand clothes too. I did the thrift and garage sale shopping and there is no point in buying a $20 outfit when you can get it for 50 cents and they grow so quick that first year that you really have to get a whole new wardrobe every few months so no use in wasting money on new things. Plus, with breastfed babies they sometimes have total diaper blowouts and that can really stain an outfit to the point of it needing to be thrown away. And sleepers and gowns and onesies and socks are all you really need for the first several months. I love gowns for the middle of the night diaper changes...easy access!
A baby swing for when the baby is a couple months old. That is a lifesaver for me as I can actually put the baby in there and keep him happy for a while in order to get something done! I found one that doesn't run on batteries but winds up at a garage sale for $5. Much better then running out of batteries! Baby monitor is nice...I have one and use it sometimes but a lot of times Joe will fall asleep in the swing or somewhere downstairs where I don't need the monitor.
That is really all you need. No fancy things, just the basics. Any mother will tell you that they have a heap of stuff for their first child and any children after that only have the basics because we realize we don't need or want all that stuff that the first baby had.
-Elizabeth
MsCwick Posted - Dec 22 2008 : 09:18:29 AM
I emailed you!
Lanna Posted - Dec 17 2008 : 12:53:21 PM
quote:
Originally posted by ivmeer
The big money wasters are those matched bedding sets ($150 for baby bedding? you've gotta be kidding me) and the matched furniture sets. Nobody's kid ever went through therapy because their dresser and their rocking chair were different wood finishes.

Heehee, ain't that the truth! Besides which, you're technically not even supposed to use anything besides the fitted sheet when the babe's tiny, then the bumper becomes a stepstool for the kiddo to leap out and on and on.


Oh, I forgot the frozen meals. I did that after #2 and #3. And now every time a friend of mine is having a baby, I go and drop off a goody bag of stuff. Like homemade/canned applesauce, green beans, spaghetti sauce, soups, etc. And a batch or two of either baked, frozen cookies or cookie dough to be cooked when the craving hits. Last friend I did that for, her boy is 11mo, and she still raves about it.

If you're curious about the random to-do and getting ready things I did with my last kiddos, let me know and I'll put up a link to my blog. I documented most of my insanity.

*****************
Lanna, mama to three little monkeys
ivmeer Posted - Dec 17 2008 : 10:09:10 AM
I ended up deciding to get a changing table eventually, and we went with Craigslist and got one for $20. See what you think is convenient and don't bother getting anything until you need it (except obvious stuff like clothes and car seat). BTW, I found that the "break" in the price/quality continuum for cribs was around $300. Below that, they went up in quality in pretty even correlation to price. Above that, you were just paying for designer names, etc. We got a $300 crib and it's one of the most beautiful, sturdy pieces of furniture we own. It doens't wobble at all.

The big money wasters are those matched bedding sets ($150 for baby bedding? you've gotta be kidding me) and the matched furniture sets. Nobody's kid ever went through therapy because their dresser and their rocking chair were different wood finishes.
FebruaryViolet Posted - Dec 15 2008 : 07:56:08 AM
Hi Mel! Oh yes! I've registered for one of those snuggle me's from JJ Cole. I thought they were the most wonderful things because they take the place of a cumbersome coat, and the babes look so dear in them--almost like a cocoon!

I have also done some of the cooked meals...I plan on doing more after Christmas. My plan got "pushed" a little by other house issues that we took care of in November, and also, my appetite has been so minimal that food just hasn't really sounded all that wonderful...so hopefully after Christmas, I will feel much more like cooking up a storm. I do have some soups, chili and chicken pot pie filling up there, so that's a start.

I can't wait to see a perfect little photo of Oliver!!!
mellaisbella Posted - Dec 14 2008 : 08:43:31 AM
hello February Violet....one thing (I don't think I saw it mentioned) is a blanket type thing that fits into the car seat. Almost like a fuzzy sleeping bag with holes in the back so that all of the straps can pull through it and you can strap them in the car seat and then zip up the bag. If I am just going from the car to the store, in and ourt quick, I don't even bother to put a heavy coat on Oliver as the "bag" zips up quite high and keeps him toasty warm, and it's cold here on the East coast of Canada:)
and I recomend having some meals cooked ahead and your cupboards stocked with easy things to eat as some days baby fusses quite a bit and putting meal together is very hard.
Big hugs to you and you are in my thoughts :)

"learn to watch snails" SARK
knittingmom Posted - Dec 11 2008 : 08:53:08 AM
A baby sling is a must (looks like Lanna suggested one the ring pouch sling), this was the best investment I made. Way more comfortable than those snuggli front pack things. I bought one for our middle son 6 years ago. I used it into his toddlerhood and now am using it for our daughter. Mine is a Heart to Heart, just google their website, they're a Canadian company but you can get an idea of what the product looks like and check in your local baby store.

I wouldn't bother with a change table. Is the dresser low enough that you could use the top of that? Just an idea put the book case part on later.

Nursing pads, if you sew you could get some plain flannel, make 3-4 inch circles, about 4 layers and sew this together, I found those were more comfortable than the paper disposable ones. Make a few sets so you can throw the used ones in the wash.

Looks like your list is pretty accurate though.

All the best.




"There is no foot so small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world"
SheilaC Posted - Dec 10 2008 : 07:21:51 AM
I didn't see anyone mention nursing pads. . .something you might not think about now, but when your milk comes in look out!! I'd suggest some nice cloth ones, more comfy, fitting, and quieter :) than plastic!! Oh, and lansinoh or other lanolin product for if you need it when starting nursing.
Lanna Posted - Dec 08 2008 : 11:33:55 PM
Okay, the only things you need for your baby?
Something for baby to eat, someplace for baby to sleep, and something for baby to wear.
It can be as easy as breastfeeding, co-sleeping, thrift-store or hand-me-down sleepers, and cloth diapers. Oh, and a good carseat if you travel by car. By law some states require children in carseats or boosters of some sort to 7-10yo (Idaho is 8yo if I remember right).

Things like a Bumbo seat or Jumperoo and all that can be fun, but aren't completely necessary.

Anyway, on to your list.
Make sure the clothes allow easy diaper access. Or easy bottom access if you plan to EC (elimination communication or natural infant hygiene).

Bottles. Are you set on formula feeding? I hear formula's expensive. And I'm lazy. I breastfeed for quite a while (27mo with my oldest, 25mo with my middle, my 5.5mo is of course still nursing). But don't stock up on bottles quite yet - your baby may detest the one you absolutely love and prefer the one you just can't find to save your life. Kids. There are glass bottles available now, too. Check Toys R Us or Reusablebags.com. Oh, and a good pump since I just saw you're thinking of bf'ing. I've heard good things about the Medela Pump In Style for 6 years, and I have a 5yo Ameda Purely Yours that has been with me through thick and thin and still keep going. And bf'ing can be difficult at first, especially with your first kiddo (btdt). Determination and support can make a huge difference, along with a good nipple cream (my favorite by far is Earth Mama Angel Baby Nipple cream - it helped calm my poor nipples when I was 5mo pregnant and still nursing my middle kiddo). You can also register for milk storage bags. Those definitely come in handy - just freeze them as flat bricks because then it's easier to thaw them when the time comes.

Receiving blankets. The ones they sell in the store are awful, especially for swaddling. They're just so small (29"x29" or 30"x30"). If you can sew, whip up a few of your own. I will say the Miracle Blanket is awesome if you have a kiddo that likes being swaddled. But I managed to get one for free from a friend this time around. :)

Diapers. You may want to have more on hand. Sometimes the bG don't fit perfectly, sometimes your babe will go through a pooping spree, etc. I have some bG of previous generations (1.0 and 2.0 and some in between), and I just haven't been impressed with them. No way would they hold up for more than a year or so without major repairs (which I have had to do with my mom's help - replacing all the waist and leg elastic, the front aplix tabs, the back laundry tabs - all that repair time adds up). So just beware. It is nice being able to throw 3 of those in the diaper bag to use on either my 2.5yo or 5.5mo though. :) I also found the Mother-Ease diapers didn't have near enough absorbency for my firehose boys. And my little girl has lived up to that firehose-like tradition as well. Hemp and cotton are my friends. That's why there's so many diapers out there - so many different shaped kids with different wetting patterns.

Burp cloths. What about some cotton prefolds (a cloth diaper) instead? Much more multipurpose. You can use them as backup diapers (my kids are serious outputters, and could use up to 22 diapers in a day in those early days), you can sleep on them if you breastfeed to catch the milk you may leak, as changing pad covers, pretty much anything.

Portable crib. What about a pack-n-play if you do some traveling? My middle kid hated our (hand-me-down 29yo) crib with a passion, and only slept in the p'n'p we have. They're easier to travel with than a portable crib, unless you regularly drive a truck.

Stroller. Some people swear by them, some don't. With my firstborn, if I'd been well versed in baby carriers past the standard Baby Bjorn from Target, we wouldn't have needed a stroller. I have several baby carriers like a pouch sling (a Hotsling knockoff), a few BabyHawk mei tais, a ring pouch sling, and an adjusable Maya pouch. The BH MT's are by far my most favorite. I was even huckleberry picking with my then 3-week-old this summer with her on my back in one with my older kids swarming around me. Also keep in mind how big or small the stroller folds up. We had a Subaru Impreza for our last car, and the trunk room left something to be desired, so those giant Graco things wouldn't fly for us. Of course if you don't need to cart a stroller around, that's not so much a problem.

Don't bother with a changing table. If anything, just get a low dresser. I have the dressers and crib my parents bought for *my* nursery all those years ago, and the low dresser is the perfect height for us to throw a changing pad on it. It's been in service for 5 years solid, and when we're done with diapers, viola, just a dresser for a kid! No outdated furniture or anything.

If need be, I could go dig up photos of the kids in carriers and their dresser/diaper setup in the kids' room later. :)

Lanna, mama to three little monkeys
therusticcottage Posted - Dec 08 2008 : 10:24:32 AM
I loved my changing table! I had one with both of my girls and used them all the time. However I did buy used. But I agree that it is not a necessity. Lots of diapers, diaper covers/plastic pants, onsies, booties, one piece sleepers, nightgowns, and socks/booties. It's been a long time since I've had a baby so I'm not sure what the popular stuff is now.



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The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com

PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100
FebruaryViolet Posted - Dec 08 2008 : 07:01:46 AM
Thanks sooo much, Dawn!
How nice, that you too, had a February baby. I like the idea of snuggling up on those cold days, just watching the birds and being with the little one.

I'll look into the Motherease dipes...I'm still "thinking" on many things, but so far, we've settled on the basics:
onsies and sleepers (and sleep sacks) and a bunting
sling
monitor
receiving blankets
socks

And thanks for that mention about the bottles/breastfeeding. I did get a sterilizer and some storage bottles etc. beccause I wasn't really sure what I'd need. My mom didn't breastfeed me (it was the 70's, and Dr. Spock said, "No"), I will have to go back to work, and I want my husband to be able to participate in feeding times, so I thought it would be prudent to pump. It's important to him as well. We're trading off late nights :)

I took the changing table and pad off my registry based on everyone's opinion, and my mom's, to boot. It really seems like something that takes up space, which we also don't need :)

Thanks again, ladies...and such lovely advice, Beverly. I really appreciate your words.
4forMe Posted - Dec 08 2008 : 06:32:10 AM
I had a February baby.....oooh I loved those long winter afternoons just snuggling with him and at the time my toddler and preschooler, we would pile up on the couch or my bed and read story book after story book until all of us fell asleep. Sometimes I wish I could go back to those days, just for a few hours.

Anyway, I was going to say that you only really NEED, diapers (good for you for using cloth, I loved motherease cloth diapers), carseat, onesies and sleepers, plus a baby sack and hat for going out if you absolutely have to, sling, baby monitor, receiving blankets, socks (plenty the washer eats these), burp clothes, and a bassinet/bassinet sheets. My babies slept in the bassinet next to my bed until 4-6 months old easily, except the one who was born at 10 pounds, he was out of the bassinet earlier but then he slept with us. If you breastfeed, you don't need bottles to sterilize, the milk is there and the perfect temperature at all times.

My changing table that someone gave me at a shower, ended up being extra shelves to put things on, we never used it to change the baby....I always just changed the baby on the floor or on my bed.



Sewing, knitting, gardening mom of 4.
Beverley Posted - Dec 06 2008 : 9:38:12 PM
My youngest is going to be 27 this month so my most important advice to you is let the cleaning and other stuff go and truely enjoy them when they are little because you will turn around and then will be grown. Truely just take the time to sit and hold them, read to them and just sit and stare at them to really enjoy every minute you have with them. Life just seems to fly when you have little ones cause there is always something to do but make sure you take the time to relax and enjoy them. everything else will fall into place. and it seems like you have all the things you need . Every child is a blessing and should always be treated as such.

Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat a dog....Charles F. Doran
beverley baggett Beverley with an extra E...
http://bevsdoggies.googlepages.com/
FebruaryViolet Posted - Dec 04 2008 : 07:23:10 AM
Well, we've been thinking about that...and hold on to your hat, Kris, 4 dogs and 3 cats. For some reason, I'm more worried about the cats....we have 2 tom's, who have lived inside since they were tiny, but were feral prior, and a female who'd rather BE outside.

Our dogs are very used to baby gates, and they have been crate trained, but no longer use them. They do have their specific spots within the household, that we maintain. Our dogs are bigger...115 lb. German Shepherd, a 65 lb. pit/English Setter mix, a 60 lb. lab/collie mix, and then a small, Kentucky field beagle (35 lbs.) They do rule the roost...

I've been playing cd's of baby's crying, just to kindof get them used to the sounds. The most they do is run in and cock their heads all funny. I have read that you should never NOT let them near the baby when first bringing baby home--but not to let them kiss, lick, etc...My gut feeling is that the lab mix will be terrified of her, so we're working on socializing him more with children.

kristin sherrill Posted - Dec 04 2008 : 07:13:55 AM
How many dogs? Are you dog proofing? Or getting them used to a new little person in the house? Sometimes they can be a bit jealous.

When I was pregnant with our first, we had a cat. He was THE cat. He slept with us and he was all over the house. When Heather was born that cat took off. Never saw him again. I sure missed him, too. I just had no idea at the time how much impact babies make on animals, esp, house dogs and cats. Had I known, I would have been more prepared.

Just a thought! Kris

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