From the moment I convinced myself that I wasn't imagining the second line on the pregnancy test, I began counting down to twenty weeks, that magical number where most obstetricians perform the thorough ultrasound that so often results in determining of the baby's gender. The big day finally arrived and, already with an inkling that ours would be a little blue bundle, we watched with baited breath as the sonographer examined each part of our unborn child - that is, except for the parts that we were so eager to see, which our baby stubbornly kept hidden from view. We were relieved to know that (he? she?) was perfectly healthy and growing normally, but a part of me couldn't help being sad at (his? her?) lack of cooperation.

For ten more weeks I continued stocking the nursery in essential baby supplies, including t-shirts, onesies, and sleepers, in gender-neutral shades of white, yellow and green, until I was SO SICK of yellow and green that I could happily barf. And then at thirty weeks, due to insurance changes, I was forced to switch obstetricians - and joy of joys, the new one wanted to do his own ultrasound! This time, I drank a huge, icy cold Coke on the way to his office - I would learn my baby's gender or wet myself trying.

Once again we watched carefully, trying our best to pick out which lumps were arms and which were legs and which very large lump might be the baby's head. Finally the sonographer moved the wand into position and (although cautioning us that she was not allowed to state with absolute certainty) told us that the parts appearing on the screen were very much GIRL.

~* TIME TO GO SHOPPING!! *~
That very evening, I procured what would be the first of many, many very pink, very girly sleepers to come. I admit, I'm a bit hung up on labels when it comes to baby clothes - me, I'll wear anything that fits comfortably, but I'm a sucker for anything tiny bearing the Carter's label. Between my own shopping ventures and word of mouth prior to baby showers, I ended up with quite a few Carter's onesies, outfits, and sleepers in gender appropriate pink before our daughter arrived - including the Carter's Starters Raspberry Bunny Terry Sleeper.

It's a good thing this became a favorite as I was actually given two of the same sleeper - one in size 0-3 months and another in size 3-6 months. (Carter's Starters sleepers are also available in sizes 6-9 months and 9-12 months.)

This footed sleeper is a candy pink color with darker pink stitching around the folded collar. It is fastened via snaps running from top to bottom, running down each leg to keep the sleeper closed securely from drafts. On the left side of the sleeper is a fuzzy white bunny, slightly raised and crafted of a soft brushed felt material and trimmed in the same dark pink thread as the collar - he is sitting, and his nose, insides of his ears and the adorable pads of his feet were created with dark pink embroidery. The bunny is holding a pink flower which is even slightly more raised and features intricate swirled stitching.

The sleeper itself is made of 85% cotton and 15% polyester (exclusive of decoration), resulting in a cuddly soft terrycloth-like feel. It's an exceptionally snuggly sleeper even without a warm baby inside - and even better when wrapped around your own sweet cuddle bunny. During the first three months of my daughter's life, she spent a lot of time in this sleeper, and similar styles by Carter's. Having outgrown the smallest sizes just as the winter passed, she hasn't gotten as much wear out of the larger sizes - but on nights when Daddy bumps the air conditioning up a bit too much, she's still warm and snuggly (and adorable) as she was as a newborn in her pink bunny sleeper.

~* Wear and Tear *~
It is suggested that this garment be washed prior to the first wearing; it may be machine washed in warm water, using only non-chlorine bleach when needed. Tumble dry on a medium setting.

My baby girl practically lived in her Raspberry Bunny Terry Sleeper for her first few months of life - it was among the warmest she owned and certainly the pinkest (is that a word?) Mothers of little girls will surely understand how important it is to dress your daughter in pink during those early months when all babies look essentially the same - and even in pink ruffles and bows, she'll surely be referred to as "he" at some point. This, of course, meant many washings following many droolings and spitting-up-ons. Our sleeper never faded, never shrank (although I'd rather it have shrank than have had her outgrow it so quickly) and exhibited only minimum visible wear at all - a bit of pilling after many washes, typical of this type of material, is the only hint that the sleeper had been worn at all. Rather than becoming stiff and brittle as cheap terrycloth is prone to do, it only became softer with each wearing - and I wish that it would fit her forever.

~* Go Carter's! *~
Carter's infant clothes and accessories are available in Carter's retail stores nationwide, as well as Belk, JC Penney, Kohl's and Babies R Us stores. For a list of retailers near you, visit the Carter's company website. Carter's offers a wide variety of sleepwear, playclothes and accessories in newborn through toddler sizes, as well as a selection of nursery bedding and coordinates.

~* Contact Information *~
For more information on the Carter's line of clothing and nursery coordinates, visit them online at www.carters.com or call 1-888-782-9548.

~* Also By Carter's *~
Carter's/John Lennon Real Love Nursery Bedding
Carter's/John Lennon Real Love Musical Mobile
Just One Year Snap Front Creeper

Recommended: Yes