Babycam

Yes, Nathan has his own webcam.

The idea was originally conceived because we didn't want to have to spend money for a baby monitor.  Baby monitors are very simple devices that are ridiculously overpriced.  And if you want video, the quality is crap.  I looked at getting a dedicated network camera, something that would sit on its own, and there are some very nice options out there, but it's hard to get something good for under $100.  Better than a baby monitor--for the same price--but still needlessly expensive.  Especially when I have an old webcam, old microphone, and old laptop at home.

Then Bes, Nathan's second cousin twice removed, bought us a fantastic basinette on wheels.  The result: I don't need a baby monitor at all because I can just wheel the basinette into any room in the house.  We've conditioned Nathan to ignore loud music and noise so he can sleep peacefully right next to my computer while I slay evil aliens (occaisionally).  So why set it up at all?  Three reasons.

(1) He's going to outgrow the basinette soon.  It's big and sturdy, but once he begins to turn over it won't be big or sturdy enough for him any more.  We've got a couple months but I may as well get prepared now.  Once he's in a crib, we'll want a baby monitor.

(2) We're moving.  Not sure where yet, although we did put in an application for a GORGEOUS apartment in the Sunset.  Keep your fingers crossed.  Anyway this new apartment is about twice the size of our current place.  Especially if he's in the crib and I'm in another room, we'll need a baby monitor.

(3) Yelena misses him.  I get to stay home with him every day, but she has to drag her butt to UCSF and work on her research project (looks like she's going to get published - again).  She finds it hard to leave the house every morning because she knows she's going to miss Nathan while she's at work.  Now she can see him whenever she wants.  It even has a microphone so she can hear him coo.  (Yes, he does that now.)

A side benefit is now you can watch him too.  I've set up a new page on my website that will help you keep track of all the latest baby goodness: Koplowicz.com/Nathan.  And because you're lazy, here's a direct link to the babycam:

Ask me for the password.