I can remember my husband asking me once if I might want an iPod Touch.  I said no because I didn’t think I’d use it.  After all, I work at home, and I have my computer.  A year or two later, however, I got an iPod Touch through a rebate when my husband bought his laptop.  Now I can’t imagine life without it.  It’s a great tool and such an awesome little device.  If you have one, you’ll know what I mean.

It’s so convenient to check the weather each morning.  I never powered up my laptop just to check the weather, and now I really need to know it so that I can dress the little ones accordingly.  The calendar is invaluable.  It syncs with my computer calendar and makes life a little easier, especially as I’m getting busy with all these play dates for the three-year-old.  My favorite part of the iPod, however, are the photo albums that I can download and show to anyone who might want to see them (so far, just me and my son...but hey, it’s still fun).

Little did I know that when I had Ben, this iPod would become Mama’s best friend.  The only reason I can keep up with my e-mail is because of this iPod.  I check it when I’m nursing.  Sometimes I read blogs too, although that’s getting harder now that my baby is becoming more feisty and wiggly.  Leaving comments is hard too.

The only time I have to get on my computer is that hour after the boys have gone to bed, and I reserve that time mostly for writing my newspaper column, if I’m not too tired.  So having the iPod to use while nursing or getting Ben to sleep helps me “keep up.”

If I’m not too tired, I can read the New York Times or listen to a podcast or even watch a video, but yeah, I’m usually too tired for that.  But it’s nice to know I can.  When I’m in the car, I can hook it up to my radio and play songs from my iTunes library.  There are so many things that I can do with this device, it’s a good thing that I don’t have the time to do it all!

I can’t forget to mention that it’s a wonderful distraction for a three-year-old too!  There are countless applications for toddlers, and Aidan LOVES playing on the iPod.  Most of the applications are educational, and they cost only a dollar or two.  So whenever I need a moment to nurse Ben or do something else, Aidan is usually happy to play with my iPod.  He is so savvy; he can turn it on all by himself and navigate his way to his games.  He even knows how to turn off the Wi-Fi for me to conserve the battery.  Can you believe that?

For anyone who might have a contraption like this, I thought I would list a few of my favorite applications.  Maybe you’ll like them too.  Just do a search for them in iTunes.  Aidan’s favorite apps are listed below too.

1. •NYTimes (Free)
   

2. •Atlanta Local News (Free)
   

3. •Mobile Fotos (Flickr)
   

4. •iBird Explorer South (This is the only app I’ve ever paid more than $2 for.  [$9.99] It’s worth it, however, if you like birds.  And Aidan loves to hear the bird songs!  Other regions are also available.) 
   

5. •Good Reader (so I can open documents)
   

6. •Contractions by Cliff Maier  (Very helpful if you are pregnant!)
   

Aidan’s Favorite Apps:

1. •Bumblebee Touchbook
   

2. •Doddle Buddy (Free)
   

3. •First Words: Vehicles
   

4. •Itsy Bitsy Spider by Duck Duck Moose
   

5. •Wheels on the Bus by Duck Duck Moose
   

6. •Letter Tracer by Niftybrick Software
   

Do you know of any applications I might like?  Please leave your suggestions in the comments.