In addition to a swing (and a pile of other baby-related items), Auntie Kristy gave us a Instant Baby Quiet Machine, otherwise known as Brookstone’s Tranquil Moments Sounds for Baby.

We’ve tried the white noise and the prenatal sounds, which are kind of strange. Last night, we got all crazy and put it on the dolphins setting. I wasn’t sure what this would sound like – I guess I was kind of imagining humpback whale sounds. You know, like these.

But, it was surprisingly pleasant. Lots of splashing and gurgling, although no whale sounds, sadly. Maddox seems to like the noises, and they sure put Jon and me to sleep pretty quickly.

The only one I can’t use is the driving setting, because the random acceleration stresses Jon out (he’s been driving in Salem too much) and because it makes me get that hot-tired-groggy feeling that you get when you fall asleep in the backseat of a car for too long.

All in all, I’d vote yes for this product, and thanks for getting it for us, Auntie Kristy!

More pictures here.