What do you think this is a picture of?
Friday, April 2, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Time with Mimi
My grandma, the kids' great- grandma, Mimi, just left to go back up to Ohio earlier this week. She's been down for a little over a month, since a few days before Justin's wedding. We have had a nice visit. I wanted to share a few pictures from the day before she left.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
A few tips/tricks and resources
Click these links to see my first post and my second post on cloth diapers.
I never really explained what a wet bag was...
A wet bag is a waterproff bag that you can store your soiled diapers in...later in life, you can store wet bathing suits from the beach, undies that were accidentally peed in, etc. I think every diaper bag needs a wet bag in it, even if you don't cloth diaper.
Wet bags come in several sizes...the smaller ones will hold one or two diaper for when you are out, a medium size one is great for a little trashcan (like the one in my bathroom), and the large ones are good for you big diaper pail. They come in fun colors and designs too. I would suggest this brand for your diaper pail and this brand for your diaper bag.
I have bought my diapers from two online stores.
Cotton Babies and Nicki's Diaper. I really like both stores. Cotton babies will buy back your used, unstained diapers and then give them to missionaries in third-world countries. I buy from whichever has a sale going on.
You can buy diapers used for much cheaper than new. At first, I refused....I thought that would be gross and unclean, now though...I would buy used diapers if they still looked good. You can join a group like Diaperswappers where people sell or trade their diapers.
When I first started cloth, I didn't have any friends using them. I got almost all of my information from Pregnancy.org's cloth diaper boards. There is a ton of information. Start with their FAQ page and if you have questions, you can post on there and people will give you their advice.
I suggest having about 24 diapers, that's enough to wash every 3-4 days.
Ant other questions???
I never really explained what a wet bag was...
A wet bag is a waterproff bag that you can store your soiled diapers in...later in life, you can store wet bathing suits from the beach, undies that were accidentally peed in, etc. I think every diaper bag needs a wet bag in it, even if you don't cloth diaper.
Wet bags come in several sizes...the smaller ones will hold one or two diaper for when you are out, a medium size one is great for a little trashcan (like the one in my bathroom), and the large ones are good for you big diaper pail. They come in fun colors and designs too. I would suggest this brand for your diaper pail and this brand for your diaper bag.
I have bought my diapers from two online stores.
Cotton Babies and Nicki's Diaper. I really like both stores. Cotton babies will buy back your used, unstained diapers and then give them to missionaries in third-world countries. I buy from whichever has a sale going on.
You can buy diapers used for much cheaper than new. At first, I refused....I thought that would be gross and unclean, now though...I would buy used diapers if they still looked good. You can join a group like Diaperswappers where people sell or trade their diapers.
When I first started cloth, I didn't have any friends using them. I got almost all of my information from Pregnancy.org's cloth diaper boards. There is a ton of information. Start with their FAQ page and if you have questions, you can post on there and people will give you their advice.
I suggest having about 24 diapers, that's enough to wash every 3-4 days.
Ant other questions???
How to Cloth Diaper
To see my first post on the types of cloth diapers click here.
How To Use Your Diapers (although I'll be showing you my BG, you can use this same method with any type of cloth diaper, just adjust where/when needed)
1. Put the diaper on baby just like a disposable diaper.
2. When the diaper is soiled, change it. If you are exclusively breast feeding, don't worry about the poo. I'm not sure if it's a problem if you formula, sorry. Once you start giving the baby more solid food, his poo will become more solid too. Shake what you can off into the toilet. I have never used a sprayer or a scraper. I really don't feel like you need them...so I would not suggest buying them.
3. When I am home, I like to just use a washcloth as a wipe. It saves money, it is washes with the cloth diapers, and it's just as easy (my changing station is in the bathroom)
4. Remove insert at least 3/4 of the way (or all the way) and stick diaper in the dry diaper pail.
****Note**** Some people use a wet pail, but usually a dry pail is recommended. A wet pail is a bucket or trashcan filled with water that people place their diapers in to soak until wash day. A dry pail, simply has a lining of a "wet bag". I use a dry pail because I think a wet pail is unsanitary, gross, and could be a yucky place for small ones to play (my kids love the water, and I think I would get sick if I saw them playing in the diaper pail).
5. Wash diapers every 2-3 days (this is for two reasons...1. I run out of diapers during the fourth day, and 2. I think the diapers start to stink if they are unwashed for much longer.
6. Dry diapers either in a dryer or on a clothes line.
7. Stuff, fold and get ready to use the next time.
How To Care for you Cloth Diapers
I have a small trash can in the bathroom that holds the dirty diapers for the day.
At the end of the day, I empty the small trash can into a larger one in the garage. This system just works for me, but you really only need one trash can (don't buy the expensive cloth diaper trash cans...just get a cheap one from Walmart with a lid!) I originally purchased a flip top lid...don't do that, just get one that closes well....hence the tape.
When wash day comes, set your washer to the longest soak possible, and add in an extra soak/spin at the end. Use hot water and just a couple Tablespoons of free & clear laundry detergent. To much detergent can give your baby's sensitive skin a reaction and it can also lay a film over the diapers to make them less absorbent. Soak in hot water, rinse in cold, and then do a second rinse at the end (this is to get rid of all the soap). NEVER use bleach.
Dry your diapers either on a clothes line or in the dryer. I prefer a clothes line for a few reasons....the sun does all the work (so it's cheaper), the sun can also "bleach out" any stains left behind and the sun can also get rid of any stench that may be left behind. If you choose to use a dryer, make sure all of the inserts are pulled out. If not, it will wear on the elasticity of the diaper (I know this from experience). Dry on a low heat. It'll probably take longer than you are used to for drying...at least those thick inserts will.
Stuff your diapers, fold and put them away.
To see my last post on tips and tricks, click here
How To Use Your Diapers (although I'll be showing you my BG, you can use this same method with any type of cloth diaper, just adjust where/when needed)
1. Put the diaper on baby just like a disposable diaper.
2. When the diaper is soiled, change it. If you are exclusively breast feeding, don't worry about the poo. I'm not sure if it's a problem if you formula, sorry. Once you start giving the baby more solid food, his poo will become more solid too. Shake what you can off into the toilet. I have never used a sprayer or a scraper. I really don't feel like you need them...so I would not suggest buying them.
3. When I am home, I like to just use a washcloth as a wipe. It saves money, it is washes with the cloth diapers, and it's just as easy (my changing station is in the bathroom)
4. Remove insert at least 3/4 of the way (or all the way) and stick diaper in the dry diaper pail.
5. Wash diapers every 2-3 days (this is for two reasons...1. I run out of diapers during the fourth day, and 2. I think the diapers start to stink if they are unwashed for much longer.
6. Dry diapers either in a dryer or on a clothes line.
7. Stuff, fold and get ready to use the next time.
How To Care for you Cloth Diapers
I have a small trash can in the bathroom that holds the dirty diapers for the day.
At the end of the day, I empty the small trash can into a larger one in the garage. This system just works for me, but you really only need one trash can (don't buy the expensive cloth diaper trash cans...just get a cheap one from Walmart with a lid!) I originally purchased a flip top lid...don't do that, just get one that closes well....hence the tape.
When wash day comes, set your washer to the longest soak possible, and add in an extra soak/spin at the end. Use hot water and just a couple Tablespoons of free & clear laundry detergent. To much detergent can give your baby's sensitive skin a reaction and it can also lay a film over the diapers to make them less absorbent. Soak in hot water, rinse in cold, and then do a second rinse at the end (this is to get rid of all the soap). NEVER use bleach.
Dry your diapers either on a clothes line or in the dryer. I prefer a clothes line for a few reasons....the sun does all the work (so it's cheaper), the sun can also "bleach out" any stains left behind and the sun can also get rid of any stench that may be left behind. If you choose to use a dryer, make sure all of the inserts are pulled out. If not, it will wear on the elasticity of the diaper (I know this from experience). Dry on a low heat. It'll probably take longer than you are used to for drying...at least those thick inserts will.
Stuff your diapers, fold and put them away.
To see my last post on tips and tricks, click here
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Made with Love
Sometime last week, I was getting ready one morning in the bathroom. The girls were in my room, playing together and Nicole was giggling. I turned around and looked at her and she said....
I was speechless and blessed. I couldn't believe how thoughtful that was. I left it the rest of the day...it may not have been perfect, but it was made with love.
Look Mommy, we made your bed for you!
I was speechless and blessed. I couldn't believe how thoughtful that was. I left it the rest of the day...it may not have been perfect, but it was made with love.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Types of Cloth Diapers
I have spent a lot of time on several different occasions writing e-mails to people to teach them about how to use cloth diapers. So, I've finally decided to write a post about that. Now, if someone asks, I'll send them a link to these posts.
There are several types of cloth diapers. They range greatly in price and ease of use.
1. Chinese Prefolds - these are the flat white diapers that must be folded each time they are used. They are either secured with pins or with snappies. These are the least expensive diaper. You must use a diaper cover over them or else they will leak. I tried these at first (because I was looking to do the cheapest thing possible). I could not get the hang of folding them and you MUST change the diaper as soon as it is soiled.
2. Contour and Fitted diapers, I think, are similar. They both are shaped more "diaper-like" and both must be used with a diaper cover. I tried a contour diaper, and although it would give you a little more time to change a diaper than a pre-fold, I still didn't love them. I also didn't like using a diaper cover, just one more step. Although they say you can use a diaper cover over and over until some poo ends up on it, I didn't feel comfortable with that. I felt like I was putting dirty underwear on the baby, so I would have ended up buy a bunch of diaper covers....which would have made this option just as expensive, if not more, than the system I chose.
3. Pocket diapers - These diaper have elastic legs for a secure fit, and either snaps or velcro to secure it around the baby. You do not need a diaper cover with pocket diapers, the outer layer is water proof. You insert a large, thick absorbent pad into the diaper. I like these the best for a couple of reasons....1. They are easy to use. They go on like a disposable diaper (mine are velcro). 2. They dry quickly because you remove the insert before washing, so there are two separate pieces.
4. All-in-one diapers - These are the big bad cloth diapers that are the most similar to disposables. Like the pocket diapers, they have snap or velcro closures. But, there is no insert to remove, which means one less step. but it also means an incredibly long drying time.
Those are the four basic types of cloth diapers. There are a few others like g diapers and Flips out there, but I really don't know a lot about those.
My personal recommendation would be Bum Genius 3.0 one size pocket diapers. Here's what I like about these...
a. They are one size, which means I can use the same set of diaper from when the baby is about 10 lbs to 30 lbs. Other brands of pocket diapers (like the very popular fuzzi bunz) are sized. This means you need to buy a set of "small", "medium", and "larges". However, I have recently heard that fuzzi bunz now has a one size option.
b. I like the way Bum Genius feels over fuzzi bunz...this is probably just a preference.
c. I chose a pocket diaper of an all-in-one because they dry faster, either on the clothes line or in the dyer
d. They are cheaper than an all-in-one because of the extra step of stuffing the diapers. I don't find this a hindrance or problem. I actually like that I stuff them, because I can control how much absorbency my baby needs. Bum Genius gives you two inserts, a small, thin "newborn" insert, and a larger, thicker insert for when the baby is bigger. You can also double these to make the diaper more absorbent for night time.
e. My diapers are Velcro, which I thought would be easier than snaps, and I still think it is. The Velcro does wear a bit a faster, but I've used my diapers non-stop for over 2 years, and they are still going strong.
f. I think they are cute :-)
Stay tuned for the next post "How to..."
There are several types of cloth diapers. They range greatly in price and ease of use.
1. Chinese Prefolds - these are the flat white diapers that must be folded each time they are used. They are either secured with pins or with snappies. These are the least expensive diaper. You must use a diaper cover over them or else they will leak. I tried these at first (because I was looking to do the cheapest thing possible). I could not get the hang of folding them and you MUST change the diaper as soon as it is soiled.
2. Contour and Fitted diapers, I think, are similar. They both are shaped more "diaper-like" and both must be used with a diaper cover. I tried a contour diaper, and although it would give you a little more time to change a diaper than a pre-fold, I still didn't love them. I also didn't like using a diaper cover, just one more step. Although they say you can use a diaper cover over and over until some poo ends up on it, I didn't feel comfortable with that. I felt like I was putting dirty underwear on the baby, so I would have ended up buy a bunch of diaper covers....which would have made this option just as expensive, if not more, than the system I chose.
3. Pocket diapers - These diaper have elastic legs for a secure fit, and either snaps or velcro to secure it around the baby. You do not need a diaper cover with pocket diapers, the outer layer is water proof. You insert a large, thick absorbent pad into the diaper. I like these the best for a couple of reasons....1. They are easy to use. They go on like a disposable diaper (mine are velcro). 2. They dry quickly because you remove the insert before washing, so there are two separate pieces.
4. All-in-one diapers - These are the big bad cloth diapers that are the most similar to disposables. Like the pocket diapers, they have snap or velcro closures. But, there is no insert to remove, which means one less step. but it also means an incredibly long drying time.
Those are the four basic types of cloth diapers. There are a few others like g diapers and Flips out there, but I really don't know a lot about those.
My personal recommendation would be Bum Genius 3.0 one size pocket diapers. Here's what I like about these...
a. They are one size, which means I can use the same set of diaper from when the baby is about 10 lbs to 30 lbs. Other brands of pocket diapers (like the very popular fuzzi bunz) are sized. This means you need to buy a set of "small", "medium", and "larges". However, I have recently heard that fuzzi bunz now has a one size option.
b. I like the way Bum Genius feels over fuzzi bunz...this is probably just a preference.
c. I chose a pocket diaper of an all-in-one because they dry faster, either on the clothes line or in the dyer
d. They are cheaper than an all-in-one because of the extra step of stuffing the diapers. I don't find this a hindrance or problem. I actually like that I stuff them, because I can control how much absorbency my baby needs. Bum Genius gives you two inserts, a small, thin "newborn" insert, and a larger, thicker insert for when the baby is bigger. You can also double these to make the diaper more absorbent for night time.
e. My diapers are Velcro, which I thought would be easier than snaps, and I still think it is. The Velcro does wear a bit a faster, but I've used my diapers non-stop for over 2 years, and they are still going strong.
f. I think they are cute :-)
Stay tuned for the next post "How to..."
Friday, March 26, 2010
Happy Birthday Papa
My dad's birthday was this past Tuesday. He drove in that day from a quick trip to Ohio...so we didn't celebrate his birthday until Wednesday.
The week before, I helped the girls make a gift for their Papa...this was probably a mistake on my part, because ever since that day, several times a day, Hannah would walk around with her gift and try to sing Happy Birthday Papa. She was so excited to give him his present:-) She was even more excited to help blow out the cake candles (as was Nicole).
We had a fun evening eating fried food, cake and opening gifts.
Hannah came out of "their" room with bunny ears and Mr. Potato Head glasses on...what a silly girl!
Hannah and Papa have a little game they play with this mustache. She would get upset if Papa would put it on or put it on her...but she thinks it's funny on this picture (of Hannah when she was a baby).
The week before, I helped the girls make a gift for their Papa...this was probably a mistake on my part, because ever since that day, several times a day, Hannah would walk around with her gift and try to sing Happy Birthday Papa. She was so excited to give him his present:-) She was even more excited to help blow out the cake candles (as was Nicole).
We had a fun evening eating fried food, cake and opening gifts.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
There's a First Time for Everything
And of course with a baby around, there are lots of firsts.
Well it has been an exciting 24 hours for Mr. Nathan! He has had 3 "firsts" in just a few hours.
The First "First"
Last night was his first bite of "food" (if you can call it that).
I think he enjoyed sitting in the high chair.
I do not think he enjoyed the food
He pretty much gagged and choked every time I put the cereal in his mouth.
The Second "First"
Nathan got a new toy this morning. We've been storing this exersaucer for a few months now. I like it because it is smaller than the one the girl's had. I think he likes it (at least for a few minutes). I think he more likes the fact that the girls are able to play with him a little when he's in it.
The Third "First"
NATE ROLLED OVER!!!!! Yippee!!!!! I was a little concerned because I was looking back in my blog the other day and happened upon a post where Hannah rolled for the first time, and she was just under 4 months old. Of course I would never compare my kids:-) But...I was a little afraid that I haven't been working as much with him physcially as I did with the girls. So...I was THRILLED this morning when I went to get him from his nap and he was on his back! Woohoo!!!! Go Nate!!! (no picture of this sorry!) btw...Nathan turned 4 months old on Monday:-)
And...I thought this was a good picture of "Happy Hannah" and felt the need to share.
Well it has been an exciting 24 hours for Mr. Nathan! He has had 3 "firsts" in just a few hours.
The First "First"
Last night was his first bite of "food" (if you can call it that).
I think he enjoyed sitting in the high chair.
I do not think he enjoyed the food
He pretty much gagged and choked every time I put the cereal in his mouth.
The Second "First"
Nathan got a new toy this morning. We've been storing this exersaucer for a few months now. I like it because it is smaller than the one the girl's had. I think he likes it (at least for a few minutes). I think he more likes the fact that the girls are able to play with him a little when he's in it.
Nicole had fun showing Nathan how to use all of his toys. 
Hello!!!
Oh Yeah...I like this thing!
Anyone want to wager on who I find in this toy first...Nicole or Hannah?
NATE ROLLED OVER!!!!! Yippee!!!!! I was a little concerned because I was looking back in my blog the other day and happened upon a post where Hannah rolled for the first time, and she was just under 4 months old. Of course I would never compare my kids:-) But...I was a little afraid that I haven't been working as much with him physcially as I did with the girls. So...I was THRILLED this morning when I went to get him from his nap and he was on his back! Woohoo!!!! Go Nate!!! (no picture of this sorry!) btw...Nathan turned 4 months old on Monday:-)
And...I thought this was a good picture of "Happy Hannah" and felt the need to share.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Just Because....
...I think these kids are cute
Nathan has been enjoying play time on the floor. He even got excited and reached for the ball yesterday! Woohoo...that's my boy. I hope his first word is "ball"
Hannah is really doing well at puzzles. She is finally enjoying them and will sit and practice for quite some time. I'm really happy about this. For a while she simply couldn't figure out what the toy was:-) But, not anymore...she's up for the challenge:-)
Nicole wanted in on the picture taking of course. Her shirt says, "I get my good looks from my dad" Ain't that the truth?!?
Hi baby boy....He's so darn cute!
Our conversation yesterday at lunch.
Nicole: Mommy, I'm all done my belly hurts.
Me: Did you eat all your lunch?
Nicole: No, there is still some left, but my belly hurts.
Me: OK how much is left?
Nicole: Um...well....I think there is 20 or 25.
What do you think???
Nicole: Mommy, I'm all done my belly hurts.
Me: Did you eat all your lunch?
Nicole: No, there is still some left, but my belly hurts.
Me: OK how much is left?
Nicole: Um...well....I think there is 20 or 25.
What do you think???
Monday, March 22, 2010
Pelicans Pooping on the Pier
I had to name my post that for a few reasons...
1. I thought it was funny
2. Nicole was most fascinated with the white stuff on the pier on our recent trip...that would be Pelican Poop...don't touch
3. I told Jeremy I would name the post that and he sort of rolled his eyes at me....so I had to make good on my word :-)
So...onto what I was going to show.
Saturday night we decided to load up the kids and head to the pier for a picnic dinner. We got some yucky pizza and mushy breadsticks (that wasn't necessarily the plan...we were hoping for good pizza and garlicy breadsticks), brought along some soda, juice and water and went off to enjoy the nice weather and beautiful place we live.
I am ashamed to say that this is the first time we've taken them to the pier. It is one of my favorite places to go, especially at night. So, peaceful....at night....without kids. During the late afternoon, with kids the pier was not peaceful or serene, but it was fun.
Nicole thought it was neat we were walking over the water, Hannah said hello to every person we passed, and Nathan, I'm sure was wishing for some sunglasses. We saw someone catch a hammerhead shark. Yes....a hammerhead, VERY VERY close to shore. No thank you!!!!
We ate our pizza at a table that was actually empty...and of course had to make our dinner time potty trip...all the way back to the beginning of the pier (we have NEVER eaten dinner without the girls going potty. It doesn't matter if they went just before, or if we eat at different times. They ALWAYS have to go. A bit annoying, but it's just the way it is I guess).
We saw huge pelicans, and even some dolphins in the water.
We talked to an English couple, here on "holiday". Nicole introduced herself, her brother Nathan and her sister Hannah. Hannah, of course not wanting to be left out, then quickly sat up...pointed to me and said, "Mommy" and then pointed to Jeremy and said, "Daddy". The English lady got a kick out that!
We saw a guy obviously gearing up for a big night of shark fishing...he had a seriously BIG hook, and fish he was getting ready to chum (by the way, shark fishing is illegal on the pier)
The girls ran up and down the pier and I had visions of busted lips and cut up eyebrows (did you know that happened to me...silly story...silly girl....bloody face....much embarrassment). Thankfully my visions did not become reality. Nor did my fear they would fall over the side.
We took a nice family picture, except that Nathan's poor little face was blocked (sorry Nate).
The only thing that could have made this more fun is if we would have driven there in a jeep. Oh...a jeep...one day, one day we'll have another one, I'm sure:-)
1. I thought it was funny
2. Nicole was most fascinated with the white stuff on the pier on our recent trip...that would be Pelican Poop...don't touch
3. I told Jeremy I would name the post that and he sort of rolled his eyes at me....so I had to make good on my word :-)
So...onto what I was going to show.
Saturday night we decided to load up the kids and head to the pier for a picnic dinner. We got some yucky pizza and mushy breadsticks (that wasn't necessarily the plan...we were hoping for good pizza and garlicy breadsticks), brought along some soda, juice and water and went off to enjoy the nice weather and beautiful place we live.
I am ashamed to say that this is the first time we've taken them to the pier. It is one of my favorite places to go, especially at night. So, peaceful....at night....without kids. During the late afternoon, with kids the pier was not peaceful or serene, but it was fun.
We saw huge pelicans, and even some dolphins in the water.
We talked to an English couple, here on "holiday". Nicole introduced herself, her brother Nathan and her sister Hannah. Hannah, of course not wanting to be left out, then quickly sat up...pointed to me and said, "Mommy" and then pointed to Jeremy and said, "Daddy". The English lady got a kick out that!
We saw a guy obviously gearing up for a big night of shark fishing...he had a seriously BIG hook, and fish he was getting ready to chum (by the way, shark fishing is illegal on the pier)
Do you see the Pelican in the water?
We took a nice family picture, except that Nathan's poor little face was blocked (sorry Nate).
The only thing that could have made this more fun is if we would have driven there in a jeep. Oh...a jeep...one day, one day we'll have another one, I'm sure:-)
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