Hello dear friends and followers!
As you probably know by now I have birthed two precious little boys. Both were natural births, both were attended by a midwife and both were in the hospital. It was the most amazing thing each time. At the time that each of my babies were born I was not in a position to have a home birth. It just wasn't for me at the time. However, I fully believe that a woman has the right to have her baby wherever she sees fit. That may be at home, at a birthing center, or at a hospital. Here in Tennessee there are some new regulations being considered that will seriously endanger a woman's right to have her baby at home with a midwife present. Please, please, please check out this link and find out if there is anything you can do to help protects women's rights to a birth in the place she is usually most comfortable... home.
http://www.mybestbirth.com/profiles/blog/show?id=3120006%3ABlogPost%3A58557
Thank you!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Dine Without Whine - Meal Planning for Busy Families - Sponsored Post
Dine Without Whine - Meal Planning for Busy Families - www.dinewithoutwhine.com
Start having family dinners again! Menu planning for busy moms! Maybe this will help my schedule flow a little better!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Of Schedules and Diaper Changes
I wonder...
and perhaps that is the source of all my problems, but still, I wonder.
Does any mom ever have everything pulled together? I'd like to get on a schedule and get things done. It seems like it should be so easy. Take care of the babies, keep the apartment clean, and still have time for blogging and for me. And yet, it all takes longer than I ever anticipate it will.
Examples:
1. A diaper change turns into a clothes change, turns into cuddle time, turns into snack time, turns into clean up time and just maybe another clothes change which probably means another diaper change while we're at it.
2. Doing the dishes turns into cleaning the kitchen (even when I promised it was just the dishes for now!), turns into cleaning random spots off the wall, turns into cleaning random spots off the floor (and my mop is where?), turns into picking up Baby One's toys, turns into vacuuming the floor, turns into comforting Baby One, turns into cuddle time, turns into a diaper change (see example number 1).
3. Blogging turns into checking my email, turns into checking facebook, turns into checking twitter, turns back into blogging, turns into visiting other blogs, turns into visiting SITS, turns into visiting MORE blogs, turns into me remembering that the dishes need done (see example number 2).
And then, I wonder...
and perhaps that is the source of all my problems, but still, I wonder.
Does every mom feel like this?
Perhaps its time for a FLYLady makeover?
and perhaps that is the source of all my problems, but still, I wonder.
Does any mom ever have everything pulled together? I'd like to get on a schedule and get things done. It seems like it should be so easy. Take care of the babies, keep the apartment clean, and still have time for blogging and for me. And yet, it all takes longer than I ever anticipate it will.
Examples:
1. A diaper change turns into a clothes change, turns into cuddle time, turns into snack time, turns into clean up time and just maybe another clothes change which probably means another diaper change while we're at it.
2. Doing the dishes turns into cleaning the kitchen (even when I promised it was just the dishes for now!), turns into cleaning random spots off the wall, turns into cleaning random spots off the floor (and my mop is where?), turns into picking up Baby One's toys, turns into vacuuming the floor, turns into comforting Baby One, turns into cuddle time, turns into a diaper change (see example number 1).
3. Blogging turns into checking my email, turns into checking facebook, turns into checking twitter, turns back into blogging, turns into visiting other blogs, turns into visiting SITS, turns into visiting MORE blogs, turns into me remembering that the dishes need done (see example number 2).
And then, I wonder...
and perhaps that is the source of all my problems, but still, I wonder.
Does every mom feel like this?
Perhaps its time for a FLYLady makeover?
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Mixed Blessings
It finally happened. Hubby got a job! He's been looking for quite some time and he finally got one. We are so thankful that this job came up and it will help us pay the bills, but it has turned out to be quite the mixed bag.
The trouble is that it is a 10-hour-a-day job, starting at 10 and ending at 8:30, 6 days a week. What does that mean for us? It means that daddy doesn't get to spend time with us in the evening before the boys go to bed. It means that we have about an hour after he gets home to chat before we're both ready to crash. Mornings are spent getting everyone up and ready for the day. It means fewer park/playground days for us because Daddy needs the car at work.. on and on and on.
Yes, I am thankful for the job! Please don't misunderstand. But we are trying to find some kind of balance in this schedule. Meanwhile, forgive my moment of self-pity. I'll get over it and move on.
The trouble is that it is a 10-hour-a-day job, starting at 10 and ending at 8:30, 6 days a week. What does that mean for us? It means that daddy doesn't get to spend time with us in the evening before the boys go to bed. It means that we have about an hour after he gets home to chat before we're both ready to crash. Mornings are spent getting everyone up and ready for the day. It means fewer park/playground days for us because Daddy needs the car at work.. on and on and on.
Yes, I am thankful for the job! Please don't misunderstand. But we are trying to find some kind of balance in this schedule. Meanwhile, forgive my moment of self-pity. I'll get over it and move on.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Find it WIN It - $100 Apple Giftcard - Sponsored Post
Find it WIN It - $100 Apple Giftcard - finditwinit.blogspot.com
$100 Apple giftcard OR other prizes given away by an amazing accomplished woman! What's not to like?
Friday's Giveaways - Episope 2
The Cloth Diaper Whisperer is giving away TWO Smartipants diapers! Details can be found here or at
http://www.theclothdiaperwhisperer.com/2010/04/fluff-friday-75.html
Dirty Diaper Laundry is giving away a kissaluvs marvel AIO (all-in-one). You can find details here or at
http://dirtydiaperlaundry.com/kissaluvs-marvel-aio-giveaway-sponsored-by-diaper-daisy/
The Cloth Diaper Blog is giving away a Tots Bots All In One Diaper to five different people this week! You can find details here or at http://www.clothdiaperblog.com/feed-your-stash-friday-april-16-29-2010/
That's all I have this week! Good luck and good night! :-)
http://www.theclothdiaperwhisperer.com/2010/04/fluff-friday-75.html
Dirty Diaper Laundry is giving away a kissaluvs marvel AIO (all-in-one). You can find details here or at
http://dirtydiaperlaundry.com/kissaluvs-marvel-aio-giveaway-sponsored-by-diaper-daisy/
The Cloth Diaper Blog is giving away a Tots Bots All In One Diaper to five different people this week! You can find details here or at http://www.clothdiaperblog.com/feed-your-stash-friday-april-16-29-2010/
That's all I have this week! Good luck and good night! :-)
When Baby Two Feels Like Baby One
We did so well with baby one! When he was about eight weeks old we started trying to get him on a nap schedule and let him "cry it out" to some extent. When he was twelve weeks old I went back to work, full-time, and Hubby continued the nap scheduling. When he was about six months old I transitioned him from my arms to his crib at night. I slept on an air mattress in the floor of his room for months. But here we are, nearly two years after he was born and he asks to go "night-night" when he's tired - even if it's an hour before bed time. We have no bedtime struggles. He goes right to bed and plays or sings himself to sleep. He typically wakes up happy and singing... loudly. He naps from 12:30pm to 3 or 3:30. At night he sleeps from 7:30pm to a reasonable 7am or so. It's fantastic!
And here we are with baby two... seven months old and he doesn't want to sleep anywhere but in my arms. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy holding my baby, but I'm ready to have my bed and my sleep back to myself. I've always just felt like he was too little. At three months old I felt like he was too little to "cry it out." It doesn't make sense, really. His older brother was younger than that when we let him cry it out. What is the difference?
Necessity.
With baby one I knew that I would be going back to work. He wasn't going to be able to sleep with me for much longer and I wanted to get him used to that while I could still be around to greet him when he woke up. With baby two there was no such necessity. I wasn't going back to work and there was no hurry to get him used to sleeping on his own. It almost feels like baby two is baby one. This is the baby that I get to enjoy spending time with during this first year.
What bothers me is this: After baby two was born he was content to sleep in his own bed/bassinet. He has been content to do so up until about two weeks ago. I figured it would be easy to transition him to sleeping through the night in his own crib. Now I'm not so sure.
Oh well. So goes life I suppose. We'll get the hang of it by the time we have grandchildren. Then I guess we'll be able to give our children all kinds of advice that they probably won't take.
And here we are with baby two... seven months old and he doesn't want to sleep anywhere but in my arms. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy holding my baby, but I'm ready to have my bed and my sleep back to myself. I've always just felt like he was too little. At three months old I felt like he was too little to "cry it out." It doesn't make sense, really. His older brother was younger than that when we let him cry it out. What is the difference?
Necessity.
With baby one I knew that I would be going back to work. He wasn't going to be able to sleep with me for much longer and I wanted to get him used to that while I could still be around to greet him when he woke up. With baby two there was no such necessity. I wasn't going back to work and there was no hurry to get him used to sleeping on his own. It almost feels like baby two is baby one. This is the baby that I get to enjoy spending time with during this first year.
What bothers me is this: After baby two was born he was content to sleep in his own bed/bassinet. He has been content to do so up until about two weeks ago. I figured it would be easy to transition him to sleeping through the night in his own crib. Now I'm not so sure.
Oh well. So goes life I suppose. We'll get the hang of it by the time we have grandchildren. Then I guess we'll be able to give our children all kinds of advice that they probably won't take.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Rock On Mommies - Sponsored Post
Rock On Mommies - www.rockonmommies.com
This blog goes along so well with one of my recent blog posts about taking care of yourself. You are a wife, a mother a friend, an employee, etc. but you are also still YOU. And YOU need to take care of yourself too. This site is for mommies who realize this or NEED to realize it! I believe I will become a regular!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Friday's Giveaways - Episode 1
Here are three to get started this week! Please be sure to let them know The Cloth Diaper Adventurer sent you!
The Family of the Cloth Blog is giving away an Apple Cheeks Pocket Style Diaper! This contest is running through April 14, 2010 and you can find details here or at http://familyofthecloth.blogspot.com/2010/03/applecheeks-review-and-giveaway.html
The Cloth Diaper Whisperer is giving away 2 Rockin'Green HARD ROCK Cloth Diaper Detergents! This contest runs through April 15, 2010 (my birthday, incidentally) and you can find details here or at http://www.theclothdiaperwhisperer.com/2010/04/fluff-friday-74.html
The Cloth Diaper Blog is giving away 2 Gro Baby One Size Diaper Systems and 1 Box of the NEW Gro Baby One-Size Disposable Diaper Soaker Pads!You can find details here or at http://www.clothdiaperblog.com/feed-your-stash-friday-april-9-15-2010/.
The Family of the Cloth Blog is giving away an Apple Cheeks Pocket Style Diaper! This contest is running through April 14, 2010 and you can find details here or at http://familyofthecloth.blogspot.com/2010/03/applecheeks-review-and-giveaway.html
The Cloth Diaper Whisperer is giving away 2 Rockin'Green HARD ROCK Cloth Diaper Detergents! This contest runs through April 15, 2010 (my birthday, incidentally) and you can find details here or at http://www.theclothdiaperwhisperer.com/2010/04/fluff-friday-74.html
The Cloth Diaper Blog is giving away 2 Gro Baby One Size Diaper Systems and 1 Box of the NEW Gro Baby One-Size Disposable Diaper Soaker Pads!You can find details here or at http://www.clothdiaperblog.com/feed-your-stash-friday-april-9-15-2010/.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Cloth Diapers 101
Before we start getting into giveaways I want to make sure that New or soon-to-be mamas and daddies (and even grandparents) know all about cloth diapers! Cloth Diapers are not what they used to be! When I first started researching cloth diapers I was a bit lost. I didn't know what a "snappi" was or how it was used, I didn't know what AIO meant or aplix (even "hook and loop closure" left me confused). Slowly I started to figure it all out and I would like to give newbies a nice, concise resource for learning all of these terms.
Flat Diapers - These are the old fashioned, old fashioned diapers! They are the most basic. They are just a large, flat, thin, square of fabric. You fold it into layers and around baby and pin or "snappi" it in place.
Additional items needed: diaper pins or a "snappi", diaper covers
More information can be found at: http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-fold-flat-cloth-diapers
Prefold Diapers - Similar to flats but with multiple layers. They require less folding and usually come in multiple sizes. You still must fold around baby and pin or "snappi" in place.
Additional items needed: diaper pins or a "snappi", diaper covers
More information can be found at: http://www.squidoo.com/prefold-cloth-diapers
Fitted Diapers - Fitted diapers are more or less a prefold that is cut in the shape of a disposable diaper. Some of them have aplix (think "velcro") or snaps to close them, others require diaper pins or a snappi. These often come in multiple sizes, but there are a few one-size fitteds out there.
Additional items needed: diaper pins or a "snappi" depending on brand, diaper covers
Diaper Covers - With all this talk about diaper covers I guess it's time I explain them! Basically, the rubber pants that they used to use in the old days were diaper covers but there are many updated and easy to use styles out there today. It is a waterproof, or at least water resistant cover that is usually snapped on over the flat, prefold or fitted diaper. It helps keep clothes, floors, seats, etc. dry and pee-free.
Additional items needed: A Diaper (flat, prefold or flat), and diaper pins or a "snappi", although many moms find that diaper pins or snappis are not required when you are using a cover.
Wet Pants - Usually knitted or crocheted with wool. Takes the place of a cover and helps keep moisture IN. Is usually slipped on the same way you would pull on a pair of pants.
Additional items needed: A diaper (flat, prefold or fitted) and diaper pins or a "snappi"
Pocket Diapers - This is where the new cloth diapers starts getting cool! The easiest way to explain it is that it is a diaper cover with an inner, non-waterproof layer on the inside. There is an opening between the two layers and you just stuff an absorbent insert in the pocket between the two layers. Then, you use it just about the same way you would a disposable. They come with aplix or snap closures usually. For washing, you simply need to remove the insert and wash both parts. Separating the two helps speed washing and drying times. These come in various sizes and also as "one-size" diapers.
Additional items needed: None! These are sold with the absorbent part included. However, sometimes for overnight use or heavy wetters it is helpful to have a "doubler" which is basically just a second absorbent pad, OR you can use a folded prefold as a doubler.
All-In-Ones - You will often see these referred to as AIOs. This is like a pocket diaper except that the absorbent material is sewn in and there is no need to (and no way to) "stuff" them or to remove anything before washing. This leads to longer drying times, but can be convenient. These usually come in different sizes, but we are starting to see some one-size all-in-ones on the market.
Additional items needed: None!
One size diapers - A pocket, AIO, or sometimes a fitted diaper with snaps or aplix applied in such a way as to allow you to change the size of the diaper yourself as baby grows (or as newer, smaller babies come along!). There are a few styles out now that employ a method of folding the diaper rather than using snaps or aplix to change the size.
Additional items needed: None, unless you need extra doublers or, if it is a fitted, a cover, diaper pins, or a "snappi"
"Snappi" - a really cool alternative to diaper pins! It doesn't require anything sharp! No more worrying about sticking a pin in a squirmy baby! I recommend having at least a few on hand. Look for these further down this page!
Elimination Communication - Sometimes referred to as "EC." This is a method by which many parents cut back on diaper usage or eliminate diaper usage altogether with their infants. With EC you strive to catch baby's signals that it needs to eliminate and promptly take him or her to the potty before giving him or her a signal that it is okay to "go" now. Why bring this up in a cloth diapering discussion? Some parents use EC during the day and still need diapering options at night. Also, there are very tiny training underwear for use with infants. This is something you will probably run across at some point in your research about cloth diapers and now you'll at least know what it is!
Anything else? If you have any questions or think of anything that should be included in this list please leave a comment or email me at kayla@clothdiaperadventurer.com!
Flat Diapers - These are the old fashioned, old fashioned diapers! They are the most basic. They are just a large, flat, thin, square of fabric. You fold it into layers and around baby and pin or "snappi" it in place.
Additional items needed: diaper pins or a "snappi", diaper covers
More information can be found at: http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-fold-flat-cloth-diapers
Prefold Diapers - Similar to flats but with multiple layers. They require less folding and usually come in multiple sizes. You still must fold around baby and pin or "snappi" in place.
Additional items needed: diaper pins or a "snappi", diaper covers
More information can be found at: http://www.squidoo.com/prefold-cloth-diapers
Fitted Diapers - Fitted diapers are more or less a prefold that is cut in the shape of a disposable diaper. Some of them have aplix (think "velcro") or snaps to close them, others require diaper pins or a snappi. These often come in multiple sizes, but there are a few one-size fitteds out there.
Additional items needed: diaper pins or a "snappi" depending on brand, diaper covers
Diaper Covers - With all this talk about diaper covers I guess it's time I explain them! Basically, the rubber pants that they used to use in the old days were diaper covers but there are many updated and easy to use styles out there today. It is a waterproof, or at least water resistant cover that is usually snapped on over the flat, prefold or fitted diaper. It helps keep clothes, floors, seats, etc. dry and pee-free.
Additional items needed: A Diaper (flat, prefold or flat), and diaper pins or a "snappi", although many moms find that diaper pins or snappis are not required when you are using a cover.
Wet Pants - Usually knitted or crocheted with wool. Takes the place of a cover and helps keep moisture IN. Is usually slipped on the same way you would pull on a pair of pants.
Additional items needed: A diaper (flat, prefold or fitted) and diaper pins or a "snappi"
Pocket Diapers - This is where the new cloth diapers starts getting cool! The easiest way to explain it is that it is a diaper cover with an inner, non-waterproof layer on the inside. There is an opening between the two layers and you just stuff an absorbent insert in the pocket between the two layers. Then, you use it just about the same way you would a disposable. They come with aplix or snap closures usually. For washing, you simply need to remove the insert and wash both parts. Separating the two helps speed washing and drying times. These come in various sizes and also as "one-size" diapers.
Additional items needed: None! These are sold with the absorbent part included. However, sometimes for overnight use or heavy wetters it is helpful to have a "doubler" which is basically just a second absorbent pad, OR you can use a folded prefold as a doubler.
All-In-Ones - You will often see these referred to as AIOs. This is like a pocket diaper except that the absorbent material is sewn in and there is no need to (and no way to) "stuff" them or to remove anything before washing. This leads to longer drying times, but can be convenient. These usually come in different sizes, but we are starting to see some one-size all-in-ones on the market.
Additional items needed: None!
One size diapers - A pocket, AIO, or sometimes a fitted diaper with snaps or aplix applied in such a way as to allow you to change the size of the diaper yourself as baby grows (or as newer, smaller babies come along!). There are a few styles out now that employ a method of folding the diaper rather than using snaps or aplix to change the size.
Additional items needed: None, unless you need extra doublers or, if it is a fitted, a cover, diaper pins, or a "snappi"
"Snappi" - a really cool alternative to diaper pins! It doesn't require anything sharp! No more worrying about sticking a pin in a squirmy baby! I recommend having at least a few on hand. Look for these further down this page!
Elimination Communication - Sometimes referred to as "EC." This is a method by which many parents cut back on diaper usage or eliminate diaper usage altogether with their infants. With EC you strive to catch baby's signals that it needs to eliminate and promptly take him or her to the potty before giving him or her a signal that it is okay to "go" now. Why bring this up in a cloth diapering discussion? Some parents use EC during the day and still need diapering options at night. Also, there are very tiny training underwear for use with infants. This is something you will probably run across at some point in your research about cloth diapers and now you'll at least know what it is!
Anything else? If you have any questions or think of anything that should be included in this list please leave a comment or email me at kayla@clothdiaperadventurer.com!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Mothering Grace Giveaway
Dear Cloth diapering mamas who follow this blog (and those of you who hope to be a cloth diapering mama someday), I have been very interested in doing giveaways on this blog but I find myself short on the resources necessary to do so... so I've decided with all of the giveaway's already out there, why not just provide a place for you to find all the cloth diapering giveaways out there? Now, I know that I cannot possibly locate EVERY cloth diaper giveaway but if I could let you know about a good chunk of them and provide the links in one convenient place would you like that? I think I would like it if someone did that for me, so I'm going to try it. If you hear of any other cloth diaper giveaways or if you own a blog or store that is doing a giveaway please let me know and I will post about it! Maybe I'll even win a diaper or two of my own in the process! And I'll for sure review any that I get to help my readers decide which kind of diapers they would like to use.
To this end I found out today about a cloth diaper giveaway at Mothering Grace. They are giving away TWO Fuzzi Bunz one size diapers. I have not tried Fuzzi Bunz but I have heard good things! I am very much a fan of one-size diapers though (with two so close together I don't have to worry about which diapers go with which baby!) This is one of the few giveaways I've heard of giving away more than one diaper at a time! It's a double score for the winner! You can find details on how to enter here or at www.motheringgrace.wordpress.com
Let them know that The Cloth Diaper Adventurer sent you!
To this end I found out today about a cloth diaper giveaway at Mothering Grace. They are giving away TWO Fuzzi Bunz one size diapers. I have not tried Fuzzi Bunz but I have heard good things! I am very much a fan of one-size diapers though (with two so close together I don't have to worry about which diapers go with which baby!) This is one of the few giveaways I've heard of giving away more than one diaper at a time! It's a double score for the winner! You can find details on how to enter here or at www.motheringgrace.wordpress.com
Let them know that The Cloth Diaper Adventurer sent you!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Technorati Claim
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Dear Readers, please bear with me as I need to post this code to claim my blog in the Technorati blogosphere.
Dear Readers, please bear with me as I need to post this code to claim my blog in the Technorati blogosphere.
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