Karina is a year old today...hard to believe that at this time, 9pm, last year, I was in tears telling my doctor, "I haven't slept in 36 hours!!" And an hour later, there she was, my beautiful little baby girl I had waited so long for. And now she's one! She had a great day, and really scored with presents, wow, I have a generous family! She got so many cool things, not just for her birthday but also for Christmas. Some of her favorites include: a stuffed bear from my dad, a Cabbage Patch Doll from her friend Riley, an egg shaped shape sorting game from my brother David and his girlfriend Erin, a xylophone piano from Aunt Danise, a garden toy from Colin and Paige, a tea set from Stephanie, a set of small stacking buckets from Aunt Kelly, the old fashioned Fisher Price pull along Chatter Phone from Nana, a toy cell phone (Parents brand) from Grandma, the board book of "Good Night Moon" also from Grandma, the bedtime seahorse from Grandma, a puzzle from David and Erin, and there is so much more! She really got a lot of wonderful, fun toys. My mom suggested, and I am going to put some away for a little while, and bring them out later, so she has "new" things throughout the year. For now, having her birthday the day after Christmas is okay, and I can take toys away to save for later, because she won't remember. But as she gets older, that won't be the case. We will have to have some kind of birthday half-celebration in the summer. It's so unfair, she has to go the entire year before she can get another present, poor kid! So this year, I'll hide a few things and bring them out later, particularly some of the toys she's not too interested in, or, unfortunately, is afraid of (she got these cool gears that light up and spin--well, her Daddy got them, actually, to play with with her, and she likes the lights. However, then the gears start spinning all over teh place, and she gets scared. So we'll save that til she's a bit older. Also maybe Taxi the pull along doggy who is pretty big...long story. His name is really something like Snoop n' Sniff dog or something. When I was little, I had a small puppy version of this toy, and we think it got tossed when my grandfather's shed was torn down. For reasons unknown to anyone, including me, the dog's name was Taxi. So Mom and I have been looking for a Taxi for her, and she found a larger version. But he's pretty big, and a bit much for her right now. She also got some puzzles that are a little much for her right now, and a few other things that can wait several months to make a reappearance.
Overall, a fabulous couple of days. Tomorrow, we head up to Richmond to visit family, and I hear there may be a few gifts for her there, as well. Wow, what a trio of days! I don't know who's more tired, me or Karina!
I hope you all had as great a Christmas as we did.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Adorable Kinders giveaway at Rave and Review
www.raveandreview.com
I so so so love these dolls, and I am dying to get one. They're so cute, cuddly looking, and I love the way they're named for each letter of the alphabet. Rave and Review is giving one away... check out the link above. Go to adorablekinders.com to see more about the dolls and drool over them like I am. There's even one with my name!
I so so so love these dolls, and I am dying to get one. They're so cute, cuddly looking, and I love the way they're named for each letter of the alphabet. Rave and Review is giving one away... check out the link above. Go to adorablekinders.com to see more about the dolls and drool over them like I am. There's even one with my name!
In honor of a wonderful man
I feel that I need to say something to honor a good man who passed away recently. My former principal, Lowell Thomas died December 17th from complications from lupus. Mr. Thomas hired me, my first job teaching. I had been going on countless interviews for long-term substituting jobs, with no luck. Although I'd been subbing almost exclusively in a neighboring school system, I simply could not get hired for a long-term position. I went to an interview for yet another job, this time in a school in the city I live in now. Although I didn't get that job, I think (I don't know for sure) that principal gave my name to Mr. Thomas. He called me personally to ask me to come in and interview for a long-term third grade job at his school. As soon as I heard his voice on my answering machine, I just had a feeling. I felt instantly at ease with this stranger. I went to the interview, Mr. Thomas himself gave me directions to the school. Driving up to what would become my school, I again had the best feeling about this particular job. I went into his office, and really, the interview was more a conversation than a question and answer session. He sat next to me in a chair, not across from me behind his desk. He told me about his lupus, and about the school. He told me about the job, and asked if I'd like to tour the school and meet the teacher who was going out on sick leave. As we made our way around the circular school, he introduced me to teachers and staff we happened to run into. Then we got to the teacher's room, and when she came out, she said, "Did she say yes?" and I knew then I had the job! Mr. Thomas said, "Well I haven't asked her yet" but he wasn't mad at all. I was elated. I met the teacher, who I'll call Ms. Smith, and the class, and then he did officially ask me to take the job. Of course I did!
That position was hard, coming in mid-February, not being the "real" teacher, and finding out that Ms. Smith was quite a control freak. She flipped out when I changed a bulletin board, and accused me of letting the students steal her books. Mr. Thomas totally stood behind me. After she officially resigned, he confided that he regretted hiring her. He did not feel she was a good teacher. I had NO idea he felt even remotely that way about her until after she did not work in that city at all anymore. He never before said anything unkind about her, and even when he did, it was simply the truth. I had already had plenty of experience with this woman's controlling and obsessive nature. I was glad for her to go! But once the year was up, another fear was that I would not be able to stay on at the school permanently. I told Mr. Thomas, "I will do ANYTHING to stay. I will teach Kindergarten in the morning and 5th grade in the afternoon to stay here at your school." And I would have done it smiling to work for him. In the short span of a half a school year, I already knew what Mr. Thomas was like. I already loved him like family, like he'd always been part of my life. Fortunately, I was able to stay, and to stay in third grade. New teachers came on board, and we set out teaching those kids for several years. During my first or second year teaching, it's a bit of a blur now, Mr. Thomas wanted me to have a student teacher. I didn't think I could do it, I didn't feel confident in my teaching, but he did. He insisted, but not in a forceful way. He simply said he believed in me and felt strongly I could do this. So I did. It turned out to be a great thing. Terra was a fantastic student teacher, in fact she needed very little guidance from me. Another blessing was that I ended up getting divorced that year, and it was really hard. Having Terra there to pretty much teach all day was a relief. It was an invaluable experience as well, and I believe Terra went on to teach in a different city.
When Mr. Thomas announced that he was retiring, no one was surprised, but everyone was sad. His lupus was really taking a toll on his health, and retiring was the best thing for him. As a gift to his staff, he gave us all a week free at his beach cottage at a beach nearby. This cottage was built from scratch by Mr. Thomas himself. Each year, at the start of school, we'd have a bit of a raffle to get everyone in a good mood. There'd be all kinds of little gifts, but then someone would win a week at the beach house. I remember being so disappointed that year that he didn't have that house in the raffle. Then, at the end of the meeting, he told us we all were getting a week. Unbelievable.
One year I entered a radio contest for an essay about the best boss. The winner got doughnuts for their staff. We won. I wrote about Mr. Thomas from the heart, and to my everlasting dismay, the essay was lost. I tried searching online, but I don't even remember which radio station it was, or what year it was. I know the general idea behind the essay, how Mr. Thomas was kind, fair, compassionate; how he always stood up for his teachers. If parents complained, he backed us up, even if we were wrong. He would tell us privately, but in front of that parent, we were on the same side. What a rare and highly valued quality to find in an elementary school principal, where the usual response is to attempt to placate the parent, regardless of how it makes the teacher look. Mr. Thomas didn't do things that way. He actually respected his teachers and staff. He didn't think he had to hover over us to get us to do our jobs, he just expected us to do them, and we did. He knew everything that was going on in his building. Although he had some short term memory difficulties, and you always had to have an extra copy of any paperwork you gave him, he knew what his teachers and students were doing. He always knew.
His discipline of students was unusual, too. He was pretty lenient, generally. But he was consistently lenient, so if Mr. Thomas lit into a student, boy, that was a changed child. I remember sending a student to him once, and he came to tell me about it. He said, "I ripped him a new one." I loved how candid he was with the teachers, and how he still remembered what it was like to feel the frustration and stress of teaching, and of dealing with a student who was misbehaving. One day, after a particularly bad morning, I was walking back from the cafeteria, where I'd just dropped my class off. Mr. Thomas was coming down the hall, saw me and how dejected I was looking, and he said, "Don't worry, the day from hell will be over soon." And don't worry, the hall was empty of students. That little remark was all it took to perk me up enough to make it through that day from hell. What an amazing person to be able to do that, with just a few words.
After he retired, I kept in touch with Mr. Thomas. We corresponded often by email, and sometimes by mail. He came to my wedding to Bill. He shared with me about his father-in-law, his gazebo, his Christmas tree lot, and the school van he was driving. He just couldn't stop working with children. His daughters also reminded us about the Christmas cards and report card notes he hand-wrote every year. 500+ report cards, and they ALL had a hand-written note from Mr. Thomas. "You can do better" or "Great job, keep it up! You're doing so well in Reading." They were not overly personal, but some were. I wish I had all the cards he gave me. I wish I had saved all the emails we exchanged. But I didn't. I do have one card, though. It has been hanging in my craft room for years. It was from one Christmas, when he gave his staff these beautiful brass starfish, that came with the story of the starfish, and the man that was throwing them back into the sea. His card to me said, "Kathy, what a blessing it was to [our school] and to me when you came into all of our lives. I hope you know just what a special person you are. I hope that this holiday season will be a time when you can enjoy all of the many wonderful things that make this such a wonderful time of the year. Among those who will be thinking of you during this special time, please include me on the list and know that my best wishes for a wonderful holiday season are with you. Lowell T." I treasure this card.
Mr. Thomas was a kind, compassionate, caring, loving man. He loved his family, his staff, his students, his church. I can't imagine ever working for someone as respectful, trusting, and supportive.
That position was hard, coming in mid-February, not being the "real" teacher, and finding out that Ms. Smith was quite a control freak. She flipped out when I changed a bulletin board, and accused me of letting the students steal her books. Mr. Thomas totally stood behind me. After she officially resigned, he confided that he regretted hiring her. He did not feel she was a good teacher. I had NO idea he felt even remotely that way about her until after she did not work in that city at all anymore. He never before said anything unkind about her, and even when he did, it was simply the truth. I had already had plenty of experience with this woman's controlling and obsessive nature. I was glad for her to go! But once the year was up, another fear was that I would not be able to stay on at the school permanently. I told Mr. Thomas, "I will do ANYTHING to stay. I will teach Kindergarten in the morning and 5th grade in the afternoon to stay here at your school." And I would have done it smiling to work for him. In the short span of a half a school year, I already knew what Mr. Thomas was like. I already loved him like family, like he'd always been part of my life. Fortunately, I was able to stay, and to stay in third grade. New teachers came on board, and we set out teaching those kids for several years. During my first or second year teaching, it's a bit of a blur now, Mr. Thomas wanted me to have a student teacher. I didn't think I could do it, I didn't feel confident in my teaching, but he did. He insisted, but not in a forceful way. He simply said he believed in me and felt strongly I could do this. So I did. It turned out to be a great thing. Terra was a fantastic student teacher, in fact she needed very little guidance from me. Another blessing was that I ended up getting divorced that year, and it was really hard. Having Terra there to pretty much teach all day was a relief. It was an invaluable experience as well, and I believe Terra went on to teach in a different city.
When Mr. Thomas announced that he was retiring, no one was surprised, but everyone was sad. His lupus was really taking a toll on his health, and retiring was the best thing for him. As a gift to his staff, he gave us all a week free at his beach cottage at a beach nearby. This cottage was built from scratch by Mr. Thomas himself. Each year, at the start of school, we'd have a bit of a raffle to get everyone in a good mood. There'd be all kinds of little gifts, but then someone would win a week at the beach house. I remember being so disappointed that year that he didn't have that house in the raffle. Then, at the end of the meeting, he told us we all were getting a week. Unbelievable.
One year I entered a radio contest for an essay about the best boss. The winner got doughnuts for their staff. We won. I wrote about Mr. Thomas from the heart, and to my everlasting dismay, the essay was lost. I tried searching online, but I don't even remember which radio station it was, or what year it was. I know the general idea behind the essay, how Mr. Thomas was kind, fair, compassionate; how he always stood up for his teachers. If parents complained, he backed us up, even if we were wrong. He would tell us privately, but in front of that parent, we were on the same side. What a rare and highly valued quality to find in an elementary school principal, where the usual response is to attempt to placate the parent, regardless of how it makes the teacher look. Mr. Thomas didn't do things that way. He actually respected his teachers and staff. He didn't think he had to hover over us to get us to do our jobs, he just expected us to do them, and we did. He knew everything that was going on in his building. Although he had some short term memory difficulties, and you always had to have an extra copy of any paperwork you gave him, he knew what his teachers and students were doing. He always knew.
His discipline of students was unusual, too. He was pretty lenient, generally. But he was consistently lenient, so if Mr. Thomas lit into a student, boy, that was a changed child. I remember sending a student to him once, and he came to tell me about it. He said, "I ripped him a new one." I loved how candid he was with the teachers, and how he still remembered what it was like to feel the frustration and stress of teaching, and of dealing with a student who was misbehaving. One day, after a particularly bad morning, I was walking back from the cafeteria, where I'd just dropped my class off. Mr. Thomas was coming down the hall, saw me and how dejected I was looking, and he said, "Don't worry, the day from hell will be over soon." And don't worry, the hall was empty of students. That little remark was all it took to perk me up enough to make it through that day from hell. What an amazing person to be able to do that, with just a few words.
After he retired, I kept in touch with Mr. Thomas. We corresponded often by email, and sometimes by mail. He came to my wedding to Bill. He shared with me about his father-in-law, his gazebo, his Christmas tree lot, and the school van he was driving. He just couldn't stop working with children. His daughters also reminded us about the Christmas cards and report card notes he hand-wrote every year. 500+ report cards, and they ALL had a hand-written note from Mr. Thomas. "You can do better" or "Great job, keep it up! You're doing so well in Reading." They were not overly personal, but some were. I wish I had all the cards he gave me. I wish I had saved all the emails we exchanged. But I didn't. I do have one card, though. It has been hanging in my craft room for years. It was from one Christmas, when he gave his staff these beautiful brass starfish, that came with the story of the starfish, and the man that was throwing them back into the sea. His card to me said, "Kathy, what a blessing it was to [our school] and to me when you came into all of our lives. I hope you know just what a special person you are. I hope that this holiday season will be a time when you can enjoy all of the many wonderful things that make this such a wonderful time of the year. Among those who will be thinking of you during this special time, please include me on the list and know that my best wishes for a wonderful holiday season are with you. Lowell T." I treasure this card.
Mr. Thomas was a kind, compassionate, caring, loving man. He loved his family, his staff, his students, his church. I can't imagine ever working for someone as respectful, trusting, and supportive.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Hemp and stuff
I have been working on clearing up a little infection my daughter got, and in the course of that, I have boiled all her diapers, and super-heavy-duty washed her covers and everything that has elastic or PUL. Sigh. Not how I want to spend my free time. I had gotten a few hemp liners/inserts/doublers things try for overnight, and I realized they are anti-bacterial. Now I wish I had gotten more of them. So I checked around and most of them are intended for adding absorption to diapers, but I really just want something thin that I can lay on top of all her diapers, that isn't too expensive, so I can use one at every diaper change. I am wondering if anything like this exists? I have two Hemp Babies thin ones, and 3 Joey Bunz for night time. The Hemp Babies ones are nice and thin, but longer than necessary. I've been checking all my trusted diaper sites, and I think I might have to do a search and see what else comes up. I also added some hemp diapers to my Kaboodle Diaper wishlist.
Well, I hope that the boiling and heavy washing will clear up this infection and keep it from coming back. I think that using the hemp overnight will certainly help as well. Oh, and I ordered some bumGenius laundry detergent, too.
I have to say, if you have rash issues, the person to contact is Dani at Babycottonbottoms.com. She was a great help and answered all my questions clearly and expertly. Really, she was great. I highly recommend that if you have questions about rashes, you contact her. Thanks to "There's No Snakes in New Zealand" blog for sharing her expertise with me!
Well, I hope that the boiling and heavy washing will clear up this infection and keep it from coming back. I think that using the hemp overnight will certainly help as well. Oh, and I ordered some bumGenius laundry detergent, too.
I have to say, if you have rash issues, the person to contact is Dani at Babycottonbottoms.com. She was a great help and answered all my questions clearly and expertly. Really, she was great. I highly recommend that if you have questions about rashes, you contact her. Thanks to "There's No Snakes in New Zealand" blog for sharing her expertise with me!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Super amazing giveaway at cloth diaper blog!!
Holy wetbags, Batman, Cloth Diaper Blog is giving away $300 to spend at Diaper Junction!!!!! The contest runs through January 8th, and there are 12 ways to enter. Man oh man, I can't wait to see who gets this one! I think I would faint if I won! Imagine having $300 to spend on diaper stuff?! Check out my links in the sidebar or go to www.clothdiaperblog.com to enter.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Giveaway at Cloth Diaper Talk
Check out Cloth Diaper Talk's giveaway for a Thirsties Diaper Duo, in your choice of color! Go to http://www.clothdiapertalk.com/ to get all the details! And then check out thanksmama.com which is the store site the blog's affiliated with. Good luck everybody!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Thanks Mama store and blog
I posted recently about a new-to-me site called Thanks Mama. Helena and I have been corresponding a little bit, and she has graciously offered you 5% off your orders with coupon code "mama"!! This is exciting for me, because, as a small blog, I have never had a retailer contact me like this and extend a great promotion! It is so cool!! As I said in my previous post, the store has a ton of great stuff, not just cloth diapers, but all kinds of things. It would take longer than I have during naptime to look at everything there!
I hope Helena won't mind if I quote her here, as I don't think I can say this any better, "Thanks Mama is a work at home mom business, it opened its cyber doors in 2003, we are a one stop shop for all cloth diapering needs. My customers are fellow moms with same problems and joys as I am, I feel a sort of comradeship with my customers and always happy to help. I would also like to offer 5% off to your readers with coupon code “mama”." "We also hold giveaways of cloth diapers, accessories and sometimes baby toys on our blog www.clothdiapertalk.com and we welcome your readers to participate in next week giveaway."
I love supporting mom and family owned businesses, and I hope that if you go there and check it out, you'll see that it is a really good site with a lot to offer. I'm really happy that Helena and Thanks Mama and I have connected. Don't forget your coupon code! And the giveaway!
A Few of My Favorite Things
There are a ton of things that babies need, parents want, families are given, and some become favorites. I'm going to share with you some of my favorite items, whether they're fun or functional. All the information is to the best of my knowledge, and any mistakes are not intentional. I do my best to be correct. I have tried to link to either the company or the product, although for some of them I couldn't find a link. Also, some of them I had to link to a store that carries the item, but I am not affiliated with any of these stores and I'm not endorsing them in any way. I just happened to find the item being sold there. Also, I'm not being paid or compensated in any way for my opinions about these products. I just happen to really like them and want to tell people about them. All the products were either purchased by me or given to me by a friend (not company).
1. Britax Marathon carseat. I can't remember the name of the pattern, but it's pink with yellow flowers, and I think the pattern is discontinued. This carseat is great. The fabric is really soft, it can seat up to 40 pounds rear-facing and 60 pounds forward facing. I don't have any trouble putting Karina in the seat, and she doesn't seem to be uncomfortable. It was also really easy to install. The best part is that I feel really good knowing Karina's safe. It was expensive, but my mom really wanted to give it to us. I would have bought it anyway. A very good friend of mine was in a car accident, where she was rear-ended by a moron. She has had all kinds of neck, back, and even brain issues as a result, and yet neither of her two children had ANY injuries AT ALL. The were both in Britax carseats. Sold.
2. "Lambkin". This is actually a Gund Comfy Cozy plush semi-stuffed lamb named "Lopsy" that was a gift to us from Linda, Meghan, Mark, and Laura. Karina LOVES this thing. She sleeps with it and often it has to come with her other places. It is her one true love! Lambkin is soft and floppy, and adorable.
3. My diapers. All of them! I love using cloth on my daughter. Not only am I doing a small part to reduce waste, I get to put my daughter in adorable diapers that make changing time fun for me, too! I love color-coordinating with her clothes. My mom loves cloth, too, but even she thinks I'm pretty silly for how much I love my diapers!
4. Graco stroller. Passage Meridian...I am not sure it's still sold, although I did find this link to it at walmart.com, but it's a beautiful pattern with brown and a teal blue color. Perfect for a boy or girl. I love the brown; it's not a dingy tan color, like a lot of strollers are, but it's a really chocolatey-brown color. It rolls nicely, Karina's comfortable, and I have places for my stuff.
5. Stroller hooks called "Stroll'r Swivel'rs". A necessity! I just hook shopping bags on there, and off we go. I don't have to carry anything.
6. Diaper bag. It's by Carini Bambini, and it's pink and brown (this link shows a blue and brown one) with a big cutout heart. It's big enough that my cloth diapers fit in it, and toys and food, which I couldn't always do in my last diaper bag.
7. Slings. I have three--two Jellybean slings and a pink Baby K'Tan. I love them all. I used the Jellybeans first, when she was a baby, and they're really easy to use and pretty comfortable. When she started getting bigger, they were a little less comfortable because of the one shoulder issue, but that's when I got the Baby K'Tan, which can go over both shoulders. Problem solved!
8. Natural Baby Company wet bags. I have four small ones and two large. The large ones took quite a beating and the PUL started coming off at the seams, but the small ones have held up GREAT. I use them after swim class, for dirty diapers, you name it.
9. Pedoodles First Feet shoes. I tried some that I got a great deal on from babyhalfoff.com, and I love them. They are really soft leather, and the soles are nice and soft and pliable, and they stay on her feet. I just ordered two more pairs!
10. Grandma El's Diaper rash cream. It worked like a charm on a stubborn rash!
11. Karina's old infant bathtub (The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Tub--see it here). It was perfect for us. Perfect size, color, and features. A fabulous purchase. I went from a screaming baby at bath time to a very happy, playing one.
12. Eddie Bauer travel bed. Again, something Karina outgrew, but while we used it, it was fantastic. We used it weekly at my mom's for her nap, and it was perfect. She couldn't roll off of anything while she was in it, and it blocked out some of the visual distractions if she should stir.
I'm sure there will be more favorites, but this is a good start. I hope you enjoyed reading my opinions about these items!
1. Britax Marathon carseat. I can't remember the name of the pattern, but it's pink with yellow flowers, and I think the pattern is discontinued. This carseat is great. The fabric is really soft, it can seat up to 40 pounds rear-facing and 60 pounds forward facing. I don't have any trouble putting Karina in the seat, and she doesn't seem to be uncomfortable. It was also really easy to install. The best part is that I feel really good knowing Karina's safe. It was expensive, but my mom really wanted to give it to us. I would have bought it anyway. A very good friend of mine was in a car accident, where she was rear-ended by a moron. She has had all kinds of neck, back, and even brain issues as a result, and yet neither of her two children had ANY injuries AT ALL. The were both in Britax carseats. Sold.
2. "Lambkin". This is actually a Gund Comfy Cozy plush semi-stuffed lamb named "Lopsy" that was a gift to us from Linda, Meghan, Mark, and Laura. Karina LOVES this thing. She sleeps with it and often it has to come with her other places. It is her one true love! Lambkin is soft and floppy, and adorable.
3. My diapers. All of them! I love using cloth on my daughter. Not only am I doing a small part to reduce waste, I get to put my daughter in adorable diapers that make changing time fun for me, too! I love color-coordinating with her clothes. My mom loves cloth, too, but even she thinks I'm pretty silly for how much I love my diapers!
4. Graco stroller. Passage Meridian...I am not sure it's still sold, although I did find this link to it at walmart.com, but it's a beautiful pattern with brown and a teal blue color. Perfect for a boy or girl. I love the brown; it's not a dingy tan color, like a lot of strollers are, but it's a really chocolatey-brown color. It rolls nicely, Karina's comfortable, and I have places for my stuff.
5. Stroller hooks called "Stroll'r Swivel'rs". A necessity! I just hook shopping bags on there, and off we go. I don't have to carry anything.
6. Diaper bag. It's by Carini Bambini, and it's pink and brown (this link shows a blue and brown one) with a big cutout heart. It's big enough that my cloth diapers fit in it, and toys and food, which I couldn't always do in my last diaper bag.
7. Slings. I have three--two Jellybean slings and a pink Baby K'Tan. I love them all. I used the Jellybeans first, when she was a baby, and they're really easy to use and pretty comfortable. When she started getting bigger, they were a little less comfortable because of the one shoulder issue, but that's when I got the Baby K'Tan, which can go over both shoulders. Problem solved!
8. Natural Baby Company wet bags. I have four small ones and two large. The large ones took quite a beating and the PUL started coming off at the seams, but the small ones have held up GREAT. I use them after swim class, for dirty diapers, you name it.
9. Pedoodles First Feet shoes. I tried some that I got a great deal on from babyhalfoff.com, and I love them. They are really soft leather, and the soles are nice and soft and pliable, and they stay on her feet. I just ordered two more pairs!
10. Grandma El's Diaper rash cream. It worked like a charm on a stubborn rash!
11. Karina's old infant bathtub (The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Tub--see it here). It was perfect for us. Perfect size, color, and features. A fabulous purchase. I went from a screaming baby at bath time to a very happy, playing one.
12. Eddie Bauer travel bed. Again, something Karina outgrew, but while we used it, it was fantastic. We used it weekly at my mom's for her nap, and it was perfect. She couldn't roll off of anything while she was in it, and it blocked out some of the visual distractions if she should stir.
I'm sure there will be more favorites, but this is a good start. I hope you enjoyed reading my opinions about these items!
Nicki's Diapers giveaway
Dec. 4th-24th Weekly Giveaway (12th)
WIN a Blueberry Coverall One Size Diaper Cover (you choice color and closure style)Check out Nicki's diapers store and blog! You can find the links in my sidebar!
This store is great as they have free shipping on lots of items. Also, fabulous fast service!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Not so much a diaper thing
I have discovered and fallen in love with Adorable Kinders soft rag dolls! They are super cute, and there are 26 to choose from. You can see them at http://www.adorablekinders.com/softdolls_catalog.html. Plus, you can find a chance to win one at www.jollymom.com. Also check out www.babygenius.com.
I think these dolls are so cute! They have different faces, hair color, and outfits. Plus, for those of you who like the idea of also playing online, they have a way to do that too.
Jolly Mom is giving away a doll...go there to enter, and definitely check out these dolls. They have really gotten my attention!
I think these dolls are so cute! They have different faces, hair color, and outfits. Plus, for those of you who like the idea of also playing online, they have a way to do that too.
Jolly Mom is giving away a doll...go there to enter, and definitely check out these dolls. They have really gotten my attention!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Giveaway and new to me site!
Check out this site that was just introduced to me by Helena: http://www.thanksmama.com/ They have all kinds of baby items, including cloth diapers, BabyLegs, and toys. PLUS, on their blog (http://www.clothdiapertalk.com/) they have a giveaway for a Lamaze chime garden, going on but ONLY til December 11!
Hurry on over there to the blog, enter to win, and also be sure to check out the store site!
Hurry on over there to the blog, enter to win, and also be sure to check out the store site!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Diaper Shops on Facebook
Kelly's Closet and the other Diaper Shops sites have a Facebook page!
http://www.facebook.com/pa
Head on over and check it out. If you become a fan, let me know! There is a giveaway going on under their Discussions tab after you become a fan. Check that out for a couple chances to win a $50 certificate to use at any of the diaper shops sites.
Also!!
*www.KellysCloset.com has just lowered their free shipping to orders of $49 and up for the holidays.
*For a limited time, www.KellysCloset.com is offering a FREE Econobum diaper with a $50 or more purchase. Use code ECONOBUM
*www.OneSizeDiaperStore.com and www.FuzziBunzOnline.com have free shipping on ALL orders
http://www.facebook.com/pa
Head on over and check it out. If you become a fan, let me know! There is a giveaway going on under their Discussions tab after you become a fan. Check that out for a couple chances to win a $50 certificate to use at any of the diaper shops sites.
Also!!
*www.KellysCloset.com has just lowered their free shipping to orders of $49 and up for the holidays.
*For a limited time, www.KellysCloset.com is offering a FREE Econobum diaper with a $50 or more purchase. Use code ECONOBUM
*www.OneSizeDiaperStore.com and www.FuzziBunzOnline.com have free shipping on ALL orders
Monday, November 30, 2009
Just appreciating
I just have to say how much I love Diaper Junction. Seriously, people, if you want great service, buy from them. They are the best.
Adorabumz
I found this site recently and they have the cutest diaper covers I've ever seen. I just got one to try out, with a brown and turquoise/teal blue paisley pattern. It's a medium, which should fit up to 30 pounds. The covers, as you see, are sized, which is not my usual preference, but I think this will have a big enough range to be useful for quite a while. They had a bunch of other supercute prints, too, and one I wanted they only had in size small, urg! It's a beautiful butterfly print on a pink background. After the Cyber Monday sale, the shop is closing for the month of December, but when it reopens in January, there should be a bunch more stuff stocked. Go ahead and check them out at Adorabumz.
I just saw this, too, when I added her to my Twitter feed--she's in Virginia! I love supporting local people!
I just saw this, too, when I added her to my Twitter feed--she's in Virginia! I love supporting local people!
Exergen Temporal Artery Scanning Thermometer Giveaway
http://www.theclothdiaperreport.com/2009/11/exergen-temporal-scanner-review.html
You can enter to win one of these new and amazing devices at The Cloth Diaper Report's blog. My friend Danise got one when I was visiting her a few months ago, and my daughter got strep throat, and then her two kids also got sick. This thing is amazing. You don't have to stick it in anything, you just run it along the forehead of the little sickie, and it gives a very accurate reading. I learned that doing multiple readings will actually affect the result as repeated use will actually cool the patient's skin somewhat, lowering the temperature. You can go to the Exergen website and read the FAQs to find out more.
You can enter to win one of these new and amazing devices at The Cloth Diaper Report's blog. My friend Danise got one when I was visiting her a few months ago, and my daughter got strep throat, and then her two kids also got sick. This thing is amazing. You don't have to stick it in anything, you just run it along the forehead of the little sickie, and it gives a very accurate reading. I learned that doing multiple readings will actually affect the result as repeated use will actually cool the patient's skin somewhat, lowering the temperature. You can go to the Exergen website and read the FAQs to find out more.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Some GCDH sites
This site has some great wet bags, and some come in sets that snap together, so you have a bag for your wipes and one for your wet diapers. http://hyenacart.com/lovingtouchwetbags/index.php?c=23
Here's a site that has neat dress up outfits for kids and grown ups. http://miloscreations.com/
Another site that offers more than just diapers: http://www.mybabypumpkin.com/
This one has a sense of humor for all you "nanny-deprived" moms! http://www.nannydeprived.com/
Finally, check out the dad gear at Rumparooz (and their prints and solid color diapers that are to die for!) http://www.rumparooz.com/
To find a TON more great sites, go to the Diaper Decisions Great Cloth Diaper Hunt sponsor list and check them out! There are really a lot...http://www.diaperdecisions.com/pages/dh_huntlist.php
Have fun!
Here's a site that has neat dress up outfits for kids and grown ups. http://miloscreations.com/
Another site that offers more than just diapers: http://www.mybabypumpkin.com/
This one has a sense of humor for all you "nanny-deprived" moms! http://www.nannydeprived.com/
Finally, check out the dad gear at Rumparooz (and their prints and solid color diapers that are to die for!) http://www.rumparooz.com/
To find a TON more great sites, go to the Diaper Decisions Great Cloth Diaper Hunt sponsor list and check them out! There are really a lot...http://www.diaperdecisions.com/pages/dh_huntlist.php
Have fun!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Looks like it might be time to change the night diapering routine
Well, for the second time in a month I've gotten up to a diaperless daughter. The first time it was just cute, she was standing there in the partial buff smiling at me. The second time, not so cute. My husband was getting up with her so I could sleep in on a Saturday morning (this in and of itself is amazing--he hardly ever does this), but he was back in minutes apologizing and telling me there was a mess he needed help with. Up I got, to discover that her diaper had removed itself in the night (she was still mostly asleep when Bill had gone in there, so I know she did not take it off herself) and she had, um, made a mess in the crib. The worst part was that it got on her super-special stuffed animal, Lambkin, who is machine washable, but alas, is NOT machine dryable. It took all day to dry him and I finally just stuck him in the dryer on super-low. Her nap without him was not so good. She woke up after about an hour crying, and inconsolable. I ended up laying on the floor of her nursery just to get her to sleep so that I didn't have to stand for another hour. Since it took me about half an hour to figure out TO do this, and HOW to do it, I ended up with a lovely 20 minutes left until her nap was over.
The problem lies in the fact that her jammies weren't snapped and the velcro-style closure on her diaper cover snagged on the sheet and came open on one side. It was not the fault of the cover. Inside this cover there's a prefold wrapped around a microfiber insert, and on top of it is a Kissaluvs super soaker. This makes for quite a bulky night time diaper. So I decided it was time to look for another way. I read recently, and I think I posted a link to, an article about just the same thing. The author ended up using hemp, so I have ordered a few inserts to try. I'm hoping they'll reduce her diaper bulk without leaking. That will also mean we'll get longer use out of her covers, which at this point, are extended to their maximum capacity.
Once I try out the hemp stuff, I'll let you all know how it turns out. Wish us luck!
The problem lies in the fact that her jammies weren't snapped and the velcro-style closure on her diaper cover snagged on the sheet and came open on one side. It was not the fault of the cover. Inside this cover there's a prefold wrapped around a microfiber insert, and on top of it is a Kissaluvs super soaker. This makes for quite a bulky night time diaper. So I decided it was time to look for another way. I read recently, and I think I posted a link to, an article about just the same thing. The author ended up using hemp, so I have ordered a few inserts to try. I'm hoping they'll reduce her diaper bulk without leaking. That will also mean we'll get longer use out of her covers, which at this point, are extended to their maximum capacity.
Once I try out the hemp stuff, I'll let you all know how it turns out. Wish us luck!
Nicki's Diapers Giveaway
Visit nickisdiapers.com to check out their deals and many opportunities for free shipping (I love this about the site). Then go to the blog and see about their giveaway! WIN a BumWear One Size Pocket Diaper with free insert (you choice of S or M/L)
http://nickisdiapers.blogspot.com
http://nickisdiapers.blogspot.com
Friday, November 20, 2009
Cloth Diaper Whisperer fabulous giveaway!
Holy cow, this week's giveaway is great--it's for a bumGenius set, a Flip set, and a Flip digital recorder! Check out the blog to see the details! Wow!!! http://www.theclothdiaperwhisperer.com/
Monday, November 16, 2009
Fishnoodles and more
I just found a cool site on the GCDH...fishnoodles.com. I love their color combinations on their diaper covers. So cute!
Here's another one: http://www.greensproutbaby.com/
I like their velour...oooooooo so soft looking!
Here's another one: http://www.greensproutbaby.com/
I like their velour...oooooooo so soft looking!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Lest I forget them...
I don't mention these sites as often as I should. They are great and definitely well worth checking out whenever you need something for your little one...or need to feed that diaper fix!
Nicki's diapers blog has a giveaway and a coupon going on this week (coupon for the weekend only, sorry!) http://nickisdiapers.blogspot.com/
There's also a giveaway going on at the Diaper Style blog, affiliated with the site, diaperstyle.com, which I also love. Here's that link: http://diaperstyle.blogspot.com/
Another blog I like is snootybootydiapers.com's blog, http://www.clothdiapersmadesimple.com/
No giveaway right now there, but they do have them, and the site is great. All my favorites are linked in my sidebar. I've bought from them all and had great service at each.
I just thought I would give some notice to some of these other great sites that don't get mentioned as much by me because their giveaways are not necessarily weekly. But that doesn't make them any less great!!!
Nicki's diapers blog has a giveaway and a coupon going on this week (coupon for the weekend only, sorry!) http://nickisdiapers.blogspot.com/
There's also a giveaway going on at the Diaper Style blog, affiliated with the site, diaperstyle.com, which I also love. Here's that link: http://diaperstyle.blogspot.com/
Another blog I like is snootybootydiapers.com's blog, http://www.clothdiapersmadesimple.com/
No giveaway right now there, but they do have them, and the site is great. All my favorites are linked in my sidebar. I've bought from them all and had great service at each.
I just thought I would give some notice to some of these other great sites that don't get mentioned as much by me because their giveaways are not necessarily weekly. But that doesn't make them any less great!!!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Rumparooz giveaway at Cloth Diaper Whisperer!
This Friday's giveaway is for 2 Rumparooz! Here is the link: http://www.theclothdiaperwhisperer.com/2009/11/fluff-friday-55-rumparooz-giveaway.html
Cloth Diapers Made Easy
Cloth Diapers Made Easy is a resource website for new, or experienced cloth diapering parents. It has information on types of diapers, fabric care, washing, how many diapers you'll need.... it has a ton of information. I just went through their site during the GCDH, and I thought it was a good one, and definitely worth blogging about. So if you're looking for one place with all kinds of cloth diaper information, try this one. I have a link to it in my sidebar, down towards the bottom.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Website
Babyplanetboutique.com is a site I just visited while participating in the GCDH. This is a huge site, with all kinds of baby stuff, from diapers to hair bows. They have personalized books, educational stuff, feeding items, and even some cool stuff in the accessories section like closet organizers--little labeled dividers for your baby's clothes. I wanted something like this so badly, but couldn't find it, so I made my own. I wish I had found these. I did notice that a lot of stuff is sold out, but that could just be from the GCDH traffic. Whatever the case, this is a site worth checking out, especially if you are looking for something you can't find at your usual spots.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Do you need to cloth diaper on a budget?
Or do you know someone who does? Check this article out from The Cloth Diaper Whisperer on a new product, called Econobum. It's made by the people who make bumGenius! diapers, and it is a cover and prefold set. You can buy a kit with 12 prefold diapers and 3 covers for less than $50, which means you can get everything you need for under $100--for the diapering life of your child. Here is the link to the article: http://www.theclothdiaperwhisperer.com/2009/11/product-focus-econobum.html
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Wondering...
As I participate in the semi-annual Great Cloth Diaper Hunt sponsored by Diaper Decisions (I sound like an ad!), I am coming across some good new sites, and to be honest, that's how I found Diaper Style! At The Changing Times, I came across my super-favorites, Wonder Wraps. They are on sale. This got me wondering. Maybe that means they'll soon be coming out with some new, BETTER colors. This site also had two of the old colors in stock, Grass (green) and Sage (green). Too bad I don't want either of those colors. Although, for $10, I almost went ahead and got another few. I so love my WWs. Here's the link if you want to go see for yourself: http://www.a-and-d-enterprises.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=170
Friday, October 30, 2009
So Bummed
Cotton Babies had clearance bumGenius one size diapers again, and they had the colors I wanted, and I guess it took me too long to order them, because they disappeared from my cart before I could pay. I am so bummed out.
Monday, October 26, 2009
There's a Different Giveaway at Cloth Diapers Made Simple
CDMS is coordinating with a tea lovers (hello, that would be me!) website called Teaporia and you could win a $15 gift certificate to that site. You have four chances to enter, and if you go to the blog website, you can see the details.
http://www.clothdiapersmadesimple.com/
http://www.clothdiapersmadesimple.com/
Friday, October 23, 2009
Cloth Diaper Whisperer weekly giveaway
Check out the Diaper Whisperer's blog for a chance to win some g-Diapers!
http://www.theclothdiaperwhisperer.com/
http://www.theclothdiaperwhisperer.com/
Cloth Diaper Blog weekly giveaway
Here it is, the giveaway this week affiliated with Diaper Junction! THREE SMARTIPANTS DIAPERS!!!!
Seriously, if you haven't tried them, I find they are just as good as my bumGenius! And I LOVE my BGs....
Seriously, if you haven't tried them, I find they are just as good as my bumGenius! And I LOVE my BGs....
Visiting Danise in New Mexico
Karina and I headed off for what was to be the best vacation ever...visiting Danise and her kids and husband in New Mexico, and on top of that, getting to see the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta! I had never been able to visit her in October before because I was always teaching. All of us were looking forward to this vacation so much. Little did we know...
We got there after a fabulous pair of flights. We flew from Norfolk to Orlando, where our connection to Albuquerque was. On the first flight, I was so nervous because I'd never flown with a baby alone. Karina was PERFECT. She laughed at a lady across the aisle the whole time the plane was taking off, so she didn't cry, and then slept the rest of the flight. We actually had the whole row to ourselves on this flight, which was so nice. Then, at the end of the flight, the same nice lady helped me carry my roller bag and waited with me for the stroller to be brought up from gate check. She walked to my gate with me, just chatting. She flies that way a lot, I guess, for business. She was SO NICE. Once at our gate, she said goodbye and went off to get her own connection. Karina and I got ourselves straight, I fed and changed her (into a double-stuffed bumGenius diaper for the 4+ hour flight). Then we got in line for the second flight. This one was FULL. No empty row for us! Plus, Southwest no longer seats families before general boarding--now they do it between groups A and B, which totally stinks! We did get a window seat at the way back of the plane though. A nice lady sat down on the aisle seat, and then as it filled up, another lady had to sit between us. It turned out to be a great arrangement. They were the nicest people--Terri was the lady on the aisle, and Jen sat between us. Karina was an absolute angel, perfect, no crying at all. She played some and slept some, and "flirted" with Brad the flight attendant. Terri was knitting something, and I asked her about it. She said she had knit a bunch of hats for adults and thought she'd try a child's pattern with the leftover yarn. She was using a loom. It was really cool. Then she GAVE ME THE HAT FOR KARINA!!! Jen and I were both moved to tears--it was so sweet. I couldn't believe it. Terri said it was to commemorate Karina's trip and being so good! By the way, no leaks on any flights with her overstuffed BGs!
We landed in Albuquerque and it was really hard to say good bye to these two sweet ladies. We met Danise and Colin and Paige, and it was joyful. I got Karina changed, and off we went to enjoy our wonderful vacation. Colin and Paige kept Karina from crying in the car (I had expected meltdown to be imminent, but it was not!). They played with her and she absolutely loved them! At Danise's house, they played and it was so great...Colin is almost 8 and Paige is 6, so they kind of helped watch Karina. She slept all night in the borrowed pack n play, and we started out great the next day. I put her in a Wonder Wrap just like at home, because that is what works best for us. I brought two covers, 8 prefolds, 7 Super Soaker inserts, and 7 BG small inserts.
By Wednesday evening, Karina had developed a low grade fever. I thought that it was just from teething, because her top teeth are coming in big-time. Overnight, the fever stayed moderate, but the next morning, she was feeling really hot to me. I took her temperature and it was 100.4. I called my pediatrician and they recommended that I take her somewhere to be checked out. Danise and her kids had been at the one event they couldn't cancel, so I was home with her alone when I got this information. When they came back, I told her and she had me call her kids' pediatrician. We got an appointment for that afternoon. About 20 minutes later, as I stood in Danise's kitchen holding Karina, she threw up everything all over me and the floor. Thank God for Danise's cool head, for she started cleaning and asking what she could do. I was just stunned. My baby had never been sick before!! We tried to get an earlier appointment, but there wasn't one. Karina fell asleep for a while, luckily, so I could shower. We went to the doctor and discovered she had strep throat! Apparently it was going around. They prescribed amoxycillin and gave her some Motrin for the fever. Back at Danise's with prescription in hand, we continued to push through our now-miserable day. Karina felt bad, wouldn't eat, cried. Totally unlike her normal self. I was so unhappy. I couldn't think about anything. I had Tylenol, so I gave her that for the fever. During the night, she woke up crying so I put her in bed with me. She felt like she was on fire. I had given her the Tylenol too recently to give her more, so I put a cool cloth on her head. It didn't seem to help. I took her temp as best I could, but with that kind of thermometer, she was having none of it. She was screaming and crying. I was sure she was waking everyone up. The temp I got was 102.5. I called my pediatrician's after hours number and they said I needed to get her Motrin because it works better on a fever. By this point, I was in tears. Plus, the on-call doctor was hassling me about the time difference. Really? WHO CARES?? I gave her the Tylenol 45 minutes ago, doctor, so does it really matter if it's 11pm, 1am, or 3am? I couldn't figure out the time difference, I was too upset.
I went upstairs and woke poor Danise, who is a trooper and the greatest friend ever, and she took me to WalMart. We got the Motrin and a few other things, like juice, and she bought a new kind of thermometer for her family, which would have the added bonus of my being able to use it, too. We headed back home, gave Karina the Motrin (by the way, she was fighting us on EVERY dose of every medicine we were giving her. She kept spitting it out and screaming) and went back to bed. Her fever was definitely better the next day, and in the morning she seemed better, but as the day progressed she got worse. This was our Friday. We had wanted to go to the Balloon Fiesta on Saturday, but that was just not going to happen. Marc took the kids out to a movie and McDonalds as a treat for being so good (they SOOOOO deserved it!) and Danise and I watched the (horrible) movie, "Ghosts of Girlfriends Past". We hated it. It was stupid. Anyway, the night passed without incident, and the next day Karina was definitely feeling better. We attempted to go to a local trail, but it was just not happening. Karina was too fussy. I think we were out of the house for a whole 45 minutes.
We made plans to go to the Balloon Fiesta on Sunday. Karina was acting more and more like her old self, and everyone seemed to be doing okay. Paige was running a low-grade fever, off and on, but didn't feel sick, or act sick. We decided to go. We got up super early, with all our warm clothes, and off we went. It was strange that there weren't any of the long lines we had expected. Hmmm. Then they said on the radio that the winds were really high and the launch was postponed til 730. Hmmmm. Finally we got out, Marc helped me get Karina situated in the snuggly, with coat snapped around us, and another coat over Karina's legs, and gloves and a hood that tied on me...it was so funny! Finally we were ready. We went in, immediately had to try out the porta potties, and then headed for some food. There weren't many balloons on the ground. Hmmmm. Then, as we stood at a rack stuffing our faces with doughnuts and breakfast burritos, a news man came over and said he was doing a story on the cancellation, and could he interview Marc. Well, that's how we found out it was canceled. The cool part is Marc did get on the news!
http://www.kob.com/article/stories/S1186056.shtml?cat=500
We went back to Danise's house, feeling sort of strange. The day just seemed off somehow. We figured Monday would be more normal, my last day there, and we'd go to Target and look for jammies for Karina, let Colin pick out his birthday gift, the usual stuff we do when we're together. Except that Colin started running a high fever. When it got up around 104, they took him to the doctor and lo and behold he had strep throat. Sigh. Turns out Paige had it too, and probably Danise.
The next morning, Marc took me and Karina to the airport. She was so good on both flights, again, even though she was still congested and had a bit of a cough. We made an appointment to see our doctor when we got home. When we went in, it turned out she STILL had strep. Apparently, penicillin derivatives don't work as well as they used to on strep throat. So we're on a new antibiotic, and she finishes that up this weekend.
In all, the trip was weird. We (me and Danise) were disappointed, I flipped out over Karina's sickness, Colin and Paige got sick and I barely got to see them. It was just a general bummer. Now, Danise and I both feel more sad than usual, because it feels like we didn't really get to spend much time together.
My recommendation: don't get strep throat when you're on vacation. But if you do, make sure you have a good friend to help you out.
We got there after a fabulous pair of flights. We flew from Norfolk to Orlando, where our connection to Albuquerque was. On the first flight, I was so nervous because I'd never flown with a baby alone. Karina was PERFECT. She laughed at a lady across the aisle the whole time the plane was taking off, so she didn't cry, and then slept the rest of the flight. We actually had the whole row to ourselves on this flight, which was so nice. Then, at the end of the flight, the same nice lady helped me carry my roller bag and waited with me for the stroller to be brought up from gate check. She walked to my gate with me, just chatting. She flies that way a lot, I guess, for business. She was SO NICE. Once at our gate, she said goodbye and went off to get her own connection. Karina and I got ourselves straight, I fed and changed her (into a double-stuffed bumGenius diaper for the 4+ hour flight). Then we got in line for the second flight. This one was FULL. No empty row for us! Plus, Southwest no longer seats families before general boarding--now they do it between groups A and B, which totally stinks! We did get a window seat at the way back of the plane though. A nice lady sat down on the aisle seat, and then as it filled up, another lady had to sit between us. It turned out to be a great arrangement. They were the nicest people--Terri was the lady on the aisle, and Jen sat between us. Karina was an absolute angel, perfect, no crying at all. She played some and slept some, and "flirted" with Brad the flight attendant. Terri was knitting something, and I asked her about it. She said she had knit a bunch of hats for adults and thought she'd try a child's pattern with the leftover yarn. She was using a loom. It was really cool. Then she GAVE ME THE HAT FOR KARINA!!! Jen and I were both moved to tears--it was so sweet. I couldn't believe it. Terri said it was to commemorate Karina's trip and being so good! By the way, no leaks on any flights with her overstuffed BGs!
We landed in Albuquerque and it was really hard to say good bye to these two sweet ladies. We met Danise and Colin and Paige, and it was joyful. I got Karina changed, and off we went to enjoy our wonderful vacation. Colin and Paige kept Karina from crying in the car (I had expected meltdown to be imminent, but it was not!). They played with her and she absolutely loved them! At Danise's house, they played and it was so great...Colin is almost 8 and Paige is 6, so they kind of helped watch Karina. She slept all night in the borrowed pack n play, and we started out great the next day. I put her in a Wonder Wrap just like at home, because that is what works best for us. I brought two covers, 8 prefolds, 7 Super Soaker inserts, and 7 BG small inserts.
By Wednesday evening, Karina had developed a low grade fever. I thought that it was just from teething, because her top teeth are coming in big-time. Overnight, the fever stayed moderate, but the next morning, she was feeling really hot to me. I took her temperature and it was 100.4. I called my pediatrician and they recommended that I take her somewhere to be checked out. Danise and her kids had been at the one event they couldn't cancel, so I was home with her alone when I got this information. When they came back, I told her and she had me call her kids' pediatrician. We got an appointment for that afternoon. About 20 minutes later, as I stood in Danise's kitchen holding Karina, she threw up everything all over me and the floor. Thank God for Danise's cool head, for she started cleaning and asking what she could do. I was just stunned. My baby had never been sick before!! We tried to get an earlier appointment, but there wasn't one. Karina fell asleep for a while, luckily, so I could shower. We went to the doctor and discovered she had strep throat! Apparently it was going around. They prescribed amoxycillin and gave her some Motrin for the fever. Back at Danise's with prescription in hand, we continued to push through our now-miserable day. Karina felt bad, wouldn't eat, cried. Totally unlike her normal self. I was so unhappy. I couldn't think about anything. I had Tylenol, so I gave her that for the fever. During the night, she woke up crying so I put her in bed with me. She felt like she was on fire. I had given her the Tylenol too recently to give her more, so I put a cool cloth on her head. It didn't seem to help. I took her temp as best I could, but with that kind of thermometer, she was having none of it. She was screaming and crying. I was sure she was waking everyone up. The temp I got was 102.5. I called my pediatrician's after hours number and they said I needed to get her Motrin because it works better on a fever. By this point, I was in tears. Plus, the on-call doctor was hassling me about the time difference. Really? WHO CARES?? I gave her the Tylenol 45 minutes ago, doctor, so does it really matter if it's 11pm, 1am, or 3am? I couldn't figure out the time difference, I was too upset.
I went upstairs and woke poor Danise, who is a trooper and the greatest friend ever, and she took me to WalMart. We got the Motrin and a few other things, like juice, and she bought a new kind of thermometer for her family, which would have the added bonus of my being able to use it, too. We headed back home, gave Karina the Motrin (by the way, she was fighting us on EVERY dose of every medicine we were giving her. She kept spitting it out and screaming) and went back to bed. Her fever was definitely better the next day, and in the morning she seemed better, but as the day progressed she got worse. This was our Friday. We had wanted to go to the Balloon Fiesta on Saturday, but that was just not going to happen. Marc took the kids out to a movie and McDonalds as a treat for being so good (they SOOOOO deserved it!) and Danise and I watched the (horrible) movie, "Ghosts of Girlfriends Past". We hated it. It was stupid. Anyway, the night passed without incident, and the next day Karina was definitely feeling better. We attempted to go to a local trail, but it was just not happening. Karina was too fussy. I think we were out of the house for a whole 45 minutes.
We made plans to go to the Balloon Fiesta on Sunday. Karina was acting more and more like her old self, and everyone seemed to be doing okay. Paige was running a low-grade fever, off and on, but didn't feel sick, or act sick. We decided to go. We got up super early, with all our warm clothes, and off we went. It was strange that there weren't any of the long lines we had expected. Hmmm. Then they said on the radio that the winds were really high and the launch was postponed til 730. Hmmmm. Finally we got out, Marc helped me get Karina situated in the snuggly, with coat snapped around us, and another coat over Karina's legs, and gloves and a hood that tied on me...it was so funny! Finally we were ready. We went in, immediately had to try out the porta potties, and then headed for some food. There weren't many balloons on the ground. Hmmmm. Then, as we stood at a rack stuffing our faces with doughnuts and breakfast burritos, a news man came over and said he was doing a story on the cancellation, and could he interview Marc. Well, that's how we found out it was canceled. The cool part is Marc did get on the news!
http://www.kob.com/article/stories/S1186056.shtml?cat=500
We went back to Danise's house, feeling sort of strange. The day just seemed off somehow. We figured Monday would be more normal, my last day there, and we'd go to Target and look for jammies for Karina, let Colin pick out his birthday gift, the usual stuff we do when we're together. Except that Colin started running a high fever. When it got up around 104, they took him to the doctor and lo and behold he had strep throat. Sigh. Turns out Paige had it too, and probably Danise.
The next morning, Marc took me and Karina to the airport. She was so good on both flights, again, even though she was still congested and had a bit of a cough. We made an appointment to see our doctor when we got home. When we went in, it turned out she STILL had strep. Apparently, penicillin derivatives don't work as well as they used to on strep throat. So we're on a new antibiotic, and she finishes that up this weekend.
In all, the trip was weird. We (me and Danise) were disappointed, I flipped out over Karina's sickness, Colin and Paige got sick and I barely got to see them. It was just a general bummer. Now, Danise and I both feel more sad than usual, because it feels like we didn't really get to spend much time together.
My recommendation: don't get strep throat when you're on vacation. But if you do, make sure you have a good friend to help you out.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Cover and Prefolds giveaway
http://www.clothdiapersmadesimple.com/2009/10/booroi-cover-info-and-giveaway.html
Booroi cover and prefolds giveaway at Cloth Diapers Made Simple.
Booroi cover and prefolds giveaway at Cloth Diapers Made Simple.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
softclothbunz, now Diaper Junction, and SMARTIPANTS!!!!!!
I just read the email and it says they're getting Smartipants diapers!!!!!! I am so excited!!!!!!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Diaper Shops
Diaper Shops is a group of cloth diaper sites including Kelly's Closet (http://www.kellyscloset.com/index.html), One Size Diaper Store (http://www.onesizediaperstore.com/), Fuzzi Bunz Online (http://www.fuzzibunzonline.com/), and Bulk Cloth Diaper (http://www.bulkclothdiaper.com/). Kelly's Closet has a huge selection of cloth diapers and diapering products, and the other sites have good stuff, too. If you sign up for their newsletter you can get notified of sales and special promotions, and if you read the blog, you can enter to win prizes every Friday. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter to get more chances.
Sometimes they have coupons for free shipping, and that makes them a great place to get some serious cloth diaper shopping done. They also carry some brands that other sites might not, like one of my favorites, Smartipants. For a while, this was THE place to get them.
If you're looking for a really big selection, this is the place to check out! Check their guarantees, too. They have some good ones. And they also offer lots of great tips and advice if you're new, or old hat, at cloth diapering. If you email them, they will answer your questions. They are really great. So go check out any of the Diaper Shops!
Sometimes they have coupons for free shipping, and that makes them a great place to get some serious cloth diaper shopping done. They also carry some brands that other sites might not, like one of my favorites, Smartipants. For a while, this was THE place to get them.
If you're looking for a really big selection, this is the place to check out! Check their guarantees, too. They have some good ones. And they also offer lots of great tips and advice if you're new, or old hat, at cloth diapering. If you email them, they will answer your questions. They are really great. So go check out any of the Diaper Shops!
Change of store and site name
Just to let you know, Softclothbunz.com is now merging with DiaperJunction--same great service, just combined with the other site. Store site will remain in the same location in Va Beach and will change names when their new sign arrives. If you go to the softclothbunz site it should redirect you to Diaper Junction.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Smartipants giveaway at Nicki's Diapers!
Check out Nicki's diapers blog http://nickisdiapers.blogspot.com/2009/10/oct-16th-oct-22nd-weekly-giveaway-4th.html?showComment=1255793927531#c6909294660829521512 and the store site http://nickisdiapers.com/
then you can also enter to win! I love my Smartipants!
then you can also enter to win! I love my Smartipants!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Softclothbunz.com giveaway for the week
Make sure you note the change in site name from softclothbunz.com to diaperjunction.com!
Monday, October 5, 2009
How many diapers do I need?
Here's a link to an article on Cloth Diaper Blog with some great information about how many cloth diapers you might need. Bryana Guckin is great about replying to emails if you have any questions, too. I've gone into a little detail below about the types of diapers mentioned in the article.
http://www.clothdiaperblog.com/how-many-cloth-diapers-does-my-baby-need/
Like the author, I also recommend one-size diapers (or some of the new, 2 size systems, such as Apple Cheeks or Thirsties Duo Wraps) to cut down on the number of diapers you need. Brands like bumGenius, Smartipants, or FuzziBunz offer one-size pocket diapers that come with inserts so you don't have to buy more. Apple Cheeks are a pocket or cover, although I prefer to use them as a pocket diaper because of the fleecy lining inside the diaper cover. AppleCheeks, Thirsties, or Wonder Wraps do not come with any inserts. Thirsties and Wonder Wraps are just covers. You have to have another diaper inside.
Contour, fitted, and prefolds are simply diapers that need covers. Prefolds are by far the cheapest, and that's what I use, with wonderful results. If you read this blog regularly, you know that I LOVE my Wonder Wraps covers. For my daughter, the Thirsties regular (not Duo-Wrap) covers did not work as well--they didn't leak, but the top in front rolled down and the touchtape closure would rub her belly and leave red marks. The Wonder Wraps do not do that, as long as I ensure that the "wing" underneath is pulled out in the front underneath the Aplix closure.
Contour diapers are just flat diapers that are cut into an hourglass shape to reduce bulk between baby's legs. They require a cover to keep them on the baby.
Fitteds usually have some type of closure to hold the diaper on the baby, but they still require a cover.
Snappis are plastic clips that hold diapers such as contour or prefolds in place on the baby. I do not use them, so I can't speak to their effectiveness or necessity.
All In One diapers are exactly what they sound like--a diaper and cover all sewn together. Use once, then wash. They tend to take longer to dry because you can't take the absorbent layer out like you can with a pocket diaper.
*************************************************
If you are on a super-tight budget, here is what I recommend: 24-36 regular sized prefold diapers. No need to buy sized ones, just fold them up a little more when baby is small (that's what I did and I had no trouble)
4-6 diaper covers (You know I prefer Wonder Wraps). I use them overnight, when we're out, when we're home...I never have any problems with them. Just make sure you have enough absorbency in the diaper itself or you will have leaking once the diaper is full.
Without any extra layers of absorbency, you will have to change baby's diaper often. You could add in some microfiber, hemp, or other type of insert to help with this. I made microfiber inserts out of microfiber bar mop towels, and they work great. I got them cheap, on sale at Target. You could also just double diaper if you have enough in your stash. There are lots of ways to add absorbency while saving tons of money. (Got old flannel sheets or shirts? Cut them up and layer them inside the folded diaper!)
I use Gerber premium white prefold diapers. They come in six packs for about $11. For 24 diapers that's about $44; for 36 diapers, it's about $66. Then add several covers, at roughly $12-14 each, and that is anywhere from $48 to $84. I think I spent about $9 on my microfiber towels. Grand total: anywhere from $101 to $159. Done. Oh, but buy a diaper sprayer (about $45). It is TOTALLY worth the cost, I swear! All together, you're still hovering around $200 (not including wet bags, creams, or other miscellaneous items you may want to have). How long would it take to rack that up in disposables? Just something to think about.
http://www.clothdiaperblog.com/how-many-cloth-diapers-does-my-baby-need/
Like the author, I also recommend one-size diapers (or some of the new, 2 size systems, such as Apple Cheeks or Thirsties Duo Wraps) to cut down on the number of diapers you need. Brands like bumGenius, Smartipants, or FuzziBunz offer one-size pocket diapers that come with inserts so you don't have to buy more. Apple Cheeks are a pocket or cover, although I prefer to use them as a pocket diaper because of the fleecy lining inside the diaper cover. AppleCheeks, Thirsties, or Wonder Wraps do not come with any inserts. Thirsties and Wonder Wraps are just covers. You have to have another diaper inside.
Contour, fitted, and prefolds are simply diapers that need covers. Prefolds are by far the cheapest, and that's what I use, with wonderful results. If you read this blog regularly, you know that I LOVE my Wonder Wraps covers. For my daughter, the Thirsties regular (not Duo-Wrap) covers did not work as well--they didn't leak, but the top in front rolled down and the touchtape closure would rub her belly and leave red marks. The Wonder Wraps do not do that, as long as I ensure that the "wing" underneath is pulled out in the front underneath the Aplix closure.
Contour diapers are just flat diapers that are cut into an hourglass shape to reduce bulk between baby's legs. They require a cover to keep them on the baby.
Fitteds usually have some type of closure to hold the diaper on the baby, but they still require a cover.
Snappis are plastic clips that hold diapers such as contour or prefolds in place on the baby. I do not use them, so I can't speak to their effectiveness or necessity.
All In One diapers are exactly what they sound like--a diaper and cover all sewn together. Use once, then wash. They tend to take longer to dry because you can't take the absorbent layer out like you can with a pocket diaper.
*************************************************
If you are on a super-tight budget, here is what I recommend: 24-36 regular sized prefold diapers. No need to buy sized ones, just fold them up a little more when baby is small (that's what I did and I had no trouble)
4-6 diaper covers (You know I prefer Wonder Wraps). I use them overnight, when we're out, when we're home...I never have any problems with them. Just make sure you have enough absorbency in the diaper itself or you will have leaking once the diaper is full.
Without any extra layers of absorbency, you will have to change baby's diaper often. You could add in some microfiber, hemp, or other type of insert to help with this. I made microfiber inserts out of microfiber bar mop towels, and they work great. I got them cheap, on sale at Target. You could also just double diaper if you have enough in your stash. There are lots of ways to add absorbency while saving tons of money. (Got old flannel sheets or shirts? Cut them up and layer them inside the folded diaper!)
I use Gerber premium white prefold diapers. They come in six packs for about $11. For 24 diapers that's about $44; for 36 diapers, it's about $66. Then add several covers, at roughly $12-14 each, and that is anywhere from $48 to $84. I think I spent about $9 on my microfiber towels. Grand total: anywhere from $101 to $159. Done. Oh, but buy a diaper sprayer (about $45). It is TOTALLY worth the cost, I swear! All together, you're still hovering around $200 (not including wet bags, creams, or other miscellaneous items you may want to have). How long would it take to rack that up in disposables? Just something to think about.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Softbums giveaway at Diaper Style
Check out Diaper Style's blog for a great giveaway! Softbums diapers!
http://diaperstyle.blogspot.com/2009/09/softbums-ai2-giveaway.html
http://diaperstyle.blogspot.com/2009/09/softbums-ai2-giveaway.html
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Cloth Diaper Blog Friday Giveaway
Looks like another great giveaway from Cloth Diaper Blog!!!Go check it out!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Cloth Diaper Whisperer Fluff Friday giveaway
Here it is, Friday again! Check out the clothdiaperwhisperer.com for their giveaway this week.
Nicki's Diapers Giveaway
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Link to article on night diapering from Soft Cloth Bunz blog
Night diapering tips
This article has several good tips for night diapering. Check it out if you are interested, and remember, Softclothbunz.com is a locally owned diaper shop, so when you can, remember to support them.
This article has several good tips for night diapering. Check it out if you are interested, and remember, Softclothbunz.com is a locally owned diaper shop, so when you can, remember to support them.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Night Diapering and Homemade Inserts
All I did to make the inserts was eyeball how wide I wanted them and cut them out of the bar towels I had bought. Then, I folded them in half length-wise, and sewed up two sides. I left the other edge open to turn them right side out, and because it was a towel, it was already serged on that edge, so I was done! Super easy. Mine are white, but I have seen a lot of microfiber towels around in colors, too.
The Kissaluvs super soakers are great too. I love how soft the one side is. I read on a blog somewhere (I'm sorry to say I can't remember which one) that you shouldn't put the microfiber right next to the baby's skin. I think it's because of irritation, but even when I was doing that, she didn't seem to have a problem.
Monday, September 28, 2009
I am so impressed with myself I can't stand it
Okay, usually, with this template for this blog, the font I use shows up white on the page. I don't like it. I think it's hard to see. Here is the awesome part. I FIXED IT BY MYSELF! I went into the template and found the text color and I fixed it! Go me!!
Bumgenius diapers a favorite of my pediatrician
Today Karina had her 9 month checkup, and I put her in a Butternut BumGenius diaper. I remembered that our doctor likes the velcro kind because it's easier. He commented again about how much he likes them, and prefers the velcro to snaps. I told him I had remembered that, and he laughed at me and said I didn't have to use the velcro just for him, but I like them, too. And for a situation where she has to take the diaper off and put it back on a couple of times (to be weighed, and then to be examined), the velcro is perfect. After the doctor's visit, we went to the mall and Karina had her lunch, and got changed into her yellow Smartipants diaper, which has snaps. She was looking adorable, as usual, in a denim dress with a zipper (again, chosen for ease of removal) and her yellow diapers. So cute...
Friday, September 25, 2009
Not for me, but you might like a new diaper
I just read on Facebook from Snootybootydiapers that they will be getting a new pocket diaper called Tweedle Bugs. They are a $12.95 pocket diaper that come in 6 colors and a cow print. The colors include black. Now, this isn't quite for me, but if someone out there has been really wanting a reasonably priced black pocket diaper (with black snaps), this might be for you. I haven't tried them and I'm not endorsing them, I'm just saying, they're out there. Jennifersclothdiaperboutique.com actually has them on their site so you can see them. Here's a link: Tweedle Bugs. Snootybootydiapers is supposed to be getting theirs in on Wednesday, according to the Facebook post.
Cloth Diaper Blog's Friday Giveaway!
This week you could win a Bumgenius one size diaper, detergent, and odor remover spray. Very cool!!!! Check it out by using the link on my sidebar to Cloth Diaper Blog!
New from Nicki's Diapers
Nicki's Diapers is one of my go-to sites because, not only do they have great service, they also have great options for free shipping. In particular, pocket diapers ship free. They now have a blog and a Facebook page, and they are celebrating the grand opening of a brick and mortar store in Wisconsin (sigh), but there are giveaways and deals for online customers, too. Go to http://nickisdiapers.blogspot.com/2009/09/madison-store-grand-opening-and-huge.html?showComment=1253885555069#c1645088992161431050 to check out the blog. Or use my links on the side to go to the online store. There are two other sister sites for Nicki's Diapers, including Myswimbaby.com where you can (duh) buy swim diapers and clothdiaperclearance.com where they (duh) have diapers on clearance.
All the sites and stores I have links to are places I've personally done business with and have had good service.
All the sites and stores I have links to are places I've personally done business with and have had good service.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Obsessing again
While Bill was out of town in Chicago the other week, Karina and I wandered around the local mall after taking him to the airport. While we were in there, we happened to just coincidentally go into Baby Gap. They had some clearance items....well, I found the most adorable onesie for Karina, and I HAD to have it. It's navy blue with fuschia polka dots on it. I love this thing. After I got it home, and washed it, I put it on her as soon as possible. She is super cute in it. I then realized that I had no matching diaper covers!!! The closest I have is a sort of reddish-pink. I do have 2 pocket diapers that are a raspberry pink that work, but I just don't have any covers. Sigh. So now I'm obsessing about having diapers to match this one single little onesie.... Anyway, Wonder Wraps does not make a navy blue or bright pink cover right now. Mommy's Touch makes a navy, but it's hard to find. AppleCheeks does make a navy blue pocket/cover, but I'm frankly a little leery of using them as covers.
In the end, I'm not going to buy a new cover just for this single onesie, even though it is the cutest thing ever. I'll just keep using the almost-matching Berry Wonder Wrap, and daydream of buying all the covers and diapers I want, when I win the lottery, which I do not play.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
New Sister Site for softclothbunz.com
Here's a link to Cloth Diaper Junction, a re-opening site that is related to one of my favorites, Softclothbunz.com. http://www.clothdiaperblog.com/diaper-junction-grand-re-opening/ It's affiliated with clothdiaperblog, for which you can find a link in my sidebar. They have all the basics and free shipping on orders over $75 as part of their grand re-opening. Have fun browsing! Also, don't forget that clothdiaperblog has their weekly giveaway going on right now--prefolds and Bummis wraps are the winning items!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Fluff Friday at the Cloth Diaper Whisperer
Get on over there for a chance to win some Bumgenius diapers!
http://www.theclothdiaperwhisperer.com/2009/09/fluff-friday-47.html
http://www.theclothdiaperwhisperer.com/2009/09/fluff-friday-47.html
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Some cool things (I think)
First, I was checking the Smartipants blog today, and I saw that they had linked to MY blog for my Smartipants review! That is so cool! (look, it's even showing up in my sidebar!!!!)
Second, I got an update from Diaper Decisions saying that the semi-annual Great Cloth Diaper Hunt will be in November! You may possibly recall, perhaps, that I won my super-awesome diaper sprayer there. Hmmmm will I be participating again? Uh, YEAH I will!
That's all, just short, but had to tell you. If you think the GCDH would be fun (a web-scavenger hunt on a bunch of diaper and mama sites) check out their site for more details and you can sign up for the newsletter there, too.
I had fun, and you can really do whatever level of interaction you want. If nothing else, you'll accumulate a great list of cloth diaper and parenting resources!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Oh happy day at Cottonbabies.com...
...where they clearance out their Bumgenius one size diapers and sell them with inserts and they are only $12 and shipping is only $5 and I just bought three more! I have a sickness. I couldn't help it, the things are $18 regularly! They are never on sale, and when they are, it's not a good sale. Diaper stores regularly give out discounts, but you usually can't use them on Bumgenius products, I don't know why. So now I just need one more yellow, one more Zinnia (the dark pink), and two of the dark blue ones to have my desired Bumgenius collection.
Then it's on to the AppleCheeks and Smartipants!!! By golly I am going to get all my diapers. I'm going to have so many, that I won't know what to do with them! I don't think I'll need any Green Acre Designs pocket diapers after I get all these other ones that I want. I do need some navy though. I can get navy AppleCheeks. And I need a bright pink cover. Well, two actually. So I can rotate their use. I could get a Thirsties, but they just don't fit Karina that well. They work great, but the touchtape rubs her tummy. Sigh. I wish the doggone Wonder Wraps people would add some better colors.....
No complaining, I just got a deal!
Blue Diapers
I just bought three Bumgenius one size diapers--my favorites--from cottonbabies.com on clearance. Bumgenius brand is made by Cotton Babies. Anyway, they were clearanced because they had some flaws in the sewing or such things, but I'll tell you, I couldn't find anything wrong with mine. The blue one had a piece of tape where there had been a tiny snag. So tiny I would never have noticed it. I got them for $6 less than their regular price, and they came with inserts! I'm dying for more to go on sale like this, because it these are the "flaws" they have, I'm sold!
I got a white, a butternut yellow, and twilight blue. I'm so happy to have these other shades. I've been wanting some other colors for her. Everything is pink, and believe me, we need a lot of pink, but sometimes she's just not wearing pink! Yesterday we used the blue Bumgenius and her blue Apple Cheeks. They aren't the same color, but the shade is right. We now have two blue, two yellow, and one white pocket diaper in our stash, thanks to the Bumgenius and the new Smartipants (which I sooooo want more of). We also have one purple, but I want another. I keep looking for sales. I want more blue and yellow and another white, too. I never realized how convenient the white one would be. I can pretty much leave it in her diaper bag all the time. I never have to worry that she'll be forced to not match!
On that note, I have to leave a link to a post from The Cloth Diaper Whisperer's blog, from a guest writer. She is just like me! "Diaper Change Decisions" is written by a woman with the same kind of ideas as me about matching and coordinating diapers to her daughter's outfits. I know, it sounds so superficial, but for goodness sake, it's diapers. We gotta have fun somehow! This post is not very long, so take a moment to check it out. It was really funny actually.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Smartipants...first use!
I tried out one of Karina's new Smartipants diapers today. I put it on her around 730 this morning before church, and since she fell asleep on the way home in the car, she's actually still wearing it. It's 11. I know, this is bad of me. Normally, someone in the nursery changes her. Today, that just didn't happen. I thought, I'll change her at home. And then she fell SOUND asleep. I thought, she only sleeps a short time after falling asleep in the car. Apparently, not today. So we'll see if it leaks. When I picked her up from the nursery around 945, she was not leaking. When I put her in the crib around 10, she was not leaking.
When I put the insert into the Smartipants diaper, I did have a little trouble getting it to lay flat. It is slightly wider than the pocket opening. Once I got that settled, I had to figure out how to keep the long insert from peeking out the ends of the diaper. It is set to the shortest setting. It was really easy to put on her, and I had no trouble snapping it.
Well, she just woke up at 12....soaked diaper, but NO LEAKS! Amazing. My unintentional experiment has worked out. I am thoroughly impressed. I think I'll be buying more of these Smartipants diapers!
Friday, September 4, 2009
The Cloth Diaper Whisperer Fluff Friday
http://www.theclothdiaperwhisperer.com/2009/09/fluff-friday-45.html
Check out the giveaway this week! It includes one Smartipants diaper with insert and a batch of Grandma El's stuff!!!
Check out the giveaway this week! It includes one Smartipants diaper with insert and a batch of Grandma El's stuff!!!
Smartipants diapers have arrived at my house!!
I am SO excited! They're here! I'm posting a bunch of pictures because they look slightly different from what you see online. Not in a bad way, but the colors are lighter. See the pink one? It's a very pale shade, with darker pink stitching. The yellow one is very lemony. The lavender is just lavender, with darker lavender stitching.
The snaps are all very strong--I had a hard time getting a few of them open! Inside, the pocket is topstitched, which is different from most pocket diapers. It might bother some people, but I think I'm okay with it. If you look at the two middle pictures, you can see what I mean.
The inserts that came with them are really big and thick. The photo is taken on my kitchen table chair, and the inserts are about as wide as the chair seat. They have green stitching all the way around.
Also, I have ordered 3 more Bumgenius diapers that were clearanced at CottonBabies.com--yellow, white, and a blue one. Yay!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Yeah, I know it's my third post today, but!
Check out a giveaway for an AppleCheeks mini test kit at mrsdashoff's blog. You can win a size 2 AppleCheeks envelope cover in Sailor's Blue (navy) plus three inserts.
Diaper Wish List
A few weeks ago, in my old blog, I posted a Dream Diaper Package. This is not that. This is a wish list, of all the diapers I want and wish I could buy for us. These are like the top picks from the dream package, I guess.
If I could, I would get the following:
One Size Bumgenius of the following colors:
2 Twilight (light blue)
2 Moonbeam (darker blue)
1 Blossom (pink)
1 Zinnia (dark pink)
1 Butternut (yellow)
1 White
2 Smartipants One Size diapers in every color I ordered a girl pack, with pink, yellow, and lavender. I love them and I want more. More! I also got a blue, another lavender, and an aqua.
2 blue
1 lavender
2 mint
1 pink
2 seaspray
2 white
1 yellow
8 Bumgenius all in ones for my husband to use at night, in Blossom and Zinnia only, because they're just for nighttime, so they don't have to match all her outfits! We will need some more all in ones soon because she's growing!
Apple Cheeks in the following colors:
1 St. Lucia (aqua)
2 Mrs. Robinson (blue)
2 Cherry Tomato (red)
1 Raspberry Sorbet (weird pink)
2 Sailors Blue (navy)
2 Lemon Zest (yellow)
2 Periwinkle (lavender)
1 Forget Me Not (light blue)
Bumgenius inserts for each of the above pocket diapers
These below are not essential wish list items, they're just like icing on the cake I guess.
Green Acre Designs pocket diapers:
Pink with Lilac Microfleece lining
Princess pink with purple lining
Lilac with Pink lining
Grape with Lilac lining
Magenta with Black lining
Red with Organic Bamboo velour lining natural color
Orchid with organic bamboo velour lining
Royal Plum with pink microfleece
And of course the Bumgenius inserts for each of them.
If I could, I would get the following:
One Size Bumgenius of the following colors:
2 Twilight (light blue)
2 Moonbeam (darker blue)
1 Blossom (pink)
1 Zinnia (dark pink)
1 Butternut (yellow)
1 White
2 Smartipants One Size diapers in every color I ordered a girl pack, with pink, yellow, and lavender. I love them and I want more. More! I also got a blue, another lavender, and an aqua.
2 blue
1 lavender
2 mint
1 pink
2 seaspray
2 white
1 yellow
8 Bumgenius all in ones for my husband to use at night, in Blossom and Zinnia only, because they're just for nighttime, so they don't have to match all her outfits! We will need some more all in ones soon because she's growing!
Apple Cheeks in the following colors:
1 St. Lucia (aqua)
2 Mrs. Robinson (blue)
2 Cherry Tomato (red)
1 Raspberry Sorbet (weird pink)
2 Sailors Blue (navy)
2 Lemon Zest (yellow)
2 Periwinkle (lavender)
1 Forget Me Not (light blue)
Bumgenius inserts for each of the above pocket diapers
These below are not essential wish list items, they're just like icing on the cake I guess.
Green Acre Designs pocket diapers:
Pink with Lilac Microfleece lining
Princess pink with purple lining
Lilac with Pink lining
Grape with Lilac lining
Magenta with Black lining
Red with Organic Bamboo velour lining natural color
Orchid with organic bamboo velour lining
Royal Plum with pink microfleece
And of course the Bumgenius inserts for each of them.
Read a good article
I just read a short, but good article on the Cloth Diaper Whisperer's blog. It was written by a guest writer, and she talked about how she used disposables with her first child, but she had many....issues. She called them "explosions". Doesn't sound very fun. But with her second, she has switched to cloth and hasn't had any problems.
I love that my cloth diapers almost never leak. The only--and it's rare--time they do is if I leave her in one too long, or she falls asleep before I can change her. As long as I change her on a decent timetable, we do fine. And honestly, my Wonder Wraps really never leak. Every other type I have has leaked at some point. The only time I had any trouble with my Wonder Wraps was when I was first starting out and I was using the wrong kind of prefold in them, because I didn't know any better. Once I stopped using the birdseye diapers, I stopped having leaks. (The problem with the birdseye diapers was they aren't real diapers. They are really just for burp cloths, even though they're marketed as diapers. They have some kind of fiber filling in the center of them, which does not absorb liquid, it actually seems to repel it. So they just don't work.) Now, I use my Wonder Wraps all day at home, and only use the pocket diapers when we go out, because they are just as easy to use as disposables. The prefolds do require an extra step or two, depending on if you use a microfiber insert with them, which I do. The pockets are quick and simple, and that's what I like when I'm out and about.
Here's the link if you're interested: My Cloth Diapering Journey
Monday, August 31, 2009
First "real" post!
I am going to New Mexico in October to visit my friend Danise and her children. I can't wait--we only see each other about once a year, and I miss her and the kids sooooooooooooo much. This time, my daughter Karina will be traveling with me, which is going to be quite an interesting experience. She flew with us to Florida, but that was a one leg trip each way, and only about 2 hours flying time. This one, we go to Florida to make our connection, and then a four or so hour flight from there to Albuquerque. I'm a little worried. She is so busy now!
My other concern is diapers. Which should I bring? Do I dare pack them in my checked bag, and risk losing my precious diapers? What if they DO get lost? I'll have no choice but to put her in nasty disposables! AAAA! For the flights, I plan to double stuff her Bumgenius diapers and pray.
First I thought, I'll take everything--prefolds and covers, pocket diapers, and all in ones. Then I had the above fear, and thought, I'll just take the prefolds and covers. It won't be as expensive if I have to replace them, and I can probably fit the covers in the diaper bag if I just bring a couple of them. Then I thought, maybe I should just bring the pocket diapers. I'd still have to do laundry, and wash them a few times while I'm there, but that's no big deal. I can probably fit a bunch in my diaper bag, and if I get another carry on, I can use that too. I want to share my stash with Danise! She cloth diapered her son and daughter, but that was 8 and 6 years ago, and a lot has changed. I haven't decided what I'm going to do yet.
I did order some Smartipants diapers. They ship on September 2, so I'm dying to see them. If I love them, which I'm expecting to, I might order some more and take those and the other pocket diapers with me, and just risk it. I'm flying Southwest, and so far, we've had good luck with our bags. Except the one Christmas Bill's bag got lost. We think it was stolen in the airport, though, not lost by the airline. Anyway, I'm considering my options. I love the pockets because it's so easy to change her diaper if I'm out, and when I'm with Danise, we tend to go out a lot. This year, I don't think we'll get our usual kid-free night though. I wouldn't expect Marc to watch my daughter and his own kids, plus I'm sure Karina will have none of that anyway. She will probably have horrible eczema while we're there from the stress. That's when I notice her getting it.
When the Smartipants get here, I'll post about them.
I also want some of the new Thirsties duo wraps. I so want to try them out--I have heard a lot of good stuff about them. I like the other Thirsties wraps, but I found they tended to roll down on my daughter and the touchtape would scratch her tummy. My Wonder Wraps (LLLLLLOOOOOVVVVVEEEE them) don't do that. But I'd like to try the new Duo Wrap. Maybe it wouldn't do that to her. And I really want some more AppleCheeks. And some more Bumgenius. And some more Green Acre Designs. And....okay, I just want more diapers. What's weird is that I prefer touchtape, but only the Bumgenius in that list has it. Hm. I'll have to look into this....
Here it is, the new blog!
Yes, I have started a second blog. It is still all Stephanie's fault. She got me started blogging, and now I need two blogs, because I went and titled the first one to be about stamping and scrapbooking, and ended up writing about diapers and baby stuff! So now I have this one, to feed that need instead.
This is where you'll find my posts about giveaways at other diaper blogs and my thoughts on my own experiences.
What's really cool right now is that, because of my excitement about cloth diapers, a friend from church is seriously considering it for her second baby, who is on the way! This is exactly how it's supposed to work. Once people know how easy and fun it can be to use cloth, they start thinking and planning, and soon they try it. Then when they realize it really IS easy, they tell other people. We can seriously cut back on the amount of nasty diaper trash in our landfills just by spreading the word! Disposable diaper companies can start manufacturing something else...or start diaper services!!!
The next thing I want to say is: there is a local cloth diaper shop, in Virginia Beach, called SoftClothBunz. The store has an online site, linked in my list over there, and the service is great. Please support local businesses!
There are a number of other great diapering sites that I have become a fan of, including: Diaper Style (Skye Duggar is the owner and very nice and helpful; check out their sister site, too, Baby Half Off), Nicki's Diapers (free shipping on pocket diapers and some other items; fast service, too!), Snooty Booty Diapers ($2.50 shipping!). The other sites in my list are also great! Kelly's Closet has a huge selection and Jennifer's is a Virginia store located in Vinton. As I find more I like, I'll add them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)