Green Acre Designs Diapers ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!

I have delved into the cloth diapering world and my most favorite diaper as of yet is the GAD. I adore these diapers- yes even over the famous Fuzzi Bunz ;). They have a much better, and trimmer fit.. the color choices available are just awesome and can't compete with other cloth diapers out there. They are adorable!!!!!!! And the best part of them? THEY DON'T LEAK ALL NIGHT LONG!!!! I have an extremely heavy wetter so I have found out after starting cloth. The first time I tried cloth.. (see post below), was a Fuzzi Bunz at night well the results are: it failed. The insert didn't even come close to absorbing half of what it needed to, and hadn't even made it to 1 am yet! Needless to say, he went back into a Huggies that night. =( I then went on to do more research the next day into what inserts I needed to make a cloth diaper work at night. I ended up ordering an assortment of both hemp inserts, and also ones that are meant to fit the Fuzzi Bunz. I received these inserts today! I have much prepping to do on my hemp ones, as they need to be washed and washed and washed.. (several more times to) to reach maximum absorbency and be ready to use! The repeated washing strips the naturally occurring oils out of the hemp- oil repels water remember? We don't want that. Once that is gone, people RAVE about hemp, especially for night use. We will try whatever we can!

Well in the meantime, I received the inserts that fit my GAD's in the mail. The next night I decided to try one of those in the GAD for kicks.. after all they looked super thick on their own and also fold where you need the absorbency most. No leaks since using one of these at night for Mr. Pee pants! I'm in love. =) For daytime use the Fuzzi Bunz have been just awesome for us, they also may work wonders at night with the proper insert or insertS.

I am on the search for more! And have just been informed about a fleece version of this diaper that is excellent for being breathable all night long (PUL is what is on the rest of our dipes that makes them waterproof). So, I want to try one of those too!

We are coming along on our journey! And will get better at it as we go!

My Fuzzi Bun ;)

Tonight Rye sports a 'fluffy' butt. ;) We are experimenting since I got 2 inserts in the mail today for my 2 Fuzzi Bunz that did not come with them. They are a bit on the bulky side I've noticed.. and don't know yet what the inserts that come with Fuzzi Bunz are like, to know if these are bulkier. I don't care about nighttime bulk, as long as it's going to absorb well.. but during the day and under his clothing, might not work out ideally. This is the very beginning of my cloth experimentation so we may have a long road ahead as far as getting it down to a science of knowing, what works for daytime, and for nighttime. Rye is no longer a newborn as we know, so hopefully it won't be too complicated. He didn't used to be a heavy wetter at night either, before he decided he needed a midnight, or 3, or 4, 5 or 6 am snack to quench his hunger pangs. NOW though, he pees like like a champ and will out pee anything Luvs or Pampers can throw at him. This may be a challenge indeedy-o. But, maybe not. Enjoy the pics... updates on our little cloth journey to come!







First try at my own wipes solution, we'll see how this one works out (smells YUM!):
2 cups filtered water
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp baby wash
2 tbsp baby lotion
5 drops tea tree oil

Only a boy...

Could give himself a rug burn to this degree. How you ask? (and this is better) because he was laying on the floor spinning himself in circles (by kicking his feet), so his cars could zoom around in circles also, veddy fast so I'm gathering. He did cry but I didn't know why, just seeing a couple cars on the floor and a little red spot that looked like nothing. I figured his freak out was just him being him being dramatic, as he tends towards. The next morning when I saw this, I knew why he was so upset!!

Oh what fun lies ahead.. And one day (soon) I'll have two (okay 3, seeing as Dad just as bad) of these creatures in my midst?

Coming closer to completion

So, I am almost finished receiving the items that will complete my cloth stash! I can't tell you how excited I was to watch from the window as the mailman stuffed packages into my box, and then proceed to the door with another one. I received 4 packages today! Here is what I currently have:

~ wetbag (hanging diaper pail essentially, that will be washed alongside diapers)
~ 12 custom made too-cute-for-word cloth wipes
(http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=199767) HIGHLY recommend her!!!
~ 12 organic flannel wipes
~ 2 Fuzzi Bunz dipes
~ 2 Green Acre Designs dipes

The rest of my diapers will be here in the next 2 weeks. And tonight I will finish ordering the inserts for the 5 diapers I will have that came without them. When I get the others I will FINALLY be able to start this new experience! In the meantime check out the pics of my new stuff, heehee.

My girlz =)

Aren't they cute? hehe.

I love these!!

Okay so I never jumped on the whole fabric shopping bag bandwagon, I admit it, it was the least of my ever-so-many growing concerns as of late. But, one day while finishing off another carton of Silk soymilk, and entering my green cap for another chance to win something.. sure enough, I won!! I've won 2 things in my life that I can remember, a red Cocoa Cola shirt when I was quite small (where is that shirt? hm), and a plastic Alf mug (yes that was obviously awhile ago too). So, I was naturally thrilled! I recieved a $50 gift card to this store: http://www.gaiam.com/

One of my purchases were these: http://www.gaiam.com/product/gift-guide/gifts-by-occasion/housewarming/chicobag+reusable+shopping+bags.do?search=basic&keyword=bags&sortby=bestSellers&page=1

Let me just say how much I LOVE these bags! I got 3 of them and on my largest of trips (which haven't been HUGE) thus far, I have only needed those 3. They hold quite a lot and seem rather sturdy too. I initially was worried I would forget I had them with me and use them at all (much like cash on the rare occasion it occupies my wallet) but since I received them several weeks ago, I've not used a single plastic bag! The downside is we have one of those bag sock things hanging up because I 'recycle' them as trash bags in the small cans around the house, so we tend to run extremely low thanks to me haha. So, I will rely on Chris's trips to replenish the plastic bag supply I guess.

Thinking I may get some more just to have for those trips I do need more than the 3. The cool thing about them unlike most reusable bags, is that they fold up into themsevles in this little pocket and take up like no space. They are also made to hang on a keychain or something. They're totally cute hehe. As I become more and more conscious of the environment and it's impact on the health of my family, I try to make minor changes as I'm able. I'm excited when I do!

A late Birthday Wish for a Best Friend

Happy Birthday to a woman so close to my heart and in my thoughts at all times .. (You really are, eventhough I forgot your birthday on the 6th. I am a bad friend because of it and I'm sooooooooo sorry!!!!!!).

Okay so I suck at remembering things and being a friend in that way, but in other ways.. you know that I'd be here at any hour, 24/7, 365 days a year. Of course, if it's your birthday you may not hear from me lol, but I am still here for you. And one day, when my brain is less occupied with life and all it's wonders and turmoil, I will hopefully regain a little more memory and a little less stupidity.

I am grateful that your day was all in all, a positive day. You needed that, I know. If I was rich I would fly up there just to give you a hug while the nanny sat the kids. ;) But since, I'm not rich I'm sending them... several, gargantuan (hey I spelled that right the first time), hold you tight and not let go until you push me away, hugs.

I love you Kim Kim, you don't know how much. Maybe one day when we move to MA, you will. ;) hehe.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My newfound obsession with cloth.

Okay, so I have decided (yes I know- again) that I am going to cloth diaper. No, I don't mean 'try it', I'm going to completely switch over. I know I mentioned wanting to CD Rye and El when I was pg with him. I ended up never even trying it because Chris wasn't really on board with it and I would end up being responsible for the initial start up cost. Well, Chris is on board this time, EXCEPT for again the initial cost of the investment. I am not thrilled with it either but it's a huge savings in the long run. Just putting a chunk upfront and then not having to again, rather than a couple thousand bucks over the course of 2 or 3 years. Another good thing is that they have a very high resale value. Some people that aren't familiar with how it works may think reusing cloth diapers is gross, but it's extremely common to sell them and pass them onto babies who can use them when you no longer can. Just another way to recycle! After all, who spends a couple or so hundred bucks on something, just to throw it away when it's perfectly useable? That would be pretty dumb.

I have searched high and low for some gently used dipes I can get my hands on for a good price, but so far I have come up quite empty handed in what I'm searching for. I most likely will be buying new and only a few at a time, seeing as I will be buying them and $16 per diaper being in the low range for the kind I will be using. On a good note, he should be in them until he potty trains. Awesome! Oh yeah, and I'll be cloth wiping too! Hehe. How nice not to have to bring home another big box of wipes and go through like 6 on a dirty diaper!

I'm soooooooooooooo excited and have become officially addicted to cloth diapers, even though I've never even touched one lol. If you start researching and looking at the millions of different ones out there, you'd probably fall in love with them too! Oh, and I'm not talking about prefolds (burp rags) with pins either. These are too cute for words!! I have not done much in my spare time as of late besides search intently for diapers and research them. This is how I am though. Once my head gets an idea, I don't let it go before I examine it up and down, inside and out, over and over until I know it by heart. If only I could use that ability to learn math and help my 5th grader with her homework. ;)

Here are a few I've grown especially in love with SO FAR. They may be some of my choices to try when I finally end up placing my first order next week!:

http://www.fuzzibunzdirect.com/products.php?cat=36

http://www.greenacredesigns.com/store/WsDefault.asp?Cat=DiapersCovers

http://www.prestonspants2006.citymax.com/mediumminky.html

http://www.jamtots.com/BerryPlush-All-in-Ones-or-Covers-C41.aspx

http://www.rumparooz.com/catalog.php?category=38

Mom4Life Weekly Giveaway: Baby Light & Clip Lighted Safety Nail Clipper

Some of you know about Mom4Life, it's one of my most favorite sites for unique items for babies, children.. and Moms! I go here often to see their new products and just shop if I have some extra $. They have very competitive prices (I would know, I research everything!), and always free shipping! (I don't love anything quite as much as free shipping!).They have very personal customer service regardless of how their store has grown, a MUST on my list! They always have giveaways and things going on so check them out when you have some time to browse!

Jude says...

He needs to buy a new Mommy. Once asked to elaborate on why this is the case, he informed me he needed to buy a 'quiet Mommy', and that I was a 'loud Mommy'. Hmm, on certain days I can see why that would be true but not this morning as I was quietly wiping down the kitchen? I think it was because I wouldn't put on a Cars tattoo at the very moment he needed it. How fast he is to trade me in. =(

It's early yet, this could prove to be an interesting day. I forgot how much fun 4 was. ;)

Stupid Parents need to be put in jail.

Okay so I'm going to rant right now.

If you breed children and you own a moving vehicle, and you fail to either use or learn how to use a safety belt or child restraint (properly!) to secure your children in that vehicle you need to be LOCKED UP!!!! If you are that moronic, you should NOT be breeding. I am sorry (wait, no I'm not!), but I believe parents that actually can't THINK with their brain enough to do these things should lose their right to procreate, end of story. I am sick and tired of seeing children romping around in moving cars. The laws are screwed up, as most laws are in that parents are given nothing more than a fine (I don't know what the laws are in all states but I know the laws aren't working, big surprise) for endangering their children's lives in such a way as to potentially cause death to come to them. What about using a seatbelt or a child seat is that hard where SO many people can't seem to either do it OR do it correctly!!!??? Why can't people instill in their children that cars are NOT toys. You do NOT get out of your seat or seatbelt while in a moving car. We can teach them this, this is NOT something to compromise with your child on.

I all too often see this and it makes me SICK and angry. If parents can't even take these easy steps to protect their childs life should they be involved in an accident, what else don't they do? These are basic safety measures we are talking about here, and that is a scary thought. I've read the cries of parents who's children were killed in accidents because they were not properly buckled in or restrained and who is to blame? YOU are, and you killed your own child. I don't feel sympathy for you. I feel angry you brought a child into this world and couldn't care for them the way they deserved to be cared for. I even once saw a woman get out of the passenger seat of her SUV one time, retrieve her newborn from the backset (where he was safely secured I'm assuming), get back into the front seat with him or her and breastfeed as they continued to drive on. I followed that SUV that day just to see what was so god damned important she had to take her baby to the front of a car, unsecured and drive down a very busy road. I found out she was nursing her baby this way. Now any of you that know me, know I am passionate about these 2 things, and so this naturally enraged me. You don't know how bad and how many times I talked myself out of following them home to ask what the hell they were thinking... also having a newborn in the backseat of my SUV at the time. Obviously a woman that breastfeeds her baby wants to do the best thing for her baby, and then she goes and does this??????? How completely screwed up and backwards that is! If you need to risk your helpess newborn flying through a windshield, sit in the backseat with a bottle of formula for God's sake.. Because obviously, pulling over to park and nurse is too much to ask for some people.

I know this post will accomplish nothing seeing as it is not getting to the masses and even if it were, people are stupid is what it comes down to. I trust the people I know reading this, are well versed in carseat safety (right guys?). If I come across harsh it is because this issue also hits close to home with me.
As some of you may know, I could have lost Emma in a car accident when she was just 2 years old. I say 'could have' because eventhough she was not harmed (this was God's doing), her Father was killed alongside her in the vehicle which made the possibility of losing her extremely real.

This is a black and white issue for me, there are no grey areas. Cars will always be to me nothing more than metal coffins. I am well aware I am putting my life and the lives of my children in danger everytime I get in one, so I am going to take every precaution available to me because I still have to drive a car. I will never like cars and I will never like driving. And God help the next person I see with an unsecured child in the car who catches me on a bad day.

*end of rant* (for now).

This didn't surprise me one bit

(Hush Jeni!)

Thank God I was born in the 70's! LOL

38 As a 1930s wife, I am Poor Take the test!

Breast Is Indeed Best

And even my kids know it. ;) They had been busy taking care of their 'babies' (a recent fascination for the both of them in the last couple of days), and I turned around to see this. Makes a Momma proud. =)

Black Bean Burgers

Okay, so I tweaked this recipe a tad according to my own tastes, and after experimenting initially with a different one, and the texture not turning out satisfactory. This came out AWESOME! Emma loved them and so did I. I made 5 and froze 3. I will be making LOTS more and freezing them, sure beats paying $3 or $4 a box at the store!

As most of you know I am not a big fan of all things meat, so I have been looking at recipes that either don't include that or much of that at least for ME. I didn't try these with the little kids because I just didn't feel like wasting more food, sigh. But if you like beans, these are an awesome replacement and oh so filling too!

(click title for recipe)