I just discovered that the crib we got on sale is no longer on sale, so we got a good bargain! Yeah!
Oh and here's something I need help with. My mother in law is very into the baby. Which is great. I try and feed her addiction by sending her emails as much as possible. I told her if she wanted to go ahead and look for summer clothes on sale at the end of the season (thinking Sept here) then that would be fine, and the baby could wear them next summer in a 6-9 month size, assuming that 6-9 months means that they should be able to wear that starting from birth, 6-9 months after they are born (May to July for us). Makes sense to me that way. That could be counted as the baby's Christmas present or whatever... Anyway, my husband pulls up a picture of 3 outfits she bought yesterday, 2 perfectly fine, one definitely girly (think a pink skirt), which we asked her not to do since we aren't finding out the baby's sex until it's born... anyway, they looked a bit off to me and Matthew said they are 12 month size so they'd fit next summer, and then we both looked at each other and said 'that doesnt make any sense' at the same time.
Are we wrong or do we remind her that our baby at 12 months will likely be needing warm clothes? She had all her babies in cold months (including one 15 years ago come November), so I know she knows better. She just wasn't thinking.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Fun little items...
I've got large jarred candles for the hostesses of my baby showers, except one, who is 14. I'm going to tie ribbons around the candles and maybe attach a magnet to them. I am making magnets for everyone who attends the showers (just because, I dont know why), little umbrellas that I will paint in various colors and of course will attach a little note that says 'thank you for coming to my shower' or something like that. If anyone has any ideas on wording, I'd appreciate it. If I have the time I may do up some animals for the kids instead of umbrellas.
Also, I need more ideas for something for the 14 year old. She's getting ready to go into high school and she's my hubby's younger sis. So far I have for her a little orange tin with her initial on it and a red journal with her initial on it. Any ideas on what else to get for her? The candles weren't expensive, but I want to give her something that 'looks' equal to her, if that makes any sense. Most adults I think would be pleased to have a hostess gift, no matter what it is, but to a teenager, you never know. They want to be special, different. She's not quite as much my younger sister as my husbands, but I have known her for almost 9 years, since before she went to school even. I've purchased all her gifts, birthday cards, and I always do something like give her a container, powdered sugar, and tried and true frosting recipes when she was in her cake decorating phase, or a basket with beads, wire, wire cutters, and other goodies when she was into making necklaces and bracelets. Or pretty/bright colored towels and hand towels for her bathroom instead of dark brown (leading to a bathroom that looks appropriate for a teenager.) For Christmas last year I embroidered an apron for her with her other gifts. She may not use it now, but one day she very well may get it out and remember when... at the time when they wanted to get her taken out of pre-algebra and into algebra, it was me who went out and bought a white board and colored markers and showed her how to use it as a tool to work out problems without tearing holes in her paper. Months later her mom told me how much of a confidence booster it was for her and how she feels prepared for her next year of math classes because of it. Needless to say I think of her a lot and a lot of her and I want to do something extra nice. Not expensive, just something she will like. To be honest, my brain is fried. I have a couple of weeks, but it's truly all a matter of finding just the right thing. Any ideas? Besides naming our firstborn after her? We already told her that was out.
Also, I need more ideas for something for the 14 year old. She's getting ready to go into high school and she's my hubby's younger sis. So far I have for her a little orange tin with her initial on it and a red journal with her initial on it. Any ideas on what else to get for her? The candles weren't expensive, but I want to give her something that 'looks' equal to her, if that makes any sense. Most adults I think would be pleased to have a hostess gift, no matter what it is, but to a teenager, you never know. They want to be special, different. She's not quite as much my younger sister as my husbands, but I have known her for almost 9 years, since before she went to school even. I've purchased all her gifts, birthday cards, and I always do something like give her a container, powdered sugar, and tried and true frosting recipes when she was in her cake decorating phase, or a basket with beads, wire, wire cutters, and other goodies when she was into making necklaces and bracelets. Or pretty/bright colored towels and hand towels for her bathroom instead of dark brown (leading to a bathroom that looks appropriate for a teenager.) For Christmas last year I embroidered an apron for her with her other gifts. She may not use it now, but one day she very well may get it out and remember when... at the time when they wanted to get her taken out of pre-algebra and into algebra, it was me who went out and bought a white board and colored markers and showed her how to use it as a tool to work out problems without tearing holes in her paper. Months later her mom told me how much of a confidence booster it was for her and how she feels prepared for her next year of math classes because of it. Needless to say I think of her a lot and a lot of her and I want to do something extra nice. Not expensive, just something she will like. To be honest, my brain is fried. I have a couple of weeks, but it's truly all a matter of finding just the right thing. Any ideas? Besides naming our firstborn after her? We already told her that was out.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Ordered Crib...
We aren't buying any of the fancy bedding to go with it, just using a crib sheet and mattress protector, etc. Are considering trying to get a 'dust ruffle' on the bottom made by one of the grandmas with some generic fabric from walmart in some bright colors/pattern. It should be in this week or next. Kind of early, but hubby's getting anxious to get things ready.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Registering at Wal-Mart...
was a royal pain. They didnt have any of the batteries for the scanners on the charger, so we had to stop 4 times to get a new battery. Needless to say we finally gave up. But we do have registries at least started at WalMart and Target, so if anyone is looking to buy us a present, they'll know when we need. Okay, we need everything, but that is beside the point!
And, no, that's not a plea for gifts, it's just a statement of fact. I have baby showers coming up in 6 weeks, and time was running out for us to get everything done. Next weekend we have a company picnic for Matthew's work and also we are visiting one of the area hospitals to see if we like it. It's had a multimillion $ facelift just in the 'baby' area, in fact it's a whole building and it's fairly new so needless to say, we'll probably like it okay. Goodness knows what else we'll be up to in the coming weeks, so at this point, getting it done was probably a good thing.
And, no, that's not a plea for gifts, it's just a statement of fact. I have baby showers coming up in 6 weeks, and time was running out for us to get everything done. Next weekend we have a company picnic for Matthew's work and also we are visiting one of the area hospitals to see if we like it. It's had a multimillion $ facelift just in the 'baby' area, in fact it's a whole building and it's fairly new so needless to say, we'll probably like it okay. Goodness knows what else we'll be up to in the coming weeks, so at this point, getting it done was probably a good thing.
New picture...
See the new picture to the right of me at 24 weeks. When getting up from a laying position earlier this morning, I noticed that my belly rounded up quite a bit, so I was interested in seeing what I look like in a photo again. I guess it's changed quite a bit. Of course, I'm also wearing a form-fitting tank top and had been wearing flowy tops before. Trust me, the baby is gaining all the weight. High and tight, and round.
Luckily, so far today I feel a ton better, the ligaments must have finished their stretching all out. At least for now.
Luckily, so far today I feel a ton better, the ligaments must have finished their stretching all out. At least for now.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Oh my aching... appendix?...
I would swear my appendix had grown back and was going bad again this week. It wasn't quite to the 'I can't sleep at all and I look drugged from being so sick' but it was close. Then I woke up in so much pain I almost cried. Then I burped. So I got up and burped for over an hour. Slowly I realized that about half my pain was gone. Note to self: Call doctor and see if you can take over the counter gas reliever, this had been more than 2 days. All other systems were 'go' so not sure why I was so full of bubbles. Glad they are gone though.
Notice I had said half my pain was gone. The other half was still there, and its the kind that makes it tough to roll out of bed (try rocking back and forth 3 times or so before I can heave my 'round' self out of bed.) Getting up out of an office chair is equally painful, as is sitting on a toilet or attempt to clean oneself after using said appliance. The pain is located on the lower right hand side (appendix anyone?) of my gut.
This had now been hurting for 3 days and was making it impossible to do a bunch of walking around during the day, which I have been counting as my 'exercise' daily. So, I broke down and called the doctor. Eh hmm.. I can't take any over the counter gas reliever, but they think I SHOULD be able to do a chest-knee position (kneel on the bed and then curl up fetal style with your chest on your knees) -- umm excuse me? I have this thing called a pregnant belly there. Whatever. The other suggestion was getting in a rocking chair and rocking. Neither one is actually conducive to a work environment. For my 'other' pain, it's apparently ligament pain and I am allowed to take as much tylenol as the bottle says, oh and I can ice it for 10 minutes at a time and sleep with pillows...? Huh? None of those is really going to fix it, but I guess there's not really a fix for it. I expected this kind of discomfort you know like in the last month, not with almost 4 months to go. Yuck.
Oh and a couple of times, I'd swear I was randomly getting water on my shirt, but not aware of how. Research solved that too. At least it's always been once I have my brassiere off at the end of the day and not during the day while I'm at work. Sheesh. Can anyone say moo?
Notice I had said half my pain was gone. The other half was still there, and its the kind that makes it tough to roll out of bed (try rocking back and forth 3 times or so before I can heave my 'round' self out of bed.) Getting up out of an office chair is equally painful, as is sitting on a toilet or attempt to clean oneself after using said appliance. The pain is located on the lower right hand side (appendix anyone?) of my gut.
This had now been hurting for 3 days and was making it impossible to do a bunch of walking around during the day, which I have been counting as my 'exercise' daily. So, I broke down and called the doctor. Eh hmm.. I can't take any over the counter gas reliever, but they think I SHOULD be able to do a chest-knee position (kneel on the bed and then curl up fetal style with your chest on your knees) -- umm excuse me? I have this thing called a pregnant belly there. Whatever. The other suggestion was getting in a rocking chair and rocking. Neither one is actually conducive to a work environment. For my 'other' pain, it's apparently ligament pain and I am allowed to take as much tylenol as the bottle says, oh and I can ice it for 10 minutes at a time and sleep with pillows...? Huh? None of those is really going to fix it, but I guess there's not really a fix for it. I expected this kind of discomfort you know like in the last month, not with almost 4 months to go. Yuck.
Oh and a couple of times, I'd swear I was randomly getting water on my shirt, but not aware of how. Research solved that too. At least it's always been once I have my brassiere off at the end of the day and not during the day while I'm at work. Sheesh. Can anyone say moo?
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Nursery pictures...
The first picture is the top of the changing table, on it are a lightswitch cover (teddy bear) and 2 "masks" that were discounted from Michael's craft store because the 'holder' had snapped off. I got them for half a dollar US. A close up is also the 3rd picture of the wooden masks. I will paint them, put googly eyes behind the holes and put them on the wall for decoration. Then you can see the see-through bins for holding baby stuff, the bright cheerful pails (also 50 cents apiece, I think), that will hold stuff or just serve for decoration or as toys later on. We bought the puzzle on sale from the 'farm store' -- it's a real wooden puzzle made by Melissa and Doug, I'd love to open it, but I really shouldnt, so it's safely wrapped for now, and then the horse that was the baby's first gift from it's mommy's mommy (my mom).
Saturday, July 19, 2008
For his/her next trick...
The baby has figured out how to poke me in more than one place at once. Talk about blowing your mind. This morning it was a one-two poke in 2 locations, one on each side of my belly.
Makes me laugh so much-- I didnt' think it would be nearly that funny. And the look on 'daddy's' face when he gets kicked is hilarious. Of course I'm getting used to it, but he's only gotten to feel it like 4 times now, last night being the 4th and last week being 3 in a row.
I wonder what other new tricks we'll come up with. I noticed we had not had hiccups yet, or at least that I could tell. I wonder when that sets in?
Makes me laugh so much-- I didnt' think it would be nearly that funny. And the look on 'daddy's' face when he gets kicked is hilarious. Of course I'm getting used to it, but he's only gotten to feel it like 4 times now, last night being the 4th and last week being 3 in a row.
I wonder what other new tricks we'll come up with. I noticed we had not had hiccups yet, or at least that I could tell. I wonder when that sets in?
Friday, July 18, 2008
I just about fainted...
When I opened the doctor's bill and found out that the ultrasound was COMPLETELY covered. Wow! So exciting! I had no idea that it would be covered. Woohoo!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Pregnancy Journal and Organizer...
i got this cool little journal thing when we went in for pre-natal counseling, or what have you when we just found out we were pregnant. I was scared to write in it until like the 5th month. Then I decided if I didn't write in it, I never would.
It's a pretty cool little thing, done by the 'What to Expect' series writers, I guess. Anyway, it has spots for journaling, doctors appointments, test results, daddy to chime in, what you've eaten and how much you've exercised (which I am steadfastly ignoring) -- as well as spots for potential baby names and etc.
I like it because I can write 'to' the baby and eventually maybe let the baby read it when it's all grown up!
It's a pretty cool little thing, done by the 'What to Expect' series writers, I guess. Anyway, it has spots for journaling, doctors appointments, test results, daddy to chime in, what you've eaten and how much you've exercised (which I am steadfastly ignoring) -- as well as spots for potential baby names and etc.
I like it because I can write 'to' the baby and eventually maybe let the baby read it when it's all grown up!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Just one more gendered thing..
On the shelf at Wal-Mart "Precious Moments book of manners for girls", guess what wasn't there? Oh yeah, manners for boys -- don't most boys need just as many manners as girls? Sheesh.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
New tricks...
This weekend, the baby learned "kick REALLY hard so daddy can feel" and "kick mommy in the bladder" -- one is fun, the other, not so much... Matthew can pretend it's not so big a deal, but when he told my mom he got to feel the baby kick, his neck turned red and his voice did that funny thing when he gets emotional. Sigh...
Friday, July 11, 2008
Kicking..
We're starting to learn how to kick so mommy can feel it, and particularly at 3:30 in the morning after a potty break. Silly baby!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
uhh... really?
For an entirely non-baby reason I was looking at www.Hanes.com and I found something interesting. They have little girls socks that are sortable (white socks with toes and heels of pink, lavendar, or blue for small, medium and large so if you have more than one girl you can easily get their socks separted), so of course, I clicked over to the boys socks to see what they had (blue green and red maybe?) Nope. White socks with dark grey bottoms (and a S, M, L printed on the bottom of the sock)....so much for equality. What IS it with clothing manufacturers?
Baby names...
Everyone keeps asking us what names we like, which of course we aren't telling. What names do you like? Or what names do you think we should use? Boys or girls? Our last name rhymes with 'fluemaker'--ha ha!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Doctor's visit...
We had our big doctor's visit, as you can see by the pictures below. I finally quit losing weight and over the last month had gained 12.8 oz, and the baby was all measured and such and I was told weighed 11 oz. That certainly was a shock, although we're thinking that perhaps the baby is a week older than we thought? Either that or it's a BIG baby!
We love all the pictures that were taken, especially the 'foot' picture. The 3-d picture was interesting, but of course we didnt get a good snapshot due to the wiggler just laying there and wiggling. Feet and arms going crazy pumping up and down. Can't believe I can't really feel all that punching and kicking yet. I do feel something every now and then, but it's just the odd poke or prod that I can't really grasp that it's happening until it's too late. One of these days I guess.
It was really awesome to see the pumping arms and legs, really brought it home that there really is something in there, not that I didn't know that already, but still, it makes it real to see the movement.
I won't have another dr's visit until end of July and then end of August, when I'll have to do the diabetes test. After that I think I go more often, but at this point I'm kind of glad it's still only once a month. I will from time to time have to see another doctor, but I know for sure my own doctor won't be delivering my baby as she appears to be a little more pregnant than me. I'm hoping that there will be a woman on call and not some beefy fisted dude when I deliver! That's why I picked a woman in the first place! Oh well, we shall see.
We love all the pictures that were taken, especially the 'foot' picture. The 3-d picture was interesting, but of course we didnt get a good snapshot due to the wiggler just laying there and wiggling. Feet and arms going crazy pumping up and down. Can't believe I can't really feel all that punching and kicking yet. I do feel something every now and then, but it's just the odd poke or prod that I can't really grasp that it's happening until it's too late. One of these days I guess.
It was really awesome to see the pumping arms and legs, really brought it home that there really is something in there, not that I didn't know that already, but still, it makes it real to see the movement.
I won't have another dr's visit until end of July and then end of August, when I'll have to do the diabetes test. After that I think I go more often, but at this point I'm kind of glad it's still only once a month. I will from time to time have to see another doctor, but I know for sure my own doctor won't be delivering my baby as she appears to be a little more pregnant than me. I'm hoping that there will be a woman on call and not some beefy fisted dude when I deliver! That's why I picked a woman in the first place! Oh well, we shall see.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Monday, June 9, 2008
Turning a corner?...
This weekend I wasn't as nauseous as before. I was able to eat larger quantities. Of course I felt that way last weekend too. Maybe work is making me sick :-)
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Favorite Toys...
What were your favorite toys as a kid? Mine were, even way after I was too big to play with them, some simple wooden puzzles, the silly stacking ring things, nested cups again in bright colors that you could stack in different ways and other non-battery operated items.
Why? I guess because #1 there WEREN'T that many battery operated things back then, and #2, because I would have gotten very bored with them after a while. Same way with dolls. They didn't 'do' anything and you could do very little with them. Once you changed their clothes, fed them and played with them a little bit, there wasn't much left to do with them. I never had an in-depth active imagination for 'fake' things. I knew dolls weren't real and never would be. I never really did like Barbies. I think Barbie is a w-h -o--r--e. Well, she's made to resemble a French pros-ti tute doll, so there you go. No, I'm not making that up. She really was made that way. And, if she were a real live woman, well, she'd be dead from being anorexic and if she was still crawling around she'd literally be crawling as her boobs are so out of proportion to the rest of her that she'd have to 'walk' on all fours. Needless to say Barbie and I didnt have a whole lot in common.
I played in the dirt, picked up worms, squished bugs, investigated things in the garden, chased butterflies (never with a net! you'll hurt them!) around, and just made my own fun sitting in the dirt. I'm so sick of hearing kids say 'I'm bored' that I could scream. If I would have dared to utter the words 'I'm bored' -- I would have had so many chores to do it wouldn't be funny. I think I may have been threatened a time or two before I realized that entertaining myself would be much smarter than whining about not having anything to do!
When winter came, we went sledding, played in the snow, got really cold, and then came in and had hot chocolate. In the summer, the creek was always an invite, for squishing mud in your toes and looking for toads/frogs to watch them. When we were old enough, occasionally we got to go 'to town' to go to the pool in the summer. Not much, but some. Then there were always books, I probably read every book that we had 10 times over, but I gained an excellent vocabulary, grasp of language, and deductive reasoning skills. I was smarter than most of my classmates. Mostly because I didnt spend all my time stuck in front of the tv. Yes, I watched tv, but I was always held by the call of the wild outdoors.
I hope I can help my own child/ren hear their own call of the wild, learn to appreciate the simple and make their own fun. I'm sure, like my mother, that I'll have plenty to do in case they get 'bored'!
Why? I guess because #1 there WEREN'T that many battery operated things back then, and #2, because I would have gotten very bored with them after a while. Same way with dolls. They didn't 'do' anything and you could do very little with them. Once you changed their clothes, fed them and played with them a little bit, there wasn't much left to do with them. I never had an in-depth active imagination for 'fake' things. I knew dolls weren't real and never would be. I never really did like Barbies. I think Barbie is a w-h -o--r--e. Well, she's made to resemble a French pros-ti tute doll, so there you go. No, I'm not making that up. She really was made that way. And, if she were a real live woman, well, she'd be dead from being anorexic and if she was still crawling around she'd literally be crawling as her boobs are so out of proportion to the rest of her that she'd have to 'walk' on all fours. Needless to say Barbie and I didnt have a whole lot in common.
I played in the dirt, picked up worms, squished bugs, investigated things in the garden, chased butterflies (never with a net! you'll hurt them!) around, and just made my own fun sitting in the dirt. I'm so sick of hearing kids say 'I'm bored' that I could scream. If I would have dared to utter the words 'I'm bored' -- I would have had so many chores to do it wouldn't be funny. I think I may have been threatened a time or two before I realized that entertaining myself would be much smarter than whining about not having anything to do!
When winter came, we went sledding, played in the snow, got really cold, and then came in and had hot chocolate. In the summer, the creek was always an invite, for squishing mud in your toes and looking for toads/frogs to watch them. When we were old enough, occasionally we got to go 'to town' to go to the pool in the summer. Not much, but some. Then there were always books, I probably read every book that we had 10 times over, but I gained an excellent vocabulary, grasp of language, and deductive reasoning skills. I was smarter than most of my classmates. Mostly because I didnt spend all my time stuck in front of the tv. Yes, I watched tv, but I was always held by the call of the wild outdoors.
I hope I can help my own child/ren hear their own call of the wild, learn to appreciate the simple and make their own fun. I'm sure, like my mother, that I'll have plenty to do in case they get 'bored'!
Friday, June 6, 2008
What's in a name?...
While buying a present for friends in Target, I overheard some whining, crying, old enough to know better kids demanding this toy and that toy. Their mom was whining in response. Telling them to 'hurry up and pick something' -- but NOT that.. It was dinner time. I imagine the kids were starving and the mom just wanted to get out of there. But umm, the kids' names? According to their expertly 'coiffed' via the 80's model mom, Mercedes, King, and Maverick...
What's in a name? Is a name reflective of the parents, the children, or lifestlye?
Certainly in this case it makes me wonder.
What about you?
What's in a name? Is a name reflective of the parents, the children, or lifestlye?
Certainly in this case it makes me wonder.
What about you?
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Cloth Diapering
Note: There's a lot of links here which I hope you will explore, baby or no baby. Who knows? Maybe you'll change your mind on how you will/would handle diapering in the future. Just make sure to come back and check out the rest of the post! Maybe open the links in a new tab so you can mark them for future reference. On with the post!
I was pretty sure growing up that I'd never use cloth diapers, I mean, come on, poop on cloth? Ick. That was bad enough in changing "regular" diapers as a teenager while babysitting. Then I found out that diapers really do cost a lot. I was figuring about a package or two a month, but then I found out that diapers do not all come in the same size package, and they get more expensive for fewer the bigger they get. And they're only in the cheap sizes for a few months. Ouch.
I read this on Lotus's site and figured I should probably get some actual facts instead of just how I was thinking things really are. I'd heard about people cloth diapering, but it was always always in conjunction with a diaper service, where someone else came and took the stink away in a big old diesel hogging truck, used tons of water and other resources. Of course duh (smacks forehead), it never occured to me that gee, you could do them at home (possibly combining poopy or throw-upy clothes as well) in a load and save gobs of money, diesel fuel, not to mention if you were using disposables, well, the trees, oil, and other gunk it takes to make up those things. Also the 500 years in a landfill that we don't really have space for. That would leave burning them, but that releases all those chemicals into the atmosphere, so, well, let's just say I figured that cloth diapering was starting to sound REASONABLE not to mention better for our earth. And of course it occured to me, that duh you can wash the diapers every couple of days, but the trash sits around for at least a week. You have to 'smell' either a trash can or a diaper pail about the same way, so what is the difference? I couldnt figure it out. Then came the old research bug and I found this info. Basically saying I could cloth diaper for what about 6 months of 'regular' diapers would cost. Wow!
So I started researching cloth diapers a little more and came across this site that had reviews on it. I had NO IDEA there were that many kinds of cloth diapers out there. A long way away from the 'walmart' kind that everyone uses for burp cloths now. Crazy stuff. Of course, everyone has their own favorites, so it is really hard to decide what to go with. Several people I messaged from Lotus's blog said that they had their favorites and basically you should go with what you think you want, maybe try a few kinds at first and then really go hog wild with buying stuff once you know. That seems like pretty good advice.
One thing of course I was curious about was the prefold diapers with covers. If you've clicked on any of the links yet (which I highly recommend!) you may have seen that there are hundreds of types of diapers, all in ones (like disposable, but not), pocket, etc etc, but what intrigued me was of course what was mentioned in the frugal diapering link that compared the cost of disposables to prefold cloth. How do you fold them or what exactly do you do? I found that info here.
No late night 'runs' to the store for diapers, just toss some in the wash when you're running low and voila, you don't have to go anywhere, pack up the baby, or lose sleep, you just run them through the machine and poof! New diapers!
Basically, I think I've talked myself into trying cloth diapering, at least for the breast feeding period and perhaps the whole way through. I hate to think of such waste. Note: I'm not knocking those who dont want to or can't deal with cloth, just saying, I think it may be a good option for us. I plan on being a stay at home mom for the duration of diaper years at least. My husband seems to agree on the diapering, at least at the outset. Come to think of it, he doesnt really argue with me much anymore. I think he's finally realized it isn't worth it to argue. Awesome, no? Sure, we discuss stuff, but if its not worth arguing over (life changing) then why do it? We have better things to discuss. Neat, huh?
Side tracked, anyway, I figure if you're already handing the 'yuck' from a diaper, or an exploded diaper, on the clothes, sheets, whatever, then it's probably not any more 'gross' to deal with a cloth diaper on a daily basis. You're already right there dealing with it, right?
Granted my experience here is limited, but that's just what I'm thinking. What do you think?
I was pretty sure growing up that I'd never use cloth diapers, I mean, come on, poop on cloth? Ick. That was bad enough in changing "regular" diapers as a teenager while babysitting. Then I found out that diapers really do cost a lot. I was figuring about a package or two a month, but then I found out that diapers do not all come in the same size package, and they get more expensive for fewer the bigger they get. And they're only in the cheap sizes for a few months. Ouch.
I read this on Lotus's site and figured I should probably get some actual facts instead of just how I was thinking things really are. I'd heard about people cloth diapering, but it was always always in conjunction with a diaper service, where someone else came and took the stink away in a big old diesel hogging truck, used tons of water and other resources. Of course duh (smacks forehead), it never occured to me that gee, you could do them at home (possibly combining poopy or throw-upy clothes as well) in a load and save gobs of money, diesel fuel, not to mention if you were using disposables, well, the trees, oil, and other gunk it takes to make up those things. Also the 500 years in a landfill that we don't really have space for. That would leave burning them, but that releases all those chemicals into the atmosphere, so, well, let's just say I figured that cloth diapering was starting to sound REASONABLE not to mention better for our earth. And of course it occured to me, that duh you can wash the diapers every couple of days, but the trash sits around for at least a week. You have to 'smell' either a trash can or a diaper pail about the same way, so what is the difference? I couldnt figure it out. Then came the old research bug and I found this info. Basically saying I could cloth diaper for what about 6 months of 'regular' diapers would cost. Wow!
So I started researching cloth diapers a little more and came across this site that had reviews on it. I had NO IDEA there were that many kinds of cloth diapers out there. A long way away from the 'walmart' kind that everyone uses for burp cloths now. Crazy stuff. Of course, everyone has their own favorites, so it is really hard to decide what to go with. Several people I messaged from Lotus's blog said that they had their favorites and basically you should go with what you think you want, maybe try a few kinds at first and then really go hog wild with buying stuff once you know. That seems like pretty good advice.
One thing of course I was curious about was the prefold diapers with covers. If you've clicked on any of the links yet (which I highly recommend!) you may have seen that there are hundreds of types of diapers, all in ones (like disposable, but not), pocket, etc etc, but what intrigued me was of course what was mentioned in the frugal diapering link that compared the cost of disposables to prefold cloth. How do you fold them or what exactly do you do? I found that info here.
No late night 'runs' to the store for diapers, just toss some in the wash when you're running low and voila, you don't have to go anywhere, pack up the baby, or lose sleep, you just run them through the machine and poof! New diapers!
Basically, I think I've talked myself into trying cloth diapering, at least for the breast feeding period and perhaps the whole way through. I hate to think of such waste. Note: I'm not knocking those who dont want to or can't deal with cloth, just saying, I think it may be a good option for us. I plan on being a stay at home mom for the duration of diaper years at least. My husband seems to agree on the diapering, at least at the outset. Come to think of it, he doesnt really argue with me much anymore. I think he's finally realized it isn't worth it to argue. Awesome, no? Sure, we discuss stuff, but if its not worth arguing over (life changing) then why do it? We have better things to discuss. Neat, huh?
Side tracked, anyway, I figure if you're already handing the 'yuck' from a diaper, or an exploded diaper, on the clothes, sheets, whatever, then it's probably not any more 'gross' to deal with a cloth diaper on a daily basis. You're already right there dealing with it, right?
Granted my experience here is limited, but that's just what I'm thinking. What do you think?
Saturday, May 31, 2008
When did that happen?
I went from feeling fine (sick, but fine), a month ago, to now feeling, wow, I shouldnt really lift that heavy box. What? Me pass up a golden opportunity to show off my muscles? Dangit! Why!?! It keeps straining my "belly muscles" every time I try and do something like that. It's annoying. The whole front of me tenses up and shoots little ribbons of pain across my stomach and ab muscle areas. It's really quite annoying. I don't want to be a helpless thing, I want things to be as close to normal as possible. I just figured if I could get past the nausea, week 16 and counting, that I'd be back to a bit more normal. Where's the promised super duper libido? Where's the promised 'energy boost'?
Ack. Oh well. At least my hubby gets the irony of role reversals. And can laugh about it.
Ack. Oh well. At least my hubby gets the irony of role reversals. And can laugh about it.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
What do you do when...?
Even a glass of water smells bad? And it's not bad?
You can't stand to cook because of the smell?
Your husband ate something for lunch and you can smell it 10 ft away?
Dishes make you gag?
You're at 15 weeks and counting and STILL can't eat a decent meal, cook, or be near your husband half the time?
Anyone else go much over 12 weeks of the awful gagginess? Cause it's kiling me. I can't get anything done.
You can't stand to cook because of the smell?
Your husband ate something for lunch and you can smell it 10 ft away?
Dishes make you gag?
You're at 15 weeks and counting and STILL can't eat a decent meal, cook, or be near your husband half the time?
Anyone else go much over 12 weeks of the awful gagginess? Cause it's kiling me. I can't get anything done.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Doctor Visit...
I did visit the doctor this week. It was a different doctor as mine was on call that day. Which was fine. I didnt like this new doctor nearly as much. She commented on the pedometer (step counter) and thought that was good, but in answering my questions, she was pretty abrupt and it kind of made the other 4 questions I had fly out of my head.
My blood pressure was 'good' according to the nurse. I thought the top number was high and the bottom low, but I guess it's probably well within normal range. I'm just used to my numbers being somewhere in the neighborhood of 117/80. I've also lost 3 more pounds. I'm not sure if that's a total of 5 or 7. I just know that I sure don't LOOK like I've lost weight. At least with the new clothes ( see pic at right) I don't just look 'fat'-- yeah!
I heard the heartbeat for the second time, this time it was a lot slower than the first. Again, I guess that was normal enough. The next time we go, it will not only be our anniversary, we will get to view an ultrasound. Woohoo! We're not trying to find out 'what' it is, but a picture is worth a thousand heartbeats you know? That won't be for another month, but things seem to be progressing right along.
My blood pressure was 'good' according to the nurse. I thought the top number was high and the bottom low, but I guess it's probably well within normal range. I'm just used to my numbers being somewhere in the neighborhood of 117/80. I've also lost 3 more pounds. I'm not sure if that's a total of 5 or 7. I just know that I sure don't LOOK like I've lost weight. At least with the new clothes ( see pic at right) I don't just look 'fat'-- yeah!
I heard the heartbeat for the second time, this time it was a lot slower than the first. Again, I guess that was normal enough. The next time we go, it will not only be our anniversary, we will get to view an ultrasound. Woohoo! We're not trying to find out 'what' it is, but a picture is worth a thousand heartbeats you know? That won't be for another month, but things seem to be progressing right along.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Nursery on a dime...
Here's the scoop from babytalk magazine (free at the local drs office)...
1. Crib-- Buying one at a designer baby store won't get you any more safety-all cribs sold in the US meet the same safety criteria, they're just going to be fancier and pricier. Bottom line: Save your cash for other baby essentials and spend half the price at a discount store. It's just as safe.
2. Changing Table-- Instead of forking over $300 for a fancy dresser/changing table combo, get a kit for $25 (from Target) to attach a changing pad to your own dresser (see if mom kept your old one at home), and in the meantime check with other family members to see if you can get a rocker while you're at it. Don't borrow a crib unless you can verify it does not have any safety recalls on it. Bottom line--borrow and modify furniture to save big $$.
3. Decorating-- Don't go with pastel pink or baby blue on your walls, unless you are willing to move into the room later. Stick with a fun green, yellow, blue or red (ask a 10 year olds advice on the color) or take it totally neutral with a beige or cream and stock up on fun accessories like baskets and toys in colors to complete your theme. That way, you'll have a room that grows with your child into the pre-teen years, when they'll ask to paint their room anyway! Don't spend a bunch of money on carpet that will be ruined or borders you'll have to take down. Toss down a throw rug for cushioned play time and put up some framed pages from your favorite childhood books or invest in wall decals that peel off when the time is right. Bottom line: Keep it simple for a room that will grow with your child(ren), who knows you may have more than one child and use the same room. Do you REALLY want to repaint over cotton candy pink and tear down ballerina borders for your little boy's imminent arrival with a 2 year old running loose in the house? Stick to the basics and keep accessories fun and bright (and removeable).
4. Sleep nekkid -- Skip the $150 crib set that includes bumpers and a blanket you can't use for the first year anyway. Doctors state that a safe crib is just a mattress, a tight fitting mattress pad and a crib sheet. Oh and don't warranty that mattress, it's not worth it. Bottom line: Use the crib sheets as a way to bring color and theme into the room. Skip the frills and put that money towards diapers, or new soft sheets for your own bed!
1. Crib-- Buying one at a designer baby store won't get you any more safety-all cribs sold in the US meet the same safety criteria, they're just going to be fancier and pricier. Bottom line: Save your cash for other baby essentials and spend half the price at a discount store. It's just as safe.
2. Changing Table-- Instead of forking over $300 for a fancy dresser/changing table combo, get a kit for $25 (from Target) to attach a changing pad to your own dresser (see if mom kept your old one at home), and in the meantime check with other family members to see if you can get a rocker while you're at it. Don't borrow a crib unless you can verify it does not have any safety recalls on it. Bottom line--borrow and modify furniture to save big $$.
3. Decorating-- Don't go with pastel pink or baby blue on your walls, unless you are willing to move into the room later. Stick with a fun green, yellow, blue or red (ask a 10 year olds advice on the color) or take it totally neutral with a beige or cream and stock up on fun accessories like baskets and toys in colors to complete your theme. That way, you'll have a room that grows with your child into the pre-teen years, when they'll ask to paint their room anyway! Don't spend a bunch of money on carpet that will be ruined or borders you'll have to take down. Toss down a throw rug for cushioned play time and put up some framed pages from your favorite childhood books or invest in wall decals that peel off when the time is right. Bottom line: Keep it simple for a room that will grow with your child(ren), who knows you may have more than one child and use the same room. Do you REALLY want to repaint over cotton candy pink and tear down ballerina borders for your little boy's imminent arrival with a 2 year old running loose in the house? Stick to the basics and keep accessories fun and bright (and removeable).
4. Sleep nekkid -- Skip the $150 crib set that includes bumpers and a blanket you can't use for the first year anyway. Doctors state that a safe crib is just a mattress, a tight fitting mattress pad and a crib sheet. Oh and don't warranty that mattress, it's not worth it. Bottom line: Use the crib sheets as a way to bring color and theme into the room. Skip the frills and put that money towards diapers, or new soft sheets for your own bed!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
November 15, 2008
That's when we're expecting the stork to slam his way into our lives and create the biggest wreck we've ever witnessed. Isn't that how the story goes?
Feel free to read the archives, comment, or drop me an email. I'll try and update here as often as I can.
Feel free to read the archives, comment, or drop me an email. I'll try and update here as often as I can.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Exercise
Did you burn more calories before or after having kids?
Just wondering. And if your eating per se doesnt change while you're pregnant, will it be easier to take off (shut up I'm already at least 20 lbs overweight so i dont need to gain any) later on?
Just wondering...
does anyone wear a pedometer to see how far they really go in a day?
Just wondering. And if your eating per se doesnt change while you're pregnant, will it be easier to take off (shut up I'm already at least 20 lbs overweight so i dont need to gain any) later on?
Just wondering...
does anyone wear a pedometer to see how far they really go in a day?
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Bedding and nursery themes
hmmm so I took a friends suggestion and looked at Babies R Us online at nursery bedding. Wow! you can't buy the pieces separate, and the sets are near $200 to over $250 and that seems a little outrageous to me. I am a little disappointed because I saw from Walmart and a brief trip to Target was pink and blue. Note the disgust with pink and blue, it's important. Also, I started looking at Target online and was enthralled by this "Ultimate Crib Sheet" thing. I didnt think about crib sheets being a pain to change especially holding the baby, but it would be, wouldnt it? The idea is that it snaps on so you can easily pull it off, and if you have more than one, then it could be layered and easily have another underneath and then if you have a repeat offender then it's not so bad. What do you guys think about that? It got really good reviews except one person who had the straps tear when you wash it (someone else said, duh, they unsnap, take them off) and that if you have a solid wall on your crib it's harder to use... it's a combination mattress pad and sheet. If I think of it that way, you save all that money on additional sheets and mattress covers, and you just buy a couple of these and you're set. At least that's how other mom's who reviewed them, seemed to make it seem.
What else do you think about nursery bedding? Is a dust ruffle necessary? Or just for cute? I take it a bumper is the thing on the inside about head level that keeps them from "bumping" their heads on the slats? And that would be necessary. And they all set blankies, but you're not supposed to give a kid a blanket for so long a time because of SIDS right? When does that end? Do you get a lot of use out of cutesy bedding or is it just something for people to buy at a baby shower that's a lot of money and makes the room really cute? And wouldn't you want somethign that would go for a girl or boy since you may have more than one kid?
Thanks for your input...
Going for neutral...and simple...and smart!
What else do you think about nursery bedding? Is a dust ruffle necessary? Or just for cute? I take it a bumper is the thing on the inside about head level that keeps them from "bumping" their heads on the slats? And that would be necessary. And they all set blankies, but you're not supposed to give a kid a blanket for so long a time because of SIDS right? When does that end? Do you get a lot of use out of cutesy bedding or is it just something for people to buy at a baby shower that's a lot of money and makes the room really cute? And wouldn't you want somethign that would go for a girl or boy since you may have more than one kid?
Thanks for your input...
Going for neutral...and simple...and smart!
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