Cloth Diapering - A Year Later

I guess I'm coming out of hibernation to share some of my experience with cloth diapering now that I'm a veteran (according to Jackie, at least). 

At six months we started solids and since Julia was never exclusively breastfed I wasn't too shocked by the change in her poo. I know a lot of moms who nurse find cloth much easier until solids. Two things I would recommend: a diaper sprayer and a Spray Pal. Both, are optional, of course, but if you have the funds to splurge on them I think they're worth it. 

We also use flushable liners for daycare and when out of the house. (And, my husband uses them in the house as well!) I like these GroVia liners a lot! I've found that I can wash them once (if only wet, naturally) and they hold up for another use, which saves a bit on the cost of them. 

When it comes to overnight diapering for a very long time we could add a hemp insert to our regular cloth diapers and that would add enough absorbency for the whole night. That, along with a stay dry liner was great, until it wasn't. Eventually, I bit the bullet and tried the famous "magic diaper" the OBF. These, along with a wool cover have been the answer. So much so that even when we flew to Baton Rouge I took them for overnight use knowing I was using disposables during the day. 

We've tried two different wool covers and I like them both a lot. The Woollybottoms are very economical choice and the Sloomb covers are very, very soft and beautiful. 

The BumGenius Elementals are still my favorites and they still fit Julia very well. They are still the easiest for caretakers and daycare. 

As far as diaper creams, CJ's BUTTer is ah-mazing stuff! I get the unscented, but it comes in a ton of flavors if you like to try different smells. Seriously, it's so good, I use it on my own dry skin every now and then. I will say, if you want to try it, I suggest the pot instead of the tube. It's pretty thick stuff and doesn't come out of the tube very easily. 

So, that's my update and of course, I'm happy to answer any questions I can. And, if I can't, I know a fantastic group of ladies who can. :)

Observations About Parenthood

There are a few things I've noticed since becoming a parent that never even occurred to me before.

1) People are very concerned about how comfortable a child is in a rear facing car seat. I've always blown them off, but I'm still surprised at how often I hear comments about comfort when explaining that the recommendation is now two years old for rear facing.

Here's how I look at it. Does your child sleep in seemingly uncomfortable positions? Are they complaining about it? Do they even really care? I figure as long as they aren't in the car for long periods of time and they can still fit rear facing, why not keep them that way when we know it's safest.

2) Mothers with sons. Also known as "boy moms" like to label themselves as such. Perhaps I only notice this because I'm not a mother to a boy, but to a girl. However, it seems to me that mothers to girls do not label themselves, in writing or otherwise, as "girl moms".

Has anyone else noticed this phenomenon? I should clarify (before I offend anyone) that I don't have an issue with it, I just notice it all the time now.

3) Babies are grabby! As in, grabbing your face, your neck, your shirt, etc! I mean, I knew about the clothes grabbing, but I really wasn't aware of the "baby wanting to pick your nose" grabbing. Or, the grabbing of doggy eyeballs. Or, the hair ripping out. Ouch!

4) Will I ever not feel tired? Does this go away as they get older (I hope)?

5) Hy is everyone in a hurry for Julia to walk? I'm fine with her crawling. Well, except for the fact that all of her clothes from this particular period in her life will be garbage due to brown knees.

I mean, yes, I'd like to go to Mass again sometime soon and since our church nursery says they need to be one and walking (why do they call it a nursery again) it might be a while before we're back to regularly attending. Sigh...

That's all. At least, for now.

And, because it's my blog:

I'm Good for Now

I cannot tell you how often the subject of a second child comes up. Whether it's from parents or friends, or even my husband. And, while I always knew I wanted more than one child I feel like that's changed.

Everyone tells you that you forget about your first childbirth experience - the pain and the recovery and that you do so you'll be prepared to have  more than one. Survival of the species they call it.

But, you know, it's been more than a year and it's still very real to me. Maybe not the pain of the c-section or the procedures four months following her birthday that I needed to get me fully on the road to recovery.But, what is so very real and present every day is that she was premature. That she needs breathing treatments every day and she hates them. That she has a wheeze and a rattle and everyone always wants to tell us how she's congested.

And, yes, I know there was absolutely nothing I could do to change that. But, I find myself thinking back,(probably more often than I should) about how I could have fought harder to stay pregnant longer. Yes, hospital bed rest sucked. Big time. But, couldn't I have made it another week? Maybe two to get her to full term? I think about how, after she was born, I read about a medication that is supposed to help babies lungs develop faster if they will be premature. Why didn't we get that before the induction?

I don't have fears about delivering another child. I have serious hesitations about being pregnant again and if my body will behave in the same way. I cannot imagine how much harder it would be to be in that situation again with a child at home.

Is this normal? Probably. I don't know. But, the more that time goes by, I might be happy with one. Who knows?

My point is this (yes, I have one), I wish people would stop asking when we're having another. I know they mean well, but frankly one is plenty right now. I love her like crazy, but I worry about how much those five weeks will matter in the long term and I don't want to worry about how another will fare. At least not right now.

Three More

I cannot believe that I only have three more classes left of culinary school. Three.

In three weeks, I will be a chef. And, I will be able to say I have graduated from culinary school. 

While I am so ready to get my Saturdays back, I know that I will miss my classes. While they are hard, they are so challenging! And, I know I have learned so much.

I'm sure I will need to keep learning to stay fresh and using my skills.  I really want to learn how to can and more about baking.

I keep getting asked what I will do with this new skill set and I'm not entirely sure to be honest. For a while I was hating my job and thinking it would be great to quit, but I'm feeling like I'm in a decent place right now.

I don't know, we'll see. It's not up to me alone of course.

P.S. If you happen to talk to my husband, this would make a great graduation gift...

Julia at One Year

Somehow this never got posted. Oops! I'm sure Julia doesn't mind, but I guess I never hit the "post" button.

So, here you go:

Julia's 12 month well-baby visit was today. So hard to believe it's been a year already! 

Your 12 month stats:

Weight: 19.4 lbs.

Length: 26.5 inches

Hair color: still light brown and it's been filling in a bit more

Eyes: Still blue!

Teeth: just two still

Diaper size: I don't know since you're in cloth, but we haven't made any adjustments to rise or snaps since the last update.We have been trying to experiment with your night diapers since you seem to be needing more absorbency while you're sleeping.

Clothes: 9 months and 12 months sizes. A few things are still 6 months and you're in size 2 and size 3 shoes, just depends on the shoes. Still in a small sleep sack, but we might try a larger one and see if you like it better. 

Sleeping: 9 to 10 hours at night; short naps at daycare but you'll nap really well on the weekends.

Eating:we switched you to milk and you love it! You're getting more and more independent with eating and if you only had more teeth we could give you more foods.

You are so busy! You really don't have much interest in walking yet, but I'm not worried about it. I figure after walking comes running so let's not rush things, okay?

We love you to the moon and back!
Mommy

Dear Julia - Your First Birthday

Today, you are one! One year ago you made quite an entrance into the world and you were five weeks earlier than we thought you would be. (A little trivia for you one day- your due date was exactly five years after your dad and I met.) You’ve been such a joy the past year and you are such a fun little person! 

One year ago, you made us more than just a couple, you made us parents. Your parents. I know you have stolen many hearts over the past year and ours are no exception. Your sweet little personality is such a joy to be around that it’s easy to see why you are so loved by many.

I’ve had such amazing moments just watching you learn. Watching you figure out how to crawl and experiencing new tastes. You’re so curious and I hope and pray that never lessens.

I love how your sweet little face lights up when you see us enter the room and how happy you are to see me when I show up at daycare to collect you. You love your teachers and it makes me feel very good that you are so happy to be there every day. (Now, if you could work on napping at daycare that would be much appreciated! We know you do not want to miss anything, but it’s hard on your little self to need a nap at 5:30 each evening because you just cannot keep your eyes open any longer.)

We tried some baby gates, but our hose is a bit too open and you figured out how to pull on it so, we took one of them down and we’re locking the cabinets. You’re also figuring out the wooden puzzles you have and I love watching you play. You’re pretty good at playing independently and you just chatter away.

You really are such a joy and I honestly have no idea how we got such a good-natured baby. Perhaps God knew that we needed a sweet baby girl since we can be so strong-willed ourselves. I know you were designed just for us and for that I count my blessings. I know he knew you would come into this world early and that you would teach us patience and love. I’m so honored to be your mother and pray that one day you’re proud to be my daughter.

Thank you for being you.

I love you to the moon and back,

Mommy

Blog Sale - Cole Haan Clutch

I purchased this on the Rue La La Final Sale and while I do like it, it's just bigger than I anticipated. So, I'm offering it for sale here for exactly what I paid and I'll cover the shipping.

Infinity Bella Clutch in Woodbury

Soft wood grain textured leather
Custom polished gold hardware
8" shoulder strap
Magnetic flap closure
Logo jacquard lining
Interior zip pocket and two credit card slots
13 3/8" L x 7 1/8" H x 2 3/4" D

Here's a couple of photos from the Cole Haan site. I got it in from Rue La La today and only opened it so It's in perfect condition. It's just bigger than I wanted.

It retailed for $298 and I paid $159.95. I'll sell it for $150 even including shipping if anyone is interested. Leave me a comment or email me if you are. Thanks!