Did You Know...

Natural Hospital Birth - Section One Part Two

2011-09-29T08:00:00.016-06:00

I have been reading “Natural Hospital Birth – the best of both worlds” by Cynthia Gabriel. In my first post here I talked about the first two sections of part one “preparing for your baby’s birth”. I will now discuss my thoughts about the last three sections in part one “getting attached to your birth plan”, “creating a supportive team” and “extra support for special circumstances”.

Cynthia Gabriel discusses why we should get attached to our birth plan. She tells the reader that in most cases when someone says they are flexible it translates to most providers as being vague. In addition when you write a birth plan you can be specific but accommodate the unexpected. Also even if you are not able to fulfill your entire birth plan it is okay to be disappointed, she states that “isn’t always better to strive and fall short then to never strive at all?” (pg 22) I believe that is a very important thing for anyone making a birth plan to remember. That you can try to reach for your most ideal birth but it might not happen and that is okay. Also when this happens it is okay to grieve in some form over the loss of this.

Cynthia then walks the reader through how you can create your own birth plan through three steps. Dream it, plan the whole birth, then write a medical birth plan.

I had a really hard time with step one (which is why my post is so late). I pride myself on being a “feelings” person and being able to visualize or dream (daydreaming is one of my favourite ways to relax). However, with dreaming up my ideal birth plan I felt like something was holding me back for envisioning my perfect birth. It could be the fact that I have already experienced a birth and know the realities. Or it is the fact that I have attended a few births as a health care provider and realize the limitations that are set on hospital births. Either way I struggled to let go and allow my imagination to run wild. No matter how hard I tried most of what I could “dream” of was not that vivid. Though her questions did help some, I just could not get as vivid picture as what her case studies did. I finally came to the conclusions that most of what I was experienced were feelings. I wanted to feel safe and relaxed; I just didn’t want to be rushed. This was the main reason I chose a midwife. Everything is slowed down and the idea of why rush when everything is going good. To me I didn’t care where I was. So after going through the questions I have completed my dream birth (which I will probably come back to the further along in my pregnancy I get), the next step is planning it and then turning the plan into a medical birth plan.

So to plan your birth Cynthia gets the reader to reflect on the aspects of the dream birth plan that can be translated to the hospital setting. For me I know that I want to wait to go to the hospital so my plan is to labour as long as possible at home (well in my case my sister’s home, as we live 2 hours from the hospital). With a midwife this is possible because of the fact she would come to me and check on my progress. When I do get to the hospital I would like it to be just me, my husband, and my midwife there. This way I don’t feel like I am being watched. I also love technology so I more than likely will have my Zoom and phone handy just to take my mind of the contractions (or pressure waves for those hypnobabies :D). I would like to try to birth without any drugs. I plan on educating myself on ways to work through the waves (just started my hypnobabies course).

So the last part of making my birth plan is writing it down for my medical team. Cynthia ones again has a series of questions to help the reader develop their own plan (and shares a few of her client’s birth plans as examples). She also reminds the reader that you can be direct in your birth plan but polite. You can achieve this by focusing on what you want rather then what you don’t want. For instance I do not want to have labour augmented unless absolutely necessary (I have experienced a Pitocin drip and hated every moment an IV was in my hand). So instead of saying I don’t want my labour augmented unless medically necessary, I would rephrase it to say I would prefer to go into labour naturally. I am still ironing out my final birth plan and I think I will continue to until I go into labour. But these are a few of the things that I would like to see happen.

- Labour to start on its own
- Have my membranes rupture on their own
- Allow my husband to be my coach
- Allow my daughter to visit briefly
- Use a tub or shower as pain relief
- For staff to offer non medicated options first
- Use massage and warm compresses to lessen the risk of a tear
- I would like to use my Hypnobabies cd’s and techniques as much as possible
- After birth I would like to hold my baby immediately
- Please wait to clamp the cord till after it stops pulsating
- If possible hold off on newborn checks until after I have held and breastfed for the first time
- I will be rooming in with my baby and husband
- I would like all procedures to be done in husband’s or my presence
- I hope to avoid a cesarean
- If I need a cesarean my husband is to be present at all times
- I would like to have contact with my baby as soon after as possible

The book then goes on to discuss surrounding yourself with a health care team that provides you support in reaching these goals. I don’t think this will be much of an issue for me as I have a midwife that is aware of my desire to have a natural hospital birth. However, I will still be giving her a copy to have so she is aware of my wants in regards to pain control; in particular my wish to use the techniques that are in Hypnobabies. But I feel this is a very good section for those still searching for a care provider or wants to make a switch. She gives several good questions to ask a potential care provider and how to find the one that is right for you and your family.

The final section of part one talks about special circumstances which for me I just skimmed over as I do not fall in this category. But for anyone who is having twins, VBAC, or is a survivor of a traumatic event this is a great section to read. I especially think her VBAC section is a great read.

That is the end of part one of the book “Natural Hospital Birth – the best of both worlds” by Cynthia Gabriel. My next post on this subject will be focusing on part two “giving birth”.

TTYL!
-Cecette

Wordless Wednesday - Waskesiu fun!

2011-08-31T10:37:00.001-06:00

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Book Club - Natural Hospital Birth

2011-08-23T16:45:00.001-06:00

I am reading the book "Natural Hospital Birth - the best of both worlds" by Cynthia Gabriel. I am adding a Mister Linky below for anyone that has or is reading this book. You can add your link to your blog post at anytime or it can be an older post about this book as well. It can be a review of the book, how you are planning on putting the ideas of the book into practice, really anything that is centered around this book. All reviews/thoughts do not need to be positive, if something didn't work for from the book that is ok. So here is the link!

Natural Hospital Birth - Section One Part One

2011-08-23T16:43:00.000-06:00

In the first section of the book "Natural Hospital Birth - the best of both world" by Cynthia Gabriel it focuses about preparing for the birth of the baby. I will be focusing this post on the first half of this section entitled "You can do it" and "Feeling Safe".

My favorite part of the first section was where Cynthia talks about why some people choose a natural birth (including myself). The following quote sums up my feelings perfectly. I choose a natural birth because it is "letting your body follow its natural course in labor the same way that it had followed its natural course during pregnancy." (pg3) and just because I am having my birth in a hospital does not mean I should have to "sacrifice the body's natural process". (pg4) It wasn't till I read that sentence that I truly realized why I wanted a "natural birth", it was just something I felt.

So what is a "natural birth"? I felt quite drawn to Cynthia's idea that a natural birth is a "birth with the fewest interventions possible to support the health of the mother and baby". (pg7) Cynthia goes on to say that in this book "natural birth" means "the most instinctive, self-directed, intervention-free birth possible." (pg7) This is what I was looking for, this is why I picked up this book. Cynthia acknowledges that when interventions are necessary it does not mean that your commitment to having a natural birth should be given up on. It just means that this one part of the plan changes. This is referred to as preventing the cascading effect of interventions, once you have one they figure you are up for it all.

Cynthia then moves on to talking about creating a safe environment so you feel you can labour. She does a wonderful job in describing the hormones that help labour (oxytocin) and hinder (adrenaline). Cynthia is very thorough in helping the reader understand the part fear plays in the progression of labour by giving three examples she has seen first hand as a doula (the nurse in me comes out because I really enjoy case studies). To me this makes perfect sense, no animal including humans would want to labour in a sense of panic. If you fear for your life would you want to put yourself in a vulnerable position? Now we has humans don't have to really worry that a predator is going to attack as we are giving birth. However, we still have an engrained sense to protect our young and our-self. Cynthia lists several ways to deal with the fight-or-flight mechanism that can be created labouring in a "strange place". She suggests things from trying to keep the area free of people who may trigger this reaction, to having a dimly lighted room.

Now how do I relate this to my birthing experience? Yes I am having a hospital birth, not really by choice but by circumstances. I live in a rural community where the opportunity to even having a child close to home has been removed. They call this "centralization of care"...I see this as making the patients come to the care instead of the care going to the patient. Also it has played a part in de-populating the rural communities...but I digress. So I have come to terms with the fact that I have to drive at least an hour to give birth to my baby. However I chose to drive an extra 40 minutes so that I can receive the care that I feel will benefit my baby and myself. I chose the extra driving time so that I could have a midwife attend my birth and to help facilitate my desire for a "natural birth". I hope that because I have a midwife and can labour at "home" (I will either be at a friends place or my sister-in-laws...still has to be worked out with those particular individuals) I will be able to create a safe environment to allow me to progress naturally through the first stage of labour. That way by the time that I reach the hospital my labour would have been well established and can progress from there. There is also a tendency that medical staff can get "antsy" in the first part of labour (which is not true of all medical staff, just my experience). Labour at the start is usually slower and medical staff like to see progress because you are tying up a bed. So for me I think it a very important part of my labour to not be in the hospital at this time, you can't offer me augmentation to help speed me through the slow part if I am not there. When I am in the hospital I will be reliying on my husband and my midwife to help me through not only the more difficult contractions and pushing. But to also ensure that I feel safe where I am there.

What did you get from the first two chapters? Did this section help you realize why you wanted a natural birth? Or did it just confirm what you already knew?

I will be adding a Mister-Linky later today so that all the posts (whether you did several posts or just one) can be in one location.

The 20(ish) Week Ultrasound...

2011-08-19T09:25:00.001-06:00

So today is my 20(ish) week ultrasound. Between the two guess dates (dating ultrasound Jan 3rd, my guess Jan 8th) I am either 20 weeks 2 days or 19 weeks 5 days. But who is keeping track right?

The other issue is I know that the tech may get to the all important question (well after making sure baby is healthy) do we want to find out the gender? Now it is never 100% sure (liability, girls are easier to be wrong blah, blah, blah) which is my main sticking point. I don't care about gender cause I can see the ups of both.

It would also be nice to plan what extra stuff we need and only have to "discuss" over one set of names...but what if they are wrong? You prepare for one gender then it turns out all the gender specific stuff you did was a waste. Or was it? I already have a DD. So most of the stuff I have already is pink, the desire to buy all the cute outfits is more "tamed" down. So I guess if it turned out to be a boy instead of a girl I wouldn't have all the stuff. While if it was a girl when it was suppose to be a boy I would have extra of some stuff. Or I could just buy gender neutral things for all the newborn clothes no matter what the gender. That way I can use them again no matter what the next baby is. Oh there are so many reasons to find out and just as many not to. Like the motivation in labour not knowing what your little bean is, it really does help especially while pushing. Sigh...

Too bad I only have a couple hours to decided...WWYD?

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My Pregnancy Homewook - become more prepared!

2011-08-15T11:56:00.000-06:00

I am an RN, when I was in school I assisted in teaching two prenatal classes, and I have previously worked on a postpartum ward...yet I feel like I was not truly prepared for labour. I know all the stages of labour, I know what is suppose to happen when, but...this does not help DEALING with labour. With my first I thought I was prepared, oh how wrong I was. Now I don't think I had an awful birth experience, in fact it was quite nice. But it still nags at me that I never really gave the "natural" birth a good try. I had maybe a half an hour of painful contraction and I broke down and wanted an epidural (though a positive is we use walking epidurals which are better then the traditional epidural). Looking back on the experience I blame the fact that I was not prepared to be dealing with the pain. I went to a traditional prenatal class (one run by the health region) and was quite bored (same material I taught a year previous) but felt I have done my duty and attended my prenatal classes...bring on the labour!

I now realize that preparing for labour shouldn't be a passive act of just going through the motions, sign an attendance sheet and you are ready to handle any labour. You have to be an active participant. So this pregnancy I am determined to learn about different ways to help me fulfill my desire to at least try to find ways to have labour without resorting to an epidural. I won't say that I won't accept any pain relief but I do want to try.

So last week I was browsing through a bookstore when I came across "Natural Hospital Birth - the best of both worlds" by Cynthia Gabrial. With a quick glance at the index it seemed to cover everything I was looking for. Part One covers preparing for the birth, part two is about giving birth, and then the final section was pulling it all together. I am really looking forward to reading this book and would love to share my thoughts about not only the book but how I want to incorporate the ideas into my labour. I am hoping to read part one and blog about it before moving onto part two. I haven't decided how I want to break up part two (as it is quite long) but I am thinking about doing posts divided into early labour, active labour, then pushing and after labour. Then the final post will be about how I am planning on bringing the techniques etc into my own birth plan. So hopefully if the nausea stays away (please see previous post) I will be able to do a total of 5 posts about this book. I may add a 6th section about the appendix in the book entitled "Common Medical Interventions and How to Avoid Them". Which sounds very interesting.

Please feel free to post comments about your own birth experience or techniques you found helpful in your own birth!

- Cecette

19 weeks (or 19 weeks 5 days) - pregnancy update

2011-08-14T19:55:00.000-06:00

I posted before about my pregnancy "issues" (see here). By "issues" I really mean all day nausea. Now that I am almost half way there depending on which date I go by. My date is closer to 19 weeks while my ultrasound date says I should be closer to 19 weeks 5 days. This makes my due date some where between January 3rd-8th. But like most mom's will remind any pregnant woman this is just a guess date and not set in stone. So I digress...

So back to the nausea....I was very keen at the time of posting that I was determined to find a way to a way to "cure" my nausea. Well I can't say that I am nausea free but it has lessened some what. I no longer find that it is an all day thing (well not as intense as before) and there is just a lingering of nausea with occasional waves of more extreme nauseation. I have tried a couple things (along with my Diclectin which I am happy to say I am down to taking twice a day!).

My first attempt was the pregnancy nausea candies. Now these do taste good, but suspiciously like jolly rangers (which to this date I am not able to find anywhere! the jolly rangers that is...all I have found is lonely cherry flavoured ones stuck in the corner of a convenience store). I found that they were good to take the edge off my nausea (like when one of my more extreme waves of nausea sweeps over) but did not really cure that nagging nausea that I am tired of. So for me they were not the answer.

My second attempt was trying out a hazelwood necklace. Now I wanted something that was functional but also looked nice. So after several hours of googling places that sell the necklaces (and seeing as I needed within a week or so I decided to stick to within Canada) I found it at Hazelaid. So I have been wearing it for about a week or so and it has been over this past week that I have seen a decrease in my nausea symptoms. I don't know if this is just coincidence, a mind over matter thing, or maybe my nausea is going away! Either way I am happy that my nausea has lessened!

So yes I can now tolerate the nausea much better then before. But I am writing this in an un-nauseated state. So the nausea is in the distant past and it seems that my memory blocks out how intense those nausea waves can be. Which means I am still in the search for a anti-nausea cure. If anyone has any suggestions please leave a comment I would love to hear what others have done to "cure" their nausea!

- Cecette

The Power of Blogher!

2011-08-11T11:45:00.002-06:00

I received an amazing email this morning about a new post by Kim Rosas of Dirty Diaper Laundry. Like many posts I am reading right now (I will admit mostly out of jealously) it was centered around one of the biggest blogging conference, Blogher. I love reading about the parties, speakers, and especially the friends that were made (even if I couldn't be there).

But Kim's post really caught my eye. It truly captivated the qualities/dedication of the women who attended Blogher11.

Kim, a very dedicated breastfeeder, had to leave her baby at home while she attended the conference. She spent several (probably hundreds) of hours preparing for the trip by pumping. Which turned into well over a hundred ounces of breast milk (post here).

Her next problem was there was no off switch to her lactation so she would have to choose: deal with painful engorgement, pump and dump, or pump and store.

As most breast feeding moms can understand, the idea of dumping this amazing liquid is unimaginable. So she went with the store option. But what was even more amazing was she decided to find a mom who needed donated breast milk.

The more Kim blogged/tweeted about her goal of gifting her breast milk (through eats on feets). The more Blogher attendees wanted to participate. It was amazing to see how much support/participation there was building. It was a very moving blog post

At the end of her article she mentions that she might organize a second donation round at blogher12. Maybe I will be able to attend, if so I would seriously consider donating breast milk.

So what do you think about peer-peer breast milk donation?

-Cecette

p.s. Sorry about the long url link my droid won't let me put a link up to a word. I will fix it later.

update: links added!

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Wordless Wednesday - Summer Fun!!

2011-08-03T08:31:00.004-06:00

Wordless Wednesday - Hannah is 19 mos!

2011-07-20T14:55:00.000-06:00

Pregvit - my new best friend

2011-07-11T12:00:00.002-06:00

It is recommended to all pregnant women to take a prenatal vitamin (most recommend to being taking them even if you are thinking you may become pregnant) because some of the most important development occurs in the first couple weeks. If you are not in the active role of "trying" for a baby you won't know you are in the 2 week waiting window (for those who actively try know this is as the point between conception and that positive result). I was one that I really really tried to remember to take my prenatal vitamin before conception (or at least folic acid) but it can be hard to remember (I even resorted to using a dosette, yes those medication holders that either the elderly or those on several medications use).
For me the trouble really set in when I started to have extreme nausea and/or vomiting (it started a week before my positive result and has not let up yet and I am now around 14 weeks. Please see my first post on this issue here). I would try taking the prenatal vitamin in the morning and either I would get the nausea and then around an hour later have it come back up or I just felt horrible all day. Most days I would just get the pill to my tongue and would start dry heaving (sorry very graphic). I even tried switching brands (in fact I tried a total of 4 different brands) and time of day, what I ate and how much. Nothing seemed to help the situation. So most days my prenatal vitamin went to the way side and I was left with an extreme feeling of guilt. Finally at one of my midwife appointments I brought up my concern about not being able to keep down my vitamins (I felt very guilty and didn't want to admit that I was neglecting a very important part of keeping my baby healthy). She mentioned ways that we could alleviate the nausea but before I could try those remedies we had to find something that I could take between now and then. For me cost wasn't a big concern, I needed prenatal vitamins. So I mentioned to my midwife about trying an over the counter prenatal vitamins that splits the calcium and iron into two pills. This makes it easier on the stomach because you are not overloading your already sensitive stomach. I talked with the pharmacist and Pregvit came up. I had heard of it through nursing school (it was mentioned as a "new vitamin" for during pregnancy as you can get a Pregvit 5 for those with high chance of spinal problems like spina bifida) and through several chat forums I regularly visit. So I gave it a shot and wow it is quite expensive, for 30 pills it cost $36. But alas at least if it worked I wouldn't have to feel so guilty and that is worth the price.

So I started it on July 7th and the first day was pretty good I felt icky but that was general "ickyness" it did not increase or decrease the feel but I will take that over what it was like before. So at least I can get the pill down and on average it stays down for at lest 3-4 hours before I find that I hit the inevitable "wall" where most if not all I have eaten comes back up. I have to say that I do feel lucky that I am still able to eat (yes even all this nausea hasn't completely turned me off food). I figure even if I do feel nauseated after I eat, what is the difference I am going to feel the same even if I don't eat so might as well keep something in my stomach to bring back up.

I have now been taking my new vitamins for almost 5 days now and am happy to report that I have only brought back up one pill and only missed one dose. Which is better then the average I had before taking when I was taking the over-the-counter versions. So hopefully this means I am on the road to taking my prenatal vitamins more consistently.

- Cecette
I have reviewed the vitamin supplement Pregvit on my own time without any endorsement or compensation from Duchesnay (makers of Pregvit). Everything is my own opinion and should not be taken as medical advise, what works for me may not be the case for yourself. So please talk to your midwife or Dr. before trying out this medication.

The Joy of Pregnancy...

2011-07-09T15:40:00.000-06:00

My last pregnancy was almost text book (except for the major heartburn and slight anemia) right down to the labour and birth. This one not so much.. I don't have major problems (no bed rest etc) but I just don't feel that "pregnancy joy". Not because I am not happy to be pregnant. It is just very hard when every waking moment is filled with nausea or vomiting...or both. It is so bad that I am on day 5 of trying to finish this post.

I am on the maximum dose of diclectin (when I remember to take it) and I have even resorted to a prescription multivitamin (pregvit) to help reduce the irritation on my stomach. I could go on another anti-nausea medication but I don't like the idea of being on so many medications (yah irony, seeing as I happen to be the one who hands out pills for a living) but it is mostly because I am pregnant.

So what are my options??

I went on a hunt to see what else I can try out (I will also admit that I know very little about the "natural options" out there..so bear with me if the small things amuse/wow me. :D) The options I found included: acupuncture (and acupressure), physio (or chiropractic), reflexology, homeopathy, and aromatherapy. I have plans for trying out at least a few of these options and hopefully either one (or a few together) may help reduce this nausea. So with a little research I hope to have a post up about some (but hopefully most) of these options in the next month or so. It might take me some time as I have to travel to the city for most if not all remedies (which may be difficult between my work schedule). I will also disclose that I am not writing these posts as a health professional but as a pregnant lady who is at her wits ends of how to deal with her most annoying pregnancy side effect. Therefore do not take what I write as the gospel it is just what I experienced.

Lots of Bunny-Hugs

Cecette

Wordless Wednesday - my 12 week secret :D

2011-06-22T20:14:00.001-06:00

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Fluffy Mail!!!

2011-05-17T14:16:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to share that I got my flats from Granola Babies in the mail today!!! I have been fretting the whole week that I wouldn't get them in time for the flats challenge and was working out a back up (using receiving blankets was my next go to). But Canada Post came through so my prep in get under way....well almost....

I am writing this post quite frantically because I have to leave for work in about 10-15 minutes for an evening shift (so I hope there is not too many run on sentences). I wanted to make this challenge as close to realistic as possible and even though I only work 2 nights and 1 day during the 7 day challenge my pre-challenge shifts should get me quite tired. I hope this can give some perspective on a working mom and dad and using/handwashing flats. Just so you have an idea I work 8hour shifts in a long term care home and home care. My run of shifts started last Saturday (may 14th) I work Evenings May 14,15,16,17; Days May 18,19,20,21,22; and then Nights May 23 and 24. Phew that was work just writing that out! So I will be on my shift 10 and 11 when the flats challenge start (nights too!).

Well I should get finished getting ready for work (oh my 5 minutes till I have to go whoops). Good luck to everyone that is taking the Flats Challenge and look for my posts at Granola Babies blog!

Lots of Bunny-Hugs

Cecette

I became a midwife today...

2011-05-05T21:21:00.000-06:00

Well sort of....

I got a call from my father-in-law this afternoon (just under an hour from when my daughter and I had to be at a meeting about my sister-in-law's wedding shower/tea). The conversation went basically like this (this is most of what I remembered. Also FYI some of this content may offend some people, we are talking about a birth here):

FIL (father-in-law): you busy?

me: not really I have a meeting at 2:30...

FIL: (pause) I have a sheep lambing and I think she is having some trouble

me: (pause) you know I have only watched my dad pull calves but never done it myself

FIL: yah, but I called your MIL (said her name but don't want to use it) and she figured you could help

me: oh?

FIL: plus your hands are smaller then mine...

So it was agreed that I would go out to the farm and see if I could help check the sheep to see what was taking so long for her to lamb. So I packed up my daughter and didn't bother changing because I figured it might get messy.

My in-laws only have a few sheep, more of a hobby then anything else. The farm is run more on grain. Now I am use to growing up with cattle they are big but quite brilliant animals and they herd quite well. All of the above, I found out is not the qualities of sheep (sorry if I offended people who love sheep but they really do not herd all that well).

So I showed up at the farm my FIL is in the barn waiting for me. We then managed to get the right ewe into the barn into the right stall. (again a warning to those who do not like to hear about a birth this is not the blog post for you).

My FIL then managed to get the ewe on her back so that I could see what the problem is, I could see a tiny little nose and two hoofs, it appeared that the head was trying to come out before the feet which is a no no in delivering of lambs. My FIL wanted to know if I could see if the the lamb was alive so I removed the sac from around its nose and mouth...and it licked! So it was still alive at this point.

So the next option was to see if we could get the legs "unstuck" you do this by slowly pulling on one leg of the lamb until you hear it release and then the other. It worked!!! The lamb came out quite easy after that and WOW was it ever a big lamb! Which according to my FIL was probably minutes away from dieing because the lamb was too big for this first time mom to deliver on her own.

We then trimmed the wool around the utter of the ewe so the lamb would be able to find a tit to drink from. Ewe and lamb were then united and she promptly started to lick her baby off. It was quite the sight too see (unfortunately I forgot my camera will try to take a picture of the lamb in the next few days).

So I wish everyone an early Happy Mother's day as I sit here in awe that I could help a first time mom deliver her lamb.

Lots of Bunny-Hugs

Cecette

Wordless Wednesday - Family Pictures in April!

2011-05-04T07:13:00.000-06:00

All credit of theses pictures go to "Framed" by Jen Wall

Flats and Handwashing Challenge - why??

2011-04-28T10:07:00.002-06:00

She is the biggest reason I cloth diaper in the first place, she is one of the reasons I am taking the flats challenge. Most of what I do these days is for her.

The other major reason I joined this challenge was to prove to myself that even if I was less fortunate I would be able to provided this "luxury" for my baby. I know most moms in the cloth diapering world would not say that it is a luxury to cloth diaper. I agree with them cloth diapering is not a luxury, but affordable. However, this is something I hear more and more from people who say they can not afford to cloth diaper (usually followed by time constraints, and ease of use). Flats are affordable, and hopefully through this challenge I can prove they are not time consuming and easy to use even with hand washing (so would be cinch for anyone with a washer and dryer).

I am also excited that Granola Babies is sending me a dozen flats in exchange for a couple blog posts during the challenge. So watch for my posts at Granola Babies blog!

So now that you know why I am taking the flats challenge you probably want to know what the flats challenge is!
Kim Rosas from Dirty Diaper Laundry (my absolute favorite blog) is holding a flats challenge from May 23-May 30 where you use only flat diapers for one week.

What is a flat diaper??
It is basically a flat piece of cloth that is made out of a cotton material (birdseye is a popular weave). You then do different folds to come up with an absorbent diaper which you then place a waterproof cover over top. A plus to this system is that they are cheap ($29 US from Granola Babies) or you can use towels or flour sacks from walmart. If you are really up for a challenge you can by some material from any place that sells fabric. Also, flats are the easiest system to wash because they are cotton. I have rarely heard of detergent build up or other problems that come with synthetic diapers. Not to say that those don't have there place, but if you are in a pinch financially flats are just what you are looking for. Plus once you fit them with a cute cover you are set (who doesn't like putting cute things on their babies?!)

So back to the challenge...

Here are the rules (straight from Dirty Diaper Laundry):

You MUST use Flats.
You MUST handwash them. How is up to you. (bathtub, sink, large wash tub, portable non electronic washing machine, or camp style washer (bucket and plunger- think churning butter)
You MUST air dry them. (indoors or outdoors, makes no difference)
You MUST limit your number of covers in rotation to 5 or less.
You can use any detergent you want. (Keep in mind that you still want cloth safe detergents)
You can still use your nighttime diapers but I ask that you try to make flats work. Maybe try a prefold wrapped in a flat.
You can use disposable liners.
You CAN’T use a diaper sprayer. I thought long and hard about this one, but at an average cost of 40.00 this is one diaper accessory that is out of range for many families. Dunk, swish, flush, or scrape!
You MUST start the morning of May 23 and end the evening of May 30.
You MUST fill out a completion survey about your experience. Results will be published here and can be republished on your own blog.

That is it! Doesn't seem too hard right?! So click on the link below to join the challenge! Even if you don't currently cloth diaper this might be your incentive to try it out...you never know you might find out you like cloth diapering or even flats.

Lots of Bunny Hugs

Cecette

Link to the Dirty Diaper Laundry Flats Challenge!

(I can't seem to get the official logo working but I will update this as soon as I figure it out)

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Wordless Wednesday Then and Now - Easter Edition

2011-04-27T08:00:00.003-06:00

Toddler wearing - the first couple weeks

2011-04-26T20:00:00.000-06:00

Well I have had a couple weeks to work with my new carrier the Beco Gemini. And I have to say this is a pretty cool carrier!

Since the weather is warming up here I have been walking to go pick Hannah up from daycare after work. This has given me lots of practice of having to put on the carrier. I have used it in both the front and back position (not facing out as she is too heavy for that in the front position). So here are a few things that I found out.

The Good Stuff!
It feels very durable and I can cinch Hannah quite close so my center of gravity isn't shifted too much. If I don't feel like doing a back carrier that is fine cause it works just as well in the front position. Also found out back carrier is not as hard as it seemed...in fact I feel like quite a pro when other mom's see me swing Hannah on to my back with such ease (well, now isn't that just tooting my own horn :D...but with as much practice as I have been getting in I should be a pro at it lol)

My Not So Favorite Parts...
I am not in favor of the way the shoulder straps look when it is in back carry. I know this seems trivial but still a slight con for me. It seems to bulge a little and the outer edges seem to pop out (see the pictures I have attached). The other not so favorite part...the fact that I have to have it tight which causes some ummm fat distribution into some not so flattering ways. I have found that if she is in back carry I can pull a longer shirt out over top the waist band which hides some. After googling this topic it seems to be a consensus that most if not all soft structured carrier cause this "muffin top"/"fat redistribution" problem.

So here are some pictures from a recent walk over Easter weekend at the farm. Hope you enjoy!

Getting ready for the walk (I think I might need to cinch her in close...I think I did as the walk progressed)

Looking at the sheep and the new lambs!

Playing in a big puddle!

Hannah is watching the farm dog jump into a Juniper bush...she thought it was quite funny.

If anyone has any tips on using the Beco Gemini I would really appreciate it! Especially if you see something in the pictures that could be improved by adjusting some straps etc.

Lots of Bunny-Hugs!
Cecette

My First Wordless Wednesday - Hannah 15 mos

2011-04-20T14:49:00.000-06:00

All credit for this picture goes to Framed by Jen.

toddler wearing - indepth pictures of my new beco gemini

2011-04-12T22:01:00.000-06:00

Here are some pictures of my new carrier the Beco Gemini

Here is the box it came in with examples of the four types of carries.

Here is the colour I got!

So here are some shots of different parts of the carrier, I haven't been able to measure the different parts of the carrier but hope to post that soon.

Here it is with the "hood" up

The "hood" down.

With the waist snapped in (I believe this is used for forward front carry when the baby is small).

The inside of the carrier.

Another shot of the inside of the carrier

The front of the carrier with the straps unbuckled

Here is a close up of the waist band

Close up shot of the shoulder strap (gives you the great option of crossing the straps in the back when you want more support)

Close up shot of on side of the carrier.

Close up shot of the clip from the hood to the carrier.

Another picture of the clip from the hood to the carrier.

Close up shot of the buckle on the shoulder straps (note the button, this is a two handed system so the buckle can not be taken apart with one hand.)

Chest buckle.

How the chest buckle is attached to the shoulder straps (it is adjustable just by sliding in up and down).

The waist band buckle.

Here is a close up of part of the waist band.

And finally, the convenient little loops to roll ends of the straps into.

I hope you enjoyed the pictures of what the Beco Gemini carrier looks like! I have been able to use it a couple times (came in really handy when Hannah was sick and did not want to be put down). However, I haven't used it enough to give it a proper review. I hope to get a chance to soon, seeing as the weather is starting to get a little warmer here on the prairies. KMFX!!!

Lots of Bunny-Hugs!
Cecette

toddler wearing - the shopping trip for my first SSC

2011-03-28T20:30:00.000-06:00

Before I went shopping for a carrier there were a few suggestions that I picked up from thebabywearer.com.
First - take a happy baby (well fed and well rested)
Second - If it is not a floor model it may be stiff if you have to use it out of the box
Third - Yes some carriers have wonderful bells and whistles but the most important thing is the fit, if it doesn't feel right no amount of bells and whistles will help this.
Fourth and finally point if you don't like it take it back and find something that does work.

Now I tried my best to follow the wonderful advice they gave but the hardest was the first. I had to drive an hour and a half which made for one well rested baby (she slept the entire way) but then it was lunch so I had a well rested but very hungry baby, sigh. So we went for lunch (with one of my best friends that I haven't seen in a very long time...so that wasn't too bad). But when we were done I had a full but tired baby, sigh. But I drove 1 1/2hrs!! I really really need this baby carrier! So we went anyways and it was slightly successful...I did end up with a baby carrier but I am not sure if it is "the one". I managed to try on three, the Beco (butterfly II and gemini) and freehand. Hannah co-operated...mostly. I do feel quite happy with my choice but if it doesn't work out I do have 21 days to return it.

But drum roll please....I chose....

The Beco Gemini!!!
I had a really hard time choosing but I loved the fact that there were four ways to wear this carrier. That way if Hannah doesn't take to a certain carry I have several others to use!

So now I have a carrier the next step is to actually use it, keep your eyes open for a review soon!

Lots of Bunny-Hugs! Cecette

toddler wearing - a journey begins

2011-03-27T18:28:00.000-06:00

Well I have finally joined in on the baby/toddler wearing...well I did have a wrap that my mother made for me (which I LOVED but since Hannah has gotten heavier I am finding that a wrap does not work for me...or my back).
I know that baby wearing (or toddler wearing) has many benefits (please visit thebabywearer.com they have great information plus explain all the benefits of baby wearing) but I have to say my initial reason to start toddler wearing was actually quite selfish.
It all started with a very unsuccessful trips to the grocery store. Hannah usually enjoys the grocery cart but since starting daycare she seems to wanted to spend every waking moment near or more specifically in my arms. So the entire trip consisted of placing baby in the cart, baby screams (making her most pitiful face possible...lip out and everything), mom tries to entertain baby with whatever possible (cause for some reason she forgot all the toys at home), baby is content for about 2 seconds and demands to be picked up, mom gives in because people are now staring (I live in a small rural town and I can guarantee that almost half the people there know my husband or his parents), mom carries baby on hip while trying to pick out groceries (lots of falling fruit and other food some because mom others do to the now longer reach of baby), so she circles back to placing baby in the cart and the baby meltdown cycle continues.
So after this trip to the grocery store it got me to seriously thinking about getting a baby carrier...the other benefits of toddler wearing is just icing on the cake!
So I started to look at thebabywearer.com and stumbled upon the soft structured carriers (SSC) forum and there I learned about the literally hundreds of SSC out there. For me I narrowed it down to the ones that I could go to a store and try on with my daughter. I thought this would be a safe place to start for my first SSC...maybe I will venture into other online carriers in the future...oooo like the Olives and Applesauce carrier (if you haven't seen these carriers you really need to google them cause they are soooo cute! But hopefully that will be another post kmfx!)
I narrowed it down to the Boba, Beco (butterfly II & gemini) and Freehand. So I found the carriers now it was just getting Hannah to try them out. I will let you know how it goes!!!

Lots of Bunny-Hugs!
Cecette

hmmm MIA...again

2011-01-26T21:59:00.000-06:00

WOW have I ever been MIA from here!!!
I feel so bad but I guess I do have a few excuses lol...

I started back at work (orientation to the health region was in December and orientation to the site was start of January) I am casual in Home Care and Part-time in a long term care unit. I have to say yes the orientation was quite good but I still feel a little like a fish out of water when it comes to some things. I think it has more to do with my confidence being away for so long. Though some things do return fast when you have stressful situation to deal with...found that the hard way on my second shift at the long term care. At least it was an orientation shift so there were two of us to deal with the "issue".

My little DD is happy and healthy attending her day home daycare. I am not sure if I posted about my daycare issue...it has been so long since I have posted. Well if I am repeating myself (which having a quick glance at the recent posts I don't think I mentioned it) please just skip this portion.
Back in September I found a wonderful daycare that was run by a very nice lady (they are funded I think provincially, and are considered to be a daycare not a home centre) the plan was for Hannah to go a few days before I started orientation in December to get to know the place and to be use to the place. The cost was $450.00 a month for going 4 days/week (and still that if I send her less), once she hits 18mos it decreased to $400.00. So I thought that was pretty reasonable. We went over what Hannah likes/dislikes etc. I stressed that it is very important to me that she stays in cloth diapers and that she gets two naps a day. Some people don't want there kids at 12mos to have two naps but I do...cause Hannah can be an absolute bear if she does not get those two naps. The lady running the place said yes she was fine with all that...I wanted to make sure because the closest kids to her age were 6mos older than her and were not on the same schedule. Well, when it came time to start her orientation days the lady actually looking after the Hannah was not to keen on changing the current schedule so that Hannah could have her two naps. The other babies went outside to play at 1030 (Hannah's first nap) and then had their one nap at 1230 (at the time that Hannah would be up) till 14:30 (the time Hannah would go down for her second nap). I could see that this would be an issue. I also came to the realization that at this point in Hannah's development she needed more babies her age and to be in a place that was able to give her the two naps she needed. Therefore, we found our perfect match day home daycare! When Hannah is a bit older I might consider taking her back to the daycare so that she is in an environment that is like preschool rather then a babysitter atmosphere; but at this point this is what Hannah needs.

So that was my daycare issue...it got worked out (but there were a few very stressful days).

As for my side job (the cottontail kisses boutique) it has been almost put on hold because of the increase in work load with Hannah and the new job. I hope to start back at it in February, but more than likely it will get pushed till March (when hubby is home with us and we are settled in the new house).

Well, I think it is bedtime...I work an evening tomorrow so should get some rest.

Lots of Bunny-Hugs!
Cecette

p.s. As a side note I pay at the new home daycare $20 a day and it is not a set amount to bring her. So it can be 5 days or 1 day...which is nice for me seeing as I have shift work.

Almost One...and a little bit more

2010-11-10T21:55:00.001-06:00

Well it is November and is almost a year since the birth of my daughter.

WOW! I can't believe that a year had gone by so fast. Looking back at the year I am really happy that I took the year off. Getting to spend all that time with Hannah was amazing! I wish I could spend more than a year at home. However, do to financial circumstance that is not possible...not to mention the health benefits are really hard to give up.

I do miss work a bit...don't get me wrong I love being an RN. I think maybe I haven't found my perfect position yet...which makes it harder. Hopefully a change of scenery will help.

The family is moving back to where my hubby grew-up. Still in the same province but quite a bit farther from my family. But I figured being close to some family members is better than none. Plus I can't wait to end up on the farm. Yup that is right, I am going to be a farmer's wife :D...and I am going to enjoy it! Some might think I am crazy but I am really excited. I grew up on a farm and really want to give that to my kids. Now enough of my other rambles...back to Hannah turning one!

So what should I do for her first birthday! Here are the plans so far (keep in mind that my niece will be celebrating with hannah this year...born three days apart. So what I do for hannah I will do for my niece.):

- cupcake banner with her name
- small personal cupcake (wilton cake pan)
- large cupcake (wilton cake pan)
- fabric cupcake placement (applique a candle every year)

So I better get started cause with christmas right after her birthday December is a busy month!

So those are my plans so far...if anyone has some suggestions on cupcake based decorations please leave a comment!

Lots of Bunny-Hugs!
Cecette

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Dilemma Of The Age Gap...

2010-09-28T21:36:00.000-06:00

I mentioned in a previous post about how to decide how many kids is right (well what questions my husband and I have to answer to help us decide). I mentioned in that post that one of the biggest struggles was deciding what is the perfect age gap.

For me this will be the deciding factor on how many children we have (and also max age I want to be...but that can always be stretched). Now I use to think the best gap was two years...that is what is between me and my sister and that is what most people I know say is there "perfect" age gap. But is two years really the perfect age gap? Or has that just become the norm? Is the age gap getting larger over the years? I know a couple people who want large age gaps (to me that is over 5 years) or others that is just the way it worked out for their family. But if you had to choose and had total control (which is very unlikely but lets just go with it :D) over the age gap between your kids what would it be???

I found this article at THE TIMES it points to a three year age gap but states that what ever the age gap you have to make sure that you prepare the older child for a sibling. Also to make sure that you make each child feel special in their own way. But if you go here (to the writer's blog) you can see Sarah Ebner's full article including the missing case study.

Another one BabyCentre talks about the increase of premature birth rates are higher if become pregnant before 6 months and above 5 years. Also points out that with a smaller gap the expenses are closer together but you get the baby part over quicker. While with a larger gap expenses are over a larger time frame and you may feel like you can focus on each child more.

Below is my personal thoughts on choosing an age gap.

Diapers!

I personally wouldn't mind having two in diapers...I use cloth diapers so for me this would not be a major cost. I currently have all the newborn diapers that I would last through at least 2 if not 3 more children.

Potty training.

I really want to have a baby either before my older is being potty trained or has been potty trained for awhile. I have heard several hundred times of moms who said that they were some what potty trained and then regressed when baby came along. I think this is harder to pin point as every child potty trains at their own time.

Never get out of baby mode.

This can be a positive or a negative. One way you won't feel like you are starting all over again like you might if you wait 4+ years. On the other hand it feels like you always have a baby tied to your hip...you may feel like you don't get to enjoy the older child and their growing independence.

On maternity leave with your friends.

This seems like a very trivial way to base the age gap on but it can/could be important to some. So you want a friend to be off at the same time or go through pregnancy together. My sister-in-law was pregnant the same time as me and it was very fun! Especially if you are due as close as we were (my daughter born three days after my niece). We got to complain about morning sickness and heartburn together. It felt like you had someone who truly understood what you were going through...because they were!

University...

Having children closer means that you pay a larger amount at one time (or closer together). If they are farther apart there is breathing room to add to the savings. But this also means that you will be paying for University of a larger span which can be hard if you want to save up for retirement. With a smaller gap you can start on retirement savings sooner.

But I guess when it comes down to it as long as we give the same attention (as possible) to each child I think any age gap can work out. There are positives and negatives to any age gap. Also I think a small age gap is just as likely to give you close children as a larger age gap. Though I still think I would love a two year age gap...that is if everything goes as planned. :D

Lots of Bunny-Hugs!

Cecette

p.s. if you google "perfect age between kids" there are a lot of blogs, articles, and forums that bring up this topic.

Off To Work We Go...playing catch-up

2010-09-04T22:09:00.000-06:00

Well not yet...but my maternity leave ends at the start of January 2011. This means I have to get ready and dust off my books to get reacquainted with nursing ones again. It will be 14 months since I have stepped inside a hospital or nursing home as an RN...which is a little overwhelming.

If everything works out I will be starting back in a .70 position...meaning I would be working 21 8 hour shifts every 6 weeks. This is more garunteed work then in my other position which is nice because I won't need to rely on picking up more shifts to make it to full time. This also means that Hannah will have a better routine and have less surprise trips to the daycare.

So how do I prepare to going back to work??

There is little to no information on returning to work as an RN from maternity leave. Which is odd because around 93% of RNs are female and in Saskatchewan you can take up to 18 months without losing seniority. So it is just natural that maybe your skills won't be as sharp as they were before the maternity leave started.

So what can I do so that I won't feel like a fish out of water? and how do I accomplish this while looking after a child???

Well, I think that the first question is going to be easier then the later. I still have my study book from when I was studying for my CRNE so that is a nice jumping point. Also I have a few other nursing pocket books that I think will be a big help, especially when it comes to pharmacology. For me this was the weakest point for my nursing career. I just was not very good at memorizing all the names. So I guess I will dig out my pharmacology book too.

So I know what books I should look at but what should I focus on??? It took four years to get through the RN program and that is a lot of information to get through.

Now when can I accomplish this "studying"? Well, I could do it while Hannah is having her nap...but I do like to save that for me time. Like checking my email, scanning facebook, and thinking up new blog posts (which I have several in the works...I just don't get around to posting them too often). But maybe I will have to give up some time in there if I want to feel safe and prepared when I go back to work. There is also the time after Hannah goes to bed.

So I have a plan...but will I go through with it??? Hopefully.

Lots of Bunny-Hugs

Cecette

p.s. if anyone has any tips on ways to organize a ton of information please let me know :D

Fluffy Envy Giveaway!

2010-08-18T22:28:00.000-06:00

I have been keeping my eye on the Fluffy Envy blog...a new to the blog world (started in July 2010). There is even a wonderful article on mama cloth! I have not been able to test out their store yet...but I hope to in the near future (my fluff money has run out for a bit...). I have heard great things about their costumer service.

Fluffy Envy's August promotion is out and when they hit 1,750 fans on their facebook page they are going to giveaway two prizes!

First prize is an AppleCheeks Little Bundle - in your choice of size and colour

Second prize is a Weehuggers cover - in your choice of size and colour

I LOVE my AppleCheeks...that is no secret so I will jump on any contest that includes them.

I love the fact that they fit so snug around the thighs...preventing any blow-outs. I also love the arrangement of the snaps...and they have amazing inserts!!! Nothing can beat AppleCheeks bamboo inserts and they are sooooo soft. That is one insert I don't mind using next to my DD's skin.

Now on to my new obsession....Weehuggers!

I actually haven't received my fluff mail yet...they are suppose to be in the mail next Monday! So all I can really comment is what I see on their website and what others have said. They are soooo cute! Who could resist those little mittens??? I can not wait to try them out...and maybe even do a review on here. Please check out their website and their cool new video...it is sooo cute! Also, pass it on to your friends....it may just help spread the word about using cloth diapers (and it is quite a catchy tune too).

So if you want to get in on the action just head on over to the Fluff Envy Blog and follow the directions on how to enter.

Oh and don't forget to invite as many friends as possible to "like" them on their facebook page. They are only giving the prizes out if they reach 1,750 fans.

Good luck to everyone...and I am crossing my fingers that I win!!!

Lots of Bunny-Hugs!

Cecette

How Many Is Just Right...

2010-08-14T12:50:00.000-06:00

My little girl turns 8 months here in August and it is amazing how she has grown. She now can almost crawl (a commando style where she pulls her self along with her arms), can get to her hands and feet (with her bum in the air) and is developing a personality of her own. It is fun to see how she reacts to new things and is just starting to get into everything. It is amazing how she knows what I don't want her to play with as she seems to be attracted to those things.

However, with her turning 8 months my thoughts do turn to having a second child. At this time we haven't really set a limit on the number of children we want. It originally started out as 3 kids (as both my husband and I have two siblings) but for me the number changes every day. I do know that I would like to provide a sibling for Hannah so I know the number we want is more than one. I do like how compact that two children are (not the children themselves but the amount of stuff that you have to bring) compared to 3, 4, 5 or more. However, I see moms in the store with 4 little children toddling after them, it looks so cute. I know that in reality more kids are stressful and can be a money strain but I do think that there are some positives to a larger family.

So how do you know when you have hit the perfect number of children????

After a lot of thinking and searching the net for help I have narrowed down to a few questions that might help us decide....

What is the maximum age you want to be when your last child is born?
The chances of complication rises with age, as well as a decrease in fertility. Also do you want to be in your mid to late thirties and still be getting up with a newborn?
I am 24 right now so I think I have a little more leeway with the age issue. However, I would like to still be less then 35 when I am having my last child. Now, I don't want to say that people shouldn't or can't have children over the age 35 (my husband will be 38 at that point). For me and my husband it would be ideal if our children were at least in there 20's before I turn 55. That way we would have time to save for our retirement plus have a few years were we don't have children in University to support.
So for me it works out to being about a 10 year span that I would want my children in.

What age gap is right for you?

If you want 5 years between each, you want to be finished having kids at the age of 35 and you are having your first at 23. Then you really can only have two children...unless you alter one of the parameters...such as different age gap or your maximum age (cause if you already have a child you can't really alter your current age :D)
This one I really still struggle with...so I will go into this in the next post (I have been doing lots of fact finding on what people are saying about the perfect age gap).

How many children can the place you live accommodate?
If you are not willing to move then your have to think about the living arrangement that you can accommodate. Would you have every child have their own room or would you want to double up in a room? I grew up in the same room as my sister and didn't get my own until she went to University (I was then in grade eleven). Eventually my hubby and I will be taking over the family farm where the homestead house has 4 bedrooms (other then the master room) plus there is room in the basement for at least two more bedrooms. So this really does not limit us.

Can you/are you willing to get a bigger vehicle if needed?

We have a VW GTI and a Chevy extended cab truck. We could squeeze three kids into the car but anymore and we would need a larger vehicle. My ideal situation would be to get a large SUV and keep my car for work travel. I don't really see this happening but I could always dream.

Can you afford childcare if both parents have to work?or is one willing to stay home?
I just signed my DD up for childcare to start in January of 2011. For an infant full-time is $500/month and a toddler is $450/month. Now I am not sure if there is a discount for the number of children you have in at once but it can get pretty expensive. I work as an RN and will be going back to work to help support the family when my husband starts to farm. My hubby would be able to parent on weekends, evenings, and nights but he has lots of farm work to accomplish. Plus, after the move there will be lots on his plate to figure out. So it is just easier for us if we can get our daughter into daycare.

I have also read online that with more kids eventually you do have someone who could look after the other kids. Now this also depends on your oldest child's temperament. Are they capable of looking after the other kids (and will the other kids co-operate with having a sibling babysit?)

I believe that the amount of children you have should be based on how many you can emotionally, physically and financially support.

The best piece of advice that I came across was on the website Family Education. At the end of the article about planning for more children it talks about being flexible. That the best idea is to have a "settle-in period after the birth of each child" and then you can "readdress the issue if more children". This is important because it "prevents you from finding yourself overloaded based on a random number you may have pulled out of your head long before your wedding night."

I think that is a pretty good idea.

or I could just take an online quiz and have it decide for me...lol...if you were wondering I did take several, and they usually said 3 or more....hmmmm didn't really help lol

Lots Of Bunny-Hugs

Cecette

Oh A Camping We Will Go...

2010-07-29T15:28:00.000-06:00

Well I am finally getting around to posting about my camping with cloth diapers. Enjoy!

Camping...with a 6 month old...in cloth diapers...I am sure people would think I am nuts. My family and I were invited to a family reunion which would be located in a small rural community in northern Alberta. There are no hotels so we were tenting it. Turned out that everyone but one other family were using a tent...the rest had trailers. Now when I say tenting it most people would envision a 6 man tent, maybe with a nice vestibule. Well, that is not really what we have. We have a small 2 man tent...a pup-tent more in looks then anything else. So this is how our holiday went...

For those who are interested this was in my cloth diaper entourage:

- 8 PUL covers (fishnoodle, thirsties, wonderwrap, bummis)

- 2 wool covers (royal bunz. niffty nappy)

- 7 microfiber inserts

- 4 hemp inserts

- 7 velour doublers

- 1 thirsies fab fitted

- 2 goodmama fitted

- 1 goodmama one cover

- 1 bumgenius pocket OS

- 2 applecheeks covers

- 1 happy heiny pocket OS

- 2 rump-a-rooz pocket OS

- 2 small fuzzibunz pocket

- 2 med fuzzibunz pocket

- 2 grae-flats P&E

- 12 yellow edged GMD

- 4 flats

- 2 applecheeks inserts

- liners

- wipes

- 3 wetbags

- rubber gloves

- pail

- soap

all of that was packed quite nicley in a dry sack...which is very handy if it might rain.

Day One:

I packed for most if not all this day (a Friday) till my hubby came home after work. We left at around 6-7pm and traveled till 12pm. On the way we had to take a couple gravel rodes (as the main highway by our city is shut down do to it being flooded out because of all this rain) and even took Hannah on her first ferry ride. When I say ferry it is not that grand of an event...just across a small river. But it was fun none the less. We arrived at our first camping spot about half way to our destination. We managed to set the site up quite quick. It helps when your tent is as compact as ours is.

Day Two:

The next am I had only a few prefolds dirty so I chose to wash them up so they could dry on the back seat while we drove. We had a pail that I could wash the diapers in and another collapsible one that I could go get water with. It turned out that there was a place for showers so I got the water there (which was nice cause it was warm). This was my first time washing by hand let alone in the outdoors. So I put them in just water first (my prerinse) and shook them around and kneaded them (that is what the gloves were for). Then I dumped that water down the toilet and got more fresh water I did the same thing but with soap. I let them soak a bit and gave them a pretty good scrub. Dumped the water down the toilet and rinsed them out two more times. It worked out pretty well...I think it would have been easier with more diapers to make for better swishing action.

While I was washing diapers my Hubby was making some breakfast....mmmm nothing like a hot meal over a fire!

Next we were on the road again to the reunion site. It was another 5 hours drive and our little girl was such a trooper!! She only got upset if she was starting to get hungry. The only down side was that on the road there are really no baby stations for changing. So most of time my little one had her bum changed in the car.

We got to the reunion just in time for supper. It was awesome! Next we had family pictures (each section of the family had a different colour shirt - my grandma had 13 siblings) and sat by a fire talking.

Day Three:

Woke up to a wonderful breakfast with the family and had a fun filled day of games and such. I found that even in the warm weather my wet bags held in any smell and the Rockin' Green Pail Shaker helped a lot. I never really got around to washing the diapers as it was a very busy day and we had decided that we were going to Edmonton to visit my Hubby's aunt (said we could use her washing/drying machine). If we were staying camping longer I am sure the hand washing would have work very well. We even had a clotheslines that I would have been able to string up.

Day Four:

Rain rain go away! We had a very loud thunderstorm that night followed by even more rain in the am. It is quite difficult taking down a tent and all the stuff in your tent when it is raining. Also tip for all those who might want to camp...keep your rain gear in the tent so you don't have to go out in the rain to get it. We had one last breakfast with the family and headed to Edmonton.

Day Five and Six:

Woot woot shopping!!! Oh and the diapers held up pretty good no leaks and got to wash them in a real washing machine!

Day Seven:

Packed up and started to hit the road back to Saskatchewan. We stopped off at Jack Fish Lake to spend a few days camping. Set up our camp site again and even put up a tarp this time so that if it did rain our table would still be dry in the am.

Day Eight:

Went swimming in Jack Fish Lake with Hannah... I think she thought it was too cold so we didn't stay long. My hubby also tried a little bit of fishing but no luck in finding any fish.

Day Nine:

Had another thunderstorm...with very close lightning. Hannah even enjoyed the loud booms and managed to sleep right through most of it. Woke up to a wet camp site. We packed up again and headed home.

In all I think it was a wonderful trip. Did not get to test washing the diapers by hand much but there were a few things that I concluded.

1. I love prefolds - easy to wash and easy to dry

2. I love apple cheeks covers and bamboo inserts - takes a little longer to dry but you never be wondering of they will leak. and with a little extra they can be a wonderful night time diaper.

3. Rockin' Green Detergent is the best for camping...cleans well when hand washing and rinses out easy

4. Rockin' Green Pail Freshener - a must if you are going longer then 3 days to keep your bag smelling clean. I sprinkled a little on each diaper when it was placed in the bag.

I would never think twice about camping with cloth diapers, it was a very rewarding experience.

lots of bunny hugs,

Cecette

What would you do??!!

2010-07-28T11:51:00.000-06:00

This past weekend my daughter and I had a girl's weekend at a spa located about 3 hours from our home. We had a wonderful time with my mother in law, her mom, her sister, and my sister in law. The water (which is a mineral spa) was wonderful and I even experienced my first ever "real" sauna (and no I did not take my daughter in the sauna...she stayed out with her grandma). It was interesting and it almost took my breath away...very hard to breath in there at first. I must be a wimp cause all I could stand was at the most 5 minutes.

I also think that I have a little fish for a daughter cause she LOVES the water! She even giggles with excitement after being dunked underwater. So in all it was a very good weekend.

The issue was just before going home. It was just me and Hannah together at this point and I really really need to use the bathroom. Seeing as I was already at a gas station to fuel up I could use theirs how convenient! Well I was wrong....warning the following is about an experience with a small child in a very inconvenient public bathroom.

First of all it was 30 degrees Celsius out so even if I was a mother who would leave their child in the car while I went inside (which I am not) I would/could not that day. So into the store my baby went with me. I located the bathroom (only one for both male and female). To my shock when I got inside there was no change table (I should have realized that there wouldn't be one it seemed quite small from the outside). Inside there was one toilet, one pedestal sink (meaning that the edge was maybe 2 inches wide), a garbage can built into the wall, a paper dispenser built into the wall, and a very very dirty floor. Oh and did I mention that I really needed to pee??

This was the first time I experienced this dilemma. Usually I am with someone who can hold my daughter while I am in the bathroom or there is some sort of change table area. OH WHAT TO DO!???

So there I was trying to hold my baby (as far away from the toilet as possible..cause the floor was too dirty for words...no way I would put her on that. Plus she is at that stage where everything goes into her mouth) and pee at the same time! It was quite difficult...but I managed. Then I propped her on the side of the sink (she can sit a little which is nice) leaning against me while I washed my hands (I was prepared before hand and I wiped down the sink the ledge before hand so not to get anything on her bum). It was quite successful with what I had to work with...but I still wish the place had something that I could have put her on.

So what would you have done???

Lots of Bunny Hugs!

~Cecette

First Friday Blog Hop

2010-06-18T00:34:00.000-06:00

If you would like me to follow you please leave a comment below with a link. This is my first blog hop so not expecting too much :P

Lots of Bunny Hugs!

~Cecette

Perfect Timing or Fate...

2010-06-17T22:54:00.000-06:00

It isn't a mystery to anyone who may run across my blog that I LOVE giveaways!!! Who doesn't???

It is also no mystery that one of my favorite bloggers (who I look up to as a great blogger, reviewer, and giveaway expert) is Kim at the Dirty Diaper Laundry. Every time I need a kick in the pants to write on my blog all I have to do is browse through the archives there to get a little motivation.

Now I have been procrastinating starting up my own business (though I do have my business now registered, one check on the to do list! But I will be announcing more about that later :D) and I have been looking at snap press for my future products. What email did I find in my inbox this week! Dirty Diaper Laundry is reviewing snap pliers and has a gift certificate for KAM Snaps as a giveaway. WOOT WOOT! I have actually been looking at that very site trying to decide between the snap pliers and a professional snap press.

Now is that not just perfect timing!!!

If you would like to enter the giveaway please go here and follow the instructions on how to enter!

Lots of Bunny Hugs,

~Cecette

Rump-a-rooz Contest Two Days Left!

2010-06-02T13:03:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite blogs Dirty Diaper Laundry is hosting a Rump-a-rooz contest with Granola Babies...which has only two days left! I am really excited and really hope I win so that I can try out the snap version of the Rump-a-rooz.

The Rump-a-rooz diapers are definitely in the "most used" portion of my stash. In the near future I am going to build up my Rump-a-rooz stash; so that when my little Roo has to attend daycare next year I can send this very easy to use diaper.

What is special about the Rump-a-rooz?

- awesome leg gussets!! they hold in runny baby poo in wonderfully!

- easy to stuff

- The 6r soakers are wonderful inserts, I love the fact that the newborn insert is very trim

- amazing colours

- love that you can choose between snaps and tabs (I am going to need snaps for when Hannah can undo tabs :D)

- I love the fit, we are on the second snap setting (which is considered the small setting) and Hannah is 5 months(50% for weight and 75% for height)

- even though my Roo still is exclusivly breast fed I am sure that more solid poo would come off very easy (so no dunking and swishing!)

So what are my concerns...

- not sure how the fit will be later on, I have heard reports that some babies (especially longer ones) grow out of them before potty training. However, there is lots of buzz that this was an issue with the older style G2 not the current version.

- and my own internal dilemma with the choice of tabs or snaps!!! Now that is not really an issue with the Rump-a-rooz it self but a concern I have none the less. I always feel like I can get a tighter fit with either snapless or velco (even though I have several Goodmama diapers which I can get a pretty good tight fit). So I really need to try out the snap layout of the Rump-a-rooz to get a good feel for the diaper and how the fit is.

For a more detailed review please see the Dirty Diaper Laundry Video Review

(note the review is of the first style of G2)

TTYL!

So much to do...and I just don't want to start

2010-05-25T15:34:00.000-06:00

Hi All!

Sorry for the lack of my own posts :D was away at the inlaws for the Victoria Day/May Long Weekend. But I have lots of things to do before this weekend but I just don't know if I am gonna get it all done. Especially since I don't even want to start. *sigh*

This is my to do list:

- make a baptismal cake - maybe one like this but by just making a regular cake not with soda (I rented a book shaped pan from Nutter's so hopefully it works out)

- make cake pops

- blog about Dirty Diaper Laundry/Granola Babies Rumparooz giveaway

- clean the house (really don't want to do that...but it is really gonna need it after I bake :D)

- the always popular washing of the diapers (got to have my favorites for the weekends :D)

- finish my friends slideshow for her wedding reception (that one I know I won't get done this weekend but I want to have most of it completed)

- upload/organize pictures

- attend #kangacare twitter party (this Thursday at 9pm EST)

hmmm not too long of list but I am sure I am missing other things I am suppose to be getting done...oh like get that chip fixed in my windshield and call some people back. It seems that people love to phone when I am trying to either feed or put my little Roo down for a nap. Needless to say I keep forgetting to phone them back. Well off to complete my cake and other baptismal things. That's if I can drag myself away from the computer...the diaper pin is too addictive :D

TTYL!

The Most Girly Giveaway Ever!

2010-05-20T23:18:00.000-06:00

I have a little girl and I can not wait till she wants to play dress-up and wear a Tutu! :D (well I hope she will want to...lol) I have also been dreaming of the day that I have a little girl tottling behind me with little pigtails, dressed in pink, calling me "mommy"....sigh! I know there are plenty of "other" things that are special about a little girl (and plenty of things that are special with little boys too not to leave them out); those are just some of the things that came to mind when I heard about this wonderful giveaway!

Mama Dweeb's little princess is turning three on June 5th. Wow, I bet Mama Dweeb (or Annie) would say that the time has past by fast :D. Please visit Annie's post here for what she has to say about her little one turning the big 3!

Here are two of my favorite Girly items that are included in the giveaway (in no particular order :D):

Everything Princess - $50.00 gift certificate
Such a cute website I LOVE the Princess Castle Cake or really anything in the Princess Birthday Baking :D. I love baking and I loved the fact that my mom was able to make wonderful cakes for my birthday and I want to do the same for my little bunny.

Itty Bitty Lydi - gift certificate for Tutu or headbands/head clips
wow...wow...WOW!!! That (and a gitty laugh) was the first thing that came out of my mouth when I saw this site. So many cute girly things to choose from!!!! After pondering over everything that they have; I have to say that I would go for the Boutique Birthday Tutu. I chose this one because I would love my little girl to wear a Tutu for her first birthday. I just have to convince my husband that a Tutu would be a good idea. :D

So there are just two of the many wonderful prizes. It was really hard to only pick two to talk about. But I told myself that I would not review more or it would take away from Mama Dweeb's post. So are you tempted??? Well for the entire list and to sign up for Mama Dweeb's blog (so you don't miss any of the updates - which is very important) please go here

Thank you to Annie for putting on this wonderful giveaway and I wish your little princess a (early) happy birthday!!!

TTYL!

Pic of Goodmama woven fitted diaper!

2010-05-14T23:29:00.001-06:00

Just wanted to post a pic of my baby in her Goodmama woven fitted diaper!

Getting Motivated With New Ideas

2010-05-06T11:43:00.000-06:00

I normally talk about cloth diapers (and a little about my daughter...or maybe that should be a lot). But I have found myself a little less then motivated when it comes to making meals. This in turn has made for a few weeks of unhealthy eating which does nothing to add energy and again de-motivated me.

So I decided that I will try one new dish (that I have never ever cooked before) each week. Maybe if I tried new things I can get back into the groove of cooking again. As I will need more motivation when it comes time for our little bunny to start eating (we are going to attempt baby-led weaning...which I was shocked to hear our public health nurses are looking into and maybe starting to promote...but that is another story for a different time). Which unless she shows real interest I plan on holding off till at least she is 6-8 months.

This week I actually did two new dishes!

The first was from the most amazing food blog called Mennonite Girls Can Cook. It is called Spaetzle and both my husband and I really enjoyed it. In fact I actually really enjoyed making the dish it was new and exciting! Spaetzle tasted some what like a pasta and I would definitely make it again. The only thing was that I didn't have that handy Spaetzle maker so used a flat grater and a spatula. This worked out quite well but I think I need to use a grater next time that has smaller openings...my Spaetzle was a little thicker then what they have in the picture. But it still tasted great!!

The second was Tapioca pudding...which yes I have never ever in my life made. This one was harder to do mostly due to the fact that I thought of something to make and then had to find the recipe. I settled on this recipe due to the fact that it has no sugar (as my husband has diabetes...so only the carbs from Tapioca has to be counted). I thought the recipe was ok but it took a lot of time standing at the stove stirring as I didn't want to burn it on my first attempt. My husband said it tasted good but I think next time I would use bigger tapioca balls.

So those were my two attempts at a new dish...if anyone has dishes they think I would like to try please send them along!

TTYL!

P.S

Sorry no pictures this time...I will have to remember that for next week.

4 month check-up

2010-04-28T21:33:00.000-06:00

Well today was Hannah's fourth month check-up with her GP (she gets her 4 month immunizations tomorrow).

According to the nurse who took her measurements (I will post tomorrow if the health nurse has different measurements...cause last time there was a pound difference in weight and 4 cm in length) Hannah is:

Weight: 6.07kg (13.4 lbs) = 50th percentile

Length: 65cm (25.6 inches) = 75th percentile

Head circumference: 41cm (16.1 inches) = 50th percentile

She is hitting most if not all her milestones. Also it was nice because she was in a good mood so was a very willing participant in showing off what she can do. Lots of smiles and vocalizations. She made me very proud.

I did however make a slight slip I forgot to take off Hannah's amber teething necklace. Oops. I got a little lecture on how she could choke on the necklace etc etc etc. I however, just listened and didn't say much back because there was no changing her mind. Plus, I was just going to do what I wanted when I left anyway so no point in arguing. I don't let her sleep with it on and I am always around when she is wearing it. I know some would say that I should find a Dr that is more in line with my parenting style but that is really hard when you live in a rural community. You only have a small pool to choose from and it shrinks even more when you narrow it down to the few who are still taking patients. So I have the best of what I had to choose from.

We also attended our 6th tots swim class and Hannah did very well. We have a very small class to begin with but the weather was not very good so it was just us. I guess we just got a private lesson! Hannah enjoyed her front floats, managed some back floats (floats were all done with a little help from mom :D) and went for a few underwater swims. In all everything went smooth and she didn't mind getting her face wet. I look forward to next week which will be our final two classes.

I would also like to send a shout out to everyone who sent me their blog url during the cloth diaper twitter chat. I have a lot of reading to do and I am very excited to learn more from each and everyone of you.

TTYL!

Fluff On The Road

2010-04-19T14:02:00.000-06:00

This past weekend Hannah and I traveled to a family birthday party for my husband's cousin's daughter (her mom is also one of my best friends from nursing school). The travel time was about 3 hours one way and we stayed there Fri-Sun.

This reminded me of all the places we have traveled with Hannah's little fluffy bum and not ones put on a disposable (which I am quite proud that I could pull it off...even though I still do travel with a couple of disposables just in case). In our short time using fluff (almost 4 months) we have traveled at least 3 times each month, making the total around 12 trips away from home; it ranged from 3-4 days. That isn't even counting the day trips to the nearest larger centre (which some days can be a challenge as it is about an hour from home). So really Hannah and I are away from home quite a bit and still manage to successfully make cloth diapers work.

I however over pack each and every time...if the diaper is clean and it fits (even if it is not my favorite) it makes it into my daughter's HUGE diaper suitcase. I usually pack her dozen+ prefolds (12 yellow edged, 3 infant, 3 orange edged), dozen kissaluv fitted, several goodmamas (even if they don't quite fit yet...), 3 small Fuzzibunz pocket(I use these as my covers for night time), Fuzzibunz pocket one size (OS), a Happy Heiny pocket OS, a Bumgenius pocket OS, 2 size one AppleCheeks, 2 Rumparooz pocket OS, and other randoms that are in my stash. So it ends up that we go home with more diapers left in our suitcase unused compared to what is in our wet bag. I think it is better to be prepaired and have too many vs. not enough. We usually stick to the prefolds and kissaluvs though I am now venturing into the pockets and other fitted.

I am now going to prepare for a longer vacation with Hannah in a few months time. Hannah and I are going to visit my parents for a week. The actual drive won't be different, it is only 2 hours away. The difference is that before I would have enough diapers to last the 3-4 days without having to wash them. However, a week is a lot of diapers and a long time to make the diapers wait to be washed. So I have to decide, do a take my gallon of detergent (it has a pump on it that dispenses the right amount) or do I take my soap nuts?? I have not used my soap nuts yet and are not sure how well they clean diapers. My mom has offered many times for me to use her washing machine I just never did cause I knew I would be home in a few days. I guess I am going to have to take her up on her offer this time. I will post after my trip to let you know how it went.

If anyone has any tips or experiences about vacationing with cloth diapers I would love to hear them!

TTYL!

AppleCheeks Swim Diaper Contest

2010-04-14T10:22:00.000-06:00

Here is the post from the AppleCheeks Contest for their new swim diaper. It looks so comfy I am going to have to get a pair for Hannah. (The words below are those of the AppleCheeks blog)

Yes, it is the first of April, but this giveaway is no joke!

Happy April, everyone! It's promising to be a bizarre one on the weather front with temperatures getting up around 25°C/77°F this weekend here in Montreal. But global warming concerns aside, we aren't complaining! I for one will be taking time to smell the crocuses this weekend, assuming I can get that close to the ground what with this big belly cramping my style and all.

Though local outdoor pools won't be open for another two months or more, we know you're all gearing up for the summer swim season, so that is why this month's giveaway will be our new Washable Swim Diapers! WOOOHOOO!! Rock on SUMMER!!

For those of you who somehow missed it (because I know you all RELIGIOUSLY read everything I write, right?), here is my original post about our new, adorable Swim Diapers, which should be available for purchase from your local retailer in two weeks!

We will be giving away FOUR Washable Swim Diapers total, in the size and colour of your choice. Four winners will be picked at random from your comments on this blog entry.

Here's how to qualify. Each point will earn you one entry unless otherwise specified:

1. Make sure you're following me on Twitter.

2. Tweet this giveaway. One tweet per hour, please!

3. Follow my blog publicly.

4. Repost my post on YOUR blog.

5. Tell me your favourite of our two gorgeous colour choices (this will require you to read my other blog post as I'm not mentioning them here).

6. Subscribe to our mailing list. Note that this list is for our eStore customers and will keep you apprised of special offers. It is not updated very often, but when it is...it's worth subscribing to!

For those of you who would like to be kept up to date on other special AppleCheeks™ offers and updates, make sure you're follow us on Facebook!

This contest will close on April 14, 2010, at midnight DST(EST). Any entries submitted after that point will not be accepted.

Itty Bitty Bottoms And The Fluff On Them!

2010-04-13T11:37:00.000-06:00

Well I had decided quite some time ago that I was going to participate in the Cloth Diaper Carnival VII- Newborn Cloth Diapering. Well the date came around to blog about my experience on this topic (which is really the only experience I have on the topic of diapering) and I forgot to write it on my calendar. So here is my very late (I feel really bad that I didn't blog sooner about it...so my apologies to my fellow cloth diaper bloggers) experience with my baby.

I guess it is confession time...I was thinking about cloth diapering even before I was pregnant...and I even bought some of my diapers. From the time we were thinking about having a child I was on the web as much as possible trying to find as much information as possible. To this day I have read tons of reviews and are still seeing if there are any other diapers I could add to my already larger stash (I have at least 30+).

We were on the fence about when we were actually going to start the cloth diapering. I had mixed feelings about the timing. The main reason was that I was due around Christmas so depending on the arrival date we would be visiting family for the holiday. Also I was delivering an hour away from our home. Not to mention that we were staying at a friends house for a couple days after the delivery so that the midwife could come visit us (in our province the midwives are employed by the health region and as such can not visit anyone that is not in the city at their home...thus I had to travel to the city for all my visits and for the birth).

Well it turned out we started cloth diapering (CDing) when my baby girl (Hannah) was two days old. I have to say that I was a little hesitant (given the reason above...and she was born on the 20th so we did visit family for Christmas) and it did take a few encouraging pushes from my husband to start then...but I am very happy we did. Hannah was born 7lbs 11oz but lost weight so when we started CDing she was 6lbs 14oz. She is now almost 4 months (wow the time flies) and weight 12-13lbs (I will post a revise when she gets weighed at her next visit to the public health nurse at the end of April)

So the newborn stash was as follows:

12 orange edged Green Mountain Diaper prefolds (GMD)

12 size 0 Kissaluvs fitted

2 x-small Thirstie covers

1 small fishnoodle cover

1 xsmall fuzzibunz

1 small dreameze All in One

fleece liners

3 snappis

I could go 2 days between washes which was perfect for our family. And once and awhile I would try a one size diaper which always did not go well....just not a tight enough fit.

I settled on using the GMD prefolds because of the wonderful reviews and the shipping to Canada was all added up nicely on their website (so you know roughly what it all will cost, there is usually duty on top of that at the border, however I didn't get charged any for the dozen orange and the dozen yellow edged prefolds I ordered). It came to maybe a few cents more then what I would have been paying for other prefolds...and for me I think they are worth it! I loved how the orange edged fit my little one and it was worth not having to go through sizing issues.

The kissaluvs size 0 are amazing diapers and I would say seriously consider these diapers especially if you are thinking about breastfeeding...I have never ever experienced a poop that this diaper can not handle. Not to mention they fit right at two days and had a nice notch to make sure it does not rub against the umbilical cord.

The covers I chose were based on reviews on the diaperpin...which again is were I based most of my choices. I love all three but I do reach for the Thirstie covers first; they have velcro vs the snaps on the fishnoodles. I seem to get a better fit on Hannah with the velcro. I would recommend that if you are going to buy the Thirstie covers go for the x-small. Hannah is no where near ready to move onto the small size, the range that they fit is quite large.

Now the dreameze and the fuzzibunz I barly used...only when I was getting down to the last of my stash and needed something to put on Hannah's bum till the rest were dry. So for me those were not a great buy. I just could not get as good of fit compared to the prefolds and kissaluvs.

I also loved using the fleece liners because it kept the wetness away from her bottom and helped with any diaper rash that might occur.

The verdict:

My husband loves the prefolds...he hates our other diapers thinks they are too complicated and not necessary (he knows how to fold a prefold...not so good at picking the right insert for the right pocket diaper yet...lol)

For me I loved both prefolds and the kissaluvs. It just depended on the day and what we were going to be doing. When I knew for sure I needed blowout control (ie we were going to be travelling or in public) I would use the kissaluvs. Other then that its just whatever was the closest to reach.

My biggest issue before Hannah was born was that I didn't know where to start or what to buy. For each review I found for a product I found just as many against it. I finally just had to take the plunge and buy what I thought was going to work for my little one. The other issue occurred about a couple weeks into the CDing. Hannah got a really bad rash (it didn't look like yeast) but it was quite red with a little open area and looked like it hurt. For that I had to break out the not-so-safe-with-cloth-diaper cream (penaten). However, I used fleece liner and only my prefolds (which was advice from the diaperpin forum that the penaten would not hurt prefolds...turns out they were right, no absorption issues after using it). I also started to give more naked time. Within a couple days the rash cleared up and has not returned (we do get red areas after waking from over night but gets cured with a little naked time)

Even with the few challenges before Hannah arrived I found that CDing a newborn was worth it. We never had to do late night runs for diapers (which would be hard cause we live where the only place that sells diapers that is open all night is Shoppers). We also did not have the dilemma of when to change her diaper so not to throw money away. We do not regret one bit to CD Hannah right from the start. In fact I think it might save us money because the shape that the newborn diapers are in they could be passed down to the next baby (and maybe even a third).

So what is happening now......

Well not much has changed except we had to move out of the orange to the yellow edged at around 2-3 months. The issue was more to do with absorbency rather then size...if I am in a pinch and forgot to put the laundry in I can still use the orange edged ones and Hannah can last up to 2 hours before I need to change her.

I still use the kissaluv size 0 with an extra layer of absorbency (larger stomach = larger volume of output) or just watch and change her after two hours. We are just now on the last snap...and I will be sad the day we have to put them away for the next baby.

I do use more pocket diapers cause she now is starting to fit into the small size...I have added two rumparooz, a grobaby, two apple cheeks size 1, two Goodmama Goodnights, and two bumgenius all in one. I do have 6 Goodmama one size diapers but I can not use them yet as Hannah's thighs are not chubby enough to fill out the diapers (but they are waiting in the wings when they are!). So as you can see some diapers (such as the kissaluvs) can extend well out of the newborn diapering period. It all depends on the size and shape of your little baby and you won't know that till you have him/her.

To everyone thinking of CDing their newborn (or is) I hope that my addition to the carnival was helpful. Good Luck!

TTYL

a new schedule...or routine...

2010-03-07T21:01:00.000-06:00

Hi again!

Sorry to those who read my blog for the lack of posts. It has been a very busy and hectic month. I have been learning this whole mom role and hit a few hiccups along the way. We have been trying the baby whisperer ideas of scheduling and I don't think Hannah liked the change in routine...falling asleep while eating was nicer compared to falling asleep with just being held and put in a crib.

So I plan to, every so often, post how Hannah and I are making out with our baby whispering. We have only been following the E.A.S.Y. method for three days now, so not much to report thus far.

I am still trying to figure out what kind of child I have on my hands (I think I am leaning towards a Spirited; but I think Hannah is just developing her personality). For those who have never read The Baby Whisperer (or the book I read "The Baby Whisperer Solves All Your Problems" all by Tracy Hogg) Tracy mentions five broad temperaments: Angel, Textbook, Touchy, Spirited, and Grumpy.

So what is a Spirited? (all the below ideas are from Tracy Hogg's book "The Baby Whisperer Solves All Your Problems")

Eating:
Good eater but can be impatient (yah this is Hannah, she crys when she is hungry but continues with this impatient grunt even well into the feed).

Activities:
"high energy, feisty, and active" (page 59)...Hannah to a T.

Sleep:
Hate to be swaddled (well that depends on the day) and you need to block out visual stimulation (yup!). Also they are resistant to naps (not only resistant but only will take short ones at the moment)

Mood:
vocal (if she is awake then usually she is making some kind of sound), goes quickly from happy to sad and back again (yup!), and loves action but overdoes it some times (along with the sounds comes a lot of movement all the time).

To read about Spirited kids or to read the other temperaments you can pick up one of Tracy Hogg's books or join their forum.

Operation Fluffy Bomb - We Want Babies Shakin' Their Cute Fluffy Booty On The Ellen Show

2010-02-04T16:40:00.000-06:00

So I have official joined the ranks of cloth diapering moms bombarding (Ellen (through tweets and blogging) about getting cloth diapers on her show. It was started by the blog Dirty Diaper Laundry and it is a noble cause! Now there are many reasons Ellen should feature cloth diapers. It ranges from good for the environment to being wonderful for the baby's skin and saves money. But the reason I love (just cause I am so vain) they look just so darn cute!

I never dread or hate diaper changing time...in fact I kind of look forward to it. I see this a way to interact with my daughter. As she grows older we take more time to tickle, laugh, and sing songs. I also get enjoyment picking out her next diaper. It is not just something to cover her bum; it has become part of her outfit.

But for a more comprehensive and well written reason why to use cloth diapers I turn to the blog the Dirty Diaper Laundry (so I will quote the blog instead of screwing it up):

"I could bore you with facts about the waste produced by disposable diapers, the chemicals they contain (same chemicals outlawed in tampons), the raw resources involved to make the diapers, and even the fishy tactics used by the big disposable companies to keep parents buying them.

Without mass media exposure, something the mom run diaper businesses simply cannot afford, we can’t really let the moms of the world know that there is a better way. Mention cloth diapers to a room with 100 new moms, and maybe 10 would have heard of the Modern Cloth Diaper. The rest would think of pins, rubber pants, and stinky wet pails. The internet is full of niche cloth diaper communities, but we are preaching to the choir! They already know the benefits of cloth. The mom who watches your show every day doesn’t. She might recylce, buy organic food, compost, and drive a hybrid, and still use disposables. Why? Because she has no idea how easy they are. I have actually met people who are very green, and still use disposables for that reason!"

Help us out and follow the plan set by Dirty Diaper Laundry. When you tweet use @TheEllenShow and #clothdiapers and #operationfluffy in the tweet. Also if you want a chance to get a free diaper also include #rumparooz in your tweet. If Ellen features cloth diapers and Rumparooz is on her show, Rumparooz will give everyone who tweeted a free diaper!

So go out there and tweet and blog to hearts content. Spread the word about how wonderful cloth diapers. Cause the more people we reach the better. We can show the world how easy and even fun (yes I said fun) cloth diapering can be.

TTYL

Money, Money, Money

2010-01-16T16:16:00.000-06:00

Well, it has been pretty hard to get some blogging time in...it appears that I have a baby that loves to be held...a lot...but I plan on dealing with that issue at a later post.

I have decided (after reading my friends blog ; the actual post can be found here) to also take the plunge and be the financial wizard in the family. So the start was to find a budget software (cause my husband loves programs with all sorts of gadgets and wizards on them so just an excel spreadsheet would not do...sigh).

So I have decided to give YNAB a try...it is free for 7 days but after that you gotta pay for it. So between consoling a crying baby, and breastfeeding her in front of the computer (really hard to type with one hand) I managed to set up most of the program. The problem is that I am starting to make a budget in the middle of a month were most, if not all, expenses have been paid; so I am setting up for next month. I am finding the biggest issue is when I import our bank accounts it is hard to remember what each transaction was for. So it makes it hard to categorize each part...but I am trying.

I am also using the budget from the show Till debt Do Us Part to help allocate what should be in each portion of the budget. I like it cause it shows what percentage you are using on debt, life, transportation, etc. It can be found here.

Well, I am crossing my fingers that everything balances (I am on maternity leave...but EI is taking their time to figure out what I will be getting a month...not to mention my work was really late in getting my ROE to me, but oh well). I will post in February to let you know how the whole budget thing is going.

TTYL

Life's A Whirlwind

2010-01-05T16:22:00.000-06:00

Well, I have been MIA for a bit...for good reason though!

On December 20th 2009 @ 0103 we welcomed our little bundle of joy into this world. Her name is Hannah Rozalind and we couldn't be happier! She was 7lbs 11oz and 19 3/4 inches long. We are doing well and getting into the swing of breastfeeding and cloth diapering.

We had a visit from our public health nurse today and found that Hannah is now 7lbs 13.5 oz (the lowest weight that Hannah was ever at was 6lbs 14oz at 1 day old). The visit went well and no concerns for Hannah or myself.

But I have to say I love, absolutely LOVE our cloth diapers. At this point we are using orange edged Green Mountain Diapers (GMD) prefolds and Kissaluvs fitted size 0. Both are very good, hold in her pee and we haven't (cross our fingers) had a blow out yet. Everything is being contained, so far...

The GMD had to be shipped from the states as they are not available here in Canada but I have to say that it is worth it! I can't say how they are compared to other prefolds but I find that I am not struggling to get the right fit and they are not very bulky (just a slight fluffy bum :D). Which is what I heard on some cloth diapering boards was the biggest problem some people had using prefolds on a newborn. So if you can I would splurge and get the GMD...so far they are worth it. I paid $70.95 for 1 doz orange edged and 1 doz yellow edged. Also for some reason they came across the boarder with no tax or duty applied on top of that $70.95.

I have to say that the best cover we have to this point is our x-small. I have two of these covers and they are the first ones I reach for. They fit amazing with both the GMD and Kissaluvs. The leg gussets fit very well on Hannah's thighs but haven't really been tested with a blow out.

The next best cover we have is a fishnoodle that I also got shipped from the states. It was on a recommendation that I got from a lady on "The Pin forum" (which I highly recommend to anyone who is cloth diapering; but they also have a subtopic of things like healthy living, frugal living, and even a creative corner). Unlike the Thirsties covers, this cover has snaps which can be nice cause sometimes I forget to attach the tabs and cause a nice diaper chain in my washer.

Here are a few things that I am looking forward to this up and coming weeks (and hope to post about soon :D):

- getting some infant/newborn photos done

- trying out our wool covers (still need to prep those too...oops)

- getting the house completely organized (half way there :D)

Thank you for ready my blog and I hope to continue with postings (I will try for at least once a week) about how the cloth diaper and life with a new baby is going.

TTYL!

p.s will post pictures of the model in her diapers but a cute pic of just her will have to do.

sigh...so ashamed

2009-11-12T17:25:00.000-06:00

Well....I did it...I became one of "those" people...I broke down and purchased my first Goodmama diaper.

Not saying that they don't look like amazing diapers...or that they won't be awesome. (well I don't know about function yet cause my model has yet to make his or her appereance)

It is all because I told myself I would't give in...that it was all hype...so why would I want to try them. Well that is when i fell in love with two of their one diapers (The Western One and The Spotted One). Then my favorite fabric from the Fabric Shoppe was made into a diaper (Grass Menagerie)...then it went downhill from there.

I had to make the shipping worth it right?? Well that is what I told myself...so I ended up getting OBV Good.Night!; Yellow Good.Night!; Chocolate serged; Butterscotch serged; and Spring Green serged. (I will point out that I saved money because I got three serged diapers at the same time...which also makes me feel better)

But that is it! I can not get anymore Goodmama Diapers...well not until my baby is born...cause maybe they won't be the best fit. So back to ignoring their too tempting website...well unless I happen to be by the computer and bored. I do still follow them on live.journal....which may not be a good thing. So tempting....

Sigh....so ashamed.

TTYL

p.s. Did I mention that I am on their custom diaper list...I send in the fabric and then they make me some fitted diapers out of it with input from me (colour of inner fabric, snaps etc.). However, I am waaayyyy down on the list so I suspect that I won't have my custom diapers till next December. Which is good...cause I should know whether the diaper style works for us by then.

way too long since my last post...

2009-10-24T23:47:00.000-06:00

Well, it has been quite awhile since my last post...

I guess I can blame that on work and trying to get my research done for CDing. There is soooo much information out there to weed through...it's amazing!

Well I have settled on a couple things so far. I have decided I will give fitted and wool covers a try. I have purchased from a couple WAHMS and online stores. So far I have Royal Bunz pull-up soakers (one small and one medium), Luxe Baby longies (SM), Baby Luxe pull-up soaker (SM), and a Kiwi Pie Peels pull on soaker (medium).

As for the fitted diapers I am most excited to try out the OS Bamboo by Kiwi Pie.

So now an update...

I have had another Ultrasound and everything looks good! I have been seeing my Dr and Midwife...started as every 4 weeks, now at every 2 weeks...then mid November it will be every week.

Other than that just have been trying to take it easy at work....though I am concerned about the H1N1 spread (as I am an RN...so may be in close quarters with people infected with it). Hopefully I will be on holidays before the real wave hits.

TTYL

p.s. I will try to compile a list of all the current diapers I have that way I can do a review on each one when the baby comes.

Here are pictures of the covers

I plan on posting these pictures by the change table with a note

"Dear Dad,

If my diaper cover looks like this please do not put in wet bag...it will shrink in the wash cause it is wool.

Thanks!

-Baby"

that way my husband knows what is wool...cause he will not remember.

Royal Bunz small pull-up wool cover

Royal Bunz medium pull-up wool cover

Luxe Baby SM wool Longie Cover

Luxe Baby SM wool pull-up cover

Kiwi Pie Peels medium pull on cover

Dr. Visit and first ultrasound

2009-05-06T21:27:00.001-06:00

Well I have my physical and prenatal blood work on Monday (May 11th) and then off to the big city (lol...where I live we are a "city" but I got in faster for U/S for some reason in the city close to us) on Tuesday (May 12). I also will be delivering there so it's no big deal to drive an hour for a U/S when I will be doing it while in labour (I will be explaining this more in a different post).

I am kinda looking forward to the U/S rather then the physical. I guess being able to see your in utero child is more exciting and even possibly less painful...I was informed in my last visit that I need a pap test as my last one was last summer.

Not to mention if I don't see multiple in the U/S I will not be staying with my GP but transferring to a midwife rather then a OBGYN. My GP is fine with this, however....it was kinda odd that she mentioned that she was going to book two separate appointments with an OBGYN to "make sure everything was still going smoothly". I didn't make anything of it but I will talk it over with my midwife to see if this is necessary. I will be having two U/S this one and at 20 weeks so maybe that will be enough. But it doesn't hurt I guess to check....as long as they are not anti-midwife. I worked in the postpartum at that hospital as a grad nurse and have run into several Dr. and Nurses that are anti-midwife. So I just hope that they don't make excuses to want to change me over from my midwife care. I guess I will cross that bridge when I get to it.

Crossing my fingers hoping everything will go good!

TTYL

More Fluff Mail & AppleCheeks Contest!

2009-05-04T13:34:00.000-06:00

Well I just got home today from a nice trip to Winnipeg....and what did I find in the mail!!!! Fluff!!! I was really excited to get home from the post office to open the box. I found the most perfect diapers inside. I now have another 2 small and 2 medium Fuzzi Bunz. Not to mention another AppleCheeks diaper! I am sooo excited for December (again) so I can try them out.

So this leads me to my second part of my post. The AppleCheeks. Now I can't say how they have worked for me...because...well...my little guy/girl is still in utero...but this is one part of my stash that I am REALLY looking forward to. I have bought (so far) 2 envelope covers (Cherry Tomato and St. Lucia) and bamboo inserts. They are soooo soft and the leg elastics looks like it will hold up. Not to mention I have googled pictures of babies in AppleCheeks and they all look so cute in them. I have heard very positive reviews from diaper pin (very good place to go for reviews) and from my supplier (www.storksandberries.ca out of Okotoks Alberta). So if you have any comments (pros or cons) please leave them here I would love to hear more from those who have used them.

So I guess the final reason I am posting is to tell you about the wonderful contest being held by Diaper Style (diaperstyle.blogspot.com) They are giving everyone four ways to enter (blogging being one of them...lol) for an AppleCheeks starter kit...and as you can see I am really excited and would love to win! I would also like to point out that besides this contest Diaper Style has lots of information that you should check out. Search their site and you might learn some pretty cool things!

So get out there twitter, blog, comment, and facebook your way to winning!

TTYL

P.S. the link is http://bit.ly/uyfMU

First Post

2009-04-25T20:13:00.000-06:00

Well, this is my first posting as the cat is mostly out of the bag. My husband and I are expecting our first child in December of this year! I also can fess up to the fact that I am a cloth diaper addict and I don't even have a child yet to diaper. I started researching cloth diapers when we decided that we were possibly ready to start a family. I have since purchased 12 size 0 Kissaluv fitted, 4 covers, 1 OS Happy Heiny, 1 OS Bumgenius, and 1 OS Fuzzi Bunz. I then added a couple weeks later 1 Applecheeks size 1 and 1 Fuzzi Bunz size xsmall. I am also now waiting on 4 Fuzzi Bunz (size small and medium) and another size 1 Applecheeks. I can not wait till we can get started using them. I have also purchased Allen's detergent to wash our diapers (which I have started doing the prewashing) and maple sugar design wet bags...they have a nice snap handle to go on a towel rack.

I am already planning my diaper stash so that I have some of each but not too many so that if we don't like them or they don't work for us it is not a complete waste of money. I am think I will get some Berry Plush AIO, Dream Eze, Organic AIO Bumgenius, and more of the Applecheeks, Fuzzi Bunz, and Bumgenius.

I am looking forward to this new part of our life...I am sure I will keep you posted!

TTYL!