YOU do the math!

1 Distracted Mama + 1 Cell Phone Camera + 1 Crazy Big Sister + 1 Easy-going Baby= Fun 4 All!!!!

Babywearing

We are a babywearing family. I have worn all 3 of our kids at one time or another. Colby and I both wore Adia in a Snugli when she was a baby. People thought it was hilarious to see daddy and baby, both in their "shades," just hanging out (she HAD to be forward facing to see what was going on!) I wore Ming Hong in China, even though he was 28 lbs. and the Chinese people were appalled because "He is a BIG boy- he can walk by himself!" For Ming Hong I used a Mei Hip carrier, which was perfect for his weight and my back! I just couldn't STAND the idea of letting him ride around in a stroller when we could bond while I was wearing him. Even after we got back to the States, I wore him for a few months. We'd go into a new place together, and when he began to feel comfortable he'd let me know he was ready to get down. I've never regretted that time we had together. Elie Kate enjoys her EllaRoo wrap. She loves to be all snuggly and close, and I love the versatility of the different positions in which I can wear her. AND, I love that all of our kids have been exposed to babywearing. I've begun to notice a trend in play around our house. Now, my kids are wearing their own "babies." I pray as they see our example, that they will desire to have that for their own children one day...

Just Humor Me

The day will come when my kids will no longer enjoy my humor at their expense. Fortunately, today is not that day. My son needed a haircut in the worst way and mom thought we'd save a few bucks. So, out came the comb and scissors. Now, I've had a couple of near-misses in the past (think of my husband in full Prince Humperdink page-boy), but I thought I would at least give it a shot. About half-way through I began to see a theme emerging... I just couldn't help myself!!!! The kicker was when our friends' daughter came in and said, "He looks like Miley Cyrus' dad!" Out came the camera, and my precious son obliged. And now it's on the world wide web for all to enjoy! You'll be happy to know that I did finish the cut and he looks pretty durn cute. Hooray for saving a buck!!!!

Flats and Handwashing Challenge- Day 7

Well, it's the last day of the challenge! When I began this week I never imagined that we'd have such a rough time (two kiddos with ear infections, cold and rainy days that made for less-than-ideal laundry conditions and crazy kids). I'm thankful, though, because now I can recommend this method of cloth diapering and be able to tell families (with all honesty) the pros and cons. We are keeping our flats to continue using, but many families are choosing to donate theirs to organizations that help people with the cost of cloth diapering. Two such organizations are Giving Diapers, Giving Hope and The Cloth Diaper Foundation. If you've ever thought of cloth diapering and don't have the financial means to build your stash, these organizations would be a good place to start.

Well, our little one is out for the night. I posted a pic of her night-time cloth, so you could enjoy her cute fluffiness! Happy dreams, all!

Flats and Handwashing Challenge- Day 6

Nothing really exciting or monumental to report today. Although, my mom and aunt got to change the baby (and did a great job)! I love introducing (or re-introducing) people to cloth diapers...

Tomorrow is the last day of the challenge. I cannot tell you how happy I am that I do not have to handwash dipes anymore! Although, I will definitely keep my bucket washer for all sorts of handy things. And, I'll keep my flats- I have really enjoyed using them! Tomorrow I'll sum up my adventures, and give a few links to organizations that help families with cloth diapering costs. So, until the last challenge day...

Flats and Handwashing Challenge- Day 5

Grrrr... I was really depending on that warm, sunny day the weather guys kept talking about. Now, I have damp dipes that probably won't even be dry in the morning...

Today we experimented with all sorts of fun things to use as diapers! We tried a couple of T-shirts, a kitchen towel, a scarf, and a sweater. All did a fine job! We enjoyed finding new and useful things to use as diapers. And, speaking of "useful," my 7-yr-old decided to be helpful and change the baby's diaper while Mommy was cooking biscuits and gravy. She happened to find one of the few sposies (disposable diapers) that are left in our home and put it on the babe right in the middle of Challenge week! She was so proud of herself!!!! I may have to show little Miss Eager how to cloth diaper now...

Flats and Handwashing Challenge- Day 4

I LOVE wool! Not the itchy kind that we remember from decades ago. The soft merino-kind that breathes so well... keeps baby warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Wool naturally neutralizes urine, and the lanolin is naturally waterproof. So, wool covers are perfect for covering cloth diapers! Basically, you hand-wash and lanolize wool once and you're good for a few weeks... unless baby has a poo-poo blowout. Guess what happened to us today?!!!! And in this humid weather, wool takes FOREVER to dry. SOOOOO, we are now down one cover. The challenge only allows us 5, so maybe wool wasn't the best choice? Oh, well. Live and learn! Tomorrow is gonna get really exciting... it's a free-for-all cloth diapering day. We're gonna find items around the house to use as diapers. Even the kiddos are gonna get in on the action... stay tuned!