A second labor. The thought terrified me.
My goal for my labor with Caitlyn was to have an intervention free birth - no c-section, no episiotomy, no pitocin, no pain killers. Women have been giving birth for thousands of years. I had a great deal of faith that my body could do what it needed to do. Six days past my due date, my OB said I needed to be induced because of high blood pressure. I had been on bed rest for two months because they thought Caitlyn was going to be too small (they were trying to fatten me up). I didn't want to be induced, but I felt that it was indeed time for my baby to be born. A few hours later (Tuesday night), we arrived at the hospital to be induced. I was only dilated to 1 cm. I asked to try a prostaglandin insert first - still hoping to avoid the effects pitocin on my little girl. Two hours after receiving cervidil, I started having contractions. Wednesday morning, the nurse came in to start pitocin. I said that I was already having contractions. The doctor said I could labor without the pitocin but that I needed to be prepared for it to take several days. Wednesday was so long. I was in a lot of pain. In the afternoon, I labored in the tub. That was the only pain free time of my labor. My doula, Melissa (without whom I never could have had my drug-free birth) eventually made me get out because she was afraid that I wasn't making progress. I was only at 6 cm after more than 26 hours of labor. I was so tired that I was falling asleep between contractions. Sometime after midnight on Thursday morning, Melissa recommended that I allow the doctor to break my water so I would have enough energy to push. The doctor broke my water and I immediately entered transition. I couldn't believe the way the pain intensified without the cushion of the bag of water. The pain didn't last long, though. I was complete within a half hour. Pushing was my favorite part of labor. Pushing contractions were not painful at all, and I knew that as soon as I did my work, the pain would be over. I pushed Caitlyn out in about twenty minutes. We are delighted with our little girl. She brings so much joy to our lives. But even though I got the birth I wanted, memories of the pain haunted me for a long time.
My goals for my labor with Sean were similar to those from my labor with Caitlyn. Having midwife care during this pregnancy gave me a very, very high likelihood of an intervention free labor. I spent a lot of time praying that God would allow me to go into labor on my own this time. I wanted to know what it was like to labor at home for as long as possible. I felt that I had been cheated of that with Caitlyn's birth.
I learned the concept of a life verse in college. It never resonated with me, though. I cannot sum up my spiritual life with a single verse. Sean's birth, however, I can. I created a birth playlist for my iPod and printed two passages of Scripture on brightly colored index cards to help me keep my focus during labor. I prayed and prayed for a shorter labor this time but mentally prepared for a long ordeal. I knew that I would need to keep my head in the right place. I'm almost positive that my due date was wrong. I think it was anywhere from 5-7 days later than it should have been. As my due date approached, God kept bringing one of the verses from the passages I printed to mind. "And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD [is] a God of judgment: blessed [are] all they that wait for him." Isaiah 30:18 This played in my mind over and over.
Sunday, September 4, I had four hours of painful contractions. I was surprised but pleased when they stopped. I realized that I was not mentally ready to go through labor again. A full week passed before I had more real labor contractions. Sunday, September 11, I had several more hours of labor. Monday passed without any contractions. Tuesday was a different story. I had irregular contractions all day long. I spoke with my midwife, Sue. She told me that it sounded like early labor. I was to call back if they got to five minutes apart or come in to see her at the office the next morning if they hadn't. They stopped in the early evening. The emotional stress of not knowing when real labor would start was getting to me. God reminded me of my verse again - "and therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you." I went to bed hoping for some good sleep.
At 2 am on Wednesday morning, I woke up to painful contractions. I got up, put something on tv, and worked through the waves. Two hours later, they stopped, and I returned to bed. Brian and Caitlyn went to the midwife with me the next morning. In the car, I told Brian that I hoped to be 4-6 cm dilated based on the amount of pain and I work I did to get to that point in my labor with Caitlyn. I was indeed 4 cm! Sue told me that she expected me to have him very soon. On the way home, we stopped at Sam's Club to stock our pantry and freezer one last time. At 4:30 that afternoon, I called my mom. We talked for 20 minutes. At the end of our conversation, I realized that I'd had four contractions while talking to her. After another half hour, they were consistently five minutes apart and quite painful. I called the midwife. Mary was on call. She said she would like me to wait until they were four minutes apart before coming in. We kept timing them at nearly five minutes apart, but I soon told Brian that we needed to go. We called my friend Molly and asked her to meet us at the hospital. She kept Caitlyn for us. Knowing that Caitlyn was safe, loved, and well-cared for allowed me to fully focus on giving birth to our son.
I imagined that contracting in a car would be uncomfortable. I had no idea. The ride to the hospital was unbearably long. My contractions got down to three minutes apart in the car! We were settled in at the hospital by 7:45. I had hoped to labor in the tub again. Unfortunately, our hospital does not allow water births. I think that a water birth would be a delightful way to birth a baby. I hope to experience it someday! No rooms with tubs were available. It didn't end up mattering, though. I was 7 cm and entering transition. Up to that point, I was able to control my pain pretty well. I was also getting breaks between contractions. I felt perfectly normal during those times. Once I hit transition, my legs started shaking uncontrollably. From then to full dilation, I was in constant pain. I dreaded my water breaking because of the severe pain increase I'd experienced with Caitlyn. It didn't change my pain level at all this time, though. I was complete within minutes of my water breaking. I took forever to push. Mary said I wasn't doing a good job of it, meaning that I could have pushed him out a lot faster if I had wanted to. I was very fearful of tearing. But Mary and my nurses helped me through my fear and Sean was born at 9:11 pm - less than an hour and a half after we arrived at the hospital. The next morning I could still vividly feel the pains. Now, I can't even imagine them, though.
Caitlyn's labor was over 30 hours long from start to finish. I didn't have true early labor with Sean because it was distinctly separate from my true labor. Sean's active labor was only 4.5 hours. I dealt with sciatica during both of my pregnancies. I couldn't find a chiropractor I trusted when I was pregnant with Caitlyn. This time, however, I did. I received weekly adjustments during my second and third trimesters. My chiropractor told me that my labor with Caitlyn was likely so long and painful because I was out of place and my pelvis was twisted. He told me that would significantly slow dilation and that he anticipated a much faster labor this time. He was right. God truly did ask me to wait so he could be gracious to me with this labor. Those days of pre-labor made my actual labor blissfully short.
Sean means God is gracious. We didn't choose it because of its meaning. That was a delightful surprise I discovered long after God brought my verse to mind. Sean is the perfect name for a perfect little boy who came to us after a perfect labor. God is gracious. And may he be exalted.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
The Perfect Baked Potato
I love ordering baked potatoes at restaurants. They are always perfect. The inside is moist, and the skin is delicious. The baked potatoes that have emerged from my oven were never up to par - until this weekend. I finally learned the secret to the perfect baked potato. Thank you Alton Brown. We will be eating baked potatoes much more often.
The Baked Potato
Recipe courtesy Alton Brown
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 1 hr 0 min
Level: Easy
Serves: 1 potato per person
Ingredients
1 large russet potato (If it looks like Mr. Potato Head(r), you've got the right one.)
Canola oil to coat
Kosher salt
Directions
Heat oven to 350 degrees and position racks in top and bottom thirds. Wash potato (or potatoes) thoroughly with a stiff brush and cold running water. Dry, then using a standard fork poke 8 to 12 deep holes all over the spud so that moisture can escape during cooking. Place in a bowl and coat lightly with oil. Sprinkle with kosher salt and place potato directly on rack in middle of oven. Place a baking sheet on the lower rack to catch any drippings.
Bake 1 hour or until skin feels crisp but flesh beneath feels soft. Serve by creating a dotted line from end to end with your fork, then crack the spud open by squeezing the ends towards one another. It will pop right open. But watch out, there will be some steam.
NOTE: If you're cooking more than 4 potatoes, you'll need to extend the cooking time by up to 15 minutes.
~ Enjoy!!
The Baked Potato
Recipe courtesy Alton Brown
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 1 hr 0 min
Level: Easy
Serves: 1 potato per person
Ingredients
1 large russet potato (If it looks like Mr. Potato Head(r), you've got the right one.)
Canola oil to coat
Kosher salt
Directions
Heat oven to 350 degrees and position racks in top and bottom thirds. Wash potato (or potatoes) thoroughly with a stiff brush and cold running water. Dry, then using a standard fork poke 8 to 12 deep holes all over the spud so that moisture can escape during cooking. Place in a bowl and coat lightly with oil. Sprinkle with kosher salt and place potato directly on rack in middle of oven. Place a baking sheet on the lower rack to catch any drippings.
Bake 1 hour or until skin feels crisp but flesh beneath feels soft. Serve by creating a dotted line from end to end with your fork, then crack the spud open by squeezing the ends towards one another. It will pop right open. But watch out, there will be some steam.
NOTE: If you're cooking more than 4 potatoes, you'll need to extend the cooking time by up to 15 minutes.
~ Enjoy!!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Affordable Natural Skin Care - That Works
Learning that I had celiac disease and that I needed to avoid products with gluten in them opened my eyes to the brands of natural skin and hair care. Sadly, I was constantly frustrated with price and performance. Being pregnant for the first time made me pay even more attention to what I was putting in and on my body. Getting pregnant a second time has completely opened my eyes to the world of natural skin care.
I've been a loyal Clinique fan for many years. Their 3-Step skin care system gave me great results. However, I found that I NEEDED the products to keep my skin looking good. That annoyed me since I had great skin before I started wearing makeup.
So, I sought out another solution. Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep has become a tremendous resource for me. I was determined to find another 3-step line. I spent a long time researching different brands. I found several, but finally decided that I needed to make my own. This gives me total control over the ingredients.
Step 1 - Cleanse
I use Vermont Soap Unscented Aloe Castile. Make sure to choose an unscented variety to prevent stinging! It is very effective at removing dirt and makeup. If you need a little extra help removing eye makeup, gently dab the eye area with a cotton ball dipped in olive oil before cleansing.
Step 2 - Tone
I LOVE Aura Cacia's Toning Facial Mist! Toning is my absolute favorite of these steps. The only thing I do differently, is that I apply it using a cotton ball instead of spraying it on.
Toning Facial Mist
Normal, healthy skin can benefit from a tonifying/balancing facial mist.
Ingredients
2 ounces distilled water
6 drops lavender essential oil
1 drop clary sage essential oil
1 drop chamomile essential oil
4 drops lemon essential oil
Directions
Pour into a spray mister bottle. Essential oils and water will separate, so shake the bottle vigorously before spritzing this refreshing blend onto clean skin. If your complexion tends to be dry add 10-15 drops of jojoba or grapeseed oil along with the essential oils.
Step 3 - Moisturize
This is the only step that makes me miss Clinique. I adore Moisture Surge. Conquering this step will take some experimentation. Moisturize your skin with a very small amount of the oil of your choice. Since my skin is rarely dry or oily, I only moisturize at night to avoid any greasiness under my makeup. If your skin is dry, you may need to moisturize in the morning and at night. Any oil can be used. My skin loves coconut oil. You can also try jojoba, gapeseed, olive, cocoa butter (make sure it is 100% cocoa butter), almond, and more.
That's it! Purchasing the materials to get started may be slightly cost prohibitive, but they will last you many, many years. Start with what you can. Most health food stores and even Target carry castile soap. That is an easy one! I already had all of the essential oils except clary sage, so I just skipped it. The toner works fine without it. I purchase my oils from iHerb. I have found them to have the best prices. Enter the code MAN073 to save $5 off your first order!! Health food stores will also carry essential oils. Moisturizing oils are also readily available at your local health food store and at iHerb.
How do you keep your skin healthy?
I've been a loyal Clinique fan for many years. Their 3-Step skin care system gave me great results. However, I found that I NEEDED the products to keep my skin looking good. That annoyed me since I had great skin before I started wearing makeup.
So, I sought out another solution. Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep has become a tremendous resource for me. I was determined to find another 3-step line. I spent a long time researching different brands. I found several, but finally decided that I needed to make my own. This gives me total control over the ingredients.
Step 1 - Cleanse
I use Vermont Soap Unscented Aloe Castile. Make sure to choose an unscented variety to prevent stinging! It is very effective at removing dirt and makeup. If you need a little extra help removing eye makeup, gently dab the eye area with a cotton ball dipped in olive oil before cleansing.
Step 2 - Tone
I LOVE Aura Cacia's Toning Facial Mist! Toning is my absolute favorite of these steps. The only thing I do differently, is that I apply it using a cotton ball instead of spraying it on.
Toning Facial Mist
Normal, healthy skin can benefit from a tonifying/balancing facial mist.
Ingredients
2 ounces distilled water
6 drops lavender essential oil
1 drop clary sage essential oil
1 drop chamomile essential oil
4 drops lemon essential oil
Directions
Pour into a spray mister bottle. Essential oils and water will separate, so shake the bottle vigorously before spritzing this refreshing blend onto clean skin. If your complexion tends to be dry add 10-15 drops of jojoba or grapeseed oil along with the essential oils.
Step 3 - Moisturize
This is the only step that makes me miss Clinique. I adore Moisture Surge. Conquering this step will take some experimentation. Moisturize your skin with a very small amount of the oil of your choice. Since my skin is rarely dry or oily, I only moisturize at night to avoid any greasiness under my makeup. If your skin is dry, you may need to moisturize in the morning and at night. Any oil can be used. My skin loves coconut oil. You can also try jojoba, gapeseed, olive, cocoa butter (make sure it is 100% cocoa butter), almond, and more.
That's it! Purchasing the materials to get started may be slightly cost prohibitive, but they will last you many, many years. Start with what you can. Most health food stores and even Target carry castile soap. That is an easy one! I already had all of the essential oils except clary sage, so I just skipped it. The toner works fine without it. I purchase my oils from iHerb. I have found them to have the best prices. Enter the code MAN073 to save $5 off your first order!! Health food stores will also carry essential oils. Moisturizing oils are also readily available at your local health food store and at iHerb.
How do you keep your skin healthy?
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Cloth Diapering Basics
I LOVE my cloth diapers. I even love to wash them. Call me crazy, but I look forward to diaper laundry days. I wouldn't mind doing it every day. It is very gratifying to me!
My intention here is not to go into go into details about why to cloth diaper. There are many sites that have that covered very well. What I want to discuss is how to start SUCCESSFULLY and how to stick with it! To do this, you must understand the different options. They will not all work for everyone. Expect to experiment!
I started when my little one was just two weeks old. It didn't go so well. To that point, she had never experienced diaper rash. From the first prefold, we had rash. So she hated cloth. She would scream even when I put a dry diaper on her. We took a break for a while. After about a month, we decided to try pocket diapers. This time (thanks to oh so soft fleece), she did not scream about wearing cloth, but she pooped out of the legs. So, I looked for another option. I then tried Thirsties Stay Dry Duo Inserts paired with a Thirsties Duo cover. Ahh. They worked. Happy Baby. Happy Mama.
First, you must understand the different types of cloth diapers.
Flats - a very traditional diaper. Flats are large one ply pieces of fabric that must be folded into a diaper. They allow you to customize where you want the extra absorbency. You can simply fold and place inside a cover, or pin around baby. Snappi's are a great alternative to pins! This diaper does require a cover. Example: Flats
Prefolds - traditional, standard diapers. They are made of multiple layers of fabric that you then fold to fit your baby. Buy good ones and they will last you through multiple children. Each company has different sizes. You will find manufacturers that have only one size requiring you to fold the extra down in either the front or the back. Other manufacturers have multiple sizes that are made to fit baby at a particular time - no excess fabric here! You can simply fold and place inside a cover, or pin or snappi around baby. This diaper requires a cover. Example: Prefolds
Inserts - rectangles of fabric. These are simply placed inside a diaper cover. There is no need (or ability) to pin to baby. This is a low cost option to have stay dry fabrics against baby's skin. This diaper requires a cover. Examples: Thirsties Stay Dry Duo Inserts, Flip Hybrid Diaper System
Contours - the in-between diaper. They are shaped like a diaper. Extra fabric is folded down in the front, then the tabs are secured with pins or a snappi. This is an economical way to get the leak protection of a fitted. This diaper requires a cover. Example: Imse Vimse
Fitteds - the ultimate protection. Fitteds are like contours, fitting baby just like a disposable diaper. The difference is in the closure. Fitteds are closed with Aplix or snaps instead of pins or snappis. Fitteds (and really contours, too) do the best job at containing leaks. You have the elastic leg of the fitted diaper as well as the protection of the cover keeping everything inside. This diaper requires a cover. Examples: Thirsties Duo Fab Fitted, Kissaluvs
Pockets - closer to a disposable. Pockets are the first diaper we've discussed that DO NOT require a cover. The cover is built into the diaper. The diaper has an outside shell and an insert (which is almost identical to the insert of the insert diaper above). You stuff the diaper with the amount of absorbency your baby needs. This is perhaps one of the most popular diapers. They are very customizable and easy to use. Like a fitted, you will have the choice between Aplix closures and snaps. This diaper does not require a cover. Examples: bumGenius 4.0 One-Size Stay-Dry Cloth Diaper, Happy Heinys One for All
All-in-Ones - the closest thing to a disposable diaper. All-in-Ones are a one piece diapering solution. There are no pockets to stuff or covers to add. The diaper is simply secured to baby with Aplix or snap closures. This diaper does not require a cover. Example - bumGenius Elemental
Now that you know about the types of cloth diapers, it is time to learn about the differences in diaper covers.
Standard diaper covers are waterproof shells (usually made from PUL) that secure around your baby like a disposable. They close with Aplix or snaps.
All of the following choices are represented by Thirsties and Flip diaper covers. Please reference these links.
The first choice to consider is the edging. Some companies like Thirsties use fold-over elastic. Others like Flip use the same fabric as the rest of the cover with elastic in a casing. The fold-over elastic does have more potential for wicking. Wicking can also occur with the PUL lined fabric by the leg opening, though it is likely to be much slower.
Gussets are another thing to consider. Thirsties essentially have an inner and outer leg casing. They feel that this provides the ultimate leak protection. Flip does not have gussets. Gussets generally mean a smaller leg opening, which could make them a good choice for a skinnier baby.
Finally, think about sizing. Thirsties offers sized covers (four sizes from birth to potty) and two size covers. Flip would be an example of a one size cover.
There are other fabric options besides PUL. Fleece would be the first. It offers excellent leak protection. Example: Happy Heinys
Wool is a great natural fiber to consider. Wool soakers have been used for many, many years. They are a fantastic option that allows baby's skin to breathe - perfect for a rashy baby. They can also be used as a traning pant cover. Example - Kissaluvs
So, how should you get started? I recommend buying prefolds and a few covers. This requires little investment. Plan to buy about a dozen prefolds and a few covers. You can do this for around $50. Then, buy other styles and brands to try while you decide what works best for you. Remember to think about the fabric you want touching your baby. Is a natural fiber important to you? Use hemp, cotton, or bamboo. Do you want baby to feel dry? Use microfiber or fleece by baby's skin.
Diaper Swappers (www.diaperswappers.com) is a great place to buy and sell used cloth diapers. You can sometimes even find deals on new ones! Your local cloth diaper store may also offer used. Once you've discovered the best combination for you and your baby, you can sell what hasn't worked for you.
Brands of cloth diapers are like brands of clothes - they all fit differently. One brand may fit one baby perfectly and be awful on another. Don't choose a brand because YOU like it or you like what they stand for. This was one of my early mistakes. You have to test it to see if it really works on your baby.
Washing diapers is EASY! You can find recommended detergents here.
Regular machines
HE machines
Wash your diapers with a pre-wash (use warm water or skip it), hot wash, and an extra rinse. That's it! Do not use additives like vinegar or baking soda. Find a detergent that works instead! To extend the life of your diapers, line or rack dry. You can fluff in the dryer at the end to soften them up. If you do choose to use the dryer, check the label of your diapers. Using the dryer can void the warranty of many brands. DO NOT dry covers in the dryer. The heat can warp snaps.
One more option - there are wonderful businesses called diaper services that do everything but change your baby! They drop off clean diapers and leave with your soiled ones. How easy is that?!?
And there you have it. The (very) basics of cloth diapering!
My intention here is not to go into go into details about why to cloth diaper. There are many sites that have that covered very well. What I want to discuss is how to start SUCCESSFULLY and how to stick with it! To do this, you must understand the different options. They will not all work for everyone. Expect to experiment!
I started when my little one was just two weeks old. It didn't go so well. To that point, she had never experienced diaper rash. From the first prefold, we had rash. So she hated cloth. She would scream even when I put a dry diaper on her. We took a break for a while. After about a month, we decided to try pocket diapers. This time (thanks to oh so soft fleece), she did not scream about wearing cloth, but she pooped out of the legs. So, I looked for another option. I then tried Thirsties Stay Dry Duo Inserts paired with a Thirsties Duo cover. Ahh. They worked. Happy Baby. Happy Mama.
First, you must understand the different types of cloth diapers.
Flats - a very traditional diaper. Flats are large one ply pieces of fabric that must be folded into a diaper. They allow you to customize where you want the extra absorbency. You can simply fold and place inside a cover, or pin around baby. Snappi's are a great alternative to pins! This diaper does require a cover. Example: Flats
Prefolds - traditional, standard diapers. They are made of multiple layers of fabric that you then fold to fit your baby. Buy good ones and they will last you through multiple children. Each company has different sizes. You will find manufacturers that have only one size requiring you to fold the extra down in either the front or the back. Other manufacturers have multiple sizes that are made to fit baby at a particular time - no excess fabric here! You can simply fold and place inside a cover, or pin or snappi around baby. This diaper requires a cover. Example: Prefolds
Inserts - rectangles of fabric. These are simply placed inside a diaper cover. There is no need (or ability) to pin to baby. This is a low cost option to have stay dry fabrics against baby's skin. This diaper requires a cover. Examples: Thirsties Stay Dry Duo Inserts, Flip Hybrid Diaper System
Contours - the in-between diaper. They are shaped like a diaper. Extra fabric is folded down in the front, then the tabs are secured with pins or a snappi. This is an economical way to get the leak protection of a fitted. This diaper requires a cover. Example: Imse Vimse
Fitteds - the ultimate protection. Fitteds are like contours, fitting baby just like a disposable diaper. The difference is in the closure. Fitteds are closed with Aplix or snaps instead of pins or snappis. Fitteds (and really contours, too) do the best job at containing leaks. You have the elastic leg of the fitted diaper as well as the protection of the cover keeping everything inside. This diaper requires a cover. Examples: Thirsties Duo Fab Fitted, Kissaluvs
Pockets - closer to a disposable. Pockets are the first diaper we've discussed that DO NOT require a cover. The cover is built into the diaper. The diaper has an outside shell and an insert (which is almost identical to the insert of the insert diaper above). You stuff the diaper with the amount of absorbency your baby needs. This is perhaps one of the most popular diapers. They are very customizable and easy to use. Like a fitted, you will have the choice between Aplix closures and snaps. This diaper does not require a cover. Examples: bumGenius 4.0 One-Size Stay-Dry Cloth Diaper, Happy Heinys One for All
All-in-Ones - the closest thing to a disposable diaper. All-in-Ones are a one piece diapering solution. There are no pockets to stuff or covers to add. The diaper is simply secured to baby with Aplix or snap closures. This diaper does not require a cover. Example - bumGenius Elemental
Now that you know about the types of cloth diapers, it is time to learn about the differences in diaper covers.
Standard diaper covers are waterproof shells (usually made from PUL) that secure around your baby like a disposable. They close with Aplix or snaps.
All of the following choices are represented by Thirsties and Flip diaper covers. Please reference these links.
The first choice to consider is the edging. Some companies like Thirsties use fold-over elastic. Others like Flip use the same fabric as the rest of the cover with elastic in a casing. The fold-over elastic does have more potential for wicking. Wicking can also occur with the PUL lined fabric by the leg opening, though it is likely to be much slower.
Gussets are another thing to consider. Thirsties essentially have an inner and outer leg casing. They feel that this provides the ultimate leak protection. Flip does not have gussets. Gussets generally mean a smaller leg opening, which could make them a good choice for a skinnier baby.
Finally, think about sizing. Thirsties offers sized covers (four sizes from birth to potty) and two size covers. Flip would be an example of a one size cover.
There are other fabric options besides PUL. Fleece would be the first. It offers excellent leak protection. Example: Happy Heinys
Wool is a great natural fiber to consider. Wool soakers have been used for many, many years. They are a fantastic option that allows baby's skin to breathe - perfect for a rashy baby. They can also be used as a traning pant cover. Example - Kissaluvs
So, how should you get started? I recommend buying prefolds and a few covers. This requires little investment. Plan to buy about a dozen prefolds and a few covers. You can do this for around $50. Then, buy other styles and brands to try while you decide what works best for you. Remember to think about the fabric you want touching your baby. Is a natural fiber important to you? Use hemp, cotton, or bamboo. Do you want baby to feel dry? Use microfiber or fleece by baby's skin.
Diaper Swappers (www.diaperswappers.com) is a great place to buy and sell used cloth diapers. You can sometimes even find deals on new ones! Your local cloth diaper store may also offer used. Once you've discovered the best combination for you and your baby, you can sell what hasn't worked for you.
Brands of cloth diapers are like brands of clothes - they all fit differently. One brand may fit one baby perfectly and be awful on another. Don't choose a brand because YOU like it or you like what they stand for. This was one of my early mistakes. You have to test it to see if it really works on your baby.
Washing diapers is EASY! You can find recommended detergents here.
Regular machines
HE machines
Wash your diapers with a pre-wash (use warm water or skip it), hot wash, and an extra rinse. That's it! Do not use additives like vinegar or baking soda. Find a detergent that works instead! To extend the life of your diapers, line or rack dry. You can fluff in the dryer at the end to soften them up. If you do choose to use the dryer, check the label of your diapers. Using the dryer can void the warranty of many brands. DO NOT dry covers in the dryer. The heat can warp snaps.
One more option - there are wonderful businesses called diaper services that do everything but change your baby! They drop off clean diapers and leave with your soiled ones. How easy is that?!?
And there you have it. The (very) basics of cloth diapering!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Set a Schedule
I'm not the world's greatest housekeeper. Just ask my husband. He'll tell you! One of my biggest personal goals is to be able to leave the house every Sunday morning with lunch in the crockpot and a house clean enough to invite someone home to eat with us. We love to entertain. Setting a cleaning schedule has really helped me to make sure that the whole house gets cleaned every week. This makes planned company so much easier!
Let's be realistic. I have a 20 month old and am360 36 weeks pregnant. Cleaning the house all at once is IMPOSSIBLE. I'm always stopping to give hugs and examine boo boos. Also, I can never have every room picked up at the same time. My daughter always has a room pulled apart by the time I finish another one. That was a huge source of frustration. Breaking the chores up into daily tasks makes the job much more attainable.
Here's my weekly plan.
Monday - deep clean the kitchen (each room includes cleaning the floors)
Tuesday - clean the bedrooms
Wednesday - clean the bathrooms
Thursday - clean the living room and hallways
Saturday - weed the flowerbeds
No, my house is not all clean at once. But having it clean each week is huge to me. Notice that I keep one day a week open. This is crucial to success! I can have a play date any day and simply move that day's task to another day.
What's your secret to a clean house?
Let's be realistic. I have a 20 month old and am
Here's my weekly plan.
Monday - deep clean the kitchen (each room includes cleaning the floors)
Tuesday - clean the bedrooms
Wednesday - clean the bathrooms
Thursday - clean the living room and hallways
Saturday - weed the flowerbeds
No, my house is not all clean at once. But having it clean each week is huge to me. Notice that I keep one day a week open. This is crucial to success! I can have a play date any day and simply move that day's task to another day.
What's your secret to a clean house?
Thursday, August 18, 2011
All These Things
I've wanted my own blog for a long time. I hesitated because so many of my friends have started wonderful blogs of their own. But I love to write. My days as an author actually precede my physical capacity to write. Before I could form pen strokes into legible words, I dictated my works to my mom who graciously recorded them. I then illustrated my "book" to complete it. My favorite is the story of Big Blue. But that is for another post...
The phrase "all these things" appears in Scripture 56 times in 22 different books. One of my favorite verses that it appears in is Luke 2:19, "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered [them] in her heart." The verse is referring to the miraculous events surrounding the birth of Christ. I imagine that Mary spent many hours rehearsing the birth of her Son. There must have been many details that continued to amaze her years after his birth. The birth of my daughter continues to amaze me! Giving birth to the Son of God is beyond my imagination. Another very fitting verse for my blog is Romans 8:37, "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." In fact, that is perhaps the perfect verse for this mother.
Just recently I was feeling terribly overwhelmed with housework. It seems that no matter how many hours I spend each day, I am never finished. Now, I do realize that by nature housework will never end. However, at the end of many days, things just seem worse than when the day began. I can easily get caught up in my to-do list and become impatient with my daughter. She doesn't understand the importance of typing recipes to print on 4x6 cards nor my sense of urgency to get it done before her brother arrives. Imagine that! Recently, I have noticed that she behaves so much better when she feels that she is getting all the attention from me that she is requesting. Sometimes typing an email to her daddy can take an hour because I am interrupted every two minutes. Often, it is just a hug, but many times she needs more. What am I really to conquer in a day? It seems like there should be SOMETHING tangible done at the end of every day. The end of Matthew 6:34 says "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." Each day holds its own joys and challenges, but there is always something in which I can find victory.
So, "all these things" will refer to many different topics. They may not always be pleasant topics (can wiping dirty bottoms really be pleasant?!?), but I will alway seek to find the good. Despite my frustrations, I adore being a homemaker and a mother. What wonderful jobs they are! I look forward to sharing my journey with you!
The phrase "all these things" appears in Scripture 56 times in 22 different books. One of my favorite verses that it appears in is Luke 2:19, "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered [them] in her heart." The verse is referring to the miraculous events surrounding the birth of Christ. I imagine that Mary spent many hours rehearsing the birth of her Son. There must have been many details that continued to amaze her years after his birth. The birth of my daughter continues to amaze me! Giving birth to the Son of God is beyond my imagination. Another very fitting verse for my blog is Romans 8:37, "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." In fact, that is perhaps the perfect verse for this mother.
Just recently I was feeling terribly overwhelmed with housework. It seems that no matter how many hours I spend each day, I am never finished. Now, I do realize that by nature housework will never end. However, at the end of many days, things just seem worse than when the day began. I can easily get caught up in my to-do list and become impatient with my daughter. She doesn't understand the importance of typing recipes to print on 4x6 cards nor my sense of urgency to get it done before her brother arrives. Imagine that! Recently, I have noticed that she behaves so much better when she feels that she is getting all the attention from me that she is requesting. Sometimes typing an email to her daddy can take an hour because I am interrupted every two minutes. Often, it is just a hug, but many times she needs more. What am I really to conquer in a day? It seems like there should be SOMETHING tangible done at the end of every day. The end of Matthew 6:34 says "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." Each day holds its own joys and challenges, but there is always something in which I can find victory.
So, "all these things" will refer to many different topics. They may not always be pleasant topics (can wiping dirty bottoms really be pleasant?!?), but I will alway seek to find the good. Despite my frustrations, I adore being a homemaker and a mother. What wonderful jobs they are! I look forward to sharing my journey with you!
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