Journey of a cloth mama of 6

Catching up on a long time pass.

2011-06-18T15:42:00.001-04:00

Hello all!! Sorry it has been soooo long since my last entry! Things in this household has been hectic and time consuming to where I haven't been able to do much of any of my writing. We are still cloth diapering, and everyone seems to have adjusted well to the new member of our household, including him. Vincent is now sleeping through the night, which I thought was going to pose a problem with leaks since when I would change him the middle of the night he would always be soaked! So we got a Kawaii goodnights heavywetters and I skeptically tried one out. Imagine my suprise when my little guy didn't wake up in the middle of the night because of a wet diaper, but ended up sleeping for 12 hours! And on top of that,no leaks and his skin was dry! I didn't think this was possible, I instantly got two more and now we are set for his night time! As for during the day, we still do the Dappi diaper fitted and covers, however I have discovered "fluff" and he now has pockets and AIOs as well. I have even went so far as getting my little guy a few "custom" diapers made. Which I should be receiving next week. Also, I am saving up to get all the supplies I need to start sewing Vincent his own diapers and sew a few to sell as well. I can't wait to see what is coming next in our little adventure as he is only 4 months old so have a long wonderful road ahead of us!

Where oh where has the time gone???

2011-03-07T00:34:00.000-05:00

Wow, the last four weeks have just flown by! Vincent Dominic James made his debut on February 6, 2011 at 8:19am. I went into labor the night before, and when we got to the hospital, they monitored me and baby for about an hour and let me know he was gonna be coming in the next hour via c-section. The rest of that day was kinda a blur. Unfortunately, I was not able to use my cloth diapers at the hospital, however 4 days later when we got home, I was able to put in my order, and about a week after my lil hunny-bun was born, I received his whole diaper stash. Now my lil guy wears his lil dappi diapers. I am getting quite quick with the changes, however at first I must admit, I got the wee on at least a couple of times... LOL... Well been walking around in kinda a daze since my hunny-bun has arrived, and probably will for the next couple of weeks, maybe months, lol, however, will try to keep everyone updated on my journey of cloth!

Puppies for sale... Saw this and wanted to share!...

2011-01-24T22:34:00.000-05:00

A farmer had some puppies he needed to sell. He painted a sign a...dvertising the pups and set about Nailing it to a post on the edge of his yard. As he was driving the last nail into the post, he Felt a tug on his overalls. He looked down into the Eyes of a little boy.
Mister," he said, "I want to buy one of your puppies."
"Well," said the farmer, as he rubbed the sweat off the back of his neck, "these puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal of money."
The boy dropped his head for a moment. Then reaching deep into his pocket, he pulled out a handful of change and held it up to the farmer. "I've got thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take a look?"
"Sure," said the farmer.
And with that he let out a whistle,"Here,Dolly!" he called.
Out from the doghouse and down the ramp ran Dolly followed by four little balls of fur. The little boy pressed his face against the chain link fence. His eyes danced with delight.

As the dogs made their way to the fence, the little boy noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse. Slowly another little ball appeared; this One noticeably smaller. Down the ramp it slid. Then in a somewhat awkward manner the little pup began hobbling toward the others, doing its best to catch up....
"I want that one," the little boy said, pointing to the runt.
The farmer knelt down at the boy's side and said, "Son, you don't want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would."
With that the little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down, and began rolling up one leg of his trousers. In doing so he revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself To a specially made shoe. Looking back up at the farmer, he said, "You see sir, I don't run too well myself, and he will need Someone who understands."

The world is full of people who need someone who understands.

How to get started....

2011-01-24T21:19:00.001-05:00

I have done quite a bit of research on and offline about cloth diapering in preparation for Vincents arrival. I have asked many a questions, and had many a discussions. I have come to this conclusion that has not only put my mind at ease, but also debunked alot of what I have previously thought on the subject. Using cloth diapers is not as difficult as many people perceive it to be. Cloth diapers have made significant advances since the days when our generation's grandparents used square pieces of cloth held together with a diaper pin to cover baby's bottom. Today, cloth diapers are more effective, easy to use, and stylish than ever. Here are some of the "need to knows" to help get you started.

1.)Choose a cloth diaper system. The 4 main options are -

All in Ones - These functions just like a disposable diaper and are ideal for a family with busy or working parents. The down side is that some parents of All in One cloth diapers complain that they are so bulky that they take a long time to dry in the dryer.

Pocket Cloth Diapers - This is a new and popular choice among parents. The diaper allows a parent to stuff the diaper with less or more cloth liners, so the amount the diaper absorbs can be customized and adjusted to the needs of an individual baby.

Fitted Cloth Diapers - These diapers look like All in Ones with out the water resistant cover, thus they require the purchase of separate cloth diaper covers. All though these cloth diapers require a two-step process, they often fit a baby very snug and minimize accidents.

Pre - Folds - These are the closest style to traditional cloth diapers and consist of a rectangular piece of cloth with extra layers sewn in the middle and must be folded around baby's bottom. These also require covers and the use of a diaper fastener. While pre-folds require more effort, they are a lot less expensive.

2.)Purchase enough Cloth Diapers to suit your needs-

Decide how often you want to do a load of cloth diapers in the wash and buy accordingly. If you can wash diapers everyday you will need approximately:

14 - 16 diapers for a newborn (3-4 diaper covers if using fitted cloth diapers or pre - folds)
10 - 12 cloth diapers for infants (2-3 diaper covers if using fitted cloth diapers or pre - folds)

If you want to do a wash only every three days, you will need approximately:

40 - 44 diapers for a newborn (6-8 diaper covers if using fitted cloth diapers or pre - folds)
30 - 34 diapers for infants ( 3- 4 diaper covers if using fitted cloth diapers or pre - folds)

3.)Purchase appropriate accessories. Some of what you need-

A diaper pail that accepts cloth diapers (a clean trash pail with a lid, and a pail liner will suffice)
Detergent that is gentle and recommended for the chosen cloth diapers
Travel accessories, such as a diaper bag roomy enough to carry cloth diapers and a wet bag for storage when out and about.

Please feel free to add anything you can think of to help moms new to the cloth diapering journey in the comments!!!

My favorite what to pack list...

2011-01-12T15:51:00.000-05:00

Granted most of this won't be needed by me because I am having a c-section, but for an overall list, this is by far my far my favorite after all the research and trying to find one online... Hope this helps ya'll!

Have your bags (one for you, one for baby) packed and in your car by 35 weeks. (Taxi-taking moms -- stash your bags in the front hall closet.)
A tip for the thrifty: Ask your hospital what they provide for babies and mothers, and take those items off your list.

Must-Haves:
[ ] Insurance info, hospital forms and birth plan (if you have one)

[ ] 2-3 pairs of warm, nonskid socks that can get ruined (for walking the halls before and after labor)

[ ] A warm robe or sweater you don’t mind sacrificing to the cause

[ ] 2 maternity bras -- no under wire -- and nursing pads (whether or not you plan to nurse, you’ll appreciate the support and leak-protection)

[ ] Lip balm (hospitals are very dry)

[ ] Toiletries and personal items -- hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, makeup (as if), shampoo, conditioner, lotion, contact lens case and solution (remember, travel-sized products are your friends)

[ ] Eyeglasses

[ ] Headband or ponytail holder (avoid clips -- they’ll probably poke you)

[ ] Sugar-free hard candy or lozenges to keep your mouth moist during labor (candy with sugar will make you thirsty)

[ ] Pen and paper

[ ] Lots of change for the vending machines and non-perishable snacks (you’ll probably be hungry after labor, and the hospital cafeteria could be closed)

[ ] Cell phone and charger, phone numbers of people to call after birth, prepaid calling card (if your hospital doesn’t allow cell phones)

[ ] Camera, film or extra memory card, battery or charger

[ ] A gym bag packed with a change of clothes and basic hygiene products for your partner

Take it or leave it:
[ ] Extra pillow (with a case that can get ruined, in a pattern distinguishable from hospital white)

[ ] Comfortable going-home clothes in six-month maternity size and flat shoes (or, just wear the clothes you came in… sorry, but they’ll probably still fit)

[ ] Bath towel (the hospital will likely supply a small, very thin one)

[ ] Hairdryer

[ ] Your favorite brand of soap, shampoo and heavy flow sanitary pads (the hospital supplies these things, but bring your own if you’re picky)

[ ] A few pairs of maternity underwear that can get ruined (the hospital will have disposable pairs, which some women find handy and others find gross)

[ ] A ruin-able nightgown (you can use those lovely hospital gowns, but your own might help you feel more human)

[ ] Breast pump, if you plan to use one

[ ] Slippers that can get dirty

[ ] Very light reading (think mags and newspapers, not War and Peace)

[ ] Your MP3 (loaded with your favorite tunes, of course)

[ ] Massage oil and tools like rolling pins or tennis balls, and lucky or inspirational objects (honestly, we doubt you'll use 'em…but feel free to prove us wrong!)

Leave Home:
[ ] Any clothes or nighties you really like (they will get ruined)

[ ] Stopwatch (your nurse or a monitor will take care of timing contractions)

What to Bring For Baby:

[ ] Approved car seat

[ ] A coming-home outfit

[ ] Warm blankets (for the ride home)

[ ] Outdoor gear like a snowsuit and hat, as seasonally appropriate (remember, babies are extra sensitive to cold)

My First part 2

2011-01-11T19:01:00.000-05:00

Well I got my New Prorap diapers from the seller on Lista.... Since my memory card for my camera is acting up, I got some shots from her listing... So here they are. (and boy are they TINY!) Once he gets here and we can officially try them out, I will let all ya'll know what i think of them and how well they work out... So excited now!!!

Freeze that food!

2011-01-11T18:27:00.000-05:00

With the Birth of Vincent coming up rather quick, I decided it would be a great idea to make a freeze some meals. So the first thing I did was shop what I already had in my pantry and freezer. I wanted to make sure I was not only keeping my self from buying things I already have in my pantry, also to make sure I had enough room in my freezer. I then made a menu for the first week of Vincent being home, keeping in mind that the meals would be frozen, thawed out and reheated or cooked then. After I made my tentative menu, I got online and did my research. I looked up recipes, tips, rules of freezing foods, etc. Boy there was quite a bit of information! (got to love the age of tech.) I then revamped my menu, to incorporate meals that froze well, would thaw and cook well and would be the easiest to make with just alittle bit of add ons. What I came up with was, chilli, sloppy joes, spaghetti sauce, taco meat, cheesy chicken casserole, meatloaf, and meatball sandwiches. I then made a list of all that is to be and was made. I did this in 3 columns. The first column is the part that is frozen. Second one are the things that have to be made to complete the meal (like spaghetti noodles with the sauce) and the third column are the sides or add ons. (like garlic bread, taco fixings, buns etc.) I placed this list on the refrigerator, so that it was in close eye shot. I then began making my freezer meals, so far I have the chilli, sloppy joes, spaghetti sauce and taco meat done... Think I will finish the rest of the cooking and freezing this weekend. Any more freezing ideas, or your favorites, please feel free to comment and let me know!!

(p.s. on a side note, I have not forgotten about picture of my organization of vincents things project, I am actually almost done with it, unfortunately, my memory card for my phone has taken a vaca, so need to get another one, Have a wonderful day!!)

'Tis the season!!

2010-12-27T14:54:00.000-05:00

Well I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday weekend!! Ours was busy busy busy! And the busy-ness still isn't over! Now that Christmas is over, I get to start on my new adventure of organization of all of Vincents things! First though it's time for taking down the tree and decorations, and storing everything in the outside storage unit... Yuck, I so don't wanna go out in that mess, lol! Then we need to get all the toys and such into their new homes, and get the boys (my sons Shane and Tylar) to finally get their room done... Then I get to FINALLY start on Vincents things! Lets see here, all the cloths we have gotten are already washed and in their place, but make need to rearrange that because have some more coming in the mail. Same with care items, have them in their place, but not sure if it's really where I want them, ya know? Have bottles, spoons, some baby bowls and baskets coming from Babies R Us coming here in the next few days, so may wait on washing any bottles I have for him already. (Yes I plan on breastfeeding, but seeing as how after about 3-4 months I tend to dry up, I wanted to be prepared) I will say this much, I love the idea of these take and toss things, if by some odd chance I loose any spoons or bowls, they aren't an arm and leg. (Now if your wondering why I am getting his baby spoons and bowls BEFORE he's even born, it's this simple, They are even cheaper when they are on sale, and right now I was able to get them at buy one get one 50% off! Can't beat that when they are already so cheap!) I also want to organize my "diaper storage". I know I am not getting my whole stash till after baby is born, I think I may like to have it ready for when they come and I get them prepped. Any ideas? Leave a comment and let me know! I will post before and after photos when I have it all finished!

My First!

2010-12-23T12:01:00.000-05:00

Well, while I am planning on putting our order in for our diaper stash after the baby is born. (that way we can make sure we order the right sizes) Until we get them (says it takes 2-4 days) and until his umbilical cord falls off and his Circ. heals he will be in sposies. I got quite a bit at my baby shower so we will be using those up, and then not buying anymore. Anyway, I was on this website called Listia.com (you bid on items using free credits instead of cash) and I won 2 FREE newborn sized AIO's (all in one)!! I so can not wait till they get here! These will be my first cloth diapers EVER, and I am getting them for FREE! How great is that!

Welcome!

2010-12-19T04:56:00.000-05:00

I would like to start by saying this is my own personal journey with cloth diapering. I am a mom of 5 kids, and one on the way. My new child will be the one who is being cloth diapered. I am also going through a journey of other cloth items. (such as peripads, nursing pads, ect.) I hope you will join me on this journey, offering and excepting ideas, tips, tricks and secrets! Let's begin this journey with a little introduction, so please introduce yourself and tell me alittle about yourself, like how many kids you have, how many are in cloth diapers (if any) and how long you've been using cloth. Hope to meet all of you soon!