Dear Stephen,
You have been experiencing the "outside world" now for 11 months. I really think this is my favorite age of yours so far. You are such a joy! In many ways it is more difficult though. You are becoming more bold, you are exploring so much more, you are getting into many more things you shouldn't be, and you are expressing your will more. We hope and pray that boldness will shape into fearless God following. We hope your curiousity continues but you seek out things that are good, and true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. And, we also pray that as you grow your desires will yield and be molded by God's desires.
You are often a very happy boy. I certainly would not trade that! You still wake up cheerful, with your hair curling around your head, lips forming a rested grin, and your chubby little hands rub the sleepiness out of your eyes. Once the sleepiness is rubbed away, your energy often comes out in full force. You race-crawl to one end of the crib to the other and pull up to your knees on the crib bar. You nuzzle into your burp cloth (your nap blanket) and blankets...or pull the blankets down from the end of the crib and laugh. Speaking of nuzzling, you still favor your cow stuffed animal, and every time you go to him, you smush you face into him or give him a huge hug! Then you sort of wrestle him on the floor. It's extremely cute. Last night, you saw your beloved cow in your pack and play, and you cried because you could not get to him to let him out to play. Don't worry, Mommy came to the rescue.
Another milestone is checked off the list! Yesterday, you pulled yourself up to your feet for the first time! I find it amazing that when you learn something new, it just seems to click. You do it over and over again like you have been doing it forever. I think I counted at least 6 times yesterday...and you first pulled up sometime in the afternoon. You've also been sitting back on your knees sometimes. Pretty cool, little man!
You are probably most content any time you are outside. We could spend all day in the stroller walking if you had the opportunity. As we walk up and down the driveway, you like to watch the tree leaves and branches sway in the trees, the neighbors' dogs and cats, and especially the cars and trucks that go zooming by on our busy street. I am really looking forward to having a more suitable place to go for walks with you! Last weekend, you did alright mall walking too! Daddy strolled you down the halls of the car show while Mommy did a little wedding shopping. Then I took the stroller because Daddy's too tall for it to be very comfortable. This little orange umbrella stroller is not the finest of all strollers, but it was a hand me down we didn't need to pay anything for (we're very thankful for that), and it does the job. But, when Mommy pushes it, sometimes the wheels go a little funny. You find it hilarious every time the wheels suddenly get stuck and swerve you one direction to the other. I would imagine it is similar to a jerky roller coaster for you....but you couldn't be happier as you whip around and your hair blows back.
Food. You still like any food you are given. Sometimes you shy away from the green veggies, but once they hit your tongue, you remember how good they are. You have had fruits and veggies (jarred food and what we eat), crackers, breads, cereals (baby and regular), Puffs, graham crackers, a few goldfish, some meat (real, not jarred) and meals....and some of an oatmeal cookie at Grandma and Grandpa's. Mommy caved and let you have some of her cookie because it was a "healthy" cookie. Grandma still doesn't believe that's the only dessert you've had! :) Boy, did you enjoy that! We're gearing you up slowly for that birthday cupcake...which is coming in 1 month...so it will taste that much better!! Cheerios are still suitable snacks for you too. They are yummy, but more than that, they are super fun to shoot out your mouth. You have perfected the Cheerio shoot in the past couple of months. You blow them out and watch them fly (they do ever so much better than your Puffs)...then look down at the floor over your high chair to see where they landed. I need to get that on tape sometime.
Our days are getting busier, but I need to write these things down before I forget them! I love these days. I love our time together! Most of all, I love you!
With love and a kiss,
Mom
Friday, May 7, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wool Dryer Balls for Sale
1 wool ball - $100
2 wool balls- $250
3 or more wool balls- $4795.50
Ok, just kidding, but, really...
While waiting to use the diapers, I also undertook making my own wool dryer balls...because I'm insane....I mean, I was trying to save some money. I looked them up online and thought I could make them myself for cheaper. Here's directions if you'd like. I was surprised the wool yarn was $8.99 at Joann Fabrics, but I used a 40% off coupon for the first one and a 50% off coupon for the 2nd (another day). I made 6 balls (recommendation is to use at least 3, maximum 6), and I have a little bit of yarn left over.
The first one wasn't so bad. I felt energized. I was like, hmm, maybe I could make some and put them on etsy too (I've seen them there) for a little cheaper. After that first ball, I decided I was nuts to make more, and if I did, I'd sell them for $100 a ball, haha. Stevie wanted to help and was pulling the yarn while I rolled...and sometimes too hard so the ball flew out of my hands and unrolled. He thought it was funny. Anyway, I went a bit crazy, but 6 are done. Well, they are almost done. I admit they are varied in size a bit, but didn't think that matters all that much. They have to be washed a couple of times in the process to felt them. I meant to put them in for their final wash with the diapers, and I forgot. I took a few days rest half way through, and I was less crazy by the end... and a bit quicker. Maybe I will sell them for $50 a peice now. :)
So, hopefully I can put those balls to use soon (once I have some laundry to do). I thought they were going to be sort of light, but they really are kind of hard...I just hope it won't clunk too much in the dryer. We'll see they work! And if you're seriously interested in purchasing some because you don't want to go crazy making them, we might be able to come up with a more reasonable agreement in price.
2 wool balls- $250
3 or more wool balls- $4795.50
Ok, just kidding, but, really...
While waiting to use the diapers, I also undertook making my own wool dryer balls...because I'm insane....I mean, I was trying to save some money. I looked them up online and thought I could make them myself for cheaper. Here's directions if you'd like. I was surprised the wool yarn was $8.99 at Joann Fabrics, but I used a 40% off coupon for the first one and a 50% off coupon for the 2nd (another day). I made 6 balls (recommendation is to use at least 3, maximum 6), and I have a little bit of yarn left over.
The first one wasn't so bad. I felt energized. I was like, hmm, maybe I could make some and put them on etsy too (I've seen them there) for a little cheaper. After that first ball, I decided I was nuts to make more, and if I did, I'd sell them for $100 a ball, haha. Stevie wanted to help and was pulling the yarn while I rolled...and sometimes too hard so the ball flew out of my hands and unrolled. He thought it was funny. Anyway, I went a bit crazy, but 6 are done. Well, they are almost done. I admit they are varied in size a bit, but didn't think that matters all that much. They have to be washed a couple of times in the process to felt them. I meant to put them in for their final wash with the diapers, and I forgot. I took a few days rest half way through, and I was less crazy by the end... and a bit quicker. Maybe I will sell them for $50 a peice now. :)
So, hopefully I can put those balls to use soon (once I have some laundry to do). I thought they were going to be sort of light, but they really are kind of hard...I just hope it won't clunk too much in the dryer. We'll see they work! And if you're seriously interested in purchasing some because you don't want to go crazy making them, we might be able to come up with a more reasonable agreement in price.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Dear Stephen
These are my favorite posts to write. I'd like to share with you what I love most about our days together.
*You are a morning boy! You jabber in your crib and call out when you wake up. As soon as I walk into your room in the morning, you're usually waiting, watching for that door to open with a big smile! I love seeing your bright face, ready to start the day every morning. We sing, "Rise and shine and give God the glory, glory" and you don't care how my voice sounds...with the morning crackilies and out of tunedness. You smile and roll around your crib, tossing your burp cloth around, very excited.
*You snuggle during your morning bottle. I keep you in your pjs till after your morning nap so you can stay warm and snuggly. We hop up into Mommy and Daddy's bed, and you sit on my lap to drink your bottle. You gently stroke your own head, or reach up for my cheek or hair. You usually run your hands through a curly strand of mine gently...but sometimes you do give a good yank. Yes, Stevie, it's still attached to my head, or at least it was!
*I like to watch you as you play. Sometimes you laugh at your wondrous abilities and new skills. It's a joy! You still love books, and now you've discovered the lift a flap (or, Uncle Jon calls them rip a flap) pages in your Jesus Walking on the Water book. You think it's the coolest! You'll flip through your books for a long time, and you still love story time. It's such a reward to rock and read to my happy boy. The crying and trying times of the day are wiped away in those rocking and snuggling moments.
*I still think it's funny to watch you lift the toys that are supposed to stay on the ground...as well as some of our furniture pieces, so you can figure them out or fix them. We might be moving in a month or so, so rest up those muscles! We could use them!
*When I change your diaper, it seems to be conversation time. You often tell me all about dadadadada. I ask about Mama. And you say, dadada....gagaga. If you wrestle me at changing time, usually all I have to do is start singing. You love music. Many songs are changed just for you. I sing "You are my Sunshine" and often sing "You are my Stephen (or Stevie)." Sometimes you get a singy voice yourself. We also sing "If You're Happy and You Know it" and use actions you can do. When you were younger, you found it funny when I'd sing "Swing low" in a deep voice.
*Sometimes when we're sitting next to each other (often if we're out to eat too), you'll reach over and pull yourself into my arm and nuzzle your head into it. Melt my heart! I love you too, Stephen!
*You're ticklish behind your neck, and the expression you make, tucking your head into your shoulders with your giggles...is so cute and makes everyone smile. If we're both on the floor, you'll lean into me with your head down, giggling, egging me on to tickle you more. It's hilarious!
*You like to get involved when I fold laundry. You take all the clothes out of the basket and sometimes shake them...maybe it's just to see how many times I will fold them. I need to get quicker at moving the folded laundry out of your reach.
*You absolutely love going outside. When I put my sneakers on, you just know...or you at least hope that I'm going outside and you're coming too. You sit and wait patiently for me to go out and get the stroller and come back for you. We walk up and down the driveway until Daddy gets home from work, and you couldn't be happier.
*You're crawling now and becoming much more bold! I have to keep the computer cords out of the way, along with my purse, the phone, my shoes (still a favorite)...pretty much everything that is not your toy. It takes you moments for the Stephen tornado to whip through a room and cause a big mess. Sometimes I feel like I'm doing the same things over and over all day...not accomplishing much, but you're worth it!
*You are a sight in the bathtub with your curly, wet head as you splash and try to figure out the water. I put bubbles in for the first time a week or so ago, and you tried to find your hands under them. What a treat to watch!
*After you finish your bedtime bottle, I pray softly in your ear, with your head and sleepy self draped over my shoulder. I try to etch those times into my memory and heart because I will not be able to rock you forever. If I take a little longer than usual, you notice, and your little head pops up. I understand that's the signal you're ready to get in your own bed now...enough of this mushy stuff.
*By the time morning comes or your nap is over (even if it's been short), I so look forward to seeing you and getting you up. Sometimes, I'll ask Daddy if he'll get you up, and I end up coming upstairs too. I just don't want to miss a moment of this!
I love you so much, Stephen! I'm so thankful for the days we've had and the normal or adventurous days we have to come!
Love always and with a kiss,
Mom
*You are a morning boy! You jabber in your crib and call out when you wake up. As soon as I walk into your room in the morning, you're usually waiting, watching for that door to open with a big smile! I love seeing your bright face, ready to start the day every morning. We sing, "Rise and shine and give God the glory, glory" and you don't care how my voice sounds...with the morning crackilies and out of tunedness. You smile and roll around your crib, tossing your burp cloth around, very excited.
*You snuggle during your morning bottle. I keep you in your pjs till after your morning nap so you can stay warm and snuggly. We hop up into Mommy and Daddy's bed, and you sit on my lap to drink your bottle. You gently stroke your own head, or reach up for my cheek or hair. You usually run your hands through a curly strand of mine gently...but sometimes you do give a good yank. Yes, Stevie, it's still attached to my head, or at least it was!
*I like to watch you as you play. Sometimes you laugh at your wondrous abilities and new skills. It's a joy! You still love books, and now you've discovered the lift a flap (or, Uncle Jon calls them rip a flap) pages in your Jesus Walking on the Water book. You think it's the coolest! You'll flip through your books for a long time, and you still love story time. It's such a reward to rock and read to my happy boy. The crying and trying times of the day are wiped away in those rocking and snuggling moments.
*I still think it's funny to watch you lift the toys that are supposed to stay on the ground...as well as some of our furniture pieces, so you can figure them out or fix them. We might be moving in a month or so, so rest up those muscles! We could use them!
*When I change your diaper, it seems to be conversation time. You often tell me all about dadadadada. I ask about Mama. And you say, dadada....gagaga. If you wrestle me at changing time, usually all I have to do is start singing. You love music. Many songs are changed just for you. I sing "You are my Sunshine" and often sing "You are my Stephen (or Stevie)." Sometimes you get a singy voice yourself. We also sing "If You're Happy and You Know it" and use actions you can do. When you were younger, you found it funny when I'd sing "Swing low" in a deep voice.
*Sometimes when we're sitting next to each other (often if we're out to eat too), you'll reach over and pull yourself into my arm and nuzzle your head into it. Melt my heart! I love you too, Stephen!
*You're ticklish behind your neck, and the expression you make, tucking your head into your shoulders with your giggles...is so cute and makes everyone smile. If we're both on the floor, you'll lean into me with your head down, giggling, egging me on to tickle you more. It's hilarious!
*You like to get involved when I fold laundry. You take all the clothes out of the basket and sometimes shake them...maybe it's just to see how many times I will fold them. I need to get quicker at moving the folded laundry out of your reach.
*You absolutely love going outside. When I put my sneakers on, you just know...or you at least hope that I'm going outside and you're coming too. You sit and wait patiently for me to go out and get the stroller and come back for you. We walk up and down the driveway until Daddy gets home from work, and you couldn't be happier.
*You're crawling now and becoming much more bold! I have to keep the computer cords out of the way, along with my purse, the phone, my shoes (still a favorite)...pretty much everything that is not your toy. It takes you moments for the Stephen tornado to whip through a room and cause a big mess. Sometimes I feel like I'm doing the same things over and over all day...not accomplishing much, but you're worth it!
*You are a sight in the bathtub with your curly, wet head as you splash and try to figure out the water. I put bubbles in for the first time a week or so ago, and you tried to find your hands under them. What a treat to watch!
*After you finish your bedtime bottle, I pray softly in your ear, with your head and sleepy self draped over my shoulder. I try to etch those times into my memory and heart because I will not be able to rock you forever. If I take a little longer than usual, you notice, and your little head pops up. I understand that's the signal you're ready to get in your own bed now...enough of this mushy stuff.
*By the time morning comes or your nap is over (even if it's been short), I so look forward to seeing you and getting you up. Sometimes, I'll ask Daddy if he'll get you up, and I end up coming upstairs too. I just don't want to miss a moment of this!
I love you so much, Stephen! I'm so thankful for the days we've had and the normal or adventurous days we have to come!
Love always and with a kiss,
Mom
Friday, April 23, 2010
Day 1 of Cloth Diapering down
Just in case people are wondering how the diapering is going...or not going. So far, I'm pleased. Yesterday was our first day of using them, and they're in the wash right now this morning.
First of all, my order came in just after a few days (and I did not pay anything extra for faster shipping, just the regular method). The prewashes were a bit painful. I opened the packages and was so ready to put them on our little boy, but I needed to do 3-5 prewashes. I admit it, I only did 3. The covers are so cute! Being inexperienced, I thought the snaps were going to be like the metal snaps (sort of onesie like), but they are plastic. I hope they last well. They seemed to take forever prewashing, just because I was excited. The prefolds got nice and soft and "bumpy" or wavy. The inserts fluffed up. Besides having to wait till the prewashes were completed, we needed to wait because our little boy was still dealing with that terrible rash. I ended up taking him to the Dr last week to get a prescription cream. All seemed to be well a few days ago.
When I got Stevie up in the morning yesterday, I put him in a Flip cover with a disposable insert a bit after 8am . (Side note: the night before we put him in a cover with a disposie insert...2 different times. No leaks, but those disposable inserts smell really bad after peed on and don't hold too much.) I wanted to change him again before we left for a garage sale at 9:40ish, so I chose a disposable. The snaps were easier than I expected. In fact, I didn't even think about it till later, wow, not bad at all! There were no leaks, no problems. I wiped down his cover and put a stay dry insert in (though the cover was still a little damp inside) before we went out. It went great...true test, going out and about. We went to a garage sale, came home, he went down for a nap (still no change), and around noon, I changed him. No leaks. Just fine. This time when I changed him, after I wiped out the cover, I put it aside to air dry a bit...the pee does get on the inside of the cover and it takes a bit to dry. So, I rotated 2 covers through the day, but reused them. I tried the Econobum cover with a flip insert this time. It worked ok, but the Econobum seems a bit smaller, and I think would work better for smaller babies. My boy is not small. (He wore a 24 month shirt yesterday and is outgrowing the 24 month Gerber onesies.) Anyway, the Econobum is a bit different in that it doesn't have little flaps in the front and back as the Flip does. He did leak a bit up the front. It could have been a newbie error in putting it on or maybe he's just too big for it...or maybe he should've been changed sooner. It had been about 3 hours. That was the only leak for the day (the Flips did fine). We put him in a disposable overnight diaper for the night. Oh, and he didn't poop till night time, so we'll see how that goes with these diapers. I've been using the reusable fleece liners in the inserts...to keep the inserts whiter and to shake it off into the toilet.
Stevie had a little bit of rash on his leg again this morning...so I went back to disposable for now. I just want to make sure it's not left over fungal before I continue using his cloth diapers. (Yes, I'm cringing that I used some already if this really isn't gone.) I do wonder if it's food related at this point. When we do use them again, I will be trying the prefolds under the covers too. The prefold from the Econobum diaper is smaller. The prefolds I ordered separately are really big (as I was warned). I thought I needed big for my big boy. I hope they will still fit fine inside the covers.
Overall, it was an easy day. Matt even changed his diaper once, and he didn't have any complaints. They're in the washer...and due to their recommendations of the 2 washes and extra rinse, it does take longer, but it's not any more "work" for me. Oh, and we don't have a pail yet. We are using a mesh laundry bag (we already had) hanging on Stevie's door. We just tossed the inserts in during changes. To make sure there isn't any "drippage" (which...the inserts are pretty hefty, so I don't think it would happen...but anyway) through the mesh, I placed a target plastic bag on the floor to protect the floor. It doesn't look cute, but it's what we have, haha. And in case you're wondering, because I wondered, there was no smell!! I thought surely the hallway would reek of urine. It did not. I only left them in there for the day yesterday and all night and washed this morning, but there was no smell in the hall or room. I even asked Matt if it smelled. Nope.
First of all, my order came in just after a few days (and I did not pay anything extra for faster shipping, just the regular method). The prewashes were a bit painful. I opened the packages and was so ready to put them on our little boy, but I needed to do 3-5 prewashes. I admit it, I only did 3. The covers are so cute! Being inexperienced, I thought the snaps were going to be like the metal snaps (sort of onesie like), but they are plastic. I hope they last well. They seemed to take forever prewashing, just because I was excited. The prefolds got nice and soft and "bumpy" or wavy. The inserts fluffed up. Besides having to wait till the prewashes were completed, we needed to wait because our little boy was still dealing with that terrible rash. I ended up taking him to the Dr last week to get a prescription cream. All seemed to be well a few days ago.
When I got Stevie up in the morning yesterday, I put him in a Flip cover with a disposable insert a bit after 8am . (Side note: the night before we put him in a cover with a disposie insert...2 different times. No leaks, but those disposable inserts smell really bad after peed on and don't hold too much.) I wanted to change him again before we left for a garage sale at 9:40ish, so I chose a disposable. The snaps were easier than I expected. In fact, I didn't even think about it till later, wow, not bad at all! There were no leaks, no problems. I wiped down his cover and put a stay dry insert in (though the cover was still a little damp inside) before we went out. It went great...true test, going out and about. We went to a garage sale, came home, he went down for a nap (still no change), and around noon, I changed him. No leaks. Just fine. This time when I changed him, after I wiped out the cover, I put it aside to air dry a bit...the pee does get on the inside of the cover and it takes a bit to dry. So, I rotated 2 covers through the day, but reused them. I tried the Econobum cover with a flip insert this time. It worked ok, but the Econobum seems a bit smaller, and I think would work better for smaller babies. My boy is not small. (He wore a 24 month shirt yesterday and is outgrowing the 24 month Gerber onesies.) Anyway, the Econobum is a bit different in that it doesn't have little flaps in the front and back as the Flip does. He did leak a bit up the front. It could have been a newbie error in putting it on or maybe he's just too big for it...or maybe he should've been changed sooner. It had been about 3 hours. That was the only leak for the day (the Flips did fine). We put him in a disposable overnight diaper for the night. Oh, and he didn't poop till night time, so we'll see how that goes with these diapers. I've been using the reusable fleece liners in the inserts...to keep the inserts whiter and to shake it off into the toilet.
Stevie had a little bit of rash on his leg again this morning...so I went back to disposable for now. I just want to make sure it's not left over fungal before I continue using his cloth diapers. (Yes, I'm cringing that I used some already if this really isn't gone.) I do wonder if it's food related at this point. When we do use them again, I will be trying the prefolds under the covers too. The prefold from the Econobum diaper is smaller. The prefolds I ordered separately are really big (as I was warned). I thought I needed big for my big boy. I hope they will still fit fine inside the covers.
Overall, it was an easy day. Matt even changed his diaper once, and he didn't have any complaints. They're in the washer...and due to their recommendations of the 2 washes and extra rinse, it does take longer, but it's not any more "work" for me. Oh, and we don't have a pail yet. We are using a mesh laundry bag (we already had) hanging on Stevie's door. We just tossed the inserts in during changes. To make sure there isn't any "drippage" (which...the inserts are pretty hefty, so I don't think it would happen...but anyway) through the mesh, I placed a target plastic bag on the floor to protect the floor. It doesn't look cute, but it's what we have, haha. And in case you're wondering, because I wondered, there was no smell!! I thought surely the hallway would reek of urine. It did not. I only left them in there for the day yesterday and all night and washed this morning, but there was no smell in the hall or room. I even asked Matt if it smelled. Nope.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
On the move!
There has been a lot of moving going around for our family lately. We've been trying to run in some evenings after Stevie's nap. He loves riding in the jogging stroller, but unfortunately, we aren't super regular yet. I've been toying with the idea of getting motivated for a 5k...so that I'm motivated to run more often, but I'm not sure that will happen. We'll see.
In weird news, there is this spider that has taken up residence in my car. I do not like spiders! I'm fine with them outdoors, but don't move into my space! This is one of those little black and gray fuzzy ones...nasty ones...but a little bit bigger than the teeny ones we had last year in our home that would jump and disappear when you tried to whack them. So, like any good mom trying to keep her child spider free, I tried to whack that sucker on my dashboard. He was in the crook, all I had was a sneaker, and well, he zoomed into the vents. Grr. That means, all I think about when in the car is that spider. We made it to our destination...oh, a garage sale for an umbrella stroller that was already sold. It poured. I had to get Stevie in and out of the car (which was ultimately for no reason) through the rain. We came home, and then later, we went out for something else. There it sat, staring at me, riding shot gun in the passenger seat. Oh no you don't! I had the little man in my arms. I quickly got him in his seat and grabbed that old running shoe from the back. Whack! Whack! The thing bounced off the seat to the floor in a ball...and then scurried away under the seat. How is it that all small insects have the built in armor we could only dream of? I mean, really! It's like in the movies. If I were beaten up over and over in real life, there's no way, I'd be able to get up without a scratch. Not fair!! So, every time I get in the car, I'm paranoid about this ugly dude. I think I saw him once more...can't remember. But yes, he's still kickin around my car. I can't stand it and that old sneaker is losing his job!
You know what else I can't stand? Well...this... I like to take Stevie out in the stroller right before Matt gets home from work. He loves being outside, and because we live on a busy road, I just take him up and down our long drive way until Matt pulls in. Stevie loves it, and we're there to greet Daddy when he comes home. Yesterday, we made it down the driveway a few times until IT happened. We were half way down the driveway when I heard the neighbors across the street laughing and partying? I don't know. Anyway, they were behind trees, couldn't see them...didn't care to see them. I wasn't interested in their business. Then I hear ladies' screams of laughter and out jumps this man. Scarred for life, I am...as this man totally unclothed jumps out to the street, RIGHT in front of our driveway. He's jumping and running around in the middle of our busy street. I won't go into more details about that, but I was disgusted. Cars are swerving and honking, and I'm trying to get away too. For real, I was so bothered. We swung right around and chugged it back to the house out of "view" while the honking and shrieks continued. Does this bother you as much as it bothers me? I'm thinking the guy was dared or something, but really...I felt violated, just trying to take my son on a little walk. Thankfully, this is the first time (and hopefully LAST) that this has happened. Our apartment has been wonderful, but I am looking forward to moving to our house on the private street (where people had better be clothed)!
On a wonderfully, positive "moving" note... Nope, not about the house... Stevie took his first real crawling steps yesterday! He has crawled several times since. It was very exciting. I clapped and cheered...while he stared with little grins. He's on the move!! He still likes to army crawl after several steps, but it's official now!
In weird news, there is this spider that has taken up residence in my car. I do not like spiders! I'm fine with them outdoors, but don't move into my space! This is one of those little black and gray fuzzy ones...nasty ones...but a little bit bigger than the teeny ones we had last year in our home that would jump and disappear when you tried to whack them. So, like any good mom trying to keep her child spider free, I tried to whack that sucker on my dashboard. He was in the crook, all I had was a sneaker, and well, he zoomed into the vents. Grr. That means, all I think about when in the car is that spider. We made it to our destination...oh, a garage sale for an umbrella stroller that was already sold. It poured. I had to get Stevie in and out of the car (which was ultimately for no reason) through the rain. We came home, and then later, we went out for something else. There it sat, staring at me, riding shot gun in the passenger seat. Oh no you don't! I had the little man in my arms. I quickly got him in his seat and grabbed that old running shoe from the back. Whack! Whack! The thing bounced off the seat to the floor in a ball...and then scurried away under the seat. How is it that all small insects have the built in armor we could only dream of? I mean, really! It's like in the movies. If I were beaten up over and over in real life, there's no way, I'd be able to get up without a scratch. Not fair!! So, every time I get in the car, I'm paranoid about this ugly dude. I think I saw him once more...can't remember. But yes, he's still kickin around my car. I can't stand it and that old sneaker is losing his job!
You know what else I can't stand? Well...this... I like to take Stevie out in the stroller right before Matt gets home from work. He loves being outside, and because we live on a busy road, I just take him up and down our long drive way until Matt pulls in. Stevie loves it, and we're there to greet Daddy when he comes home. Yesterday, we made it down the driveway a few times until IT happened. We were half way down the driveway when I heard the neighbors across the street laughing and partying? I don't know. Anyway, they were behind trees, couldn't see them...didn't care to see them. I wasn't interested in their business. Then I hear ladies' screams of laughter and out jumps this man. Scarred for life, I am...as this man totally unclothed jumps out to the street, RIGHT in front of our driveway. He's jumping and running around in the middle of our busy street. I won't go into more details about that, but I was disgusted. Cars are swerving and honking, and I'm trying to get away too. For real, I was so bothered. We swung right around and chugged it back to the house out of "view" while the honking and shrieks continued. Does this bother you as much as it bothers me? I'm thinking the guy was dared or something, but really...I felt violated, just trying to take my son on a little walk. Thankfully, this is the first time (and hopefully LAST) that this has happened. Our apartment has been wonderful, but I am looking forward to moving to our house on the private street (where people had better be clothed)!
On a wonderfully, positive "moving" note... Nope, not about the house... Stevie took his first real crawling steps yesterday! He has crawled several times since. It was very exciting. I clapped and cheered...while he stared with little grins. He's on the move!! He still likes to army crawl after several steps, but it's official now!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
He loves his ball
A break from the longer posts. Maybe you've been waiting to see more of him? Well, here he is with his favorite "real" toy (you know, a toy that is actually supposed to be a toy). With the camera out, however, he's easily distracted.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Ok, They're Ordered!
Thank you for the super replies, Andrea, Nicole, and Quirky Momma. I really appreciated the time you spent and the explanations given!
Here's where I'm starting if anyone is interested. I purchased a smorgasbord of items. One thing I'm happy to know is that if this doesn't work out for us, cloth diaper items seem to have pretty decent resale value. So, I created my own "starter pack."
I placed an order for the following items:
*6 Premium Indian prefolds (I liked that I heard they're softer and only require half as many pre-washes. Only 6 to start small and see how they go. They can always be burp cloths because that's what we use our cheapy Gerber ones for. And yes, Stevie still spits up sometimes.)
*2 Snappis for the prefolds. Maybe I'll just end up folding the prefolds though, so who knows? I have the option though.
*1 Econobum cover and prefold pack (Hey, we need a white option, and it's cheap, and will give us another prefold and the cover. :) )
*bumGenius Stay dry liners pack of 6 or whatever (to try out with prefolds to help pull that moisture away)
*Bummis fleece liners pack of 5 or whatever (again to try out and compare 2 kinds...both were fairly reasonable. I decided to start with the "real stuff" rather than making my own...just till I get the hang of all this and really want to put energy in)
*bumGenius diaper detergent. I ended up going with their brand. Matt thought that'd be a good idea in case I want to return...I won't have done anything not recommended by them. Once I'm an expert, umm, yeah, then I can venture out to different kinds. For now, kisses all around...keeping it simple stupid. :) Also, we've been cutting down on the detergent use for our regular clothes...so hopefully, we won't deal with that build up. I'll forget about fabric softener sheets and look into wool balls. You know, Andrea, I think I've seen them at our Good Will (they sell new things as well as used)!
With all of this, I spent just enough to get a free package of Flip disposable inserts (so we can even throw some away while we're experimenting)! Horray!
Then I went to another site to get my Flips because I had a coupon for $10 off diapers...and then another $15 rebate. Here's how that went. Well, I went to order. They wouldn't take my coupon code. I called. They said, "it only works for diapers, formula, and wipes." "Umm, yeah. I'm ordering diapers." "Let me check on that. Well, it doesn't work for those, just disposable." "Well things need to be changed if that's the case because I'm not very happy right now. The code did not say it worked only for disposable diapers." I sent an email saying I was taking my business elsewhere. They sent me my email back with no reply. Nice. Soo...
I went back to previously ordered from website and placed my order for the Flip day pack, and I was excited! I got to choose what colors I wanted (that's a new feature)! So, I got one in the dark blue (moonbeam) and one in the light blue (twilight...I might have these reversed, I don't know). Branching out, I know (but I figured I'll keep the colors similiar for washing purposes. Do you all wash covers separately if they are totally different colors?). And I got one of those socks just to try out ...thinking of using with the prefolds and inserts to pull that moisture away. Since I got the sock, once again, I got another package of 18 disposie inserts free!! Horray! All shipping was free (because I chose the slow method) and tax was already included.
I spent a little more than I planned to (because of that annoying discount I didn't get, so about $100 if you're wondering, yikes that sounds like a lot), but I should be getting a good amount of things to get me started (3 covers, 7 prefolds, 6 inserts, 11 liners, detergent, 2 snappis, a sock, and 36 disposable inserts that were thrown in for free). We'll see how these do.
I chose the flip because the covers can theoretically be reused through the day (until they get too messy or wet goes to the outside). The insides can just be wiped down and you just throw another insert in! (I believe the same goes for the Econobum. Whereas with pocket diapers, the cover is lined with material...once wet or poopy..needs to be washed with their inserts.) Both covers are one size, so theoretically these should fit my little man till potty training and whenever we have a new little baby in the family. Inserts, prefolds, and separate covers are a whole lot less to wash and dry than All in One diapers. I'll hang dry the covers and inserts and prefolds should not take that long in the dryer. Both covers have snaps, so once again theoretically, they should last longer and Stevie will have a harder time pulling them off. (He's started yanking at his diapers)
Here's where I'm starting if anyone is interested. I purchased a smorgasbord of items. One thing I'm happy to know is that if this doesn't work out for us, cloth diaper items seem to have pretty decent resale value. So, I created my own "starter pack."
I placed an order for the following items:
*6 Premium Indian prefolds (I liked that I heard they're softer and only require half as many pre-washes. Only 6 to start small and see how they go. They can always be burp cloths because that's what we use our cheapy Gerber ones for. And yes, Stevie still spits up sometimes.)
*2 Snappis for the prefolds. Maybe I'll just end up folding the prefolds though, so who knows? I have the option though.
*1 Econobum cover and prefold pack (Hey, we need a white option, and it's cheap, and will give us another prefold and the cover. :) )
*bumGenius Stay dry liners pack of 6 or whatever (to try out with prefolds to help pull that moisture away)
*Bummis fleece liners pack of 5 or whatever (again to try out and compare 2 kinds...both were fairly reasonable. I decided to start with the "real stuff" rather than making my own...just till I get the hang of all this and really want to put energy in)
*bumGenius diaper detergent. I ended up going with their brand. Matt thought that'd be a good idea in case I want to return...I won't have done anything not recommended by them. Once I'm an expert, umm, yeah, then I can venture out to different kinds. For now, kisses all around...keeping it simple stupid. :) Also, we've been cutting down on the detergent use for our regular clothes...so hopefully, we won't deal with that build up. I'll forget about fabric softener sheets and look into wool balls. You know, Andrea, I think I've seen them at our Good Will (they sell new things as well as used)!
With all of this, I spent just enough to get a free package of Flip disposable inserts (so we can even throw some away while we're experimenting)! Horray!
Then I went to another site to get my Flips because I had a coupon for $10 off diapers...and then another $15 rebate. Here's how that went. Well, I went to order. They wouldn't take my coupon code. I called. They said, "it only works for diapers, formula, and wipes." "Umm, yeah. I'm ordering diapers." "Let me check on that. Well, it doesn't work for those, just disposable." "Well things need to be changed if that's the case because I'm not very happy right now. The code did not say it worked only for disposable diapers." I sent an email saying I was taking my business elsewhere. They sent me my email back with no reply. Nice. Soo...
I went back to previously ordered from website and placed my order for the Flip day pack, and I was excited! I got to choose what colors I wanted (that's a new feature)! So, I got one in the dark blue (moonbeam) and one in the light blue (twilight...I might have these reversed, I don't know). Branching out, I know (but I figured I'll keep the colors similiar for washing purposes. Do you all wash covers separately if they are totally different colors?). And I got one of those socks just to try out ...thinking of using with the prefolds and inserts to pull that moisture away. Since I got the sock, once again, I got another package of 18 disposie inserts free!! Horray! All shipping was free (because I chose the slow method) and tax was already included.
I spent a little more than I planned to (because of that annoying discount I didn't get, so about $100 if you're wondering, yikes that sounds like a lot), but I should be getting a good amount of things to get me started (3 covers, 7 prefolds, 6 inserts, 11 liners, detergent, 2 snappis, a sock, and 36 disposable inserts that were thrown in for free). We'll see how these do.
I chose the flip because the covers can theoretically be reused through the day (until they get too messy or wet goes to the outside). The insides can just be wiped down and you just throw another insert in! (I believe the same goes for the Econobum. Whereas with pocket diapers, the cover is lined with material...once wet or poopy..needs to be washed with their inserts.) Both covers are one size, so theoretically these should fit my little man till potty training and whenever we have a new little baby in the family. Inserts, prefolds, and separate covers are a whole lot less to wash and dry than All in One diapers. I'll hang dry the covers and inserts and prefolds should not take that long in the dryer. Both covers have snaps, so once again theoretically, they should last longer and Stevie will have a harder time pulling them off. (He's started yanking at his diapers)
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