on saturday we were generously offered APT tickets for that night. did i mention they were free?
oh, and did i also mention that i LOVE APT. i mean seriously.
one hitch, we have a kid. and that means needing a babysitter.
arranging a sitter is hard on last minutes notice. we couldn't find one.
so we had to pass up that great offer. all of this occurred while eli was taking a nap so my grumpiness and resentment had a little time to stew. being a parent is hard in many ways. one thing is you can't drop everything that you're doing on a moments notice to fly off to a play in the woods. you can go to a play in the woods, you just need a little more time.
back to the afternoon. after his nap, eli was playing in the living room while i was figuring out what to make for dinner. i looked up and he was spinning around in a circle, stopping and clapping his hands. once he noticed i saw his little moves he broke into the biggest smile followed by the biggest giggle. it was possible the cutest thing i've ever seen. totally better than any play in the woods. i immediately put down my magazine and covered our little guy in kisses which led into more giggling and clapping.
sitting there i realized that this is better. better than our life pre-child, better than being single, better than being super rich, better than flying off to do something on a whim; it's just better.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Saturday, August 14, 2010
cloth diaper 101: the extras
so there are some extra items that we use in our diapering "system" that we've found helpful.
a wet bag: this is a reusable zippered bag that we use to store eli's dirty diapers when were out and about. i used to use a plastic bag but felt guilty/bad about throwing the bag away. we bought a wet bag from bummis and you can find it at any store that sells cloth diapers.
odor remover spray: bumgenius has a spray that naturally removes odors. we use this spray on his diaper covers between changes while they dry. it really helps to keep the urine smell at bay and stretches out how long we can use the diaper covers. we also will spray a little in the diaper pail to keep the smell at bay. also found at any cloth diaper store.
disposable liners: now that eli has solid poop, we use a disposable diaper liner that bummis has created (it's called the biosoft liners). this goes between eli's bum and the diaper, then we are able to throw it in the toilet and flush them away. no spraying or scraping needed. found at cloth diaper stores.
deodorizing disks: there are some deodorizing disks that are made by, well i'm not sure who. all i know is that they are natural and smell like citrus. we usually use one every two weeks and that really helps with any smells. this can also be used with diaper pails with disposable diapers.
baking soda: i sprinkle a tablespoon of baking soda every few diapers.
vaseline: we use it on his legs to help with the chafing.
i'm sure there are other extras but i don't remember them all right now. if and when i do i will post them later.
a wet bag: this is a reusable zippered bag that we use to store eli's dirty diapers when were out and about. i used to use a plastic bag but felt guilty/bad about throwing the bag away. we bought a wet bag from bummis and you can find it at any store that sells cloth diapers.
odor remover spray: bumgenius has a spray that naturally removes odors. we use this spray on his diaper covers between changes while they dry. it really helps to keep the urine smell at bay and stretches out how long we can use the diaper covers. we also will spray a little in the diaper pail to keep the smell at bay. also found at any cloth diaper store.
disposable liners: now that eli has solid poop, we use a disposable diaper liner that bummis has created (it's called the biosoft liners). this goes between eli's bum and the diaper, then we are able to throw it in the toilet and flush them away. no spraying or scraping needed. found at cloth diaper stores.
deodorizing disks: there are some deodorizing disks that are made by, well i'm not sure who. all i know is that they are natural and smell like citrus. we usually use one every two weeks and that really helps with any smells. this can also be used with diaper pails with disposable diapers.
baking soda: i sprinkle a tablespoon of baking soda every few diapers.
vaseline: we use it on his legs to help with the chafing.
i'm sure there are other extras but i don't remember them all right now. if and when i do i will post them later.
Monday, August 9, 2010
cloth diaper 101: laundering
two questions i get regarding washing are: how long does it take you? and how do you wash them? it's a myth when people say "you'll spend all your time washing diapers!" despite what people may think, washing your own diapers does not take a ton of time. i would say that actual "hands on" handling time is about 15 minutes. the rest of the time the washer and dryer are doing their thing.
the process: we do not pre-soak or pre-rinse our diapers. we just toss them in our diaper pail and then toss them in the washer. some people recommend a "two step" wash system and we found that it really didn't make any difference. so we go the easy route and use the "whites cycle". we have a front load washer so i set it on the "whites" cycle, put in a teaspoon of detergent (more on detergent later), put some white vinegar in the softener dispenser (or a downy ball if you have a top loader) and start the machine. pretty easy. then we just toss them in the dryer or on the line to dry, that's it. you should have a hot wash and a cold rinse.
stripping the diapers: periodically you will want to strip your diapers (this gets rid of any detergent build up). we just run a normal cycle with no detergent and a vinegar in the softener drawer (hot wash, cold rinse). we do this once a month. if you notice your kid is getting diaper rash easily or any yeast symptoms you should strip your diapers.
detergent: there are many cloth diaper detergents out there but we don't use them. basically all you need is a detergent with no additives (the free and clear variety). we use seventh generations free and clear detergent and that works great. here is a secret about detergent and cloth diapers: you don't need a lot. you see the more detergent you use means that it will build up in the diaper causing it to lose absorbency and smell more.
laundering "don'ts": don't use bleach! it breaks down the fibers and will decrease the absorbency. if you want your whites to be whiter, just place them in the sun (even in the house in front of a window) and the sun will bleach them. this goes for all your clothes by the way, neat little trick! don't use essential oils in the wash because they can build up in the diaper.
laundering really is simple and again i'm saving the money of having someone else wash them for me. thank you cheapness. one caveat: if both joel and i were working/out of the house full time i would use the diaper service in town, just for ease. though my wallet probably would be protesting (smile).
the process: we do not pre-soak or pre-rinse our diapers. we just toss them in our diaper pail and then toss them in the washer. some people recommend a "two step" wash system and we found that it really didn't make any difference. so we go the easy route and use the "whites cycle". we have a front load washer so i set it on the "whites" cycle, put in a teaspoon of detergent (more on detergent later), put some white vinegar in the softener dispenser (or a downy ball if you have a top loader) and start the machine. pretty easy. then we just toss them in the dryer or on the line to dry, that's it. you should have a hot wash and a cold rinse.
stripping the diapers: periodically you will want to strip your diapers (this gets rid of any detergent build up). we just run a normal cycle with no detergent and a vinegar in the softener drawer (hot wash, cold rinse). we do this once a month. if you notice your kid is getting diaper rash easily or any yeast symptoms you should strip your diapers.
detergent: there are many cloth diaper detergents out there but we don't use them. basically all you need is a detergent with no additives (the free and clear variety). we use seventh generations free and clear detergent and that works great. here is a secret about detergent and cloth diapers: you don't need a lot. you see the more detergent you use means that it will build up in the diaper causing it to lose absorbency and smell more.
laundering "don'ts": don't use bleach! it breaks down the fibers and will decrease the absorbency. if you want your whites to be whiter, just place them in the sun (even in the house in front of a window) and the sun will bleach them. this goes for all your clothes by the way, neat little trick! don't use essential oils in the wash because they can build up in the diaper.
laundering really is simple and again i'm saving the money of having someone else wash them for me. thank you cheapness. one caveat: if both joel and i were working/out of the house full time i would use the diaper service in town, just for ease. though my wallet probably would be protesting (smile).
cloth diaper 101: the basics
we've had a few people lately ask me about how we diaper little eli. i thought i would write up a few post mostly to consolidate the info in my brain and to make sure that i don't forget anything. the world of cloth diapering can be a confusing place and sometimes it's hard to wade through all of the information and jargon. there are many options out there including: prefolds (of various fibers), pocket diapers, all in ones, disposables in a cloth diaper cover etc.
diaper: we decided to go with the basic diaper and we use cotton prefolds with a diaper cover. this means that the diaper is basically a large rectangle with a reinforced middle. we then fold the diaper (in a variety of ways)and place a diaper cover over it. for overnights, we have some hemp doublers that we layer in his diaper. these increase the absorbency which means we don't have to change his diaper until the morning and his bed/clothes mostly stay dry. (hemp absorbs 7 times more than cotton, crazy!) we have 36 diapers which means we wash diapers twice a week, not much time at all. how many diapers should you buy? it depends how often you want to wash, the less you have the more you wash. though the more you have the stinkier they will be when you wash them so for us 36 seems like the best compromise.
covers: the second part of our system is a diaper cover. covers are reusable and we only toss them in the pail if they are soiled or smell too much like urine. we have 9 covers and that is plenty for 4 days of diapering. we just rotate and let them air dry between changes. we have tried a few brands/styles and we both agree that the bummis super whisper wrap is the best. (though i want to try wool covers but haven't coughed up the $30 ,gulp, for a cover.) we also have some flip diaper covers. we like that they are adjustable and grow with the baby but we tend to get a few more leaks with these covers (they are also cheaper than the bummis, a plus).
the last basic we have is something called a snappy. this device allows us to fasten eli's diaper so there are no pins!
All of these things you can purchase online and find great deals. craigslist is also a great resource or if you have friends you can borrow their diapers. that's what is so great about cloth diapers, the initial investment can be hard to swallow. BUT you get to use them for a ton of kids and save the cost of buying diapers. let's be honest, i love the environment but my wallet was more of an incentive when it came to diapers. i just didn't feel like spending $100 a month on disposables, what can i say i'm cheap (ya'll knew that already)!
diaper: we decided to go with the basic diaper and we use cotton prefolds with a diaper cover. this means that the diaper is basically a large rectangle with a reinforced middle. we then fold the diaper (in a variety of ways)and place a diaper cover over it. for overnights, we have some hemp doublers that we layer in his diaper. these increase the absorbency which means we don't have to change his diaper until the morning and his bed/clothes mostly stay dry. (hemp absorbs 7 times more than cotton, crazy!) we have 36 diapers which means we wash diapers twice a week, not much time at all. how many diapers should you buy? it depends how often you want to wash, the less you have the more you wash. though the more you have the stinkier they will be when you wash them so for us 36 seems like the best compromise.
covers: the second part of our system is a diaper cover. covers are reusable and we only toss them in the pail if they are soiled or smell too much like urine. we have 9 covers and that is plenty for 4 days of diapering. we just rotate and let them air dry between changes. we have tried a few brands/styles and we both agree that the bummis super whisper wrap is the best. (though i want to try wool covers but haven't coughed up the $30 ,gulp, for a cover.) we also have some flip diaper covers. we like that they are adjustable and grow with the baby but we tend to get a few more leaks with these covers (they are also cheaper than the bummis, a plus).
the last basic we have is something called a snappy. this device allows us to fasten eli's diaper so there are no pins!
All of these things you can purchase online and find great deals. craigslist is also a great resource or if you have friends you can borrow their diapers. that's what is so great about cloth diapers, the initial investment can be hard to swallow. BUT you get to use them for a ton of kids and save the cost of buying diapers. let's be honest, i love the environment but my wallet was more of an incentive when it came to diapers. i just didn't feel like spending $100 a month on disposables, what can i say i'm cheap (ya'll knew that already)!
Friday, August 6, 2010
world breastfeeding week 2010
All experts (WHO, UNICEF, AAP, AAFP, ACNM, MANA, AAPH, Surgeon General, the first lady etc) agree that the "breast is best" for both baby and mother. so this week is world breastfeeding week (i must admit, the website isn't the best); a week dedicated to breastfeeding education, protection and promotion. as most, if not all, of you know that breastfeeding is near and dear to my heart. so as a way to help promote breastfeeding i decided to post UNICEF's Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. if you are a mother, pregnant, nursing, know someone who's pregnant/nursing, are a partner of a pregnant/nursing mother or friend make sure to pass these along. ask your regional hospitals to pursue the baby friendly hospital initiative (currently in madison, only meriter has this designation. ask st mary's to jump on it already!) so without further ado....
Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding
Every facility providing maternity services and care for newborn infants should:
1. Have a written breastfeeding policy that is routinely communicated to all health care staff.
2. Train all health care staff in skills necessary to implement this policy.
3. Inform all pregnant women about the benefits and management of breastfeeding.
4. Help mothers initiate breastfeeding within half an hour of birth.
5. Show mothers how to breastfeed, and how to maintain lactation even if they should be separated from their infants.
6. Give newborn infants no food or drink other than breast milk, unless medically indicated.
7. Practise rooming-in - that is, allow mothers and infants to remain together - 24 hours a day.
8. Encourage breastfeeding on demand.
9. Give no artificial teats or pacifiers (also called dummies or soothers) to breastfeeding infants.
10. Foster the establishment of breastfeeding support groups and refer mothers to them on discharge from the hospital or clinic.
Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding
Every facility providing maternity services and care for newborn infants should:
1. Have a written breastfeeding policy that is routinely communicated to all health care staff.
2. Train all health care staff in skills necessary to implement this policy.
3. Inform all pregnant women about the benefits and management of breastfeeding.
4. Help mothers initiate breastfeeding within half an hour of birth.
5. Show mothers how to breastfeed, and how to maintain lactation even if they should be separated from their infants.
6. Give newborn infants no food or drink other than breast milk, unless medically indicated.
7. Practise rooming-in - that is, allow mothers and infants to remain together - 24 hours a day.
8. Encourage breastfeeding on demand.
9. Give no artificial teats or pacifiers (also called dummies or soothers) to breastfeeding infants.
10. Foster the establishment of breastfeeding support groups and refer mothers to them on discharge from the hospital or clinic.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
trouble, trouble, trouble...
well, eli has learned if he can scoot over to the coffee table he can open the fun drawers. fun for him and fun for us, i suppose!
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