Progress
8 years ago
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
1 Week in: My Cloth Diapering Discoveries
Anyone who knows me well will tell you I like new things. I'm that person who tries a fresh shampoo and raves about it, reads a book and recommends it, and hears about a new idea and researches it. In fact, if you want more info about something, I like nothing better than to be asked to help you out. Give me 30 minutes and I'll have something for you. ;0) This isn't some grand desire to be a know-it-all; I just love to gather information and discuss new discoveries with people!
Now that my life is more kid and budget-focused, my "new" tends to be more focused on ideas, techniques, and strategies for living, rather than on things. My husband, Tim, finds himself patiently listening to explanations and details about these new interests. This passion for whatever I find currently engaging is one of the things Tim loves about me, but I'm certain it's a bit wearying at times. As I've turned more toward budgeting, meal planning, and parenting ideas, he's been incredibly supportive. I'm sure he listens with only one ear tuned in at times, but he encourages me to pursue these interests with enthusiasm. When I started looking into cloth diapering and went on and on about my discoveries, Tim zeroed in on the cost benefits and said, "Let's look into it."
As I've mentioned previously, cloth diapering choices are overwhelming! I initially looked into it, thought, "Wow. Interesting. I'd like to try it," but didn't know where to start. After a couple of weeks, I decided to look into CD again (and remember Tim saying, "Good for you.") and discovered the Diaper Daisy Trial.
One week into the trial (www.diaperdaisy.com), here are some of my discoveries:
Every cloth diaper option has it's pros and cons. This is why no one will definitely tell you what "works best." Truthfully, you have to take into consideration your lifestyle, budget, future children, and personal preferences. This is where the diaper trial is so handy! With several options on hand to try and 2 weeks, you can make an educated decision.
Looks can be deceiving. If you'd asked me what diapers I expected to like a week ago, I would have said, "One-size, All-in-ones (AIO), diapers with snaps, and pocket diapers." These more modern and attractive looking diapers appealed to me. After using the diapers at home and out and about, washing them, reassembling them, and handling them, I'm surprised. For my tall, chubby guy, I prefer sized, AIOs, and prefolds with covers (still cute!). Since I also anticipate future babies, these seem more budget-wise for my family. If you need a tutorial on different type of diapers, visit this link: http://littlefornow.com/pages/choose-cloth-diapers.php
Disposable diapers were not hassle-free. People keep referring to the ease of disposables and the yuck-factor involved with cloth. Truthfully, diapering is gross. Keep in mind that I have an 8 month-old, so I can't vouch for newborn cloth diaper changing. I did, however, change disposables on a toddler and baby for quite a few months and felt like I was drowning in diapers! There was never enough room in the diaper pail and it wasn't always convenient to get to. We put the pail in the garage to cut down on smell and flies were attracted to it. The bag needed to be changed frequently - ick! I was constantly buying diapers and estimated we spent about $60 a month to diaper 2 kids using Luvs and generics. Plus (and maybe I shouldn't admit this), there's always that temptation that a disposable "isn't really that wet" because of the cost.
Reusing and washing cloth diapers is satisfying in it's own way. Perhaps I feel this way because because I'm enamored by the newness of cloth diapering. But it feels good to change the diaper whenever it seems necessary without worrying about cost and to avoid all the waste that comes from disposables. It's relatively easy to wash cloth diapers and they come out smelling fresh and new. For me, this feels like a natural extension of caring for my baby.
Cloth Diapers are soft and luxurious compared to disposables. These cloth diapers feel so great against the skin and I feel good about wrapping my baby in them. Plus, the covers are adorable!
There are certainly cons to going with cloth diapering.
2 examples of the "Pocket Diaper" with different sized inserts. You can slip 1 or more inserts into the diaper, depending on needed absorbency. When it's soiled, the whole diaper goes into the laundry.
Next Up: My detailed Cloth Diaper Review. I'll give you the scoop on what I consider to be the pros and cons of each diaper style.
Now that my life is more kid and budget-focused, my "new" tends to be more focused on ideas, techniques, and strategies for living, rather than on things. My husband, Tim, finds himself patiently listening to explanations and details about these new interests. This passion for whatever I find currently engaging is one of the things Tim loves about me, but I'm certain it's a bit wearying at times. As I've turned more toward budgeting, meal planning, and parenting ideas, he's been incredibly supportive. I'm sure he listens with only one ear tuned in at times, but he encourages me to pursue these interests with enthusiasm. When I started looking into cloth diapering and went on and on about my discoveries, Tim zeroed in on the cost benefits and said, "Let's look into it."
As I've mentioned previously, cloth diapering choices are overwhelming! I initially looked into it, thought, "Wow. Interesting. I'd like to try it," but didn't know where to start. After a couple of weeks, I decided to look into CD again (and remember Tim saying, "Good for you.") and discovered the Diaper Daisy Trial.
One week into the trial (www.diaperdaisy.com), here are some of my discoveries:
Every cloth diaper option has it's pros and cons. This is why no one will definitely tell you what "works best." Truthfully, you have to take into consideration your lifestyle, budget, future children, and personal preferences. This is where the diaper trial is so handy! With several options on hand to try and 2 weeks, you can make an educated decision.
Looks can be deceiving. If you'd asked me what diapers I expected to like a week ago, I would have said, "One-size, All-in-ones (AIO), diapers with snaps, and pocket diapers." These more modern and attractive looking diapers appealed to me. After using the diapers at home and out and about, washing them, reassembling them, and handling them, I'm surprised. For my tall, chubby guy, I prefer sized, AIOs, and prefolds with covers (still cute!). Since I also anticipate future babies, these seem more budget-wise for my family. If you need a tutorial on different type of diapers, visit this link: http://littlefornow.com/pages/choose-cloth-diapers.php
Disposable diapers were not hassle-free. People keep referring to the ease of disposables and the yuck-factor involved with cloth. Truthfully, diapering is gross. Keep in mind that I have an 8 month-old, so I can't vouch for newborn cloth diaper changing. I did, however, change disposables on a toddler and baby for quite a few months and felt like I was drowning in diapers! There was never enough room in the diaper pail and it wasn't always convenient to get to. We put the pail in the garage to cut down on smell and flies were attracted to it. The bag needed to be changed frequently - ick! I was constantly buying diapers and estimated we spent about $60 a month to diaper 2 kids using Luvs and generics. Plus (and maybe I shouldn't admit this), there's always that temptation that a disposable "isn't really that wet" because of the cost.
Reusing and washing cloth diapers is satisfying in it's own way. Perhaps I feel this way because because I'm enamored by the newness of cloth diapering. But it feels good to change the diaper whenever it seems necessary without worrying about cost and to avoid all the waste that comes from disposables. It's relatively easy to wash cloth diapers and they come out smelling fresh and new. For me, this feels like a natural extension of caring for my baby.
Cloth Diapers are soft and luxurious compared to disposables. These cloth diapers feel so great against the skin and I feel good about wrapping my baby in them. Plus, the covers are adorable!
There are certainly cons to going with cloth diapering.
- Cloth diapers add bulk, although all-in-ones and some pricier styles are much slimmer.
- There's a learning curve, especially with prefolds.
- The up-front cost is higher.
- Personally, I think pulling the inserts out of pocket diapers is gross.
- Night/nap time diapering takes some trial and error.
- Sizing is approximate and babies are all so different.
- If your partner isn't on board, this isn't the option for you.
2 examples of the "Pocket Diaper" with different sized inserts. You can slip 1 or more inserts into the diaper, depending on needed absorbency. When it's soiled, the whole diaper goes into the laundry.Next Up: My detailed Cloth Diaper Review. I'll give you the scoop on what I consider to be the pros and cons of each diaper style.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Diaper Daisy Cloth Diaper Trial
A friend of mine piqued my interest in cloth diapers this past year during a play date. While playing outside, I saw a clothing line with baby clothes and cloth diapers blowing in the breeze. I asked about the cloth diaper and she told me how she used them with her first (about 5 months younger than Ella) and was using them with her second (about 2 months younger than Ezra). She didn't push the issue or encourage me, but I like her lifestyle philosophy of "simplicity" and I went home to do more research on the topic.
To my surprise, cloth diapering is a major business. Long gone are prefolds with pins and plastic pants. In fact, the options in diaper styles and brands are completely overwhelming! I decided to first figure out if cloth diapering truly does save money (I believe it does), is good for the environment (yes, despite water use), and realistic for my lifestyle (possibly). I found some terrific resources for anyone interested in this topic:
www.simplemom.net is one of my favorite new resources! They did a whole Cloth Diapering 101 series of articles on cloth diapering from real moms. I found it fascinating and informative!
http://littlefornow.com/pages/choose-cloth-diapers.php Simple, straightforward info on diaper choices.
http://www.diaperco.com/store/pg/113-What-Cloth-Diapers-Should-I-Buy-.html More detailed info for making your decision.
http://www.diaperpin.com/clothdiapers/article_rightsystem.asp This article encouraged me to try different diapers out and avoid a costly mistake by investing in the wrong thing - which led me to:
The Diaper Daisy Cloth Diaper Trial at www.diaperdaisy.com
The idea here: Cloth diapering choices can be overwhelming, especially if you haven't been exposed to the newest options or ever tried it. Sara, the owner of Diaper Daisy, offers a trial for $9.95 (shipping to you is free) with a deposit. You use the items for 2 weeks and keep it all (and get a $20 credit), keep some, or return all (and pay the return shipping).
This web site has the best email customer service I have ever received! Sara will patiently answer all of your cloth diapering questions and help set up a custom diaper trail for you. If you visit the site, you'll see "Mindy's Custom Diaper Trial." I wanted to try a bit of every style, so mine is a bit pricier. But, ultimately, I'm only out the rental fee, plus return shipping, if I decide cloth diapering isn't for me.
My 2 week trial arrived last Thursday, but I haven't had spare time to write about it until now.
I've had some interesting responses to my foray into cloth diapers, from "Good for you!" to straight up, "You're crazy!" Many moms who didn't have the option of disposables think it's silly to go backwards. I want to chronicle this experience simply because I know there's other parents out there curious about cloth diapering. I'm not trying to convert anyone here - I'm not even certain I'm totally converted yet (but I'm pretty darn close). But if you've ever wondered about cloth diapering or are just curious about what our family is up to, keep tuned!
To Come: My experience (so far) and my (surprising) discoveries.
My Review of the Different Cloth Diapering Options
But What about "The Poo" and the smell?!
How do you wash them anyway?
So, what does your husband think about all of this?
How to use a prefold diaper.
To Cloth Diaper or Not to Cloth Diaper: The Decision.
One of my favorite parts of cloth diapering so far: They're just so darn cute!
Cloth diapers come in the most amazing, vibrant assortment of colors!
Some fit more trim than others, but they all add additional bulk to baby.
I think these are so cute on this tall, chubby guy!
I'd love to see them on a newborn too!
They look cute under clothes, too, but it's definitely tempting to put them on with a t-shirt.
I don't have any (yet), but they also make little leggings, so your little one can show off their adorable diaper when the weather gets chilly!
To my surprise, cloth diapering is a major business. Long gone are prefolds with pins and plastic pants. In fact, the options in diaper styles and brands are completely overwhelming! I decided to first figure out if cloth diapering truly does save money (I believe it does), is good for the environment (yes, despite water use), and realistic for my lifestyle (possibly). I found some terrific resources for anyone interested in this topic:
www.simplemom.net is one of my favorite new resources! They did a whole Cloth Diapering 101 series of articles on cloth diapering from real moms. I found it fascinating and informative!
http://littlefornow.com/pages/choose-cloth-diapers.php Simple, straightforward info on diaper choices.
http://www.diaperco.com/store/pg/113-What-Cloth-Diapers-Should-I-Buy-.html More detailed info for making your decision.
http://www.diaperpin.com/clothdiapers/article_rightsystem.asp This article encouraged me to try different diapers out and avoid a costly mistake by investing in the wrong thing - which led me to:
The Diaper Daisy Cloth Diaper Trial at www.diaperdaisy.com
The idea here: Cloth diapering choices can be overwhelming, especially if you haven't been exposed to the newest options or ever tried it. Sara, the owner of Diaper Daisy, offers a trial for $9.95 (shipping to you is free) with a deposit. You use the items for 2 weeks and keep it all (and get a $20 credit), keep some, or return all (and pay the return shipping).
This web site has the best email customer service I have ever received! Sara will patiently answer all of your cloth diapering questions and help set up a custom diaper trail for you. If you visit the site, you'll see "Mindy's Custom Diaper Trial." I wanted to try a bit of every style, so mine is a bit pricier. But, ultimately, I'm only out the rental fee, plus return shipping, if I decide cloth diapering isn't for me.
My 2 week trial arrived last Thursday, but I haven't had spare time to write about it until now.
I've had some interesting responses to my foray into cloth diapers, from "Good for you!" to straight up, "You're crazy!" Many moms who didn't have the option of disposables think it's silly to go backwards. I want to chronicle this experience simply because I know there's other parents out there curious about cloth diapering. I'm not trying to convert anyone here - I'm not even certain I'm totally converted yet (but I'm pretty darn close). But if you've ever wondered about cloth diapering or are just curious about what our family is up to, keep tuned!
To Come: My experience (so far) and my (surprising) discoveries.
My Review of the Different Cloth Diapering Options
But What about "The Poo" and the smell?!
How do you wash them anyway?
So, what does your husband think about all of this?
How to use a prefold diaper.
To Cloth Diaper or Not to Cloth Diaper: The Decision.
One of my favorite parts of cloth diapering so far: They're just so darn cute!
Cloth diapers come in the most amazing, vibrant assortment of colors!
Some fit more trim than others, but they all add additional bulk to baby.
I think these are so cute on this tall, chubby guy! 
I'd love to see them on a newborn too!
They look cute under clothes, too, but it's definitely tempting to put them on with a t-shirt.
I don't have any (yet), but they also make little leggings, so your little one can show off their adorable diaper when the weather gets chilly!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Who Wouldn't Love this Face?
I suspected that Ezra was working on a few new teeth lately, but couldn't quite figure out their location. While playing tonight, he leaned right into my shoulder for a hug and decided to also take a big bite. Two tiny, sharp teeth are now poking on through up top, giving him quite the bite! He slept last night without making a peep - perhaps we'll all get some relief from teething pains now. Truthfully, Ezra is generally so good natured and seems to be more so with each passing day.
Up Next: Adventures in Cloth Diapering. Tomorrow, I'll post some pictures and some thoughts about the beginning of my cloth diaper trial.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Accident-Free for One Whole Week!
Last night, we celebrated one full week of zero accidents! When Grandma Cathy came to visit, she bought Ella the Grace doll and soccer outfit as a reward for potty-training. This was not a big incentive for Ella at first; she was more into candy. Once Ella decided she truly wanted to use the potty, though, she was virtually accident-free. She wants to exclusively use the seat on the big potty and will get out of bed or go indoors to use it! The girl also seems to have a bladder of steel - she can go for a couple of hours after waking up before using the potty and rarely needs to go. Once I learned I could trust her to tell me, I stopped worrying about asking. We just use the occasional, "Are you dry?" reminder. I only force the issue when it's been a long time or we're headed out somewhere. Potty training was painful, but now it's such a dream to only have 1 baby in diapers (more to come on this topic soon!)
Now that Ella is doing so well, I'm phasing out the candy. That's where the doll came in. I started showing it to her every day and her enthusiasm grew. Once I realized she'd reached our goal, we started playing with her other doll and accessories. As you can see, she was thrilled to receive the new doll from Grandma Cathy! She slept with the dolls last night and woke up this morning and told me how she earned them from Grandma. Thanks, Mom, you're the best!
Proud Ella!
Brushing the doll's teeth. I showed her how it could work on hair later. Hey, I love a duel-purpose toy!
Babies playing soccer together.
The excitement! She told me, "Say Cheese!"
I'm a bit embarrassed by the mess in these photos. It's the end of the day, plus the kids played with Scentsy packing paper, then my cookbook project is stacked by the computer. Big mess, but a happy one!
I'm so glad these dolls have hats. Ella loves hats!
Potty training challenged me both mentally and physically and clearly taxed Ella as well. Now that we've made it, though, temper tantrums and Mommy frustration have significantly decreased. Ella is proud of her accomplishment, we celebrate her successes throughout the day, and it feeds her need for independence. Hooray! Preschool, here we come!
Now that Ella is doing so well, I'm phasing out the candy. That's where the doll came in. I started showing it to her every day and her enthusiasm grew. Once I realized she'd reached our goal, we started playing with her other doll and accessories. As you can see, she was thrilled to receive the new doll from Grandma Cathy! She slept with the dolls last night and woke up this morning and told me how she earned them from Grandma. Thanks, Mom, you're the best!
Proud Ella!
Brushing the doll's teeth. I showed her how it could work on hair later. Hey, I love a duel-purpose toy!
Babies playing soccer together.
The excitement! She told me, "Say Cheese!"
I'm a bit embarrassed by the mess in these photos. It's the end of the day, plus the kids played with Scentsy packing paper, then my cookbook project is stacked by the computer. Big mess, but a happy one!
I'm so glad these dolls have hats. Ella loves hats!
Potty training challenged me both mentally and physically and clearly taxed Ella as well. Now that we've made it, though, temper tantrums and Mommy frustration have significantly decreased. Ella is proud of her accomplishment, we celebrate her successes throughout the day, and it feeds her need for independence. Hooray! Preschool, here we come!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Made Me Smile
I recently uploaded a group of candid photos of my kids and I could feel my mood instantly lighten as I looked at them. I recall smiling and thinking, "this is why I have kids." I remember wondering if having children was really for me in my 20s, but I think these shots say more than I ever could about the daily joys of motherhood!
Tim likes to create silly bath hair for Ella.
I love that she's old enough to appreciate how silly and fun this all is!
Ella's toddler, toothy grin with her big eyes always makes me smile!
Fresh out of the bath, sweet-smelling, soft-skinned baby.
There is nothing better than the look of Mommy-adoration!
Ezra got into the laundry basket and started pulling everything out.
He looked so pleased with himself, I couldn't stop him!
So, I pulled out my camera and started laughing with him!
Ezra's normally drooly (and we try to catch it with a bib), but this produced even more drool!
There's nothing better than sibling love and laughter.
Sometimes Ella tells me, "I love him."
Ezra lights up when he sees Ella, too, and loves to play with her (as long as she's not smothering him, and then he still puts up with it).
Tim likes to create silly bath hair for Ella.
I love that she's old enough to appreciate how silly and fun this all is!
Ella's toddler, toothy grin with her big eyes always makes me smile!
Fresh out of the bath, sweet-smelling, soft-skinned baby.
There is nothing better than the look of Mommy-adoration!
Ezra got into the laundry basket and started pulling everything out.
He looked so pleased with himself, I couldn't stop him!
So, I pulled out my camera and started laughing with him!
Ezra's normally drooly (and we try to catch it with a bib), but this produced even more drool!
There's nothing better than sibling love and laughter.
Sometimes Ella tells me, "I love him."
Ezra lights up when he sees Ella, too, and loves to play with her (as long as she's not smothering him, and then he still puts up with it).
Saturday, August 1, 2009
And the WINNER is...
...Merilee Milner! Ella reached her hand in the box this morning and pulled out Merilee's name to receive my 6-month celebration prize!
If you didn't win this month, keep your eye out for this month's drawing and a special incentive coming your way just for entering! Thanks to everyone who did enter for your interest and support!
August is 10% off month - the Spring/Summer Catalog (with just a few exclusions) is 10% off! Take advantage of this great offer to stock up! This is also an awesome month to host a party and invite your friends and family to enjoy this terrific discount!
August Warmer of the month - Surf's Up!
The following Scents will be discontinued September 1st in preparation for some amazing new fall/winter scents. Get them before they're gone!
Blueberry Cheesecake (BBC)
Cashmere (CAS)
Eucalyptus (EUC)
Exotic Vanilla (EXV)
Falling Leaves (FAL)
Fresh Cut Cantaloupe (FCC)
Grapefruit Blossom (GFB)
Grapefruit Pomegranate (GFP)
Havana Cabana (HVC)
Hearth & Home (SOTM) (HNH)
Herb Garden (HBG)
Irish Cream (IRC)
Juicy Peach (JCP)
Leather (Bars and Bricks) (LEA)
Lemon Lavender (LMV)
Lots of Lavender (LOL)
Luxe Vanilla (LUX)
Meadow Pear (MDP)
Mediterranean Spa (MTS)
Mulberry Bush (MBB)
Mysterious (MYS)
Nutmeg & Orange Zest (NOZ)
Pomegranate Orange (PGO)
Red Delicious (RED)
Sandalwood & Cranberries (SWC)
Sangria (SNG)
Sheer Saffron (SOTM) (SHE)
Silk (SLK)
Spiced Orange Harvest (SOH)
Spruceberry (SPR)
Strawberry Sweetie (SBS)
Sweet Indulgence (SWI)
Sugar (SGR)
Sweet Tea Magnolia (SWT)
Tarocco Mint (SOTM) (TRM)
Tea Blossom (TEA)
Toasted Apple Butter (TAB)
Tuscan Garden (TUS)
Verbena Berry (VBY)
Wasabi Ginger (WSG)
Watermelon Patch (WMP)
Contact me anytime at mindyfarmer@hotmail.com to host a party, ask a question, or place an order. You can also order at www.scentsy.com/mindyfarmer. Remember, anytime you have an $150 in orders (even if it's a single order), you've got a party and are eligible for awesome hostess rewards!
If you didn't win this month, keep your eye out for this month's drawing and a special incentive coming your way just for entering! Thanks to everyone who did enter for your interest and support!
August is 10% off month - the Spring/Summer Catalog (with just a few exclusions) is 10% off! Take advantage of this great offer to stock up! This is also an awesome month to host a party and invite your friends and family to enjoy this terrific discount!
August Warmer of the month - Surf's Up!The following Scents will be discontinued September 1st in preparation for some amazing new fall/winter scents. Get them before they're gone!
Blueberry Cheesecake (BBC)
Cashmere (CAS)
Eucalyptus (EUC)
Exotic Vanilla (EXV)
Falling Leaves (FAL)
Fresh Cut Cantaloupe (FCC)
Grapefruit Blossom (GFB)
Grapefruit Pomegranate (GFP)
Havana Cabana (HVC)
Hearth & Home (SOTM) (HNH)
Herb Garden (HBG)
Irish Cream (IRC)
Juicy Peach (JCP)
Leather (Bars and Bricks) (LEA)
Lemon Lavender (LMV)
Lots of Lavender (LOL)
Luxe Vanilla (LUX)
Meadow Pear (MDP)
Mediterranean Spa (MTS)
Mulberry Bush (MBB)
Mysterious (MYS)
Nutmeg & Orange Zest (NOZ)
Pomegranate Orange (PGO)
Red Delicious (RED)
Sandalwood & Cranberries (SWC)
Sangria (SNG)
Sheer Saffron (SOTM) (SHE)
Silk (SLK)
Spiced Orange Harvest (SOH)
Spruceberry (SPR)
Strawberry Sweetie (SBS)
Sweet Indulgence (SWI)
Sugar (SGR)
Sweet Tea Magnolia (SWT)
Tarocco Mint (SOTM) (TRM)
Tea Blossom (TEA)
Toasted Apple Butter (TAB)
Tuscan Garden (TUS)
Verbena Berry (VBY)
Wasabi Ginger (WSG)
Watermelon Patch (WMP)
Contact me anytime at mindyfarmer@hotmail.com to host a party, ask a question, or place an order. You can also order at www.scentsy.com/mindyfarmer. Remember, anytime you have an $150 in orders (even if it's a single order), you've got a party and are eligible for awesome hostess rewards!
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