reflections on the first weeks of pregnancy with baby #2

-morning sickness hit hard literally the day after I took the test, though I'm managing it a bit better than my last pregnancy. hoping it ends quickly so I can function again.
-it never ceases to amaze me how much one tiny little pea-sized baby can affect my bladder so dramatically.
-cravings are also in full swing, and are similar to my last pregnancy: anything mexican, watermelon, chips & dip, waffles, and ice cream cake to name a few ;)
-I fully expected to be thrown on bed rest or given all sorts of restrictions right away, but so far I've been told to treat this pregnancy as normal, and I will just be monitored more closely. There may be some adjustments made in the second trimester, but I am SO THANKFUL I can still take care of my son, travel, and do everything I normally do (while still being cautious of course).
-I think judah suspects things are changing, but the true test will come after the baby is here. I predict some jealousy and obvious adjustments, but I think in time he will become an loving and protective big brother :)
-judah and baby will be 26 months apart, though they were conceived exactly two years and two weeks apart ;) ...that was unplanned but sort of cool how God worked that out!
-we get to see the baby on Wednesday! I've never had an early ultrasound, so I am excited and hope we can hear a strong heartbeat, and witness such a tiny miracle of life :)
-incredibly blessed and thankful for God growing our family, and we're trusting in Him for a healthy full-term pregnancy and a safe labor/delivery in His perfect timing! please be praying with us that things go a bit smoother and less traumatic this time around. we would love to ease into being a family of four without complications. :)

My cloth diapering journey...

I've been meaning to write all this down because I've had people ask about cloth diapering in the past. There seems to be so much information I find important to share that it's not a simple two sentence answer.

I want to start by saying this is just my experience. You will get a completely different opinion from every other person who does cloth diapering. This is what makes it challenging but also unique and exciting! It's something we can get passionate about (or at least feel good about). For me, I decided to cloth diaper because it seemed the most economical decision and I felt like I was doing our family and baby some good by saving money and keeping my little guy's bum in good health.

It's easy to get overwhelmed in the beginning when you're doing preliminary research, but once you get some hands-on experience -- and lots of it ;) -- it will soon feel more natural and comfortable as you get settled in a routine and find what works for you and your baby. I hope this information is a good jumping-off point for your journey into cloth diapering! I'm still a bit of a newbie and learning little by little as I go, but if anyone has more questions, I'll do what I can to help!

Basic Reasons to Cloth Diaper

• Saves money: if you average $40+/month on disposables, times 12 months, times 3 years, that's almost $1500. Average conservative cost to completelycloth diaper from 0-3+ age: $250-$350
• Using average of 20-25 cloth diapers total for 3 years, or throwing out 150+ diapers each month... that's a lot of diapers NOT in a landfill
• Cloth is much easier on the skin - little to no diaper rash (especially those with sensitive skin).
• Yes, you will do a few more loads of laundry a week, but it's not a huge cost for extra water and electric. *Maybe* $5-$10/month if you do 2-3 loads a week.

Types of diapers

All-in-one - these are no-fuss diapers. no inserts or pockets, just a diaper all ready to go. the downside to these are they aren't very customizable to your needs, and take a long time to dry.

All-in-twos (covers and inserts separately) - there's the cover, which contains the wetness, and then the insert, which absorbs everything. you can also use disposable inserts or prefolds with most covers. this is the most customizable and requires less folding/stuffing like with the pockets. these also tend to dry the fastest.

Pockets - this is a diaper with a lining that has a pocket where you slip the insert inside. this is probably the easiest system for beginners (or dads/babysitters), because you can stuff them ahead of time so they're ready to go. they are also customizable so you can add a 'doubler' (a second smaller insert) for heavy wetters or overnight. you pull out the inserts for washing so they dry faster.

Prefolds - this is the 'old school' diapering with the square cloth you fold around the baby. you can use the rubber elastic pants or the more modern covers. most people use a 'snappi' to hold the cloth together (much safer than a 'safety pin'). some people love this system and it is probably the cheapest route if you're on a tight budget.

Closures:

Snaps

Velcro ('hook and loop')

Sizes:

One size: usually fits birth-3 years (though it's hard to find cloth diapers that fit really well on a tiny newborn). I usually get one-size because I feel it's less hassle and probably a bit cheaper in the end, but sometimes it's hard to get a good fit.

Multiple sizes: depending on the brand, you'll have two to three different sized diapers, usually by weight. (for example, Thirsties has a size one: 6-18lbs and size two: 18-28lbs - those aren't the exact weights but you get the idea) you'll get a better fit, spend a little less per diaper, but won't get quiet as much use once the baby outgrows that size, so you'll have to buy more over the three-year span (but if you plan to have more kids may be worth buying because they'll last longer).

NEWBORNS: From experience, I'd recommend doing either a one-size cover and insert or a small-sized pocket diaper for newborns if you plan to start with cloth right away (one-sized pockets and all-in-ones are likely to be too bulky). Some brands offer a lower rise setting for the umbilical cord too. However, I did disposables for a while just for convenience and because you're changing so frequently... with a newborn the last thing you want to think about is more laundry ;)

Brands I've used

Fuzzibuns - Pocket diaper - A bit expensive so wait for a sale if you can (or buy used). nice features are adjustable/replaceable gussets (elastic around the legs). good for skinny-legged or small babies. also super soft and trim.

Econobums - Cover and pre fold - The most inexpensive cover I've found that works really well. if you're on a budget I recommend these to start if you want to do covers and inserts separate. the covers are really trim. the prefold inserts are pretty bulky, though. I hardly ever used them. I'd recommend either just buying the covers only and buying inserts somewhere else, or cutting down the prefolds and sewing them so they're smaller. Wait for a B1G1 sale and they're $5 each with free shipping at www.cottonbabies.com

Bumgenius - Pocket - Hold up well over time. velcro tends to get worn after 3-4 years of constant use. very soft and absorbent. this is a good brand if you like pockets.

Kawaii - Pocket - Great for the cost, inexpensive. it's a good starter if you want to try pockets. they are a bit bulky and tend to leak if left on for overnight or heavy-wetting.

Flip - Cover - I just have a few used ones. They are comfortable and trim.

Grovia - Cover - I just have a few used ones. These are also comfortable and trim.

Thirsties - Cover - These are my new favorites because of the inner additional gussets around the leg. the only brand I've found with that feature, which helps with leaks. they are trim and the velcro holds well over time, not too expensive either.

Some other brands I've heard good reviews from: Charlie Banana, Rocky Mountain Diapers, gDiapers, Bummis, Kissaluvs, Happy Heiny

There are a ton of different brands as well as homemade ones. I would steer away from homemade for now only because they are usually more expensive and may not hold up well over time.

some brands come with guarantees (as long as you use them properly - read the fine print).

Washing diapers

You can find a lot of instructions of washing your diapers online. These tips have helped me:

• Hot water rinses before and after washing
• A small amount (a few tablespoons at most) of free-and-clear (no perfumes or dyes) detergent or cloth-diaper-specific detergent
• Sunshine! It's true that line-drying in the sun will actual reduce smells and stains!
• Baking soda, occasionally
• White vinegar, occasionally
• I like the Rockin' Green ammonia-bouncer "Funk Rock" for when the diapers build up an ammonia smell on occasion. It's a bit expensive but really does work.
• Strip them before first use and as-needed (for smells, leaking, etc) - "stripping" is basically adding a little dawn dish soap (teaspoon at most) and then rinse rinse rinse in hot water until the soap bubbles are gone. http://www.zany-zebra.com/stripping-cloth-diapers.shtml or http://www.ehow.com/how_2225268_cloth-diapers-rid-stink-leaks.html

What I do is put all my dirty diapers in a lidded pail, with a pail liner (a waterproof bag that stretches around pail). some people like to soak them immediately and wash more frequently, but I usually only do about two loads a week. If the diaper is soiled, I have a diaper sprayer hose attached to the toilet, and I spray off the poo into the toilet. some people just use rubber gloves and wash off in the toilet water. either way works, but I love the sprayer!!

Other accessories and tips I've found useful

• Coconut oil - When diaper rash does surface, be careful not to use mainstream diaper cream. it will cause build-up and leaking in your diapers. I use organic coconut oil (from the grocery store)... that's it! it clears up in just a few days. Coconut oil is great for many other things - skin, hygiene, cooking, and yes, even for intimacy ;)
• Diaper Sprayer - check ratings before buying - some are cheaply made. I have a bum genius sprayer that was used when I got it, so it's been working for about 5 years with just a minor leak that was fixed easily.
• Wet bags / pail liners - Great for travel and containing the diapers without a mess. www.planetwise.com is a good brand.
• Cloth wipes - I go back and forth between using these. it doesn't add much to the laundry when I do, but it's nice to just wipe and toss disposables, too. withcloth wipes (I made my own by cutting up fleece/flannel fabric from goodwill clothing), I mix a solution of water with a spoonful of baby wash and a spoonful of baby oil, but water works fine by itself, too. change out the water once a week or so to keep it fresh. I keep mine in the little squirt bottle they give you at the hospital for postpartum needs... but a little spray bottle from the travel section of walmart or target would work too. you can either put a stack of wipes in an old plastic wipes tub and pour the solution over them so they are already wet, or spray as you need them.
• Disposable diaper inserts - if you're interested in more of a 'hybrid' diapering system, some people use these when they travel or if they have a busy lifestyle. it can make clean up a little easier and less laundry to do, or if you're not ready to commit to full-time cloth diapering this could be a happy medium.
• Drying rack - I have one that folds up- you can also find them used. there's quite a variety out there. you *can* dry diapers on low heat in the dryer, but I like to think they'll last longer and work better by line drying (and it doesn't have to be outside) - keep in mind that you can dry inserts on low heat in the dryer.
• Rubber gloves - For prepping diapers to wash - pulling out inserts, etc. Or, if you don't have a sprayer, rinsing them off in the toilet.

Buying diapers

www.diaperswappers.com

www.cottonbabies.com

www.theluvyourbaby.com

www.diapers.com

www.momsmilkboutique.com

www.greenmountaindiapers.com

sometimes even websites like zulily will have a deal on cloth diapers

Harrisonburg and surrounding area retailers:

Simple Little Baby - Harrisonburg

Abbys Lane - Manassas

On the Turtles Back - Harrisonburg

Sugar Snap Consignment - Charlottesville

Nature's Child - Charlottesville

Queen City Diapers (Diapering Service) - Staunton

• there are TONS of websites out there... these are just the ones I used most frequently.
• "like" different cloth diaper stores on Facebook and wait for sales! it could save you quite a bit if you're patient :) *cottonbabies often has free shipping, B1G1 free, or buy 4 get 1 free on certain brands.
• don't forget to check www.retailmenot.com for any promo codes to make it an even better deal.
• find a local cloth diaper store or retailer so you can see things in person and talk with someone who is familiar with the different brands and has a lot of experience. if you don't have one local, I'd encourage you to visit a mom or two to see her routine and explore her 'stash' of diapers to get an idea of what you like best. You're welcome to visit and change Judah's diaper any time! ;) haha!

Helpful websites for troubleshooting and more info

www.cottonbabies.com

www.allaboutclothdiapers.com

Top 10 tips for starting cloth diapering

So You're thinking about cloth diapering...

My best advice is to remember that:

• every family's needs are different. what works for one family may not work for another. a lot of factors can change the type of diapers you use. travel, babysitters, dads ;), daycare, housing arrangements, etc.
• every baby is different, too! and it is likely they will change and grow and you'll have to adjust your diapering habits with them. one brand/style may work for a newborn, but not work well 3 months later. legs get skinnier as they start crawling, etc.
• try a variety of brands and styles before committing to anything. it's ok to start of slowly and use disposables too for a while until you find something you like. what you think you might like may not work at all... I discovered I liked covers and inserts separately, even though I thought for sure I'd like pockets best. I have quite a few different brands I've tried. some I like more than others, some work better during the day than overnight.
• cost does make a difference when buying diapers, but you CAN cloth diaper on a budget. buy used/pre-loved or 'seconds' (minor manufacture defects), borrow, buy a 'trial' pack to see what you like and return what you don't. buying used or borrowing will also give you an idea of what the diaper would look like after some wear and tear. it can show you its 'true colors' of whether or not they're worth investing in.

vision forum review

have you discovered the vision forum yet? I feel like a kid in the candy store whenever I go to their website or get their free catalog in the mail! so many awesome resources! from family friendly audio and video, inspiring Christian books and curriculum, and awesome toys, too! we've especially enjoyed the Amazon DVD's and audio books and teaching CD's.

Baby/toddler book reviews: My Top Ten Favorites (so far)

I love books. Growing up, we went to the library every two weeks and brought a milk crate to fill up. I loved to read! I hope to instill a love of reading in our children, too. And already have accumulated quite a collection for Judah. In fact, it's probably a borderline hoard of books. I suppose if you're going to have an addiction/hoarding problem, children's books are lower on the scale than cats or dirty plastic bottles. ;)

One thing I've noticed about reading to Judah is, if you don't like the book, too, then don't read it! I've gotten a few books through gifts or thrift store shopping that after reading through a few times realized it's either extremely obnoxious or just plain weird. However, there are quite a few books I probably love to read more often than Judah can tolerate me reading it!


Here's a list of my top ten baby/toddler finds, in no particular order:


1. I Love You Through and Through by Bernadette Rossetti-Shustak and Caroline Jayne Church
I read this to a little boy I nannied a few years back and just think it's the sweetest book that you can get animated about, and start to identify different parts of the body like hair, eyes, nose, etc. and different emotions. Very cute illustrations, too!

2. The Belly Button Book by Sandra Boynton
Ok, who can read a book about hippos having great pride in their belly buttons without giggling a little? Such a cute and fun read that will probably get your little one giggling, too!
Every one of this author's books are extremely fun and interactive. And the rhyming also helps develop baby's speech skills!

3. Over in the Meadow by Michael Evans
Does anyone remember this song? It helps teach counting and fun to sing! Brings back memories for me :)

4. Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy E. Shaw and Margot Apple
I love how simple this is, and the illustrations are wonderful. A bit of a tongue-twister, at times, which makes it all the more fun ;)

5. Baby Baluga by Raffi
Anyone who remembers Raffi from back in the day (or a certain Full House episode) will remember this song, which they turned into a book. I love singing this to him while he looks at the pictures of whales and other arctic creatures. I think it could become educational as you learn more about Baluga whales and the environment they live in.

6. Are You My Mother? by PD Eastman
One of my all-time favorite books!

7. Turtles Take Their Time by Margaret Wang
I picked this one up in a Target dollar bin, but it's so cute-- teaches about being patient and enjoying things instead of rushing through them.

8. Fred and Ted Like to Fly by Peter (PD) Eastman
Alright, got to incorporate the planes for Daddy, here. Plus, I loved Fred and Ted growing up! All the Fred and Ted books are great for teaching opposites, colors, etc. And all the author's other books are easy-reads with loveable characters and cute illustrations.

9. A Father's Song by Janet Lawler and Lucy Corvino
I got this one for Jonathan to read to Judah and it's such a sweet example of the love between a father and his son. :)

10. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff and Felicia Bond
My all-time favorite book as a kid. This one brings back sweet memories of my mother reading it to us, and even incorporating baking cookies! Can't go wrong with that! I recommend the "Mouse Cookies and More" Treasury Book that has about 4 of the stories (Pig a Pancake, Moose a Muffin, etc) and recipes/crafts/songs to go with each one.



And some of my other favorite authors (I decided that there's too many individual books to list, so I'll let you choose ;)

Richard Scarry
(My 3-year-old niece loooooves Busytown right now, and I do too!) Such adorable characters and very educational and fun!

Dr. Seuss
It's Dr. Seuss! Need I say more?

Shel Silverstein
Ok, so some of his poems/books are not extremely young-child-friendly and a bit weird/hippy-ish, but I love how his poems flow and are fun to read. Judah sits for quite a long time when I read them.