Things Ariana Says

Mommy, today I learned that "see" is spelled with one "s" and two "e's" and that paparazzi is spelled with two "z's" and one "i". I learned this is Mrs Manyel class today. 😳

Potty Trained!

Although Ariana has shown signs of early potty training for months, we are officially potty trained through the entire day. She has had few accidents, all of which have happened while she was trying to get to the potty. Surprisingly, she always tells me when she needs to go, which was the opposite for Grayson. For the first 8-12 months, I would have to remind him to use the bathroom. If I forgot to take him, he had an accident. For Ariana, she just gets it. They say girls are usually faster/easier, but I never expected it to be this easy. Now we've just got to get through the night dry. SHe has at least been asking me to use the potty at night, but her pull-up is usually wet.

Cute little sayings

While at Ariana's 2 year well check, I had to laugh to myself when reading the questionnaire they always have me fill out. One of the questions asked if she was saying 2 word sentences. Just that morning she saying the Itsy Bitsy Spider start to finish and also asked her brother, who was playing with his nerf gun, "Brother, why you need more bullets for your gun?" The communication she has is, at times, overwhelming. I can't believe how well she talks, or how much she knows. She was trying to pull her shoe off while I was driving. Since I couldn't turn around I told her to put her hand on her heel and pull up. She asked me, "Mama, like this?" I came to a stop and turning around and to my surprise she has her hand on her heel. "This is my heel mama?" I didn't actually think she knew what her heel was!

Grayson has also been using larger, more appropriate words lately. I asked him to take some big toys back upstairs. He tried and finally told me, "Mom, I don't think I'm capable of taking these upstairs." CAPABLE, really?! He also told me he knew it was his responsibility, but asked if I could help. Of course buddy!

Fewer and fewer words sound funny from Ariana these days, but her most recent ones were,
Too-mon-o = Tomorrow (just like Grayson)
Bee-bop = Lollipop (Grayson said Bay-lop)
Fuk = Fork
soon = spoon

I'm sure there are others, but these are a few I don't want to forget.

Where has all my time gone?

I am sitting at my laptop staring at my two blogs wondering how it is possible I have allowed so much time to pass since writing last. I just never seem to have time it feels like. It never ceases to amaze me how much energy goes in to caring for my family. I am truly blessed to have the happy, healthy family that I do. A supportive husband, two crazy yet spectacular children and many others who make my life complete. I often wonder how families have more than two children. Kids are a lot of work. They wake up, you have to feed them. They need help getting dressed. Even my son needs help. If I left it up to him, he would wear his Joe's blue jeans with his dirty Spiderman shirt, silly goose socks, his favorite stained white jacket and muddy tennis shoes EVERY DAY! They both need help brushing their teeth, although Ariana always seems to fight me to do it herself. You've got to pack their lunches, and you can't be quick about it either, no, you have to pack a healthy, balanced lunch. Main dish, fruits, a veggie a small snack. I've come to realize that being a Stay-at-home-mom was much more difficult than being a working mother. Of course, when I was working, I wanted to be at home, and when I was at home, I wanted to be at work. Okay, maybe not really at work, more like the spa or shopping! I have the great opportunity now to be with the kids, but still be at our business from time to time. This has allowed the children to be at school, while I have time to decompress from wiping snot, cleaning spills and picking up toys.

I'm a bit rusty and starting to ramble. This post will hopefully encourage me to blog again. Till next time!

Back to School, Back to School...

So tomorrow, I send my 18 month old daughter off to "school." It's the one year old program at my son's school, and although I was fully confident in my son starting a new environment, I am FULLY afraid for the care providers that will be watching my daughter when I drop her off. See, my daughter, although I am not the attached parent she wishes for, she is attached to me like velcro. Sending her off is something I feel is necessary, however, not something I feel she is ready for. This WILL be good for her and I both. I have been as honest as a mother can be with a toddler of limited vocabulary. I have told her that she will be left with her teacher, Ms. Kelly, tomorrow. We have had many small 5-10 minute pay sessions with Ms Kelly, although these usually do not end in anything less than tears and screams. I'm not really sure what to expect tomorrow. I'm oping for the best, but keeping my cell phone close!

xo mama

"What's your name?"

I can't remember the first time my son was able to say his name, but I'm sure it wasn't 17 months. I have recently found some joy in asking my not even 1.5 year old daughter what her name is. We have nicknamed my daughter Ari (pronounced Are-ee) and to hear her say this is just too cute. Although it sounds more so like "Aw-wee," I couldn't care less.

I find it hard to write in my journal, so I'm hoping to write more in my blog about the funny things the kids say. Just like this... "what is your name?"

Testing my "Grab my Button Theory"

Forgetting my first Blog

After starting my new blog, I find it difficult to keep up with this more personal blog. I will write about all my green information on my Living Semi-Crunchy blog and leave this one for my family.

Cloth Diapers - Break it down!

There are certain things I am passionate about, and cloth diapering (CDing) is no exception. I became interested in CDing while pregnant with my daughter, and quickly became addicted to the cute styles, however, the different options were overwhelming to me. I didn't know what AIO, OS, prefold, pocket or fitted meant, I and I certainly didn't know what options would work best for me and my family. So, I am going to break down the different options for diapering, and try to make it as easy as possible for anyone who may be interested in cloth diapering.

First I will explain sizing. Keep in mind all babies grow at different rates. Some babies are full in the waist and thighs, whereas others maintain a leaner, skinnier frame. When possible, try to measure your babies waist and thighs and/or go by weight. Some diapers companies use age as a way to measure, which may be less accurate. Here are some approximate weights vs size that I have averaged/compiled from various diapers.

x-small/newborn: 6-12lbs
small: 7-18lbs
medium: 15-27lbs
large: 22-30/40lbs
One-size (OS): This is a diaper that adjusts with 2-3 layers of additional snaps. The snaps make it possible to change the diaper from a size small to a size large, without buying multiple size diapers. Although these diapers usually cost more money, they last longer and can be used for more than one child in the event you have multiple children in diapers. This diaper should last you from birth (approx 2months) to potty learning.


Cloth Diaper options:

1.) Prefolds(PF) or Flats

Prefold refers to a rectangle piece of cloth that has a thicker center for added absorbency. Most prefolds have a 4x8x4 measurement, with the first and last numbers referring to the number of layers on the right and left side of the prefold and 8 layers for the middle section. Prefolds can still work great with less layers, but often need a doubler (see below for more info) for added protection. Prefolds come in bleached (white) and unbleached (natural) fibers. Both work well, although the unbleached tend to last longer since the fibers have not been chemically weakened by the bleach. Organic fabrics are now commonly available at a higher cost, but for many people the benefits of organic fabrics out way the cost. Among organic cotton, hemp and bamboo are becoming more commonly used as a prefold fabric because of it's ability to absorb more wetness.

Chinese Prefolds vs. Indian Prefolds:

Chinese Prefolds are made in China and tend to be a bit sturdier and will last a bit longer. They are made with a slightly more durable fabric. Indian style is made in India or Pakistan. These are usually softer and a bit more absorbent, but will not hold up to as many washings. They also "quilt up" more when washed, although both styles will plump up and become softer when washed. The differences are subtle and no matter which you choose you can't go wrong as long as they are diaper service quality (DSQ). This means that they are made to stand up to industrial strength washing.

Flats simply refer to a prefold that has equal number of layers throughout, without a bulky middle section. Flats are usually less absorbent for this reason, but work great as "stuffers." PREFOLDS REQUIRE A DIAPER COVER.


2.) Fitteds

Fitted diapers are a contoured or tailed fitted diaper that requires no folding like a traditional prefold diaper. It typically fits snugly against babies body and secures with snaps or velcro/aplix, although some fitted diapers come without snaps or velcro and close with either a snappi or pins. This gives a more customized fit. FITTEDS REQUIRE A DIAPER COVER.

3.) Pockets

Pocket diapers are a contoured diaper that usually consist of three layers. An outer waterproof shell, an inner fleece (or similar material) that touches babies skin and a stuffer or doubler that goes inside the pocket between the outer and inner layers. Since pockets are waterproof, they do not require any additional cover. Since the inner stuffing is removed for washing, the diaper tends to dry quicker than other diaper options.

4.) All-in-Ones (AIO's) and All-in-Two's (AI2's)

AIO's are diapers that consist of an outer waterproof shell, and a number of inner, absorbent layers. There usually is no need to stuff like a pocket diaper, unless you have a heavy wetter and need added protection. AIO's are the closest thing to a disposable diaper and are typically the easiest cloth diaper to use. AI2's are similar to AIO's, but have a removable insert much like a pocket, making it easier to dry.

5.) Hybrid Diapers

Hybrid diapers are an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional disposable diapers. They come with a cover which can be used multiple times during the day unless soiled and is washable. Covers can be used with cloth inserts or biodegradable inserts.

6.) Covers

Covers are typically used over prefolds or fitteds, since neither is waterproof. There are many different styles of diaper covers, including wool, fleece and PUL. Some PUL covers can simply be wiped cleaned between uses and can often be found as a OS, which will work from birth to potty learning.

Bagshot Row Bamboo

So, I finally took the full plunge in to fitted diapers and decided to try a Bagshot Row Bamboo, better known to the cloth diapering world as BsRB's. BsRB's are fully adjustable by folding down the rise. It is constructed from two absorbent layers of bamboo/organic cotton fleece with an outer layer of boutique cotton knit that is perfect for use with a snappi or pins. The owner and maker of all BsRB's, Joyce, has been selling her diapers via Hyena Cart since November 2007 and had great reviews.

I put Ariana in her Volcom BsRB and closed it with a pin. She lasted almost 3 hours before I needed to change her. Here is a picture of the cute print.