Just so you're trackin'

"Just so you're trackin' "

Captain J says those words a lot. It's our little way of keeping up with each other and what we have going on/what is important to remember. Thus, I shall share some of those with you today. 

First of all, all the cool bloggers are making the big switch:

Being a follower and all, I better do it too. Because Google Reader is calling it quits, I've been using BlogLovin' for keeping up with all of y'all. I kind of love it! I find that it's easier to use and more convenient. That being said, please please let me know if you're following me and I haven't followed back. I've seen a lot of new faces but I read so many blogs that I'm not sure if I have returned the favor. I blog to express myself and keep myself sane. Part of that is enjoying connections made with various blog pals. I like making new bloggy friends and I certainly am not ignoring you on purpose if I happened to not have followed back.

Also, just so you're trackin'...
I have the best bloggy pals ever. This past week I got two deliveries from people I've never actually met in person. I'm so blessed to call many of you friends. One sweet blogger sent me several cloth diapers thereby saving me from having to wash every single day. That, my friends, is awesome!

Another blogger does a weekly linkup that encourages bloggers to participate in acts of random kindness. She sent me a gift card that I finally cashed in for this--

The wrap, not the baby. You can't just pick up a jewel like that anywhere. He took nine long months to make. Anyway, I have been enjoying this wrap actually. We've battled the baby wearing trend so much with my boys. They didn't seem to like it much, no matter what carrier I tried. I found that A really likes the "adventurer" position. That's good because his head is a little lopsided. I noticed shortly before his three month appointment that the right side of his head was looking a little flat. When I asked the doctor about it, she confirmed that it was and we should start working to change that or he'd likely need to be fitted for a helmet soon. I felt so sad for not noticing sooner. Then I read a comment someone (who isn't even a parent, by the way) posted to someone else saying, "If you hold your baby at all then a misshapen head won't be a problem." I wanted to cry...and then I wanted to yell at her for saying something so ridiculous. Mean girl. Anyway, the doctor suggested we put Baby A on his side for sleeping and see how that goes. He is such a sweet soul and is adapting well to laying on his side. I thought it was helping, but now I think that may have been in my head. I don't know what else we can do, really. I'll keep you updated with his progress when I learn more at his 4 month appointment.

You should also know that a miracle occurred the other day:

I survived a shopping trip with both boys for...HOURS. It was amazing. They were both great and SAT IN THE STROLLER.  I mean, I didn't even recognize Cray K. It was weird...and glorious because I got in some much needed adult conversation with one of the girls in the mommy group I joined on FB.


Just so you're trackin', we also have started trying to get Cray K socialized. It's a big to do. He did really well at church the other day (and we found a church we like!). He acted like he might cry when we left snuck out and watched from a window, but he didn't and we got to enjoy 1.5 hours of a service sans children. It was great! I also signed us up for MyGym where I get to play with him and a bunch of other kids/parents in a structured class each week. He was very nervous, but he began to warm up after awhile and ended up crying because he didn't want to leave!

Oh, and just so you're trackin'- We got Comcast to send us a new device and now I can access my graduate work. I guess I'm really doing this again! Week one went well. I'd really like to get ahead one of these days, but here I sit- blogging and NOT doing homework. Some people never learn.

Just so you're trackin' : Amber has a huge giveaway going on. Up for grabs? Starbucks, PayPal, Forever 21, Target, and Amazon prizes. Sa-weet!

Happy Monday! What's new in your life?

Never Buy Another Cloth Diaper Insert Again

This post will be incredibly boring for those of you who don't cloth diaper and/or those who have no plans to ever. You might wanna skip it, just sayin'. Today I'll tell you all about how I made 8 cloth diaper inserts for under $2! It was genius, really. I'm sure someone, somewhere has already discovered this but it just came to me a few weeks ago. I was perusing Wal-mart as I do every day (if only I were kidding) when I saw wash cloths on sale. I could get 16 for under $2. Sign me up. Living in the middle of nowhere has caused me to be a little creative with my sewing adventures because there's just no where to purchase a variety of fabrics. Anyway, it's important to note that I noticed these same packages are no longer on sale, but fear not-- you can still make 8 inserts for around $4. Here's what I did:

Step 1: Get two wash cloths of equal size. Pick ones that feel absorbent!

Step 2: Encase one over the other by folding them like a hot dog. I fold them this way so that I'm only sewing the three sides instead of four.

Step 3: You can pin your cloth if you'd like. I only did for the picture honestly. It's pretty easy to hold in place and it saves time. I'm NOT a perfectionist, though so if you want a pretty insert- then maybe you should. I just am well aware of what goes on the insert and yuck! Nothin' pretty about that.

Step 4: Use a straight stitch to sew the edges.

Voila! You're done.

I use these inserts as back ups. Most diapers you buy come with at least one microfiber or bamboo insert. Stuffing one of these wash cloths turned insert in provides a little extra protection. Because the wash cloths were so cheap, the absorbency isn't great but it works for us for day time use. I don't think I would trust it for night time, though.

Happy Sewing!

Cloth Diaper Giveaway- Baby Babu

Something awesome happened to me this week. I had ordered a couple diapers from Baby Babu and I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of the package. Baby K has out-grown some of his fitteds so I ordered some more one sizes to replenish his stash (and start getting Baby #2's diapers ready to go!). I discovered Baby Babu a couple weeks ago by reading another blog and I wanted to try them out because their diapers are SO affordable.

My shipment arrived feeling a little more hefty than I imagined it would. I tore into it to find not only the two diapers I ordered, but three extras. Score! I knew I couldn't keep them, though so I contacted the company via their Facebook page and received a call shortly after. The company was incredibly kind and said it was their mistake and that I COULD KEEP THEM! I was so happy. Baby K doesn't have many diapers so I was washing almost every day- their kindness gave me a little wiggle room. To give back, I thought I'd offer one of these bonus diapers to you.

How about a giveaway?! Here's what is up for grabs:

One Size Pocket Diaper + insert (THIS GUY'S BANANAS- MONKEY)

I love this diaper. How cute is it?

Not only is it cute, but it has some pretty cool features, too. There are TWO openings for stuffing inside the diaper. It's designed to work its way out of the diaper in the wash so you don't have to reach in before hand to take it out--saving you more time (and maybe your lunch)! This diaper also uses snaps that can help fit your baby from 8-35+ lbs. The diaper wings have three snaps for a better fit. It also comes with one super absorbant insert.

Would you like to be the proud new owner? Follow the directions on the Rafflecopter form below. Thanks for entering and as always, thanks for reading!

If you don't want to wait for the giveaway to order, go to their website and start shopping! Like them on Facebook for special discount codes.

(Note: Baby Babu did not ask me to write a positive review or prompt me with this giveaway.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I have arrived!

Did you have a good weekend? I did. {This is me being positive...and only slightly facetious}

My weekend was actually pretty rough. But I won't complain. One happy thing did result from the last few days, though. I can't believe I'm about to say this, but a fluff delivery lifted my spirits.

Yes, I'm officially a mom blogger because diapers in my mailbox thrill me. I have arrived!

Anyway, I ordered two new diapers from Trisha over at Simple Additions.

Her diapers are my favorite cloth diapers I have found to date. I now have three of them and they have never, ever leaked. I can't say the same for most of the popular name brand cloth diapers I have. Maybe I'm overstuffing them? Understuffing them? Who knows...but I haven't had much success with the one size pocket diapers that everyone seems to love.

They're ok, but I prefer the ease and absorbtion of Trisha's One Size All-in-Two diapers.



They have a snap-in insert for extra protection and the insert comes with the purchase of this diaper type. Not only does this diaper never leak, but it's also one of the easiest to wash. You just have to throw it in the washer- no digging out wet, stinky inserts like you have to do with pocket diapers. I think I might appreciate this characteristic most!

Here's a peek inside:



I plan on learning how to make my own diapers if I can ever find more than a couple minutes of free time, but until then I'll be using these because they're great. No complaints. Love them.

She also threw in two bamboo wipes/washcloths, too. She's really great!



K doesn't look too excited about these dipes but I'm positive he was after I put them on his little tush. ;) I love how he always crosses his legs when I put him down on the couch.

Too flippin' cute.

Anyway, if you're a cloth diapering fam--check out Trisha's ETSY!

(Note: I was not compensated in any way for this review)

Simple Additions

I've had too much negativity round these parts lately!

Which is why I decided to tell you about something that totally brightened my day! The owner of Simple Additions sent me a free cloth diaper! How nice is she? Honestly, she didn't even want me to write a post about her diapers in exchange...she just wanted to give me a diaper to help build my stash. There are so many wonderful people in this world, aren't there?

Thank you, Trisha!

The diaper is too cute, y'all. Upon first glance, I thought it had owls on it but after a closer look, I saw that they were actually cute little monsters. It's an all-in-two diaper, but I used it without the snap on with success. My favorite kinds of diapers are those that I can just toss in the washer without having to reach inside the pocket diapers. Needless to say, this is my new favorite diaper! Not only is it my first print cloth diaper, but it is also on a leak free streak! I've been having issues fitting Baby K properly--mostly because I'm afraid to put the diaper on too tight. This adjustable one size she sent me fits him great, though. :)



So easy even the hubs can do it! ;)

If you're in the market for more fluff, check out her ETSY!

Mama Must Haves

I was texting/chatting with this blogger this morning (3:38am to be exact), venting to her about what had just occurred in the wee hours of my day. Baby K woke up for his middle of the night feeding. I changed his diaper, fed him, and placed him back down for the rest of the night (Imagine me with crossed fingers, daring to breathe as I tip toe away from him in hopes that he'll fall right back to sleep). No such luck. He squirms, he grunts, and I pick him up again so that Daddy can sleep peacefully. As I'm walking back to the glider with baby in hand, puke erupts from his precious little mouth- all over his clothes. It then runs down my arm, my leg, and splatters on the floor. We're soaked. Time for a change. I put him in another fresh nightgown and just as I picked him up off the changing table...SPIT UP! Repeat this process. Then, in his next change of clothes, I pick him up again and feel pee running down my leg. Nooooooooo! I almost lost it. I might have said a cuss word if it hadn't been such an ungodly hour. Instead, I changed him yet again and told him (only half jokingly) that he couldn't do that again because (bless his heart) he'd have to sleep in it. Finally, I lay him back down and wonder what in the world just happened. There's puke in my hair and someone else's pee on my leg- not the best way to start a morning. It is for this reason that I decided to write this post today. Maybe someone out there will benefit from it. Designed to make your life easier (if you happen to be a new mom or a soon-to-be), here are my favorite things that I had no idea I would need!

1. The Fisher-Price Rock-N-Play. I can't put a price tag on this...seriously! I didn't know I would need this, but I really, really did. Baby K sleeps in this at night, takes naps in it during the day, watches his mobile while resting in it, and I truly think it's his safe place (aside from Mommy and Daddy's arms, of course). He loves it, therefore I love it.

2. Who knew something so cheap could bring with it so many hours of sleep for a new mommy? Infants like to be swaddled, ya know. If your little one is like Baby K, he or she probably outgrew those tiny little blankets the hospital wraps them in from birth. It wasn't long before K's feet were popping out of the bottom. Enter Summer Infant Wrap. It has been glorious. He's snug as a bug in a rug in these and it's our secret tool for bedtime.

3. The third life saver are these pacis. I don't know what kind they are...just what they look like (sorry!) But they're the only ones he can seem to keep in his mouth. I was one of those people who wasn't going to introduce a paci for a month or so. Insane. Breastfed babies often use mommy as a pacifier and I don't have to explain to you how uncomfortable and exhausting that can be. Give them a paci, people!



Now, the rest of this info is for moms choosing to cloth diaper. When I started out doing this, I had no idea what I was doing. With the help of friends and other bloggers, I finally started finding my way in the waves of terminology and techniques that are available. While I don't want to attempt to expalain all that I've learned in regard to modern day reusables yet, I will let you in on my little secret. Drifter and Holly (my puppies, remember them?) gave me the idea actually...

4. I use this as my "dry pail". It has a smell proof seal so the nursery stays smelling like a sweet newborn, not a smelly, poopy 2.5 month old ;) The dogs have one to keep their food in, too. I got tired of my laundry room smelling like a dog so I bought this food container. Then the lightbulb came on- 'I'll use this for Baby K's diapers!' Brilliant, I know.

Speaking of fluff, I still haven't found the perfect diaper for us. I do enjoy cloth diapering, but I have yet to find my favorite go-to brand and style. What are your favorites?

Moms (Dads) and Nannies, what are your favorite products that help make your little one happy? Do share!

Love,

Mrs. K

(*No one paid me to endorse their product. I just loooovvvveee these items!)

weekend

This is the ole 'I didn't do much this weekend but I'm going to tell you about it anyway' post. Ye be warned!

On Friday, Baby K and I met up with a friend and her daughter for coffee at a local joint. This town where we currently reside has slim pickin's in the coffee department (read: every department) so imagine my utter joy at finding a place with a huge list of specialty coffees! I want to try every single fall inspired cup! Here are some photos from our little date:

(Whoa...that picture is too big)

(There...that's better)

We had such a good time. It was nice to get out of the house and talk to another adult. Captain J just isn't very good at girl talk. Aside from K getting milk drunk and puking all over my dress, we had a lovely outing. Ha!

On Saturday, we watched football until it was time to have dinner. We ate over at said friend's house with her and her husband. Again, this was fun, too until Baby K screamed, "TAKE ME HOME!" which sounded more like "WAAAAAA AAAA AAAHHH!"

This young un has quite a set of lungs on him.

Finally, Sunday we were able to take Baby K to church. We had refrained from doing so up until this point because as my great grandmother used to say, "That's a lot of fellowship to wash off your hands". We were afraid that people would be touching him, breathing in his face, or (*gasp) wanting to hold him. I went prepared with hand sanitizer for the really persistant ones, but everyone was on their best behavior. They all welcomed him to church from a distance which made this new mommy very thankful. I really like that church.

Afterwards, we came home to watch some more football. Unfortunately, our pro team didn't do so hot. It. got. ugly.

But at least we were cute in our gameday gear:

And now we've arrived at Monday. I've been cleaning the house, entirely sleep deprived all day. The highlight was when I heard the *honk honk of the mail lady and saw that my new cloth diapers had arrived. Woo hoo!

It's weird what adults get excited about, huh?

We've had some other excitement around here, too. Yesterday the pups got to come inside for awhile and hang out with the baby because J had a situation outside to attend to. A poisonous water mockasin was lurking by the porch and we can't have that, can we? Captain J took care of it (with a shotgun).

We also had a rather huge spider running around the hallway the other night. But after a double (ok, maybe tripple) tap, that sucker was history.

There's lots of creepy, crawly things in Louisiana.

But we like it here.