Cloth diapering

I have found another way to save money and it only took me four kids to try it. I actually thought about doing it with my third child but my husband was not on board at the time and I went back to work which would have made it more of a challenge. A friend told me a bit more about it so I was prepared. Since I am home right now I thought "Why not try it". I was getting tired of shelling out money for disposables. So, I have converted to Cloth and I am loving every minute of it.

I started out buying some pre-owned pocket diapers from E-bay to test the waters. They are Fuzzi Bunz brands. I got 6 with inserts for about $27.99. I ordered three more pocket diapers, one being a another Fuzzi Bunz (two of which were from ebay but a China factory), and some covers for Pre-folds. I got a gift card to use a Babies R Us. I bought some G Diapers but knew I would use reusable inserts instead of flush able. I also picked up some pins. I wasn't sure about pre-folds at the time. I picked some up on a whim on one of my trips to meijer.

I decided to get some cloth wipes from ebay as well. Click Here to learn about making wipe solution. I joined a cloth diapering group on Facebook and learned that due to little space a hanging pail liner would be great to store my dirty diapers in. A wonderful green Fuzzi Bunz (with a zipper on the bottom) liner now hangs in one of my bathrooms which is also my laundry room. Great resources on cloth diapering are on the web. I found a site that shows you how to make your own spray for cloth wipes. Click Here for more information on cloth diapering.

It cost me about $150 dollars to start out. I know this will save me money in the end. The one thing that I will have to be careful of is that they are so many cute prints and diapers out there that it can get expensive. Some mom's sell some of their stash on Facebook so they can buy others. Trading is available as well. I have found the cloth diapering group on Facebook very helpful. It may not be necessary to use a detergent that is made specifically for cloth diapers but a gentle detergent may be required if your baby has sensitive skin (which most do). I purchased a travel wet bag to go in my diaper bag so I can try to use them everywhere we go. There are many moms out there that make some adorable hand made diapers. I just had to buy one of those as well LOL

Other things that may come in handy is a sprayer that hooks to your toilet to help you spray off dirty diapers. I don't have one yet but that may be my next purchase. I find that I like Pocket diapers the best and Fuzzi Bunz are my favorite. Click Here to learn more about them. This has been a pretty good experience and I plan on continuing to use them until Logan is potty trained.


Reasons why I love Cloth Diapering:

1. Better for Baby
2. Saves money in the long run
3. Better for the environment
4. Fun to try different diapers
5. Great designs and colors

Lingo

Pre-folds - Old school diapers Covers- Plastic covers with Velcro or without to use over Pre-folds All in Ones (AIO)-These types of diapers don't require covers or inserts One Size- This adjusts to fit any size baby on up to pre potty trained Pocket- Diapers with a pocket to put in inserts Wet bag- lined bag to keep wet diapers or clothes in. Hanging Wet Bag/pail- Is bigger than a wet bag. About the size of a pail liner but hangs up. Pail liner- Washable Liner to go in a diaper pail.


Logan in his polka Dot China Pocket :)

Half way there Baby

My baby just hit 6 months, here is a recent picture of him. The top picture is when he was 2 days old. He is such a wonderful addition to our family. We all love him so much. He smiles all the time.

Summer Bucket List 2011

This is a fun idea. Make a summer bucket list for your family to do for the summer. Click Here for a Summer Bucket list party for more ideas.

Here is our list:

1. Go on a picnic
2. Have a Water balloon fight
3. Go on bike ride
4. Go to movie Theatre
5. Vacation Bible School
6. Summer Library Program
7. Visit Impression 5 museum
8. Play Basketball
9. Blow bubbles
10. Sidewalk chalk art
9. Read, Read, Read
10. Go swimming with Grandma
11. Yard sales
12. Make a craft with recyclables
13. Go Camping
14. Toddler Time
15. Make new friends :)
16. Play dates
17. Wash outside of cars
18. Go to a Beach
19. Jump rope
20. Random Acts of Kindness
21. Nature Walk
22. Play Catch
23. Go to at least one Mops summer outing
24. Have a summer party
25. Explore the Ledges
26. Fly a Kite
27. Do a craft from Family Fun Magazine
28. Play in Kiddie pool
29. Play in Sprinkler
30. Make a obstacle course
31. Visit Local Zoo

Yummy and easy Guacomole Dip

1 ripened Avocado ( I set mine on the counter until it feels soft)

A bit of Lemon juice for flavor and to keep it from browning

Mix desired amount of your favorite salsa

Peel Avocado and mash up

Add in lemon juice and salsa

Viola! a fast, easy and nutritious dip, just add some chips.

My 30th b-day

I had a pretty good b-day. I hung out with my 4 kids and hubby, cooked on the grill (of course my husband did this LOL). We had a delicious ice cream cake and enjoyed the day. It was a beautiful day and it wasn't too bad turning 30. I got some birthday money from my hubby. I shopped for myself today and picked up a very comfortable and cute suit that was 40% off at Peebles. He insisted I buy something for myself and so I did :) I have it pictured above. I can retire my maternity suit and wear this when I take my kids swimming.

Homemade Mac and Cheese

This is from Cooks.com

1lb elbow macaroni
1 can evaporated milk
1 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup butter
1lb. assorted cheese (sharp, cheddar, Velveeta, Parmesan)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bring Medium sized pan of water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni. Cook macaroni until done. Meanwhile, cut up cheese into thin slices or small cubes. Drain water and pour macaroni into a casserole dish.

Add butter, salt, pepper, milk and cheese. Stir together.

Bake for about 20- 30 minutes. Stir occasionally. If it gets dry you may need to add a little milk.

Turning 30

In less than one month I will be turning the big 30 (May 12). In honor of turning 30 I am thinking of one of my favorite movies 13 going on 30. It depicts 30 as flirty an fun:) A thirteen year old whom can't wait to be thirty. In fact she wishes to be thirty and her wish seems to come true. She has a successful job and famous, good looking boyfriend. She later realizes that there were great things around her as a thirteen year old that she was overlooking.

Although I have not accomplished all of my dreams, I figure I have a pretty good life. I have a husband whom loves me and four great kids. I enjoy posting and writing on my blog. But, most importantly I always have a heavenly father to talk to about anything. I also can thank him for the many blessings he has given me. I look forward to turning over a new leaf and entering a new chapter in my life. I am excited about what God may have in store for me and enjoying the great people in my life today. Cheers to turning 30 and did I forget to mention that my husband is turning 30 this Thursday :) Happy 30th to him as well.