Just wanted to share some recent pictures of my little man =) I've been going through some very stressful events the last few weeks and Jackson has kept me pushing on with his unconditional love. I don't know what I would do without him.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
A letter to my breastfed baby
 |
| First time Breastfeeding |
The whole time I was pregnant people hounded me with advice. Don't co-sleep- you'll smother the baby. Do co-sleep- baby needs mama close. Get this stroller- its the best one on the market. Look at these bottles- they prevent baby from getting gassy. The list went on and on. I felt so overwhelmed. Well your great aunt told me that I better breastfeed you. She said it so matter of fact, like it was a law and I would go to jail if I didn't do it. Me being the researcher that I am had already decided that I was going to breastfeed, which I told her. I then had to sit there and listen to horror stories about clogged ducts, sore nipples, engorgement, and (oh god) don't forget about mastitis. When it finally came time for you to be born I had myself all worked up about the complications that come along with breastfeeding. Something that had seemed so simple and natural now terrified me beyond belief. I was setting myself up for failure.
Once you were born we immediately put you to the breast, which you took like a champ. The overwhelming feeling of love inside of me for you was incredible. I have never felt that way before about anything. Breastfeeding started an amazing bond between us that I wouldn't trade for the world. 
Like all breastfeeding moms we went through the hard times as well. Poor latch (you 'clicked') which lead to sore nipples, engorgement, feeling uncomfortable nursing in public, and eventually mastitis which almost ended our breastfeeding days. The thing that kept us going through all those tuff times was the look on your face when I nursed you through the pain. Your face was filled with love and contentment. Almost like the only thing you cared about was being held close to me and nursing. Even through the times where I cried nursing I was in so much pain. You were always a booby boy lol. I will breastfeed you as long as you want. I will take the nasty looks and the criticism for however long you need me to. Because I know that I am doing the right thing for you, and that's all that has ever mattered to me. When you are ready to not need my breast to comfort you anymore, and when you don't ask for it anymore, we'll end our nursing experience. Even though it will be so hard for me. We will do this on your terms just like we always have.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Wet bag tutorial
Sorry guys for being MIA for a while. We have had a lot of things going on. Getting ready for baby Jacks birthday party, school, work, death in the family, and a ton of other things. I would like to thank all of my loyal readers who have been stopping by to look for recent posts.
Ok, so now lets move on to our post for the day, a wet bag tutorial!! This is my very first sewing tutorial so be easy on me! If I didnt make anything clear please feel free to leave a comment or shoot me an email and I'll be more than happy to help!
Wet bags are super easy and fun to make! Plus they can be used for so many things. Eco friendly snack bags, used for wet towels or swim suites, and for dirty diapers in the diaper bag. The one I'm going to make today is pretty small so it would be good for putting dirty mama cloth in or used as a snack bag (I carry cheerios in ours).
What you're going to need:
Two pieces of PUL fabric, Two pieces of exterior fabric the same size as your PUL, a zipper longer than the length of your fabric, and a sewing maching. For my bag I had my fabric 6 inches long and 7 1/4 inches tall. My zipper was a 7 inch zipper.
Next you are going to line your exterior fabric on top of that right side DOWN. Make sure to very carefully line your ends up (PUL is slippery) and then pin them in place.
Then sew along the top of in. I just use a plain old single stitch. It should look like this after your done.
Now to make it lay flat sew along the zipper line over both pieces of fabric
Repeat all the steps for the other side. It should look like this when you're done:
Now open the zipper about half way
Lay the right sides of the exterior together and the right sides of the PUL together
Sew along all the edges leaving the bottom edge of the PUL open
Now very carefully sew along the bottom of the edge because there id useally some extre fabric that didnt line up right.
I cut the extra fabric off. This is a cosmetic option that you dont have to do if it doesnt bother you.
Now stuff the PUL into the bag.
You're finished!! Enjoy your nice new wet bag!!
Im asking everyone not to make these to sell, as i am going to be selling them very shortly on my etsy site. If you would like to but one before they are up for sale please feel free to email me at odonnell2324@gmail.com thank you!!
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Cloth Diapers ( Part Two )
Now that I got one part out of the way we're off to do the next.... types! We already determined WHY to cloth diaper now we have to decided how. There are so many different kinds out there that it can be very intimidating. Snaps or velcro, all-in-ones or pockets, wool or cover, cotton or bamboo, insert or prefolds, the decisions go on and on. I'm hoping this post will help explain what each one is in an easy to understand way so that you can decide which is best for you and your family.
Inserts
All diapers have some sort of absorbent material in them. Most of the time it is referred to as an insert. Inserts can be made out of many types of fabrics. The most common is microfiber. Microfiber is a think almost scratchy like material that can not be next to babies skin. Some other insert fabrics include cotton, bamboo, and hemp. Bamboo and hemp are very absorbent although they will all do the job- and that is keeping the pee where you want it, in the diaper.
Pocket Diapers
This is the kind of diaper that I mostly use. Pocket diaper have...a pocket that you stuff the insert into. sense the insert is not against babies skin you can use whichever kind you prefer. You MUST change both parts during the diaper change. Both parts are only used for one change and then they need washed, but luckly for you the dry really fast unlike other kinds. Pocket are also more daddy and babysitter friendly because they offer the convience of a disposable. Pocket diapers are probably the most common diaper used in the diapering community. They're can be very cheap, they're not the hardest to use, and they mostly come in one size which means that they will grow with your baby from birth to potty training. Although some brands do offer different sizes.
All-In-One
All- in- one diapers are by far the most convenient out of the cloth diaper choices. Their absorbent material (insert) is sown into the diaper so that you don't have to take it out when you go to wash the diaper and you don't have to stuff the insert back in. Although they have these conveniences they take longer to dry after you was them and all-in-ones don't grow with your child very well. you have to buy different sizes and they are not as adjustable as other kinds.
All-In-Two
All in two diapers are going to be in the middle on convenience scale. With these diapers all you do is change the inside of the diaper and re-use the outside part. you can do this because the insert is directly against the babies skin. usually held in place by a snap on both the insert and the inside of the outer covering (shell). Because the insert is next to babies skin it can not be microfiber. Microfiber will dry out the babies skin in a very bad way and could cause blisters and soars. Most All-in-Two inserts are cotton or bamboo. The nice thing amout all-in-twos is that you can get them in 'one size' which means that they can fit your baby from birth until potty training.
Flats, Prefolds and Fitted
These are also, like inserts, types of absorbant matterials. Flats and prefold are very similer. They both require some type of 'shell' on the outside to make them water proof. A flat you have to fold many times before you put it on baby (making it the most inconvient of all diapers) but unlike a flat a prefold is most of the way pre-folded.Prefolds only require a few folds. They both ,however, require either pins or snappies (snappies are a rubber fastener that keeps the diaper folded) Fitteds on the otherhand require no folding. They are already in the shape of a diaper, but they too need an outside shell or cover. Some fitteds also need snappies or pins but some come with build in snaps. This style of diapering is similier to the all-in-twos in the fact that you only change the inside of the diaper and reuse the shell.
Types of Covers (Shells)
PUL Covers- (polyurethane laminate) PUL is a type of water proof material. Pockets, all-in-ones, and all-in-twos already have a layer (or two) built in them. But for flats, prefolds, and fitteds you can buy a cover made out of PUL. They come in tons of cute colors and patterns.
Wool Covers- wool can be used as a natural fiber cover. When you wash wool with lanolin it becomes water proof and it only needs to be washed every few weeks. Although the washing process is hard and can be pricey some people love them. Wool cover are also very easy to make if you knit or crochet.
Fleece- Is a material that wicks away mosture and keeps baby feeling dry. Its easy to wash and maintain making it a favorite with moms. HOWEVER fleece is not a natural fiber so if you're wanting to go the natural route fleece is not for you.
Other Things to Think About
Snaps or velcro
Although velcro is easier ( a lot easier), and more dad friendly, it doesnt last as long as snaps. Velcro will eventually wear out and although you can replace velcro its a pretty big task to do. Snaps are harder to get the hang of and harder to get on a wiggly baby they last longer and its harder for baby to undo it themselves aas they get older.
Fitted or One Size
One size diapers are great in the fact that they will grow with your baby and save you money my doing that. However on a smaller baby they can tend to be bulkey and you might not get the best fit at certian ages causeing leaks. Fitted diaper are one size, you cant make them bigger or smaller, which means that you are going to have to buy different sizes through out your diapering days. People tend to not have as many leaks with these though.
Inserts
All diapers have some sort of absorbent material in them. Most of the time it is referred to as an insert. Inserts can be made out of many types of fabrics. The most common is microfiber. Microfiber is a think almost scratchy like material that can not be next to babies skin. Some other insert fabrics include cotton, bamboo, and hemp. Bamboo and hemp are very absorbent although they will all do the job- and that is keeping the pee where you want it, in the diaper.
Pocket Diapers
This is the kind of diaper that I mostly use. Pocket diaper have...a pocket that you stuff the insert into. sense the insert is not against babies skin you can use whichever kind you prefer. You MUST change both parts during the diaper change. Both parts are only used for one change and then they need washed, but luckly for you the dry really fast unlike other kinds. Pocket are also more daddy and babysitter friendly because they offer the convience of a disposable. Pocket diapers are probably the most common diaper used in the diapering community. They're can be very cheap, they're not the hardest to use, and they mostly come in one size which means that they will grow with your baby from birth to potty training. Although some brands do offer different sizes.
All-In-One
All- in- one diapers are by far the most convenient out of the cloth diaper choices. Their absorbent material (insert) is sown into the diaper so that you don't have to take it out when you go to wash the diaper and you don't have to stuff the insert back in. Although they have these conveniences they take longer to dry after you was them and all-in-ones don't grow with your child very well. you have to buy different sizes and they are not as adjustable as other kinds.
All-In-Two
All in two diapers are going to be in the middle on convenience scale. With these diapers all you do is change the inside of the diaper and re-use the outside part. you can do this because the insert is directly against the babies skin. usually held in place by a snap on both the insert and the inside of the outer covering (shell). Because the insert is next to babies skin it can not be microfiber. Microfiber will dry out the babies skin in a very bad way and could cause blisters and soars. Most All-in-Two inserts are cotton or bamboo. The nice thing amout all-in-twos is that you can get them in 'one size' which means that they can fit your baby from birth until potty training.
Flats, Prefolds and Fitted
These are also, like inserts, types of absorbant matterials. Flats and prefold are very similer. They both require some type of 'shell' on the outside to make them water proof. A flat you have to fold many times before you put it on baby (making it the most inconvient of all diapers) but unlike a flat a prefold is most of the way pre-folded.Prefolds only require a few folds. They both ,however, require either pins or snappies (snappies are a rubber fastener that keeps the diaper folded) Fitteds on the otherhand require no folding. They are already in the shape of a diaper, but they too need an outside shell or cover. Some fitteds also need snappies or pins but some come with build in snaps. This style of diapering is similier to the all-in-twos in the fact that you only change the inside of the diaper and reuse the shell.
Types of Covers (Shells)
PUL Covers- (polyurethane laminate) PUL is a type of water proof material. Pockets, all-in-ones, and all-in-twos already have a layer (or two) built in them. But for flats, prefolds, and fitteds you can buy a cover made out of PUL. They come in tons of cute colors and patterns.
Wool Covers- wool can be used as a natural fiber cover. When you wash wool with lanolin it becomes water proof and it only needs to be washed every few weeks. Although the washing process is hard and can be pricey some people love them. Wool cover are also very easy to make if you knit or crochet.
Fleece- Is a material that wicks away mosture and keeps baby feeling dry. Its easy to wash and maintain making it a favorite with moms. HOWEVER fleece is not a natural fiber so if you're wanting to go the natural route fleece is not for you.
Other Things to Think About
Snaps or velcro
Although velcro is easier ( a lot easier), and more dad friendly, it doesnt last as long as snaps. Velcro will eventually wear out and although you can replace velcro its a pretty big task to do. Snaps are harder to get the hang of and harder to get on a wiggly baby they last longer and its harder for baby to undo it themselves aas they get older.
Fitted or One Size
One size diapers are great in the fact that they will grow with your baby and save you money my doing that. However on a smaller baby they can tend to be bulkey and you might not get the best fit at certian ages causeing leaks. Fitted diaper are one size, you cant make them bigger or smaller, which means that you are going to have to buy different sizes through out your diapering days. People tend to not have as many leaks with these though.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Cloth Diapers ( Part One )
I've been asked to do a post about cloth diapers. Some people wanna know about different kinds, some wanna know all about cleaning and accessories, What kinds fit best with what ages, and some just wanna know about the day-to-day stuff. There is just SO much to talk about with cloth diapers that I have been avoiding the subject, even though its something so near and dear to me. I've decided that it is going to be best to do this in parts. So, here it goes!!
The first thing I am going to tackle is WHY. Why choose cloth diapers? Why would you choose to re-use something that your baby POOPS in? Well for a lot of reasons....
1) It saves TONS of money!
2) It is better for the environment
3) Harmful chemicals in disposables
4) They're cute, easy, and prevent diaper rash
Money
Disposables are really expensive. The average on costs $0.23 cents. Children, on average, go through 12 diapers a day for the first 8 months and then 8 diapers a day from 8 to 24 months. That's 9,600 diapers! The means you will spend $2,208 in diapers! That's a lot of money. But, we're not done. Forget about wipes? On average they cost $ 0.042 cents per wipe. You use about two of them per diaper change which means you go through 19,200 of them. Which is $806.40. For something that wipes your kids butt.... sounds a tad bit ridiculous. That brings your grand total to a whopping $3,014 if you diaper for two years. A lot of kids go longer, and if you're like me you go through a lot more than 2 wipes per change.
So now you're probably wondering how much cloth diapers ON AVERAGE cost. Lets say you buy 36 cloth diapers at $9 each (some are cheaper some are more expensive) that's gonna cost you $324. You're gonna use them 9600+ times which brings the average cost total for each change to $0.03 Add $0.04 cents to each change for the cost of detergent and water to clean them. Now if you buy 40 cloth wipes add $35.00 (you can very easily make your own cloth wipes, I'll do a tutorial soon) Your diapering total comes out to $743.00 .
That means that you save $2,271.40 cloth diapering!! Now just imagine if you use the same diapers for your future children! The saving goes up and up!
(Thanks Bottoms up Diaper Shop for providing these stats)
Environment
Did you know that a diaper put in the landfill today will probably still be there 550 years from now?! All 9,600 of them we were talking about!! That is a lot of diapers sitting in landfills. If that wasn't enough Massive amounts of wood pulp are used each year in the process of making of disposable diaper (outer and inner paper layers). 25,000 trees are used each year, in addition to 3.4 billion gallons of oil used to make the plastic liners in the diapers. Gross.
Chemicals
Did I get you interested about what else is in disposables? This part is by far the worst.
Sodium Polycarlate- This is used as a powder to form the inner pad of the diaper. its what makes it absorbent. Its the jelly stuff that sometimes comes out. It can hold 100x its weight in water, can stick to baby and cause reactions, studies have shown that when rats ingest the chemical it can cause death, band from tampons in 1985 because of TSS, children have died from ingesting just 5 grams of it, and it can cause female organ problems
Dioxin- This is a by-product of when the bleach the diapers to get the nice clean 'white' look. Its a huge CANCER CAUSING chemical. The EPA lists it as the MOST TOXIC of all cancer linked chemicals. It can cause birth defects, skin and liver disease, and many other things. Its banned in most countries...but not the US. How sick is that?
Tributly TIN (TBT)- A highly toxic pollutant that spreads through the skin. It harms the immune system and and hormonal system. And some people believe that it can cause sterility in boys.
Do you still wanna put sposies on your baby??
Cute, Easy, and Prevent Diaper Rash
Cloth diapers come in huge variety of different colors, prints, and fun accessories to go along with them. One of my diapers has space ships and robots on the them!! They are super easy to take care of too. I do an extra load of laundry every two-three days with a cloth diaper safe detergent. Many moms have also noticed that cloth diaper give their child fewer diaper rashes, probably due to the fact that they don't have harmful chemicals in them that irritate baby's skin.
I hope that this post has been helpful in the ''why'' of cloth diapers!! Be ready for the next post of ''types''
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