Five Months!

Dear Fifi,

Today you are five months old.

You are such a happy, smiley baby.



You adore your big brothers and are happy sitting in the bumbo or laying on the ground watching them play. Every time one of them comes close you smile and smile.

And you laugh and giggle all the time. I love it!

You are such a roly poly. Rolling from front to back and back to front over and over. You even rolled off my bed. (And I felt like a horrible mother. I'm sorry!) You are playing with toys and reaching and grabbing and not such a little newborn anymore.



I love picking you up from the gym childcare to see you asleep in one of the worker's arms or riding with them in the Mob. I'm nt the only one who loves to hold and cuddle you. (I just like it most.)

You're my sweet little lady and my best girlfriend.

I love you with all of me.

Love,
Mama

PS Our laptop is back! The only thing they said is it needed is a new plugin cord thing. So, I can finally post the rest of the beach pictures, my own cloth diaper pictures, and a fun tutorial. Now I just need to find the time...

Cloth Diapers, Part 1

I've started and never posted on cloth diapering so many times. There is just so much to write about that it gets a little overwhelming. I was going to call this "all you ever wanted to know about cloth diapering," but that post, printed out would probably fill a book. There's so much to say that I'm going to do this is 2 or 3 parts. Or, maybe I'm just long winded.

I started cloth diapering both Silas and Samuel (who was almost 2) right after Silas was born.

Why Cloth Diaper?
The reason we made this change was because I started to get concerned about what was in disposable diapers and what they were doing to my babies. You know those little clear balls that are on their skin when a diaper gets too wet? Can't be good.

And, we would save lots of money. And, spare lots and lots of disposable diapers from ending up in the landfills. It is estimated to take 250-500 years to decompose.

Because I was intimidated to start cloth diapering it took me a long time to actually do it. I briefly considered it with Judah, seriously considered it with Samuel, finally did it with Silas, and now I consider myself a seasoned pro. Just kidding.

I did lots and lots of research on Diaper Swappers and Diaper Pin and highly recommend both of these sites.

Diaper Swappers has a forum where you can buy diapers from people (like a mini ebay for cloth diapers and accessories only). It is a great place to buy a few diapers, used, for a great price to try them out. I got several from there in the beginning. You can sell yours there when you're done, too. Diaper Pin has reviews on diapers, where to buy, how much others bought them for, and more.

Types of Diapers



For the ease of use I decided to start with BumGenius all-in-ones (aios). These basically look like a disposable diaper, just made from cloth. When the diaper gets wet or dirty you clasp the velcro together and throw the whole thing in the washing machine.

The benefit of aios is that they are so easy to use. You don't have to fold or stuff anything. You just use the diaper. A lot of people that use aios for babysitters, daycare, grandparents, and even dads. The downside is that they aren't as absorbent as other types, they take a lot longer to dry, and they are the most expensive option.



I am slowly phasing out of the aios and using only pocket diapers. Pocket diapers have a separate outer layer and insert. You "stuff" the insert into the diaper before you put it on the baby and take it out before washing. It takes slightly more work, because you have to prep the diaper before putting it on baby, but it literally takes a few seconds per diaper.

The benefits of a pocket diaper are they are less expensive than the aios, you can control how absorbent the diaper is based on the type, size, and how many inserts you add in, and they are, also, pretty easy to use.

There are, also, some new diapers called "flip diapers." I don't really know much about them, but apparently they're a mix between pockets and prefolds. They have an outer layer that you can reuse if it's not soiled and an inner layer.




The last type of diaper are prefolds. These are more "old fashioned" and what a lot of people think of when they think of cloth diapers. They're also the things you buy in packages at Target and can use as burp cloths.

They have an outer (usually plastic) cover and an inner cloth that needs to be folded (like a burp cloth type). They are sometimes use velcro and, rarely, pins. You can use the outer layer over and over until soiled and just wash the "cloth" on the inside. These are the most cost effective, but also have the steepest learning curve.

Sizing
On sizing, you have two choices: fitted (xs, s, m, l, or xl) or one size. Fitteds are trimmer because you don't have to fold up the extra fabric for the smaller sizes, but if you plan on cloth diapering for the long haul one sizes are very economical. You pay more in the beginning per diaper, but get more use out of each diaper. You buy them once and you're done.

While I was starting cloth diapering a friend answered lots of questions for me. If you have any, I'd love to do the same for you. Feel free to leave a comment or email me.

Don't forget to come back in a few days for part deux!

Diapers and products I recommend
Tiny Tush Diapers
Fuzzi Bunz Diapers
BumGenius Diapers
Hemp Babies Inserts
Bummis Flushable Liners

photo credits: Cotton Babies, Fuzzi Bunz, Tiny Tush, Green Mountain Diapers

You can read Part 2 here.

Mini Wicker Chair

Last weekend, when the boys were out of town, Silas, Finley, and I managed to leave the house early and be some of the first ones at an estate sale. I scored lots of fun stuff, but my favorite was this $4 children's wicker chair.



I spotted it as soon as we walked up and told the people I was setting it aside to buy it. I'm glad I did because as we were looking around several people wanted it.

Isn't it amazing what a little spray paint can do? I did one layer of primer and one layer of pink gloss paint.

I whipped up the cushion and tiny pillow yesterday during nap time and project number two for Finley's room= done!



Oh, and I had two VERY willing models. Silas was, literally, crying and screaming as I pulled him away to take pictures of the chair by itself. Judah wasn't too happy himself. They're used to be the focus of my photos!



Linking to:
Making the World Cuter, The CSI Project, Tea Rose Home, Sew Much Ado, Blue Cricket Design

Family Walks

I feel so good now that I'm (finally) starting to exercise regularly again. One of my favorite ways to exercise is walking in the park. It's so fun to go with friends and talk and it doesn't feel like a workout at all. But, with the four, it's darn near impossible, unless someone else can push one of my strollers or we go at the boys' pace and let them walk or ride.

I've been going to the gym a lot again and my favorite part is the childcare. I LOVE that I can have an hour (or two if I wasn't freaked out to leave Finley that long) to myself. I haven't yet, but I plan to go in the hot tub (I miss it from not using it during pregnancy) and maybe even sit in the cafe. There's even spa where you can get a massage or a pedicure. Doesn't that sound amazing?

But, probably my favorite "exercise" is family walks. Last night Judah rode h scooter, Finley rode in the Moby, and the rest of us walked, including Captain. We went to this Native American marshland near our house. At leas,t that's what it said on the sign. It's gorgeous with wildflowers and trails and even a water fountain for dogs. It was a long way for the boys (we brought the double stroller for when they needed a break, but the air was cool and perfect and we had fun as a family. Total bliss!

Because I don't want to forget

Silas just turned two. And, he's already asking to (and going) pee and poop in the potty. I guess that's what happens when your baby is a genius and you have two older brothers that you want to be exactly like.

On the way home from Costco the other week this was my conversation with Samuel.
Samuel: I want to move back into our old house.
Mama: Why is that?
S: Because I don't like our new house.
M: Why don't you like it?
S: Because it makes me SOO hungry.
M: How does it do that?
S: Because it's hot and when I'm hot I get so hungry.

As of yesterday, Finley is officially rolling back to stomach. And she's still super happy and smiley. We're back working out at the gym and she does so good in the childcare. The other day I went in to pick the kids up and I couldn't find her. Finally I spotted her facing forward as one of the workers was carrying her in the Moby. So sweet!

Judah is reading like crazy. And writing. And adding, subtracting, telling time, and counting money. And graduating kindergarten in a month! We're going to have a little "graduation" here with some family members.

For the love of Anthro

Well, friends, our computer is in the shop. It's doing some weird thing where it won't charge and the screen went black a few times and then came back on. And, the part that freaks me out is that as much as I want to back up our pictures and as much as I thought about doing it, I haven't actually done it. But, I will. As soon as that thing comes back. I promise this time.

So, while my laptop and pictures are gone I thought I'd take this time to talk about something that is very important to me.

You see, I was never much of a collection person. I had a small porcelain doll collection. I briefly, without knowing what they were, collected shot glasses (Mom??) and I think that about sums up that part of my life. But, at the age of 27, I've decided to start a new collection.



Anthropologie dresses.



I've always been a big Anthro fan, but I'd never actually bought anything. I'd browse through the catalog, stop in every chance I got, and spend way too much time looking at the website. But, on our way to Santa Cruz, we stopped in one in Danville and I made my very first purchase. I had actually been looking at said dress online for awhile and it happened to be on sale (yay!, but I can't find it online.



Feel free to add to my collection.

Santa Cruz

Although we went to "the beach," we really only spent one morning in the actual sand by the water. We stayed in an amazing house only a 1/2 block from the beach, but walking that half block, then across the sand, lathering up with sunscreen, rescuing from the waves, and walking back was exhausting. So, we decided to only go once. That was plenty for Eric and I, but probably not for the kids. Now we'll just have to go again next year! :)

These boys went straight for the water.


This boy couldn't wait to play with his toys in the sand. It was like an enormous sandbox!


We watched from a blanket.


The beach was actually a dog beach, so Captain was in dog heaven.


Silas got pulled in the water with a wave.


So, I took off his soaking wet shorts and then he wouldn't keep his diaper on.


They loved the beach!

Pictures to come

The boys got home last night from their second time at the father/son camp out. This time Grandpa (my father in law) went, so it was extra special for them. I had big plans to get lots done this weekend, and I did get some done, but taking care of the two little ones was more involved than I had planned. We had fun, too, though. So my plan for the week it to edit and post pictures from our beach trip and from the boys' trip.

As for now, we're working on our homeschool. We've already finished our memory verse, some writing (prayer cards for the people we want to pray with- love killing two birds with one stone), and now math.

The big event for the day is Samuel's well child check up. Last time we went to the pediatrician's he flipped out (and he wasn't even going to be touched), so needless to say, I'm nervous. I'll keep you all updated.

Be back soon with some pretty pictures!

i love these guys!

The Pioneer Woman's Chicken Pot Pie

You all know I love the Pioneer Woman. As does most everyone else in the bloggy world. I love her even more since she's posted that she's a fellow Frye boots fan.

The other night I decided to try a second attempt at the chicken pot pie. The first time I made it I forgot to add salt and the other seasonings and it tasted so bad I couldn't even eat it. This time I made sure to properly salt it. Eric still thought it was bland, so maybe I need to dump the salt in?



I used the last pie crust I had in the freezer, so I'll be making some more soon. I love the Pioneer Woman's pie crust recipe using whole wheat flour. I, also, substituted whole wheat flour in the filling.



Despite Eric's comment on it being too bland, I thought it was perfect. I guess I'll be eating all the leftoevers!

Am I allowed to post a recipe from a cookbook? I'm not sure, so I won't. So, you'll just have to go out and buy your own copy!

The Perfect Woman

I feel so scatter-brained these days.

I have crafty add. Seriously. I have a million projects that I am in the middle of or planning to start. Including, but not limited to, a wreath for Finley's room, redoing a table and chairs, painting a mirror, sewing a dress for Finley and one for myself.

I've been less than creative in the menu planning department (hence the lack of recipes), but I have a lot of things I'm meaning to make. Instead, we've been eating tuna sandwiches, pasta with sauce made from whatever I can find in the fridge, egg scrambles, and other easy meals.

I think I'm a perfectionist. I never considered myself a perfectionist before because nothing in my life was perfect. But maybe I am? I just wouldn't try because I knew it wouldn't be perfect. And, I still find myself wanting to be great at everything. I want to be the best Christian, best mom, wife, homemaker, baker, cook, homeschooler, sewer, crafter, thrifter, blogger, fashionable dresser, I want to lose the baby weight, work out all the time, build new friendships, find the perfect church, have an impeccably clean house, amazing garden, landscaped yard.

Writing it all out make me look crazy. And I guess it makes sense that I'm tired and overwhelmed. There are people who are so amazing at one thing. I've never been amazing at one thing. I've always been ok at lots of things. But, why oh why can't I be amazing at everything?

Mother's Day

Today was amazing.

I woke up before everyone else to nurse Finley. Then, one boy woke up, then the next, then the next. Then Papa took the baby downstairs and I stayed in bed.

A few minutes later Judah came up to ask if I wanted breakfast in bed or at the table. I said I didn't mind, so he chose for me to eat it in bed.

Then Samuel came up and asked what I wanted for breakfast.

I heard him go downstairs and tell Eric that I said anything was fine, so I needed a mocha. Eric wanted to make it with just water (it's this mocha mix stuff from Costco), but Judah assured him that I make it with milk. He was right. I add a little milk in at the end.

I have such thoughtful boys.

I was also given beautiful flowers and chocolate.

We had a good day at church.

And lunch at Olive Garden with my dad, Grams, and Bill.

To end the day we had a delicious bbq with at my in laws, with my mom, Eric's grandma, a friend. Today happens to, also, be my mother in law's birthday!

All in all a fabulous day. Being a mom is the most incredible honor and brings me such joy.

Judah, Samuel, Silas, and Finley, I love each one of you so much. You are so unique and special and you bless me more than you will ever know. Each one of you is such a special gift from God. I love being your Mama!

Off To The Beach

Well, we're off. See you when we get back! xo







Oh, and Happy Cinco de Mayo!!

The Name Banner

Now that Judah and Samuel are sharing a room I'm working on decorating Finley's room. It's going to be light turquoise, mustard yellow, avocado green, and magenta and filled with lots of girly, vintage finds. I'm having so much fun working on it and I can't wait to show you the end result. Hopefully soon!

I have bookmarked lots of cute banners as inspiration and was so excited when I found the perfect floral fabric with all of the room colors.

Now to paint over the dark navy and hang it up!



Linking at: Tea Rose Home, Making the World Cuter, Skip to my Lou, Today's Creatie Blog, Creative Itch, Someday Crafts, Blue Cricket Design, Just A Girl

Finley, Birthdays, and our TRIP

Finley's four month appointment was today. She was 15 lbs, 14 oz (90th percentile) and 26 1/4 inches (97th percentile). My healthy, perfect little chunky monkey!


My grandma and Finley at the party

On Friday, Samuel's actual birthday, we went to Chuck E. Cheese and had chicken strips/burgers for lunch, per his request.

On Saturday we celebrated Samuel and Silas' (is it Silas' or Silas's?) birthday with a small, casual party. I was originally planning a big, crafty party, but the small, easy one was much easier for me and just as enjoyable for the boys.


The birthday boys


The cutest little monster shirts ever, made by Jenna

I am so excited. We leave for a little trip to Santa Cruz in two days. It will be our first family trip since I was pregnant with Silas. I can't wait to visit Stripe (where Alexis sells her beautiful creations), stop at Anthropologie, eat out, visit the Boardwalk, do some thrifting, and, most of all, hang out at the beach. Hooray!

Any locals have suggestions of places we have to visit? We haven't been to Santa Cruz since Judah was 10 months old and I was first pregnant with Samuel- 5 years ago. Crazy!