Being Toddler

Not much has been going on.  I guess except if you count survival on the list of accomplishments...
I have been wondering what to write due to lack of inspiration.  In my attempt to humor you,  I will fill your mind with this thought, as it is the only one on mine!

Life.  Would.  Be.  So.  Much.  Better.  If.  We.  Could.  All.  Be.  Toddlers.

I have decided that this approach to grownupville would make it all the more tolerable, and easier to get through on a day to day basis.

Observe your toddler and this may be something I hope you realize too.

1)  Want something?  Say it very loudly in a sing songy voice like this: "I want Miiiiilllllkkkk!"  End of discussion.

2)  Get mad?  No worries.  Just push it out, throw it down (or at your neighbor's head), and roar like a tiger.  An alternative would be to be to just tantrum it!  Get on the floor, kick, scream, flail, whatever it takes to feel better, for however long you need.  Stop every few seconds to check to see who is watching, then begin again.  This will add drama.

3) Don't like your co-worker?  It's OK.  Tell them straight to their face in order to get it off your chest.  "I don't WANNA work with you!  Go away!"  Then stick your tongue out at them and stomp away in the other direction.  This will definitely get the point across, then tomorrow you can act like nothing happened.

4)  Don't like your home lunch?  Scream at it, throw it on the ground (or again, at your neighbor), and flail your hands in the air as you start crying.  This will surely get some attention and possibly even a trade for some chocolate chip cookies from a friend just cause they pity you and your momma's poor nutritional choices.  Another option is to just eat someone else's.  Come on!  You know you wanna reach across the table and grab that greasy grimey cheesy pizza concoction that is right over there....

5) Hate cleaning up after yourself?  That's OK.  There is nothing wrong with keeping things out all over the floor.  It's more fun to kick them out of your way as you walk anyway.  Also, how else are you supposed to find your favorite item quickly?

6)  Everything going wrong?  When in doubt of your day, your skills, and your attitude, just hug momma.  Everything will be better in a few short seconds of hugs.

Anything else to add?  This list can go on and on and on....

Cotton Glam Maternity

Cotton Glam Maternity: comfort, ease, style...How much more can you ask for?

When you are pregnant there is nothing worse then being in an uncomfortable, itchy, hot, and binding piece of clothing.  I had a favorite shirt from The Gap that I really liked and would have worn everyday if I could have.  I mention this because I really only had ONE of those items.  ONE out of many pieces of maternity wear that I purchased for my pregnancy.  The absolute most important thing for me with this business was to find more of THOSE pieces.  Pieces that you, as customers, will LOVE and want to wear day in and day out.  I feel that I have found one company that seems to think along the same lines and it's called Cotton Glam Maternity.  They make items to order and I have the opportunity to select the colors.

Let's intro Cotton Glam Maternity in the way that I feel I would fit best.  Soft, comfortable, yet stylish pieces that would last throughout your pregnancy.  The bonus is to FEAR NOT.  The items may resemble your favorite stretchy t-shirt that you love from yoga class, but in actuality they are beautiful, stylish pieces that can take you from board room to grocery store.

I am only beginning to delve into their full line.  I have brought in the ONE piece that I feel will fulfill my requirements of economical, comfortable, and versatile.  This pencil skirt is sure to deliver because it is REVERSIBLE!

This skirt would have been a HUGE staple in my pregnancy wardrobe!  It is made of super soft modal/spandex.  It is side ruched to provide for your growing belly, and it beautifully follows those new found curves!  It is black on one side and navy/white stripe on the other. (Shown with an Old Navy tank).

Side ruching for adjustability as baby grows and to accentuate that belly!
This skirt retails for $60.00 which may seem high, but you get two skirts in one.  Can't go wrong with that!  For sale inquiries email mommalovebaby@gmail.com.

What other super soft comfy items would you want to see?

Cloth diapers: the fancy, the practical, and the snaps!

Continuing on in the discussion of cloth diapers I feel the need to explain a little bit more of the details that may get you wondering "WHAT?!"  This is just to inform you and keep you in the know to understand some of the options out there.


DUAL LEG GUSSETS:  There are brands out there that swear by this built-in "leak dam."  This is basically an extra row of protection sewn right into the diaper that goes around baby's thighs.  I can't say too much else about this style.  Here are a few examples.

APLIX®:  This is a type of velcro.  Hooks on one side, and on the other side loops.  It is popular in cloth diaper manufacturing due to it's soft feel, but yet strong hold.  Also good for high use fasteners (www.aplix.com).  This type of closure usually has convenient laundry tabs.  As you can see below this is a tab to be sure to conceal the hooks of the Aplix® so that it does not stick to other items of clothing while washing (which will happen so this is a great feature to look for).

Aplix® is a popular choice as it is very quick to fasten.  My experience lead me to these cons.  Aplix® is easy for baby to remove once they are able, and in time it does wear out causing some of the fasteners to not hold very well.

SNAP: Just as simple as it seems.  Snap closure diapers are held onto the baby with snap buttons.  These are also a popular choice for strength of closure, long lasting wear.  There are many different options for snap fastening.  Some diaper brands use only one row of snaps at the waist  In the photo below you will see a two row snap closure.  This is popular as you can adjust the leg, or bottom, separately from the waist if needed to get a snug fit.  This is what I am resorted to doing with my thunder thigh baby!  Some may think that having to line up one extra button is too much time, but it is worth it in the end to get that snug fit and NO LEAKS! 

Again, this is not an exclusive list.  These diapers are just what I have available in my stash for photos, and can speak for from experience.

Up next...accessories!  Do you have a favorite cloth diaper accessory "must have?"

Toddler Tantrums

It has been a while since I posted something personal about our Surinne.  She is officially 2 years old and I couldn't be happier.  Every minute means something even more is about to happen, be learned, or discovered. The wonder of toddler-hood is definitely not ceasing.

My personal fave moments have come to be the tantrums!  Early on, I reported that my favorite baby face is the "angry face," and that still rings true.  Nothing much has summed up pure of-the-moment emotion than "angry face!"  I think toddler-hood sums up how we as adults really want to act, but cannot.  Unfortunately we have to be adults: all responsible, presentable, professional, and crap.  Now that toddler-hood has entered "angry face" has gotten even more entertaining!  Surinne is learning that she has choices, desires, and disappointments!
Minnie Mouse over: tantrum; Wait inside while momma feeds the dogs: tantrum; "Can you go poo poo potty?" "NO!": tantrum; Not wanting to put on shoes when momma asks: tantrum; Putting on shoes  when momma says no: tantrum; Wanting to eat cheese instead of peanut butter sandwich: tantrum; "Do you want bread?" "YES!" and then when momma gives the bread: tantrum; No more crackers: tantrum; "I don't want that!": tantrum; "Mine!": tantrum; Time out: tantrum.  This list can go on and on...
Luckily, I captured one of the worst tantrum moments on video the other day!  A tragedy occured when I showed up early to pick Surinne up from day care.  The kiddos were watching a movie and the snack of the moment was POPCORN!  Who doesn't love POPCORN?  I for one could eat popcorn all day.  Apparently so can Surinne!  I know my sitter found this moment hilarious.  She is witness to Surinne's tantrum shenanigans on a regular basis.  Now you can be too!

Do you enjoy your child's "angry face?'

The WHAT About Cloth Diapers?

 So we have spoken about what cloth diapers are really made of.  Now it's time to really get down to it and explain what these things really are.
Here's the lingo....AIO, AI2, hybrid, pocket, trifold/prefold, cover just to name a few!
So what does all this really mean?
Well, lucky for you, you are reading this blog.  You have obviously done some research, thinking, and maybe even some talking about the possibility of using or switching to cloth diapers, otherwise I don't think you would be interested in what I have to say.  I have to admit...I am not an expert.  I am just a parent who has experienced the highs and definite lows of learning about, and using, cloth diapers.  I will admit that it is a confusing, frustrating, and often times, draining journey.
Let's start with my most favorite/used types of diapers and then go from there.

AIO: This stands for All In One.  This type of diaper is changed in the same way as a disposable. The whole diaper comes off, and you put a whole new one on the baby.  All In One means that the absorbent soaker pad is attached and sewn in and usually comes with an extra booster for heavy wetting/naps that you can either lay on top or snap onto the bottom of the attached pad. This is a very popular style of diaper as many people say it is very daddy, grandparent, and day care friendly.  These are very easy to use, fast, and usually not very bulky.  If you read my last post "Navigating the Cloth Diaper World," you will be able to know that most AIO's are made with cotton knit, bamboo velour, or polyester fleece.  The photo below shows an example of a cotton knit style with extra soaker pad snapped in place.  You can see how this sample looks on my baby model and snaps closed on the sides.






















AI2: AI2, or All-in-2 diaper, is another popular option because it is pretty easy and a little more economical than the AIO.  Again there are many different styles/brands out there, but essentially the inserts are usually snapped in place inside the cover.  The theory is that when the baby is needing to be changed, unsnap the soiled insert and then snap in a clean one into the same cover.  The cover can be used a few times before needing to be changed (unless it is really soiled with poop/pee).  Very easy to use, however keep in mind that inserts are usually brand specific.  This means that not all inserts will snap into all covers.  These snap-in inserts are usually made of cotton knit, hemp, bamboo, and polyester or cotton fleece.  The photo below shows an example of a cotton insert.

HYBRID: This diaper is exactly what the name implies.  This is a part cloth/part disposable diaper system.  The insert that gets put inside the diaper is disposable/biodegradable and is typically held in place with an adhesive.  Every brand of this style of diaper typically sells their own disposable insert.  You may ask yourself, "If you are using cloth diapers why have a disposable insert?"  Well each person is different in their rationale, but my main reasonings are these...diarrhea, travel or long day outings, beach.  Of course I'll admit that it is also a good idea just in case you run out of clean diapers (yes, this really happens), or are too lazy or sick yourself to deal with cloth (yes, this happens too)!  The disposable option is just that...an option.  You can always just use the cloth insert.  Disposable inserts are not necessary, and keep in mind that these are sold separately (and also brand specific) so it is an extra purchase!  The photo below shows what this looks like.

POCKET: This style of diaper is another very popular option for ease of use.  Again the whole diaper is removed during changing, and a new one is put on.  The term "pocket" is used because the diaper has a pocket that you insert the absorbent pad into.  These diapers usually come with a couple of absorbent inserts so you can boost absorbency as needed for your baby, or for longer periods of wear (naps or overnight).  The absorbent inserts for pocket diapers are typically made of microfiber fleece.  This style of diaper is also typically made of polyester fleece so that the baby will not "feel" the wetness upon urination.  The picture below shows an example of this style of diaper.

TRIFOLD/PREFOLD:  This style of diaper is popular for it's economic value.  I refer to this style as "old school" cloth diapers.  As you can see below the trifold/prefold is simply folded and put inside of a diaper cover.  Once this is done you simply put baby on the diaper, bring up the front, and secure it closed.  The economic value of this system is that trifolds/prefolds are typically only $1-$5 a piece.  If you are using a good cover, you will be able to take out the soiled fabric and replace it with a fresh one.  In essence, you will not need to purchase as many covers as you would diapers.  In the photo, you can see how the trifolds/prefolds work.  This choice of system definitely takes a little more getting used to handling and probably a little more explaining for the other caregivers in your baby's life as it is not as easy to put on as the above options (I can attest to this first hand, especially with a mobile toddler)!

COVERS: Covers are simply that.  They are made of PUL so that they are waterproof and hold in the wetness/mess when the insert is soiled.  A lot of covers are made so that they can be wiped clean between changes if needed.  There are many types/brands of covers, but the thing to keep in mind is that they can be relatively cheap.  I have seen covers from approximately $10-$17+.  It really depends on what you want. Economical covers are usually very thin and plain colored.  The fancier the PUL fabric, the more money you will end up spending.  In the photos below you will see a few different types of covers that I own.  They all basically work the same way.  Usually the recommendation is that the cover can be reused 2-3 times before needing to be replaced.  Two types of covers that I use are shown below.

There is more to come on this subject!  One thing you do not realize once you start using cloth diapers is how much you want to talk about them!  Let me know if you have any specific cloth related questions...Are you enjoying the info?

Navigating the Cloth Diaper World

What does all of it mean?
If you are asking yourself this question and trying to figure out if you are understanding the cloth diaper information out there, then you are in the right place.  I know first hand how overwhelming, confusing, and difficult learning about cloth diapering can be!  This post will be the first in a series of helping you to understand what you really want to know.

First up: What are cloth diapers made of?


Excuse any staining you may notice...these are all well loved diapers.  At least you get the real picture! haha....



PUL: (what?!).  This stands for polyurethane laminate.  Wikipedia states that PUL is a compound fabric made by laminating a cloth fabric, usually a polyester interlock fabric, to a thin film of polyurethane (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyurethane_laminate).  In essence, this lamination creates a waterproof barrier to keep the "mess" in.  You can see an example of the shiny inside of the PUL in the above photo, and outside (the part of the diaper that you see when it is on the baby) in the bottom photo.  

Microfiber fleece: (say again?) This is the fabric that is typically used as inserts inside pocket diapers.  Microfiber is very absorbent and can hold up to eight times it's weight in water, is very strong, and soft.  In my research on wikipedia, I learned that in order for microfiber to be absorbent the fibers need to be split.  If they are not split they will not absorb.  This is the difference between the microfiber covering your couch and the microfiber in the photo below.  The couch fabric will repel liquid (hence the popularity with moms to protect furniture!) and is easily wiped clean.  It is important to know that microfiber is a synthetic product made from polyesters, polymides such as nylon or kevlar, and propylene.  Of even more importance in cloth diaper usage, microfiber inserts should NOT be placed against baby's skin because of their highly effective absorbency.  They will actually absorb the natural oils in the skin and cause rashes.  This is why they are stuffed into the diaper's pocket beneath the polyester fleece (see below).  For more information please visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microfiber

Polyester Fleece: (huh?) This is frequently what the top layer of the inside of cloth diapers are made out of.  It sits next to the baby's skin.  This fabric is commonly used because the moister from the urine will be whisked away into the absorbent layer beneath and the baby will not "feel" that the diaper is wet.  It is also a very soft feeling fabric.  This is the same fabric commonly used in outerwear jackets.
Polyester fleece is a manufactured product, and the process to make it is quite extensive.  Of note to me when I was researching cloth diapers is that this product is made out of reacting two derivatives of petroleum (ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid).  This is not to say that polyester is a bad fabric.  I was definitely just wanting to stick to more natural fibers.  I also do not personally enjoy the feeling of polyester fabric next to my skin when I wear it.  Below is an example of a polyester fleece lined diaper.  To read more facts about polyester and how it is made please visit:
http://www.madehow.com/Volume-4/Polyester-Fleece.html#b#ixzz2L3TyAAMi.

Cotton:  In diapers, cotton is used in two forms, knit and woven.  Cotton knit is used in many types of diapers and also as an added absorbent pad.  Cotton knit is what your typical t-shirts are made out of and can come in an organic format.  Woven cotton is basically just like your bedsheets.  In either application the fabric is layered on each other and sewn together to provide for absorbency.  Woven cotten comes in many varieties: bleached, unbleached, combed, flannel.  There are tons of options out there and it all depends on what you want.  Cotton is a popular choice for many parents wanting to stick to all natural products against baby's skin.  This was my case since I knew that a polyester application, as mentioned above, is a synthetic option.  It is also important to note that since there is no polyester fleece over the cotton (in most types of cotton diapers) the moisture from urine is not whisked away.  This means that the baby will be able to "feel" the wetness more, and it is said that this is a good reason for early potty training when using cloth diapers.
The top photo below is an example of a cotton knit fabric, and the bottom photo is an example of woven cotton fabric.

Bamboo: Another popular natural fabric option.  Many diapers may use a combination of bamboo/cotton.  Bamboo is a stronger more durable fabric and more absorbent than cotton; it is naturally anti-bacterial and anti-fungal; bamboo is also hypoallergenic.  These fun facts are excerpted from www.organicclothing.blogs.com/my_weblog/2007/09/bamboo-facts-be.html
As you can see from the photo below the texture is similar to at towel.  Bamboo fabric will also let the baby "feel" wetness.

Hemp: Hemp comes in many forms as well: fleece, french terry, knit jersey, etc.  When used as fabric hemp is typically mixed with cotton fibers in order to soften the feel of it.  Hemp is a popular choice for cloth diapers in that the fibers are three times stronger and are more absorbent than cotton.  (http://www.earthfriendlygoods.com/index.php?dispatch=pages.view&page_id=18, and http://www.the-eco-market.com/hemp-fabric.html)
The photo is an example of a hemp insert/doubler.

There may well be other fabrics used out there, and I do not intend for this list to be exclusive.  I am just here to help.  What other questions do you have about cloth diapers?  Is there anything in particular you want me to cover?  Let me know.  In the meantime I will gather my thoughts to keep educating.

Silly Baby

Surinne is now a whopping 22 months and even more impressive 30 pounds!  She is quite the "hunk of meat" as I like to call her.  I like to describe her as a roast beef.  You see it form a distance, it doesn't really look that big, so you think, "That's the roast for me!  It looks so good, I can make that for dinner!"

Well then you proceed over to the meat section, pick up the roast and go "oh! This is a heavy hunk of meat!"

That is the case with Surinne.  She is a solid hunk of meat!  Someone asked me recently what we feed her.  The answer is actually more what she will actually eat.  I feed her anything and everything.  She'll eat it for sure, but does she like it?  NO.

Truth be told she is a carb lover, sweets lover, and starch lover.  Can't say this was a surprise...my favorite food is pizza, and my husband will eat anything.  He will not eat a salad unless  1) it comes with his burger, or 2) if I actually make one.  

So that is all.  Oh yeah, also she is almost grown out of many of her cloth diapers because her thighs are so big...hence the potty training.

Here is our big girl enjoying a walk along Front Street in Lahaina.
Anyone else have a monster of a baby?