Save the Planet (and Your Money)!

As promised, this is my post on cloth diapers. If you're trying to decide whether to do cloth or disposable, this is the post for you. This post is detailed and link heavy, so if you're not interested in the cloth diaper debate, don't bother reading this. :)


These are the latest and greatest in cloth diapers. What? They don't look like you thought or remembered? Cloth diapers have come a long way since we were babies! The image came from Everyday Diapers, and shows a variety of the major styles and brands.

Why cloth? Since we hope to have more children, reusable cloth diapers would be considerably cheaper for our family, especially if you consider $1600 per child for two years each with disposables. God only knows how many children we'll end up having biologically and through adoption; 3, maybe 4??? That's A LOT of money for diapers! Most of the major brands of cloth diapers advertise savings of $1000-$2000 per child, plus one ton of landfill waste! In addition to that, consider the savings if I make them myself...sounds worth it to me!

If you want to look at or buy cloth diapers and you're in the area, Miss Monkey's Boutique at the Black Lion in Pineville, NC has a large selection of cloth diapers. She features cloth diapers from many of the major distributors, like Bum Genius, Fuzzi Bunz, Happy Heineys, Thirsties, Bummis (don't you just LOVE these names?) and many more! If you visit their sites, you'll notice that there's something a little different about all of them, which is overwhelming at first. The Zany Zebra and Cloth Planet have been extremely helpful in educating me on cloth diaper types and terminology. There are AIOs (all in ones), AI2s (all in twos), pocket diapers, and fitted diapers with waterproof covers, to name a few. I'll probably make a couple of AIOs for us to send to the church nursery with Beulah. From my experience, anyone volunteering in the nursery that has never used cloth diapers doesn't know what to do with them. That's why most of us use disposables. They're easy and convenient. But, since we'd like to use cloth, I'll make it easy on them and send a cloth diaper that works exactly like a disposable. All they have to do is take the dirty one off and put the clean one on. But, I think we'll use something more like the AI2s or pocket diapers when we're home.

If you're still reading, then you must be seriously considering using cloth diapers with your little one. These sites were very helpful in narrowing down the options. There is no clear cut right answer with so many choices. They all have pros and cons, so it seems to be a matter of trial and error to find out what's best for your baby and your family.
AIOs versus pocket diapers
velcro versus snap enclosures
one size versus sized diapers

The Cute Caboose seems to have the right idea. They offer a cloth diaper trial package. Like 'em? Keep 'em for a discount on your first purchase. Don't like 'em? Send 'em back and get your money back! But, after some research, I already know I don't need many of the things offered in their trial package, so today we went to Miss Monkey's and bought one Fuzzi Bunz Perfect Size pocket diaper (which has snaps), and one Bum Genius One Size diaper (which has velcro). The plan is to try them out, see which one works best on Beulah, and then buy or download a pattern closest to the one that works. If I get really good at it, I will make diapers for friends and family for a better price than the major distributors! Pray that my endeavors are not in vain!

I've Got the Bug

No, not the swine flu. :) I've got the sewing bug! I took a sewing class in high school and did very well. We made everything from blankets and pillows to dresses and even a lined suit! I LOVED it! But, just like a language, if you don't practice, you forget some of the techniques. I got busy with other things and didn't really care about taking the time to make something that was easier (and quicker) to buy.

Dance was my only passion for 27 years. My excitement about dance started to die the closer we got to growing our family. I think there were several reasons why. 1 - because I was excited about something else; a baby! 2 - because we live in a part of the country (as opposed to NY or LA) where there aren't places close to home for adults to take classes, so I was out of practice (and out of shape!). 3 - because when you're not actively participating in your trade, the field tends to progress without you. 4 - I didn't feel right continuing to teach dance when I wasn't as passionate about it and felt guilty that I wasn't passing on the most current information or skills.

For the past two years, I have felt that I didn't have a passion (although, many people told me that adoption and growing my family was obviously my passion). But, the other day I went to Hobby Lobby looking for decorating ideas and saw that they have a "Project Inspiration" section on their website. When I went to the site, I got this crazy spurt of energy! I saw some sewing projects and thought, I could do that! And, that started a two week websearch for projects. For some reason, I got really excited about bags and purses. And, I was stupid excited when I saw that there were FREE patterns online! And, you can find video tutorials teaching different sewing skills! For the next couple of nights I couldn't sleep because I was dreaming of designs and fabrics and searching for patterns. I'm tellin' ya--it's GOOD to feel passionate and excited about something creative again!

When Andy and I got married, I sewed some things out of necessity. I hemmed clothes and curtains, and even recovered a couch!

BEFORE

Our TEMPORARY solution--an old comforter. I know. You're saying, "Whew, glad that was temporary!" Me too. (Notice the boom box, head phones and CDs...man, a lot has changed in the past nine years! iPods are so much more convenient!)

AFTER


I had bought Sewing for Dummies, probably got through page 20, and stopped. I haven't sewn since. But, last week I got it out again and am soaring through it! And, as I was thinking of things I'd like to make, I starting thinking about baby stuff. Then I thought, what about cloth diapers?! We wanted to do cloth diapers to begin with, but couldn't front the money for a full set. Making them wouldn't cost nearly as much! (Dana D., you would be so proud!) And, over time, with multiple children, we will save a TON of money--not to mention, the environment! And, guess what...there are FREE patterns for cloth diapers online too! So, yesterday I went to my multi-talented and green friend, Leslie's house and she made a diaper while I watched and learned. (Leslie, you are amazing! Thank you!) I have done tons of research on cloth diapers online (which I will share in another post), and am ridiculously excited about DIAPERS! I know that sounds crazy, but it's true! I also want to make nursing pads, wipes, burp cloths and diaper bags.

If you've been to our house, you know that almost all of our walls are blank and there are no curtains on any of the windows. We've painted the living room and kitchen and Beulah's room. That's it! No, we didn't just move in. We've been here for almost two years, but we thought it was better to spend our money and time on other things. But, now that I'm home and have this renewed energy for sewing, I want to make curtains, pillows, duvet covers...EVERYTHING!! (Can you tell I'm excited?!) It will be nice to create a more welcoming environment in our home, make gifts for people, and SAVE MONEY! Woo hoo! Praise the LORD for planting this desire in me. Now, I pray that He helps me to carry it out!

So, I'm off to blow the dust off the old sewing machine and oil it up! Maybe for Christmas I'll ask Santa for gift cards to fabric stores!

A Rose By Any Other Name?

Long before the kids come, you dream about what you will name them. In our six years of waiting, we threw around tons of names, but never settled on any of them. It wasn't until the night before we found out that Beulah would be a girl that we settled on her name. You can read the story of how we came to that decision and the significance of her name here.

But, the other day, I picked up an old baby name book that I got when we first started TTC (trying to conceive) to see if Beulah was in there. The index took me to a section called "So Far Out They'll Probably Always Be Out". What? I think I'm offended! Well...maybe not. I mean, we knew when we picked it that every Beulah we'd heard of was either 90 or dead. We were excited about the fact that there wouldn't be a ton of Beulah's in her classes at school. And, most of the reactions we got when we revealed her name were positive. One friend even said that she wished it was her name! Now that's a compliment!

But, this is what the book said.

When you talk about baby names, there are two words that are very risky to use: always and never. After all, in the first edition of this book, we stated firmly that two names that would never come back were Raymond and Murray. Well, since then, two hip medial stars--Jack Nicholson and Lisa Kudrow--have used them for their sons, and others have resurrected such long-slumbering selections as Clara and Ella and Lorraine and Renee and Zelda and Wolfgang, just as Elijah and Isaiah and Abigail are making their way up the popularity charts, and we have a nonmouse movie star named Minnie. Nevertheless, although it is with some trepidation, we submit the following list of names we're pretty sure are so far out they'll never come back as baby names. Just don't remind us of what we said when Hester and Herman make it to the top of the list in the year 2020.

Well, I hate to tell ya, Linda and Pamela, but my mom, brother-in-law, and neighbor's names are all on that list! (OK, maybe I am a little defensive.)

At the doctor's office, the nurse asked us how we came up with the name Beulah. We explained that it came from Isaiah 62. Afterwards, she called her "Bella" several times. Then she said, "I keep calling her Bella, but it's Beulah, isn't it? I think I like Bella, but I respect Beulah." Ha ha! Andy and I quote that to each other anytime we need a good laugh.

Parents.com did a survey asking parents, "Do you regret giving your baby the name you did?"
91% No, I still love it.
3% Now that we have a nickname, I like it better.
6% I'd have chosen something different in hindsight.

I have to say, I'm with the 91%.

Is This Your First?

When I was pregnant, this was one of the many questions strangers frequently asked. And, now that I have a baby, people still ask. I didn't think about the implications of the question at the time, but since becoming a mom, I've realized what a loaded question it is. A simple "yes" or "no" provides the interrogator with loads of information.

A "yes" tells them that...

*you can't fully understand what you've gotten yourself into, because you haven't been there yet.
*you're probably scared to death because you have no idea what you're doing.
*you will be walking around for the next several months like a zombie and your house will be a mess.
*you may not get a warm meal for several months.
*you will not shower as often or be as well groomed for a while.
*the dog's hair and breath will bother you more than ever before.
*the decor of your house is about to change, as is the amount of clutter.
*because of the clutter, you will likely start to dream of a bigger house and car.
*your cabinets and toilets will soon be locked down tighter than Fort Knox.
*what you play in your DVD player and on your iPod will change.
*you'll talk, sing and dance in ways that you never intend other adults to hear or see.
*needles (shots) will make you cry again like they did when you were a kid.
*your bills will increase and your priorities in making purchases will change.
*who you spend time with and what you spend time doing will change.
*your ability to "fly by the seat of your pants" will come to a screeching halt.
*you will turn into your parents.
*you will have to be intentional about maintaining relationships with friends that don't have kids.
*you will have to be intentional about maintaining a relationship with your spouse.
*your idol--SELF--will be exposed, as you're faced with the reality of your own selfishness.
*you will be humbled when you realize that you CAN'T do it better than EVERYbody else, and YES, that CAN happen to you.
*you will be on your knees for another person more than ever before.
*you will never care for, protect or defend anyone more in your life.
*your whole life is about to change...for the better.
(and most importantly...)
*you will have more joy and love in your heart than you ever thought possible.

A "no" tells them...you already know all that. Next time someone asks me, I think I'll say "no". Ha ha!

Half-Birthday Already?!!

Around 5 months, we hit our stride. Beulah started sleeping better (2 hour naps and waking only twice at night!), which meant Andy and I started sleeping better. With more sleep, medication, and help from loved ones, I also started to lighten up. I finally feel like myself again! And, whether it is because I am less stressed, because she's sleeping better or because she's just maturing, Beulah seems SO much happier! This past month, being parents has felt more like we'd always dreamed it would; rewarding and FUN!

Beulah's moving all over the place now! I have to keep my eyes on her at all times, because before I know it, she'll be halfway across the room. She's not crawling yet, but she is doing what they call "creeping". She'll roll over and over or push herself with her feet to get wherever she wants to go. And, this month, she hit her biggest milestone yet...sitting up! I never understood how exciting these milestones are for parents until now!

Beulah is too tall for her 3-6 month clothes, so we've switched to 6-9. Her Ninnie and Nana came to visit this month, and instead of them having to do damage control, we got to play! We did quite a bit of shopping. Poor Beulah. We drug her around until we wore her out. Ninnie got Beulah ready for the cold weather coming up this fall/winter, and Nana couldn't resist the cute spring/summer dresses on sale. So, she is set, thanks to the generosity of her grandparents!

It seems that Beulah has entered the stranger anxiety phase a little early. There have been a few times when people have wanted to hold her, and she would poke her lip out and start to cry. Man, that lip will kill you! So pitiful! But, thankfully, she's still doing well in the church nursery.

My girl's also got a little fire in her. If we're trying to clean her face, give her teething tabs, button her shirts/sleepers and she doesn't want us to, she will swat our hands away. And, she's strong! So, sometimes one of us has to hold her hands while the other does what needs to be done. She's a feisty one! If you're not doing what she wants you to do fast enough, she'll squeal LOUD. And, if she's through with a toy, she'll throw it! But, all is well when she lights up at the sight of us and reaches her hands out to us. Well...she does that to Pedro too, but still. It's special. :)

The pictures and videos below may seem excessive, but I couldn't widdle them down any more. (Go ahead, call me a proud mama. I'll admit it!) Together, they give you a good idea of Beulah's bubbly personality, and what the past month has been like.



For my birthday in May 2008, several friends pooled their money together to get us a sitting with a photographer with the expectation that we'd be receiving our adopted child soon. I got pregnant in July 2008 + 9 months of pregnancy + a rough start to parenthood, and we just now redeemed it. :) Photos were taken by the talented Lori Winters.








Beulah was having a great time with Pedro until daddy coughed and almost knocked her off her seat!