It's Not Gross...

Today I was talking with a friend, and the fact that I cloth diaper part time came into conversation. Her initial response was "That's gross", to which I replied "No way". But I remember back to the days before I discovered the truths and ease of cloth diapering and at that time, I also thought it was gross. With Dylan, my first, I used disposables...or "sposies", as I like to call them. Every week, without fail, I would spend roughly $15-$19 on a box of diapers. I remember buying those diapers grudgingly, but it was something we had to have. By the time I was pregnant with Hayden I found a wonderful local mommies group and met many different types of ladies. Over time, many of those ladies introduced me to different ways of living(cloth diapering, cleaning without chemicals, buying local and organic when possible, etc)...and in the beginning I shrugged it all off to them being "odd"...but after I listened and learned more I realized their way's of doing things weren't so "odd".

Around the time Hayden was 5 months I decided cloth diapering was something I wanted to look into...especially after hearing about the hundreds of dollars I could save in the long run and the terrible effect of disposables on the environment. I had always envisioned cloth diapering as using the old-school pins and prefold diaper, with the horrible plastic pants... so I was surprised to see the cute different types of diapers available, and to learn that no pins were needed! (Though I will admit that as a veteran cloth diapering mommy, I almost always use the old school prefolds now.) I was also nervous about the cleanliness factor...especially come poop time...but it was simple for me since Hayden had solid poop-because after a poop, you just plop the poop in the toilet, and then throw the diaper in with the rest of the dirty diapers. And the dirty diapers stay in a zippered wetbag until wash time...so no stink taking over the house!

Honestly, I could blog pages on my love of cloth diapering...but its one of those things you just have to try for yourself to understand. Despite your opinion on it, you cant deny the cuteness of a cute cloth covered bum....so Ill leave you with a few pictures of Hayden clad in some of our favorite diapers.

Its Cold!

Its cold! I'm talking below freezing-reaching single digits-cold! My poor kids have had chapped cheeks off and on, despite my persistence with lathering their faces with Vaseline. The other day we woke up to find we had no running water...our pipes had frozen. While I was highly peeved with having to go take a shower at my parents, I was still thankful that the pipes didn't burst-- the silver lining, right?

And then today, after church, I placed some damp prefold cloth diapers out to dry...don't ask me what I was thinking. The diapers are now a stiff frozen mess....so off to throw those in a toasty dryer.

Please God, if it is going to be this cold..please send snow...

It's drawing near

One week until my baby turns 2.

Bath Time With Hayden

Hayden loves bath time. He has been known to jump into the tub fully clothed in his short lifetime. For Christmas, he received some Thomas the Train bath toys. These toys are actually water squirters, but thank goodness he hasn't figured that part out yet. shhhh...

And the final shot... the one he will kill me for many years from now!

What would it be?

We have all heard the age old question:

If your home was on fire and you could only grab one thing (other than family) what would you save?

Every time I hear that question and I really have to ponder on it.... The question makes it sounds as though I should have a slew of things, and narrowing it down will be tough. Maybe if I were in the moment I would feel differently. I mean, ofcorse I don't want to lose any of our possessions...well, maybe a few toys, because we have too many of those anyways... But, what would be my one thing?

Some people go with items of sentimental value...me, well, I'm not one of those people. Sure, I'm sentimental...but not really over material items, per say.

Other people say clothes...and yes, it would stink to have only the clothes on my back, but surely there is something in my home more important that my clothes. Hmmm?

I do spend alot of time on my lap top. To me, I see my computer as others see their tv. Im not a tv person, but I can spend an hour surfing the web. But it seems so silly to say I would grab my computer if my home were burning down..besides, I could get on the net at work, if needed.

So what would I save....? Well, I guess the only thing that really comes to mind is my photo albums. Pictures are precious. They bring back memories, and they can tell a story long after you are gone. So I think Ill stick with that answer..if my home were on fire and I could only save one thing, other than my family, it would have to be our photo albums.

Happy New Years

Best wishes to everyone for a Happy New Year! Wow, where did 2008 go?? Since becoming a mommy the months seem to just fly by. So...resolutions.. well, I tend not to make any, but this year I did. I played it safe though and only made 2. I figure the less there is to live up to, the easier-right? In the past when I made resolutions, I learned not to share them with others..simpler that way because if I failed I would be the only one who knew. But, I'm going to be bold this year-so here goes:

#1-Have more patience with my family... I tend to fuss and snap easily, and when I think about how much patience God has with me it humbles me so.

#2-Play with my kids more and actually enjoy it, instead of worrying about the dishes in the sink or the laundry in the hamper.

There, I told you...so now off to enjoy my kids! Happy 2009 everyone!

The Day After

The day after Christmas consisted of lots of playing, cleaning up, playing some more and eating....the boys really had an appetite today! Guess its from all that playing. Oh, and I did manage to sneak a nap into the "schedule".

Love Came Down At Christmas

Love came down at Christmas

Love, a lovely love divine

Love was born at Christmas

Stars and angels gave the sign

Love will be our token

Love be yours, and love be mine

Love from God to all of us

Love for plea and gift a sign.

-Jars of Clay

What a wonderful day. Dylan woke up bright and early with such excitement. Hayden, on the other hand, had to be given a little nudge to wake up. But once they both were awake and eyeing gifts, all was well. Both boys were blessed in the gift department--getting clothes and toys--noteworthy is the train table they are both nuts over. After opening gifts, we ate breakfast and each of us (with the exception of Hayden) shared what we were thankful for. Typically this is something families do over Thanksgiving meal, but to our family Christmas is a time of thanks.... Thanks to God for sending his son-such a selfless, wonderful gift...the best gift ever, to be exact. God loved us enough to send his only son to Earth, so love really did come down at Christmas.

Still left on our agenda today is some more playing, cuddling and then cake making. Dylan and I will be making a birthday cake for Jesus later. Tonight we will have a birthday party for Jesus; complete with cake, candles and song....Happy Birthday to you, Jesus!

3 weeks

That is how long Ill have to wait before I learn anything more about what is causing Haydens troubles. About a week ago, I posted about Haydens issues of constant diarrhea for 5+ weeks ...well, he is still no better, even after being milk and egg free for over a week. So this morning we went to the pediatrician. I was prepared, with dirty diaper in tow (well, dirty diaper in ziplock bag to be correct). They doctor is going to run some cultures on the stool, and has instructed us to only give him Pedialyte and water to drink for 3 weeks. She wants to rule out lactose issues. Then, in 3 weeks we are to go back...that is, unless the issue clears up--which is what Im praying for. If he is no better in 3 weeks, they are going to send him for cystic fibrosis testing...since he does have a couple other symptoms (lots of chest colds/congestion and slow growth). Id be lying if I said I wasnt concerned, but I know God will take care of my family. He always has, and always will.

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." -John 14:27 (KJV)

Little things

Hayden ("Haydie", "HaydieBop", "Little Bit")

Little things I'm loving about Hayden right now.

Those deep ocean blue eyes with such sparkle.

He calls his beloved blankets his "night-nights". Even if he wants them just to cuddle, not to sleep, he will still say "night-night...I want night night".

When he gets in trouble and begins crying, he walks to the corner an pops his nose right in place without instruction...he has obviously seen his brother spend his share of time in the corner.

Little sock feet. I always wear socks around the house...its just ultimate comfort for me. Michael and Dylan hate to wear socks...but guess who loves wearing them? Yup. you guessed it.. Hayden.

sweet. sugar. cake. All words I use to describe the way Hayden smells. I stick my nose right at his neck and sniff often.

All the beautiful artwork he creates...especially now that he likes to "co-waa, co-waa" (better know as color).

His skin feels so soft...like silk...baby soft still.

Brothers...Hayden sure does love his. He calls him "Ninan", for Dylan. Hayden thinks Dylan is just the best thing since sliced bread, and to see the love he has for him melts my heart.

Through Thick & Thin

Back in high school, 10th grade to be exact, I walked into my English class on the first day of school and looked for a seat. Being that age you want to sit with a friend...but the only seat open was right next to a girl I "knew of" but wasn't really acquainted with. I knew this girl was was into sports and was pretty well known around the school-she had a really outgoing personality. I sat down next to her and within a couple days we hit it off and eventually became best friends...and still to this day remain that way!

We had some memorable times....worked together at Subway (Sandwich Artists, we were!), flew cross country to Minnesota and "vacationed" for a week-where we also met a set of brothers *wink wink*, worked together at The Sports Authority-where we both eventually met our husbands, were with each other through our weddings, and then side by side during the birth of our children... the list goes on and on. Times were not always peachy for us--there were fall outs occasionally and then there was a point when our lives were on different paths--but we always managed to grow close again, almost as if we never were apart...

I not only love this girl, but admire her...she has been a solid, steady rock in my life and I'm thankful for that. I'm confident that as we grow old we will remain the best of friends, even when we are old and gray.

Introducing, Rachel Ann, my best friend...

After months....

of Hayden having diarrhea and being told it was "just teething" or "just a virus", I followed my mommy intuition and had Hayden tested for food allergies at my work--he is allergic to milk and eggs. Before being tested Dr. N asked me what I thought his problem was, and I said milk. Mommys ALWAYS know best, right!?!!
Luckily, Haydens food allergies aren't as severe as other childrens...right now his main problem is chronic diarrhea--which primarily is a problem for the poor soul changing (and washing-we use cloth 50% of the time) his diapers... ME!
So I am on a new quest into the world of reading labels and eyeing every morsel he consumes....

Lets Get Crafty

Today I got the kids (and daddy) in on a craft that I can enjoy many years to come---handmade oraments.

Below you can see all the ornaments drying in our window.

These cinnamon applesauce ornaments were so simple to make and smell so wonderful. I made the star ornament, because I love stars. Dylan and daddy made the two train ornaments-one for Dylan and one for Hayden. We tried to get Hayden to help but he had no interest in taking part....he was too busy playing with his train.

Saturday Adventure

Saturday we went to Concord Mills mall to do some Christmas shopping. Despite the crowds, a great time was had by all. There was this neat train set up to drive kids(and parents) through the mall for $3 a ride. Since my children are fascinated with trains, it was right up their alley! I actually enjoyed it too, as you can see below in the picture. They also had Bass Pro Shop (daddy's favorite store) all decorated for Christmas, and there were various activities through out the store for the kids to participate in. I generally hate crowds, but this trip was worth it!

Beautiful Mess

Tonight I had another one of those "mommy light bulb" moments...you know, then ones when you realize your child is growing and maturing.

I remember when Dylan used to "color" a picture and it was nothing but a beautiful mess.... Well, tonight while watching Dylan color a picture I noticed how he is making an effort to actually stay in the lines. Its simple things that excite us mommy's, right?