Meet Me on Monday Week 9

Yay! I made it on Monday:)

Questions:

1. What feature of the opposite sex do you notice first?

Their smile. I love a nice smile and if someone is smiling they are usually happy so that's a plus.

2. Do you talk to yourself?

Um, yes. In my head. Does that make me crazy??

3. What is your current relationship status?

Happily married! Our five year anniversary is on Friday, which just happens to be our daughter's first birthday as well.

June 24, 2006 Montego Bay, Jamaica

June 22ish, 2007 California Coast

Sometime around our anniversary 2008-Comanche, TX

Maroma Beach Mexico-anniversary vaca 2009

June 24, 2010 Glendale, AZ

4. Do you have a garden?

No, I wish I did though. 

5. What is your favorite licorice flavor?

I am not a big fan of licorice, but I do love the Twizzler's Pull and Peel in Cherry. 

Tweet

Convincing Dad to do Cloth

Like many new dads, my husband thought I was crazy when I told him I was considering using cloth diapers when I was pregnant. He kept shaking his head at me and raising his eyebrows making me feel like maybe I really have gone too far with being 'green.'

I did a ton of research since everyone I mentioned it to thought I was just as crazy as he did. I looked online and tried deciphering all the acronyms and learned about all the different types and brands of cloth diapers. Even with all this research, I felt lost. 

Luckily, a coworker of mine who was pregnant had decided to cloth diaper and mentioned it to me. I was so excited because now I had someone to talk to and ask questions. Her sister cloth diapered and it turned out another teacher at our school had cloth diapered her child as well. I didn't feel as crazy anymore. 

I found a local store, Zoolikins (formerly Wildflower Diapers), that offered free cloth diaper classes. It was the closest store to us, but I finally convinced my husband to go even though it was an hour away. It was about a month before my due date when we actually went. The class was full and so informative! The store associate gave us the facts and then threw in a few opinions on her favorite diapering systems and detergents. After we learned all about them, we were able to go and touch/feel/play with them. They even had a baby size teddy bear to try the diapers on. 

Because I'm a cheapo, I always thought we would do prefolds and covers, especially with the larger start up cost of cloth. My husband was definitely against that after we went to the class. He hated the Snappi-he said it was too sharp and what if we scratched the baby. We both decided that a one size diaper would be the most cost effective for us. We considered a lot of different brands, (well I had beforehand) but we actually went with one I had never heard of until we attended the class-Fuzzibunz. I was fascinated with the adjustable elastic which seemed like such a better idea than the snap down rise. My husband was fascinated by the soft fleece. He even rubbed the sample diaper against his cheek. We wanted to make sure we were absolutely certain, so we didn't buy our diapers that day. 

After doing more research and wanting to know why some diapers are $5 and others are $20, I decided we should only invest in ten Fuzzibunz to start. We also bought ten Babyland and 10 Sunbaby diapers. I prepped all the diapers and they were ready for Baby J when she came home from the hospital.

The Fuzzibunz worked great, but the cheaper pocket diapers did not. They always leaked out of the legs. A few days into CDing, we decided to buy 10 more Fuzzibunz. We put the 20 diapers that were leaking into a space bag and thought we would use them in a few months when Baby J was bigger, even though she was 9lbs. 7oz. when she was born. 

Baby J is eight days old here in a Fuzzibunz diaper.

A couple weeks after we received our new diapers, I saw an ad on Craigslist for Fuzzibunz. The ad was for 26 diapers barely used-the mother had decided not to use cloth-and I got them for $10 a piece! I was stoked! Convincing hubby wasn't too hard, but he did say that I was cut off from buying anymore cloth diapers since we had enough. :( That was okay. I always told myself that it was crazy how some people could become addicted to buying so many diapers. Hahaha!! Here was another one of those mom moments where you look back at what you said before you had kids.

A month old

Almost two months old

My hubby is now a pro at changing diapers. He never sprays a poopy one and he doesn't stuff the pockets or adjust the elastic, but every once in awhile he'll take the clean laundry out to the backyard for me. 

4 months

This is actually a Sunbaby diaper because at the time, we didn't have any red Fuzzibunz-see how it left a red mark on her?

Large fitted Muttaqin-11 months

He is the one who wanted to start Bum Luxury and he even came up with the name. Now that I'm buying and selling diapers all the time, it's fun to see him put a new type of diaper on Baby J. He always asks to make sure he's done it right and he has. :) 

My two favorite people:)

So, to all the dads out there that are scared to do cloth, it's not that different than disposables, as long as your wife is doing the laundry!

Tweet

Meet Me on Monday (I know-I'm late again!) Week 8

I know this is two weeks in a row. I have been a bit behind this week and really have no reason for it! Oh well, hopefully I'll get back on track soon.

Questions:

1.  What is your favorite yogurt flavor? 

Probably raspberry, but I like a variety of kinds: pineapple upside down cake and apple turnover are a close second!

2.  Ankle or knee socks? and on the same theme, white socks or coloured??

Ankle, really? It's 2011! And white...unless they are those soft comfy ones meant to wear around the house in the winter-then those can be fun and decorated!

I own a couple of these because they were on clearance at Bath and Body Works after the holidays last year.

3.  How is the weather right now?

Hot! I'm in Phoenix and today's high is 106...where's my pool??

4.  Are you a fast typer?

Yes, I like to think so:) I hated that typing class in high school, but it paid off. 

5.  Red or White Wine?

White and my favorite is Maui Splash from World Market, although I prefer mixed drinks...like a margarita (on the rocks w/ salt), a pina colada, rum punch, or a mudslide...I haven't had a yummy delicious drink since I found out I was preggo in October 2009. I'm ready for a beach trip that's all inclusive!!

Tweet

Jaw Dropper

"Well, when you use disposables you only have to change the diaper four times a day."

Yes, that was a real comment from a real mom in my mom's group. 

I wasn't there, but as my friend was telling another mom about cloth, this was actually said out loud. When I heard about it, my jaw dropped. When I told my husband, his jaw dropped. First, who would do that to their child? Second, who would admit that in a group of moms?

I enjoy the playgroups Baby J and I are apart of and it's fun to interact with other adults who are like-minded. These types of comments make me wonder about these people though. 

I joined this particular group when Baby J was about six months old. Half of the people are super welcoming, the other half are very cliquish. (It's not underlined, so it appears to be a real word.) 

I try to be friendly with everyone, but this particular mom has never been super welcoming to me. In fact, she's someone that I really don't care to be around, but I try to not judge from the few times I've met her. I must say I was super annoyed when we were at a play date and her older son hit me upside the head with a toy and she didn't say anything to him. I did. I told the kid not to do that again in my teacher voice. I keep it around for occasions like this. When he kicked me as he was flipping himself on the couch, I suggested he go play somewhere else. Like closer to his mother and away from the younger babies. 

So yesterday my friend came over and was excited to tell me that a newer mom in our group was asking about cloth diapers. Of course, as the great friend she is, she chimed in and told her about Bum Luxury. Don't you love good friends?!? As they were discussing how great cloth diapers are, this other mother chimed in with the infamous quote, "Well, when you use disposables you only have to change the diaper four times a day."

Why would you have to change a diaper any less because it's not reusable? Does your child only use the restroom four times a day? Do you only use the restroom four times a day? I live in a middle class neighborhood along with the rest of the parents in my playgroup-why would you choose to keep a dirty diaper on you child? In one hand, I'm glad I wasn't there to hear her say it because I couldn't keep my mouth shut. On the other hand, I couldn't keep my mouth shut, which is exactly what everyone else did. Nobody said anything to her! Um, hello?!? I assume they were as shocked as I was when I heard this statement, but I'm surprised that no one had anything to say in response. What would you have said? I can think of a few choice words myself.

This picture is from a fellow blogger's post and she was definitely going to change the diaper.

The fact is, no matter what you choose to use to diaper your baby, they need changed just the same. If your baby goes to the bathroom, their diaper should be changed. Just because a diaper has the ability to hold in a gallon of liquid, doesn't mean it should.

Tweet

Diaper Addiction

I never thought it would happen to me, but I have been sucked in by the cuteness of the fluffy bum.

I have an addictive personality-if I see a show once, even if it is one of the worst shows ever (think trash TV, like a VH1 reality show) I have to see what happens. Now, you might wonder why it was on in the first place...those commercials really pull me in! If I play a video game I can become super addicted. Then there's always chocolate and peanut butter, the best addiction of all! Now, I have to add diapers to the list.

When I first researched cloth, I saw so many woman showing their giant stashes of diapers and was wondering why anyone would need so many. That's not going to save them any money! For 9 months I did great with my diapers. I didn't feel like I ever needed more, well, maybe I wanted a new color every now and then, but I didn't want it bad enough to buy it. Also, I knew I had enough, so I couldn't justify buying more. Then I started Bum Luxury. 

Of course, as a business owner, I have to try the products. I can't sell something and claim it's all that if I don't believe it. So, I had to try some new diapers. First, I joined some swap boards. I joined the Babycenter swap board first. It didn't pull me in b/c I only clicked on the name brands I had heard of and you could only see the cute diaper pictures once you opened the thread. I was safe. 

Then, someone posted a swap board on Facebook. That's when the trouble started. There were just so many cute diapers and the pictures were posted right there! Very difficult to resist. Now, I'm a cheapo, so it was easy to say no to most diapers. I decided to buy some cheap ones-almost free except for shipping, just to see the type and quality of the diaper, and to use in my cloth diaper seminars. Then, I saw the cutest WAHM diapers ever! I had to have them! Plus, they were only $18 for two, so I splurged and I'm so glad I did. Since that first transaction, I've bought and sold a ton of diapers. It not only gets the word out about Bum Luxury, but it helps me to try diapers at great prices. If they don't work for me and Baby J, I just resell them. 

The only bad part about these groups of course is the addiction. Having it on Facebook can really take up my time. 

The positives definitely outweigh the negatives though. I've met a ton of great woman that I feel so close to, but have never met in real life. It's nice to see where other cloth families are located and how everyone has a different opinion on brands and types of diapers. Plus, there are other groups I've joined for swapping like baby clothes swaps and baby wearing swaps. Since the hubs doesn't want another child, it's a great way for me to get some good money for Baby J's used stuff. 


Plus, the money just comes through PayPal. I never see a hit to my bank account. If I don't have any PP money, I either sell something or don't buy. Luckily, I've been able to keep my account in the positive for most of my buy/sell/trade days. :)

If you're interested in swapping, check out some of these groups (in no particular order):


Cloth Diaper Swap
B/S/T Fluff and Stuff
From One Lil Hippie to Another

Baby Clothes Swap
Children's Clothing and Maternity Swap
Find it Here Maternity

I have also created a group just for the Phoenix area. It's not just for fluff or baby, but basically a Craigslist on Facebook. That way I can save money on shipping and get some of the bigger products out of my house. 

Phoenix Area Swappers


So go ahead and join a group and see what you can find or make some extra cash! We all need something these days:)

Tweet

Meet Me on Monday (even though it's Tuesday) Week 7

I came down with a horrible stomach bug Sunday night so I'm a little behind in posting. Luckily today I feel much better and I've actually been able to eat some real food! I'm still a bit slow going though, so another day of rest it is. Anyway, on to the questions!

Questions:

1. What is was the last piece of candy that you ate?

I had a bag of Skittles on Sunday. I don't normally eat Skittles, but I was out of chocolate and just happened to see this little bag in the pantry. I remember I got it at an Easter event.

My favorite flavor is red. There were only 2 reds in that mini pack:(

2. Do you "read" in the bathroom?

Hahaha! This is a funny question and kinda TMI...Well, the answer is yes. LOL! I never did until after I was married and I had to figure out why in the world my husband was always in the bathroom for so long. What could he be doing in there? Finally, I decided to try it. I took a book and have enjoyed my new found quiet spot ever since. Well, not really since I have a child now that follows me everywhere I go...

3. I can't stand when someone _________?

Doesn't smile back when I smile at them. 

4. Do you do daily, weekly or monthly grocery shopping?

I get groceries when I am out of something. I would say it's usually a weekly thing, but there's no set day and no set budget for this, although there probably should be!

Like my cart ever looks like this!

Tweet

My First Strip

Last week I decided to strip my diapers for the first time in eleven months. I always read about people who strip once a month, and have been very thankful we haven't had to do that. After three nights of leaking and a couple leaks here and there during the day or at nap time, I was getting very frustrated with my diapers. I figured it must be time. 

Stripping can be used when you have leaking diapers due to repelling (when the diaper isn't soaking up liquids) or when you start having the stinkies-a strong ammonia smell. The need for stripping is usually due to a build up of detergent in your diapers. It's important to make sure when washing your diapers that you do not see any suds in the rinse cycle-that means you still have detergent in your wash.


There are many ways to strip your diapers. You can find multiple ways to strip them here: http://www.pinstripesandpolkadots.com/detergentbasics.htm#Stripping%20Diapers, one of my favorite go to resources for cloth diaper questions. 


I chose to use Dawn. I decided this after much internal debate. First, using Dawn creates the need for multiple rinses to make sure all the suds are gone. Second, I have a front loading washing machine, so it can be even more of a PITA. I have never heard anyone that stripped with Dawn where it didn't work though, so I had made up my mind. I wanted to make sure my diapers weren't leaking and I wanted the ammonia smell from Baby J's overnight diapers gone. 

It's important to make sure you use Dawn Original to strip your diapers. You don't want one with added fragrance.

Because I have a front loader, I chose to use my bathtub to give my diapers a good soak in a couple squirts of Dawn. Our water heater is turned up high, so I made sure the water was really hot-always another good way to strip. While the diapers were soaking, I went one by one with a toothbrush and scrubbed the fleece liners on all my pockets. I used a little bit of dawn on each one and scrubbed away. I was amazed at how white my diapers looked with that little scrub. It made me feel like I could see the Dawn working before my eyes. Maybe it was just the suds, but I like to believe I could see magic happening!

After each diaper was scrubbed, I tossed it in my pail so I could throw it in the washer. Then I washed and rinsed and rinsed and rinsed. All day long I rinsed. Every time the cycle was done, I would smell the diapers. They still smelled like Dawn, so I knew there was still some soap in my washer. 


I realize now that this was not the best method. So, after rinsing all day, I washed the inserts which were still soaking in the tub the next day. First, I rinsed them by hand. I think that helped a ton. Then I used the washer. This saved a lot of time and a lot of electricity. 


I have been happily surprised with my diapers ever since. The smell is gone. However, I realized after all that work that they were leaking due to the fact that I needed to adjust the elastic in my Fuzzibunz One Size diapers. My baby is a mover and her legs are getting thinner. I'm glad I finally took the plunge to strip my diapers, but I wish I would have realized the leaking problem sooner!

Tweet