Pushing The Envelope...

Since making the switch to cloth diapers we have made other eco friendly changes such as making our own detergent, using cloth wipes, using more organic fabric in my projects and so on yes we aren't those people out there rallying for it but we are just trying to do our part(or at least I am and the Hubby appreciates the savings along the way.) My latest endeavor is mama cloths. While discovering this whole new world of cloth I have found many different areas of use for cloth and every time I saw something new instead of thinking "That is gross" I thought "Huh that makes a lot of sense" and I never realized washable nursing pads are considered "eco" friendly they were just always my preference from the start 5 years ago. So today I made 15 regular  mama cloths and 5 overnight ones using THIS pattern. I researched different fabrics and patterns and along the way I found out that I am really picky about what I use. So with this being the fifth pattern I have tried I am completely happy. I loved that it had a printable pattern that made it my life much easier to make instead of having to use "special" paper sizes and measuring widths and lengths. I used 100% cotton flannel as my outer layers and for the inside of the liner I used few layers of 70% bamboo 30% cotton blend batting. Super soft and light which is great for our hot AZ weather. I chose to try this out  for two reasons 1. I cycle really heavy and I absolutely hate leaking(Which happens ever month of my life..eek) yes yes tmi but its the truth and 2. It just makes sense.. why waste money on something I can make with fabric I already had around the house and I get massive nose bleeds.. so when those happen I use a wash cloth and just wash it out when it stops. So Whats the difference? Okay Okay Three reasons... They are cute too!

Summers Here!

Today was the last day for Pre K for Eliza. We are so proud of our talented little girl. She has had amazing teachers this last year and we are thankful for them. They taught her many new things over the year but the most important thing she has learned is a Love for Learning. She absolutely loves anything that is school related and more often then not we are finding her writing her letters, pretending she is a teacher, and instructing her sisters. She received a good foundation by attending MELP and I know that it will help her in the years to come. I asked Eliza if she was going to miss Mrs Helton and Mrs Andrea.. She said "NO" I was surprised and asked her why and she said "I will always remember them..  I promised myself to not forget" with the fullest little heart of love I have ever heard.

Cloth Diapers..

I have been asked numerous times why I choose to use cloth diapers... but it wasn't until I was asked last Sunday did I ever feel completely judged for my choice. I found myself searching my mind for anything that could make this person stop staring at me the way she was. I did not like the feeling of being scrutinized for a choice I made that had absolutely nothing to do with this person. So here is it for the whole world to see(okay okay just the random hits I get here and there)

Reasons I LOVE my cloth diapers in no particular order.

1. They save me money. -After long VERY long consideration and praying and a series of unfortunate events My husband and I made the decision that he will NOT work and he will only focus on obtaining his degree he has already in progress. So cloth diapering is better for our budget.

2. They are good for the environment. -The older I get the more I realize that places I use to consider "clean" are getting more and more dirtier. It's unsightly and it makes me sad.

3. Disposables Smell. -I have always disliked picking up a sweet little lovable baby and smelling plastic. With cloth diapers you don't have that plastic scent that lingers when you are trying to cuddle your little one.

4. Comfort - Being someone who has used both cloth and disposables you can honestly tell that the little ones are happier being in cloth(why wouldn't they be its more natural then paper) I have seen my babies reaction when doing the transition to cloth. My two year old also would request me to use cloth on her when she started talking instead of disposables.
5. Why not? Really... why not? When you are potty training your child you put them in underwear Right? So what is the difference? I know very few people who use trainers due to price. Its always underwear during the day and a diaper at night. In my opinion that is more "gross" than using cloth diapers because the pee leaks all over the floor. Then you have to(hopefully) mop it and all of the places the little feet tracked it. When a cloth diaper will catch it all! There are so many different styles out there.. that will fit anyone's life style even ones for the laziest people(I know I have a few friends that use the excuse)

So since making the switch to cloth diapers there is one thing I have learned. Lots of women(our moms age) all used cloth diapers at one point and EVERY one always adds I hated putting plastic panties over the diaper. The only regret I have is I should have done it from the start and not waited till I had my third and last baby!

Eliza Turned 5

My little chubby cheek baby is growing up. Over this last weekend Eliza turned five. We asked her what she wanted to do for her birthday and she said "I want to go camping at Jonathon's camp out" So that is what we did. Had a blast while we were up there and made memories that will last a life time. 

May 12 2007

May 12 2012

Some of Eliza's current favorite things are: Trying to Read, writing letters and copying words off of everything, singing, dancing, playing dress up, cuddling, and playing house with her sisters.