I have a feeling we have an early crawler/walker on our hands
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
4 month Update
James is 4 months old! We went to the doctor on Monday and he clocked in at 15.6 lbs and 24 3/4 inches long. Although he still has a rather flat head (especially on his right side, which he favors) our doctor wasn't too worried about it. It looks like there is still time for it to round out. He's been sleeping on his tummy so we're gonna give it a couple months and see how it does. We lay him down on his back and within seconds he's flipped over with his fingers in his mouth and on his way to sleep. He loves to be talked to and played with and if given attention will laugh and coo up a storm. Well, his laughing is more of a heckle these days, and super contagious! He seems to get shy around lots of people and is very observant to what is going on around him. I'm still breast feeding and really love that time with him, but he's also started to take bottles really well which is great because he fought them for a while. Kirk said this morning that he practically held a bottle by himself! He's getting really good with his hands and when I'm feeding him he likes to grab at my hair, lips, necklace, or anything he can reach. It's pretty cute. We just can't get enough of this kid!
Alli update- Been co writing 1-3 times a week which I'm LOVING. Writing with other artists and for other projects. This is pretty much my dream job - Mommy/Songwriter. I'm still doing my own music but we're still sorting out what that is going to look like in the future.
Kirk update- The truck is practically finished, we took a joyride the other night and it was awesome! I don't even mind the gasoline smell, it reminds me of my grandparents boat and makes me nostalgic (did he get lucky with that one or what?). He's loving his job as well and is great at it. Who knew we'd both end up in the publishing world together? He's also still working on The Creative Arts Initiative.
My brother Michael starts school at Belmont this week and we're excited to have him in town! My parents were here this past weekend moving him in to his dorm, which is complete with new shelves made by Dad to hold all his musical instruments! He's jumping right in and doing great.
it's been quite a fun spring and summer for us, one that will for sure go down in the books. Sweet new baby boy, precious new baby niece, good friends living right next door, many friends pregnant or enjoying their new little ones, Kirk and I both working with the same publishing company, and getting to see our families more than usual because of James, 09 has been a good year so far. In many areas a challenging year as well, but still really really good.
Some cute pics for you:
Alli update- Been co writing 1-3 times a week which I'm LOVING. Writing with other artists and for other projects. This is pretty much my dream job - Mommy/Songwriter. I'm still doing my own music but we're still sorting out what that is going to look like in the future.
Kirk update- The truck is practically finished, we took a joyride the other night and it was awesome! I don't even mind the gasoline smell, it reminds me of my grandparents boat and makes me nostalgic (did he get lucky with that one or what?). He's loving his job as well and is great at it. Who knew we'd both end up in the publishing world together? He's also still working on The Creative Arts Initiative.
My brother Michael starts school at Belmont this week and we're excited to have him in town! My parents were here this past weekend moving him in to his dorm, which is complete with new shelves made by Dad to hold all his musical instruments! He's jumping right in and doing great.
it's been quite a fun spring and summer for us, one that will for sure go down in the books. Sweet new baby boy, precious new baby niece, good friends living right next door, many friends pregnant or enjoying their new little ones, Kirk and I both working with the same publishing company, and getting to see our families more than usual because of James, 09 has been a good year so far. In many areas a challenging year as well, but still really really good.
Some cute pics for you:
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
August Video
Here is a video of some random recent clips of James. He's discovering new things all the time! He's rolling over from his back to his stomach like it's his job, but he can't figure out how to flip over to his back again. He doesn't like to sleep on his tummy so when he flips over we have to go help him to his back cause he gets frustrated and can't sleep, I think it's because he can't get his fingers in his mouth as easily on his tummy. You'll see in the video a couple rolling attempts, and he's gotten much more consistent since I recorded that. He gets shy when the camera is on and normally stares at it and stops laughing or talking as much as he does when it's off, but I tried to capture some things for you to see. You'll also see how good he is getting with his hands! You can't really tell in the video, but we are worried about his flat head. All that back sleeping! Next monday is his 4 month appt. and I'll post an update then.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Latest Pics
We pulled out our jumperoo this week and James LOVES it! The swing is losing it's magic because he tries to squirm out of it, and this keeps his attention for a good while. As you can see, he doesn't quite reach the floor, but we put a towel under there for the time being, and he gets this serious excited face when his feet touch the ground, he straightens up and tries to bounce. SO cute.
James and mom taking a sunday morning nap
Jim and Phyllis came to visit last weekend! It was so fun to spend some time with them, and Kirk and I even got to go out for breakfast solo for the first time since the week James was born! Here is a group pic with them and Kirk's brother Neal who lives down the street from us. He and his girlfriend watched James later that week so we could go out for Kirk's birthday (the 5th). Two dates in one week!! Thanks Dahlgrens!!
James and mom taking a sunday morning nap
Jim and Phyllis came to visit last weekend! It was so fun to spend some time with them, and Kirk and I even got to go out for breakfast solo for the first time since the week James was born! Here is a group pic with them and Kirk's brother Neal who lives down the street from us. He and his girlfriend watched James later that week so we could go out for Kirk's birthday (the 5th). Two dates in one week!! Thanks Dahlgrens!!
Monday, August 10, 2009
My love for Bumgenius Cloth Diapers
Kirk and I have been using Bumgenius cloth diapers since James was a few weeks old. I thought I’d pass on my review of them for any of you with kids who have considered cloth diapers and want to know more about them. This is all the stuff I wish someone would have told me so I didn’t have to spend so much time reading random forums online. If you're already bored, please feel free to just scroll down and look at the cute picture of James and forget the rest, I won't be offended. :) A lot of people have just been curious about how we like them so I thought I'd put my thoughts together for those of you that are. I know cloth isn't for everyone and that is totally fine by me, please don't feel like I'm trying to talk anyone into it.
I LOVE these diapers and find them way easier to use than I ever thought. If you’re picturing the old cloth diaper system with pins, check out the Bumgenius website, cloth has come a long way! We have the one size 3.0 diapers which fit 8-35 lbs because they expand with snaps. I just started using the 2nd setting for James this week.
I have 24 diapers and wash them every other day. This is how it goes: James gets that glazed over look and his face turns a little red...I know what's coming. Sounds that no child this small should make come out of his body and seconds later he smiles in relief. Dirty diaper. At his changing table I take out a clean diaper from the drawer of his dresser. I then take a gerber washcloth which we use as wipes, spray it with a solution we make (water, Dr. Bronners baby mild soap, and tea tree oil), and proceed to change his diaper like usual. I drop the wipes, diaper covering and insert into the garbage pail next to the changing table. In the pail is a washable liner. James and I go about our business.
When the diaper pail is full I take the whole thing out and put everything straight into the wash. I don’t even have to clean out his dirty diapers until he starts having solid food. For that, we have a diaper sprayer that fits on the back of our toilet. I wash the diapers twice with an extra rinse cycle both times. This is where it really helps to have a high efficiency washer. I dry the diapers for a short time and when they come out I stuff them with the inserts and separate the washcloths. Kirk and I have gotten pretty good at this process, and it doesn’t take long at all. we'll often do it at night in front of the TV.
What I love about them:
1. We save money. It’s an investment up front but you end up saving $ in the long run. trust me, I’ve done the math. Even if we only use them for 1 year we’ve saved at least $200, probably way more. If I had to throw these away after 1 year because they didn’t last I would still buy a new set if we have another baby.
2. The A&K Dahlgren landfill is considerably smaller than it would be otherwise. I’m not gonna lie, I feel good at the end of the day knowing this.
3. Cloth is better for babies skin. I need to do more research here to speak on this, but I’ve heard and read that there are toxic substances such as dioxin in disposable diapers. And Lord knows the Dahlgren family has sensitive skin as it is.
4. We are not constantly taking out the trash or buying more diapers.
5. I can feel good about changing him even if he’s only a little wet, it’s not like I’m wasting a diaper.
6. James looks really cute in them!
What I don't love about them
1. Really the only thing I don't like about them is that if James doesn't have clothing over the diaper, the edge of the velcro tab will catch on my clothes or rub on my skin. But he's normally clothed so this isn't a problem.
The bad reviews I've read online have to do with the diapers staining to which I say, "really? it's a diaper. Does it matter if it's stained?" And for the record, I've washed them as instructed and mine haven't stained. yet. Some people also complain that they wore out too much to use for multiple kids, but as I said, I'd buy another set if I had to.
Questions I had:
Do you use cloth outside of home?
Sometimes. I have a little washable bag I keep in my diaper bag to take diapers home in. If it’s hot out and we’ll be outside we normally use disposable. And once we start leaving him in the nursery at church we’ll leave them disposables.
How long can you use them?
My friend is using the same ones James is for her 2 year old girl. I’m sure not all 2 year olds could still fit in them, and at the rate James is growing I expect him to outgrow them after a year or so. I'll probably have to order some bigger diapers after that. Some people are able to use them for multiple children, as I hope to do.
What about other brands?
there are a bunch of great cloth diapers out there, I’ve not tried any others. From the research I’ve done, Bumgenius seems to be a favorite.
Can you use diaper cream?
No, it will compromise the absorbency of the diaper. However, I have not needed to once with James. I’ve heard there is less diaper rash with cloth because it is better for their skin, as I said above. If his skin starts to get red I just put some breast milk on his bottom, it works great! I’ve heard you can use olive oil too.
Do they smell?
yes, poop smells. But not nearly as bad as a pail of disposables would because I’m constantly cleaning them. They are not sitting long enough to get too bad.
Do you have to use cloth wipes as well?
No, you can use regular wipes, I just find cloth ones to be easier since I'm already washing the diapers. The gerber washclothes are the best in my opinion. Better than the Circo washclothes from target. And I don't see the point in buying the expensive cloth wipes from bumgenius or other places. If you do use cloth, there are many solutions you can spray on to them, or you can just use water, or whatever method works for you. The temperature of the water doesn't make a difference to James, but he's almost always hot.
If you’re still reading than you might actually be interested, email me if you have more ?'s. Obviously, I enjoy talking about it for some reason!
I LOVE these diapers and find them way easier to use than I ever thought. If you’re picturing the old cloth diaper system with pins, check out the Bumgenius website, cloth has come a long way! We have the one size 3.0 diapers which fit 8-35 lbs because they expand with snaps. I just started using the 2nd setting for James this week.
I have 24 diapers and wash them every other day. This is how it goes: James gets that glazed over look and his face turns a little red...I know what's coming. Sounds that no child this small should make come out of his body and seconds later he smiles in relief. Dirty diaper. At his changing table I take out a clean diaper from the drawer of his dresser. I then take a gerber washcloth which we use as wipes, spray it with a solution we make (water, Dr. Bronners baby mild soap, and tea tree oil), and proceed to change his diaper like usual. I drop the wipes, diaper covering and insert into the garbage pail next to the changing table. In the pail is a washable liner. James and I go about our business.
When the diaper pail is full I take the whole thing out and put everything straight into the wash. I don’t even have to clean out his dirty diapers until he starts having solid food. For that, we have a diaper sprayer that fits on the back of our toilet. I wash the diapers twice with an extra rinse cycle both times. This is where it really helps to have a high efficiency washer. I dry the diapers for a short time and when they come out I stuff them with the inserts and separate the washcloths. Kirk and I have gotten pretty good at this process, and it doesn’t take long at all. we'll often do it at night in front of the TV.
What I love about them:
1. We save money. It’s an investment up front but you end up saving $ in the long run. trust me, I’ve done the math. Even if we only use them for 1 year we’ve saved at least $200, probably way more. If I had to throw these away after 1 year because they didn’t last I would still buy a new set if we have another baby.
2. The A&K Dahlgren landfill is considerably smaller than it would be otherwise. I’m not gonna lie, I feel good at the end of the day knowing this.
3. Cloth is better for babies skin. I need to do more research here to speak on this, but I’ve heard and read that there are toxic substances such as dioxin in disposable diapers. And Lord knows the Dahlgren family has sensitive skin as it is.
4. We are not constantly taking out the trash or buying more diapers.
5. I can feel good about changing him even if he’s only a little wet, it’s not like I’m wasting a diaper.
6. James looks really cute in them!
What I don't love about them
1. Really the only thing I don't like about them is that if James doesn't have clothing over the diaper, the edge of the velcro tab will catch on my clothes or rub on my skin. But he's normally clothed so this isn't a problem.
The bad reviews I've read online have to do with the diapers staining to which I say, "really? it's a diaper. Does it matter if it's stained?" And for the record, I've washed them as instructed and mine haven't stained. yet. Some people also complain that they wore out too much to use for multiple kids, but as I said, I'd buy another set if I had to.
Questions I had:
Do you use cloth outside of home?
Sometimes. I have a little washable bag I keep in my diaper bag to take diapers home in. If it’s hot out and we’ll be outside we normally use disposable. And once we start leaving him in the nursery at church we’ll leave them disposables.
How long can you use them?
My friend is using the same ones James is for her 2 year old girl. I’m sure not all 2 year olds could still fit in them, and at the rate James is growing I expect him to outgrow them after a year or so. I'll probably have to order some bigger diapers after that. Some people are able to use them for multiple children, as I hope to do.
What about other brands?
there are a bunch of great cloth diapers out there, I’ve not tried any others. From the research I’ve done, Bumgenius seems to be a favorite.
Can you use diaper cream?
No, it will compromise the absorbency of the diaper. However, I have not needed to once with James. I’ve heard there is less diaper rash with cloth because it is better for their skin, as I said above. If his skin starts to get red I just put some breast milk on his bottom, it works great! I’ve heard you can use olive oil too.
Do they smell?
yes, poop smells. But not nearly as bad as a pail of disposables would because I’m constantly cleaning them. They are not sitting long enough to get too bad.
Do you have to use cloth wipes as well?
No, you can use regular wipes, I just find cloth ones to be easier since I'm already washing the diapers. The gerber washclothes are the best in my opinion. Better than the Circo washclothes from target. And I don't see the point in buying the expensive cloth wipes from bumgenius or other places. If you do use cloth, there are many solutions you can spray on to them, or you can just use water, or whatever method works for you. The temperature of the water doesn't make a difference to James, but he's almost always hot.
If you’re still reading than you might actually be interested, email me if you have more ?'s. Obviously, I enjoy talking about it for some reason!
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