March Chit Chat - Page 3 « Back to Group Discussions

[Abraisme]

My family and I all wear minimalist shoes on a daily basis, even down to my dh's work boots.  It is true that you should slowly transition over to barefoot type shoes, especially if you're going to run in them.  I do however firmly believe in low structure type shoes and generally think they are much better for your feet and body.  We love the Terra Plana Vivobarefoot shoes because they're super flexible, yet stylish.
 

Originally Posted by Jaimee 

True, those do look more supportive than five fingers, but still quite light and not as supportive as other shoes.  I've had a few friends and my dh who succumbed to the appeal of minimalist shoes and I really think it's something you have to slowly work up to instead of going cold turkey and hurting yourself.  Dh ended up returning his and getting a "normal" shoe instead./*
 

[jbk21]

Let me know how The Lorax is.  I thought about taking everyone to see it tomorrow, and Owen is just a few weeks younger than your Owyn.  But he is pretty scared of movies in general, and I think the theatre would freak him out (big screen, high volume).  I also read through the "content advisories" list on IMDB for The Lorax and while it was very mild stuff, there were quite a few things that I know he would be scared of.  He shuts down and will REFUSE to watch the rest of the movie if he starts to get nervous, so I am feeling like we shouldn't do that quite yet.  (I'm not saying you shouldn't go- just that I wonder how it is, and am jealous.... our little guy is just anxious about that sort of thing right now....)

Originally Posted by Mal85 

Thinking of taking DD1 to see The Lorax tomorrow afternoon for one last birthday treat. If we play our cards right, I could get the movie in during Greta's naptime and she could sleep here with DH. Crossing my fingers!

Interesting!  I am not sure if minimalist shoes would be good for me, now that I am thinking about it.  My ankles roll, and so I need good arch support.  I'll have to ask some experts :-)
 

Originally Posted by Abraisme 

My family and I all wear minimalist shoes on a daily basis, even down to my dh's work boots.  It is true that you should slowly transition over to barefoot type shoes, especially if you're going to run in them.  I do however firmly believe in low structure type shoes and generally think they are much better for your feet and body.  We love the Terra Plana Vivobarefoot shoes because they're super flexible, yet stylish.
 

[Abraisme]

Olivine has been to one movie so far (a couple of months ago) and she really only made it about half-way through.  The rest of the time grandma took her out into the hallway and let her run.  She was a bit younger 27mo at the time, so a 3yo might be more able.

A really interesting book about barefoot running is called 'Born to Run'.  It does a good job of explaining why the human body is designed to be barefoot.  The reason that you need an arch support is because you've supposedly made you feet weak with shoes.  It took my dh about a month to make the transition to full time barefoot shoes.  Now he refuses to wear anything else.  He has several pairs of VivoBarefoot shoes and the Merrel Tough Glove shoes. 

It didn't take me any time to adjust, I think because I spend so much of my day barefoot at home.  Oh, and my kids all wear minimalist shoes too.
 

Originally Posted by jbk21 

Let me know how The Lorax is.  I thought about taking everyone to see it tomorrow, and Owen is just a few weeks younger than your Owyn.  But he is pretty scared of movies in general, and I think the theatre would freak him out (big screen, high volume).  I also read through the "content advisories" list on IMDB for The Lorax and while it was very mild stuff, there were quite a few things that I know he would be scared of.  He shuts down and will REFUSE to watch the rest of the movie if he starts to get nervous, so I am feeling like we shouldn't do that quite yet.  (I'm not saying you shouldn't go- just that I wonder how it is, and am jealous.... our little guy is just anxious about that sort of thing right now....)

Interesting!  I am not sure if minimalist shoes would be good for me, now that I am thinking about it.  My ankles roll, and so I need good arch support.  I'll have to ask some experts :-)
 

[LunaLady]

I LOVE minimalist shoes... and for me that means cheap, flat, no support ballet flats! I've been buying them from Target for years. I HATE having an arch support. And any time I can be shoe-less, I am. I really want those Merrels! They have been on my wishlist since last year! Maybe I'll get them this year with our REI dividend. :)

[Abraisme]

Yeah, this is generally what I do too, as it's a lot cheaper.  I do have 2 pairs of VivoBarefoot boots, as it's pretty much impossible to find cheap, minimalist boots.  My DS and DH pretty much only wear $$ shoes, because there are only a few small companies that makes shoes for boys and men.   What gets me is that companies like Stride Rite seem to think that babies and toddlers need soft-soled shoes, but then after size 5 kids need very structured shoes.  This makes no sense to me, I think people of all ages need to be able to use their feet properly!

Originally Posted by LunaLady 

I LOVE minimalist shoes... and for me that means cheap, flat, no support ballet flats! I've been buying them from Target for years. I HATE having an arch support. And any time I can be shoe-less, I am. I really want those Merrels! They have been on my wishlist since last year! Maybe I'll get them this year with our REI dividend. :)

[Mal85]

We're back from the movie. J, I was thinking of your little one while we were there. It really was a great movie and Owyn sat very still and watched the whole thing, loved every minute of it! There were just a couple of parts that I thought would be a little creepy for an anxious kid. There was a suspenseful moment when Owyn turned around and just stared at me. I asked her what she was doing and she just whispered "Scary, Mommy". But it was just a split second and then she was fine.

We got Greta's Woombie in the mail yesterday. I almost didn't see it. I forgot to check the mail with all the birthday excitement and was getting her ready for bed when it dawned on me to check. And there it was!! I didn't notice a big difference in her sleep. She does get pretty calm when I put her in it (we've used it for naps today too) and is pretty easy to get to sleep. She didn't get nearly as hot in it as she does her blankets, she wasn't sweaty at all last night. She can move her hands up to her face enough to knock out her pacifier, but it only happened when she was waking to eat anyway. Once the food arrived, she forgot about the hands. So, so far I'm going to say I like it okay and am hoping it gets even better with time.

This morning, Greta rolled over! Both ways! And I missed it! DH and I were fighting over the first shower this morning and I won. Not 5 minutes later, he poked his head in just to tell me I should have let him get the first shower because Greta had just rolled over, from back to belly then immediately back onto her back! Of course, she hasn't done it again so I'm saying it didn't happen until I see it!

[jbk21]

Thanks for thinking of us!  I just wonder how much to expose him to- like how many uncomfortable situations to force him into and if it is worth it.  He seems much more anxious and scared about things that other kids his age don't seem to mind, so I don't want to push him into things that are really causing him anxiety but I also don't want him to miss out on things he'd enjoy.  It's a tough call.  We try to follow his lead.... Sometimes we try to watch shows or movies on the computer and he will get really anxious and scared and slam the laptop shut and say "it's over!" and start freaking out, crying and shaking.  We don't understand what triggers this.  So I think that a theatre is way too much for him right now.  I really want to see the movie though!  I like the eco-theme and think it's probably something he'd enjoy sans the "scary" parts :-) 

 

Originally Posted by Mal85 

We're back from the movie. J, I was thinking of your little one while we were there. It really was a great movie and Owyn sat very still and watched the whole thing, loved every minute of it! There were just a couple of parts that I thought would be a little creepy for an anxious kid. There was a suspenseful moment when Owyn turned around and just stared at me. I asked her what she was doing and she just whispered "Scary, Mommy". But it was just a split second and then she was fine.

We got Greta's Woombie in the mail yesterday. I almost didn't see it. I forgot to check the mail with all the birthday excitement and was getting her ready for bed when it dawned on me to check. And there it was!! I didn't notice a big difference in her sleep. She does get pretty calm when I put her in it (we've used it for naps today too) and is pretty easy to get to sleep. She didn't get nearly as hot in it as she does her blankets, she wasn't sweaty at all last night. She can move her hands up to her face enough to knock out her pacifier, but it only happened when she was waking to eat anyway. Once the food arrived, she forgot about the hands. So, so far I'm going to say I like it okay and am hoping it gets even better with time.

This morning, Greta rolled over! Both ways! And I missed it! DH and I were fighting over the first shower this morning and I won. Not 5 minutes later, he poked his head in just to tell me I should have let him get the first shower because Greta had just rolled over, from back to belly then immediately back onto her back! Of course, she hasn't done it again so I'm saying it didn't happen until I see it!

[CDsMom1031]

Holy cow, I am SO far behind you ladies. My birthday is today (24, woo!) and my parents showed up at my work yesterday to surprise me. They live 7 hours away and came in town for my birthday so I haven't been able to check this thread. GEEWIZZ, you guys talk too fast. LMAO

I *think* Conner's sleep is finally starting to settle back out. He slept from 9-5 last night, was up from 5-7, slept from 7-9, 11-3, and he's back in bed now (It's 7). His 4-month check-up is Tuesday. I'm excited to see how much he weighs.

I'll post a relevant update when I have a chance to sit down and catch up.

[Mal85]

Yeah, I certainly wouldn't force it on him. I really think it's a personality thing. Some kids are just more anxious than others no matter what you expose them to. It was a great movie though! One that left me with a warm, fuzzy, hopeful feeling. I'll probably buy it when it comes out on dvd.

Originally Posted by jbk21 

Thanks for thinking of us!  I just wonder how much to expose him to- like how many uncomfortable situations to force him into and if it is worth it.  He seems much more anxious and scared about things that other kids his age don't seem to mind, so I don't want to push him into things that are really causing him anxiety but I also don't want him to miss out on things he'd enjoy.  It's a tough call.  We try to follow his lead.... Sometimes we try to watch shows or movies on the computer and he will get really anxious and scared and slam the laptop shut and say "it's over!" and start freaking out, crying and shaking.  We don't understand what triggers this.  So I think that a theatre is way too much for him right now.  I really want to see the movie though!  I like the eco-theme and think it's probably something he'd enjoy sans the "scary" parts :-) 

 

So, I saw it! It's official, Greta is rolling both ways! I feel like I really need to prepare for a mobile baby now! Owyn learned to roll from back to belly and just worked on that for a long time before going belly to back. Not Miss Greta. She wants to go and she wants to go now! All evening tonight during her naked butt time before PJs, rolling is all she did. Over and over and over again. So much for keeping her on the blanket on the floor anymore. Owyn is very concerned about this. She was all excited for her and clapping for her whenever she'd roll. But if Greta got too close to her toys she'd say "No, no baby Greta. That's my toy!" and move it out of her reach. She'll be learning very quickly how to share her toys with her sister!
 

4 month check up for us this week too. I am excited to see how much she weighs. I feel like she's getting so big! The 6 month clothes she just graduated into are already getting snug on her! I have an Easter dress all picked out for her , but I'm waiting to order it to see what size she'll be when it's close. I'm taking both girls to the doc at the same time. DD1 is due for her 3 year check up. I might be crazy for doing that on my own, but getting them in together for one copay might just be worth it!

[TalkToMeNow]

Mal, you only have to pay one copay if they go at the same time?? Lucky! That's never worked for me. Two kids together has always equaled $70. Blah. Of course, now I have four kids with three different doctors (based on age and insurance) so they can't share appointments much, anyway.

[Jaimee]

Happy birthday J!  I hope you had a great day! 

[Mal85]

Originally Posted by TalkToMeNow 

Mal, you only have to pay one copay if they go at the same time?? Lucky! That's never worked for me. Two kids together has always equaled $70. Blah. Of course, now I have four kids with three different doctors (based on age and insurance) so they can't share appointments much, anyway.

Really? I didn't know other places would charge for two appointments! I've often made appointments for both me and DD1 if we're both not feeling well. I've sometimes hijacked her appointments too. Like if she has a well baby visit and I have something going on. I'll get my own diagnosis while I'm in there with her, sometimes a prescription too if I need it. 

[TalkToMeNow]

Originally Posted by Jaimee 

Happy birthday J!  I hope you had a great day! 

Oops! Happy Birthday!

[jbk21]

Nicole I forgot we share a birthday!  How was yours?  

I turned 27 today.  I'm feeling much older.....  It was a rough week for me.  I went to the hairdresser and she's this cute blonde little thing, no kids, about to get married, but she's older than me (30's) though she seems so much more trendy and such since, well, she doesn't have kids.  I am always so exhausted and frazzled, I darn near fall asleep while she is shampooing me.  And all I know to talk about is my kids.  So yeah, totally not "hip".  Anyway, I was telling her I want a few highlights (I know, I know) and was chatting about how I had blonde hair but it's gotten darker over the years, and the last time I was blonde was my wedding 5 years ago and how I looked so hot and I think I just look better blonder, and how now I feel like I just look like a MOM and she said "well, yea......"    AGH!!!!   Couldn't she have lied and said OH NO YOU LOOK SO CUTE?!?!?!  I mean, come on.  That's why I tip her!  So she can boost my self esteem!  Giant fail.  

Anyway, my birthday was great.  Just wonderful :-)  Hope you had a good one too!

Originally Posted by CDsMom1031 

Holy cow, I am SO far behind you ladies. My birthday is today (24, woo!) and my parents showed up at my work yesterday to surprise me. They live 7 hours away and came in town for my birthday so I haven't been able to check this thread. GEEWIZZ, you guys talk too fast. LMAO

I *think* Conner's sleep is finally starting to settle back out. He slept from 9-5 last night, was up from 5-7, slept from 7-9, 11-3, and he's back in bed now (It's 7). His 4-month check-up is Tuesday. I'm excited to see how much he weighs.

I'll post a relevant update when I have a chance to sit down and catch up.

Thanks Jaimee and Amanda!  

[CDsMom1031]

Originally Posted by jbk21 

Nicole I forgot we share a birthday!  How was yours?  

It was alright, I guess. It really was just another day and my DH was sick so I didn't get an birthday sex, LOL! It was officially my first birthday as a Mom and... Yeah. I'm a mom. Last year, I was in Vegas on my birthday (Pregnant, but still in Vegas). I got Longhorn (An awesome steakhouse around here) for lunch so that was cool. And Conner was good until dessert, so I couldn't have really asked for much more. He's normally TERRIBLE when we go to restaurants. *Shrugs* 21 really was the last cool birthday.
 

^ Wow. Enough with the sob story.

I need an Idiot's Guide to Making Your Own Laundry Detergent. Preferably powder, because I feel like that would be easier to store. Anyone wanna help me out?

Edited by CDsMom1031 - 3/5/12 at 6:53am

[jbk21]

http://bonzaiaphrodite.com/2009/04/natural-homemade-laundry-detergent/  It's a sort of wet powder. 
Do you have an HE machine?

[Jaimee]

Originally Posted by jbk21 

Anyway, I was telling her I want a few highlights (I know, I know) and was chatting about how I had blonde hair but it's gotten darker over the years, and the last time I was blonde was my wedding 5 years ago and how I looked so hot and I think I just look better blonder, and how now I feel like I just look like a MOM and she said "well, yea......"    AGH!!!!   Couldn't she have lied and said OH NO YOU LOOK SO CUTE?!?!?!  I mean, come on.  That's why I tip her!  So she can boost my self esteem!  Giant fail.  

Totally!

Nicole, happy belated b-day to you as well!  As for home made laundry detergent, this is one thing we haven't ventured into b/c I've heard that the clothes get dingy after a while- worse than with biodegradeable store bought brands.  Anyone have good experience with it?

[dashley111]

Im not even attempting to make my own detergents right now.  I usually do.  Im already having a problem with my inserts smelling, and I think its because our machine is HE and not rinsing well enough.

[birdhappy85]

My diaper washing routine works great for my prefolds and PUL covers but for some reason all of my bumGenius pocket inserts look so dingy!!! I don't understand it. They stain so easily but my prefolds look almost like new still. I guess my Country Save detergent and/or my HE washer must not clean microfiber well? Suggestions?

[jbk21]

Joanie- I think the only way to get the inserts clean is sunlight.  Mine are awful- but we've also been using them for 3 years.  They are not nearly as bright white as new ones.  I think it's just the material.