April Showers Bring May Flowers - May Thread for Sept. Mamas! - Page 3

[banana girl]

Hey Savannah, i'm totally with you, lets chant together... Watermelon, watermelon, watermelon.... te he heee

Seriously though, there was a very helpful article in Mothering Magazine within the last 6 months to year that really helped clarify the whole cloth diaper thing. I know there's a way to search the article archives, here at mothering.com but haven't really used that function much. I have been deliberately waiting to do more research untill after I see the diaper "stash" my sister is sending me in a few weeks. So, when the time comes, I'll try to share some links if I manage to successfully use mothering.com as a source of info. (Or if anyone gets really motivated to help us diapering dummies out... feel free)

I just spent the last hour and a half out in the sunshine. My ceramics class was pretty pointless for me to attend. i had nothing to work on and the instructor assigned cleaning chores to everyone but me. I'm exempt, due to pregnancy and the fact that I am only auditing the class.
So, i headed out into the lovely spring sunshine and sat and talked to a good friend of mine. Dan is grumpy old geeser who i worked with when i was a student only. He coordinates the student workers in the landscaping dept. He's a conservative, grumpy, ciggarette smoking, brandy drinking golfer and the sweetest dearest man you'll ever know. I haven't had good chance to talk to him for awhile and it was a real pleasure to just sit in the sunshine by him while he pruned back dead growth and weeded. I helped a little, but the belly didn't like me bending over that far... oh well.

anyone have some suggestions for horrible indigestion? I have the most sour horrible burps lately. The bile comes up and coats my throat.. yuck! I have not noticed that certain foods are causing it, but I have been eating alot of salmon lately.... anyway, it's yucky!

I have had photo's in hand that I am dying to post on the Yahoo site for about a week now, but I need to scan them in and haven't figured out that part yet. Here at the college, technology galore is available, but I just haven't made the time for it. I have some lovely tummy photos that i can't wait to share!

My boss left early today, so i will be heavily lurking the rest of the afternoon! Hurray! I love it when he goes away and i can slack off to my hearts content... haha haa (insert wicked laugh here)

Love to all
Anna Banana

[banana girl]

Thanks Julia!

We cross posted, here I was hoping someone would help out us "diaper dummies" and you did just that! Awesome.

anna banana

[4under6]

Oh! I get Restless Leg Symdrome every once in awhile! Maybe every few months or so.....drives me insane!
Basically, I just can't seem to keep my legs still when I'm laying down in bed, and they feel all twitchy. It's very frustrating.

Hopefully I won't get that any time soon. I had an episode a few weeks ago.

[Caroline248]

Why do I bother going to those mainstream boards??? I was looking through and saw a thread on Natural Childbirth, so I stop for a peek. Ugh...yuck!!! Someone was asking about homebirthing and midwives. This woman posts how she thinks you should only go natural if you are in a hospital because then they can help you progress faster with drugs and "stuff"......huh????? So if you birth at home, you should smoke pot or something?? Because last time I checked, I am NOT set up for an epidural here at my house.....

[chrissy]

cloth diapering does seem so confusing at first. i remember researching it when i was pregnant with noah and i just could not seem to wrap my mind around all the different terms.

i'll give some easy to-the-point lessons for all you cd'ing newbies (and to the other old hands, please feel free to correct me if i screw up!).

Lesson one: Diapers (not covers)

Common Types of Diapers
~Prefolds~ you might think this means pre-folded, but it doesn't. it means it's a rectangle of cloth that is thicker through the center. you can pin it, snappi it (a funky but cool diaper-closing contraption) or just fold it and lay it in a cover (if it's the right kind of cover- more on this in later lessons.)

~Contours or Shaped Diapers~ sometimes shaped like an hourglass, or a long squished pear, these are diapers that don't have snaps or aplix (aka velcro) but also aren't meant to be used with pins or snappi's. you just lay 'em in a cover (again, more on this later) and go. Gotta say, I personally wouldn't use these on a young baby because you're bound to get a lot of gooey pooey on the cover and elsewhere.

~Fitted Diapers~ You will think these are ridiculously expensive. Then you will become intrigued by them, try one out, and get addicted. It's a werid thing, the diaper addiction. Anway, these are diapers that close with either snaps or some kind of velcro-like stuff. They are so easy. They do still require a cover though. Not sure what else to say about these. They come in lots of fabrics. Popular ones these days include: hemp, organic cotton, and sherpa.

********Regular Fitted Diaper~ if it doesn't say it's quick-dry, then it is regular and has an internal soaker (or thick, absorbant layer). so, the diaper is all one piece. it is is usually thicker through the center. it will take longer to dry than a quick-dry diaper.

*********Quick-dry fitted diapers~ quick-dry diapers have a separate piece of fabric that is the soaker. the body of the diaper may have 2 layers of fabric, then the soaker will look kind of like a maxi-pad and will have maybe 3-4 more layers. in a quick-dry diaper, the soaker will either snap in or lay in the diaper. it will dry more quickly, hence the name.

Questions, comments, anyone?

[JenInMpls]

Originally Posted by chrissy

~Contours or Shaped Diapers~ sometimes shaped like an hourglass, or a long squished pear, these are diapers that don't have snaps or aplix (aka velcro) but also aren't meant to be used with pins or snappi's. you just lay 'em in a cover (again, more on this later) and go. Gotta say, I personally wouldn't use these on a young baby because you're bound to get a lot of gooey pooey on the cover and elsewhere.

Oh... crap. (Literally.) Those 3 dozen newborn diapers we got are contours. I thought they looked small and insecure. At least we have 4 dozen prefolds.

Oh, and as of today's count... 2 dozen small covers, 2 dozen medium and 2 dozen large. I think we're "covered"!! Although the ones that have the layer of polyurethane right next to the diaper don't look like they would be as comfortable for baby as covers that are cotton - PU - cotton like Bummis or bumpys.

Fitteds made of sherpa? I thought a sherpa was a guide in climbing the Himalayas...?

Chrissy thanks for your primer and I look forward to your next installations of diapering 101!

The mw appt today was good except that Jo got trapped at work because of a virus running rampant. (Jo says: everyone should run windows update! Do all of the critical updates!!) Got lots of questions answered and was pleased to hear her say things I wanted to hear (that we can refuse antibiotics in the eyes since I've had a gonorrhea/chlamydia screen that came back negative, for instance). My belly measured 22.5 cm which is exactly on and the heartbeat was 132. I must admit I'm not minding having a perfectly average child at this point!

Anna I've suggested it before and I'll suggest it again: slippery elm, whether you get Thayer's Slippery Elm lozenges or bulk slippery elm powder and eat it with honey. It is the most soothing thing for a sour/acidy stomach and I wish in hindsight that i hadn't ruined it for myself by taking it during my first trimester. I have this completely aversion to so many things that I ate and used in my first tri - slippery elm, frozen toaster waffles and even all of the rosemary-mint products by Aveda since I associate the smell with morning showers when I felt nasty. BUT I hope that it might help you out because it doesn't even taste bad... I've just got the bad associations.

Savannah and Anna, you and your watermelonwatermelonwatermelon, now I'm all hungry for good, sweet, high summer watermelon! Grr! I have a chunk in the fridge but I'm afraid that it isn't going to be nice and sweet. We'll see...

Steph, I haven't found another magazine about parenting that's as good as Mothering. I've checked out a lot of them. Lilipoh is good and interesting for general life stuff, ... there's another one I can't remember - is it organic family living? - but I haven't read it yet. Check out the mag section in a co-op, perhaps. Well, and of course how could one forget HipMama!!!

Oh, and can I just share with all of you how psyched I am that Steph and I will be living 3 BLOCKS APART?!

Damn pregnancy hormones, I got all upset tonight for at least an hour for having chipped my favorite crystal vase... *sigh* at least Jo did the dishes.

OK, longwinded me, I'll stop now and throw in a load of since I have no clean underwear for tomorrow and going commando just doesn't suit me!!

xo, j

[hjohnson]

Jen I am envious of your diaper stash. I have a friend that is done with CDing since her last kiddo is potty trained so she is going to hand over her stash to me. Whatever I don't want to keep I can either sell, swap, or donate to the orphanges. I am excited to see what she has in her stash. I know that there are 36 infant prefolds.

"lil' bit" keeps bouncing on the bottom of my uterus. It is not fun! It also feels like he is sticking a foot out as well. He must be stretching.

[Mom2baldie]

Jen,

Awww...thats so sweet about the hiccups! My babe hasnt had them yet - that I have been able to feel. I cant wait though. I always thought it was so cute with R and P!


Melanie,

Congrats on your sono and possible girl! Are you hoping for a girl or just whichever? I wanted a girl at first because I thought it would be so nice for Paityn to have a sis so close in age, but now I feel like Im having a boy so thats fine by me.

Julia,

My belly has that same depression also. It looks really weird when I have a fitting shirt on. My belly button has never poked out, but it does become completely even though. Its cute either way! A friend of mine would put a band aid over her belly button cause it poked out so much.

[Mom2baldie]

Steph,

I wanted to suggest the Compleat Mother as another choice of reading material. I think that it might be considered radical compared to Mothering, but I quite like it. I think they only have 4 issues a year though... Most articles are about homebirth, breastfeeding, circumcision...... Just a thought!

Also, I think the Bumpys and prefolds are a good idea. I use unbleached also. They seem to last longer (for me) and be more absorbant. If you want to cut down on the number of pre-washings, you can boil them first!

Savannah,

I have a tattoo under my navel and it still looks the same through 3 pregnancies! I do have a few stretch marks on one side of my belly though, so sometimes I feel that I have too much going on visually down there. Im just hoping I wont get more this time....

Caroline,

I know what you mean about the mainstream boards!!! When I was pregnant last time I always went to the AOL due in March 04 board and it drove me NUTS!! Everyone was already planning their cesareans - at 2 months prego!!! I would get SO mad at the ignorance of some of the women on that board. This time the only pregnancy board I have read is here at MDC. I seriously dont think I could handle going anywhere else. I have too little tolerance for other ways of life apparently. Which one are you talking about?

[Mom2baldie]

Sarah,

Paityn is feeling a lot better. Thanks for asking. Ive been doing the garlic-mullein drops in her ears, so I guess its working... She has been her old self again.

Jen,

Sounds like you had a good appt. today. My baby is just ave. as well - 19 cms for 19 weeks of pregnancy. Strange to me because P always measured at least 2 weeks ahead.

BTW, Ive heard sherpa dipes are EXTREMELY soft. I dont have any but Id like to buy one just to see for myself.

[JenInMpls]

that darn kid

Doesn't like it when I am lying down. Going to sleep it does gymnastics and when I wake up it starts jumping around like my uterus is a mosh pit. So I got up at 6:15 with the sun and now I'm thinking of going back to bed for a couple of hours (having eaten and all) since I don't have to be at school until noon.

I know nothing brilliant except that it looks to be a glorious day here in the Twin Cities; sunny and 65. Of course the lack of rain is causing the fire danger to rise and rise and rise. Seems like you just can't win no matter what the weather.



j

[greenbeing]

Steph, I second the Compleat Mother. I read it a lot before I got pregnant, but I can't find it anywhere around here. Maybe I should just subscribe.

Jen, our last day is the 3rd. We have a couple of half days coming up, Memorial Day, and a handful of field trips. When you look at the whole month it does seem looong, but one week at a time, one day at a time...
I'm glad your appt. went well. Dh and I go today to my mw today. I love seeing her!

Thanks Chrissy for the diaper lesson

Speaking of belly buttons, I saw the inside of mine yesterday!!! I know, real exciting, eh? But usually it's an inny, and I'm thinking it may just even out or pop out.

[CdnAloha]

Aaahhh Jen, remembering the toaster waffles! You sure did love those for a time. I was just a lurker then, but it was amusing to read about. Look how far we have all come!

I think I just started experiencing a bit of heartburn/indigestion. So far it is mild and seems to be if I wait too long to eat.

Just found out I got a small raise today! Yay!!!!! Let's celebrate - Dairy Queen treats for all! Mmmmmm! Might have to share cause it's not that big a raise.

Enjoy your Tuesday.

Julia

[wardermom]

Lynsey-I am hoping for a girl. A boy would be welcome and wonderful too of course. The kids have been arguing about which it is. That has happened the last maybe 3 pregnancies. There's really no point in arguing about it, they can't change anything that way. Oh well! They were really hoping for twins, but nope, only one beautiful baby.

I agree that Compleat Mother is good. I'm just looking over at the bookshelf that has half a row filled with Compleat Mothers. That has been my magazine of choice over the last few years. (Truthfully, I've only looked at one issue of Mothering-my midwife loaned it to me a few years ago. Shhhhh, don't tell anyone.)

[banana girl]

fond memories of Jen's waffles...

some of my first posts here were around the time of Jen's massive waffle addiction.... I even went out and got some too. They sure were yummy!

Good morning everyone!
I'm having a lovely day today, I will only be at work a few more hours. I'm using half of a personal day. Might go shoe shopping for awhile this afternoon. MUST work on office/guest room project! We're getting the King Bed this weekend.... not a minute too soon! I'm so sick of being elbowed in the spine at night! hooray for more room!

julia congrats on the raise! More $ is More $ and it is good to be recognized isn't it!

Chrissy thanks for the diaper lesson, I am hoping that having some in front of me will help clarify the situation! Can you believe I still haven't spent more than about 30 dollars on baby stuff!!!! I can't believe i've held out this long. we have a budget established that I could spend from today, but I am trying to follow my sisters advice and wait till the baby is actually here. She says that we will get so dang much stuff from family that there is no reason to buy a thing till we have the kid in front of us! Then we'll know better what we actually need and will get the "thrill" of buying gender specific stuff. I just don't want to find myself unprepared....

Well, work calls, gotta motor!
Love to all
Anna Banana

[msrog]

3under3 -- You're my gnome buddy, and I was hoping to see your picture at Yahoo. It doesn't look like you've joined there... Could you send me a photo or at least give me an idea of your size preferences? I got something really cute in the mail that won't fit me, and I wonder if I can add it to your package....

Savannah

[msrog]

Chrissy, thanks so much for that lesson, and the link (I can't remember who posted that). I started a Word document so I'm ready for the next lessons... Which reminded me, when my computer crashed last month it wiped out the nice Word doc I had going of the list of twin things I'll need. Grrr. I'll go back to twinsmagazine.com's forum and find it again.

Julie, congrats! Raises are so nice. I'm wondering if I might get a nice Baby Bonus from my job... They give full-time workers $3000 per family (!!!) when a baby is born! And half of that if you work 15-30 hours. Unfortunately, I only work 10-12 hours a week, but the boss likes me and maybe since I'm having TWO babies, he'll go ahead and be generous...? Can't wait to find out! Even $100 would be helpful, haha!

OMG what a morning... Just now I'm having fun reading the forums and all of a sudden I remembered I had an egg frying on the stove!!! MMMM, very rubbery, yum. Not. Even more funny is that when I went into Nicolas' room this morning before breakfast, I found a 4-inch thick pile of FEATHERS on the floor beside his bunk bed, and feathers scattered nearly over the entire room. Right in the middle of the pile were the sad looking remains of a pillow I loved as a child. I knew it wasn't the dog, since there were also feathers IN the bunkbed... So ds spent the last couple of hours cleaning up feathers, and they were floating around the room so I tied a gauze-ish apron over his face. I can't wait to show you the picture DH took. Nicolas looks like a Muslim woman, tarred and feathered. hhahahahahahahahahahha

Well, gotta run for now. Ciao!

[chumani]

Hello ladies!!

Sorry I have been missing lately! I haven't been online much the last week. I am beginning to feel much better though. The placental tear is clotting well and is beginning to be reabsorbed. And as soon as all these darn contractions/dilation/effacement stop I will be able to get up more!! Can't wait!

My midwife is coming to do a prenatal this afternoon. It is pretty awesome as my sister is my midwife!! She is a cpm and has been at all my births, my first birth was her sixth to observe and with each birth she had advanced in her training until now she is my primary midwife. She has been over a lot helping while my dh is at work but today she will be "official".

I love the compleat mother! I have a lot of back issues as well as the last 7 years of Mothering.

Have a great day everyone!!
Sarah

[Caroline248]

Lynsey, it was pregnancy weekly...It seems to be my entertainment latley!! I actually go there because on your home page os says how far along you are, how much you have left, what percentage of the pregnany you are...all that stuff. Since I can't remember my due date and never know how far along I am, it helps!!

Sarah, I was thinking of you...how did the visit go? I am glad it seems to be getting better, hang in there...

Anna, we got a king bed last year, the BEST thing we ever did. Of course, we often have one or two kids in the bed with us, so we needed it!!


I don't know if I told you all, I started passing out this weekend. Just twice, but got really dizzy many times. So I was told to up my protein, my water...all that stuff. Well, it happened again this morning, and I realized that all three times I passed out completly was after I had orange juice or watermelon. My midwife thinks I have some issue with proccessing sugar that is fairly common with pregnant woman. Off course, it could also be the onset of gestational diabetes, but I have NO risk factors, so that is unlikely. Long story short, I am off ALL sugar for today, then I can add some tomorrow as long as I eat it with some complex carbs, apparently that helps break down natural sugar. What sucks is all I have been eating lately is fruit, yogurt, and cereal. All are off limits!!

Anyway, I am doing well, just annoyed at this diet restriction, I was never good at watching what I eat.....


Hope all is well...

Caroline

[sistermama]

Hi Mamas,
I'm feeling totally crazy today, because Jack and I are leaving for NY tomorrow morning, so I've been packing and running around like a nut all afternoon. Now I'm feeling grumpy and not very chatty. Hope you all have a good week and weekend. Until Monday!!!