Mothers of Color #6

[eilonwy]

Here we are, ladies! A new thread. What's up?

[jeca]

Sorry to hear about all your troubles lately mama, I hope your new bean gets better soon. It's always sad when a child is sick.

[purplegirl]

just stopping in to say hello :wave hope you all had a great weekend!
Lisa

[mamasoulsista]

hey mamas,

glad to see we're still going strong. Nothin' important to say today. I'm excited about my new double-strand twists. Those of you who have been following, I did the big chop in late May and I want to loc my natural hair. So this is my first step. I love the shop and the woman who did it.

Okay this is something. I went to another hair shop Saturday and had an 8:30am appt time. So how long do you think I waited until I was seen? One hint...it's an AA shop(not to over generalize).....Alright I'll tell you all. I left at 9:20 without being seen. So I'm glad I forgot to cancel the hair appt for today, and had such a wonderful experience.

Anyone else out there spend all damn day at the beauty shop to get 1 hours worth of work done? I used to not care when I was single or childless, but I got stuff to do now!

[jeca]

I usually make my apts for the first thing in the morning to avoid that problem, she must have overbooked. I'm there when the shop opens.
that reminds me it's way past time. I've been rinsing it and wearing it curly lately but I thinkI would like to go get a roller set.

[FroNuff]

Joey, do you have a pic of double strand twists? I think I know what they look like, but not sure. Better yet, send us a pic of *your* locs! :D

And what is with hair salons that make you wait forever? :angry I once had an appt. at 6pm and didn't get home until nearly 1am. All for a stupid touch-up and a french roll. :angry

Continued :hug to you, Rynna.

Lisa, thank you again for the kind words in PMs. The baby was calling and I abruptly left the computer without thanking you again. :)

[prophetmother]

hey mamas,

glad to see we're still going strong. Nothin' important to say today. I'm excited about my new double-strand twists. Those of you who have been following, I did the big chop in late May and I want to loc my natural hair. So this is my first step. I love the shop and the woman who did it.


Anyone else out there spend all damn day at the beauty shop to get 1 hours worth of work done? I used to not care when I was single or childless, but I got stuff to do now!

Congrats on your new style!! and hopefully to new-found freedom eh?! I will be locing my hair in the near future too! I'm excited. I hated sitting in the salon half the day waiting to be seen and then the other half getting my style. Now I do my hair myself and haven't been to a salon since my big chop in Oct 02. Then, a couple weeks ago, I did some palm rolls and guess what! My hair loved them and loced right up!! I lost a lot of hair detangling before I realized I should have just let it be. Now all I can think of is locing my hair. Anyhoo....

[MerryOne]

Ok it's just impossible to keep up with you mamas. :D

bad news for those who think locs shorten the amount of time you spend in the salon :nut
I've had my locs almost 3 years and I have given up going to the salon I do them myself, it doesn't take as long, and I've even taught dh how to do them, the last time I went was over a year ago for our wedding it took over 4 hours in the chair and a couple more waiting :irked:
So start to pratice the plam rolls :LOL

[eilonwy]

There have been times when I wanted to wear locs, but for me that would involve a lot of work; my hair will not loc naturally. It's really fine, and if it wasn't curly it would have no body at all. I am absolutely loving having it super short, though! :D I've trimmed it twice since the big chop, to keep it looking neat and even, and it really needs to be done again. I may start doing it twice a week, or maybe just once (because I don't really have the time to do anything twice a week. :LOL) I think Mike is expecting me to let it grow out, but I'm not sure I want to. I like the fact that when I wake up in the morning I can run out the door without feeling messy, and I like how little shampoo and conditioner it takes to make me feel like a human being! :thumb Being nearly bald rocks! Besides, I look damn good with no hair. :D

My SIL found out last week that she's having a girl, and I'm excited to see her hair! It's possible that she'll end up with a slightly curly haired baby, or even a straight haired baby, but it's extremely unlikely. I'm hoping for some braidable hair, I just love seeing little girls with braids everywhere! :) To be honest, it's my one secret regret about being married to a white man that all of my children will probably look silly in cornrows, if they even have enough hair to do them. :hide: :blush

[Kia74]

Everything here is going really well. I'm fortunate to have really low maintenance pregnancies so despite the heat, I'm doing pretty well. And Nola has been pretty co operative this summer. Could be she's saving up all her bad behavior for her siblings arrival in the fall :)

Joey I just emailed you to see how your day of beauty went. We're on the same page b/c I'm pretty certain I went to the same shop last week right before we went to FL! I got kinky twists and am really happy with the results as well. I was happy to cut the relaxer out but the middle of my head still has a lot of catching up to do with the rest of it.

On other hair news Nola actually kept a barrett in her hair! I got smart and put it in her hair right before I set her loose in the garage. She was so distracted trying to get into the 1001 boxes she forgot about it. I hope this works on a regular basis, I've got all sorts of clips,bows ribbons etc that have ben collecting dust

I hope everyone and their families are having a healthy and happy summer

[MamiBeth]

Hey everyone! Yes, I've waited a couple of hours for a hair appointment in an overbooked salon - and the only reason I waited was because I had an important engagement - and I was single at the time with no kids. And they were up there talking and ordering take-out as if no one was waiting! It was so aggravating!

I put Jaden's hair in a little afro - and it looks so cute. My mom let me know that she didn't like it - that it made my daughter look like nobody takes care of her. (I guess because she caught a little lint when I wasn't looking). Oh well - Black women with hair issues. I just don't want her to grow up thinking there is something wrong with the natural state of her hair.

Love and blessings to all!! :love :love :love :love

[eilonwy]

My 7 year old niece used to hate her hair. :crying It really upset me, because I used to hate my hair too; it didn't do the things that I thought hair was "supposed to do" because as mixed as it is, I don't have white girl hair and never have. I can remember crying because my hair didn't lie perfectly flat on my head, the curls made it go out a bit before it went down. And it was frizzy and dry all the time until I was old enough to buy my own conditioner for it.

Anyway, I'm wondering how you encourage your kids (girls especially) to be at peace with their hair. Happy to be Nappy books? Special videos for hair combing time?

[splendid]

Wow seems like we are on the hair track this week. I just got my hair done today in a real salon (getting box braids) for the first time in years. I forgot that it can actually take less than 7 hrs to get my hair done. I like it...sort of. I'm trying to grow my hair, and this has been the best way I have found. I would take a picture but...I'm very camera shy. :D

I'm thinking the next time I go I may try a different style.

[purplegirl]

As most of you know I am wearing my hair in double strand twists. It took some getting used to but I love the carefree style. My mom keeps asking me when I am going to the salon to "get it done". I retort with "mom, it is done" (*insert teeth sucking*) I have not found a salon yet where they didn't overbook and keep customers waiting all day. I don't have the time nor the patience for that these days. I wash it once a week and retwist it myself. It has grown but there is a patch in the back that has come out. I am not sure why but I "grease" it with carrot oil every night.

Rynna, I don't know of any books for young girls and hair. If I come across one, I will be sure to let you know. Girl, I wished you lived closer as I would love to get my hair cornrowed!

Kia, it is always good to hear from you. I am glad you are having an easy time with the pregnancy. I can't wait to hear your birth story!

Joey Long time, no see girl! How's your little guy doing???


Love to all!

Lisa

[pixiemama]

Hey guys, I'm here. As for hair salons...probably never again! I don't understand how my mom can give up an entire Saturday morning to get her hair done. :shake :scratch

Two strand twists are so cute. I had (http://pic13.picturetrail.com/VOL487/1191261/4325754/62069389.jpg) em in (extensions though) about a year and a half ago. I'd like to get them again on my next trip to NY. That's the only time I go to the salon. I never have to wait on my braider! :nod

Beth I bet your DD looked adorable! Sometimes DD wears a freeform fro so she can match mommy. :-D

Anyway, I'm wondering how you encourage your kids (girls especially) to be at peace with their hair. I wear my hair natural too. That way, they know it's normal. I never make disparaging remarks about my own hair, DH's hair or anyone else's hair for that matter. We aren't really at a point yet where hair matters though. DD w/ bantu knots (http://pic13.picturetrail.com/VOL487/1191261/4342213/61275650.jpg)

[eilonwy]

Rynna, I don't know of any books for young girls and hair. If I come across one, I will be sure to let you know. Girl, I wished you lived closer as I would love to get my hair cornrowed!


Wait.. don't you live in DE? You're like, 3 hours from me, tops. And that's assuming I'm coming from home.. there's nothing in DE that's more than 45 minutes from my IL's house. :LOL

My niece actually has several 'happy to be nappy' books; "I Love My Hair" (http://www.sportsreading.com/I_Love_My_Hair_0316522759.html), "Nappy Hair" (http://aalbc.com/books/nappy.htm), and "Happy to be Nappy" (http://www.ujamaamaktabaonline.com/happy.html) among them, although I have only seen "I Love My Hair" recently (her sister, who has PDD, may have destroyed the others. :() They're all really cute stories. :)

[FroNuff]

We're not at a stage yet where hair is an issue (for her), but I am wondering about Anneliese's hair texture. At 7 months old, her hair is starting to grow more and is an odd texture -- a teeny tiny bit coarse in the back, but pin straight in the front. I'm thinking if her hair is coarser and Alicia's hair is curlier (and less coarse), how this could present itself later on.

I just hate how people want to touch Alicia's hair! My MIL doesn't think it's a big deal, but I guess in her world (white folk land :D ), it's ok to touch little people's hair. I NEVER had my hair touched by a stranger as a child, I suppose because there was nothing "special" about it. :eyesroll

BTW, JCPenney's has EXCELLENT stylists that don't make you wait forever. I like to think that Penney's is the utopia of salons -- all different types of women getting their different hairstyles next to each other. :thumb

[eilonwy]

We're not at a stage yet where hair is an issue (for her), but I am wondering about Anneliese's hair texture. At 7 months old, her hair is starting to grow more and is an odd texture -- a teeny tiny bit coarse in the back, but pin straight in the front. I'm thinking if her hair is coarser and Alicia's hair is curlier (and less coarse), how this could present itself later on.

My older niece's hair was like this when she was an infant, too. By the time she was a year old, she had a big afro. :D Her hair is very nappy, but on the fine side and very strong; My sister cuts it every three or four weeks because it grows very quickly. The longest I've seen it, it went all the way down her back when you pulled a curl out.

I just hate how people want to touch Alicia's hair! My MIL doesn't think it's a big deal, but I guess in her world (white folk land :D ), it's ok to touch little people's hair. I NEVER had my hair touched by a stranger as a child, I suppose because there was nothing "special" about it. :eyesroll

In white fold land, it's okay to touch baby hair that's different from yours, be it in texture or color. I ALWAYS had strangers coming up and wanting to touch my hair... in fact, the last time it happened was about six months ago. (I suppose that because I'm cute and have great skin, people think that I'm a teenager and treat me like a kid as a result. :eyesroll When I go out with my kids, they frown at the unwed teenaged mother until I open my mouth. :eyesroll :splat) I always found it creepy and somewhat annoying, and it was a real messy issue for me. After all, I hated my hair: I knew that my hair was part of the HUGE SECRET THING THAT WAS WRONG WITH ME. The fact that strange (white) people wanted to touch it just made me more conscious of that difference.

They were always positive about it, too. "Oh, where did you get that perm?" "I wish my hair would curl like yours!" "Could I comb your hair sometime?" My hair was absolutely perfect for 80's styles, being naturally big and frizzy. All I wanted in the world was to cut some bangs that would hang straight against my head like everyone else's (read: white people) did before they got out their hairspray.

My hair was the easiest thing for me to get over; I came to love and accept my hair long before the rest of it. I've got great hair, it's the stuff of dreams for many women and girls of all colors. I can wear it curly or straight with little effort, it's a fabulously interesting color, it's coarse enough to hold most styles yet fine enough that I don't need to shellac it in place to make it stay put. I look adorable wearing it very long or very short (like now! :D) and now that I know how to take care of it, it's a breeze. My hair is kick ass! :love

I want my nieces to start out with this attitude, which took me so long to cultivate. I want them to love the hair growing out of their heads; I think that every girl should enjoy what her hair can do! IMHO, that begins with showing respect for your own hair and your child's by keeping it clean and healthy. Every girl (every child, really) should be able to look in the mirror and feel good about what they see there, and feeling good about your hair is a huge step in the right direction.

[East Coast Lady]

My 7 year old niece used to hate her hair. :crying It really upset me, because I used to hate my hair too; it didn't do the things that I thought hair was "supposed to do" because as mixed as it is, I don't have white girl hair and never have. I can remember crying because my hair didn't lie perfectly flat on my head, the curls made it go out a bit before it went down. And it was frizzy and dry all the time until I was old enough to buy my own conditioner for it.

Anyway, I'm wondering how you encourage your kids (girls especially) to be at peace with their hair. Happy to be Nappy books? Special videos for hair combing time?
Eilon Check out the book "I Love My Hair" by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley

[splendid]

I don't want to stir the pot when I say this at all. I really hope no one takes offense to this that may come across this thread. Can you tell I'm trying my best at a disclaimer. :D

I had the same salon (as in chemicals, perms, spend your entire Saturday gossip salon) since I was six. My mother found Maureen through another friend. Through the years, my mother and Maureen hit it off, they were from the same island did the same things socially. Although there have been other people in my hair I only trust my mother (ouch with the hot comb) and Maureen (she could have told me to go blonde and I would have believed her).

Fast forward through life and me marrying DH (who is white). His mother is a hair dresser. She wants to get her hands in my hair (luckily I have extensions whenever we are there so she can't experiment in my hair). Now through the years I have explained to her my feelings about Maureen and trust in my hair. Cause I know with the wrong set of hands things can go wrong (sigh like I went bald with a new style in college). Now I believe that regardless of the color of your skin if you have exposure to different hair types you can do an excellent job on hair. But the problem is, my MIL lives in a small town where there are no young black people (or old for that matter), and I know for a fact they would drive a few towns over for..."the urban touch". How can I explain this to my MIL without making it sound like because she is white is the reason I would not want her in my hair. If she had experience I would trust her a little (remember I have hair trust issues when it comes to chemicals).

I hope I worded this well. I just think this is a touchy issue with her, since everyone else lets her in their hair except me. And everyone thinks I won't let her do it because she is white. :(

[mamasoulsista]

I understand and you worded it without offending me.

I would tell her that finding a stylist for you is like finding a good OBGYN. You just have a personal preference for your stylist and prefer her touch only. I've found in life that if I offer simple answers without overexplaining, there's nothing left to cover.

Hope this helps.

[eilonwy]

:LOL

White people are always trying to get into my hair, and I just plain won't let them. :shake That goes to the whole touching thing that I'm not into. My (white) MIL also used to be a hairstylist and my husband once said something about her cutting my hair. I told him flat out that I would never let a white person near my head again (I've had some horrible experiences) and he should find a polite way to explain it to her, because I don't think I"m capable of it. :tiptoe

[MamiBeth]

Fast forward through life and me marrying DH (who is white). His mother is a hair dresser. She wants to get her hands in my hair (luckily I have extensions whenever we are there so she can't experiment in my hair). Now through the years I have explained to her my feelings about Maureen and trust in my hair. Cause I know with the wrong set of hands things can go wrong (sigh like I went bald with a new style in college). Now I believe that regardless of the color of your skin if you have exposure to different hair types you can do an excellent job on hair. But the problem is, my MIL lives in a small town where there are no young black people (or old for that matter), and I know for a fact they would drive a few towns over for..."the urban touch". How can I explain this to my MIL without making it sound like because she is white is the reason I would not want her in my hair. If she had experience I would trust her a little (remember I have hair trust issues when it comes to chemicals).

I hope I worded this well. I just think this is a touchy issue with her, since everyone else lets her in their hair except me. And everyone thinks I won't let her do it because she is white. :(

I wouldn't say it's a race thing - just an experience thing. I've had a black person screw up my hair - and a white guy (all his clients were black) do an excellent job - touch-up, cut and style. Just tell your MIL the truth.

[splendid]

Just tell your MIL the truth.

Easier said then done. She takes everything personally. Like when I decided I didn't want to eat anymore, she thought it was her cooking...sure it was the catalyst, but she didn't talk to me for a month. When I first met her I told her about Maureen, and she told me to get over it and that there were probably better people out there.

I guess I was looking for a thats the end of it, don't ask me again, even if you were the last stylist on the planet type explanation.

I think I may use the GYN example, that may work. I just want to never revisit it. (Which I will prbably have to if I every have baby girls).

Thanks all.

[FroNuff]

I think the comparison to a GYN is a great reason to use. If she goes beyond that, I might say, "MIL, you know I'm very happy with Maureen and I'll probably end up going to her 'til she can't do hair anymore! (insert a chuckle) Thank you (again) for the much appreciated offer, but I'm very pleased with my lifelong stylist." Then change the subject. If she gets mad, big deal -- it's not *your* issue, it's HERS and she can get over it. Or you could have your DH talk to her about it if it'll be better coming from him. Good luck!

Rynna, your hair texture sounds similar to my Alicia's... Does your hair get frizzy/curly after washing? Hers gets so frizzy and subsequently tangled around the front but I don't want to put products in her hair just yet -- any advice?

BTW, does anyone go camping? We're going on our first trip tomorrow and I think I'm nuts for trying such a thing with a baby and a toddler! :nut

[eilonwy]

Rynna, your hair texture sounds similar to my Alicia's... Does your hair get frizzy/curly after washing? Hers gets so frizzy and subsequently tangled around the front but I don't want to put products in her hair just yet -- any advice?

When I was a small child, before I knew enough to ask for certain kinds of shampoo/conditioner, my hair would dry a frizzy mess after it was washed. Even then it rarely tangled, because it was very fine, but when it did it was such a mess! When I was seven and I discovered conditioner, things got better (when we could afford it, that is. I have yet to meet the hair type that will not get frizzy when it's washed with dish soap. :eyesroll)

My advice is to use a tiny bit of her conditioner after her hair is washed but while it's still wet as a kind of 'setting lotion'. If you use the smallest amount while her hair is still very wet, it'll leave the cuticle smooth, and will be easier to comb when it's dry. I would definately avoid products aside from shampoo and conditioner, especially the silicone based defrizzing agents. They work in the short term, but in the long run they dry out the hair. The more you use them, the more you need them! :yikes:

BTW, does anyone go camping? We're going on our first trip tomorrow and I think I'm nuts for trying such a thing with a baby and a toddler! :nut

Good for you! I love camping, but the last time I went.. well, it was a trip Mike & I took before we got married. :LOL Actually, we're kinda going camping this weekend, but since we're not sleeping in a tent I can't really count it. Mike's (extended) family owns a cabin up in the mountains, and we're spending the weekend there. Eli had the time of his life when we went last year, he loved the cabin and the lake (giant puddle :LOL) and the beach and the campfire. The only thing he didn't like was that the first night we slept together and Mike slept in a separate bed. When he woke up, he almost crawled off the bed looking for daddy and full of wahwahs because he couldn't find him. :crying The next night, we put two matresses on the floor next to each other and Eli slept between us; he was much happier in the morning. :D Okay, so I guess going to the cabin counts as camping. :LOL

[FroNuff]

Thanks for the hair advice. We're giving baths tonight, so I'll try a bit of conditioner in her hair after her torture ritual...er, I mean wash. :D

BTW, how is your Boobah doing this week?

Yay, a camping mama! I have so many questions about camping...what to cook that's easy, should we bring firewood, should I buy the extra tarp just in case... Part of me is like, I should stay the heck home since -- joy of joys! -- I got my period this morning :irked: and I feel out of sorts, and like I'm fooling myself by trying to do this. But then the other half of me is like, BRING IT ON! Wilderness, hear me roar! :LOL

Have fun this weekend, and I hope you've got it together better than me! :D

[MamiBeth]

BTW, does anyone go camping? We're going on our first trip tomorrow and I think I'm nuts for trying such a thing with a baby and a toddler! :nut

We love camping. Although the last time we went, I was with my husband and I was pregnant - so I haven't actually experienced camping with babies and toddlers.

It's funny. I had wanted to go camping for a long time with friends, but most of them were luxury mamas - camping was not for them. Even my male friends in NYC did not find camping of any interest to them. It was so refreshing to meet my husband. He loves the wilderness.

[jeca]

Camping~So, I'm the only speck of color on this board whose thinking "yeah right, where the Holiday Inn". I hope you have fun sounds like quite an adventure. The closest I can touch camping is a retreat in the woods. I don't know what happened to me. I used to be much more outdoorsy,and now..

[eilonwy]

Camping~So, I'm the only speck of color on this board whose thinking "yeah right, where the Holiday Inn". I hope you have fun sounds like quite an adventure. The closest I can touch camping is a retreat in the woods. I don't know what happened to me. I used to be much more outdoorsy,and now..

:LOL But kids fall asleep so much faster when they have fresh air and time to run around during the day... :D

Seriously, one of these days we're going to have to buy a really big tent and go camping in the state parks on weekends. I just love being out in the woods. I'd like to hike the Apalachain Trail and do all sorts of crazy stuff like that. :nod Of course, I'd also like to lose about 90 pounds in the next 5 years, and I somehow don't think that'll happen either... :shrug :eyesroll :LOL

[purplegirl]

My dh and I went camping in the Shenandoah Valley two years ago. I loved it. I went a couple of times as a child with the girl scouts. The local park up the street from where I live sponsors a "sleep under the stars" twice a year. Hundreds of families show up with tents, cooking gear and such to sleep outside. They have hay rides, bon fires, etc. It is so much fun!

[mahdokht]

On Hair:

Been having lots of hair woes lately. Just flat ironed it and gave myself a good cut, don't know what it's gonna look like when it naps up again, but for now it looks good. I really wanna color it, but I messed it up last time I dyed it and it needs time. My ends were in baaaaaaaad shape. I was thinkin' about goin' back to the creme du crack for a while, but I held strong. Besides my husband asked me what I did to my hair and when it was going back cause he doesnt like it straight. I told him "don't worry it will go back to normal once I take a shower." You'd think after being married to me for 6 years he'd know that lol. It's in two strand twists, but I am sooooooooooo sick of dealin with it. I GOTTA find someone to cornrow my hair (I can do it but it takes a long time and looks like its been up a week after I finish, I'm not very good) that won't charge me a fortune and can give me some privacy.

On Camping:

We are HUGE outdoors people. We are Californians and love to hike, camp, go to the beach etc. We are def. not city people. My husband's dream is to live in the woods and run a camp. Of course, with the way things ar going they'd probably accuse us of training the bears for terrorist acts.

[eilonwy]

My husband's dream is to live in the woods and run a camp. Of course, with the way things ar going they'd probably accuse us of training the bears for terrorist acts.

:hug :( :tiptoe


Don't worry.. we'll get Dubya out of office... who's with me?! :LOL

Speaking of which... is everyone registered to vote and ready to go? Please, please say yes!

[mahdokht]

:hug :( :tiptoe


Don't worry.. we'll get Dubya out of office... who's with me?! :LOL

Speaking of which... is everyone registered to vote and ready to go? Please, please say yes!


Girl you KNOW I am.

[jeca]

I guess I will play here where it's safe.
I am not ready to go, their both IDIOTS.

[mahdokht]

I guess I will play here where it's safe.
I am not ready to go, their both IDIOTS.

I know Jeca. I sooooooooooo fell you there. But what can I do, I feel like we're fighting for our very lives here. I mean me and mine today, but all of us tommorrow. Bush is baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad.

[FroNuff]

Confession time...

I'm not registered to vote in my town. :tsk :hide: I've been back in my hometown for 3 years and just never got around to re-registering to vote here. I once printed off the paperwork to do the changes, but never sent them in. I *must* take care of this right now.

I have to say, more than ever I want to move to Canada (this has always been a dream of mine, not a recent thing). :( Surely, McGill might need IT people, right?

Mahdokht, I know you don't know me from the rug, but I truly enjoy reading your posts and think you are quite the articulate mama. When I grow up, I wanna be like you. :D BTW, can you have a local person come to your house to cornrow your hair?

We're leaving in the afternoon, and I have a ton of packing to do. How on Earth am I going to handle going to the bathroom in the middle of the night???? :eyesroll :D

[eilonwy]

Tia! :nono Naughty naughty! :LOL We don't have a lot of time to be messing around here. I'm not going to delve into my political feelings, but I feel very strongly that everyone should at least vote. I've been yelling at my mom about this since my first election. I was so happy and excited to be voting, I felt like a real grownup. :LOL They were happy to see me at the polling place, and I was happy to be there, but a little sad because my mother couldn't walk the few blocks to get there and it was no big deal to her. I mentioned this to someone there and they said "Oh, I can go pick her up and bring her here, no problem!" He drove me home and I ran in and said "Mom, get your shoes and go vote!" :D

I can't even remember who I voted for-- oh wait, I voted for Clinton and a whole bunch of other people (we had local elections, too).

SIL was telling me that Ronald Regan was the first person she voted for. I almost flipped out-- he was president when I was a little kid, and I just couldn't believe that she had voted in 1984. Then I remembered-- she's 11 years older than I am. :eyes :LOL

[Kia74]

Camping~So, I'm the only speck of color on this board whose thinking "yeah right, where the Holiday Inn". I hope you have fun sounds like quite an adventure. The closest I can touch camping is a retreat in the woods. I don't know what happened to me. I used to be much more outdoorsy,and now..

I was just going to be quiet and let the campers talk amongst themselves :) I enjoy the outdoors but in small highly regulated doses. Hiking, biking and trips to the ocean are all fantastic as long as I get tp come indoors to sleep. My husband and I are on the same page and prefer to vacation in cities. Of course we'll probably have kids who love to camp and I'll have to come here for some tips :)

[Kia74]

I feel very strongly about voting and haven't missed an election since I was eligible. I moved to Atlanta from NYC and this will be the first time that I won't be voting at the school where I attended kindegarten. Many of my extended family live in the neighborhood and there are 20 or so of us on the books. My grandparents always vote first and then the rest of us compare numbers.

I do feel a renewed sense of purpose by voting in GA. I definitely believe every vote counts but in NY I was pretty certain which way things would go down.

[pixiemama]

I enjoy the outdoors but in small highly regulated doses. Hiking, biking and trips to the ocean are all fantastic as long as I get to come indoors to sleep.
:LOL Yep, I'm in that 'camp' too, lol. I'm definitely a city girl. Love my concrete jungles. :LOL

As far as voting, yes, I am registered. I actually didn't vote in the last presidential election b/c I was on vacation. Shoulda done the absentee ballot thing. I totally blame myself for that mess we have in the white house now. :shake

My little brother was in his barbershop and I guess the topic of voting came up. He found out lots of 'brothas' in the shop were not registered, so he got a bunch of voter registration cards for them to fill out and for the shop to keep to encourage folks to register and vote. :thumb

[eilonwy]

My little brother was in his barbershop and I guess the topic of voting came up. He found out lots of 'brothas' in the shop were not registered, so he got a bunch of voter registration cards for them to fill out and for the shop to keep to encourage folks to register and vote. :thumb

Good for him!

Kia, I have missed one election since I came of age; it was right after we moved and I was not a resident long enough of this county to vote in it. :( I didn't miss any before that-- not even the one that happened while I was in labor with Eli! :bigeyes I made Mike half carry me down the stairs and into the car, and drive me to vote. It took me forever to move that far, but I went! :LOL There was an older lady there who had had twins and she thought I sure looked big enough to be having two myself! :LOL

[splendid]

I don't vote. That should actually read I can't vote. I am just a resident of this country and not a citizen. So DH votes in our house. And when the time when he is old enough I will encourage ds to vote.

[Kylix]

Hi ladies...

I can't keep up!!!!

Everything is going fine with me. I'm about to move into a new apartment so been really busy with all of that.

Voting--this will be my second election. I turned 18 the day before the cutoff date last year. I am definitely voting though I may have to do absentee ballot.

Kylix

[mamasoulsista]

I vote! I'm way to pissed with the state of our affairs not to. ALthough I have been quite busy and have not voted in the primaries which are just as important.

I saw a great anti-Bush bumper sticker:

Somewhere a village is missing an idiot.
That village is in Texas.

:LOL :LOL

I respect the office of the presidency however, Mr. Bush's decisions don't represent my values or vision for this country.

[pixiemama]

I didn't miss any before that-- not even the one that happened while I was in labor with Eli!
:jaw Wow, you're devoted, huh? Go 'head, lol.

That village is in Texas.

And it's actually less than an hour from my house. :shake :shake :LOL

[Kia74]

Dee your brother sounds like a fantastic young man and Rynna that's a story for the ages.

Speaking of baby brothers mine is expecting his first baby today/tomorrow. I'm really excited to be an auntie :D His wife has a son from a previous relationship so I'm hopeful things will go super quick for them. When I asked him how he was doing he reminded me that when he was six he passed out from the little bit of blood that he saw when his tooth came out :LOL I assured him thaqt he'll do just fine but am glad my mom will be there to catch him if neccesary!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend

[MamiBeth]

Tia! :nono Naughty naughty! :LOL We don't have a lot of time to be messing around here. I'm not going to delve into my political feelings, but I feel very strongly that everyone should at least vote.



Go ahead and delve! I want Bush out of there! It scares me that someone that ignorant is our president. And, I feel sick about all the young people dying for Bush and Cheney's oil profits. These are people's children that are dying. And, it's leaving a lot children without parents. I can't stand Bush! Did anyone see Farenheight 9/11?

[mahdokht]

:jaw Wow, you're devoted, huh? Go 'head, lol.



And it's actually less than an hour from my house. :shake :shake :LOL

Where u at?
:D

I'm in Texas too.

[FroNuff]

I'm back from camping and it was an experience. :D I think DH & I learned quite a bit about each other, but I'm not really pleased with my lack of patience with Alicia. :( And why, oh why didn't I realize that making a campfire isn't quite as easy as on TV?

On a better note, I'm filling out my voter's re-registration form right now and sending it so I'll be able to vote in this election. I'm feeling really bad about not voting since I've been back here, since I grew up with a very strong sense of the importance of voting. As a child, I remember going with my grandmother to vote and being all excited because they had the mini ballot machines where kids could "vote", and how it was like a big social thing -- everyone stood around chatting, debating and laughing, it was great. It was a big deal when it was a young person's first time voting, also.

Honestly, I follow politics very little, but Bush's stupidity scares me, also. :(

[mamasoulsista]

:OT

So I created myself a little job ladies, and I'm excited and REALLY nervous.

I read a book by Regina Thomashauer called 'Mama Gena's Marriage Manual.' ANd I loved it because it's the first time I've heard or read any other woman acknowledge that marriage is F'in HARD! (at least it has been for me). It's the most intense relationship I've ever had (both joyous and frustrating), and I don't have any other marriage to model mine after nor do I want to really. So I've had the challenge of being a feminist and a SAHM who is on hiatus from massage therapy. Sometimes I feel restless, conflicted, like I've compromised too much, and yet blessed to be able to be the primary attachment in my son's life. It would be torture to my spirit if I had to find supplement care for him at such a young age.

Back to my point... I pitched the idea to teach a class based on this book to women in my community at the local Wellness Center, and the director said yes! So i'll be teaching two session in the fall on Sundays, and I hope women actually sign up. I'm taking a huge leap of faith thinking that other women, especially care takers, are feeling similarly. I guess I'll see..

Send me good vibes mamas, cause I need it. There's a tiny voice in the back of my head that says, maybe I bit off more then I can chew.

Joey

[pixiemama]

mahdokht I'm about an hour north of Austin...and you?

And why, oh why didn't I realize that making a campfire isn't quite as easy as on TV? :LOL

On a better note, I'm filling out my voter's re-registration form right now and sending it so I'll be able to vote in this election Hooray!

Joey What a great opportunity! Sending tons of positive vibes your way. :thumb

[purplegirl]

:OT

So I created myself a little job ladies, and I'm excited and REALLY nervous.

I read a book by Regina Thomashauer called 'Mama Gena's Marriage Manual.' ANd I loved it because it's the first time I've heard or read any other woman acknowledge that marriage is F'in HARD! (at least it has been for me). It's the most intense relationship I've ever had (both joyous and frustrating), and I don't have any other marriage to model mine after nor do I want to really. So I've had the challenge of being a feminist and a SAHM who is on hiatus from massage therapy. Sometimes I feel restless, conflicted, like I've compromised too much, and yet blessed to be able to be the primary attachment in my son's life. It would be torture to my spirit if I had to find supplement care for him at such a young age.

Back to my point... I pitched the idea to teach a class based on this book to women in my community at the local Wellness Center, and the director said yes! So i'll be teaching two session in the fall on Sundays, and I hope women actually sign up. I'm taking a huge leap of faith thinking that other women, especially care takers, are feeling similarly. I guess I'll see..

Send me good vibes mamas, cause I need it. There's a tiny voice in the back of my head that says, maybe I bit off more then I can chew.

Joey


Joey, take those risks girl. I will send you positive vibes but you are a woman of wisdom and words. Make it work!

Hugs,
Lisa

[purplegirl]

I'm back from camping and it was an experience. :D I think DH & I learned quite a bit about each other, but I'm not really pleased with my lack of patience with Alicia. :( And why, oh why didn't I realize that making a campfire isn't quite as easy as on TV?

On a better note, I'm filling out my voter's re-registration form right now and sending it so I'll be able to vote in this election. I'm feeling really bad about not voting since I've been back here, since I grew up with a very strong sense of the importance of voting. As a child, I remember going with my grandmother to vote and being all excited because they had the mini ballot machines where kids could "vote", and how it was like a big social thing -- everyone stood around chatting, debating and laughing, it was great. It was a big deal when it was a young person's first time voting, also.

Honestly, I follow politics very little, but Bush's stupidity scares me, also. :(

Hey Tia. After several years of sleep over camp and being a camp counselor, I still cannnot light a camp fire!
Congratulations for taking action on the voting thing. :thumb

Lisa

[eilonwy]

Joey, that's so freaking cool! You go girl! :D :thumb

Tia, I'm glad to hear that you're going to vote. This election is more important than ever.

And now, for a bit of delving: I don't understand how anyone who is capable of logical thought can vote for Dubya. I don't understand how anyone who considers themselves to be even remotely aware of politics could vote for Dubya. It totally offends me that people think it's a reasonable thing to do. I don't understand it at all! It's not that I don't understand Republicans; that's not my cup of tea, but I can see where they're coming from. I just think that the President of the United States of America should have a better understanding of recent history than I do, a stronger background in political science than I have, and more knowledge of geography than I do. Most of all, I think that the President of the United States of America should have a working understanding of The Declaration of Independance, The Constitution, and The Bill of Rights.

Not to sound like I'm bragging, but I'm a fairly intelligent person. I don't think the President needs to be smarter than I am or even as smart as I am; when it comes to sheer intellect, it's just not statistically likely that the President is going to come close. Geography and political science, however, are two of my worst subjects but even I knew that Afghanistan is a landlocked country. :eyesroll I can tell you why an amendment defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman is unconsitutional without even working terribly hard or dragging out my references (though I could do that, too).

So many of the things that come out of Dubya's mouth are not just stupid, but downright unamerican. Reactionary politics frightens me, and I think it scares the majority of people who know what it entails. It seems to me that Dubya's supporters are not thinking at all, except about their own ethical issues which they want to push on the rest of us. It's an outright violation of the separation of church and state, which is one of the things that not only makes America great, but makes it America! I don't subscribe to an ultra conservative Christian moral code, and under the laws of this country I can't be forced to.

Dubya may love America, but I don't think he knows what this country actually stands for. I think he needs to really read the three documents I mentioned above, and to have someone there who can explain to him what the big words mean.

[end delve]

I went to the mountains this weekend, and ended up putting a soaker on BeanBean which I had only started making in the car on the way up. :LOL It wasn't quite finished, I need to make the waist and legs, but it was super cute! :D I was really proud of my work. Eventually, I'll take a picture and put it up. :LOL

[purplegirl]

Joey, that's so freaking cool! You go girl! :D :thumb

Tia, I'm glad to hear that you're going to vote. This election is more important than ever.

And now, for a bit of delving: I don't understand how anyone who is capable of logical thought can vote for Dubya. I don't understand how anyone who considers themselves to be even remotely aware of politics could vote for Dubya. It totally offends me that people think it's a reasonable thing to do. I don't understand it at all! It's not that I don't understand Republicans; that's not my cup of tea, but I can see where they're coming from. I just think that the President of the United States of America should have a better understanding of recent history than I do, a stronger background in political science than I have, and more knowledge of geography than I do. Most of all, I think that the President of the United States of America should have a working understanding of The Declaration of Independance, The Constitution, and The Bill of Rights.

Not to sound like I'm bragging, but I'm a fairly intelligent person. I don't think the President needs to be smarter than I am or even as smart as I am; when it comes to sheer intellect, it's just not statistically likely that the President is going to come close. Geography and political science, however, are two of my worst subjects but even I knew that Afghanistan is a landlocked country. :eyesroll I can tell you why an amendment defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman is unconsitutional without even working terribly hard or dragging out my references (though I could do that, too).

So many of the things that come out of Dubya's mouth are not just stupid, but downright unamerican. Reactionary politics frightens me, and I think it scares the majority of people who know what it entails. It seems to me that Dubya's supporters are not thinking at all, except about their own ethical issues which they want to push on the rest of us. It's an outright violation of the separation of church and state, which is one of the things that not only makes America great, but makes it America! I don't subscribe to an ultra conservative Christian moral code, and under the laws of this country I can't be forced to.

Dubya may love America, but I don't think he knows what this country actually stands for. I think he needs to really read the three documents I mentioned above, and to have someone there who can explain to him what the big words mean.

[end delve]

I went to the mountains this weekend, and ended up putting a soaker on BeanBean which I had only started making in the car on the way up. :LOL It wasn't quite finished, I need to make the waist and legs, but it was super cute! :D I was really proud of my work. Eventually, I'll take a picture and put it up. :LOL

:clap Amen sista!

Yes, show us the pic. I am taking knitting and crocheting lessons in the fall and hope to have a little one to make soakers for!

[FroNuff]

Joey, that is awesome! I'm sending out good vibes, but I'm sure the class will be a success and that you'll do great. :)

Rynna, don't hold back your feelings now. :LOL I totally agree with you and you expressed your sentiments really well.

[MerryOne]

Joey, that is awesome! I'm sending out good vibes, but I'm sure the class will be a success and that you'll do great. :)

Rynna, don't hold back your feelings now. :LOL I totally agree with you and you expressed your sentiments really well.

:nod

Rynna :clap

nothing happening on my front same old :irked:

[mamasoulsista]

I cant remember if I shared this here, so be tolerant if I have.

I went to the park last week with my 16 month old. We were playing and I saw two white women with their small children approach and a AA girl about 10ish with them. I assumed she was a mothers helper becaus she was following them and pushing one of the kids on the swing as the mothers sat and talked. Fast forward an hour or so and the mom's were talking about lunch and left to go and said bye to the girl by name. So she came to sit by me as I gave DS a snack and some water. So she's chatting away with me and I offered her some crackers and asked if she was going home to grab some lunch soon. (Divine intervention for that question) And she proceeded to tell me that she was living in a shelter nearby and that she couldn't go back for lunch. Also, she has to wake up at 5am, shower then eat and leave by 7am. They were not allowed back into the shelter until 5pm and dinner was served at 7pm. She said her mom had to wait until the next day to shop for food because she didn't have her food stamps yet. So I asked where her sibling were-1 at her mother's friends house and another with her grandmother in Louisianna. SO "they" turned out to be her and her mother who was sitting at a park bench at the back of the park with her back to us and sleeing. SO here is this 12 year old girl who is homeless and understood that she's have to go the entire day without eating. So I gave her a baggy of DS's snacks and told her that I'd like to buy her and her mother lunch (DH got his paycheck that day). I walked by mama and talked with her myself and went and got them lunch.

If school had been in session, this child would have eaten lunch. So what happens to children living in shelters, who are out of school for the summer and their public aid is a few days away?? They learn not to eat that day.

Sisters, it broke my heart and I had a renewed vision for this country. I know the Republican party traditionally cuts social programs and encourages women to get jobs and marry to take care of their families. Which seems very easy, but the Democratic partry seems to understand that sometimes folks need to be taught, mentored, coached, sheltered, fed and educated to be able to get a job, and don't even forget childcare.

Our men and women are being changed forever or killed overseas right now and our children will be forever changed because of it.

Alright, I'm done preachin'...

[eilonwy]

If school had been in session, this child would have eaten lunch. So what happens to children living in shelters, who are out of school for the summer and their public aid is a few days away?? They learn not to eat that day.

I hate to admit to this, but I actually considered enrolling BeanBean in Headstart for this very reason-- they'll feed him twice before he leaves. Most of the time we have food, for now, but it seems like we're okay for three months and then we have three months that are really freaking tight. I still think about it sometimes-- would it really be that damaging for his education if he went to school? Most of the time, the answer is yes, plain and simple, but sometimes.... :shrug

If Mike and I were to get legally married, the way that Dubya wants, we would not be eligible for anything in the way of public assitance-- Mike makes about $1000 more than the limit. That means no medical assistance for the kids or myself, no food stamps, no WIC, nothing. We're barely scraping by as it is. It's truly obscene, what Republicans seem to think that people can live on in this country.

[MamiBeth]

:OT

So I created myself a little job ladies, and I'm excited and REALLY nervous.

I read a book by Regina Thomashauer called 'Mama Gena's Marriage Manual.' ANd I loved it because it's the first time I've heard or read any other woman acknowledge that marriage is F'in HARD! (at least it has been for me). It's the most intense relationship I've ever had (both joyous and frustrating), and I don't have any other marriage to model mine after nor do I want to really. So I've had the challenge of being a feminist and a SAHM who is on hiatus from massage therapy. Sometimes I feel restless, conflicted, like I've compromised too much, and yet blessed to be able to be the primary attachment in my son's life. It would be torture to my spirit if I had to find supplement care for him at such a young age.

Back to my point... I pitched the idea to teach a class based on this book to women in my community at the local Wellness Center, and the director said yes! So i'll be teaching two session in the fall on Sundays, and I hope women actually sign up. I'm taking a huge leap of faith thinking that other women, especially care takers, are feeling similarly. I guess I'll see..

Send me good vibes mamas, cause I need it. There's a tiny voice in the back of my head that says, maybe I bit off more then I can chew.

Joey

What a coincidence. I'm a massage therapist, SAHM looking to create something for myself that will hopefully make money. I am feeling kind of useless right now because I'm not the one with the paycheck (even though I know that staying with the babies is the most important thing I could do right now). I guess it's stressful when I think about being single & childless and doing what I wanted with my money - as opposed to being strapped and having to compromise. Good vibes for your class! It sounds like something I would be interested in.

[MamiBeth]

I hate to admit to this, but I actually considered enrolling BeanBean in Headstart for this very reason-- they'll feed him twice before he leaves. Most of the time we have food, for now, but it seems like we're okay for three months and then we have three months that are really freaking tight. I still think about it sometimes-- would it really be that damaging for his education if he went to school? Most of the time, the answer is yes, plain and simple, but sometimes.... :shrug

If Mike and I were to get legally married, the way that Dubya wants, we would not be eligible for anything in the way of public assitance-- Mike makes about $1000 more than the limit. That means no medical assistance for the kids or myself, no food stamps, no WIC, nothing. We're barely scraping by as it is. It's truly obscene, what Republicans seem to think that people can live on in this country.

Rynna: I think about the same thing and public school for my babies. I go on about how I am going to homeschool - but then I stress about not being able to do it. Speaking of Dubya and geography - Did you hear about his trip to Brazil and how he said "I didn't know there were Black people in Brazil." ?? Anyway - I do think the president should be smarter than me.

[mahdokht]

Most of all, I think that the President of the United States of America should have a working understanding of The Declaration of Independance, The Constitution, and The Bill of Rights.


I think the President of the United States of America should have a working understanding of the English language.

[eilonwy]

I think the President of the United States of America should have a working understanding of the English language.

Amen to that! :LOL

[jeca]

She said her mom had to wait until the next day to shop for food because she didn't have her food stamps yet. So I asked where her sibling were-1 at her mother's friends house and another with her grandmother in Louisianna. SO "they" turned out to be her and her mother who was sitting at a park bench at the back of the park with her back to us and sleeing. SO here is this 12 year old girl who is homeless and understood that she's have to go the entire day without eating. So I gave her a baggy of DS's snacks and told her that I'd like to buy her and her mother lunch (DH got his paycheck that day). I walked by mama and talked with her myself and went and got them lunch.
..


Girl, you than went and made me cry. :crying
It's true "the system" seems more bent on keeping the poor poor than anything else. As ryanna already stated if you are barely scrapping by but aking some change you are officially cut off. which makes no damn sense. I remember greatly needing food stamps , WIc and headtstart and was turned down for sake of a few hundred dollers. we were struggling but that didn't matter we made"enough" according to teh system.

[mahdokht]

All you natural mamas, I need HELP.

I'm just sick of the effort it takes me to care for natural hair. I know many women say that it took them more time to care for relaxed hair, but not me. I mean from petroleum jelly around the hairline to conditioner only took me 20 minutes. That's 20 minutes every 6 weeks compared to AT LEAST 3 hours a week.

I've been thinking of doing some sort of "light" texturizer (you know like mixing some kinda mild relaxer with conditioner and keeping it on for 8 minutes or some other concoction), but I KNOW I'll regret it. Somebody talk me down PUHLEEZE!

I flat ironed it to cut it and the cut is great, really gave me shape and got rid of some damaged ends. I washed it the other night so now I'm back to the nap. I look pretty good in twists but I had major post-partum hair loss around my hairline and that hair is now about an inch long. So it just looks kinda bad in whatever hairstyle because the hairline is so short.

ARGH! :eyesroll

[purplegirl]

All you natural mamas, I need HELP.

I'm just sick of the effort it takes me to care for natural hair. I know many women say that it took them more time to care for relaxed hair, but not me. I mean from petroleum jelly around the hairline to conditioner only took me 20 minutes. That's 20 minutes every 6 weeks compared to AT LEAST 3 hours a week.

I've been thinking of doing some sort of "light" texturizer (you know like mixing some kinda mild relaxer with conditioner and keeping it on for 8 minutes or some other concoction), but I KNOW I'll regret it. Somebody talk me down PUHLEEZE!

I flat ironed it to cut it and the cut is great, really gave me shape and got rid of some damaged ends. I washed it the other night so now I'm back to the nap. I look pretty good in twists but I had major post-partum hair loss around my hairline and that hair is now about an inch long. So it just looks kinda bad in whatever hairstyle because the hairline is so short.

ARGH! :eyesroll

Well mama I am not sure I can talk you down! 'Cause I am feeling your pain! However, perhaps the texturizer is the best thing for you now. I had one a few years ago when I was between styles. It is not as "commital" as a full blown perm but it allows you to have a nice "do" in the meantime. It also helped my hair to grow like crazy because you are moisturizing it daily.
I would also suggest using carrot oil on your scalp daily. I swear by it for helping my hair grow back in places where it came out. :thumb
I am wearing my hair in double strand twists and have recently contemplated adding extensions for longer plaits.
Good Luck!

[Kia74]

I'm completely on board with the Bush bashing. My husband and I were given some hope on a recent road trip from Atlanta to Central Florida thru conservative southern GA. The Kerry Edwards bumper stickers outnumbered the Bush Cheney ones 2 to one. I read an interesting article (I think on slate.com) that the polls are based on probable voters. But that many people will possibly possibly (hopefully) go to the polls explicitly to run our current regime out of town.

I feel your post partum hair loss pain, makdoht. I suffered som as well, but fortunately my hair is most suspect in the middle which makes it easy to hide. Still the loss of 6,7 inches of hair hurt my vanity. nappturality.com is a great site with a wealth of info. I don't know where you live but there are more and more salons catering to the natural hair crowd, I have a national list that might be helpful.

Take Care

[mahdokht]

Well mama I am not sure I can talk you down! 'Cause I am feeling your pain! However, perhaps the texturizer is the best thing for you now. I had one a few years ago when I was between styles. It is not as "commital" as a full blown perm but it allows you to have a nice "do" in the meantime. It also helped my hair to grow like crazy because you are moisturizing it daily.
I would also suggest using carrot oil on your scalp daily. I swear by it for helping my hair grow back in places where it came out. :thumb
I am wearing my hair in double strand twists and have recently contemplated adding extensions for longer plaits.
Good Luck!


Well my biggest concern about a texturizer IS the commitment. I mean If I want to grow it out will I have to cut my hair off? I shaved my head 2 or so years ago when I went natural and I've worn it really short, but frankly I'm tired of that look. I want to keep my hair.

Kia-
I used to be a nappturality regular, been there for years. Too much drama for me over there nowadays, I rarely show up and when I do its usually in the Spirituality forum or I go look at Dembasamba or another sister's hair album for ideas. The thing is, most of those sisters with all those wonderful hairstyles don't have KIDS. They can take hours on hours to do some gorgeous 'do that's gonna last a few weeks. I don't have that kind of time with small children around.

[Parthenia]

Mahdokht--I wish I could give you hairstyle pointers, but I will try to talk you down! ITA that a texturizer can make life simpler at first, but IMO a texturizer by any other name is a relaxer/perm that's just bad for your hair and scalp. My scalp has been burned and my hair has fallen out from using a texturizer.
I used to take hair, skin, and nail vitamins because my nails used to be really brittle, and I noticed my hair got thicker, too. Diet, moisturizers, and maybe vitamins should help your hair grow and get back to its pre-pregnancy glory.
As for the texturizer, *don't do it*. Yes, you'll have to cut it if you stop texturizing, because it's likely to break where you have new natural growth. Leave your hair the way it is!
I've had dreads for 6 years, and before I committed I wore twists, double and single stranded. They were almost as easy as when I texturized, and the extra effort was nothing compared to how much healthier my hair was chemical free. How'd I do? If you need more natural hair pep talkin' let me know!

[mamasoulsista]

.
As for the texturizer, *don't do it*.


I'm in a similar boat. I had double strand twists that I just took out. I sleep wild and my head wrap kept coming off. So my hair in back looked pretty jacked up after a week. So now I've got my longer, natural afro back. I wash and brush through it with the shampoo once a week and then condition and go. When it's looking rough for the day, I grab a bandana and cover it up!

Now the one thing I've gotta get this week is some good hair grease! Living in ATlanta I'm so lucky to have found Sweet Potato Pie in L5P, and they make their own hair oil out of Shea butter, tea tree oil, olive oil, rosemary and something else I can't remember. My hair and scalp loved it! Gotta get more.

BUT don't do the chemicals!!! Get some cornrows if you need a break! Do a short fro or do a hair wrap.

Peace and hair grease--

Joey

[mahdokht]

O.k, I feel better now. You are right, texturizers and relaxers are all th same stuff. But to be honest, just knowing that I'd be enslaved to it -that or face cutting my hair off and starting over- is enough to keep me faaaaaaaaaaaaar away. I guess I'll just keep going with this tired ole ponytail till I have the inspiration to do better or the $$ to pay someone else to do it for me.

[prophetmother]

Guess who got a :+ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:carrot :banana :carrot :banana :carrot :banana :carrot :banana

Now back to the regularly scheduled program.

About the hair thing, there will be hair trials no matter what route you decide to go but I personally believe the best ultimate result will be from staying away from all relaxers. I really need to brush my hair right now and retwist it but I just don't feel like it -- 3 hours with my hands and fingers aching, ugh.

Ok. I'm off to read up on this baby I'm having!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MerryOne]

Congrats prophetmother :champagne
yeah u might not be able to drink, but I'm sure a couple of us here can handle that for u :D

[jeca]

Congrats!!
I'll drink to that for you :drink

[MamiBeth]

Guess who got a :+ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:carrot :banana :carrot :banana :carrot :banana :carrot :banana

Ok. I'm off to read up on this baby I'm having!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations!!! :love :thumb Can I have a glass of wine? I'm breastfeeding. Do you guys think it's o.k. to just have just one? I've been wanting a glass of red wine for the longest.

[prophetmother]

Party away ladies!!!!!!!!!!!!! thank you so much!!

[pixiemama]

Phew, glad they talked you down mahdokht. :thumb I sometimes get the hair blahs too. I bought a wig for when I'm having bad days and I just throw that on w/ a hat and call it a day. :)

Tori Congrats! I'll pass some sparkling cider your way. :champagne

[purplegirl]

Guess who got a :+ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:carrot :banana :carrot :banana :carrot :banana :carrot :banana

Now back to the regularly scheduled program.

About the hair thing, there will be hair trials no matter what route you decide to go but I personally believe the best ultimate result will be from staying away from all relaxers. I really need to brush my hair right now and retwist it but I just don't feel like it -- 3 hours with my hands and fingers aching, ugh.

Ok. I'm off to read up on this baby I'm having!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:dust :dust Oh how wonderful! Blessings to you and your lfamily! Looking forward to hearing about your process :balloons :balloons

[purplegirl]

morningtillmoonmama]Phew, glad they talked you down mahdokht. :thumb I sometimes get the hair blahs too. I bought a wig for when I'm having bad days and I just throw that on w/ a hat and call it a day. :)


and lucky for me too 'cause I sure was getting weak and headed right to the "creamy crack" as once heard someone on this board refer to a relaxer. :love

[jeca]

Congratulations!!! :love :thumb Can I have a glass of wine? I'm breastfeeding. Do you guys think it's o.k. to just have just one? I've been wanting a glass of red wine for the longest.

if you time it right. But I wouldn't since you do have a new baby. My nursling is almost 17months old. I'll have a glass for both of you.

[FroNuff]

Congrats, Tori! :champagne Hope you have an easy and wonderful 9 months!

Re: texturizer... I'll just :hide: for the moment since I have one in to keep my hair "manageable". :eyesroll My hair is very short, but I like the curly look. Sue me. :LOL But I give a lot of credit to those who can resist the chemicals totally, though.

[ErikaDP]

Guess who got a :+ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:carrot :banana :carrot :banana :carrot :banana :carrot :banana
Ok. I'm off to read up on this baby I'm having!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:balloons Congratulations Tori! Here's to a healthy and happy pregnancy! :balloons

[mamasoulsista]

[QUOTE=purplegirl headed right to the "creamy crack" :love[/QUOTE]


I almost peed my pants when I read that!! :LOL

Tori...I'm singing a little happy tune for you! Congratulations.

[Kylix]

prophetmother--Congratulations!! woo hoo!!

Kylix

[mahdokht]

CONGRATULATIONS Prophetmother. I looked at your pics, you are one hot tamale girl! How did you get that color? I've been thinking about coloring my hair lately.

Eilonwy how is your gorgeous daughter doing? She has been in my thoughts a lot lately. I pray the best for you and yours.

[eilonwy]

:wave

Congrats, Tori! I'll drink some sparkling apple juice for the toast; I'm still waiting on BooBah's kidneys, and am much too lazy to pump and dump these days (having a nursing BeanBean has spoiled me, I suppose. :LOL)

BooBah will take the last of her antibiotic today. I'm not convinced that the infection is entirely gone, but I'm not sure why... it's just a nagging feeling that I have. At any rate, at the end of this month she'll have her 2 month WBC, a urinalysis to make sure the infection is gone and we'll schedule a VCUG for her (assuming, of course, that she doesn't have an infection). Her ped. will have consulted with a pediatric nephrologist by then, and we'll find out what's going on.

She's growing beautifully! My BooBah has lovely round thighs and dimpled knees, which are super cute and fabulous! She now looks normal in 0-3 month clothing, almost all of it fits her (she's got one outfit that must be mismarked, because it's freaking huge) and just two nights ago, I had to move her to the biggest snaps on her x-small Fuzzi Bunz. :D She can actually wear the smalls now! :banana I'll need to get two more small fuzzi bunz and a few small covers and then we'll be all set for at least a year or so (I hope!!).

BeanBean is doing very well with the potty learning, as long as I am vigilant. Monday, for the first time, he went poop on the potty!!! :carrot :banana Here's hoping it's not a one time thing! :LOL He's so close to not being able to wear mediums anymore and I really really don't want to spend the money on larges. We're going to have to buy large Fuzzi Bunz anyway for nighttime and I'm not looking forward to it. :shake At any rate, he's making excellent progress. It's very impressive! :D :love

Sad news: I can't find my voter's registration card!!!! :yikes: I'll need it for this election, because I've moved since the last one. I did move my registration and get the card in the mail, but I can't find it! If I call up the county courthouse, do you think they would send me another one?!

[Parthenia]

Guess who got a :+ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:carrot :banana :carrot :banana :carrot :banana :carrot :banana
:champagne :balloons :champagne :balloons
A toast of sparking cider to you!!!! Congratulations!!!!

[prophetmother]

CONGRATULATIONS Prophetmother. I looked at your pics, you are one hot tamale girl! How did you get that color? I've been thinking about coloring my hair lately.


Awwwwww, thanks! You know, the color I have now may not even be in those pics. I just bleached it out a couple times but later put some kind of brown color over it. Sorry that's not too descriptive!!! But I love to experiment. I dried my hair out but it's all better now.

Thanks everyone for all the toasts! I woke up this morning and then remembered I'm a mommy now!! What baby gear do you suggest we start getting now? (There's a reason I'm not in the voluntary simplicity tribe!!!!!!) I'm lurking in the cd forum trying to figure out what dipes to get to start out. What's the most useless thing you've bought for your baby?

[eilonwy]

Everyone needs a sling. Even if you've got a bad back (like me) you'll love the sling in the beginning, take my word for it. I've got a Maya which I :love and a Kissasling which was wonderful until the material fell apart :(. Mike prefers the pouch sling to the maya, because it doesn't require any adjusting. It's also bigger, and he's a big guy.

The most useless thing we got was a bassinet for BeanBean; it ended up holding dirty diapers. :LOL He slept in it about a dozen times, all told, which is a dozen times more than my nephew (for whom it was originally purchased) ever did.

Given a decent sized budget, this is what I would (have) purchase(d) for BooBah:

*4-6 dozen infant sized prefolds (we have 3 dozen, and that's enough if you wash at least once a day, but we sometimes run out.)

*4 nb sized prorap colors +4 nb sized prorap classics (the colors hold poop in more effectively, but the classics have more give to them & last longer; BooBah hasn't been able to wear the (2) colors for over a week but is still easily wearing the (2) classics)

*5 small sized prorap colors +5 small sized prorap classics (see above)

*4 x-small Fuzzi Bunz or Happy Hieney's for nighttime/long trips

*6 small Fuzzi Bunz/Happy Hieney's

It's not the world's cutest stash, but it's practical and easy, and that's what I'm going for. :thumb

[MamiBeth]

Thanks everyone for all the toasts! I woke up this morning and then remembered I'm a mommy now!! What baby gear do you suggest we start getting now? (There's a reason I'm not in the voluntary simplicity tribe!!!!!!) I'm lurking in the cd forum trying to figure out what dipes to get to start out. What's the most useless thing you've bought for your baby?

I've found that you can never have too many onesies. I also love my Baby Bjorn carrier. I was ordering cloth diapers from Earthbaby, but they cashed my last check in May, but haven't sent me anything. I can't seem to contact anyone at the company.

When I was pregnant with Jaden, I went to BabysRUs and registered for a bunch of useless stuff (I can't even remember what I registered for). There is so much useless stuff there. I also think that so many toys are a waste of money. My daughter received tons of toys from relatives - Do you know what she plays with??? She plays with cardboard boxes, spoons, pots and pans, cups, etc, etc. She does, however, love to sit down with books and look at them.

I also hear that a swing for newborns is a good thing to have, although I don't have one. If I can't think of anything else, I'll let you know. Beth.

[FroNuff]

I'd second having a sling, but I'd go a step further and say a pouch, also. I wish I had a pouch with my oldest was a newborn because I had trouble with getting truly comfortable with a regular sling and didn't really use it until she was 4 months old/had really good neck control. With my youngest, I used the pouch from the very beginning and it was a godsend.

Useless stuff? Oh, my house is full of useless baby crap! I thought we were being so smart with buying a Pack 'n Play that had a removable bassinet. I did use the bassinet with Alicia, but only for a short period of time, and the PnP holds diapers and junk now. My youngest never used the bassinet at all since she was too big for it at birth!

I've got to say that the most annoying useless things that people bought me were bottles. I thought it very presumptuous for people to assume I'd be fine with cheap dollar store bottles. No offense to anyone who uses them, but I guess I'm a bottle snob and only cared for a certain brand. I ended up donating a LOT of bottles to a local women's group, but I wish people hadn't wasted their money on them in the first place.

[jeca]

I got a bunch of cheap bottles too, I also thought it was assuming much. when yana did take a bottle she only took the avent, and morissa the handful of times she took one only took the gerber traditions some BF babies just won't take regular doller bottle, It thought that was common knowledge. I think the most useless thing for us was a cradle, she started out sleeping in it then dh was like just bring her to bead with us and that's all she wrote folks. But I also think it's a myth that yiu will never get them out of your bed if they sleep with you(it depends on your child)yana will be three next moneth and is in her own bed now with no problems. Not to say she won't climb in bed with us at 5:00 in the morning but by then who cares?

the most useful for me was a breastpump cause man did I get engorged ad my Cd's. Although I'll admit that I went CD mad and bougt and then sold every kind out there. I didn't do much research. but that's the great things about Cd's you can always get back some of your money. But now I know which ones work best for newborns on teh off chance I have another one.Now I'm in search of the best toddler night dipe.

Yes, a sling is a given for nursing a newborn. I never tried a puch though, I just used one of those pillows to adjust her better. Then a kind lately here sent me a bjorn when yana got older, I LOVED it.

[pixiemama]

I was ordering cloth diapers from Earthbaby, but they cashed my last check in May, but haven't sent me anything. I can't seem to contact anyone at the company.
That's horrible! Have you thought about filing a complaint w/ the BBB in the state they are in?


Baby items that I have found helpful...

Breasts...:LOL
A sling
If possible, relatives who will cook and clean and just let you take care of the baby for the first few weeks
Stroller as baby gets older (my back can't take slinging a babe past a certain age/weight)
A swing (I would never shower otherwise and it helped my babies get to sleep many times when mama just wouldn't do. :LOL)
maybe a bigger bed if you plan to cosleep

Cloth diapers (I have already started this new baby's stash to spread out costs and here's what I have or plan to buy. I am not much of a prefold girl)

Newborn
6 Kissaluvs size 0
6 newborn Sugarplum Baby fitteds
4 Very Baby AIOs
6 preemie prefolds (I dyed (http://pic13.picturetrail.com/VOL487/1191261/4342213/59463196.jpg) em, so cute (http://pic13.picturetrail.com/VOL487/1191261/4342213/60670936.jpg))
6 newborn Nanipoos (http://pic13.picturetrail.com/VOL487/1191261/4342213/60669581.jpg)
3 newborn BSIWW
3 newborn Proraps
3 wool (http://pic13.picturetrail.com/VOL487/1191261/4342213/59383872.jpg) covers (http://pic13.picturetrail.com/VOL487/1191261/4342213/59383924.jpg)(dyed one of those w/ kool aid.)
1 pair longies
fleece liners

Small
12 Infant Prefolds (unbleached)
6 small hemp doublers
6 small Nanipoos fitteds
6 small Sugarpeas fitteds (side snapping)
A dozen Fuzzi Bunz (natural babies has a great package)
2 small BSIWW
2 small Proraps
1 pair small soaker shorts
1 small "fancy" cover

Useless? The pack and play. It just became a giant toy bin. :eyesroll

[pixiemama]

Rynna, glad to hear your DD is doing better (I hope the infection is truely gone) and hope your son keeps up w/ using the potty.

My DD has gone a few times, but she mostly just like to wear the big girl undies. :LOL DD has some old style Fuzzi Bunz, so I got a couple of newer style ones thinking they would fit the same for nighttime...they are smaller! I am not quite sure if she'd fit larges or petite toddler, so I haven't gotten any yet. :shake

DS is starting pre-k next week! We meet his teacher tomorrow. He is so excited and we are too, but also nervous. I'm not ready to be the mom of a school age child. :crying

[FroNuff]

Rynna & Dee, y'all want to share your potty training tips? I know it's not too late or whatever, but I just knew Alicia would be trained this summer, but nope. I'm envious of the successful potty learners since Alicia wants nothing to do with the potty other than using it as a step stool.

And who makes a good, inexpensive wool soaker? I want one so bad (even though we're still in sposies, I'm looking for something to bring us back to cloth)...

[jeca]

Just CpF's and proraps(or diaperaps) are best for newborns cause of all the newborna dn BF poo. I found that out with trail and error. I LOVE liz's cloth size 1 for new babies they fit great!Great dye job mama, I wasn't that creative, just not hiting my creative side. I also recommend stocking up now, it really helped. I have sold most all of my newborn stuff to but larger dipes, morissa moved into a large sooner than I though and yana although potty trained stillw ears dipes at night. I also recommend a good newborn wool cover for nights.

[pixiemama]

Rynna & Dee, y'all want to share your potty training tips?
Yea, wait till your baby tells you she wants to go, :LOL. I am really surprised that DD took an interest this early b/c my DS only potty trained earlier this year at 3 1/2. I keep the potty near me and ask her if she wants to sit on it a couple times a day. She does, and she pees sometimes. Other times, she will go completely on her own. It's just a gamble right now basically. I am thinking I will encourage her to go more next spring around the time the new baby is due. She'll be almost 3 and have a greater understanding then, so I'm hoping she'll be ready. :)

[pixiemama]

Tia...as for the soaker, the one that I dyed is a Woolie Baby soaker (don't remember where I got it, but here's the website (http://earthybaby.com/store/results2.asp?Cat=WoolieBabieSoakers)). It's ok, I wouldn't use it at night or for a heavy wetter, but it's fine for my light to medium wetter. They retail for less than $20, they are machine knit. If you want a wool cover, I like Sugarpeas which I think you can get at naturalbabies and diaperware.

[FroNuff]

Yea, wait till your baby tells you she wants to go, :LOL.

Yeah, well, other than that. :D I know not to push her, but I guess I read her all wrong and she wasn't ready when I thought she was. Y'know, my grandmother is bugging me that Alicia should have been trained months ago when she was 12 month old???? WTFever. :eyesroll

[eilonwy]

Tia-- BeanBean is potty training because he doesn't like diapers. My best tip for you is to wait until she shows an interest. BeanBean basically told me while I was pregnant that he didn't want to deal with diapers anymore by asking me to change him before he peed or taking his diapers off and then peeing on the floor. I showed him that he could pee on the potty and he was thrilled to pieces, but I was unable to bend over so I couldn't help him much. Now that I can squat comfortably again, potty learning is in full swing!

In fact, BeanBean woke up with a dry diaper this morning, and peed on the potty. Of course, he also pooped on the floor today (I think yesterday's potty poop was a fluke :() but he's peed on the potty several times. I leave it out where he can get to it by himself, and leave him with naked :moon (so cute!) so he can go when he needs to. I think he does it because he knows it makes us happy.

As to inexpensive wool soakers... well, I can knit. :D PM me, we'll talk.

[MamiBeth]

That's horrible! Have you thought about filing a complaint w/ the BBB in the state they are in?



:eyesroll

The sad thing is, I have ordered from them before and was satisfied. Now they are giving me the runaround. I was told that the BBB is not real effective. I just want my money back but I really need the diapers (Chinese prefolds). I like them. I'm sending them a certified letter with proof of payment. Does anyone know who to contact when mail order companies are fraudulent???

[MamiBeth]

Tia-- BeanBean is potty training because he doesn't like diapers. My best tip for you is to wait until she shows an interest. BeanBean basically told me while I was pregnant that he didn't want to deal with diapers anymore by asking me to change him before he peed or taking his diapers off and then peeing on the floor. I showed him that he could pee on the potty and he was thrilled to pieces, but I was unable to bend over so I couldn't help him much. Now that I can squat comfortably again, potty learning is in full swing!

In fact, BeanBean woke up with a dry diaper this morning, and peed on the potty. Of course, he also pooped on the floor today (I think yesterday's potty poop was a fluke :() but he's peed on the potty several times. I leave it out where he can get to it by himself, and leave him with naked :moon (so cute!) so he can go when he needs to. I think he does it because he knows it makes us happy.

As to inexpensive wool soakers... well, I can knit. :D PM me, we'll talk.

Jaden had pee'ed and poo'ed on the floor. She is showing an interest, but has only peed in the potty once - and we really played it up and praised her and had a mini-party. It hasn't happened again - But she's only 20 months old.

What she does now is - if she wants to run around naked or without a diaper - she'll say "poo-poo" and I'll run to take off her diaper and sit her on the toilet. She'll laugh and get up and run away. I read that the fastest way to potty train is to let the babies run around naked and let them practice sitting on the potty - to read a book, etc. But the best advice, I think, is don't pressure them.

[MamiBeth]

Thanks everyone for all the toasts! I woke up this morning and then remembered I'm a mommy now!! What baby gear do you suggest we start getting now? (There's a reason I'm not in the voluntary simplicity tribe!!!!!!) I'm lurking in the cd forum trying to figure out what dipes to get to start out. What's the most useless thing you've bought for your baby?

A Nuk pacifier was the best one that I found - If you're going to do the binky thing. I bought another binky that didn't work or fit my baby's mouth correctly.

I like Avent bottles and sippy cups - The Medela breast pump - And I have this storage system for breast milk (It's like a rack with breast milk storage bottles for the freezer). I love it. :thumb My sister sent it to me.

[jeca]

but of course if your going to nurse you may want to wait until a few months to introduce a pacifier. or at least until your supply is well established. yana took the gerber new traditions pacifier when she was about 2 months old. I gave it to her cause she would cry whenever she had to sit in her carseat. well, no matter the suggestions I had to leave the house sometimes and I was alone at the time(shortly after 9/11 DH was deployed)so it did help calm her for car trips. I decided not to give one to morissa though and she's been fine without one.

[prophetmother]

Thanks for all the suggestions ladies! Keep 'em coming. I'm going to have to write this stuff down.

@ Rynna & Morningtillnoonmama :scared :bigeyes :yikes:
:LOL I'm going to have to look up all those acronyms you used! I'm only 4 months into the world of cds!!! Someone posted a website a while ago that shows you how to take fabric and make all sorts of slings...I can't wait to try that. And a pouch one is a good idea too!

I'm going to need to find a way to build a website or something so all the people who will want to buy me stuff can go to it and see what I want. It won't all be available at Babies 'r Us to be sure! Any suggestions? I don't have time for the upkeep of a website. Maybe an MSN group or something. I sure don't want a bunch of junk we'll never use.

And no pack n plays. Got it! :twothumbs :Bow

[eilonwy]

nb=newborn
AIO=all-in-one (a cover that has a diaper built in, so you don't need anything extra).

and those are abreviations, not acronyms. sorry, that's a pet peeve of mine. :hide: an acronym is an abreviation that makes a word, like SCUBA or LASER. an abreviation is anything else that uses initials like USA or AIO.

nobody was going to buy me anything, so i never actually bothered with them but most of the online ordering places have registries you can sign up for. then you can just send people emails saying "i have registered here, here, here and here". better still, send that email to one person and have *them* send it to other people.

[jeca]

you can make an online group like yahoo groups, use their database or make a file of the things you want.

[pixiemama]

naturalbabies.com and diaperware.com have registries and they sell cloth diapers, slings, and a few other items. :)

[FroNuff]

I was going to suggest Naturalbabies.com. I absolutely love the service that Colleen provides. Plus she has a great selection of products, I think.

You could always register at Babies 'R Us for things like a carseat and a Bjorn, and register elsewhere for the crunchy stuff. Or just tell everyone you want $$! Just kidding! ;) Seriously, don't write off BRU too quickly, they have a good selection for the bigger ticket items like a stroller, carseat or co-sleeper. And surprisingly, they sell cloth diapers and accessories there! Granted, they aren't the best quality, but the BRU doublers worked pretty well for us!

Just thought of another useless item -- the crib/nursery sheet set. The comforter is completely useless unless you plan to use it for decoration on a wall or something. Don't get me started on the stupid crib/bed skirt that never quite fit right. :eyesroll If you plan on doing up a nursery, I suppose those things are nice, but personally, I wasn't a "let's make a pretty nursery" type.

[prophetmother]

:LOL Tia. Plain old MONEY would be great!!! You're right about not writing off BRU altogether but I have found some of their stuff cheaper at other places. And they do have some cute Kissaluvs I think. Truth? I've been registered there since we first decided to TTC 4 months ago!!!!!!!!!

I was checking out the cd board last night and all the product reviews are really helpful. So far the Motherease dipes are the least expensive I've found and they have OS and NB. Some people say they aren't absorbant enough but the other ladies said you just have to wash them 7 times to increase the absorbancy. Their dipes are plain white or unbleached but I figure who needs fancy dipes. I can dress them up with pretty covers... Decisions, decisions. Good thing babies take awhile to get here!

[eilonwy]

I washed motherease diapers over and over again, and thought I must be doing something wrong because if BeanBean peed in one he'd be standing in a puddle. I ended up trading the OS I had for a Sandy, which also left BeanBean standing in a puddle and now spends it's spare time (of which it has loads) in a drawer, quite lonely for lack of interaction. :rolleyes

[MamiBeth]

I love the Chinese cloth diapers, and the pro-wraps.

[Eli&Ava'smomma]

Locs make hair much eaiser! Hi, I'm Gillian and new to this tribe. I have been growing my locs for 4 years. I do get mine twisted once a month because I teach 3rd grade. You know kids...they look at you a little too close! Lol.

[FroNuff]

Welcome, Gillian! :)

[MerryOne]

Hi Gillian :wave

[prophetmother]

:w Gillian!!!
I do get mine twisted once a month because I teach 3rd grade. You know kids...they look at you a little too close! Lol.

:LOL You are so right! They will tell it to you straight. If only their parents really knew!

Chinese cds and prowraps -- are those the kind you have to put in the wrap and then fasten? I went to Diaperware.com the other night after reading rave reviews of their service and registered for a starter pack of hemp diapers and also for the kind you stuff. Gosh, I know it's so early but I just can't help myself!!!!!! I can't think about anything else!! I really need to get some work done! I'm giving myself till Monday to just enjoy this and then I'm going to step it up. I have to finish my thesis proposal really soon!!!

[prophetmother]

I washed motherease diapers over and over again, and thought I must be doing something wrong because if BeanBean peed in one he'd be standing in a puddle. I ended up trading the OS I had for a Sandy, which also left BeanBean standing in a puddle and now spends it's spare time (of which it has loads) in a drawer, quite lonely for lack of interaction. :rolleyes

Hmm, is he a heavy wetter? Not that I know much about this at all, just wondering. Are you going to sell them or do you think they should just be tossed?

[purplegirl]

Locs make hair much eaiser! Hi, I'm Gillian and new to this tribe. I have been growing my locs for 4 years. I do get mine twisted once a month because I teach 3rd grade. You know kids...they look at you a little too close! Lol.

:w Hey Gillian. Welcome to our tribe. I have twists too and yes, kids get all up in your head trying to get a look! lol
Anyway, I am looking forward to learning more about you and sharing. Btw, I love your children's names. Ava has always been a fav of mine :love
Lisa

[MamiBeth]

Hi Gillian! :love

I'm Beth. I also have a kid born in '02 and a kid born in '04. Welcome to our tribe!

[MamiBeth]

Gillian, I also used to have locs and I also used to teach third grade. I know what you mean about them getting all in your style business. The kids used to comment on my hair, my shoes, etc. etc. Loved them! :eyesroll

[eilonwy]

Hmm, is he a heavy wetter? Not that I know much about this at all, just wondering. Are you going to sell them or do you think they should just be tossed?

Apparently, EliBean goes beyond "heavy wetter" and into serious super soaker territory. :LOL One more reason to be greatful for the potty learning! I'll probably send the Sandy to someone as a Fairy eventually, if I ever get around to it.

[jeca]

:I was checking out the cd board last night and all the product reviews are really helpful. So far the Motherease dipes are the least expensive I've found and they have OS and NB. Some people say they aren't absorbant enough but the other ladies said you just have to wash them 7 times to increase the absorbancy. Their dipes are plain white or unbleached but I figure who needs fancy dipes. I can dress them up with pretty covers... Decisions, decisions. Good thing babies take awhile to get here!

I use motherease onesizes, they work fine for us, I guess morissa is an average wetter. I have about a dozen and use them with eithwr the airflow cover, bummis pull ons or wool covers. I don't like sandy's at all, I recently traded those to someone for a new keeper. motherease has done well for us since morissa was about 6 months old. they are my at home diapers, I have AIo's for when we go out and dipes for night. I've neer seen a kisaluv in BRU BTW.

WELCOME GILLIAN.

[Kia74]

Welcome Gillian
Hope you post often

[pixiemama]

Hello Gillian and welcome! :)

[prophetmother]

I use motherease onesizes, they work fine for us, I guess morissa is an average wetter. I have about a dozen and use them with eithwr the airflow cover, bummis pull ons or wool covers. I don't like sandy's at all, I recently traded those to someone for a new keeper. motherease has done well for us since morissa was about 6 months old. they are my at home diapers, I have AIo's for when we go out and dipes for night. I've neer seen a kisaluv in BRU BTW.

You're right Jeca, they're Kushies, not Kissaluv, at BRU. So you like the Motherease huh? Just goes to show, you have to try something for yourself to see if it works for you! I'll probably just have to "jump in" and it will work itself out and I could resell what doesn't work. The sample package from Diaperware has lots of different kinds of diapers so that might be fun to try out at first and see what works for us. Anyway, off to obsess somemore!

Have a great weekend everyone!! It's beautiful here in Houston!

[eilonwy]

Chinese cds and prowraps -- are those the kind you have to put in the wrap and then fasten?

you don't have to fasten the diapers unless a)the wrap is way too big (i had to do it for beanbean a bit) b) you're using pull-on pants or c) your kid can take them off and you want them on.

[jeca]

motherease are not the most absorbent but they are one of the better priced, you can get alot on ebay for pretty good. they're are some GREAT dipes out hthere if you don't mind shelling out $15-$23 a diaper.

I'd go with a site that offers layaway, wish I had known about them when I was pregnant with my girls before.

I just had to say they finally made a movie and let a sista girl save the world in Alien VS Predator. I was very surprised she not only survived but had a starrinf role and saved us all. While finding it mildly disturbing that all this took place in oct of 2004.

[MamiBeth]

I just had to say they finally made a movie and let a sista girl save the world in Alien VS Predator. I was very surprised she not only survived but had a starrinf role and saved us all. While finding it mildly disturbing that all this took place in oct of 2004.

I have to see it. I loved the original Alien and saw it several times. I've never seen Predator. Who plays the starring role???

[prophetmother]

Jeca - which sites offer layaway? I have about 50 saved in my favorites but I haven't run across any layaways yet. Great idea! And who IS the woman in Alein vs. Predator?

Rynna & Beth -- how are your little ones doing? Updates please! And anyone else I've missed (sorry), you too.... Me, I'm just out of breath and my heart feels like its beating so fast.

[mamasoulsista]

Me, I'm just out of breath and my heart feels like its beating so fast.


Gosh...I remember that! And I started sweating a lot around 8 months. My boobs were so big and sweaty underneath, I'm sure I grew mushrooms! :LOL Seriously, my mother's people all get tag moles when they're pregnant, and mine are just now falling off. I have ton's under my boobs, on my neck, and around my arm pits.

hang in there Tori, pregnancy is an amazing journey and you'll be more powerful then Xena when you come out on the other end. Tori..mama warrior princess... :) Keep us posted on how you're feeling though.

Also, I noticed that you have two cats. Has anyone told you not to change the cat litter??

[MamiBeth]

Baby Noah is doing fine. He snores - Is that normal?? And he never wants me to put him down. Jaden didn't need me to hold her this much. He's eating, spitting up, pooping and sleeping and being loved. Between my 20 month-old and my newborn, I'm constantly covered in spit up and pee. I run around funky, trying to find a moment to take a shower!!

Rynna: How is Rivkah doing?

[MamiBeth]

:) Jaden yanked off her diaper, yelled "poo-poo" and I immediately put her on her potty and stood over her encouraging her to go poo-poo. She didn't go. She got up and I thought she was playing - but she had gone to a private corner by the bed (my husband's side :love ) and pooed on the floor.

My question is: Do babies need privacy? Did she refuse to have a bowel movement in the potty because I was standing over her, coaching her???? Those of you with potty trained munchkins - let me know what worked for you.

[eilonwy]

she's nursing right now. :love :LOL

boobah is super cute, and prefers to sleep with my boob right next to her face, even if she's not latched on. :LOL her brother did the same thing at this age; they like to smell the milk and feel the mamma. :love

she's got horrible baby acne. in fact, it's so bad that i'm beginning to wonder if it really is baby acne at all. she's got it all over her head and neck; little bumps in her hair all over the place. ick!

beanbean is on day 6 of dry morning diapers.. yay! tomorrow night, i'll put him to bed in underpants and see how that goes. yesterday he asked to use the potty while we were at a friend's house! I was so happy! :)

[eilonwy]

:) Jaden yanked off her diaper, yelled "poo-poo" and I immediately put her on her potty and stood over her encouraging her to go poo-poo. She didn't go. She got up and I thought she was playing - but she had gone to a private corner by the bed (my husband's side :love ) and pooed on the floor.

My question is: Do babies need privacy? Did she refuse to have a bowel movement in the potty because I was standing over her, coaching her???? Those of you with potty trained munchkins - let me know what worked for you.

Some do! This is how we finally got Eli to poop on the potty: we let him put it where he wanted to. That's all. When he had to poop, he got up and went to the potty, and then he came and told me. He had his privacy, and I had my clean floor. :D

[jeca]

Jeca - which sites offer layaway? I have about 50 saved in my favorites but I haven't run across any layaways yet. Great idea! And who IS the woman in Alein vs. Predator?
.

naturalbabies (http://store.naturalbabies.com/products/) offers them, also GC.

I am a scifi fanatic so those kinds of movies are right up my alley but I haven't seen one with a AA female as the star and a survivor, kwim?
sanaa lathan (http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hc&id=1800316707&cf=gen&intl=us) she was in the bestman and the wood.

saviel and yana used to go hide to poop, even if they had a diaper on.I guess something in us wants a little privacy. I know it is very hard for me to have a BM with everyone in the bathroom with me.school starts tomarrow. I am so unprepared :eyesroll

[prophetmother]

hang in there Tori, pregnancy is an amazing journey and you'll be more powerful then Xena when you come out on the other end. Tori..mama warrior princess... :) Keep us posted on how you're feeling though.

Also, I noticed that you have two cats. Has anyone told you not to change the cat litter??

Thanks!! Overall, I'm so excited that the shortness of breath doesn't even matter!

And yeah, I've heard all the talk about cat feces and toxoplasmosis. Thanks for caring enough to mention it though!!! (so sweet :love ) Actually though, the danger of aquiring toxoplasmosis is far greater from consuming or handling raw and undercooked meats than it is from an indoor cat. My cats have never been outside. They would only get it from eating infected prey (ew!); it's not an inherent trait for cats to have toxo. I've done some research so I feel very safe. I use gloves & wash up anyway.

Good Morning Everyone!!!!

Jeca -- how'd it go with the 1st day of school??????? :hug And, oh yeah, Alien vs Predator was the BOMB!!!!!!!!! Sanaa kicks Alien butt!!!

[jeca]

(sigh)my baby is in the first grade, I just can't get past that for some reason. It went okay, no tears on my end. I took him and my neighbors DD to school it was just sooo busy. He's not sleep trained yet though whcih is a problem I am hoping he will be by this wek. Right now I make him lay down at 8:30 but he still will not go to sleep until well after 1030-1100. Needless to say he was NOT happy this morning.

I'm glad someone esle saw the movie and I'm not the only one who liked it. Next will be collateral, it will be interesting to see jamie foxx play such a differant character(not silly).

BTW did you check out naturababies?

[prophetmother]

Yeah I did, I've been there before and am looking now too. I don't see the lawaway right off but I'm still digging. You also mentioned GC, what's that?

Oh yeah, Collateral looks good too. And I want to see Bourne Supremacy. I love Matt Damon. oh boy.

1st grade is a big deal. My stepdaughter started 1st grade today I think. Poor thing though, this is her 4th new school in as