I had quite a bit of work due today at 5pm. Thank goodness Alex and Madison entertained each other:
I also discovered that Madison is not a smart dog (Yes she is begging to go outside while staring at the dog door Wade installed):
Alex is finally sitting up enough for his toy car. He’s practicing to be a race car driver like my dad:
Then we have our daily pictures that we send the grandparents:
Wade told me about Method products quite a while ago and I was intrigued. More than being environmentally friendly, I love a good startup story. The company started with two guys. As I recall, Target finally agreed to carry the products after the people in charge were convinced to give the products a trial run. I have used quite a few of their products – hand soap, dish soap, laundry detergent, multipupose cleaner, baby shampoo, baby diaper rash cream. Then yesterday I bought the coolest item yet – it’s bathrom scrub and the bottle has a place to hold a sponge. I love it! I’m never sure where to put the damp sponge after I clean and now it has a home. (Not to mention the scrub worked well too).
Wade has been out of town the past few days and he has definitely been missed. Wade almost always gets up with Alex at the 5 or 6 am wakeup and works magic to get him to sleep to 7:30 or 8. It doesn’t work when I try. The past few mornings Alex has ended up in bed with me while I dozed and he laughed and cooed. Today I couldn’t doze too long. We had to be at the YMCA at 8:30.
After a quick work out we were home just long enough for Alex to take a short nap before running out the door for PlayGroup. Amber, my neighbor across the street, set it up and we had quite a group. Most of the mothers had to get home for naps, but the three of us had babies small enough to sleep in arms. We talked while they napped:
Then we were home for me to do a little work, check on the painters, and hopefully get Alex to take another nap. He eventually slept, but had some fun with the worm before that:
Alex is starting to discover his toes – but only while sitting up and looking down at them:
Note: I couldn’t resist taking some more pictures of Alex in his diapers and adding them to yesterday’s post. Enjoy!
I have to admit that an ad for cloth diapers on a baby website got me interested. I knew of one person who used cloth diapers, but I was never around her or her kids to ask questions. I did tons of reading online and even ventured to a store (Nicki’s Diapers) 1.5 hours away (the day bedrest ended) to check the various brands out in person. There are numerous reasons to use cloth diapers – better for sensitive skin, better for the environment, possibly cheaper, etc. Environmental reasons were important to me, but it helped that the diapers were so darn cute.
I had already decided that I wanted the one-size fits all because that meant using the same diapers and not having to buy various sizes along the way (the cost is less in the long run). I also debated between the all-in-ones (AIO) and the pocket diapers. The AIO take longer to dry and the thickness can’t be varied (for newborns or heavy wetters). I determined that if I stuffed the pocket diapers immediately after doing laundry they would function as AIO for everyone else (Wade, kidCare, etc). See a Blueberry pocket diaper below:
The inserts range in thickness and length. Most diapers come with at least one. I loved the newborn inserts from bumGenius when Alex was small. It made the diaper less bulky. When we had a few leaks I began using either two newborn inserts or the thicker insert and haven’t had any problems.
I knew one of the most popular brands was bumGenuis, but a recurring complaint was that the velcro eventually wore out. Therefore I bought numerous brands to try out with the majority being bumGenius. I quickly found two favorites – bumGenius and Blueberry. Wade favors the bumGenuis and I love the Blueberry. I have put up the Happy Heiny’s, Mommy’s Touch, and Wonderoos. They either had too many snaps to secure, were too large for Alex’s legs, or just didn’t work well. Maybe I’ll try them again at a later date.
As I was doing my initial research I realized it would only make sense to also use cloth wipes. I have bought various types and definitely have a favorite – Bummas. I’m not sure what makes them better than the others, but I always choose to use them first.
I use LuSa Organics Diaper Wipe Concentrate to wet the wipes. I probably only mix the solution up once a week or so. Then I keep the wipes damp in a container on my changing table.
Alex is almost six months old and I have used cloth diapers on him for over 5 months. The only staining on the diapers is completely my fault. I knew I needed to be careful about which diaper rash creams I used, but I didn’t listen (creams with fish oil will stain – I now use California Baby or Method). I put an extra insert in the diaper for overnight and don’t have any leaking problems. Alex would probably stay in his clothes longer if he had on disposable diapers, but it isn’t a significant difference. He wore a 3 Month outfit to church on Sunday and can wear 90% of his 6 Month clothing.
I do laundry (just diapers) every 2 to 3 days. I run a cold wash cycle with no detergent and then a regular wash with an extra rinse cycle with Arm and Hammer detergent (using 1/4 of a normal amount) and a few drops of lavendar oil. I then put everything in the dryer for a heavy duty drying. I know the diapers can be line-dryed for extra brightness, but I’m usually too lazy.
Even the wet bags I use for dirty diapers while out and about are cute. I mainly use Planet Wise, Wet Happened? and Blueberry’s Minky Bags. Although all brands say they can be washed and dried with the diapers, I don’t put the Planet Wise bags in the dryer. The inside waterproof layer doesn’t seem to do as well. I do like that the Planet Wise bags come in various sizes.
My current favorite online shop is Nicki’s Diapers (the store I drove to intially). Most everything I order gets free shipping and arrives within a couple of days. The Blueberry diapers are actually cheaper at Nicki’s than on the Blueberry website. I have found the bumGenius at a few local stores – Freckle Face and USA Baby.
I have been pleasantly surprised at people’s reactions to the cloth diapers. My mother thought I was crazy until she saw the diapers in person and realized they are colored and cute and don’t require pinning or folding. Wade humors me but has no problems shaking out the inserts before putting them in the diaper pail (to wash pocket diapers you separate out the inserts from the shell). Babysitters (Nate and Amy) choose the cloth over the disposable. Even kidCare at the YMCA has no complaints. Today I got the okay to have cloth diapers at Mother’s Day Out next fall.
Somehow Sunday always arrives a little too quickly and signals the end of the weekend. Alex had a great night and didn’t get us up until 8. Then he was quite happy to play with Madison while I ate breakfast:
Alex’s good spirits continued after he was dressed for church so I took a few pictures while Wade got ready:
We even had time for a family photo:
Alex was king of naps today and took three of them (which is great because I am desperately trying to finish my book). He and Madison had a post-nap snuggle:
Now he is bathed and fed and in bed for the night – and all without a single cry.
Today was busy! Alex awoke at 5 am and Wade worked his magic to get him back to sleep till 8 (thank goodness). I got up with Alex and fed him his cereal before heading to the gym:
We got home just in time to say good-bye to Wade as he went to play raquetball with Mike. Alex took his morning nap while I did household chores and took a few minutes to read my latest book. As soon as Alex woke up, we headed out for a long walk. I had seem rummage sale signs earlier today and thought they would be a nice addition to our walk. I didn’t plan very well and ended up on a two hour walk (my legs are not happy with me). I did manage a few decent purchases – two baskets for me, a rattle for Alex, and toy for Madison:
The best buy was the old wooden tool bench for Alex. I had to have Wade come pick it up and it needs a little work, but we love old things:
It was naptime for both Alex and I when we got home. While we slept, Wade was on fire with house projects. He patched a whole in the living room (we had an empty light switch spot), prepped the storm door (we are going to put in a dog door for Madison), and put the finishing touches on the shower (tile guys should come next week):
Alex supervised while I cooked nachos for dinner:
Then it was bedtime for Alex and I am off to enjoy some reading time. Good night world. Happy Birthday Judy!
Now that I have a happy, smiling baby I want some professional photographs taken. I was looking for somewhere other than a department store/babystore/mall store, but I wasn’t sure where to start. Wade suggested posting on Craig’s List under gigs. I thought that was a great idea – until I received 10 million responses. I was looking for someone who was at least semi-pro. I got that plus every amateur photographer out there. Maybe we’ll just wait till we visit Matt and Krista :c)
The house should be done in the next few days. Most of the siding and brick are painted. All of the trim needs a finish coat and we still have to pick a color for the roof over the bay window. I’m loving the house (and so glad I am not doing it myself)!!
Alex first rolled over on June 9th and then took a nice long break before doing it again. On July 21st (yesterday) he picked it back up. Now he’s also trying to sit up, which I find really funny to watch:
I have had our neighbor (Naomi) come over for a few hours several times a week. It’s been great for getting work done. Alex was a bear the first time, but was much better behaved today. The little booger is going to scare away all his babysitters. If only he was this cute and happy all the time:
The painters have to deal with Madison in the backyard all day. I decided to give them a break and Madison a treat. That’s right – we went to the dog park. Alex didn’t seem to have any feelings on the matter:
Madison and Alex fell asleep on the drive home
Then we all took a nice long nap when we got to the house – that is fully primed. The painters say tomorrow the brick gets some green!
The painters are hard at work. Today we saw the first green (I have no idea why they don’t finish priming before starting color, but it doesn’t matter to me):
I decided it was time for Madison to learn a new trick. I’m trying to teach her to take Alex for a walk:
And just because I like it:
Are we good or what? We were dressed and ready for church with plenty of time for Alex to take a nap first:
Today we returned to a church we tried last week – Fox River Christian Church. It reminds us of North Point. The biggest downside is that it’s quite a ways from our house.
My big project today – trimming Alex’s hair. The long parts have gotten really long so I did a minor trim:
After another day of the rummage sale, I didn’t want to cook dinner. Instead we walked to Applebee’s and used a gift card instead of spending the $120 we made selling our stuff.
Then I went to Sam’s Club and spent a good part of the money we made.
My neighbors organized a rummage sale and we were only too happy to contribute some “stuff”. Alex and I spent most of the day with Amber, Abram, and Dawn. It’s the middle of July and we were freezing! Some days it is very obvious we live in Milwaukee:
Today was a blur. I had someone in cleaning my house. I had the windshield repair men arrive to install a new windshield in my car (a small crack grew overnight to a huge crack).
Alex and I went on a walk and the painters got the brick primed while we were gone. I’m liking it!
Madison is still determined to keep Alex’s face clean. Today he started to push back:
Now Alex is in bed and I am going to watch a movie. Goodnight world.
The outside of the house is being painted all this week. Wade and I have chosen a green (very similar to our living room color) for the bricks and siding. All of the trim will be white. Most people think we’re crazy and maybe we are, but let’s hope not.
The day we bought the house it looked like this:
Then we replaced most of the windows and had white aluminum wrap put in place:
Now all of the trim is primed (except the front doors):
The current state of the garage gives an idea of what the house will look like. We picked the green second from the bottom:
Alex has a new toy and seems to like it:
Wade and I went on a real date tonight. Dinner at Habanero’s and then a movie. Normally we take Alex with us to dinner and we are in and out in under 20 minutes. I was shocked to look at my watch and realize we sat and talked for over an hour – amazing how time flies when you aren’t trying to keep a baby happy and quiet. Alex was evidently not a very happy baby while we were gone. He does great during the days, but has some trouble going to bed at night. I was hoping he would go easy on Naomi, but no such luck. It’s amazing she says “yes” when I ask her to babysit anymore….
It’s peach time! That means the perfect time for peach pie. While I was in Paducah my mom made one and I managed to eat quite a few pieces before leaving – yum!
Red’s Peach Pie
Pie:
8 oz. cream cheese
1 c. powdered sugar
8 oz. cool whip
Cream the first two and fold in the cool whip. Cool in the fridge.
Glaze:
1 c. sugar
4 T. cornstarch
3 T. peach jello
10 oz. 7-up
Cook 5 minutes on stove and then let sit or put in fridge.
Put cut up peaches on top of the cream cheese filling and then top with glaze – right before serving.
I forgot to post the picture I took of Alex and Elise yesterday when Maren and I took our walk:
Today Alex decided maybe avocado wasn’t too bad:
Then we convinced Amber and Abram to join us for a trip to Racine. Chick-fil-A’s are offering a free meal to anyone who dresses up as a cow (and yes I did get a free meal):
Time has gotten away from me. Judy (Wade’s mom) has given me quite a few outfits that Wade wore as a baby. I fully intended to at least take some pictures in all of them. I got out the boxes today and realized Alex has already outgrown a few of them. We (meaning me) had a lot of fun taking pictures. Alex wasn’t all smiles and giggles, but he didn’t seem to mind.
Wade and I are giving up on joining the church we’ve been attending. We wanted to join last fall and after months of checking a box and emails before getting a response, we found out that Community Methodist didn’t have open membership. They didn’t even allow a transfer of membership from one Methodist church to another (Wade and I both grew up as Methodists). We tried to sign up for the required membership classes and the earliest ones were February. Due to Alex’s early arrival we couldn’t attend. The next ones offered were June. We have been to all four classes, but not had our one-on-one meeting with the pastor. The last meeting was not great – the nursery workers didn’t arrive so we had three small children in the class with us. I don’t know about the other two, but it was definitely past Alex’s bedtime. The class was supposed to be from 7:00-8:30. Due to the lack of childcare they let us out at 8. Today we received an email telling us we had to repeat that class because we didn’t receive all the information. No thanks. We’re done. It has been much too hard to join this church.
I am sure it will come as no surprise that I love frogs (and elephants too). My mom and sister are also part of the Toadfrogs and Elephants story so it is only natural that Alex has quite a few frog-themed items:
In other news – it appears Madison doesn’t think I do a good job of bathing Alex. She seems to have appointed herself in charge of making sure his face is clean. I don’t really mind the dog kisses, but it’s been constant the last few days.
Wade told me about 
Happy Birthday Judy!
Wade and I are giving up on joining the church we’ve been attending. We wanted to join last fall and after months of checking a box and emails before getting a response, we found out that 
