11 months.

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Can you believe that Clara is almost a year old? Cuz I can't.

Developments:
-Pushes up on hands and knees and rocks
-Can do downward dog before falling over
-Can walk with help
-Knows words such as "no, grandma, mama, dada, come here, get it!, etc"
-Signs- eat, more, please, all done, thirsty.
-Initiates peek-a-boo
-Waves "bye-bye" (when she feels like it)
-Started to use cutlery
-Gives kisses
-Holds hands up and grunts to be picked up
-Listens (80% of the time) when told "no"
-Less dependent on pacifier, more dependent on blanket
-Says "mama" and "dada"

Loves:
-Getting teeth brushed
-Baths
-"walking"
-Favorite book: Brown Bear, Brown Bear What do You See?
-Favorite food: yogurt and eggs
-Favorite show: (horrible, I know) Little Einsteins
-Favorite game: Pony Girl
-Favorite toy: Vtech Move & Crawl Ball (Thanks, Kris!)


Other Such Things:
-Only army crawls using one leg
-Throws food on the floor when done eating
-Holds 1 or 2 arms in front of forehead when shy or wants to look cute
-Pushes herself backward on a wood floor
-Screams super loud as soon as a room quiets
-Has started to imitate animal sounds, in her own way
-Just about ready for the convertible car seat, even through she's only 18 lbs.










Life Recently Via iPhone

Monday, February 27, 2012














1. Vegan yummy-ness 2. Sick, tired-out bebe 3. Cheesin'
4. Last disposables! 5. Tub time 6. Early b-day present
7. Cartoons with mom
8. Unique style 9. Snow 10. Trouble maker
11. Cloth diapers arrived from China! 12. Zipper fun 13. Sick baby
14. A book good enough to eat 15. Sick baby 16. Contained
17. New lady bug 18. Freckles 19. Hospital visit
20. Sick baby 21. Wood-working


Don't forget to vote!





Review of SunBaby Cloth Diapers (and detailed routine and care)

First impression: These diapers are awesome!


"The Sunbaby One Size Diapers are one of the most adjustable one size cloth diapers on the market! Adjust the diapers to fit babies 7-35 pounds and get a snug fit every time with the snap -adjusted in waist and leg.
Strong absorbent material with breathability keeps the skin dry and helps to prevent diaper rash. Our product absorbs urine fast and reduces the chances of developing bacteria from sleeping in a moist diaper." -SBD



Direct from Sun pei- the maker of Sunbaby Diapers:
"Hi, I am Sun pei, a wife and a mother of a 28 month old boy. I am 28, born and brought up in Shanghai, which is the richest and most modern city in China. I knew nothing about pocket cloth diapers 2 years ago. I accidentally found out about it when I was buying baby products for my son who was about 5 months old at that time. My husband and I researched and found out more about modern day cloth diapers and thought it would win a large market in the future. So we began our business of cloth diapers and Sunbaby Diapers were born."


The rundown:
-Sunbaby diapers fit babies from 7-35 lbs. 
-They are pocket diapers with an outer PUL waterproof fabric and snap closures.
-They are all one-size diapers that fit from birth to potty training, but they come in two sizes.
-Size 1 is for babies on the skinnier side, and size 2 is for chunkier babes.  
-The microfleece that makes up the lining is super soft and keeps baby dry. 




My thoughts:
The cost of these diapers is unbeatable! They cost about $6 each and include an insert. I bought 24 diapers with 24 inserts for $108!!!! Wanna know something even more awesome!? NO SHIPPING COST!!! FROM CHINA!!!
You might possibly be able to beat the price (you'd have to try pretty hard or get them second hand) but you can't get better quality for the price. I didn't think that cloth diapers would be a possibility for me, but at these prices, how can you afford to do anything else?


The outer layer is made of PUL which is waterproof and breathable. It is soft and durable. Much better against baby's skin than disposables, that's for sure.


The Soft Micro Fleece inner layer pulls away moisture, keeping baby dry, comfortable and rash free.

I received a diaper from Sun pei a couple of months ago to review on the blog, and I fell in love! I immediately ordered 24 diapers with 24 inserts. Clara is on the skinnier side, but I went ahead and ordered 12 size ones and 12 size twos so that I could pick the patterns I like. Sun pei is currently running a special deal that when you buy six diapers/inserts, she gives you two bamboo inserts and four microfiber inserts. With my order, I got 16 microfiber inserts, and 8 bamboo inserts.


The microfiber inserts are fantastic. They absorb a ton, they dry fast in the dryer, and they're super soft. The only thing I would change is the thickness. I can barely fit Clara's jeans over that little diapered butt, so it looks like it's time for some new pants! 
The bamboo inserts seem good. They're thin. But that's all I know so far. After doing some research and asking around, I was told not to use them alone. Apparently, they hold as much as the thicker, microfiber inserts, but they're slow to wick which could cause leaks. I've tried them a few times on their own, and they work fairly well. I'll have to see how they do after a few more days.


Wipes:
You can use disposable baby wipes, but I figure that since I'm washing the diapers anyways, I might as well use reusable wipes. 
I received a ridiculous amount of baby washcloths at my baby shower, so it just made sense. I did my research and found a bunch of "recipes" for cloth baby wipes. Most involve water, oil (baby oil or olive oil), and baby wash (and sometimes essential oils and such). I didn't want the oil to build up in my diapers, so I chose lotion instead. 

My solution:
1 cup warm water
1-2 drops baby lotion
1-2 drops baby wash
If you add the lotion and wash after the water, there won't be bubbles. Mix and pour over the washcloths. 

Every morning and afternoon I replace the solution and washcloths, otherwise they smell musty. 







Ready for my care instructions?

I did DAYS of research to prepare for getting Sunbaby diapers. I didn't want to ruin them. I read tons and tons of websites and articles, in preparation. All the information was all over the place, so I decided to compile a care guide. Here are some things I learned:

-NEVER, EVER use softener, bleach, or dryer sheets. I repeat, NEVER!
-Don't dry your diapers in the dryer. (except for the first initial washing..) Line dry whenever possible. If you must use the dryer, dry on low heat. Inserts are fine to put in the dryer. 
-From other cloth diapering mama's experiences, I've learned that the dry pail method is best.

Prep Washing:
I washed the diapers and microfiber inserts  in hot water doing a pre-wash, a normal wash cycle, and a hot rinse THREE TIMES. I only used (a very small amount of) detergent in the first washing, not the other two. You want to strip the oils from diapers and inserts so that they absorb really well. You don't want the diapers to build up a detergent residue or they won't absorb moisture very well. It will bead up and your diaper will leak. I used a small amount (and I mean small, like a drop or two) of dish soap in the second wash to further strip the oils. With the third wash, I didn't use anything. 

For the bamboo inserts, I boiled them in water for 5 minutes, then washed on hot with a small amount of detergent twice. 

I dried the diapers and both types of liners on HOT for 20 minutes. If you wash the diapers on hot ONLY WITH THE INITIAL PREP, I've heard it helps seal the PUL fabric around the seams and prevents leaking. I then pulled the diapers out and hung them to dry the rest of the way (even though they were pretty much done) and continued drying the liners for about another 30 minutes on high. 


Routine:
I bought 24 diapers and inserts. That is enough to go 2 (maybe 3) days between washing. I wash daily (for the moment). I go 2-3 hours before changing Clara's diaper. If she's napping, down for the night, or if we're out and about, I slip one of the bamboo inserts under the microfiber insert for extra absorbancy. 

With a wet diaper, I pull the liner out of the diaper, and put both in the dry diaper pail and add some baking soda to contain the smell. That's it.

With a dirty diaper, I swish the washcloths in the toilet to remove the solids. I shake the solids on the diaper into the toilet, pull the liner out, and put washcloths, diaper, and liner in the diaper pail with baking soda. If the solids aren't really... umm... solid? I use a popsicle stick (I have a cup of them sitting on the toilet) to scrape the *ahem* solids off and toss the stick in the trash. Some days, I could care less about the poop. Other days, I'm weird about it. 

Washing:
After Clara goes to bed for the night, I start the washing process. I put the diapers, liners and washcloths in the washer with a 1/4-1/2 cup of baking soda (depending on how dirty they are) and set it on the pre-wash cycle on COLD water. If you wash initially on hot, the poo will be stained in the diapers and liners. 

When the pre-wash is done, I start the regular wash cycle with a hot wash/cold rinse, and add a small amount of detergent. I'm talking like a 1/4 of the cap. You don't need much to do the job. 

To finish up, I do a warm rinse with a 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar. This helps to cut the ammonia odor of the pee, and keep the diapers looking and smelling fresh. 

When the rinse is done, I go ahead and do an additional 2 spin cycles to cut down on drying time. 



And that's it! It might sound like a lot, but I wanted to have all of the detailed information all in one place, since it took me so many articles, blogs, and comments to get to a routine that works for me. Keep in mind that this routine works for me, my schedule, and my diaper. The same routine may not work for you. It's a bit of a trial and error process (and I'm sure I'll change mine over time), so just stick with it!


Wanna buy some?
You can buy these diapers in many different 
patterns and package combinations
(staring at $4.00 a diaper) 
(If you're concerned about these diapers being made in China? Go to the info page)

 
 Questions? PLEASE please please ask me! Someone else is probably thinking the same thing you are, so help 'em out! Email me @ frombean2baby@gmail[dot]com!!


Please give us a vote on TopBabyBlogs.com. :) 
(Click the button below to make me a happy mama!)







I was not compensated for this review. The thoughts, opinions, and diaper advice is my own. Others' opinions may differ.

Clara's Birthday Party Invitation

Saturday, February 25, 2012



What do you think? :)


App Crush

Thursday, February 23, 2012


I am seriously loving the Viggle app!



Viggle is a free app that pays you, that's right PAYS YOU, for WATCHING TV! What?! How can that be? How can my couch potato status make me money, you say?


When you're watching TV, click "check in" on the app home screen. Your iPhone LISTENS to the TV show, and tells you what show you're watching. You don't need to check in again until a new show comes on, and when your show finishes, you get points added to your account!

They have "featured shows" that usually have more points than just any TV show. For instance, American Idol is on tonight from 8-9 and it's worth 400 points. Now, I hate American Idol, so I'll probably check in on my iPhone, and then change the channel because I don't have to check in for the rest of the show. At our house, the TV is almost always on in the background. So I can find a show and check in, then turn the volume down or turn the TV off all together. 

I was busy playing with Clara last night, so the TV wasn't on. The app has a feature so that you can set reminders when your show comes it. My phone would beep at me, I'd turn the TV on, check in, and turn it off again. 

Just to give you an idea of how easy this is, I checked in for the first time last night at 7 p.m. and I already have 5,246 points! There are also commercials and movie trailers worth 15-50 points that you can watch over and over and get points. I turn the volume off on my iPhone, and let the clip play and get points! It's super easy.  (I have unlimited data, but all these clips may put you over your monthly allowance, and I would feel terrible if you had no more data access for the month. I'm not sure how it works, so check on your plan and service provider.)


The rewards are pretty awesome, not some crap from an obscure website. I'm going for the ultimate awesome reward worth 175,000 points, the amazon kindle. If I can get the same 5,000 points each day, it will only take me 35 days to earn the kindle! That's pretty good for just watching TV, if you ask me.


(Just received 58 points because Clara watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Thanks, Clara!)

What's your favorite iPhone app? 

Please help us out and vote. :) Thanks!




Things I love about my Mom.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

I seem to be all about the lists recently. Anywho, it sucks living with your mom when you're almost 24 and have a kid. But I'm also very grateful. There are tons of single moms that don't have the awesome support system that I do. Some people can't move back in with their parents when they're broke, and I bet a lot of them wish they could. I'm so grateful to my mama. We get on each others nerves, but she always has my and Clara's best interests at heart. Here are some things I love about her.

1.The only reason that I'm such a good mother to Clara, is because she was and is an awesome mama to me.

2. Her heart belongs to Lake Michigan. You've never seen my mom more beautiful then when she's sitting on a beach, staring at the waves in silence.

3. Sometimes, she actually knows everything. When something goes wrong or right, when I have to make a big decision, or I just need to vent, my mama is usually the first person I go to for advice.

4. She spoils Clara (and me too, a little bit). She's always doing something nice for us.

5. Even if I get mad, she pushes me to be the best person and mother that I can be.

6. She knows how to get a stain out of anything.

7. She appreciates everything I do. She says thank you. She lets me know that I made her feel special, even if it's just that I cleaned the toilet.

8. She has an incredible work ethic. She works 5 days a week at both her night job and her day job. When she has a day off, she refuses to sit still. She's doing things for other people, working outside in her garden (spring, summer, and fall), cooking, cleaning, playing with Clara. Something. all. the. time.

9. She would do anything for me. She had breast cancer this time last year. On the day of her second chemo treatment, I went into labor. She's the only reason I made it through 18 hours of labor with no drugs. She's my biggest advocate.

10. Her heart is always in the right place. Even if she messes up, it was done with good intentions.

That doesn't even touch the tip of the iceberg. If I can be half the mom to Clara that she was to me, I'll be the second best mommy in the world.






Mommy Confessions

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Welcome to this week's addition of mommy confessions. Well, they're not so much confessions. More like things I was thinking while writing this post that have happened recently. Regardless, I hope you enjoy reading.

1. I hate dealing with insurance with Clara. She's on mine and her dad's and it's all so confusing.

2. Praise the Lord for awesome people! We had an issue with Clara's insurance. The person I called walked me through everything dealing with a bill that was unpaid and help me figure out what happened and now it's all taken care of. It was a huge headache and not in her job description, but she took her time to help me anyway. Awesomeness. 

3. I LOVE MOPS. We had our gathering of the month today. It is so good to spend time with other young moms and get my questions answered. 

4. I think Clara is getting sick (again) and it's really not cool. I know babies get sick, but I'm tired of weeks full of doctor appointments and hospital visits. I hope she just has a cold and that it's going away soon.

5. The next two weeks are my sorority's new member education. That means welcoming new members into the sisterhood family, and seeing lots of old friends and alumni. I'm super excited. 

6. Planning a birthday party is STRESSFUL! I didn't think it would be this difficult, and I suppose that it could be easier if I put less effort into it, but it's her first birthday and I want it to be special. And also, I love to plan. So I guess it's not that bad after all.

7. I'm making/buying (I'm not sure which yet) a play kitchen for Clara for her birthday. Yes, I realize that she can't really play with it yet, but she will soon. And I'm making felt food for it. And I'm really excited. Come to think of it, I may play with said kitchen more than Clara will for awhile. I hope she's ok with it. 

8. Clara started waking up at night and not going to bed easily. And by not easily, I mean she screams until I pick her up. I know, I deserve it after having a baby that slept through the night for 10 months. But. I think it will be fine. I got some great tips from other moms at MOPS today, and I think they'll work. We'll be back to the old schedule here soon. 

9. Clara will be 11 months old on Sunday. When did that happen? I mean, I know people kept telling me that it would go by fast, but holy cow! Ridiculous. Now begins the real countdown to birthday time. 

10. I'm in a really good place in my life right now, and I'm really excited about it. I'm looking at going back to school here soon and advancing in my career opportunities. I don't talk about it often here, but GOD is GREAT!


Here's a cute baby =)




Life Recently Via iPhone

Monday, February 20, 2012



1. Cousins at breakfast. 2. Party outfit. 3. Bffs.
4. Cartoons.
5. Hungry baby. 6. Sleepy baby. 7. Happy baby.
8. Chewing. 9. Wrapped iPhone cable. 10. Mama/baby cheesin.
11. Beautiful morning. 12. Cousins. 13. Giggles.
14. Levi. 15. Landon. 16. Lilly.
17. Small group. 18. Thirsty baby. 19. Thirsty mama. 
(excuse the lack of make-up)
20. Getting into trouble. 21. Dressed up and NOT getting into trouble. 22. Baby V-day breakfast.
23. I get to wake up to this EVERY DAY.
24. Totally woke her up with the flash. 25. Tired of partying. 26. Clara's dad rocking the princess look.



I hope you enjoyed our week/weekend in iPhone pics! (Linking back to agoodlifeblog)

Share yours!

And please, give us a vote if you enjoyed this week from bean 2 baby.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...