I've missed blogging. I don't make time for it these days. I'd much rather eat, nap, clean, shower, or just sit, while the twins are occupied or napping.
So, a quick update:
KJ is still 9, counting down to her August birthday, to celebrate her first double-digit birthday. She's enjoying really cool sciences classes this summer. No soccer this summer. (we missed out on the registration date). She's enjoying her summer so far --although, on days with more chores and responsibilities, she very quickly lets me know that I'm making it "the worst summer ever!". eh. It's what every mother lives for, right?! ha!
Showing posts with label cloth diapering. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cloth diapering. Show all posts
March 26, 2014
The many roles...
To the housekeeper:
You've really been slacking. I can't stand it around here any more. You kept the place so nice and clean for about three weeks and then you stopped. I don't know what happened, exactly. I mean, I hear that your health has major ups and downs. I hear you deal with chronic pain -which leads to your random exhaustion. I'm assuming my housework isn't your only job... Oh, yeah, I know you have kids and all. I know they keep you up to odd hours, when you would normally be sleeping. I'm just not sure what to do at this point. I mean, I need you to step it up, suck it up, and get back on point. The rest of my family, obviously, has much more important things going on. I mean, you must continue picking up and taking out the trash every single night. You must keep the dishes and kitchen clean, at all times. You are the sole dish washer around here, don't forget that. Oh, and don't just leave the laundry laying around! The clean clothes can't just get piled in the laundry room. You have to actually fold and go put each piece away, exactly where it is needed (if you set it out in nice piles for each person to take on their own, it won't ever get done and they'll just end up getting thrown back into a pile). No one has time for all that;
You've really been slacking. I can't stand it around here any more. You kept the place so nice and clean for about three weeks and then you stopped. I don't know what happened, exactly. I mean, I hear that your health has major ups and downs. I hear you deal with chronic pain -which leads to your random exhaustion. I'm assuming my housework isn't your only job... Oh, yeah, I know you have kids and all. I know they keep you up to odd hours, when you would normally be sleeping. I'm just not sure what to do at this point. I mean, I need you to step it up, suck it up, and get back on point. The rest of my family, obviously, has much more important things going on. I mean, you must continue picking up and taking out the trash every single night. You must keep the dishes and kitchen clean, at all times. You are the sole dish washer around here, don't forget that. Oh, and don't just leave the laundry laying around! The clean clothes can't just get piled in the laundry room. You have to actually fold and go put each piece away, exactly where it is needed (if you set it out in nice piles for each person to take on their own, it won't ever get done and they'll just end up getting thrown back into a pile). No one has time for all that;
November 16, 2013
Still searching.
Broken.
Broken down.
Fixable. But currently in a state of needing repair.
That's how I currently feel.
I'm tired...Exhausted... drained to the last drop --Physically, emotionally, mentally... is there any other way to feel so broken; if so, add it to the list.
Earlier today, I did the only thing I know to do when I feel this broken. I blasted the worship music throughout the house, closed my eyes, lifted my hands, and sang my heart out. What a release I felt! Wow. God has never left me. He's here --holding me and carrying me through.
*I was so desperate for some "me and God time" I forced it: KJ was at the table, 8 ft away, doing schoolwork. Liam was on the floor napping, 2 ft away. And Elly was only centimeters away from the back of my neck, hanging out in the Boba.
I'm so very, very, thankful for the life I have. I have three beautiful blessings and a hard-working husband. However, it seems as though I'm still trying to figure out how to balance everything. I'm not sure how to find that perfect balance. Does it even exist? Or is that what life is --searching and readjusting, constantly, and making the best of everything along the way? Because, just when you think you have it . . . BAM! Everything changes and it's time to start all over again.
I feel like I suddenly have a thousand and one things on my plate and it's finally weighing me down... I try not to complain (Chris might feel differently about this. Ha!) and I really try to stay loving and positive in all situations. But, seriously, can I get some 'Personal Time Off' or 'Vacation Time' -even if only for an hour or two? (I don't even know what I would do IF I had some 'time off' but laying still, staring at the ceiling, without a SINGLE interruption, really would feel like a mini vacation!) In this new chapter of life, I either need amazing strength to continue pushing through; or I need to figure out a positive and loving way to get everyone on board and pull some more weight around here. Or I'm afraid I just might seriously crash and burn very soon. Hm, maybe a little of both?!
You know, I had always heard how going from one child to two children is the hardest adjustment and then adding a third is so easy. But what about going straight from one child to three children? Is there some kind of crash course, or Cliff Notes, for this kind of transition?! Can't we just eat out or order-in for every meal? Oh, and let's throw in house cleaning services while we're at it! Wait, do they include laundry services too?
What's your household and family flow like? Do you have any tips/solutions that you've learned along the way? I'm sure it could save me some weeks, months, and even years, of trial and error!
Broken down.
Fixable. But currently in a state of needing repair.
That's how I currently feel.
I'm tired...Exhausted... drained to the last drop --Physically, emotionally, mentally... is there any other way to feel so broken; if so, add it to the list.
Earlier today, I did the only thing I know to do when I feel this broken. I blasted the worship music throughout the house, closed my eyes, lifted my hands, and sang my heart out. What a release I felt! Wow. God has never left me. He's here --holding me and carrying me through.
*I was so desperate for some "me and God time" I forced it: KJ was at the table, 8 ft away, doing schoolwork. Liam was on the floor napping, 2 ft away. And Elly was only centimeters away from the back of my neck, hanging out in the Boba.
I'm so very, very, thankful for the life I have. I have three beautiful blessings and a hard-working husband. However, it seems as though I'm still trying to figure out how to balance everything. I'm not sure how to find that perfect balance. Does it even exist? Or is that what life is --searching and readjusting, constantly, and making the best of everything along the way? Because, just when you think you have it . . . BAM! Everything changes and it's time to start all over again.
I feel like I suddenly have a thousand and one things on my plate and it's finally weighing me down... I try not to complain (Chris might feel differently about this. Ha!) and I really try to stay loving and positive in all situations. But, seriously, can I get some 'Personal Time Off' or 'Vacation Time' -even if only for an hour or two? (I don't even know what I would do IF I had some 'time off' but laying still, staring at the ceiling, without a SINGLE interruption, really would feel like a mini vacation!) In this new chapter of life, I either need amazing strength to continue pushing through; or I need to figure out a positive and loving way to get everyone on board and pull some more weight around here. Or I'm afraid I just might seriously crash and burn very soon. Hm, maybe a little of both?!
You know, I had always heard how going from one child to two children is the hardest adjustment and then adding a third is so easy. But what about going straight from one child to three children? Is there some kind of crash course, or Cliff Notes, for this kind of transition?! Can't we just eat out or order-in for every meal? Oh, and let's throw in house cleaning services while we're at it! Wait, do they include laundry services too?
What's your household and family flow like? Do you have any tips/solutions that you've learned along the way? I'm sure it could save me some weeks, months, and even years, of trial and error!
October 23, 2013
Pack up! (leaving the house with twins.)
When I want to leave the house, I have to start planning two days ahead! I don't just make "a quick run" out of the house. I plan a whole day of things to do (neccessity and leasure) because it just doesn't seem worth my time and all the hassle to just leave for one errand.
I can't just wake up and get ready to leave. First I need to pump (and hope the babies stay asleep long enough to get it done without interruption (typically an hour, to hour and a half, from beginning to end -includes distributing ounces for the day and ounces to freeze and then clean up). Then there's getting everyone "ready".
September 17, 2013
Learning to survive
Reality has been setting in very very slowly for me. The twins were born on May 20; but they didn't come home until June 19th. In just days, they will have been home for three months. How wonderful! And we are finally getting into a good routine.
Our "getting into a good routine" looks a little like this: I wake up anywhere from 9am-1pm, depending what time I went to sleep. I pump and store the milk. I prep a bottle for Liam and I get their prefolds and covers prepared and set them aside. Sometimes I can take another little snooze and sometimes someone is already waking up. Whoever wakes up first, gets changed and fed first. I either breastfeed Ellyana or bottle feed Liam --sometimes they wake at the same time and I have to feed them simultaneously! After they eat, Elly can stay awake for about 2-2.5 hrs and Liam only lasts about 1 hour, sometimes a little more. They nap --hopefully around the same time. *sometimes by the time Elly is ready to nap, Liam has already taken his nap and is ready for 'mommy time'.
Now, take that little chunk of schedule and repeat every 2-3 hours...
yup.
Sometimes it goes so smoothly, it feels like I'm running a home daycare again. Other days don't go as smoothly and it feels like I'm secretly being tested on my multi-tasking, ability to fast several meals in a row, and potty break effeciency --like washing my hands while I tinkle... I'm joking!
If I'm still sane and able to function well by 9pm, I will remember to change them into their 'night time diaper' and pajamas. They will usually get their last feeding between 10pm and 12am. At least, that's the plan. Ha! *If there's one thing that I've definitely learned and come to terms with is that I can do all the planning in the world and sometimes it just doesn't make a difference! Twins need things at different times, same times, and all the time.
Liam used to be asleep by 11pm and wake up 12-14 hours later (usually). However, these last few days, he has been staying awake with me while I pump and then needing another bottle before he finally falls asleep for the night. So, recently, that's been around 2:30/3am. There are even nights that he just doesn't want to be put down until he is asleep and that leaves me pumping at 3/4am.
Ellyana used to be up all night long and fall asleep closer to 6 and 7 am. Some mornings were as late as 8am! You're thinking, "oh my!", I know... I still think that when I go to sleep with the rising of the sun. Thankfully, the two of them have some what flip flopped. Elly has been going to sleep around 11pm/12am and staying asleep for approximately 12 full hours. These nights are definitely easier to manage. Nothing like the earlier nights where they were both awake and wanting mommy. And of course, the majority of those nights happened at the same exact time that I decided to hook myself up to the darn pump! That's a whole other blog post...
So, this brings us right back to when I wake up and pump in the morning. Now, repeat that schedule . . . everyday. It never ends.
There is no "break" for me; I just eat whatever I can, whenever I have a free moment. I rush to the bathroom inbetween bottle-feeding, breast feeding, pumping, carrying babies, and changing diapers. (It's amazing how a new mommy's body accommodates the new demands --I'm drinking approximately 90-150 ounces of water a day and have realized that I can survive on approx 2-3 potty breaks during the "day time". Where all that water goes, I have no idea!)
Do I shower?! Haha! Again, right now it's all based on "how important is it?" Am I leaving the house or expecting guests that might care (haha! -seriously!)? Do I smell funky? (Lol -gross!) Do I need a few minutes to myself? If the answer is "Yes" to any of those, then my response is "of course I shower!" (And when I do, it's normally in less than 10 minutes, normally around 3 or 4 am. Or right before we plan on leaving, while Chris is awake and sitting with the babies)
There's no such thing as "night" and "day" really. I do whatever they need as soon as they need it, whether it's the sun or moon that's shining. (Including diaper laundry) It all still pretty much feels like one long, very long, day.
What I am happy about is the fact that my "sleep" doesn't feel like just one of several naps anymore. I'm actually getting a good 4-5 hour stretch of sleep at night. The most I've gotten has been 9 hours, I think (that ONE time)! Now that's crazy impressive in my book.
So, we finally have some kind of schedule starting and I'm so glad! I'm starting to feel a little more "normal" again, just over the last few days. I feel like I can breath --just a little. Phew!
Well, this is it... how I survive. :)
Our "getting into a good routine" looks a little like this: I wake up anywhere from 9am-1pm, depending what time I went to sleep. I pump and store the milk. I prep a bottle for Liam and I get their prefolds and covers prepared and set them aside. Sometimes I can take another little snooze and sometimes someone is already waking up. Whoever wakes up first, gets changed and fed first. I either breastfeed Ellyana or bottle feed Liam --sometimes they wake at the same time and I have to feed them simultaneously! After they eat, Elly can stay awake for about 2-2.5 hrs and Liam only lasts about 1 hour, sometimes a little more. They nap --hopefully around the same time. *sometimes by the time Elly is ready to nap, Liam has already taken his nap and is ready for 'mommy time'.
Now, take that little chunk of schedule and repeat every 2-3 hours...
yup.
Sometimes it goes so smoothly, it feels like I'm running a home daycare again. Other days don't go as smoothly and it feels like I'm secretly being tested on my multi-tasking, ability to fast several meals in a row, and potty break effeciency --like washing my hands while I tinkle... I'm joking!
If I'm still sane and able to function well by 9pm, I will remember to change them into their 'night time diaper' and pajamas. They will usually get their last feeding between 10pm and 12am. At least, that's the plan. Ha! *If there's one thing that I've definitely learned and come to terms with is that I can do all the planning in the world and sometimes it just doesn't make a difference! Twins need things at different times, same times, and all the time.
Liam used to be asleep by 11pm and wake up 12-14 hours later (usually). However, these last few days, he has been staying awake with me while I pump and then needing another bottle before he finally falls asleep for the night. So, recently, that's been around 2:30/3am. There are even nights that he just doesn't want to be put down until he is asleep and that leaves me pumping at 3/4am.
Ellyana used to be up all night long and fall asleep closer to 6 and 7 am. Some mornings were as late as 8am! You're thinking, "oh my!", I know... I still think that when I go to sleep with the rising of the sun. Thankfully, the two of them have some what flip flopped. Elly has been going to sleep around 11pm/12am and staying asleep for approximately 12 full hours. These nights are definitely easier to manage. Nothing like the earlier nights where they were both awake and wanting mommy. And of course, the majority of those nights happened at the same exact time that I decided to hook myself up to the darn pump! That's a whole other blog post...
So, this brings us right back to when I wake up and pump in the morning. Now, repeat that schedule . . . everyday. It never ends.
There is no "break" for me; I just eat whatever I can, whenever I have a free moment. I rush to the bathroom inbetween bottle-feeding, breast feeding, pumping, carrying babies, and changing diapers. (It's amazing how a new mommy's body accommodates the new demands --I'm drinking approximately 90-150 ounces of water a day and have realized that I can survive on approx 2-3 potty breaks during the "day time". Where all that water goes, I have no idea!)
Do I shower?! Haha! Again, right now it's all based on "how important is it?" Am I leaving the house or expecting guests that might care (haha! -seriously!)? Do I smell funky? (Lol -gross!) Do I need a few minutes to myself? If the answer is "Yes" to any of those, then my response is "of course I shower!" (And when I do, it's normally in less than 10 minutes, normally around 3 or 4 am. Or right before we plan on leaving, while Chris is awake and sitting with the babies)
There's no such thing as "night" and "day" really. I do whatever they need as soon as they need it, whether it's the sun or moon that's shining. (Including diaper laundry) It all still pretty much feels like one long, very long, day.
What I am happy about is the fact that my "sleep" doesn't feel like just one of several naps anymore. I'm actually getting a good 4-5 hour stretch of sleep at night. The most I've gotten has been 9 hours, I think (that ONE time)! Now that's crazy impressive in my book.
So, we finally have some kind of schedule starting and I'm so glad! I'm starting to feel a little more "normal" again, just over the last few days. I feel like I can breath --just a little. Phew!
Well, this is it... how I survive. :)
April 7, 2013
Week 27: Rutabaga and Special Deliveries
How far along?
27 weeks on 4/4/13
How big are the twinkies?
According to The Bump, the babies are approximately the size of a rutabaga.
How am I feeling?
Sleepy. Hungry. Sleepy.
Weight?
+21
What do I miss?
Sleeping on my tummy. (again . . . still.)
Symptoms?
HeartBURN/acid reflux. Nausea. Asthma (I'm now needing Flovent twice daily, without fail. Whereas, before pregnancy, I just used Prventil about once a month, maybe a few times more, depending on allergens and weather.)
Cravings?
Pizza. Ice Cream. Chocolate.
*the ice cream is the one I still think is strange. Before pregnancy, I was very sensitive to lactose. I didn't care for ice cream, in general, and when I would want a bit, I'd always regret it. Now that I'm pregnant, I can eat it and not be affected in anyway (other than guilt. lol). The other night, Chris went out to buy me ice cream. I had a very specific craving: vanilla ice cream with chocolate fudge mixed in and a bottle of goat's milk caramel. I was one happy happy momma when Chris got home with exactly that!!! :D (and a special surprise: a Rico's jumbo pickle in a pouch)
*But I'm definitely not picky . . . right?! ;)
*the ice cream is the one I still think is strange. Before pregnancy, I was very sensitive to lactose. I didn't care for ice cream, in general, and when I would want a bit, I'd always regret it. Now that I'm pregnant, I can eat it and not be affected in anyway (other than guilt. lol). The other night, Chris went out to buy me ice cream. I had a very specific craving: vanilla ice cream with chocolate fudge mixed in and a bottle of goat's milk caramel. I was one happy happy momma when Chris got home with exactly that!!! :D (and a special surprise: a Rico's jumbo pickle in a pouch)
*But I'm definitely not picky . . . right?! ;)
Highlights of the week?
We recently ordered some of the baby items we were still needing (some big, some small). So, this week was full of "special deliveries" —always exciting, opening packages and getting toplay with everything set it up and see how it all works. hee hee :)
We recently ordered some of the baby items we were still needing (some big, some small). So, this week was full of "special deliveries" —always exciting, opening packages and getting to
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| Putting the Double Snap 'n Go stroller together |
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| Double Snap 'n Go stroller |
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| New pack 'n play |
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| Stuffed animal hippos, hippo rattles, diaper pail wet bags, fuzzibunz diaper, Willow Tree Twins, Boba 3G baby carrier. |
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| Thirsties diaper cover, Fuzzibunz diaper, Applecheeks diaper, Bidet a.k.a. diaper sprayer, wet bags, diaper pail. |
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| Baltic Amber necklaces and an Applecheeks diaper |
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| KJ loving on her siblings |
Belly watch:
January 9, 2013
I'm now stepping into the world of "fluff"
I find myself needing some serious guidance and advice —as much as I can possibly get.
We made our very first cloth diaper purchase, on Saturday, 1/5. I found a fantastic deal for "EUC" Indian Prefolds and homemade covers. I was quite hesitant at first, since I still didn't feel I knew enough about what I was buying (like what do I look for in a used purchase, etc.). My best friend has cloth diapered two kiddos, so I turned to her for advice...
I ended up making the purchase. When I looked at the stash of prefolds, I was expecting to see more stains than what was mentioned on the posting. I was expecting these prefolds to look a bit dingy. What a grateful surprise when I look in the bag and see gleaming white prefolds!!! Wow! It was a GREAT buy!
I've practiced a few times, with the prefolds, a snappi, and a cover (which were a lot cuter than I expected, too.) on KJ's stuffed bunny. :) For now, it's still fun and exciting!
I have found an overload of information, on the web, about which diapers are the best and why. Also, I have been able to find a lot of information about maintaining and washing cloth diapers. I've read "buy special soap" and I've read "no need for special soap". I've read "use a sprayer" and "don't use a sprayer"... "dry in dryer", "hang dry only", "don't use softeners", "one dryer sheet"... does it matter on the type of cloth that is being used? Or is it really just preference?
So far, I have found some very helpful info on these sites:
www.coersfamily.wordpress.com
Cost of cloth diapers
www.youtube.com (searching for wash/maintenance of cloth diapers; or just by searching by brand of cloth diaper)
I have a lot to learn before the Twinkies arrive. What have been the best, most helpful, tips you have come across?
We made our very first cloth diaper purchase, on Saturday, 1/5. I found a fantastic deal for "EUC" Indian Prefolds and homemade covers. I was quite hesitant at first, since I still didn't feel I knew enough about what I was buying (like what do I look for in a used purchase, etc.). My best friend has cloth diapered two kiddos, so I turned to her for advice...
I ended up making the purchase. When I looked at the stash of prefolds, I was expecting to see more stains than what was mentioned on the posting. I was expecting these prefolds to look a bit dingy. What a grateful surprise when I look in the bag and see gleaming white prefolds!!! Wow! It was a GREAT buy!
I've practiced a few times, with the prefolds, a snappi, and a cover (which were a lot cuter than I expected, too.) on KJ's stuffed bunny. :) For now, it's still fun and exciting!
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| Practicing... I still have some more practicing to do. ;) |
I have found an overload of information, on the web, about which diapers are the best and why. Also, I have been able to find a lot of information about maintaining and washing cloth diapers. I've read "buy special soap" and I've read "no need for special soap". I've read "use a sprayer" and "don't use a sprayer"... "dry in dryer", "hang dry only", "don't use softeners", "one dryer sheet"... does it matter on the type of cloth that is being used? Or is it really just preference?
So far, I have found some very helpful info on these sites:
www.coersfamily.wordpress.com
Cost of cloth diapers
www.youtube.com (searching for wash/maintenance of cloth diapers; or just by searching by brand of cloth diaper)
I have a lot to learn before the Twinkies arrive. What have been the best, most helpful, tips you have come across?
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