Diaper Duty

I've been using clothies on V for just over month now and thought I would share what I've learned during that time. I do the old-fashioned tri-fold diapers fastened with Snappi's and plastic pants/diaper covers at home and use the bumGenius brand diapers on V for town trips and chores.

-bumGenius 3.0 All-In-One pocket diapers are awesome! They are the only diaper (to date) that can contain V's 'explosions' when he is in his car seat. The only downside is that they are a pretty bulky diaper. Still, a bulky bottom looks cute on a baby.

-Snappi's are pretty cool. I love that it's 1-2-3 and the diaper is on without any pricked fingers. Daddy would prefer diaper pins but since Mommy does 98% of the diaper changes, she gets the final say.

-I don't feel bad about changing four diapers in five minutes anymore because I am not thinking about the expensive diapers that are being wasted and added to our landfills.

-V is happier in clothies. Perhaps they are softer and/or more comfy than disposables? Not sure.

-Old-fashioned tri-fold diapers aren't all that hard to change. I was intimidated at first, but after doing them for a few weeks, it's not that hard.

The one thing I have yet to do is bring my clothies on a road trip. I am heading out of town for a vacation this weekend and am doing disposables. It's going to be at a jam-packed house and I am not sure of how much room is in my ride for diaper pails and my diaper bin. At least that's my rationale-that it's just easier to do disposables. I feel bad not bringing my cloth diapers but I don't feel comfortable enough yet to bring them. Maybe the next trip...

Baby's First: Sleeping through the Night

Well, that 7 hour night was a one-time-only deal thus far but a greatly enjoyed one for me. At least his 'short' nights are in 4 hour stretches and I am not getting up every two hours anymore. Now if only he would let me put him down more during the 'awake' periods during the day. So far today-20 minutes in the swing and five minutes on his infant gym. Such is Mommyhood I guess.

A Big Hug From Mommy and Baby

Whenever I've mentioned that V has been a slightly fussy baby (especially of late) and not wanting to sleep really well if I am not holding him, I've been advised to check out the book "The Happiest Baby On The Block". I requested it from the library on Wednesday. After yet ANOTHER late, late night with a cranky baby who didn't want to go to sleep, I caved in and bought the book at a local bookstore. AM I EVER GLAD I DID! Last night and so far today, V has slept like...well, a baby. It's simply blissful and it's SO easy to get him to calm down now. The five (well, six actually) S's are so simple to follow and they really do work. Swaddling, laying baby on Side/Stomach, Shushing, Swinging (V prefers a light bounce), and Sucking on a plug or nursing certainly do lead to Sweet Dreams! So Thank You Thank You Thank You to every Mom out there who suggested I look into getting this book. Me and my no-longer-so-crabby baby appreciate it! (I'm thinking of getting a few copies for baby shower gifts, I love this book that much!)

I think I am part werewolf...

This has been one of those days where I just CANNOT wait until my hubby gets home from chores to help calm baby down. V has been fussy-not really hungry but wanting to nurse, VERY much in need of a nap but fighting it, and just cranky all around. I have put him down and let him fuss but he cries until I pick him up (whether it's five minutes or a half hour). Not gassy, no diaper rash, just plain old crabbiness. He slept ALL DAY LONG yesterday (it was BLISS!!!) and is making up for it today. What is it about these crabby baby days that make me just want to prowl outside in the dark and howl at the moon?

Baby's First: Road Trip!!!

Headed to the UP with my sister for the weekend because I didn't want to spend the weekend alone while the hubby headed west for a ski trip. (I would have joined him but figured the other gals going along wouldn't appreciate a crying baby at 4am and I don't downhill ski.) V was pretty good for the trip-pounded down 5oz bottle AND nursed (twice) before we left but slept til Duluth. Ate then slept til Houghton. Wish he slept that long and that well at home.:) Sister's kids were fairly good, too, so the trip went by quick. Hope the return trip is as good.

Baby's First: Chore Time & Snowshoe jaunt

Yep, I did chores for the first time last night. It was kind of fun to be back out in the barn again. I am quite rusty with dipping, wiping, and putting milkers on though I can still take milkers off reasonably quickly. Now, I bet you are all wondering what about Vern. Well, he was out there with me. Before I get shocked expressions from everyone reading this, I did have him fairly bundled up. Three layers of clothing, four layers of cozy blankets,and he was in his car seat in a playpen set eight feet away from the cows. He loved it! Slept right up until his daddy walked in to help with milking. He woke up because he was hungry so I went in and fed him. Worked out well all around. I am hoping to get back into the swing of things now that I know Vern will tolerate the noise of milking but I do have some limits. I won't take him out in the barn if it's below freezing and I am not doing morning chores yet. It will be a while before I am doing chores more than a few nights a week, but with Spring fieldwork and planting right around the corner, it won't be long before my help will be much appreciated.

Also a first for Vernon-snowshoeing. Lanny and I went out for a short stroll (stroll being an understatement) this afternoon. Lanny had Vern bundled up in the frontpack and zipped his jacket around both of them. It was a funny sight to see him all bundled up like that! (Shoulda taken a picture...) Even though I've been taking walks on nice days, I was stunned at how terribly out of shape I am! I had trouble keeping up with Lanny even though he had the bigger snowshoes AND Vernon strapped to his chest! Still, it felt SO good to get out and enjoy the warm weather. It was nearly 40 degrees and the snow was just about perfect for snowshoeing. I can't wait to go again!