Thursday, September 6, 2012

crafting along with needle and thREAD


The more parenting that I have under my belt, the more I learn what works and doesn't work for me.
Cloth diapers work for me. I first started using cloth when Bunny was only a couple of weeks old. It was my Earth Day resolution to use mostly cloth. After trying many different types and brands, I settled on pocket diapers from Heartland Dreams. Mama bought several of them for me and my sister Meagan. These same diapers are now being used for the 4th time in a row, on Squirrely. We have built our stock, adding in new ones every now and then. We ended up with a few of Heartland Dream all in twos, and we realized the ease of not having to stuff diapers. I had intended to start buying more, but alas, Heartland Drams is not currently taking new orders.


After wallowing in despair for some time, I set out to solve the problem myself.
I bought snap pliers and got to work.


I picked out one of my less favorite prints in case I ruined the diaper in my endeavors.


I put a snap on the back of the diaper.


Then added a snap on one of the prefolds that I had been using as an insert.


I stitched the other end to keep it from sticking our the sides of the diaper. 



I snapped it into place.


And tucked the other end into the pocket flap to make changing quick and easy.

Ta da! All in two!

I plan on doing this with the rest of my diapers as well.


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Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Baby Essentials: Amber Necklaces

What is the first thing you think of when you think of teething babies?
 Screaming? Crying? Sleepless nights?
Slobbering little mouths that chew on everything in sight?
I think of amber necklaces.


Ever since before Squirrely was born, and more so now, I have been searching my mental archives to remember what things I loved from Bunny's babyhood. Amber necklaces are one of the few things I consider a true necessity. Isn't it amazing that pharmaceutical companies keep looking for new ways to ease pain, treat ailments, and cure diseases, all the while the answers are found in nature.


I blogged about them here:
I found more info on amber and how it works here:

I just ordered Squirrely's first amber necklace and can't wait to get it in the mail.
Oh the suffering it will surely save us both.


Bunny, who is cutting her two year old molars, still wears amber. If we happen to forget to put it on her, you can certainly tell the difference. I plan to keep her wearing amber even after all of her teeth are though.



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Teach Me Tuesday

Wonderfull (Full of Wonder) Wednesday


Having a cousin the same age as you (seven weeks younger) is a wonder-full thing!








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Tuesday, September 4, 2012

A New Season Means...

....a new routine.

This is a guide to help move us along in our daily goals.
But we are not strict, by the clock, in our approach. It is more like a flow from one activity to the next. 
If the children are involved in something they are enjoying, then we allow them more time.
But the rhythm remains the same.




...and some serious decluttering and organizing of the playschool shelves.


Bottom two shelves hold toys and the top shelf shown holds "Table Time" activities.



Bottom shelf houses cubbies with diapers and clothes for playschool children.
Next shelf up has the "good" board books (meaning the one year olds can't chew on them!),
 table time wooden trays, alphabet activties, and this month's books and related activities.
The third shelf holds resource books, vintage classic books, paper books, and our little owl collection.

I love new beginnings...
September, after a busy "summer break", after a week long family vacation and holiday weekend,
feels like a new beginning!

Monday, September 3, 2012

Sisters


To have a loving relationship with a sister is to have a soul mate for life! ~ Victoria Secunda

 



Check out my new shirt--wearing it today in honor of the National Labor Day Birth Rallies!
These sisters will know they have choices!

Sunday, September 2, 2012

There is Always Time at the Beach...

At the beach, there is always time for...

family walks

lots of nursing

mermaid tails

baby smiles

yoga (everytime we are at the beach!)

and relaxin'


There's always time for...

 sisters and sleeping babies

cousins playing together

in the "papa made" pool

father and son time
(my brother-in-law and my nephew)

and walks with your aunt sissie
(my youngest sister who Bunny pretends is her sister!)


And of course, there is always time for rockin' the awesome toenail polish!



“I have always loved the beach. The smell of the salty water, the wind in my face, the gentle roar of the waves all combine to create a sense of peace and calm.”--Anonymous


Saturday, September 1, 2012

Made with Love: A Beach Party!

While the parents (two sets) had beach dates (taking the youngest babies along with them), the Nana of the family had a Beach Party for the remaining three grandbabies... Bunny and her two cousins.

Bunny was "last man out" on falling asleep for a nap, so as soon as her cousins woke up they decided to wake her up!

Birdy (also two) kept saying "Wake up Sleepyhead!"



First they had to have a little snack: dark chocolate bar, sunflower seeds, and milk, while they looked through the available "beach" tattoos! (Yes, it was THAT kind of party!)



Once everyone had their tats, they painted wooden beachy cutouts: fish and seahorses.


It didn't take Nana long to realize the little girlies needed their shirts off... since Nana had bought acrylic paints (as in NOT washable...)  Painting seashells was up next and a great hit!




After the painting and clean-up (lots and lots of clean ups), Nana blew up bouncy balloons!



Nana gifted each child with a treasure box...


and each family with a treasure jar to fill with sand and shells.


Nana also gave the grandbabies glow sticks and bubbles to enjoy at the beach!

Good times were had at the 2012 Nana and Grandbaby Beach Party.
No Parents Allowed!

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