2009 Wrap-Up

Wow, I can't believe what a crazy year it has been! Here are some of my highlights of 2009:

January: In January I was just getting comfortable in my new job with J&J. I was commuting to Rochester (1 hour 2 minutes) 2-3 days / week. I only had a few really bad whether days. In January I was just about to hit my third trimester of my pregnancy with Lacey! My nephew Drake was born (in a hurry I might add) on January 4!

Erin, Me, Brian, Melissa and Garrett at Niagara Falls

Sara, Stephanie, Me and Kristin goofing around on New Years

February: This was the month of my baby shower. I quickly learned how many baby things "we needed to have" and how quickly they would consume all of our storage space :) In February the baby's room was set up and ready to go!

Erin and I showing off Lacey's new "Made in Buffalo" outfit at my baby shower

March: My Dr. was anticipating Lacey coming this month... therefore, I started to cut back at work and no longer commuted after the 2nd week. We braced ourselves, I studied hypnobabies... we were ready and I was HUGE (gained 45 lbs!) ... ready to go.

No wonder she was a big baby, I'm HUGE!

April: March went by and we still had no baby. We got to meet Drake for the first time and was hoping that he would get to meet Lacey... but of course she wanted to stay put until April 4 - nearly 2 weeks after she was expected. My Dr. did offer an induction in late March, however I refused unless medically necessary. My labor was not fast and not fun but ultimately we had a beautiful and healthy baby girl born on 4/5/09 weighing 8 lbs 3 ounces.

Day #2

5 days old

May: Yay for maternity leave! Lacey and I spent the month of May taking lots of long walks (and I mean long!) We also took our first trip to Ohio to visit the rest of the family. At the end of May, Brian was let go of work and we decided that he would stay home with Lacey for the summer.

Getting ready for the annual golf tournament in Ohio!

June: In June, I went back to work after a few short (9) weeks. (Next baby I plan on staying home for 3-4 months.) It was a really tough month. Lacey was still waking up a few times a month, I was still breastfeeding/pumping and learning how to be a mommy.

3 month photo shoot at the beach

July: July was a great month because we started spending our weekends at the cottage and were able to get some help/sleep. I was busy working on a big project during the week while Brian and Lacey bonded. On the weekends we relaxed on the beach. Lacey loved her baby PeaPod!

Me, Lacey and Brian at the beach!

August: In August we made our second trip, a road-trip down to Atlanta with Lacey. She had a fabulous time getting to know her family down there and was amazing in the car. Lacey went in the pool for the first time in August. Brian also began looking and found a new job with JMD environmental. Lacey started daycare at the end of August with Pam.

Lacey with her Great Grandparents Blamire in Atlanta

September: Our cute little nephew Gavin turned 1 in September! It was a fun family day! Lacey grew accustomed to daycare this month and quickly began to make up for all the sleep she wasn't doing at home! We thought we might be taking a trip to France this month (for my work) but then the trip got cancelled.

Gavin in his birthday hat!

October: This month was Lacey's first Halloween and a visit from Grandpa Blamire. We took a trip to the pumpkin farm and had fun dressing up.

What a ham!

November: In November all of the babies were able to spend a few fun days together at Thanksgiving. We had a blast playing and especially visiting the aquarium! I'm looking forward to watching the cousins grow up and explorer as they get older. This was a very sleep deprived month - Lacey was waking up 3-4 times / night!

Drake and Lacey playing

The three babies - Lacey, Gavin and Drake

December: There is nothing like being home for the holidays! I was very thankful this year (again) to be back home and settled in Buffalo. Brian and I both have amazing families and we just could not have survived this year without them! This month was filled with Christmas traditions including cutting down our own tree, decorating the house and having Christmas brunch at our house.

My beautiful girl on Christmas!

Look who's talking?

OK - I'm pretty sure she doesn't really mean to say "mommaaa" but still, it's too cute! Visit my Facebook page here.

Happy 8 months (Saturday) Lacey!

As usual, a quick post! Lacey had a great November!

At 8 months...

• We are still exclusively breastfeeding!!!!! I know have over 1400 ounces in the deep freezer. It is literally JAMMED packed down there! I am not really trying to produce any extra anymore since we have no place to store. Since I have made it this far, my goal is to continue until the end of January and then stop pumping. I will let her self-wean on the actually BFing. Once we get to end of January at that point we can use frozen to get us to 12 months!
• We are still cloth diapering and loving it!
• Lacey is wearing 9 month clothes... but on the verge of moving to 12 month pants because of her fluffy booty.
• She weighs in around 18 lbs. (a tad over)
• Up until last week she had all homemade baby foods. We started using some jarred food for things that are too $ to buy or difficult to make. We haven't found a food that she doesn't like!
• Lacey is also starting some finger foods... finely chopped banana and other dissolvable solids.
• She is being introduced to a sippy cup... generally she just chews on it but sometimes she sucks.
• Still has NO TEETH! I love her gummy smile!
• She is scooting all over the place (the baby gates are up!) pushing to a sitting position and pulling up to a standing. I've seen her try to take a few steps here and there as well. She loves when we help her walk behind her push toy. We still have a ways to go before she is on her own.
• Lacey goes to bed at 7:30 and (a good night) means she is up 2x. Once for a hug and once for food.
• Lacey finally had her first sleepover this month! She stayed at Grandma's house when mommy and daddy were worn out after a rough week. Let me just say, it's really, really hard to be BFing and not have a baby for over 12 hours! Ouch!!!

We are super excited for Lacey's first holiday season! This weekend I made her the cutest red and white tutu and took some photos for xmas cards. We also cut down our own tree and decorated. The house looks fabulous!

Diaper Tips Tuesday!

What was your budget and how did you spread it out? If you didn't set an initial budget how much do you think you spent per child on your stash?

We did not start off with a budget... my initial purchase was a few XS BumGenius diapers. From there I started making some size XS fitteds (I probably made about 2 dozen). Each paycheck while I was pregnant I either bought a diaper or I bought some fabric.

I've spent alot of money on my stash & fabric! My recommendation to people is to just buy 3-4 different brands and only one diaper / brand until you know what you like. Right now I have quite a few diapers that we never use that I need to sell!

Happy 7 months Lacey!

Lacey is really testing my ability to function properly this month... she is still NOT SLEEPING! Too bad she is just so darn cute! At 7 months...

• Lacey loves her green peas... and veggies more so than fruits in general
• Will only wake up 2x on a good night
• Is still EXCLUSIVELY BREASTFED! Noooo formula here! I know have nearly 2 months frozen as well
• Is still cloth diapered!
• Has figured out how to scoot and favors her left arm and right leg while doing so
• Pushes up on hands/knees and hands/feet
• Can sit alone without us worrying about falling over
• Is ticklish on her belly and it's super cute when she laughs!
• Is a happy, happy, happy wonderful baby girl
• Weights in at 18 lbs.

It's been awhile...

So, it's been awhile since I've posted. I needed some time away form personal endeavors to focus on my family. Life has been crazy, work is busy and Lacey is waking up 3x a night on a normal night (aka severe lack of sleep!)

I've been reorganizing things a bit and shifting priorities. It's been great and helpful. Tomorrow I'm taking a day off of work... half the day I'm going to send Lacey to daycare for while I do some shopping (including a trip to the fabric store) then the rest of the day is Lacey and I. Tomorrow night we are doing family pumpkin carving. I can't wait!

6 months of Lacey!

This past Monday Lacey had her half birthday! Hooray! She is getting SO BIG!

At 6 months Lacey is...

• still EXCLUSIVELY breast fed, but has started solids... this is HUGE! I seriously never thought I'd make it to 6 months...
• still cloth diapered, of course!
• rolling, rolling, rolling... reaching and rolling some more
• able to sit on her own with no assistance (but does fall over sometimes when she tries to reach for things
• is doing ok at night - except for having a cold, she has generally only been waking up 1x on average
• smiles, laughs and does lots of high pitch screams!
• can push up on her hands and needs, but doesn't go anywhere... yet
• has eaten all the cereals, squash, carrots, yams, peaches, pears and apples

Go Bills!

Go Bills!
Originally uploaded by itslinds63

Lacey bouncing

Lacey bouncing
Originally uploaded by itslinds63

I know the res on this is really bad... but I find it hilarious!

Lacey has discovered how to "bounce" in her bouncer! Hooray!

Happy 5 Months (Saturday) Lacey!

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Originally uploaded by itslinds63

At 5 months...
- Lacey still has not had any formula and is exclusively on breastmilk (800 something ounces in freezer)
- We've started rice and oatmeal cereal
- We are still cloth diapering!
- She is rolling ALL over the place... seriously, she doesn't stop!
- Is 16.? pounds
- Is wearing 6-9 month clothes (pants are too long on her but we need to size up to fit the fluffy butt)
- Is completely free of night time swaddling
- Has been waking up about 2x / night (d'oh)
- Loves her feet and trying to eat them
- Is great at going to bed without a fuss
- Has been kicking things with her legs
- Can figure out how she gets what she wants (by rolling/reaching for things)
- Has started daycare full time!

Fluff Talk Thursdays: Wipes, wipes, wipes!

So you ask, since we use cloth diapers how do we wipe little Lacey's bum up? Cloth wipes of course!

I am terrible with photos so of course I do not have any. Our wipe system is very simple... scrap flannel (bought super cheap from Joann's) cut with pinking shears into little rectangles. We do use any solution or anything fancy... just run them under warm water and wipe Lacey's little fanny off.

At home we have a Wahmie's wipes warmer. We use it mostly to keep the wipes damp, not necessarily warm. It's fabulous! I even want to wipe my butt with those wipes!

On the road the wipes just go in the bag and we run them under the facet when needed.

Our wipes get washed right with the diapers! It is super easy!

I have tried disposable wipes on a few occasions and fount them to be a big hassle. First, they are nowhere near as thick so you need about 3 of them to get a messy poo, they are wasteful and they would require some sort of waste receptacle separate from my diapers.

Lacey's new play space

Lacey's new play space
Originally uploaded by itslinds63

So, Lacey is officially mobile!

She is rolling both ways and has learned its a good way to be able to get what you want. Here little rainforest mat (shown in the pic) will no longer container her so I decided me make her a bigger play area!

This space is in my home office - she often spends the morning (pre 7:30 am) and afternoon (post 4pm) hours in here with me while I work. She seems to really enjoy spreading out - today she played her for about an hour while I cleaned and organized my desk.

It needs a bit more work - more baby proofing for the rest of the office and I need to rearrange the furniture so that the rug actually fits (it's rolled on the one side), but overall it works for now!

Attachment Parenting and Co-Sleeping

Before having Lacey, I never, EVER thought I would consider the principals of Attachment Parenting, especially co-sleeping.

Isn't it amazing how babies change everything?

The thing Lacey does the best is go to bed (her crib) at 8pm... other than that, everything is fair game. Lacey has pretty much had a non-existing sleep pattern from day one. Yes, there have been a few (thank goodness) days in a row where she slept through the night + some but they are not in any routine.

For a few months now I've really been in a struggle as to what to do. Do we "make" a routine for her and "make" her adhere to it? Do we make her cry? Do we try sleeping training?

My answer to all of the above is no. After lots and lots of research I've concluded that babies need what babies need. Yes, they do need snuggles in the middle of the night sometimes and yes, that is ok. Sure, it does make life harder for me (especially on days I have to work) but it won't last forever and I have a great boss who understands and will let me leave early if I need to.

While I am looking forward to the day when Lacey consistently will sleep in her crib through the night, I am going to enjoy the time of waking up and snuggling in my bed. After all, in another few years she probably won't want anything to do with me, right :p

Here is great info on safe co-sleeping.

Cloth Diaper Carnival Part Deux!

What is your wash routine?

Sorry, this isn't going to be anything fancy... I only have a few minutes to write a post!

• We collect diapers in a plastic pail with lid using a Planet Wise pail wetbag
• We wash diapers every other day (except on the weekends - we do not wash on the weekends)
• First we run a cold rinse
• Then we run a hot wash
• All pockets are hung in the basement overnight to dry and stuffing goes in the dryer

Diapers organized and ready to go in changing table!

No sleep, no time...

Yes, the above summarizes my life...

Lacey has decided that she wants to sleep no more... all she wants to do is eat and take naps! I thought it was a growth spurt but it seems to be lasting a LONG time (over a week). It's wearing on me...

Eat, sleep, work, eat, sleep work...

Bebe Gloton

OK go watch this!

I think it is absolutely hilarious!

I am all about breastfeeding, but is this really necessary? Can't the kids just learn breastfeeding by seeing it? And if they really want to pretend do they need a special doll and vest?

The sucking action on this doll is incredible. While Lacey is a loud nurser, this doll really rivals her!

Family Photo

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Originally uploaded by itslinds63

This photo was taken of us a back in June by our friend Kristin... I love it (especially Brian's face... can you tell we did a lot of photos trying to get just one???)

It's very special because it was taken under my Grandma's tree. Her ashes are buried there. My Grandma was very special to us and I am sad that she was never able to meet Lacey. She would have LOVED her, especially with her fluffy butt :-)

Diaper Pattern Review - Very Baby Snug Wrap Cover

This post is a first in a series of diaper sewing patterns that I am going to review. Stay tuned!

Pattern: Very Baby Snug Wrap Cover

Price: $8.95

Photo: (top left) Pink 2mm PUL cover with aplix and fold-over elastic, Purple 2mm PUL cover with aplix and fold-over elastic, Patterned fleece cover with white PUL inner, snaps and fold-over elastic.

The best feature about this pattern is it's variety of sizes. The newborn sizes ranges from 6-12 lbs. with the XL going up to approximately 50 lbs. The newborn cover size fit great with my Very Baby Cloth Diapers.

Another great feature of the pattern is that it comes with multiple options such as using snaps or aplix. This is great if you don't have a snap press, or have one but want to make different types of covers. From this pattern you can make regular covers, side snapping, etc. I like the variety!

The biggest pitfall of this pattern is that it does not have leg gussets. I have pretty much found a any cover without gussets to be useless. However, you can easily get creative using this tutorial and add them to the pattern yourself!

Feel free to share your comments on this pattern or ask questions!

World Breastfeeding Week

This past week (sorry a few days too late) is World Breastfeeding Week!

For more information, see the link above. Here is a summary from that site:

OBJECTIVES OF WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK 2009

• To draw attention to the vital role that breastfeeding plays in emergencies worldwide.
  
• To stress the need for active protection and support of breastfeeding before and during emergencies.
  
• To inform mothers, breastfeeding advocates, communities, health professionals, governments, aid agencies, donors, and the media on how they can actively support breastfeeding before and during an emergency.
  
• To mobilise action and nurture networking and collaboration between those with breastfeeding skills and those involved in emergency response.

RATIONALE

• Children are the most vulnerable in emergencies – child mortality can soar from 2 to 70 times higher than average due to diarrhoea, respiratory illness and malnutrition.
• Breastfeeding is a life saving intervention and protection is greatest for the youngest infants. Even in non-emergency settings, non-breastfed babies under 2 months of age are six times more likely to die.
• Emergencies can happen anywhere in the world. Emergencies destroy what is ‘normal,’ leaving caregivers struggling to cope and infants vulnerable to disease and death.
• During emergencies, mothers need active support to continue or re-establish breastfeeding.
• Emergency preparedness is vital. Supporting breastfeeding in non-emergency settings will strengthen mothers’ capacity to cope in an emergency.

Happy 4 Months Lacey!

In honor of her 4th month birthday, Lacey wanted me to share her new discovery with you - her upper lip! How funny is this? It is her new obsession!

Things have been SUPER busy around her. Long weekend at the cottage with family, trip to Atlanta then coming back to being slammed at work. Here is a quick update on what's new with Lacey (besides her upper lip).

Lacey at 4 months...

• Is still exclusively breastfed (whoo hoo, we also have 700 ounces in the freezer!)
• Is still wearing cloth diapers full time
• Has not yet started solids and will not likely start them until 6 months
• Doesn't seem to have any desire to roll over... no matter how much we bribe her with toys
• Laughs, laughs and laughs some more
• Makes us laugh with her squeals and screeches
• Is around 15 lbs (probably greater than)
• Is wearing 3-6 and 6 month clothes
• Can push her self up on her arms, lift up her head and arch her back realllllyyy high
• Now is allowed one arm free from the swaddle at night (she can get her fingers in her mouth well now, so she doesn't wake herself up poking her eyes)
• Is consistently sleep 8 hours at night with a record of 10.5 (knock on wood)
• Has two little bottom teeth bumps accompanied with LOTS of drool
• Plays in the exer-saucer

As a note on bullet #1 - I am now committed to exclusively breastfeeding for 8 months (or more). It is going really well and I have grown to love it. I believe it is best for my baby and best for me! Recently I have ordered a Medela Freestyle pump. Look for a future post on my review of it!

Cloth Diaper Carnival!

“What you wish you knew then that you know now?"

So, I first came upon the idea of cloth diaper when we were trying to get pregnant. People on the Sewforums site made the CUTEST little cloth diapers and since I sewed, I wanted to do that too.

We got pregnant right away and I started sewing. I purchased terry cloth fabric and TONS of flannel from JoAnn's and went on my way to make a newborn stash that eventually consisted over 30 homemade diapers.

After I finished the newborns (and still pregnant) I started making some larger sizes. I purchased a HUGE lot of PUL really cheap and did some AOIs. I also bought some BumGenius and other brand diapers to compare patterns too.

Lacey was born on April 5, 2009 at 8lbs! Well guess what? The 30 diapers that I made just fit... and they gave her poor bum BAD rashes. I was sooo upset that I spent all the time and money making these diapers only for her to outgrow them in 2 weeks and leave a red bum. I *almost* called it quits right there.

Lessons learned: it's probably better to wait until the baby arrives to make/purchase too many diapers. Fit is always different and so are fabrics. While I am saving the 30 diapers for the next baby, I'm not hopeful that they will work any better. I would recommend anyone who wants to cloth diaper to start with a trial package to figure out what you want and then make your purchases!

Join the Cloth Diaper Carnival!

Side Snapping Diaper

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Originally uploaded by itslinds63

It's about time I posted a picture of this baby (the diaper, not Lacey).

Here is my newest creation - side snapping AOI (all-in-one). I like it because it's a bit more trim than the one-sizes however I don't find it all that easy to snap.

Lacey doesn't seem to mind. Look at that belly!

Like my shades?

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Originally uploaded by itslinds63

Lacey and I love her new sunglasses! Too bad it hasn't been too sunny here lately...

Baby shopping

I don't have any pics (yet) but this past weekend at the cottage, Lacey and I did some shopping at the local CD store - Peekaboo Bottoms.

Peekaboo Bottoms rocks! I can't wait till Nikki and Drake are here next week so I can take them! It's definitely my "rainy day at the cottage activity". They have all my fav diaper brands (BumGenius, Happy Heiny, Swaddlebees) and some other cool things.

So anyways, this weekend Lacey got a neon pink pair of Baby Bands, an Amber teething necklace (oohhh the teething... but that is another post) and a super soft Swaddlebees cow print diaper!

Photos coming soon! They are so cute!

The Bumbo

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Originally uploaded by itslinds63

I had to post a quick blog about this photo because I think it's hilarious!

Lacey does not really like the Bumbo right now... I think it's because it's the equivalent of lifting weights for her. I mean come on, look at that big head she has to lift up!

She's so cute... but...

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Originally uploaded by itslinds63

She just does not want to sleep!

We were doing great right before I went back to work... 1, 5 hour stretch and night... then I went back to work and all went out the window... then she chilled out and was doing a 6 hour stretch for a few days... and then hell broke loose.

Lacey is going to bed with no problems at 8:30pm... she is then waking up multiple times between 11:30-7:30am (mostly between 1:30am-4am). We are trying everything... feeding, not feeding, Brian putting the paci in, letting her fuss a bit... we are some desperate for sleep parents.

I'm hoping this week was a fluke and she will settle down next week. Please cross your fingers!

Happy 4th of July!

Lacey and Gavin posed for a 4th of July themed photo! We actually have about 10 of this photo trying to get them to smile at the same time!

We spent the 4th of July weekend up at the cottage (of course!) The fireworks on the water were beautiful. I love watching them go off around the lake!

Sunday, we FINALLY made a trip down to the beach. Lacey loved it! We have this cool thing called a PeaPod that Lacey chilled out in and she just loved listening to the sounds.

After the beach she was sooooo tired....

This weekend I also a made three new diapers. They are dirty right now so I don't have photos, but I made a Buffalo Bills logo diaper and two medium side-snapping (new pattern!)

Weekend Plans

What another exciting weekend it is going to be!

We are heading up to the cabin to enjoy the 4th of July on the beach! One of my most favorite rituals is to head down to the beach as dusk and watch the fireworks all around the lake. It's one of the most beautiful things ever.

Lacey is resting up! She will be allowed to stay up past 8:30 on Saturday :-)

Speaking of, can you believe that Lacey will be 3 months old on Sunday? She is also a whooping 14.5 lbs! This weekend I have to do more sewing because she is growing out of more of her diapers and fast! (Her chubby little thighs are just so cute!) I am going to try a new (kind of) pattern. It's a fitted pattern that I have used before to create a velcro diaper, but now I'm going to modify it to make a side snapping diaper. Photos to come!

Have a wonderful holiday weekend. God bless the USA and all of our troops that make this an amazing place to live!

Lacey's 1st Trip to the Zoo!

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Originally uploaded by itslinds63

What a busy weekend!

Brian's father and step-mom (Bob and Melissa) came up to visit from Atlanta this weekend. We have been moving non-stop!

Bob insisted on taking Lacey on her first trip to the zoo even though it was pouring rain! Here we are in the Rainforest exhibit.

12 weeks and making progress!

Lacey is just about 12 weeks and we are FINALLY making progress on the sleeping. This past week on three separate occasions she slept from 9pm-5am. This leaves me excited and feeling fabulous! The best part is - at 5am when she did wake up, she went right back to sleep for another 1-2 hours after eating.

Keep up the great work baby girl!

101 Reasons to Breastfeed

See this link!

Making Pickles, Father's Day and my Diaper Diva!

I've been meaning to post about the above topics for some time now, however my "awake" and "available" time is pretty much spent obsessing over Brian and Lacey. So, back to "Making Pickles, Father's Day and my Diaper Diva!"

Making Pickles

One of my new interests is food preservation. Odd yes, but also very useful! My mom found me a canner at the Goodwill for $3 so Brian and I tested it out by making pickles.

To be exact, we made 120 pickles. Did you know that pickling is actually quite a process? It involves slicing cucumbers, boiling them, mixing in the "pickle stuff" and then canning. We have yet to try them (I am insisting we wait a few weeks for a good BBQ) but they look yummy!

I can't wait for the local veggies to start ripening so we can do some summer salsa and peach butter! Yummm...

Here are the cucumbers cut up and ready to go!

Canning/boiling

Father's Day

Brian was certainly a lucky Daddy this year! Lacey made him a coffee mug / thermos with her photos on it and he received a Saz-all (I have no idea how to spell that!) Here is a photo of Brian, Lacey and his Grandpa. (Lacey was not very happy - she was tired and cranky and didn't feel like photos...)

My Diaper Diva

FINALLY I have finished this diaper! Thanks to a rainy day at the cottage, Lacey's hot pink "Diaper Diva" diaper is finished! Now how cute is that fluffy bum???

Also - can someone who uses Blogger please tell me why my photos are all cut off on the right?

Goofy girl!

Goofy girl!
Originally uploaded by itslinds63

The best thing about being back at work is getting cute little media messages to my cell phone from Lacey... All I can think about all day is coming home and kissing her cute little cheeks!

Welcome & Updates!

Welcome to my new blog!

I switched sites since I am no longer using my business website/email and want to save the $10/month and time it requires me to maintain the website. With Blogger, I virtually have no maintenance so it's much easier!

I've been quite because things have been busy!!! Last week I went back to work and Lacey's wonderful sleeping habits and "schedule" went completely out the window. Nevertheless, I was exhausted!

This week is going MUCH better. We are starting to get back into the swing of things! It still is quite an adjustments for all of us... me working again, Brian watching Lacey all day and Lacey being with Daddy!