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

DSC_0345.JPG
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!