Monday, October 12, 2015

Once upon a cloth

Not too long ago our little Conor was growing in my belly and during that time we thought about a lot of things.  If Junior would be a boy or girl, how awesome our little one would be and most of all what we would do about all that poop.  

I saw a friend that was using cloth and it made me do some research.  I found out another friend was planning on doing cloth and again I asked questions.  Luckily I have amazing friends and I began my cloth shopping.  We started very slowly, purchased our first 20 and had them ready to use before Junior arrived but with all the disposables we received we did not start using until Conor was just over 2 months old.  We had not told too many people our plan for cloth and were taking it a day at a time.


Some diapers are one size, meaning that they can be snapped to different sizes to see you trough to potty learning.  We were able to start on the middle rise and have stayed there since his arrival at 8 lbs and 10oz and he is now 25 lbs and 10 oz at 16 months old.

We choose cloth for a lot of reasons, to save money, lessen what we put in landfills and mostly because it was something we believed would work for us.  We did use disposables, long trips, vacations and sometimes overnight as we tried to figure out the best option for our heavy wetter.  I understand that cloth is not for everyone and at times wanted to quit, throw in the towel but I reminded myself that we do not quit on things that we want.  

And once we found a brand that worked for us we invested more into it.  We now have a go to brand, our stash consists of 5 different brands at this time.  My big thing about cloth was to make it easy for others to understand and to not be afraid of using.  We went with All In One's, or AIO, which means there is one piece and you have all the absorbency that you need without needing to lay in a flat or stuff anything into a pocket unless you want to add extra absorbency.  I wanted to encourage my husband and others to use and make it natural to reach for the cloth.  

I also despise this, a sagging booty as opposed to a fluffy bottom that can come in a variety of patterns.


We have been using cloth swim diapers, very easy to clean and keep up, we purchased 3 pairs to rotate during our summer fun.

Conor  enjoys helping unload the diapers and stack them in piles or simply unfold my "hard" work.


Can't tell but this adventurous little man is hiding fluff under those pants.  Some of our diapers are a little rounder on the bottom and others are trim.


This is a better photo of Conor wearing cloth under his pants, an all in one that is trim compared to other brands.

Patchwork print was my way to stay neutral as we decide on what will happen to the diapers after Conor has decided to move onto potty learning.

I finally caught our big helper "spraying" his dirty diaper.  To assist with the poop and overnight diapers we use our Spray Pal.  It has helped us deal with all the mess while keeping my restroom clean and free of debris from our walls and toilet.  This nifty American designed product has made starting cloth easier, we did not need to use until he started solids as an EBF (exclusively Breastfed Baby) diapers can just be thrown in the wash.

There is so much more about cloth diapers but this just shows a sneak of our journey.  I do understand its not for everyone but most people do not think about how easy modern cloth diapering is and the amazing resources that are available.  If you have questions, just ask. 




Monday, September 14, 2015

Running

Having a toddler means lots of running, running to get out the door for the office, running from one place to another, running in moments of fun, running at the playground and eventually we crash.  And when we do, it is oh so sweet.  Conor has been on the constant move since he started walking before his first birthday but once he lets me rock him to sleep it is the sweetest moment that I do not want to let go.  To think he will one day learn to say no.  But for now I enjoy all the kisses, sign language, and tight hugs.   



Water and sun fun brings this guy to nap time.



 This little guy enjoyed his second wedding of the summer.  It was one hot day.

I do not know why he thinks he is so funny but there was a smile hiding under those towel.

We enjoyed some time downtown and Conor got to have his first hard ice cream.  






Conor also enjoys cuddling his teddies these days, often piling them on top of himself or us.

Crazy hair day.



Conor enjoyed his second zoo trip but this time he was walking all over the place.




But his favorite place had to be the splash pad and the carousel.  I think he remembered his first ride in San Francisco at Pier 49.




We opened college football season in our Irish gear, teaching him our team to root for. 


This is one of my favorites, Conor does not have a preference on stuffed animals but this puppy just happens to be one from my childhood.  Not as soft as others but he gets a lot of cuddles.

Sunday, August 9, 2015

Summer fun

This summer has been quite a blast, lots happened and even more precious are all the memories we made as a family of three.  We traveled, saw some new places, and we did  it all together.
As it winds down I look and see this big boy, walking and babbling.  Smiling at everyone that talks and  works him down.  Thankful that he still wants me to rock him to sleep and is ready to play at any time, that giggle and cackle makes the day so much sweeter.





Helping water plants ended up watering the lawn.




Ferry to Alcatraz, a sweet moment.



 A nice nap during the race.

 First soft serve on a hot day.

 Preparing for lift off.

Plane seats are made for napping.

 Before a 6 mile run in the early morning.


Water can be the best for this little guy.  Entertainment that leads to naps.

Nectarines for the win.




Dress up fun.



Some adult time before another school year starts.

Rides on the cans have been a new thing.






This bean bag is one of Conor's favorite spots. Grandma made it for dad and its still getting some great use on a daily basis.


Family reunion meant some Tegan hugs, not too many as she was busy playing with all the kids.



There are so many other things that happened and we documented it as best as we could.  Conor may not remember it all and we may have to do the trips a few more times I am thankful that we enjoyed ourselves and seeing him move and lead us on new adventures.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Uno




This guy turned one year old over a week ago.  And let me tell you, he loved it, but he was not as excited about the cake as I had been.  Conor was moving and grooving and he showed us all his stuff as he walked around following everyone and keeping up with his friends.

Just over a year ago I had this guy…



The only thing that has not changed is how busy we have become since we got to bring Conor home.   Our adventures are much more memorable with our little guy who brings laughter and more joy to each day.  Running around is just a diaper bag away with car seats and take along toys.  Working on keeping shoes on and keeping Conor in sight as his need to explore becomes a priority.  



6 days from turning One, Conor had his first race with rain.  We had to Macgyver a rain suit for him as there were none in his size, sometimes we have to improvise but Conor is always up for something new.