Charlie Banana One Size Pocket Cloth Diaper Overview

Charlie Banana One Size Pocket Cloth Diaper Overview Video

• Only available in snap closure
• Features a crossover snap for a snug fit on babies as small as 7 pounds
• Pocket opening is in the front
• Liner is 100% Polyester Fleece
• Comes with 2 microfiber inserts
• Adjusted by "bra-style" brackets and elastic in leg openings
• Wide elastic in back waist area
• Hybrid - Allows for disposable insert by Charlie Banana
• Many colors and prints to choose from
• Made by Winc, Inc. in China - donates 1% of all sales to Operation Smile

& now for the video...

Fuzzibunz vs. bumGenius

I think it is safe to say the 2 most popular brands of One Size Pocket Diapers are Fuzzibunz and bumGenius, but what causes moms to choose one over the other? Let's take a look at the differences and similarities of the Fuzzibunz One Size Pocket Diaper and the bumGenius 4.0 Pocket Diaper...

First of all, they look similar. Beyond the placement of the snaps which we will discuss later, they really look pretty much the same:

Fuzzibunz                                            bumGenius

But, don't be fooled by apperances, the only things these diapers share is being One Size, Pocket Diapers and having a Snap Closure! With a ton of small differences, you would think one would become more popular, but both diapers really are loved by all! Some moms prefer one over the other, and some moms have a nice stash of each! So, on to the differences:

Fuzzibunz is a snap only diaper, they do not come in a hook and look version. BumGenius, on the other hand, can be either a snap or hook and look closure. The hook and loop closure still has the snaps on the front for size adjustments, but closes at the waist with a hook and loop. The size adjustment is probably the biggest difference between the two. The Fuzzibunz uses the leg and back elastic to pull the diaper tighter for a little one. Then the lower "hip snap" can be snapped more or less tightly to allow for a snug fit at the thigh. All Fuzzibunz come with a replacement set of elastics which are easily changed out when the current set losses its stretch. The bumGenius use a 3x3 snap placement on the front of the diaper to fold down and snap for a smaller diaper. You can buy a refresh kit to replace both the elastic and hook and loop for $1.00, but as the elastic is not stretched like the Fuzzibunz, this is not a big deal.

      

Fuzzibunz                                                  bumGenius                   

The pocket opening on the Fuzzibunz is all the way at the top of the diaper, and there is no flap to fold over the pocket opening. The bumGenius starts about an inch into the diaper and has a flap to fold over the pocket opening. The Fuzzibunz diaper is about an inch thinner in between the legs, which makes for a trimmer fit, but also makes it a bit more difficult to stuff the inserts. It is not hard, just not as easy to stuff as the bumGenius.

With a polar-fleece inner, the Fuzzibunz is the softer of the two, but it is also thicker because of this inner. The fleece is also very stain resistant. The bumGenius is a microsuede which is a thinner material which is still very soft. The Fuzzibunz inner runs all the way from the front to back, while the bumGenius has a "waterproof insert stopper" at the front to help keep belly leaks at bay.

Both the Fuzzibunz and bumGenius One Size Pocket Diapers come in a variety of fun colors. At the present time (July 2011) Fuzzibunz has 14 colors. BumGenius has 12 colors and 5 fun prints.

Fuzzibunz                                                                 bumGenius    

All in all, there are quite a few subtle differences that make the Fuzzibunz One Size Pocket Diaper and the bumGenius 4.0 Pocket Diaper unique. Still, they run neck in neck for popularity, and many moms cannot pick one over the other. How do you decide? Put them both on that baby botton & see for yourself!

Cloth Diaper Cakes

As you know, I am a WAHM. I do have the luxury of working a couple days a week alone while my boys spend time with their grandparents, but between running a business and running after 3 boys, my crafting days have come to an end! Occasionally I get to pull out my yarn or my scrapbooks & spend a little time doing what comes natural to me, but not very often.

So, it was with GREAT pleasure that I pulled out some supplies and assembled these cloth diaper cakes using unbleached indian prefolds. The small one is 6 infant prefolds & 3 Thirsties wipes, perfect to introduce a new mom to cloth. The medium has 12 prefolds and 6 wipes which will start a nice stash of prefolds. The large is 24 prefolds, 6 wipes and 3 Thirsties duo wrap covers, a good amount to get started in the world of cloth diapering. I am planning to continue my crafting with a Kissaluvs Cloth Diaper Cake, a Fuzzibunz Cloth Diaper Cake, a bumGenius Cloth Diaper Cake and a Flip Cloth Diaper Cake. Who knows where it will lead? If you are interested in a cake from a specific type of diaper or accessory, just let me know. I can always work up something special just for you!

Imagine how cute this prefold cloth diaper cake will look in the middle of the gift table at a baby shower. Or how much fun it would be to present this to a mom you know has been wanting to try cloth but has been hesitating! If you are already using cloth diapers or plan to do so when your baby is born, the cloth diaper cake makes a wonderful conversation starter, so why not get one to put on your table while you await your own bundle of joy?

Large

Medium

Small

The Benefits of Babywearing

There are tons of studies on the benefits of wearing your baby - from the day of birth on! Soon after baby is born, many moms feel they do not get a single minute to "do" anything. Don't mind we are always doing something! Snuggle your baby in a Moby Wrap or Dolcino and be hands-free. When you feel like you need to get something done, do it together. Experts suggest another great reason to start carrying early is to help ease your muscles into the extra weight of a toddler.

Studies seem to focus on the benefits of carring a newborn. I am one of those mama's who can't resist a newborn snuggled up against my chest, so it has always seemed natrual to me. And, with so many health benefits (see below), I had the perfect excuse if I needed one. I LOVE to wear my boys. But, I am only 5'1" and my littlest is getting to long. No to heavy, with my Moby Wrap, the weight is distributed so well, I do not have any trouble carring his 27 pounds - even for several hours at the hilly zoo.

While at the zoo, we turned our stroller into a sit & stand, meaning the 2 older boys can get in and out of the stroller by themselves, which makes the little one think he can too. Besides running him down or belting him in, both of which caused a major meltdown, the only other solution was to wear him. He loved it! He could see everything the big boys could see & then some. My husband loved the lightened stroller load & I loved the bonding time! WIN, WIN, WIN. In this video, you will see another reason why worn babies get to learn more. They just experience more. If I didn't have him in the Moby, I would have left him belted in the stroller to stay with Dad. But, this way he went right up to the giraffe with us (check out the concentration on his face)!



A few reasons why it is so healthy:

1. Babies cry about 50% less on average. This benefit alone is worth it to me!
2. Babies spend more time in the quiet alert stage, ideal for learning.
3. Babies feel secure and become independent at an earlier age.
4. The upright position aids in babies digestion.
5. The upright position helps baby adapt to life in the real world.

A few reasons why it is necessary:

1. Mom actually has 2 hands to get things done.
2. You choose who touches your baby when you are out & about.
3. Helps curb post-partum depression by being close to baby but not having to interact
4. Allows for discreet nursing.
5. Created confidence as baby is calm and content

Testing the Affiliate Program

Just wanting to test the affiliate program.

The Pool & Swim Diapers

OK, Where did spring go? We are flip-flopping between 50 & 80! But, I am debating getting out our little pool for the hot days! My boys LOVE the pool. With pool weather, comes swim suits. I don't know about you, but I HATE disposable swim diapers. Even when I was a disposable mama, I hated swim diapers. They get all wet & droopy, and they have got to be one of the hardest things to put on a baby. So, when I started using a snap-on cloth swim diaper, I was in love with the benefits. Our 2 favorites are the Bummis Swimmi & the Apple Cheeks Swim Diaper. Let me also recommend the Summer Swim Set which includes a Wet/Dry bag and matching Changing Pad, and the Planet Wise Swim Bag which is a life saver at the pool!

First of all, let's discuss what a swim diaper is for. It is not to absorb urine or bowel movements the way a regular diaper does. This would weight your baby down in a pool full of water, creating a very unsafe situation. The only purpose is to keep the BMs contained long enough to remove your child from the water and change the diaper. I know, kind of gross, try not to focus on this part. Surfice it to say, cloth swim diapers are equal to disposable diapers with the task at hand.

Now, let me tell you the benefits of the cloth verison:

1. Money Savings. Aren't we all looking for ways to save money without doing less? Here you have it. A cloth swim diaper which will last 1-2 summers depending on the size of your child costs between $12.75-18.99. A pack of 9-11 disposable swim diapers is $11.99. Think about how many you use, especially on vacation when you use 3 or 4 in one day.
2. Less bulk under a swim suit. Both disposable and cloth swim diapers can be worn alone, although many parents prefer a traditional swim suit over the top. With only 2 layers of fabric and no inner material, the cloth swim diaper does not create any bulk under your babies suit.
3. Snap on for easy on/off action. We frequent the lake during the summer, and that means swimming morning, noon & night with naps and eating in between. Trying to pull an 'underwear' style diaper on and off a crawler is the worst! Cloth Swimmies closure is similar to regular diapers in snap or hook & loop style. This is especially important if you have ever tried to remove a soiled disposable swim diaper, even ripping the sides seems to make a huge mess! 
4. Always at the ready. Just like disposable diapers, you will eventually find yourself running to the store last minute to get the disposable swim diaper. With a cloth, just toss in the wash with your other pool laundry & it will be ready when you are.
5. Cute, Cute, Cute! I will let this picture speak for itself. This is an Apple Cheeks Swim Diaper.





Monkey Head Winner Is...

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 4 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

#4 ~ E said...

Following Nell's Natural Baby with GFC

Congrats "E" and Thanks to you all for getting in on the fun. Hopefully I will find something else to give away soon! I would love to add a pick to your little one in his/her new hat.

Prefolds & Covers Detailed

I got some great feedback about the Fuzzibunz post. So I thought I would continue to detail the types and brands of diapers for you. Let me know if you like it, or if you don't...I don't want to bore you with details you don't want.

Prefolds and Covers are the most inexpensive and versitile way to cloth diaper. These diapers will last child after child after child. With our Infant Prefold Package, and our Baby Prefold Package, you can have an entire cloth diapering carreer (for multiple children) for about $250. Think "Grandma's way", now, stop thinking that! Although this is the way that Grandma probably diapered your mom, it had come - A VERY LONG WAY!

Let's start at the beginning. What is a prefold diaper? A prefold is a rectangular piece of cloth that is sewn with several layers of cloth, usually cotton or hemp, in such a way as to have twice as many layers in the middle as there are on the side. A 4x8x4 would have 4 layers on each side and 8 down the middle, right where absorbtion is most needed. This is an important number to consider, as all prefolds are not created equal. Just as an FYI, a flat is a cousin of the prefold, but with the same number of layers across the entire diaper.

We prefer Indian Prefolds, as opossed to Chinese. As the name suggests, these are made in India instead of China. They generally are less pilly and shrink a bit more than Chinese prefolds. Unbleached Indians are softer, especially after the first few washes. The fabric on the Chinese is woven a little denser, so they will shrink slightly less and feel less soft. They ‘quilt up’ a little less than the Indian Diapers, the Indian diapers get a more ‘quilted’ appearance. Indian diapers having a softer weave, tend to have a more frayed appearance at the ends of the diapers and an occasional loose thread. This is normal and expected and does not affect the diapers durability or usability. Frayed edges do not make a defective diaper. We have heard many storys of Indian Diapers lasting through several children and then making the rounds as a cleaning rag for years after.

Bummis



Thirsties



Now, lets talk covers. The two most popular are Thirsties and Bummis. Flip Covers are a somewhat new cover from Cotton Babies, and they are catching on very quickly too. A cover is needed with all prefolds.This is the waterproofing layer. Although the prefold/cover may be a little much for the new sitter, you will get the hang of a prefold & cover system very quickly.



Flip Cover



Thirsties come in 2 sizes, and in both snap and hook and loop closure styles. Size 1 covers 6-18 pounds, and Size 2 is 18-40 pounds. Thirsties Duo Wrap Covers use only 2 sizes because they utilize the same snap structure on the front as a one-size. Bummis has 4 sizes. This is the cover I recommend for all preemies and tiny newborns. The newborn is 4-9 pounds, small 8-16 pounds, medium 15-30 pounds and large 27+ pounds. Bummis are only hook & loop closure. Flips Covers are one-size, and come in both snap and hook & loop closure syle. All covers wipe clean, meaning there is no cloth on the inside of the diaper. If it is wet or lightly soiled, it can be wiped clean and reused.

Here is the thing that scares most people off... There are tons of ways to fold a prefold. Don't panic! The simplest is to fold each side over the middle, lay it in the cover and snap onto baby. If you baby is tiny, fold in forths along the short side. But, if you are adventurous, and most of you will get there once you get the hang of prefolds, you can try different folds for different uses. You can find my blog on ways to prefold here: http://3babyboysandabusiness.blogspot.com/2011/04/how-to-fold-prefold-cloth-diaper.html

Snappi

Pins are a thing of the past! Snappis are used to secure prefolds on baby. But, these are optional! Some moms prefer to put on a prefold and allow the cover to keep it in place. Other moms like the security of the snappi holding the diaper in the correct position. Either way, pins are no longer needed with prefolds. If you choose to use a snappi, simply put on one side, stretch to the other and stetch the bottom down. That's it!

Overall, prefolds may be the most versitile and long-lasting way to cloth diaper. It is definately the most inexpensive. There is a huge following of devoted prefold parents out there, are you one?

Daddy Time.

I had all intentions of detailing another diaper today since I feel a little biased about giving Fuzzibunz a review all of it's own.

But...sometimes I feel compelled to share the blessings of my life! Yesterday I was out playing with the boys in our new sandbox. Ben came out with us and eventually I had to go in and start dinner. I got dinner started and looked out my kitchen window. This is the view that greeted me. (I couldn't zoom any further & didn't want to interrupt them by getting closer.)

I am truly blessed with a wonderful husband and my children are blessed with a loving father. I think this may turn out to be one of my all time favorite photos ~ all my boys.

Details of the Fuzzibunz One Size Cloth Pocket Diaper

Since the announcment of the Buy 5 Get 1 Free Fuzzibunz Sale earlier this week, lots of questions have been coming our way about the Fuzzibunz One Size Cloth Diaper. I thought I would try to lay out all of the details to help unravel the mystery of Fuzzibunz One Size.

   

I think the first thing that confuses everyone is the snaps on the front (or the lack of). Unlike other one-size cloth diapers, Fuzzibunz does not use a snap-up system on the front of the diaper. They have created a unique way of adjusting the cloth diaper by changing the length of the elastic on the legs and back. Although there are guidelines for the weight of the baby, it generally takes some adjusting to get the perfect fit on your baby. Once you figure out that fit, you won't have to change it until baby gains several pounds. Each diaper comes with a replacement set of elastic, and it literally takes 5 minutes to change out if your first set of elastic gets to warn.

The next difference that throws people off is the hip snap. This allows the diaper to be snapped more (or less) snuggly at the leg hole. Got a baby with chicken legs, or one whose thighs could rival the fat lady? This diaper is perfect for you. The snaps on these diapers are super durable. Sometimes it takes me a few tries to get the snaps on other diapers lined up when my little guy is moving all around. Not true with the Fuzzibunz. I do have one of those chicken legged babies, so I do have a little trouble getting the hip snapped now and then since it is closer to the middle. I do however love the snug fit on his legs.

   

So, they look a little different and they fit a little different. They also feel a little different. The Fuzzibunz One Size Pocket Diaper had got to be one of the softest fabrics I have ever felt. I am thinking maybe I need a blanket made out of this stuff. The pocket liner (the part that touches your baby) is made entirely of Polar Fleece. It is sooooo soft! Even the leg elastic is covered by the fleece, so no red marks on baby's legs. The fleece is also a stay dry material. I sometimes have to check the inserts to be sure they are not wet. No kidding - it feels that dry. Which also means baby feels that dry. Another great thing about polar fleece is that dirties do not stick. If you hold your diaper over the toilet, the solid will fall right off. No need to rince, swirl, dip or spray! The off color of a poo comes right off in the washer.

Absorbancy is great with this cloth diaper. They come with both a small and large insert. Because they are so snug and so dry feeling, I love to use them at night. I put both inserts in at night to make sure my little one makes it through the night. I only have leak issues when I don't get the top fleece edge tucked in. That is probably my one complaint with the Fuzzibunz One Size Cloth Pocket Diaper. The pocket opens all the way at the top of the back and I am not always careful enough to make sure the extra fleece is not sticking out. But, because of this design, I can sometimes remove the inserts without having to touch them.

So, there you have it. We really like our Fuzzibunz!

   

A "Monkey Head" Giveaway!

I have gone back and forth about this giveaway, as I KNOW it is supposed to be Spring! But, the chilly, rainy season has kept me crocheting. I love the pattern for this super cute infant hat. My mother-in-law was cleaning out some yarn (she has an obession ;-) I snagged a bunch of schenes of thin cotton. The beautiful chocolate brown was one!

So, with all these events combined, I thought one of you would love to have my latest creation. When I finished, one of my little guys announced "Hey Mom, you made a Monkey Head!" So, it's for you... a Monkey Head. If you aren't expecting a little one anytime soon, this makes a great shower gift. Couple it with a bumGenius XS All-in-one diaper, or a Thirsties Duo Diaper Wrap for an awesome newborn photo!

Here it is:

How to get it:
         Mandatory Entry: Follow this blog (3 Baby Boys and a Business) & leave a comment!

         Extra Entries: (leave 1 comment per entry)

                         1.) 'like' Nell's Natural Baby on Facebook

                         2.) 'follow' Nell's Natural Baby with Google Friend Connect (lower left)

                         3.) blog about this giveaway

                         4.) 'follow' @nellsnatural on Twitter

Giveaway will end May 16th, 2011 at 11:59 pm EST. I will use Random.org to determine a winner. That winner will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. US entries only please. Good luck!

Review - Potty Bootcamp by S. Riffel

Ryder is offically Potty Trained!

I told you all several weeks ago that Ryder was on the path to Potty Training. After some investigation & many recommendations (some from you guys) to try The Potty Bootcamp, I decided this was the way to go. I set off in search of the book and downloaded the ebook from http://www.thepottybootcamp.com/ for the low, low price of $5.95. It is a very quick read at only 41 pages.

I was completely game until I reached Chapter 4 "Prep Time - Enlistment" (page 12). I thought - Wait a minute, I am ready to start today and I don't have time to 'enlist' Ryder. I can't wait another week or 2 or however long it takes him to decide to 'enlist'. But, I kept reading...just in case. Although at this point I had already decided to go it on my own. Couldn't hurt to see what other techniques she recommends in case what I have in mind doesn't completely succeed. But, this 'enlistment time' just wasn't going to happen!

I have to say by the end of the book, I was back on board. Suzanne pointed out that 90% of the training is done in one day. After some thought, I decided a one day plan, even if it was days away, was better that the torture I was going to have to endure using the methods I had in mind.

This was a Wednesday 3 weeks ago. I started to formulate a plan. The boys stay with my mother-in-law on Thursdays, so I would give Ryder 1 week to 'enlist' and then keep him home the following Thursday while I sent the other two to Mimi's house. We stocked up on the rewards, the underwear and all other items the book recommended, making a big deal of this important day. I stocked up on my resolve, my patience and my prayers. It was only going to be 1 day, but it was going to be 1 LONG, HARD, FRUSTRATING Day! I printed out the flowchart the book provides to make sure I did all the right steps in the right order. I was only going to do this once, so I wanted to make sure I got it right. Quite honestly, the day came and went in a blur. I remember feeling frustrated, proud, even feeling sorry that I had to be "mean" so Ryder would get it. He was doing so well, I even chanced a run to McD (about a 10 minute trip) with only underwear and pants. I believe this is breaking the rules by the way. How disappointed I was when Ryder announced from the back seat "I no peeing" code words for "I wet my pants." But, when we got home, we rushed to the bathroom & he was still dry! At the end of day 1, the 90% day, I had no idea if any of it was working. The book indicated you will be in one of two categories at the end of day 1 - Your child self-initiated, or Your child did not self-initiate. I couldn't even decide which group we were in. Does "I no peeing" count as "I need to pee?" I was confused, but determined to see this through and I was not putting diapers on this child again! So... onward!

Day 2 was going to be harder, I had all 3 kids, and couldn't focus all of my time on Ryder. I went to bed feeling exhausted, confused, and worried, but also determined to see this through. Then it happened. About 10 minutes after we got up, Ryder stood at the end of the couch and proudly announced "I have to potty." WOOHOO!!!! We have had plenty of accidents since then, and really didn't leave the house for the next week & a half, but he is getting it. We have had several accident-free days!

I can't recommend The Potty Boot Camp book enough! We give it 5 stars!

Backing the Change 3 Things Challenge!

I sell a LOT of bumGenius & Flips. The woman behind the company, Jennifer Labit, is a very interesting and inspiring woman. She is out to change diapering one baby at a time. She has set out a challenge to diapering parents: Change 3 Things: 3 cloth diapers. One planet. Big impact.

I have taken the challenge and as a disposable convert myself, I understand the pros & cons of both sides. My child (we are down to 1 in diapers!!!) is not cloth diapered exclusively. Sometimes the convenience of disposables wins. But then I re-read facts about the chemicals, the environment and the cost...& can't imagine going back to disposables full time!

She has been tracking diaper changes calculated as 3 diapers * the number of 'like' on the Change 3 things Facebook Page. So, go like the page & tell her Nell's Natural Baby sent you. From early March to today, more than 717,000 cloth diapers have been changed! That is the equivalent to the number of disposable diapers 400 babies would have contributed to a landfill in a year's time.

It's amazing what 3 diapers a day will do for the planet, for your wallet & for your child! You go Jennifer! I love how one persons vision can set the world on fire!

Our Pinecone Obsession - Bunnies

I hear a lot of moms comment about their kids collecting rocks. One friend of mine has 4 kids who routinely put rocks in their pockets to paint during the summer months. Another mom I know had to resort to a large flower vase to contain all the rocks her daughter brought home. For my boys, it's pine cones. We live in Ohio, so pine cones are plentiful! Every walk we take results in at least 1 pine cone per child & I bet we have come home with 20-25 in a single walk. I do not allow them in the house very often, they crunch up & make a terrible mess. Our dog also thinks they are a delectable treat, and I can't imagine they are great for her insides! We keep the pine cones in a box in the garage and generally use them start fires in the fall and winter. This serves several purposes. 1.) It works to help our fires get started 2.) the boys think it is neat that they catch fire first and 3.) It thins out the pine cone collection for next year!

But, I do try to incorporate them into crafts if I get the chance. The boys love to go out to the box and find the "one" they want to use. The hard work of finding the perfect pine cone will turn the day around for the boys! Their excitement for crafting turns the day around for me!

This week, Braden saw these Pine Cone Bunnies in our Disney Family Fun Magazine (which we LOVE) & out came the craft supplies.

They now grace our fireplace mantle. What a fun way to start Easter Week!

How to: Fold a prefold cloth diaper

Wouldn't it be great if the term prefold meant that the diaper was already folded for you and ready to put on baby's bum? Sorry, prefold means that you must fold the diaper before putting it on baby's bum. Luckily, there are several ways to fold a prefold & all are quite simple! At different ages, you may find that different folds work better. Experiment and practice until you find the perfect fold! We have prefold packages available for Preemies, Infants and Older Babies. We also have the prefolds and covers separately so you can personalize your own stash!

The Trifold Fold: Good for newborns and infants. Lay out the prefold. Fold each side over the middle (trifold) and place in diaper cover. Put on baby. Fasten cover. For tiny babies, fold the prefold in fourths the short way instead of thirds the long way. Then place in cover. This shortens the prefold.

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Bikini Twist Fold. Lay the baby on the prefold. Twist the bottom portion of the prefold. Bring up the prefold between legs. Secure the sides of the cloth diaper with a Snappi, adjusting the front rise as needed. Fasten the diaper cover. This is a great fold for babies with chunky legs. It maintains great absorbency while allowing a large opening for the legs. This is also a great fold if your diapers are a little large for your baby.

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The Angel Wings Fold. Fold each side over the middle (trifold the prefold). Flare out both sides on the top of the diaper. Place baby on top of the prefold. Bring up the prefold between legs. Secure the "wings" of the diaper with a Snappi, adjusting the rise as needed. Fasten diaper cover.  This fold is wonderfully trim fitting while still wrapping the cloth diaper around your baby's body which allows it to catch more of the mess.

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The Jelly Roll Fold. Also known as the Sidewall Fold. Lay the baby on the prefold. Roll both sides in toward the middle making a taper. Bring up the prefold between legs. Secure sides of the diaper with a Snappi, adjusting the rise as necessary. You can see how the roll around the legs helps to keep messes inside, especially great for runny newborn poo. Fasten diaper cover.

I NEED a mom conversation!

Do you ever feel like you are stuck in the kids world? You know the one...where the purple dinosaur and the flying tiger meet and have a battle with the legos and the winner gets their hotwheel of choice? (If you have girls, maybe you at least get to have a civilized tea party with purple dinosaur and flying tiger)? Where a tent is a bed sheet strung between the couch & the chair and you must use the secret password to enter? Where all questions must begin and end with the letters "W-H-Y"? And all answers must be repeated a minimum of 14 times?

That is the world I live in! I LOVE my boys, and I honestly LOVE their crazy, silly, loud nature...most of the time. But, there are those times when I crave the quiet, honest, sensible conversation of another mom. My husband is a wonderful listener, and I can talk to him about anything, if I want to do the talking. He just is not much of a talker himself. Thankfully, I have found the moms I need! Mothers of Preschoolers International (MOPS). Our group meets every other Wednesday at a great local church with a fun indoor playground and awesome childcare volunteers who plan a lesson, sing, snack and play with the kids. This provides me with 2 hours of much needed down time with other moms. Yes, we spend most of the time discussing how to be a better mom, and that is ok. Two weeks ago, we talked about our child's Love Language and how to show love in whichever way our child would feel it best. After a wonderful presentation, we created this little window vase:

This vase may be quite tiny, but its importance is monumental and grand.

For the love that went into each picked 'flower',

was carefully chosen by your child's small hand.

How important these pesky 'flowers' become and how great they will make your day,

when your child comes running across the lawn 'I picked these just for you,' they'll say.

No other flower can show your child's love, that that of the dandelion in bloom.

For sometimes in the thicket of weeds, Gods love is revealed to you.

So each time you use this vase, remember how great the reason.

For nothing can compare to the love of a child, when the dandelions are in season!

Of course as soon as we got outside, the boys went dandelion hunting (not very hard at our house right now!) and brought me the sweetest 'flowers' to remind me that a child's world is right where I belong...most of the time!

Potty Training - Here comes Ryder!

I am a cloth diaper retailer & I am loving my job...Selling Diapers. I am also a diapering mama & not loving that job so much...changing diapers. I love the cute, fluffy, healthy diapers stacked neatly in the cubbies of my storage room. I mean who wouldn't love this view...

But, when I see those same diapers in the baskets on my changing tables (even though they are clean, fluffy & super cute), I feel anything but happy.

Ryder is 2 1/2 & I am ready to have him OUT OF DIAPERS! He has such sensitive skin (thanks to his dad), that he has had a constant battle with diaper rash since he was born. These days, he is such an independent soul that sometimes I do not catch a BM until he comes running to me telling me "my butt hurts" and he is red as a beet! I know it is going to get worse this summer as we head outside for hours at a time & he will have no patience to stop for diaper changes. I hurt for him, so it is time for him to move into big boy pants!

To that end, I have been researching potty training all over again. I have found a wealth of information, and a wealth of conflicts! Train slowly, train quickly, do it in 1 day, it takes time, go naked, put on pants, let the child train themself, leave them on the potty until they go.... What am I supposed to do. This is a child who thinks that telling you up when he means down, & up when he means down is hilarious. I am not sure getting him to tell me he has to potty is going to be easy. Many have suggested "Potty Bootcamp" by Suzanne Riffel. I have ordered the e-book for this evening's reading pleasure. So, with my mind made up & Ben's support, we are going to get the job done one way or another! I hope! ;-)

Not-so-random Blog Hop! - Six in the Nest

Since I have started my blog, I have been doing A LOT of blog hopping! Just to see how to improve my blogging skills & not bore you all to death. Well, today I stopped by this blog, and was sucked in for way longer than I should have stayed. Now I am going to have to stay up late and figure my March numbers. So, thanks for nothing Jenilee! =)

Anyway, this is a wonderful place to check out all things parenting. With 6 children under 7 years old, Jenilee knows a thing or 2 about being a mom, and she is happy to share with the rest of us. You can find a lot of great reads as well as reviews, giveaways, blog hops & my personal favorite, Fluffy Fridays! =) So, check it out at http://www.sixinthenest.com/ and let me know what you think.

Hapinstance - Grand Opening!

I am very happy to report that 'Nell's Natural Baby' is now available inside Hapinstance Designs in the historical district of downtown Tipp City, Ohio! What an awesome shop we have been invited to join. The ladies there are amazing. Jetta, Marilyn & Suzan, WOW!!! You have created a truly wonderful space to shop.

The grand opening celebration was on Saturday. I was so busy talking to new moms & dads, grandmas & grandpas, I didn't get any pictures of the festivities. I even got to hold a couple sweeties ~ perks of the job ;-) Rest assured it was a great time. With purses, jewelry, candles, cards, furniture & accessories, on & on, the baby section & diapers are just one part of the beautiful big picture.  We are very excited to have a place where families can go to 'touch & feel' the products.  Please, stop in & see this wonderful new store. Trust me, you won't walk out empty-handed. I have a hard time resisting & I go all the time (not good for our savings plan ;-)

Help Please!

Carson spilled popcorn in the chair this morning - I got out the vacuum to clean it up.

Ryder took over from there!

& the Popcorn Thief!

Thanks Scooter! Mom really appreciates your help!