6 weeks and a couple days

You may have caught the FB post about eating two thanksgiving dinners... for two. Or maybe you missed it. That's okay. I'm telling you now, more plainly, that Abi will be a big sister. Our family is growing.
By standard measures (which are ridiculous, by the way) I am 6 weeks and a couple of days pregnant. (But really that means the embryo has existed for 4 weeks. And a couple days. Because you don't get pregnant on the last day of your period. What a ludicrous method of counting. As if people don't understand ovulation and how conception works in the 21st century.)
Only 34 more weeks to go until we meet the baby. Or so. Thereabouts.
Fewer weeks until we will know if it's a boy or a girl - and yes I intend to find out again because, no, I am not patient enough to wait.
You can do the math if you like on your calendar, but I don't like to announce a "due date". It's a "normative" date. That means, on average, the 'norm' is about 40 weeks (which is actually 38 weeks by the way, but they have to tack on an extra 2 weeks to date it by the last day of your last period. See how silly it all is?)
As I was saying, if I was going to give some standardized date, it would be around June 5th (look at that, you don't even have to check your calendar now). But I don't say that or think that way. It's foolish. It's not as if a baby has a timer that buzzes when 38 weeks are up. Just because some measure found an average of 38 weeks for development, doesn't mean it literally takes that exact length of time.
And don't even get me started on the misuse of the body fat index...

Sorry, where was I? Oh, the joyful news of a new baby. And that it is due around early June. (Not late May, because I'm pretty sure running early isn't in the genes.)

And to answer the typical questions we've been fielding:
Yes the baby will be born here.
Therefore, no, we will not be returning to Winnipeg before June.
Yes, I once again intend to have a natural home birth with a midwife.
Yes, we are still returning to Winnipeg in 2012. Shortly after the baby is born. And yes I'd rather move with a newborn than while pregnant. Especially since I do not want to transfer my midwife care and I want to make sure I can have my baby in the comfort of my own home.
Abi is elated. She talks constantly about how she wants to care for the baby. She'll rock it to sleep and sing it lullabyes. She'll hold it. (She'll change diapers I like to add...) She'll teach it to draw and read and... the lists go on.
Abi has also stopped nursing as of my last ovulation (when I was certain I was pregnant). Yay, I get a 9 month respite. She respects that I need my energy for the baby. She still hints that she'd happily start nursing again if I said yes, but she doesn't push or beg. So I think that went well. We'll see what happens when there is a baby nursing...

That's the big news around here. I don't have any related photos to share, but you can see what the baby looks like, sorta, here. Eww. Squishy little thing.

Cloth Diapering - Updated

Updated September 2010
I'm highlighting the important parts and new additions now that I have more experience.
I am also adding some topic links within this post:
Diapering Supplies
Basic Cloth Diapers
Wool Soakers
All in One diapers
Washing diapers and covers

I've written before about the fact that we cloth diaper Abigail and how excited I was to order cloth diapers and knit wool soakers before she was born, but I have not yet provided an "inside look" at cloth diapering. I had a friend recently comment that I demonstrate how easy cloth diapering can be. It is easy if you know what you are doing and have support getting started. I am a "self-taught" CDer. That is, I didn't learn from family or friends in person. However, I did learn from other CDing parents online. I did a lot of research concerning different types of diapers, how each works, different covers, cloth wipes and solution, how to clean everything, and even different dirty diaper bin options. I have purposefully tried a wide variety of cloth diaper styles and am now ready to give my opinion on these options. I tried a variety because babies come in different shapes and sizes. Not all diapers work equally well on all babies. I suspect the main leak area around the legs would be the greatest area of difference. A skinny-legged baby would benefit more from one make of diaper than a chubby-legged babe. A heavy wetter would need either a diaper designed for this or added doublers. There is a lot of variety to choose from in style, cut, design - not to mention colours! My collection so far is mild in comparison to what is available.

Diapering Supplies
This is our diaper station. On the left are the supplies organized in a cloth basket (thanks Kare' and Sherri - I bet you didn't imagine I'd use your gift bag like this):
cloth wipes made from a baby face cloth stitched to a flannel square (both the facecloth and flannel were prewashed in hot water before sewing because they are washed in hot. The flannel was cut to the subsequently distorted shapes of the cloths.),
the spray bottle of wipes solution (water, olive oil, tea tree oil and lavender),
the snappis (for closing prefold diapers),
and bum balm (a natural, organic herbal balm),
as well as face cloths, baby massage oil, and castor oil (will be stored on a shelf later out of reach). Below the bag are her unbleached prefolds. Under Abigail is a change pad covered with a receiving blanket and often with a prefold under her butt. This way, if she pees or such during changing or while she is having "bum time" to air dry and kick her legs I can wash the cloth (which I have many of) rather than the pad (which I have fewer of). On the right I throw her covers.

Basic Cloth Diapers
Featured in this photo is her (open) Under The Nile organic cotton fitted diaper placed next to Abigail for size comparison. This is a wonderfully soft fabric. It fits nicely, but is rather bulky and takes a long time to dry. As she grew older, it fit much better and with a few washes was less bulky. Still takes longer than my average diaper to dry, but I have some pretty quick-drying diapers. I only have one of these (a gift). While I support the use of organic cotton and I love Under the Nile products (we have a few), I would not buy more of these simply because of their bulk and drying time. I would love to see these made with fold-out liners, like my sugarpeas diapers or bamboozle.
These are basic prefolds and doublers. On the left is a well-loved cotton prefold. A large bag of these in two sizes were given to me second-hand (actually, third hand at least). I use them more for under Abigail during changes or massages. As a diaper, I find they are too thin. Having washed my own prefolds many many times now, I realize that these were once the same thickness as mine. While they may not be quite as effective now as diapers (unless you add a doubler) as when they were new, they are still great to have around.
On the right is an unbleached hemp doubler that could also be used as a prefold at this stage. I've yet to use these. I keep forgetting to prewash them. Hemp has a lot of natural oils that must be stripped before the diaper can be used. Hemp is more absorbant than cotton, which makes it very useful for during nap or bedtime diapering.
I have found that I don't need doublers for Abigail. At least not yet. However, when I have used them they are great.
Here is Abigail in a prefold held on with a snappi. Putting on the diaper is simple: place square under her butt, fold the section between her legs in thirds and bring that up to her belly, slightly fan out the thirds and bring the sides up to cross over. Hold in place with the snappi. The snappi is a stretchy plastic device with teeth on each of the three ends. These teeth grab onto the fabric when you stretch the snappi across. The third, center, end tightens the snappi in place.
We also have some fitted diapers. Here is a kooshies cuddlers fitted (given to us second-hand). These fit well around the legs. At her current size I find they are too tall on the rise and bulky at the bottom, but as she grows they will fit better. They claim to fit NB to 22lbs, but I would not recommend them for NB. (Online I see them listed as 10-22lbs, which makes more sense, but the packaging I have says NB). Even at about 11lbs these are big. I found these to be less absorbant, but perhaps this is because they are well-washed with previous usage. I rarely ever used these except as back-up when I ran out of diapers. I am not a big fan of hook-and-loop (velcro) closures for diapers because the hooks catch on everything in the wash. These diapers have no cover for the hooks. I also didn't like how loose they were in the back. These dry in the same time as my unbleached prefolds.
These are Blue Dog diapers (same make as my change pads: dri-line). The Blue Dog on the left was my first experience with cotton fitted diapers. I wasn't particularly impressed with fitteds then, but as she gets older I see the benefits of an elasticized leg hole to allow her greater leg movement. I find the Blue Dogs take a little longer to dry (like the organic cotton), but they are well priced and easy to use. The larger diaper on the right I have yet to use. Several of these were gifted to me. They seem to be an AIO design (see below).

Snug to Fit are another Dri-Line product. I should add that this is a Canadian company. This is a one-size diaper. The snaps on the front allow you to fold down the front section to make the diaper smaller. As baby grows, a second line pf snaps makes the diaper larger and it is at its largest when you no longer need to snap the front down. As with most one-size diapers, these are quite bulky at their smallest size, but not too bad. The benefits, of course, is that one diaper will last until your child potty trains. This diaper also features a loose liner, which allows for quicker drying. This dries in the same time as prefolds. For their price, quality, and length of use, I highly recommend these diapers. They have become my staple diaper now that I nolonger use prefolds and don't need as many diapers. It helps that we practice Elimination Communication.

On the left is a sugarpeas fitted hemp diaper. These come in two sizes, both of which are adjustable to cover a long period of diapering. I have size one and size two. Both currently fit her. The liners fold out for quicker drying. I love these Canadian-made diapers. The extra absorbancy of hemp makes them great for night time use. I pair them with a wool soaker cover and they work perfectly to absorb her overnight pees AND allow her skin to breath without having leakage or wet PJs and bedsheets. On the right is a Bamboozle (made in Scotland, but carried by Cdn company Bummis). These are another two-size diaper. I wouldn't bother with a size one because the size two fits from 10lbs to 35lbs, so, unless you really want these for a premie or have a small baby (size one fits 5-18lbs), you can save a lot of money by jumping straight to the size two. It didn't take Abigail long to reach 10lbs! The bamboozle is made from, you guessed it!, bamboo. Bamboo is naturally antibacterial and also super absorbent. These diapers are a terry cloth and delightfully soft. The also have a loose liner that makes for quick drying. I ADORE these diapers. However, I never did buy more. As soft as they are, they don't fit Abigail as well as I would like. But keep in mind, different diapers fit different babies.
How could I forget my Kissaluv diaper? This is another cozy soft and adorable diaper. It's a shame to cover it. The Kissaluv is very absorbant, but does take longer to dry. I usually hang it to finish drying when all the rest are done, along with the Under the Nile and Blue Dog diapers. I really love this diaper and wish I had more. It fits beautifully because it has wonderful stretch.

When Abi outgrew her smallest diapers I bought two Mother-Ease Sandy's diapers in bamboo. I LOVE these diapers. In fact, if I were to start anew, I'd buy these instead of the Blue Dogs. They are not bulky (because they are bamboo and thus can get away with less fabric), but they do take a little longer to dry. What I love best is that they snap on the sides. This is very handy when your baby insists on NOT lying down for a diaper change. With snaps, you know which snaps you have to attach together (whereas, with velcro you would need to keep baby still to adjust to the proper fit or risk it falling off) to get the right fit. With side snaps, she can be crawling away, belly to the floor, and you can still attach the diaper. Brilliant. If I have to buy more diapers, I will get more of these.

All of the diapers discussed so far require a cover to keep the wetness from leaking or wicking to baby's clothes (and beyond). We use Bummis covers and find that they hold any leaks in. We have also tried the Mother-Ease Rikki wrap covers and they are equally effective at containing everything. I prefer the Bummis for providing a tab to "store" the hook side of the hook-and-loop tape. However, I would ultimately prefer a snap cover or to use all wool soakers. Abigail is showing off her froggies whisper wrap cover over a prefold. She also has white covers and a yellow SuperBrite cover (visible in first picture). We also use the Bummis Whisper Pants, which look more like the old fashioned plastic pants. They are nice for being very thin.

Wool Soakers
We also use wool soakers. Wool is very absorbant, naturally antibacterial, and breathes well. When properly lanolized, a wool soaker works by absorbing extra moisture transferred from the diaper and NOT wicking it to the next layer of fabric. Lanolin occurs naturally in sheep wool, however, it is stripped from the wool during processing and must be replaced using a lanolin product such as Lansinoh. The soaker needs to be re-lanolized every few weeks because the urine will break it down. (Did you know that wool used to be processed with human urine?)
Lanolizing and washing the soakers is a simple process that pretty much involves
1) soaking the cover in a wool wash (or wash with other gentle soap such as a bar of olive oil soap or organic baby shampoo and then rinse),
2) resoaking it in warm water with lanolin melted in (to melt the lanolin, squeeze about an inch of Lansinoh per soaker into a jar, add HOT water and a small amount of wool wash or other gentle soap to help break down the lanolin so it can be absorbed, shake the jar well - with lid on of course - and add the mixture to warm water. Your water should look milky. Then add the soaker turned inside out so the inside has the most exposure to the lanolin.)
3) leaving it for a few hours to absorb the lanolin (the soaker should feel sticky after. It can't be too sticky. if it feels too sticky, don't worry, the lanolin will soften your baby's skin and will dissipate on its own),
4) squeezing out excess water by rolling in a towel, and
5) laying or hanging over something wide to dry.
If the cover gets poopy, I just soak the spot and wash it with a bar of olive oil soap, then lanolize.

These are our store-bought wool soakers. The purple is AJ'z Wonderful Wool Soaker (from Grace at Forever Family). This is a nice wool wrap cover, but I prefer a pull-on style. The off-white is an Aristocrats "bum sweater" wool soaker. I had heard many great things about this soaker and I must agree that it is a fabulous choice! This is a pull-on style cover. It's frequently called a bum sweater because it is roomy. Unlike a wrap-style cover and the other pull-ons I've made (below), the Aristocrats does not have to fit snugly all around to stay on. Abigail is not a particularly heavy wetter, but every review I have read praises the ability of this soaker to handle a wet diaper, particularly during naps/bedtime.


Abigail models her Warm Heart Woolies (WHW) wrap cover, knit by me (as are all of the wool soakers to follow). This did not fit well at first - there were gaping spaces around her leg - until she grew more. I used a simple button closure system, but a hook-and-loop ("Velcro") closure would make it more adjustable. I didn't want to sew on hook and loop tape. Now that she fits it, I really like this wrap and it is extremely quick to make. However, because it does not fit snugly around her legs, I use it only with fitteds rather than with a prefold because this leg would not hold in anything trying to sneak out of a diaper.

My first soakers were a simple triangle pattern in newborn size. I made them for my sister, but she never used them. She sent them back to me for Abigail and I really liked them. These are another very simple pattern - knit a triangle with a ribbed top; bring the bottom corner up to the top, stitch closed leaving leg holes. I made one extra special by adding a heart design to the bum.

The Punk Rock Knitter pattern is very similar in the end to the triangle, except it is knit in the round to start with a panel that comes up between the legs and is kitchener stitched for a more clean look.


The Curly Purly is my favourite pattern so far. This is knit in the round. My first attempt (left)was frogged after I finished. It's a beautiful yarn, but it is mixed with soy and soy fiber, while absorbant, would wick the moisture to the next layer of fabric. All plant-based fibers will wick moisture. This is why one should use 100% wool for soakers, because wool will not wick the moisture, it will just absorb it (when lanolized). The Curly Purly was still a little big for Abigail when I put it on her in the picture above. It fits much better now. I have since made her another one (since she outgrew the first) using Peace Fleece wool. I highly recommend this wool because it holds its shape very well and does not pill as much as the Patons Classic Merino I have usually used. The Curly Purly is still my favourite pattern, hands down.



This is a revised version of the TinyBirds Organics soaker pattern. The original pattern is for toddlers and the revised version fits smaller. It should fit Abigail at around 6 months I think. This is another good pattern. I think the greatest problem I found with this is my choice of yarn (Patons Classic Merino), which stretched.

My Sheepy Pants (aka longies) were made using the first pattern I have ever purchased online. This pattern comes highly recommended by other wool-soaker knitters, and I fully agree with their endorsements. The pattern is clear and easy to follow. Knitting these was a breeze. I'll certainly be making more. Note to self - get knitting on those shorties and longies! Wool pants can be worn directly over a diaper without need for a pair of pants overtop. Wool is warm in winter and COOL in summer because it breathes.

I found this wool soaker pattern on Ravelry and loved it because it uses a DK weight wool (which I have a stash of) and adds extra wool, in the form of stripes, to be more absorbant. The pattern asserts this would fit approx 6-18m depending on diaper, but this is entirely not true. This fits snugly on Abigail now at 10 weeks. It also needs a slightly higher rise. But otherwise I love the pattern and the resulting soaker. Look how cute it is in the bum! I would make it again. Now that I have a base model I can easily resize it. It really was a great soaker, but she outgrew it quickly. I passed it on to a friend who loved it. I did make one a size larger, but used Patons again (why oh why), not yet realizing how badly it can stretch. I have a lot of Patons Classic Wool in my stash I was planning to use, but as I type this I realize I really should use it for something else and get more Peace Fleece for the soakers. Don't worry, it'll get used.

I have since crocheted two styles of soakers. One a DC pattern with a skirty option (I test knit this pattern and did add the skirt) another a SC pattern that has become my favourite. It is very quick to make and I've made one for Abi and two as gifts (since Abi doesn't need more). I have used Patons Merino for these. The weight works very well and the fabric doesn't lose its shape when crocheted as it does when knit with this yarn. Good use of that Patons stash!

The DC pattern is by WiggleBunz. It is cute, but I'm not as fond of waistbands made separately. It is also a paid pattern.


This was my test knit using a heavier weight yarn. I didn't like how it turned out with this yarn, especially on the skirtie. It was frogged. But I liked the pattern enough to make it again (above) in Patons Merino.

The SC pattern is the Little Fire soaker, which also comes with a skirtie option. I really like this pattern, which uses DCs for shaping. Also, it's free! This is my first recommendation to friends who want to crochet a soaker.
Here is Abi's scraps soaker
And this one is a new one to be gifted soon. I made another but didn't take any decent photos.


All In One diapers
Finally we come to my AIO (all in one) diapers. Both styles I have are pocket diapers. As shown above, there is a pocket in which an absorbent layer is inserted. These come with microfiber inserts, but you could also use a prefold or doubler. The outer layer is PUL. It does not require a cover because this layer keeps moisture in. The inner layer is a soft microfleece fabric that pulls moisture away from Abbie's bum. I could also buy similar liners for my other diapers, but haven't yet because she is changed frequently. She lets me know when her diaper is dirty.
The orange diaper is a Fuzzi Bunz in size small. The green is a BumGenius one-size diaper shown at its smallest setting. Unlike other one-size diapers, the bumgenius is not extra bulky.

Both my AIO styles have pocket inserts, but there are also AIO styles that do not have a removable layer. Some people prefer these, but I've never tried them for a comparison. There are some truly gorgeous handmade AIOs I'd love to buy though! I have heard complaints that removing the insert in pocket AIOs is "gross" or difficult. I've never had a problem. At worst I have to grab the insert from the top (and yes I feel it is damp, but this is no worse than grabbing a wet prefold), but usually I can just hold it upside down and shake it out. One store owner ranted to me about how hard these are to clean. I suspect she and other complainers simply didn't know how to do it right, because myself and others haven't had problems with stinky pocket diapers. I separate the inserts from the rest of the diaper.

Washing Diapers
Which leads me to diaper pails. I use a dry diaper pail system with two bins. In the main bin, a regular rubbermaid kitchen stepcan, I have a Wahmies liner. These are the best pail liners! In this bin I throw dirty cloths, prefolds, fitteds, and inserts. In the other plastic, lidded bin I put dirty covers and pocket diapers (minus the insert). When the main bin is full, I take the pocket diapers from the other bin, toss them in the bag, and bring the entire bag down to the laundry machine where I dump the contents into a cold water wash. (I also add our cloth tissues to the load.) My diapers get a cold water wash and rinse (or prewash) without detergent followed by a hot wash with about 2 tbsp of detergent and a cold rinse. All is then transferred to the dryer on medium for 50 minutes with dryer balls. At that point the wipes and AIOs are done, so I remove them to reduce the bulk drying and reset the dryer on regular for another 20-30 minutes. Or, I may hang them to dry on a sunny day. I occasionally sun-bleach my diapers to get them white (or off-white for unbleached) again by hanging them in the sun. This is preferable to using bleach or other chemical treatments (which I do not use).

Covers are washed with other laundry according to their wash instructions at a warm temp (I like to use a cold prewash still), although the whisper and brite wraps could go in with her diapers.

While the diapers are being cleaned, I line the main pail with my second Wahmies liner (btw, there are Canadian retailers for these) and begin to fill it with the never-ending dirty diapers :) When we are not at home I use a jamtots zippered wet bag to store her dirty diapers. I tried another bummis-like style of wet bag but didn't like it at all. (Wahmies makes a similar wet bag, but the store I was at only had JamTots, which are a Canadian company - a plus.)

That about covers my cloth diapering experience. There are many great work at home mothers (WAHMs) making these products in Canada (and the US and elsewhere) and providing excellent advice, tips, and help for cloth diapering families. If you are considering CDing your child, or if you know someone expecting a child who you'd like to encourage to cloth diaper, check out all the great online resources. I can't even begin to list them for you (Google does that well enough), but you are welcome to ask me for some more links. If, like me, you prefer to buy local or Canadian, then JamTots is a great place to start (I only just now checked out their page) because not only do they have a great variety of products, but they also have helpful articles. Parenting by Nature is another favourite Canadian online store of mine and a great source of information.

Preggo-Prerogative

Friday night I came up with a very useful term: preggo-prerogative. Neither Robin and I had eaten dinner, so I thought when I picked him up from work at 7 we could grab something. I wanted sushi. He was humming and hawing. I decided to call upon my preggo-prerogative to decide the matter. It seemed a fair use of this privilege to me. I've really not demanded much during this pregnancy. I've not had strange cravings. I've not sent Robin on late-night trips to pick up special foods... so *I* think that if I have a desire for a certain food (very occassionally) and it's not too much trouble, then darn-it-all, I should get that food for dinner!! I'm not abusing preggo-prerogative and making constant demands...

In other baby news, we received another wonderful baby gift in the mail. The ever-so-thoughtful Jen and Joe sent us a chocolate brown Moby wrap baby carrier. Yummmy. Now we have several options: Moby wrap (soft, stretchy and neutral in colour), orange wrap (less soft and stretchy and bolder in colour, not Robin's favourite), beige pocket sling (which Veronica didn't like much, but we'll try for diversity), and maroon Ergo carrier (with all the nifty accessories). I still have an unpadded ring-sling on my baby wish-list - you know, for more options. (Robin says I don't need any more...) I love baby wearing. Now, we just need the baby... (Monkey is un-cooperative. She wouldn't get into the sling! I'm sure if I had a canine-cat (ie, a mini-dog) she would love to be carried. Monkey would rather ride in the pram.)

[Robin models the new wrap with a rolled-up towel inside]

Yesterday I got to dress up for a department potluck social. Dressing up feels good. (V, I ended up wearing the top you sent for Yule with a warm wrap.) Potlucks are also very good!! So many delicious choices... and then dessert! We also had lunch with our friend Chris S who was up on a short visit from Tennessee. Today I had a free pregnancy massage. It's a good weekend!

Bright Yellow Folder

A large bright yellow folder is my new constant companion. So say my widwives. Yes, Yellow Folder and I must go everywhere together "just incase" (I go into labour). I think Yellow Folder needs a name... Byf? That's not a very nice name. How about... Sunshine. Yes, Sunshine is my new companion. Good thing I have a large purse to carry her around in. Why is the folder female? I don't know. Maybe because most of the people involved in this birth (with the singular exception of Robin) are female.

Today's midwife appointment was short. Because I was late. I'd blame the storm, but I actually forgot this morning. Don't you hate when you remember something the day before, tell yourself to file it as important to remember the next day, and then forget? Apparently 3 calendars (2 on walls, one on the computer) aren't good enough to remind me of appointments. To report on progress - all is well. As usual. Measuring to size, normal heartbeat, normal blood pressure, normal everything. We're just over 33 weeks now. My next appointment, at the end of the month, is a home visit.

Yesterday my mom's belated Xmas package arrived. Aside from the Xmas gifts (DVDs from mom and clothes from sis), the best part was the baby-stuff -- some prefolds and snappis, the newborn-sized wool soaker I'd made Dorion, and breastfeeding clothes. Now we can start practicing our prefold diaper wrapping (on non-squirmy stuffed animals). I can't remember if my childhood baby doll Claire is here or in Winnipeg... will have to look... she'd be the right size to practice on. (Yes, I have many of my favourite childhood toys still... most are in storage in Winnipeg.)

On my way home today from the midwife I made two stops. The first was to relax from the storm, read what the midwives gave me today, and fix my blood sugar. I love the Stonecrock Bakery in St. Jacobs, so I gave them my last two dollars in exchange for some food and coffee. Then I popped into Angel Worn, which is under new ownership. I was a little disappointed to see they no longer carry certain items such as Love Baby Love products (replaced with Yemaya products) or the Ergo line (good thing I bought the diaper bag, carrier and backpack when I did!). Fortunately they still have the Honeybunch ring slings and I was pleased to see they've added SewFunky pocket slings, made by a local woman. I'd get one of those, but sis just sent me a pocket sling. Just for the record (Robin), I didn't buy a thing... although there was this adorable green sleeper right at the front of a rack that was tempting me... Also, they have adorable bamboo-fabric sleepers made in Canada ($23) that I'll just "have" to add to baby's gift registry.

Visitation Rights

Mom's visit is now booked. She'll be arriving Feb 27 for some pre-baby preparations and departing Mar 20. Dad has yet to make visitation plans, but he'll only be here a few days.
Robin's dad and sister still have to make plans to visit also, but sounds like they'll be here in April. That works for me.

So when are the rest of you visiting?

I assume most of the Winnipeg gang will be awaiting our visit there. But locals, I imagine you are wondering when is okay for you to visit. It can be an awkward situation since different parents have different needs and non-parents might not be aware of those needs. Thus, I will answer your unspoken inquiry with my personal response.

Assuming we have a normal healthy birth, I'll be ready for short visits after a few weeks. Let's say the beginning of April or after mom leaves. (I may call up a few friends before then.) I can assure you I will be going stir crazy and appreciate some company and support. Going out will be less easy to do at first than having friends over. My rule of thumb, however, is that you should be comfortable enough to get your own glass of water or make the tea. I risk sounding rude here, but don't come visit if your intention is simply to ogle my baby. You can do that when I bring her out. Of course you'll be fauning over her - she's going to be gorgeous! - but I would hope that you come to support the new parents as much as to greet our newest family member. Any support you can provide would be greatly appreciated. To clarify, I consider coming over to keep me company for a couple of hours while Robin is at work and share a cup of tea (which you may have to make) to be supportive. By and large, I feel that our society has declined in its social relations. We've lost much of the supportive community (and community expectations) that bound us as a society. It's been said that it takes a village to raise a child, but we are far too individualistic in this day and age. We focus on the easily transportable nuclear family rather than community. Once upon a time the community would have brought us food and helped us around the house as we adjusted to life with a new baby and recovered from labour. Now my mom has to fly in from Winnipeg to provide support and even that is only for a short while before she has to return. We call ourselves an advanced / enlightened civiliazation... Give me a "less civilized" village any day!

There, now that we have those expectations out in the open... do come visit! I'll be home all day.
You're welcome to come feed me... ;) I'm terrible at feeding myself. I never feel like making anything, and I suspect I'll feel even less inclined when I'm more tired, even though I'll need more food... a vicious cycle.

Speaking of food. I should go reheat some potato and leek soup.

PS - Robin just got a "promotion" at work. He is now a Quality Assurance agent with a pay increase and better hours. Still weekdays only and he finishes at 7pm, but that's much better than the current 9pm and means we can actually make reasonable evening plans.

Oops...

I want to make a mattress for the co-sleeper because I don't like the thin thing that comes with it. I was originally going to try and find an eco-fiber my sister had seen at Walmart (of all places) that is made of corn and is akin to poly-fil stuffing. However, I can't find it anywhere. Then I saw that Len's Mill has raw cotton and I thought this would be a good natural alternative. So today I bought a bag of the cotton and a nice wool fabric (on sale) to make the mattress. Only then did I decide to do some online research to see if anyone has made similar mattresses... Stupid me. Cotton is apparently a poor choice for stuffing a mattress because it attracts dust mites, absorbs moisture (and then who knows what will grow...) and compresses (I was planning to account for that). Needless to say, I no longer think stuffing the mattress with this raw cotton is a good idea. Good thing I only paid $11. I'm sure I'll find a use for it for stuffing something.

Alternative: I suppose I could just layer the wool thickly... Yes, I know wool absorbs moisture too, but it has antibacterial qualities and I was already planning on a chemical-free mattress pad.

In other news - I took some photos of baby stuff to share today. First, here are most of the clothes I have already. I wanted to take a photo of how adorable they are before I stacked them all inside the co-sleeper. Today was a day of cleaning and organizing! The jean outfits in the top left are new today ;)

My favourite is still the soft pink sleeper with cat-earred hood. The yellow ducky sleeper on the right, from Corey, is equally soft, but it doesn't have a hood with cat ears!

(You can see a somewhat larger photo if you click on the image... I just discovered that.)

And here is my diapering collection so far. Obviously it's not extensive, but I'm just starting... My Fuzzi Bunz and the wool soakers I've knit in different styles. Plus the little legwarmers I made and the froggy sox.

Here's Darla and the stroller. I bet she wishes we were going on a walk right now... (We did go this evening.)

Sun Peeking Through

Despite it being another drab, gray, rainy day... the sun is shining just a little inside in the form of new cloth diapers that *finally* arrived!!! That's right, my Fuzzi Bunz are here in all their fabulous gloriousness. Just look how cute they are! Okay, the white are a little boring... but I figure I might not always want an orange bum showing through!

We're going to check out a couple of Peg Perego strollers from Kijiji ads this week. Yippee. Less than two months to go and I'm realizing that there is a lot yet to do... such as make the co-sleeper matress and matress covers. I also have to finish sewing my wrap (got the thread today). (Robin adds I should make the kitchen curtains, but I have priorities. Granted, I should do it before baby arrives...) Wool soakers are coming along well. I'm still hoping to find someone local who makes prefolds or contour diapers. Otherwise I'll just order them. Also have to make some flannel wipes and the intended quilt from the leftover matress-cover fabrics. Unfortunately for me, I don't particularly like sewing... I'd much rather be knitting or crocheting...

...Then I can make things like a Yoda Hat. Oh wait, I already did that. Here it is, unfelted. It will obviously be much smaller when felted. This is Robin's favourite item. And NOW he wants me to make matching pants to go with the hat, socks and wrap-sweater. Sheesh! First I have to figure out what size the hat and socks will fit her at. No point having them all in different sizes!

I suppose I should get back to work. Not fun work - worky work. Research work. Right after I call my sister to inquire about something...

(She'd seen some alternative fibre fill for making a mattress. Corn-based I think. But I can't find it anywhere.... I could get raw cotton from Len's Mills to stuff the mattress.)

Grumpy!

I want my diapers and I want them last Friday when Canada Post was supposed to deliver them (according to the email sent to me by Canada Post). At the latest the package should have arrived today, according to CP's shipping standards (I looked it up). When I called CP to inquire further I was informed it has not been scanned since it was mailed and it must be intransition (duh!). However, only the sender can track the parcel. I think this is ridiculous, and I've already sent CP a complaint stating so. As far as I am concerned, the sender (Parenting by Nature) and I completed our business transaction when they entrusted my package with CP. I should not have to ask them to track the package for me. They are a busy company, and now I have to wait for them to find time to track the package and reply to me. I should just be able to do it myself since CP did send me the item number for delivery. Needless to say, I'm not impressed and am subsequently grumpy. I was looking forward to my colourful diapers arriving on this gloomy day that follows a series of gloomy, gray days. (May as well be on the coast with this weather!)

I was hoping to be able to post something more upbeat today! For example, I recently joined a yahoo group with other women (I've not seen any male names) who make wool soakers. They share patterns, revisions, reviews of yarn, and other ideas related to wool soakers (and subsequently, cloth diapering). I'm trying out two (so far) of the wrap style soakers in newborn size (since that's the quickest/smallest) using wool I have leftover from other projects and sales. I've realized that I can probably avoid buying cloth covers altogether if I make enough wool soakers and wraps. Surprisingly, this would actually work out cheaper. For example, some of the wool I am using I picked up at Sally Ann for a dollar. Even a new ball of commercial merino yarn is about $5 at Len's Mill and makes more than one wrap. The wraps in particular are very quick to knit up. I think I'll try a couple more of the patterns provided by the yahoo group as "test" pieces. Already I have some ideas for how they could be tweaked, but I need to a) try them on baby and b) have a reference to base my adjustments on. I can't believe that about a year ago I had just started knitting and had no yarn stash... I never imagined I'd be making my own pile of wool soakers. That seemed far too complicated compared with rectangular blankets.

There is a woman in the local barter-works who makes cloth diapers. I saw her wares at Queen Street Commons once, but they've sadly cut down on the amount of items they display in there now. Unfortunately, one has to be a barterworks member to find out how to contact other members. I considered joining before... but what do I have to offer for barter?... Wool soakers :) Maybe once I've found a pattern I can work with well.

Midwife and Ultrasound Update

I met with the midwife yesterday and heard the results of the Christmas Eve ultrasound. As it turns out, baby is slightly larger than "average", which is perhaps why I was measuring larger than "average". Yesterday's measurement of my belly revealed no extra size or fluid. Maybe we just caught her in a growth spurt before. Regardless, baby is healthy and growing well. I'm doing well also. And growing. I bought some new PJs (suitable for breastfeeding later) and maternity clothes recently (there were some great sales at my favourite consignment shops this week). Warm maternity clothes were much needed! Most of what my sister sent is summer wear (despite the fact that she was pregnant in winter like me...) and the pants are very very long. I hemmed one pair of pants, which became the only nice pair I had to wear out of the house. I bought myself a pair of maternity jeans - the kind with the large elastic belly front. I remember laughing at such clothing once upon a time (I'm sure Ericka remembers also). Now I know them to be very comfortable! I find other styles of pants, particularly if they just have elastic in the back, do not fit as well or as comfortably. It's good to be back in jeans! I'm tired of sweat pants or dress pants. I missed the thick comfort of jeans.

My diapers should be arriving soon... Maybe I should check the mailbox again today...

But first, let me go photograph and upload the socks and new wool soaker I finished...

The socks are to go with the yoda sweater and yoda hat (not yet finished). I realize yoda doesn't exactly have frog feet, but this is the closest pattern I could find. The soaker is my first attempt at a Curly Purly wool soaker knit in the round. I love the yarn - a soy-wool blend. I may make one more... before holding off to see what style of soaker I like best with A.

Would you like to see more photos I just downloaded from the camera? How about some holiday pictures...

Darla is looking festive. And at Rita's I took a lovely nap. (Apparently Robin thought this was photo worthy.)My Belly featuring a sun tattoo from the sunrise Yule ritual I attended during solstice. It's fake of course, but stayed on forever until I scrubbed it off. The kalanchoe that has been growing wild in the living room from multiple cuttings has finally decided to flower for the first time. Here is its first bloom. And, since everyone seems to love this purse, I thought I'd share some pictures of what I knit for my mom. I started this last spring when we picked up the yarn in Saskatoon. Then I grew to hate the project. However, I was determined to finish it for Yule. And I did. My sister has asked me to make her one... I laughed and said NO! Never again. Or, not for a long while... Maybe as a surprise one day when I feel inspired to try my needles at a new purse design I make up. In the end, I don't hate this purse. Actually, I think it turned out very nice.

New Year

I heard what was supposed to be a funny resolution on a radio show today:
To be just as fabulous in the next year. (or something along those lines)
The co-host was making fun of this - as if the speaker is less than fabulous. (You know how radio co-hosts taunt one another.)
But I think it's a great resolution. It speaks to one's ideals of oneself. Obviously none of us are perfect (I'm so darn close though!), but if we view ourselves as good, if our expectations are that we are/can be fabulous, then I believe we're much more likely to succeed in manifesting our inner "fabulosity". (I love making up words, don't you?)
Thus, my new year's resolution is to be just as fabulous in 2008 as I was in 2007!

I am looking forward to the next year... Right now, it's much better than looking back or dwelling on recent events. We're trying to move on. Focusing on baby works wonders for this process. I've taken up knitting for baby again (finishing projects) with a passion that I didn't expect to find after a busy December of finishing Yule gifts. We miss Gryphon terribly. Monkey and Fenwick are taking up the slack with cuddle time. Gryphon has already been added to the ancestor altar with a cast of his pawprint and his photos added to the cat-ancestors album that rests there.

We went to see The Golden Compass Friday evening as a distraction. (Chris, let me know when you want to go since I owe you a babysit for cancelling Thursday.) It was very entertaining. The costumes were great too - full of things one could knit... I wasn't surprised to find that I'm certainly not the only knitter to have been inspired. There are already patterns available online and people are talking about what they'd like to reproduce in knitting forums. (But first I must finish current projects...)

I just finished my first sock. One whole froggy baby sock. Now that I've done one, the matching second will be a breeze. I'm also finishing up a lovely wool soaker using a soy-wool blend of yarn in "spring garden" colours. (Among several other knit/crochet projects...)

We hope you have fun celebrating the arrival of the new year and wish you a Fabulous year ahead!

Boxing Day - back home

We had a wonderful holiday with family and hope you did as well! We're home now, back with the kitties - who as usual were not disturbed by our absence. Monkey did not destroy anything. As a reward I gave her a gift bow. My cats are easy to entertain.

We learned a new card game with my grandparents and during our last game I almost pee'd myself laughing - a first ever for me! Yes, it was that funny, but mostly I think it had to do with being pregnant and a confined bladder space combined with a lot of abdominal movement. I wonder what baby thought of it all...

Robin stuffed my stocking with adorable baby clothes (Awwww) - two girly items, and several more "boy" tops featuring dinosaurs and dragons and wild animals. I loved it. (Just to clarify, I don't specifically classify such things as being for boys, but I'm sure that was the maker's intentions and how most people interpret the colours and designs.) I also got a fabulous housecoat! I'm very excited - I've been bugging Robin for one for years and reminding him again now that baby is coming. Fortunately grandma thinks like me and knew it would be useful to have a housecoat soon. I also received a lovely glass, star-shaped, hanging candle lantern which we'd like to hang in baby's room with an led tealight inside. It will make a beautiful nighttime lantern.

Robin received several great cooking books, including two for baby/kid foods. This will be great when we start making baby food. Of course he got other wonderful gifts as well (such as a new card game called Killer Bunnies from me), but I'm not going to bother listing everything!

Darla is going to get a new food bowl. We just realized we left her food bowl in St. Catharines. I was planning to get her a new one anyhow, so this is just better incentive. Monkey (and the cats) got sparkly pom-poms. We don't usually do much for pet gifts since the cats have enough toys (and make their own from household items) and Darla doesn't play with many toys.

Merry Christmas Eve

Only one more sleep until Christmas morning - and you know what that means... Christmas BREAKFAST! Yummy french toast and peameal bacon...

Here's a Christmas surprise for everyone:

We has a surprise ultrasound this morning. It was a surprise for us as well on Dec 21 when we were told about the appointment. The images (scanned in when I got home just before I left for my grandparents') aren't as good here. In fact, they're looking a little creepy. Baby looked good and healthy. We'll know more in early January at the next midwife appointment.

The surprise ultrasound was followed by a surprise vet visit for Darla. While visiting my aunt and uncle this weekend she was scratched across the eye by a cat. She has some eye drops and all will be well soon, poor puppy. She doesn't seem too upset by it and is great at taking the eye drops.

We're having a wonderful holiday with family and hope you are as well!!

Yule Blessings, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Mandy and Robin (and Darla, Gryphon, Fenwick and Monkey).

Diapers and Shortbread

Diapers and shortbread describes the best parts of my day today.

It all began when I had to tidy the spare room / baby room / storage room because my cousin will be needing it on Friday. I had to stow away all the baby stuff strewn everywhere. Not that I have anywhere to store it... I have tucked it all away inside the co-sleeper - that is, inside the playpen that is the base of the sleeper. It's like having a hollow crib, which is very convenient right now. Thinking about it... it will likely continue to be used as storage for items not in use until we're done using the co-sleeper as a crib. Storage space is seriously lacking in this house.

In the process of stowing away baby stuff I was reminded of some things I have for baby and those things that I definitely need - such as diapers. There are so many cloth diaper options! It's been a while since I focused on baby stuff, so I decided to return to learning more about my options. It was exciting and daunting. I think I'll try a little bit of everything to see what I like best :) I updated some items on the Gift Registry and added a new baby registry at Parenting by Nature.com I am impressed by their selection, and PbN is one of few Canadian online stores I could find with the type of items I am interested in (besides Grace's Forever Family shop). [links on the left]

Of course, I didn't spend my entire day with diapers! No, I did work as well, but who needs to hear about that? You'd much rather know that I baked shortbread cookies and macaroons. yummy. Robin was certainly pleased to come home to baking this evening. I'd even picked up egg nog to drink with it. Tomorrow's plans include Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake and something to use up the sweetened condensed milk. (Maybe I should hold off on the cheesecake and make it Friday to bring to Kincardine on Saturday... I'm sure my cousins would agree)

The Holidays have arrived in our home

This is the earliest either of us has ever decorated for the winter holidays. I realize by the standards of many others we are actually "late" in decorating, or maybe right on schedule.

I haven't finished clearing off the living room tables (currently covered in knitting and crochet and plants) to unclutter the top of the bookcase, but it will get done... eventually.

Monkey has been very well behaved as far as the tree in concerned. She hasn't tried to climb it at all, nor has she knocked off ornaments. I am very surprised, but I'm certainly not complaining! And it's not that she hasn't been in playful moods - oh she has!

We had a midwife visit earlier this week. From now on we go back every two weeks. Things are looking good, except that I have some extra amniotic fluid which makes me "bigger" than I should be. Baby also gets extra room to move around for now - I'm sure she doesn't mind. It is something we will have to keep an eye on, but the fluid levels should return to normal on their own eventually. I also finally got my self in to see a naturopath this week and she is helping me prepare for the birth as well. I chose to see a naturopath who specializes in prenatal and families.

Today I stopped in at another baby consignment shop (2nd Time Around at Francis & King)to browse - because I'd never been to this one even though I drive past it twice a day taking Robin to work. They carry a good selection of cloth diapers. I picked up the cutest pair of Robeez slippers. I couldn't help myself. They're for 0-3 months and thus in mint condition. They were also half the price ($11) of new Robeez($22). Just look and you'll see why MY spring baby had to have them!

I love orange and I fell in love with these!! So - when you're shopping, keep in mind that too much pink will clash with these booties! ;) Otherwise, I've been good. I only bought one fuzzy, super-soft pink sleeper the other day at Hand Me Downs (on Highland, near our place; next to the pet store I had to go to) since buying the Ergo stuff. And today I picked up two small onesies with the Robeez just because they were cute and made in Canada and $2. Considering how cute baby stuff is... and how quickly the due date is approaching... I think I am restraining myself very well!

Next day addition:

Here is the latest belly art update from this morning. There are two shades of purple (after the blue), which represent an entire month's growth. The rest of the colours mark 2 weeks each.

Baby Carrier

I went shopping today...

I was in rebound - from the Bombers losing the Grey Cup.

On my way home from lecturing I stopped in at Angel Worn - my favourite baby store/ consignment shop. I wanted to stop in because I recently noticed that their special for this month (ending soon) is 50% off Ergo accessories that I really wanted... and who passes up a 50% deal? I have (had) an Ergo carrier on my wish-list and so I wanted the backpack that can attach to it or be used alone. It's the perfect size with easy access, etc. I also really like the diaper bag which is actually functional enough to use with cloth diapers! Some of the other bags I liked are too small for cloth diapering. I really like the size of this bag. Again, at 50% off... it seemed the ideal opportunity. And THEN while I was there I discovered there was an brand new Ergo Carrier on sale by consignment - so it was significantly cheaper plus there was an accompany infant insert necessary for use with babies up to 4 months. How could I not take advantage of the opportunity?? :D

Happy Yule to me...

Pretty snowflakes I have crocheted. Last year I made stars, but at Ericka's request I've made snowflakes this year. There are so many wonderful free patterns online and I want to do them all! (I won't of course.)

And here are the lovely flowers Heli Jr. has offered me. I was very surprised to find her budding since she didn't grow any flowers in the last year or when I transplanted her outside.