My Newest Addiction

I have a new addiction everyone.  I'm still loving to organize, teach my little tots (and preschooler now),  and I still love to host a good event... but I have found something new to keep me busy...  Cloth Diapers!

Can you believe it?  I never thought in a million years that I'd actually be taking the plunge.  My interest in cloth diapering began almost four years ago, while pregnant with Munchkin.  I am hardly a card carrying member of the Captain Planet Team, but I am somewhat eco-sensitive... if that's a word.  I very often forget to bring my reusable grocery bags to the store... but I reuse the ones I get for garbage and mostly doggie duty outside.  I try and recycle anything that can be recycled.  While newly pregnant with my first baby I decided to look into it.  Let's just say for anyone who has ever tried to "look into" cloth diapering, they know how totally overwhelming it is.  It's not your grandmama's cloth anymore, or should I say it's not JUST your grandmama's cloth anymore.  You can still find the old school flats and prefolds, but now there is just so much more!  So much that it is extremely overwhelming.  Basically I got bored of trying to figure everything out and that was the end of that.  When I found myself preggers with Little Bear I thought about it again, but only very briefly.  I'd successfully used disposables and thought it'd be a bit crazy to start with two little one under 2.

So yes, I've decided to start with (what will be) 3 kids, three and under... yes crazy! 

Why?

My answer is simple..  I am expecting this to be my last baby, and I really like to try everything at least once.  Plus, well, not to toot my own horn, but I'm a bit more of an experienced momma this time around.  So when the thought popped into my head, I started googling, and stalking some cloth diaper forums, and watching you tube video after video.  After a while, all the cloth diapering lingo became more and more familiar.  I began to understand!  So jump in right??... wrong!!  There are a lot of variables to consider while cloth diapering like ease, cost, and size.  Cost being a big one.  Yes, over time cloth diapering is probably (in most cases) cheaper.  However, if you get carried away (which I'm learning many people do) you can expect to probably break even... then again you could sell your stash or use it for another baby to come.  The best advice I read is to decide your reasoning, and go from there.  My reason, as I've said before, is mostly to try something new, with cost and environment coming in tied for second.  So how do I try something new, with out investing too much in the beginning.  By going the part time route.  This means I will use them while at home, and keep disposables on hand just in case the laundry doesn't get done in time.  "Baby Steps".

So I ordered my first set. 

I decided to go with a less expensive pocket diaper (perhaps in an up coming post, I'll explain the different types... or at least point you in the right direction).   An online buddy suggested Sunbabies one size.  I ordered 6 with bamboo inserts (no there are not bamboo sticks inside... ouch!!)  $51.00.  I figure that's not too bad of an upfront cost.  I also bought a drying rack for $20 from Walmart.  Then I added two BumGenious 4.0s (another type of diaper) just because.  They were 17.99 a pop!!... so I stopped there.

We have been cloth diapering part time for only a few days.  I've encountered both wet and solid messes, and  I've completed one load of diaper wash, and I gotta say... I'm still excited!  I'm loving it.  I love watching Little Bear run around with his fuzzy butt.  The texture on the inside is so soft, I can only imagine it's much more comfy for him.  Comfy for baby, better for environment... so far so good!  Even though I am enjoying it so far, I've decided to give it another week or so before ordering more, and beginning my newborn stash.  I gotta say it is extremely difficult... there are so many kinds and options. Sigh... Patience!!

Until next time... Have a wonderful day!!

A New Mail System!!

Hello all!

I know I don't post often, but I had to come on and show off a little of what I've been up to (besides growing a new human).

Remember this?  It's our family's command center.  Well I've added a new feature.  Can you see it?

Here's a closer look!  I am really excited about it, especially since we've been using this system for about three weeks and it still looks the same!  Gasp!!! No pile-ups, Simple to maintain, and the best yet... Mr. Roseyglasses is totally on board!! I'm in love!! (with him and my new mail center).

Here's how it works.  When the mail comes in (everyday), it gets opened immediately (okay, sometimes after dinner).  When I (or Mr. Roseyglasses.. since he is totally into this) open the mail:

First, the envolope, and any junk mail goes straight in the garbage... yes I know, I know.. I need to start recycling my papers along with the cardboard, plastics, metals we already recycle... I know!  I'm working on it!

Second, the leftover mail (which is surprisingly light... mostly its all junk) gets sorted into one of four categories.  To File: anything that we need to keep like bank statements, or random information (that my husband still likes to keep... hey, one step at a time).  Take Action:  These are things that I need to actually do something about (minus bills) like if a phone call needs to be made, or I have to research something. To Pay: Obviously, these are bills that must be paid.  The bill, along with the mail back envelope, go in the bin.  I write the due date on a post it note and stick it on.

Third, I smile.  Honestly it took me longer to type this than it does to actually do this everyday.  Seriously it only takes like 2 minutes.  This is the longest the command center has remained neat.  Usually stacks of mail pile up.  If I did the mail, and file it, or put it away.. my hubby would get frustrated because he couldn't find what he was looking for.  If he was left to do it... it would pile up on the island in the kitchen, which just makes me nuts.

How do I stop the trays from getting overloaded?  Glad you asked!! Every Wednesday I have my "office hours".  I kind of got this idea from Flylady.net.  Wednesday is the day I go through the piles, file what needs to be filed, make phone calls that need to be made (some times I do have to take action on certain items immediately... but not usually), do my heavy research.  I get some done on my iPad, but not all.   Perhaps I'll blog (if I'm up to it).  It's also the day I straighten up the office.

I am so happy that we have finally found something that works for us!  Okay.. I'm gonna go back and stare at it for a while longer.  Have a fabulous day!

Linking to:

Half Way There!!

I can not believe I am half way there.  I am half way to being a mother of three kids, 3 and under (gasp!).  I'm half way to my life changing (again).  I'm half way on the way to falling in love again, to cuddling, nursing, and staring at my new baby.  Whether or not it will be a little prince or princess is still a surprise, and if I can remain strong and resolute it will remain a surprise until our bundle arrives.  I must admit I am very curious, although my gut is telling me I will add another little man to our family.

We are exactly 20 weeks, 5 days right now.  Our baby is about the length of a banana, weighing in at around 10 1/2 ounces.  Baby continues to swallow, and is settling into sleeping patterns.  I have been feeling this little bean a lot.  Usually it's when I get a chance to lay down, figures.

Mr. Rosey Glasses and I have been talking a lot about the elephant in the room named preeclampsia.  I've had it twice now, developing HELLP with Little Bear.  He is nervous... very nervous.  He tends to freak out in situations that are out of his control, and pre-e is one of those things.  My feeling is that we have been there done that.  If it happens again we will deal with whatever cards we are dealt.  I do however hope to have just one normal pregnancy ending in a full-term delivery.

As I'm writing this post I've had to get up to stop impending fights over toy cars a few times, start a movie on the TV, and listen to Little Bear whine at my side because he wants to sit on my lap, which of course means he will also want to "help" me type.  I worry about these things more than pre-e.  How will I meet the needs of everyone in my family?  How can I do it and still enjoy it the new lifethat we've added.  This is something hopefully I can work out before our little one arrives.

Speaking of the other members.  We have been doing tot school, although very sporadically.  The boys are mostly enjoying the summer.  I say mostly because I can't remember a day I spent where I didn't hear crying or screaming from someone at some point.  I am not the cool "take them to the pool everyday" like I thought I'd be, but I think I make up for it with sprinkler and mini pool at home days.

Look at my two little boys.  I can't believe how big and grown they are looking!  I can't believe how in a few months my heart is going to grow to love a new one just the same.

Wednesday Again

It's Wednesday again.. this seems to be my new blog day.   So for a quick update on my goals:  I have moved the Christmas boxes to the basement (by I, I mean my husband.. lol). There is now room in the closet to turn it into a toy closet (insert evil laugh).. where all the toys of the house will be held captive until the smaller inhabitants can clean up after themselves!!! (more evil laughing)... well maybe I won't go that far, but I am still trying to come up with a plan for toy rotation.   I'm working out how many toys will be allowed in the playroom, and in different areas of the house, how often I'll switch out toys... all a work in progress.

My closet is cleaned, I'm caught up on the laundry and it feels so good to be able to walk in with out stepping on clothes that may or may not be clean.

I failed miserably on my goal to wash the floors.  I just didn't get to it, so it will be my only goal this coming week.

Tot School. 

I think I've mentioned before that things have really slowed down in terms of tot school.  I did both Mm and Nn last week.  I basically skirted through them.   We didn't even do letter art for N.  But I really wanted to do Oo for oceans this week because we are taking a trip to the aquarium and I just thought it'd fit perfectly together.  Anyway, we did read the letter books for both letters.  Free downloads from here.

We did manage to squeeze in M is for mountain.  It turned out very cute, although I totally forgot to snap a pic.  There is a finished product on No Time For Flash Cards.  That's where I get most of my letter are ideas.

Munchkin really loves his Tot Time Notebook.  Check out the website and downloads here.  I started out using dry erase markers, but he takes all the tops off and they roll all over and he is too tempted to color all over himself.  Now we use dry erase crayons.  They work out much better.  I am in the process of putting together a Notebook for Little Bear.  By his age I'd already taught Munchkin his shapes and colors.  I get so caught up trying to get Little Bear to talk and say words that colors and shapes kind of get the back seat.

Believe it or not I still haven't found the perfect place in my house for tot school and yes, we've been doing "school time" for over a year.   I need a place to do art work, intentional play with learning toys, and table work or skill practice.  We tried the playroom for a while.  Should have been perfect... not so.  It's too distracting and since the boys are used to doing anything they want in there and there are more toys than either of them need, they have 0 attention when we are in there.  I thought about our upstairs guest room which doubles as my craft room.  However all of our tot school things are stored downstairs, and lugging supplies and learning toys up and down was way to inconvenient.  Basically I'm to lazy to do it up there.  The kitchen seems to be working out and the table would be best,  but I've already left two marks from crafting.  Sometimes they sit at the island in our kitchen.. the granite seems to be able to hold up to art work, but Little Bears booster doesn't sit comfortably so he can't reach the table.  Then I end up putting his tray on, but it's too small to hold most papers.  We do have that little table that was perfect for Munchkin, I suppose I could try and see if Little Bear can work there comfortably too.  As I'm typing I'm getting an idea to split up tot school and do different activities in different places.... hmmmm.

Well gotta run... I here some random banging coming from the playroom which really needs a good cleaning.  Have a wonderful rest of the week. :-)

Overwhelmed!

Well, as you know I'm expecting again, and I have totally been milking it.  The laundry is behind, I've let a lot of my organizing tasks go undone.. and let some areas I've organized turn back into an chaotic mess.  Story of my life.  I read a blog post over at The Scott's Crib about goal setting and just reading it made me get overwhelmed.  However, goal setting is important and I understand this.  I also understand that I am not at my usual energy level.  So whats a gal to do?  Well, I'm going to give myself 3 weekly goals.  I thought about 1 or 2 and it didn't seem like enough, and I didn't want to set a goal a day because some days I can barely take care of myself, let alone two boys and the house.

I thought about starting on Sunday... but that would just be my way of procrastinating.  So the idea popped in my head today.  My goals start today!

So by next Wednesday, it will be my goal to:

1.  Catch-up on all the laundry.  This may seem easy but it's seriously out of control... seriously!!  Catching up to me is washing, folding, and putting away.  I am very guilty of washing loads and loads, and piles of clean close accumulating on the floor until I can't tell whats clean and whats not.

2.  Wash the floors.  I initially have myself scheduled to do this every Friday... I don't care to admit the last Friday it actually got done.  I have done a bit of spot cleaning of the sticky spots... but seriously my floors need a good sweep, mop, and shine! Note to self: find a good natural floor shining solution.

3.  Move the Christmas boxes to the basement.  I did do a good job of storing my Christmas stuff all neat and organized.  However, it currently is stored in one of the closets under the stairs.  It is the closest closet to the playroom and I've been trying a system of swapping toys.  My husband and I have been guilty (in the past)  of indulging our inner child and purchasing a new toy or toys  on a whim.  This all ended around Munchkin's birthday.  I realized we had created a monster when he through a fit because he got a gift he didn't like (all I can say is thank the lord it was given to me a few days later while we were home alone, so no one was able to see the Munchkin's monster like behavior)  anyway... that was the last toy that came into our house.  It also was the beginning of the removal of toys from the playroom.  These toys need a home, while they are in exile, and we won't need the Christmas stuff until December... okay okay.. November.

So these are my goals.  Hopefully I can achieve them... hopefully.

Pregnancy Update: 

I am currently 15 weeks, 5 days pregnant.  Baby should be about the size of an avocado in a few days.

Here's how my senses have been affected so far.

Feelings:  I am still quite nervous, it's been a rough road and I find it hard to go a whole day without thinking something might go wrong.  I only feel flutters every couple days... I wish this kid would hurry up and start pounding so I can feel more relaxed.

Sights:  I'm starting to pop.  My husband and close family members have been able to tell for a while.. I think to strangers I just look like I have a huge gut.


Tastes: My cravings are simply unhealthy foods, can't stomach the smell of spinach... and lots of meat.  I'm always wanting some kind of meat.

Sounds:  Next Friday, I have another appointment.  This means I'll get to hear Jelly Bean again, and maybe even see him (maybe her.. it'll be a surprise.. but I really think it's baby boy # 3)

Smell:  I have a super human sense of smell, and most things I smell are offensive to me : (.

Have a wonderful and relaxed day.. I'll be back next week to let you know how things are going.  Do you have any goals for this week?... let me know!!

Tot School - Letter L

Munchkin was 36.5m

Little Bear was 18m when we did these activities.

We had loads of fun with the letter L, we actually did these activities about 2 months ago, just before my break.  I'm so sorry but I forgot where I got this letter search (if you've seen it leave a comment pretty please).  Munchkin did pretty well with it.  He was able to correctly stamp all upper and lower case L's, but wanted no part of tracing them or trying to write his own.  He preferred to scribble.

We used our Tot School Notebook with printables from here.  I love that he is doing more intentional coloring these days, for the longest he just scribbled over the pictures. Of course I did catch him in a good mood and that has a lot to do with how our tot school goes.

This was our first time practicing cutting on a line, I printed these bug cutting strips from here.  Up until now I've been giving him scraps and letting him go to town.  I think he did pretty well. 

 I'm letting him do more and more gluing, but we still worked together to make this L is for Lion.  Check out No Time For Flash Cards for great letter art activities.  This is actually something I really struggle with.  You'd think as a second grade teacher I'd be totally used to messes and backwards feet, but it slightly drives me up the wall.  I know that I need to let him be more independent when it comes to art.  This is something I really need to work on... I don't want to stifle his creativity.

I glued the first foot... and had to hold my hands behind my back so I wouldn't "fix" the other three.

Little Bear is getting in on tot school more as well.  Last week I introduced him to green.  He really loves dot painting.  I don't expect him to identify the colors  yet, I just want to expose him to them.  Plus it's easier having him in his chair and occupied while I work with Munchkin.  I printed the color book from Memorizing the Moments.    

I even let Little Bear get in on the letter art action.  I put dots of glue to the paper after he colored it.  I then guided his hand to place the the pieces on.  Then I had to pry the little pieces from his hand.

This week we are working on Letter M.  Check out some other great tot school post here.

So where do I start?  How about with a HAPPY SPRING!!!! Have I ever told you that spring is my absolute favorite season.  The weather is great, not too hot and not too cold.  The flowers bloom and everything looks so fresh and alive after the winter.  Last, but certainly not least... I celebrate my birthday!! Yes, I am now a very happy 34 year old.  Wow, can't believe I'm in my mid-thirties!!! 

How are the boys you ask (hehehe)?  They are wonderful (can you tell I'm in a great mood?) Munchkin is  almost completely potty trained.  We only wear a pull-up for bedtime at night, he's even dropped them for his naps.  He continues to amaze me with his vocabulary and conversation.  It's like talking to a little man.   I wouldn't be keeping it totally real if I didn't say he is currently in his terrible threes.  Yes I said threes.  We sailed through the twos with very mild tantrums that were far and few between.  He was a quiet and very calm two year old.  It is not the case now, we deal with almost daily tantrums, and total failure of his ears to process our request (basically he doesn't listen to a word we say).  When I was a teacher, I prided myself on having great discipline without being mean.  I could handle 20 something tough inner-city 7 year olds, but for some reason I have a hard time handling my one 3 year old, and his 20 month old brother.  

As for Little Bear, I will soon have to start dropping the Little and just call him Bear.  He's getting soooo big.  He's still got a great personality and is mostly always laughing or smiling.  He still doesn't say much, and have started early intervention with him.   Some of my friends laugh, but I want to make sure I offer every opportunity to him to progress.  He is learning sign language, so he's doing much better at communicating his needs and wants, which makes life better for all of us.  I haven't had the heart to cut his hair, so he still sports a curly (albeit messy) afro.

As for me, like I said before I am a very happy 34 year old.  I've never been one to be ashamed or afraid of my age.  I have no regrets in life.  I LOVED my 20's.   I partied like a rock star, traveled like an explorer (well maybe not since I mostly stayed on resorts, except for Paris!!! Loved Paris... but I digress). I dated, and flirted, and did stupid and dangerous things I hope my kids never do.  At this point in life I love being a mom and a wife, and I am extremely happy to be expecting our third addition.  Yes, you read correctly!!! WE ARE PREGNANT!!!! 14 weeks tomorrow, to be exact.  We are due to become a party of 5 November 30, 2012.  I am beyond elated, and yes, this was a major contributor to my 2 month break from blogging, and tot school, and general house keeping, and ummm (I'm not proud) but hygiene as well.  LOL, I've been a total laze ball in sweats and no make-up for long enough.

So I am back and super excited to re-organize, teach tot school, and share our Rosey Glasses summer fun!!!