Monday, April 23, 2012

NIAW - Don't Ignore Infertile Family Members

April 22-28 is National Infertility Awareness Week.
I hope you'll join myself and many others this week as
we blog (and vlog) to help raise awareness for infertility.
I will also be talking about different ways that you can get involved.
And I hope you do. The first thing you can do is
The theme is "Don't Ignore..."


Infertility can be a heartbreaking journey.
It takes your desire to be a parent and grow your family,
and it dangles it just out of reach.
It puts obstacle after obstacle in your way -

getting diagnosed, finding a specialist, seeking treatment

Cycle after cycle you muster every ounce of hope you can find,
and all too often your hopes are dashed with the promise that
if you just do another cycle, it'll work next time.

charting, blood draws, ultrasounds

Appointment after appointment, day after day
You take pills that make you sweat, irritable, maybe a little crazy.
You become an expert in preparing your injections.
You learn the perfect amount of time to hold an ice pack against
your stomach so that the shot does not burn and sting, but only aches.

Hoping, Praying, Pleading

You spend hours driving to doctors, waiting in uncomfortable
chairs, ignoring the tables filled with pregnancy magazines.
The nurses all know you by name, and they give you a slow,
sympathetic nod when you return to start another cycle of treatment.

It's draining financially, emotionally, and physically.

But it's even worse when your struggle 
is ignored by those closest to you.

When no one calls to see how your follicle study went.
When no one offers condolences when it fails, again.
When no one asks how you're feeling.

Sometimes it seems like you and your partner are adrift in the sea.
Clutching to a life raft of hope, with the island out of reach, 
and on the mainland family and friends walk around oblivious.

And I think that perhaps it's worse if they know of your struggle,
but still don't reach out.

Leaving you to figure it out on your own.
All too willing to celebrate once you have good news to share,
but unable to walk with you during the journey.

Others go on, living their lives, growing their family.
And while their news stings in the moment,
and the jealousy is undeniably there at first,
it's the feelings of abandonment that stick around.

How could someone so excited about their own baby
not sympathize with the agony of infertility?
Consider the extreme joy of pregnancy, and invert it.

I know that it's easier to just ignore it.

It must be hard.  What words could possibly erase the pain of infertility?
It must seem like the ground is littered with egg shells and land mines
just waiting for you to make the wrong move, say the wrong thing.
But the solution is not to ignore it.  Infertility is a struggle and 
your support is needed more than you know.

Years from now, you can be remembered for your silence
or for your support - for your effort - for your kindness.
Even if the words get jumbled and they're not perfect,
if your motives are pure, deep down they'll know.

And they'll be thankful that someone recognizes their pain.

Because that's all you can do, really.
Recognize their pain, recognize the journey,
recognize the eventual reward they're working towards.

With 1 in 8 couples facing infertility, 
no doubt you know someone that is affected.

Call them.  Write an email.  Send a card.
Hug them.  Love them.  Support them.
Even when it's tough.

But please, don't ignore them.


To learn more about infertility, visit:
For more information about National Infertility Awareness Week, visit: http://www.resolve.org/national-infertility-awareness-week/about.html

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Flip Hybrid Cloth Diaper System Review


Today's review is of the BumGenius 
FLIP hybrid one size cloth diaper system.



I think the Flip is a great option for budget conscious moms.

Since you can get away with just a couple shells if you 
purchase lots of inserts, the cost is reasonable.  

PLUS there is still a disposable option for travelling, 
an organic option for Green minded moms, 
and a stay dry option for those concerned with a trim fit 
and, well, an insert that will feel dry against the baby's skin.

It is a one size diaper with a 3x3 snap rise.

I have purchased multiple shells in various colors - all in snaps.

Below you can see how trim it fits Hannah.



The diaper is a mid-to-low rise diaper, 
which makes it easy to sit up or run around in.


Learn More: 

Buy from Kelly's Closet:

Don't forget to enter the current giveaway!
You can earn 5 bonus entries by finding the
hidden code word within today's review video.
Enter Here: http://bit.ly/HQ3pat

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Cloth Diaper Week: SoftBums OMNI Review


Today's review is of the SoftBums OMNI one size cloth diaper.




I think the OMNI is a great Overnight option for toddlers.
Using the Super pod, it is easily the 
most absorbent diaper in my stash.

But there are multiple insert options for this diaper, 
so if you have a new baby consider their mini pods 
available in organic bamboo or dry touch.

For an older baby, the dry touch or organic bamboo pods 
would fit well.  And as mentioned above, for overnight 
or heavy wetters, the Super pod is amazing.



SoftBums sent me the OMNI in velcro to review.
I'm normally not a fan of velcro/aplix diapers.  
While they were great for 3am changes when Hannah was a newborn,
they're just not as... 'sticky' nowadays.
HOWEVER, the velcro on SoftBums diapers is fabulous, 
and the laundry tabs actually stay affixed in the wash.
This diaper is an example of velcro diapers done right.


Even at 30 pounds, you can see how much room Hannah still has in 
the waist.  This diaper will easily fit your baby through potty training.  
You can also overlap the tabs to fit a tiny baby.


This is a side profile of the OMNI with a Super pod.
Even though it is the most absorbent pod they offer,
you can see that it is not bulky, and still lays smooth.


You can use the OMNI as a diaper cover and lay prefolds inside, 
stuff it with a pod, or snap in a pod.  It is a highly customizable 
diaper that will grow with your child.


And I haven't even told you about the technology that makes it One Size!
Slide2Size is ingenious, and I demonstrate how it works in the video review.

Although it runs a few dollars more than other brand name diapers, 
this near leak proof overnight diaper is well worth it.

Learn More: 


Don't forget to enter the current giveaway!
You can earn 5 bonus entries by finding the
hidden code word within today's review video.
Enter Here: http://bit.ly/HQ3pat

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Cloth Diaper Week: BumGenius FreeTime Review


Today's review is of the BumGenius FreeTime one size cloth diaper.



I think the FreeTime is a great option for busy moms - 
especially those with more than one in diapers.

Since the insert is quickly customizable in size and absorption,
it could easily fit a newborn & toddler just by snapping the 3x3 rise.


It could also quickly transition from the girl to a boy,
by changing where you have your added adsorption - front or back.


The FreeTime diaper I purchased was the Lovelace in snaps.


Below you can see how trim it fits Hannah.


At 30 lbs she's approaching the 35+lb rating,
but the stretchy tabs make for a comfortable fit.


The diaper is a mid-to-low rise diaper, 
which makes it easy to sit up or run around in.


My only complaint is that these came out after I built my stash.
They are such a time saver and fit my daughter well.
If I need to add more 'boy' colors to my stash for baby #2,
I'll be adding more FreeTime diapers.



Learn More: 

Buy from Kelly's Closet:

Don't forget to enter the current giveaway!
You can earn 5 bonus entries by finding the
hidden code word within today's review video.
Enter Here: http://bit.ly/HQ3pat

Monday, April 16, 2012

GroVia AIO Cloth Diaper Review


Today's review is of the GroVia All In One (AIO) one size cloth diaper.



I think the GroVia AIO is a great daytime option for busy babies.  
Its narrow and trim fit allows for a full range of motion 
without bunching, and looks smooth under clothing.


The side panels are stretchy and allow for a great fit.  
The snaps are high quality yet different than the 
snaps you find on other cloth diapers.  


The GroVia AIO does not give your child that 
'fluffy butt' that can make you go up in pant sizes.
It is trim and smooth - even with the double attached.


The GroVia retails for $22.95 
and will be introducing 4 new patterns this spring:

Clockwise from top left:
Peacocks, Robots, Bicycles, Woodlands

Learn More: 

Buy from Kelly's Closet:

Don't forget to enter the current giveaway!
You can earn 5 bonus entries by finding the
hidden code word within today's review video.
Enter Here: http://bit.ly/HQ3pat

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Cloth Diaper Week: Changing Diapers Book Review


Most of us in the cloth diaper world have heard of Kelly Wels - she's the founder of DiaperShops.com, KellysCloset.com - two very popular online cloth diaper stores.  She also founded The Cloth Diaper Whisperer which is a popular blog and facebook page.  In November 2010 she founded KellyWels.com and according to her website:
"Her mission is to share her love for cloth diapers and advocate for diapering change. She says she believes that through education and knowledge, parents can be empowered to make more positive diapering choices. Kelly also is a green living promoter and social media marketer."
As you can see, Kelly Wels has a very impressive resume and
a deep knowledge base for all things cloth diaper -
Which is why she was the perfect women to literally
Write The Book on Cloth Diapers.

About the Book:
It is 248 pages of well thought out content and beautiful full page color photographs.  It features company summaries for the top Cloth Diaper brands and explains the difference between all the styles and materials you'll find in the cloth diaper world.

My favorite part is all the tips, tricks, and diagrams that are included.  
It's easy for anyone to read and understand - 
Everyone will learn something from this book.
AND it's the perfect baby shower gift!

Table of Contents:

1. Why Choose Cloth Diapers?

2. Snappis, Doublers, AIOs, and Pockets: Understanding Basic Cloth Diaper Talk
- Cloth Diapering 101
- What you need to know about cloth diaper fabrics

3. Brands, Debates, and Dates:  Getting Started with Cloth
- Diaper like a pro
- Choosing the right brand for you and your baby
- Velcro or snaps? The debate sticks around

4. From Newborn to Toddler: Diapers for the Ages and Stages
- Newborns to Three Months
- Four Months to One Year
- One Year and Up

5. The Back to Work and Daycare Diapering Dilemma
- Traveling with cloth diapers
- Using Cloth Diapers in the Hospital

6. And Baby Makes Two (or More): Cloth Diapers Multiples and Other Special Little Ones
- How many diapers should a mom of twins buy?
- What brands are best for multiples?
- Special needs babies are fine with cloth

7. Conquering Leaks, Rashes, and the Nighttime Wet Mess
- Cloth diapers don't leak do they?
- Break out this rash of information
- Conquer the nighttime wet mess

8. Daddies and Diapers

9. Airing Dirty Laundry: How to Wash You Cloth Diapers
- How to handle wet and soiled diapers
- Doing Laundry
- Removing Odors

10. Extra Stuff You'll Need
- Wet Totes and Wet Bags
- Wipes
- Swim Diapers

11. Gotcha Covered

Also included is:
- a list of cloth diaper resources
- deciphering Brands (like I mentioned above)
- Notes
- About the Author
- Extras including lots of lists
- My Fluffy Thoughts - a place for you to write notes
- Index
- Fashion index - see a diaper you love in one of the beautiful pictures, find the brand and fabric name here.

Here is the link to buy is straight from the source herself!
Changing Diapers Book - The Hip Mom's Guide to Modern Cloth Diapering

And don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAY
for a FuzziBunz Elite diaper thanks to 
Kelly Wels and the team at Changing Diapers!

Cloth Diaper Week: Enter The Giveaway!

Use the Rafflecopter entry form below to enter to win a FuzziBunz one size Elite cloth diaper!
Thanks to Kelly Wels and the team at Changing Diapers for sponsoring this giveaway.




Saturday, April 7, 2012

Note to Self: Do Not Nag

Chris and I made the decision before Hannah was born that we would work opposite schedules so that we could keep Hannah home and avoid daycare.  My mom was willing to fill in on the two days a week that our arrangement couldn't cover, and for 18 months it's been working pretty well.

Except that it's hard.

Chris and I hardly ever see each other, 
and the three of us only get a few hours a week together as a family.  
Entire days together are a rarity.

Reminders to 'put the diapers in the dryer' or 'can you pick up batteries for the smoke detector' are left on scraps of paper taped to the door, text messages sent before work, quick phone calls home on breaks.

quick.  short.  to the point communication.

I try not to leave imposing lists, as it's his weekend to relax too.
But there is a household to run, and we're all juggling a lot of ToDos.

Sometimes I feel like a nag.

On one hand, 
without these reminders diapers sour in the washer, 
mail doesn't reach the post office, 
and batteries are forgotten.

On the other, 
even when it's proceeded with a please, 
and followed with a thank you, 
I still feel like I'm barking out an order.

So I turn to you
especially those households with two working parents,
and too many tasks to do, 
What is your definition of 'nagging' 
and how do you avoid doing it?

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Special Treats with COOL WHIP Whipped Topping





We've had a rainy Winter here in the Pacific Northwest.
Then we had a snow storm on the second day of Spring.
So yesterday's sunshine was a welcome sight.
For a moment, it almost felt like summer.
Growing up, my favorite summer past time was visiting
U-Pick strawberry fields and loading up mismatched
Tupperware containers until they were filled to the brim.
Last Summer I was able to carry on that tradition with Hannah.
(Please learn from my mistake - 
do not put your child in white socks, 
and do not leave the baby wipes in the car.  
Strap on sandals & bring the wipes out to the field with you.  
She was a dirty, sticky, red-stained mess in minutes.  
I give myself bonus points for remembering the sun screen, 
sippy cup, and hat though.   Parenting has quite a learning curve.)



I'm a busy mom.

Between a full time job, a long commute, 
and a toddler with near boundless energy,
any recipe I attempt needs to be 
Quick, Easy, and Kid Approved.

Desserts are no exception.

Given the sunny weather, Hannah and I decided 
that a Summer inspired treat was in order.

We ran to the store and bought three ingredients:
  • 1 pound of fresh strawberries,
  • a 4 pack of ready made shortcakes, and
  • COOL WHIP Whipped Topping.


The first step is the hull and slice the strawberries.
dump them all in a bowl, sprinkle with sugar
and toss to coat:

Let them set for an hour (at least).
___________________________
Science Lesson:
Sprinkling strawberries with sugar helps to 
release juice through the process of osmosis.  

Since strawberries have a high water content, 
and sugar crystals do not contain water, 
The hydrophilic (water loving) sugar will draw out the moisture through the 
strawberry until the water levels inside and outside the strawberry are equal.
By taking advantage of this process, we can make sure 
that our strawberry shortcakes are nice and moist.
___________________________
You can easily do this step in the morning
and put the bowl in the fridge until dinner time.
Make sure to set the COOL WHIP Whipped Topping
out to thaw, so that it makes perfect dollops. 
This dessert is nearly perfect:
For Families - the strawberries can come fresh from a local 
organic u-pick farm, or straight from the grocery store.
For busy moms - It’s quick to make.  
5 minutes of prep, it sits during dinner, and a minute to serve it up.
For unexpected guests -  the ingredients are easy to keep on hand.
For picky eaters - each serving can be made to suit.
More strawberries for Susan, more whipped topping for Bill. 


From Plain to Special with just one dollop!




Sponsored posts are purely editorial content that we are pleased to have presented by a participating sponsor. Advertisers do not produce the content. I was compensated for this post as a member of Clever Girls Collective, but the content is all my own.

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