Time for a change

As you can see, I've changed my blog. Background, title, everything really. As much I love the whole "going green" movement, I felt I wasn't doing enough "green" stuff to title my blog after it. I still eat organic whenever I can. I recycle. I grow my own veggies. I compost. Blah, blah, blah. But it doesn't really define who I am. It's just something I believe in.



I chose the new name because I feel that's all I have been doing since we got on this TTC rollercoaster. I've either been waiting to see if *this* will be the month, or if *this* doctor's appointment will shed some light on our situation, or if *this* trick will help us get pregnant, and well, this list could go on. To be honest, I am SICK of waiting. I want a baby so bad I can taste it.



I hear these awful stories on tv about women who kidnap babies and try to pretend like they are theirs. I start to sympathize with these women. What if they are like me and have been trying so long that they go crazy and see a baby and just take it? I know the difference between me and them is that I am not crazy. Not yet anyway. But when did they cross that line? When did they go from baby-crazed to "that crazy lady who stole a baby? What made them snap? What pushed them over the edge?



So many questions. So few answers.



Don't worry. You won't be seeing me in the news anytime soon.

Cloth diapers and how to make one

I've wanted to use cloth diapers once we had a baby and was cringing at the cost per diaper (around $12-$18 per diaper, give or take). I know it would save money in the long run but my cheap ass puckered at the thought of my child crapping in an $18 diaper. That is when my search for an affordable cloth diaper began.

The old fashioned cloth diapers crossed my mind but they aren't fitted, which can lead to leaks and worse...stains. Yuck. They are definitely affordable (usually around $12 or so for a package of 10 or 12). Plus you would need to buy the plastic pants to go over them. I'm not sure how much they run but they aren't much.

The only other thing I could think of was to find a pattern and make my own. Problem solved! I found a great pattern at Mama Bird's Website. She has a basic pattern to use and instructions on how to make a fitted diaper, an all in one diaper and a pocket diaper. I've only made the fitted diaper (and made one addition of my own) but if I can find the right material (called PUL) I will try the all in one.

I decided I would do a step-by-step post on how I made the diaper but if you want to try to make one, I would go to her website. Her pictures are better. By the way, these pictures are in no way an attempt at photography. I haven't even cracked open those books yet. These pictures, to be quite blunt, suck. My craft room is in my basement and it has awful flourescent lighting. But, enough about that.

The diaper has two layers plus a soaker pad in the middle. I made the inner layer from a Good Will t-shirt ($.99 and I'll get about 4 or 5 diapers from it). The outer layer is flannel (I always check the remnant section for good deals. The remnant I used here cost me less than $2 and I'll get 2 or 3 diapers from it). I folded both fabrics in half and traced the pattern on to the t-shirt.

Now, both layers are cut out (I use pinking shears) and I've marked where the elastic goes.

I also marked where the soaker pad is placed. It should hit the two small marks and then it is centered in the middle.

Next, I cut out the material for the soaker pad. I use 6 strips of flannel. I always save scraps from sewing projects and now it can be put to good use. Also, I check the remnant section for ugly flannel to use. It's cheap and it won't be seen.

Ok, so I made two additions to Mama Bird's pattern. I added three layers of batting in the soaker. It should help it dry faster, especially if it's put in the dryer.

This is what the soaker should look like...three layers of flanne on the top and bottom with three layers of batting in the middle.

Then I sewed the soaker together. I just did this to make it easier when it came time to sew it to the inner part of the diaper.

It obviously isn't even but it doesn't matter. It won't be seen and it's only purpose is to hold piss.

The soaker is placed in between the two markings I made earlier and centered in the middle.

Now it's ready to be sewn on.

Be careful while you are sewing and don't sew the diaper to itself like I did. You can't see it because it is a crappy picture.

If you do then you'll just use a seam ripper to remove the offending stitches and begin again.

This is what it will look like (or better if you are a better seamstress than I am, and you probably are) once the soaker pad is sewn on. I went around it twice, hence the framed in look.

Next, I cut the elastic for the leg openings. When cutting, you need to stretch it from marking to marking so that once it's sewn on it will gather the fabric. Make sure to cut two...one for each leg. Duh.

Sewing on the elastic is probably the hardest part of this little project but if I can do it, anyone can. You kind of just stretch and sew at the same time. This is what one finished side looks like.

And with both sides finished. See how the sides are gathered up? That's what holds the poo in!

Then, I stitched on the ends of the back elastic. I'll sew this down once the diaper is sewn together.

Next, I pinned the two layers together, right sides together.

Now the two layers are sewn together.

I left an opening so that I can turn it inside out. It will be sewn up later.

This is the diaper right side out.

I then sewed the back elastic through both layers. Again, you kind of have to stretch and sew at the same time.

Then I sewed up the opening I had left to turn the diaper inside out.

Next, I cut the hook velcro (the scratchy side) for the tabs of the diaper.

Here they are sewn on.

Then I cut the loop velcro (the soft side) for the front of the diaper.

Now that the velcro is on the diaper is almost finished. I decided to add one little feature though.

I decided to add fold over pockets/tabs/whatever to the tabs of the diaper to protect the velcro while washing. This way it doesn't get fuzzies stuck to it and it doesn't create a chain of diapers in the washer or dryer. First, I lay the tab on a piece of folded over flannel and traced it.

Once it's cut out I placed it on the inner part of the tab.

Sew around the round part of the tab but leave the straight edge open.

So now the tab cover thingy is sewn on and while in use it will look like this.

When it's time to wash the diaper, just flip the tabs over the velcro and wash.

So that's it. It's really not hard. I've made three so far and it usually takes about 45 minutes or so to make a one. Seeing as how I'll probably need about 20-30 of each size (give or take) it's probably good that I start now.

Total cost for homemade fitted diaper: Around $1...probably less.

Now that is something my child can crap in.

P.S. Please ignore the chipped nail polish. That is the main reason I never get manicures. I'm terrible about taking off the polish once it starts chipping. I got my nails done for Valentine's Day. I'm guessing it'll still be on my nails come St. Patrick's Day.

It CAN be easy being green!

Hello, My Love,

Your dad and I went to Costco last night to get some dog food and while I was waiting for my pictures to be printed, we walked around to see what they had. I was like a kid in a candy store! I was truly surprised to see how much organic stuff they had! I didn't look at every last thing in the store but the things I saw were:

• Organic milk - 1% (which is what we drink) We usually get a half gallon of the store brand of organic milk and it usually runs $3.89. Costco had three half gallons for $7.98 (or close to that). Needless to say, we grabbed it!
• Organic BBQ sauce
• Organic cereals. I saw some Flax cereal (sorry, but I love my Golden Grahams!) but they also had some granola that was pumpkin flavored that sounded pretty yummy.
• Organic soups and broths.
• Organic pop tarts.
• Organic rice krispy bars.
• Organic olive oil.
• Environmentally friendly laundry detergent. I was planning on getting some by Seventh Generations since my food store (Shoppers Food Warehouse) carries it and Seventh Generation's website (http://www.seventhgeneration.com/) usually has coupons to print out but now I can get it from Costco for cheaper!
• Environmentally friendly hand soap refill. Babies R Us carries Method (http://www.methodhome.com)/ hand soap dispensers so now we can buy the refill soap!

I know there was more but I'm having a mental block. Anyway, today I went to Rite Aid and found some organic make up. I am currently using an organic tinted moisturizer and I love it. It's never cakey and you can't tell I'm wearing anything. I also have an organic bronzer...love that, too.
So, today I bought some organic eye shadow and eyeliner that is made for hazel eyes.

I also found earth friendly make up brushes! I was due for some new ones as I've had the ones I currently use for too long. These new ones are made from bamboo and "cruelty-free hair."

Plus, they were on sale for buy one, get one half off, so I saved some green as well!

Feeling crafty

Hello, My Love,



I don't really have anything interesting to write about but felt like writing anyway. The new job is going great. I really like it there. I've been good about riding my bike to work 2-3 times per week. It's 3.25 miles there so I'm getting some much needed exercise. I can already fit into the shorts I bought last summer that were a too tight earlier this summer. Very encouraging. And as far as gas, I've been using a half tank of gas each week. A far departure from the full tank to a tank and a half I was using. My wallet really likes that.

So, I'm throwing a baby shower for one of my best friends in a few weeks. I'm not much into the traditional baby blue/baby pink theme so I took the colors from the crib bedding she picked out (aqua blue and a sea green) and went from there. I did buy a few "It's a boy" decorations just because you have to have a few. I think I'm all set for games and prizes so I just need to figure out what to have for food. I've been knitting a baby blanket for the baby that will match the crib set, which I bought for her. I'll post some pictures soon. I just hope I can finish it before the shower. I've also been making burp cloths. They're pretty simple to make and I think they look pretty nice. Over the past year or so I've also knitted some baby hats, both of which I should post pictures of. I made them for you....I'm hoping you'll wear them someday.

My butt hurts!

Hello, My Love,

Not that you want to hear about my rear end, but man oh man does my tush hurt! I've started riding my bike to work and it's day number two and I feel like I've got a big bruise under each cheek. I even got a bigger seat with gel padding but I guess I'll just have to get used to it. I do feel good about the exercise I'm getting. I bought a speedometor/odometer to see how fast I'm going/how far I'm riding. I'm guessing about 3 miles so a total of 6 miles a day. I can feel the burn in my thighs. Pretty soon I'll have the nice legs I had 10 years ago. I also feel good about sparing the earth all the pollutents from my car and of course I feel great about not spending money on gas! I put $20 (half a tank for me) in my car on Sunday. With my previous job I would have needed to put more in by now. I'm curious to see how long it will last me.

I should be ovulating soon and I feel excited about this cycle. I think the vitamins your dad has been taking are having positive effects on him. I am anxious about this cycle. I have this vision of seeing those two beautiful lines. Those two lines are like a dream that I hope will soon come true.

Well, gotta get to Home Depot to get some compost, a bin and a hose reel. I'm starting a compost bin for the garden. I'll have to post some pictures soon.

Going green

Hello, My Love,

So, your mom and dad are trying to go green. I don't think we could ever afford to go completely green as it pretty costly but we are doing our best to cut back on waste, recycle, use all natural cleaning products and buy organic food and products. Because of the rising cost of gas, groceries are more expensive, especially organic foods. Horizon organic milk costs $4.09 a half gallon. That's more expensive than gas!

As of now these are the things we are doing to go green:

• Started our own garden. We have zucchini, cucumber, tomatoes, pumpkin, watermelon, jalapeno, basil, dill, rosemary and oregano. Right now everything is in pots but we plan on transplanting soon. I hope to add carrots once we transplant.
• Buy organic dairy products. This way we avoid cows that have been given antibiotics and growth hormones. It's more expensive but I think it's worth it in the long run.
• Shop at local farmer's markets to find cheaper and better-for-you vegetables and fruits.
• Switched jobs to one that is closer to home and that I can ride my bike to.
• Instead of bottled water we buy a 2.5 gallon jug and refill our water bottles.
• Recycle everything possible.
• Use eco-friendly cleaners. Seventh Generation is a great company and their website, www.seventhgeneration.com has coupons you can print out. Two other brands that I know of are Babyganics and Method. I haven't tried them yet but plan on it.
• Using reusable tote bags at the grocery store. Some stores even give you a refund for using them. I believe Weis gives $.03 and Giant gives $.05 per bag.
• Cutting back on our a/c use. We only turn it on when we're uncomfortable and then turn it off again once it cools off. During the day when we are not home we keep it off and turn on the fans.

These are things we plan on doing in the near future and once you are in the picture:

• We hope to trade in our Honda Element (very bittersweet since I LOVE this car!) for a hybrid Honda Civic. We're just waiting to do this after we refinance our home loan in August.
• Use cloth diapers. To maintain some sanity we would still use disposables (chlorine free by Seventh Generation) on road trips and possibly at night, if needed.
• Use glass bottles. They are recyclable and much safer than plastic, especially with the BPA scare going on.
• Breastfeed. This is, of course, up to mother nature. I just hope she cooperates.
• Make our own baby food. This will avoid preservatives and additives that you just don't need.
• Use mostly organic cotton for clothing, bedding and towels.
• Use all organic/all natural lotions, ointments, shampoos, etc.

This is just the beginning of our green movement so there will be many more additions to both lists as time goes by.