"Wordless Wednesday"

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Happy Birthday Ruthie

Happy 4th Birthday, Ruthie! Today my baby girl turns 4. It's so hard to believe sometimes, but 4 years ago we were just meeting our little girl!



"Happy Birthday Baby Girl!!!"



"1 month"



"2 months"



"3 months"



"4 months"



"5 months"



"6 months"



"7 months"



"8 months"



"9 months"



"10 months"



"11 months"



"1 whole year!"



"2 years"



"3 years"



Happy 4th Birthday, Princess!



I will be off-line most of today, spending the day with my Birthday girl and the rest of our family :-)


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Wordless Wednesday

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"Scouting"

Mr Tiger Cub Scout Himself



Charlie and his pack-mates fund-raising


I was never a scout. My Mom didn't have the patience nor the desire to enroll me or, to attend with me. All of my friends were Brownies, Girl scouts, etc...I was always jealous. I always longed to go to the meetings with them, to wear the cute little uniform and to have my very own badges. Always.

Chris's family is HUGE into scouting. Of 4 boys, 3 of them have achieved the Eagle Scout rank. It's a HUGE undertaking, scouting, and to go all the way to Eagle is actually pretty rare due to the amount of commitment it takes.

I think that was one thing that really drew me to Chris when I met him...he was a boy scout. I asked him about 100 questions in our first weeks together, and I found out that yes, indeed, it was as fun as I always thought it was. Chris's brain is FULL of fun memories of scouting, camping, and teamwork with other boys. Mine is full of lonely weekends, and waiting for my scout friends to get home so we could play a few hours before dark. Boo.

Before Charlie was even born, I planned for scouting. I dreamed of taking him camping, of sewing patches on his little uniforms, and of his Dad teaching him all the things he learned as a scout. Since the day he was born, I've been hoping, planning, and waiting to get him into scouts!

There are a few things I am very passionate about in my life. Natural birth, cloth diapering, involved parenting, and scouting are only a few. However, scouting is something that I feel every child should get to experience at least part of their lives.

Finally, this year, he's a Tiger Cub! I could not be more ecstatic if I tried! I'm THRILLED! I even bought a new sewing machine to sew on all his patches (which I did), and we all attended the first pack meeting together. I am DEDICATED to the cause, because I truly believe that scouting has created a well rounded person in Chris, and that it has also given him a solid foundation of morals, values, and experiences for life. Without scouting, I'm not sure that Chris would be any different, but I know that he's a pretty darn great guy due to it!

However, I'm finding out that not everyone feels the same way about scouting. Some sign up just to try it, some just want a place to drop off their kids, and some, I'm not sure why they signed up at all. Chris is our Den Leader, I am the Assistant Den Leader, and we have 7 boys in our pack. Of the 7 boys, we've only met 4 parents, and only 4 were able to attend the pack meeting last Thursday. I've sent out e-mail after e-mail about Den meetings, and have only heard back from 1 Mom. NONE of them want to be involved in their kids lives. I think they are just now realizing that they will actually have to fill out the book with their scout, and that they have to attend all Den meetings, and "go see it" activities as well. I think it has frightened off some parents...because they can't stand the thought of being involved with their child. How SAD!

I, as the Assistant Den leader get to motivate them and encourage them as well as make meeting plans, outing arrangements, and other things. Ugh. It's a LOT when I think about it, and the fact that I'm 24 weeks pregnant, but I am DEDICATED, and it WILL HAPPEN for us...I just have to push through...so today I will be sending out another e-mail and then will be making phone calls...and if I still get no response, I will just schedule the first Den meeting at our house, and whoever shows, shows, and whoever doesn't, doesn't. I can only hold their hands so much, I can't force them to love spending time getting to know their child.

We are currently selling popcorn, and Charlie and I attended a "site sale" yesterday. One Dad there said "My son is 7, he's in 2nd grade" and the boy looked up and said "No Dad, I'm 8, and I'm in 3rd grade"-HOW SAD. I almost cried. This Dad knew NOTHING about his son and even admitted "I'm only here because my wife is out of town for a family thing". Heartbreaking.

Our Pack, with 12 Dens has actually lost 3 Dens this year. Parents don't want to be involved. They don't want to take the time to spend 3-6 hours a month with their child at meetings and activities, and they don't want to DO ANYTHING. It sucks. Seriously parents, is that paycheck REALLY WORTH forgoing your child? What do you think your child is going to remember more, that expensive whatever you bought him, or the 3-6 hours a week one-on-one time with you?!? Puts it in perspective, right?

If you are out and see scouts selling popcorn, 1 bag of microwave is $1, please at least buy 1 bag, or donate $1 to the cause. Scouting is a wonderful, positive experience for kids who may or may not have interested, dedicated parents, and it often fills in the gaps left by careless or, often, alcoholic parents. PLEASE think of the boys, $1 is a HUGE investment in their futures!

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There Comes A Time

There comes a time in every Mom's life where you look at your kids and think "How did you get so big!?". I had one of those moments this morning while eating breakfast with Charlie. He gets himself up, brushes his teeth, makes his bed, and gets dressed. We head downstairs together and I usually prepare his breakfast while he tells me what he's looking forward to each day. This morning, however, he said "Mom, just sit down, I'll make you a bowl of cereal." And you know what!? He did! He poured the cereal for both of us and added the milk before fetching spoons for both of us. I didn't argue, even though I was going to make us both omelets...the cereal and conversation that followed was great. He told me he should be getting his violin today...I can't wait to see it!

I walked him out to the bus, and one he got on, 4 girls turned around immediately to talk with him. HOW DID HE GET SO BIG? AND WHERE DID HE GET ALL THAT "GAME"???? hahaha

I stood in the driveway as the bus pulled away thinking that my little baby boy is long gone, all that I have now is this bigger boy searching for his way in this world and I am merely a guide along the way.

It hurts folks...and at the same time it's wonderful that he can be so independent. It doesn't ease the pain inside my heart that my boy is no longer the little guy that wanted nothing more than to sit near me and cuddle. At least I can console myself with the fact that I have about 11 years before he graduates and I become an empty-nester...and I have my girls and this little guy due in Jan. There is hope! I didn't plan to hold onto him forever, just a little longer than this!

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Giving a shout out

I wanted to give a shout-out to my 2 favorite cloth diapers stores! Because of where I live, I am pretty far from both stores, however, it is more than worth the drive for me to visit them and their lovely selection of cloth diapers!



First Up, Cutie poops and bottoms in Orland Park, IL.You can visit their website here: http://cutiepoopsandbottoms.com/ and the facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Cutie-Poops-and-Bottoms/128553357169223?ref=ts. MY GPS had a little difficulty finding the store, but I was able to get there without an issue because I grew up in that area. I was able to sell cloth diapers that had been very gently used by my kids, or not used at all (some hadn't even been washed!) and get a really great store-credit toward NEW DIAPERS for the NEW BABY! Yippee!!! I've already spent more than 1/2 of my credit on the little guy's bum! I really like that they not only offer prenatal/postnatal/newborn classes and programs here, they also have used diaper sales where Moms that normally might not be able to afford cloth diapering can come and get an entire used stash in EXCELLENT condition at a fraction of the cost! The only downside to buying diapers in Illinois? -Sales tax! However, they don't just sell one kind of diaper, there are pockets, prefolds, AIO, AI2, you name it, PLUS LOTS of other things for baby! The store is designed very cute, and it's a must see! If you are expecting in the south-Chicago-land area, Cutie poops and bottoms is a MUST stop!







Next up is RG Natural Babies in Milwaukee, WI. You can visit the website here: http://www.rgnaturalbabies.com/ and there is also a facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/RG-Natural-Babies/24471005198?ref=ts. I was able to find the store easily located in a very quaint small-downtownish area. I paid the meter and headed into the store. To say the store is HUGE is a gross understatement! It's at least 3 times the size of the Orland Park store I listed above and in addition to sellling the same name-brand diapers, RG Natural babies also carries locally made diapers proudly made in Wisconsin. The store is very well stocked with every kind of diaper, as well as Rockin Green natural laundry detergents, inserts, disposable liners, you name it! The best part of a drive up to Milwaukee for diapers? - NO sales tax! Thank You Wisconsin!



Note: These two stores have not paid me or reimbursed me to mention them, shout out to them, or "plug them". I have been cloth diapering since 2005, and have tried many different brands, styles, and on-line retailers. I feel it is important for people to know that these stores exist, that you can go in and feel the diapers, see how you like them, and no longer must rely on Internet purchasing only. I was very satisfied with my visits to both stores, and the convenience that they both offer internet sales as well where I can order things and have them arrive directly at my door. Both stores offer very friendly, knowledgeable, and approachable staff that are willing and prepared to help you find what you are looking for and need for your baby. I will be visiting both stores physically, and via their websites in the future! For saving baby bottoms one baby at a time, and Mother Earth as well, these are my two favorite cloth diaper stores! Way to go Mommas!


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Growing Up Cloth

Charlie, 17 months in a Gerber cotton trainer



Ruthie 6 months in a Happy Heiny's pocket diaper!



Charlie potty trained, Ruthie 7 months in a Kushies AIO



Lily, 7 months in a hand me down from Charlie Happy Heiny's pocket diaper!



Lily, 9 months in her Bubele Bums Minky AIO



Lily, 11 months in a Bubele Bums fleece AIO



New diapers for the new baby boy, cute patterns! Pocket diapers!



Cloth diapers are available in all of the colors of the rainbow!These are Fuzzi Bunz Pocket diapers!
In addition to my last post, I wanted to share some photos of my kids growing up in cloth, and to share some of the adorable designs that are out there...


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Fluff

Did you know that I cloth diaper? Many people have no idea because I will often buy a bag of disposables to bring with on long drives, shopping outings, and visits to family. Why? Well, a lot of people think it's repulsive to wash your baby's poop out by swishing a diaper in the toilet and I don't want them to be uncomfortable...a lot of women that have done it with their own children turn their noses up at the mere thought of it. I hear a lot "Why do/would you use cloth diapers? I mean, I did, but I didn't have a choice!". And to that, I give you this...


Reasons I cloth Diaper:


1. They are absolutely adorable!


2. It's cheaper than buying disposables (in the long run).


3. It's better for my baby's skin (My son got a chemical burn and a staph infection from disposables). Cloth diapers are gel, chemical, and plastic free! They breathe which prevents rashes!


4. It's better for the environment.Each baby in cloth saves roughly 2tons of waste from going into landfills!


5. With all the new cloth, it's no more inconvenient than disposables.Did you know that you are supposed to flick out/rinse out the poop in a disposable before throwing it away!? You are! Read the side of the disposable bags, I know that Huggies and Loves had it listed when Charlie was in cloth!


6. I never "run out" of diapers. All I have to do is throw them in the washer!


7. I Love it!


8. No diaper rashes-EVER!


9. Potty training is waaaay easier!


10. Better bottom cushioning for those spills the little one takes!


11. I like being a leader, and not just following the crowd to something that could potentially hurt my child. Cloth is always going to be better than a gel/chemical filled stiff piece of paper/plastic!


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