DONATIONS BUTTON IS GOOD TO GO

Ok, the link has been updated!! You can now donate with NO shipping charge!! Sorry about that, folks!

YIKES!! DONATION PROBLEM...

Hi all! I was alerted to the fact that when you try to donate it wants to charge a 35 dollar shipping fee!! THIS IS A MISTAKE!! I'm trying to contact my brother right now.  My guess is that's the shipping price for their ballet barres that they make and they forgot to get rid of it for this event...I'll let you know when it is fixed!! Please don't be discouraged!!

THANKS!!

"Fluff Baby Home" Details

Well, I am still hearing back from sponsors but have enough to get a good start! The first giveaway will start July 5! If you could, please spread the word!  If you blog about this event, you will get 5 extra entries into each of the giveaways!

Details to Include:

What:  Fluff Baby Home giveaway/fundraising event

When: Starting July 5!

Where: Biehl Adventures

Why: To hopefully raise money for my brother's international adoption from Africa.  Donating any dollar amount will get you 25 extra entries into EVERY giveaway!


Thanks guys!!

We LOVE our Pixie Poppit Cloth Diaper

Recently, I won a Pixie Poppits cloth diaper from New Age Nappies and Coupon Mommy of 3.  I was so excited to get it! They make it in a few colors you can't find elsewhere like red and black! I chose to get one in red.  They also make them available in both snaps and aplix.  Now, brace yourselves, I got mine in snaps! I know I have proclaimed I'm a velcro girl, but these snaps are so easy to adjust and use.  Even my husband thought so!

So I washed it up and used it right away! And....It's fantastic.  The outer PUL is thick and soft.  The inner suedecloth is luxuriously soft.  It came with two inserts that could snap together for extra absorbency! How neat is that? There's also elastic at the back and sides that contains the messes.  And best of all, it's OS so it can fit a baby from birth to potty training. 

I wish I had known about these when I was first buying cloth diapers.  I definitely would have purchased more of these.  I also wished I known how easy snaps could be! I really love this diaper and I'm thinking about getting a black one for Collin to wear in a wedding he's in next month! Of course, it'll be covered during the ceremony, but during the reception, imagine how cute he'd be in nothing but a fancy black diaper?  hehehe...

 

We are blessed

This past weekend we got a reminder of just how blessed we are. 

We celebrated my husband's grandparents' 60th wedding anniversary! 60 years!! His grandpa said the secret to being married 60 years was to let things go and find a wife that won't argue with you.  It was so neat to see all the family there.  Everyone made it except one couple who lives out in New Jersey.

Almost all of the family was there and surprised the grandparents by attending their small country church on Sunday morning.  There were probably 10 rows of pews and we did our best to fill them! It was so heartwarming to look around and see all the cousins and aunts and uncles.  Mark's grandpa stood up and commented on how grateful he is that the Lord has blessed him with 60 years of marriage so far and this great family. 

It was so neat because the minister did an impropmtu children's sermon for all the great grandkids! He had a good sermon about Christianity that my husband and I got a lot out of.  No frills...just a message.  We liked it. 

Afterwards, we headed over to a different place for a meal.  There, we got handouts that contained all the memories that Mark's grandparents had about growing up.  It is so neat to have that all in writing!

Looking around at the 40+ people who were there, Mark and I were reminded of how blessed we are to have such an involved family.  It's awesome to have this support system.  And it's awesome that Collin is going to know so many of his cousins--that is not an experience I had. 

We love our simple country life and the wonderful family that surrounds us. 

*photo by: Brad Rund of Rundwerks Photography

Donations Now Being Accepted

If you see on the right side of the page, there is a "Help Fluff Baby Home" chip-in button.  If you would like to make a donation (and earn 25 extra entries into each of the giveaways coming up) just click the button and donate! You will need a paypal account in order to do so. 

The Event Button Has Arrived!

<a border="0" href="http://biehladventures.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i817.photobucket.com/albums/zz93/Biehl_Adventures/150x150-Fluff-Baby-Home-Button.jpg" /></a>

Grab my button and post it to your blog! When the giveaways start, you get bonus entries for posting my event button on your blog!

"Fluff Baby Home"

So I wanted to give all of you a heads up on something I am trying to put together. 

Background:

My brother and sister-in-law are trying to adopt a child from Africa.  God laid it on their hearts awhile ago to adopt from Africa after hearing about the devastation that occurs over there on a daily basis.  International adoptions are expensive...they are looking at spending around 30,000 dollars.  Currently, they are writing grants and looking for other fundraising opporutnities.

Enter Biehl Adventures:

What I Hope to Accomplish:

I am setting up a series of Fluff giveaways to last for several weeks.  The idea is that we will give away one fluffy product/week until baby is home! Hence the title..Fluff Baby Home!

Why Fluff?

My sister-in-law wants to use cloth diapers!! So I am reaching out to the cloth diapering community for help!

But How Will Giving Stuff Away Raise Money?

Here is where I'm going to rely on the kindness of strangers.  One of the *optional* entry methods will be that you can donate to their non-profit International Adoption Fund in exchance for 25 extra entries into EVERY fluff giveaway during the "Fluff Baby Home" event.  You only have to donate, at minimum, 1 (one) dollar.  So, you donate one dollar, and you get 25 extra entries into EVERY giveaway.

Status:

I am  currently in the process of hearing back from sponsors.  As I hear from them, I will update my giveaway page!

How Can You Help?

Spread the word!! I will be posting the event button in the next week! Grab it, share it!

Please Vote For Collin

Like Ottawa Cloth Diapers on facebook and vote for my son's picture, please!!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?pid=4325248&id=148959863432


THANK YOU!!!

I LOVE my ERGObaby carrier

Recently, I won an ERGObaby carrier from Best Baby Organics.  I have dreamed of having an ERGObaby carrier ever since Collin grew close to outgrowing his Jeep carrier.  We have a family trip coming up soon and I wanted to be able to tote him around in more than just the stroller.  The ERGO allows me to carry him in the front, on my back, and MY FAVORITE...on my hip!

I've been using the ERGO when I hang laundry on the line or when we go chery picking.  Collin likes to be with us and see what's going on so I just strap him on me and away we go.  The ERGO is incredibly supportive.  Collin is a good 22 pounds and his weight is easily carried with the ERGO.  My back isn't sore and neither is my hip!

I would definitely recommend this carrier to new/expecting mommies.  It's expensive, but I think it's worth the cost...I would have given in and bought one if I hadn't won it!

Lime Ricki Swimwear

So, 6 months post pregnancy, and I'm doing a fair job battling the weight.  I feel like I've lost a good amount! I'm in the 170s.  I haven't been in the 170s in at least 2 years.  But ideally, I would like to get into the 150s.  As my mom says, it took 9 months (more like 2 years) to put it all on, it'll take 9 months (hopefully not 2 years) to get it all off!

Since it is now summer, I am on the hunt for a swimsuit that is flattering and one that doesn't make me look like a frumpy mommy. 

Mama B is giving a Lime Ricki swimsuit to one of her readers.  Check out the giveaway here:  http://mamabmy.blogspot.com/2010/06/mama-essential-32-lime-ricki-swimwear.html

And be sure to check out what Lime Ricki has to offer: http://www.limericki.com/

A Letter to My Husband, on his first Father's Day

Dear Markaby,

More than a year ago, we found out I was pregnant and I lovingly would call you "dad" and ask if you were ready to be a dad.  You'd laugh and say "I hope so."  And now here we are, with a 6 month old little boy, and you are the most amazing father.

I love watching you play with Collin--on the floor after work, in the pack 'n play when you are changing his diaper and getting him ready for bed, at night when he's giggly and silly. 

I love watching you read to him.  You are so sweet when you take time to show him the pictures and explain things that happened in the story. 

I love watching how confident you have become in your fathering skills.  You don't bat an eye at changing a diaper (and a cloth diaper at that!), calming the fussy Collin, soothing him to sleep. 

And I have so appreciated what a supportive dad/husband you have been.  You support me in my breastfeeding.  Not once have you said a negative thing about breastfeeding.  You constantly tell me that you want me and Collin to breastfeed as long as he wants.  You understand that that means we can't always go out or go away without Collin close behind.  You support me in my decision to stay at home with Collin.  You are so excited that I can, and that I want to be a wifey and a mommy.  And you understand that that means sometimes the house is still a wreck when you get home because we decided to play all day or that we can't take that next trip to Hawaii for a few more years. 

Sometimes you say that you don't think you're a great dad yet, but I don't think you see what I see.  You don't see the pride that glows on your face when you hold and talk about your little boy.  You don't see how your smile lights up the room when you are making Collin giggle and laugh.  You don't see how you are the voice of reason when I'm being a crazy, overbearing mommy. 

I love you so much and I am so blessed to have you as both my husband and Collin's daddy. 

Happy Father's Day, Markaby.

Me and Collin, we're the lucky ones.

Teething...probably...Ear infection...definitely

Ear infections = Hell. 

My son has been teething for months now--and he's only 6 months old.  Well, it seemed to be getting horribly worse.  There was one night that he and I got only 3 hours of sleep...total.  Thankfully, he had his 6 month check up and it was discovered that while he might be teething, he also had an ear infection in both ears.  :( :(  We feel so bad for the little guy, but at least we know now that he isn't just teething!  He has not been himself.  When he's not asleep, he's crying and/or screaming in pain.  And to top it all off, my husband has been sick so I have been very stressed. I miss my smiley, playful, laughing little boy. 

He's taking antibiotics and this evening he was playful and laughing again; I'm so glad.  I've missed him! So hopefully he just keeps getting better! *Sigh* This probably won't make it in the baby book...or well, I won't add too many details! Fun, fun...

Live Clean Baby Products Giveaway ends 7/17

My New Life as Mom is giving away an awesome Live Clean Baby products package!

Check it out: http://www.mynewlifeasmom.com/2010/05/life-clean-baby-review-giveaway.html#comment-form

EcoMom Plum Organics/Revolution Foods Giveaway ends 6/22

The Tree Huggin' Momma is doing a giveaway for $20 worth of Plum Organics and/or Revolution Foods!

Check it out:  http://thetreehugginmomma.blogspot.com/2010/06/plum-organics-reviewgiveaway-from.html

iPad Giveaway ends 7/2

Mom to bed by 8 is giving away an iPad!! I would love to win this b/c it would be much easier to travel with than the laptop!

Here's where to enter: 

http://momtobedby8.blogspot.com/2010/06/apple-ipad-giveaway-yes-i-said-ipad.html

And here's a link to the extra entries/rules portion:

http://momtobedby8.blogspot.com/2010/04/note-changes-extra-entries-and-giveaway.html

The Baby Store Plus Likes to Pamper a New Mama Gift Set

"The Baby Store Plus Likes to Pamper a New Mama ~Gift Set Giveaway" is going on now at The Baby Store Plus's blog:  http://thebabystoreplus.blogspot.com/2010/06/baby-store-plus-likes-to-pamper-new.html

Be sure to check out The Baby Store Plus Online Shop: http://shop.thebabystoreplus.com/

They are going to be carrying cloth diapers soon!!

Pregnancy Party/Baby Bash runs May-Nov

Mama to 3 Blessings is hosting a Pregnancy Party/Baby Bash with AWESOME giveaways!! Check it out: http://mamato3blessings.blogspot.com/

She has a thirsties duo diaper giveaway that ends 6/23: http://mamato3blessings.blogspot.com/2010/06/thristies-duo-diaper-review-and.html

Babykicks Cloth Diaper Giveaway ends 7/1

Wee Little Changes is giving away a babykicks cloth diaper! Check it out: http://weelittlechanges.blogspot.com/2010/06/babykicks-giveaway.html

AppleCheeks Cloth Diaper Giveaway ends 6/29

Mama B is hosting ANOTHER giveaway and this time it's for an AppleCheeks little bundle.  There will be two winners!

Check it out: http://mamabmy.blogspot.com/2010/06/mama-essential-27-applecheeks-review.html

Softbums Giveaway ends 6/18

Softbums is giving away a diaper in their new color: Chocolate! There will be 3 winners!

Check it out:

http://loveclothdiapers.blogspot.com/2010/06/chocolate-color-giveaway-at-softbums.html

$20 giftcard to Top to Bottom Baby Boutique ends 6/23

MamaB is giving away a $20 giftcard to Top to Bottom Baby Boutique!  If I win, I'm buying one of those Thirsties Duo Diapers!

Check it out:

http://mamabmy.blogspot.com/2010/06/mama-essential-24-top-to-bottom-baby.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FWrEv+%28The+Queen+B%29

Tupperware Water Bottle ends 6/23

Mama to 3 Bears is hosting her first giveaway!! She's giving away 3 ecofriendly water bottles from Tupperware!  Check it out: http://mama23bears.blogspot.com/2010/06/its-my-2-yr-blogiversary-with-giveaway.html

Smart Mom Jewelry Giveaway ends 6/22

Win a Smart Mom teething necklace from Hobo Mama and The Posh Baby Store! These necklaces are adorable and functional!!

http://www.hobomamareviews.com/2010/05/hobo-mama-giveaway-smart-mom-jewelry.html

Monogrammed Handcrafted Blue / Brown Dot / Stripe Purse Giveaway ends 6/20

The Posh Baby Store is giving away a Monogrammed Handcrafted Blue / Brown Dot / Stripe Purse! It is ADORABLE!! Check it out:

 http://www.poshtrendygifts.com/2010/05/giveaway-monogrammed-handcrafted-blue.html

Softbums Giveaway ends 6/30

You can win a Softbums clothdiaper giveaway from Raising My 4 Sons: http://www.raisingmy4sons.com/2010/06/soft-bums-review-giveaway.html

I have been dieing to try these cloth diapers! Hope I win! But good luck to you too!

New PlanetWise Swim/Diaper Bag!!!

Fitteds and Pockets and snappis, oh my! (I know, love the name right?) is doing a review/giveaway for a BRAND NEW Planet Wise Swim/Diaper bag.  This bag looks amazing! I LOVE my plane twise diaper pail liner! So I'm a big Planet Wise fan.  I'll be entering this contest, how about you?

Wordless Wednesday: A Riddle...

How many Biehl men does it take to get Collin ready for bed?

And the Winner is....

Comment #92: Mama Lungo!!

You have 48 hours to respond to my email!

Thanks to everyone for participating in my first giveaway!!

If you didn't win, head over to The Tree Huggin' Momma's blog for her EcoMom giveaway!

Don't forget about the coupon code: SBBL402 You can save 15% off your first order! Good through June 30, 2010.

And thank you to EcoMom for this awesome opportunity!

These aren't your mother's cloth diapers..part 2

So we have been cloth diapering now for 6 months.  First of all, I can't believe 6 months have gone by.  Time goes too quickly.  Second of all, we are still in LOVE with cloth diapering.  I think it was one of the BEST decisions we have ever made.  Since I've been cloth diapering for 6 months, I have learned A LOT! So, I wanted to update and share what I've learned.


Necessities: 

Here's what I think are necessities for cloth diapering.

• 24 OS (my preference) or AIO pocket diapers/per size (if that's your preference) or 24-36 prefolds/24 fitted diapers with 5-8 diaper covers (my preferred brand is Thirsties)
• 30-50 cloth wipes (make them yourself! cheaper and just as good!)
• Wipe warmer to store cloth wipes in, already wetted
• Diaper sprayer (can easily be made:  http://biehladventures.blogspot.com/2010/05/diy-diaper-sprayer.html)
• Regular trash can with a PlanetWise (or any brand of your choice) cloth diaper pail liner
• Clothesline or drying rack
• The cheapest laundry detergent you can find (one with the least amount of additives--we use Purex).
• Gallon-sized Ziplock bags (I use these as 'wetbags'--you put the dirty diaper in it while out and about then just dump diaper out into pail when you get home)
• Cloth diaper safe diaper rash cream (we use California Baby)
• If using non-cloth diaper safe cream (sometimes we use A and D zinc oxide) you will want pieces of fleece to put in the diaper.  I simply bought a few yards from Wal-mart and cut them to fit in the diaper. I throw away when done-->we use these rarely so it's not expensive.

What I Use:

Diapering a Newborn:

The easiest way, in my opinion, is to use covers and prefolds with a newborn.  It's a cheap method of diapering for the number of diapers you change in that first month.  While I used cotton prefolds, I would recommend bamboo now, because it is more absorant.  I did use some hemp ones and those were really absorbent as well. If you use thirsties covers, you don't have to use snappis or pins to hold the prefold together. Also, a newborn doesn't wriggle around very much, so no worries about that with the prefold.

Most often, I use my bumgenius OS pocket diapers.  I also use my Bubele Bums OS AIO diaper frequently.  I am in love with these diapers.  Here's what I love about bumgenius:

1. Easy on/Easy off with the Aplix (velcro).  I know the velcro isn't going to last forever; but that's okay.  First of all, it's okay because they sell refresher kits that I can put on the diapers (the kits are around 2 bucks).  Second of all, it's okay because it is so easy to use.  It's a great diaper to use if you are just starting out (like I was!) or switching from disposables. Or if you just want to keep it simple.
2. The Pocket option.  You can stuff it with extra layers of absorbancy.  Collin is a peebody so this is very important! It also makes it so the diapers dry very quickly on the line--in an hour on a good, hot day!
3. The colors.  Bumgenius diapers come in a rainbow of colors.  I love that I can match the diaper to the outfit!
4. The price.  You can get a good stash of 24 for around $350.  Now, you might think that sounds like a lot.  But think about the THOUSANDS you would spend on disposables over the life of your children.  300-500 dollars on cloth doesn't sound so bad now, does it?
5. The adjustability.  The bumgenius OS adjusts up and down to make the diaper bigger or smaller--so it grows with your baby from birth to potty training. 

Here's what I love about my bubele bums AIO OS:

1. The Feel. It is so incredibly soft and squishy on the outside AND the inside.  I feel like I'm putting a blankey on Collin's butt!
2. The Adjustability.  This diaper is Snaps instead of Aplix.  Surprisingly, the snaps are SUPER easy to use.  This diaper also adjusts up and down to fit baby from birth to potty training.
3. The Absorbancy.  This diaper has 2 layers of bamboo sewn in (hence the AIO).  My son can wear it for 6 hours before I start to feel wetness. 
4. The Fit.  This diaper is very trim on Collin.  I really love that.  Also, Collin is chunky and this seems to fit his rolls nicely!

The one thing I don't love about this diaper is that there's no pocket.  But I've been meaning to try and lay a doubler in the diaper and see if it still works.  I'll let you know.

My Wash Routine:

• When I have a dirty diaper, if it's poopy, I spray it off, take out the insert, and put everything in the diaper pail. *I no longer use the laundry tabs.  I put the velcro pieces together instead. 
• I keep the diaper pail right next to the toilet.  And no, I don't have any stink issues.  The bathroom smells like the cleaner I use in the toilet.
• Every three days, I take the liner out of the can, haul the diapers over to the laundry room and dump everything in (bag included).
• I do a cold wash first with just 1/4 of the recommended amount of detergent.
• I then do a hot wash with just 1/4 of the recommended amount of detergent.
• I follow this with an extra rinse.
• I gather everything and hang it out on the line.  The sun will be your ultimate stain fighter.  I no longer use biz in the wash since I have a clothesline and can hang my diapers outside.

Other Tips:

• Sign up for a twitter account! Every monday night, there's a #clothdiapers twitter party from 9-10 p.m.  You can connect with other cloth diapering mommies and share tips, ask questions, etc.  By choosing to cloth diaper, you are connected with hundreds of other mommies in the same fluffy boat!  Also, sometimes sponsors host twitter parties and giveaway free diapers!
• Enter giveaways for clothdiapers! (this coincides with getting a twitter account).  I have won 6 cloth diapers in the last few months! It's fun to try new diapers and build my stash!
• Ask Questions! www.diapershops.com and www.facebook.com/diapershops are great places to start! Also, www.cottonbabies.com  and http://www.29diapers.com/ are great places to seek out answers to your questions!
• Be Brave! Don't be afraid of cloth diapering.  You are going to find that it really isn't hard at all.  It's an extra load of laundry a couple times a week.  Cleaning off poo really isn't awful.  You really do save money.  And your baby's bum will never look cuter!

Biehl Adventures has found Facebook

So, as I get deeper into blogging and *hopefully* reviews and/or giveaways, I thought I could set up a facebook fan page.  Thanks to The Tree Huggin' Momma, I figured out how to do it!

So..."like" Biehl Adventures on Facebook and get 5 extra entries into the EcoMom giveaway.  Make sure to leave 5 separate comments!

Biehl Adventures on Facebook

Cherry Picking: Mommy's Little Helper

Tweet It Out Tuesday

Empowering Mommy hosts "Tweet It Out Tuesday" where you can post your giveaways/blog posts/etc. and she'll tweet it and post it on Facebook! In return, you just tweet some or all of the tweets/posts that others share on the site!

EcoMom Giveaway! $20 worth of Plum Organics and/or Revolution Foods

*GIVEAWAY CLOSED*

EcoMom Review and Giveaway: Win $20 worth of Plum and/or Revolution Foods

About the company:

Eco-friendly Baby Products – EcoMom:

From their website: “Healthy living doesn't have to be overwhelming. Small steps matter, and make a big difference. We Make It Easy.

Founded to address the connection between the health of our environment & the health of our children, EcoMom is committed to making eco-conscious living easy, affordable, & rewarding with education, support, tools & products.”

What do they have to offer?

The better question would be what DON’T they offer?! There are products for Mom, baby, bath, and body. There are toys, books, food, drinks, cleaning supplies, décor, composters…the list goes on!

This place is your one stop shop for green living.

How does it work?

You can shop one of two ways:


You can go to their website, shop, and make your purchase.


OR

You can sign up for EcoPass. If you purchase this $99 annual membership fee, you will receive the following benefits:

1. 15% discount on EVERY order

2. Free shipping (no minimum purchase order required)

3. First look at new products

4. Special offers and promotions

The Review:

When I heard that EcoMom was looking for mommy bloggers to spread the word about their products, I was intrigued! We just started our 6 month old, Collin, on solid foods. Since we’ve been feeding him homemade cereal with breastmilk, I was excited to try something new! I’m always cautious about what Collin eats. A friend once told me that if my child can’t pronounce the ingredients, then he shouldn’t be eating it. Enter EcoMom training meals:

I was sent the Plum Organics Sampler. It consists of packages of organic peaches, mangos, pears, and bananas.

Positives:

1. 
   
   Soft packaging makes it easy to stuff these in the diaper bag. No hard jars taking up too much space.
2. 
   
   Easy open and storage. You simply twist the cap off, squeeze the desired amount into a bowl and commence feeding your little one. Whatever is left over can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours; just twist the cap back on and put it in the fridge! I especially like this feature because right now, we have no idea how much Collin will eat at one time; so, we just squeeze a couple spoonfuls out a time, eliminating wasted food!
3. 
   
   BPA-free packaging. 
4. The ingredients! This is real organic food. No artificial sweeteners, no extra junk. Check out the pic I took of the ingredients label! If Collin could talk, he’d have no problem saying these words! 
5. 
   
   Convenience. I don’t have to go to the store. I simply log on, order, and have it shipped to my house. No loading up Collin and the stroller. No driving 10 minutes into town. No hassling at the supermarkets. 
6. 
   
   It tastes good!! I snuck a few bites while I was feeding Collin and it was quite tasty.

Negatives:

1. 
   
   Why hadn’t I heard about these products sooner? Now that I know about them, they will make great gifts for expecting/new mommies. And if I really like the person, I might just get her a year-long membership!

Coupon Code:

Yay! My readers can use the code SBBL402 from now until June 30th, 2010 to receive 15% off their first order with EcoMom.

The Giveaway:

1 (One) lucky reader will win $20 worth of Plum and/or Revolution Foods.

Mandatory Entry:

You must complete the mandatory entry for all other entries to count. If you do not complete the mandatory entry, all other entries are invalid.

Follow me through Google Friends Connect (GFC) AND go to EcoMom’s website and tell me what foods you would buy with your $20.

Extra Entries:

• Follow @MamaBiehl and @EcoMom on twitter (2 entries)
• “Like” EcoMom on Facebook and let her know I sent you (1 entry)
• Join EcoMom’s newsletter (1 entry)
• Email a friend about this giveaway and CC: me in on it:  biehladventures @ hotmail.com  (1 entry per friend--i.e.: email 2 friends, get 2 extra entries)
• Tweet the following: “#Win $20 worth of Plum and/or Revolution foods from @EcoMomCeo and @MamaBiehl  http://bit.ly/9NNpv1 ends 6/15  #ecofriendly #baby ” (1 entry/per day) Make sure to leave a permalink so I can verify.
• Subscribe via read to Biehl Adventures (1 entry)
• ** Follow EcoMomCeo on twitter (1 entry)

*This contest is open to residents of the US and Canada ONLY. Contest will end at 11:59 p.m. on June 15th. Winner will be chosen using Random.org. I will contact the winner via email. Winner will have 48 (forty-eight) hours to respond to my email with name and mailing address. If winner does not contact me, I will redraw.

*Disclaimer

While I did receive product from EcoMom, I was not compensated for reviewing this product. These opinions are my own. If I didn’t like it, I wouldn’t support it!

Response to a recent breastfeeding article

I just read this article: http://www.beliefnet.com/Love-Family/Relationships/2006/07/Moms-Dont-Forget-To-Feed-Your-Marriages.aspx?p=1 that stated that breastfeeding could hurt your marriage.


OH. MY. GOSH.

First of all, I can only speak from my experience. My husband is incredibly supportive. When I wanted to cloth diaper, he didn’t hesitate to jump on board. When I told him I wanted to be a SAHM, he was excited! When I told him I was going to breastfeed, he agreed it was best for the baby (and free!).

When I began breastfeeding in the hospital, Mark was there every step of the way. He’d look to make sure Collin was latched on correctly. When his encouragement wasn’t enough, he got on the phone and called lactation consultants to come in and reassure me. When I was worried because I got more time with the baby than he did (because of the breastfeeding), he told me how silly I was being. Every time we nursed, Mark would encourage me. Even now, 6 months in, he tells me how neat it is to see what pros Collin and I have become at breastfeeding.

Now, to address the issue of sex. *Yes, stop reading now if this is going to make you uncomfortable…* We were not intimate the first 8-10 weeks after Collin was born—hello, nobody is supposed to be! Doctor’s orders! And I had a c-section, so I was sore and weak.

While we were waiting, I made sure to read articles and whatever I could find about sex after pregnancy. Hey, I wanted to be knowledgeable and prepared! So we knew about how milk could leak, etc. At least if we know these things, there won’t be any mood-killing surprises.

Anyways, long story short, we took our time and knew it wasn’t going to be like before I had a baby. Physically, things had changed. But emotionally, we were still *hot* for each other! hahaha…that sounds lame…but you get the point!

So now, 6 months down the road, I can say that breastfeeding has not negatively impacted our sex life. Also, my brain has learned the difference between Collin needing to eat and mommy having a good time. My husband doesn’t just see my breasts as baby bottles…

I want to also state that Collin sleeps in a co-sleeper in our room. This impacts our sex life in that we have tried new places throughout the house! Hahaha…it’s an adventure!

From the article, it sounds like breastfeeding isn’t the root cause of their marriage problems. I’m not a therapist or a marriage expert, but it sounds like they both needed to be equally (or as equally as possible) involved in the breastfeeding experience.

Just sayin’…

Trip to the Zoo

What is it about going to the zoo that brings out the kid in you??

 

We went to the Indianapolis Zoo today with some friends and it was a blast! I was as excited about the animals as the kids were! I think my favorite exhibit was the ocean animals.  Collin was mesmerized by the ocean exhibit, too!

Watching my friends' kids get excited about the different animals had me thinking about how Collin will react when he's older! It'll be fun to take him to the zoo when he can run over to something and say "Look, mommy, look!" ...Of course, it's crazy to think of him being old enough to do that!

We also headed over to the gardens after a picnic lunch. We walked through the butterfly observatory and then the garden; the flowers were goregous.  And I'll have you know, I took time to stop and smell the roses...and they smelled beautiful!

It was a great day with friends!

Happy 1/2 Birthday, Collin

My sweet, not-so-little, giggly Collin,

You are 1/2 of a year old today! How can that be?  It seems like just yesterday you were this 8lb 12oz little guy that your dad and I couldn't stop staring at.  It seems like just yesterday your daddy could hold you on his arm and I could snuggle you under my chin.  It seems like just yesterday I was overwhelmed with love, joy, excitement, anticipation, and WORRY about how we were going to take care for this little person who 100% depended on us. 

But, my oh my, how far we've come.  First of all, "little guy" doesn't really apply to you anymore.  No no.  You are a 21 pound bundle of solid little boy! You can roll over from your back to your belly.  You practically run in your walker.  You grab hold of toys and switch them from hand to hand.  You even show a preference for certain toys (and cry when you can't reach them or drop them).  You can sit up on your own for a few seconds before toppling over.  You grab at our faces, as if to say "hello and how are you?"  You are trying to figure out this whole sippy cup thing .  You are eating solid foods once a day.  Our nursing sessions have gone from those early days of an hour down to 5-10 minutes; your daddy always comments on what a good nurser you have become! Oh and your giggles! We LIVE for your giggles and belly laughs.  You can cry all day but when you start giggling, all the frustration and weariness is washed away. 

I just can't believe how fast time has gone by.  It's like I blinked...and you aren't a baby anymore.  Part of me is sad, I'm not going to lie; just because I miss those infant/baby days where you wanted to cuddle and snuggle ALL the time.  But an even bigger part of me is ecstatic because we can play together! We can interact.  You actually sit and listen and watch as I read you stories, like you are trying to soak up all the knoweldge you can!

I'm so glad I decided to be a stay-at-home mom, Collin.  I wouldn't want to miss out on any of this! I love being able to call your dad at work and tell him about the cute or yes, sometimes frustrating things you do during the day.  All of it...every bit of it...I wouldn't change any of it. 

And by the way, we're still filled with all of those same emotions we had the day you were born; we're just a little more confident, a little more at ease (not much, mind you), and a little more knowledgeable.  It's been a fun/challenging/awesome/laugh-invoking/tear-invoking 6 months...I can't wait to see what else is in store!

Happy 1/2 birthday, Collin, we love you!

Goodbye for now, Mrs. Biehl...

I packed up my classroom and turned in my school keys today.

Cue whirlwind of emotions...

First, let me say, that I am 100% glad I made the decision to be a stay-at-home-mom.  I cannot imagine missing out on Collin's every day changes.  The thought of being away from him all day makes my stomach turn into a giant knot and my heart ache.  I am meant to be a stay-at-home-mom.  I love being home.

That being said, it still doesn't change the fact that I am leaving a part of myself behind for awhile.  The teacher part--Mrs. Biehl. 

When you're a teacher, you take on a different personality in the classroom.  I'm Crystal at home; but at school, I'm Mrs. Biehl.  Sometimes, the lines blur and my husband kindly reminds me not to use my "teacher voice" with him.  Oops :)

But as I packed up my room, I thought about what I was really going to miss.  I'm going to miss working with my team leader and some other teachers at the school.  I thrive on idea sharing with others.  I'm going to miss witnessing those "aha" moments that kids have.  I'm going to miss seeing kids get excited about reading.

But ya know what, there's a lot I'm not going to miss.  I won't miss the politics of education.  I won't miss hearing our state superintended demoralize public school teachers.  I won't miss obnoxious parents who think their children can do no wrong...guess what, they can and they do!   It won't change the fact that I'll still get peeved when I hear education stuff on the news (like basing teacher pay on test scores...completely ignoring the outside factors that cause low test scores like homelife...) but I digress.

I have realized, though, that I get to be a teacher to the coolest student ever, my son.  I get to teach him about all sorts of things and witness those "aha" moments in him.  How cool is that? 

So, I say goodbye for now, Mrs. Biehl--we'll see you some years down the road :)

Happy Anniversary...to me!

5 years ago, my best friend and I stood on the stage at Christ United Methodist Church and declared our love for each other. We promised to care for, honor, protect, and love each other forever. It was a beautiful day; one that we still talk about.  We had such a wonderful time at the wedding and the reception.  We fell in love with Hawaii while on our honeymoon--so much so that we went back a few years later! And now here we are, 5 years later--and so much has happened! We've moved from Greenwood to Wabash, gotten new jobs, built a home, and had a baby!

And to think it all started nearly 11 years ago at the basketball game before Thanksgiving Break when I offered the cute boy behind me a piece of gum.  Proms, graduations, college, first jobs- they have all come and gone.  And through it all, we've managed to grow even closer together. 

Mark and I are firm believers in putting each other first, laughing together (A LOT), and communicating. 

And now with a baby thrown in the mix, we try even harder to make sure we are meeting each other's needs.  A friend once told me that the greatest gift you can give your child is to have a strong, healthy relationship with your spouse.  Mark and I believe this and do our best to make sure we are working at our relationship. 

These past 5 years of marriage have flown by and I know the next 5 will be just as quick.  I'm very lucky and blessed to be married to my best friend; I love him very much!

So, Happy Anniversary to me and Mark!

Huge BumGenius Facebook Giveaway once DiaperShops reaches 7500 fans!

You know I LOVE LOVE LOVE my bumgenius diapers!

Check out this giveaway:

http://www.facebook.com/diapershops/posts/122701781103887#!/diapershops

3 ways to enter!

It's hosted by Diapershops! I love Diapershops because they carry so many different brands of cloth diapers! They really are your one stop shop for fluffy goodness!

Now, go "Like" them on Faceboo!!

Chubby Cherubs GIVEAWAY

They are at it again! Once Chubby Cherubs reaches 2000 fans, they'll giveaway another $425 dream deluxed diaper package! 

Like them here: http://www.facebook.com/chubbycherubsclothdiapernaturals#!/pages/Chubby-Cherubs-Cloth-Diaper-Naturals/336981221948?ref=ts


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You can post AS MANY TIMES AS YOU SHARE--NO LIMIT!

Check it out!!

Wordless Wednesday: Father and Son