Little Bee Winner!!

The winner of the Little Bee OS giveaway is...........Melynda! Congrats! You have been emailed!

Andrew's Birth Story

Our newest little Biehl man was born via c-section on September 23rd at 4:01 pm.  If you remember, I was scheduled to have a c-section on the 28th but my blood pressure had been scarily high this past week.  My doctor asked me to come back at the end of the week to check my pressure.  Well, it hadn't gone down..it was higher..and I was having contractions regularly, 10 minutes apart--nothing major but still concerning. But I also had protein in my urine. She decided that she didn't want to wait until the 28th to bring Andrew into the world.  She feared that my blood pressure would keep rising until I had a seizure. 

So we headed home, got our things, had Collin's Aunt Rachel come over and we headed back to the hospital.  It was so different this time.  With Collin, we were so nervous..this time, we were mostly just excited! I grabbed Collin's clean diapers that needed stuffed so I could pass the time on the way to the hospital (45 minutes).  Yah, so after 5 minutes I was done..and we just tried to calm ourselves, lol!

When we got to the hospital, they were waiting for me.  We got me hooked up and they were immediately watching my blood pressure.  At one point before the c-section, my pressure was something like 186/118...they had wrapped the sides of my bed in blankets..a seizure precaution.  They kept asking if I had vision problems or a headache..but I didn't...just high blood pressure. 

Well fast forward a few hours, and I walked into the OR to get ready for my c-section.  And this is my favorite part of Andrew's story.  I got to watch Andrew be born...they lowered the sheet as my doctor pulled him out and it was so beautiful.  There he was...my little man...oh...I can't describe the emotion that filled me...I just started crying...it was so beautiful (I didn't get to see Collin be born).  My heart swelled.  They let him stay in the OR with us.  So I got to hear him scream and cry....the most beautiful noises!! Once he was cleaned up a little, Mark took him and sat beside me while they sewed me up.  I got to look at Andrew and kiss him and be in a state of bliss.  Oh, and I did NOT have to have my arms strapped down at all. 

Once I was done in OR, they put me in recovery where Andrew and Mark got to stay with me!! Once my shivers calmed down (hormones), the nurse laid Andrew beside me and helped me try to nurse him.  He got to eat a little! He was so alert....it was such a neat experience!! They brought the scale over and weighed him--that's where we found out he was really a little peanut!! 5 lbs 12 ounces!!  My doctor discovered old blood behind my placenta during surgery.  She thinks that I must have had a placenta abruption which probably led to my high blood pressure and why Andrew wasn't as big as we thought. 

Andrew started get a bit cold so they brought him into the nursery to warm him up (the NICU nurse in OR didn't have the warming bed ready when Andrew was born--not very impressive but Mark just snuggled him).  About that same time, I started to get a headache that turned into the worst headache of my life...no exaggeration.

While Andrew was warming and eventually getting a bath, I was battling a headache of epic proportions in my room...my blood pressure was climbing back up.  And here's where I get a little angry.  I was supposed to have been hooked up to morphine where I can click the button when I had pain...well, I was clicking the button but no pain was subsiding..so my blood pressure was climbing still.  Well..come to find out...the nurses didn't actually get it hooked up correctly...again...not too impressive. 

Anyways...I talked to my doctor on the phone and she called me in some different pain medicines.  Within 10 minutes, I was feeling lots better--but not good enough to see anyone other than Collin and then Mark and Andrew.  My doctor later said that I was experiencing post-partum pre-eclampsia.  Scary stuff.

So that first night, I had them bring Andrew to me when he needed to nurse but otherwise he stayed in the nursery.  By the next morning, I was a new woman.   Andrew was able to stay in our room the whole stay--so awesome!! The nurses were 100% on board with the cloth diapers we were using.  They thought they were so cute and neat! One nurse asked "what kind of fancy britches are those?!" and my doctor said "wow! That is the nicest cloth diaper I've ever seen!" (in reference to our Bummis Tini Fit).  We weren't able to cloth diaper the whole time because a lot of the diapers I brought were TOO BIG for our little man, lol.  But we were able to use some!

Between the high blood pressure, the placenta abruption and post-partum pre-eclampsia...we had some scary events...but we are home, happy and healthy!! Collin seems to like his brother--he likes to rubs his legs and arms--point out his nose and eyes...lol..it's too cute! We are so happy to be home and can stay (after 1 day home) so far, so good! haha!

I also have to share that my doctor was anxious to know if I was pleased with my birth experience since we had talked about it before.  I told her I was MORE than pleased...I got everything I wanted--I got to see my little boy be born, he got to stay with me, nurse within the first hour of his life, snuggle me, snuggle Mark...it was beautifully amazing.  I can forget all the other hiccups and screw-ups when I just think about how amazing it was to actually have a birth experience.  So if you have to have a c-section, know that it doesn't just have to be a surgery...you can still have that birth experience..you just have to ask!

A Quick Vote For Collin??

Hi guys!!

I entered Collin in the PediPed casting call in hopes of winning the huge gift card!! We LOVE pediped shoes..they are all that fit his big feet!!

I would love if you would vote for him! You can vote once a day. 

All you have to do is click on the link and click vote!! That easy!!

Thanks so much!!!

http://www.pediped.com/CastingCallGallery.aspx?ShowEntry=3134

Diaper Daisy HUGE GIVEAWAY at 3500 Fans!!

Once Diaper Daisy reaches 3500 fans on Facebook, one random fan is going to win this:

An Awesome Basket filled with:

• Bottom Bumpers One Size cloth diaper
• CC Bums One Size All in One cloth diaper
• Punkin-Butt 12 pk wipes
• Litte Creature Comforts burp cloths (set of 5)
• Happy Heinys cloth diaper Keychain
• Agoo Bamboo Leggings (1 pair)
• CJ’s BUTTer 2oz stick (Lullaby Baby Lotion scent)
• “Hey You Shoo” Lusa Organics Insect repellent
• Little Twig Extra Mild Unscented Body Milk (8.5 oz)
• Little Twig Extra Mild Unscented Baby Wash (8.5 oz)
• Little Twig Happy Tangerine Wash (17 oz pump)

All you have to do is be a fan on facebook!! Leave them some love on their wall or on their blog. Send your friends and family--have them say you sent them! Once they hit their goal, one random fan wins that amazing package!!


BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!!


Diaper Daisy will be having a HUGE sale starting tomorrow morning as well. Everything will be 30% - 60% off. The sale will be running from Friday 23 to Friday 30th.

Join the Facebook page to get the latest news and updates about the sale.

Link to their facebook page:  Click Here.


 

Green Line Diaper Giveaway Winner

And Rafflecopter says the winner is..........

Bonnye Sensenig

Congrats!! You have been emailed! 
 

Just for You: Wood Crafts & Fabric Crafts Fleece Soaker Review & Giveaway

I am SUPER excited about this review and giveaway! I received the opportunity to test the MOST ADORABLE fleece soaker from Just for You:  Wood Crafts & Fabric Crafts.  And what's even cooler, she threw in a matching one for baby 2!! Seriously...how cute are my boys going to look as matching pumpkin butts?

I digress.

Just for You: Wood Crafts and Fabric Crafts has both a Hynecart Store and an Etsy Shop.  In addition to fleece soakers, she carries CJ's products, Bummis products, Eco Sprout detergent, nursing covers, and many other things!

But today, I'm focusing on her fleece soaker.  If you aren't familiar with fleece soakers, they really are a great cloth diapering product to have in your stash.  You can use the covers over fitted diapers, flats and prefolds.  Fleece is water resistant (there can be compression leaks if worn under tight clothes or if the little one sits for a long time--we NEVER had a leak). 

But what I think is BEST about fleece covers is they are SUPER easy to wash...they can be thrown in with regular laundry--you can use fabric softener...you really can't hurt these! We just wash ours with diaper laundry.

The fleece soaker I received fit Collin exceptionally well! He wore a fitted diaper under it for over 3 hours and we had ZERO leaks--and he's an active guy! When I changed him, the cover was dry on the outside even though the fitted diaper was wet!

It was easy to choose a size because she provides the range of measurements each size fits.  LOVE this...there's no guessing.."will this fit?" 

The construction is solid! It's not flimsy or weak.  In fact, it still looks brand new right now!

And one of the best parts about this fleece cover?? It only costs $12!! At that price, you don't have to feel bad buying a special holiday fleece cover (hint..Halloween..hint..)

Of course, what would a review be without a kick butt giveaway to go with it??

One of you gets to win any in-stock or custom fleece soaker from Just for You!! YAY!!

AND GUESS WHAT!! use code BIEHL10 to get 10% off products on her HyenaCart! 

Simply use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter.  *It may take a minute to load*

The Little Bee Company Cloth Diapers Review & Giveaway

A few weeks ago, my friend over at The Tree Huggin' Momma told me about The Little Bee Company cloth diapers.  Having a nephew that was adopted from the Congo, she knew I would really like LOVE their mission.  You see, this cloth diaper company is pretty cool--each time they sell or give away a diaper (on a blog or otherwise), they also set one aside for an orphan.  Once they collect enough, they make a "Diaper Drop" to places like China and East Africa.  And they are currently working with orphanages in Haiti, Guatemala, Honduras, & Cambodia in organizing future Drops.  

So I was anxious to buy one of these diapers, just to support their mission.  But then I saw their newborn diaper on The Tree Huggin' Momma's newest edition..and had another reason to buy one--so cute!! Well, in addition to the newborn diaper I bought, I also received an OS diaper to review with Collin! In about a week, I'll let you know what we think about the newborn diaper.  

But today, let me tell you why this OS diaper is now one of the first diapers we reach for!

About the diaper:

Collin received a One-Size Pocket diaper in the color Honduran Sunrise.  

With the OS Diaper you get the following features:

·   Your choice of 100% All Natural Bamboo or Stay Dry Micro suede Inner Lining {Bamboo $19.95 Micro $17.95}

·   Front Elastic for added protection

·   Simplified front snap design for a cleaner look

·   “Snap n’ Pack” crossover snap to neatly pack your dirty diaper away

·   Double Microfiber inserts that snap together or can be worn alone {Optional upgrade to Hemp/Organic Cotton}

What did we think:

LOVE! 

• The colors are vibrant (you can choose from 9!)
• The all natural bamboo liner is INCREDIBLY soft! 
• The inserts are fabulously absorbent
• The snaps are easy to use--not too many to confuse you! 
• LOVE LOVE LOVE the front elastic..nothing is getting out of this diaper!! 

This is, quite possibly, my new favorite cloth diaper...there's just nothing to complain about! 

And now one of you gets the chance to win your very own! 

Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter! *It may take a minute or so to load*

Wordless Wednesday: Country Morning

Green Line Diaper Giveaway!!

I am super excited to be participating in Green Line Diaper's giveaway event!! There are 10, yes 10!, blogs giving away a cover and cotton bamboo soaker courtesy of Green Line Diapers! *It's okay to jump excitedly and squeal now*

This is the Green Line diaper- unique, comfortable and affordable!

 

The soaker is an absorbent piece of bamboo cotton. It's sewn as a single layer which folds into six while in use but remains loose for better washing and quick drying.

The cover is made up of 2 different materials; an outer layer of 100% cotton and an inner layer of breathable waterproof (not PUL) . The cover keeps everything in place - with style.

Green Line Diapers are adjustable around waist with hook and loop fastener and at the thigh using a drawstring cord and lock system, this allows our diapers to fit from birth to potty learning.

So are you drooling yet?? 


Well, if you can't wait until the contest is over to have one of these...you can use coupon code:  Biehl10off and save 10% off your whole order!! This code is valid through the 25th of September!


And now...the giveaway!!

Bright Starts Winner!!

Congrats Emily B!! You have been emailed!

Tree Huggin' Baby Event...can I get a woot woot?!?!?!

Starting September 19, The Tree Huggin' Momma is hosting tons of reviews/giveaways in celebration of her 2nd child's arrival!! 

The best part?? ALL OF THESE WILL BE RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY!! SO EASY!!!

Check out the list of sponsors:  http://thetreehugginmomma.blogspot.com/p/tree-huggin-baby-sponsors.html

Don't miss this...or do..then maybe I'll have a better shot at winning!!

Cloth Diapering a Newborn: Part 2: Bummis Newborn Pack Review

If you remember, my friend Kim was given the opportunity to try some different diapers with her newly adopted daughter, Maya.  Last week, she shared with you her thoughts on the diapers from Top to Bottom Baby Boutique. 

This week, she is going to share her thoughts on the Bummis Newborn Pack! 

What she received:

12 Newborn unbleached prefolds (so tiny and cute!!!)

1 Snappi 

2 Bummis Super Brite Whisper Wraps (newborn size fits babies from 5-9 pounds)

Kim's Thoughts:

My husband and I adopted our daughter, Maya, and are grateful to have been with her since her first breath.  When we thought she might come 9 weeks early, I got connected with Crystal Biehl to get the scoop on tiny sized cloth diapers.  With the generosity of Crystal’s connections and two retailers, we felt a big weight of relief that we would have diapers that would fit our baby before the time All in Ones would be useful (at about 8 pounds.)  When Maya arrived at 38 weeks (hooray!), I got to be the first to feed and diaper her…and the first diaper on this little 5 pound, 10 oz. love-of-our-lives was a cloth prefold and Bummis wrap.  She has rounded out now but had three months to wear her newborn diapers that we tried from Bummis.  

Since I have been learning more about dioxin toxicity, particularly affecting female reproductive systems, I wanted to reduce our daughter’s exposure as much as possible. Using unbleached prefolds and organic cotton diapers are a couple of the ways we try to protect her sensitive skin.

 

Bummis diaper covers – Super Brite wraps: 

I loved the patterns and covers. They fit nicely when she was a tiny tot. We figured out that with such skinny little legs, it was best to wrap the back around higher and bring the tabs in at a 45 degree angle pointing downward, rather than straight across the Velcro, for the best fit.   

Organic Cotton Prefolds:  

We could lay the newborn prefolds (flat diapers) in the cover without even clipping them in anyway.  The newborn size prefolds worked great and are still great for little burp cloths.  I actually still use them as diapers some – I lay two offset from one another lengthwise to make the diaper longer, then do a trifold (of the width) of the two together and it is absorbent enough to work on my now bigger baby.  If my 30 year old prefolds that I use as rags are any indication, I think I will be able to use these prefolds for decades to come, just ‘repurposed’!

Thanks so much to Malina and Bummis!

It's the time of year again...

Time to enter giveaways like a mad woman in hopes of making Christmas spending a little easier!

Familylicious Reviews is giving away a Thomas the Train set thanks to The Learning Curve!

Collin LOVES trains--so this would be awesome to win!

Bright Starts™ Having a Ball™ Swirl & Roll Truck™ Review and Giveaway!!

Well, in case you didn't realize, it is September already!! And that means Christmas isn't far away--so it's time to start thinking about presents :)  May I make a recommendation?  How about the Bright Starts™ Having a Ball™ Swirl & Roll Truck™?

Recently, Bright Starts sent Collin this nifty toy to test out! Before I tell you what Collin thinks about it...

Here's what Bright Starts has to tell you:

Keep playtime truckin’ with endless fun from the Swirl & Roll Truck™!  Toddler can drop balls into the truck’s stacker opening, see them swirl around, and then pop out the back of the truck as it’s rolled along.  Fun sounds and phrases and light up buttons accompany the ball popping, making this truck a total entertainment experience!

Features:

·         Drop balls into the truck’s stacker opening to see them spin around the tumbler while silly sounds play

·         Balls pop out of the back of the truck as toddler pushes it along

·         Buttons light up and silly sounds play as the truck rolls along

·         Press the 3 buttons to learn shapes and colors, and to hear fun truck sounds and phrases

Additional features:

·         Includes 2 AA batteries

·         Includes 4 balls

What did Mr. Collin think?

Oh my word!! I couldn't get the toy out of the box fast enough---Collin kept shouting "TRUCK! TRUCK!"

Once the toy was out of the box, he started driving the truck around the living room! He loved being able to drop the balls in and watch them shoot out! He had no problem figuring out how to play with his new toy! And the brightly colored balls are a nice touch--we've been working on colors and Collin likes to point out the colors he knows :)

I like how interactive it is.  There are colorful balls, buttons, and sounds to keep him entertained!

There aren't a bunch of tiny parts, which mama loves!! You just have the balls and the truck--makes for easy clean up.

The noises it makes are not obnoxiously loud or annoying -- always a plus!

Um..it comes with batteries---always always always a plus in this house!! 

And it's a Bright Starts™ toy--so you know it's great quality! 

Also worth mentioning is that it is just one of the toys in their newly released line of "Having a Ball™" toys! You can check out the others here.

For $19.99, it would make a great gift for your little one to find under the tree this year :)

THE BEST PART??

ONE of you gets to win your very own Bright Starts™ Having a Ball™ Swirl & Roll Truck™!

WOOHOO!!

Haan Total HD60 Review: The Cleaning Tool that gave me the gift of time!

A few weeks ago, I received the Haan Total HD60 to test and review in my home.  I am already a lover of Haan (thanks to my friends Rachel and Jessica). We also own the Haan FS 20.  But Haan heard I was looking for something that would eliminate the need for a broom.  You see..I hate sweeping..with a passion...No, hate is not strong enough..I LOATHE sweeping..and being 35 weeks pregnant makes it that much more annoying--having to bend down, sweep the dirt into the dustpan (that never makes it all the way in anyway). 

What is the Total HD60: 

Well, enter Haan Total HD60.  You can sweep AND mop AT THE SAME TIME. Oh and you can also sanitize too!! That's right...no dust pan, no bending over, no pushing dirt around but not really getting rid of it.  You see, the Haan Total HD60 has 3 uses--sweeping, steaming and sanitizing!

The sweeper has a motorized brush roll that picks up debris from solid surfaces and carpet.
To steam, fill the water tank at the sink and it's ready to clean in just 20 seconds.
The HAAN Total steam mop function kills 99.9% of household germs, bacteria and dust mites without chemicals.

Noteworthy Features:  

• Motorized Brush Roll
• Easy-empty Dust Bin
• Low Profile Swivel Head
• Removable Water Tank
• Machine Powered Steam Pump



see..my floors were gross!

• 15 Steam Jets

Why is it AWESOME? 

I think one of the things I love most about Haan is that their products literally put together in a matter of 2 minutes.  No tools required to get this life-changing cleaning device together.

The low profile swivel head is awesome! It has no problems getting underneath the cabinet edges and the swivel head is SUPERB...it really swivels effortlessly!

The water tank is easy to get to, easy to fill, just easy to use!

I especially love that I can run the motorized brush roll WHILE I'm mopping...how so?  Because the brush roll is in the front while the jets are just behind it.  So you can suck up the dirt and then immediately after, the jets are cleaning and sanitizing your floors.

everything it comes with

The jets are fabulous! I have a toddler, so you can imagine what's on my floor--fruit snacks that were chewed and spit out on the floor, yogurt residue, cookies/cracker crumbs...well, once the brush roll does its job, the jets step up and leave my floors sparkling! Seriously, each time I mop with my Haan, my floors look brand new.  And again, no bending over, no stooping, no pushing around dirty mop water. 

You can use the steam part of the Haan on any sealed, hard surface.  We have a ton of wood floors, so that's wonderful for us!

You can use the motorized brush roll on hard surfaces and soft surfaces! We have a high pile carpet (like shag) and it picks dirt right up! And the best part?  It's REALLY quiet..so I can use it during nap time (about the only time I have to clean anything).

Oh, and did I mention you can also freshen your carpets with this Haan? Yep..it comes with a carpet glide attachment.  We've had some dingy spots on our floors for awhile.  So I tried the Haan out and it really seemed to make a difference . I think a few more visits with the Haan and our carpets will be good as new! 

When you buy the Total HD60, here's what you will find in the box:

• 2 Reusable Ultra Micro-Fiber Cleaning Pads
• Carpet Glide Attachment
• Floor Protector/Resting Pad
• Lime and Scale Remover
• Users Manual & Warranty Card 

Oh, you'll also find you have more time in your day :)  Because you can accomplish multiple tasks at once!! 


100% recommend the Haan Total HD60...you will NOT be disappointed!

Be sure to check out Haan on Facebook too!

*I would like to thank Haan for sending me this product to review.  Please know that these are my honest opinions.  I'm in love with my Haan Total HD60...and I'm not afraid to admit it :)