I needed a break - badly. I had been going non-stop for almost two years. Working from home full time, taking care of six kids, taxi driving and housekeeping; most of you know the drill.
I treated myself to three whole days of Me Time in LA with my best friend Alana.
It was heavenly.
Back on the home front my wonderful husband Chuck was holding down the fort. I made him a detailed list of kid needs along with a calendar with schedules. I had him prepared right down to the time that he had to leave the house.
I left a list of banned school foods so that he didn't pack contraband sugar, meat, eggs or nuts. I reminded him that he needed to send cold water bottles with all the kids and at least two snacks each in addition to lunch.
I didn't think that it was that much.
I got a call Monday night that went something like this...
Chuck, "I don't understand how you keep up with all of this! How do you get anything done when you are constantly driving or catering to kids? When do you work?!?"
*Insert me smiling smugly*
"I need you to text me a list of things to pack the kids for lunch, I don't understand why they can't have peanut butter! (There is a child with a deadly nut allergy at school, I've told him this at least a dozen times) Do they have to go to Hebrew school? Can we skip gymnastics? Do I have to take them all to the grocery store?" Chuck, sounding really stressed out. "I couldn't get the Littles to sleep so I put them in our bed and Tali kicked me all night while Zoe snored like a man."
At this point I am feeling extremely validated. I assure him that they can skip gymnastics this once but not Hebrew school. I also inform him that the kids know how to behave in the grocery store. I remind him where the coupons are and wish him luck.
He did well but he didn't use any coupons but whatever. The kids were safe and happy and the house was relatively clean. Most importantly; Chuck had a little glimpse into my wonderful chaos and I don't think he be taking me for granted anytime soon.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Road Signs and Sightings from AZ to AR
Chuck, the Littles, Middles and I drove from Tucson to Springdale, AR and back this summer. We saw a few interesting things on the way... enjoy, I sure did.
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| Just starting out |
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| I saw this sign and thought that it was a joke. Chuck had to explain that it was actually two town; Truth or Consequences and Elephant Butte. |
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| This was my FAVORITE - we saw it right in Springdale as we drove in. The locals didn't understand why we had to stop and take a photo. |
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| Littles and Middles happily road-tripping |
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| Self-portrait when I was bored |
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| I don't even know - this was in an abandoned lot somewhere in New Mexico |
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| Unusual |
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| Uncle Sam holding a chili pepper in Hatch, NM |
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| That is one big bottle of booze! |
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| Random figurines in Hatch, NM |
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| On a closer look - I think that is Colonel Sanders with a Chili wreath |
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| The world's largest cross - I think that this was in Texas somewhere |
Friday, August 12, 2011
Name That Doo!
Our new All Purpose LolliDoo® cloth diaper needs a name!
*Name our new diapers and win 6 FREE.
Some information:
What we are offering is a combination eco-pocket®/Outtie™. Click here to see it on LolliPlace.com.
It has a myriad of uses; as a diaper cover, a pocket diaper or as a diaper cover that is stuff-able for extra absorbency.
Additional information:
~ Suitable for day and overnight use
~ Trimmer then Overnight eco-pockets
~ Lower price point
~ Made from recycled performance fleece
~ Highly breathable
~ Super absorbent
~ Generous waist dimensions
~ Made in the USA
How to enter:
Just post your name suggestions on http://earthymommaodyssey.blogspot.com/ (or if you are reading directly from the blog - post a comment).
*Once you enter the contest you are giving GGSI permission to use the name without restriction.
Contest ends 8-31-11
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Disposable Diapers Are Better Then Cloth Diapers
Or so someone recently said. This was his reasoning:
*Note, I didn't correct spelling or grammer
1) You do not have to wash disposable diapers.
2) You can save on water and time use to wash cloth diapers.
3) Time will be better spend doing anything else than to wash cloth diapers.
4) You do not have to change your baby clothing because they seldom get wet if they wear disposable diapers.
5) You do not have to worry about getting yourself wet when you carry your baby.
6) You do not have to bring wet cloth diapers back home to wash if you baby wet himself outside. Disposable diapers are more convenience to use when traveling.
7) There is something call diaper rash cream to prevent and heal diaper rash.
8) Large safety pins are dangerous.
9) Double or triple layers cloth diapers are hot for the butts.
10) Disposable diapers leak less.
11) Day care or childcare center do not want to deal with cloth diapers.
I respectfully disagree:
1. You don't have to wash disposable diapers however they are consuming much of our natural resources. Over 300 pounds of wood, 50 pounds of petroleum feedstocks and 20 pounds of chlorine are used to produce disposable diapers for one baby EACH YEAR. Not to mention that at least 1/3C of crude oil goes into one disposable diaper.
2. Cloth diapers today rarely leak, ours are known for not leaking even after extended use.
3. An extra 2 loads of laundry a week equals less water used then a potty trained child flushing the toilet 5 times a day.
4. When you make the decision to become a parent you are also making a decision to dedicate time to raise your child. Changing and laundering diapers are a part of that.
5. You don't have to change the baby with cloth either.
6. You do have to bring wet diapers home, I'll give you that one. I do travel with cloth diapers and it's not an issue.
7. Diaper rash cream has it's purpose but why put extra chemicals on babies skin when the issue was most likely caused by chemicals on babies skin.
8. Cloth diapers today do not use safety pins, they are available with an aplix closure, snap closure or a snappy which is a plastic doohickie that fastens diapers.
9. Babies sweat more with disposable diapers because the plastic outer heats up the entire diaper. Depends on the type but generally cloth diapers are far more breathable.
10. That's completely untrue and redundant.
11. That is not true of all day cares, some will only take cloth.
*Note, I didn't correct spelling or grammer
1) You do not have to wash disposable diapers.
2) You can save on water and time use to wash cloth diapers.
3) Time will be better spend doing anything else than to wash cloth diapers.
4) You do not have to change your baby clothing because they seldom get wet if they wear disposable diapers.
5) You do not have to worry about getting yourself wet when you carry your baby.
6) You do not have to bring wet cloth diapers back home to wash if you baby wet himself outside. Disposable diapers are more convenience to use when traveling.
7) There is something call diaper rash cream to prevent and heal diaper rash.
8) Large safety pins are dangerous.
9) Double or triple layers cloth diapers are hot for the butts.
10) Disposable diapers leak less.
11) Day care or childcare center do not want to deal with cloth diapers.
I respectfully disagree:
1. You don't have to wash disposable diapers however they are consuming much of our natural resources. Over 300 pounds of wood, 50 pounds of petroleum feedstocks and 20 pounds of chlorine are used to produce disposable diapers for one baby EACH YEAR. Not to mention that at least 1/3C of crude oil goes into one disposable diaper.
2. Cloth diapers today rarely leak, ours are known for not leaking even after extended use.
3. An extra 2 loads of laundry a week equals less water used then a potty trained child flushing the toilet 5 times a day.
4. When you make the decision to become a parent you are also making a decision to dedicate time to raise your child. Changing and laundering diapers are a part of that.
5. You don't have to change the baby with cloth either.
6. You do have to bring wet diapers home, I'll give you that one. I do travel with cloth diapers and it's not an issue.
7. Diaper rash cream has it's purpose but why put extra chemicals on babies skin when the issue was most likely caused by chemicals on babies skin.
8. Cloth diapers today do not use safety pins, they are available with an aplix closure, snap closure or a snappy which is a plastic doohickie that fastens diapers.
9. Babies sweat more with disposable diapers because the plastic outer heats up the entire diaper. Depends on the type but generally cloth diapers are far more breathable.
10. That's completely untrue and redundant.
11. That is not true of all day cares, some will only take cloth.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
LolliDoo Diapers and Advocacy for a better planet
LolliDoo™ Diapers and Advocacy for a better planet
By Melissa Morgan, IBCLC and co-founder of LolliDoo™ Diapers.
I don't usually step on my soap box, but I feel this one's important. I began watching this video (as initially introduced to me by Spokane Riverkeeper) because water quality and conservation is an important issue to me and the Lochsa River is a vital part of water recreation in my neck of the woods. But where this video leads you goes so far beyond that...
http://youtu.be/HoKW771tG_Q
For my new friends who may not be aware, not only am I an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) serving families in Eastern Washington, North Idaho, and throughout the web, I am also a Managing Member of Go Green Sustainable Industries (along with my business partner and kindred spirit Alison Manes) and am the designer of LolliDoo Diapers. The recycled eco-fleece used in LolliDoo Diapers are inspired by my and my husband's experience as whitewater enthusiasts; they are designed to be integrated with an outdoor lifestyle for the growing family, as well as to conserve water and energy through household laundering.
By using LolliDoo and supporting our American small business, you are part of a movement to "be the change" and "buy local." Your commitment to cloth diapering with LolliDoo effects change not only with your family and the health of your little ones, but also impacts a greater global good. Our eco-fleece outer saves an environmentally costly raw material (petroleum-based water bottles) from a landfill-filling fate and repurposes it into a useful, recyclable product that can be used again and again while keeping your baby dry. In addition, our cottage industry provides much-needed income to American families AND saves environmental and financial resources from no overseas shipping of raw materials and finished goods.
Petroleum-based plastics have become an integral part of our daily life, but the manner in which these plastics are obtained is of great consequence. Fan Advocates for the West if you're interested in learning and doing more to save our Wild West and to protect our American way of life from corporate greed.
...and now back to breastfeeding. :)
By Melissa Morgan, IBCLC and co-founder of LolliDoo™ Diapers.
I don't usually step on my soap box, but I feel this one's important. I began watching this video (as initially introduced to me by Spokane Riverkeeper) because water quality and conservation is an important issue to me and the Lochsa River is a vital part of water recreation in my neck of the woods. But where this video leads you goes so far beyond that...
http://youtu.be/HoKW771tG_Q
For my new friends who may not be aware, not only am I an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) serving families in Eastern Washington, North Idaho, and throughout the web, I am also a Managing Member of Go Green Sustainable Industries (along with my business partner and kindred spirit Alison Manes) and am the designer of LolliDoo Diapers. The recycled eco-fleece used in LolliDoo Diapers are inspired by my and my husband's experience as whitewater enthusiasts; they are designed to be integrated with an outdoor lifestyle for the growing family, as well as to conserve water and energy through household laundering.
By using LolliDoo and supporting our American small business, you are part of a movement to "be the change" and "buy local." Your commitment to cloth diapering with LolliDoo effects change not only with your family and the health of your little ones, but also impacts a greater global good. Our eco-fleece outer saves an environmentally costly raw material (petroleum-based water bottles) from a landfill-filling fate and repurposes it into a useful, recyclable product that can be used again and again while keeping your baby dry. In addition, our cottage industry provides much-needed income to American families AND saves environmental and financial resources from no overseas shipping of raw materials and finished goods.
Petroleum-based plastics have become an integral part of our daily life, but the manner in which these plastics are obtained is of great consequence. Fan Advocates for the West if you're interested in learning and doing more to save our Wild West and to protect our American way of life from corporate greed.
...and now back to breastfeeding. :)
Monday, May 16, 2011
Cloth Diapers ARE Swim Diapers
Many folks go out and buy swim diapers. If you are a cloth diapering family - you do not need this extra expense. Most cloth diapers do double duty as swim diapers. I will speak to what I know best, LolliDoo™.
LolliDoo™ has a couple of options for swim diapers. Our Recycled Outties™ aka diaper covers, are perfect for swimming. The intention of a swim diaper is to contain messes NOT liquids. Any fleece or PUL diaper cover should work nicely in the pool.
LolliDoo™ eco-pockets™ are another viable swim diaper option. No need for Organic Absorbency Innies™ aka absorbency inserts. Again - the idea is to catch messes.
You can even use a LolliDoo™ Free Spirit as a swim diaper (hey if you want to spend $79 on a swim diaper I won't stop you).
When covering your little one's bum in the pool - keep in mind that the diaper still needs to be tight enough to contain messes and without the Innies™ sometimes you have to really tighten up the leg elastic. Cloth diapers, when used for swimming, can be comparable to disposables in trimness but unsurpassed when it comes to comfort.
LolliDoo™ has a couple of options for swim diapers. Our Recycled Outties™ aka diaper covers, are perfect for swimming. The intention of a swim diaper is to contain messes NOT liquids. Any fleece or PUL diaper cover should work nicely in the pool.
LolliDoo™ eco-pockets™ are another viable swim diaper option. No need for Organic Absorbency Innies™ aka absorbency inserts. Again - the idea is to catch messes.
You can even use a LolliDoo™ Free Spirit as a swim diaper (hey if you want to spend $79 on a swim diaper I won't stop you).
When covering your little one's bum in the pool - keep in mind that the diaper still needs to be tight enough to contain messes and without the Innies™ sometimes you have to really tighten up the leg elastic. Cloth diapers, when used for swimming, can be comparable to disposables in trimness but unsurpassed when it comes to comfort.
Friday, May 13, 2011
SALE SALE SALE
That's right - we are having a sale.
All LolliDoo™ seconds and discontinued colors are on sale at LolliPlace this weekend only. Get your first quality but discontinued colors for the LOW price of $15.66 AND Holy Seconds Batman; get your LolliDoo™ seconds for only $13.05.
If you want some - hurry because we are selling out rapidly.
All LolliDoo™ seconds and discontinued colors are on sale at LolliPlace this weekend only. Get your first quality but discontinued colors for the LOW price of $15.66 AND Holy Seconds Batman; get your LolliDoo™ seconds for only $13.05.
If you want some - hurry because we are selling out rapidly.
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