Healthy Lunches

As you know I'm trying to come up with some new healthy meals so I thought why not get creative with the kids lunches and make them neat and packed with foods they like yet also healthy. I have one child whom is a picky eater and one whom is a big eater he loves to eat. 

The first lunch is 

Grapes

1 boiled egg cut in half without the yolk

Natural applesauce

Ritz crackers 

Veggie/fruit Capri sun

Jelly rolls on whole wheat bread

The second lunch is

Grapes

1 boiled egg cut in half without the yolk

Natural applesauce

Ritz Crackers

1 can of Tuna in water with a little lite mayonnaise

Jelly rolls on whole wheat (smaller portion since he has tuna)

Veggie/fruit Capri sun 

•to make the jelly roll I cut the crust off of the bread, lay the bread on a paper towel, take a glass cup or a rolling pin and flatten the bread, spread on jelly/peanut butter/almond butter/Nutella whatever you prefer and then roll up the bread, slice the big roll. 1 slice of bread will make 4-5 smaller rolls.

These were a big hit with my kids they loved the entire meal. Although, you may want to warn your kid(s) that the boiled eggs will smell awful during lunch time! My oldest was embarrassed and didn't eat his eggs until he got home, haha! 

Enjoy!

Wash/Dry Routine

WASHING ROUTINE

THINGS YOU WILL NEED:

- Tide original powder (this is what I use and it works great) or any other CD safe detergent.

1- Make sure all Velcro is fastened. 

2- Make sure all inserts are removed.

3- Make sure all poop is sprayed off. 

4- Dump the diapers into wash, turn the pail liner inside out and add into the wash.

5- Wash cold rinse on the highest water setting.

6- Wash hot water on the highest water setting with detergent.

7- Run an extra hot rinse.

8- Hang dry all diaper covers.

9- Wipes, inserts, liners, doublers, wet bags, pail liners all may go in the dryer. Wet bags and pail liners also may be hung to dry if worried about PUL.

 

DRYING

1- Hang dry inserts as often as possible, it helps the wear but drying is okay for liners.

2- Try to always hang the diaper covers.

3- Dry liners on high heat but no longer than 45 minutes, if still wet then hang to dry.

6- If diaper covers or inserts are crunchy after hang drying then put them in the dryer

5-10 minutes to fluff them

 

4- If you have to dry the covers in the dryer then do so on the lowest setting.

 

5- Be sure to let the diapers completely cool after coming out of the dryer before pulling on the elastic.

Prepping washer and diapers

PREPPING THE WASHER

THINGS YOU WILL NEED:

-3 cups white vinegar 

-1 cup baking soda

- 1 cup plain Clorox bleach

 

1- To prep your washer; run the washing machine on the highest water setting, add 3 cups of distilled white vinegar and 1 cup of baking soda.

2- After the cycle is finished scrub the inside of the washer without scratching it.

 

3- Run another hot cycle with 1 cup of bleach.

 

4- Run a hot wash with nothing but water.

5- Wipe out the washing machine with a damp cloth.

 

PREPPING COTTON PREFOLDS & DIAPERS

1- Wash cold cycle on the highest water setting with ½ of the line of detergent.

 2- Wash hot cycle on highest water setting.

3- Put them in the dryer on hot until dry/ hang the diapers.

 3-Repeat steps 2 & 3 four to five times.

 

PREPPING SYNTHETIC

(MICROFIBER, POCKETS, AIO, MICROFLEECE)

1- Wash once with ½ of the line of detergent.

2-Extra rinse.

3- Hang covers/dry inserts on hot

 

PREPPING NATURAL FIBERS

PREP ALONE!!!!

 

1- Wash once with ½ of the line of detergent.

2- Wash two more times on the highest water setting and hot setting.

3- Dry in the dryer/hang covers

4- Wash three more times.

5- Dry in the dryer/hang covers.

 

PREPPING BAMBOO & BLENDED

PREP ALONE!!!

1- Wash hot wash on the highest water setting  add in ½ of the line of detergent.

2- Two more washes. 

3- Dry in dryer.

4- Three more washes.

5- Dry in dryer.

 

 

PREPPING USED DIAPERS

 

1- Wash once with detergent followed by extra rinse.

2- Dry in dryer.

*for a printout of all this info and more please comment and I will email you a copy of my cloth diaper 101 booklet I put together*

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another DIY Baby Wrap

After I found the K'tan DIY wrap on Pinterest I got to thinking that there must be other easy wraps as well. On the previous wrap I used 2 shirts and an infinity scarf that I cut. As I was thinking I remembered I also had a pink infinity scarf so I got it out and cut it. I figured what the heck a baby wrap is cooler than a scarf anyway. This is what I came up with.

Put one scarf over you shoulder then tie it to where you think the babe needs to go, as the bum will sit in this one in the middle of my abdomen, if you have a bigger baby you may want it lower.

Take the other scarf and do the exact same on the other shoulder.

Put baby in facing you. Spread out/open up the scarves over the babes bum and back. You can also spread out the top so babes head is supported. Adjust scarves over your shoulders for your comfort.

Or you may do facing out which is what Berran preferred. Just put babe in and spread out/open up scarves for support. Adjust scarves over shoulders for your comfort.

Make the most of right now

I work with elderly people in an assisted living environment. I've always enjoyed looking at the old photos. They are beautiful and different from today's. I admire the black and white, sepia, hair styles, fashion, and almost all the women and men have pictures of themselves or their husbands from when they were in the army, navy or marines. I see pictures of how their lives were then and their children were still small. Then I see new pictures of their now grown kids who have children and grand children of their own. 

Over the weekend I really got to thinking about how fast time flies, how my oldest is almost 7 years old and how much I've taken for granted. Today's day and age is all about rushing, running late, doing this and that last minute, letting gadgets entertain our children while our gadgets entertain us. Looking at those pictures and the people here made me realize that one day that will be me, old and frail, my kids will be grown and I'll be reflecting on the best times of my life.

I need to take more time out and really enjoy it with my boys. Get down in the floor and play with them. I need to stop googling every little thing and wait until I've really enjoyed some time with my boys to browse the net and fool with my phone. Life goes by too fast and it's too short to not enjoy the moment and live for today. 

I'm not saying that I don't spend time with my kids but it's like we are so busy that my full attention is never really on them. With that said I think I'm going to attempt to have something special to do with them after school 30 minutes to an hour every day where none of us are on any high tech gadgets or watching tv and then a few times a month camp out in the living room and enjoy a movie and some popcorn. It's the special things we as parents do that a child cherishes forever and it's those moments us parents will keep close to our hearts as we grow old. 

DIY no sew k'tan wrap

I love to baby wear and while I was pregnant I came across 2 different styles at a consignment sale one was an infantino carrier and the other well I don't remember the brand and I don't feel like looking for it right now but it's more of what I can see a dad wearing. I found that both of them somewhat hurt my back. I'd see moms wearing these neat wraps that looked soo comfortable but they are expensive. Now with 3 kids and being mainly a stay at home mom (I work 1-2 nights a week) I'm on a tight budget and try to save as much as possible. Luckily I ran across this cute easy DIY k'tan wrap on Pinterest! It is so easy and I had the materials at home. All you will need is 2 tshirts preferably with no side seam and a wide scarf.

Take 2 shirts and cut the tops of them off sleeve to sleeve. You are going to use the bottom halves which makes a tube.

Then you will put each one on like a sash making sure they cross in both the back and front. If you want you can get some yarn or ribbon to tie at the cross in the back but you do not have to as I did not..

Then you will want to put the baby inside. Spread out the tshirt material on the babys back and bottom so he/she is well supported, and adjust the material over your shoulders to what's comfortable for you. 

Then take the scarf open it up to where it is supporting the baby's bum and back. Adjust it to the middle of your back and tie. It can get a little tricky while tying. I suggest having someone else tie it or prop the baby up on something (I used my dryer) so baby can remain in an upright position and at the height you prefer and then tie.

*the one on Pinterest told me shirts 2 sizes bigger but it was way to big, the one shown is a medium (I wear small) it fit well but I do feel as if the material will stretch so I plan on buying 2 light blue size small tshirts to baby wear with the scarf. Obviously material will stretch over time so I believe going with your original size will be fine. Try an old tshirt first and go from there to see what works for you before you spend money. I plan on making more and will be sure to post a picture on my instagram when I do so.*

Smiles by mommy

I just recently posted on how Berrac was able to get smiles out of Berran, well today I was able to get a bunch of sweet pictures of my sweet baby boy and I had to share! I cannot get enough of the cuteness it's in total over load. That perfect skin complexion, cute fluffy bum, matching socks, the baby loom and his precious smile. He is just adorable. I laid him on a blanket and was thinking let's try the smiling game once again, expecting to fail I began buzzing my lips and in an annoying baby talking voice said I'm going to gets him and wham there it was a big ol' grin. Yay for me!

China Cheapies and other brands

When you begin your cloth diaper search it's always what will save me the most money? Then you're like wow these diapers are only $4 a diaper and these are $20, what is going on here? I'm sure then you will do a million reviews and then second guess yourself and think maybe they are giving good reviews for money. Well, I am no expert but I will tell you what I purchased and my experience so far.I personally wanted to have a good size stash, cute prints and not spend a ton of money. I done everything mentioned above and finally I made up my mind. The thing that influenced my decision the most was forums, not you tube videos or what the website said. I ended up going with sunbaby and alvas. 

SUNBABY seemed to be one of the cheaper brands that had the most positive feed back. The price is decent 6 pocket diapers and 12 inserts, they are really cute, and you can choose from MF, bamboo, charcoal bamboo or blended (MF/bamboo) all are $51 for that package. You can purchase bigger ones but that's what I went with. You can also choose from a size 1 one size diaper or a size 2 one size diaper. The sizes are pretty much for the leg holes. Size 1 is for skinnier and size 2 for chubbier. I purchased 6 size 1 with MF inserts and 6 size 2 with blended inserts. 

Berran in a size 1 OS Sunbaby diaper

MY SUNBABY REVIEW so far so good. Most people will say they don't see a difference in the sizes but I do. The size 1 fits my baby better around the legs. Now the size 2 is fine but the size 1 just fits tighter. I do not dry my diapers so I'm unsure how they hold up in the dryer but they have been fine line drying inside and out. My baby was able to fit into these at 4 weeks old, 8lbs. The PUL seems fine, the snaps are good, and I haven't had any leak issues. Now the inserts are another story. I would not recommend MF from any brand but do not waste your money on these. My blended work well. At first I was only using 1 but now he is a heavy wetter so I double them. I think I'm going to purchase some bamboo and try them out. I have contacted customer service just to see how fast they respond and I received an email within the same day so I do trust that they will be there for help in a timely manner.

ALVA carries several different diapers. They have pockets, aio, ai2 and covers. They carry all your inserts and you can get diapers with or without inserts. They also have several different bundles and their diapers are regular or you can get the double gussets. When I researched these it was either people who hated them or loved them. They are fairly cheap as well. 

Berran in a OS double gusset Alva ai2 diaper

MY ALVA REVIEW overall I've not had hardly any problems. The only ones I have had problems out of is my minky ai2 and my ai2 double gussets. They are the only ones who have on occasion gave me leak problems. Luckily I don't have many of these and like I said it's not always a leak but sometimes. I would not recommend the double gussets. They are made to hold in the poo but I've not had a blow out in the ones without but the poo has got in between the gussets and it's just hard to clean out. Besides that no problems. Again, I purchased MF inserts and as previously stated do not go with those. I'd buy the bamboo inserts from them if I were you. The ones I bought were the one size. I like their snaps because they have the double rows, the snaps are colored and they adjust well. The snaps are sturdy and I see no problem with the PUL. I hang dry these indoor or out so I have no idea about drying in the dryer. Again, baby could wear these at 4weeks, 8lbs.

OTHERS As for the other diapers I have, I have OS Sweetpea covers which is a more expensive brand. I paid $10 per cover. They have double gussets which I've had no problems with. I have not experienced leaks with these, the PUL and snaps are great. They could fit my baby 4weeks and 8lbs. I also have 1 thirstie cover. It is a 0-6 month size with velcro. I've had no leak problems with this one. The velcro is still working well. I did purchase this used. For both of these diapers I use a Green Mountain Diaper Clotheez bleached cotton prefold. These are inexpensive and absorb well. You do have to buy these in sizes but it's nice because when baby out grows one size you can use it as an insert or doubler in your pockets. 

Berran in a NB GMD clotheez prefold

0-6 month Thirstie cover

one size Sweetpea cover

*For tips and help with cloth diapering comment and I can email you a printable cloth diapering 101 booklet.*

Milk Blister/Bleb

Breastfeeding is not always easy. Some deal with low supply and others (like me) deal with an over supply. Up until my son was around 5 weeks old I had a massive over supply. I was feeding him and then pumping out 6-8oz. After I had a stash built up in my freezer I decided I would slowely try to stop pumping. I thought I'd rid my night time pumping. I mean who wants to stay up an additional 30 minutes pumping, storing and cleaning up their mess anyways? Right? Wrong! I tried this once woke up to a red spot and an incredibly sore nipple. I thought maybe his latch was wrong. That was not the problem. A few hours later a little blister or bleb came up on my nipple. This looks like a little white dot on the nipple. Naturally I googled it. I highly recommend www.kellymom.com it has helped me a lot. Anyways, this is where I found out exactly what it was. So I began doing hot and cold compresses, massaging boob before feeding, trying everything to get this blister gone and the milk out. By that night it was still there and I decided I would try to pop it. I washed my hands squeezed it like a pimple and the milk came dripping out (okay more like flowing) the hard lump was gone and the next day my nipple felt normal. About a week later I decided to try to stop pumping once again, another milk blister/bleb appeared and I immediatly popped it and didn't have to deal with the pain of a clogged duct once again. The milk came out in an instant. Luckily I haven't had any problems since.

*i am not a dr, so not use this for medical advice. This is just my experience with breastfeeding and how I dealt with it. Feel free to use my tips and tricks but seek help from a dr if you need it*

Thinking about cloth diapering?

(Berran in a sunbaby pocket diaper, leggings from www.babyleggings.com)

 

Thinking about cloth diapering? I know it can be extremely overwhelming. Once you get started looking you find out there are several types pockets, all in one (aio), all in twos (ai2), covers then there are the inserts, prefolds, flats, microfiber, blended, bamboo, hemp. So much to consider. Now I am no expert as I have just started out myself but I can tell you what I know.

 

I started looking shortly after I found out I was pregnant and I came across a really helpful blog www.awesomeclothdiapers.blogspot.com

I actually gathered a ton of info from this blog which also has links to other helpful CD blogs and made me a cloth diapering 101 book which I can email if anyone would like to print it out. Anyways I know how overwhelming it is so let me help you out a little.

 

AIO: all in one basically like a regular diaper just take off toss in the pail and wash, but it does take a while longer to dry.

AI2: all in two. now I have this one and I really do not see much differenence between this and a pocket diaper although it has a front and back entrance and flaps. put on like a diaper, it has an insert which you just take out toss in pail after use, stuff in insert after washing.

 

POCKET: these are what I have the most of and I love them. It has an opening in the back where you slide the insert right in. they are easy to use and you just put it on like a regular diaper, remove the insert and toss in the diaper pail. You will have to stuff it after insert and pocket diaper is clean that way it will be ready for use.

 

COVER: This is just a water resistant cover it does need an insert, flat or prefold to absorb the pee and poo.

 

ONE SIZE: is a diaper that is made to fit a baby for the length of time he/she will be diaper wearing. they have snaps to adjust the rise, thighs and waist. All of mine are one size and has fit him since he was 4 week old. If you want to start CDing at birth I would suggest investing in some newborn size diapers. one size will be your biggest money saver.

 

now onto the inserts....

MICROFIBER this is what almost every diaper will come with. It may work for you but I do not like! Most forums and blogs I've read do not like MF either!

 

BLENDED is usually microfiber and bamboo. These to work really well. The microfiber is good for wicking the moisture away and the bamboo is really absorbent. These have worked well for us. At first was only having to use one but he has now became a heavy wetter so we usually double with MF or another blended.

 

BAMBOO & HEMP are natural fabric inserts they absorb really well but they do not absorb as fast as the MF which immediately wicks away moisture. I have not tried these so I am not sure how well these work from personal experience. I plan on ordering bamboo soon and will be sure to keep you updated.

PREFOLD is a fabric square you can purchase them in cotton, bamboo and hemp. I have the bleached cotton ones. You can fold them to go on baby like a diaper and use a snappi or diaper pin as a closure or you can fold just like an insert.

 

 



 

 

FLOUR SACK TOWELS are also used as flat, prefold or insert. I haven't tried these out either but I have heard that they are really absorbent. Will keep you posted on them as well.

 

if you need further information on how to care for cloth diapers please let me know and I will email you a printable cloth diapering 101 booklet.



Breastfeeding to me

Breastfeed: to feed from a mothers breast.

(Mirriam/Webster definition)

 

Such a plain definition to describe something as big as breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is more than just feeding from a mothers breast. Breastfeeding to me is a beautiful thing, it is natural, it is a way to provide for your baby in a way that no one else can, it is a bonding experience, it is healthy, stress relieving and rewarding. Breastfeeding is spectacular.

 

I had my first son when I was 16 so I did not know much about breastfeeding nor did I care if he was formula fed but after having him and getting pregnant with my second son Broox I decided that I would nurse him until he was at least 6 weeks old. Little did I know how big of an impact it would have on my life and how much I would enjoy it. 6 weeks passed and my next goal was 3 months. 3 months passed and then my goal was 6 months. 6 months passed and then I decided he would be weaned at a year old. Nursing him was so special. I felt a bond with him that I did not have with my first son and I strongly believe it is because of our nursing relationship. When I weaned him at one I felt okay with my decision and he done great with weaning we had no troubles at all, but as the months went on I started to feel as if I had made a mistake. I missed our special time together, I missed our nursing relationship and me providing something for him that no one not even his father could provide. I feel like most of the time the mom mourns the end of mother/child nursing relationship almost like a death. It is a sad thing and it is sad to think about. So, when I had my third son Berran I prayed that my milk would come in, as it did and I had an over supply and I prayed that we will have a long healthy nursing relationship. So far so good. He is currently 2 months old and exclusively breastfed. I enjoy every moment of it and cherish it because I know that it will not last forever. I still have the same goals 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and then assuming we make it to 1 year I want to nurse him longer. I once believed extended breastfeeding was weird or not normal but I've learned that it is normal and that we just live in a society that doesn't view extended breastfeeding as acceptable. A mother and child should continue to have a nursing relationship as long as both are comfortable with doing so. I know it will not always be easy but I'm hoping everything works out for Berran and I. He is my last child so he is my last nursling and I want to enjoy, cherish and make every moment last.

Leftover suggestion

This morning as I was thinking what else could I make for breakfast besides my normal parfait, I remembered I had low sodium bacon and ham left over from the pizza bake I then checked the fridge where I found eggs, cheese, fresh peppers and onions so what's a girl to do?! Cook a yummy omlet! 

Baby Bear is 2 months!

My boy has grown so much! Time sure does fly I can't believe how big my other 2 are and I am not ready for Berran to get any bigger. He was born 6lbs. 8oz. And 18.5in. long, his lowest was 5lbs. 14oz. At his 2 month check up he now weighs in at 12lbs. 8oz. and 23in long! He didn't waste any time catching up and I'm glad to say all that chub came from breastmilk. 

Today he gave us the biggest grin. I haven't been able to capture one on camera until today so I was very excited except for the fact that I catch him grinning at random things and then I will try for 30 minutes to an hours trying to get him to smile at me only to fail. Then today daddy does the exact same thing and gets this big ol' grin. Can you say jealous? Indeed I was!

Healthy pancakes and parfaits

My family is definitely not what you'd call healthy eaters but we are trying to test out new stuff and slowely switch over ingredients to low fat, reduced fat, no fat, whole wheat, organic...okay you get the picture im sure. Anyways, I ran across a recipe that used only 2 main ingredients for pancakes. I found it on a blog and I wish I could remember which one so I could share. If I come across it again I will add it in this post. Although I wasn't sure I'd like it since it was compared to the texture of French toast (not a fan) but I figured I'd give it a try. 

•1 ripe banana 

•2 eggs

•pb2 (organic section)

•cinnamon

•natural almond butter

•low fat butter

•sugar free syrup 

1.mash up banana until there are no chunks 

2.add in 2 eggs and mix in with banana. Now make sure it's good and mixed together or you will get more of an egg taste and not the banana.

3.add in a dash of pb2 & cinnamon, mix all of that in with banana and eggs.

4.put stove on a little before medium heat

5.grease your pan with non sticking spray 

6.cook pancakes in pan, flipping until evenly golden brown on both sides 

7.take off pan and spread some almond butter & regular low fat butter on them then top with sugar free syrup.

Now, I will give my honest opinion I was not a fan of these. They were not bad and if you like French toast then I'm almost positive that you will enjoy these. The texture and the taste both remind me of French toast which I am not a fan of. My boyfriend did like them. So, I'd say it varies person to person but don't try this recipe expecting to taste a real unhealthy pancake! Now for the parfaits which I whipped up myself.

•low fat organic vanilla yogurt

•nut of choice (I used pecans)

•blueberries 

•strawberries

•banana 

•organic granola

•organic honey

1.using a regular table spoon (the spoon you eat with) scoop 4 scoops of yogurt into small cup

2.add about 5 nuts, 7 blueberries and 4 banana slices on top of yogurt

3.top with granola and drizzle with honey 

4.repeat steps 1-3 but this time instead of blueberries slice up 1-2 strawberries.

This is a great healthy breakfast idea. I eat one daily! Not to mention nuts and bananas are both fatigue fighters. I usually eat what's left of my banana after I finish my parfait.

Enjoy!

Pizza Bake

It's hard for me to find a meal to cook that both of the kids like, well more like Braxton. Braxton is my picky eater, so when I do find a meal that includes meat and that he likes I feel as if I have accomplished something. Now when all 4 of us enjoy a dish I've made I feel like super mom or something. With tht said, the other day I ran across a meat lovers pizza bake recipe on a back of a box. So I thought I'd give it a try. I will include the original recipe but I will also tell you what I used to make it a bit healthier.

My ingredients were:

•8oz (half a box) of organic whole wheat rotini noodles

•1 lb. of Italian sausage

•4oz low sodium diced ham cubes

•8 strips of precooked low sodium bacon crumbled

•3.5oz pepperoni

•2 14oz organic pizza sauce

•mozzarella and sharpe cheddar cheese as much as you prefer

•onion powder, garlic salt, oregano, parmesan, salt and pepper.

1.preheat oven to 375

2.cook the rotini until soft 

3.cook 1 lb. of sausage in a frying pan

4.in a big bowl add in the noodles and sausage

5.separate pepperonis and add in, then add in the ham

6.crumble the bacon, add into the bowl

7.pour in the 2 cans of pizza sauce and add your preferred amount of cheese.

8.sprinkle a little onion powder, garlic salt, oregano, grated Parmesan, salt and pepper to your liking for flavor

9.once all is in the bowl stir it up well to make sure ingredients are spread around the bowl evenly. I usually stir for about 1-2 minutes

10.cover the top with more cheese 

11.put in oven 15 minutes and voila ready to eat.

I included some pictures of my own dish. I hope your family enjoys it as well.

*corn and/or breadsticks makes for a good side with this dish*

Football!

Are you ready for some football?! Today was our first day watching our 2 oldest boys Braxton & Broox play ball. They are both playing for the Rams, of course we had to make sure little Berran was showing his support. Anyways, it was just a scrimmage 10 plays offense, 10 plays defense. Braxton played the whole time. He could use some improvement but I was proud of him. Broox on the other hand ehhhh he was in one play and complained his head was hurting to get out. He is still young so I expect that from him. Hopefully he will eventually love the game. We had a great time enjoyed the introduction of all coaches, teams, and cheerleaders. The local middle school cheerleaders came out and performed. The KSU band also came out and performed as well. I'm looking forward to next weeks a REAL game.