Baby Stuff: Why We Chose to Cloth Diaper

As most of you may have noticed - either on Facebook or here on the blog - we have decided to cloth diaper our little Sprout!  :)

For a lot of people this seems like a pretty crazy choice.  The older generation remembers using cloth diapers and doesn't understand why anyone would want to deal with the hassle when disposables are so much easier.  Our generation just thinks it is pretty gross (honestly, this was the hardest thing for me to get past).

Well, to the older generation: Things have gotten much easier.  Modern cloth diapers can now be just as simple to use as disposables.  You can still do things the old-fashioned way...but you certainly don't have to - not with the unlimited options out there!  

To everyone: Yes, you still have to deal with poo.  But let's face it - you have to deal with poo when you use disposables too (I'll get to more of that later...).

The biggest reason we chose to use cloth over disposables is the cost savings!  If you look up the cost comparison of disposables vs. cloth, you will see the same trend over and over.  Disposables cost anywhere from about $1400 (off-brand) to $2500 (the more expensive natural or organic brands) over 2.5 years.  Depending on the type of cloth diapers you use, the cost is significantly lower!  On average, for the more modern, nicer, name-brand cloth diapers you can probably get a complete stash for somewhere between $500 and $800 at retail cost.  

However, I have learned that you don't ever have to cloth diaper at retail price.  Here are some quick ways:

1. There are plenty of reputable places to get used diapers (not as gross as it sounds since you can "strip" them for sanitary purposes).  
2. There are always sales and package deals going on which brings in cost savings by the dozen.  
3. You can always register for cloth diapers online and Target has at least one modern brand in stores that I'm aware of.  
4. Depending on your preferences, there are "China cheapies" that sell for much less than name brand diapers.  I have heard some good things and some not so good things about these...not sure where I stand on the issue yet.
5. If you are diligent, you can WIN some!  Our budget is super tight now so giveaways have been an awesome opportunity.  In fact, we have at least half of what we need and, to this day, I've only spent $10!  And we still have plenty of time to gather more.  :)

And here is the kicker - after one baby - you can either REUSE your diapers for your next baby making the cost $0 or you can SELL them and get some of your money back!!  You cannot do either of those things with disposables so it is just money gone.  Child number 2 or 3 or 6 will cost just as much as child 1 (though, to be fair, you may have to replace or repair a few a long the way).

The cost savings was a no-brainer for us.  Both of us actually.  After showing Hubby a couple of different charts, he was convinced.  I mean, who doesn't love to save money??  And then when I started winning them, even though he thinks my giveaway tendencies are crazy, he liked the cost savings even more.

These are all the diapers I have accumulated thus far.  I have 12 to date and I've only paid for two of them:

The two light color solids on the top left are the ones I purchased at $5 a piece because a store was going out of business.  Confession time?  I bought these last August I think - 6 months before Sprout even existed.  haha.  I was, and still am, obsessed with getting our stash for as cheap as possible.  ;)

And here's some of the other cloth diaper accessories I have won...meaning no money spent:

Aren't those Diaper Dawgs the cutest??  These might have been the first things Hubby was actually excited about.  haha.  He talks about them every time the subject of cloth diapering comes up.

He was also excited when I got this diaper...which is my personal favorite.  Cutest print EVER!

We also try to be as chemical-free as we can be (yes, affordability factors into this).  Especially when it comes to our baby.  And it isn't hard to discover, after a little research, that cloth diapers are much safer for Baby Girl than disposables would be.  Not going to get into that here though...so take some time and research yourself if you are interested!  :)

And there is always the cuteness factor - they are so stinkin' adorable!!

So what about the poo??  As I mentioned, this was the hardest factor for me to get past.  Who wants to clean those??  Seriously??  

Well, I decided before doing too much research, that I couldn't justify the cost of disposables just because I didn't want the hassle of cleaning poopy diapers.  But then I started looking into it.  Why isn't it all that bad?

1. Exclusively breast-fed babies (hopefully ours will be) have water-soluble poo.  That means all you have to do is throw the diaper in the washing machine!  You don't even have to rinse!  I think I probably will...just because...but the point is - you don't have to!
2. If you look at an package of disposable diapers, you are supposed to rinse any solid waste out before putting them in the trash.  Just like cloth.  I know most people don't (in fact, I'm not sure I've heard of anyone doing this) but the idea is that the process of getting rid of poo is supposed to be the same - rinse the poo down the toilet.
3. They make wonderful inventions to help with the poo disposal process: diaper sprayers, spray pals, Diaper Dawgs, etc.  After the diaper is off the baby - you never have to touch the poo again.  The Diaper Dawgs (which Hubby is super excited about) enable you to hold the diaper, the diaper sprayer sprays all the poo into the toilet, and the Spray Pal enables you to contain even more of that mess.  The only thing we don't have yet is the Spray Pal.  And I really, really want one.  ;)  I did see a DIY hack recently that showed you how to make one out of a milk carton...but not sure if it would work quite the same way...
4. Cloth diapers contain poo explosions better than disposables.  If you've ever had a baby or watched a baby for an extended period of time - you know that the poo doesn't stay where it should (aka in the diaper).  So if disposables have more explosions, that means washing poo out of more clothes.  Again, you still have to deal with poo.
5. Cloth diapers have the potential to help potty-train faster since the child is better able to tell when they are soiled.  This means less time dealing with diaper changes...and, yep, poo!

I know this isn't for everyone.  But I do think it is the best choice for our family.  I'm still a little intimidated since I haven't actually had the chance to really use cloth diapers.  But since I know we are making the best choice for us, I know we can do it!  Hubby isn't even all that grossed out.  A diaper is a diaper to him in the end.  I will keep you posted on my cloth diaper journey.  Feel free to send me any questions you might have - if I can't answer them I'll find someone who can!  :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Why did you decide to cloth diaper??  Or if you aren't, why not?

Tiny Tush Elite 2.0 One Size Pocket Diapers Available in vibrant colors & cool prints. Choose Aplix or snap closures Shop Now At Tiny Tush

Bump Update: Week 24

Let's get right to it this week shall we?  Definitely starting to look pregnant!

Yes, I have a black eye.  We'll get to that in a minute.  ;)

Here's a comparison shot from last week.  She is definitely growing faster and faster.  Eek!

This week, baby is the size of a: Ear of Corn!  Craziness!

Next appointment: Not until the 24th of July.  But after that they are every 2 weeks!  Can't believe it's that time already!  And I have to go have my glucose done a few days before my appointment.  Hoping I don't have to do the long one! 

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Another pound gained so right on track!  Almost to pre-preggo weight, which is good.  I just kept feeling like I wasn't healthy enough for her.  At least now I know I'm almost back to where I was!

Exercise: Getting my walks in on the days it doesn't rain or what I know we have a decent sized window.  And with all the stuff to get done around the house and the beautiful weather, I am MUCH more active than I was when we found out we were preggo.  ;)

Maternity Clothes:  I caved.  Last Friday I wore my first pair of maternity shorts.  I didn't have to but I tried on 2 pairs of normal shorts (ones I hadn't tried yet this year) and they were both too tight.  The 2 pairs I know still fit me were in the wash, so instead of trying on more clothes...I just broke out the maternity ones!  And they are so comfy so I'm glad I did.  ;)  Worn them a couple times since then too.  Probably should invest in another pair since the pants I wore yesterday (that fit on my trip to Michigan last week) didn't want to button yesterday.  haha.

Sleep: Sleep was actually going pretty well...until this happened:

I may have tripped going up the steps leaving work on Monday.  Thank goodness, I didn't hit my belly!  But my face, shoulder, and knee are all scraped up and sore.  I usually sleep on that side and its just been unbearable.  Between the scrapes and my now black eye, I just can't get comfortable.  But every night has been getting better so hopefully my sleeplessness won't last too much longer.

Food Cravings/Aversions: Usually, I just see something and feel like I need it.  But I haven't actually had any real cravings.

Movement: Pretty consistent now.  If I'm not moving, she is.  It is SO fun!

What I Miss: Me not being clumsy.  Oh wait...that me never existed.  Ha!   

What I'm Loving: I think we've agreed on a name.  But haven't decided on spelling, which makes me feel like the name isn't 100%.  And I keep on suggesting other names...but I think this one is going to stick.  However, we are going to keep it a secret until she decides to make an appearance.  :)      

What I'm Looking Forward To: Nothing really baby related happening any time soon.  Hoping to go kayaking over the 4th!

Best Moment This Week: Probably our ultrasound.  She was still a little uncooperative and kept kicking the doppler thingy.  But they got what they hadn't before and everything looks good, so no more peeks at Little Miss.  :(

Milestones: Her face is pretty much fully formed.  She has eyebrows, hair, the works!  And only 4 more weeks until my 3rd trimester!  Yikes!

Goals: Transplant our herbs.  Touch up paint in bedroom.  Get baby stuff found at yard sales cleaned up and moved in.  Yep, that's right.  Checked off everything on my to-do list last week!  Goals this week are to paint the wood panels we're putting on the ceiling and get some blog things fixed up and in the works.

Giveaway: Dr. Carey Baby Care Book & 2 Swaddle Blankets *CLOSED*

I have watched quite a few babies in my lifetime.  I babysat 3 boys throughout high school - all from infancy.  I was an "infant teacher" for two separate day care's (I can't even tell you the number of babies that passed through...at least 16 but that's just a guess), I helped with the 1 year old class during my time at the one day care, and I'm currently watching an 8 month old.  I have seen some crazy things - behavior wise, rash wise - you name it!  But every baby is different.  And because of this I know that, no matter how much experience I have, we will never be fully prepared for our little Sprout.  ;)

So when I got the chance to review Dr. Carey's Baby Care Book, I jumped at the chance!  You can always learn more!  Dr. Carey, as stated on the book, is both a doctor and a father (which does make a difference).  Overall, I really liked the book.  First of all, when informational books are short and to the point, they are awesome!  But more than that, it covers stages of development (what they should be learning when), rashes, diapers, sicknesses, stuff no one wants to talk about, and minor medical problems.  He notes when not to worry and also lets you know when it is time to go see the doc.  And, just by skimming over everything, I already learned a few things I didn't know before.  Which is awesome!

As it states on the cover of the book, there are over 120 pictures in the book.  Dr. Carey states, 

"Pediatrics is very visual, yet books about baby care are not. I wish to change that. My goal in writing Dr. Carey’s Baby Care: First Year Baby Care Guide is to bring all the colorful images I see in my office to parents." 

While this is definitely helpful, it really took me aback at first.  There were vivid pictures of diaper rashes, different kinds of dirty diapers, and circumcision issues.  At first, I thought it was unnecessary.  But, then I know what its like to just be unsure about a rash.  Is it yeast?  Or is it just typical diaper rash?  The two are to be treated differently.  Or maybe it is something worse...  Well, now I have a reference guide.  While it still makes me a little bit uneasy, I am more than sure we'll use it a time or two once Baby Girl arrives.  Here are just a couple of the less graphic images:

I was also sent a couple of Dr. Carey's swaddle blankets to review.  He notes in the book how calming it can be for a baby: 

“I have a secret. When I see a crying baby for the first time, I bundle him snugly, rock him gently, and peek at his parents as they wonder how I calmed their baby so quickly. Truthfully, this secret technique has been used for ages. Many authors have tried to adopt this technique as their own, but bundling is universally known and it is a skill well worth your time to master.”  

They aren't exactly the print I would have chosen.  But they are SO soft!  And the size is just perfect.  I will most definitely be using these for our precious little one!

To Buy:  Head on over to Amazon here.  The kindle version is only $9.99!

To Win: Enter the giveaway below for a chance to win Dr. Carey's Baby Guide and 2 Swaddle Blankets!

Entry-Form

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Blogger Opp: Little Tikes Fun House Bouncer Giveaway

Fun House Bouncer Event

Organized by: Mom to Bed by 8

Grand Prize: Little Tikes Fun House Bouncer

Event dates: 7/11 - 7/24

Giveaway is open to US and Canadian Residents.

SIGN-UP HERE

Bump Update: Week 23

I was reading through on of those Facebook articles today - it was on birth records - longest gestation period, most kids fathered by one man (800 by the way!), etc.  The one that really stuck out to me was that of the youngest baby to ever live.

You see, I just mentioned to Justin last night that in just one more week our little Sprout would have a chance at surviving on her own.  It would still be a fight for sure and probably a slim chance - but the chance is definitely there at 24 weeks.  And that thought alone gives me a little more peace.

*WARNING* This is about to get a little bit real.  The youngest baby to ever live outside of the womb was born at just 22 weeks!  She weighed 10oz and was only 9.5 inches long.  And she is still living today!  Isn't that amazing??

And then I stop and think about the number of abortions that are still being performed at 22 weeks, at 24 weeks!!!  It breaks my heart.  I'm not sure how a woman can feel those little kicks and not recognize the "fetus" as a life.  She is fully formed - every organ is there, her heart has been beating for 20 some weeks, she is alive!  I can feel the life inside of me.  

I mourn for all of the children who's lives were cut incredibly short because their mothers were entitled to a choice.  In my opinion, the choice is whether or not to be intimate with a man (and taking the proper precaution when you are).  If women are so powerful, then shouldn't we be able to control our "urges" until we are ready or capable of having a child?  I know there are extreme circumstances, and that isn't what I'm talking about.  I'm not talking about health situations or where the mother's life is at risk or some sort of rape scenario - I'm talking about the fact that taking the life (murdering) a child at 24 weeks gestation can simply be a choice because it isn't a boy or the woman decided she wasn't ready for a child or the money isn't there or she doesn't want her body to change...

We have gotten to such a place because society has convinced us that it is "all about me."  It isn't.  In so many ways.  And the moment you become pregnant - it isn't about you.  It is about the child.  The life that you created.

Okay, I'm going to get off of my soap box now.  This has just been bothering me lately as I'm feeling our baby girl more and learning about her little life.  :)

Squeezed this picture in right after I got out of the shower.  Taking a few minutes to take a picture shouldn't be such a difficult task.  lol.  But at the end of the day neither of us really feels like getting off the couch.  ha!

She's really poked out there hasn't she!?!?  Here is an awesome comparison photo:

This week, baby is the size of a: Papaya.  This is a little harder to judge since I don't often see papayas.  haha.  She is growing!  And her growth will double over the next month!  That's crazy!

Next appointment: Tuesday!  Meeting the last doctor in the practice so that's exciting!  And then we have another ultrasound on Wednesday (yay!). 

Total Weight Gain/Loss: We'll see officially how much at the doctor's office but according to my usual scale I'm only 3 lbs away from pre-pregnancy which means I'm gaining like I should be!  And maybe a little more because I'm eating like mad now.  haha.

Exercise: Lots of different stuff this weekend but looks like the weather here is going to keep me inside.  :(

Maternity Clothes: Getting pretty close.  But not yet.

Sleep: Slept pretty great during our extended weekend in Michigan.  And we were even on an air mattress!  But then we came back home to no air conditioning and I'm pretty sure I didn't sleep at all last night.  Literally.  We're hopefully getting a window unit soon but its hard to keep a fan in the window when its down pouring constantly...

Food Cravings/Aversions: Nada.

Movement: Oh...my...word.  She is like a ninja or an acrobat or something.  haha.  Our drive to Michigan started it - probably a lot more rest time from me than she was used to.  But the trend has kept up.  I feel her off and on throughout the day but a lot during the night and early morning.  Hubby has even gotten to feel her a few times!  He says its just a gentle tap but it feels like a little more than that to me.  ;)   Absolutely loving all of this movement...except for when she keeps me up at night.  lol.

What I Miss: This week is definitely sushi.  Talked a lot about it which makes me want it even more.  haha. 

What I'm Loving: Movement!      

What I'm Looking Forward To: Our ultrasound!  :D

Best Moment This Week: Hubby getting to feel Sprout moving!  I loved how much more involved he can be now.  He is so affectionate.

Milestones: She can officially hear everything that I do!  But not in quite the same way since all that noise has to go through my muscles, the uterus, and all the fluid she is currently hanging out in...

Goals: Transplant our herbs.  Touch up paint in bedroom.  Get baby stuff found at yard sales cleaned up and moved in.  

The Funny Things Kids Say

We spent the last 5 days in Michigan visiting Hubby's family.  We love going up there.  It is beautiful country and the people aren't so bad either.  ;)

The best part?  We have not one, not two, but seven nieces and nephews to love on!  Seven!  And, yes, they were all in our wedding...it was awesome.

They always have some of the funniest things to say.

This time around my favorites were from the two younger boys.  

Ky-Guy is 9 and has always had some awesome one-liners (yep, we have a list).  This time, as he was jumping from the boat to the doc we hear, "ouch!  I guess I'm not Indiana Jones."  I made some comment about him being a little short yet and he kept trying to say he was a mini Indiana Jones but couldn't get it spit out.  So he goes, "I'm miniana Jones."  Needless to say, that's his new nickname.  Now I'm trying to convince him to write a comic about Miniana Jones.  

Then there's C-Man, the youngest of the 7.  We were at his sister's softball game and he asked Hubby to play catch.  The thing is, Hubby is not a sports guy and has literally never touched a baseball glove.  C-Man had to show him how to use it and hold his hand the right way.  ;)

So later at dinner we were asking how catch went - he looks at Justin and says, "Everyone knows how to play baseball but you.  *pause*  ...and grandmas and grandpas."  Lost it.  But it might be true...

As we were leaving that night we were saying our goodbyes and told them that the next time we see them they will have a new cousin.  C-Man replies - "Yay!!  I just wish it wasn't a girl.  Can I give you some magic dust to change it into a boy?"

Haha.  I love the minds of children.  They are so unique and so funny.  

What are some funny one liners from your kiddos??

Bump Update: Week 22 = 6 months!

Baby names!!  Such a tough decision!  We had a boys name pretty much narrowed down.  I recently added another that we both love - so it still would have been tough.  But we are a little unsure of a girls name.  We have one we think we like.  But I'm still not sold 100%...  However, once we do come to a final decision, no one gets to know until she makes her grand entrance!  :)

Haven't had 5 seconds where both of us are able to get my usual pic.  So I had to improvise this week and take my own belly shot.  Hoping next week to squeeze in the usual pic plus a comparison or two!

In my regular clothes it doesn't really pop too much - but it IS there.  However, from the front, sometimes it really does make an appearance - as you can see:

This week, baby is the size of a: Spaghetti Squash!!  She ways about 1 lb now and is about 11 inches long.  That's insane!  I just keep picturing a spaghetti squash and think - she can't be that big...my belly doesn't look nearly big enough to hold a spaghetti squash.  lol.  

Next appointment: The 24th.  It will be here before we know it! 

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Just a few pounds away from my pre-preggo weight!  Which means I've gained almost 7 lbs total.  I think.  Scale is a little different each time - so I've just been going with the doctor's office...

Exercise: House work counts right??  Only one walk this week...but headed to spend a 5 day weekend with our 7 nieces and nephews so I'm sure I'll get some exercise in then.  ;)

Maternity Clothes: Still not quite there.  Taking my maternity swim suit for the weekend though - so I guess that does count...

Sleep: Hit and miss these days.  Some night I sleep pretty great and other nights I don't sleep a wink - which makes for some miserable days.  And the crazy dreams!!  Good night!  I could sleep for 5 minutes and be able to wake up and tell you something ridiculous.  lol.

Food Cravings/Aversions: Nope.

Movement: Plenty!  She is super active sometimes.  It is pretty fun!  :)  

What I Miss: My personal bubble.  lol.  Really, it hasn't gotten too bad since my belly isn't so big.  And I don't mind when it is family.  Just weird to have people talking to my stomach on a consistent basis I suppose... 

What I'm Loving: All the tiny little movements and buying baby stuff!    

What I'm Looking Forward To: Our trip this weekend is going to be great!  Actually, by the time you read this we should be on our way!

Best Moment This Week: Hubby was feeling my belly and talking to our little Sprout and he goes: "She must be laying over here - your stomach is off center."  I lifted my shirt and sure enough - you could see one side was sticking out a little more.  He felt around a little more and found that hard spot we have come to know as our child.  haha.  I started feeling and shortly after, it disappeared.  And my belly went back to being symmetrical.  I don't think she appreciated being poked at.  :P

Milestones: 6 months now!  I can't believe I can say I'm 6 months pregnant!  Definitely doesn't feel like it.  Sprout has a sense of touch now too - so that's pretty neat!

Goals: Got the blog review done!  Love checking things off my list.  ;)  I'd like to get our bedroom walls touched up by this point next week.  Though I only have 2 days to do that because of our trip.  So we shall see...

Review: Mattress Encasement & Extras!

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

I was recently sent a few items for our crib mattress from Fiberlink Textiles Inc. to review!  And I am SO excited!!  

I was sent:

• A Zip & Block Mattress Encasement
• A Snoozy Organic Cotton Mattress Pad (My favorite!)
• A Comfort Shield Collection Mattress Pad
• *BONUS* 3 Cotton Canvas Grocery Tote Bags

The bags are so nice - a soft texture and super green!  Imagine all the plastic I wouldn't use if I actually remembered to take these (and the other similar products I have) to the grocery store with me!  ;)  But really, that are pretty nice.  I got this stuff the day we left for our Memorial Day camping trip.  In my hurry, I quickly grabbed one of the tote bags to stuff our towels and shower stuff in.  It was super handy!  It fit both of our towels and everything else we needed for showering.  And dried quickly after stuffing our wet towels in them and walking back to camp.  Here is a photo for size comparison:

Now we'll move onto the Zip & Block Mattress Encasement.  

When I first saw the opportunity for this review, I wasn't even sure what an encasement was.  Then I did a little research.  It turns out that this mattress encasement is considered anti-allergen bedding.  Before I read any more, I knew this was something we could use for our little one.  You see, Hubby has always had issues with allergies, especially when he was young.  So, if Sprout is anything like her daddy, she will need this!  The encasement also protects against bed bugs and dust mites AND it is waterproof!  It is pretty neat right?  This is from the front of the package: "Studies show that protecting your baby from dust mites, bed bugs and allergens in their sleep environment, can significantly reduce their chance of asthma, eczema and rhinitis from developing.  Help protect them as they grow."  This is definitely a product I want for my baby girl - she deserves the best chance at health!

And did I mention this awesomeness:

Who doesn't love a lifetime guarantee??  And how convenient is it that the number is right on the tag?  I don't foresee having to use this but I'm super excited that it is available if I need it!

There was one thing I didn't like about the encasement.  It wasn't very snug:

Since it is so soft, you probably wouldn't need a cover, but this extra material wouldn't be safe for a baby.  However, if you do place a mattress pad over it, everything will be right as rain, as you will see in the following pictures.

The Comfort Shield Mattress Pad is sooooo soft and plushy.  Hubby even decided to test it out since it looked so comfy.  He approved.  ;)

  
I love that it is 100% cotton and fits quite snug on the mattress.  No complaints here!  This picture shows the nice fit over top of the encasement - making everything work together wonderfully:

And finally, my favorite product, the Snoozy Organic Cotton Mattress Pad!  Let's be honest, if we could buy everything organic and all natural for our babies wouldn't we??  Especially if it wasn't so much more expensive.  I love knowing we have this chemical-free product for our little girl.  It will make me sleep better at night...and hopefully her.  ;)  Look at how nice:

I only wish it fit just as snug as the Comfort Shield Mattress Pad.  It is pretty snug, just not like the other:

However, for an organic product, you really can't beat the price point at just $26.99!  Plus, it is water proof and I am already well aware of how leaky diapers can sometimes be.  ;)

Overall, I am very pleased with these products and I cannot wait for Sprout to be able to use them!  I will be comfortable and pleased knowing that these products are better for her health.

To Buy:
Grocery Tote Bags
Zip & Block Anti-Allergen Mattress Encasement
Comfort Shield Mattress Pad (not currently available, but check back soon!)
Snoozy Organic Mattress Pad 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Giveaway: Summer Cash! {CLOSED}

Who doesn't want some extra cash?!?  Hoping you all enjoy this giveaway until I can start bringing you some of my own!  ;)

Welcome to Mama Foster's Summer Cash Giveaway hosted by Mama Foster with Co-Hosts A Madison Mom, Femme Fitale Fit Club Apparel, Barbaras Beat Blog, and The Body Workout.   You have until 6/30 to enter! Giveaway runs 6/9 to 6/30 at 11:59pm EST. Open to US and Canada Residents Only. Good luck!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

 Participating bloggers were not compensated for this post. Giveaway is not affiliated wtih Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or any other social media sites. All entries will be verified. Winner will be notified via e-mail and have 48 hours to claim prize before new winner is chosen. Mama Foster is responsible for prize fulfillment. Direct any questions to Courtney at mamafosterblog@gmail.com

Bump Update: 21 Weeks

So time for the official announcement, blog style!

Sprout is a.....GIRL!!  We are so excited.

I was hoping to upload a pic of our pink cake but my SD card is acting up.  So...you will have to watch for those on Facebook.  :)

I was browsing Facebook last night and one of the stores I follow posted about the 10th adorable dress this week (to be stocked tomorrow).  I looked at Hubby and said, "Having a girl is going to kill our budget."  

"Why?"

"Because they have to go and make adorable stuff like this," as I show him the pic on my phone.  "It even has the cloth diaper to match."

"Buy that right now.  Seriously.  We need it."  Or something along those lines.  lol.  You see - it wasn't pink.  And it had trees!  Making it a personal favorite for both of us.  :)

We did have restraint - mostly because it doesn't go up for sale until tomorrow...and it is only in a 12mth size.  I can wait a year for that one.  ;)

Here is this week's bump pic!

And then Hubby lovingly took these pics as I was talking and walking towards him but you can really see how she is growing!

This week, baby is the size of a: Sprout is as long as a carrot.  All I can picture is a rabbit now.  haha.  

Next appointment: Not until the end of the month.  But we get to meet the last doctor in the practice.  Pretty excited about that!  

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Each day I seem to gain just a little bit more now...an ounce or two at a time.  Which should put me right on target for a pound a week.  :)

Exercise: Plenty of walks AND I went to the pool yesterday with 5 year old twins.  haha.  Hubby didn't seem to understand why that was such a big deal when I told him my legs hurt.  The conversation went something like this:

"Carry me."  "Spin me."  "Run, Bri, run faster."  "Let's race"

"I need a break.  The baby is making me tired."

"Okay you can take a break for 1 minute."  *about 20 second pass*  "Okay, your break is over, time to come play more."

"Throw me."  "Spin me again."  "You can't catch me."

Yep, I was pretty exhausted yesterday.  But I got lots of good exercise!

Maternity Clothes: It's getting close.  I did wear my maternity swim suit yesterday - mostly because I was afraid my chest would fall out of my normal ones.  :/  But Hubby did notice how tight my shorts were yesterday when we went in for our ultrasound.  They aren't uncomfortable, but I'm betting they won't fit in another month.  ;)

Sleep: Saturday was the first night in a very long time that I slept the whole night without having to wake and use the bathroom.  But since then I haven't slept well at all.  Not sure if it is hormones or stress or what.  But I usually wake between 1 and 3 and then toss and turn the rest of the night.  I am exhausted.  And this morning the rooster across the street started crowing at about 3:30 and never stopped.  Told Hubby it was time we got a pellet gun.  lol.

Food Cravings/Aversions: Nope.

Movement: Actually didn't feel Sprout at all the past week.  It was starting to concern me.  But after the ultrasound last night she was super active.  Hubby even swears he felt her once...though I'm not really sure that wasn't my stomach gurgling...  

What I Miss: Sleep.  

What I'm Loving: My growing belly.  More and more people notice.  And I don't think there is much of a doubt that I'm pregnant anymore...even to strangers...    

What I'm Looking Forward To: We are headed to Michigan next week to see our family before the baby comes.  I can't wait to see all of our nieces and nephews!

Best Moment This Week: Seeing the baby the other night.  She still wasn't cooperating very much.  Tech wasn't sure if we would have to come back in or not.  I secretly hope we do.  haha.  If not, we won't see her again until her birthday...which is so sad.   Or maybe this is one of my favorite new moments:

Hubby loves to talk to Sprout and tell her how crazy her mama is.  He's already trying to get her to pick sides.  ;)  But I love that he is getting more involved.

Milestones: Definitely at the half way mark.  And she has eyebrows now!  tehe.

Goals: Still have that blog review to do.  And plenty of other things.  But I'm guessing not much will get done before our trip.  We shall see though...  

Over Due Thanks to Mom & Dad

My parents.  They aren't perfect.  In fact, they are far from it.  :P

But...I realize on occasion that if the rest of the world's parents were more like mine, the world would be a MUCH better place.

And I mean that.

Now I'm not trying to brag here, I just had a moment where I realized the true awesomeness of my parents and I had to give them the kudos they deserved!

For one - they've never walked out on me, abused me, sold me for drug money, used me to get welfare check, etc.  Which, apparently, makes you a stellar parent compared to a huge percentage of humanity.

Second, they've set a beautiful example of marriage.  Again, not perfect.  But they've stuck it out through the tough times and they've grown together.  No matter how much they fight, I know they would never be happy without the other.

They raised me to know right from wrong and to take responsibility for myself and my actions. I know that paying off my debt takes priority over buying a new TV (even if our new living room makes our current one seem teensy).  I have been taught to respect others and to stand up for what I believe.  They taught me how to live and how to live well.

But when it comes to little things they set the bar high as well.  They have always supported me and attended my activities (even when it was a 5th grade orchestra concert that sounded a bit like cats or when I decided to try the french horn which sounded more like a dying cow...).  They don't manipulate me using guilt.  They give (of their time, money, and so much more) expecting nothing in return. They are always, always, always there when I need them whether that means stopping by the house to set out meat because I forgot, coming over to help paint/clean so we can get ready for Baby, lending me cash because for some reason I forget we live in an uber rural area and/or wasn't prepared for a yard sale, giving us gardening advice, mowing our grass, etc.

I could go on all day.  I am just blown away at the enormity of how blessed and fortunate I am to have parents that I enjoy spending time with.  Heck, we miss them when they aren't around for a week (But don't tell them I said that...).

I am so very thankful for them and I don't tell them that enough.  So, Mom & Dad, since I know you are reading this - thank you!  One thousand times, thank you!  You mean the world to me and to Justin.  And our little one is going to be so blessed to have such awesome grandparents. :) We love you SO much!