Cloth Diaper Stash

To see my first cloth diaper post with some basic descriptions go here.

These are the diapers I have and how I like them...

15 infant prefolds- very absorbent, I used these with the thirsties covers when Carmody was very small. I usually just trifolded them and stuck them in a cover. Later I used them as inserts for my pocket diapers and for various mess clean ups.

2 econobum prefolds- these are large and would even fit Eli (my big 2 y/o) if needed.

4 xsmall thirsties covers- Thirsties are my favorite covers. They velcro and have leg gussets. These babies do not leak! They have a dip in the front for the umbilical cord. I used these when Carmody was a newborn.
1 small thirsties cover- I did not use this as much. I used pocket diapers as Carmody fit into them. Thirsties are made of PUL.

2 medium kushies covers- these were hand-me-downs and I don't love them. They are vinyl and do not breathe as well, but they work! I use them over my fitted diapers.

7 small cot'n wrap covers- also hand-me-downs, these have stretched out elastic and some leaking.

15 small fuzzibunz w/ 2 fb inserts- FuzziBunz are pocket diapers. They have a PUL outer and microfleece on the inside. It pulls moisture away from the babies skin to help them feel dry. I do like these, but I don't think I get as good a fit as with the bumgenuis. These fasten with snaps so they don't wear out.

5 BumGenius 3.0 one size w/ onesize and newborn inserts- My night time diaper! I stuff these with a onesize microfiber insert and a hemp insert and never have any leaks. This diaper fits from about 8 pounds until 35 pounds. These do not fit Eli who is 35 pounds, but they are close! They can be snapped down to fit babies from shortly after birth until potty training. BumGenius velcro close. The velcro tabs are starting to wear out, but can be replaced if you are a sewer. (I'm not, but I'm learning!)

4 medium thirsties fitteds- super soft! These are pretty absorbent and fit under all the covers I have. These have velcro.

6 medium happy heinys sherpa fitteds- VERY absorbant and soft, I can use these for a couple hours without a cover, to 'air out' Carmody. They use 4 snaps to fasten. These do not fit under every cover. I have to use certain ones. I love them though!

3 medium swaddlebees fitteds- There are sidesnapping, which is not my favorite, but they do their job! They can be used with any cover.

2 small WAHM fitteds- beautiful designs, but not as functional as I had hoped. They are very trim fitting and fit under any cover.

2 econobum covers- one size PUL cover, can be sized for 7-35 lbs. Uses snaps to close. These are more cheaply made, but have been working for now. They contain messes! I cannot use these covers with the Happy Heiny's diapers.

2 flip covers and inserts- These are also onesize PUL covers that fasten with snaps. They feel more durable and will cover any of my fitted diapers. I have discovered that I prefer velcro covers.

20ish random inserts- hemp, microfiber cotton, various sizes

Cloth Diapers: Part 1

I have been using cloth diapers for Carmody since she was just a few days old and I LOVE them! I want to share with you the kinds of diapers I use (yes, there are many kinds), what I like and don't like about them, how I wash them, using cloth away from home, and any other questions you may have.

I researched for HOURS and HOURS when I was pregnant. I read reviews and 'how to' guides. I scoured Craigslist to find good deals on used cloth diapers because the upfront cost of diapers is a little high.

Cloth diapers are no longer flats and prefolds, pins and plastic pants, although you can still use those. Diapers are modern! I'll tell you about the options out there.

All in Ones (AIO): These go on just like a disposable. They have a waterproof outer layer and an absorbent layer (cotton, bamboo, hemp, microfiber) sewn in. You fasten them with snaps or velcro.

Pockets: The waterproof outer layer snaps or velcros on and you stuff absorbency into the pocket. These can be customized to be more absorbent. They also dry faster than AIOs because they have 2 parts.

Fitteds: There is no waterproof layer with these and they need a cover. They are made of an absorbent, soft material like cotton, bamboo, hemp, etc. Fitteds fasten with snaps or velcro or can be just placed in the cover. They are shaped like a diaper.

Covers: These are made of a waterproof material like PUL (polyurithane laminate), wool, fleece, vinyl, etc. They are shaped like a diaper and go over fitteds or prefolds. Covers can have snaps, velcro, or pull on.

These are the main options, but there are variations within the catagories.

Book Review: A Century Turns By William Bennett

I received this complementary book from publisher Thomas Nelson, to review and was not sure if I would enjoy it. Fiction is more my style! I was surpised by how much I wanted to continue reading once I started. Bennett recaps the last 20 years (1988-2008) of political and cultural history in America. He was personally involved in many of the events he records and adds stories as he remembers things. There is a definite conservative spin to his writing, but he is fair to all. I was a very young child when the events at the beginning of this books took place and was blissfully unaware of the turmoil. As the book progressed I was able to remember and identify with what was happening in the US. One thing I enjoyed was that Bennett told and connected events I did not know happened. This is a book I will be able to use to tell my children about the world during my childhood.

Just a side note...

Today Eli told me he had to go the the bathroom! Yes! This happened TWICE yesterday as well! I am so excited! For MONTHS Eli has used the potty when I have taken him, but never tells me, so this is a BIG deal! I am thrilled! There is hope!

We've come so far since almost a year ago when We started working on being comfortable with the toilet!

Perhaps you have noticed (or maybe not) that I have not posted anything about the kiddos lately. This is because I don't have pictures of them. My camera has decided to eat batteries at an alarming rate, so I gave up on it. I have hopes of getting a new camera and then I shall shower you with photographs of my beautiful children and yummy food.

Strong or Spoiled

I am almost done with Beth Moore's study on Esther. Today she asked us a question she has been asking herself since the beginning of writing this study- Am I strong or am I spoiled?

Am I spoiled by the nice house, car, clothes, food, etc. I have? Satan thought Job was spoiled and would not worship God if he were not blessed. Job was strong. He stayed faithful to God through adversity.

All for you

Andy and I have been reading through Paul's letters to the church at Corinth and if you have read these you may recall that he is offensive. Even as a believer in Christ, I read what he had to say and think, 'wow, that was harsh!' And the church was offended by his exhortation, at least for at first. Somehow though, Paul spoke truth and preached what they needed, but didn't want, to hear; and while they didn't like it, they did listen. They took to heart what Paul had to say. No one likes to be told they are wrong.

What made the church at Corinth receptive to what Paul had to say? How did Paul teach Truth without pushing the believers further away?

Paul points out that what he says and what he does are judged by God and that God knows he speaks for the benefit of the Corinthians. Second Corinthians 12:19 says "All this time you have been thinking that we are defending ourselves to you. Actually it is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ; and all for your upbuilding, beloved."

Did you hear that?
all for your upbuilding
Paul loved those he was writing to and that love was evident in his actions, making it easier to accept his exhortation!

Am I open to learning God's Truth presented in His Word and by way of other believers? Do I speak the truth in love? What is my motive in telling another believer something?