My New Baby Wrap!

My good friend Sandy K made this baby carrier for Little Dude and me- and it is amazing! She designed it just like the one she purchased when her little boy was a baby (only hers is blue). Unlike with slings and front packs, the wrap is fitted perfect to your body, so no back pain! I think the pretty yellow color is perfect for the summer. And isn't the baby bee in front so cute? I tell ya, I have some creative friends. These are photos she took of us so she can sell her baby wraps on ebay- you may see her wraps on there soon- if you want one, to. Disclaimer...baby not included. Hee, hee.

Homemade Laundry Detergent- an update

I have been using the liquid recipe for a couple of months now- and my clothes are as clean as ever! I am, however, very excited to try this easier dry version- very similar to what I am using except no melting on the stove or sloshing around wet ingredients. Woohoo!

I found these on a cloth diapering message board-

The first recipe is a gentle, greener version of laundry detergent, and the second recipe especially for cloth diapers!

Use amounts will vary depending on your water and machine! The amounts provided are general estimates.

These are non-sudsing recipes, so they're safe for HE and FL machines!

Super Gentle Homemade Laundry Soap

1 cup Washing Soda
1 cup 20 Mule Team Borax
1 bar Kirks Castile Soap (or other laundry soap)

Slice soap into strips and run through grater on kitchen aid, food processor, or by hand to make soap flakes.

Combine soap beads, borax, and washing soda. Done!

Use 1-2 tablespoon for small loads, 3-4 tablespoons for large loads.
(more or less depending on your water quality)

Homemade Diaper Detergent

1 cup Washing Soda
1 cup 20 Mule Team Borax
1 cup Oxyclean Free

Combine all ingredients. Done!

use 2 tablespoons for a small load, 1/4 cup for a large load.
(again, more or less depending on your water quality).

Tips and Notes:

My personal notes on the detergent....

-I find that I can just throw the powder in a hot wash, but I have to dissolve it in hot water before adding to a warm or cold wash

-be careful not to overload your washer!

-DO NOT use a blender! Slice soap and then use a food processor, or grate the whole bar by hand...a blender is not designed for this kind of chopping!

-washing soda can be hard to find...try calling your local grocery store to see if they carry it, or look for "PH up" where you buy pool supplies (or 100% sodium carbonate which is washing soda!)

-almost any soap can be used, I chose Kirks because it was as close to homemade as I could find locally. The original recipe called for "Fels Naptha" but that is some harsh stuff!

-both recipes are safe for sensitive skin and ezcema!

-there are little or no suds, but your stuff is still getting clean!

-the first time I used the laundry soap the water turned brown from the stuff that was left on my clothes from my previous detergent!

-both recipes are perfume-free, dye-free, enzyme-free, phosphate-free, and biodegradable!

-if you find that the *diaper* detergent isn't working as effectively after a few months, try switching to another brand and then switching back. ....*many* mamas who are switching between homemade & Tide or homemade & Allens every 3-6 months and finding that to be the best washing routine! I haven't heard from anyone who needs to switch with the laundry soap!

- non-sudsing, so it's safe for FL and HE machines!
- washing soda is available at Kroger, Hannafords, Acme, Biggs, and Publix
- washing soda is "sodium carbonate" and might be with pool supplies
- you can order washing soda at www.drugstore.com
- Kirks is available at Kroger, Frys, and Cracker Barrel
- you can use Dr Bronners soap instead of Kirks
- Fels Naptha is yucky stuff, and Ivory doesn't work well for laundry
- NO soap on diapers (the soap is in the *laundry* recipe)
- use oxyclean FREE and it's safer for your diapers
- mix this after the kids are in bed, in case you spill!
- don't subsitute baking soda!
- washing soda & borax ARE safe for your diapers used in this small amount!
- you can also use a cheese grater for the soap
- you can add essential oils to the powder and stir with a fork
- vinegar in the rinse can cause stinkies in microfiber
- this has been used with hemp without problems
- lots of bubbles is from your old detergent build up!
- always use a cold rinse first for diapers, so you don't set in stains
- with liquid Dr Bronners instead of soap there is a chance of staining from the oils
- you can use the diaper detergent for your clothes too
- sun oxygen cleaner is a cheaper alternative to oxyclean
- call 1-800-781-7529 to get Oxyclean Free for $6.99 (ask about free ship!)
- *approximate* costs: 3-bar pack Kirks $4, Borax $4, Oxyclean Free: $7, Washing soda $3.50 (all costs will vary by region)
-Canada moms: Borax at Zellers, A&P, Superstore and Walmart...Washing Soda and Oxyclean free at Walmart.

-Originally from the post Green & Thrifty...Making Your Own Detergent!

My Review of Bumbo Baby Sitter

One Step Ahead

As soon as baby can hold her head up, she can sit up! This ingenious infant seat supports her back and torso, while the passive restraint prevents slipping. (Watch out for imitations: they're just not as stable or sturdy.) Cushy, non-skid foam; supports 9-22 lbs. Parents rave about this product...

Bumbo Baby Sitter

Bumbo Not For Everyone

Shellyluwho GA 7/18/2009

 

3 5

Gift: No

Pros: Easy to use

Cons: Didn't work for us

Best Uses: Extra hand

Describe Yourself: Parent of 5 children

We used the product when baby was 6 weeks old on through 4 months. It was great for the earlier weeks, but not so much for my very mobile 4 month old, who could arch his back and get out of the seat! I would recommend this to parents, but with a caution of keeping a good eye on baby at all times!

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My new Blog Photo

So, here's the story behind my new photo behind my blog name. A couple of weeks ago I was having a tough morning with Wil. Upon realizing what an unseasonably mild summer morning it was, the kids and I headed to the local walking track to enjoy some exercise without overheating. The kids rode bikes and explored while I pushed Henry and chatted on the cellphone with my sister, Robin. Wil ran up from behind me with a sweet, teensy bouquet of wild flowers and said, "Mommy, look what I picked for you!" In his cute high-pitched voice. My heart just turned to mush. So I took it home and kept this photograph so my mommy bouquet will never wither.

My Little Miracles Monday

With the constant response of shock, disapproval, and discouraging comments that I often times receive when some see me out and about with ALL FIVE of my children (yes, we are figuring out how this happens, thank you very much)- I thought it would be fitting to give them my gentle answer in a blog dedicated to all of new baby's in our lives.

This is dedicated to Heather, Tiffany, Stephanie, Ashleigh, Moriah, Katie, Sarah H, and Sarah C, and all of my other dear mommy friends with new little blessings from God (and those due to make their debut soon).



this is a photo of Henry trying to nurse his crib bumper pad :)


my little miracle

Welcome to the world
of smiles and hugs...
when tucked into bed
or cuddled in rugs.
Enjoy warm sunshine
and feel soft rain.
Look for a rainbow
when the sun shines again.
Gaze at the stars
and watch the moon rise.
Each day there are miracles
in front of our eyes.
Dance to the music
and sing like the birds.
Let stories and books
bring the magic of words.
Enjoy friendship and
laughter
your whole life through,
and the love that we feel
as we welcome you.

-J. Beck and J. Croydon

It's been one of those Days....

First, while I am getting everyone ready for the morning, baby H, aka little dude, rolls off of My Girl's bed and hits a fan before hitting the wood floor. Bloody nose, upset mom, who upsets kids- you get the picture.

The traumatic event set us back in time, and we were late for little dude and My Girl's well check up.

So we were made to wait almost 2 hours at the pedi, which doesn't ever happen at this doctor. Well, except for today.

And, on top of that, little dude was due for his second round of his delayed vacs. So he was poked in the finger for his iron check and received 4 shots. Poor baby!

Needless to say, I am very thankful that Baby H is okay (other than a small pump on the head and his hurt nose). And that the children were pretty great considering the wait at the pedi office. And I am especially thankful that a scare with our finances is starting to resolve.

Did I mention how nice it was to get home today? Welp, I'm off to get dinner ready and to start the kiddos on their chores.