Today, Keith went on a field trip with his preschool class to a pumpkin patch! We were nervous about this because it was introduced to him as a Halloween field trip and he's CRAZY afraid of Halloween! Right now, we have a grimm reaper hanging outside on our front porch and he's sound activated... Keith refuses to go play outside with his friends because he won't walk past it. So, I prepped him as we walked to preschool asking him if pumpkins we saw on porches were scary, if scarecrows were scary, etc. Everything was, so I went further and explained that he was NOT to climb on his teacher if he got scared, but to just hold her hand. (When we got his Halloween costume from a specialty store, he climbed up on Daddy and screamed and cried the whole 30-45 minutes we were in there.)
When he came home, he had me carry him past the grimm reaper into the house, but then he told me all about it. He LOVED it! He went on a hay ride, saw animals on a farm (he said the horses were nice but the pigs chased him and pigs eat people... woah!), went in a corn maze, and then got to pick out his own small pumpkin from the patch!! He said he wants to go again tomorrow! Oh, and he and his friend, Cannon, ate snacks together: fishies (goldfish) and a drink!
So, we're hoping that he'll do a little better with Halloween next weekend now!
Oh, and during all of this, I was at home with Mitchell and the teacher's daughter/Cannon's sister, Hazel. Mitchell is 20 months and Hazel is around 16 months. They both SLEPT! I got quiet time! Talk about a good day!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
March to October
Haven't I already posted a "I'm a horrible blogger" post? Wasn't it 7 months ago!
Lots has happened in the last several months! Let's see what I can do to catch you all up...
March
We learned that my sister is pregnant with her first baby! We tried cloth diapers, but after buying so many diapers trying to find which ones ha
d the correct rise for Mitchell's long body, I had spent so much that I gave up because it would take that much again to get enough diapers that fit properly to make it worth while. So I packed them up for the next kiddo.
April
We learned that WE are having baby #3!! I'm so excited! In case anyone is unaware, we used herbs this time (rather than Clomid) to get my progesterone levels to where I was able to become pregnant, and we're planning our second home birth. I figure, even if I wasn't in love with home birthing, it'd be the best option for us anyway... considering Mitchell was born after a mere 1 hour 45 minutes from the first contraction. The time it'd take to recognize that I'm in labor, call the babysitter to watch the boys and give her time to arrive, give last minute instructions before leaving, and then begin the 30-45 minute drive to the hospital, we'd be risking having the baby in the car, and who wants to clean placenta out of a car?!
Also, Keith went through a cute stage of asking to sleep on the floor after having had some friends (Stephen and Joe) sleep over a couple times. This picture is of him tucking in Blue as they went to bed!
May
Keith ended his first semester in preschool. We had the annual Memorial Day Harvey Family Gathering, which was a blast as always! Sometimes the weather makes it uncomfortable (this year was great though) but the company and food always make any turn in the weather worth the endurance.
June
Keith won't stop asking if he gets to go to preschool today or not. I'm so glad that he loves school!!
July
I drove with Mitchell and Keith (no Ben) and Brenda (works in Chillicothe through my mom/aunt's company, but her daughter lives in SLC... she had been visiting and was headed home at the same time) to Missouri! We drove straight through on the way to Missouri, but stopped overnight on the way back home to Utah. Anyway, while we were there, I was able to visit so many friends! I spent time with my freshman roommate, Shanna and her little boy, Ethan... it was like we had never been separated! She is such an amazing person and I loved hanging out with her! I also was able to visit my cousin, Sarah, and my friend, Hope, in Warrensburg. All the visits were short but wonderful! I always wish I had more time for such wonderful people! An even shorter but just as enjoyable visit was with a friend from junior high, Alisha. Oh, and also Trinity! WOW, I did more traveling while on my two week vacation than I realized. I also threw a baby shower for my sister, who is having a girl that she plans to name Elizabeth Ruth. I loved the cake I designed for her shower, very cute. I also was able to attend my 10 year class reunion. It rained on us, and only a few of us made it out of the 14 left in our class, but I loved seeing how everyone had grown up so much! It was a pretty good trip, but never in the summer ever again. Missouri's summer humidity and heat were disgusting!
August
While I was in Missouri, Ben had my car and I had his. My car broke. It might just be the battery, or my suspicions are that the alternator is going out. So, no car for me until February, 6 months away. I had my ultrasound this month! Although the legs were close together and the official report does not state a gender, the tech decided I'm having a girl and we're going with it! KIERSEN HARVEY will be making her appearance sometime around January 4th. She doesn't yet have a middle name, but we're working on it.
Also, Mitchell got banged up pretty badly. Well, I suppose it looked worse than it was. We had his Uncle Bruce, Aunt Jordan, and cousins Zane and Noah over for grilling dinner. The back door between the dining room and outside was left open and he attempted to walk down the 2 stairs, despite not ever having walked down the stairs before. He went kersplat! right onto the pavement and scratched up his cheek, eye, and got a big ol' goose-egg on his forehead. Luckily, the bruise went away quickly and the cheek and eye healed fairly well. As of today (October), there is just a small spot above his eye to show where he got hurt.
Finally, we went to Lagoon for Ben's 4Life Summer Party. The boys both loved the slide at Lagoon-A- Beach! It was adorable how neither of them cared to do anything but walk up the stairs to the slide, slide down into Daddy's waiting arms, and then go back up to slide again! After lunch with the work group, we let Keith go on the rides. He went on the same one 3 or 4 times with something different in between and Mitchell sat quietly and patiently in the stroller. As it is every year, my flip flops broke right on time to go home. It was a really great day!
September
Keith started preschool again! HE LOVES IT! I'm watching the teacher's little girl (who has more allergies than any parent of a small child should have to deal with) during preschool hours. She's 4 months younger than Mitchell and very adorable! She cuddles with me as much as she can and is very quiet, though somehow she tries to scratch Mitchell's eyes out and her hugs come with a tackle to the ground. Mitchell doesn't fight back, which I love. When she's not chasing and he's not running and crying, they are so adorable together! Perhaps they'll become better friends as they grow up... like their older brothers! Hazel's brother, Cannon, and Keith have become great friends while in preschool. I love that! My big boy is getting bigger!
October
Today is only the third but there are lots of things planned. 3 months until Kiersten comes, and I'm so excited to meet her! Someone gave us a whole garbage bag full of the most adorable 0-6 month clothes, and another friend is sending more! I am so blessed to have great friends!
Okay, I'll get back here soon to get some pictures into this post. For now, I have to go make dinner....
Lots has happened in the last several months! Let's see what I can do to catch you all up...
March
We learned that my sister is pregnant with her first baby! We tried cloth diapers, but after buying so many diapers trying to find which ones ha
d the correct rise for Mitchell's long body, I had spent so much that I gave up because it would take that much again to get enough diapers that fit properly to make it worth while. So I packed them up for the next kiddo.
April
We learned that WE are having baby #3!! I'm so excited! In case anyone is unaware, we used herbs this time (rather than Clomid) to get my progesterone levels to where I was able to become pregnant, and we're planning our second home birth. I figure, even if I wasn't in love with home birthing, it'd be the best option for us anyway... considering Mitchell was born after a mere 1 hour 45 minutes from the first contraction. The time it'd take to recognize that I'm in labor, call the babysitter to watch the boys and give her time to arrive, give last minute instructions before leaving, and then begin the 30-45 minute drive to the hospital, we'd be risking having the baby in the car, and who wants to clean placenta out of a car?!
Also, Keith went through a cute stage of asking to sleep on the floor after having had some friends (Stephen and Joe) sleep over a couple times. This picture is of him tucking in Blue as they went to bed!
May
Keith ended his first semester in preschool. We had the annual Memorial Day Harvey Family Gathering, which was a blast as always! Sometimes the weather makes it uncomfortable (this year was great though) but the company and food always make any turn in the weather worth the endurance.
June
Keith won't stop asking if he gets to go to preschool today or not. I'm so glad that he loves school!!
July
I drove with Mitchell and Keith (no Ben) and Brenda (works in Chillicothe through my mom/aunt's company, but her daughter lives in SLC... she had been visiting and was headed home at the same time) to Missouri! We drove straight through on the way to Missouri, but stopped overnight on the way back home to Utah. Anyway, while we were there, I was able to visit so many friends! I spent time with my freshman roommate, Shanna and her little boy, Ethan... it was like we had never been separated! She is such an amazing person and I loved hanging out with her! I also was able to visit my cousin, Sarah, and my friend, Hope, in Warrensburg. All the visits were short but wonderful! I always wish I had more time for such wonderful people! An even shorter but just as enjoyable visit was with a friend from junior high, Alisha. Oh, and also Trinity! WOW, I did more traveling while on my two week vacation than I realized. I also threw a baby shower for my sister, who is having a girl that she plans to name Elizabeth Ruth. I loved the cake I designed for her shower, very cute. I also was able to attend my 10 year class reunion. It rained on us, and only a few of us made it out of the 14 left in our class, but I loved seeing how everyone had grown up so much! It was a pretty good trip, but never in the summer ever again. Missouri's summer humidity and heat were disgusting!
August
While I was in Missouri, Ben had my car and I had his. My car broke. It might just be the battery, or my suspicions are that the alternator is going out. So, no car for me until February, 6 months away. I had my ultrasound this month! Although the legs were close together and the official report does not state a gender, the tech decided I'm having a girl and we're going with it! KIERSEN HARVEY will be making her appearance sometime around January 4th. She doesn't yet have a middle name, but we're working on it.
Also, Mitchell got banged up pretty badly. Well, I suppose it looked worse than it was. We had his Uncle Bruce, Aunt Jordan, and cousins Zane and Noah over for grilling dinner. The back door between the dining room and outside was left open and he attempted to walk down the 2 stairs, despite not ever having walked down the stairs before. He went kersplat! right onto the pavement and scratched up his cheek, eye, and got a big ol' goose-egg on his forehead. Luckily, the bruise went away quickly and the cheek and eye healed fairly well. As of today (October), there is just a small spot above his eye to show where he got hurt.
Finally, we went to Lagoon for Ben's 4Life Summer Party. The boys both loved the slide at Lagoon-A- Beach! It was adorable how neither of them cared to do anything but walk up the stairs to the slide, slide down into Daddy's waiting arms, and then go back up to slide again! After lunch with the work group, we let Keith go on the rides. He went on the same one 3 or 4 times with something different in between and Mitchell sat quietly and patiently in the stroller. As it is every year, my flip flops broke right on time to go home. It was a really great day!
September
Keith started preschool again! HE LOVES IT! I'm watching the teacher's little girl (who has more allergies than any parent of a small child should have to deal with) during preschool hours. She's 4 months younger than Mitchell and very adorable! She cuddles with me as much as she can and is very quiet, though somehow she tries to scratch Mitchell's eyes out and her hugs come with a tackle to the ground. Mitchell doesn't fight back, which I love. When she's not chasing and he's not running and crying, they are so adorable together! Perhaps they'll become better friends as they grow up... like their older brothers! Hazel's brother, Cannon, and Keith have become great friends while in preschool. I love that! My big boy is getting bigger!
October
Today is only the third but there are lots of things planned. 3 months until Kiersten comes, and I'm so excited to meet her! Someone gave us a whole garbage bag full of the most adorable 0-6 month clothes, and another friend is sending more! I am so blessed to have great friends!
Okay, I'll get back here soon to get some pictures into this post. For now, I have to go make dinner....
Monday, March 22, 2010
Fuzzi Bunz REVIEW
FUZZI BUNZ
Putting the Fuzzi Bunz (with both the newborn AND regular FB inserts) on Mitchell for naptime went well. I wish the rise was a little higher, perhaps closer to his belly button, but they don't appear to dig into his belly at all, so that's good! He woke up, and although the inserts are soaked, the diaper did not leak at all!!
I like this diaper because it has adjustable elastic around the legs (even comes with a spare set of elastic that is changeable without seam ripping and sewing) that works like the adjustable elastic in Old Navy's toddler jeans. This is helpful for diapering a younger baby or maybe a baby with skinny/chunky thighs! Also, the waist is adjustable using snaps rather than velcro, which I like because I've had both my boys take off the regular ol' disposable diaper with the velcro-like tabs before. I don't really trust velcro very much in the laundry either, it gets kinda weird and gross. So snaps are perfect for me! And, it's soft on the inside, not at all like disposables!
What I don't like about the Fuzzi Bunz, is that you cannot adjust the rise. This is supposed to be a ONE SIZED diaper, fitting newborns through potty training toddlers (7-35 lbs, I believe). I can't imagine this diaper on a newborn because it seems like it would take up half of its little body. Other one-sized diapers have snaps on the front to adjust the rise of the diaper. After his nap, his tushy was a little moist, though not like it was when I took off the disposable before his nap. Also, I wish they had custom hemp inserts. It comes with two microfiber inserts which are kind of thick and add a lot of bulk between his legs.
In all, I like it! I might not use it on a newborn, but I like the diaper. It's soft, it doesn't leak, and it FITS! I may find some other hemp inserts so I can layer microfiber on top of the hemp and take out some of the bulk of having two microfiber inserts.
Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Putting the Fuzzi Bunz (with both the newborn AND regular FB inserts) on Mitchell for naptime went well. I wish the rise was a little higher, perhaps closer to his belly button, but they don't appear to dig into his belly at all, so that's good! He woke up, and although the inserts are soaked, the diaper did not leak at all!! I like this diaper because it has adjustable elastic around the legs (even comes with a spare set of elastic that is changeable without seam ripping and sewing) that works like the adjustable elastic in Old Navy's toddler jeans. This is helpful for diapering a younger baby or maybe a baby with skinny/chunky thighs! Also, the waist is adjustable using snaps rather than velcro, which I like because I've had both my boys take off the regular ol' disposable diaper with the velcro-like tabs before. I don't really trust velcro very much in the laundry either, it gets kinda weird and gross. So snaps are perfect for me! And, it's soft on the inside, not at all like disposables!
What I don't like about the Fuzzi Bunz, is that you cannot adjust the rise. This is supposed to be a ONE SIZED diaper, fitting newborns through potty training toddlers (7-35 lbs, I believe). I can't imagine this diaper on a newborn because it seems like it would take up half of its little body. Other one-sized diapers have snaps on the front to adjust the rise of the diaper. After his nap, his tushy was a little moist, though not like it was when I took off the disposable before his nap. Also, I wish they had custom hemp inserts. It comes with two microfiber inserts which are kind of thick and add a lot of bulk between his legs.
In all, I like it! I might not use it on a newborn, but I like the diaper. It's soft, it doesn't leak, and it FITS! I may find some other hemp inserts so I can layer microfiber on top of the hemp and take out some of the bulk of having two microfiber inserts.
Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Cloth Diapers
So, I've recently decided to try cloth diapers. After talking to people who have been doing it for a while, I decided I wanted to go with a pocket diaper. So I bought several gently used cloth pocket diapers from a couple really great sites (www.diaperlab.com for four of them). I have to say: I ABSOLUTELY LOVE CLOTH DIAPERS!!! We only have six so far, so I'm either washing laundry twice a day, or I have to go back and forth between cloth and disposable.
What do I love about them?
1 - I love that they keep Mitchell's little tushy DRY! He's a VERY heavy wetter, and when I take a disposable diaper off of him, his heiny is wet and sometimes has what I think is little tiny pellets of the gel from the diaper on him. When he gets diaper rashes, this is awful and it hurts him so much. Ben & I agree that cloth diapers may cut back on both the number and the severity of diaper rashes for him. When I take a cloth diaper off, his little bum-bum is as dry as can be.
2 - They are CUTE! Have you seen how adorable some of the prints are for cloth diapers? These aren't your grandma's cloth diapers!
3 - They're EASY! After being washed & dried, I stuff the inserts back in. Then they are prepped and ready for diapering. Merely take off one diaper and put on the other, same as disposables (only with snaps instead of velcro, though velcro is also available). That's it! Pull out the inserts and throw diaper and inserts either into a diaper pail, wet bag, or just into the empty washer rather than into the trash.
What I don't like?
1 - You have to use special detergent. To wash, I pull the inserts out and wash the diapers and inserts together in hot water with Country Save detergent, then I dry them without a fabric softener sheet. Enzymes and softeners and brighteners and such can build up on your diapers to make them less absorbent, so it's important to use the right detergent. I usually use the ALL Free & Clear, but it still has stuff that will build up on the diapers. However, this isn't a BIG deal, other than it's more expensive, because with all the skin conditions in our home, it may end up being helpful.
2 - It's a little gross to change poopy diapers. However, when is it NOT? You've still got to wipe stinkies off of little tushies, disposable or cloth. If it's a hard chunk, you just dump that into the toilet and flush. If it's not so hard, you still just pull out the inserts (which you CAN do without touching anything gross) and throw it all into where ever you put your dirty diapers. It really isn't that bad. PROMISE!
So, all that said...
Which diapers do I like the best?
What do they look like?
Well, I'll save these two questions for tomorrow!!
What do I love about them?
1 - I love that they keep Mitchell's little tushy DRY! He's a VERY heavy wetter, and when I take a disposable diaper off of him, his heiny is wet and sometimes has what I think is little tiny pellets of the gel from the diaper on him. When he gets diaper rashes, this is awful and it hurts him so much. Ben & I agree that cloth diapers may cut back on both the number and the severity of diaper rashes for him. When I take a cloth diaper off, his little bum-bum is as dry as can be.
2 - They are CUTE! Have you seen how adorable some of the prints are for cloth diapers? These aren't your grandma's cloth diapers!
3 - They're EASY! After being washed & dried, I stuff the inserts back in. Then they are prepped and ready for diapering. Merely take off one diaper and put on the other, same as disposables (only with snaps instead of velcro, though velcro is also available). That's it! Pull out the inserts and throw diaper and inserts either into a diaper pail, wet bag, or just into the empty washer rather than into the trash.
What I don't like?
1 - You have to use special detergent. To wash, I pull the inserts out and wash the diapers and inserts together in hot water with Country Save detergent, then I dry them without a fabric softener sheet. Enzymes and softeners and brighteners and such can build up on your diapers to make them less absorbent, so it's important to use the right detergent. I usually use the ALL Free & Clear, but it still has stuff that will build up on the diapers. However, this isn't a BIG deal, other than it's more expensive, because with all the skin conditions in our home, it may end up being helpful.
2 - It's a little gross to change poopy diapers. However, when is it NOT? You've still got to wipe stinkies off of little tushies, disposable or cloth. If it's a hard chunk, you just dump that into the toilet and flush. If it's not so hard, you still just pull out the inserts (which you CAN do without touching anything gross) and throw it all into where ever you put your dirty diapers. It really isn't that bad. PROMISE!
So, all that said...
Which diapers do I like the best?
What do they look like?
Well, I'll save these two questions for tomorrow!!
Friday, March 12, 2010
HORRIBLE BLOGGER!
I am absolutely TERRIBLE at this! My last entry was JULY and now it's MARCH!! Obviously, the way I was trying to blog was just not working. I'm going to try some different things and see what works for me. So bear with me as I try to figure out this whole thing!!
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