Cloth Diaper Newbie

As some of you may know, recently I have started cloth diapering. 

I have had a few friends try it out, and while I was pregnant I signed up for a 

program which provides cloth diapers on loan for a very low cost. 

It gave me a chance to find out if cloth diapering was for me. 

Here are the pros and cons I came up with:

Pros

• Cloth diapers are cute!  They are no longer the old fashion diapers with a pin, but there are many types.  For myself, I find I like pocket diapers that are all-in-one so the diapers Peyton is wearing now, she will fit into all the way into toddler years. 
• $$$- cloth diapering saves money.  I found new diapers at $7 a piece.  I have 10 diapers plus a few left from my loaner set, and only need to wash once every 2-3 days.  
• Better for Baby-  there are not nearly as many chemicals as in disposable diapers.  That being said I haven't quite mastered night times with cloth diapers so we use disposables at night for the time being. 

Cons

• Cleaning does take a bit more work- not for pee diapers but poo ones... yes you have to clean off the poo before washing them (though breastfed baby poo washes easily)
• Not as easy for days out.  I am currently looking for a wet bag which will make this easier but I find it harder as I don't expect others to take the same love for cloth diapers as I do so when Peyton is in nursery for example or visiting grandparents, I let them chose which diapers they want to use
• More money upfront-- but again, way less in the long run.  

Peyton's Fourth Month

Wow!  Peyton has really grown this past month!

At her last appointment she was 11 lbs 14 oz and 23.5 inches!  We have another appointment in a week and I'm excited to see the difference- I think it will be big!

Likes:

• Her bunny-- she holds it wherever we go ... Mr. Bunny had to go in the wash yesterday due to the fact he has been on so many adventures
• Eating- for such a small girl she sure knows how to eat!
• Walks- Peyton tends to only take naps on walks or car rides... so we try to get out at least once a day
• Baths-   she went from HATING bath time to loving it more and more each day

Dislikes:

• Nap/Bedtime-  We are currently working on falling asleep in our crib.... it's awful.

Big Steps This Month:

• Grabbing and Holding-  Once she has a hold it goes directly towards mouth
• Laughing more and more
• Starting to work on pulling herself up though still a while to go

Funny Moments:

• Peyton has a sad face right before she cries and a few times now she will be laughing and somebody new will come and she goes straight to that face
• We have been trying to get Peyton to pet Holmes.  She has finally started but instead pulls his collar or smacks him.   Poor cat!

Winner!

Congratulations to Shauna G

Who has won the Wee Piggies & Paws gift certificate!

Ellen's Wise Words

Everybody I'm sure has heard of the whole Abercrombie deal lately.    I have so much to say on this but I thought Ellen worded it so well.

Worth the watch:)

For Moms

Mothers Day 2013

Yesterday was my first Mothers Day. 

It was such a nice day spending it with my family and enjoying each others company. 

These past few months, I have grown to appreciate all that Mothers do more and more each day. 

I have gained a new understanding of all the sacrifices my Mother made for me, 

and it's been so humbling. 

I am so glad I have a Mother who loves and cares for me.

And so blessed to be able to be a Mother myself. 

To My Mom, My Grandmas, My Mother-in-Law and all those Mothers out there 

(including those who take the role as Mothers to the children in their lives)

Happy Mothers Day!

Flowers from Wes and the Chapel 

She has become such a big part of my life:) 

Family Portrait- May 12 2013

Peyton's Dedication

On March 24th, Peyton had her dedication. 

It's a time for Wes and I to make a promise in front of friends and family to raise Peyton in a home 

that is loving and God honouring. 

It's so important that she is brought up knowing the love that God has for her, 

and so wonderful we have so much support behind us as well. 

You're Doing Okay

As Mother's Day approaches, I see how much my life has changed.

My days are filled with duties revolving around taking care of my daughter, 

but I love the chance to be able to do so. 

There are some days I really don't feel like I am doing a wonderful job as a Mother, 

and some times I feel like I have this whole thing down. 

I love this commercial and think it really shows how much children rely on their parents. 

We won't be perfect. 

Only one person who has walked on this earth is perfect- Jesus Christ.  

But all in all- for all those mothers our there- you're doing okay:) 

To the Least of These

Today I have been feeling pretty down.

Peyton has been a bit fussier than usual and quite honestly it's exhausting.

Though my days and filled with diaper changes, walks and feedings, I sometimes find myself feeling pretty useless as I am not "bringing in the cash" and I see Wes having to work double time to help pay bills.

Isn't it great how God gives you just the right words when you need them though?

1 Corinthians 15:58

Therefore, my dear [sisters], stand firm.  Let nothing move you.

Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because 

you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Matthew 25:40

The King will reply, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for 

one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."

Though I'm not working, and at times I feel like quite honestly nobody sees the work I am doing in my daughter, it is so encouraging knowing that God knows how hard I work as a mother and this work is not in vain.  

Take a look at this poem that is beautifully written:

Loving Jesus Poem

By Megan Breedlove - www.MannaForMoms.com

Precious Memories {& A Giveaway!}

I have always been a person who keeps memories in whichever ways possible.  

I love having those personal keepsakes to remember those times that go all too fast. 

While making our baby registry at Toys R Us, Wes and I saw this beautiful frame with baby lifecast footprints and a picture. 

I loved the idea of such a personal framing in the baby's room.  

I later found out that this beautiful piece was from Hamilton Wee Piggies & Paws.

This wonderful shop not only does casts of footprints and handprints,
but also takes those personal letters from your children and make them into a beautiful necklace,
or your child's fingerprint becomes a necklace you can wear around your neck as well.

Seriously... how cute are they!

I was so excited when I approached the owner and
she agreed to hosting a giveaway for a $50 gift certificate!  

Anything from this shop would be perfect for a gift for any parent to remember those precious times.
The winner will be announced on Thursday May 23.

And for those who do not win?
Today is your lucky day!
Owner Jamie has kindly offered $5 off one fingerprint necklace coupon for all readers of
Meet the Marshalls (for a limited time).  

a Rafflecopter giveaway