DIY Cloth Wipes

For quite awhile now I have been thinking about and researching cloth diapers. I've been excited about how much money they save and the numerous pros they have for the child ( fewer diaper rashes, help with potty training earlier, etc.). It has been so interesting looking at different diaper brands and all the different versions of diapers, I have learned so much, but I won't go into that now.

A couple of weeks ago I was watching a video laying out the top 5 best accessory type things to have to help make the cloth diapering lifestyle easier/better. One thing the video talked about were cloth wipes and I thought that that was a genius idea! I waited until the flannel at JoAnn's was on sale and then I took the leap and bought some to make my own cloth wipes. Here is a quick overview of what I did and how they turned out.

I bought a quarter yard (9 inches) of about 12-13 printed flannels and 3 solid flannels which ended up being about $12 in total. I figure if I don't like the whole cloth wipe thing there wasn't a huge investment in them, no harm, no foul. Once I got home with the fabric I pre-washed it to get any of the shrink out.

After everything was all washed and dried, I measured and cut my fabric. I did 8x8 squares, with a couple smaller and larger pieces to use up my fabric. I was able to get about 5 squares with each quarter yard. I tried to use two of the same printed flannel for one wipe, but there were a few odd pieces that I backed with a solid color flannel.

Once all my squares were cleaned up and cut I sewed two squares right side together.

Once all THAT was done, I turned them all right side out, pressed them, and sewed a little edging on to give them that polished look.

25 Week Pregnancy Update

Oh wow! I am ready to be done being pregnant! I love feeling all his crazy movements, but I'm ready for him to be here/ready to lay down and be comfortable again.

I'm officially on the countdown. 98 days to go until my due date... who says it is too early?

Halloweekend

As I'm sure has been mentioned before, Jordan and I work at different times of the day. I usually work in the morning/daytime, he works at night. Since Halloween was on a Wednesday this year I didn't get to see him and I was too chicken to watch a scary movie by myself so I basically had some candy and went to bed. Since we were home together this weekend though, we did end up doing some of the traditional Halloween things. We carved a pumpkin, who by the way, looks great, and we also had some delish caramel apples! Here are a few pictures we managed to snap of the carving process!

Happy Halloween!

23 Week Pregnancy Update

How far along? 23 weeks

Total weight gain: Ugh, I've gained a total of probably 14-17 pounds. I went to the doctor a couple of weeks ago and I had gained another two pounds. She said she was very pleased with the amount of weight I have gained and the rate at which I have done so.

Maternity clothes? Holy cow yes! I got quite a few tops, a couple pairs of pants, and a couple skirts and wow, they make a huge difference. With normal people clothes I felt restricted, but with the ultra stretchy maternity clothes I can actually be semi comfortable.

Stretch marks? No new ones! I've started a lotion regimen. I know stretch marks are based on genetics, but I'm hoping that my lotion efforts may ward off at least a few, here is to wishful thinking!

Sleep: Some nights are better than others. I've had nights in the last few weeks in which I only slept a few hours and then there are other nights I have only woken a couple of times to use the bathroom....it really just depends.

Best moment this week: There have been a few times in the last week where Jordan and I have had conversations about the baby and our future and those conversations are so precious to me. 

Miss anything? Jordan and I work at opposite times of the day, me in the mornings/daytime, him at nights, and so I've been really missing him and being able to spend time with him. I know how this sounds before I say it, but I miss being able to see my feet. I know I am getting bigger for a good reason and that I will get "back to normal" soon enough, but I miss just having a normal body.

Movement: Very much so! There are days where he is a bump on a log and then there are other days where he is a little ninja. Some times I forget that I am pregnant and think that my stomach is just twitching and then I remember that it is my sweet little boy reminding me he is there.

Food cravings: No dire cravings, but if I see something that looks good I can't NOT get it or else I will crave it!

Anything making you queasy or sick: This pregnancy I haven't had any trigger smells or anything and I'm far enough in that most of that queasy feelings have dissipated. I have, however, been having monster cases of heartburn! :(

Gender: It's a boy! Can't wait to meet my little prince!

Labor signs: None

Symptoms: Still no bloating or swelling, thank heavens. I have been losing a lot of hair, and in general my hair is limp and lifeless...bummer! I'm very tired most days, been feeling a little plugged up lately, but that should work itself out (pun intended), raging heartburn. I have been very forgetful lately, coming up with simple words is a constant battle. I've been short of breath when I lie down, so that is weird.  

Belly button in or out? In, for sure!

Wedding rings on or off? On.

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy! I've been really motivated lately to work as hard as I can to do my part in the finance department so I'm trying to stay focused on the reasons why I'm working so hard and so I'm staying happy.

Looking forward to: We have passed a lot of our "mile markers" (aka 10 week appointment, listening to the heartbeat for the first time, finding out the gender, announcing to family and friends) and so I'm really just trying to enjoy the little things. Jordan and I have become much closer as a couple the last few months and together we are enjoying our last few months as "newlyweds" and finding the joy in the small things.