Halloween

yeah, so we had a "fun" week. I realized that I rely very heavily on Ben in our parenting, especially for a break at the end of the day. But I think the most difficult part was Ben not being able to pick-up the kids and play with them. They all reacted negatively towards him because the lack of attention, which made him feel even worse. Poor guy.Our church did "trunk or treat" on Wednesday and my mom came up and helped me with the kids so we could go, while Ben stayed home & healed. Carlise was a cowgirl, Wesley a cowboy, & Josie was a cow. All of this started from a paci clip & bandana bib we got from Charisma's shop. Anna sent me costumes (she had made years ago), boots & a sheriff diaper (i drooled over) for Wesley, and Ian sent me a cow costume for Josie. Then Mom flew in & saved my budget with cowboy hats she had in her stash. All I had to purchase was a shirt for $1.87 from a thrift store for Wesley to wear. We didn't go out for Halloween trick or treating because Carlise is easily scared. But our neighborhood gets swamped so we're either hostages in our house until it's done or we can go to the empty stores. It was great shopping because not only was it Halloween, but it was also opening night for the National Peanut Festival and the grand opening of the new 12 screen Carmike Theatre. Halloween was still a great day because Carrie's box got here that day. She sent me like 40 cloth diapers. I think my stash is complete. =]

Diapers, diapers, & more diapers

I was in need of some more cloth diapers. I almost had enough for one day for both Wesley & Josie. But my budget had all been spent. So, I put a want out on my local Freecycle group. (I love Freecycle!) I was pretty sure no one would know what I was talking about. But a sweet mom named Lisa responded right away knowing exactly what I was talking about! She had some spare she could give me for both of them & even some wool covers (Wow!) And she was coming to Dothan the next day & could we meet at Target? (Seriously, I don't have to drive to Enterprise to get them? Target? Of Course!) She gave me more than I could've hoped for & in excellent condition, too!
What I spent the last of my diaper money on: a piggy complete with ears & a curly tail in back & a strawberry/watermelon diaper. (both Starbunz)

Current Stash

5 BumGenius One-size diapers
2 Haute Pocket one-size diapers
1 Happy Heinys one-size diaper
1 Mommy's Touch One-size diaper
1 Starbunz monkey (L)
1 Starbunz duck (M)

diaper stash

Through assistance of some loved ones I have been able to build a cloth diaper stash. I bought some used and some brand new. Diaper Swappers and Spot's Corner are the best places to get used diapers for a great deal. And 1-800-Diapers started carrying the BumGenius! one-size diapers. Wesley's favorite is a VeggieTales diaper I bought.My all-time favorite diapers are the Starbunz animals. I bought a monkey one for Wesley.

Houdini

We have a little Houdini on our hands. Wesley has discovered how to remove his diaper and lately does it at every opportunity (naps, before a bath, whenever he's "nakie"). So we just keep clothes on him and he is thwarted. Until NOW. Yesterday, Carlise was getting a new diaper out. I asked if she needed to be changed and she informed me that, "no, it's for Wesley." Then I noticed a used diaper on the floor. Um, what? He was still dressed! A quick pat of the bum lets me know Carlise is more observant than me this morning. And to top it all off, his outfit wasn't a top & pants, it was a john-john & it was still snapped!!! I don't know how he did it!

There is a solution though (besides duct tape, Anna). Anytime I put a cloth diaper on him, he leaves it alone and doesn't take it off. So, now I just gotta finish building up my stash.

Changing- Diapers that is

So, I've been looking into modern cloth diapers. Don't say "Ewwww!" just yet. (I can see your face Lyns) They have come a long way and there's no more swishing them in the toilet. The realization that we will have 3 under 3 and all in diapers scares me (especially the cost). Carlise is very resistant to potty training and I'm not going to force it. Especially just for her to regress after the baby is born. Did you know Wal-mart sells them online? pretty cheap, too. I think we're going with All-in-ones (AIO) which are just as convenient as disposables, only you re-use them. yay! I have a friend in the breastfeeding support group who is trying to sell her stash. I went over yesterday and looked at them and she sent me home with some to try out. We're still not even sure if this is what we want to do. I have to be able to keep up the laundry. And I'm going to buy disposable liners to deal with the solid matter. They make it so much easier. The ones I would LOVE to buy (but would also need a loan to do it) are the bumgenius one-size diapers they're like an AIO, but are actually a Pocket diaper. You stuff a pocket to customize the absorbency of the diaper. The thing I love about these is the fact I could diaper all 3 of my children with one diaper. No different sizes to deal with because it fits 7-35lbs. Oh well, I can drool. =]