Type of Cloth Diapers

Have you decided that you want to cloth diaper, but aren’t sure where to start? Or maybe you are just doing a little research before you make that final decision. Well, let me help you by explaining the different types of cloth diapers available.

1. Flats

These are probably the cheapest way to go. Flats are basically just a square of fabric that is folded around your baby and secured with either the traditional pins or a snappi. These are not waterproof and they need to have a cover placed over them. I have not personally used flats, so I am not much help in this area, but here is a great video on how to fold flats for your baby.

Picture source: Greenmountaindiapers.com

2. Prefolds

These are definitely another cheap option to go with when deciding to cloth diapers. Prefolds are cotton fabric that is layered and sewn so that there is more absorbency. They are sized for a better fit. This type of diaper needs a waterproof cover, and needs to be secured with pins or a snappy. I used prefolds with my daughter up until she wiggled too much. Now it is a race to try to get her still and diapered before she pitched a fit, so prefold are a last resort for us now that she is older. I LOVE prefolds for newborns and young babies. There is several different folds that you can do to suit your needs. Here is a great video that shows the different folds that you can do.

Picture source: greenmountaindiapers.com

3. Fitteds

Fitteds are a great type of diaper. You do not have to worry about folding them around a wiggling baby, and some of them have snaps or aplix (Velcro) so you don’t have to pin or use a snappi. Fitted diapers do need a waterproof cover, though you can leave the cover off and let the baby’s bum breathe. You just have to make sure you change as soon as they pee or you may be cleaning up more than a dirty diaper. There is many types or fitted diapers available. Big name brands and WAHM fitted are both great options. You can get them in a variety of colors and patterns as well. You can also use an additional soaker for nap time, and heavy wetters to add more absorbency.

Picture source: www.kellyscloset.com/

4. Hybrids

Hybrids are a cross between cloth diapers and disposables. The cover is made from a waterproof material that you can reuse but you can purchase disposable inserts that you throw out after use. I have not personally used this method before so I am not familiar with how it works exactly, but here is a great page that can help you understand this system better if you wish to learn more. Click Here

5. Pocket Diapers

These are probably one of the most common types of modern cloth diapers available. These diapers have a waterproof outer shell and a stay dri inner liner to keep baby dry. The two layers create a pocket that you stuff with absorbent inserts. These inserts must be pulled out after you change your baby though so they will be properly washed and dried. After washing and drying, pocket diapers need to be restuffed with the absorbent inserts before they can be used again. The really neat thing about pocket diapers is you can adjust how much absorbency is needed. If your baby is a heavy wetter you can add an extra insert. Pocket diapers are secured with either snaps or aplix. These diapers are dad and babysitter friendly since there is only one step to put them on the baby.

Picture Source: Facebook.com/jchildsdesigns

6. AI2s (All-in-twos)

AI2 diapers are similar to pocket diapers except you do not have to stuff them. These consist of a waterproof shell that normally have sleeves at the from and back of the diaper on the inside to hold an insert in place, or they may have snaps to secure the insert in the diaper. This type of diaper is nice, because you can reuse the waterproof shell a few times before needing to wash it. In between changes you just wipe it down with a wet cloth and let it air dry for a minute. AI2 diapers have snaps or aplix closure for a secure fit on your baby. You can adjust the absorbency by adding an extra insert if need be. They come in a wide range of colors and patterns. These are nice because they dry much faster than AIO diapers, and you don’t have to stuff and unstuff like with the pocket diapers.

7. AIOs (All-in-ones)

The AIO diapers are the closest thing you can get to using a disposable diaper in cloth form. There is no extra steps involved at all unless you choose to add absorbency. AIO diapers have a waterproof shell and there is an absorbent layer sewn into the diaper. You do not have to stuff or match inserts to an AIO. These are great if your baby has to go to a baby sitter that is not comfortable with cloth diapers, because they do not have to do anything except put the diaper on the baby. The down fall to AIOs is that they take longer to dry because of the layers being sewn together. These are also secured using snaps or aplix.

These are the most common types of modern day cloth diapers. There is a wide range to choose from. My advice to someone just starting out is to buy a couple used types of diapers first to try the different styles out. You may find that you LOVE prefold diapers and hate pockets or visa versa. If you haven’t cloth diapered before, I would not buy a whole bunch of one style diaper until after you have tried a few first. Go on Facebook and find buy/sell/trade cloth diapering groups first to buy gently used diapers.

There are also lots of brands of diapers to try. They range from cheapies that are made over seas to WAHM diapers that cost way more than my entire stash cost me. There are a few name brands that I like and would recommend, but as a WAHM myself… I always like to suggest supporting other ladies that make a living making beautiful items.

Please visit my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/jchildsdesigns

39 days and a new running spot

There is officially 39 days before the Princess Half Weekend. With the holidays and the weather here in Florida I haven’t been able to run for a few weeks. Finally I was able to squeeze in a run. This morning my hubby watched Addie for me while I ran some quick errands. I stopped by the local park for the first time. I figured I would try it out and see how the running path is.

I got out there and the first thing I noticed was the small lake (okay more like a pond) with Ducks in it. There were two paths to choose from. A paved one that went around the whole perimeter of the park, and a dirt path that twisted and winded through the park. Both paths went around the lake. I chose the paved path to test it out for future use with Addie and the stroller. With the exception of one short area of the path, I think it will work out really good for pushing the stroller.

I ran two laps around the park with equaled about 2 miles. It felt really good, but I was crunched for time to get back to Hubby and Addie. I logged another 2 miles in the books for Jocelyn my running Buddy.

Are you a runner? Have you signed up to be matched with your running buddy through IRun4? If not be sure to check out the website: www.whoirun4.com

Overall my run was really good. My endurance was much better than I thought and I could have done a lot more I think.

There is 39 days until the Disney Princess Half Marathon weekend. A friend of mine from Church will be running it as well. We are going to use it as a girls weekend. Because we have to be at the starting line by 5:30 AM and to park we would have to be there around 4:00 AM we decided to get a hotel for the night. Our Husbands are going to stay home with the kiddos and we are heading down Saturday afternoon.

I am going to start making my costume this week or next for the race. I am thinking I will dress up as Rapunzel. As the days get closer I will post more about my costume and our plans for the weekend

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Addie turned 8 months old on the 9th of this month. She is officially a crawler. Though not very fast, she manages to get going forward and get to whatever her sight is set on. She also has her two bottom teeth already in. I am pretty sure she is cutting her two top teeth, and she is trying to say Da-da already.

Addie Crawling for the first time.

Time sure flies!I have been working on a few sewing projects that will be available on my Facebook page HERE

Be sure to like my Facebook page.

Until next time…

Jenna

Crochet Hook Roll-up

I sewed up this quick little project today. It is a crochet hook roll-up. I got the idea from Pinterest for a Crayon Roll-up. I just got my sewing machine for Christmas and I really wanted to make a project to use. I used material that my mom gave me from when I was a little girl. 

To make this simple project:

Materials:

Cut 2 pieces of color (I used blue) fabric - 8"x14" (Or longer depending on how many hooks you have)

Cut 1 piece of coordinating (polka Dot) fabric - 8"x14" (Or longer depending on how many hooks you have)

Cut 1 piece of interfacing

20" of ribbon 

Sewing machine and tools

1st: Fuse or Baste one of the colored (my blue) pieces with the interfacing. 

2nd: Fold the coordinating (polka dot) piece in half lengthwise. Press with a hot iron to make it easier for sewing together. 

3rd: Pin Polka dot and Blue/Interfacing pieces together with the polka dot fold towards the top. 

4th: Stitch every 3/4"-1" starting at the top of the polka dot piece back stitching at the top and the bottom. 

5th: After stitching in increments all the way across, Place the last blue piece right side to right side with the project and pin around.

6th: Sew 1/2" seam around leaving 1 1/2"-2" at the end to turn.

7th: Turn Project right side out

8th: Top stitch at 1/4" all the way around making sure to tuck in the ends and sew the ribbon on. 

And.... You are done! 

This total project only took 1 hr for me to make and I just started sewing. 

I am going to offer these on sale on my Facebook page HERE as a custom order. 

If you make this hook roll-up please post a picture to my Facebook page or let me know in the comments below.

2014 Goals

I welcome you to the new year with Addie’s first morning smile of the new year…

I am part of the 90% of people who make New Years Resolutions but never stick with them. So instead of making resolutions this year, I am going to make goals. I am making specific goals that are measurable and attainable. I am much more likely to stick with a goal that I can see progress on.

2013 was a really good year for my family and me. I have to admit it will be a tough year to beat for us. We had our sweet Addilyn, and purchased a house along with many other small things. I am really looking forward to 2014 to see what God has planned.

Most people say “I am going to get in shape for the new year”… Well that is not measurable. There is no way to track progress on getting in shape. Instead lets put a number with it.

I am going to lose the last 10 pounds of baby weight and hopefully an extra 5 pounds as well. I plan to eat better and exercise more…

Which brings me to my next goal. I want to run at the very least 2 times a week this year. Preferably 3 times or more. I am running for Jocelyn. and I think 2 times a week is a fair number to strive for. She goes to therapy and I will run.

For the New Year, I really need to return my focus to God. I have really been slacking when it comes to reading scripture and praying. My Goal is to read my bible at least once a day for at least 5 minutes. I think this goal is my top priority this year. God has blessed us tremendously and we should focus our life on Him.

Last but not least, my final goal is to be more financially sound this year. My husband is blessed to have a job that allows me to be a stay at home mom with Addie. If it is God’s will, I hope to start selling my crochet creations and bettering my sewing ability to make a little bit extra cash flow for our family.

What are your goals or Resolutions for 2014? What are you looking forward to most?

I’ll leave you with another picture of my sweet girl:

Year in Review 2013

Wow what a year! This year has been a VERY full one. Let’s get started:

January 2nd, 2013 – We found out what our precious baby was going to be. The technician took all of the measurements and asked if we wanted to know what gender the baby was going to be. Well come to find out our lives were going to be filled to the top with pink and bows! What a wonderful day! I went straight to the store and bought a pink outfit for our little girl.

I also started my final semester as a Junior at the University of Florida in January.

February was relatively relaxing. With the exception of my Best friend having her first born baby boy. I also went down the the State Fair with my Hubby and his showmen for the steer show.

March was a packed month. First off I was as big as a house, and didn’t know how on earth I would make it another 2 months carrying Addie. We had our 2 year anniversary on the 5th of March. March is also the month of Fair for our county and since my Husband is an Agriculture teacher he is at the fair just about every day for 2 weeks. The end of March I had to go to the hospital to be monitored due to my blood pressure rising. I was put on modified bed rest. Which basically meant I was supposed to be on bed rest but I could get up and move around the house and go grocery shopping. I had to finish my last two weeks of the school semester from home.

I had my baby shower on April 6th. I got so much stuff from all of our friends and family. Addie was already getting spoiled. Since my blood pressure was giving me a problem and my swelling was beginning to get bad I was not allowed to drive to Gainesville for my last two weeks of class. My Drs. didn’t want me to have an issue and be an hour away from my hospital. Luckily ,my professors allowed me to attend class via Skype. It was kind of nice not having to get up and get dressed then drive an hour to class.  At the end of April I went to the County Fair banquet with my husband and his students. My HUGE belly was gaining quite a bit of attention. I still had 2 weeks before I was due, and was on “Bed rest” at that point. I was going stir-crazy though and needed to get out of the house.

May was very exciting! The very beginning of the month my husband had to go out of town for the day. I was due less than a week from that day and was kind of worried that since he was over 2 hours away Addie would decided to make her presence. She stayed content though. My Dr. decided to induce labor because of my blood pressure if labor hadn’t started by my due date, May 8th. On May 8th went to the hospital to have a baby. I began the induction process at 7AM… 36 hours later I was in the operating room prepping for a c-section. Read all about her delivery story HERE. The rest of the month was jam packed! We had Drs. appointments for check-ups, and most of all I was learning how to be a mom.

June-July was pretty uneventful with the exception of learning how to be parents to a newborn. I did try to start back running but my incision was still tender. One big thing that happened was we were approved to purchase our first home. The house that we were renting was offered to us to purchase. We went to the bank to get pre-approved and came back to our land lords only to find out they had changed their minds and we had to be out of the house in 30 days. (At the end of the 30 days was the end of out 1 year lease) We now had a 3 month old and were trying to house hunt, and pack up our 3 bedroom home, all the while my husband was still working full time at the school. It was stressful to say the least.

August was rough. We moved 3 different places in 30 days. We had to move out of our big house on the 1st. We moved in with my Grandma in her small 2 bedroom house for a week until we could find a place to rent short term. Finally finding a small house to rent on a month to month basis we packed up again and moved. All the while we were still looking at between 3-5  houses per week trying to find something to purchase. House hunting alone is stressful, then add a 3 month old in tow it makes it even worse. We finally found one and started the process of closing. I am pretty sure we hold the record for the quickest closing for first time buyers ever! The bank and the closing company were so helpful. We closed on our house in 21 days. The day before we had to pay for another months rent we closed on our house…

Which brings us to September 6th. We signed 30 years of our life away on this day with the perfect home for our family. It has plenty of room to grow into. The end of September I learned about IRun4, and officially signed up for a running buddy.

October was spent mostly getting things put in place in our new house.

November 19th I got my match. I was matched with Jocelyn as my official running buddy. I started dedicating my miles to her and learning all about her history.

December is always a busy month for us. My birthday is the 1st, then we spend a lot of time with family and preparing to ring in the new year.

 

This year was a very good one. I can’t wait to see what next year holds for my little family. Addie is growing up so fast, and I have a couple races already planned for the year.

A year in review always puts so much into perspective. Even on a bad day we still have so much to be thankful for.

Do you make resolutions for the new year? Stay tuned for mine.

My Buddy Jocelyn

Back in September I mentioned a group called IRun4. This is a group that matches runners with special needs children and adults. The runner dedicates all of their miles or workouts to their buddy and helps bring awareness to a special cause. When I signed up at the end of September I was informed that the waiting time to be matched was about 6-8 weeks time. At that time the group was just over 4000 members strong. That includes runners and buddies. Everyday I would read through all of the encouragement on the Facebook group page and feel overwhelmed by the love and support that everyone gives to each other. The support doesn’t just stop at running and working out, after the tornadoes hit the town of Washington, Il. this past November there was an outpouring of prayer and love for all of those affected. This group is truly a family that stretches across borders, lakes, oceans, and continents. As of today (December 30th, 2013) there are 11,815 members currently in the group, and it groups exponentially everyday. There are still approximately 1,800 runners waiting to be matched with their very own running buddy. I can’t express the magnitude of love this group holds for everyone.
After enrolling to be matched with a buddy, my wait both flew by and drug on. I felt like the day would never get there to finally be matched. Well my day came. The night before I checked the waiting list and I was about # 12 on the list. I knew if there was a group of matching the next morning I would be on it. The next morning when Addie woke me up to nurse, I quickly grabbed my phone and walked to her room. I checked my notifications and nothing was there. I can’t say I wasn’t disappointed. I felt like a little kid waiting for Santa Claus. As I was sitting there a message from one of the Admins messaged me. That was it! I was matched. I looked through the list of matches and found my name. I was matched with a child named Jocelyn. I thought, how neat is that. My daughters name is Addilyn and we are running for a little girl named Jocelyn. I did a little digging to find out as much as I could about my new running partner. She is 2 days older than Addilyn and just precious. Please go read all about her story at her Facebook Page.
Jocelyn is such a fighter and an unbelievably strong little girl.

Isn’t she a cutie? I am so blessed to be able to dedicate miles and my running to Jocelyn.
If you would like to know more about IRun4 please visit the website: www.whoirun4.com.
If you would like to learn more about Jocelyn please visit her website: www.facebook.com/eighthmiracle.
I will write a post soon introducing you to Jocelyn’s struggles in her young life.

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I am sorry I have been away for so long. I have been testing the waters with another blogging platform, but I decided I like this one much better so with this new year my goal is to write a post at least 2 times a week.
Please like my Facebook page to stay up to date on all of my posts.

Running Partner

Calvary's Isabella

I would like to introduce you to my running partner. Her name is Calvary Isabella or Bella for short. She is a Miniature Australian Shepherd. The breed is just like standard size Australian Shepherd, just a little smaller. I got Bella when she was 8 weeks old. She is now almost 4 years old. Australian Shepherds (Aussies) are known for their intelligence and willingness to please. Bella has just that. She is incredibly smart and loves to be with me at all times.

Bella is about 30 pounds and is a red-tri coat pattern.

She is also very out of shape at the moment. Aussies have a double coat, making the Florida Heat kind of tough on her during the summer months. I plan on getting back in shape along side of my trusty pal.

Bella loves to go for runs, however she thinks it is appropriate to potty every quarter mile or so. On day one of our training run she pooped three times, and peed and uncounted amount of times. I am hoping that she will get better as we run more, because it slows our pacing down.

Obedience is a major factor when taking a dog for a walk or a run on a leash. Bella is really good about listening to me on and off the leash making her controllable around people and other dogs. However, if there is another dog she gets really excited and wants to play most of the time.

Now that the weather is getting cooler I hope to take her with me on most of my runs, so stay tuned to my posts to find out how she is doing with her training runs as well.

Zeus

I couldn't write a post about Bella and not include Zeus. This is Bella's little brother. He loves his picture being taken.