Flip Training Pants!

I LOVE these things! SP didn't grow up wearing cloth diapers. I think the reason I didn't do cloth diapers was how daunting it seemed. I felt it would be time consuming and expensive. I do have to say the start up cost of cloth diapers or cloth pull ups is expensive but worth it! I do not like doing laundry so when I found myself searching for cloth pull ups I had to ask myself, am I ready for the commitment? My answer: yes! I did LOTS of research when it came to finding the perfect cloth pull up. I wanted it to be one size fits all, I wanted the inserts to be absorbent, and I wanted the outer shell to be waterproof in case SP had an accident. In the beginning I wasn't having much luck and even considered buying cloth diapers. Since I wasn't having much luck I went on the Cotton Babies Facebook page and told them what I wanted, they suggested the Flip training pants would be my perfect match. Next step, reviews! Since my husband and I were making an investment I didn't want to order them and end up hating them. Of course the reviews were mixed but I found a majority of the reviews to be positive. What I wanted the training pants to be was like a cloth diaper but not as absorbent so SP could feel when he was wet. The training pants would replace the 2-3 diapers that we used a day. While waiting for my order to arrive I ran into a roadblock, cloth diapers and cloth pull ups had to have special laundry detergent...great. After selling the idea of cloth pull ups to my husband I didn't want to break the news that we had to order laundry detergent. So I called Cotton Babies and they gave me a brand that I could use that they sold at Walmart, well at our Walmart they didn't sell it! I called every natural food store in our area and no one sold the detergent! Then I remembered a friend telling me a children's store in our town sold cloth diaper detergent, so I went and purchased some! I prepped the inserts and the shell and I was so excited/nervous to use them. Flip said to wash the inserts 3-5 times in hot water, I washed them 3x's and washed the shell in hot water once. You have to line dry the shell because of the material but you can tumble dry the inserts, I decided not to. After reading reviews people said after they tumble dried their inserts they shrank, so I line dried the inserts. Now it was time to test them out! For nap time I only used one cloth insert. I was prepared that SP was going to wake up early because he was wet or leaked through, but he didn't! He did put up a little fight after we put the pull up on because he isn't used to cloth. There is a huge difference between disposable diapers and cloth! Next round...bedtime! This time I used two cloth inserts, I was worried that it was going to be too bulky and not fit right but I didn't have a problem and this time SP didn't mind wearing them and he didn't leak. I suggest to buy at least 12 inserts and 2-3 shells. We've only been using the Flip for a couple of days and I have to wash the inserts again. I love the product and I wish I would have used cloth diapers when SP was a baby, it wasn't as big of a commitment as I thought it was going to be. Product: Flip Training Pants Inserts: 100% Organic Cotton & Disposable Inserts (haven't used) Detergent: Rock in Green- Rock Hard (good if you have hard water)

Adventures in Potty Training!

That's right! Potty training. I have to say I've been dreading this part of toodlerhood! Before SP was ready I did a little research about potty training to start to get familiar. I heard horror stories from parents that potty training was awful and others of early success, I thought to myself, "potty training SP is going to be a nightmare!" A little background on my guy, he slept through the night (12 hours) at 3 months old and has been doing it ever since, he talks up a storm, and is pretty well behaved for a two year old. He was such an easy baby and is an easy toddler, so I thought to myself if he's been so easy since birth there's no way he's going to be easy to potty train. I have to say I've been lucky! He started showing interest about 2 1/2 weeks ago. Anytime he had a wet or dirty diaper he would pull at it and say "off!" so I would let him have naked time and of course I had no clue what I was doing and he had a ton of accidents! So I told myself he's not ready. Luckily I have a very educated friend who I like to dub the Potty Training Guru, I sent her texts and asked her a ton of questions and she brought up some good advice: I might as well start potty training him now while he shows interest versus trying in 6 months to a year where all of his interest is gone and it could turn into a fight. So we started! I've found out that it's key to have the right equipment. SP had a Cars potty, the seat was flat and it made sounds. A little distracting! He kept falling off of it because the seat had no contour. So I bought the Baby Bajorn full size potty and it's amazing! He can get on and off without help, it never leaks, and he doesn't fall off! Success! So the next thing I had to figure out was to reward him or not. We didn't reward him when we started this journey at 18 months but I wanted him to be excited about going. Of course I asked all my friends and some rewarded with candy, stickers, or making a big cheer. I don't reward SP for anything! I believe if you reward a child for eating all his food (if they want to or not) or being good in public they'll expect rewards their entire life. I did a lot of research and a ton of parents rewarded their child when it came to potty training. So I did! SP's reward was going to be stickers. I gave him one sticker for sitting on the potty, two for going potty, and three for having a BM. He's only gotten three stickers once and we made a big deal out of it! So once he got the idea of going we put his potty in the living room (because that's where is his a majority of his day) and I let him hang out around the house naked. Every couple seconds (yes seconds!) I'd ask him if he had to go, sometimes he'd ignore me other times he went. He's now to the point to where I don't have to ask him and he'll just sit down and go and doesn't ask for a sticker. I felt today we had a breakthrough! This morning I was getting ready and SP was in the bathroom with me playing with his cars, of course he was naked, I noticed that he got up and walked out of the bathroom. Uh oh! So I quietly followed him and peeked around the corner...he had sat down and went potty! So excited! Yes we've had our challenges with potty training, I'm in the process of searching for cloth pull ups and which one that will be best. We purchased big boy underwear and that set us back because they were too small and his little boy parts were sticking out of the slit-I know! TMI! I suggest if you're going to straight to underwear buy boy underwear not toddler underwear. I hope our success continues. I'll update on what cloth pull up I decide on. Good luck on potty training! Helpful hint: -Buy the right equipment (doesn't have to be a fancy potty)

What A Great Couple Of Weeks!

Whew! I feel like the last two weeks have been crazy...I guess they have! I wanted to blog about S's first birthday party but the week seemed to slip through my hands, so I'll recap! S had his first birthday on the 17th and we were lucky to have wonderful friends and my mom, join us for a cowboy themed party. Before all the fun started I held his birthday at a building on base. My mom and I went over early to decorate so we wouldn't have to rush, let's just say that didn't work out! I was in such a hurry I locked the keys to the building and my car keys inside the building so my wonderful husband walked over with S in tow and contacted someone to unlock the door. He definitely saved the day! The party went well and it's amazing how quickly they grow up. After the party we went back to the house and got a couple hours of rest, then we were off to the combat dining out, which was SO much fun! The squadron we're apart of did a flash mob that my friend and I choreographed. It looked great and it was a ton of fun! A couple weeks before S's birthday party my husband submitted his dream sheet for our next assignment, probably the most nerve racking time in my life! I felt like it was a roller coaster ride up until he got his assignment. One minute we feel confident about our list then the next minute you have no clue how things are going to turn out. But I'm happy the waiting is over! My husband got his first choice! Our squadron commander played a joke on my husband and told him he got another plane (not the B-1) I felt so sorry for my husband, as he was walking away his commander told him to turn around and held up a picture of the B-1, I was shaking so badly because I couldn't believe it! Well played Lamo! Now it feels like a huge weight has been lifted off our shoulders. It's crazy to think we moved here in July 2007, he became and instructor, and he's now going to be a B-1 pilot. It's been such a wild ride, but I can say these past two weeks have been so much fun and we've built wonderful memories. It still hasn't hit me that we're moving soon and I can say whole heartedly that I'm going to miss the amazing squadron we're apart of and all of my friends. Of course I'm scared to leave my safety net but I know I'll be ok. I feel so blessed to have had a great couple of weeks and that I was able to share it with so many wonderful people!

Mama Must Haves!

I get asked a lot by friends who are expecting or others who have kids what are the things I cannot live without since having my son. I never gave it much thought and I couldn't think of anything! So I started paying attention to the things I use the most, here we go, in random order!

-Sunshine Kids Stroller Fan

I became a big runner since having my son. Living in Texas it is hot, humid, and it gets really hot early in the morning. I always felt bad if I ran late in the morning because my son would start to turn red cheeked and was sweating. I came across this product in a magazine and had to have it! Now when I go for a run I don't feel guilty because it keeps him nice and cool...while I die from the Texas heat.

-SwaddleDesigns Lovie

When I was little I ALWAYS carried around a blanket and I called it Boo Boo, I have no clue how I came up with the name but I was attached and took it everywhere with me. Being a blanket lover I wanted my son to carry around a blanket (I think it's the cutest thing!) I started searching for security blankets and came across SwaddleDesigns Lovie. It's small so you don't have to worry about them wrapping themselves up in the middle of the night. Perfect! I ordered one, even though the website recommends you order six! My son became quite attached to his lovie and that horrible day came when we were traveling and I forgot it on the plane! Immediately I called my mom and had her order a new one, and I did listen to the website the second time around and we have a total of 5 lovies!

-MommAgenda

I'm not organized and not unorganized, but I'm trying to become more organized. I have a calendar on my fridge with all of my important dates and events, an iPhone with all the same info, and an iPad that syncs with my iPhone. So I have three things to let me know what's going on, but I needed more! I've seen this product in Parents magazine and on two mama websites and they highly recommend it. So I ordered one and it's great! It is a little pricey for a planner but has great things for moms. It comes in different colors and sizes, you can even personalize it! I love being organized and this helps!

-iPad 2

I know! This must have is pricey but it's a great way to distract a child! When I flew home last I brought along my iPad, not only for my son but for me! Before I left I downloaded a season of Yo Gabba Gabba and some fun kid friendly apps and called it good. This thing was a lifesaver! My son was still crabby on the flight but it also distracted him and he was able to watch his shows.

-Dropper Stopper

This thing is amazing!!! I can across this handy gadget and I had one of those moments where I asked myself "why didn't I think of that?!" The Dropper Stopper is a must have for parents with kids who like to drop and throw things...like mine! I attach everything to my DS, bottles, sippy cups, my son (joking!), and toys. You attach whatever you want to keep clean to the part with the gripper and attach the longer part to a highchair, stroller, etc...I always have one attached to my stroller or highchair cover and I also carry back-up. Every time I see a child throw something while I'm grocery shopping or out and about I tell them about the DS. The first thing they say is "how did I not know about this?!" I love my DS and freak out if I can't find them, I am the proud owner of four! This is a great product with great customer service. So get the word out!

I love all my cool gadgets but these are the things I can't live without!

Last Dance

When my husband and I moved here in July of 2007 I wondered what I could do to pass the time. I have been dancing since the age of three and had many amazing opportunities, ranging from performing on cruise ships to dancing for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger at his inauguration. Dance is a huge part of who I am and my life. I love all of the dance shows on tv and it amazes me that the greatset dancers are so young. So! When we came to TX my mom found a dance studio...I was shocked that there was a dance studio in this tiny town. I immediately called the owner and told her that we would be living in TX for a year (which turned into 4) and I wanted to teach. She said how excited she was that I called because she just had a dace teacher that moved, within the week I was hired. My first thought about the studio was that it was small and a little older then what I was used to but it didn't matter. I still remember the first thing my boss said to me when I walked through the door "you're so young!" indeed I was, but I was ready to teach young dancers and to show them my passion for dance. My first year at the studio wasn't great. The kids had ZERO discipline (which was something I wasn't used to) and many of them didn't want to be there. I had a lot of work ahead of me to teach the kids the way I was taught. Of course parents didn't like how structured my classes were and the students were having a hard time with the discipline, but over the past 4 years the parents got used to it and the dancers were able to have fun but they knew the boundaries. At times I wasn't sure if I could continue but I stuck with it and it all paid off. I have the most amazing boss, she gave me wonderful teaching schedules and allowed me to bring my son with me after he was born. I taught with inspiring teachers that I will truly miss. At times the kids and job drove me crazy and the parents made me want to pull out my hair but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I've loved my time as a teacher in TX and I'm going to miss the highs and lows of being a dance teacher. At our last class I had one of my kindergarten students come up to me and said she wanted to be a dance teacher just like me, it brought a smile to my face and I remembered how rewarding my job was. So this is my last dance in TX and I'm going to miss everything and everyone! Good luck at the recital tonight!

Fixation

That's right! I'm a fixated shopper. It doesn't matter what it is, clothes, shoes, things for my husband or son if it's something that is perfect I can't live without it. This issue has been getting worse over the years and it comes and goes. I think go through fazes, sometimes I get fixated and within a couple hours I'm over it and there are other times where I see something and I can't get it out of my head, it's awful to be a fixated shopper. I'm the type of person who worries about finances each month and being a fixated shopper doesn't help. I'm not the type of fixated shopper who throws their family into debt or secretly has credit cards and buys things without thier spouse knowing, I'm open and honest. I don't get upset if I get fixated and I'm in the have to have it mode, I understand. Some may be wondering what I'm so fixated over that I'm blogging about it and my current fixation is....patio furniture. I know, to some it may sound ridiculous others know how I feel. Here's the story, my husband and I were buying plants and he went to sit down with our son and just happened to sit at the perfect and affordable patio set. I told him that I liked it and he agreed. So since then I can't stop thinking about it! My mom knows how I am and my sister. Once I obsessed over a fake plant at Pottery Barn and I had to have it, and did I purchase it? Yes! Being a fixated shopper and now that I have a baby, it's horrible. When I look at thhe price of the object I figure out how many boxes diapers we can buy, cans of formula, or other things I want to get my little boo boo and I immediately don't care. It doesn't matter if it's matter if it's the latest trend or if it's small or big, I'll always be a fixated shopper!

Military Spouse Appreciation

Today is military spouse appreciation day, to be honest I had no clue! Thank goodness for my friends on FB to let me know. Throughout today I was thinking what this day meant to me. I'm sure there are military spouses out there thinking "finally a day to recognize us!" it is nice to be recognized but we not only need to appreciate or fellow non-military spouses, but our spouses who are in the military. As non-military spouses it can be difficult at times when our significant other is working late, training, or deployed. As a spouse we tend to put our lives on hold for our spouses career, I'm guilty of it. I'm guilty of feeling angry at times when I feel things in the military aren't fair, when my hardwork as mom and spouse goes unnoticed, or when my husband comes home tired from a long day of work and all he wants to do is zone out and barely says a word to me, but I've learned that things aren't always going to be fair and when my husband is tired I do my best to make sure everything at home is taken care of so we have time together. It is tiring some days, now with a child I feel like I have twice the work and less time to myself and to my husband. I've read a couple blogs where some of my friends wrote about spouses appreciation day and it's interesting to see how many point of views there are out there. Some write about the exciting points about being a military spouse and others write about the highs and lows others strongly feel that today is the day for the non-military spouse. I feel it is a day for our service members and their spouses.

Before I met my husband I would look at the yellow ribbon magnants on the back of cars a not understand it's meaning or see an American flag waving in someone's front yard and have no thoughts about what it stood for. Now when I see those things I smile. It's nice to know there are people out there who support our military. I'm very proud about what our troops have accomplished and I stick up for them when others try to bring them down, our spouses work hard everyday. So appreciate your friends who are spouses but don't forget the spouses that serve in the military. It's called military spouse appreciation day not non-military spouse appreciation day.