I'm not one to bash disposables, because, after all, the only reason we decided we would cloth diaper when Bug was born was to save money. I never anticipated it would be something I love :)
However, Bug came down with a bit of a nasty rash again, and I (in all of my recent gung-ho cleaning glory) found 2 disposable diapers that I thought would work much better with our Yes To Baby Carrots diaper cream than trying to dig out some liners and wash those with Dawn.
Well, it probably would have, if Bug wasn't one to grab and rip at his diaper in his sleep...
I woke up to a crying hungry baby at 4 am, who was naked, and covered in his own poop. The crib was covered, and the disposable was crammed between a couple slats. I was horrified.
I immediately ran a bath and washed him, and soaked him, and washed him some more. Swaddled him in a towel and made him a bottle. Needless to say he slept in my bed the remainder of the night...
Lesson learned: Next time I want to skip cloth, we use a snapping cover with a disposable insert!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
WINNER!
We have a winner for the Tropical Traditions coconut oil giveaway!
Charis's Mum, congratulations! You will be receiving an email from me shortly :)
Thank you all for reading my blog, and please remember to enter the remaining open giveaways listed on the left.
Charis's Mum, congratulations! You will be receiving an email from me shortly :)
Thank you all for reading my blog, and please remember to enter the remaining open giveaways listed on the left.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
Guest Post: Staying Active As The Fall Approaches
Staying Active As The Fall Approaches
By Kathleen Thomas of Primrose Schools
Children move from the moment of their birth. As they explore their world, they crawl, walk, run, and use their senses to understand their surroundings. As they grow into toddlerhood, they begin to develop motor skills and discover throwing and catching. Not only does physical activity encourage motor skill development, but children also learn social skills such as self-confidence, teamwork, sharing, and taking turns.
Children of all ages require as much as 60 minutes of physical activity every day to develop healthy lifestyle habits and combat obesity. With obesity rates rising among children and adults, parents and caregivers wisely encourage regular physical activity. Active children grow up to be active adults.
Be an active role model. Join in their activities as a participant rather than merely as an observer. As you play with your children, you model healthy habits and build relationships. In addition, use playtime to teach proper techniques and sportsmanship. Children do not magically learn how to play sports and it is nice to give them a head start before they enter, day care and move on to kindergarten. They require guidance to learn new skills and learn to play nice. Cherish your children during playtime, and create a lifetime of memories and healthy habits.
Rather than demand perfection, accept your child’s skill level and amend the games rules to guarantee success. For young children, lower the basketball hoop or stand close to play catch. Gradually add more challenges as your child masters skills. With each successful milestone, your child grows more confident in their ability to succeed. You create a winning situation by boosting your child’s ability to persevere, and they want to practice and keep trying to improve.
Verbally encourage your children’s efforts during physical activities. Children who struggle with hand eye coordination or dexterity may not enjoy sports activities. Encouraging words show them the importance of doing their best no matter what skills they possess.
Encourage fair play and kind conduct. Sports remain a highly competitive arena. Teach your child to respect the skill level and playing ability of other children and be intolerant of inappropriate behavior. Many coaches also display poor manners so guard your attitude while you coach, supervise, and play along. Remember the goal of having fun while being physically active rather then playing to win.
Ensure safety. Choose wide, open spaces for activities. Before play begins, comb the area for litter, exposed tree roots, or other dangerous substances. Insist every child wears appropriate, well-fitting safety gear, including helmets, knee and elbow pads, or chest protection. Frequently check the equipment to ensure it meets safety regulations and includes no exposed edges or holes. Teach proper stretching exercise before play commences. Provide adult supervision at all times, and carry a First Aid kit.
Provide a variety of accurately sized equipment. Children and adults quickly grow bored with the same activities. Add variety by creating a toy tub in your home. Include balls of all sizes, jump ropes, bats, chalk, hoops, beanbags, bubbles, skates, ramps, balance boards, musical instruments, and other items your children enjoy. As your children grow, inspect their toys to verify they meet your children’s needs.
Stay active on any budget. Purchase sports equipment and expensive tennis shoes if your budget allows or find more affordable alternatives. Search for sports equipment at consignment stores or trade stores. Mix homemade bubbles with soap and water. Run through a rain shower or sprinkler in the lawn. Walk, bike, or run around your neighborhood. Draw hopscotch on the sidewalk. Turn on the music and make up dance moves. Practice gymnastic tricks.
Enroll children in age-appropriate sports. In addition to physical exercise, organized sports teach children sportsmanship, teamwork, and a skill they can use for the rest of their lives.
Any opportunity children take to exercise, play, and stay active creates a lifetime of benefits. Play with your children every day, and enjoy family activities that teach life skills, combat obesity, and give you time to bond and laugh as a family.
Children of all ages require as much as 60 minutes of physical activity every day to develop healthy lifestyle habits and combat obesity. With obesity rates rising among children and adults, parents and caregivers wisely encourage regular physical activity. Active children grow up to be active adults.
Be an active role model. Join in their activities as a participant rather than merely as an observer. As you play with your children, you model healthy habits and build relationships. In addition, use playtime to teach proper techniques and sportsmanship. Children do not magically learn how to play sports and it is nice to give them a head start before they enter, day care and move on to kindergarten. They require guidance to learn new skills and learn to play nice. Cherish your children during playtime, and create a lifetime of memories and healthy habits.
Rather than demand perfection, accept your child’s skill level and amend the games rules to guarantee success. For young children, lower the basketball hoop or stand close to play catch. Gradually add more challenges as your child masters skills. With each successful milestone, your child grows more confident in their ability to succeed. You create a winning situation by boosting your child’s ability to persevere, and they want to practice and keep trying to improve.
Verbally encourage your children’s efforts during physical activities. Children who struggle with hand eye coordination or dexterity may not enjoy sports activities. Encouraging words show them the importance of doing their best no matter what skills they possess.
Encourage fair play and kind conduct. Sports remain a highly competitive arena. Teach your child to respect the skill level and playing ability of other children and be intolerant of inappropriate behavior. Many coaches also display poor manners so guard your attitude while you coach, supervise, and play along. Remember the goal of having fun while being physically active rather then playing to win.
Ensure safety. Choose wide, open spaces for activities. Before play begins, comb the area for litter, exposed tree roots, or other dangerous substances. Insist every child wears appropriate, well-fitting safety gear, including helmets, knee and elbow pads, or chest protection. Frequently check the equipment to ensure it meets safety regulations and includes no exposed edges or holes. Teach proper stretching exercise before play commences. Provide adult supervision at all times, and carry a First Aid kit.
Provide a variety of accurately sized equipment. Children and adults quickly grow bored with the same activities. Add variety by creating a toy tub in your home. Include balls of all sizes, jump ropes, bats, chalk, hoops, beanbags, bubbles, skates, ramps, balance boards, musical instruments, and other items your children enjoy. As your children grow, inspect their toys to verify they meet your children’s needs.
Stay active on any budget. Purchase sports equipment and expensive tennis shoes if your budget allows or find more affordable alternatives. Search for sports equipment at consignment stores or trade stores. Mix homemade bubbles with soap and water. Run through a rain shower or sprinkler in the lawn. Walk, bike, or run around your neighborhood. Draw hopscotch on the sidewalk. Turn on the music and make up dance moves. Practice gymnastic tricks.
Enroll children in age-appropriate sports. In addition to physical exercise, organized sports teach children sportsmanship, teamwork, and a skill they can use for the rest of their lives.
Any opportunity children take to exercise, play, and stay active creates a lifetime of benefits. Play with your children every day, and enjoy family activities that teach life skills, combat obesity, and give you time to bond and laugh as a family.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
1,033 Reasons To Smile {book} Review and Giveaway
It's been one of those weeks where I really needed a reason to be happy or smile. Luckily, I now have 1,033 of them!
About the Author
Elizabeth Dutton is an expert in smiling, as she does so quite often. A Californian who has found refuge in the South, she has a couple degrees from a couple of schools, and writes constantly, which also makes her smile.
1,033 Reasons To Smile has to be the cutest book I've ever read. Every reason holds some kind of truth and made me giggle, if not outright chuckle. Don't believe me? Take a sneak peek at some of these:
I would highly recommend anyone to buy this book, but to make it a little more fun, the publisher has offered to give one away! Please remember to include your email address in each entry.
About the Author
Elizabeth Dutton is an expert in smiling, as she does so quite often. A Californian who has found refuge in the South, she has a couple degrees from a couple of schools, and writes constantly, which also makes her smile.
1,033 Reasons To Smile has to be the cutest book I've ever read. Every reason holds some kind of truth and made me giggle, if not outright chuckle. Don't believe me? Take a sneak peek at some of these:
No matter what you do, you are probably not as bad as Hitler. Smile! You aren't as terrible as a murderous dictator!
Parents meeting their kids at the school bus. All-American smile.
Seeing rolling papers in the kitchen drawer at your grandmother's house. Granny's a toker. Good for her.See what I mean? Who can't help but smile at these? And there's over a thousand more to read! This book is staying on my coffee table. And those of you who are subscribed to my Facebook page, beware of the random smiley quote.
I would highly recommend anyone to buy this book, but to make it a little more fun, the publisher has offered to give one away! Please remember to include your email address in each entry.
Entry Opportunities:
-Like 1,033 Reasons To Smile on Facebook and leave your name
-Follow Baby and the Chi's via Google Friend Connect and leave your username
-Like Baby and the Chi's on Facebook and leave your name
-Follow @BabyandtheChis on Twitter and leave your username
-Subscribe to Baby and the Chi's via email and remember to confirm your subscription
-Leave a comment for each open giveaway you've entered
-Share this giveaway daily on either Facebook, Twitter or both, and leave a permalink
Giveaway is open to the US and Canada and will close on 10/9 at 11:59 pm CST
Disclaimer: I was provided with the item(s) specified in this blog post. I was not compensated in any way for writing a review nor was I obligated to provide a giveaway.
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