Yes, we are still using cloth diapers

To everyone who doubted if we would use or continue to use cloth diapers, yes, we still are using cloth diapers. Soren here is modeling the latest cotton diaper from Kissaluvs. While we think that this is a great all in one diaper, our favorite by far is the Fuzzi Bunz Pocket Diaper. Both of these are what we use for our nighttime diapering. For daytime, we bought 2-dozen non-bleached cotton pre-fold diapers. These are also called the Chinese 8 fold diaper, and they are the most economical diapering option.
If anyone reading this is thinking about diaper options, I highly suggest taking a look at cloth diapering. It's turning out to be much easier than we originally thought. Andrea and Soren just started taking ECFE classes together and with a class size of 6 babies, 4 are in cloth diapers.
Admittingly, there are many factors to consider, including lifestyle choices, flexibility, cost, how often to wash diapers, and who is going to wash the diapers. Initially we were going to use disposables at night until we did more research and found out that there are many, many options for nighttime cloth diapering.
Here are some the many reasons why you should consider using cloth diapers.

• Save money. There is a huge cost savings of using cloth over disposables diapers. Put this money into your child's education instead of throwing it into a landfill!
• What would you rather wear, cloth or some petroleum by-product on your rear end?
• Disposable diapers contain traces of Dioxin, an extremely toxic by-product of the paper-bleaching process. It is a carcinogenic chemical, listed by the EPA as the most toxic of all cancer-linked chemicals. It is banned in most countries, but not the U.S.
• Disposable diapers contain Tributyl-tin (TBT) - a toxic pollutant known to cause hormonal problems in humans and animals.
• No one knows how long it takes for a disposable diaper to decompose, but it is estimated to be about 250-500 years, long after your children, grandchildren and great, great, great grandchildren will be gone.
• The manufacture and use of disposable diapers amounts to 2.3 times more water wasted than cloth.

We love our cloth diapers.

Grabbing On.....

Soren is figuring out these days that his hands can be used to grab onto things: fingers, hair, baby rattles, etc.

First Bottle vs. The Real Thing

Soren is now 6 weeks old and we decided it was time to introduce the bottle. Bracing ourselves for a potential struggle while getting over the guilt of possibly creating real nipple confusion (not the Randy nipple post earlier) - we took the plunge. After a couple of minutes of fussing and Randy's strong will, Soren latched on and drank the whole thing. Now I am happy that the transition was an easy one, but I was a bit sad that Soren adapted so easily. Will this lead to Soren not wanting the real thing? Was I going to loose those tender moments of staring into the eyes of a latched on baby? Look at how adorable little Soren is on the breast - can you blame me for thinking that was lost?
PS - So far Soren still loves the real thing.

Lip Sync

There seems to be many opinions out there on who the baby looks like. I personally see little bits of both Randy and I. But the one dominant feature that comes completely from Randy are Soren's adorable lips. Wouldn't you agree?

Valentine Kisses to All

Tummy Time and hanging with Dad

Now this is how you spend a Saturday night. My friend Matt was right, babies are cute in hats.

Notice the parenting book in the background that I should be reading!

Big news - I just mailed in my registration for Grandma's Marathon. Hopefully I make it in as this race fill up real fast. Also, Andrea and I have been calling looking for a room anywhere in the area and you can almost hear the proprietor snicker as we ask for a room on Grandma's weekend. My goal is to do it in 3:30 if I do I will qualify for the Boston Marathon. It's going to be tough but the good news is that I work in a very run friendly environment and anytime I need some speed work I have plenty of co-workers, including my Manager, to run with.

Getting Soren to Smile.....If Only Once

Happy One Month

Soren spent the eve of his one month old birthday learning the intricacies of indoor bike training from his daddy. Soren was mesmerized by his daddies strength and endurance, and the whirling sound of the tires and fan helped too! Today, he was showing off his inspired strength, giving him the namesake "Little Strong Man" due to such power.

Words of Wisdom

Last weekend Soren was the recipient of a wonderful book shower hosted by Granny Annie's circle of friends. These ladies - whom I fondly call "The Church Chat Ladies" are women who have been a part of my life since I was a little girl attending Westminster Presbyterian Church. They all have their own daughters and now all of us little girls are grown up and producing our own children. For the past couple of years it has been a tradition to host a book shower for the newborn grandchildren and Granny Annie has been patiently waiting her turn. Soren received numerous books, many bilingual to help Soren learn the Spanish language. Randy and I thank you for supporting Soren's literary & cultural growth. Along with the books, Soren (and mommy) were blessed with some wise wisdom and baby calming techniques. Dureen is demonstrating the pillow/swing technique, which perked Soren right up. At three weeks old, Soren seems to now be exhibiting his own little personality traits and his new facial gestures are a treasure to witness and share.