Husbands and Homeschooling
My husband wanted us to homeschool. One of his biggest reasons was that he simply doesn’t trust the education system to provide our children the best education. I don’t either, but he was the first of us to really push for it. I had dreams of the bus picking my kids up, I would even consider homes with ‘for sale’ signs, by how far from the road they were. I wanted my kids to be safe.
So, about 5 years ago, he decided we would homeschool, and as I didn’t really want to put my kids on that bus once time came, I agreed. Since then, it was mostly me providing their education. We’ve done everything we’ve had to, as far as the state demands, but I felt like I wasn’t doing a good enough job. Yes, my kids are smart, and the basics are pretty easy to teach, but I feel like I could have done more.
I also felt like, it was all on me. He wanted them homeschooled, but I had to do the work. It can be a LOT of work. Not so much the lessons and such, those aren’t bad, but putting them together, getting all the materials, everything printed out, choosing curriculums, the type of homeschooling, planning outings, etc.
Until about 3 months ago…
My husband had just finished working full time for the toy store and I needed to work on my business of internet marketing. I told him, I can’t work full time and do the homeschooling, take care of the baby, etc, you have to help. He said he would take over giving the lessons for homeschooling, and let me tell you, I laughed- honestly. I thought “sure- you homeschool them, that’ll work”, but, it has, and it’s been so NICE.
He has basically taken over homeschooling. And, he does a better job than I have the last few years. Each day he sits the kids down and covers every subject I’ve layed out for him. He’s become so good at it, that they have more time for other subjects now. When I was just getting through the basics, now they have more time for Science, History, Literature, and reading aloud. We did these things, but not nearly as much, and we’ve now added in the Magic Tree House series.
I still take care of the paper work, but at the end of every day, he lists out what each of the kids did, basically covering the record keeping.
So, my question is, if you homeschool, what is your husband’s role? Is he super supportive, or not much involved, how do you think it effects your childrens’ education?
The Best Cloth Diaper- The Booty Buns Cloth Diaper
I posted awhile back about my dream cloth diaper, and went to a few sites to see if anyone wanted to leave the description for the best cloth diaper. This comment was left here, and I never even saw it, until today. This sounds like a great diaper, and I plan to get it, and post it on both of my sites. Yay!
I wanted to have my dream cloth diaper made into a reality so I designed the original booty pocket diaper. I wanted the best of everything all wrapped into one & now I have it & you can too!! Plus with you can feel great about each Booty Buns Cloth Diaper you purchase because for each diaper that is sold, one is given to a baby living in poverty in a third world country.
Through reading your post, it sounds like I came pretty close to your dream diaper as well.
Lets start with a lining that doesn’t stain:
I personally hate stains on anything! I wanted to find away to prevent my cd from staining & so i tried disposable liners. My baby had a terrible reaction to them, so I had to find another solution. my answer is to include a 100% cotton flannel liner with each diaper. On a good day, the bm rolls right off the flannel; and, when she’s teething & has loose bms it falls right off the liner by submersing it in in the toilet. We always rinse the liner with a dab of hand soap right after we change her and none of our diapers have stains on them.
CLOSURE:
we have 5 levels of riser snaps on the front of our diapers, 7 rows of double waist snaps including 2 rows of crossover snaps & a hip snap on each side.
FIT:
THE amount of snaps we use along with their strategic placement allows our cloth diapers to have the largest weight range of any cloth diapers. Our diapers fit from as small as 3 pounds all the way to 45 pounds; and, our diapers have the ability to mimic sizing found in disposable diapers from preemie to potty training pants.
INSIDE SPECS:
We have 2 gussets sewn into our inner lining, plus an elastic band in the back of the diaper.
Our Pocket diaper is a sleeve or envelope style pocket that has an opening both at the front & the back, plus a waterproof flap in the front that covers the snapable insert.
Our inserts are triple layer microfiber terrycloth {I know your dream includes bamboo ~ sorry!} and we give you 2 with each diaper – 1 newborn & 1 large size. We also include the 100% cotton flannel insert & a matching double-sided cloth wipe.
We don’t currently offer tye-dye, but its sounds cute! We do offer 10 solid colors made with high quality PUL & microfiber. Please take a moment & check out our diapers, because you described them above & I have them ready to ship 
http://www.bootybunsclothdiapers.com
http://www.bootybunsclothdiapers.blogspot.com
Figuring Things Out Everything Cloth
I recently took on a new site called Everything Cloth, and I’m trying to figure out what to do with The At Homer. While I don’t have a ton of followers I do have some, and I feel like Everything Cloth is all about cloth diapers. I’d still like to write about all aspects of conscience parenting, I’m just not sure where that will be. In the mean time, I ask that everyone take a look at Everything Cloth, it’s a great site. 
The Best Cloth Diaper EVER!!
It seems like every time I turn around there is a new cloth diaper I come across. A new brand, new design, etc. Honestly I love it, and I’m addicted, more than I can say. Actually last week I was look at @bunzuke and as the video played I thought, Oh wow! I’m way too interested in this!! haha
Now after months of checking out a whole mess of diapers, types, kinds, designs, I thought it would be fun to describe what would be my favorite cloth diaper. It doesn’t exist (that I know of) but maybe it will someday. After I write this I’m going to tag other blogs into it to see if they will describer their favorites too, let me know if you are interested in describing your own.
So here goes:
My favorite diaper is a cloth pocket diaper. In my dreams it has the cutest designed fabric (no solid colors). I think a tie dye blue and green design would work. My diaper is all
Design: Green and Blue tie dye PUL on the outside (like WAHM cloth diapers)
Closure: Green and Blue snaps, 4 sizes of snaps (ala Tiny Tush)
On the closure, snaps by the legs, for extra coverage (Kawaii)
Overlap on closure snap- makes for easy roll up (Kawaii, Tiny Tush, Oh Katy)
Fit: Snug & Trim (bumGenius)
Inside Specification: Lining that doesn’t stain
Double gussets (Rumparooz)
How Pocket Works: Has openings at both ends (front opening Oh Katy)
Insert: Bamboo
Any other details? It’s one sized.
That’s about it, I would probably buy 10 of these, because they would be so cute, what’s your favorite (dream) diaper?
Baby Wearing – My New Ergo
For Christmas I got a new black Ergo, to use with Baby B. At 5 months old I felt he was big enough to not need the newborn insert. I had used the Moby wrap, and sometimes that is still really nice for wearing him facing out, but I wanted something that was easier to get him in and out of. So, my in laws, bought me the Ergo.
I got to choose my color and which Ergo I got, it came with a little pouch on it. Pretty nice, though I haven’t used that. I’m thinking I’ll use it a lot over the spring and summer. I helped them order, and we got it on black friday weekend for $90 with shipping- Oh yea!
How I Use My Ergo
I couldn’t wait to get my Ergo, everytime we used the Moby, he would get so cranky when we were trying to put him in it. So, when the Ergo came I put it right on, and slipped the baby in. I didn’t read the directions, though I should have, because that’s very important. I put the baby in and started walking around. I have to say it is pretty comfortable, in fact, the worst part of it is reaching around the baby, to actually use my hands. But I do like having him close, I get to kiss his little head whenever I want, and snuggle him close- that’s great.
I’ve used the Ergo mostly when my husband isn’t home. I have all 3 kids to myself and have to make dinner (even difficult with a baby carrier), wipe butts, change diapers, let the dogs out, and vacuum. What I like most about the Ergo is that it is easy to slip on. I have it hanging on the wall, and when I need to use it, I just slip it over my head, clip it together and insert baby.
Husband and Babywearing
My husband doe s not babywear. I don’t know why, but he seems to think he can handle carrying the baby, and doing whatever he has to do. Anyone have any suggestions on this? Since I saw the video where the dad was babywearing with the Ergo on Youtube, I so want to show off my own sexy husband doing the same. Please leave comments for suggestions.
What I plan to do with my Ergo
Since Hubby has started working less, I don’t need to use the Ergo that much, but when it warms up I will. I plan on using it to walk to the park, go to the museum, play with the kids outside, go to their t-ball games, etc. I’m looking forward to using it more. I did have hubby take a pic of us in the Ergo, but then I lost the camera, so when I get a new one, I’ll post it.
Do you like babycarrying/ babywearing? What do you like most about it?
Cheap Cloth Diapering
One of the most common reasons for choosing cloth diapers is they can be so cheap. But, there is usually an investment needed up front. You have to come up with the few hundred dollars to get you ‘stash’. The up front investment really depends on what type of cloth diaper you choose. Prefolds usually are going to cost less than pockets or all in ones. The following are retail prices for cloth diapers.
Normal Upfront Investment for Cloth Diapers
Prefolds & Flats
$4 per prefold * 24 diapers= $96
$15 per cover (varies) *7 for 2 days (I could be off)= $105
eConobums can be purchased for 1 cover & 3 prefolds for $12, this * 8 for 24 changes would be $96
Pockets & All in Ones
$20 (varies) *24 diapers= $480
or Kawaii Pocket diapers = 12 for $75, or 24 for $150
Getting Cloth Diapers Cheaper
There are a few ways you can get cloth diapers cheaper and I wanted to share those. This way you can save money up front. Now, in order to get them cheaper, you need to be open to the idea of buying them used. As long as they are in good shape, it shouldn’t be a problem.
Craigslist- You can use your local Craigslist to search for cloth diapers, I’m in between two areas so I see quite a few posted, but if you don’t see any posted, you can post asking for them. You’ll see everything from diaper covers to pre folds and pocket diapers, many options available. Great place to find cloth diapers that are new too, because people get more than they need or decide not to use them.
eBay- This is an obvious option. In fact, if you search Kawaii on eBay, they are even cheaper than the prices I listed above. Warning though, they are not made in the USA, but if you are looking for the cheapest pocket diaper, they are a great option. You’ll see a lot of brand names on eBay at lower prices. Note, I would much rather send the traffic to a cloth diaper store, and many have great deals so please consider anyone from my list of cloth diaper stores.
Diaper Swappers- I have yet to trade diapers here, but they have such a great community of women. I love the pictures and just being around people as obsessed as I am with cloth diapers. You must check them out.
Listia- This is my new and favorite place to look for FREE stuff. That’s right, it’s all free. It works like eBay, but instead of paying for things, you use credits, and you get paid in credits when you post things, so in the beginning you get free credits and you can use them towards cloth diapers 
, Did I mention it is FREE?!
Cloth Diaper Swap on Facebook- Yes, everything is on Facebook, and there are cloth diaper groups on Facebook, one being where you can swap, sell and buy cloth diapers. In the search bar on Facebook type in cloth diapers, select the last result that pops up, see more results… Then on the next page select groups on the left. Here is the cloth diaper swap group. New diapers added hourly!
Freecyle- When we needed cloth diapers I checked on our local freecycle group and someone was giving away a bag of them. It got us through a couple of weeks where we didn’t have the money to pay for cloth diapers, and it was a great help. These are now my back up diapers.
The World of Cloth Diapers
I’m not very good at mind maps, so tonight I was practicing, and put this together. I don’t know that it will be of any use to anyone else, but I like it. Enjoy!
Top Resources for Cloth Diapering & Cloth Diapering Problems
If you are new or old to cloth diapering, one thing you need access to, is a great place to find answers. Cloth diapering can be puzzling at times. Starting with what kinds to use, to training issues, you might also have questions like the following too:
- Kinds of cloth diapers
- How many to buy
- What brands are best
- Where can I see buy them
- Talk about cloth diapers
- Other cloth diapering products
While cloth diapering is great on your pocket, it’s not always the easiest to navigate, and what works for one brand or person, may not work for the next.With that said, I wanted to gather as many resources (as seems reasonable) to include in a Cloth diapering resources post, in hopes that it will help others (even me) in their times of need.
There are a ton of blog posts out there for all different issues, but I’ll start with them and try to categorize the best for each problem. Here we go:
What kind of cloth diapers are there, and what does each do, how are they different?
Favorite post: Mother Earth Baby Online
Best brands of each kind of diaper?
These are some great links to help you choose diapers. My favorite are bumGenius and Blueberry Pocket Diapers.
- Pooters Diapers Best Brands
- Simple Mom Cloth Diaper Reviews
- Dirty Diaper Laundry 200 Cloth Diaper Video Reviews
- Diaper Pin Cloth Diaper Public Reviews (many opinions on each diaper)
How many cloth diapers do I need?
In my own experience, I go through 6-8 a day. This is down from a good 12+ a day for newborns, who generally need a newborn diaper. But babies 10-35 pounds can all fit one size diapers. That said take 6-8 diapers a day for how many days you want to go without having to wash them. I would recommend 24, for 3-4 days because after that, you’ll have the smell you’ll want to get rid of.
Here are some links to help you decide for sure how many to use:
- Great Explanation on All About Cloth Diapers
- I like the diversity in this explanation
- Explanation for a variety of situations
What other items do I need with my cloth diapers?
This is my own idea, because I always saw people asking questions, but not addressing this. Here’s what I think is necessary:
- Cloth diaper safe detergent
- Odor/Stain removers
- Large Wet Bag (for home, 1 for daycare)
- Small Wet Bag (for diaper bag)
- Cloth wipes and solution or
- Peri bottle and water or solution
- Diaper rash cream, CJ’s BuTTer
- Liners or inserts to use w/cream
What are the best forums for cloth diapering:
Hold Your Baby Tight
Last night I was checking out my facebook theathomer newsfeed and came across the story of EB and Tripp. Before you go clicking to check it out, it’s a mom who writes the story of her son Tripp who has a disease called EB. It’s awful, sad, and I sat here and cried for an half an hour with my husband. I just want to hold them and take the hurt away.
It’s awful to see a family going through something like this and not being able to do anything to help them. I’m sure her heart is full of joy and pain when she looks at her little man, and I can only imagine the hurt she will go through as their story continues. I prayed extra last night, hoping that god with give them some kind of comfort, some kind of strength, and thanking god for our own health.
It seems in my everyday I get so worried and focused on other things that I forget how lucky I am. I forget that I have 3 healthy little boys, and a husband who is also healthy. I try to remember to thank god for our health, safety and lives as often as possible, atleast a few times a week. But I have to say this story reminded to be extra appreciative.
When the baby finally woke up, I held him longer, and watched him closer, because I sometimes forget to soak it all up, and there are people out there who have unhealthy children and are begging for more time, or begging that their child’s pain stop, and I’m lucky enough not to deal with that. I really do wish I could just hug them, and take away just a piece of their pain.
For now I will check back on their site now and then to see how he is doing, and how mom is doing. And when I think of them, I will say a short prayer and spend a few minutes holding my baby close. Here is the link to Tripp and his EB Story. His disease is called Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa.
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