I am not one of those women who loves breastfeeding. I barely even like it. When I read about other women's experiences I pictures rainbows and butterflies just exploding out of their nursing bras every time they feed their babies, smiles on their faces and an angelic choir singing somewhere in the background.
I'm usually a sweaty, milk-stained, hot mess with blood shot eyes and preschooler somewhere whining as my eye twitches.
I've spent over two months now working on this graceful and happy breastfeeding thing. For whatever reason, it's just not me. I accept it now. I can live with the fact that I'm missing the womanly gene that gives most other breastfeeding moms that warm and fuzzy feeling inside. Either that or it's tangled up in the strand of DNA that also likes NOT having to disrobe every hour or two to feed my baby, or possibly the one that enjoys wine. Obviously, the whole health aspect of it is great, but sometimes it's hard for me to remember that while I'm struggling to remain vigilant. So instead of feeling entirely agitated about the whole experience, I've come up with a few positives to focus on and get me through this trying time.
So here they are:
10.) The incentive to wear all those clothes that get shoved into the back of the closet. Sure, there's a lot more laundry when you have to change your shirt three times a day because you leak all over it, but at least that shirt that I haven't worn in 6 months gets a little air time.
9.) It's good practice in the event that I lose an arm. I can now make breakfast, lunch and dinner, clean, sort, and fold laundry, wipe the counters, mop the floor, dust, open mail, buckle my preschooler into her carseat and get her out of it, type on the computer, fix my hair and make up, make coffee, push a shopping cart, and create a play-doh snowman.... all using only one arm.
8.) The opportunity to leave a room or walk away at any moment I feel like it. Run into someone you don't feel like talking to? "Oh, sorry, I need to feed the baby! Let's definitely get together for lunch though! (Yeah, right!)" Your family driving you up the wall? "I'm going to go feed her in the bedroom, now!" It's like a built-in excuse to get out of any situation you want without coming off as rude. Just the opposite- most people will think you're just avoiding making them uncomfortable.
7.) Getting the most out of my monthly Netflix membership. I bet I've made them regret that low monthly fee for streaming video. In my first month of nursing alone I finished watching the series to date of Mad Men, most of X-files, and all 6 seasons of Lost- twice. Why twice? Well, why not? Also, I sort of don't get it. And in the same vein, catching up on my reading. My Nook is on fire these past few weeks! I know that I'll miss having the chance to sit down for more than a few moments once the baby is a little older and on the move, so at least I know being confined to the couch and bed for hours at a time isn't going to waste.
6.) That moment when I walk by the formula in the store and realize that I can now spend my 15-25 dollars on ANYTHING besides formula. Chocolate bars, ice cream, a new book, hair dye, make up, cupcakes, a bottle of wine.... even though I know that in all actuality I'll probably spend it on the kids anyway. But just knowing I have that extra cash is enough to make me smile for the rest of the day.
5.) My mother-in-law doesn't like it. Enough said.
4.) Letting my husband catch up on bed time duty. When 7 PM rolls around, if I am feeling a little tired, I can call down to my beloved hubby and ask him if he can give our oldest a bath tonight because, well, I'm feeding the baby. It's not like he's checking to see if I'm smashing my soundly sleeping infant into my boob a little bit. Come on, in 4 years I can count on one hand the amount of baths he's given before this. I think he owes me a few, right?
3.) I'm certainly exhausted, but making bottles in the middle of the night would absolutely ensure I was even more tired. I remember those days with my older daughter. Not fun, or safe, wandering around the house like a zombie with a crying, hungry baby angrily waiting for her bottle. Of all the positive aspects of nursing, I think the ability to just whip out a boob and nurse in the middle of the night is probably the greatest advantage. I am a woman who loves my sleep, and definitely appreciate the ability to be a little lazy like that.
2.) Boobs. Just in general. I'm normally a small-chested sort of gal, so being able to fill out my shirts is like a lifetime achievement for me, and hearing my husband actually say, "Wow, you're tits look awesome!" makes me giggle like a schoolgirl. I guess this is what normal women go through when they first start developing during puberty. I totally get it now. These puppies rule. Helllloooo nurse!
1.) You wanna talk about an ego-boost? I don't think there will ever be anyone as excited to see my boobs as my hungry baby is.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
I love my new Boba Carrier!
My aunt bought me this new carrier and I've only had it for a week or so, and I can't live without it!! Amazing!! Highly recommend, and I'll also post a few helpful videos!
http://www.bobafamily.com/
Nursing in the carrier-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rkPrdzhD3k
Newborn Hold-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOHAZjxSi20
http://www.bobafamily.com/
Nursing in the carrier-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rkPrdzhD3k
Newborn Hold-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOHAZjxSi20
Friday, March 30, 2012
Astrology- Scorpio- October 26th, 1984
As stated in my earlier post, I will be posting the astrology information for a few of my friends here. The first one will be for my friend born on October 26th, 1984 at 8:13AM in New Jersey. As I'm in no position to be sued for plagiarism, I'm stating outright that I'll be taking the information, in probably most place, verbatim from the book called The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need by Joanna Martine Woolfolk. None of this information is at all my own, and it's all hers. And as a side note- I highly suggest you go buy this book- it's awesome.
Ok, here we go.
Sun Sign- Scorpio
What is a sun sign?
Within the space a year, as the sun travels around the earth, it moves through all twelve signs of the zodiac and spends about one month in each sign. The sign that the sun was transiting through at the moment of your birth is called your sun sign.
The sun is our most powerful planet. In astrological terms, the sun is referred to as a planet even though it is actually a 'luminary'. The Sun has the most important and pervasive influence on your horoscope and in many ways determines how others see you. The positive of the sun on your birth chart governs your individuality, your distinctive style, and your drive to fulfill your goals in life.
Your horoscope is like a painting of you, and the characteristic of your Sun sign are like the broad strokes that an artist first lays down on the canvas. Like an artist first outlines your general shape, the planes and angles of your face, and the way in which you hold yourself, your Sun sign delineates your general character.
Scorpio Information
Duality- Feminine
Triplicity- Water
Quadruplicity- Fixed
Scorpio is imaginative, passionate and emotional, subtle, persistent, intense, obstinate, and
unyielding.
Ruling Planet- Pluto: Ancient god of the nether world and the dead. In astrology, Pluto rules regenerative forces and the beginnings and ends of phases in life.
Symbol- The scorpion. A secretive, deadly, creature that can poison its enemies. Its sting is often fatal.
Glyph (written symbol) 
The pictograph is the stinger of the Scorpion connected to a representation of the human reproductive organs (the part of the anatomy that Scorpio rules). This was the symbol in ancient times for the phoenix, the bird of immortality and regeneration. In symbolic term, the curbed lines represent strong emotions ties to practicality and aiming toward higher consciousness.
Dominant Keyword- I desire.
Polarity- Taurus:
Scorpio is the sign of inheritance and legacies. Its natives are given a sense of purpose and destiny, and find truest happiness in the dispensing of their life-force to others. Taurus is the sign of possessions and owning, and people born under this sign want to possess, collect, and have. They will not easily let go of what belongs to them.
Part of the body ruled by Scorpio- The genitals. Scorpio people are susceptible to infections of the urinary system and venereal disease. In addition, their volatile emotions are often the cause of exhaustion and ill health.
Lucky Day- Tuesday
Lucky numbers- 2 and 4
Magical Birthstone- Topaz. Releases occult powers and brings serenity of mind. It also protects from enemies and illness.
Special Colors- Crimson, Burgundy, Maroon. The glowing colors of passion.
Cities- Liverpool. New Orleans, Washington D.C., and Newcastle.
Flowers- Chrysanthemum and Rhododendron.
Trees- Blackthorn and bushy trees
Metal- Plutonium
Animals ruled by Scorpio- Insects and Crustaceans
Danger- Scorpio people evoke anger in others by their secretiveness and jealousy. Their sharp stinging tempers can also enrage others to the point of violence.
Your most likable trait- Idealism.
This is the sign of extremities. Scorpio people are variously described as powerful, weak, independent, clinging, passionate and cold. Clearly, you are a bundle of contractions encompassing the best and worst in human nature.
The key to your personality is intensity. Magnetic, emotional, capable of exerting tremendous force, your strength is hidden in the depths. In the sign of Scorpio, the element of water is fixed, an image that suggests an iceberg or a bottomless well. You may appear impassive, sometimes unapproachable, but turbulent passions are always roiling beneath, invisible on the surface.
You need a positive avenue of expression- in your career or love or creative achievement- or your feelings turn inward, become imprisoned, at times even destructive. More than natives of any other sign, Scorpios live at a high pitch of emotion. Its negative aspects are brooding, jealousy, resentment, even vengefulness. The positive aspect is your unswerving dedication once your emotions are engaged. The Scorpion energy, drive, and endurance are legend. Above all, you seek to give your life a meaningful pattern, to find a deeper purpose.
You have a philosophical turn of mind and may become interested in religion or the occult. Your sixth sense enables you to intuit things before they happen. You are blessed with native understanding of the human heart and a great awareness of life's secrets. All water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces) tend to be psychic, but you Scorpio delve into powers of the mind that others are afraid of. This is the zodiacal sign of birth, sex, death, and regeneration- areas of human existence in which a person confronts the mysteries of the universe. Many Scorpio natives are brilliant doctors, surgeons, scientists, and spiritual leaders.
The complexity of you mind makes it difficult for you to skim the surface, you must uncover what lies beneath. Whether you are studying a new subject, learning a language, hunting down a fact or just reading for amusement, there is a quality of penetration in the way your mind works.
Your relationships are usually complicated. This is not surprising when you consider that you can be simultaneously generous and affectionate, violent and unpredictable: in your sunniest moods there is always a hint of imminent change in the weather. You are deeply loyal to your friends but are possessive and jealous. You cannot tolerate the thought that someone you deeply love may have a yearning, or even a simple yen, for anyone else. With you, it is usually all or nothing at all. Moderation and restraint are not in your emotional vocabulary.
You never forget a kindness and try to repay in handsomely. Conversely, you never forgive an injury and will wait years to get even. In fact, most of the time getting even isn't enough- you want vengeance. It is strictly not advisable to do harm to any Scorpion. You make a dangerous enemy, for you as subtle and deadly as the symbol of your sign.
You are a fierce competitor, though often you manage to conceal this from others. You file away pieces of information, facts names and don't hesitate to use what you know if the occasion arises. When you spot a weakness in a rival, you move in quickly for the kill.
You are adaptable, able to quickly to channel your formidable energies into new paths and to embark on an entirely different career. Confronted with disaster, you will try to turn it into success. Practical and shrewd, you believe in tangible immediate goals, and your single-minded concentration on getting what you want is formidable.
Clever with money, conservative about spending it, you have an excellent chance to amass wealth. In business, you tend to accomplish things first and announce them second. By the time an opponent is aware of your progress, it is a fait accompli.
Your nature makes you subject to obsessive drives with can be resistant to reason. You will dominate and control anyone who lets you.Suspicious and wary, you are reluctant to trust your heart to anyone. But once you do, you love deeply.
Too many astrologers, in describing Scorpio, forget to mention how loving, generous, kind, loyal, and even gentle they can be. What all Scorpios have in common is intensity of feeling. Emotion not only rules, it characterizes you. You are passionate in love, and passionate about everything in which you become involved: work, relationships, hobbies, causes. You are an individual painted in vivid colors; there is no such thing as a pastel Scorpio.
Scorpio Woman in Love-
Faint of heart never won a Scorpio female. It takes a man who knows what he wants to hold is ground against a woman born under this sign.
Scorpio woman is very emotional, very affectionate, and very demanding. She is not interested in light flirtation or a bed for the night. Neither does she believe in sharing. Any man who thinks it isn't necessary to sign a treaty just because he;s having an affair with a woman would do well to avoid getting involved with a Scorpio female. She believes in treaties with irrevocable clauses and lots of fine print spelling out just what you can't do.
How does she get away with be so possessive and jealous? Because she is a marvelous, fascinating and irresistible woman- exciting in the bedroom, entertaining in the living room. She carries with her an enticing air of mystery. She can drive a man to the brink of despair and with a gesture summon him back to the heights of happiness.
There is no in-between with this explosive female. With any other woman of the zodiac, you can work out some sort of compromise about who has rights and who has suffered wrongs. Not with her. You have to knuckle under and make the best of your bargain, or settle for living in the middle of a permanent earthquake.
Love is very important to her, and she can turn on enough magnetism to attract any man. If a man is really special, she is willing to play the role of aggressor. Her dynamo starts to whir as soon as her remarkable intuitions tell her that this man is someone she'll be happy with. her intuitions are rarely wrong. She is gifted with the ability to penetrate into hidden secrets of human nature.
Scorpio is a water sign, and like all the water signs, this woman is very susceptible to the feelings of others. Her most intense desire is for a close, committed union. In a relationship she cannot bear coldness or casualness of a feeling that she is being shunted aside. When she is in love she is at her most vulnerable, for then a lover can hurt her without even knowing it. Another woman might forgive and forget, but when a Scorpio woman is hurt she will always strike back. If necessary, she will destroy.
However, despite what you have heard about their willful, passionate nature, she is a faithful mate to the man she chooses for her own. Hers is a fixed sign, and she possesses an enduring capacity for loyalty. A man could not have a fiercer ally. If Scorpio woman loves you, she will defend you and protect you with her dying breath. What she demands is constancy- what she offers is fidelity. She is possessive, but most men with a Scorpio woman in their lives will tell you they want nothing more than to be possessed by her.
Subdivisions of the Sun sign-
Decanates and Cusps further define and emphasize qualities and character traits pertaining to your sign.
Decanates- Everyone is born within one of the decanates of their sign, and some are born on the cusps. Each sign is divided into three decanates. Each decanate lasts about ten days long and while it doesn't change the meaning of your sun sign, it does add more specific definition to your traits. Each one has it's own constellation and planetary ruler.
Your Decanate- The first decanate of Scorpio- October 23rd- November 1st
Keyword- Integrity
Constellation- Serpens, the Serpent, symbolizing power and occult knowledge
Planetary subruler- Pluto
Pluto is both your ruler and subruler, which gives a hypnotic intensity to your personality. You are loyal and steadfast, and others quickly sense they can depend on you. You will stand by a lover long after others would have let go. Once you let go, however, there is usually no turning back. You have fixed opinions but also a scientific turn of mind that will examine ideas and arrive at a new opinion should the facts warrant it. You are drawn to the mysterious and the occult, but may keep this a secret. Should you choose to use it, you have great power of self-discipline. Sometimes you let things slide by because you don't care enough to exert yourself.
Cusp- A cusp is the point at which a new astrological sign begins. Although it's argued what constitutes the length of days of a cusps, an agreed upon period is the first and last five days of each sign. If you are born on a cusp, you can be affected by the sign before or after your own.
Your Cusp- Born October 23rd through October 27th
You are Scorpio with Libra tendencies. There is an elegance to your personality, a charm and good-naturedness that people respond to. You have a talent for expressing your opinions in an amusing way. You have a strong will, but unless you are crossed or thwarted you don't often show it. In general, you are cooperative and friendly, even though you prefer to work alone at your own pace. This is especially true in any creative undertaking. In love your feelings run deep and you tend to be cautious. You don't commit yourself easily because you fear being hurt or rejected.
Scorpio and Health-
Part of the body ruled by Scorpio-
The sign of Scorpio rules the sexual organs. Symbolically, this part of the anatomy represents life-giving force, and scorpio people are renowned for their fund of energy and imagination. They have a reputation for being high sexed, passionate, and possessive, the kind who do nothing halfway. A healthy sex life is essential to their well being. Sc. people even take out their anger in sexual ways; they use or withhold sex as a weapon. Sexual frustration or suppression of their intense feelings results in erratic and cruel behavior.
Natives of this sign are prone to problems and infections of the sex organs. Skin eruptions on the genitalia cystitis and diseases of the urinary tract and venereal diseases are ailments to which Sc. are most susceptible.
In addition, Sc. People are subject to ill health brought on by emotional difficulties. Their intense natures brood and seethe over insults and injuries (often imagined) . They seem unable to rest and relax and as a result they suffer from exhaustion.
The sign of Sc. is ruled by Pluto, which governs the formation of cells and the reproduction function of the body. Thus, Sc. link with sex and regenerative forces strengthen. As a rule, Scorpios have strong, voluptuous bodies and excellent recuperative powers- though some astrologers have remarked that Sc. people come to a violent and unexpected end more than other signs.
Diet and Health tips for Scorpio
A healthful diet is important for Scorpio people in order to keep up their energy and positive outlook on life. When problems strike, they have tendecies to overindulge in alcohol and forget about food, which in turn makes them more unhappy, listless, and ill.
Sc. have a problem handling liquor. Of all the signs in the zodiac, alcohol has the worst and most immediate affect on Scorpios looks and skin. It is toxic for their system, and it intensifies their already volatile emotions. Most Scorpios don't know how to say no to a second drink.
Sc. cell salt is calcium sulphate, which is the prime factor in the repair of tissues and resistance to infectious diseases. The nose, mouth, throat, esophagus, reproductive organs, and intestinal pathways need this mineral for healthy functioning. A deficiency opens the way to colds and sinus infections that hang on forever, skin eruptions which do not heal, and infertility. Foods rich with calcium sulphate, which Scorpios should include in their diet, are asparagus, kale, cauliflower, radishes, onions, parsnips, watercress, tomatoes, figs, prunes, black cherries, coconuts. Sco. need calcium food such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and cottage cheese. They should concentrate on a diet high in protein, fresh fruits, and veggies and whole grains. The following are particularly good for Sc. : fish and seafood, green salads, beets, lentils, wheat germ, almonds, bananas, walnuts, citrus fruit, berries, apples and pineapples. Scorpios should not eat large meals and the evening meal should be light. Bottles spring water is often better for them to drink than tap water. In general, Sc. people need rest and recreation, exercise and peaceful surroundings. Born under a water sign, they benefit from sea travel, vacations to the seashore, and long soaks in warm baths.
Scorpio's Erogenous Zone
The genitals are everyone's erogenous zone, but for Scorpio, the genitals are where sexual energy is exclusively focused and concentrated. Scorpio starts off with intense sexual feelings and genital contact adds fuel to the fire. Even a light fingering of Scorpio's genital area will turn him or her into a volcano of passion.
Moon Sign-
The position of the moon in your horoscope is second only to your sun sign. The Sun sign is the part of you that is most apparent on the surface and is what others see. The moon sign is the part of you that YOU see.
In Astrology, the moon stands for emotions, instincts, and the unconscious. Whereas the sun represents your will, the moon represents your instinctive reactions. The sun signifies your individuality, the moon signifies your personality.
It is the forerunner to Freud's Ego and Id. The moon is the part of you which you may keep hidden from the world because it is your inner core which can feel hatred and jealous. But it also is the side of you that can spontaneously feel and express joy and pleasure, the side that reacts to emotional stimuli. It is the part of you that enjoys the little sensualities of life- the part that enjoys perfumed aroma of flowers, long hot showers. The moon is connected to your senses.
The moon also stands for infancy, childhood, memories, dreams, and your past... to sum it up, your inner psyche. This is a large part of why two people with the same Sun sign can be so completely different.
Your Moon is in Sagittarius.
The Moon in Sagittarius modifies your Sun sign in the following ways:
The bright side of the moon- You are more adventurous, optimistic, exuberant, open-minded, sincere.
The dark side of the moon- You are more restless, extravagant, irresponsible, careless, uncommitted.
In Sag., the moon takes on a sparkle and brilliance that it does not have in other signs. Sagittarius is the sign of higher learning and breadth of vision, the moon's influence loses it's passivity. If you have the moon in Sagittarius, you are known for your quick, sharp mind extraordinary insights, and an ability to get things in a flash. Your clear thinking intelligence sifts through sensory impressions swiftly and with startling lucidity.
You are the kind of person who envisions great goals and then, undaunted by possible failure, set about achieving them. You rarely listen to advice about pitfalls and drawbacks, nor do you wait to find out if a plan is unworkable or impractical. With energy and enthusiasm, you usually rush in and accomplish what you set out to do. One reason for your success is your keen judgement.
As a moon Sagittarian, you are fond of open-spaces, travel, new people and different surroundings. Among your most winning traits is adaptability to different kinds of people and foreign surroundings. Your immediate reaction to a new experience to explore and learn more. To you a chance to expand your horizon is always welcome and you are not exclusively interesting in making a profit. Money, in fact, does not stay long in your pocket or bank account. You feel the whole purpose of money is to buy pleasure. You want to enjoy life.
At times you can be quite careless and reckless. Since you believe in your luck, you tend to abandon yourself to whatever fate has in store. You operate on the theory of optimistic fatalism. The danger is that you may push your luck too far. However setback does not keep you down for long. With renewed high spirits and a fresh outlook, you hitch up your wagon once more to the stars.
Because of your charm and geniality, you have a knack for making friends. You also have a way with words and a buoyant sense of humor. Your social gaiety sweeps others along on a tidal wave of good will. One of your most endearing qualities is your ability to see the best in people. When you criticize, it is with such openness and candor that it is comparatively easy to take.
Unlike the other fire moons (Aries, Leo) you are not highly sexed and passionate. You look on love more as an adventure. You enjoy the thrill of discovery, the emotional high of being in love, but in time your love affairs become more like friendships. You are also known for a roving eye and your refusal to be tied down to one person or place. This does not necessarily make you a bad marriage partner- you are a marvelous companion- it's just that you have a certain light-heartedness about love and fidelity.
No matter what your Sun sign may be, the Sagittarius Moon qualities of optimism and expansion express themselves in your personality. With a water Sun sign, your emotional, imaginative personality is galvanized by the energy and philosophical vision of the Sagittarius moon. This is a successful combination for writers and artists.
Whatever your Sun sign, this moon gives you a love for learning, humanitarianism instincts, and a gift for being an independent thinker.
Your Ascendant and Its Power
Your Ascendant is the sign that reflects your outward demeanor, and to a great extent determines how the world looks at you. It represents your outer personality. It is your image. Very often it is how the world first sees you. Many astrologers believe that it is more immediately revealing than your Sun sign. It is likened to the door of a house, what one must first pass through and see before seeing the house itself.
Your Ascending, or rising sign, is the sign that was rising at the time of your birth. It tends to characterize how you deal with other people and your distinctive style of interacting with others.
It is called the sign of your SELF. Your self-awareness, your self-sufficiency, your self-interest. In many ways, it signifies your goals, aims and objectives and indicates the thrust of your creative powers. To some degree it affects your physical characteristics and mannerisms. It is your mask of outward appearance.
What is it?
It is the astrological sign that was rising on the Eastern horizon at the moment of your birth.
Your Ascendant- Scorpio
If you were born with Scorpio ascending, you put the whole force of your personality into everything you do.You are not a halfway person. Your willpower and determination are formidable.
Though you are sometimes viewed as a lone wolf, you do have an ability to work with people- actually, to lead people. You are strongly persuasive and zealously pursue your goals, and in addition, have the power to make other purse those same goals.
Clever, creative, and resourceful, your fertile mind seems to be an inexhaustible source of ideas and suggestions. Your brain behind your cool facade is always ticking away. One of the things you must do is find out how something works, to dissect it, study it, and put it back together so that it works better. This is also true in artistic terms. You can do great visionary work if you have Scorpio rising in your chart.
As a Scorpio Ascendant you are happiest when you can control from behind the scenes. You tend to be secretive and reserved, and shun the spotlight because you can't work there unnoticed. If you are domineering, it is a subtle dominance, a kind of mind control. Some people claim that they are hypnotized by Scorpio Ascendants. It's true that you have a way of knowing what others are thinking. Much of this comes from your acute powers of observation. You are charming, witty, conversationalist, but the acute observer will soon notice that it is the OTHER person who is doing mst of the talking. You are usually quietly watching,waiting, observing... filing away information that will be used later on.
Rising Scorpios have a reputation for a sharp temper; the reputation is deserved. When crossed, you can be cruel and biting. you tend to use any weapon at your disposal- from ridicule to playing on a person's fears. In the heat of the moment you will be the victor. Later, you are remorseful for having dealt wounds- though it is extremely hard for you to say so.
Scorpio is the sign of of hidden passion; Scorpio Ascendants tend to have secret love affairs at least one time in their lives and usually marry more than once. Astrologers have observed a strange pattern in which Rising Scorpios lose their first spouse to death. They see to suffer more financial set backs and disappointments than other rising signs, but no other sign is more victorious in the end.
You tend to have sharp features, a prominent nose, and large, hyponotic eyes.
Sometimes your brows are thick and dark. Your body is agile and moves decisively.
The planet Pluto, which rules Scorpio , is very prominent in your horoscope. The influence of Pluto bestows powerful feelings of emotions, a sense of purpose, persistence, determination, plus the imagination and ability to make a successful start in a new direction. The planet's influence also favors secrecy, suspicion, jealousy and cruelty.
MERCURY
It is said Mercury makes life understandable, for it is the planet of intelligence.
How does Mercury express itself in your personality?
Do you easily strike up conversations with strangers or do you only open up with friends? Are you the kind who on a moment's notice will have a bag packed and rush off on a trip- or do you prefer quiet evenings at home listening to music, delving among your favorite books? Do you enjoy speaking in front of a group of people, or would you rather tell stories in your own living room? Do you take hold of one idea and see it through to fruition, or do you prefer working on many projects at once?
You can start to answer these questions by looking at your horoscope and finding Mercury.
From the beginning of observation of this planet, it's been associated with speed and agility. In ancient mythology, Mercury was the messenger of the gods. He was young, beautiful, and swift as the wind for his feet had wings. His province was communication, commerce, everything requiring skill or dexterity. Not only was he clever in speech, but he invented music, math, and astronomy. In Roman times, he also became the god of thieves because he was a cunning trickster, full of guile.
In astrology,
Subdivisions of the Sun sign-
Decanates and Cusps further define and emphasize qualities and character traits pertaining to your sign.
Decanates- Everyone is born within one of the decanates of their sign, and some are born on the cusps. Each sign is divided into three decanates. Each decanate lasts about ten days long and while it doesn't change the meaning of your sun sign, it does add more specific definition to your traits. Each one has it's own constellation and planetary ruler.
Your Decanate- The first decanate of Scorpio- October 23rd- November 1st
Keyword- Integrity
Constellation- Serpens, the Serpent, symbolizing power and occult knowledge
Planetary subruler- Pluto
Pluto is both your ruler and subruler, which gives a hypnotic intensity to your personality. You are loyal and steadfast, and others quickly sense they can depend on you. You will stand by a lover long after others would have let go. Once you let go, however, there is usually no turning back. You have fixed opinions but also a scientific turn of mind that will examine ideas and arrive at a new opinion should the facts warrant it. You are drawn to the mysterious and the occult, but may keep this a secret. Should you choose to use it, you have great power of self-discipline. Sometimes you let things slide by because you don't care enough to exert yourself.
Cusp- A cusp is the point at which a new astrological sign begins. Although it's argued what constitutes the length of days of a cusps, an agreed upon period is the first and last five days of each sign. If you are born on a cusp, you can be affected by the sign before or after your own.
Your Cusp- Born October 23rd through October 27th
You are Scorpio with Libra tendencies. There is an elegance to your personality, a charm and good-naturedness that people respond to. You have a talent for expressing your opinions in an amusing way. You have a strong will, but unless you are crossed or thwarted you don't often show it. In general, you are cooperative and friendly, even though you prefer to work alone at your own pace. This is especially true in any creative undertaking. In love your feelings run deep and you tend to be cautious. You don't commit yourself easily because you fear being hurt or rejected.
Scorpio and Health-
Part of the body ruled by Scorpio-
The sign of Scorpio rules the sexual organs. Symbolically, this part of the anatomy represents life-giving force, and scorpio people are renowned for their fund of energy and imagination. They have a reputation for being high sexed, passionate, and possessive, the kind who do nothing halfway. A healthy sex life is essential to their well being. Sc. people even take out their anger in sexual ways; they use or withhold sex as a weapon. Sexual frustration or suppression of their intense feelings results in erratic and cruel behavior.
Natives of this sign are prone to problems and infections of the sex organs. Skin eruptions on the genitalia cystitis and diseases of the urinary tract and venereal diseases are ailments to which Sc. are most susceptible.
In addition, Sc. People are subject to ill health brought on by emotional difficulties. Their intense natures brood and seethe over insults and injuries (often imagined) . They seem unable to rest and relax and as a result they suffer from exhaustion.
The sign of Sc. is ruled by Pluto, which governs the formation of cells and the reproduction function of the body. Thus, Sc. link with sex and regenerative forces strengthen. As a rule, Scorpios have strong, voluptuous bodies and excellent recuperative powers- though some astrologers have remarked that Sc. people come to a violent and unexpected end more than other signs.
Diet and Health tips for Scorpio
A healthful diet is important for Scorpio people in order to keep up their energy and positive outlook on life. When problems strike, they have tendecies to overindulge in alcohol and forget about food, which in turn makes them more unhappy, listless, and ill.
Sc. have a problem handling liquor. Of all the signs in the zodiac, alcohol has the worst and most immediate affect on Scorpios looks and skin. It is toxic for their system, and it intensifies their already volatile emotions. Most Scorpios don't know how to say no to a second drink.
Sc. cell salt is calcium sulphate, which is the prime factor in the repair of tissues and resistance to infectious diseases. The nose, mouth, throat, esophagus, reproductive organs, and intestinal pathways need this mineral for healthy functioning. A deficiency opens the way to colds and sinus infections that hang on forever, skin eruptions which do not heal, and infertility. Foods rich with calcium sulphate, which Scorpios should include in their diet, are asparagus, kale, cauliflower, radishes, onions, parsnips, watercress, tomatoes, figs, prunes, black cherries, coconuts. Sco. need calcium food such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and cottage cheese. They should concentrate on a diet high in protein, fresh fruits, and veggies and whole grains. The following are particularly good for Sc. : fish and seafood, green salads, beets, lentils, wheat germ, almonds, bananas, walnuts, citrus fruit, berries, apples and pineapples. Scorpios should not eat large meals and the evening meal should be light. Bottles spring water is often better for them to drink than tap water. In general, Sc. people need rest and recreation, exercise and peaceful surroundings. Born under a water sign, they benefit from sea travel, vacations to the seashore, and long soaks in warm baths.
Scorpio's Erogenous Zone
The genitals are everyone's erogenous zone, but for Scorpio, the genitals are where sexual energy is exclusively focused and concentrated. Scorpio starts off with intense sexual feelings and genital contact adds fuel to the fire. Even a light fingering of Scorpio's genital area will turn him or her into a volcano of passion.
Moon Sign-
The position of the moon in your horoscope is second only to your sun sign. The Sun sign is the part of you that is most apparent on the surface and is what others see. The moon sign is the part of you that YOU see.
In Astrology, the moon stands for emotions, instincts, and the unconscious. Whereas the sun represents your will, the moon represents your instinctive reactions. The sun signifies your individuality, the moon signifies your personality.
It is the forerunner to Freud's Ego and Id. The moon is the part of you which you may keep hidden from the world because it is your inner core which can feel hatred and jealous. But it also is the side of you that can spontaneously feel and express joy and pleasure, the side that reacts to emotional stimuli. It is the part of you that enjoys the little sensualities of life- the part that enjoys perfumed aroma of flowers, long hot showers. The moon is connected to your senses.
The moon also stands for infancy, childhood, memories, dreams, and your past... to sum it up, your inner psyche. This is a large part of why two people with the same Sun sign can be so completely different.
Your Moon is in Sagittarius.
The Moon in Sagittarius modifies your Sun sign in the following ways:
The bright side of the moon- You are more adventurous, optimistic, exuberant, open-minded, sincere.
The dark side of the moon- You are more restless, extravagant, irresponsible, careless, uncommitted.
In Sag., the moon takes on a sparkle and brilliance that it does not have in other signs. Sagittarius is the sign of higher learning and breadth of vision, the moon's influence loses it's passivity. If you have the moon in Sagittarius, you are known for your quick, sharp mind extraordinary insights, and an ability to get things in a flash. Your clear thinking intelligence sifts through sensory impressions swiftly and with startling lucidity.
You are the kind of person who envisions great goals and then, undaunted by possible failure, set about achieving them. You rarely listen to advice about pitfalls and drawbacks, nor do you wait to find out if a plan is unworkable or impractical. With energy and enthusiasm, you usually rush in and accomplish what you set out to do. One reason for your success is your keen judgement.
As a moon Sagittarian, you are fond of open-spaces, travel, new people and different surroundings. Among your most winning traits is adaptability to different kinds of people and foreign surroundings. Your immediate reaction to a new experience to explore and learn more. To you a chance to expand your horizon is always welcome and you are not exclusively interesting in making a profit. Money, in fact, does not stay long in your pocket or bank account. You feel the whole purpose of money is to buy pleasure. You want to enjoy life.
At times you can be quite careless and reckless. Since you believe in your luck, you tend to abandon yourself to whatever fate has in store. You operate on the theory of optimistic fatalism. The danger is that you may push your luck too far. However setback does not keep you down for long. With renewed high spirits and a fresh outlook, you hitch up your wagon once more to the stars.
Because of your charm and geniality, you have a knack for making friends. You also have a way with words and a buoyant sense of humor. Your social gaiety sweeps others along on a tidal wave of good will. One of your most endearing qualities is your ability to see the best in people. When you criticize, it is with such openness and candor that it is comparatively easy to take.
Unlike the other fire moons (Aries, Leo) you are not highly sexed and passionate. You look on love more as an adventure. You enjoy the thrill of discovery, the emotional high of being in love, but in time your love affairs become more like friendships. You are also known for a roving eye and your refusal to be tied down to one person or place. This does not necessarily make you a bad marriage partner- you are a marvelous companion- it's just that you have a certain light-heartedness about love and fidelity.
No matter what your Sun sign may be, the Sagittarius Moon qualities of optimism and expansion express themselves in your personality. With a water Sun sign, your emotional, imaginative personality is galvanized by the energy and philosophical vision of the Sagittarius moon. This is a successful combination for writers and artists.
Whatever your Sun sign, this moon gives you a love for learning, humanitarianism instincts, and a gift for being an independent thinker.
Your Ascendant and Its Power
Your Ascendant is the sign that reflects your outward demeanor, and to a great extent determines how the world looks at you. It represents your outer personality. It is your image. Very often it is how the world first sees you. Many astrologers believe that it is more immediately revealing than your Sun sign. It is likened to the door of a house, what one must first pass through and see before seeing the house itself.
Your Ascending, or rising sign, is the sign that was rising at the time of your birth. It tends to characterize how you deal with other people and your distinctive style of interacting with others.
It is called the sign of your SELF. Your self-awareness, your self-sufficiency, your self-interest. In many ways, it signifies your goals, aims and objectives and indicates the thrust of your creative powers. To some degree it affects your physical characteristics and mannerisms. It is your mask of outward appearance.
What is it?
It is the astrological sign that was rising on the Eastern horizon at the moment of your birth.
Your Ascendant- Scorpio
If you were born with Scorpio ascending, you put the whole force of your personality into everything you do.You are not a halfway person. Your willpower and determination are formidable.
Though you are sometimes viewed as a lone wolf, you do have an ability to work with people- actually, to lead people. You are strongly persuasive and zealously pursue your goals, and in addition, have the power to make other purse those same goals.
Clever, creative, and resourceful, your fertile mind seems to be an inexhaustible source of ideas and suggestions. Your brain behind your cool facade is always ticking away. One of the things you must do is find out how something works, to dissect it, study it, and put it back together so that it works better. This is also true in artistic terms. You can do great visionary work if you have Scorpio rising in your chart.
As a Scorpio Ascendant you are happiest when you can control from behind the scenes. You tend to be secretive and reserved, and shun the spotlight because you can't work there unnoticed. If you are domineering, it is a subtle dominance, a kind of mind control. Some people claim that they are hypnotized by Scorpio Ascendants. It's true that you have a way of knowing what others are thinking. Much of this comes from your acute powers of observation. You are charming, witty, conversationalist, but the acute observer will soon notice that it is the OTHER person who is doing mst of the talking. You are usually quietly watching,waiting, observing... filing away information that will be used later on.
Rising Scorpios have a reputation for a sharp temper; the reputation is deserved. When crossed, you can be cruel and biting. you tend to use any weapon at your disposal- from ridicule to playing on a person's fears. In the heat of the moment you will be the victor. Later, you are remorseful for having dealt wounds- though it is extremely hard for you to say so.
Scorpio is the sign of of hidden passion; Scorpio Ascendants tend to have secret love affairs at least one time in their lives and usually marry more than once. Astrologers have observed a strange pattern in which Rising Scorpios lose their first spouse to death. They see to suffer more financial set backs and disappointments than other rising signs, but no other sign is more victorious in the end.
You tend to have sharp features, a prominent nose, and large, hyponotic eyes.
Sometimes your brows are thick and dark. Your body is agile and moves decisively.
The planet Pluto, which rules Scorpio , is very prominent in your horoscope. The influence of Pluto bestows powerful feelings of emotions, a sense of purpose, persistence, determination, plus the imagination and ability to make a successful start in a new direction. The planet's influence also favors secrecy, suspicion, jealousy and cruelty.
MERCURY
It is said Mercury makes life understandable, for it is the planet of intelligence.
How does Mercury express itself in your personality?
Do you easily strike up conversations with strangers or do you only open up with friends? Are you the kind who on a moment's notice will have a bag packed and rush off on a trip- or do you prefer quiet evenings at home listening to music, delving among your favorite books? Do you enjoy speaking in front of a group of people, or would you rather tell stories in your own living room? Do you take hold of one idea and see it through to fruition, or do you prefer working on many projects at once?
You can start to answer these questions by looking at your horoscope and finding Mercury.
From the beginning of observation of this planet, it's been associated with speed and agility. In ancient mythology, Mercury was the messenger of the gods. He was young, beautiful, and swift as the wind for his feet had wings. His province was communication, commerce, everything requiring skill or dexterity. Not only was he clever in speech, but he invented music, math, and astronomy. In Roman times, he also became the god of thieves because he was a cunning trickster, full of guile.
In astrology,
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Astrology Stuff
I own this book called The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need by Joanna Martine Woolfolk. This book was my mom's, I think, and I guess the newer editions of it have replaced my older one because I couldn't find the same edition on Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and a few other more common book websites.
Anyway, I sort of dig astrology. I know it's not an exact science. I know that for some it's no where near accurate. The logical part of my brain is a little ashamed to admit that I find it interesting at all, but I do. I don't base my life on it or anything, but it's still fun to read about.
I've owned the book for years now and just last night really started getting into it the way it's supposed to be used... meaning- actually going into where all the planets were at the moment of birth, what houses they were in, what it all means. I did this first with our newborn and charted out all her birth information and decided to do a few of my friends' information, too. So over the next few posts I'll be posting all the information about their specific birthdays and it will all be from this book.
Anyway, I sort of dig astrology. I know it's not an exact science. I know that for some it's no where near accurate. The logical part of my brain is a little ashamed to admit that I find it interesting at all, but I do. I don't base my life on it or anything, but it's still fun to read about.
I've owned the book for years now and just last night really started getting into it the way it's supposed to be used... meaning- actually going into where all the planets were at the moment of birth, what houses they were in, what it all means. I did this first with our newborn and charted out all her birth information and decided to do a few of my friends' information, too. So over the next few posts I'll be posting all the information about their specific birthdays and it will all be from this book.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Kitchen Table "stations"
I found a solution to my 'how to entertain Kayla while also caring for Paige" dilemma. I didn't mention a dilemma before this, but there's been one. I found it impossible to juggle nursing a newborn and keeping Kayla from destroying the house while I was occupied. Well, my sort of Montessori-inspired solution:
Ok, so it's not really a huge revelation.
But Kayla is really excited about having special spots to play with certain things. It's fun for her to find out what activities I lay out for her each day. She even is really good about cleaning up after herself this way. She seems to like to make sure that each place at the table is kept exactly how it should be.
So every day I just place 4 different activities out on the table--- one for each chair. There's always art stuff at one spot. The rest are varied between puzzles, blocks, card games, worksheets, magnets, a set of dolls, etc.
And ta-da! One more way to keep her occupied while my hands are tied with the baby.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Sunbaby Diapers, Bumgenius, Blueberry, Green Moutain Diapers, Thirsties, Bummis, Econobum, itti bitti, Twinkletoes Diapers: Reviews
So....one month! Paige is one month and a few days old today. After beginning my foray into cloth diapering I decided to just get some thoughts down here. We've tried several different diapers now and I'm starting to decide which ones I've come to love and the ones that just are not working.
I'll first start by saying that she's been mostly breastfed, but with the occassional formula bottle recently due to some belly issues that we're working on. She she's had mostly that great, sort of gross, yellow and 'splosey sort of poop that can get everywhere. I'm happy to report that the the blowouts have been few and far between and have actually only had the first leaks within the past couple of days.
I'll first start out with the diapers that have been the biggest let downs for me.
itti bitti d'lish:
Of all the diapers I own so far, the itti bitti is the only one I've made an official decision not to buy again.
So for the rest of the reviews I'll just divide them into two categories- pocket diapers and prefold/covers.
Prefold and covers:
Prefolds-
Green Moutain Diapers-
These are the prefolds I've been using. Green Mountain Diaper unbleached, orange-edged, newborn sized prefolds. Awesome, absorbent, fit her pretty much immediately. she was 8lbs at birth, slightly smaller coming home, and these were pretty much fitting her right away. I did have some trouble folding themwith the cord stump, but that was mostly my incompetence. I just didn't know how to fold a prefold. Once I got the hang of it the cord fell off. Had I had some practice before hand I think it wouldn't have been an issue.
Either way, these prefolds are soft, absorbent, and I'll be buying a few more in the next size. I do prefer pockets so far, but I really to like having the prefolds because they keep me assured that I won't run out of diapers. I know it seems like a strange reason. And I do diaper laundry every 2-3 days, with plenty of pockets to get me through most of the time. But I prefer knowing I have these on hand JUST in case. I also still use them pretty regularly. I feel like they contain poop diapers better than a pocket when you fold it just right, but admittedly, I'm still perfecting the folds. Sometimes I can get the 'poop pocket' perfect, and if she has a poop-slosion it's contained without a problem. Othertimes it just misses and the poop manages to get everywhere in the diaper. I'll get back in a few months and see if I get any better.
Thirsties Duo Wrap
I have two of these in velcro and two in snaps. I ordered most of my diapers in snaps, thinking that snaps would be better for the one-sized things that would stand up to a toddler trying to undress better than velcro might. But I'm shocked to admit that velro is definitely much preferred right now. In hindsight, I'd get all velcro for any diapers being used on a newborn.
These are just adorable. I LOVE the variety of patterns that this shop offers, and I love the fact that they're one-sized even more. I was able to wear them on her when she was still very new- less than 8 pounds. I love the double leg gussets.
I did NOT love how the black start diaper washed- it pills very strangely and looks sort of yucky after a wash or two. I also have been reaching for my velcro covers before snaps lately, which doesn't exclude just these diapers. Overall, they're cute and functional, but I'm not loving the material that these two are made of. The black diaper shows the weird wear way more than the lighter color. But for 11 bucks a cover I would still recommend to someone interested in a better variety of patterns than what is offered by the bigger name companies.
Econobum:
I'm not sure you can get a more basic diaper cover. It's one-size, which is awesome. Single gusset. Obviously the colors are very basic- white with colored trim- and a small selection of colors. But this cover is deceptive. I was ready to dislike it for all it's simplicity. But it actually works really, really well. It's got a strange stretch to the material that makes the fit snug and secure, and we've been happy to have no leaks whatsoever. i'd recommend the cover to anyone. Admittedly, though, I did get a prefold with this diaper that I don't like. I only used it once so I can't give a good enough review. But it didn't fit anywhere near as nicely as the GMD prefolds do so I just put it aside and sort of forgot about it.
This cover is awesome though!
On to Pocket diapers.
I'm definitely a fan of pocket diapers. So many people told me that they thought they'd prefer pockets but fell in love with prefolds that I wondered whether my instincts would deceive me. But nope. I like them. I like that they're one, simple piece after you stuff them. I like that you can add hemp or doublers or other things as needed. I like that you don't have to mess with putting on two separate things when you have a crying, pissed off baby. I like that they seem to come in so many different color and pattern options, and that since they're a one-time use thing I have a reason to have so many different diapers. I mean, I can't really justify buying 24 covers when you can reuse covers over and over for just pee.
The brand we have are Blueberry, Bumgenius, and Sunbaby.
So far they have all worked so well. Sunbaby is definitely the trimmest, even the Size two verisons. BG and BB are both wider in the crotch and they don't offer the leg snap that Sunbaby does. Here are some comparison pictures.
Sunbaby Diapers-
I'll first start by saying that she's been mostly breastfed, but with the occassional formula bottle recently due to some belly issues that we're working on. She she's had mostly that great, sort of gross, yellow and 'splosey sort of poop that can get everywhere. I'm happy to report that the the blowouts have been few and far between and have actually only had the first leaks within the past couple of days.
I'll first start out with the diapers that have been the biggest let downs for me.
itti bitti d'lish:
Oh, these are the softest, most luxurious diapers that exist anywhere. I used to walk into the nursery before she was born just to give these diapers a little rub. The outside is that wonderful minky stuff. It's an all-in-one diaper (the only AIO we bought) and there is a bamboo insert sewn into the diaper on the inside.
Well, the diaper is sort of strange fitting on her right now. Obviously she really is just an itti bitti at this point (she's less than 10 pounds), but the diaper is a size small and she's already wearing it snapped on it's wider settings. There's just too much gap at the legs when the waist is adjusted properly. One of our very few blowouts happened in an itti bitti. I also don't care for how long it takes to dry. I knew going into the AIO purchase that a downside is the drying time. But I don't know how people make their entire diaper stash out of AIOs since it takes SO long for it to dry. We had ours hanging outside all day and then inside all night and it still felt damp the next morning. She's worn these diapers so few times- and only because of how long it takes to dry. they're out of rotation every other load of laundry.
So I'm disappointed overall with these wonderfully soft diapers. I'll keep trying them to see if she grows into them better. I also own one in Medium size, so perhaps she'll fill out the leg holes better for that phase.
Here's an action shot:
Of all the diapers I own so far, the itti bitti is the only one I've made an official decision not to buy again.
So for the rest of the reviews I'll just divide them into two categories- pocket diapers and prefold/covers.
Prefold and covers:
Prefolds-
Green Moutain Diapers-
These are the prefolds I've been using. Green Mountain Diaper unbleached, orange-edged, newborn sized prefolds. Awesome, absorbent, fit her pretty much immediately. she was 8lbs at birth, slightly smaller coming home, and these were pretty much fitting her right away. I did have some trouble folding themwith the cord stump, but that was mostly my incompetence. I just didn't know how to fold a prefold. Once I got the hang of it the cord fell off. Had I had some practice before hand I think it wouldn't have been an issue.
Either way, these prefolds are soft, absorbent, and I'll be buying a few more in the next size. I do prefer pockets so far, but I really to like having the prefolds because they keep me assured that I won't run out of diapers. I know it seems like a strange reason. And I do diaper laundry every 2-3 days, with plenty of pockets to get me through most of the time. But I prefer knowing I have these on hand JUST in case. I also still use them pretty regularly. I feel like they contain poop diapers better than a pocket when you fold it just right, but admittedly, I'm still perfecting the folds. Sometimes I can get the 'poop pocket' perfect, and if she has a poop-slosion it's contained without a problem. Othertimes it just misses and the poop manages to get everywhere in the diaper. I'll get back in a few months and see if I get any better.
Thirsties Duo Wrap
So far, this cover is my favorite as far as overall performance is concerned. It has always fit the best from day one. I know many diapers boast that they will fit from a certain poundage on, but that's definitely not the case. These truly did fit from less than 8 pounds. I love the double leg gussets, although I do admit that my covers and diapers without the double gussets still perform pretty much just as well. I feel better knowing the double gussets are there, though. The cover itself is lightweight and fits her with plenty of room to grow. The duo is one of two sizes and I know it's meant to go up to 18 pounds or something like that, so I also feel like it's relatively economical. I wouldn't mind making my entire stash out of these covers- that is if I could settle for their sort of boring color selection and could also curb my obession with drying different sorts of diapers.
I have two of these in velcro and two in snaps. I ordered most of my diapers in snaps, thinking that snaps would be better for the one-sized things that would stand up to a toddler trying to undress better than velcro might. But I'm shocked to admit that velro is definitely much preferred right now. In hindsight, I'd get all velcro for any diapers being used on a newborn.
Action shot:
Bummis Super Whisper Wrap:
I have two of these and was so glad that I did.I got them in Newborn size and they were absolutely the best fitting cover for a few weeks. I was concerned that they only have the single gussets on the legs, but never once did we have a leak. I also think of all the covers we have, these have the nicest FEEL to them. They're a heavier weight sort of material, and to me that means that they feel like they're better quality. I'm not sure what my brain translates this to mean better, but it does.
They're still fitting at almost 10 lbs, so I'm very content with this purchase. I'd recommend these covers to anyone interested in prefolds.
Again, their color selection is boring, but that's definitely outweighed by their awesome performance for the newborn phase.
Bummis Super Brights
A surprising Cinderella story.
I didn't care for this cover at first, but that was because it was too big. I got this in a size small but for our very newborn, it didn't fit at all. I felt like it was inferior to the Whisper Wrap since this is made of a lighter material and just wasn't working. The double gussets made me long to use it, but it definitely didn't actually suit her until she was a few weeks old. Over the last week or two I have found this is a cover I reach for over the others. I love the velcro, the double gussets and the fit. So far, no leaks at all in this cover.
Highly recommend, but I would absolutely look into Newborn size diapers if you plan to use this on a newborn.
Twinkletoes Diapers:
I did NOT love how the black start diaper washed- it pills very strangely and looks sort of yucky after a wash or two. I also have been reaching for my velcro covers before snaps lately, which doesn't exclude just these diapers. Overall, they're cute and functional, but I'm not loving the material that these two are made of. The black diaper shows the weird wear way more than the lighter color. But for 11 bucks a cover I would still recommend to someone interested in a better variety of patterns than what is offered by the bigger name companies.
Econobum:
This cover is awesome though!
On to Pocket diapers.
I'm definitely a fan of pocket diapers. So many people told me that they thought they'd prefer pockets but fell in love with prefolds that I wondered whether my instincts would deceive me. But nope. I like them. I like that they're one, simple piece after you stuff them. I like that you can add hemp or doublers or other things as needed. I like that you don't have to mess with putting on two separate things when you have a crying, pissed off baby. I like that they seem to come in so many different color and pattern options, and that since they're a one-time use thing I have a reason to have so many different diapers. I mean, I can't really justify buying 24 covers when you can reuse covers over and over for just pee.
The brand we have are Blueberry, Bumgenius, and Sunbaby.
So far they have all worked so well. Sunbaby is definitely the trimmest, even the Size two verisons. BG and BB are both wider in the crotch and they don't offer the leg snap that Sunbaby does. Here are some comparison pictures.
From left to right- Sunbaby, BG, BB
My favorites have definitely been the Sunbaby diapers. The patterns are adorable. So far, I really enjoy how trim they are. The BG and BB both fit her, but since she's still so small the wider crotch area bunches up much more on her. Despite the size, though, none of them have been a problem for leaks.
I do admit that the BB diapers do somehow FEEL like the're a better diaper as far as material or quality is concerned, but I wouldn't expect anything less of a 25 dollar diaper. The inserts are SUPER soft- I mean, even after washing they have a much nicer, softer texture. But the inserts aren't going against their bum anyway so I know it's sort of an irrelevent advantage. The Sunbaby diapers, while they're just as absorbent and work great, seem to pill a little and definitely don't wash as nicely. They just don't look as pretty as the BB on the inside of the shell. Again, not really an issues since you don't SEE the inside of the diaper. But I am just covering all the things I've noted.
So let me get some of the individual differences down:
Love them...Probably will be buying more if the patterns or colors strike my fancy.
They are trim, absorbent, and we've had no leaks. I love that there is a leg snap because it makes the fit so much nicer. They come with one very basic microfiber insert, but I ordered extra inserts when I bought them. These diapers come in Size1 and size 2 (both are are one-sized diapers, but Size 1 is for skinny babies, size two is for chunky babies). Both Size 1 and Size two diapers fit Paige already. I'm not sure I see much a difference in the sizes.
I'll recommend these diapers until the cows come home!!
Bumgenius 4.0
Love these diapers, too. I like that there is also two inserts with these- a one-size, and a newborn. I've been using the one-size insert already, though. The newborn was fine for a couple of weeks, but the one-size insert fits into the shell on the smallest setting without a problem so I don't see any reason not to use it.
The only drawback to this brand is that they have few patterns and the colors are sort of boring. That is something I like about cloth diapers- the possibilities to tap into my aesthetic side a little. When the color of diapers bores me it makes it hard to LOVE a diaper fully.
Blueberry:
Pretty damn nice.
I hate admitting that the most expensive diaper I own is one of the better ones. I don't like admitting it when you get what you pay for means that you need to shell out money for nice things. But this diaper proves that sometimes, paying more DOES mean you get nicer things.
The cheaper diapers in my stash certainly do perform just a nicely as this diaper- but the FEEL of this diaper is definitely where the difference lies. The material is softer and feels stronger. I've had no leaks, and the designs are really pretty. it also comes with a newborn insert and one-sized, but I don't like how the one-size fits in the smallest setting of the diaper so I'm still using the newborn insert. She's starting to have heavier pees though so that won't last much longer. I'd love to have more of these, but I definitely can't afford to make it my whole collection. If money is no object to you, though, the Blueberry pocket diaper is definitely an option you should consider.
And some random diaper shots:
That's all for now!!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Cloth Diaper a Newborn- 1 week old
Allow me to first introduce Paige-
She was born on February 21st, 2012, weighing 8 lbs even and was 20 inches long. She was much bigger than her older sister was at birth, and even the doctor laughed and asked where I was hiding all that baby. I know 8 pounds isn't very big as far as babies go, but for me it certainly seemed huge.
I figured I would write a quick post about our experiences with cloth diapers so far. My plan was to use cloth from the first day home from the hospital. I bought a newborn-sized stash separate from the one-sized stash that we'll hopefully start using soon. I didn't buy any disposables beforehand, even though I was unsure if this was a good idea. I figured in the very least, I'd take home the rest of the pack from the hospital and have those.
Well, first of all, I definitely enjoy the diapers. If I'm being honest, prefolds intimidated me a lot. I couldn't get the hang of it while practicing on stuffed animals and I was nervous about trying to learn on a squirmy, scrunchy newborn. And the first couple of days were rough, I won't lie.
I couldn't figure out how to maneuver the cover and fold the prefold in a way that worked with her legs still so scrunched up to her body and the umbilical stump still attached. It seemed that no matter what I did I was irritating that damn stump. I tried different folds and nothing seemed to work, so for the first couple of days I settled on just tri-folding the prefold and laying it in the cover. It worked, but I found that poop was ALWAYS on a cover that way so we wound up going through covers like crazy. I was doing wash a couple of a times a day just for those.
We did use the disposables a couple of times while washing was being done. It was these first couple of days home that made me realize I definitely should have a pack of disposables on hand. I wasn't going to 'cave' because disposables were easier and that no matter what, I loved using the cloth at this point. Having them wasn't going to somehow ruin the love. But running out of diapers, however, would be a disaster of a different kind, so I went out and picked up some sposies for the just in case situations. I'm glad I did, even though I've only used one of them since I bought the package. I feel better knowing that I won't somehow be stuck waiting on laundry to wash and dry. I should have just gone with my gut instinct to begin with but on the advice of many people I didn't. Oh well, live and learn, I guess!
So here's what I had for my stash-
2 Bummis super whisper wraps- Size NB
1 Bummis Super Bright- Size Small
2 Thirsties Duo Wrap- Size 1
24 Green Mountain Diaper prefolds- Orange Edge Newborn size
And a few snappis.
Part of my one-sized collection is two diaper covers from the WAHM shop called Twinkletoes diapers. On their smallest setting, they have worked as covers already.
That's it! I also have some Sunbaby pocket diapers in Size 1 that may fit once the stump falls off, but as of right now they are definitely not working yet. They weren't really intended as part of the NB stash but I already had 12 size 2's so I decided to try some size 1's as well.
So out of all the covers, the Thirsties Duo covers work the best. I ordered two more, actually. They fit best and I like the double leg gussets. I wish that they were a little more- I don't know- fun, though. They're so boring and the selection of colors and designs is horrible.
The Bummis Super Bright is alright, but it seems a little wide for her as of yet.
The Bummis Super Whisper Wrap is actually my favorite of all of them, but I just don't like how there's only a single leg gusset. I'm positive that once her poops get more explosive, I'll have leaks more often than with other covers. For now they have worked great- but I haven't actually had any leaks at all yet. This cover just feels nicest. It's a little heavier and for some reason just feels like a higher quality than all the others.
I also am surprised to find that I like the velcro closures much more than snaps so far. This may change as she gets older, but the velcro has made life a ton easier. I opted for all snaps on the rest of the collection of diapers because I was worried about her being able to take her own diaper off as she got older, but I certainly would get velcro if I could somehow ensure that wouldn't happen.
Washing hasn't been a problem at all. The only issue, which I don't really care that much about, is that a couple of the diapers have stains from the meconium. I'm not overly worried about it at this point. The rest have washed wonderfully and I can't complain at all. We have been using Ecos Free and Clear, the same that we were using with Kayla's night diapers.
I guess that's pretty much it. I am really happy with how things are going so far. If I could do it again, I'd probably just keep some disposables on hand like I wanted to originally. Everything else has worked out pretty much to plan, and now that I'm getting the hang of the snappi situation I officially can say that I enjoy diapers as much as I thought I would.
I can't WAIT to rub the fact that it's working out in the faces of all the haters! To everyone who told me point blank that I would hate using them, and that they were disgusting, and that they thought I was weird. Yea, what now, nay-sayers?!
Here are a a couple of pictures I managed to take during the first few days:
These are a couple in her Thirsties Duo size 1 diaper cover and a GMD prefold. As you can see in the first one, they were perilously close to the cord stump and it drove me nuts. It looks really big, but there was never a leak.
This is a Twinkletoes diaper cover and GMD prefold. It's a one-size cover but still fit her even i the first few days weighing under 8 pounds.
She was born on February 21st, 2012, weighing 8 lbs even and was 20 inches long. She was much bigger than her older sister was at birth, and even the doctor laughed and asked where I was hiding all that baby. I know 8 pounds isn't very big as far as babies go, but for me it certainly seemed huge.
I figured I would write a quick post about our experiences with cloth diapers so far. My plan was to use cloth from the first day home from the hospital. I bought a newborn-sized stash separate from the one-sized stash that we'll hopefully start using soon. I didn't buy any disposables beforehand, even though I was unsure if this was a good idea. I figured in the very least, I'd take home the rest of the pack from the hospital and have those.
Well, first of all, I definitely enjoy the diapers. If I'm being honest, prefolds intimidated me a lot. I couldn't get the hang of it while practicing on stuffed animals and I was nervous about trying to learn on a squirmy, scrunchy newborn. And the first couple of days were rough, I won't lie.
I couldn't figure out how to maneuver the cover and fold the prefold in a way that worked with her legs still so scrunched up to her body and the umbilical stump still attached. It seemed that no matter what I did I was irritating that damn stump. I tried different folds and nothing seemed to work, so for the first couple of days I settled on just tri-folding the prefold and laying it in the cover. It worked, but I found that poop was ALWAYS on a cover that way so we wound up going through covers like crazy. I was doing wash a couple of a times a day just for those.
We did use the disposables a couple of times while washing was being done. It was these first couple of days home that made me realize I definitely should have a pack of disposables on hand. I wasn't going to 'cave' because disposables were easier and that no matter what, I loved using the cloth at this point. Having them wasn't going to somehow ruin the love. But running out of diapers, however, would be a disaster of a different kind, so I went out and picked up some sposies for the just in case situations. I'm glad I did, even though I've only used one of them since I bought the package. I feel better knowing that I won't somehow be stuck waiting on laundry to wash and dry. I should have just gone with my gut instinct to begin with but on the advice of many people I didn't. Oh well, live and learn, I guess!
So here's what I had for my stash-
2 Bummis super whisper wraps- Size NB
1 Bummis Super Bright- Size Small
2 Thirsties Duo Wrap- Size 1
24 Green Mountain Diaper prefolds- Orange Edge Newborn size
And a few snappis.
Part of my one-sized collection is two diaper covers from the WAHM shop called Twinkletoes diapers. On their smallest setting, they have worked as covers already.
That's it! I also have some Sunbaby pocket diapers in Size 1 that may fit once the stump falls off, but as of right now they are definitely not working yet. They weren't really intended as part of the NB stash but I already had 12 size 2's so I decided to try some size 1's as well.
So out of all the covers, the Thirsties Duo covers work the best. I ordered two more, actually. They fit best and I like the double leg gussets. I wish that they were a little more- I don't know- fun, though. They're so boring and the selection of colors and designs is horrible.
The Bummis Super Bright is alright, but it seems a little wide for her as of yet.
The Bummis Super Whisper Wrap is actually my favorite of all of them, but I just don't like how there's only a single leg gusset. I'm positive that once her poops get more explosive, I'll have leaks more often than with other covers. For now they have worked great- but I haven't actually had any leaks at all yet. This cover just feels nicest. It's a little heavier and for some reason just feels like a higher quality than all the others.
I also am surprised to find that I like the velcro closures much more than snaps so far. This may change as she gets older, but the velcro has made life a ton easier. I opted for all snaps on the rest of the collection of diapers because I was worried about her being able to take her own diaper off as she got older, but I certainly would get velcro if I could somehow ensure that wouldn't happen.
Washing hasn't been a problem at all. The only issue, which I don't really care that much about, is that a couple of the diapers have stains from the meconium. I'm not overly worried about it at this point. The rest have washed wonderfully and I can't complain at all. We have been using Ecos Free and Clear, the same that we were using with Kayla's night diapers.
I guess that's pretty much it. I am really happy with how things are going so far. If I could do it again, I'd probably just keep some disposables on hand like I wanted to originally. Everything else has worked out pretty much to plan, and now that I'm getting the hang of the snappi situation I officially can say that I enjoy diapers as much as I thought I would.
I can't WAIT to rub the fact that it's working out in the faces of all the haters! To everyone who told me point blank that I would hate using them, and that they were disgusting, and that they thought I was weird. Yea, what now, nay-sayers?!
Here are a a couple of pictures I managed to take during the first few days:
These are a couple in her Thirsties Duo size 1 diaper cover and a GMD prefold. As you can see in the first one, they were perilously close to the cord stump and it drove me nuts. It looks really big, but there was never a leak.
And since I wrote this originally, her cord fell off! YAY! And here's a picture in one of her itti bitti d'lish AIO diapers, size small. Fits pretty well! It's a tiny big big still but didn't leak when she had a breastmilk explosion in it so that's all I can ask for! Plus, these diapers are so unbelievably soft that I used to walk into the nursery just to rub them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)