Saturday, May 1, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Firsts and Friends
Today was a great day of firsts and friends. For the first time in 4 months, Shari McWilliams and her son Owen, Anna Paulling and her son Sullivan, and Griffin and I were able to get together when all our sons were AWAKE! Yay! It was a total blast. Of course, at this point, the play date consisted of us trying to keep our kids from injuring one another. (They don't quite have the "gentle" thing down yet!) It is fun to compare the first shot of these three together about 4 months ago with the picture of them from today:
It appears that Griffin felt some peer pressure from his buds to catch up to them growth-wise in the past 4 months. As you can see, he is just as big as his 8 month bffs! As for the "firsts" portion of this post's title, Griffin may have been feeling that peer pressure while they were over, because he rolled over for the first time this afternoon! I was changing his diaper (hence his bare bottom), and he started trying to roll over. So, I grabbed the camera and was actually able to capture this milestone on video! Shari and Anna, I'm so glad you were both there to share in the excitement! For some reason, I can't figure out how to upload a video on this tonight...So, look forward to Griffin's first rolling over video soon!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Playtime
Griffin has been quite content for the past month or so to play on his own for 30 minutes or so at a time. Since he's now able to hold his head up and stand up when held, I started looking around for a good deal on an exersaucer. I found one, and he loves to play in it for short stretches. He's still a bit wobbly and uncoordinated to get the most out of it, but I can tell it will be a favorite in no time.
He has also started loving the flying game, as you can see...
By far, though, Griffin's favorite playtime activity (or should I say all-the-time activity) is looking at and chewing on his hands. He absolutely loves bringing them together, watching them move, reaching for people and objects, grabbing things, and pulling EVERYTHING into his mouth. Consequently, there has been a LOT more drool sloshing around in the Thompson household. This mixed with Griffin's tendency to overeat and spit the excess up later has made for quite a bit more laundry for mama! I find this quite frustrating at times, and Griffin simply thinks my exclamations are hilarious!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Diaper Ratings
So, quite a few weeks of cloth diapering have gone by, and I'm ready to post my preliminary reviews on the performance of each of the different diapering systems I have tried. Hopefully, this will be helpful to those of you who are considering cloth diapering or have already started and are wondering how other systems work. I will go through each of the systems we are using and discuss the pros and cons of each.
Fuzzibunz - We have 6 Fuzzibunz one-size diapers, and they are a pocket diaper system. This means that there is a cloth diaper/cover combo that you insert a microfiber insert into (between the built-in fleece interior and the waterproof exterior.
Pros:
The pocket system allows for a faster drying time than all-in-ones (where the insert is stitched into the diaper).
Highly absorbent
VERY adjustable in both the thigh and waist by tightening and loosening the elastic settings
As easy as disposable diapers to put on/take off...which makes these our "out and about" diapers.
The snaps are very secure and make them easy to wash and dry
Both the liners and the diapers can go in the dryer, which makes these an easy wash/dry diaper
These keep moisture off the skin
Cons:
We have had a few leaks with poo diapers, but I think this was mainly due to having the diaper elastic and snaps done too loosely
There is quite a learning curve with these diapers...figuring out which elastic and snap settings work for your baby...and you need to readjust them as the baby grows. This means either leaks or red marks around the waist and thighs if too tight or too loose.
There is a big jump between snap settings. The snaps seem to make the diaper either too tight or too loose because there is about a 1" difference on each side between each snap...making each setting 2" different.
I've noticed some red marks on Griffin's back and thighs with these
They are one-use only (no matter if it's pee or poo)
Bum Genius - We have 3 Bum Genius one-size pocket diapers and 1 Bum Genius medium all-in-one diaper.
Pros:
The velcro makes this diaper super adjustable and super easy to put on and take off
This is by far the best overnight diaper. We put it on a tad looser than usual (b/c Griffin doesn't poo during the night) and use a Fuzzibunz newborn microterry insert in addition to the regular Bum Genius insert for extra absorbency.
It keeps moisture off the skin
The snap system on the front is easier to adjust than the Fuzzibunz diapers, making them easier to figure out than the Fuzzibunz
No leaks yet!
Cons:
The velcro is already fraying a bit, and I have never put them in the dryer. I can see how these wear more than the snap diapers.
They are supposed to only be line dried
I've noticed some red marks on Griffin's back and legs with these
They are one-use only (no matter if it's pee or poo)
Flip - We have 3 one-size snap Flip diaper covers and 6 Flip inserts.
Pros:
The snap system is super durable and easy
The leg elastic and fabric is really soft and doesn't leave red marks
You can reuse the cover for pee diapers and even some poo diapers (depending on if the poo gets on the liner or not)
The inserts are super duper absorbent and keep moisture off the skin
They are the least maintenance and easiest of all the systems we have
The inserts are one-size, and you fold them over for small and medium and leave them full-length for large
The snap system is very durable
No leaks yet!
Cons:
Sometimes, the insert gets bunched up a bit in the middle, but this has not yet affected the performance of the diaper or liner
The cover is supposed to be line-dried
Thirsties - We have 2 Thirsties snap diaper covers.
Pros:
You can use these with prefold diapers and other diaper liners wrapped in flannel
They can be dried in the dryer
The snap system is very durable
No leaks yet!
Cons:
The snap system seems to be either too tight or too large (being 2" total difference between each snap setting). Right now, I snap one side in all the way and the other side one setting looser, making the diaper a bit lopsided.
These are a bit more inconvenient for those who don't want to mess with the inserts wrapped in flannel or the prefold diapers (These take a minute or so more to put on, but they aren't difficult at all to use. In fact, I've had less leaks using the prefold diapers than I have with the inserts!)
Bummis - We have 2 Bummis Super Brite diaper covers.
Pros:
The velcro system is super adjustable and easy
You can use these with prefold diapers and other diaper liners wrapped in flannel
No leaks yet!
Cons:
A bit big and bulky compared to the other systems
These are a bit more inconvenient for those who don't want to mess with the inserts wrapped in flannel or the prefold diapers (These take a minute or so more to put on, but they aren't difficult at all to use. In fact, I've had less leaks using the prefold diapers than I have with the inserts!)
Bummis Prefold Diapers - We have 6 Bummis unbleached prefold diapers.
Pros:
Really, really absorbant and soft
Great at containing explosive poos if they are put on right
Cons:
More bulky than other insert or pocket diapers
There is a learning curve involved in learning how to put on a prefold diaper correctly. Using a Snappi is much easier than the old fashioned pin method.
Doesn't wick the moisture away from the skin as well as the other systems
As you can see, there are pros and cons to each system. If I had to select my favorites, I would do so in the following categories:
Low-maintenance: Flip diapers (because of the ability to reuse the cover over and over and because of the snap system, great fit, and quick drying time of both the covers and inserts)
Out-and-about: Fuzzibunz and Bum Genius
Overnight: Bum Genius (with extra insert)
Explosive Poo Containment: Bum Genius and Bummis Prefold with Thirsties or Bummis diaper cover
No leak: Bum Genius, Flip, Thirsties, or Bummis (Thirsties and Bummis have GREAT leg gussets, which really help in containing)
If I had to choose just one system to use, I would say the Flip system at this point. This has to do with the reusability of the cover, the ease of use and washing, and the affordability. If we were made of money, I imagine I might choose the Bum Genius one-size pocket diapers because I could afford plenty of them and wouldn't mind buying more when the velcro wore out.
Fuzzibunz - We have 6 Fuzzibunz one-size diapers, and they are a pocket diaper system. This means that there is a cloth diaper/cover combo that you insert a microfiber insert into (between the built-in fleece interior and the waterproof exterior.
Pros:
The pocket system allows for a faster drying time than all-in-ones (where the insert is stitched into the diaper).
Highly absorbent
VERY adjustable in both the thigh and waist by tightening and loosening the elastic settings
As easy as disposable diapers to put on/take off...which makes these our "out and about" diapers.
The snaps are very secure and make them easy to wash and dry
Both the liners and the diapers can go in the dryer, which makes these an easy wash/dry diaper
These keep moisture off the skin
Cons:
We have had a few leaks with poo diapers, but I think this was mainly due to having the diaper elastic and snaps done too loosely
There is quite a learning curve with these diapers...figuring out which elastic and snap settings work for your baby...and you need to readjust them as the baby grows. This means either leaks or red marks around the waist and thighs if too tight or too loose.
There is a big jump between snap settings. The snaps seem to make the diaper either too tight or too loose because there is about a 1" difference on each side between each snap...making each setting 2" different.
I've noticed some red marks on Griffin's back and thighs with these
They are one-use only (no matter if it's pee or poo)
Bum Genius - We have 3 Bum Genius one-size pocket diapers and 1 Bum Genius medium all-in-one diaper.
Pros:
The velcro makes this diaper super adjustable and super easy to put on and take off
This is by far the best overnight diaper. We put it on a tad looser than usual (b/c Griffin doesn't poo during the night) and use a Fuzzibunz newborn microterry insert in addition to the regular Bum Genius insert for extra absorbency.
It keeps moisture off the skin
The snap system on the front is easier to adjust than the Fuzzibunz diapers, making them easier to figure out than the Fuzzibunz
No leaks yet!
Cons:
The velcro is already fraying a bit, and I have never put them in the dryer. I can see how these wear more than the snap diapers.
They are supposed to only be line dried
I've noticed some red marks on Griffin's back and legs with these
They are one-use only (no matter if it's pee or poo)
Flip - We have 3 one-size snap Flip diaper covers and 6 Flip inserts.
Pros:
The snap system is super durable and easy
The leg elastic and fabric is really soft and doesn't leave red marks
You can reuse the cover for pee diapers and even some poo diapers (depending on if the poo gets on the liner or not)
The inserts are super duper absorbent and keep moisture off the skin
They are the least maintenance and easiest of all the systems we have
The inserts are one-size, and you fold them over for small and medium and leave them full-length for large
The snap system is very durable
No leaks yet!
Cons:
Sometimes, the insert gets bunched up a bit in the middle, but this has not yet affected the performance of the diaper or liner
The cover is supposed to be line-dried
Thirsties - We have 2 Thirsties snap diaper covers.
Pros:
You can use these with prefold diapers and other diaper liners wrapped in flannel
They can be dried in the dryer
The snap system is very durable
No leaks yet!
Cons:
The snap system seems to be either too tight or too large (being 2" total difference between each snap setting). Right now, I snap one side in all the way and the other side one setting looser, making the diaper a bit lopsided.
These are a bit more inconvenient for those who don't want to mess with the inserts wrapped in flannel or the prefold diapers (These take a minute or so more to put on, but they aren't difficult at all to use. In fact, I've had less leaks using the prefold diapers than I have with the inserts!)
Bummis - We have 2 Bummis Super Brite diaper covers.
Pros:
The velcro system is super adjustable and easy
You can use these with prefold diapers and other diaper liners wrapped in flannel
No leaks yet!
Cons:
A bit big and bulky compared to the other systems
These are a bit more inconvenient for those who don't want to mess with the inserts wrapped in flannel or the prefold diapers (These take a minute or so more to put on, but they aren't difficult at all to use. In fact, I've had less leaks using the prefold diapers than I have with the inserts!)
Bummis Prefold Diapers - We have 6 Bummis unbleached prefold diapers.
Pros:
Really, really absorbant and soft
Great at containing explosive poos if they are put on right
Cons:
More bulky than other insert or pocket diapers
There is a learning curve involved in learning how to put on a prefold diaper correctly. Using a Snappi is much easier than the old fashioned pin method.
Doesn't wick the moisture away from the skin as well as the other systems
As you can see, there are pros and cons to each system. If I had to select my favorites, I would do so in the following categories:
Low-maintenance: Flip diapers (because of the ability to reuse the cover over and over and because of the snap system, great fit, and quick drying time of both the covers and inserts)
Out-and-about: Fuzzibunz and Bum Genius
Overnight: Bum Genius (with extra insert)
Explosive Poo Containment: Bum Genius and Bummis Prefold with Thirsties or Bummis diaper cover
No leak: Bum Genius, Flip, Thirsties, or Bummis (Thirsties and Bummis have GREAT leg gussets, which really help in containing)
If I had to choose just one system to use, I would say the Flip system at this point. This has to do with the reusability of the cover, the ease of use and washing, and the affordability. If we were made of money, I imagine I might choose the Bum Genius one-size pocket diapers because I could afford plenty of them and wouldn't mind buying more when the velcro wore out.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Griffin's Birth Story - Part 4
As I mentioned in Griffin's Birth Story - Part 3, Oliver was able to deliver Griffin, and he placed our little son on my chest, amidst tears and loads of emotions. I reached down and held my vernix-covered boy and laughed with joy. I simply could not believe he had just come out of me! It's hard to describe the emotions that wash over you when you deliver your first child...I remember thinking that it felt surreal, like a dream in slow-motion. He was born at 1:56am on December 27th, 2009...just a little under two hours after my dad's 50th birthday!
Since I was on my back and the umbilical cord was still pulsing, I could only see the top of Griffin's head and his little arms. I rubbed the vernix into his skin (it's supposed to be an amazing moisturizer for them) and attempted to soak it all in. Soaking it all in is, in fact, impossible, as I found. It is one of those moments in life where you wish you could grasp it all fully... C.S. Lewis describes this overwhelming state as "joy," and he says that these moments are like little tastes of heaven that we won't fully be able to grasp or consummate until we are there with the Lord. Isn't it amazing to know that the birth of your first child is only a teeny, tiny glimmer of the fullness and consummation of joy we will have in heaven?! Soon, I was able to see my little son's face for the first time, and I had/have never laid eyes on anything so beautiful...so perfect. All my life, I've dreamed and wondered about what my child would look like, and finally, I knew. The bond was absolutely instantaneous...Well, I suppose it was just an increase of the already established bond I had developed with him in my womb. I kept thinking of what a gift, a precious blessing, we had been given, and I was so thankful to finally have him in my arms. I was also quite thankful that I didn't die during labor like I felt I would :)
Oliver cut the cord, and I delivered the placenta quickly and easily. I must say, that sucker was HUGE! The midwives showed it and all its parts to me, and it was fascinating. It's just the craziest thing to think that my body was capable of growing a baby and a whole new organ on top of it! Apparently, the umbilical cord was the longest many of the ladies had ever seen, and they said we were blessed that it didn't cause any complications during the delivery. It was wrapped around his neck, but there were no issues with that because it was so long.
Immediately after the delivery of the placenta, the ladies got to work checking me for tears. I had a 2 degree internal tear from Griffin's fists being under his neck during the delivery, and I had the choice whether to be stitched or not. I chose not to because the skin was laying together nicely and would heal well on its own. The only stipulation was that I needed to be extra conscientious about keeping my knees together and not sitting straight up for 2 weeks.
After that was determined, Lisa and the ladies got the bed changed, an ice back between my legs, and helped me get set up for nursing Griffin for the first time. This was more difficult than I imagined. He had a hard time latching on, and it was quite a fiasco. Later, we hired a lactation consultant to come out to our house and help me with nursing, and she was a great help.
It wasn't long (around 3 or 3:30), and all the relatives arrived to meet the baby. My dad, step-mom, and brother and Oliver's mom and brother came into the room to meet our little one.
My dad with his first grandchild:
It was just pure giddiness in the air, and they were all able to watch as Lisa did the newborn exam, including the big weigh in. Griffin weighed 8 lbs, 14 oz, 22 inches long, and got a 10 on the Apgar score. He was just absolutely perfect. I could not believe how beautiful he was!!! Three months later, I still am not sick of staring at him all day. Maybe that'll never end!
After a while, the family headed home to get to bed, and we were thinking that way as well. I have never, EVER been so completely and thoroughly exhausted spiritually, emotionally, and physically. We attempted to nurse some more, and I did the necessary trip to the toilet. Whoa is that the weirdest feeling in the universe! After 9 months of having all my internal organs completely displaced and my diaphram being pushed way, way up into my ribcage, standing up with a sudden, enormous void made me feel like my organs were going to fall out onto the floor! I felt like I had been punched repeatedly in the stomach, and I could hardly breathe. Shuffling to the toilet was tough between that and the light-headedness!
At about 5 or 5:30am, Reilynn took our first family photo and headed home herself.
We got settled into our king-sized bed, all together, and feel into a much, much needed sleep. The next morning, Oliver went out and got us Atlanta Bread Company breakfast, and we were ready to head home by about 1pm that day!
Since I was on my back and the umbilical cord was still pulsing, I could only see the top of Griffin's head and his little arms. I rubbed the vernix into his skin (it's supposed to be an amazing moisturizer for them) and attempted to soak it all in. Soaking it all in is, in fact, impossible, as I found. It is one of those moments in life where you wish you could grasp it all fully... C.S. Lewis describes this overwhelming state as "joy," and he says that these moments are like little tastes of heaven that we won't fully be able to grasp or consummate until we are there with the Lord. Isn't it amazing to know that the birth of your first child is only a teeny, tiny glimmer of the fullness and consummation of joy we will have in heaven?! Soon, I was able to see my little son's face for the first time, and I had/have never laid eyes on anything so beautiful...so perfect. All my life, I've dreamed and wondered about what my child would look like, and finally, I knew. The bond was absolutely instantaneous...Well, I suppose it was just an increase of the already established bond I had developed with him in my womb. I kept thinking of what a gift, a precious blessing, we had been given, and I was so thankful to finally have him in my arms. I was also quite thankful that I didn't die during labor like I felt I would :)
Oliver cut the cord, and I delivered the placenta quickly and easily. I must say, that sucker was HUGE! The midwives showed it and all its parts to me, and it was fascinating. It's just the craziest thing to think that my body was capable of growing a baby and a whole new organ on top of it! Apparently, the umbilical cord was the longest many of the ladies had ever seen, and they said we were blessed that it didn't cause any complications during the delivery. It was wrapped around his neck, but there were no issues with that because it was so long.
Immediately after the delivery of the placenta, the ladies got to work checking me for tears. I had a 2 degree internal tear from Griffin's fists being under his neck during the delivery, and I had the choice whether to be stitched or not. I chose not to because the skin was laying together nicely and would heal well on its own. The only stipulation was that I needed to be extra conscientious about keeping my knees together and not sitting straight up for 2 weeks.
After that was determined, Lisa and the ladies got the bed changed, an ice back between my legs, and helped me get set up for nursing Griffin for the first time. This was more difficult than I imagined. He had a hard time latching on, and it was quite a fiasco. Later, we hired a lactation consultant to come out to our house and help me with nursing, and she was a great help.
It wasn't long (around 3 or 3:30), and all the relatives arrived to meet the baby. My dad, step-mom, and brother and Oliver's mom and brother came into the room to meet our little one.
My dad with his first grandchild:
My step-mom with her first grandchild:
Oliver's mom with her first grandchild:
It was just pure giddiness in the air, and they were all able to watch as Lisa did the newborn exam, including the big weigh in. Griffin weighed 8 lbs, 14 oz, 22 inches long, and got a 10 on the Apgar score. He was just absolutely perfect. I could not believe how beautiful he was!!! Three months later, I still am not sick of staring at him all day. Maybe that'll never end!
After a while, the family headed home to get to bed, and we were thinking that way as well. I have never, EVER been so completely and thoroughly exhausted spiritually, emotionally, and physically. We attempted to nurse some more, and I did the necessary trip to the toilet. Whoa is that the weirdest feeling in the universe! After 9 months of having all my internal organs completely displaced and my diaphram being pushed way, way up into my ribcage, standing up with a sudden, enormous void made me feel like my organs were going to fall out onto the floor! I felt like I had been punched repeatedly in the stomach, and I could hardly breathe. Shuffling to the toilet was tough between that and the light-headedness!
At about 5 or 5:30am, Reilynn took our first family photo and headed home herself.
We got settled into our king-sized bed, all together, and feel into a much, much needed sleep. The next morning, Oliver went out and got us Atlanta Bread Company breakfast, and we were ready to head home by about 1pm that day!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
3 Months Old Today!
First Week:
1 Month:
2 Months:
3 Months:
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