20 weeks!

Apparently my boobs and thighs will just get big.
Im guessing at this point GIRL
Last week I was pretty sure boy

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 20 Weeks Wooooooah We're half way there!!
::Cue Bon Jovi, You're Welcome Holly! ::

Size of baby: Baby is the size of a Cantaloupe
Average size: 6.5 in, 10.6 oz

Total Weight Gain/Loss: -2 lbs (Keep in mind thats from the last appointment... after Christmas there is NO way im still at -2 )

Maternity Clothes: Still in regular clothes

Gender: Surprise!

Movement: I feel 2.0 at least once a day now

Sleep: Good

What I miss: Sushi

Cravings: Candy Candy and more Candy :(

Symptoms: I have a growing bump

Best Moment this week: We are finally getting to paint Avas Room!!!
And we have our big ultrasound. This is where people usually find out what gender the baby is... Ill be excited to see the chambers of the heart and all the other organs :D

Do we still cloth diaper?

Yes, Yes we do!


I had received a few emails asking if we still cloth diaper, as well as pretty much any time I go to work I get asked that question.

Its been about a year and 4 months that we have done cloth diapering.


Most of our stash, if you remember from this post, was mainly Bum Genius 3.0s, actually it was ALL Bum Genius 3.0s. We now have a dozen prefolds, thirsties covers and bummis covers.  I was given 2 Fuzzi Bunz One sized diapers that I am still prepping, and 2 Bag Shot Row Bamboo ones that were from an acquaintance that I toss in every once in awhile and 1 Blueberry One Size diaper.



THE stash. If you dont cloth diaper you JUST dont get it
To the far left are the unbleached cotton prefolds, dark pink all the way to the white are the
BumGenius 3.0s, The brown with pink polka dots thats the Blueberry OS.
Behind all that are the prefold covers and the Bag Shot Row Bamboos



We also use cloth wipes. We have 2 packs of  Thirsties Fab Wipes and 1 pack of Kissaluvs.  I've also heard of people using cut up receiving blankets or just baby wash clothes.  I wet them and place them in a Tupperware container that sits on the changing table in the wicker basket.  Some users also place a little bit of baby wash in there. We were doing this for awhile with Earth Angel Mama Baby cleanser but Tony thought it smelled like baby vomit . . . so we just use water ;) You can however use any kid of baby cleanser you use for your baby. We use Sensitive Skin California Baby, it has no smell so I figured what was the point of using it in the wipes?

I have also since changed washing detergent. I use to use a mix that I would make (equal amounts of Washing Soda, Borax and OxiClean).  I liked it a lot UNTIL I tried Rockin Green.  Why didn't I go with Rockin Green in the beginning?  Well everyone else was doing it. It seemed like a fad.  I ended up buying some and doing some testing with Rockin Green.  I have never seen my diapers whiter or returned back to their original state.  I am for ever a Rockin Green user.

My stash will last me about 5 days with just Ava.  I know with Murphy 2.0 and Ava we will be washing probably every 2 or 3 days in the beginning but honestly its not that hard. The hard part is keeping Ava from "helping"  and taking the inserts or shells and putting them away in her room. What should take about 7-10 min of folding and stuffing takes about 30 chasing her around and trying to find which drawer she might have put them away in.



Where the magic happens :D
The wicker basket is where the wipes are stored inside the Tupperware
along with some random medical supplies



Murphy 2.0 will be cloth diapered from the beginning, unlike Ava who we started at about 3 months.  I was thinking about getting some Little Joeys.. or just using the thirsties duo size 1 covers we have from Ava and just using the newborn prefolds, We will probably end up doing this.

Some of my favorite places for shopping cloth diapers are All Things Diapers, located right down the street in Blaine :D, Peapods on Como Ave in St Paul, Green Mountain Diapers and of course Bebeology where our original stash was purchased.

If you have any questions about cloth diapering, I can only answer from my perspective and from what Ive had to deal with :D. I know a few of you were thinking about starting cloth diapering feel free to hit the contact me button on the upper left and email me

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

Sitting at the head of the table opposite of Great Uncle Glen

To busy loving my fork to take a picture

Honestly, how many pictures can you look at of kids on Christmas? 
They all look the same after awhile so I will just condense all of the Christmas'
in to one post.

We do 3 Christmas'. One was last weekend at Tonys Grandmas nursing home.
Then the 2 this weekend.
Christmas Eve was at his moms house and Christmas Day at my Aunts house.
It works out well for us, there is no fighting and we get to all places with out rushing or missing
out on any activities.  However, I think I need to start asking an "eating time".
My family always says we are eating at 1pm. So I know we can get there a bit early, mix and mingle a bit then sit down to dinner. Where as at the in laws ,I guess I just assumed we would be eating at 3 since that's the start time.. and My poor kid was having a melt down. It didn't really help that she was running a fever and was hot but still.  Lesson learned come closer to actual start time instead of early. Let her take a nap and come a bit late if need be.


 The day before Christmas Eve Tony was sick. I knew it was only a matter of time before one of us got it after him. Since it seemed to be a quick bug running through everyones house!
Tony was sick Christmas Eve Eve and I had Christmas Day when we got home!  Thankfully for the most part it was just a quick 24 hour bug. Tony had some muscle cramping in his neck. Which wasn't amazing but at least we made it to Christmas day.

Ava and Aubrey played in Avas new wagon during Christmas Eve.  Even though she wasn't feeling well and both girls were starting to run on EMPTY they seemed to enjoy each other and the company!

Aubrey & Ava being cheesy!

Riding in my wagon!

Ava ended up getting stripped down to her diaper right before the gift opening! 
Isn't that how it ALWAYS goes?
She LOOOOOVES her Uncle Nick!  and they got her one of her favorite toys!
The little people farm!

Uncle Nick showing Ava her Farm

Christmas morning she woke up pretty early for when she went to bed the night before.
She slept from 8pm till about 730ish AM.  Still along time but I thought we would make it until
at least 8am. I guess she did sleep in the truck on the way home from Grandma and Grandpas.

Some of our morning pictures didn't turn out. She was moving to fast. I should have adjusted the shutter speed.  I guess that's Hines site for ya!
She came out and noticed the stuff under the tree but went straight for . . . Mister Potato Head!
After we coaxed her over she noticed her new four wheeler! Purple and green of course!
She was loving it. Even tried to get on it herself.

This is mine?

Daddy always says to check the mileage

Looking apprehensive!



Okay!  I can do this.



What do you mean I went from there, to here?

After all that she got OFF the four wheeler and pressed the button while standing on the side of it.
We should have stopped her but, who was to know she would now be afraid of it :(
She hasn't been back on willingly since Christmas morning!

We had lots of fun opening presents at my aunts house.

She pretty much points at everything as shes opening gifts

Showing off her Tag Jr.

Loving on her baby snow white

Dragging around her magna doodle

Looking for Gigi??

Just being cute!

Ooooh and this was this Sunday morning.  She figured out how to use the pen the right way and was really going to town.

Artist at work

Fine. A quick picture

Back to work

 

Yep we are pretty boring, average people. But I do love my family very much!  I hope your holidays were filled with family, food and love.

19 Weeks!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 19 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby is the size of a Mango (6inches .5lbs)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: -2 lbs

Maternity Clothes: Still in regular clothes

Gender: Surprise! Just a healthy baby will do :D

Movement: Few and far between, But when I feel baby its like a huge PUNCH!

Sleep: Good- I have some leg cramping :/

What I miss: Sushi

Cravings: Apparently Cookies this week... but I think its because its Christmas and they are there

Symptoms: I have a growing bump

Best Moment this week: Its CHRISTMAS!

Yep! I wear glasses...  I have to wear them until I go back to the clinic due to preservative buildup in my eye.  Crazy right.  So if you are using a multi purpose solution , think about changing to a preservative free solution. Clear Care is the newest and most up  to date. You can find it at Target, and most other retailers.  I haven't had a chance to use it but anytime I can find something that is more "natural" I'm all about it.

Why is it wet here? Oh your daughter peed on the carpet.





Why did that flow out of my mouth today? And why did Tony ask that question to begin with.. And why was Cyndi holding Makena on the couch looking a titch bit scared and still wanting to laugh?

Well lets start off with a whole day outlook!

-We woke up at 8am ::Angels singing:: I wont lie I went to bed late and was THANKFUL for the 8am wake up from Miss Aves.

-Stacy came and picked up some misplaced articles.

-Cyndi ran in, in the middle of picking up articles to drop of Makena so I could watch her for a bit, she had a dentist appointment.

   Ava was standing at the top of the stairs yelling Mena Mena... Its what she calls Makena and Makena was running up the stairs to get in to the gate as I was running behind her to let her in and Cyndi was telling me what was in the bag and running out the door!  I liked all of this.. especially the girls looking forward to each other. Its the first time Ava has ever looked so excited to see a friend!

We played, they ran, I refereed, they giggled , they snacked, they hugged/tackled. It was amazing.

Sharring oranges and gossip over snack time!

 -Cyndi came back. We decided to hit up lunch.

- I went to change Avas diaper where she literally jumped off the changing table arms flaring and twisting in the air.. Needless to say I missed catching her :/ (shes OK).  And I foreshadowed this weeks prior telling Cyndi Ava was going to fall off one of these days!

-Cyndi yelled for Makena to go to her, Ava followed Makena, diaperless, and stopped in the hallway.

I noticed she looked kind of weird, and her pink sock was a darker pink in a spot... NOT GOOD.. Yep she peed... So I was cleaning that up while my diaperless child ran to the living room to play.



-Tony comes out from his slumber cave asking "Why is it wet here?" I answered "Oh because your daughter just peed there AFTER she fell off the changing table"

-We were getting ready to go to Noodles & Co. and Makena was hugging Ava, just a titch to hard and they tumbled.. so now Ava was on the floor crying. Hahahah



-We backed out of the driveway apparently I hit the side of the garage and lost a blinker.

(Tony calls this Avas first car accident)

-After we ordered we went to go sit down. Ava tripped over air and fell bonked her head on the table leg... REALLY?!?!?!?!?!?

Yeah... those were the interesting parts of the day!

Ava received money from Tonys Aunt Mary for Christmas!  We usually drop the cash in the bank and let it be. But I saw an amazing Mister Potato head set and had to get it with the money!

She pointed at EVERY item in the box

Waiting for dad to get the taters out

Of COURSE I missed the smile!  She loves them!



ANNNNNND!  I hosted a moms night in, Cookie Exchange. I didn't take a lot of pictures, Well any accept for my smoked salmon wontons I made

And why did I wake up from a nap with a list to Santa from a guy who doesn't believe? And thinks I am doing damage bringing Ava to see Santa?!?!  Just sayin!
::I was just corrected. Its not that He doesn't believe, he's just not a liar::



Christmas Party & Holidazzle

Yesterday godfather Mike came to drop off Ava's Christmas gifts...
I think he was shocked/mad when we wanted to open them!
1- He was in front of us
2-I wanted him to see her loving on them
3- Honestly it takes about 15 min per gift if we don't help.. so yea!!
any time we can get a few presents out of the way, we are ALL for it!










She likes to hand the paper to us, Piece by little Piece



She was a VERY lucky girl!

Mike got her a cute pink monkey with adjustable arms, A Vtech learning turtle! (we are sooo in need of older toys this was great!) and a pretty amazing TRIKE!!!

Her and Mike tore up the carpet going for rides from the living room to the bedroom.

First I *HAD* to giggle at his (Barbs) selection of a box.

Tearing up carpet!

Between the two of them.. yea this is the best one! :D



I have to say.. Mike knows how to give the best presents.

He has probably one of the biggest hearts I know.

So single ladies!  I know a man if you are in need :D

We then quickly packed everyone up for the ride to Farmington

to see the Murphy's .

Ava LOOOVED playing with Claire and James



Here she is playing with James and his trucks. He was sooo sweet with her.



She kept putting the man in the drivers seat. My smart girl!

She got a really great stroller set from Bill and Kathy!  It has a bouncy seat, a stroller, a pack and play, a high chair, a diaper bag and probably some other treasures I am missing.  Her girlfriend Makena has the set so we KNEW she would like it. Its probably one of 3 toys the girls fight over.. It gives me a chuckle!

A SUPER cute hooded duck blanket that Caitlin made!  Pictures to come its being washed right now!

Some stacking blocks from Tom, Julie, Caitlin and Kiera!

Ava LOOOOVES blocks... I think I shocked people when we asked for Lincoln logs and stacking blocks.

And some monies from Mary!!

Everything was sooo gratefully appreciated!

Ava was loving the party room and the company.

Oooh at one point she fell, quickly got back up.. like we didn't see her.. I was cracking up.

Usually if she falls she lays there for a second looking for sympathy.. HAHAHAH

I guess they learn embarrassment young.

Then we quickly made it to the Holidazzle!

We were in the HOT Seats.. which the tent was MUCH larger then I thought it was going to be

It was hard to take pictures against the glass

Daddy and Ava at the Holidazzle

Next year we will just sit outside.  Its short enough that we can bundle up and be okay.

New Baby in tow and all ;)

15 Month Check-Up

Before we left for the day.. TOO CUTE to not share

Well she's right on track. Following her curve very well :D 
When we got there she was ecstatic to be playing in the waiting room.
We read some books, played with the activity table, touched someones phone
and tried to rip apart some magazines. All within the 5 min before being called to the back
She wanted to walk to the back herself.  Which is more of a sprint, if I do say so myself.
We did her weight height and head circumference.
shes 23 lbs 10 oz and 30 inches, which is 2 feet 6 inches :D  SOOO TALL ;) hehehe
I cant remember the head circumference and seriously . . . who cares..  It was normal that's all I know
She got some stickers and 4 shots and after about 35 min and a 10/15 min reaction wait time.. we were
outta there.

Playing with the paper

Killing the 15 min playing touch the colored square

I do have to say Dr Mark didn't know I was pregnant which made me feel good since I am 18 weeks..
He told the nurse and she was shocked too.. but they were outside the door.. So I know they weren't just being nice :D

After the doctor visit, we ran to target. Where we found some treasures. 
I forgot my wallet and didn't notice it UNTIL I went to check out so needless to say we will be
going back to target after nap. ::groan::

We met 2 lovely ladies, Karla and Greta, for lunch at Noodles & Co.
Where I had my FAVORITE Macaroni and cheese and chicken
Ava and I shared.
I wanted to invite them back to the house to play but I knew Ava would be conking out.
Which meant I could clean the toy disaster happening upstairs
 ::as I type this I'm starring at the explosion::

A Day in the Life of an Elf!

::some of the pictures didn't turn out but I'm still going to share them... I could blame the camera but lets me honest... its user error::

Me and Ava headed out early morning to go to Macy's in Minneapolis to check out the Holiday display they have had for MANY of years.
The theme this year was A Day in the Life of an Elf. Basically its a walk through moving book.
I remember going way back in the day with my grandma. I figured Ava would like it



At this point shes still pretty overwhelmed... there are elves everywhere and they are singing and dancing

 


She really liked the snowman. I think it reminded her of the one we HAD in the front yard




She giggled at the singing trees.. which sang "We are singing trees" over and over again




This little dancing pig!!!!  She was screaming/screeching over him. LOVING him a lot.




We got daddy a treat from Mrs. Claus' bakery




I wrote my letter to Santa.
I asked that the baby be a boy ;) oh wait that was mom..
I asked for a new baby to dress with clothes, some building blocks and
a warm beach




That's right I can reach this slot




This picture doesn't do the situation justice.. she was screaming that the letter was gone..
 I had to get her another one to keep

 Once we were home we realized we missed a play date, blame that on mom, she thought it was Friday.
After nap we made a finger painting project...


This pretty much sums up finger painting.





Finished project!