11 months

Selena's first birthday is fast approaching and sometimes it makes me want to cry. I can't believe my little baby is already growing up. She is starting to toddle which means she will soon be a toddler! (BTW I love the word toddler, it is so appropriate.) The most steps I have seen her take is 6.

She is the queen of chaos, a child of entropy. By the end of every day all the books are off all the bookshelves. All the clothes are removed from all the baskets. All the toys are removed from all the toy bins. All the lids and towels are removed from all the drawers. The only time I bother to put stuff back is to give her something to do.

She loves to point. Sometimes she points to communicate, for instance I want that (point) ice cream instead of the crackers you are trying to give me. Sometimes she points to tell you where to take her, for instance she points at the stairs because she wants to go downstairs and play with dad rather than go to bed. Other times she just points for the sake of pointing.

She really is at a cute stage and I just love to squeeze her and kiss her. I love her!

Free Crochet Longies Pattern

Pattern for Crochet Longies

Wool pants for use over cloth diapers

This is a pseudo-pattern for a pair of crochet longies. I have made these in roughly a size 12 months for my daughter. They are very thick and have a lot of stretch to them. They would probably be very good to go over a cloth diaper at night. I don't have a lot of experience crocheting and I just made the pattern up as I went along so it isn't perfect. You can do whatever you want with the pattern, but if you want to give me some credit I would appreciate a link to this page. If you have any suggestions, comments, questions, corrections, or if you make a pair and want to show me the pictures please leave some comments on my blog. Good luck.

I used 2 ½ skiens of cascade 220 wool yarn. This was about 550yards or 250 grams. This is a worsted weight yarn. (For thinner pants a thinner yarn might be good). I also used a size G hook.

I'll tell you what I did and try to give you the stitch count in parenthesis for the size 12 month longies I made. I hope the counts are accurate…

STITCHES:
Chain:
Double Crochet
Front Post Double Crochet
Triple Crochet
Front Post Triple Crochet
Videos explaining crochet stitches

FRONT OF 1st PANT LEG:
Row 1: Chain the length you want your pants (60) chain 2 turn
Row 2: double crochet till 6 from the end (54) and triple crochet the last 6 ch 3 turn
Row 3: front post triple crochet next 5, front post double crochet till 6 from the end (49), front post half double crochet last 6, ch 2 turn
Row 4: front post double crochet next 5, front post double crochet till 6 from the end (49), front post triple crochet last 6, chain 3 turn.
Repeat rows 3 and 4 till you get the width of a pant leg. I used a pair of stretch pants to compare. (19 total rows)

CROTCH:
You should end at the top of the pants (the half double crochets) and do 4 short rows ending where you want the crotch to end (33). Once again I used a pair of knit pants to measure. Still do the front post half double crochets at the top, but don't do the triple crotchets at the bottom. You should end at the top and now you are going to start the second pant leg.


SECOND PANT LEG and BACK OF SECOND PANT LEG:
Row1: Front post half double crochet the first 5 stitches, continue with front post double crochet's (28) till the end of the crotch, then chain till the end of the leg (27). Chain 3 turn.
Row2: triple crochet the next 5 stitches and continue with double crochet's until you get to the laurabangerter.servehttp.com body (22), then do front post double crochets till you get to 6 till the end (27) and do front post half double crochets for the next 6. Chain 2 turn.
Repeat rows 3 and 4 from the front pant leg until you get the same 2 times the same # of rows as the first pant leg.

BOTTOM:
From the top of the pants (the half double crochets) do 6 short rows, but this time make them about an inch and a half longer than the crotch short rows (40).

BACK OF 1st Pant Leg
Do the same thing you did for the second pant leg but only do the # of rows you did for the front pant leg (19)


SEW THE SIDE SEAM:
I did a slip stich down the side of the leg only picking up the front loops, to give it a sort of ribbed effect. It works ok unstretched but stretched it is kind of noticable. If someone has a better idea I'd love to know it. Tie the end and weave the extra yarn in the pants.

SEW THE PANT AND CROTCH SEAMS:
This part is kind of difficult because you have more rows in the back than the front. On the pant legs I used a slip stich picking up only the front loops to give it a ribbed effect. I just tried to gather the crotch parts together evenly. It might help to start at the top and work down one leg and then start at the top and work down the second leg. I'm not sure. I just kind of sewed it together. Sorry I'm not more help.

WAIST BAND:
Make a chain long enough to go around your baby and tie a bow. Then using a yarn needle weave the chain around the waist 5 stiches from the top. I put the bow in back so she would play with it, but in front would work too.

Ta da!!!!

Sorry the pattern isn't more exact, but I'm not a very detailed oriented person…

SUGGESTIONS:
If you don't want the flared legs just ignore the triple crochet stitches and do double instead.

Like I said the resulting longies are very thick. The ribbing is what makes them so thick, so if you only did the front post stitches every other row I think it might work out well. I'm not sure if you should only do them going up, or going down. Doing this you would have to think about where the ribs are in relation to the seams etc. If I make another pair I'm going to try it.

10 months

Oops I didn't get a chance to post for a few months partly because Selena has become mobile and I've been busy chasing her around. She started with an inch worm crawl where she would get up on all fours lean forward and fall to her tummy and then start the whole process over. She did that for a few weeks and then she figured out the "cross" crawl and has become pretty fast. She also has become very proficient at crusing along the furniture. I am sure her first steps will be coming shortly.

She is also babbling a lot. Ma ma ma, da da da, ba ba ba, etc. Sometimes I think she might be meaning to say mama and dada, but I'm not sure. In addition to her babbling she loves to growl. I thought she would out grow that habit quickly but she has been growling for a few months now.

She is growing so quickly and it is so fun to be around her while she is learning and exploring the world. We love her so much.

7 months

Selena is now 7 months old and the last month has been filled with trying new foods and trying to crawl. It is very hard for her and she gets quite frustrated, but she is getting the hang of it and I am sure any day now she will be cruising all over.

Her other great adventure is eating real food. Of course, like anything else, there are lots of "philosophies" on how to feed your baby. The traditional American way is to start with rice cereal and progress through the various jars of baby food. At first I thought I would make my own baby food, pureeing it in a blender. I checked out some books at the library on how to make baby food and how to freeze and store it. I even bought a food mill to chop up stuff on the go.



However my mom said that I didn't need baby food and I should just give her anything that you can smash with a fork and she'd be fine. Then some ladies on Babycenter said you didn't even need to cut up the food into small pieces you could just give them a big chunk and see what they did with it. So I've done a little bit of everything. I started with the purees for about 3 weeks and then I started giving her small bites, but she had a hard time grabbing them, so I gave her a few whole pieces of food, like broccoli, a banana, and an apple. She like the first two, but the apple was frustrating for her. Now her pinchy pinchers are working better so she can handle the small bites again. So I've pretty much given up on the purees and just try to make sure that we eat something she can have too.
She enjoys it, and will object when I don't give her the same thing we are having. It is amazing how she'll put the food in her mouth and "chew" it with her gums and swallow it. Sometimes she will stuff A LOT of food in her mouth and I get worried she'll choke. She may gag a little, but she ends up handling it by swallowing or spitting it back out. It is very impressive, well at least to me it is. :)

Selena's Half Birthday

Selena is 6 months old now and it is amazing how fast the past 6 months have gone. My little tiny helpless baby is gone and we have a bigger, baby who can do lots of things like scoot and roll around, remain sitting if we put her there, remain standing for a little bit if we put her there. She has started eating solid foods and can use the spoon herself. She has gone on a growth spurt the last couple of months and actually increased in the both the height and weight percentiles.

Floyd has gone back to school and I officially quit my job, however I am working part time from home for an unknown interim. I have joined some mom's groups to keep us busy, since Selena loves to go out and meet people, and tends to dislike staying at home. Whenever we go out she smiles at everyone and they comment on what a happy a baby she is, however when we get home she seems very unsatisfied and is constantly whining. Part of the problem is that she is teething. It is also good for me to get out of the house and make some new friends.

I am looking forward to the holidays. I think it will be a lot of fun dressing her up for Halloween, getting together with family for Thanksgiving, and all the Christmas festivities.

Using Cloth Diapers Really Isn't Hard

Ok so I've been cloth diapering Selena for five months so I feel like I have enough experience to share, and show that it really isn't inconvenient.

First of all I'd like to explain two common misconceptions related to cloth diapering now:

You don't have to pin - Now you can buy fancy diapers that have velcro or snaps and go on just like disposables, or if you want to go the route of diapers and covers you can use a neat invention called a snappi that allows you to fasten the diaper without pins.


You don't have to store dirty ones in a bucket of water - You can throw the dirty diaper, without any solids (so runny poop is fine) into a garbage pail lined with a waterproof bag and when ready to wash, throw the whole bag and diapers into your washing machine and dryer.

Click here for more myths about cloth diapering



Now for the my top reasons to cloth diaper:

1. They are so incredibly cute: I like changing diapers because I can put on a new cute cover or pocket diaper. I love sewing the diapers, and I love shopping for diapers. It really is fun. Here is a collection of cute diaper baby bums from the babycenter diapering your baby message board. The ladies at on this board know everything about cloth diapering so if you have any questions you can go there.

2. You can save a lot of money: Cloth can cost a bit up front but it is well worth it in the long run. However if you do become addicted to buying diapers then you could end up spending more then you meant to, but still overall you will spend less. If you plan on having more than one kid you can reuse them, and they have a fairly high resale value (diaperswappers.com) so you can get some of your investment back.


3. It is safer for your baby. Our babies are bombarded with chemicals all the time so I try to limit it as much as possible. http://www.realdiaperassociation.org/diaperfacts.php

4. It is better for the environment: I really don't believe claims to the contrary because they just don't make sense. http://www.mothering.com/articles/new_baby/diapers/joy-of-cloth.html

Click here for more reasons to cloth diaper.

Why cloth diapers are more convenient than disposables:

1. If you have a big enough "stash" you won't run out and you never have to make emergency trips to the store

2. While your baby isn't immune from diaper rash, most babies have less instance of diaper rash because cloth diapers breathe more, tend to be changed more often and less allergic reaction. So if you cloth diaper you won't have to fight diaper rashes as often (hopefully ever).

3. When you visit people you don't have to impose your dirty diapers on their garbage cans.

4. Lots of people have less case of "diaper blowouts" or leaks. Cloth diapers tend to have more coverage and thus can contain better. I have never had a poopy diaper blowout using cloth, but have had quite a few with disposables.

5. Lots of people also report that potty training occurs earlier since the child can feel when they are wet.

6. Disposables stink! You definitely notice a difference if you normally use cloth and then put a disposable on your baby. You are constantly thinking they are poopy even when they aren't.

7. You don't have to worry about them getting wet. When you use a disposable diaper and it gets wet, a gooey gel covers your poor baby. If your little one is wearing cloth it is perfectly okay for them to get in a pool, or run through the sprinkler. Cloth diapers work great as swim diapers.

So if I managed to convince you try cloth diapering:

Here is a great link for the different kinds of diapers systems and their pros and cons

But if you don't like to research and don't want to think about it this is what I think provides the best combined value and convenience:

• 2-3 dozen prefolds Greenmountaindiapers.com have the best prefolds. I suggest the yellow edge ones for newborns, and the brown edge ones for 4-6month and older.
  

• 6-8 covers (super soft minky cover, bummis, thirsties) Edited to add: Just tried the old fashioned pull on covers and they are absolutely bulletproof when it comes to leaks and they are really inexpensive (http://www.babybestbuy.com/diapering-nylon-pants-2.asp). Covers with gussets (like the thirsties ones) are important for newborns.
  


• 6-8 one size pocket diapers (Bum Genius, Blueberry Minky)
  


• 4 snappis
  


• 2 pail liners
  


• 1 wet bag
  


• 3-4 dozen cloth wipes (you can use baby washcloths or just cut up some flannel or buy special cloth wipes

This will cost you about $300 and you can cloth diaper full time. You will probably need to wash every other day or every two days. The covers can be reused until they get soiled(which happens quite a bit with a newborn) or stinky. If you are starting with a newborn you will need to buy bigger prefolds and covers at around 4-6 months and if you have a large baby you might need to buy more covers again when they are a toddler. Since I suggest one size pocket diapers they should last you till potty training. But of course sometimes you enjoy it so much that you want to try all the different options, or just want to buy new cute diapers because they are cute.

If you want to try a bunch of different diapers without being out much money. Jillian's Drawers has a program where you can try different cloth diapers for $10 and return whatever you don't like and pay and keep what you do.

To wash your diapers:

Put all dirty diapers, covers and wipes in a garbage can lined with a washable pail liner. Every other day dump all the diapers and covers, plus the pail liner (turn the pail liner inside out so you don't have to touch the dirty diapers) into the wash. Set your washing machine for a cold pre-rinse, hot wash, and post rinse. Use half the amount of detergent you usually use. Then stick them in the dryer. Then I take them out of the dryer and stick them all into the pail liner (so I don't need a basket) bring them upstairs and quickly sort them into baskets (I have a wipe basket, diaper basket, cover basket and pocket basket). It only takes a couple of minutes to sort them.

I do have to admit that the hardest part is finding a wash routine that works. Because the diapers are so absorbant some detergents build up on the diapers causing them to not smell pleasant. Sometimes if your water isn't the right hardness it can cause problems. I have a front loader, so regular detergent didn't seem to get them really clean, so I ended up buying Allens Naturally biodegradable detergent and I combine that with a dollop of Simple Green multi purpose cleaner and now I don't have any problems. I have to admit it took me a few weeks to figure this out and I was getting frustrated, but with a little perseverence and experimentation I no longer have a problem. If you do have problems there is a lot of information online to help you resolve it.

Conclusion

See it really is easy. Washing them doesn't take up much time. Cloth diapering really takes just a little bit more organization then anything else and it really can be fun. It might sound crazy, but if there is a way to make changing diapers fun shouldn't you try it?

All in one day

So today was a busy day for Selena. She stood up, supporting herself on the couch all by herself. I find it incredible how she can become so advanced all of a sudden. First it was smiling, one day she didn't smile much then the next she smiled all the time. Then it was grabbing things. She wouldn't be able to hold things very well and then one day she could grab anything she wanted. Now its rolling over. She has been able to roll over for a while but she didn't really use the skill that much. However today she was rolling and scooting every which way. It is so incredible that just a few months ago she couldn't do anything for herself except eat.

Here is a link to a video of her standing up. I didn't want to post it because it makes me look like a bad mother because I let her fall, but Floyd thinks its hilarious. Luckily Selena is a really tough baby and topples, clipping her fingers with nail clippers, or the dog bumping her a bit doesn't faze her at all. She does really well with her shots too.

It is also really cute to note that she now notices Dyna and likes to pet her. Dyna returns the favor by licking her all over. Dyna was very concerned when she did topple over and jumped up to make sure she was all right and then looked at me as if to say, "Why did you let her do that?" Later Dyna was trying to get Selena to throw the ball for her by placing it in her bouncy seat.



Oh and talk about advanced she can also golf!

I love being a mom

Gosh it has been a while, but with a new baby, work, and a diaper sewing and babycenter addiction I haven't had the energy to post.

Selena is almost 4 months old now. She is getting more social and playful. She can roll over (tummy to back), grab toys, and put her binky back in her mouth if it is kind of close. She still loves her swing and that is her favorite place to nap. She sleeps like a baby... Sometimes well, sometimes not. I read a bunch of baby sleep books and then got annoyed and decided I wasn't going to stress about it because when she sleeps well she sleeps well, and when she doesn't it's usually because its a growth spurt, she's hot, or she's gassy, or some other mysterious thing that might bother babies (like maybe a full moon).

I switched to working part time, because working full time and trying to take care of her at the same time was way too stressful. Working part time seems to be a great balance. I have been getting a lot done at work, and when I come home I can enjoy taking care of her without worrying too much about work. Floyd is home for the summer and just had his first week of being in charge. She loves her daddy and is always smiling at him, and laughing at him. She seems to think it is hilarious when he takes a bad beat playing poker, or maybe she is just trying to make him feel better. I am a little scared about finding day care for her in the fall, and letting someone else take care of my most precious baby, but it will only be for 4 hours and I'm sure it will all work out fine.

The cloth diapers are working great. At first I was getting a little frustrated because I didn't have a good washing routine that works. But I finally found the perfect potion of laundry detergent to make them coming out smelling great, so I am once again as excited about them as I was before she was born. So I am going to make a post very soon trying to convince all future and current parents how great they are.

I know I've sworn off sewing my own if the next one I made wasn't good, but then I did make two great looking ones, but then they weren't so great because they leak/wick. But the more I make the more I learn so I keep thinking, "Next time it will be perfect," and I do enjoy sewing so I guess I'll keep at it. But now that she is getting bigger I feel like I can buy the really fancy ones because she can wear a size medium and those will fit her for a long period of time. So I now I just have to restrain myself and not go crazy buying diapers because it really can be a bad addiction.

Update on Selena

Selena is 7 weeks old today and she is getting much bigger. She enjoys eating, sitting in her swing, getting her diaper changed, taking a bath, and being carried in a sling. She does not like riding in a car without someone in the back seat, lying on her back in her crib or bassinet for more than a few minutes (but on the bathroom floor while mom is taking a shower is ok), or being held while you are sitting down. The fact that she does not like riding in the car is very hard for me and I am trying everything I can to not have a screaming baby during car rides. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know.

She sleeps fairly well at night, usually giving me about 4-5 hours of sleep, wakes up and eats, and then sleeps another 2-3. Some nights she probably doesn't even bother Floyd.

She doesn't do many tricks yet. She can scoot/wiggle 180 degrees when she is on the floor on her belly. She almost rolled over once but then got frustrated and started crying.

I've had a lot of fun making baby carriers - slings, pouches and wraps. I've also made some more pretty fancy diapers, but I'm not very good at it and mine tend to leak. Oops. I'm going to give it one or two more trys and if I can't figure it out I'm going to quit!

That is about it. I start going back to work next week so hopefully Selena will enjoy helping me write software.

Go here to see pictures of our beautiful girl. http://laurasweb.servehttp.com/selena

Living With a Newborn

I've been getting lots of email from people asking how everyone is doing, but haven't had much time to answer everyone. But we are all doing well. Selena is two and a half weeks old, and she sleeps well most nights, there have been a some nights that she has been upset, but they are fewer than the ones where she doesn't fuss much. She sleeps in the play pen next to our bed, but sometimes I do fall asleep with her in our bed.

Breastfeeding is hard work, but we are getting better at it. We got her weighed yesterday and she was exactly at her birth weight (babies lose some weight initially and then gain it back) so the doctor was concerned because ideally she should be a little more by now. Except she is goes through a ton of diapers, and she doesn't look like a dehydrated baby so she wasn't too worried. So I had an appointment with the lactation nurse today, and she said I was doing everything right and that Selena looked great and she is sure that her weight gain will pick up.

We are using cloth diapers and so far it seems to be going well and isn't a whole lot of trouble. I just throw them in the wash for a few hours and then take them out and bring them back up stairs. It just takes a few minutes to sort them into the appropriate baskets. Some of the cute diapers I made her are already getting on the smallish side. :( And Floyd has done a good job changing her dirty diapers. She always seems to dirty one when she is in his lap.

She is absolutely adorable and I just love to stare at her. From the moment she was born she made squeaky noises. So we call her Squeaker. Dyna is getting used to her and has been fairly good. She likes sniffing her and giving her kisses.

I've had a lot of wonderful help. My mom, dad, sister and brother all have stayed a night or more to help out by making cooking and cleaning. My mother-in-law brought some food for us, and this week Breea is in town and has been great with cooking, cleaning and assembling baby paraphernalia.