Photo Contest

The Nest Baby is having a Bump Picture contest. Top prize is a trip to Jamaica, a photo shoot/magazine spread, and a gift basket.

Not only would I love a vacation but I'd like to get Lisa some publicity too. Vote early, vote often, vote before May 5.

Thanks!

Portraits While Pregnant

I'm not really into the usual maternity pictures, but I like portraits taken during pregnancy. Lisa came over today and took some fabulous photos. Here are a few of my favorites. (FYI, Sid is not the easiest subject since she is so timid. I'm thrilled to have shots of her!)

Sid wanting some snuggle time

Baby Violet, already walking all over her cousin

... like it's hot

I think it is possible that Charlie has dropped. I noticed this morning that he felt lower and I think there is more room for snacks to rest on my belly.

Mom couldn't really tell when she stopped by today, so I could be way off. But maybe just maybe he's getting ready.

Guessing game

I've set up a pool for Charlie's arrival. See the link to the left.

Sling and Wrap Contest

Boo Bear Buns is having a "pick our new fabrics" contest on organic slings and wraps. Enter your choices for a chance to win one!

http://slingandsacks.blogspot.com

Diaper pics are coming soon!

Progress in the Nursery

Working in 10-15 minute bursts, I've actually been able to make progress on the nursery. Here is the latest in before/after pictures of the biggest project.

Limited mobility

Well, that did not last long.

I had an appointment today (I'm already to weekly appointments!) and asked my doctor about some pains I've been having off and on for a few months. Over the last week or so they have gotten more intense and last much longer. It's almost constant now.

Her advice? Stay off my feet, take it easy, and lie down as much as possible. Ugh. While I'm happy I wasn't put on bedrest, this doesn't feel that far from it. So I comforted myself by getting a pedicure on my way home. I've tried to stay off my feet all day and it does feel better. I was able to get up this evening a do a couple of things in a 10 minute spurt.

I've been feeling so great throughout this pregnancy that I am a little discouraged by this latest development. But Charlie is still doing well- very wiggly. And I do have help nearby. All I need is to keep my sanity a few more weeks. I've never been so happy to have Netflix.

This is what we call "nesting"

So, up until recently, I have gotten tired easily during the day. Little tasks have left me needing a nap. Well, that's all changing now!

I've begun doing marathon errand running (which is actually better since I use less gas). Yesterday I ran errands for 5 hours. And when I got home I still had energy to start painting the dresser for the nursery. Perhaps some of my sister, Lisa's, energy rubbed off on me. After visiting her on Wednesday afternoon I am reinspired to make the nursery a true nursery instead of a cross-mojination of nursery/guest room/office. The little guy deserves it.

Once I get a couple of projects finished in there- re-moving the furniture and painting the dresser, I think it will be done. Then I can get back to sewing diapers! I'm hoping Mom will be able to play hookey one day soon and help me crank these babies out. So far I am using a one-woman assembly line and it is going really well. However, doing the same task 65 times gets boring no matter how many episodes of Arrested Development you have on dvd.

My tips for making your own diapers:
- Buy a real pattern. There are lots out there for free on the internet, but they are free for a reason. I am using the All In One pattern from www.verybaby.com. It is very versatile with easy instructions. Jessica also has a list of women who will put snaps on your dipes for a small fee if you don't want to fork out the cash for a snap press.
- Join a co-op. Yahoo groups has several diaper making communities where you can buy fabric and notions for close to cost. I love PULPurchasePower for the waterproof cover supplies. It is quick and the moderators are very good. I've also joined a couple of others for sherpa, lastin, loop fabric, and other notions. I bought flannel at JoAnn's and used a coupon to make it very affordable. Same thing with Alove suedecloth for liners.
-Buy some prefolds anyway. All In Ones are great for ease when you are on the go. They are user friendly, but not laundry friendly. Good, quality prefolds are economical, easy to use (with a little practice), and can be used for doublers in AIOs. There's also no shame in picking up a few premade covers.
-Take advantage of others. There is a site where women trade diapers and accessories called www.diaperswappers.com. I just picked up 6 newborn size covers in great used condition for $12- including shipping! It's also a great place to recoop money on systems that don't work for you and your baby.
-Educate yourself. Cloth diapers have come a l-o-n-g way since the days our moms dunked dipes in the potty. And while the old style diaper is still a great system, there are fancier, easier, and less yucky ways to diaper now. I found the info in the FAQ (under resources) at verybaby to be very honest and helpful. Many women check out www.diaperpin.com for advice, but I found it overwhelming and sometimes contradictory.
-Do It Yourself. Whenever you can, make your own dipes, wipes, wetbags, etc. All In Ones can run anywhere from $15-$20+ dollars each. I estimate that my diapers are costing me about $4 each, and that is because I splurged on some sherpa for the layer closest to Charlie's booty. Two sites for thrifty diapering that I really enjoy are http://www.borntolove.com/frugal-diapering.html and http://www.fernandfaerie.com/frugaldiapering.html. These ladies are awesome!
Good luck to all you crafty people! If you have more questions, let me know. I'll definitely be posting diaper pics soon. You've gotta see this stash.