tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59943511472351808522024-03-14T00:10:09.722-07:00the mustachioed ladybugpregnancy, baby & beyond!Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16197981529755988031noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994351147235180852.post-2419061848279948702011-07-30T20:02:00.000-07:002011-07-30T20:02:34.661-07:00Morning/Afternoon/Evening Sickness<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am oh-so-grateful that this pregnancy has been nothing like my first pregnancy. I lost count of the times I lost my lunch (breakfast, dinner...).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Here is a long list of tips that helped me (and my friends Melissa and Melissa, who had an even harder time during their pregnancies) tame nausea/morning sickness: </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">-eat smaller meals, more often, especially right before bed, immediately in the morning</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">-don't get too full, or too hungry</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">-sparkling water (La Croix/HEB) or Topo Chico</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">-learn triggers (for me it was citrus and acidic foods)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">-use lavender essential oil to smell, if sensitive to smells</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">-ginger/peppermint tea</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">-acupuncture</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">-switch to cinnamon toothpaste (not sure why but it helps)</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">-Claritin (sometimes)<br />
-cinnamon gum, mints, lemon drops, etc. stuff to suck on (tons left to share)<br />
-candy (like skittles or starbursts)<br />
-saltine crackers<br />
-emetrol<br />
-ginger in any form (candied ginger in cookies, ginger ale)<br />
-motion sickness bands, "psi bands"<br />
-Vit. B6 with Unisom<br />
-Phenergan or Zofran </span></div><div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">-sipping ice cold, fresh squeezed lemonade through a straw</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">-frozen lemon bars from the grocery store</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">-morning sickness magic (it's an all natural capsule that you take 4 times a day - it's a mixture of vitamin b6, folic acid and ginger)</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">-ginger root capsules </span></div><br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16197981529755988031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994351147235180852.post-38967118672025867312011-07-02T20:23:00.000-07:002011-07-17T13:05:50.275-07:00Picture Pages: Monday Is One Day<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Monday-One-Day-Arthur-Levine/dp/0439789249?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Monday is One Day" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0439789249&tag=themustachioe-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0439789249" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> </div>Know any working parents? Of course, we do! This is the perfect book for families with working parents, reminding us to enjoy the special routines we share that get us through the work week. <br />
<br />
In February, I attended my very first Austin SCBWI conference and had an awesome opportunity to meet the author, Arthur Levine, and illustrator, Julian Hector, of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Monday-One-Day-Arthur-Levine/dp/0439789249?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Monday is One Day</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0439789249" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. It was so special to hear how the idea of the story originated, a story which so many of us busy, loving, working parents can relate. Arthur Levine was a brand new dad, enjoying the first few months with his newborn son, when he started to dread his return to working full-time (as a book editor). Out of that experience culminated a lovely book for both parents and children, to ease the transition from weekend-together-time to back-to-grind weekdays. <br />
<br />
The bright illustrations show every day families connecting in their own familiar ways. I imagine that this book might help adults process time away from their children, just as much (if not more?) as it would help children get through Monday through Friday. A great addition to any little library!Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16197981529755988031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994351147235180852.post-35355361326291784652011-02-14T19:58:00.000-08:002011-02-14T19:58:00.640-08:00Thermometers, Thermometers, ThermometersI am in love with the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Exergen-Temporal-Scanner-Infrared-Thermometer/dp/B0015TIZGQ?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Exergen Thermometer</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0015TIZGQ" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. It makes taking temperatures, way too easy and fun (with a simple, quiet forehead scan). It's around $30 (I found ours at Target). It was even quiet enough to scan my daughter's head while she slept! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Exergen-Temporal-Scanner-Infrared-Thermometer/dp/B0015TIZGQ?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Exergen Temporal Scanner Infrared Thermometer" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B0015TIZGQ&tag=themustachioe-20" /></a></div> <img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0015TIZGQ" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><br />
I had initially bought the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/MOBI-70119-Digital-Ultra-Thermometer/dp/B000HZF0W6?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Mobi Thermometer</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000HZF0W6" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. My daughter loved how it loudly stated her temperature. It notoriously gave a wide a range of temperatures, but when it said that my daughter's temperature was 102 in one ear, 104 in the other ear and 108 on her forehead, I decided it was time to say goodbye to this ridicuously inaccurate device. Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16197981529755988031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994351147235180852.post-70969855477760504922011-02-14T19:49:00.000-08:002011-02-14T19:49:24.177-08:00Boogers'Tis the season for runny noses! I thought I'd share my favorite tools for dealing with the snotty noses, colds, sinus infections, allergies that abound this time of year.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Simply-Saline-Baby-Nasal-2-Ounce/dp/B000RDLPHC?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Simply Saline Baby Nasal Mist, 2-Ounce" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B000RDLPHC&tag=themustachioe-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000RDLPHC" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> </div><br />
I have a strange love for nasal irrigation myself (life-changing for me!) and so naturally, I was thrilled to find the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Simply-Saline-Baby-Nasal-2-Ounce/dp/B000RDLPHC?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Simply Saline Baby Nasal Mist</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000RDLPHC" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. I highly recommend making up a song and dance to go with the nasal spray action (i.e. bo-po-dee-doo-*spray* and repeat on other nostril). I also highly recommend spraying nose in between bouts of allergies and colds so that your child doesn't forget how fun it is to have their nose sprayed (and refuses to allow you to do so when you really need to!). Although I haven't tried it, I'm sure that <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Little-Noses-Saline-Stuffy-1-Ounce/dp/B001G7QWZ8?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Little Noses Saline Spray/Drops</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001G7QWZ8" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> are great too.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nosefrida-The-Snotsucker-Nasal-Aspirator/dp/B00171WXII?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Nosefrida The Snotsucker Nasal Aspirator" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B00171WXII&tag=themustachioe-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00171WXII" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> I know this next one will sound completely disgusting, but I assure you it's only a little bit disgusting. The Nose Frida is much like the traditional nose bulb that is used to suck boogers out, except it is much more advanced because you actually put the red end of the tube in your mouth and literally suck the boogers out of your child's nose. Worried about boogers finding their way into your mouth? Rest assured, there is a sponge that prevents that from happening (and even if the sponge wasn't there, it seems like a difficult feat to do). When there are boogers in there, the Nose Frida will be your best friend. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001PN82LA" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Boogie-Wipes-Saline-Wipes-Original-Scent/dp/B001PN82LA?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Boogie Wipes Saline Nose Wipes-Original Scent - Set of 3 (90 Wipes Total)" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B001PN82LA&tag=themustachioe-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001PN82LA" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have heard from more than one mother about the awesomeness of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Boogie-Wipes-Saline-Wipes-Original-Scent/dp/B001PN82LA?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Boogie Wipes</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001PN82LA" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. Regular wipes appear to sting and irritate their chapped noses. This is the way to go!<br />
<br />
When my daughter requires a humidifier, I like to put a few drops of eucalpytus oil where the air comes out (not in the water). It seems to help her breathe a little easier and it smells good too. <br />
<br />
We have also tried <a href="http://www.amazon.com/California-Baby-Bubble-Bath-Colds/dp/B000GZJJ38?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">California Baby's Bubble Bath- Colds & Flu</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000GZJJ38" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. The aromatherapy is perfect for those congested noses. <br />
<br />
Stay healthy, my friends!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16197981529755988031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994351147235180852.post-67140699791233630262010-12-05T19:08:00.000-08:002010-12-05T19:08:31.510-08:00Picture Pages: Of Thee I Sing<div style="text-align: left;">I picked up Barack Obama's newest book this week, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Thee-Sing-Letter-My-Daughters/dp/037583527X?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=037583527X" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. It is an exquisite children's book, filled with gorgeous illustrations (which our President did not do, Loren Long did) and inspiring messages to his daughters interspersed with incredible stories in American history. This book is a lovely gift or the perfect addition to your own library.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Thee-Sing-Letter-My-Daughters/dp/037583527X?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=037583527X&tag=themustachioe-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=037583527X" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> </div>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16197981529755988031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994351147235180852.post-88072988941058126562010-11-18T18:58:00.000-08:002010-11-18T18:58:56.678-08:00BabywearingI don't know what I would do without my babywearing gear! Especially during those first few months when my darling daughter would only take long naps when I was holding her. My favorite is the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Ktan-Organic-Carrier-Honey/dp/B003WIZDSQ?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Baby K'Tan</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B003WIZDSQ" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />- it's really comfortable, affordable ($45 and up), washable and easy to throw on (I could even put it on and put my daughter in it without putting her down). It's like the Moby, but without the complicated twists, ties, and adjustments. <br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ergo-Carrier-Black-Camel-Lining/dp/B0010PW3A4?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Ergo</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0010PW3A4" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> is awesome too- it's what I use now (because I've loaned out my Baby K'Tan!). I wish we would have saved our $100 on this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Serena-Lily-Prague-Organic-Marigold/dp/B001EQ3MEU?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">beautifully embroidered sling by Serena & Lily</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001EQ3MEU" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> and bought <a href="http://www.bodenusa.com/">Mini Boden</a> clothes instead! We had a hand-me-down Baby Bjorn that my husband wears. If you're interested in a Baby Bjorn, hit the resale shops. <br />
<br />
Here's <a href="http://www.askdrsears.com/html/5/t051100.asp">a link to the benefits of babywearing</a>. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Organic-Carrier-Natural-Small/dp/B001NIFOJA?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Baby K'Tan Organic Baby Carrier, Natural, Small" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B001NIFOJA&tag=themustachioe-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001NIFOJA" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></div>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16197981529755988031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994351147235180852.post-28822925273142679032010-10-23T19:51:00.000-07:002010-10-23T19:51:46.829-07:00TMIIn the first few weeks following my daughter's birth, I had my share of "snarts." Sure, sure- it is mostly funny, and only a little bit embarrassing when it is in front of your mother or husband. However, I was petrified that this would become a public thing and had already begun practicing how I'd laugh this off in front of my friends (or would it just be easier to become a recluse?). It seemed that the R&R, sitz baths, Tuck's pads, "maxsicles," and kegels were helping, but just not enough. Then, I read <a href="http://mamasweat.blogspot.com/2010/05/pelvic-floor-party-kegels-are-not.html">this practically-life-changing blog post from Mama Sweat</a> about incorporating exercises for your glutes. Voila! It was like magic! Snarts-be-gone. Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16197981529755988031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994351147235180852.post-75335170176600775082010-09-21T19:16:00.000-07:002010-10-27T18:37:29.122-07:00Cloth Wipes<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/bumGenius-Natural-Flannel-Baby-Wipes/dp/B0012IJBUE?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="bumGenius Natural Flannel Baby Wipes - Pack of 12" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B0012IJBUE&tag=themustachioe-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0012IJBUE" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> </div>Did you know that the average family spends $800 on baby wipes? Yikes! Our family uses cloth wipes and we have found that they are not only less expensive than disposable wipes but they smell so much better too!<br />
<br />
Want to try it? My absolute favorite wipes are BumGenius bamboo wipes but cloth wipes are easy to make, from flannel, terrycloth, old t-shirts, etc. Every other week (or so) I take a 32 ounce plastic bottle and fill it with about a tbsp. of Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap (I like lavender), 1 tbsp. of olive oil (or mineral, Johnson & Johnson, etc.), 4-10 drops of essential oil (I like lavender or geranium)- and then fill the remainder of the container with water. I use an empty baby wipes container and put about 10-15 cloth wipes in before I soak them in the wipe solution. I've heard that some parents use a wipe warmer too. Happy wiping!Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16197981529755988031noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994351147235180852.post-58983169709275701122010-09-04T14:51:00.000-07:002010-09-04T14:51:29.099-07:00My New Favorite Thing<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Twilight-Constellation-Night-Light/dp/B000VZKGYY?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Cloud b Twilight Constellation Night Light, Lady Bug" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B000VZKGYY&tag=themustachioe-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000VZKGYY" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> </div>We recently received the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Twilight-Constellation-Night-Light/dp/B000VZKGYY?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">cloud b Twilight Constellation Night Light Ladybug</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000VZKGYY" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> as a gift and LOVE it. Its calming, projected constellation stars are the perfect distraction when my one year old daughter is fussy and tired. The stars project for 45 minutes in a glow of red, green or blue. There is also a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Twilight-Constellation-Night-Turtle/dp/B000BNQC58?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">cloud b Twilight Turtle</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000BNQC58" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> that appears to have the same function.<br />
<br />
It is so wonderful, my husband has mentioned several times that he would like to buy one for our room too.Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16197981529755988031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994351147235180852.post-88312012032929829002010-08-27T19:59:00.000-07:002010-08-27T19:59:50.905-07:00Picture Pages: All The WorldMy little D just celebrated her first birthday. I thought it was the perfect opportunity to start a tradition of buying her a book for each birthday. I felt a lot of pressure to find <i>the</i> <i>perfect book</i>. But I did, easily! I could tell you how much I love the illustrations in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/All-World-Liz-Garton-Scanlon/dp/1416985808?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">All the World</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1416985808" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> (it's a Caldecott Honor Award Winner), or how I love how it is written by Austin author Liz Garton Scanlon, or I could tell you about the beautiful simplicity of the text. But I really think you should just check it out for yourself. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/All-World-Liz-Garton-Scanlon/dp/1416985808?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="All the World" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1416985808&tag=themustachioe-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1416985808" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16197981529755988031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994351147235180852.post-28219039354139525492010-07-18T20:58:00.000-07:002010-07-18T20:58:04.375-07:00Music For the (Tiny) PeopleI swear that 'Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap' by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rockabye-Baby-Lullaby-Renditions-AC/dp/B0011V7OO2?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions of AC/DC</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0011V7OO2" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> got me through some tough moments with a newborn. Oh, the irony to hear that song on a xylophone, while addressing a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paw0M7p1-8k">Number Three</a>!<br />
<br />
Some of our other favorite albums for playtime are <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Snacktime/dp/B00187TXN4?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Bare Naked Ladies-Snacktime</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00187TXN4" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Family-Time-Ziggy-Marley/dp/B001UREJUY?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Ziggy Marley-Family Time</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001UREJUY" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> (we love the song "Walk Tall") and anything by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/New-Orleans-Playground-Putumayo-Kids/dp/B000I2IQNS?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Putumayo Kids</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000I2IQNS" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. <br />
<br />
We are also into Ernie & Bert's Greatest Hits, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fiesta-Songs-Sesame-Street/dp/B000002A0J?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Sesame Street Fiesta Songs</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000002A0J" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />, Cowgirl Sue- Giddy Up! Whoa!, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Disneys-Greatest-1-Various-Artists/dp/B000059T07?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Disney Greatest Hits Collection</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000059T07" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Best-Laurie-Berkner-Band/dp/B003KNDMFY?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Laurie Berkner</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B003KNDMFY" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. Need a soundtrack for toddler tantrums? It's so much more fun when one can sing <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Meltdown-Justin-Roberts/dp/B000EHQ832?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Justin Roberts</a>-Meltdown (ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-meltown!). <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Humpty-Who-Course-Nursery-Clueless/dp/B0029Q1FPC?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"><br />
</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Putumayo-Kids-Sing-Along/dp/B0001CNQ44?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Putumayo Kids: Sing Along With Putumayo" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B0001CNQ44&tag=themustachioe-20" /></a></div> <img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0001CNQ44" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><br />
Let me know what your favorites are. We try to keep it fresh (and so clean, clean!) in our household.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Disclaimer</i>: I'm not responsible when you can't get <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Putumayo-Kids-Sing-Along/dp/B0001CNQ44?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Bananaphone</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0001CNQ44" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mickey-Mouse-Clubhouse-Various-Artists/dp/B000FZDILS?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">They Might Be Giants' Hot Dog</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000FZDILS" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> out of your head.</span>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16197981529755988031noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994351147235180852.post-34347266576985425482010-07-18T20:40:00.000-07:002010-07-18T20:44:28.789-07:00Pregnancy on the World Wide Web<div>As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I wanted all the information I could find (What was happening to my body? My emotions? <i>Mywaaaaah!</i>). I signed up for the weekly emails from the <a href="http://www.americanpregnancy.org/">American Pregnancy Association</a> and <a href="http://www.babycenter.com/">Babycenter</a>. I devoured information from <a href="http://www.askdrsears.com/">Dr. Sears</a>. I chose to take a <a href="http://www.hypnobabies.com/">Hypnobabies</a> course and watched many births on youtube for inspiration. <br />
<br />
Nesting? I got lost for hours on <a href="http://www.projectnursery.com/">Project Nursery</a>. <br />
<br />
I was (and still am) a podcast junkie. I heard lots of great information from <a href="http://www.pregtastic.com/">Pregtastic podcasts</a>. I also enjoyed a (free!) prenatal yoga routine from <a href="http://yogadownload.com/">YogaDownload.com</a>.<br />
<br />
Unlike most women I know, I never hit information overload during pregnancy. I hope these links provide you with helpful information when you need it. This post certainly doesn't cover it all- so tell me, what are your favorite pregnancy resources? </div>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16197981529755988031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994351147235180852.post-16868542913674073162010-07-18T20:23:00.000-07:002010-07-18T20:23:37.514-07:00Picture Pages: Mo Willems<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This week I was challenged by 'Fans of SCBWI' (<a href="http://www.scbwi.org/default.aspx">Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators</a>) on Facebook to "</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="UIStory_Message"><span style="font-size: x-small;">pick a successful writer/illustrator, whether you like their work or not, and write a blog post about what other writers or illustrators can learn from them."</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Big-Frog-Cant-Fit-pop-up/dp/1423114361?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Big Frog Can't Fit In: A pop-up book" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1423114361&tag=themustachioe-20" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="UIStory_Message"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1423114361" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> </span> </span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: inherit;">When I'm reading to a child, I always enjoy stories that make my (and hopefully their) imagination soar. When I'm brainstorming ideas for books, I'm always trying to think outside of the box. What's new and different? What will entertain the little ones? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of my favorite authors and illustrators, Mo Willems, most famous for his Caldecott-award winning book </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Let-Pigeon-Drive-Bus/dp/078681988X?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=078681988X" style="border: medium none ! important; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">, has inspired me to do more than think outside the of the box, or book, but instead makes me want to </span><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">think inside the book</span></i><span style="font-family: inherit;">. When I read any of the Pigeon series, I feel like I am a main character in the story, restraining that mischievous pigeon. I recently read another one of Mo Willems' books, </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Big-Frog-Cant-Fit-pop-up/dp/1423114361?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Big Frog Can't Fit In</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1423114361" style="border: medium none ! important; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and was mesmerized by the brilliance of this story. This pop-up book features a giant frog that (when unfolded) literally is bigger than the book. Why limit ourselves to the dimensions of a storybook? I hope to think <i>inside the book</i> more often in order to inspire the imagination of others as these books have done for me. </span>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16197981529755988031noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994351147235180852.post-36357252817073566612010-07-18T19:34:00.000-07:002010-07-18T19:36:37.142-07:00Picture Pages: Big Board BooksHave you seen these big board books? I recently picked up one of my favorites, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chicka-Boom-Lap/dp/141699999X?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Chicka Chicka Boom Boom</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=141699999X" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> in the new "lap-sized" edition. It is so nice to read a regular-sized book, without worrying about little D tearing any pages. Many, many other titles are available, including <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mouse-Paint-Lap-Sized-Board-Book/dp/0152055339?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Mousepaint</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0152055339" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sheep-Jeep-Lap-Sized-Board-Book/dp/0547237758?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Sheep In A Jeep</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0547237758" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Napping-House-Lap-Sized-Board-Book/dp/0152056203?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Napping House</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0152056203" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chicka-Boom-Lap/dp/141699999X?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: Lap Edition" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=141699999X&tag=themustachioe-20" /></a></div><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=141699999X" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16197981529755988031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994351147235180852.post-26538721854896050792010-07-04T19:14:00.000-07:002011-02-02T19:40:35.069-08:00Cloth Diapering Favorites<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font: 13px/19px Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; margin: 0px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0.6em;"><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">I LOVE cloth diapering. Really, I do. I was surprised by how many people tried to talk me out of it when I was pregnant. Thanks to several yahoo groups, I've found that I'm not the only one who gets excited about talking about everything cloth diapering-related. </span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">My #1 favorite diaper is the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/bumGenius-Flip-Stay-Dry-Insert/dp/B00310GIR0?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">BumGenius Flip diaper</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00310GIR0" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. If I had to do it all over again, I would buy <a href="http://www.babyearth.com/bumgenius-flip-day-pack-w-organic-cotton-insert.html">1 box of the organic</a> , 2-4 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Flip-Snap-Stay-Insert-Individual-Moonbeam/dp/B00310P8YE?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">additional covers</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00310P8YE" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> (or you could try <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Flip-Diaper-stay-dry-insert/dp/B003NTVMX4?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">1 box of the stay dry</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B003NTVMX4" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />), plus 12 additional <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gDiapers-gCloth-Inserts-Medium-6-Count/dp/B002Y27PQ4?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">gcloth inserts</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002Y27PQ4" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. (That's under $150 for diapers, for babies 8-35 lbs!) </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">I like these because they are: economical- the covers are reusable (like pre-folds); customizable- you can put anything absorbent in the cover (including disposable inserts- like the <a href="http://www.babyearth.com/gdiapers-flushable-refills.html">gDiaper disposable/flushable/compostable inserts</a>); easy to clean, fast to dry; has snaps (velcro wears out fast); and they are one-size. I've had 3 leaks in as many months- a record for us, even compared to disposables! My daughter even wears these at night without leaks! </span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">One of the cutest options are <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gDiapers-Flushable-Refills-Medium-32-Count/dp/B0019I6R0E?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">gdiapers</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0019I6R0E" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />, especially adorable now with their <a href="http://www.gdiapers.com/shop/apparel">brand new diaper-coordinated outfits</a>. These diapers are also really versatile (cloth, disposable options) and their website/customer service is impressive. On the downside, we have had numerous leaks and the velcro wears out quickly. </span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Before I discovered the Flip diaper, the <a href="http://www.babyearth.com/bumgenius-organic-one-size-cloth-diaper.html">BumGenius AIO Organic with Snaps</a> was my favorite. My only beef with this diaper is that it takes a long time to dry (a full day in the sun or 2 dryer cycles). Other than that, it's a great option. </span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/FuzziBunz-Size-Cloth-Diaper-Butter/dp/B002OL1TTE?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">FuzziBunz Pocket Diapers</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002OL1TTE" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/BumGenius-3-0-One-Size-Cloth-Diaper-Ribbit/dp/B001R5KUE8?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">BumGenius 3.0</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001R5KUE8" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> are good options. The FB diaper has snaps, the BG has velcro. I have had a fair amount of leaks with these diapers. </span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">I bought a 5 pack of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kushies-Reusable-Ultra-Diapers-Infants/dp/B0000649E1?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Kushies AIOs</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0000649E1" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> on a website closeout. These were great during the time that they fit my daughter, but that seemed like a pretty short window. </span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Econobum-Individual/dp/B00312EFQO?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">BumGenius Econobum</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00312EFQO" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> is worthless! My husband, a king of puns, likes to call them "The Econo-Bum-Me-Out" diaper. The included absorbnt insert is terrible at doing its job, absorbing- we've had a leak every single time (and yes, I washed these 6+ times before using). Spend $8 more dollars and buy the Flip diaper!</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">I'm really satisfied with our Flip Diapers, but I am intrigued about the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gro-Baby-Shell-Set-Wildflowers/dp/B002VUCADW?ie=UTF8&tag=themustachioe-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Gro Baby diapers</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=themustachioe-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002VUCADW" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. Has anyone tried these? Or have another favorite? </span></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></span>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16197981529755988031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994351147235180852.post-67871685215277678762010-06-29T13:20:00.000-07:002010-07-26T17:38:07.903-07:00Mad about Muslin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAOEZGZibs6cyEj6zjwHSRwbZLpvFfV4O9nVyH67QQgwsnWGhUS3EO93k-wqo83pb5qoYbnPpiGkh-6ctocWtU7F3POp8LLMOb0rkUiZ8Wo4aYn4IwAy8rq_2LNhiSjLZe__9Rg_omWXb/s1600/muslin+blanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAOEZGZibs6cyEj6zjwHSRwbZLpvFfV4O9nVyH67QQgwsnWGhUS3EO93k-wqo83pb5qoYbnPpiGkh-6ctocWtU7F3POp8LLMOb0rkUiZ8Wo4aYn4IwAy8rq_2LNhiSjLZe__9Rg_omWXb/s320/muslin+blanket.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Muslin blankets from <a href="http://www.koalakuddles.com/kk_products.php">Koala Kuddles</a>, <a href="http://lunalullaby.com/">Luna Lullaby </a>or <a href="http://www.babyearth.com/aden-anais-muslin-swaddling-blankets-4-pk.html">Aden & Anais</a> are a must-have! They make swaddling easier, are perfect for warmer climates or layering, are small enough to keep in the diaper bag, but are big enough to spread out and use when you need it. If your little one is like mine and escaped out of swaddles because she preferred her arms by her face, <a href="http://www.koalakuddles.com/kk_hints.php">here's how to modify</a>. <br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.babyearth.com/aden-anais-muslin-washcloth-set-3pk.html">muslin washcloths</a> from Aden & Anais are nice to have (I purchased mine as a <a href="http://www.babyearth.com/baby-sale">GaGa deal</a> from BabyEarth). <br />
<br />
We also just started using the <a href="http://www.babyearth.com/aden-anais-muslin-sleeping-bag-dreamer.html">muslin sleeping bag</a> from Aden & Anais. It's one of my new favorites as well. ***Buyer beware: After publishing this post, our muslin sleeping bag ripped. Most likely from all of the pulling on the thin material from crawling, sleeping, sitting, etc. my daughter did in her crib. Perhaps this would be better for not-yet-moving-babies. ****<br />
<br />
Does anyone know of a muslin blanket for adults?Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16197981529755988031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994351147235180852.post-6782848381522074142010-06-29T12:39:00.000-07:002010-07-01T17:46:45.286-07:00Pack 'n Play<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCtR4I-m74G1glVoIJelr1SiDetZRprnLxuSGYyHfW3UcKMzFcfWG60oXDo72UdcFLhm4YVdCmIAVSoJQtx6I26JPh5gOkknE4Lt9YjV5_p6zRkFRbErqkm-tOKTA0Ugkrx5C6rE46QJx/s1600/packnplay2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCtR4I-m74G1glVoIJelr1SiDetZRprnLxuSGYyHfW3UcKMzFcfWG60oXDo72UdcFLhm4YVdCmIAVSoJQtx6I26JPh5gOkknE4Lt9YjV5_p6zRkFRbErqkm-tOKTA0Ugkrx5C6rE46QJx/s200/packnplay2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
If I had to pick 'big-ticket' baby item that I loved most, it would have to be our <a href="http://www.babyearth.com/graco-pack-n-play-playard-with-newborn-napper-station-brunswi.html">Pack 'n Play</a>. This model has a cozy 'Newborn Napper,' with the option for nature sounds, music, and vibration. We also used the dropped down section as a co-sleeper when we were traveling. It's easy, shmeasy to set-up. <br />
<br />
If only they made Newborn Nappers for adults...Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16197981529755988031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994351147235180852.post-74082719952513693332010-06-29T12:15:00.000-07:002010-06-29T12:15:17.426-07:00There's an app for that!We thought about buying the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Itzbeen-Baby-Care-Timer-Green/dp/B0012BS2O2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1277838772&sr=8-2">Itzbeen</a> to record D's newborn sleeping, eating, etc. but instead we paid $5 for the Total Baby app. It was easy to use and we could email the information to ourselves to print off for the pediatrician's office. <br />
<br />
We also used the free apps White Noise Lite and Sleep Machine Lite when we were traveling and needed to drown out background noise. Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16197981529755988031noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994351147235180852.post-83988306943268529552010-06-27T07:16:00.001-07:002010-06-27T08:06:40.978-07:00Tip #1!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font: 13px/19px Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; margin: 0px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0.6em;"><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Use a <span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="em" mce_style="font-style: italic;" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.5;">digital</span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>pregnancy test!</span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">You know that commercial that says 1 in 4 people misread a pregnancy test? We are that one in four. My husband and I are intelligent, logical people and we didn't think that a very faint line meant anything. Well, it did- that very faint line was life-changing!</span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Spend the extra dollar and buy the test that says "yes" or "no" (or "pregnant" or "not pregnant)!</span></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></span>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16197981529755988031noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994351147235180852.post-79625810116209695652010-06-27T07:15:00.000-07:002010-07-17T11:18:13.041-07:00Hey, baby!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font: 13px/19px Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; margin: 0px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0.6em;"><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; line-height: 1.5;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">The purpose of this blog is to share my favorite products, tips, and resources for the wild world of parenthood, starting with pregnancy. I love researching and love sharing my finds with my friends. Long ago, I started a Word document that I sent to my expecting friends, but I think that a blog format will be much more accessible (and cuter!). I'm also passionate about children's literature so I'm sure I'll be posting about that too. </span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; line-height: 1.5;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">My journey as a mother has just started so please leave comments about your favorite things too!</span></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></span>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16197981529755988031noreply@blogger.com0