KAMsnaps giveaway

For anyone interested in snaps! Visit Kamsnaps. They are currently hosting a giveaway for a 80$ snap press!

Kamsnaps giveaway

Tuna's Saga

Little Miss is 4 months old today!

It's so hard to believe she is already 4 months old. Although it feels like an eternity, I still can't believe how far she has come since she was born! She went from 18 inches long to just about 24 inches. And more than double her birth weight!! She can almost sit on her own, she's teething and has develop somewhat of a strong minded attitude (I wonder where she gets that from!) She loves going to watch basketball games, and can spend all day playing with her Minie-fée. She makes mommy and daddy really happy!

This month, we started going to the swimming pool! Little Miss lives up to her nickname of Tuna as she is already a great little swimmer who doesn't mind putting her head underwater! We go two or three times a week. Little Miss still doesn't want to roll over or laugh, but she is showing herself to be very strong on her legs!

On their side, mommy and daddy are doing well. The lack of sleep is starting to get to us, and the teething experience proves itself to be more challenging than thought, but we still LOVE our new job ;-)

Now let's talk picture! Funny isn't it! Unexpected from us, isn't it! I know! ;-) This morning as I woke up and looked at her clothing, I realized that she was indeed missing the classic little girl picture with the headband and tutu! Personally I am not a fan, but hey! What the heck! It will always remains as a funny picture to look at ;-) There's nothing wrong in being traditional once in a while.

Giveaway at the Fluff and Stuff shop!

Just a heads up! There is a contest going on at the Fluff and Stuff shop! You could win a 50$ give certificate! This is the store I ordered my Snuza from. The Snuza can be hard to find in Canada and I know they have some in stock right now!

Mamaroo review!

Hudson at 15 weeks in her Mamaroo.

Having spent way too many hours on babycenter during my pregnancy, I was bound to discover frivolous new products! But when I faced a 2 weeks old baby with severe reflux, I quickly jump on the internet to find a WAY so that my baby could get any sleep! That's when I found out about the Mamaroo. You know that expensive space ship looking swing that "Moves like you do". I have to admit, it was a budget breaker but I needed some sleep bad and so did the baby. So in a heartbeat I put all of my hopes in the modern looking swing and willingly shelled out the 230$ needed. I thought... if baby doesn't like it I could always returned it. It took less than 2 days for me to have a verdict on the pricy swing!

I went back to the store but not to return my Mamaroo! Instead I went to buy a second one! Yes! One for my house and one for grand-ma's house (ok I have to admit, grand-ma paid the second one). From the day the mamaroo entered our house, my baby started sleeping.

4 weeks old Hudson in Grand-ma's mamaroo

You will only imagine how much distress I was in when after 3 weeks of use my mamaroo's base started doing a weird hiccup motion. Suddenly I was stuck with an expensive non working swing and a very tired and cranky baby. And to make matter worst, the retailer we got it from was of no support because we could not find our receipt. So I called the customer service in the US. I must have been on the phone for a big total of 5 minutes! Even better, 3 days later a new base arrived at our home! The customer service was stellar! (Other companies should learn from them!!) Not only was the Mamaroo a great product but the company that makes it is equally great!

My daughter is now 15 weeks, and even though she now sleeps in her crib, her naps are still in her mamaroo!

But let's get down to business! Here is a more objective review!

Pros:

• I love the design! I am not much into baby looking items. The sleek look of the mamaroo looks great even in my dinning room!
• It takes less than 5 minutes to assemble. Only 1 screw needed.
• Very easy to operate. (I actually use my foot, so no need to bend all the time).
• Has built in speakers with white noises or the possibility to plug your MP3
• Takes very little place in a room.
• Easy to adjust the inclination even when the baby is sitting in.
• The customer service was amazing!!!! 

Cons

• I wished it was a bit more quiet. The swing itself is a white noise provider.
• I don't have the new mamaroo plush... so the fabric on mine was actually very cold in winter and very stiff. I ended up sewing some mamaroo microfleece covers for it.
• The quality from the speaker is not the best
• Some people complained that it was not fast enough to entertain their baby. (Personally I though it was just fine)
• I wished there was an option to turn the LCD light off at night. The blue light is strong and can get a bit annoying. 
• I wished the seat could go into a completely flat position. 
• When changing the seat incline, the noise of the clasp is enough to wake up a baby.

In all, I absolutely love my Mamaroo! I do recommend it to everyone I know. It's a great product backed up by a great company.

Note : In the top picture, I removed the over head mobile. Although I love the actual design of it, we never used it as our daughter did not seem to care for it. In the top picture, the mamaroo is also covered by the microfleece cover I sewed.

***Up-date*** I just thought I would provide an up-date on this review since apparently it is my most popular post!

We used the Mamaroo all the way until my daughter was 13 months. Yes I know it says not to put in a baby that can sit on her own, but even at 13 months, my daughter loved her mamaroo (especially for nap time). My daughter at that point was 19 lbs and 27 inches so well under the recommended size. After being used extensively (pretty much every day) both Mamaroo are still working great! They are now being store waiting for baby number 2.

After writing this review, I was provided with the new plush covers. What a difference!! They are soft, come in beautiful pattern and best of all... they do not get cold or stiff in winter time!

I have been really busy with life, but I will try in the next couple months, to include a tutorial on how to sew your own cover (which is very handy with a reflux baby)

Cloth diapers reviews part 2

Motherease

I bought my first Motherease product just after my 3 weeks old daughter got second degree burns from using disposable diapers.  (You can find that story here). I was at Serenity Birth studio in Horshoe Valley when I found the bamboo sandy Motherease fitted diaper. It was love at first sight. It was so soft and luxurious, exactly what my poor daughter's burned bum needed! I bought two and was eager to try them. As soon as I got home I prep them and put it on her. I used my Super Bright Bummies cover with it. It was a perfect fit. The two snap on each side made it so easy to put it on. It was also very easy to adjust. I used the diaper from about 7lbs to 10 lbs and never had a leak or a blowout from it! I then bought 5 of the size up (S) (The sandy are a two size diaper so the size small fits 8lbs-20lbs) in cotton and two of the Airflow covers. My sandy Motherease have become my go to daytime diapers and to this day I have never had a leak or a blowout from them! They fit great on my growing little girl! I especially like the fact that even if I use the biggest setting and leave the diaper fairly loose on (which is great with a gassy baby), because of the particular design, it still won't leak!

However, because they are a true cotton diaper, they do not keep the moisture away from the babies skin, because of that, I make sure to change the diaper as often as possible (I don't use them if I know I will be on the road), and I have made it into a habit to use a Bummies fleece liner. I also have to add that they stain very very easily and I am still having a hard time to destain them. The farmer stick does not seem to work on it either. Hopefully the sun will do the trick in the spring! I should also mention that the bamboo one for newborn lost it's luxury feeling very early on (but still worked great) and there is a very limited cover pattern selection.

That being said, of all the cloth diapers I have been using this is by far my favorite one! Motherease sandy is a diaper I can truly depend on. Easy to use with no fears of leaks! I truly recommend this brand (and it is from Ontario as well!!!)

Pros

       Great fit!

       No leaks!

       Easy to put on and adjust!

       Two size diaper (so you get to use it for a long time without the bulk of the OS)

       Buy Local!

Cons

        Stains really easily

        Limited choice of prints for covers.                                                                                                    


Fuzzibunz

I was so excited to get my Fuzzibunz! I had hear great things about it. So many people seemed to swear by them. So I tried my really hardest to like them. But the fact is that I barely ever use the ones I have now. Essentially they are a pocket diaper so very similar to Bumgenius 4.0. They have snaps and are OS (You adjust the size by pulling on the elastic around the legs. ) Unfortunately I was never able to adjust them properly enough that I would have no leaks. No matter what I have tried, I always get leaks or blowout on the sides around the legs. I also have a very very hard time stuffing the insert. The pocket is very narrow and my hand hardly fits through the middle area. Because of the narrow pocket, it is also hard to add more inserts in there. One positive I noted, was the quality of the actual insert. Very absorbent! (To get the best of both worlds, I have been using my Fuzzybunz insert with my Bumgenius shell!) I also found that even on the smallest setting, the diaper was not overly bulky on my 8lbs baby which is a good thing when you try to fit a cute outfit on top of it. Personally, for the same price, and for similar product, I will stick to Bumgenius.

On a side note, Fuzzybunz has just come out with a new diaper and has updated their warranty on their diapers.

Pros:  Great insert.

           Pretty trim for a OS diaper

Cons : Leaks!

            Hard to stuff.                                                                                                                                   

Cloth diapers reviews

Bummies

I use the newborn prefolds (24 of them) and 4 covers. The reason I bought this (as a set) was because of the low cost. It was just under 80$. I was not so keen on using prefold and thought I would prefer AIO. But I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised at how easy to use prefolds were. Easy to clean, easy to store, and easy to carry around. I had leakage problem the first few days, and it did take a while before I could fold it properly in the cover but now after less than 2 weeks, I could do it with my eyes close! I do have to say thought that 4 cover is not enough and decided to buy 2 extra ones. I find the trim on the bummies cover would soak up the urine and stay wet. For extra protection, I would add one Kushies insert inside the prefolds. I used the size newborn covers from just under 7lbs to around 9 lbs. The prefolds, I used them until my daughter was around 11 lbs with a size small bummies cover. The size small covers still fit but I do not use the prefolds anymore. For the covers, I used both the Bummies Super Bright (Shown on the picture) and the Whisper wrap. I found that the Super bright cover was giving me a trimmer fit and a better protection.

Pros: Prefolds are really easy to wash.

         Good value for your money.

          Not too bulky under clothing.

 Cons : My husband finds it too complicated to put on.

            Lots of leakage problem

            The trim on the cover soak in the urine.                                                                                         

Rainforest babies

In all fairness, I have to say the ones I have are hands me down! So Tuna is the third baby wearing them! I had never heard of this brand and I am unsure as to how easily available they are. I have to say, they fit great on my skinny baby (size small) and they are really easy to assemble. 

A cute colorful insert snaps on both ends. Unfortunately, they leak... they leak.... they leak.... I still use them, but only if it is for a short period of time.

Pros: Durable.

         Easy to assemble.

         Washes really really well.

Cons: Leaks!

Bumgenius 4.0 snap OS

Even though Tuna has reached the minimum weight, they are still too big. I did however used them a few times and can't wait to fully rely on them. Why? Because I love how the insert soaks in all the moisture and leaves the outer layer almost fully dry! However I do have to mention that they are bulky on little ones. (My husband loves them once assemble. He likes how easy they are to put on.)

Tuna is now 13 lbs. We have been using our Bumgenius 4.0 snap OS for 4 weeks now. I love them! They are my go to overnight diaper. They are easy to assemble and the pocket is large enough so you can easily add inserts. They also wash really well and the stains are not to hard to get rid of with a farmers stick.

On the down side, the insert does not suffice for overnight use. I usually add another insert that is 2 layers of microfiber and one layer velour. Most leaks I have encountered were up the back as oppose to around the legs. 

Pros: Keeps baby dry.

       The fact that they are OS is great!

          Very little leaking problem.
          Great fit on older infant.
          Love the designer series!

Cons: They are expensive!!

          Takes a little longer to assemble!

           Very bulky on the little one.
           One insert is often not enough.

3 months!

Today Hudson is 3 months. I wish I could say that time is flying by but really it isn't. Now don't get me wrong! Time not flying by, in this particular case, is a GREAT thing! Everyday feels like a year! Everyday, Hudson acquires new skills, discovers new horizon (read hands), and my "mother" skills are put to the test! Everyday is a whole new world! From one week to another, we are making leaps and bond! Last week she was quiet, this week she coos the night away. Last month she was 19 inches, this month nearly 22! Baby time is incredible! Some people argue that they grow to fast. I argue they make a year in my life seem useless when compared to what milestones they can achieve in a month!

So today my lovely daughter is 3 months old. I have been a mom for 3 months. I haven't slept in 3 months. I have been covered in throw up for 3 months... In a way, because of my daughter, I also live my life on the fast track. She keeps me on the edge. Always moving. Discovering parts of me I never knew existed. Mastering new skills! Because of my daughter I learned to crochet! Now I am sewing her cloth diapers! Photography has become an art and so has storytelling! I am the master of multitasking! I can change a diaper with one hand. I can do 4 loads of laundry, washed, dried, folded and put away before the sun is even up (granted it's winter)!

Another way my daughter is leading me on the fast track is about weight loss. Post pregnancy weight loss. 13 weeks ago I gave birth. In those 13 weeks I have lost just over 55 lbs. I have been using the app on my Galaxy www.myfitnesspal.com . I go to the gym twice a week, I run three times a week and I go skiing once a week. On top of that, I am doing the 30 days shred on a daily basis. It might seem like a lot. It might seem obsessive, but my mind is set. I do not want my daughter to ever see me like this again. (Unless there is another baby in my belly). I am not ashamed of admitting it. I went up to 250 lbs... yep. I know. Horrible. But I have no regrets. Like I said, I am not ashamed of it. I was 250 lbs for a reason.

On the other hand, if I was to not get my weight back under control as fast as I can, then I believe I would have regrets. Then I would be ashamed. Perhaps I would even hate myself and be depress about it. And I do not want to feel that way.

So as soon as Tristan gets back from work, I hit the gym. I religiously count my calories. I think before I eat. It's not easy, but honestly, it's not hard either. It's where I am and where I'm at and what I have to do.

And I am not alone! My sister is with me. My mother is with me. And they each have their reason. And on my fitness pal I made lots of friends. My support group. Other women who had babies in October! And when I go to the gym, I have wonderful instructors. Friends. Cheerleaders.

So here it is! My ticker! I am past the half way mark! And I would like to reach my goal before Hudson turns 8 month.

As for the pictures, I took them. I really wanted some daddy-daughter shots. I also would love some Mommy-daughter shots but I am holding out a bit longer... maybe for her 6 months. 

Created by MyFitnessPal - Free Calorie Counter

Under the sea!

We finally had our baby shower! It was so exciting getting to see everyone and showing off baby ;-) For the occasion, I made a 3 tiers cake "under the sea". Here is the results!

 

I am no cake artist... at the best, I have a few years of play d'oh-ing under my belt. And to make matter worst, I had a newborn to take care off and a very limited budget!

 

Since we had nicknamed the baby Tuna, the theme had to be under the sea! To decorate the cake, I made 3 amigurumi octopus, 1 sea turtle, 1 clown fish, 1 angel fish, a few corals and starfish. On top of the cake sat a huge Tuna that my sister made (because she helped me with the cake).

I made the layered cake on the Thursday. On the Friday morning, I covered them with fondant and started making the different creature. Once made, they were place to hide all the cracks and bumps in the fondant! (Hey I said, I am no cake artist). On Saturday morning, we took the cake over to my mom's house and assembled it.

The cake ended up being a bit crooked and way too big for the amount of people there, but it looked great!

Getting ready for the big day!

Our little Tuna is 1 month already! 

Time flies! I can't believe how much bigger she got in such a little time! She is finally out of preemie clothing and almost done with her newborn outfits! Depending on the brand, she is able to wear the 0-3 months! I know that 1 month is a short period of time, but in a way, it feels like she's been with us for ever. I can hardly remember what life was before her! And as a matter of fact, I don't care to remember it! I am perfectly happy with how life with my Tuna is!  Now this weekend, we are celebrating in style, her arrival in our life! We are having a combined baby shower/meet and greet! I didn't want a baby shower during my pregnancy out of fear of loosing her... Now she is one month and I could not think of a better time to celebrate this new life! I have been very busy baking her a 3 tiers ocean theme cake. I will post some pictures after the meet and greet!

Now like I promised in my last post, here is a quick review of the different brand of cloth diapers I use.

Bummies

I use the newborn prefolds (24 of them) and 4 covers. The reason I bought this (as a set) was because of the low cost. It was just under 80$. I was not so keen on using prefold and thought I would prefer AIO. I was to say, I was surprise at how easy to use prefolds were. Easy to clean, easy to store, and easy to carry around. I had leakage problem the first few days, and it did take a while before I could fold it properly in the cover but now after less than 2 weeks, I could do it with my eyes close! I do have to say thought that 4 cover is not enough and decided to buy 2 extra ones. Also for extra protection, I add one Kushies insert inside the prefolds.

Pros: Prefolds are really easy to wash.

         Good value for your money.

          Not too bulky under clothing.

Cons: My husband still thinks its too complicated to put on.

Rainforest babies

In all fairness, I have to say the ones I have are hands me down! So Tuna is the third baby wearing them! I had never heard of this brand and I am unsure as to how easily available they are. I have to say, they fit great on my skinny baby (size small) and they are really easy to assemble. 

A cute colorful insert snaps on both ends. Unfortunately, they leak... they leak.... they leak.... I still use them, but only if it is for a short period of time.

Pros: Durable.

         Easy to assemble.

         Washes really really well.

Cons: Leaks!

Bumgenius 4.0 snap OS

Even though Tuna has reached the minimum weight, they are still too big. I did however used them a few times and can't wait to fully rely on them. Why? Because I love how the insert soaks in all the moisture and leaves the outer layer almost fully dry! However I do have to mention that they are bulky on little ones, they are a pain to assemble and they stain really easily. (My husband loves them once assemble. He likes how easy they are to put on.)

Pros: Keeps baby dry.

       The fact that they are OS is great!

          Have yet to leak at all!!

Cons: They are expensive!!

          They stain easily.

          Takes a little longer to assemble!

           Very bulky on the little one.

I will review the Motherease and Kushies cloth diapers at a later time!

Cloth for me, cloth for you!

"My daughter is 3 weeks old, this week for the first time I used Pampers swaddlers sensitive. At first I was pleasantly surprised at the great fit the diapers provided on my daughter. I used 3 diapers over a period of 5 hours and a half, to discover in horror, my daughter's skin completely burned with blisters in area that had touched the diaper. I am completely outraged that such a trusted brand as pampers would have caused such damages on my daughter skin! I am now discouraged in using pampers diapers again for I have absolutely no trust anymore in your product. I am now left with 2 packs of pampers diapers which cannot be returned for they have been opened. I surely hope that P&G can stand behind their products quality. I would be more than glad to further this discussion. I also have pictures if needed. In the main while, I will make sure to inform my friends and family members about the event so that they can make an inform choice in protecting their child."

This is a copy of the e-mail I just sent to Pampers. My poor little girl is completely burned. It took less than 5 hours to do all the damage. It has now been 3 days and things are slowly getting better. We made the much awaited transition to cloth diapers. I say "awaited" because we had always plan to cloth diaper our kids. As a matter of fact my stash of Kushies and Bumgenius was one of the first thing we bought for the baby. Unfortunately Hudson was born much smaller than expected and instead of buying a newborn supply of cloth diapers we opted to use disposable. What a mistake!!! So on Saturday, we made our way to Serenity Birth Studio in Barrie and bought 24 prefolds of Bummies and 2 Motherease bamboo diapers. My only regret was to think my daughter was not worth spending this amount on newborn cloth diapers. After seeing the extend of her burn, I had no other choice and gladly invested in cloth!!!

Now off course this should not have come as a surprise! I had heard of incident with pampers diapers before, but I naively thought that by buying the "sensitive" ones, I would not face the problem. I was wrong!!!

Coincidentally, I myself do not use disposable pads anymore. I first heard of Lunapads through my sister (who had heard about it from our cousin). After years of unwanted rashes and infection, I made the switch to washable panty liners! Then this week I had just made the switch to washable pads as well! I have to admit it is less about being green then skin relief!!! That being said, I will try in the next few weeks, to do a review of each products (pads and diapers). But I should already mention that I am in LOVE with my Lunapads!!! and after 2 days, already have a favorite in Motherease!