Monthly Archives: Dec 2011

Stressful Situations Bring out my Best Mom Qualities (Sometimes)

Dec 21,2011 / By Maria / 1 Comment

This post is inspired by Sarah at For the Love of Naps’ post about Finding JOY during a car appointment gone bad.

She wrote about a quick oil change appointment turning into 4ish hours of waiting with 2 kids at a car dealership, and having the best of her come out, with patience arriving from places she didn’t know existed.

The post really struck a chord with me because I almost felt like I could have written it myself. We spent pretty much two full weekends in October hunting for a new (to us) car for my hubby, and I spent a lot of time in car dealership waiting rooms with the kids.

Some dealerships had toys, which was fan-freaking-tastic, but my kids actually spent a half hour or more playing with a fire hydrant outside of one, pretending it had hoses and they were putting out fires! I admit that I did a little bit of e-mail checking and Tweeting from my phone, but it was actually nice to just sit and focus on my kids, with nothing else to do.

After the first dealership, I made sure I had some ones in my purse for ~~bribes~~ snacks from the snack machines when the going got a little tough (hee hee!) Aside from a few moments, the kids were actually quite good and quite patient, and sometimes I think their behavior is a reflection of my attitude. When I’m exasperated & short, they act up, making me more exasperated and short with them. When I can find that patience from places I didn’t know existed ( 😀 ) they tend to be better behaved.

While I was very glad when the car purchase was done, I missed being able to sit and watch my kids, and just drink the moment in. When I’m at home, I’m stressed about a long list of things I need to do. I’ve tried really hard to let things go, but it’s just not in my nature. When I started writing lists, I was able to stop obsessing quite as much, but I still tend to constantly be thinking about laundry, dishes, trash, bills, vacuuming, mopping, etc. etc. It is very, very difficult for me to just sit and play with my kids, even when making a conscious effort to focus on only them, and not the 10,000 things I need to be doing.

I think this is why I really enjoy taking them to the park. Even though it’s only recently become slightly less stressful (trying to keep my eyes on both kids & keep my son from getting hurt since he’s still pretty little), they are just so full of excitement, and the dishes are too far to call my name!!

I’ve told myself time and time again that I am not going to look back on my children’s childhoods and think “Gee, I wish I had done more laundry!” Sometimes I feel like I am wishing my kids’ childhoods away when I am overwhelmed and counting the minutes until bedtime. Thank you Sarah for reminding me to find the joy in the little things!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

Lil Helper Cloth Diaper Package Winner

Dec 20,2011 / By Maria / No Comment

After several duplicate entries were removed, 367 people entered this giveaway, with 871 entries in all.

The winning entry is #280 which is Maria Ivey. Congrats! I’m sending you an email so you can claim your prize!

Co-sleeping Giveaway Review

Arm’s Reach Curved Mini Co-Sleeper Review & Giveaway (CLOSED 1/20/12) ARV $165

Dec 20,2011 / By Maria / 31 Comments

I’ve been talking about co-sleeping for a while, including my story, why I’ve wanted an Arm’s Reach co-sleeper, and why co-sleeping experts endorse Arm’s Reach. Please view those posts for all the details, as I won’t repeat them here!

Mailbox Mondays

Mailbox Mondays – 12/19/11 – Dealing with the Death of a Child

Dec 19,2011 / By Maria / 3 Comments

It’s mailbox Monday. On Monday, I publish a reader submitted question, and ask my readers to weigh in!

Questions don’t have to be cloth diaper related, just email maria at change-diapers.com with “Mailbox Mondays” in the subject, or fill out my contact form for readers, which you will always be able to find on my Contact Page.

Allison says:

Hello,

Today is the memorial service of my nephew who passed away 1 day before his 2nd birthday. He had brain cancer. It was so hard to watch him deteriorate. I can’t imagine how his parents (my husbands brother & his wife) are feeling. As sad as I feel, I know they feel it 100x worse. I have a 22-month old son and the parents of the deceased can’t stand to see my healthy, vibrant, alive son.

I’m looking for some input from other families who have suffered a loss of a young child so that I may act appropriately around my brother-in-law’s family. When can we start spending time with them again? They have two older children (12 and 10) who love to play with my son.

What signs should I watch for in the parents if they might need comfort from me? I feel like they need their privacy and space right now but I don’t like just standing by doing nothing. What can I do for them?

I hope you and your readers are able to help me out.
Thanks,
Allison

Allison, first I want to say how sorry I am for the loss of your nephew. I am not the most qualified to help you with this, but hopefully my readers will have tips and advice for you.

Things that I’ve been thinking about are to try to be there for them. If you “give them space,” they may feel isolated. Be up front with them. Tell them you love them, you support them, and you’re here for them, but you don’t want to hurt them further by having your son around.

I think the most important thing you can do for a grieving person in general (not just one who has lost a child) is to be there for them. Don’t just say you’ll be there for them, but actually be there. Especially after the initial flurry of family & friends dies down after the first few weeks. Lend an ear and listen while they share memories of their loved one, and share yours too. I think often people are afraid to upset the grieving person, so they will try to ignore/pretend it never happened (seems to occur a lot with still birth and miscarriage as well.) He will always be their son, and I’m sure they want him to be remembered. When a woman loses her husband, she is a “widow,” but what is a mother who loses her child called? In the coming years, people may ask her how many children she has. Does she say two, or three? I just can’t imagine losing a child.

I’m also guessing that both your brother-in-law and his wife are going to be dragging themselves around, going through the motions for quite a while. It might help them to have some easy to heat meals frozen & delivered to them, or to receive gift cards to local take-out restaurants if you’re able to do that. Most people say “call me if you need anything” but the grieving person is rally pretty unlikely to do that. Instead, I suggest you (or your husband) simply offer specific things (like grabbing a few groceries for them, driving their other children to activities or helping out with other errands you know they need to do.)

Unfortunately, I’m sure too many of my readers have been in this situation. Readers, do you have suggestions for Allison on how she can help her BIL & SIL?

Friday Giveaway Linky Giveaways Linky

Cloth Diaper Giveaway Roundup for 12/16/11 (Plus Linky for All Giveaways)

Dec 16,2011 / By Maria / 2 Comments

Who has two thumbs and wants to win cloth diapers? This gal! Every Friday, I list cloth diaper, accessory and baby wearing giveaways from all over the place.

If you’d like me to list your cloth diaper, accessory, baby wearing (etc.) giveaway next week, send a link and description to maria at change-diapers.com, or Fill out my contact form for readers.

My $110 Lil Helper Cloth Diaper Package Giveaway ends 12/20 and is open to the U.S. and Canada RC

*Prizes from Fuzzibunz (no set end date, ends at 25k fans) Entry is through Facebook app, must “like” them on Facebook to enter

*Grandma El’s Diaper Rash Remedy from Eco Baby Mama Drama Mandatory GFC follow (ends 12/16) RC

*Kissaluvs Fitted from Thanks Mama and Naturally Thrifty Mom (ends 12/16) RC

*Thirsties Fab Fitted from Thanks Mama and Naturally Thrifty Mom (ends 12/16) RC

*$15 Sandbox Lane GC from Life With Levi (ends 12/16) RC

*GoGreen Diaper & Wet Bag from Life With Levi Mandatory GFC follow (ends 12/16) RC

*Bunnzoo Baby Diaper from Oh The Joys of Boys Two mandatory Facebook “likes” (ends 12/16) RC

*Fancy Pants Diaper & Wet Bag from Life with Levi (ends 12/16) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Tender Tushies Diaper from Tailor Made Mama (ends 12/16) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Planet Wise Pail Liner from Mom’s Milk Boutique’s Blog (ends 12/16) RC

Boba Wrap, Carrier & Pack (ends 12/16) RC

*Babykicks Diaper from Eco-Babyz Mandatory GFC follow (ends 12/17) RC

*Softbums Omni from One More Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Mandatory GFC follow and Facebook comment (ends 12/17) RC

*Green Bees Diaper from Daily Mothering (ends 12/17) RC

*BoogaButt Diaper from Bottom of the Sixth Two Mandatory Faceook “likes” (ends 12/18) RC

*GoGreen Champ Diaper & Adapt-A-Snap from Eco Baby Mama Drama Mandatory GFC follow (ends 12/18) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

*$10 Green Baby Store GC from Nicki, The Eval Gal (ends 12/18) RC

Lotus Bumz Diaper from The Cloth Diaper Convert (ends 12/18) RC

Planet Wise Wet Bag from Nicki’s Diapers Mandatory GFC follow and Facebook “like” (ends 12/19) RC

Buns Up Baby Diaper from Sensibly Green (ends 12/19) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

$10 CC Baby GC from Sophie and Momma Mandatory Google+ add (ends 12/19) RC

*Rocket Bottom Diaper from Cloth Diaper Kids and Organic Mama (ends 12/20) Open to Canada only RC

*Cuddle Butt Wool Longies from Bottom of the Sixth Mandatory Facebook “like” (ends 12/20) RC

*Bummas Wipes from Sisters N Cloth (ends 12/20) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

*PUliWooli Diaper from DIBS (ends 12/20) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

*$25 Ultimate Green Store GC from So Easy Being Green (ends 12/20) RC

*Grandma El’s Diaper Rash Remedy from The Mommy Goods (ends 12/20) RC

*Blossom and Bugs Fleece Longies from Bottom of the Sixth Two mandatory Facebook “likes” (ends 12/20) RC

*Orange Diaper Co Fitted & Wipes from The Not So Secret Confessions of a Second Time Mom (ends 12/20) RC

*Incredibum Wet Bag from Newly Crunchy Mama of 3 (ends 12/20) RC

*Mabu Baby Starter Kit from Nicki The Eval Gal (ends 12/20) RC

Mother-Ease Diaper from Coping with Frugality (ends 12/20) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Thirsties Duo Diaper from Brookie’s Baby Bargains (ends 12/20) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Glow Bug Diaper from One More Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Mandatory GFC follow (ends 12/21) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Pulli Wooli Diaper from Really Are You Serious (ends 12/21) RC

Thirsties Duo Diapers (ends 12/21) RC

$20 Diaper Daisy GC from Biehl Adventures Mandatory Facebook “like” (ends 12/21) RC

$25 Little Fancy Pants GC from Fabulous Family Reviews & Giveaways Two mandatory Facebook “likes” (ends 12/22) RC

Cloth Diaper Package from Diaper Parties by Erin Mandatory GFC follow and Facebook “like” (ends 12/22) RC

Fuzzibunz Elite Diaper from Life with my Littles Mandatory GFC follow (ends 12/22) RC

Fuzzibunz Elite Diaper from Measuring Flower (ends 12/23) RC

Bumgenius, Tiny Tush & Fuzzibunz Diapers from Abby’s Lane & Dirty Diaper Laundry (ends 12/23) RC

Red Barn AI2 from Eco Baby Mama Drama (ends 12/23) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Better Bottom Diaper from Tailor Made Momma (ends 12/23) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

4 Cloth Diapers from Greenie Beanie Bottoms Mandatory Facebook “like” (ends 12/23) RC

*Peachy Green AIO from Padded Tush Stats (ends 12/24) RC

Diaper Rite Diaper from Newly Crunchy Mama of 3 (ends 12/24) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

$15 Howler Monkey Bums GC from Nicki the Eval Gal Mandatory Etsy “favorite” (ends 12/25) RC

*Lotus Bumz Diapers from Networking Witches (ends 12/26)

Smart Snugs Diaper from Dirty Diaper Laundry (ends 12/26) RC

Fuzzibunz Trainer from The Mommy Goods (ends 12/27) RC

Thirsties Fab Wipes, Booty Luster & Booty Love from Letters from Momma (ends 12/27) RC

*Fuzzibunz Diaper from Changing Diapers & Eco Crazy Mom (ends 12/28) RC

Bumgenius Elemental from Naturally Healthy Parenting (ends 12/28) RC

*Knickernappies Diaper from Bum Covered Diapers and Real Adventures from a Mom of 3 Mandatory GFC follow (ends 12/29) RC

Beco Baby Carrier from The Not So Secret Confessions (ends 12/29) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Lotus Bumz Diaper from Eco Baby Mama Drama Mandatory GFC follow (ends 12/29) RC

Boba Carrier, Wrap or Pack from We Have It All (ends 12/30) RC

Boba Baby Carrier from Simple Mandatory Facebook “like” (ends 12/30) RC

Boba Carrier, wrap or pack from Eco Baby Mama Drama Mandatory Facebook “like” (ends 12/30) RC

Softbums Diaper from Trying to go Green Mandatory GFC follow and Facebook “like” (ends 12/31) RC

*Bumgenius & Flip Diapers from Diaper Style (ends 12/31)

*Planet Wise Wet Bag from Diaper Style (ends 12/31)

*Happy Heinys Fitted from Diaper Style (ends 12/31)

*Fuzzibunz Elite Diaper from Snappy Diapers Mandatory GFC follow (ends 12/31)

*Bummis Super Whisper Wrap from Diaper Style (ends 12/31)

*Applecheeks Diaper from Diaper Style (ends 12/31)

*Econobum Kit from Sandbox Lane (ends 12/31)

Rainbow Monster Diaper from Naturally Thrifty Mom (ends 12/31) Open to the U.S. and Canada RC

Glow Bug Diaper from Mommy Adventure Mandatory GFC follow and Facebook “like” (ends 12/31) RC

*$25 Bugaboo Baby & You GC from DIYMommyPonx Mandatory RSS feed subscription and Facebook “like” (ends 1/1/12)

*Knickernappies Diaper from Wee Little Changes Mandatory GFC follow (ends 1/1/12)

*Fuzzibunz Diaper from Changing Diapers and Trying to Go Green Mandatory GFC follow and Facebook “like” (ends 1/1/12) RC

Diaper Rite Diaper from Mommy of Two Little Monkeys (ends 1/2/12) RC

*Changing Diapers Sweepstakes – Lots of Cloth Diaper Prizes! (ends 1/2/12) Entry is on Facebook, mandatory Facebook “like” Open to the U.S. and Canada Name/email form, Daily entry

*Applecheeks Sweepstakes (ends 1/6/12) Entry is on Facebook via Woobox Form

*giveaways that have been listed in a prior week’s roundup
RC Entries collected via Rafflecopter
GD Entries collected via Google Docs Form

You may enter any “family friendly” giveaway in the linky below. The form Blog name – Giveaway Item – Ending date works well. Please at least include the item and end date, and link directly to the giveaway.

View my where I list my giveaways post, to find more places to link up your giveaways!

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