Personal Debate Disposable vs. Cloth Diapers

Lately, I have been doing a lot of research regarding cloth diapers. There are several friends out here that love cloth diapers and have a ton of positives to say about them. I guess the real debate going through my mind is whether or not I will throw up when cleaning the diapers, or will throwing them into a plastic bag and sticking them outside be the better option.

The initial start-up cost when choosing cloth diapers is significant. However, the cost will be averaged out over time when you stop buying diapers and you can reuse and abuse the ones you already have. Disposables cost for every pack you buy. There is a never-ending need for diapers when you have a child who isn't potty-trained.

So... I'm asking myself if it's better to go cloth or is my stomach contents remaining in my stomach better for all of us. You may say its the same as cleaning a dirty disposable diaper, but I tend to disagree. Cleaning a disposable diaper, once it's thrown away you never have to deal with them again. Cloth, you still have to throw in the washer.

Since there is significant evidence of cloth diapers aiding in the potty-training experience, we are considering using cloth diapers when our children turn two.

There is a blog that I have been following that has featured several interviews with cloth diaper designers and mom's who use cloth diapers exclusively. Here is the link: Me Oh My Desserts .

Has anyone who has used disposable diapers exclusively considered or regretted not changing to cloth?

Countdown Time!

If you have been following my blog for the past few months, you can tell that we are completely in love with our furry children! However, with a baby on the way and a house to prepare, we have to focus on the health of our household. About five days ago, Sadie started coughing and hacking. Yes... We have been through this before with her, but this time we didn't want to wait for it to get worse. We took her to the vet and determined that our sweet dog has allergies. She is now on a prescription until it runs out, then Benadryl will work its magic on her.

With one pet taken care of, it was Suki's turn. She has a flea allergy that was diagnosed almost 9 months ago. There is a difference between just flea bites that itch and a flea allergy! With her flea allergy, just one bite can have her continually scratching and trying to get to the fleas for up to six weeks, even after the flea dies. Suki is an inside cat that rarely sees the outdoors. We have been religiously putting Frontline Plus on her since her diagnosis, and it has recently stopped working. Her visit today included a new flea medicine, and a steroid shot to decrease the scratching.

Both pets have to have their food intake to half of what we've been feeding them. Poor girls will starve! Just kidding.

As far as the baby and I, he has left several sore spots on my belly where I swear he is trying to break out. I am almost 33 weeks and I measured 35 cms, but the doctor wasn't worried. He also told me to take precautions now because the history of high blood pressure in my family will lead to my own high blood pressure problems. He was impressed with my weight gain and said to keep up what I'm doing. The heartbeat was in the 150's this time and he is still head down and pretty easy to locate! My belly grows by the minute and I am strictly in maternity clothes. And  my wonderful husband is sure to remind me of how much I'm growing! He'll get the idea soon that it's not alright to tell me!

I have been very lucky this pregnancy. I have not had the blessing of experiencing morning sickness, heartburn, leg cramps, or pregnancy mask. I still haven't even experienced noticeable Braxton Hicks. However, my main pregnancy complaints revolve around the midnight oil baby seems to be burning, restless leg syndrome, and dry skin and hair. I will also permanently have "Pride Marks" from this and many other pregnancies. Overall, life is getting more exciting by the minute!

32 Weeks and Experiencing Sticker Shock!

As you can tell, I am now 32 weeks pregnant. Yes... only 8 weeks left! 9 if baby decides to linger a little longer in the safety of my belly. As many new moms figure out, preparing for a new baby is time-consuming and wallet-draining. I have currently been searching for nursing accessories and I almost had a heart attack when I saw that the size I need is at cheapest, $16.88, and that is for the simplest style! Not only that, but if we chose to have a clothed baby, we will need more clothing for him than we have!

Lucky for me, they are planning a baby shower for me in the beginning of April. We already have sleeping arrangements figured out, a dresser, swing, car seat, stroller, and newborn nighties. We have very few onsies and even fewer socks! If you are reading this, and have been invited to the baby shower, we have chosen not to give our child a pacifier. So... no gifts with pacifiers included! Babies have just as much a right to express their feelings as we do.

Sadie and Suki are doing very well with the new additions (baby stuff) around the house. At first, Sadie (our furry canine,) was very jealous when I would work on something baby related. She would find a way to sit on my projects, or take out the pins. Now she is getting along alright as long as she gets to run around the yard for a few minutes each day. Suki is the easiest cat to own. She does think she's a human, but she only cuddles when she wants something, or its been a long time since she got attention. In either case, she initiates. I am worried that when the baby is here she will get curious and try to share his bed. After doing much research on pets and new babies, I am currently coaching Justin in the importance of paying the attention to the pets first. Yes that means ignore baby until Sadie and Suki are satisfied.

The nursery is painted and awaiting touch-ups. The guest room is almost ready for guests! After the storage is  moved from both the nursery and guest room, we will be able to finish furnishing and the house will be fully ready for baby and family visitors. I don't know that it is ever possible to be fully ready for babies, but I guess we will find out how ready we can be!

As for me, I am doing wonderfully! My belly is growing at a very quick rate, weight gain is still minimal. Baby is moving around and getting stronger. I am getting clumsier (if that's even possible!) And no matter what I do, apparently my already mostly transparent skin is not immune to stretch marks, even with more than half a tub of cocoa butter gone they still seem to show up. Oh well, if he asks later in life, I can nicely inform him that they were caused by his incessant growing, kicking, and stretching!

Life is great for us! We're slowing finding ways to deal with one income and the many expenses coming up. On a good note, we were able to use our tax refund to pay off all our credit lines! Now we are only in debt for the house!