Cloth Diapering!

I've been reading up about cloth diapering, preparing to at least try out cloth on my new little one.  The abundance of options is staggering.  Prefolds, pockets, all-in-ones, flour sack towels...there's so much to learn.

My decision to try cloth was more of a gradual process than an epiphany.  I have friends who have used cloth, though some ended up switching to disposables at least part time.  I was always ambivalent about the idea, unsure whether it's really better for the environment and whether it's worth the extra time.  But being one who likes to make fully informed choices, I started reading about the pros and cons, and realized that, convenience aside, cloth really is better in most every way.  It's not just better for the environment, but saves a lot of money in the long run.

Mainly I'm concerned with all the chemicals today's babies come in contact with, including fire-retardant chemicals in clothing, VOCs in nursery furniture, and whatever gajillion materials make up modern disposable diapers.  Cloth is so much safer, not to mention more comfortable on baby's sensitive parts.

So I'm going to try cloth.  I bought a few fitted diapers at a used baby sale (before I had done much research and determined that fitteds may not be my diaper of choice).  A friend of a friend said she has a few outgrown diapers she is willing to give me.  And I've won a couple in online giveaways.  Otherwise I have yet to start buying anything.  My plan is to start with some newborn sizes to use for the first couple months, mainly prefolds and covers, with a few all-in-ones or other types to try out.  I'm not planning to get more than one or two of any one kind, so I can try a variety and see what I like best.  That will help me decide what to buy for a more permanent stash.  Babies generally outgrow newborn sizes within 2-3 months, and then there are tons of good one-size options that they can wear until potty training.  So the newborn stage will prepare me to make some longer-lasting purchases.

And resale values seem to be very good, so if I end up with something I don't like, I feel comfortable knowing that I can always sell it on craigslist or back to the baby store.  All in all, even if I end up with a few things I don't use, I'm still sure to save hundreds over all the money I'd spend on disposables (I'm a pretty thrifty shopper).

I'm pretty set on using cloth for the long haul, though I'm not opposed to some disposables if I ever find that it makes more sense.  Like with most things in life, I don't feel the need to be all-or-nothing about this. Better to take it slow, check out my options, and determine what works best for me and my family, and, most importantly, for baby.

Enjoying Fall

It's been a beautiful fall here in the midwest.  We've been lucky to have had some pretty warm days, and the trees are at their peak fall colors.  I'm trying to keep reminding myself to enjoy fall this year.

Many people say fall is their favorite holiday, but I usually find it difficult to truly appreciate the season.  It lasts such a short time here, so when I'm busy it's easy to miss altogether.  Plus with our brutal winters, fall can feel like just a downward slide into the dark, cold months ahead.

In some ways this year it's as hard as ever, because I know I'm bringing a baby into the world in the dead of winter.  And in these last weeks of my pregnancy, my clothes are getting tighter and tighter, and I know my warm coats won't fit for too much longer.

But thinking about life with my baby is also helping me slow down and take some time to enjoy the world around me.  Life moves so fast, and sometimes it takes some reminders to take a breath and notice the little things that add pleasure to the days.  The red maple tree in my front yard.  The way the fallen leaves smell (and sound!) as I walk my dog down the block.  The sweet burning smell from neighbors' chimneys and backyard bonfires. The last calls of the geese as they head out of town.  The way the sun hits the trees in the afternoon.

So this is a reminder to myself and others to stop and look around once in a while.  These fall days are fleeting.  If leaves change colors in the woods and nobody is there to appreciate them, they are still beautiful. Let's try to appreciate them.