Life with two

So far so good! I have survived and it isn't too bad! My oldest is now 2.5 years old she loves her sister so much and is very good with her we have been very lucky. Tiny is now 5 months (wow where did the time go). Things seem to be going faster this time around. It probably helps that she is a very good baby. She started sleeping through the night at 3 months! Yeahhhhh!
Now just to get the oldest potty. Trained we were so close once again about a month ago then she started getting her 2 year molars and regressed! 😢 I will be so happy when she starts again I am wearing out with2 in diapers! At least tiny diapers are easy to change! Ha ha
Tiny is rolling over in both directions mostly only back to belly but a few times a day she tricks us and rolls both ways. She is very strong she finally started liking her bouncer but now tries to sit up in it! O I am in trouble! Ha ha!
I have been busy making Halloween costumes lately I will post picks when they are done I am excited.
I have some fun product reviews and giveaways coming up soon so stay tuned! 😃

Newborn Cloth Diapering

I did not start cloth diapering DD1 till she was 4months, so this was an all new experience and learning process for me. My plan was to cloth diaper in the hospital. I had all our diapers wet bag ready though I didn't have a lot only 18 diapers to start with. I decided to to wait till we were settled in our room to start using the cloth so the nurses didn't have to mess with them nor did I have to explain how to use them in the middle of everything. Well my daughter was born late in the evening and it was 1 am before we were in our room so I waited till the next day to start! I had a stash built of bumgenius newborns, 1 Tiny Tush, 1 Thirsties AIO Duo, 2 Happy Heinys newborn and Rumparooz OS Aplix (my favorite diapers). Well most seemed to bulky and big on her even though she was 8lbs 4oz. She was able to fit into the bum genius newborns the best, everything else I saved. So my plan for full time cloth diapering from the start changed to using them part time and washing daily. Though it was okay because even only using a few cloth a day was still a money savings and I knew she would grow! When we were home I was able to put her in the Tiny Tush and the Thirsties I love them both! Though the Thirsties takes forever to dry! :( The Tiny Tush is great and super cute, I love that the prints don't cost more then the solid colors! I bought my Tiny Tush from AbbysLane.com.
I was not able to use the Rumparooz OS till she was about 3 weeks I think they just seemed to bulky until then. Now they make up all of my stash except for the few small diapers she can still wear. All of the newborn diapers except BumGenius have rise snaps and will fit till she is a bit bigger! Which I love that they will last longer makes me feel like I am getting more of my money out of them!
Things I learned from cloth diapering a newborn!
1. I should have bought more diapers!
2. I loved all the diapers I bought they were so tiny and cute.
3. Disposable liners for the hospital was great I used them till the meconium passed. We did not have any staining.
4. Even with the very messy newborn poops I have never had a blowout (except from user error) :) this is not the case with sposies.
5. I was suprised how long the BumGenius newborns fit her I was able to make them last till about 12ish weeks though that was pushing it a bit! (this is longer then most I was squeezing her a bit!)

 

Update: at 4 months she is 15lbs 1oz and the Thirsties size 1, Happy Heiny NB OS and the Tiny Tush still fit! 

The last few months

I have been very busy with the birth of my beautiful daughter the beginning of May. I was induced at 39 weeks I debated this choice a lot but after many sleepless nights worrying if I was making the right decision I realized it was the right thing to do for me and my family for many reasons. I am so happy I did too! I was able to have my doctor (instead of whoever was on call) so I felt more comfortable. The birth of my second daughter was an amazing experience. I was induced early in the morning and actually received my epidural first which made the whole thing much more relaxing labor progressed well. I actually had to be re dosed with the epi because it was starting to not work (ouch) shortly after being re dosed I began to push I did 5 sets of pushes and she was out! This was much better then with the 2hr of pushes with dd1! We immediately did skin to skin and started breastfeeding shortly after birth. She was born in the evening and weighed 8lbs 4oz and was 21". She was perfect and looked just like her big sis. Though she now I think looks a bit more like her daddy at times but others looks just like her sister.

After a few days at home I became sick and spent a week in the hospital it was so hard at first they were not going to allow baby in room with me so they made me pump and made her daddy give her a bottle. I was so upset by this but thankful for the wonderful nurses who talked the docs into letting her be with me. I was so thankful that she took back to breastfeeding like a champ. She is still my hungry girl! :) The hardest part was not being able to see my 2year old, I was so thankful for Skye though. But I have never been away from her especially not for that long. It was heartbreaking and still is because she still brings it up. My girl doesn't forget anything! 

Even after all that we are adjusting well it took some time at first poor baby has silent reflux which took till she was 6 weeks old to figure out. The meds are working for her thankfully and the doc said she should grow out of it hopefully by 4 months. She just had her 2 month checkup recently and now weighs 12lbs 5oz and is 23 1/2". She is growing so quickly and is finally growing out of her newborn clothes and diapers. Though I am having a hard time packing up the newborn clothes I know it has to be done!  :( I am still trying to squeeze her in her newborn diapers for as long as I can! I will post some reviews and info on cloth diapering a newborn soon! And hopefully I will be blogging more soon and maybe even some more reviews and giveaways so stay tuned for some more fun things as my journey continues with a toddler and a newborn! 

 

Hug-a-Bib Review and Giveaway

Hug-a-Bib and Clippy Cloth

Sorry this has taken me soo long life has been crazy! Thank you for being so patient.

I received this bib from Hug-a-Bib in the infant size for my tiny 1 1/2 year old daughter at almost 2 it still fits her good but she is on the small side. I love that it has the Velcro to go around her so she can not just pull it off easily (which she loves to do). It is made of a very soft cotton so it is great for newborn slobbers too and you do not have to worry about it getting pulled and choking them. I love that they stay in place so your little ones clothes stay clean and dry when they are being messy eaters! The bibs have cute sayings on them such as "being this cute is a full time job" and "I was worth the weight".  Seen here also showing the difference in size. The newborn sized bib measures 8” x 10”, the infant sized measures 9" x 11".

  

The bib shown below is the one I was lucky enough to receive to try out. She sent me the infant size which fit my daughter great and at 2 is still fitting her! It has held up great after being washed many many times. The Velcro still sticks great and it still looks brand new! :) It is a great bib and will definitely get plenty of use with the new baby coming soon! :) You can check out the bib here.  I highly suggest checking them out! :) They have many great products. This bib is priced at $11.99 for newborn or infant sized.  (Sometimes they have sales so you can get them a little cheaper.)

The Bib - infant size.

Pros:

• Great Fit
• Comes in 2 sizes
• Very soft
• Velcro strap is great especially for Newborns
• Water proof layer
• Satisfaction Guarantee
• Cute sayings and designs

Cons:

• Wish it came in a bit bigger size for toddlers
• Price a little high but is worth it!
• Only 2 choices of designs

Overall I give this bib a   only because it is a bit

expensive. Please check out Hug-A-Bib they have great products and you wont be disappointed! I highly recommend them and they are great to work with.


 Also check out the great stay put burp cloth. It is made out of the same soft material and is extra large for the super burpy baby! :) It measures 12' x 29" so it is very over sized compared to most burp cloths. You can buy it separately for $19.99 or with a bib for $31.99. (check for sales! :))

Burp Cloth

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover My Heart Review and Giveaway

Cover My Heart - Breastfeeding Cover

Sorry this has taken me so long blogging has been on hold for a bit sometimes life just gets to hectic! :) Thank you for being patient with me! :)

I received this awesome Cover My Heart breastfeeding cover several months ago when I was still breastfeeding my then 1 1/2 year old daughter. Who by this stage hated being covered even when we were in public! This cover she did not mind to much as she could still see through to me and the busy world around her. I have the chiffon material so it is still see through but also gives plenty of privacy, a great material for the hot summer days. It is plenty big enough for her to be covered (though she is still small) I think it would cover a larger child just fine also. Finding a cover big enough is hard as most covers are only meant for the tiny newborn stage not for nursing a toddler who moves like crazy when feeding.

Another great feature of this cover is the pillow back support for mom! It is wonderful; I still sometimes sit with it if my back is hurting (even though I am not nursing anymore). I have washed this cover in my HE washing machine on hand wash and it comes out wonderful. I love everything about this cover and can’t wait to try it with new baby too! It will be getting a lot of use soon I am so excited to be able to use it more!  It has so many functions too a cover for the stroller which will be great for those hot summer days keeping the bugs off of baby. It also works as a seat cover to protect car seat when baby is not in it so seat does not get hot and of course being a great cover while you are nursing your wee one. This cover has so many uses and can be used for a long time. It is made of high quality material and workmanship. A wonderful cover all around!

You can purchase this Breastfeeding cover from Cover My Heart $49.95 - $64.95.  Please check out this product you will not be disappointed it is wonderful! :)

Such Pretty Material!

Cover

Cover with pillow and strap

The Heart Pillow

On Stroller

Box

On Carseat

Pros:

• Great size covers everything!
• Pillow Support
• Very Nice Material
• Momma Loves it and so does baby! :)
• Washed well
• Lots of functions
• No ties just slips right on

Cons:

• I really do not think there are any! :) I love this cover! Though I wish it was not as expensive but it is well worth the money! :)

 Please Check out Cover My Heart I highly recommend this cover and she is an amazing seller! :) You will not be disappointed!  Over all I give this cover

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Food Allergies

Dd is allergic to peanuts and strawberries. We have not had her tested but found out on own. I learned she was allergic to peanuts when she was a NB after I would eat peanut butter she would break out only took short time to realize issue. We now have found out as time goes on if someone has even touched or ingested peanuts they can not contact her she will break out from a kiss. Peanuts can stay in your saliva for 4+ hours.
Her strawberry allergy we found out after my MIL kissed her after having them she broke out in rash afterwards so again no one can have them and touch her. Which you would think would be simple but we have trouble getting some people to understand the seriousness of this. It also makes family parties interesting when there is almost always nuts or strawberries and so we have to make sure no one. Touches her.
After all this we have learned we can not even purchase products that have been manufactured on equipment or a facility that processes nuts. Which a lot of products unfortunately are. Though we have found some very yummy organic/natural products for her that are safe.
Here is the list if you know of any other products feel free to comment I love finding new foods for her.

Kinnikinnick Animal Crackers - These are very yummy my daughter loves them! :) I highly suggest!

Healthy Times - Teddy Puffs - We have the cinnamon flavor she loves them as a snack!

Healthy Times - Arrowroot - These are great as teething biscuits they are small and very good!

Cherrybrook Kitchen -  I have tried the products below all are wonderful! The cake mix and frosting mix work great as a first birthday cake if your little one hasn't had eggs yet as these are also egg free.

 

 

So Delicious - Very yummy ice cream!

Baltic Amber Teething Necklace Review from Deus Filia

Sorry this post has taken so long, but things have been so crazy and I haven't had much time to myself lately let alone to blog. :(

   

       If you are not aware of Baltic Amber it is great for teething babies among many other things. Babies do NOT chew on these they simply need to wear them against their skin. Amber works by the skin warming it to release its healing oils which are then absorbed into the blood stream. It is all natural unlike most things on the market now days which in my mind is always best! :)          

       I received this great Baltic Amber necklace a few months ago now from Deus Filia. You can check out her Etsy shop to purchase Baltic Amber and other great things! All the necklaces are guaranteed which is not always easy to find.  It is also made in the USA, I love this and supporting small businesses!  She is super sweet and makes a great product. It came very quickly and was packaged so cute. You can tell she takes time and works hard on her products to make her customers happy. The necklace is made very nicely and has a magnetic clasp which I love! My Daughter is 19 months now; it fits her great and will for a long time. Though it is a great product I wish it was knotted between each bead and the magnetic closure was a bit different maybe the twist closure.  Even though the magnetic closure is very great in case they were to be stuck it would pop right off. This helps give me peace of mind when putting a necklace on a little one.  My very smart girl figured quickly how to take it on and off. She loves to wear it in her own way now (she is very independent)  which I guess is better than no way! :) She ends up hanging it by her chin, she thinks she is being a big girl and putting it on right! :)

When I received the package I opened it to find a cute little bag with the necklace inside! It is the little touches like that, that make this extra special! Along with the little note on the zip lock saying Thank you! :)

I love this necklace and the color I highly suggest checking out DeusFilia.

You can purchase this necklace from DeusFilia for $25.99. Please check her out you will not be disappointed in her or her products!

How I received it!

Pros:

•  Beautifully made
• Magnetic closure
• Great fit
• Works great for baby and her teething
• Guaranteed
• Made in USA

Cons

•  Not knotted between beads
• Magnetic closure easy for baby to take off



The Necklace

I would definitely recommend this product it has worked great and she is a great seller.

Over all I give it

Also check out her blog rubyintherough7 and her other business younglivingworld where she sells essential oils.

happy world breastfeeding week!

hope everyone has a great week breastfeeding their lo's! i know it can be difficult at times but remember the joys and benefits of it! my dd is 18m ans still going! she eats about every 2 hours still. over the last 18m i have had to deal with a lot of ppl who dont agree or like breastfeeding but i have stayed strong which at times has been hard! if you ever need encouragment or support i am here i know how it is to not have much. :) today and sat is the big latch on (you can find more info at biglatchon.org). check it out to find a location near you! sadly there is no locations near me but i will be particpating in the virtual latch sponsered by the lovely eco chic check it out here http://lovelyecochic.blogspot.com/2012/07/celebrate-breast-feeding-month.html?m=1 happy big latch on and world breastfeeding week to all my mommy friends! .

Molars suck

Baby girl is getting 2 molars maybe more! Lots of sleepless nights. Still trying to get back into routine after vaca and having no ac and having to b at my moms.
It has been one thing after another lately. Hopefully soon things will go back to normal.
On a positive note she is finally walking at 17.5 months! Yeah! But she is busy and all over the place I can't seem to keep up some days!
We are starting to think about potty training as she keeps holding it and then ends up leaking through her cloth diapers. Not sure she is ready but thought we would get potty and see what she thinks if not I will neon the hunt for new liners for diapers!

Coming soon review of Baltic amber (sorry this has taken so long I haven't had much of a free moment and posting reviews from here us not easy)

Have a great week!

Happy fathers day

Hope everyone has a happy fathers day especially my amazing husband and dad!

Hello

Sorry for being MIA for so long my 16 month old keeps me so busy plus life has been hectic. Baby girl was sick for the first time a month ago :( then hubby got sick then our basement flooded. We are now in process of remodeling it. Though it is a big job 2 floorings walls etc to come out. It will be wonderful when it is done! :)
Hopefully soon I will be posting a review for a Baltic amber necklace and I would love to start doing more reviews and giveaways. Contact me if interested!
Have a great week everyone!

Thinking of Cloth Diapering, but not sure? Check this out!

Cloth Diapering can be a big decision to make I know I spent hours looking at different brands, styles, colors, and types to try! I started cloth diapering when DD was 4 months old after 4 months of disposables that caused rash, daily blowouts and just didn't seem to have a good fit not to mention almost $400 we spent in diapers! EEK!!! Cheeky to Cheeky actually has a Cloth Diaper Savings Calculator check it out to see how much money this could be saving you!
I wish I knew of this great program when I started! "Try it Free" from cheeky to cheeky, "you can try cloth diapering, without committing, for free!"  I tried several brands when I started some which end up now being the last I choose, maybe because they don't fit DD great or leak or just aren't my favorite. So this is a great deal try these diapers in home risk free for 30 days keep the diapers you like return the others or keep them all! I know you will like it once you try it! I love cloth diapering I am so glad we switched! I have personally used all of these diapers, but the Flips and love them! At this point I actually have around 28 diapers and about 11 different kinds, some of which are my favorites others not so much! So this is a great deal! Hope you enjoy!

Check out Cheeky to Cheeky website or Like on Facebook or Follow on Twitter!

 Here's how it works:

Choose a color series and add it to your shopping cart.

After your deposit is made, brand new diapers will be sent to your house (free shipping!).

Wash the diapers and try them for a couple weeks.

Keep them or mail the diapers back to us after using them.

If you choose to mail them back, your deposit will be refunded in full. It's ok if the diapers become stained or soiled (just make sure you wash them before the mailman takes them).

If you want to keep all of them or just some of them, then do it. We will refund the items from the "Try it Free Pack" that you send back.

Relax. It's easy. It's honest. No gimmicks.

 You get to choose from the "Try it Free Pack" or the "Try it Free Pack - Lite"  you can also pick colors - The Emily Pack (girls), The Jackson Pack (boys) or Neutral Color Pack. Here is the 2 different packs you can choose from.

"Try it Free Pack" Includes:

• 2 FuzziBunz One-Size Diapers
• 2 Flip Covers
• 2 bumGenius Elemental One-Size
• 4 FuzziBunz Diaper Inserts
• 2 Additional Liners for Flip Covers
• 1 FuzziBunz Hanging Diaper Pail

Deposit: $109.99
"Try it Free Pack - Lite" Includes:

• 1 FuzziBunz One-Size Diaper
• 1 Flip Cover
• 1 bumGenius Elemental One-Size
• 2 FuzziBunz Diaper Inserts
• 1 Additional Liner for Flip Cover
• 1 FuzziBunz Hanging Diaper Pail

Deposit: $69.99

The Emily (Girls)

The Jackson (Boys)

Neutral Color

Both of these packs include free shipping and for a limited time by signing up for my emails a special discount code! Which makes a great deal!
 *coupon valid for 1 time use for each customer and is valid from 4/21/12 - 5/21/12

To receive coupon code:

• Subscribe to The Green Hippie Mama by Email - subscribe with your name and e-mail address (you must confirm your subscription!)
• Leave a comment below that you did!

So Busy

Sorry I have been MIA lately things have been crazy busy with taxes due ( I never wait this long), DD is a very busy 14.5 month old now she is crawling faster and faster every day! She had a couple bad days this week teething, though I am not sure which teeth she is getting. Now if I can only get back in to posting more and maybe even doing another review and giveaway! (if I can get anyone to give the little guy a chance!).
I have been making lots of baby food for DD lately after a trip to Whole Foods so I will be posting some new recipes soon too!
Hope everyone is doing great have a wonderful week and weekend! :)

PR Friendly

Please contact me if you are interested in letting me review your product and possibly do a giveaway!

I look forward to hearing from you. Also if you know any companies that may be interested feel free to contact me.

Thank you

Happy Easter

I hope everyone has a wonderful day! Big hugs to all my momma and baby friends! :)

Review and Giveaway! :)

I received 3 products from Lovely Eco Chic Planet Wise pail liner in Hoot, Incredibum wet bag in Sunshine/Caterpillar and an Incredibum diaper in Flutter. I was so excited to try these products out and do my first review and giveaway for my blog. I want to thank Mary at Lovely Eco Chic she has a great shop and is so nice to work with. Check out her store Lovely Eco Chic here.

Product #1 - Planet Wise Pail Liner - Hoot

Planet Wise - Hoot

This liner is super cute and fits my pail great it has a nice wide opening which makes it easy to dump straight in the washer. I have a couple of other pail liners none fit as good as this one or do they seem to hold in the moisture as well as this one. When using this liner there have been no wet spots or leaks, which is great. When first checking this liner out I was a little concerned about the construction of it as the seams are on the outside thought this may cause leak problems, but after using it for a month there have been no issues. It also is pretty good sized so it holds a lot of diapers I would say at least 20+ pocket diapers. I have around 28 diapers now and try to wash when I just have a few clean ones left that is why I am saying 20+! Planet Wise makes these liners in a ton of super cute colors and a few great prints! Check out them out here! They are also a great price at $16.50. I definitely recommend this product and would give it 

Pros:

• Nice wide opening
• Holds a lot
• Super cute print and colors
• No leaks

Cons:

•  Construction could have been better (seams on inside instead of out), but it works great so why change! :)

Product # 2 - Incredibum Wet Bag - Sunshine/Caterpillar (Yellow/Green)

Incredibum-Sunshine

Incredibum-Caterpillar

This is a reversible wet bag that is super soft and very cute. I was sent the small bag in the Sunshine/ Caterpillar color. It has a drawstring opening which I am usually not crazy about but this one seemed to close down tight to help hold in the smell. :) It holds about 5 pocket diapers which is great for longer outings. I actually used it one day as a carrying bag for clean diapers which it worked out great for also. I am sure it will be great this summer for wet clothes too! I also use it for a wet bag in my daughters room as usually only a couple diapers are changed there a day, so it works great to hang on the doorknob. This bag has been washed many times and is holding up great! At $7.95 for the small bag and $10.95 for the large it is a great price for a great bag. Check them out here! I think it could have many uses also. I would definitely recommend this bag and give it

Pros:

• Great Colors
• Reversible is nice for when you get tired of one color
• Holds several diapers (about 6 pocket diapers)
• No leaks
• Soft material
• Good for longer day trips
• Washes well
• Made in USA!

Cons:

• Drawstring (I am more a fan of a zipper)
• Little to big for a daily basis (short trips)

Product #3 - Incredibum AIO Cloth Diaper - Flutter

Incredibum Diaper - Flutter (Outside)

Incredibum - Flutter (inside 1 Liner)

I was sent the Incredibum AIO diaper in flutter, it has a bamboo liner which is very absorbent. This diaper is great the liner snaps in and there is no need to remove it for wash a great way to do an all in one. No stuffing necessary. I love the color it is very bright and such a different color from any of my other diapers and I have a lot of pink ones! :) Fits great, DD is now probably around 19.5 lbs. and with her little bit chunkier thighs it still fits great and will probably fit through potty training. I have it set on the mini bum size. Snaps are not too bad though I wish they made these diapers in hook and loop I am now realizing how much easier that is when she is trying to twist and turn and flip away it is hard to do snaps upside down! :) I have used this diaper in every scenario without any leaks and with only one liner in at this time. I do find it difficult to rinse with diaper sprayer because of how the liner is seems to take longer to get clean. I recommend this diaper to anyone wanting to try an AIO especially at only $16.85 a piece that is a great price for an AIO. Check them out here!I definitely recommend this diaper it is becoming one of my favorites. I give it (only because I wish it was hook and loop and the liner laid better.)

Pros:

• AIO
• Cute Colors
• Fits great
• No Leaks
• Reasonably priced

Cons:

• Snaps (this is personal preference though, I prefer Hook & Loop)
• Liner seems to bunch up when you don't have it on full size
• More difficult to rinse

         Incredibum diaper compares pretty good size wise to a bumgenius it is a little bigger when unsnapped all the way. It is about the same size when snapped to the newborn setting.

BumGenius 4.0 and Incredibum

BumGenius 4.0 and Incredibum (New Born)

Buy It

You can purchase the Planet Wise pail liner here for $16.50. The Incredibum Wet bag can be purchased here for $7.95. The Incredibum AIO diaper can be purchased here for $16.85.

Win it

You can win either the wet bag or pail liner in your choice of color or print from Lovely Eco Chic.

Sunning Cloth diapers

Sunning cloth diapers info

What a Weekend

Saturday DD was teething woke up at 3 am and was just outta sorts all day. It didn't help that momma had a headache. I felt so sorry for my poor girl our whole day was off schedule. Needless to say yet another weekend went by with not much getting done. It doesn't help that we have been pretty much confined to house since last Tues bc of a measles outbreak. DD is not vaccinated yet so I figure better safe than sorry! Though this momma is starting to go crazy! :)
Sunday wasn't to bad though her teeth were still bothering her she was in much better spirits.
We are supposed to go to doc this week for her 1 year checkup! WOW still doesn't seem real! She is supposed to get 4 shots! :( eek. I am not so sure about this and have been trying to do all the research I can to see what we should do. Though I am still not sure. :(

Woolite® COMPLETE

Woolite® COMPLETE: Thx Woolite COMPLETE 4 my free sample! Like Woolite on Facebook and watch the Woolite Torturer commercial http://on.fb.me/wsvbYe *Please remember the FTC requires you to mention that you received a free sample courtesy of Smiley360 when sharing.

2 more top teeth

One came in on Tuesday and one today! They dont seem to bother her like last time thank goodness. Though yet again I have a milk blister from her as I call it gnawing on me.:(
This will make a total of 6 teeth. So cute. She is starting to pull up on more things now will take a few steps when holding on to her I don't think she is ready to walk yet. She has just recently started crawling on all 4s more! Yeah! She is growing so fast where has the time gone.