Diaper Rite Giveaway (hosted by DiaperJunction)

I usually don't post about giveaways I find, but I'm starting now. And who knows, I may start doing so from now on!

As you know, I am new to the cloth diaper world. I only have Fuzzibunz diapers but I would love to expand my stash and experiment with other brands. Well, diaperjunction.com is doing a giveaway where you could win 2 Diaper Rite One Size Covers and 12 flats!! I have really been wanting to venture into the world of flat diapers so this is a great opportunity! On Diaper Junction's website you can earn up to 19 entries! That's insane! If you're interested here's the link to the giveaway! It ends May 24th!

 

 (photo from of diaperjunction.com)

 

Diaper Rite diapers have also received wonderful reviews! Just check out what some of these people said about their One Size Diaper Covers (just like the ones in the giveaway!) So if you're interested, it definitely worth the time to enter! So, GO!

 

I'm a mom and I can cry if I want to...

Today has just been one of those days. I haven't had one of these days since my daughter was a newborn. Some days are just harder than others. For one, Eisley's sleep schedule has been all kinds of messed up lately. I couldn't tell you why. Let's just go with teething/growth spurt/developmental milestone and whatever else you can think to throw in there. Nighttime isn't too bad. She still wakes up once (sometimes twice) a night to eat and usually a couple other times for her pacifier. Lately, she's decided that naps are for losers and she would rather stay up all day BUT periodically be super cranky.

So today, I cried. Our routine is to go in her room, turn on her sound machine and sway/rock until she EVENTUALLY falls asleep. I know it's a lot of work on my part and I most likely made her the sweet little monster she is today, but this is our life now. She just wouldn't fall asleep in my arms. I became more frustrated and then I just started crying. I didn't know what to do anymore. I was exhausted. So we just got in the car and drove. I drove all around the city and she finally fell asleep for 20 minutes. I cried most of the trip.

I felt like such a failure. Why am I crying? It makes sense to break down when you have this brand new baby whom you don't know yet and you haven't grown into your new mommy shoes. But I've known this girl for 7 months! Shouldn't I know exactly what to do 100% of the time? Of course not! I'm human. It doesn't make me a bad mom. I'm just a mom. A normal mom who shouldn't feel ashamed for feeling beat down from time to time.

On a completely random opposite note, she did start doing the cutest thing today. She's become obsessed with biting our noses. Sound weird, I know but it's actually pretty adorable. She was chewing on Craig's nose before he went to work and then the rest of the evening every time she was close to my face, she would grab both sides of my face and latch onto my nose. Oh this girl. She's a crazy, cute, rotten little stinker. And I'm madly in love with her. Even if she never takes another nap again... :/

Just some funny faces...

This girl makes so many silly faces.

This is her latest.

And my absolute favorite...

I hope you enjoyed the cuteness!

My Favorite Baby Products/Brands

Throughout this journey of motherhood I find my opinion of things change all the time. Whether it be what foods she's eating, what is put on her skin or what toys she should/shouldn't have, I'm a little obsessed with Eisley only having the best of the best. As far as food goes, I really like the  Earth's Best brand of baby purees. They're all organic with no preservatives, artificial colors or flavors, etc. For breakfast she has the Whole Grain Oatmeal Cereal (usually mixed with formula and organic apple juice) and then 2 servings of fruits and veggies for lunch and dinner. I initially planned on making her baby food but haven't yet. I just purchased a steamer and a handful of organic fruits, so I'm anxious to see how they turn out.

Now when it comes to products that go on her skin, I've discovered that the only brand I trust is California Baby. Eisley has really sensitive skin. Even though some brands claim to be "all natural" make sure you read the ingredients, because it may shock you. For baths she uses California Baby "Calming" Shampoo and Bodywash combined with their Calming Everyday Lotion after her bath. She had cradle cap from 1 week to about 5 months old and almost immediately after I started using CB products on her, her cradle cap has disappeared. She also had a small rash on her tummy, legs and arms (where I would apply lotion) when I was using a different brand, and again once I made the switch it cleared up. I recently purchased CB No Fragrance SPF 30+ Sunscreen and used it on a day we spent quite a bit of time in direct sun, and it works great! No redness at all. Plus it didn't leave that super greasy film after it dried. The only downside to the California Baby brand is the price. It's definitely more expensive than the other natural brands of baby products, but to me it's worth it. I try to find coupons when I can. As far as the body wash goes, a little goes a long way so I don't feel like I'm going to run out any time soon.

When it comes to our favorite bottles (again, through a lot of trial and error) we've found that the Similac SimplySmart bottles. work great! Before she was born we bought a whole set of Tommee Tippee bottles/bottle sanitizer etc. Once she was born, even the 0+month nipples had the milk coming out way too fast which led to one gassy baby. After buying several different brands here and there, we tried the Similac brand and loved it. She's a fast drinker, so one with a slower flow works better for her. She's been using these since about 3 months old and we're sticking with them until she doesn't use bottles anymore!

If I find that we start using more products in the future, I'll make sure to do an update :)

[I am in no way affiliated with these brands nor do I get paid to advertise/review them. Just simply my opinions!]