International Babywearing Week!

Today is officially the beginning of International Babywearing Week!
 

Ok, so I only just learned about this a couple of days ago and I have no set plans on how to celebrate. I would however like to take this as an excuse to talk about why I love babywearing so much!

When Peter was first born, I had a ring sling that I used almost constantly. Having been so snug and warm in the womb, it only makes sense that he would enjoy being held so close. It quickly became a convenience. Peter was happy, he'd fall asleep without fussing, and I learned how to get all of my chores done (including decorating cakes) with him asleep on me.

Now that he's 18 months old, he still enjoys being carried. I bring a pouch sling or my Ergo with me everywhere. In the middle of the grocery store I can quickly hold him and still have my arms available to shop. It's nice to know that I can always provide him the comfort and reassurance that he needs.

Why do you love babywearing? What's your favorite carrier? Any ideas on how to officially celebrate International Babywearing Week?

BumGenius' New Prints

I LOVE how they aren't "cutsie" with frogs and cheesy characters. These are great!! What do you think of the new prints??

Thrift Store Treasures

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love finding things at Yard Sales and Thrift Stores. I don't see the purpose of buying items straight from the store when you can find quality items second hand for a fraction of the price.

My mother often donates her clothing to St. Vincent's Thrift Shop. While she was there this weekend, the volunteers were setting up a Little Tikes kitchen and table set. Surprisingly, they were selling all of it for only $20! I went over this morning to check it out and decided to bring it home.

My favorite thing about buying second hand is seeing the quality within something old. It was extremely dirty, but after tons of elbow grease and exhausting my supply of Mr. Clean Magic Erasers, Peter now has a beautiful kitchen set to play with! It is complete with a highchair, food, plates, utensils, and everything else a child needs for great imaginative play! The only thing that we don't seem to have is a stove/oven. Do you have one sitting in your basement or garage that isn't getting any use that might somewhat match our set? If not, I'm sure Peter's imagination will create a stove!

With all of these new toys, I decided to finally attack the dreaded chore I've been avoiding; sorting through and putting away all of Peter's baby toys. This is still a work in progress, but wait until you see what I'm doing to keep all of his "toddler" toys organized!

Soap Nuts

They're here! My new Soap Nuts have arrived!!

Peter's also excited about the new Soap Nuts!

I know, I know, it sounds weird. What are these nuts?

Soap Nuts are the dried berry of the Chinese Soapberry tree. Several months ago I discovered, by accident, that I should be a little more careful with what I wash my diapers with. So I went on a hunt. A friend of mine recommended using Maggie's Soap Nuts. I was skeptical at first, so I bought a small box. After bringing them home I immediately attacked my extremely dirty pail of diapers. To my surprise, they came out whiter than ever and they smelled like...nothing! There were no scents left behind to bother sensitive skin. For the first time, I experienced what "clean" is supposed to smell like!

After using my small box of Soap Nuts for months, I finally needed to order some more. This time, I went for the bag that can be used for up to 400 loads for only $34! What a bargain!