My baby turned two years old on Sunday. Deep breath. When did that happen?! I can still remember giving birth to her at home, in our bedroom. Like it was yesterday. And the newborn snuggles! Oh, the newborn snuggles. I just cannot get enough. Those newborn days are so fleeting. You're so exhausted, and yet trying to just drink in every moment. The days just seem to fly by too fast. And you blink and she's not a baby anymore. She's two, and she's running and talking and growing into … [Read more...]
Where Should Baby Sleep? The Case for Co-Sleeping
"Is she sleeping through the night yet?" The worst question that could ever be asked of a new mom. EVER! Becuase, um, news flash: Babies don't (and shouldn't) really conform to our ideals of what it means to sleep for long periods without waking, at nighttime. I mean pretty much anyone who's ever had a baby, or taken care of someone else's baby, could probably tell you that. And yet, how a baby is sleeping is always at the very top of other people's priority list for your baby. So, you … [Read more...]
Green in the Life – Using and Loving Cloth Diapers {Green in 365}
This is Day 247 of the Green in 365 series! Cloth Diapering my kiddos will always hold a special place in my heart. Kinda weird that my kiddos diapers would mean so much to me, I know. Because let's be honest, sometimes they are just plain GROSS! But, using cloth diapers was one of the very first changes our family made on our journey toward more green and natural living, and I had no idea when I started this road that it would lead me down. It's really more about the mindset behind using … [Read more...]
How to Strip Cloth Diapers of Dryer Sheet Build Up {Green in 365}
This is Day 196 of the Green in 365 series! Guest Post by Erin of Diaper HQ I have sympathy for people using cloth diapers who are having leak, stink and/or rash trouble. These issues are, fortunately, totally preventable. Unfortunately, there is SO much to know about cloth diapering, that it can be hard if you don't have someone to guide you in the right direction when you are getting started. Cloth diapering can be so easy if you know what you need to know. There are … [Read more...]
bumGenius Freetime Cloth Diaper: Review and Giveaway! {Green in 365}
This is Day 195 of the Green in 365 series! This post is brought to you by Diaper HQ, one of the fabulous sponsors of Live Renewed this month! If you're thinking about cloth diapers, but not sure which kind would work best for you, you need to check out their Test Drive Kit! Six years ago I was pregnant with my first baby and was just beginning to learn a little bit about the importance of green living and using less toxic products for my family. My cousin had encouraged me … [Read more...]
5 Benefits of Consistent Exercise {Green in 365: Outdoors}
This is Day 161 of the Green in 365 series! Last week we talked about establishing a consistent exercise routine, and today I want to talk about the benefits that I have enjoyed from running on a regular basis to train for a half-marathon. 5 Benefits of Consistent Exercise 1. Alone, quiet time This is far and away one of the biggest benefits to me. When you are a mama of three littles, there's not a lot of quiet in your life. When I run, I go by myself and usually without any music, … [Read more...]
The Kermit Gosnell Case: Why This is About So Much More Than Abortion
I didn't want to write this post, and yet, as I was sitting on my couch last night watching a documentary and reading article after article, tears streaming down my face, I couldn't stop at that. I couldn't just move on, and go on writing here about things that seem so trivial in light of this horror. It's a loaded story, I know, and that's why I didn't want to write about it. The thoughts swirl through my head, but I never feel like they come out quite right on the page. And yet, my fingers … [Read more...]
Elimination Communication for Older Babies and Beyond {Green in 365: Baby & Child Care}
This is Day 101 of the Green in 365 series! This is the third post in the series on Elimination Communication, find the first two here and here. By Elizabeth of Running Family Perhaps this week is first time you have heard about Elimination Communication and your child is an older baby or toddler. I highly recommend starting wherever you are at and keeping it fun! When my 3rd child was 17 months, he definitely enjoyed our after-meal routine of flying out of the high … [Read more...]
Easy Elimination Communication For Newborns {Green in 365: Baby & Child Care}
This is Day 99 of the Green in 365 series! The is the second post in a guest series on Elimination Communication, if you haven't yet, read this post first. By Elizabeth of Running Family As a busy mother of four, I am all about taking the easiest route when it comes to diapering. As I mentioned yesterday, I confess that I always thought EC was for weird hippies and those with too much time, which obviously wasn’t me. I am shocked at how EC has made my life much easier … [Read more...]
An Introduction to Elimination Communication {Green in 365: Baby & Child Care}
This is Day 98 of the Green in 365 series! Note from Emily: This is a guest post from my cousin Elizabeth, who I credit with first encouraging me to begin this journey toward green and natural living. She showed me the cloth diapers she used on her second son when I was pregnant with Kaelyn, and gave me a ring sling soon after she was born, spurring my love for both cloth diapers and baby wearing. And she has continued to encourage me over the years to have my baby at home, to … [Read more...]
