Thursday, September 16, 2010
Diaper Update
Bummis is the Brand we chose to go with mainly because of the price and the fact that they sale a cloth diaper and cover that can fit a child up to 45 pounds.
We do not use any pins, I would be dangerous with pins and babies at the same time.
I began a wish list that I may try to fullfill watching for sales or coupon deals. First up I want to try an all-in-one sometime. I didn't start with them because I didn't want to spend the money on a diaper that the boys would outgrow too quickly.
I also ordered the disposable liners. These little guys are similar to a baby wipe. In the likely event the child poops then you take the soiled liner and flush it, leaving only the wet diaper to be washed.
Next on my wish list is a cloth swim diaper. This would be wonderful to use for our hot tub therapy. If you have ever tried finding swim diapers between Sept. and June you know how nice it would be to have a washable one.
Last on my list is a Snappi. I don't really need it but is looks kind of fun. Maybe it will be one of Eli's stocking stuffers.
So far we have done the cloth at home and night time with Eli. Two nights so far and no leaks. I love waking up in the morning and not having to put Eli in the bath first thing.
Gavin hates the cloth diapers and he has chosen to wear his underwear instead. This is a great benefit I didn't expect. Now he has a great incentive to try to remember to go in the potty.
It is a learning process for me. Cloth diapering is a whole world of its own. I have just dabbled a little but it is kind of fun.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
trying something new
No, I did not go all organic.
Yes, I do care about the environment, but it doesn't really cross my mind that often.
No, I am not a tree hugger.
Yes, I do want to be chemical free if possible, but I don't think about that much either.
I really do not know why I made such a rash decision other that my friend Amanda made it sound soooo easy.
I have thought about it before but thought probably "NOT".
But they make them so cute and really quite easy.
I did it! I bought Cloth diapers. They are in the washer now being prepped to absorb the gallons Eli will test it with. We will see if they work. We will see if it really is that simple. We will see how long I last.
Sighning off- Nature Girl :)
Yes, I do care about the environment, but it doesn't really cross my mind that often.
No, I am not a tree hugger.
Yes, I do want to be chemical free if possible, but I don't think about that much either.
I really do not know why I made such a rash decision other that my friend Amanda made it sound soooo easy.
I have thought about it before but thought probably "NOT".
But they make them so cute and really quite easy.
I did it! I bought Cloth diapers. They are in the washer now being prepped to absorb the gallons Eli will test it with. We will see if they work. We will see if it really is that simple. We will see how long I last.
Sighning off- Nature Girl :)
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Have you considered........?
ADOPTION?
Many of you have adopted and or considered adopting. Many of you are just waiting for God's timing to bring another child into your home. But some of you may have only had the thought skip through your mind. I just want to ask and plead for you to consider adoption and or foster care. I ask that if you have never been on your knees before the Lord God Almighty concerning adoption that you would do it today.
Please do not allow any earthly concern to stop you from at least asking the Lord if this is something you should consider. Please be willing to pray for His will. I know God does not call everyone to adopt but I do believe He calls us all to be willing to care for the orphan. This can be done in many ways and He will guide each of us down whatever path He has for us.
My heart is so broken tonight as I see another sweet child desperate for a family. I never knew this before but it seems in Eastern Europe it is possible that they will move children with disabilities to an institution when they turn 5 years old. Gavin just turned 5 and if he were there in an orphanage his hope would be gone. He would no longer be on a list to be adopted. I know God can touch and minister to kids, even those in institutions, but I know I would die before I let Gavin be raised there and I Hate, Hate, Hate to think any child could not know the love of a family.
If you have concerns about your age or you income tell the Lord and He will show you if this is something He wants to overcome. He loves these children more than we all could put together. I know He loves us as much too. He will not lead you down a path He is not going to light. I am not promising it will be easy or that all issues will melt away, but I am promising if He calls you to adopt or be a foster family then He will equip you and He in his time will show you the way He has for you.
Would you consider taking teenagers. There are so many that think their time is up. No one wants to take a teenager. The teenagers we have had have been such a joy. Problems-probably, but worth it-yes!
If you have room consider a sibling group. We know 3 sisters that were adopted together and if you have ever seen them together they are like one. I think if they had been separated they may not have survived. They are so fortunate to have been chosen by an older couple that was willing to say yes to all of them not just the baby.
If you don't have money to pay for an adoption consider foster to adopt. This program places children in your home as a foster child. You are paid the foster care rate. It isn't a bunch of money but it does help cover the costs of having an extra child in the house. Then if the child becomes free for adoption they can be yours for ever. When we adopted our boys we were able to get adoption assistance because of their special needs. It is no guarantee, but it is a very inexpensive way to adopt.
I do not know your situation but I am seeing more clearly everyday the situation many children are in. Some here in our community some all the way around the world. They all need love and many of them are in great need of homes and families.
Here is a link to a beautiful little girl with lower limb arthrogryposis. There are so many kids of every age, race and need. Only God knows the child He has chosen for you.
Arthrogryposis Adoption: Abigail has a $5000 Grant: "Abigail has a $5000 grant through Brittany's Hope this grant expires in less then 3 months!!!! She has lower extremity Arthrogryposis is sh..."
Many of you have adopted and or considered adopting. Many of you are just waiting for God's timing to bring another child into your home. But some of you may have only had the thought skip through your mind. I just want to ask and plead for you to consider adoption and or foster care. I ask that if you have never been on your knees before the Lord God Almighty concerning adoption that you would do it today.
Please do not allow any earthly concern to stop you from at least asking the Lord if this is something you should consider. Please be willing to pray for His will. I know God does not call everyone to adopt but I do believe He calls us all to be willing to care for the orphan. This can be done in many ways and He will guide each of us down whatever path He has for us.
My heart is so broken tonight as I see another sweet child desperate for a family. I never knew this before but it seems in Eastern Europe it is possible that they will move children with disabilities to an institution when they turn 5 years old. Gavin just turned 5 and if he were there in an orphanage his hope would be gone. He would no longer be on a list to be adopted. I know God can touch and minister to kids, even those in institutions, but I know I would die before I let Gavin be raised there and I Hate, Hate, Hate to think any child could not know the love of a family.
If you have concerns about your age or you income tell the Lord and He will show you if this is something He wants to overcome. He loves these children more than we all could put together. I know He loves us as much too. He will not lead you down a path He is not going to light. I am not promising it will be easy or that all issues will melt away, but I am promising if He calls you to adopt or be a foster family then He will equip you and He in his time will show you the way He has for you.
Would you consider taking teenagers. There are so many that think their time is up. No one wants to take a teenager. The teenagers we have had have been such a joy. Problems-probably, but worth it-yes!
If you have room consider a sibling group. We know 3 sisters that were adopted together and if you have ever seen them together they are like one. I think if they had been separated they may not have survived. They are so fortunate to have been chosen by an older couple that was willing to say yes to all of them not just the baby.
If you don't have money to pay for an adoption consider foster to adopt. This program places children in your home as a foster child. You are paid the foster care rate. It isn't a bunch of money but it does help cover the costs of having an extra child in the house. Then if the child becomes free for adoption they can be yours for ever. When we adopted our boys we were able to get adoption assistance because of their special needs. It is no guarantee, but it is a very inexpensive way to adopt.
I do not know your situation but I am seeing more clearly everyday the situation many children are in. Some here in our community some all the way around the world. They all need love and many of them are in great need of homes and families.
Here is a link to a beautiful little girl with lower limb arthrogryposis. There are so many kids of every age, race and need. Only God knows the child He has chosen for you.
Arthrogryposis Adoption: Abigail has a $5000 Grant: "Abigail has a $5000 grant through Brittany's Hope this grant expires in less then 3 months!!!! She has lower extremity Arthrogryposis is sh..."
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Lolo Hot Springs
Last Saturday the family woke up with great anticipation and began the half day process of packing for our little vacation. Packing is usually the part I hate, and when we are finally ready I usually am so frustrated I do not want to go on vacation any more. But.... this time was so different. Everyone helped pack and get ready to go. Kaly and Ayla ran back and forth and grabbed diapers, towels, clothes and anything I asked of them. Jeromy worked hard at getting the van ready and we all left in a very pleasant mood.
Gavin asked every 5 minutes where we were going and talked most of the way. We arrived in Lolo around 4pm and spent the evening playing in the water. I can't say that the pools were all I dreamed them to be but, we all had a wonderful time. It was so fun to have something to do that was really perfect for everyone. All of the kids love being in the water and it was perfect for Eli and Gavin's bodies to have so much time in warm mineral water.
Our first fun person encounter was "the goat lady" She was fun and she told me about 10 times that she made soap from goats milk and sold it in all the local hot springs. She asked a lot of questions about Eli and she asked if he had grandparents. I said yes and she said no I mean someone like me. Someone that could send him a card and money. Very nice of her but, I thought to myself, not a chance am I giving you my address. She eventually departed and we continued a quiet evening in the water.
We had a great little cabin and Gavin kept saying "this is our home now". We loved having the camping experience without the camping experience. I love a soft warm bed even when camping. lol
Then Sunday we hiked up the mountain a little ways. Gavin in the backpack and Eli strapped to my front. It didn't work as well as it did for the 4 mile hike a couple of weeks ago, but we still had fun. Jeromy with Gavin on his back ran around the rocks with the girls. We managed to get a good bit of fun in before it started to rain again. Out in the great outdoors we also managed to find us a great lunch at the lodge. The food was great and we had the place almost to ourselves. This is always nice because we enjoy eating out, but with two boys with very noticeable disabilities sometimes it feels like we are the evening entertainment. This time not so much. We were able to make Eli a little quiet bed near our table and I enjoyed a meal hands free.
We hit the water again for the evening and this time we really did become the center of attention. We visited with a couple of ladies that both are nurses and we were able to share a little of our stories with them. Then another lady came and sat a couple of feet from me and stared at Eli forever. I didn't know what to do. Usually people say something. She just stared. Finally a few words were spoken then she stared. Then I tried to break the silence and she barely responded and just stared. Then after I started to just look away from her she finally moved on, only to find Jeromy. She did actually talk to him and told him about a therapy that she uses. It is one our therapist uses on both of the boys and he thanked her and she moved on. We did have a wonderful relaxing time and we thoroughly enjoyed the water. I was told in had Lithium in it. Maybe that is why everyone was so pleasant to be around.
We enjoyed another evening meal and this time I held Eli for more of it and much to our surprise he kept reaching up and putting his hand in my salad. It really was fun to watch him. Every time I moved his hand away he would manage to get it back up there. I finally moved my plate out of his reach. This is a first of what I pray will be many things I will have to move out of his reach. I pray someday I can say Eli quit getting into things, but for now I am just so glad he is beginning to move outside of himself without someone else tugging him along.
We had to do the traditional stop at the Missoula Cracker Barrel for lunch. We shopped in the gift/candy store and the kids spent their money on a little treat. It was a wonderful time and Jeromy even surprised me and bought me a beautiful wall hanging. I love it so much. The verse fits perfectly with what God has been teaching me this summer. "Be Still and Know that I am God."
This was a simple vacation and I think my favorite of all of our family vacations. We really had time together, we really relaxed and we really had fun. When we got home we felt refreshed and I am excited to put summer to bed and wake up fall and the school year ahead.
Gavin asked every 5 minutes where we were going and talked most of the way. We arrived in Lolo around 4pm and spent the evening playing in the water. I can't say that the pools were all I dreamed them to be but, we all had a wonderful time. It was so fun to have something to do that was really perfect for everyone. All of the kids love being in the water and it was perfect for Eli and Gavin's bodies to have so much time in warm mineral water.
Our first fun person encounter was "the goat lady" She was fun and she told me about 10 times that she made soap from goats milk and sold it in all the local hot springs. She asked a lot of questions about Eli and she asked if he had grandparents. I said yes and she said no I mean someone like me. Someone that could send him a card and money. Very nice of her but, I thought to myself, not a chance am I giving you my address. She eventually departed and we continued a quiet evening in the water.
We had a great little cabin and Gavin kept saying "this is our home now". We loved having the camping experience without the camping experience. I love a soft warm bed even when camping. lol
Then Sunday we hiked up the mountain a little ways. Gavin in the backpack and Eli strapped to my front. It didn't work as well as it did for the 4 mile hike a couple of weeks ago, but we still had fun. Jeromy with Gavin on his back ran around the rocks with the girls. We managed to get a good bit of fun in before it started to rain again. Out in the great outdoors we also managed to find us a great lunch at the lodge. The food was great and we had the place almost to ourselves. This is always nice because we enjoy eating out, but with two boys with very noticeable disabilities sometimes it feels like we are the evening entertainment. This time not so much. We were able to make Eli a little quiet bed near our table and I enjoyed a meal hands free.
We hit the water again for the evening and this time we really did become the center of attention. We visited with a couple of ladies that both are nurses and we were able to share a little of our stories with them. Then another lady came and sat a couple of feet from me and stared at Eli forever. I didn't know what to do. Usually people say something. She just stared. Finally a few words were spoken then she stared. Then I tried to break the silence and she barely responded and just stared. Then after I started to just look away from her she finally moved on, only to find Jeromy. She did actually talk to him and told him about a therapy that she uses. It is one our therapist uses on both of the boys and he thanked her and she moved on. We did have a wonderful relaxing time and we thoroughly enjoyed the water. I was told in had Lithium in it. Maybe that is why everyone was so pleasant to be around.
We enjoyed another evening meal and this time I held Eli for more of it and much to our surprise he kept reaching up and putting his hand in my salad. It really was fun to watch him. Every time I moved his hand away he would manage to get it back up there. I finally moved my plate out of his reach. This is a first of what I pray will be many things I will have to move out of his reach. I pray someday I can say Eli quit getting into things, but for now I am just so glad he is beginning to move outside of himself without someone else tugging him along.
We had to do the traditional stop at the Missoula Cracker Barrel for lunch. We shopped in the gift/candy store and the kids spent their money on a little treat. It was a wonderful time and Jeromy even surprised me and bought me a beautiful wall hanging. I love it so much. The verse fits perfectly with what God has been teaching me this summer. "Be Still and Know that I am God."
This was a simple vacation and I think my favorite of all of our family vacations. We really had time together, we really relaxed and we really had fun. When we got home we felt refreshed and I am excited to put summer to bed and wake up fall and the school year ahead.
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