Dirty dishes. Dirty diapers. Dirty duds. My everyday life.

     Being a stay-at-home mommy, there are many things that need to be done.  Like doing the dishes.  Or doing the laundry.  Or cleaning the house.  Or vacuuming.  Or preparing dinner.  But, sometimes, those things just don't get done when you have a baby to take care of.  I am trying hard to be a good housewife and mommy and it seems like it gets easier and easier each day.
     I'm Mel and I am 31 years old living in the suburbs of the windy city.  I been happily married to the hubs for 6 years now.  The hubs and I have known each since college, which is oh, almost 14 years! Wow!  And since September 2011, we are a family of three.  We have also an eight year old, Corgi-mix, named Goldie who is the best doggie mom anyone who can ask for.  

Goldie on the look out

     Breastfeeding and cloth diapering never entered my mind when I thought about kids.  Before the hubs and I started trying to conceive, I was all about formula and disposable diapers.  But, slowly the ideas of breastfeeding and cloth diapering grew on me.
     Before C was born, I decided that I was going to try breastfeeding and if it didn't work for some reason, I would pump and give him breast milk in a bottle.  Well, it is crazy how things change once your little one comes into the world.  Once C arrived, I was determined to breastfeed and I was hooked.  I loved the special bond that automatically comes with breastfeeding.  I loved the closeness of holding my baby.  I loved the mommy and baby time.  I loved that I was providing the best thing for my baby.  However, I have to admit, it wasn't easy at first.  It felt like it took forever for my milk to come in.  It hurt when C latched on.  C had to stay an extra day in the hospital due to his high billirubin levels so I was sent home to pump what I could because the doctor wasn't sure how long C would have to stay there.  Well, it just ended up being one night. And once C was home, it was even harder because I didn't have any nurses to help me.  I had to wake up C to eat because of his jaundice, he needed to eat to pee and poop to lower his billirubin.  Then, there was the stress of C not gaining weight, no sleep, sore nipples, and no alcohol...Well, six months later, I am still breastfeeding and loving every minute of it.  I almost don't want it to end.  I savor each and every nursing session.  So, for all you mommies out there, that are just starting out breastfeeding, it is hard in the beginning.  Don't give up!  I know I wanted to but I am so glad I didn't.  So, keep on trucking!!
     Now, on to the dirty...cloth diapers.  I have to admit cloth diapers scared me at first.  Where does the poop go?  How do you wash it? Speaking of diapers, time to set the washer on the rinse cycle. Ok, I'm back.  All these questions started coming into my head.  Then, I started researching everything about cloth diapers.  I read blogs.  I watched YouTube videos.  I talked to friends.  Then, I finally decided to make the plunge, and start building up my collection.  I started collecting diapers when I was 7 months pregnant.  I would watch for online sales and jump at the opportunity to buy diapers for 20% or 30% off.  I finally had enough diapers when C was 3 months old.  And we have been using them ever since. 

C's first day wearing a cloth diaper. 

     There is a million other things that I can write but it is getting late and C will be waking up soon.  And this mommy needs some sleep.  So, until next time. 
     This blog post was supposed to be for Meet The Manic Mommy with The Gnome's Mom, but I missed the deadline. :(  So, here it is and hopefully next week, I will be able to join in.