Two Lines

Three tests have confirmed it, baby number 2 is on the way! I was a little hesitant to find out before my big life insurance licensing exam tomorrow, and rightfully so because studying has become nearly impossible. All I can think about is the little one growing in my tummy, and all the wonderful stuff that comes with pregnancy. It's funny how an idea can become all consuming in such little time. A lot of thought has already gone into the type of birth we'll have this time, the books to be read, and the search for the perfect midwife willing to attend a home vbac birth. While I was being jealous of all the mamas in blogland with their new babies, my body was creating one of my own. I can't wait to feel this little one wiggling around in my tummy, I missed that so much after Aiden was born!
How's the big brother reacting? I don't think he truly understands yet. Maybe as my tummy gets bigger.?.

Tiny Tush Now Available at Boo Bear Buns!

I am excited to announce that Tiny Tush products are now available at Boo Bear Buns! Between the inexpensive Chinese prefolds, the organic Trim contoured diapers, the organic Trim fitted diapers, the One Size Elite Pocket Diapers, the nylon pull up covers, organic wool soakers and the training pants, you are sure to find whatever diapering product you need at Boo Bear Buns! Cost saving packages are available, as well as their Perfect Wipes, disposable diaper liners, and diaper pail liners.

New Products at Boo Bear Buns

At Boo Bear Buns, you can now purchase your big belly clothes at the same place you get all your baby accessories. I spent a couple days last week adding new products to my website. In addition to cloth diapers, baby carriers, natural laundry detergent, safer bath & body products and the many other items available, you can now get gorgeous maternity clothes! Also new, and already very popular, are 80 load Itsa Greener Clean natural laundry detergents. And check out the new visor beanies. So cute!

Make sure you check out all the new items, as there's only 1 or 2 of some and you don't want to miss out! Also look for hemp/organic cotton AIO one-size diapers in Spring 2008!

Snow!!

Nine or ten inches of snow fell on Monday. We had fun playing outside!

The Party

Aiden's party was so much fun! Check out the awesome Shrek cake my mom made below! We also had dirt cups (pudding, crushed oreos & gummy worms) and putrid punch (lemon-lime kool aid, orange juice, ginger ale, and gummy worm ice cubes). He's got some beautiful wooden toys to play with now, and is enjoying his new movies. He digs those drums too.
Opening presents

Playing the drums

Blowing out the candle

Cutting the cake

Two

It's hard to believe that it has been 2 years since you were born, but then again, it often doesn't seem like there was life before you. To think back to times I fell asleep without you next to me, or got up in the morning without carefully rolling off the couch so I don't wake you, it doesn't seem real. Like a movie I saw, or a dream that is fading away.
A tiny portion of things I love about you:
You can always make me laugh, and you know it. You're such a little clown, making faces or goofy noises, or tickling my feet.
You love being outside and prefer to spend the entire day out in the yard running around with your dump truck, hitting trees with a stick or hammer, or peeling bark off trees.
You almost always have some sort of tool or "sword" in your hands. Screw driver or curtain rod, stick or rubber mallet. And you know how to use them. You'll walk over, tip your tricycle with one hand and start fixing it with your tools. I love watching you fix things.
Lately, you carry an army man with you everywhere.
You can figure out how anything works almost immediately. I have no idea how this just comes to you, but it does.
If you want something bad enough, you will find a way to get it. Your relentless determination can drive me crazy, but I admire that in you.
You come over to visit me on the computer for a quick sip of milk before going back to whatever you were doing.
You have gone from calling me "mum mum mum mum" to "muma" and now I'm just "ma".
When you want some milk, you come over and say "ma", sign milk with both hands, then say mo. How can a mama resist that?
When you point out body parts, you "beeeeep" belly buttons, nipples and noses :)
When you see someone you know outside, you bang on the window and say their name. When you see someone you don't know walking by, you wave and say "bye". I wish I could spell out bye the way you say it. So adorable.
You call spoons pooms and say beee for please (we never forced you to say please, you just started saying it on your own and we didn't know what you meant for a while). You also pronounce more mo. Yep, you are the cutest.


You ride the dogs whenever you catch one of them laying down.
You "roo" after Meisner, and it is so damn cute.
You adore Grampy (still call him "da" too) and love playing with him, especially at his house or when we go somewhere with him.
I still love your little fingers and little toes, even now that they are so much bigger than they were 2 years ago.
You are so big now, and you just keep getting bigger. I love you little man. Happy Birthday!

Procrastination

Well, I missed the Halloween photos post, so I avoided the next post, and then the next one, and then I was so far behind that I didn't know how to catch up. I wanted to try posting every day in November. The guilt of not posting every day kept me from posting at all (Thanks to Flylady, I know longer do this with most things!) Anyway, I will be posting tomorrow. My man is turning 2! I will attempt a post telling him some of the wonderful things I love about him, and hope that my usual inability to articulate subsides for one day.

Aiden was Draco Malfoy for Halloween
And look at what I found the other day!

Bubbly Magnets Craft Project

Looking for an easy project for solstice/Christmas presents? Jump over to The Mother Load for instructions on making easy bubbly magnets. I recently bought some of these off Etsy for solstice and birthday presents, and knew they were easy to make, just didn't know what to use for glue! I'll be making some magnets this year!
Another suggestion, use a domino with the picture on the front for a rectangular magnet. I find these even cuter because the picture is so clear.
Happy Crafting!

Tackle It Tuesday - Flylady

My friend Joni and I are doing the flylady routine now. The cool thing about it is that you start super slow, with baby steps, so you don't get burnt out. The point of it is that you make a little change each day which turns into a habit. We both did some crisis cleaning yesterday, although we were not planning for guests, we needed to really tackle our houses while we could! I spent at least 6 hours cleaning. What a difference! And it feels good to go to bed with a shiny sink, and I know it will make me smile in the morning :) (Read more about it and you'll understand, as that is the first step.)
Aiden and I also went apple picking as our first Western Maine Mother's Center outing. It was fun to get out with some other families. And the weather was gorgeous! In fact, it was too hot considering that we were not dressed for summer weather.
Although I have not officially announced it, Slings and Sacks is now Boo Bear Buns. If you have not been to my new website, check it out! Jeff at Snowfyre did a wonderful job on it. He's still got a little more work to do so check back often as it gets better and better!

A few ways to help the environment

1. Use cloth diapers! Did you know that every kid in disposables add about 2 tons of diapers to landfills? These diapers will take an estimated 200-500 years to break down. Did you know that it takes 2/3 cup of petroleum to make 1 disposable diaper? These are just a few of the advantages of cloth! An added bonus: laundering at home will save you $2000+ per child over disposables and utilizing a diaper service will still save you hundreds over disposables!
2. Buy a few reusable shopping bags. If you can sew, make your own from an old sheet or pillow case! Over 1 million plastic shopping bags are used each minute! Don't add to the waste!
3. RECYCLE!!! Recycle and reuse whatever you can! One thing I do is print all my receipts double sided. Any old paperwork is used for notes and lists. All other paper items are recycled or used to start my wood furnace. Reuse those cloth diapers on future babies or as cleaning rags, or donate to a needy family.

I really did try to post a couple times but...

Blogger wouldn't let me log on! It's working now so I'll catch anyone up who's interested: Aiden and I started Music Together classes. They're awesome and we're having lots of fun every Wednesday night.
My diaper service business plan will be completed this week. I go for funding next week. Wish me luck!
The Western Maine Mother's Center was founded. I am one of the 4 founding members, and the treasurer. That venture is very exciting! I'll post links once they are ready!
My website revamp is nearly finished. I'm working with Jeff from Snowfyre, and highly recommend him for anyone looking for a designer!
Aiden and I got haircuts today. Aiden's had his hair trimmed a couple times, but this is his first real cut. He's so big now! My hair's a lot shorter, and I like it!

Dyson Pink Giveaway

I didn't win the last Dyson so I am sure that I will win this time! This one is pink in support of breast cancer awareness. Dyson is donating the total cost of this vacuum, plus $40 for all others sold to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. How cool is that? If you want in on the contest, head over to 5 Minutes for Mom and join!

Choices In Diapering Classes

My first Choices in Diapering class is being held at Blessed Baby Boutique in Wilton Maine on October 20th. The time(s) have not been set yet. Feel free to contact me for more info!

What is a Choices in Diapering Class? Classes will cover different types of diapers, their pros and cons, and cloth diapering info. Three classes are available and the information provided increases greatly with class length. A fifteen minute class covers: About Diapering Options Diapering Options Today (brief) Discussion of environmental and financial impact of each option A one hour class covers: About Diapering Options Diapering Options Today Pros and Cons of each Brief "Diaper Debate" (discussion of environmental and financial impact of each option) A three hour class covers: About Diapering Options Diapering Options Today Pros and Cons of each Diaper Debate (discussion of environmental, financial and health impact of cloth vs. disposables) Dispel myths associated with cloth Q&A Activities

SoPo Chickens Update

Back in June I posted about Olivia, a young girl from South Portland who was trying to convince the city council to change the zoning ordinance to allow raising chickens for eggs. I'm proud to announce that up to six chickens are now allowed to 20 residents, with a permit! For the whole, tiny article, click here.

HP Photosmart Printer

While over at 5 Minutes for Mom this noon, I noticed that their most recent giveaway is exactly what I need to start scrapbooking. The HP Photosmart Printer looks really cool and would go perfectly with the kit I've got coming in from Emily . Therefore, I am destined to win it! Check it out here and post a comment on their post if you'd like to be entered as well.

Tackle It Tuesday

So I know I may not get to tackling some clutter every Tuesday (it wouldn't hurt if I do so any other day though!) but I decided to join the ranks of Tackle it Tuesday bloggers and give it another go.

My computer desk is pretty much grand central station in this home. I'm always on email, working on my sites or researching online. I eat here. I watch movies here. Aiden gets up in the morning and nurses while I click away. My files for each current month are here too, although not necessarily in their file folder. Jon lives at this desk on his days off as well. Aiden enjoys bouncing in the yoga ball chair, climbing on the desk to get to the tape, and using the chair to climb over the gate. (The gate is merely for dog control. It doesn't slow Aiden down one bit.) I would be (and should be) super embarrassed to post the before pictures here, but that is my incentive for really organizing each area.

Computer Desk & Diaper Storage Before:

And After:
I'm proud to report that many paper products were added to my scrap pile or to the recycle bin. I didn't tackle the linen shelf above because it needs to be moved to my studio.

Aiden doesn't use diapers at home during the day so my stash lasts forever. He's been using the potty for a while now and no longer has any pee related accidents! Potty training before 2 is one of the many benefits of using cloth diapers.

I hope that some of you would will join me in quest to organize their home, week by week.

Born Free Co-op

There is a Born Free Co-op over at the Hip Hippee yahoo group. It's going on in another group as well (same co-op though). Feel free to join. I've ordered Aiden some drinking cups on the other group. These are made from safer, BPA free plastics. You can find out more about Born Free at their website. Savings are significant when ordering through the co-op!

Being Neglectful Again

I know, I know. I'm neglecting the blog again. Whenever my husband is home, I literally have to fight him to get the computer. He can play Vanguard for 8+ hours straight! That is not the only thing keeping me from the blog, aside from the usuals, I have began looking into starting a diaper service. I had thought about it when Aiden was tiny, but after his surgery (which I don't believe I have ever mentioned on here because it's such a long story), the idea was pushed aside. The service area would be about a 20 mile radius from me here in Mexico, Maine. I'm compiling numbers and info at this time (big thanks to Sara at Organic Caboose for all the contact info!) and meeting with the River Valley Growth Council this Wednesday and then the SBA soon thereafter. This endeavor will start right! None of that year's worth of trial and error. Did you know that even at around $20 per week, a diaper service is still cheaper than disposables? Not to mention the countless other benefits of using cloth!

I'm the featured shop :)

A reporter came to Blessed Baby Boutique to do an article about us, our co-op and the Mother's Center we have in the works. Although she kind of put our quotes together by piecing random words and points we mentioned, and used the worst picture she took, I'm quite proud! She even mentioned my web address!
Read it here if you'd like: http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/news/local/4191805.html

Possible SaS Co-op Pre-sales

If anyone out there in blog land is interested in going in on any of the following, join my yahoo group & vote on the poll!
ProCare - like PUL only lasts much longer. Limited color choices
Fold Over Elastic
Moon Cups - Like DivaCups, but I've heard they are better
Glad Rags
Wahmies - wet bags or pail liners
Hemp/certified organic cotton fleece
If there is enough interest to start a co-op for any of these, we may be able to save some $ buying wholesale/in bulk :)

SaS Fabric Co-op Yahoo Group

I just created a yahoo group for leftover fabric & notions from sling and diaper making. I will also offer chances to go in on wholesale orders with me, as well as pre-sales from my site. There is a database for hemp / certified organic cotton fleece that will be open for at least a couple more weeks.

The address is: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SaS_Fabric_Coop . Feel free to join and invite others!

Opinions Please!

I'm working on an ad for BOLD events taking place in Maine this September. What do you think of this?

I'm also thinking about redoing my website in olive greens and orange. Maybe some purple mixed in.Please be brutally honest, but only if you have suggestions on making them better.

I'll give you details about the photo, the wonderful daddy & beautiful baby later. They deserve a post of their own :)

Cutest Diaper Package Ever!

Here's 1/2 a package of flannel front Boo Bear Buns diapers that were sent out recently. These are one size fitted diapers with cotton flannel outers and 3 thirsty layers of hemp/organic cotton fleece. I love the prints!

EGCG Trunk Show

Stop by for some free samples of Itsa Greener Clean and check out the scrumptious bath & body products!

OMG, I'm in love!

Over at TeensyGreen, I fell in love. Endangered Species Chocolate is my dream come true. Seriously, how could you go wrong eating organic, ethically traded chocolate while supporting endangered species, habitat & humanity. The music & chocolate collection is even better, mixing wonderful tastes with Putumayo Kids music. (The prices are perfect for organic chocolate too)

Our Second Fairy House

When catching up with Grace's blog last week, I was totally inspired by the fairy tea party her family creates on Solstice. I love the idea of creating a party for the fairies held every year, and we will be doing that next year. After the Garden Party, we planned to build a fairy house in our backyard. We had even saved a shell to use for fairy food. The night I read her post, we ventured out into the trees that surround our yard. We found a particularly fine spot where two trees were joined at the base, leaving a hole that fills with water in the middle. A fine fairy pool, or hot tub these days. We immediately set to work on the house, using y sticks to hold stick for the roof. We then covered it with oak leaves and set up an acorn table & chairs inside. I managed to get a few pictures before Aiden's determination to put every stick within his reach on the roof got the best of it. I'm sure the fairies still enjoy their new home, despite it's structural flaws.

Dancing Hands Bookmarks

Alex Miller, a 9 1/2 year old homeschooled artist, is now selling her original, hand drawn bookmarks. They are beautiful, laminated, and finished with natural fibers. You can purchase them here. While you're there, take a look at her mom's beautiful creations. I greatly admire her felted bowls and goddesses.

Sorry I am Slacking

I fully intended to post more often. Apologies to all my blogging friends who come here to read and find cobwebs growing on old posts. My Uncle Skip died of cancer a few minutes ago and I am really busy with the house & SaS. Please do not give up on me. I hope to be back on my feet & more organized in a couple weeks.

A Day in the Life of Aiden Part 1

Years from now I want my blog to be yet another place that Aiden can go to see pictures of himself as a baby, and read what he was up to back then. Therefore, I have decided to write a day in the life of Aiden posts to give an idea of what it's like to be a 20 month old Boo Bear. Based mostly on today.

Aiden nurses off & on all morning, but almost always at 6:30. He occasionally gets up after, but often falls back to sleep for an hour or so. When he gets up, he usually talks a little bit, then comes to find me. If I am on the computer, he'll come over and nurse again. I sing him a good morning song. He gets down and starts playing with whatever is nearest to him. I make him some breakfast, or give him some of mine if I got a head start on eating. This morning we watched an episode of Fraggle Rock. After he is done eating, he gets down and plays some more. This is the time of day that he starts getting really chatty. Words like "bugna", "dogna", bird, kitty, boat, bike, bite, outside, boo boo and choo choo mix in with lots of "Aiden speak". He spends a lot of time looking outside and pointing things out. Especially bikes. If I take too long getting ready, he'll look for something to put on. After getting frustrated with the shirt or shoe, or whatever he's found, I always give in. If spending time outside (we do most days) we lather him with sunblock and a little bug stuff. I follow him around the house with my hands covered in sunblock, trying to remember which leg or arm I did last. He often screams during this. I'm not sure why, I would love to have someone rub lotion on me each day :) It's one of the things that we do regardless of his protests. Kind of like the next step, brushing his teeth. He used to love it but I have to almost force the toothbrush in his mouth some days. Aiden will run over to the couch and climb up. We get him dressed and put his shoes on. Now we must move quickly or more protesting will commence. We take Summer outside and hook her at her dog house, and watch Meisner sniff out the animals that came around the night before. Today we checked on the lilac and forsythia trees we planted out front and watered the flowers. We cut some mallow flower, tiger lilies and hosta flowers for the dining room. Then we checked out some mushrooms growing in the moss, looked at the different types of moss growing up the trees and talked about the bee bugnas that were flying in and out of the flowers. All the while, I was singing the theme song to Fraggle Rock. In case you forgot: "Dance your cares away, worry's for another day. Let the music play, down at Fraggle Rock." After lots of running around and hitting things with a hammer & a stick, we came inside to eat again. Afterward we played on the couch. Lots of tickling, laughing, hiding under the blanket, yoga (downward facing dog) and somersaults. No one can make me laugh like Aiden can. I love this kid so much. More nursing and a nap come next. 4 hours down, 9 to go.

*deep breath* Ah, I'm Back

After a very long time away, we are finally back (note that it has been nearly a month, not 2 weeks as expected). I'll try to get into the story of the lead paint "removal" fiasco later on. Just wanted to drop by with a quick update. Got lots of work to catch up on with a Festival coming up in a couple weeks.

As an aside, I have finally taken the plunge and hired a friend to watch Aiden for 4 hours a couple days per week so I can work straight through. It may seem counter productive to some, however I really can not go any longer without more help. Until I figure out how to hire a contractor to help with the sewing (and trust someone else to put as much time and positive energy into my products), this is a luxury of sorts that I must indulge in. I've got more work than time, and so many opportunities for more sales. The spare room has been set up as a make shift studio, and tomorrow I will be plugging away. Woo hoo!

Probably taking a couple weeks off

The lead paint is finally being removed from the house (well, most of it covered, but that's better than nothing I guess) so we are leaving for 2 weeks tomorrow. During that time, I will have *gasp* a dial up connection. After having dsl for years, I don't have the patience for dial up, so after emails, orders and the usual work related stuff, I don't expect to get to the blog. It's ok though, I have a lot of sewing to do. 36 diapers, 18 inserts, 36 wipes, a wrap sling, and numerous pouch slings. Plus orders that come in the meantime. Yeah, that'll keep me busy :)
Until then, here are a couple of my recent creations:

Duck Dots Boo Bear Buns Fitted Diaper
Clouds Boo Bear Buns Contoured Diaper

And my favorite Fieldstone pics:

Fieldstone Gardens Aiden Pictures

Jon, Aiden, my mother and I attended Fieldstone Gardens' Fairies in the Garden party on Saturday. Sales were unheard of, but we had fun. Aiden was a wood nymph for a couple minutes. I'll let the pictures and captions tell the rest of the story.

Trying to pull wings offPulling on a bead

Only pic with the crown, which blends in with the treesAiden and I next to our fairy houseClose-up of fairy house just before Aiden beat it with a corn stalk

He's so big now!

Pictures of Fieldstone to follow...