Review: Econobum Diapers

When I first decided to try cloth diapers, I didn't want to spend much money to test the waters. Who wants to make a big investment just to have it fall apart? Not me! So after much research, I came across the Econobum Kit by BumGenius. I had my sister pick one up for me, and even saved $10 off the purchase price with a coupon in Metro Parent's Pink & Blue at Modern Natural Baby.

BumGenius is a reputable brand, and often on the more expensive end of the spectrum, so I wondered how they could have possibly put this kit together for such a low price. The kit includes 12 prefolds, 3 white one-size covers, and a wet bag. If you intend on wrapping your baby in the diaper, you may want to invest in some Snappi's.

The wet bag is about 10x12" in size and seems most fitting for a diaper bag. It has a drawstring closure and isn't the most quality, as it's a very lightweight PUL. It serves it's purpose though; I keep my dirty covers in it.

The covers aren't the best out there, but they work. I haven't had a leak, even with messy breastfed blowouts. They too, are a light weight one-ply PUL with snap closures. They are stretchy, and the elastic fits around Lil' L's legs well. Be forewarned that the covers are only single gusseted.

The prefolds in this kit are the best part. They are thick, and super absorbent. They also have horizontal and vertical fold lines sewn in, so the diapers fold better if you are going to use them insert style, as directed on the package. My girl can sleep all night in one with no issue. They are wonderful! In fact, I just found out you can buy just the prefolds from CottonBabies, and I'm tempted to invest in more.

My only gripe with this kit is that putting the diapers on as directed, using the prefold as an insert instead of folded around baby, makes the diapers quite bulky.

Overall, this is a great little starter kit. And if you decide you like cloth, you can have a full stash (by buying two kits for a total of 6 covers and 24 prefolds) for about $120! That's incredible. And if cloth isn't for you (I'm not one to judge), you're only out about $60 bucks, and have some killer new burp/dust rags.

Review: Medela Quick Clean Breastmilk Removal Soap

I purchased this soap from Babies 'R Us last week when I replaced the membranes on my pump. I spend a great deal of time washing bottles, nipples, and pump parts, as I don't have the ability to put my daughter to breast (poor latch/nipple confusion/preemie/long list of issues). 

Before

I was intrigued by the premise of this soap-no scrub, removes residue up to 3 days old, and all you need is 5 minutes of soak time. BLAM! Clean parts! So I followed the directions to the "T". Added 3 pumps of soap to a gallon of water, and left the nipples to sit in the sink. I read Little P a bedtime story, and came back. 

Soaking for 5 minutes in the soapy water

Stories for the night. "We Love Each Other"
and "The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush"

Initally, the nipples weren't so bad, but after they dried, they were cloudy and felt slimy. That's not what clean looks and feels like!

After first wash.

So I washed them AGAIN! Following the same directions. BUT this time, I scrubbed. 

I don't have time in my life with a preschooler and an infant to be messing around testing this soap's claim! 

After second wash with elbow grease

After I scrubbed, they looked wonderful! No slime and crystal clear! But at $8.99 a bottle for only 25 washes, AND having to use the same elbow grease that I usually use with regular dish soap?! I say keep your money. 

I reached out to Medela for comment and reimbursement, but they told me they would only replace the bottle of soap, and not compensate for it's poor ability in any way, after they insisted that I just wasn't following the directions. I'm a LIBRARIAN, people! I assure you, I'm very literate.

Overall, save your money on this soap. Invest in a bottle brush and regular old dish soap (I like Seventh Generation), and do your best not to deal with Medela customer service.

Lots of Changes!

As you may have noticed, Early Literacy Mama, is now CrunchyMama SmartyPants'. It's been a minute since I've posted, but we now have a brand new baby girl! And lots of exciting life changes!

Well...she's not so new anymore...she's three months old! Where has the time gone?!

So what's new? (in life):

In July 2014 we purchased our first home, it was a big step for us, but we finally feel like grown ups.

The weekend we were supposed to move in, I developed severe preecclampsia and had to deliver via emergency c-section. Little L was born at 35 weeks. She's in the NICU in the picture above. 

My husband and my wonderful family moved us into our new home while I was still in the hospital.

One week later, I went on an interview for the Children's Outreach Librarian position at the library I am employed at, and...I got the job!

Oh, and this entire time, I'm still in graduate school! Ha!

Needless to say, I think I've lost my mind in the whirlwind that has been my life. But now that things are settling in a bit, I thought I'd start sharing my new journey with two kids and a revamped lifestyle on my new blog.

What you can expect to find here:

I'll still be focusing on early literacy, as I still have little peanuts and work with more little peanuts on a daily basis. You can still find me on Instagram and Twitter under @EarlyLitMama.

My new lifestyle: going green and controlling what I put in and on my body has dramatically helped my PCOs. In fact, it's what I believe lead me to fall pregnant with my daughter when the doctor's told me I'd never have another baby without assistance.

What I'm doing with a new baby, the second time around. It's true that you learn from your first child, and whoa have I made a 180. I'm doing things with my daughter that I never did with my son: babywearing, breastfeeding, cloth diapering, holistic remedies, eco/diy bodycare, and cooking the "old fashioned way". No, seriously, I make my own bread now peeps! (Yes. I am a little proud of this)

Sibling stories. My sister and I never got along until recently. It took us 20 years! I really hope that my children will have a better relationship that my sis and I, and you can cute sibling stories from time to time.

Much more! I can't tell you all that you'll find, because I can't tell you what the future holds, but I hope you'll join me on my journey! 

Stay crunchy!

-Lisa

Why I Want To Be An #EarthMama Ambassador with #Mamavation

I have to admit, I rolled my eyes when Leah Segedie took Mamavation from a purely weight loss/healthy living initiative to a food activism, organic, no GMO, home and life detox lifestyle initiative. My first response was "Great. Where the EFF am I going to find the money to be a part of this? That kind of lifestyle transformation is EXPENSIVE!" And I kind of dropped out of the Mamavation loop as a result.

But the summer of 2012 was a game changer for me. As most of you know, I'm one of the youngest moms in Mamavation clocking in at the ripe age of 28. So when I started experiencing what the doctors thought was Menopause, I freaked, and began trying to figure out what all was going on with my body.

My hair was brittle and falling out by the handfuls, my facial skin was dry, but I had the worst back acne I've ever had, sometimes making it impossible to lay on my back without being in pain, I kept trying to lose weight, but nothing would work, and then the worst part was the night sweats. As a rule, I didn't sweat. I'm not a "sweaty" girl, but I would wake up drenched so badly that I had to peel myself off the sheets in the morning. Not to mention I had to wash the sheets practically every day or they would smell-horribly. Oh, and I didn't have periods for months at a time. Something that is kind of a problem when you're thinking about having another baby.

After months of doctors not being able to "figure me out", they gave me a diagnosis of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, coupled with Metabolic Syndrome X, and told me to lose weight. Which was laughable, because we all knew that was going to be an impossibility with that combo of diagnoses. So after much investigation, I realized that I was being tampered with against my will.

I didn't realize all of the synthetic hormones I was ingesting, through non-organic dairy, meat, and produce. Or even through my plastic water bottles and plastic containers I was heating my food in. Or all of the toxins present in my makeup, skincare, or other toiletries. Re-enter Mamavation. Maybe Leah and her crazy new soapbox platform was on to something.

I immediately made a better effort to read labels, tried and buy local/organic when I could afford it, and switched entirely from plastic to glass. And guess what? I ovulated in the Fall of 2013, and fell pregnant with our second child. Amazing what simple changes to what you put in and on your body can do!

Now it's July, and I'm eight, almost nine months pregnant, with a little girl. And I have to say, I'm scared. PCOs and Metabolic Syndrome can be passed from mothers to female fetuses in utero because females are born with all of the eggs they will ever have. Needless to say, I've been trying to be extra diligent about my weight gain, what I eat, and what I put on my skin, so when I found out that Earth Mama Angel Baby was partnering with Mamavation for an Ambassadorship, I was over the moon.

I had heard of Earth Mama Angel Baby in the past, but hadn't tried much of their line. That is one thing about becoming an ambassador I am most excited about. I'm currently drinking Earth Mama's Third Trimester Tea, and it's wonderfully delish, and organic. BONUS! I've added a grip of products to my baby registry too, Nipple Butter (lanolin fee and non-GMO: Good thing because I despise both) and Milkmaid Tea (I've got supply issues because of the PCOs). But I'd love to try not only product for me, but on the baby when she gets here by her eviction date of August 8th.

Despite my story and how much I think this Ambassadorship could help me, I can't help but be impressed with the Earth Mama Angel Baby company as a whole. I would never sign up to be an Ambassador if I weren't versed in a company's philosophy, and despite being natural and organic and non-GMO and all of these good things, one other thing stuck out in my mind.

On EarthMamaAngelBaby.com there was a tab that took me by surprise, "Baby Loss". No pregnant woman ever wants to see those words. They are heartbreaking. But I clicked the link, and what did it hold? Gifts for Moms that have lost babies with the quote,

"Women who have suffered the loss of a baby are postpartum mothers too. Miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal death leave women requiring not just emotional but also physical support. The Healing Hearts line was created to help comfort the specific physical postpartum needs of baby loss, as well as the aching hearts of grieving mamas."

Not only is that AMAZING, that is INTEGRITY, and true care for women. They also offer free e-cards to bereaved mothers. I have known so many mothers that have lost their children lately, that I only wish I knew about Earth Mama Angel Baby's wonderful resource before now.

Lastly, because I'm a librarian, I also feel it's important that Earth Mama Angel Baby also offers a FREE e-book! Who doesn't love FREE?! But more importantly, it's on an important subject, Herbs and Breastfeeding, something that most new moms know nothing about but really should. You can download your copy here.

You impress me Earth Mama Angel Baby, and I would love to impress you as one of your newest Ambassadors.

Oh Where, Oh Where Have I Been?

Yes, there has been a serious case of blog neglect going on over here lately. Let me fill you in on all of the many excuses that has been the case. :)

1. I started my MLIS at Wayne State in the Fall of 2012. I'm currently wrapping up my degree and things are all coming together.

2. I "beat" Metabolic Syndrome X, and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and became pregnant with baby number two this past November. She's due to arrive pretty much any time now. Really, take a peek.

3. We're closing on our first home in the next 2 weeks! So we're packing, packing, packing.

4. I'm still working, and parenting my beloved 4 year old, and trying to be a "good wife" and not a grumpy, whiny, pregnant one.

So there you have it. The many aspects of blog neglect. :)

Bubble Guppies Library Song

So this isn't the best video, someone shot it off their TV, but when I saw this on Bubble Guppies tonight, I couldn't help but jam along. Enjoy!

#MLA13AC Highlights-Building Library Community Through Social Media

Kate Snyder of Piper & Gold Public Relations spoke about the importance of libraries using social media platforms to engage their readers online. She encouraged libraries not only to have social media sites but to do them well, by engaging their audiences with questions and posting fresh content daily. Here's why:

#MLA13AC Highlights- James Kane's: Loyalty

How do make make librarians loyal to you for at least the duration of your speech? Show them a video about a little kid obsessing over their profession. Hysterical.

Investing in Children, an investment in community

As we all know, children grow into adults. And what kind of adults they turn into, oftentimes has a lot to do with how they were raised. Children that are neglected often act out, and find other less than stellar ways to occupy their time. However, in our pleasure and pressure driven world, parents are often spend more time at the office making money, or worse, seeking out their own pleasure to the detriment of their children. I get it. I work. I go to school. I have a kid. But you can bet that I try my damnedest when I am home, to spend time with my child and instill values in him. Things as simple as respect and courtesy go miles! But parents aren't teaching respect and courtesy any more, and I can only assume that it's because they are just too busy. Because I just can't conceive the alternative--that they just don't care. Horrifying.

The Heidelberg Project: "Obstruction of Justice" Fall 2012

We're seeing the repercussions of children left to their own devices, in a world losing respect, more and more often. The Boston Bombings for example, where are the parents of these kids (using "kids" loosely), oh yeah, over in Russia. Sandy Hook? Mommy was too busy at the gun range or wherever, not to realize that her child was crazy. Then, there's the crime rate that is skyrocketing in my neighborhood, most crimes committed by teens, or early twenties. Where the hell are their parents? Why aren't they at home in the middle of the night? I'm SURE they aren't living on their own. Then this morning, one of my favorite local artist's work "Obstruction of Justice" of the Heidelberg Project was burned to the ground by arson (insert irony here). In variably by a kid that wasn't being watched or a scorned adult. Why otherwise, would someone demolish a project dedicated to the re-birth of the blighted Detroit? That hundreds of volunteers give of their time to try and make a gem, in an otherwise decaying city, giving back to the community.

I just don't understand. The only solution I can see is to start investing in our children. Teach your children to "love others as themselves" and have a general respect for those and the world around them. Stop worrying about high-tax rates, and whining about teachers getting paid too much, and start caring about the education of our children. There are TONS of statistics correlating the more educated the community, the lower the crime rate. The higher performing the schools, the lower the crime rate. And it's no secret that to achieve that, money is needed, and spent. It's time we start asking our lawmakers to invest in our children, before we start investing in non-essentials and overseas. Our children here at home need to come first, and sadly, they are being forgotten. It's time for change. Now. Otherwise, we're going to continue to see the deterioration of society.

Dollar Store Finds- Bingo Dotters.

If you homeschool, or teach preschool, you may have heard of Do-A-Dot Markers. These markers are great for dot art and little hands that are developing gross motor skills. However, they can be pretty expensive.

Recently, at the suggestion of another mom, I decided to check my local dollar store for Bingo daubers. And guess what? They had them! I was able pick up 4 dotters for $4.24! Granted, the color range wasn't nearly a wonderful as the Do-A-Dot, but to be honest, the colors really don't matter to a 2 to 3 year old. They just love the fun!

If you've never used the dotters before, you may be wondering just what the heck you do with them! There are several great sites that offer print-out bingo dauber coloring pages. Two of my favorites are:

DLTK kids - Dauber Pages 
Making Learning Fun - Bingo Marker Pages



So check your local dollar store for Bingo daubers, your child will have a blast using them!

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month!

Let me ask you a few questions...

Do you know where your local library is?

Do you have a library card?

But most importantly, 

Do you use it?

It's a well known fact that the best way to encourage early literacy in children is to read to them. One of the best resources for parents and caregivers encouraging early literacy is their local library. And the best part, the library is FREE! Well, you pay for it with your tax dollars, so you might as well use it! :) So this month, I challenge you to stop by your local library, apply for a library card, and chat-up your local librarians. I guarantee you'll be surprised by how much your library has to offer. From books, music, DVDs, computers, toys and puppets, to story times - there is something for everyone in your family!

Check out this slideshow demonstrating 60 ways your library card can work for you! 

List of Educational Free Apps!

I'm not very app savvy--I don't own an iPhone or an iPad (Apple, if you're listening, I'd be happy to test-drive one for you. Hehe! :)), but for those of you that are, here's a great listing of educational apps!

Free apps list from Gary Toews

Fingerplay Fridays-The Watermelon Song/Fingerplay

Image from Wikipedia

Summer's right around the corner, I can tell by the amount of watermelons at my local fruit market (There's a TON!)! In honor of buying my first of the season, and just in time for your Memorial Day cookout, here's the Watermelon Song! Enjoy!

(To the tune of Are You Sleeping?)

Watermelon,  Watermelon, (Make a circle with your arms)
On the vine, On the vine, (Cure hands and arms beside body)
Sweet, red, and juicy, Sweet, red, and juicy, (Rub your tummy)

Image from maine.gov

Please be mine! Please be mine! (Palms together as though pleading)

Watermelon, Watermelon,  (Make a circle with your arms)
Thump, Thump, Thump, (Make a knocking motion with your hand)
Thump, Thump, Thump, " "
I think you are ready, I think you are ready, (Point, resting finger on temple)
Big and Plump! Big and Plump! (Make a circle with your arms)

Wordless Wednesday- I Must REALLY Want To Be A Librarian

Yesterday I showed up to work, and without warning was dressed darn near the same as one of the librarians. Apparently, I want to be a librarian so badly, I subconsciously dress like them. Oh, and I started work on my grad school application last night--for Library Science.

I apologize for the camera phone graininess...

Early Lit Tip Tuesday-Encouraging a Love of Reading in Your Infant

A common question among parents is "I know that I'm supposed to encourage my child to read, but just HOW do I do it?"

I'm here to tell you that the answer is a lot more simple than you think.

Read Aloud.

You're probably thinking, really Lisa? That's it?

Yep. That's it.

Reading aloud to your child is THE best way to encourage a love of reading, and you should start reading aloud to your baby from birth-though it's never too late to start.

Reading aloud to an infant soothes them. They love the sound of their parent's voice, and the more that they hear it, the stronger the bond between parent and child. This simple act of soothing by talking and reading to your child evolves as your child grows older.

As your infant become a toddler, hearing your voice and exposing  your child to the varied word sounds that are delivered through books, your child becomes aware of speech patterns, and is acquainted with specific speech sounds, even if they cannot yet speak themselves. This is people that don't learn their second language from birth will always have an accent.

As your child becomes aware of the speech patterns of the written word. Though they cannot read, they are becoming aware of the writing on the page. They are beginning to identify the letters on the page, and the sounds that go along with them. This identification, that your child isn't giving you much clue that it's going on, is actually laying the foundation for learning to read. You may find that your child actually learns to read much faster than other children in their age group once the concept of reading is actually taught in school, all because of hearing stories read aloud to them.

But you're still might be thinking, Yeah, that's great Lisa. I get it, reading to your child is great. But my kid won't sit still for a story.

Sitting still for a story is a learned ability. I.e. it becomes part of a routine-Mommy or Daddy reads to me, I sit still and listen. And as with any routine, the best way to create one, is to practice.

I would suggest starting with a bedtime story, put on PJ's get all ready for bed, and then sit down somewhere quiet together, with as few distractions as possible. Start to read. If baby only wants to sit still for a few minutes, good job, praise him or her, and move on. Keep at this routine every day/night, and before you know it, your child will be sitting through an entire story! But don't confine yourself to just one time of day to read! Once your child gets the hang of sitting still, any time is a good time to read. According to Mem Fox, your goal should be to read three books with your child a day:

• One old "favorite"
• One familiar book
• One new book

Another way to encourage reading is to provide your child with lots of books that they can "read" on their own. Boardbooks and cloth books are quite sturdy, and can easily be put in a bin for baby to browse and play with. You don't have to spend money to provide your child with these books either. Most public libraries loan out boardbooks free of charge, and you'll even be able to provide your child with a new selection every time the ones your currently have checked out are due!

Now that you have a plan for how to get your child to sit still, and books from your library to read, when you're reading, BE ANIMATED! Though you may feel like the biggest dork in the entire world, your child will think you are the coolest, funniest, person ever! Don't be afraid to be boisterous, silly, and make funny faces, you're just enhancing the story, and enhancing your child's learning!

Now that you know how to read to your baby, what are you waiting for? Get reading!

Fingerplay Fridays- You Are My Sunshine

Image from lovecommakelley.buzznet.com

The sun is shining where I am and I hope it is where you are as well- Enjoy this fingerplay based on the classic song

YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
(point to others, then circle arms over head)
You make me happy when skies are gray.
(hug yourself)
You’ll never know, dear
(shake finger and head, “NO”)
How much I love you
(spread arms far apart)
Please don’t take my sunshine away.
(circle arms over head and sway)

Children's Book Week- Farm Day!

Yesterday, we had the privilege of kicking off our family's celebration of Children's Book Week with a bang! We took a family field trip to Kensington Metropark's Farm Center.

Before we went, DH and I shared books about what happens on a farm with Little Man. We talked about:

• The animals that live on the farm and the sounds they make
• The machines that farmers use on the farm
• That farms give us food: fruits and veggies, milk and eggs. (We choose not to go beyond a G rating when it came to the meat process)

Some of the books we read are (in no particular order):

• The Cow Loves Cookies* by Karma Wilson
• Senses on the Farm by Shelly Rotner
• What the Ladybug Heard* by Julia Donaldson
• Farm* by Elisha Cooper
• Farmyard Beat by Lindsey Craig
• The Farm by Gail Saunders-Smith
• Cows to the Rescue by John Himmelman
• Chickens to the Rescue by John Himmelman
• My Day at the Farm by Jory Randall
• Grandpa's Tractor by Michael Garland
• Moo, Moo, Brown Cow, Have You Any Milk? by Phillis Gershator

*Some of my personal favorites. :)

Once at the Farm, it was a trip to remember. Little Man LOVED looking at the animals and hearing all of the different sounds on the farm, but he wasn't too hot on actually touching the animals. I don't blame him, I wouldn't want to get too close to a cow that's almost 5 times as tall as me!

I hope you enjoy some of the photos we took!

Little Lamb

Donkey

These little piggies were only two days old! Born 5-4-12

Goats have really strange eyes

The Grass is Always Greener

An old gear....

Old Farm Equipment

Down by the water

Walking with Daddy

My Little Man

"Mumma! I picked you a flower!"

Through the grill of the wooden tractor

Driving the tractor