Monday, March 19, 2012
Short, Not So Sweet, But to the Point
Although I just started my blog, I feel I need to step away for a bit. My father in law is terminal and I just don't feel like I can write clearly. We live with him and my MIL. They are some of the most special people in my life. I don't know how long he has, but I want to make sure I'm helping him be as happy and comfortable as possible. Prayers and positivity encouraged and welcome!
Friday, March 16, 2012
Function sometimes coincides with Environmentalism, yay!
What is one simple way to help Mother Earth? Well, switch from disposable baby wipes to reusable, washable wipes of course! I thought that it would be a pain, but it is SOO easy and I love how durable, functional and gosh darn cute they are. I'm not going to post any researched stats. I can, however tell you that I use over 20 wipes a day and that's just diaper duty and there is like 70 wipes in a $4 disposable package...so you do the math. It just makes sense. When you do a couple loads of laundry a day, adding wipes to a load barely adds any bulk. I also cloth diaper, so I just add my wipes to that load. (My affection for cloth diapers is a whole other story...)
I literally made all of my wipes out of flannel material I had on hand. I'm lucky enough to have a beautiful Bernina serger at my disposal, so it took all of ten minutes to serge up a whole batch of wipes. They are all odd shaped, single layered (I found I like them thin), easy on my baby's tushy, absorbent, and adorable. I keep dry ones in my diaper bag for diaper changes, runny noses, scrapes, and instant toy for Chloe. At home, I keep them in an airtight container, with homemade solution to use just like wet wipes.
I know a lot of moms who use homemade solution in spray bottles and just spray their dry wipes when they need them. I do this on the go in my diaper bag, but for home use, I love having them all ready for me to grab. There are tons of recipes out there to make solution. It is basically: distilled water only (doesn't mold or get stale like plain tap water), a soap of some kind (I use lavender BABY wash- it's gentle enough for their eye balls, it's gentle enough for their hiney), an oil (I currently use a squirt of baby oil, but have also used olive oil and like that too), and an antibacterial agent ( Essential oil, EO- tea tree oil, 2 drops, you do not want to go overboard with this stuff). I make it in a coffee mug and stir in all of the ingredients in heated water, then dump it in my container with the wipes.
That first diaper change after I make the solution is probably the happiest for my Chloe, because the rest of the day the wipes are cold. Some moms put their wipes in a wipe warmer, but I'm just not that picky. I swear it is sooo worth switching, because cloth wipes just clean up messes better, they're better scented since you get to pick the scent or just use water, they can be used instead of dry, harsh tissue for noses, and my kid has no sensitivities to them versus chemically icky disposables!
So my wipes are about 8" x 8" give or take an inch or two. Like I said, they are single layered, though you can make and buy double layered. Some have flannel on one side and minky, soft material on the other side. Some are made with cotton, tshirty material, but I prefer flannel. I serge my edges, but you can easily straight stitch or zigzag the edges too. I'm all about cute prints and have quite a collection of crazy prints. You can always get cheap flannel on clearance.
I'm not telling you to change what you use. Maybe you don't deal with laundry well or poopys, though I can't imagine a mom saying this? I'm just raving about why I love my cloth wipes. It's an easy way to save money too and these days we can all use an extra few bucks, right? Just a thought for you! Any questions, comments or suggestions welcome. I obviously have time to answer any questions you may have.
I literally made all of my wipes out of flannel material I had on hand. I'm lucky enough to have a beautiful Bernina serger at my disposal, so it took all of ten minutes to serge up a whole batch of wipes. They are all odd shaped, single layered (I found I like them thin), easy on my baby's tushy, absorbent, and adorable. I keep dry ones in my diaper bag for diaper changes, runny noses, scrapes, and instant toy for Chloe. At home, I keep them in an airtight container, with homemade solution to use just like wet wipes.
I know a lot of moms who use homemade solution in spray bottles and just spray their dry wipes when they need them. I do this on the go in my diaper bag, but for home use, I love having them all ready for me to grab. There are tons of recipes out there to make solution. It is basically: distilled water only (doesn't mold or get stale like plain tap water), a soap of some kind (I use lavender BABY wash- it's gentle enough for their eye balls, it's gentle enough for their hiney), an oil (I currently use a squirt of baby oil, but have also used olive oil and like that too), and an antibacterial agent ( Essential oil, EO- tea tree oil, 2 drops, you do not want to go overboard with this stuff). I make it in a coffee mug and stir in all of the ingredients in heated water, then dump it in my container with the wipes.
That first diaper change after I make the solution is probably the happiest for my Chloe, because the rest of the day the wipes are cold. Some moms put their wipes in a wipe warmer, but I'm just not that picky. I swear it is sooo worth switching, because cloth wipes just clean up messes better, they're better scented since you get to pick the scent or just use water, they can be used instead of dry, harsh tissue for noses, and my kid has no sensitivities to them versus chemically icky disposables!
So my wipes are about 8" x 8" give or take an inch or two. Like I said, they are single layered, though you can make and buy double layered. Some have flannel on one side and minky, soft material on the other side. Some are made with cotton, tshirty material, but I prefer flannel. I serge my edges, but you can easily straight stitch or zigzag the edges too. I'm all about cute prints and have quite a collection of crazy prints. You can always get cheap flannel on clearance.
I'm not telling you to change what you use. Maybe you don't deal with laundry well or poopys, though I can't imagine a mom saying this? I'm just raving about why I love my cloth wipes. It's an easy way to save money too and these days we can all use an extra few bucks, right? Just a thought for you! Any questions, comments or suggestions welcome. I obviously have time to answer any questions you may have.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Covert Stealth Breastfeeding and Pumping While in Uniform
Covert Stealth Breastfeeding and Pumping While in Uniform
So many people do not know what a basic military uniform consists of and how much of a pain in the butt it is to feed a baby or pump quickly so you can go back to work. I have heavy, very high waisted cargo pants, complete with heavy duty web belt that sits right under my rib cage. Tucked neatly into that is my sand colored, fitted tshirt. Over my tshirt is my blouse. It is heavy, hot and when worn, has to be completely buttoned up.
I used to just unbutton and hike up my tshirt to feed or pump, but then I had to undo my belt and pants and readjust my uniform after each time. Not complicated, but I'm a woman who moves with purpose and hates wasting time. Plus, when feeding Chloe on a crowded airplane in uniform, it was very hard to undress, without looking like I was undressing inappropriately. Pumping too was quite an annoyance when I had such a short time to pump and store the milk and get redressed.
I tried what I knew our "flyers" (you know, the pilots and crew in flight suits? Like green handyman onesies) did to stay cool...chop off my tshirt and have it cropped under my blouse, but then when I fed her, the bottom of my bra and my jelly belly was exposed in all it's glory- not the best way for people to view a Technical Sergeant in the Air Force. I came up with a compromise, I cut ten inch opening down either side of my shirt, close to the seams starting under my arms and down the sides. So now when I nurse, I open my blouse, slyly stick my kid in and she has covered access to my milk supply. When I pump, I am able to easily do so quickly and get back to work promptly. No fussing with my belt, button fly or retucking of my tshirt!
I do use a black "nursing cover" when I'm really exposed and in uniform, but I have yet to be told by anyone that it is out of regulation to feed my child in uniform. I was forced to stop breastfeeding my first child and refuse to give up my right this time around. (Long story short, went on a mandatory trip when Sophia was 6 1/2 mo old, was not given any time to pump.) I feel that although I have to give up a lot of menial freedoms to serve, breastfeeding my child will not be one of them.
So many people do not know what a basic military uniform consists of and how much of a pain in the butt it is to feed a baby or pump quickly so you can go back to work. I have heavy, very high waisted cargo pants, complete with heavy duty web belt that sits right under my rib cage. Tucked neatly into that is my sand colored, fitted tshirt. Over my tshirt is my blouse. It is heavy, hot and when worn, has to be completely buttoned up.
I used to just unbutton and hike up my tshirt to feed or pump, but then I had to undo my belt and pants and readjust my uniform after each time. Not complicated, but I'm a woman who moves with purpose and hates wasting time. Plus, when feeding Chloe on a crowded airplane in uniform, it was very hard to undress, without looking like I was undressing inappropriately. Pumping too was quite an annoyance when I had such a short time to pump and store the milk and get redressed.
I tried what I knew our "flyers" (you know, the pilots and crew in flight suits? Like green handyman onesies) did to stay cool...chop off my tshirt and have it cropped under my blouse, but then when I fed her, the bottom of my bra and my jelly belly was exposed in all it's glory- not the best way for people to view a Technical Sergeant in the Air Force. I came up with a compromise, I cut ten inch opening down either side of my shirt, close to the seams starting under my arms and down the sides. So now when I nurse, I open my blouse, slyly stick my kid in and she has covered access to my milk supply. When I pump, I am able to easily do so quickly and get back to work promptly. No fussing with my belt, button fly or retucking of my tshirt!
I do use a black "nursing cover" when I'm really exposed and in uniform, but I have yet to be told by anyone that it is out of regulation to feed my child in uniform. I was forced to stop breastfeeding my first child and refuse to give up my right this time around. (Long story short, went on a mandatory trip when Sophia was 6 1/2 mo old, was not given any time to pump.) I feel that although I have to give up a lot of menial freedoms to serve, breastfeeding my child will not be one of them.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
The Virgin Expedition of Blogging
Welcome to my blog!
I have been talking about writing a blog for some time and decided to just get it started today! It is 13 MARCH 12 and I hope to add a new entry every other day or weekly, whichever I remember to do! I hope to learn to make this bigger and better as my time goes on. I'm getting ahead of myself though...why not an introduction?
My name is Jennifer, though mostly I'm called,"Mom" or "Sergeant." I split my time and personality into my home time and my time serving in the Air Force Reserves. I have been enlisted for 12 years and have had quite an experience being both a Medic and a full-time stay at home mother of 2 girls. My husband fully supports me in pursuing my retirement (of a monthly stipend of $200 after I'm 65...) and my love of serving both my country and being a stay at home mom (SAHM).
I have spent most of my time enlisted as an Immunization Manager, which generally means I give shots, lots of them! I spend the majority of my weekend duty shooting willing and not so willing troops in the arms with various chemicals that the CDC and government has deemed safe for the troops. I myself have had these lovely concoctions shoved oh so nicely into my flesh year after year. So far I haven't had any adverse reactions, but if I do, I will be sure to post- pending clearance by the military JAG...
The rest of my life is spent tending to my sweet, active children and hardworking, caring husband (known as PC). I'm quite fortunate that I am able to stay home with our daughters full-time. My oldest is 5 (Sophia) and the baby is currently 7 1/2 months (Chloe). We are a gypsy like family that tends to move every couple years, so the girls are quite used to TSA, running to catch flights, waiting in lines and adjusting to crazy living conditions.
I have been inconsistently, though successfully homeschooling Sophia for about a year. I'm torn between sending her to a Waldorf school, homeschooling her myself, and throwing it to the wind and utilizing the public school system. She is amazingly smart, creative, and witty. Our struggles are with her socializing skills, the need for positive peer pressure motivation, and her sound levels... Normal conversation between adults is about 40-60 dBs, Sophia hovers in the 70-90 dB range- All The Time. Yes, her hearing is perfect, I have it checked regularly. She just has a great need to be heard, but what 5 year old doesn't? She will be someone who will make history!
The baby is nothing like her sister. Chloe is my easy going, quick to smile child. I spend most of my day with her completely attached to me- physically. I'm a semi-granola mommy in combat boots! I "wear" my baby and let her nurse "on demand." My favorite way to wear her is facing towards me, in my Boba 3G. I'm not sure if it is in regulation, but I also wear her when I'm in uniform and travel. And yes, I also breastfeed her whenever she wants, even when I'm in uniform. When I have weekend duty, she mostly starves herself until I get home. We have tried the bottle, but she refuses. I pump all day at work and whoever is watching her attempts to give her some in her baby food, so she's not really starving.
My husband has a fabulous job in video games. Don't ask what because you're not privy to that information. He's mostly a very private guy and probably won't end up much in my blogging. Needless to say, he provides generously to me and that's why I get to stay home and blog about my day while he's making the bacon ( oh I do love bacon, but that's another story).
So what is my blogging going to encompass? I imagine that I can bounce ideas about various interests with those that will offer comments and take time to read. I plan on adding recipes, creative ideas, travel info, thoughts on cloth diapering, baby wearing, homeschooling, breastfeeding, childbirth, military stories, and tips and tricks! I hope you enjoy reading, commenting and spreading my voice to all of your friends!
Disclaimer: I can be crass, over emotional, judgmental, honest, and abrasive at times. This should in no way reflect my association with the Air Force Reserves. Although I try to live life at a higher standard because of my rank, I'm also very human and therefore fallible. Please do not compare me to any military person, period.
I have been talking about writing a blog for some time and decided to just get it started today! It is 13 MARCH 12 and I hope to add a new entry every other day or weekly, whichever I remember to do! I hope to learn to make this bigger and better as my time goes on. I'm getting ahead of myself though...why not an introduction?
My name is Jennifer, though mostly I'm called,"Mom" or "Sergeant." I split my time and personality into my home time and my time serving in the Air Force Reserves. I have been enlisted for 12 years and have had quite an experience being both a Medic and a full-time stay at home mother of 2 girls. My husband fully supports me in pursuing my retirement (of a monthly stipend of $200 after I'm 65...) and my love of serving both my country and being a stay at home mom (SAHM).
I have spent most of my time enlisted as an Immunization Manager, which generally means I give shots, lots of them! I spend the majority of my weekend duty shooting willing and not so willing troops in the arms with various chemicals that the CDC and government has deemed safe for the troops. I myself have had these lovely concoctions shoved oh so nicely into my flesh year after year. So far I haven't had any adverse reactions, but if I do, I will be sure to post- pending clearance by the military JAG...
The rest of my life is spent tending to my sweet, active children and hardworking, caring husband (known as PC). I'm quite fortunate that I am able to stay home with our daughters full-time. My oldest is 5 (Sophia) and the baby is currently 7 1/2 months (Chloe). We are a gypsy like family that tends to move every couple years, so the girls are quite used to TSA, running to catch flights, waiting in lines and adjusting to crazy living conditions.
I have been inconsistently, though successfully homeschooling Sophia for about a year. I'm torn between sending her to a Waldorf school, homeschooling her myself, and throwing it to the wind and utilizing the public school system. She is amazingly smart, creative, and witty. Our struggles are with her socializing skills, the need for positive peer pressure motivation, and her sound levels... Normal conversation between adults is about 40-60 dBs, Sophia hovers in the 70-90 dB range- All The Time. Yes, her hearing is perfect, I have it checked regularly. She just has a great need to be heard, but what 5 year old doesn't? She will be someone who will make history!
The baby is nothing like her sister. Chloe is my easy going, quick to smile child. I spend most of my day with her completely attached to me- physically. I'm a semi-granola mommy in combat boots! I "wear" my baby and let her nurse "on demand." My favorite way to wear her is facing towards me, in my Boba 3G. I'm not sure if it is in regulation, but I also wear her when I'm in uniform and travel. And yes, I also breastfeed her whenever she wants, even when I'm in uniform. When I have weekend duty, she mostly starves herself until I get home. We have tried the bottle, but she refuses. I pump all day at work and whoever is watching her attempts to give her some in her baby food, so she's not really starving.
My husband has a fabulous job in video games. Don't ask what because you're not privy to that information. He's mostly a very private guy and probably won't end up much in my blogging. Needless to say, he provides generously to me and that's why I get to stay home and blog about my day while he's making the bacon ( oh I do love bacon, but that's another story).
So what is my blogging going to encompass? I imagine that I can bounce ideas about various interests with those that will offer comments and take time to read. I plan on adding recipes, creative ideas, travel info, thoughts on cloth diapering, baby wearing, homeschooling, breastfeeding, childbirth, military stories, and tips and tricks! I hope you enjoy reading, commenting and spreading my voice to all of your friends!
Disclaimer: I can be crass, over emotional, judgmental, honest, and abrasive at times. This should in no way reflect my association with the Air Force Reserves. Although I try to live life at a higher standard because of my rank, I'm also very human and therefore fallible. Please do not compare me to any military person, period.
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