The Perfect Baby Shower Gift

It seems lately everywhere I go I see a woman just about to pop. Even in my own family there is a little one preparing to make her debut. This brings to mind what is the perfect Baby Shower gift? Of course it depends on the mom to be and your budget, but I think there are a few key items that you can always give a new mom. Of course there is the ever popular clothes. Which really who can resist those itty bitty outfits that scream ADORABLE. Parents of a new baby can always use more out fits of varying sizes. The varying sizes is the key. Most people will concentrate on the newborn but you can expand into the bigger sizes. Some babies are born bigger than or quickly grow out of the newborn sizes. There are also the sleepers and onesies that are also so needed. Again vary the sizes. Even if the baby takes awhile to grow there is always a stage the baby seems to have grown over night and suddenly needs bigger clothing before the parents have had time to go buy any. I always try to find a carrier (used or new) these are great gifts. Most parents only know of the store front carry type which can be such a burden to even use but when you show up with a sling or other type in their beautiful colors and with a little description of use. You will be the talk of that household as the new parents learn about all of the hands free benefits a good carrier can bring as well the bonding. Now if you know the mom will be using pacifiers and bottles. It is a great idea to get some pacifier clipies, bottle holders, pacifiers and BPA free bottles. One thing is they will likely miss place a few and will always welcome back ups. Toss in a can or two of formula and you will really get an ooh good idea! Another is these items can be inexpensive and colorful making a big splash with little cost to you. A small kit put together of soaps,lotions, wash cloths, towels, nail clippers, Tylenol,Motrin,gas drops,hair brush and thermometer is always welcomes. If you make this gift yourself in an inexpensive basket with a bow wrapped around not only can you cut the cost but you look like you put so much effort in putting together such a thoughtful gift. Blankets of all types are just as fun as the little outfits. Shopping on internet sites like ETSY and HYENA CART or craft fairs you can find tons of one of a kind baby blankets to give as gifts. Bundle one with a little hat and some receiving blankets. You are sure to a have gift that looks like so much more than what is really there. TIP on this one if you shop on the Internet be sure to make sure you will receive the gift before the shower. Burp rags are another often overlooked item. On these you can buy Gerber cloth diapers ,which are not really very good as cloth diapers but wonderful as burp rags, or you can can find some lovely decorated ones. Do a few of these with some of the other items mentioned as a topper or on their own. They are always needed! There is also all the fun things like little hair bows, baseball caps, tutus, tiny little shoes and socks. These items are always nice to give away even if they are not always needed. They make great props for the many pictures to come. Bundle a few together with an outfit and the parents to be will just be tickled. Of course we have to mention cloth diapers. Even if the mom has said she does not think she will use cloth ( which is just silly in our opinion) one or two still make a great gift. We say this because every parent has run into that situation where baby just used the last diaper and you have nothing to put on the baby because you did not realize it was the last one. JUST CALL THEM DIAPER BACK UP! haha. Just be sure to put them with a package of disposable diapers and wipes. Now if they are on the fence a package with 2 or 3 of you favorite type would make a great trial pack, plus with them being your favorite types you can help explain how to use and care for them. Add with them some of the cloth wipes and wipe solution for little extra ooh and ahh! Hint cloth wipes make great tissues and bath rags so go ahead add a few to any present they will get used! Now there are the big ticket items like strollers, car seats, high chairs, baby beds, swings etc. If you can afford to give them then by all means do. They will never be turned down and the parents to be will be so tickled to get those big items taken care with out having to fork over the cash themselves. Hint : If you want to do this on a budget go in with a few other guests and share the cost, It will still be as loved and squealed over. Also be sure you check their registry so you can get the one they want. Now some little side thoughts if there are siblings toss in a little sometihng for them and when some brownie points with the little ones and the parents. A nice extra is something just for mom and dad, like a night gown and rob for the hospital for mom and a gift card for dad to a place like McDonalds with enoghu for two (This allows him to get some real food to eat for him and to be her hero by sneaking her in something real to). Well good luck on your shopping and have fun!

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Being A Parent

This week was test of all my skills as a parent I have collected thus far. All of the work and sweat made me consider what is it to be a parent. I think I have it. Being a parent is staying up till 5 am with your infant because they are wide awake even though you have to get up at 6am. It is not freaking out as your toddler throws up on you, but calmly folding up the mess in your shirt as you comfort and help your baby.Is being covered in infant spit up and not minding because well it is just a little spit up. Is saying no 5 millions times a day to the same question. Being a parent means you get up to maintain your household and keep the chaos under control even though you are completely exhausted. Looking for 5 minutes of peace and quiet. It is trying to hold a conversation on the phone while also answering the numerous questions, fights, and owies that have erupted just because you are on the phone. It is worrying about whether what you are doing is right for your kids future or is causing harm. Always striving to be better and almost assuredly only partially succeeding. Is telling your child to quit poking you or else,after they have done it 50 times and it is starting to not be funny. It is carrying out that or else when they don't. It is trying to decide to what degree a punishment should be. It stealing hugs and kisses from your 2 year old who can't run away fast enough. Telling your teen daughter how beautiful and smart you know she is and hoping she truly does know it. Watching your boy become a young man as her gives up his seat to his grandma. It is watching their sleeping bodies and thinking "I will remember this forever AND they are peaceful when they sleep". It is leaving the bathroom light on to scare away the monsters imagined and locking the door to keep the real ones out. It is hearing the birthday/Christmas list everyday grow as the event comes closer. It is buying a pet because they promise they will take care of it even though you know you will end up taking care of it. It is saying when you just can not take one more thing " GO ASK YOUR......." Is moments shared. A heart stolen forever at the first sound of a heart beat or a little blue line on a stick. Love given unconditionally. Being a parent is all those things and more. The only way to really understand it is to be one and to do that is to do more than to have a baby.
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Breastfeeding in the winter

Okay so it is getting to cold and flu season. We have already been hit by one nasty bug here. I was the proud recipient of a sinus infection, the start of bronchitis and two ear infections. My youngest daughter started to get it but then it cleared up for her. It made me so glad I was breastfeeding. Yes I am one of those moms who has extended breastfed. My youngest will be 2 next month and at that time she will be weaned, but I will be missing all of those lovely antibodies. Breastfeeding has a lot of perks from never having to worry about having a bottle ready to providing your little one with antibodies. If you are on the fence about breastfeeding I say go for it. Especially if your little one is being born during the winter season. When you get sick it is miserable and so much worse when your little one does too, but when you breastfeed you will be helping your little one get better faster. As your body makes antibodies for your illness it will pass them on to your baby in your breast milk. Now I like to tell both sides on breastfeeding so here it is. Breastfeeding when you are sick can be the pits. Just like pregnancy you have a limit on the type and how much medicine you can take. On top of the fact if you are sick enough you are in no mood to do anything. All the same though it is worth it. Your illness will only last so long and when you are done not only you but also your baby will have the antibodies to fight it next time. Plus breastfeeding during an illness can help your baby have a much milder if at all experience of an illness.Which is something we all want. I know some moms worry what it will do to their breasts. All I have to say to that is"Honey breastfeeding or not your body,let alone your breast will never look the same." I have friends who chose not breastfeed and they tell me pregnancy alone has done as much damage as breastfeeding has ever done to me. This is my 4th baby to breastfeed and I would do it all over again. Like they say Breast is Best....especially during the cold and flu season.
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We are in the PINK are You?

This has been breast cancer awareness month. We at PudderPals want all of you mommies to remember to get yourself checked and to check yourself. Do it for you, your friends and family. We are so blessed to live in the times we do. They have been away of cancer since the beginning of our country and that time you were given a mild sedation but still wide awake while the doctor removed the entire breast. After that they hoped they got it all. Today the chances of a woman surviving are getting higher and higher. With today's medical marvels not only can they at times save the breast, they can check to be sure they got it all or if it has already spread. Their are ways for women who do have to lose their breast regain their form. There now even doctors who solely treat women with breast cancer. The best thing to come along was the fact that it became public knowledge that every woman should check and be checked, while this is does not prevent breast cancer it does save lives. Catching cancer early gives you the best fighting chance. This is a wonderful time to be alive, we have such a fighting chance to survive the worst of the worst if we take matters into our own hands ladies.

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Oooh do you feel the chill in the air

First of all this last weekend was awesome! Thanks to everyone who showed up! Little Lovelies brought their items as well and they were adorable as usual. If you are still looking for a Halloween costume for your little girl check them out the have tutus and tutu dresses that are perfect but also affordable. Two of my daughters have worn them and love them. They last through a lot of wear and tear. You can find them on etsy and hyena cart. They brings me to my next thought. We are going to be releasing our new fall and winter colors very soon. I am so excited I love fall and Christmas. All of the fun decorations and the whole country seems to be more focused on family. As soon as the starts to cool down here the scarecrows and pumpkins start popping out in peoples yards calling in the season. I personally love to watch all of the kiddos get all dressed up and run about pretending to be fairies and knights. Instead of watching TV. Plus they get rewarded for playing make believe not with candy but also because mommy and daddy actually play and go with them that night. You have to admit we we don't do that everyday. Just watch them play pretend and go out and actually by silly costumes for them to play in. These days I see more and more parents pushing their kids to like things that are really meant for teenagers. I also see more parents choosing their kids costumes instead allowing their child's imagination to take the lead. I mean for one night let them lead and you may be surprised at what you find. My kids have always wanted to be the same things every year.I have one that always wants to be a princess ( even when I try to encourage things like a bride,fairy or angel) and another that is always 1 of 3 things military( army man),ninja,knight ( except when he was 4 he wanted to be spiderman and did not take the costume off for months afterwards. It was so bad I had wash it every night and the people at walmart would sing the spiderman theme song to him when we came in. I have one that is just starting out and she will be a little pumpkin and another that has moved on and she goes camping every year with her daddy. After Halloween comes birthdays around here and then Thanksgiving and Christmas. I hate the cold but I love the season. I hope you find it so appealing too. Also to all those grumpy adults on Halloween if you are not handing out candy turn off your outside lights. Lights off is the code for no candy here. Don't let little ones stand at your door wasting there time and yours. Plus it will save you money for one night not to run your outside lights!
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Oklahoma Cloth diaper Stores

Well mommies we thought we were alone and maybe one of the first but turns out there more of us. There are even a few Brick and mortar stores out there. Time to be careful what we claim now. We are still a premiere company and I still believe we are the only one driven to do it in a way that promotes an ability for other parents to make a little extra money while staying home. We have a heart for those who want to do something from home. We do too! We are looking for those willing to do sales (consultant) and those willing to make diapers or other items. We are bringing on a mommie who is looking to make blingy shoes very soon. We are excited about our talks with her and look forward to working with her. We are also in talks to incorporating a nice little boutique store that carries tutus and hair bows. that mommie will be with us in Mustang if you are in town come by and meet here.
check us out at http:www.PudderPals.etsy.com

Another Chapter

This weeekend marks a new chapter for us. We will again be in Mustang but this time we will have other mommies with us. We have added new mommies to our group. The owner of Little Lovelies will be ther with her tutus, which are adorable. We have added new mommies to do ewing, blankets and hopefully onesies,aporns and more. I hope we will have a great turn out this weekend. We are also looking to add to our line of diapers.
check us out at http:www.PudderPals.etsy.com

Spring is here

We love our Cloth Diaper and the warm weather makes them even more fun. When the weather gets warm enough you Little One can strut their stuff in their Cloth diapers and a shirt or dress. there are no worries of them being cold and no worries of them looking undressed. Cloth diapers look little shorts or bloomers to the unknowing bystander. Also it become even more fun to hang their pants on the line to dry. Watching all of those colors and and patterns flutter in the warm wind and the sun warming can be therapeutic on a stressful day. At PudderPals we are breaking out our spring colors to welcome in the warm weather. Be sure to visit our shop soon.
check us out at http:www.PudderPals.etsy.com

Custom Cloth diapers

Can't find the exact type of OS cloth diaper for you. All of our listings can be customized to your needs. We do Aplix, snaps, PUL,no PUL,microsuede,cotton , Fleece, All in 2, Pouch (pocket). We really believe that cloth diapering is an intimate and wonderful experience between you and your child. Since this is the case we also know that you need a diaper that works with your needs not against you. We want to help you as much as we can with in our own designs of course. We do not believe in stealing or borrowing others designs. So check us out at http:www.PudderPals.etsy.com.

Etsy Cloth Diaper Team Fluff A Rump

This week is TWIG and Vine http://www.etsy.com/shop/TwigandVine. She is a fellow Etsy Cloth Diaper team member and Etsy seller. Her shop is adorable. It makes me wish I had far more money than I do. She is offering a great give away you should visit Esty Cloth Diaper team Blog this week to find out how to enter to win. You will not want to miss the opportunity to get to know her or to win one her items. She is offering a diaper or nursing pads. Click on the title of this blog to see the blog.

check us out at http:www.PudderPals.etsy.com

Warm weather

Cloth diapers are so versatile. We took my kids to the park today. Which was so much fun. Especially for my littlest who was capable to really experience the playground for the first time. She was all over the place and so were we. As the time wore on it came very warm. Well when it cam time to change diaper I was able to leave her shorts off . Her cloth diapers look like little pants and were a little cooler. No one noticed she really only had her diaper and her t-shirt on. I do not think you can really say that with disposable diapers. It also helped a diaper changing time to be able to keep my diaper and not search all over for a trash can to put it in. As you can tell from the pick she was quite comfortable and on the go.
check us out at http:www.PudderPals.etsy.com

Ah Spring

Spring brings so many things. Thunderstorms, birds, bugs, and warmth of course this is if you live some where like Oklahoma. I look forward to the spring storms.They are a little exciting to follow. I do not like the bugs however. Spiders are my biggest issue. Yuck! I am always trying to find natural alternatives but I usually end up having to go get chemials and spray. Fiddle backs are bad in Oklahoma and my dad found out the hard way he was deathly allergic to them. I do not want myself or my kids to find out if they are. So I spray in my house. Outside critters ( except fleas and ticks) can have thier way but in my house no way. I do love the sun that starts shinig more often during the spring, warming the air and temprature. It makes hang drying your laundry so much more pleasant. I would mention the wind helping dry the clothes but here well"the wind goes sweeping down the plains" as the song says. I love the spring. I am so glad to have it finally back.


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Mustang Baby Bazaar

Today was so much fun! We had a booth at the Mustang Baby Bazaar. Visiting with other parents and sharing all of the benefits of cloth diapering was so exciting. We met other great family companies as well. We loved the bows by Krafty Kritters and the Shaklee booth just mention a few. Our resident daddy was there to help out and share why he loves cloth diapers. He was such a huge help and the parent's really responded to hearing what he had to say, especially other daddies. We had young artist accompany us today. We feel her art is on it's way and she tells us she has plans to open a spot on Art's fire. We may start carrying some of her art in our shop too. She is all of 12 but has real love of painting modern abstract art. We are now looking forward to our time at ABC'S Stay-n-Play on Monday Feb.22. After that we will be finding other baby and children events to be at. Also we are now opening up to do online parties!
check us out at http:www.PudderPals.etsy.com

Winter Play Time Blues

As a mom of 4 kids I have had my share of winter play time blues. Your younger kids just can't or wont play outside long enough to burn all of their energy. The cold,snow,ice,wind just keeps your little kids inside. Then as a mom you start to go a little crazy to because you can't take them to the park in weather like that and then when the roads are nice the playgrounds are usually a huge mess. You don't want to go someplace like the zoo all of the time. It is cold out there too. You sure don't want to go to McDonald's all the time either. They are not always clean and your kids if they are like mine think if you are there to play you are also there to eat. So you stay home with your kids and as the cabin fever builds so does your kids ability to whine, nag, cry and find mischief. Also not everyday can you have a playdate at your home or someone else's home. That is why place like ABC'Stay and Play in Yukon OKlahoma ( the title of this blog is a link to thier site) are so wonderful for younger kids. It is really nicely priced, you can bring your own food, you can stay as long as you want, it is indoors where it is nice and warm, there are clean bathrooms and the equipment and toys are cleaned reguarly. Plus they do all the clean up after you have played all day! Also they only allow children 6 and under so your little ones can play with out fear of a really big kid running them down. Now not all of my kids can go there but they are old enough now that some time in the cold doesn't bother as much,but it gives my little ones something fun to go do every now and then. PudderPals will be there Monday Feb.22. You are all welcome to join us for a really good time. or maybe you can plan your own playdate ther some time!


check us out at http:www.PudderPals.etsy.com

Diaper Parties.

We had another successful diaper party. What a fun way to spend time with other mommies. Our parties are set to be a low pressure sale. More of a fun event then a sales meeting. I hate when you have no money and the person who is selling something looks at you like and your order. Then tries to show you some of the *cute* items in their catalog. Of course we want to sale our diapers but not at the expense if someone feeling bad. In today's market cloth diapers really do make sense but not everyone has $18 on hand let alone more. We want it to be fun and exiting and not dreadful either. Now at each party their is the person who has been brought along and has every reason why Cloth Diapering is wrong. I love those people. They actually help open the floor for those who had fears or questions but may have been afraid to ask. They also help to open up the way for me to cover different topics. Oh but the veterans to cloth diapering now some of them at diaper parties can be a bit much. You see cloth diapering is a personal thing and you have to do and use what works for you, but some think their way is the only way or the best way. They are not afraid to tell you about it either. Which can be great the share of ideas but when they start to tell you you are wrong during your presentation then it just becomes rude to everyone. It can scare off newbies. All in all though it is a fun relaxing time with other mommies. Plus with our diaper parties there are lots of goodies to be earned!


check us out at http:www.PudderPals.etsy.com

sleepytime

Cloth diapering and bed time can be an issue. Don't dismay though there are lot's of options. You can use pocket diapers and add more padding. You can use a prefold and a wool or fleece cover. You can us an AI2 and use an isert made for the night. I have personally found that a PudderPals Pocket or AI2 with night time padding or inserts along with a fleece cover for any leakage work like a charm and are still breathable for the skin. A neat little trick if you are cosleeping is to line your bed with fleece under the bottom sheet or on top of it to protect your matteress. I personally put fleece on the top and bottom of my sheet and my matteress stays clean and dry, and if I do have a leak ( baby or me) I can pull off the top one and lay back down till it is time to get up. I personally love to co sleep and I have now with 4 kids. Just remember that at night cloth diapering is just the same as in the day, you simply have to find the method and absorbency that works for you and baby. Now go and cloth diaper with out fear.
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Here is PLAN or so I thought....

I was talking to another mom today about CDing. She was saying they had planned on doing cloth but it is so much work and they where just lazy and went back to disposables. That made me wonder, "What was she doing that was so much work?" I hear that phrase a lot though. I must admit I was lazy about it when I first started. I seemed like such a hard thing to do and there is so much information on the net that conflicts that it all became overwhelming. Also I had those tried and trusted disposables on hand. My husband supported me using cloth but still used the the disposables when he changed the baby (turns out it was the Velcro factor for him and now we have velcro dipes for him to use). So we almost gave up then we ran out of disposables and available funds. So cloth is what we had. Cloth is what we did. Turns out it was easier than I had ever imagined. There really is no gross factor when you care for your diapers. Nothing worse than really streaked underwear and we all have seen that (come on admit it). Going out with CDers seemed daunting but really it was not that hard. Just remember a wet bag or you will get wetness and other stuff on your other diapers ( rookie mistake). CDing at night now that took some work and sometimes I have to adjust the absorption but it was not hard either. Honestly my LO would sleep in a wet diaper all night (and has on a rare occasion) if I did not check it at night. You have to just get rid of the seemed ease of disposables and find the routine and type of diaper that works for you. Once you have that you will find it is really not that hard and may even love your diapers. I sure do.




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The great wash debate

How to wash your diapers, now that is widely debated! What detergent,cold,hot,dryer, no dryer,high heat, low heat. Well you first you must prewash your diapers. For diapers of natural fibers(i.e. Hemp/cotton) you will want to wash them 3-5 times in hot water and dry and hot.This helps your diapers absorb properly.You will only need to prewash your polyester fibers once or twice, but do not prewash your natural fiber diapers with your poly diapers.Dry on warm or hot.Wool needs to hand washed in lukewarm water with wool wash.Line dry. Always use the proper detergent for all types materials. Once the prewashing is done you can wash most diapers together except wool.
Okay so now the diapers are ready and you have used them and are ready to clean them. So here is how to store and wash those diapers. First choose the right detergent. Here is a list of some faves.Allen's Naturally Powder /Liquid
Country Save Powder/Liquid
Planet Ultra Powder/Liquid
Planet 2X Ultra
Mountain Green Free & Clear
Mountain Green Free & Clear Baby
Tide Free ( it can cause a rash on some babies)
We also like Seventh generation free
and soap nuts ( great if you line dry) When using an HE washer use HE detergent.
Here are somethings when looking for the detergent for you. Avoid these things.
Natural soaps or anything that says soap
Dyes
Perfumes
Enzymes
Softeners
Fabric Enhancers
Optical Brighteners

Use half or less of the recommended amount of detergent on your diapers! Watch the second rinse has suds then you will want to use less detergent.
Soaking is not necessary for cloth diapers. You will want to remove the solids, but do not need to spray them or swish and dunk. Store your diaper in a well ventilated diaper pail ans wash your solids at least every other day.
Okay now let's wash. Set your washer to large or extra large.
Frist wash in clod with detergent to remove waste and fight stains. Next wash your diapers in hot to really clean them.Yo may need an extra rinse may be required to remove any lingering detergent. Hang dry or dry on warm/medium. You can use hot if you want on most types even PUL. Really the fabric is made for medical use. HOW DO YOU THINK THEY WASH AND DRY THEIR PRODUCTS AT THE HOSPITAL! Once per month at least use oxygen bleach in your hot wash cycle this will help sanitize and fight odors. This can also help strip out those nasty lingering suds.

Well this is how we recommend you wash your diapers. As you go you will find out what will work best for you. Go forth and clean your diapers with out fear.


check us out at http:www.PudderPals.etsy.com

Cloth diapers are so much fun! They come in so many colors and designs now.They have velcro or snaps. You can have covers and prefold,You can have an All in one like a disposables only you don't throw these out. There are All in 2 and pockets too. You can have all natural fabrics, organic fabrics and some modern fabrics. You can buy a size for each stage or a One size. You can buy new or used. You can keep them forever,sale or even donate them. These are no longer your mom's cloth diaper. They are more functional and some are even less bulky. When you go out people will notice your baby and thier little fluffy bottoms. Some are curious and others ohh and ahh, and still others mention how gross they think it is. I tell them it is not any worse than potty training your toddler and maybe even less. Only my baby will and has noticed sooner when they are wet or about to pee. She is 14 months old. I love knowing while my friends are running to get more diapers I am simply washing mine for another day. I love how fresh they smell when I pull them out of dryer or off of the line. I love to see the stacks of colors and prints in my daughters diaper drawer. I love knowing they are as soft and comfortable for my daughter as a comfrotable pair of underwear. My daughter looks so cute in a little shirt and her PudderPals cloth diaper.

our little model