Hip In a Hurry

As a renter, I've been on the look-out for removable vinyl wall stickers to decorate with, since painting isn't really an option. I've been keeping my eye on different products online, but they have all been too expensive to "bite the bullet" and buy. Needless to say, I was ecstatic when I walked into Michael's last night and found an entire display of these removable wall stickers (they weren't there a few days ago). Not only was there a great selection, they were 40% off to boot! I got a sweet package of floral wall stickers (similar, but not the same as the ones in this image) to put up around Maggie's changing table and closet area. I think the total expense ended up being $10.99 or something like that! MUCH better than the $40+ I thought I was going to have to spend online. Target also carries some, but they have like 2 options to choose from. I highly recommend you check out your local Michael's store, assuming they are being carried nationwide, because this is a cute, economical way to jazz up a kid's room, or even other rooms in your home. The brand they sell at Michael's is called "Hip in a Hurry", and you can check out ALL their great designs and options on their website "hipinahurry.com" . I'm excited to get decorating, once we are back from all of our Thanksgiving outings. I will definitely take a picture of the "nursery" area when I am done with the curtains and applying the stickers to the walls.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! I am so thankful for the love and support of beloved friends and family!

The "rinse" cyle

Okay....I may sound completely stupid for having to ask this, but....how do you add something to the "rinse" cycle of a wash? Everything I read about washing cloth diapers seems to recommend doing this at some point, and I have never done it before. It's not like the washing machine conveniently says, "Hey, I'm about to do the rinse cycle...did you want to go ahead and add something?" But that'd be pretty cool if it did. So, does this mean I have to watch the wash like a hawk, waiting for the dial to turn to the "rinse" sign, or do I do an extra rinse altogether?

And...can you really throw the diapers in the wash, with poop and all? It seems like it wouldn't get clean.

I wish my mom would've let me do laundry growing up. She probably will laugh when she reads this, but she definitely took care of all things domestic, and never nagged or made us do much of any of it. I don't blame her....I know I'll be the same way. It's just kind of funny that I don't know how to do a lot of these sorts of things around the house :)

I can't wait to hear your thoughts!

Nesting Neurosis

I think I'm officially neurotic....I've been obsessing about the organization of the baby's changing table (no, that's not mine in the picture) and clothing way more than anyone should ever need to. Not only has it been frustrating driving around town countless times, searching for the "perfect" baskets and other organizational aids, to find them for a decent price makes it even harder. I finally gave up and purchased a set of baskets from Michael's that will just have to do. Did I mention I have no idea what exactly I need these baskets for? I've just been obsessed about gettting them.

This is where you seasoned moms come into the picture.... What are the items you've found essential to store in your changing table to make diapering (especially cloth diapering) go smoothly?

How do you store your clean cloth diapers?
What kind of diaper pail system do you use?
Reusable wipe tips, anyone?

The clock is ticking...and all the projects I've "put off" til later are piling up. "Later" has arrived, and there is only a little over a month (assuming baby comes on time) to actually finish all these little projects. GULP...I think I can do it. Motivation comes in waves, and when it does hit me, it usually goes toward the other needs around the house like cleaning, laundry, cooking, etc.

I know things don't have to be perfect, and I don't even know why I am so obsessed with all the baby things being organized super efficiently. I'm sure whatever system I set up now will be obliterated after 2 weeks of baby actually being here....isn't that how it always goes? :)

On another note, we're going to see The Sound of Music tonight at the junior college (Daniel won tickets at his work), so I'm excited to have a little outing with my hubby. Without any family living nearby, I know our "date nights" are numbered :)

Entering the blogging world

After months of faithfully reading the blogs of friends, family, and complete strangers, I have decided to start my own. I have no idea if I'll even have time to keep up with this once my sweet baby is born, but I have a feeling I will want to share so many things about this new adventure of motherhood. I know I'll have lots of questions for others to offer advice about (yes, I'm one of those people who actually likes advice). Since I don't live near my dear family and friends, I figured this is going to be a great medium to share pictures, stories, ponderings, gripes, etc. If nothing else, this blog will hopefully help me record my experiences as a new mom, and will be something I can look back on for reflection.

Thanks for joining me on this journey! I look forward to sharing it with you! (Whoever "you" are). :)