BLOGGING BREAK

Will be moving soon. Watch this space, please. Thank you!

Baked Cream Dory

This is a recipe from our helper's former boss. Our helper, Ate Nida, tweaked it a little bit (to add more taste). It's really yummy and best of all, healthy! It's part of our monthly menu because all the ingredients are just in stock. Try it for yourself!

You need:

• 2 pieces cream dory fillet


• 2 tablespoons flour


• ¼ tablespoon unsalted butter


• 1 cup milk


• 1 can mushrooms


• rosemary


• bay leaf


• salt and pepper to taste

Here's what you will do:

1. Melt the butter in a non-stick pan. Once melted, add 1 tablespoon of flour then mix well. Follow with the remaining flour.


2. Once incorporated, slowly add the milk while mixing. You'll then have a basic white sauce. Ate Nida thins it out with a little bit of water.


3. Add the mushrooms, rosemary, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Mix well.
   
   [caption id="attachment_385" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="creamy white sauce"][/caption]


4. Put the white sauce on top of the cream dory fillets.
   
   [caption id="attachment_386" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="ready for the oven!"][/caption]


5. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 375°C.

[caption id="attachment_387" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Pair with a simple salad and you're good to go!"][/caption]

A yummy and healthy treat! Can't wait for Z to try it!

Lessons on Out of Town Trips

As previously mentioned, we went to Subic for 3 days and 2 nights. Being the first time to be away from home for a long time, I surely learned a lot:

What to Pack

• Z had 3 pieces of luggage of his own: his carry on to be brought in the car and around town; a bag full of his clothes and cloth diapers; and a bag for his paraphernalia. It sounds a lot but I'd rather be on the safe side. For each day, I prepared 3 sets of clothes (top, shorts, socks) and 1 footed onesies for sleeping. To my surprise, everything was used!
  
  [caption id="attachment_379" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Z's neatly packed clothes"][/caption]


• In the paraphernalia bag were his feeding utensils (yep, he had solids a week before he turned 6 months!), cleaning materials and bath products. I think it would be best if I have small bottles to store the liquid stuff as it wouldn't be used in full.


• The carry on bag (okay, diaper bag!) should be complete of clothes, dry pads, diapers, baby wipes, hand sanitizer and nursing cover. I'm really thankful that we're breastfeeding as I do not have to lug around bottles, cans of formula, and a sterilizer. We also packed a few toys to keep Z entertained as needed in the next segment.

Car Ride

• Toys are a good way to entertain any tot in a long car ride. Do use quiet toys for the benefit of the designated driver.


• Plan to travel during off peak hours to ensure a smooth journey. But, knowing the traffic situation in the Philippines, it's a little hard to determine when there wouldn't be a build up. We planned on going back to Metro Manila on Sunday thinking that the expressway would be free since Monday was declared as a holiday. But no, we spent a good hour or two stuck in traffic. Poor little Z squirmed out of his car seat. I was being a bad mommy as I took him out but I can't stand him being fussy. Maybe that's why car seats are not popular in our country as opposed to countries which has a car seat law. Our traffic situation is not suitable for babies to stay in their car seats for too long.


• Stop overs are also essential for nappy changes, stretching of legs and to grab a snack. We pitted on the last gas station before the SCTEX, where there is no available gas station to stop. Though there were tents on the side of the road, I think for emergency purposes.

Going Around Town

• Because we were familiar with the area, it wasn't hard for us to determine where we would go. But for new places in the future, the internet would probably be my best friend in choosing the places to go to. Of course, it should be safe, smoke-free, clean and not too noisy. We didn't go to the zoo and water park in Subic because Z wouldn't appreciate it yet. Maybe in 2 years time...


• It's also a plus that my husband had relatives there that going to their houses take much time already :)

[caption id="attachment_380" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Mommy and Z ready to go!"][/caption]

What are some of your travel tips? I can't wait to travel out of the country to put to use these pieces of learning and learn some more!

Z loves: Next9 Cloth Diapers

Banana Cupcakes

Another facet of my being a SAHM is experimenting in the kitchen. Hence, the birth of another category in this blog, Foodventures. Expect homemade yummies, not-so-healthy cravings and viands straight from cookbooks and websites.

To start off this new category, I chose my homemade banana cupcakes. Starting Z's first monthly birthday, I've been making cupcakes from the box. Not so healthy and creative, eh? So, this month I tried making my own from scratch. Here's what I used:

• 2 cups flour


• 1 teaspoon baking soda


• 3 pieces mashed bananas


• 1 teaspoon salt


• 1 cup coco sugar


• 1 cup brown sugar


• 1/2 cup butter


• 3 eggs


• dash of cinnamon


• dash of nutmeg


• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract


• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

The steps are fairly easy:

1. Sift flour. Add in the salt and baking soda. Mix well then set aside.


2. In another bowl, cream the butter and the two kinds of sugar. Add the eggs one at a time. Mix thoroughly.


3. Add the dry ingredients. When everything is incorporated, fold in the bananas.


4. Put in the vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. Add in the chocolate chips and mix.


5. Be sure the oven is preheated in 375 degrees.


6. Pour in batter into muffin pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Do the toothpick test to know if the cupcakes are done.


7. When the toothpick comes out clean, take out of the oven and cool for 10 minutes before serving.

[caption id="attachment_363" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="TA-DAH!"][/caption]

You may opt to put in walnuts for added crunch. Also, cream cheese frosting goes well with these.

I could further improve this recipe by adding crushed pineapples to add moist in the cake. But, overall, I think it was enjoyed by the people who tasted my first from-scratch baked goodie!

Birthday Giveaway!

It'll be my birthday in a few days and it's fitting to have a giveaway as a way of giving back. I've been blessed this past year and it's high time to pay it forward.

Fortunately, one of Z's godmothers, Ninang Tetel, is a budding online entrepreneur. She owns the very fab Fabulousa Closet on Facebook and is very generous in sponsoring my first ever giveaway! Check out what she's giving away to 1 lucky reader!

[caption id="attachment_341" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Hot items up for grabs! Black Floral tube top fits small-medium frame, Smile neck piece, Red beaded bracelet. "][/caption]

Who wouldn't look scorching hot in this ensemble, right?! Perfect for summer and the imminent beach getaways!

This is open to anyone in the world! Just follow the steps to join:

1. Add Fabulousa Closet on Facebook.


2. Post this as your Facebook status with tags: "I'll be scorching hot this summer with pieces from @FabulousaCloset and mrsbry126.wordpress.com"


3. Share this post on your Facebook wall.


4. Follow @mrsbry126 on Twitter.


5. Tweet: "I'll be scorching hot this summer with @mrsbry126 's giveaway! Pls RT!"


6. Leave a comment on this post with the following:

• email address


• Facebook status link


• Facebook share link


• Tweet link

Contest is open from April 12 - 26. Winner will be generated by Random.org. Good luck to everyone!

Happy 6th month, Z!

My dear Zoren baby,

We just got home from your 6th month celebration at Mamita's house. Wowo and wowa were there and also your two ninongs. Yaya Lot celebrated her birthday as well! We had a lot of food, though you can't eat any of them yet! Mommy tried baking banana cupcakes but it didn't turn out to be successful. Don't worry, I'll try again next month!

This month is all about new beginnings and changes for you, little one! We've started with semi-solids already and you've taken a liking for it. You're starting to be more mobile these days, making nappy changes harder! Daddy and I are thinking about attending swimming classes with you as soon as your doctor gives us the go signal. Your Kindermusik will still be every Saturday. Are you excited for the new songs and activities? I sure am!

At the start of your 6th month, we think you're experiencing the pains of teething. Though I haven't felt anything, you've been drooling quite excessively and been really fussy. I must admit, I'm not ready yet. I don't have any idea how feeding you will go. I'm also scared of the side effects of cutting the first tooth. But we'll go through it together, baby boy.

I still can't believe you're half a year old already! It's thrilling getting to know you day by day. You never ceases to amaze is, and everyone who sees you. I love you with all of me my baby. Always and forever.

Z's First Road Trip

[caption id="attachment_350" align="alignleft" width="180" caption="Vroom, vroom!"][/caption]

Technically, Z went out of Metro Manila last January. But that was for a wake, so we can't consider that, right? So, last week was Z's official first trip out of town! Here's a rundown of your firsts:

• First time to stay in a new house. Thankfully, Z didn't experience any discomfort or uneasiness in sleeping on a new bed.


• We visited MV Logos Hope, the floating bookstore and it was his first time on a ship! And it was a first time for us to nurse in a ship as well!!!


• Z also got to visit the house his Daddy grew up in. He saw goats and chickens but wasn't fascinated yet.


• We bought Z to 2 different bars but he was sound asleep in both!

I learned a lot from this trip which merits another entry! I'm just happy to have spent holidays with both sides of the family. It's a tradition I hope that Z will grow up to.

Tell me, how did you spend your days off?! I'd love to read your stories :)

Randomity 1.2

We just got back from our out-of-town trip with the family. A post on Z's first road trip travel is due this week! And so is his 6th monthly entry. Time's zooming by faster than we expect it to, no?!

Here are other things to look forward to this month of April:

• My birthday giveaways! I'll be raffling off some cool stuff sponsored by my friends. Be sure to check it out :)


• In line with my upcoming birth anniversary, I'm doing a book drive in support of this group. If you want to donate books, learning materials, or cash, please use my contact form so we can do it together.


• I'm thrilled to start "working" again. No details yet as it might be jinxed but this week, I'll know for sure *crossing fingers*.


• With the blog, I'm going to start a category on food as I've been dabbling in healthy but yummy food the past few months. Don't worry, I'll also be featuring not-so-healthy treats!

Saying hello to all who pass by my little niche on the web! I'm looking forward to writing more entries, all of my learning and discoveries as a wife and mom!

A Blessed Easter to All!

Z is still too young to understand Lent and Easter and join Easter egg hunts but he is old enough to enjoy an egg-citing activity: EGG SHAKERS!

[caption id="attachment_325" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="All you need are plastic eggs (P60.00 from Rustan's)"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_326" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Put in some noise makers such as coins, seeds, buttons..."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_327" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Seal with clear tape to keep the small parts away from baby."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_328" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Let your kid enjoy!"][/caption]

Okay, so Z enjoyed mouthing it rather than shaking the eggs! His little hands can't hold it for too long though, he enjoys when I shake them!

Plastic eggs can be a source of other activities such as:

• Identifying, matching, sorting colors.


• Developing fine motor skills in opening and closing the egg.


• Sound isolation.


• Rolling the eggs and checking who rolled it farthest.

How did your Easter celebrations go? I hope we do not forget who this holiday is for. Take time to say a little prayer of thanks, if not for Him, time with our family is impossible.

Happy Holy Week!

Photo Source

Is there such greeting? To most, Holy Week is a few days off from work to spend on the beach or somewhere leisurely. We're included in that group. Not that we do not respect the holiness of this week, but it's a time when we're all together. I, personally, have made sacrifices in lieu of this Catholic tradition. Sacrifices, or possibly life-changers, which I know will make me a better mom.

• Hearing Mass weekly. As a mom, I want to instill little family rituals early on to my son. I want him to remember that as a family, we go to church and pray. I must admit that I wasn't a church-goer before, because my family isn't akin to doing so. I've to thank my husband for this as he was the one who encourage for us to do this.


• Pray. I often catch myself praying more than usual. Ever since I became a mom, my prayer was to always keep my family healthy and out of danger.


• Eat healthily. One of the Holy Week tradition I had a hard time following was to not eat meat on Fridays. You see, I loathed fruits and was not in love with vegetables. I am as carnivorous as a T-rex. But this year, I started opening up to fruits, veggies and fish. I've even experimented with a lot of dishes that can be added to my cooking repertoire. Part of being a mom is serving healthy dishes and being a good example of a healthy eater. I don't want my son to grow up like me. I'll be posting my foodventures on this blog soon!

What were your sacrifices this Lenten season? Are you planning to keep them even after the Holy Week?

Just For Laughs

Too funny not to share!

Z Loves: Safety 1st's Warm Me Shower and Bath

[caption id="attachment_284" align="aligncenter" width="159" caption="Image from John Engler, Flickr"][/caption]

Since day 1, bath time has always been a fun time for Z and I. He's never, ever cried during a bath! It may be because of the familiar Mozart playing in the background, my sense of calmness transcending onto him, or the ease of using his baby bath tub.

We're using a Safety 1st Warm Me Shower and Bath that my husband bought in SM Megamall that costs around P3,000 (oh, and after he bought it, I had premature contractions leading to my confinement... just goes to show that Z is so eager to use it!). It looks like a normal tub with an additional contraption for a shower. It comes with a padded cloth where the baby is put down. Here's why we love it...

• It is really easy to use. Just fill the shower contraption with water, give it a little pumping and let air pressure do the rest. No batteries required.


• Up until Z can hold his head steadily, he was carried over the tub. Now, he sits comfortably in the tub on a padding.


• With the water being readily available, I can go through bath time alone. But because I'm a worry wart, I don't.


• It is easy to clean and dry up. No foul smell, even if we don't sun-dry it.


• Warm water stays warm longer than when it is in a separate basin.


• It would be used even when Z's a toddler already! Yay for money well-spent!

Sadly, it's not a space-saver since it cannot be folded and the shower contraption is another thing to pack away. So it is not ideal to bring along for travel. Nonetheless, it works for us so it's a relatively good buy.

[caption id="attachment_286" align="aligncenter" width="168" caption="Happy showering Baby Z!"][/caption]

What are your favorite bath time moments with your baby? Do share!

Time flies by when you're having fun...

I was looking at the calendar this morning and realized that in 2 weeks, you'll be turning 6 months already.  YOU'RE HALF A YEAR ALREADY!!! Now, where did the days go?! It seems just yesterday you were a peanut in my uterus. And now, you're almost the same size as our pillow.

The sixth month has great things in store for you my love. I'm excited to feed you "semi-solids" made from scratch. You'll also be joining a swim class. There's also out-of-town trips awaiting and my first birthday celebration as a mommy!

But then, I want to savor each day I can still call you baby. I'm getting sentimental right now as I'm thinking of the days we've spent together. You never ceases to amaze me and every time I look at you, I feel so blessed.

So, before you turn a month old (again!), here are the things you're busy with now:

• You like sleeping on your side just like Mommy and Daddy. I don't know if it's good for your bone development but you're sleeping through the night, so I let you!
  
  [caption id="attachment_259" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Side Sleeping March 25, 2012"][/caption]


• You appreciate your toys more. Before, they were just decorations in your crib but now, you reach for them, put them in your mouth, study how to play them.


• We can easily tell if you like something or not. Most of the time though, you show happiness and we're super okay with that!


• It's getting hard to change your nappy and put on your clothes because of your increasing mobility.


• You don't nurse in public as often as before. You want to join in the conversations and people watch.

I'm having so much fun being your Mommy. There may be days when I don't have sleep nor time for myself but it comes with the territory. Sleep can wait but not your growing up. I'm slowly accepting the fact that you'll grow up and might need me less, but isn't that a sign I've raised you well?

Z Loves: Bumbo Chair

One of Z's godmothers gave him a Bumbo Chair last Christmas. She had it shipped from the US that's why we just got it on February. The timing of the gift's arrival was just right since Z was starting to hold his head steadily.

The main concern in using the Bumbo was if his thighs were going to fit! Needless to say, my baby boy's gifted with BIG THIGHS! And we were so happy that he fits, maybe a bit snug, but he does!

[caption id="attachment_184" align="aligncenter" width="168" caption="Z in his Bumbo Chair"][/caption]

Aside from the orthopedic issues and accident reports, we like the Bumbo Chair for the following reasons:

• It gives Z a new view. After months of lying down on his back (and occasional tummy time), he can now see his environment in a different perspective.


• It can be Z's feeding chair! We're still unsure if we need to buy a high chair given our very limited space so this could suffice for the meantime. There are legs that can be attached to it to make it look like a high chair but it doesn't look safe to us.


• We can interact with him face-to-face. I really like it when I see his face when I'm showing him a book or singing nursery rhymes with him. These moments just melt my heart <3

Of course, with any baby paraphernalia, utmost caution and care is required. We never leave Z alone in the Bumbo. And to be safe, we put pillows around him in case of any incident now that he's gaining mobility.

While it is a great innovation, I don't deem the Bumbo to be a necessity. Babies will learn to sit on their own so there will be no need for support anymore.

Z seems to enjoy sitting on it (but only for less than an hour!) and anything given is well-appreciated in our household!

The Day(s) Z Got Sick

Hours after his second dose of 6 in 1 vaccine, Z was his usual jolly self. We thought that it would be just like before, when he didn't get fever. But lo and behold, he was lethargic, teary-eyed and fussy upon waking up the next day. I felt really sad seeing my baby boy in such a bad state but he still managed to smile at the camera.



So, it was another learning experience for Mommy-Me, an ordeal that we moms do not want to go through ever again. I know I've got years ahead to encounter a sick, it is inevitable but here are a few things that will help me in the years to come:

• Listen to the pedia about the possible effects of the vaccine. We were told that the fever and fussiness may come in 2 days after the vaccine. After that, the sickness may be from another source.


• Be prepared. Even though Z didn't get sick before, I already had my stock of paracetamol to combat the fever. You may want to have Kool Fever available also but Z preferred the old-school towel trick on the forehead.


• Sleep when the baby sleeps. Z was really fussy and didn't want to be put down. He liked sleeping on my chest so that's how we slept for one whole night, if I really slept! It also helped that my husband was a night owl that he looked after Z (and me!).


• Have healthy snacks available to help you stay awake at night. High-fiber bread and crackers and apples worked for me! Since I nursed Z on demand (he was nursing every hour!!!), water was a must to keep me hydrated and awake!


• We played classical music to help calm Z and my anxiety! Mozart rocks! And so does Vivaldi!


• And as in everything in life, PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!

Preparation is really the key for unforeseen circumstances!

 

Zoren is singing! - YouTube

We're still recovering from a sickly weekend. Here's something to wake you up on a Monday!

Zoren is singing! - YouTube.

Our Trip to the DFA

[caption id="attachment_234" align="alignleft" width="112" caption="Philippine Passport"][/caption]

Because we're already planning our HK trip this summer, Z needs a passport to join us. So, last Tuesday, we trooped to the DFA for his passport appointment. I was surprised at the efficiency of the DFA's new system. Here's how our trip went:

The Painter's Wife Giveaway

I can't wait to show Z his birthing photos when he grows up! Although, I look really crappy in those shots (hello! 12 hours of labor!!!), it was a surreal and proud moment. Thanks to technology, I could give Z a clear picture of what happened on the day he came to this world. One thing I regret was not having a dramatic family picture when Z was just a few hours old. Or a shot of the eager grandparents clamoring to see what facial feature their grandson got from them.

That's why I'm really envious of who would win The Painter's Wife Giveaway! Imagine, a professional photographer taking pictures of you and the new addition to your family! For free!!! No one will get left behind to take the pictures and you're sure that the "dramatic" and elusive moments would be taken care of.

[caption id="attachment_217" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="From Oh Happy Day Photography"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_218" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="From Oh Happy Day Photography"][/caption]

If ever I'll win this giveaway, I'd give it to my cousin who's expecting her first child on August. I'm sure that she'll love it :) And when I do get preggo again, I'd book Oh Happy Day to encapsulate a very important day in our lives.

So, if you are preggy or know someone who is, join now!

Happy 5th Month, Z!

[caption id="attachment_222" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="5th Month Cookies!"][/caption]

At the start of your 5th month, you can do so much already!

• You've discovered the joy of rolling over from your back to your tummy. Don't worry, little one, you'll know what to do with your arm soon. You're also doing mini-crawls as you straighten your legs and move your upper body left and right.


• Whenever Ate Nida would carry you, you will do that face that says "let me jump!". Once your jumping in the air, your face shines of happiness. You're also learning to have rests in between active plays.


• Aside from crying, you are making new noises as if you're talking to us already! There was also a time you were talking in your sleep! I like it when your noises vary in pitches, lengths and syllables!


• There are times that you want to stand up already! It's a little pinch on my heart because it means you won't like to be carried around too much!


• You're fascinated with your toys already. We've introduced Scout, your talking dog, and he likes to call you Ryan! I think you should get used to be called by your whole name.


• Everything you hold goes in your mouth! But your favorite thing to munch on is your fingers! Your pointer has blisters already :/


• Your favorite book is still "Eyes and Nose, Fingers and Toes". You always laugh at the sight of Cookie Monster. Oh, you're also learning to turn the pages!

I'm excited for the coming days baby boy! Soon, you'll be crawling and cruising, eating solids and hopefully calling me! But, no pressures my dear, take your sweet little time growing up, Mommy will always be with you every step of the way.

I <3 Thursdays!

I love Thursdays because it's when we don't have our helper at home. Not that I don't like Ate Nida (she's a blessing to us!), I just like the hands-on feeling. I get to cook (ok, fry! or sometimes, just heat) for my husband, prepare Z's bath, organize stuff... In short, every Thursday, I feel like a domestic goddess, the epitome of a stay-at-home mom, who's got everything covered :)

It also gives my husband ample time to play with Z. Sometimes, I get teary-eyed when I watch them together. I know I married the right person; I know he'll be a great dad, if he's not yet one already.

How was your Thursday?!

The New Breastfeeding Lounge at Shangri La Mall

I'm not sure when the new breastfeeding lounge was officially opened but it was only last week that I got to use it. The lounge is located between Crossing's and Planet Sports. There's a sign leading to it along with a female restroom. This is the second breastfeeding area in the mall (the other one inside Rustan's, 3rd floor). We can nurse anywhere but I'm happy that Shang Mall is being a breastfeeding-friendly mall since we practically live there!

[gallery]

I love how roomy it is, especially when a lot of strollers would be put in. It is also ventilated really well. There are 2 changing pads  you'll see upon entering. It was soft and cushiony. My only problem with that is the lighting fixture I needed to work around with to ensure Z's clean bottom. They've also got 2 sinks but the soap dispenser is still empty.

Moving on inside the room, you'll be greeted by 5 yellow orange chairs that doesn't look comfortable. And it isn't. I wish they could change it to a sofa-like chair with a wider opening. It was a bit narrow for me and Z and he's just 4 months, what more a mom who needs to nurse a toddler. I also suggest putting pillows to help moms and babies be more at ease in a marathon feeding session. At the far end of the room sits a new refrigerator which is still not turned on and a sink.

The lounge has house rules such as no entry to male guests and no food and drinks other than water allowed. I can abide to these rules but who shall I tell in case someone's not as there is no attendant inside.

I'm happy that Shangri La Mall is gearing up to be a breastfeeding-friendly mall. Next step is to put changing pads in all of their restrooms! I'm hoping that breastfeeding lounges doesn't mean that we can't nurse anywhere in the mall, recalling the incident in another mall. At the most, I'm pleased that our 2nd home is thinking about nursing moms like me!

Z loves: Next9 Cloth Diapers

This post is written for the Real Diaper Week Carnival with the theme "Real Simple. Real Diapers."  We aim to educate and advocate the use of cloth diapers in the Philippines.  Please scroll below to read the other carnival posts about cloth diaper styles, how to's or must haves. 

Every time I post a picture of Z on Facebook, I'd receive messages asking about his stuff. So, I might as well make a series of posts regarding the things we use :)

First up, Next9 Cloth Diapers. Even in the age of disposable everything, cloth diapers were on my things to buy list for the baby. I was scared of diaper rash and I knew the importance of "airing" out baby's bottom. Bacteria thrives on moist areas, right?!

At childbirth class, I encountered a cloth diaper with velcro and I was wildly fascinated! Gone are the days of using scary safety pins and clips! But lo and behold, there was an even better innovation of the usual "lampin"; Next9 Cloth Diapers! I saw it in a stall in Shangri La Mall while scouring for baby stuff. I bought a pack of dark green ones with velcro. The pack contains 3 cloth diapers with inserts and costs P1,000. It promised the comfort of cloth diapers and the durability of disposables.

[caption id="attachment_146" align="aligncenter" width="126" caption="In a dark green velcro Next9 diaper"][/caption]

And it sure does deliver its promises! I've been using it since day 1 and have not experienced any mishaps with the pee's and the poo's. Although, I've to admit in using disposables during night time and when we go out, we're now trying to use cloth diapers at night. Thanks to Jen Tan of Next9, she twitted me back, saying that we could just double the cotton inserts.

Currently, Z has 3 packs of cloth diapers: red, blue and denim. It's a good thing that Next9 now utilizes buttons because the velcro ones wouldn't close on my baby's big thighs anymore. It is also easy to wash. Back in December when we had no help, I was the one hand-washing Z's laundry. Even with poop, the diapers didn't take a long time to be clean.

We love it because we get to save money and the environment. Z loves it because he is far from having diaper rash given that he has super sensitive skin. All in all, Next9 Cloth Diapers is one good baby buy!

[caption id="attachment_147" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Sleeping with double inserts :)"][/caption]

Check out the other entries for the carnival:

Buntis' Milo's Stash of Real Diapers

The Happy Tots Studio's Matteo's Diaper Story

Hoo Goes Where's Real Simple Real Diapers: Our CD Journey

Misisagun's Cloth Diapers

MrsBry126's Z loves: Next9 Cloth Diapers

Chronicles of a Nursing Mom's Going Out of Town with Cloth Diapers

Dinna's Nurturing Rafael-Cloth Diaper

Maria Masungit's Cloth Diaper Where

Happy Frazzled Mom's Transitioning to Cloth Diapers

Next9baby's CD Revolution

Organized Junk's Out and About with Cloth Diapers

The Articulate Pen's Making the Switch to Cloth Diapers

Swept Away's What We Love About Cloth Diapers

Tickled Mom Clarice's Stuff You Need for an Easier CD-ing Life

The Common Mom's Surviving the Holidays with Cloth Diapers

Tickled Mom Abie's Cloth Diapers. A Quick Review of the Different Systems

Roll over, Z!

The baby boy rolled from his back to his tummy today! Four times!!! We weren't able to catch the first time on video, it all happened too fast! The one we got on video, he had a little help from his daddy... Nevertheless, it was a big achievement! Proud parents right here!