Comparing BumGenius OS and Swaddlebees OS Cloth Diapers.

We started cloth diapering Hattie when she was five days old. (We had received one package of disposables as a gift and just wanted to use those up...) Since then, I think we've tried between 20 and 30 different cloth diapers. LOL. Who knew finding a diaper for her would be so involved? ;-)

That being said, I just *wanted* to try lots of stuff. I could have definitely chosen one and used that one. But I wanted the *perfect* diaper... ;-)

• one that didn't leak
• one that has a stay-dry inner against her bum
• wasn't too bulky on her
• one-sized/I could potentially use till she potty-learns
• came in a variety of color options
• has snaps (I was willing to use hook/loop or aplix if I found a diaper I loved)

So anyway, we tried a bunch. And in that "trying" period, I found these diapers and wanted to take some comparison shots. :-)

BumGenius vs. Swaddlebees
(You can find both diaper brands here with discounts. I know how those diapers can add up.)

Left to right on smallest snap settings:

BumGenius Freetime in Mirror

BumGenius Elemental in Butternut

BumGenius 4.0 in Clementine

Swaddlebees Simplex OS in Marina

(Oops... forgot to brighten up these next photos. Sorry. :-p )

And another one, with the diapers stacked...

Left to right on smallest snap settings:

BumGenius Freetime in Mirror

BumGenius Elemental in Butternut

BumGenius 4.0 in Clementine

Swaddlebees Simplex OS in Marina

Left to right, top to bottom on largest snap settings:

BumGenius Freetime in Mirror

BumGenius Elemental in Butternut

BumGenius 4.0 in Clementine

Swaddlebees Simplex OS in Marina

The BG Freetime definitely has the smallest rise of the three, with the SB Simplex OS having the largest rise. What's interesting, though, is the variation of crotch width:

Swaddlebees Simplex OS in Marina - 6.25 inches

BumGenius Freetime in Mirror 6.5 inches

BumGenius 4.0 in Clementine - 6.75 inches

BumGenius Elemental in Butternut - 7 inches

I didn't measure (in inches) the thickness of the diaper in the crotch, but the variation in trimness is really neat to look at. Just by feeling the diaper, it feels like they rank like this, in order of most trim to least trim:

Swaddlebees Simplex OS

BumGenius Elemental

BumGenius 4.0 (when stuffed with hemp)

BumGenius Freetime

*If the BG 4.0 was stuffed with its own microfiber inserts, it would probably rank the same or a bit bulkier than the Freetime. The Freetime has two semi-attached microfiber inserts, plus more microfiber sewed right into the diaper, against the PUL.

And here are the action shots. I'm only comparing the Swaddlebees Simplex OS and BumGenius Freetime here. :-)

Hattie's stats, for reference:

age: almost 4 months

weight: 12 pounds

length: 25.5 inches

waist: 13.5 inches

thigh: 7.5 inches

This is the Swaddlebees Simplex OS...

And the BG Freetime...

And just because she's so gosh-darn cute... ;-)

The SB Simplex OS and the BG Elemental both have organic cotton inserts that stretch the entire length of the diaper (when on largest snap-setting), but get kinda bunched up when on the lowest snap-setting. Because of this, both these diapers may seem bulkier on an infant, but would probably look great on older/bigger babies and toddlers.

Because the SB Simplex OS has the narrowest crotch *and* the highest rise, it may be the best fit (of the four) for your average toddler.

I'd also like to mention that the SB Simplex OS and the BG Elemental both have their leg elastics *not* incased like the BG 4.0 and Freetime. This *could* potentially cause wicking issues, but I know Mamas who use both diapers, with little to no issues.

We've decided to go with the BumGenius Freetime. It's pretty much all we've been looking for in a diaper. :-) I would have *preferred* a natural inner (cotton, bamboo or hemp) with a stay-dry liner, but this is pretty near perfect. I can always add a bamboo or hemp insert/doubler for added absorbency if need be. ;-)

**I think I'll be adding photos of the *insides* of the diapers as well. I'll try to get to that later today or tomorrow... ;-)

Thanksgiving 2011

Hattie is so lucky.

FOUR (out of six) of her grandparents came to see her for Thanksgiving. Jeremy's mom and step-dad drove all the way from Albuquerque. And his dad and step-mom drove all the way from... well, San Antonio. LOL. That's only about 90 minutes, but still... they came to visit, and that was lovely. :-)

Hattie with Abuelita...

(Hattie LOVED being in the kitchen while she cooked!)

And she's always all-smiles when she's with Abuelito.

He's always making funny faces at her. It's so cute. :-)

Her Grandma and Grandpa (from Albuquerque) stayed four whole days, and it was so wonderful to have them! Obviously, Hattie was sad they were leaving...

It was such a nice Thanksgiving. :-)

Loving Bath Time.

Is there anything cuter than a nekked baby on a foam frog in the bathtub? I think not. ;-)

Looking Back: One Year Ago Today

One year ago today, November 21st...

Our lives changed forever.

One year ago today...

I saw that word for the second time in four months.

One year ago today...

I cried happy, but cautious, tears.

One year ago today...

Eight months seemed like such a long time to wait to hold our baby in our arms.

One year ago today...

We secretly hoped for a little girl.

One year ago today...

We found out I was pregnant.

One year ago today...

We thanked the Lord for blessing us.

One year ago today...

I knew I woud love being a mom, but there was no way I could feel what I feel now.

*sigh*

My love for her is so astronomical. I can't even put it into words. I cherish every second I have with her. I thank our Heavenly Father so much for blessing us with such a girl. :-) Every day I look at her, I want to cry (and sometimes I do) because of the love I have for her.

One year ago today...

Our prayers were answered. :-)

PhotoBoothing with Hattie at 3 mos.

She's got poo on her jammies! Oh, no wait... it's just Pooh. Phew. :-p

She wanted to see how her side profile would turn out...

I'm hiding because I just woke up and look... umm... tired. LOL. :-p

I just love all the silly faces she makes when we do this. Tee hee. :-p

This next one makes me laugh so much! Heeeee!

And then Jeremy thought he'd get in on the PhotoBoothing action...

(I really need to take one of him holding Hattie [faces, side by side]. She is SO his Mini-Me. :-) )

And her sunglasses finally fit! Is it just me, or does she look like she could be one of those bugs in Men in Black? LOL. :-p Such a *cute* little bug though. :-)

I love our monthly PhotoBoothing project. It's quite fun. Tee hee.

Growing Up: Hattie at Three Months

So... while the little bean is taking the longest nap EVER, I thought I'd blog about her.

Oh... there she is... I hear her... awake. Better go get her... LOL! (She must have known I was typing about her... ;-) )

Okay, I'm back. Little Miss is awake and all smiles. :-)

And without further ado, Miss Hattie at three months (yes, I'm well aware that "three months old" was 12 days ago... *sigh* )

*Note: I upgraded to OS X Lion, so now PhotoShop doesn't work. :-( I'll have Jeremy edit these photos (that *I* took with the *good* camera! go me!) as soon as we update PhotoShop for Lion. :-) These are iPhoto effects, for now. ;-)

(how much do you love that drool dripping off her chin? heeeeee!)

At three months...

She's 24.75 inches long. (97th percentile) (umm... and today, she was nearly 25.25 inches. WOW!)

She's 11 pounds 6 ounces. (11'6" on 11/6... cool!) (20th percentile)

Is still a tummy-time champ, and loves to be on her tummy for up to an hour now. She now plays with her toys while she's on her tummy, and i love when she talks to her Puppy Tunes (the one with black&white ears). He's her favorite. ;-)

Finally likes being in the Moby for about an hour! WOO! I keep her facing out now, since her head is strong enough to not be bobbing along. ;-) She loves this. :-)

Most of her 0-3 month stuff still fits, but probably not too much longer. :-( She's in 3-6 month long-sleeve stuff and is wearing 6-9 month pants. She's almost out of her 3-6 month footie pajamas though. *sigh* And her Skinniness can still wear Newborn-sized dresses. LOL.

Loves being in her bouncer, watching me cook. I LOVE when I hear her talking to her toys. :-)

On October 10th, she belly-laughed in her sleep. It was adorable. I totally thought she was crying, but no... she was laughing. LOL.

SUCH a great sleeper. At the beginning of her 3rd month, she was sleeping 7 hours straight (consistently) between feedings, and sleeping 5 more hours after that. Now, she's at 8-10 hours between feedings. Still sleeping 12-14 hours total. I need to start waking her up... only letting her sleep 12 hours. LOL. :-p

Still takes about 3-4 naps a day when our schedule allows. If we have a busy day (out and about), she'll only take one or two naps... She usually ends the day like that by being Miss Cranky-Pants. :-)

On October 17th, she grabbed her Chimpy toy (Jeremy named it... LOL) and brought it to her mouth. This was the first time she put a toy in her mouth. :-)

Finally enjoys being in the stroller! Yay. :-) Well, I finally figured out that she much prefers it if I put a blanket underneath her. Who knew? LOL. :-p

LOVES the bath and shower. In the bath, she kicks her legs like crazy. Always smiles and giggles. She loves the water. :-)

On October 28th, she could sit in the Bumbo! She likes to sit in it while I'm checking email or blogging. ;)

When she wants to be picked up, she sticks her right arm straight up in the air and waves it at me. It's SO cute!

She had two Halloween costumes: A Prize Watermelon (Jeremy and I were farmers...) and a Workout Baby. I had to come up with the 2nd one on Halloween night because it was much too hot for the Watermelon costume. LOL. I'll post photos and a video... one day. ;-)

Can finally stay awake longer than two hours. YAY!

Her basic schedule:

9:00 am - wake up and eats, then plays

11:00 am - snack ;-)

11:30 am - morning nap

12:30-1:00 pm - wakes up and eats lunch, then a walk

2:30 pm - afternoon nap

3:30 pm - wakes up, eats snack, plays

5:30 pm - eats another snack, then late day nap

6:30 pm - wakes up, hangs out with Daddy, eats dinner

8:00 pm - eats

8:30 pm - bedtime

4:30-5:30 am - late night snack ;-)

This little girl is amazing. We're so blessed. :-)

-November 6, 2011-

Growing Up: Hattie at Two Months

This is what Hattie thinks of me not doing a Two Month post for her:

And perhaps this next photo is her "amazement" look? ;-) Surprised face? Hmmm...

(I *did* take notes, so this is really is what she was doing at two months... even though she's almost 3 months now... LOL.)

At two months...

She's 23.75 inches long

She's 10 pounds 8 ounces.

She's GREAT at holding up her head. She's so strong. ;-)

Doesn't like the Moby for longer than 15-20 minutes. Prefers to be held, facing out... taking it all in. ;-)

Still in 0-3 month clothes, but she can fit into some 3-6 month stuff and can fit into 6-9 month pants (though baggy, but long enough). Yes, long legs. ;-)

Can now kick and grab toys on her activity mat and bouncer. So cute!

She had her first stuffy nose on September 17th. :-(

Doesn't really like being in the stroller, but we're working on it. Doesn't like the carseat either. :-p

Enjoys bath time.

First giggle on September 24th, at 10:15am. (See, I keep track! ;-) )

Always wakes up smiling, giggling and cooing. Even if she just drops her pacifier and wakes up, I'll go in to check on her, and she looks up at me with a HUGE smile and giggles. I give her the pacifier back, and she falls back asleep two minutes later. Silly girl.

She can reach out and grab my glasses and necklaces. I find this hilarious and laugh every time she does it. Hee hee. (I'm thinking once her grasp gets stronger on my necklace, I won't find it that funny... LOL.)

She smiled at her toys for the first time on October 5th, the day before she was two months old. :-)

We're more in love every day. :-)

-October 6, 2011-

Meeting Mama and Papa.

I'm not really sure why I don't blog more often. I mean, I'm busy, but I can't be *that* busy, right?! LOL. I'm really going to make a point to blog at least a few times a week. I'd really like to. :-)

A couple weeks ago, we took a drive to south Austin to get Coolhaus ice cream sandwiches. And yes, driving 40 minutes for an ice cream sandwich was most definitely worth it. :-D Hattie was indifferent...

Or maybe the sun was just in her eyes. ;-) I did buy her some sunglasses, but they just don't fit her tiny, little head yet. Hopefully, soon. :-)

This last week, my parents came to visit (from Colorado), and they got to meet Hattie for the first time! Hooray! We had to get a "generational" photo. If only my grandma had been there... ;-)

And super-cute Hattie with her sweet Mama:

And silly Papa:

Love this one of the three of them, even though they're looking at me instead of Jeremy with the camera. Tee hee. :-p

It was a nice visit... very laid back and mellow, just the way we like it. :-D

PhotoBoothing with Hattie at 2 mos.

I thought it was time for Hattie's 2-month PhotoBooh shots. ;-)

I love how totally precious she is in this first one...

I could NOT get her to smile without looking directly at her! Then I remembered that she'll smile when I tickle her chin. Yay!


Two smiles for you guys! Hooray!

And these next two just make me laugh. :-D Tee hee.

*please excuse my "no-makeup-just-woke-up-so-I'm-in-my-jammies" look. ;-)

Look! Pink! LOL. One of only three pink things she owns. All gifts... ;-)

I hope to have her 2-month stats and rundown up soon. And with more photos, I hope! :-D

Nothing.

I want for nothing.

I now have everything I've ever wanted.

My life is now complete.

Showing off.

Since the first week Hattie was born, I've been begging Jeremy to take more photos of her. Yes, yes, I could do it. But Jeremy? Umm... he's amazing. :-) My photos don't do her justice. ;-)

Also, we officially took her stats on Sunday (the 18th) at 6 weeks old:

Weight: 9 lbs 12 oz

Length: 22.5 inches

Measurement around thigh: 6.25 inches (heeeee! so skinny and cute!)

And our beautiful daughter...

She's smiling at *me* here...

*melt*

I know I'm the mom, so I'm biased. But... wow, my girl is gorgeous. *sigh*

And she's mine.

All mine. :-) Okay, and Jeremy's too. ;-)

*sigh*

Touring Hattie's Nursery - Part 2

Some photos of Hattie's nursery. :-)

*Paint color is Benjamin Moore Antiguan Sky.

Shelf (garage sale) of Disney figurines (vintage),

and other vintage lovelies on top. Mother Goose book,
handmade (by a friend) name blocks, vintage baby scale,

vintage Paddington (was hubby's). Basket from Hobby Lobby.

Silk flowers from... the Dollar Tree? Maybe? LOL.

Old crib spring and teeny clothespins holds favorite photos. :)

Another angle. And the crib skirt I made myself! :D

Fabric is Michael Miller.

Mobile was made from Dear Lizzy papers (American Crafts),

some butterfly punched paper, and some random buttons.

All on embroidery floss. Super easy.

I'll try to post the rest of the photos soon... ;-)

Touring Hattie's Nursery

So... I have yet to get photos of Hattie's room, *but* here is a quick video I shot yesterday. I wouldn't say her room is "done" though. I would still like a rug and curtains and a bunting over her crib. And I *really* need to finish the mobile over her changing table. But here's what it looks like as of now: :-)

Growing Up: Hattie at One Month

Can it be? Hattie is one month old?! Well, actually she's one month and one week, but I'm a bit slow getting here. Babies, you know, are a lot of work and take a lot of time. ;-) Good work and good time! :-D She's so much fun! :-)

And I so need to learn how to use our DSLR, so I can take more *good* photos. :-) *sigh*

At one month...

She's about 22 inches long. (probably a bit longer... she's very wiggly! LOL!)

She's about 9.5 pounds.

She is long and skinny. I have to sell the cloth diapers I have and buy different ones... because the ones I bought? Apparently, they are not for skinny-legged babies, and sometimes poopy leaks onto her clothes. LOL. (I totally thought she'd be a chubby baby!) Ah well. :-)

(A poopy-looking photo, but I just wanted you

to see how long and skinny she is. Heeee!)

She is finally in 0-3 month clothes. Some are still too big for her though (like the outfit above!). Tee hee.

On September 13th, she had her first *real* smile (as in, woke up in the morning, I said, "Hi, Baby Girl!!" And she smiled right at me. ;-) ).

She's such a great sleeper...

(This photo is during a nap, while I was right there.

At night, she's swaddled and on her back. And yes,

you do see yellow, orange and green. Pink is not her color. ;-) )

She's pretty much like clock-work: cat nap around 6 or 7pm, falls asleep at 11:30pm, wakes up at noon. I nurse her around 4:30am or so, and she stays asleep. She then wakes up around 8:30 or 9am to nurse again, then back to sleep till noon.

She does not like a pacifier unless she's sleeping or falling asleep. I didn't want her to have one at all, but sometimes she just needs to suck... and she's not hungry, so I won't do. She gets it, calms herself, then spits it out. :-)

She is SUCH a content baby. She only cries at night when she's super tired and doesn't nap well that day. And *sometimes* she cries when she's hungry... if I'm not fast enough getting ready for her. LOL. :-p

She wakes up in the morning (and from her naps), and she's in such a great mood. Just lies there, taking it all in. She doesn't cry... she stretches and looks around for a bit. I hang out with her for a few minutes before I pick her up. She's so happy. :-)

Loves being in the Moby wrap and helping me cook...

Loves to have her hands up by her face.

Loves tummy time (we started this at five-six days old, a day or two after her umbilical cord fell off). On the boppy, she's getting so strong on her tummy that she can push off with her feet and arms and fall forward onto her head... that is, if I'm not there to catch her. LOL. It's never actually happened, but I know it would if I walked away. (eek!)

Has a *super* strong head, and she can hold it up during tummy time and when I'm just carrying her around.

Is close to rolling over from back to tummy. She can do it with just a nudge from me. ;-)

She is so captivated by the telephone, and she loves when my mom or dad or Jeremy are on the other line (on speaker phone). :-)

She loves music! She has very eclectic tastes though... U2, Point of Grace and Raffi seem to be current favorites. ;-)

She had her first trip to The Container Store on September 4th! She LOVED it! Okay... she was asleep the whole time. LOL. But *I* really enjoyed showing her off to my co-workers. :-) And yes, *of course* I got a photo! That has to be documented. ;-)

I'll try to update more often. I really must have Jeremy (or someone...) teach me how to use the good camera. LOL.

Until next time... :-D