The Great Diaper Debate

Kermit didn't find it easy being green, but two tree-hugging, hybrid-driving, save-the-earth-trying people, have found it's a lot easier to be green ... even with a child.

A little over a year ago when we found out I was pregnant, we made it our mission to try and keep the kid's carbon footprint as small as possible. Luckily, we live in a time where there are numerous choices and a trend towards greener lifestyles. This includes even the messier side of parenting: diapers.

The big decision we had to make was between disposable or cloth. Craig was really interested in exploring the cloth route. I was really interested in not adding any more laundry to the growing pile. And then, thanks to our sister-in-law Cheryl, we were introduced to Nature Babycare.



We had seen some of the eco-friendly brands of disposable diapers at our local baby stores, but none claimed to be biodegradable. They were just simply chlorine-free. We were hoping to find something that wouldn't sit in a landfill for as long as Park, his kid and his kid's kid, were on the planet. Nature Babycare diapers wouldn't -- at least 60% of them (I hear they're working on a 100% biodegradable version). This company, based out of Sweden, has created this cute little diaper, or nappy, that's good for the tush and good for the environment. And while there didn't seem to be a perfect option, we've been pleasantly surprised at how well these have held up. Even under the worst circumstances. I'll admit, I was skeptical at first. But Park has done his best to test them out in every way possible. While nothing beats having a child that's potty-trained, these diapers are a close #2.

In addition to the diapers, Nature Babycare makes a number of other useful products (wipes, bibs, lotions). While we can't get any of these locally in Wichita, the Babies R Us in Kansas City carries the line (luckily, we visit KC often) and Target carries them online, as well as diapers.com.

And that's the end for this product endorsement. We'll keep you posted on how they hold up to the next challenges ahead: solid foods and crawling.

Fall rocks.

Open windows. Honey crisp apples. No more reruns. The pumpkin patch. Leaves in the gutter for the dogs to run through (and pee on). Three months of holidays, birthdays and various celebrations to look forward to. Dressing the little one in jeans for the first time.

Just a few of the many reasons I love this season. Hope you're enjoying it too.

Big brother, big sister

Here are a couple of new pictures of our other two kids.

If you're interested, there are a couple of more new additions to my photography site as well.

I Heart Dr. Ferber

Like every desperate new parent seeking a full night's sleep -- or even just an evening with a little time to themselves -- I've spent the last several weeks researching sleep methods for infants. Frankly, I didn't think I'd be able to listen to the little guy cry his heart out from the other room. But I also knew it was going to take drastic measures as Park has come accustomed to being put to bed completely asleep -- and this was done by either eating or dancing, and only by me (he doesn't appreciate dad's dancing moves just yet).

After boy's night at home didn't go so well a couple weeks ago, and having a strong desire to get out of the house to see a new movie in a real theater, I knew the days were numbered of playing out our exhausting routine and crossing our fingers that it would work each time. I just needed someone to push me. Luckily, Craig made the call last Tuesday that it was time and we had Dr. Ferber as our guide. Yep, we "Ferberized" Park.

The first night was bad: almost two hours of screaming and Craig and I going in at least every 10 minutes just for Park to get louder and more worked up every time. Nights two and three: 45 minutes of screaming. Nights four, five and six: 20 minutes of screaming/crying/whimpers of defeat. And I'm thrilled to report that tonight, our seventh night of putting the little guy down awake after telling all his little animals goodnight, resulted in less than one minute of crying/whimpering. One minute. And I'm pretty sure the whimpers had more to do with the new sleeping device we surprised him with (see below) than going to bed.

To add to our excitement that bedtime is getting easier around here, when I went in to get Park this morning, the little stinker was laying on his tummy -- his first time to rollover from back to stomach and I missed it. While proud, I was also nervous. We all survived sleeping on our stomachs as infants, but today you can't get away from hearing that "back is best." Panicked about the risk of SIDS, I went out and bought this sleep positioner today. I had always thought these looked pointless (do you really need to buy a contraption to make your kid sleep straight?), but tonight it's giving me peace of mind.

Peace of mind. Peace and quiet. That's how life is around the Lindeman house for now ... until it's time for teething. Until then, Dr. Ferber is my hero. And I owe a big thanks to Craig for gently "pushing" me out of Park's bedroom and letting him learn to self-soothe.

Sweet dreams.

Carrie

For Curt (AKA "The Captain")

One part Don King, one part Huggy Bear.