Product Review: Smart Snugs

So I have acquired a few Smart Snug diapers and began using them this past few weeks. I am pretty dedicated to my prefold/Thirsties set-up and have a few AIO's but nothing really compares to the Smart Snugs. First off, here are a few facts about the company:

-They use a 5 layer Bamboo insert. For those of you new to cloth; Bamboo is naturally antimicrobial, healthier for your baby's skin and here is the big one for me...Odor retardant. It cleans alot better than synthetic fabrics.
-Smart Snugs has a 1-year guarantee. Other companies do have warranties BUT Smart Snugs will actually pay all shipping costs. I'm pretty jazzed about that.
-They give back to the community! This is important to me. It's great to see a company with such strong values.

 I'd like to give you my honest opinion on these diapers:

The first thing that I noticed when handling the diapers was how soft and pliable they felt. If there is one thing  that I can't stand, it's strapping my little bird into a diaper that feels stiff. You know what I'm talking about. The diaper that cuts their little bellies in half and looks sort of awkward. Not these diapers. Super soft and movable.

The diapers have a nice slate grey lining which I think would do a great job camouflaging any stains. When I "stuffed" the diapers they slid in with ease. C'MON...Thats important guys...How many times have you been sitting stuffing diapers and worried that you were ripping the PUL lining?! The bamboo inserts make them very easy to stuff.

I'll keep you up to date if anything changes but...at this time I highly recommend Smart Snugs!

Promoted to Mom

 

Life is funny. It's probably the greatest comedy.

Life is sad.

Life is happy.

Life is fulfilling.

Life is draining.

Most of all, life is SHORT.

 

It's been no secret that I have adored motherhood and all that is involved. I have changed. It's changed me. I'm a better me. With these changes I have adapted and grown. I am on the greatest journey and enjoying the ride.

 

My career has been important to me for many year and I have enjoyed all that I have done and accomplished. I felt fulfilled for many years in my field of work. It's been good to me. The company. The people.

 

I feel that time is slipping away. It seems like last week I gave birth to Ella Bird. Now she is going on 7 months. It just goes by so fast. I can't miss a second of this. I will not allow it.

 

The choice to stay home with her has come pretty easy. Mainly because the ground work has been laid and God has blessed us. Nate got a new promotion this past month, we have made some wise financial decisions and my passion for work has waned. The perfect recipe for Mommydom. I feel blessed. Sometimes both parents have to work to pay the bills and hiring a caretaker is the only route to go. Just because you have a caregiver or nanny doesn't mean you're rolling in the dough either. Having kids is pricey no matter what. These moments will be gone before we know it, and if you can and of course want to, why not stay home with the kids. I look forward to being the CEO of my home. 

 

Being a SAHM is one of the most important jobs in the world.

 

And worth it.

 

Have you had to make the decsion to stay home?

My Family

The Axness side of the family came to visit during Christmas so we took the opportunity to capture some family portraits. We really look forward to their visits. Being able to remember the time is nice. 

6 Month Update

Personality: Ella has started making noises like a clicking noise with her lips and tongue. So cute. She gets my attention with her clicking. She is def a slow to warm up girl. Yesterday we went to a birthday party and she was taking it all in and being so quiet. After she warmed up a bit she started smiling and playing.

Sleep: Haha. Ella sleeps like me. She takes over the bed...I'm still putting in her crib at night then at about 4AM she wakes up, I go in and get her, then she nurses a bit and goes right back to sleep. When she sleeps she is spread eagle taking over the bed :0)

Health: Bshhh...She is super duper healthy! Never had a medicine, vaccine or sickness in her life! I'm currently reading Dr. Sears Vaccine Book to figure out what vaccination looks like for my family. I am by no means anti-vaccine, I am however anti-not knowing anything about them and then putting them into your child. 

Eating: So 6 Months is the time that solids are introduced! We have chosen the baby led weaning method and have introduced avocados, apples and cucumbers (seedless) to date. She really hasn't ingested much of it. She just plays with it and I'm okay with that. She is still breastfed so eating solids for her is just social.

Appearance: Her hair is growing!!! Thank God! I was scared that she was going to be bald for a while. Her hair is really starting to fill in. She now weighs 17lbs and is filling out her 6 months clothes. 

Life is so much better now that she has made her arrival into this world! I love her so much!!

All things aromatherapy.

I have been wanting to do this post for a while now! I'll never forget when I was in hard labor (exhausted) and my wonderful doula putting some orange oils on a cotton ball. I remember getting this feeling of rejuvination and excitement. To this day when I smell a citrus scent, it reminds me of that rainy, hot night 6 months ago. Scents have a way of evoking feelings and memories. So. Needless to say I've been pretty excited about this.

First things first, if you are pregnant there ARE a few scents to stay away from:

Basil

Cedarwood

Cinnamon

Clary sage (OK during labour)

Clove

Cypress (OK after 5 months)

Fennel

Hyssop

Jasmine (OK during labour)

Juniper

Lemongrass

Myrrh

Parsley

Pennyroyal

Peppermint

Rosemary

Sweet marjoram

Thyme

**This is not a complete list. Always consult your midwife before use.

Listed below are some common scents and their uses! Care of (here):

Bergamot	Analgesic, antiseptic, antidepressant, uplifting, and refreshing. Helpful for cystitis during pregnancy.
Chamomile	Antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. Soothes pain from muscular aches, headaches, toothaches and indigestion.
Cypress (OK after 5 months)	Antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent and diuretic. Helpful for varicose veins, hemorrhoids and swollen ankles.
Eucalyptus	Antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral. Helpful with respiratory congestion.
Frankincense	Antiseptic, astringent, sedative, warming.
Geranium (OK after 3 months)	Antiseptic, antidepressant, astringent, refreshing, uplifting. Eases aching legs and is good for poor circulation.
Grapefruit	Astringent, digestive aid, lymphatic stimulant. Helps with water retention.
Lavender	Antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, antidepressant, healing, relaxing. Helps soothe aches and pains of pregnancy, encourages cell renewal and helps with fluid retention.
Lemon	Antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, astringent, stimulant, tonic. Useful as an inhalant for morning sickness and in massage for varicose veins.
Mandarin	Antiseptic, refreshing, tonic, mild relaxant. Can ease fluid retention in leg and ankle massages.
Neroli	Antiseptic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, relaxing. Useful in pregnancy to promote healthy skin cell regeneration and for easing nervous tension.
Patchouli	Antiseptic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, nerve sedative. Eases confusion, indecision and apathy.
Petitgrain	Antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative, refreshing, tonic. Helpful in dealing with pre or postpartum depression.
Rosewood	Antiseptic, sedative.
Sandalwood	Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, sedative. Helpful for cystitis during pregnancy.
Tangerine	Antispasmodic, lymphatic stimulant, calming, sedative. Helps to prevent stretch marks.
Tea Tree	Antibiotic, antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, disinfectant. Can be used to treat thrush during pregnancy.
Ylang Ylang	Antiseptic, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, sedative, lowers blood pressure. Restorative when overworked or tense.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The Christmas lights around town are being taken down, the Christmas music is silent and the trees are littering the curbs. It's always a little sad for me. The magic that fills the air is gone until next year. It's a  New Year and that means new memories and new adventures! I look forward to making this a memorable year with my two loves. 

When people think New Years, they think resolutions. I am not a "resolutions" kinda gal but there are a few things I'd like to remember; savor little moments, make memories and TAKE MORE PICTURES.  Those are all very doable things for me (I like to set myself up for success)!  

I hope that you have a magical New Year full of love, laughter and memory making...

Xoxo