The Great Diaper Debate

There is a great debate at our house. We are debating cloth diapers versus disposable diapers versus a mixture of both.

We love that the cloth diapers are chemical free and friendlier for the environment. We really love that the cost is large up front but presents huge savings long term. But will our very old, hardly surviving on its last leg, tired washing machine survive the extra loads of not only a baby but also diapers?

We love the ease of disposable diapers and the fact that we don't have to worry about other people not wanting to deal with "the crazies" in the cloth diapers. But do we really want the extended expense of buying diapers every week?

No matter what we buy, how do you begin to choose a brand? And I've always been told that every baby hiney is different. How do you get ready for a baby who's hiney you've never met? What if we spend hundreds on cloth diapers (or even disposable) and our baby hiney won't work with what we've purchased?

How do you even begin to make these decisions? Moms out there - help! Did you consider cloth diapers? How did you decide what to use? Are you glad you made the choice you made? Do you ever wish you could change? Please help!

Morning Sickness

Dear Baby,

As we put away Christmas decorations today, we couldn't help but think about the fact that next Christmas we'll have you with us! It was very exciting to think that the next time I see that beautiful Christmas tree, you'll be seeing it with us.

Since I can't feel you move yet, I'm left to knowing you're in there by enjoying a beautiful round of "morning sickness". (Ironic, since I never seem to throw up in the morning!) I've decided that you must love celebrations and holidays like your momma! Everytime we celebrate something special, you jump up and let us know you're here. Like when I went to a wedding where no one knew you were hiding inside. We left the reception and got no more than 40 feet away from the celebration when I lept from the car and "watered" the grass. In the middle of the Christmas Eve service I realized I needed to throw up so I dashed out the back door of the sanctuary. When I got outside I remembered I was in the middle of downtown Dallas and realized there was no grass to water! So I found a pot containing a poor, dying tree and did my best to hide from the rain and the police officer directing traffic a few feet away. My favorite, however, was when your Daddy and I were ringing in the New Year. We kissed and cheered, "This is the year of the baby!" at which point I ran to the bathroom, shoving another pregnant mom out of the way to get there. I've decided you must really enjoy celebrating sweet little one! You're just like your momma - loving celebrations/holidays and everything that comes with it!

For years I've listened to other women complain about pregnancy symptoms and thought, "Are you kidding me? I'd give anything to be pregnant!" I promised myself I'd never be one of those women who complained. Tonight, as I was running for the toilet (despite the anti-nausea medicine) I told your Dad how sick I was of being sick. As soon as the words came out of my mouth, I regretted saying them. I'm so sorry Baby! I am not sick of carrying you around and I will never ever be sick of being your Mommy! I am so glad God gave me you. I still can't believe He chose me to be your Mom!

Your Daddy and I love you and are very excited to be your parents!