I tried - saving money {diapers}

First - as usual - I am on my phone.  So any major spelling/grammatical errors are probably my fault but let's just say it's the phone.  

Soren is two months old today!  

He's is doing great!  I am trying not to be emotional, but if I said I wasn't, it would be a lie.   With Gideon I got almost 6 months being at home with him.  Not 5.5 weeks. But he is so loved; not just by me but by Gideon, daddy, grandparents, friends, family, community, and coworkers.   He is a pretty good sleeper at night (jinxing myself) with only waking up once, if that. He is still learning how to be friends with naps.  His best friend - other than his brother - are ceiling fans.   It's cute.  

Anyyyyy wayyyy ... In the last two months we have changed a lot.  A lot of diapers!   Some yellow.  Some neon green.  Some off daddy at a baseball game and some out of the bath.   He's been changed in laps, on an airplane, back of vans, and pretty much any where.  A lot of diapers. 

But before we started changing diapers I started buying. 

When we first found out our blessing I started to debate between cloth and disposable.  This blog is not to say which is better or to start any mommy wars. I am just sharing how my family saved money doing what was best for us. 

Because Soren might be our last, my mom watches him full time four days a week, I do all of our laundry once a week (that's for another post on homemade laundry detergent) and don't care to do more, we decided to go with disposable.  

I have several friends who have had great success with cloth, and I do support the fact that in the long run they can be sold back for a bit of money back.  But if you are wanting cloth info - this is not the blog for you. 

My average, for my stockpile size 1 -3 is $0.115 that's less than 12 cents a diaper.   Pampers can run as high as 33 cents a diaper!!!! 

With Gideon we had about 6 months of diapers given to us. And then luckily we switched to walmarts brand - parents choice - and only had to buy a case a month for the next two years.  Gideon was potties trained at 2.25 years.    

In March I started researching diaper stock piling and coupons.  Having never couponed before, I was up for the challenge.  

I decided on my buying range and stuck with it.   In the picture below you have what I paid for in size three, my total pile size 1-3, what I believe i need based off other parents, followed by the buying range.  

Based off of other parents I am only about 500 shy of a years worth of diapers.  And based my on my numbers that's a years worth of diapers for roughly $325.   Not the couple thousands other sites make you believe.  

Now as baby grows diapers get more expensive.  However, you tend to use less.  Soren sleeps through the night and we are down to 5-7 diaper changes a day.  Give or take.  That's only about 2555 diapers a year (less than other parents claim to use).   

So.  

How do I do it? 

My phone number and my husbands phone number.   

---> I HAVE YET TO CUT OUT A COUPON <--- 

I started with walgreens. I have their app.   You can look at their add, "clip" digital coupons, and save up reward points.   I was doing pretty good with them - BUT I was mainly buying their store brand - well beings.   

I then discovered dollar general had an app.   Although very similar to walgreens (except no rewards) they had better starting prices, making "clipped" digital coupons go further.   I started buying Huggies and pampers from DG.   

NOW, we are very fortunate in the fact that Soren doesn't break out or leak out of any particular brand.  I personally don't care, as long as he is clean and happy.    If you have to have a particular brand, stock piling might be more difficult.    

****side tip - any diapers opened at the hospital have to go home with you.  So take them.  They are yours!**** 

Here are my starting prices.  Meaning I have researched and these are the typical non-sale prices at the store.   Now be careful, not all sizes have the same numbered packaged.   

As you can see, walgreens is expensive. Even the off brand is pricier than huggies.

ITS LIKE HUNTING. YOU MUSR WAIT FOR YOUR PREY.  ok, another lame metaphor. But seriously, don't just buy to buy.   Hint the name says stock pile - so you are ready, not rushing.  

So here is a sample of one of my buys.  

Dollar general does $5 off $25 (after other coupons).  But they also do, usually week days, $2 off $10 - which if you don't need anything else, a better buy so you aren't spending extra money on pointless items.   

If you pair that with a receipt coupon 

And a digital (what you see in the paper that you didn't buy) manufactur (the brand) coupon. 

Or wait for a sale on the item. 

You can start saving money.    

Now.  

You have to play by the stores rules.  So make sure you know them.  Or ask when you go in.     

Other great deals and hints. 

Target - they will give you gift cards when you buy two cases. If you time it right with their digital coupons and cart wheel you can get a good buy.  Also, if you put them on your registry, use a registry 15% off and a 5% off red card you can get a super buy.  

Notice my comment on my start prices that eventually a box at Walmart becomes the best buy.   But if your child is sensitive to different brands - then you might have to buy bigger sizes longer. 

Don't buy too many size 2.   The overlap with 1 and 3 only misses about 2-4 pounds between each other.  However, you get more diapers with two - so buy them longer.  

Don't open them!!!!  If you find an allergy or your child is a different size, you can take them back or at least exchange them for a bigger size.  Or you can always find a good home for them.  

Brand points.  Because I am buying huggies and pampers, each package comes with a code.   Every so often I will log in and update a bunch of codes for points.   

So. That's how I am saving our one income four person family money.   

Tell me about your success? Do you have any questions.  

Ok. It's bed time. Good night. 

I tried - Breastfeeding

So, the title of my blog is... a mom who tries.

There are thousands of books out there to tell you how to parent.  But there are very few books to help you go through the emotions of parenting.  

I tried breastfeeding.... twice actually.  And I destroyed God's greatest design ---> the bond - mothers and babes.

First time I tried was with Gideon.  He was our first sweet little itty bitty baby.  He came with the whole deal - good smells, little diapers, cute outfits, and lots of cries for food.   Even though it was challenging --> INCREDIBLY CHALLENGING <-- I was able to breastfeed him for three weeks.

I tried, I really did.   However, at 3 weeks he contracted RSV.  It was one of my many mommy fails.  I know exactly where the virus came from.  It was 100% my fault - and I made my baby sick.  

The last time I nursed Gideon he stopped breathing.   In tears I woke my husband up and told him what happened.   Prior to this we knew G wasn't feeling well... he just looked..... sick.   We went to the ER early that morning.   G vomited all over the bed we were on as we waited.  They almost sent us home, but a nurse then came and told us he had RSV and needed to be admitted.    That same day when doctors were making their rounds Dr. Dickerson made the suggestion to move us to another bigger hospital so he could be monitored.  So away we went in ambulance.   At this other hospital, an hour away,  G was not allowed to eat for 12 hours....

I TRIED PUMPING.    you know how difficult it is to nurse.  you know how difficult it is to pump.  you know how difficult it is to produce milk when you are more worried about your baby.   I tried.  But without fail I dried up faster than you could buy the formula.  The hospital was nice enough and were able to supplement with formula.

The first time I tried breastfeeding I wasn't as upset about having to use formula.  At the time it wasn't this big "mommy war" going on.  At the time I really only new people who were all using formula, except for two dear friends who were nursing rock-stars.  I thought it was the norm.   I remember thinking while all these friends used formula that I WAS THE STRANGE ONE for breastfeeding.

I felt alone.    I breastfeed in secret and modesty.  I didn't know or stand up for my rights.  People would come over to see G, and instead of seeing them I would take him to his room and close the door so he could eat.  I cried tears for being in pain (we talked to people).  I cried because I just had a baby.  I cried because I felt alone.  incredibly alone. I felt like a milking cow.    So when we went to formula, it was the norm.  I wasn't alone any more.  I was okay with it.

Fast forward 3 years and just recently we had our second son.  Soren.

Times have changed.  Mommy wars were up in arms (battles over everything).   I was "fighting" on the side for breastfeeding - knowing my past I still could relate to those using formula and knew that it was okay.  But, breast is best.    I was eager and looking forward to having Soren so I could do it "right" this time.    I was making plans going back to teaching in 6 weeks when August hits.  Trying to figure out how to pump in a building full of awkward children (I teach Jr. High) I was going to try this time and not fail.  

I failed.  

I failed me.  I failed my baby.  I failed the mommy wars.  but most importantly - I failed God.  

We went 5.5 days breastfeeding.  It was just all wrong.  I had to have a c-section with Soren for he was breech, big and placenta was in the way.  So things just weren't "normal" from the get go.    Breastfeeding at the hospital was great.  I heard praise from the nurses that he had a good latch.  It didn't hurt.  I was so excited - telling my mom and sister that I can't believe how much I enjoyed it this time around.  

We got home - breastfeeding became more difficult.  The first thing that started causing trouble was my hand/arm.  More so the right one than the left.  But it would go numb, tingle, hurt, swell, ache, and couldn't hold or do much of anything (I couldn't use a pen or cut up fruit with a knife... it was bad and scary).   I was having trouble with getting S to latch - it is difficult when you have one working hand.  I even had J try to help S latch and hold him while I pried open his lips (fish lips, not old man!).    It got harder.  Later I found out that C-section patients a lot of time have carpal like symptoms from the excess fluid.

I started to dread the next feeding.  I started finding reasons not to be around my baby.  A little postpartum depression, yes.  I started to find excuses to give Soren the pacifier just to buy me a little extra time.  

I was bleeding.  I was crying.  I was in pain from my swollen feet, surgery incision (19 staples), carpal tunnel like hand, bleeding breast.    Mentally - I couldn't take it.  Honestly, I don't know if my milk ever came in.

As a result Soren didn't have a dirty/wet diaper in 8 hours.  He didn't poop for a day (you know 3 wet, 3 dirty every day for the first week.... not him).  I was starving him without even really knowing it.  I wasn't feeding on demand.  I was demanding it stopped hurting before I fed.  

Finally my husband said maybe we should do formula (I had suggested it the day before, but stuck nursing out... again).

Tears flooded as we gave Soren his first bottle.  I am about to cry as I think about it now.  Again, I dried up without struggle. 

I tried... but in the end... I failed... God.  

I failed God's greatest design.  He designed this entire amazing universe without flaw.  He designed mommies to take care of babies inside of the womb for 9 months and then gave them the ability to nourish their babies after that.  Seriously, how cool is it that babies only need their mommies after life.  That's it... they need mommy.    

And even though through these mommy wars I was fighting for breasts.... I was becoming a secret alliance with formula mommas.  

I was a trator 

As we fed Soren the first bottle I couldn't help but repeat "I am sorry"  I let so many people down.  I broke God's great design and accidentally hurt our baby (God's other amazing creation).   Thankfully my husband is very helpful and supportive.   He told me every time I said sorry that I had nothing to be sorry for.  He thought it was best for our entire family.    

The next day we went to Soren's first dr. appointment.   He asked how things were going and after realizing that S wasn't back up to his birth weight and the story of my tragedy he confirmed and affirmed that we made the right decision switching to formula.     

I am a good mom..... I am feeding my baby formula

Last night I was talking to a little bit older mom (I think she is in her 40's).  She asked how I was doing and all the typical questions about how baby was doing.   Finally she asked "how do you feel about not being able to nurse?"  

It was nice to be asked straight up the tough question.   I almost cried (again) telling her that it hurt thinking I let everyone down but I am okay with it now.

We are doing ok.  Soren is eating and in a few days we find out how healthy he is.  I no longer want to avoid my baby.  My breast don't scream in agony.   My kid is eating!  And I know that God still loves me.  

So from a mom who tries.

I tried breast feeding... and I failed.   

Am I for breastfeeding - yes!  Am I for pumping - yes!  Am I for formula - yes!  

But please, next time you innocently judge another mom - remember that we shouldn't be at battle or war with each other.  We don't deserve to feel like failures by other people standards.  We are all doing our best.  

If you are a mom reading this.... believe me... YOU TOO, ARE A GREAT MOM!

And for fun here is big brother trying to feed little brother (under a watchful eye).  

Leave me a comment.  What is your story?

I tried - a not natural birth - Soren's c-section story.

It has been a while since I've last written.   Remember, I can tell a long story... and I haven't written in a while, so more words to share. Honestly, I have been too sick and too tired (pregnant and teaching and raising a toddler and married to a working husband who also is going to school full time... and... and...)  but seriously, I have been too tired to write.  

We found out in October that we were expecting (as planned/trying) our second child.   We found out that baby's due date would be the very end of June.  Almost a bit too late for a teacher who is returning come August, but still good timing.  God is good.

As we progress we find out that our baby is going to be a boy!  Another boy.   I was slightly disappointed, thought it would be fun to have a girl, yet at the same time filled with joy.... I get boys.  I understand the dirt.  I understand the busy body.  I understand the tough.  So raising another boy, I can try that again!  Soren Paul will be little brother to Gideon Xavier.  With glee we praise; God is good.

I continue to get bigger.  Now, everyone tries to be nice to pregnant people.

Let's get real.

Some people are beautiful pregnant.

And some.... well.... become a house.

I am not a small person to start with.  But I grow.... grow.....grow some more.  I watch what I eat. Never really had any strange cravings.  But I grow, and I'm sick, and I grow.   I become as round as I am tall.  I am not even trying to be funny.  Picture a 5 food 2 inch girl, huge tushie, and just as big pump in the front.  I had all the shapes.  And all the shapes were round.  But we still have baby Soren - God is good.  

My midwife starts to joke about how Soren must be pushing out at every appointment, or that he's in a funny positions when she continues month to month and week to week measure him big.  I mean, I am measuring 4-6 weeks ahead of schedule.     But he's still here, so we praise -  He is great!

Finally after another detailed ultrasound it is confirmed, Soren is frank breech (has both feet up by his head).    Unless he turns we will be more than likely having a c-section.    But it was affirmation that he was healthy - thank you God.

We try different techniques to turn the little booger.   I knew in my heart of hearts he wasn't going to turn.  I still tried.  I am a mom who tries.    But every visit he is still breeched.   Finally we met with Dr. Chandler to discuss the possibilities of an eversion to turn Mr. Soren.    He decided that we were not good candidates - baby is big, not much room to move, and the placenta was in the way.

We.
Scheduled.
A.
C-Section.

Those were not the words this momma wanted to hear.  But he is healthy, and we continue to sing praise.

June 24th.... is not the date of our son Soren.   But to my relief, he did pick his own birthday.    Monday the 22nd I started to have contractions 10 minutes apart.  My parents whisk the oldest away and my husband and I go to the hospital.  I am indeed in early labor.  My contractions were visible but not making super progress in other areas.   So I get to go home  (I ate oreos and chick-fi-la as my last meal before midnight).   I was told to come back the next day at 6 am for a c-section (it was not the scheduled day!).  Come to find out my midwife, who was at the hospital that night, and the nurse thought I would be back in... but we made it to the early 6 am.

I had a wonderful nurse to help prep me.  We waited.  We monitored.  We answered questions.  We prayed silently.  We waited.  We made phone calls.   You get the point.

Finally around 10:00 I was moved to the operating room.  Yes, it looks like the movies.  Bright white lights, super sterile, everyone in masks hiding their identities.   I  get the special meds that make your legs go heavy and loose all feeling, but yet I was awake.  This whole time, I am thinking, Soren will be here soon... God is soooo Good.

I am sliced open on the table like a fish in the summer sun.   Every roll of fat.  Every freckle.  Every stretch mark.  Every scar and burn.  Every imperfection that I've ever tried to hide....

Viewed - by strangers - in masks.

It doesn't take long at all.  And out comes this beautiful crying noise.  My husband leaves my side to attend to Soren (as I requested) - my midwife talked to me and helped take pictures of my boys.  I am stapled up; yes STAPLED.... 19 metal staples.   I am ALIVE, Soren is ALIVE..... God blesses.

I am carted back to the recovery room.  I can't do anything.  I tried.  I am told several times of what will happen the next 12 hours.  Nurses will help me move at a good rate.   Nurses will bring me pain meds (ALWAYS TAKE THE PILLS).  Nurses will empty my catheter bag... I mean how else was I going to go the restroom if I can't walk for 12ish hours (it was more like 16).


Soren Paul was born on June 23, 2015.  He was 8.5 pounds, 20.5 inches long, and BEAUTIFUL!!

We had so many wonderful visitors while in the hospital, and at times I just wanted to sleep... and at times I did.  They came to see the baby.  They didn't need to see my smug face.  =]  People came and went.  Nurses came and went.  Eventually I started walking more and more the next day.  Slowly.

I am healing.  Soren is healthy.  We thank God for our handsome wonderful boy.  We are blessed by so many people bringing us food, holding and loving on Soren, entertaining and wrestling the big brother.  All is good.

Praise.

And as Paul Harvey would say "that's the rest of the story"



More blogs to come:
Tips and thoughts about c-sections
My biggest mommy fail - ruining God's perfect creation.  The emotions of a mom who tried to breastfeed.