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There’s something about handmade toys that just make you feel safe, and loved. I wanted to make a couple handmade toys for the boys, but was searching for the right pattern — so I was overjoyed when I came across this adorable pattern. I decided to make each of our little guys a whale softie. The pattern doesn’t call for it, but I added a little bell inside each whale turning them into cloth rattles. I used block printed fabrics and embroidered eyes onto the whales with red embroidery floss. This is no doubt a quick and satisfying project! Each whale only took about 30 minutes!
After I was done making them, Dhara wanted a little playtime with the whales — I watched as she showed the whales to her toy bear (which she lovingly named, “Fency”). She goes on to say, “See Fency, mama made this. Be gentle.”
As I get farther along in my pregnancy I’m really feeling the urgency to make things. For starters, I need a travel wet bag for when we cloth diaper outside of the home. A wet bag is a convenient on-the-go-solution for storing soiled diapers and wet/dirty clothes because it’s lined with PUL (a baby safe vinyl) on the inside which keeps in moisture and stink, and also makes it safe to put right into your diaper bag.
So I dug into my secret stash of Kokka fabrics that I had purchased a year ago (I’d been saving this special stash for our next baby, or babies!), and chose prints for a couple wet bags. I’m not the biggest fan of “baby prints” — I’m actually not a fan at all, but Kokka makes the most beautiful vintage prints that come off looking nostalgic of days gone by. Like this one, titled Far, Far Away Snow White Meadow, or even this titled, Sunday Dress — so darn cute, I just love it! The Japanese sure do have a handle on textiles and style.
Kokka fabrics are almost always a cotton/linen blend which give the fabric a more mature, modern and stylish look. The linen fabrics I ended up choosing caught my eye with their vintage appeal — they reminded me of vintage flour sacks for some reason. I ended up making two wet bags — the first being 12″x18″, and the second being 14″x18″. Each bag can hold around 8-10 diapers. I just might have to whip up a batch of these in block printed Indian fabrics for the Susie Mey shop!
Today, I am officially 30 weeks pregnant with our twin boys. Twins are known to come earlier than singletons — which makes me wonder how much more time I have with my little family before our lives change forever. I especially think about the time I have with Dhara. She knows about her brothers, but she doesn’t really know what’s coming! I pray she embraces the change! Anyway, I’m hoping to make it to 37 weeks, at least. Dhara arrived at 40 weeks on the dot!
These past couple weeks I’ve begun to feel more preggo. I feel like a waddler. I’m having more and more back/hip pain if I stand or walk around too much — shopping excursions with Dhara are becoming more difficult. I usually like to save all my errands for one day of the week, but these days more than a couple hours on my feet means pain. I feel pretty sore turning in bed, and getting in and out of bed must look pretty hilarious. And every hour or so (maybe even more) my tummy tightens up like a basketball from a Braxton Hicks contraction — I don’t remember having them as often with Dhara. I’m feeling a whole lot of movement — these guys are definitely trying to get comfortable in there, but it must hard due to the lack of space. I do feel more movement than I feel kicks; although once in a while I’ll feel a strong kick which really takes me by surprise! Even more recently I’ve begun to feel little hiccups which fondly remind me of Dhara, she used to get them all the time.
I still can’t believe there’s two of them in there. I can’t wait to meet them, see what they look like — if they look the same or if they look different, if they look like Greg or look like me, kiss their little feet, snuggle close, give them soothing Indian oil massages, and tote them around in a comfy wrap. So exciting! Let’s hope they turn in the right direction come delivery time! Next week I hope to post some of the baby sewing projects I’ve been working on — some cute stuff, stay tuned!
I’ve been on the search for a new diaper bag. For my 30th birthday a couple weeks ago, my husband asked me what I wanted for my birthday, and could you believe I asked him for “a really nice diaper bag?” : )
For the past two years I’ve been toting around a Vera Bradley diaper bag — I like it alot, but I’m ready for a change. I want something a little more “city,” as I’d like to call it. Something a little more stylish and not diaper-bag-like. I’d prefer a nice leather bag, but of course that’s not practical considering I’d be carrying around bottles, food, and a wet bag of soiled cloth diapers. So the search for the perfect undiaper bag has been pretty hard! Someone seriously needs to get on the ball and make better looking diaper bags, because I must say that most diaper bags out there are so darn unattractive. So I recruited my best friend, Gifty, to help me on the diaper bag search. It took a while, but we narrowed down the options to 3 bags. All of them being backpack type options because I honestly think a backpack would be the most convenient for toting around twins and a 2 year old. I’m really torn between what to choose. What would you choose?
SYM Charlie Diaper Bag - I love that this looks like a travel bag of sorts. It’s got leather handles and even turns into a backpack. I contacted SYM’s Catherine Choi, the designer of this bag, and she said she knows mothers of twins who use this bag and it totally works if you aren’t a person who carries alot. I’m just not sure if it would hold enough for three kids. But I overall love the look, and the fact that it’s a full fledged diaper bag that doesn’t look dorky.
Infusion Rucksack Bag - I LOVE that this is just a normal bag — it’s not a diaper bag. I especially love rucksacks: a backpack in it’s simplest form. This bag is so classy looking for a simple backpack/rucksack, in my opinion. The only thing is that this bag isn’t lined inside, so accidental spills could ruin it. I also contacted Infusion’s Abby Meadow, the designer of this rucksack, and she mentioned that there are moms who use this bag as a diaper bag and love it. Overall, love it’s simplicity.
Okkatots Diaper Bag – This is NOT my ideal bag, but I included it in my top 3 because it’s so darn roomy. This backpack honestly seems like the most ideal bag to carry 3 kids worth of items, and in a completely organized manner. Look at all those compartments! If I choose this bag, it would be functionality over fashion for sure! In the end, I’m not opposed to choosing a bag for its functionality because it would probably pose as the easiest/most convenient solution, but then again, a girl’s gotta have a nice bag, right? ; )
Call me crazy, but I’m determined to do it! I honestly hate buying disposable diapers. It irks me to the core. However, we do on occasion buy disposables for outings and nighttime use, but Dhara mostly lives in her clothies — which I love. But the thought of cloth diapering 2 babies is daunting — good thing there are parents of multiples who do it! Like here, and here. Oh, and here.
So what does my newborn stash look like? Simple, all prefolds and covers! I feel like they grow so quick in the initial stages that it’s more affordable to just go with prefolds. Thank goodness Greg has been so open to cloth from the beginning (with Dhara)! Now I just need to get my mom and sister on board — they will also be changing diapers since there are more bums to go around. Good thing cloth is super cute — I’m excited to see these two little guys’ bums wrapped in cloth.
Our Newborn Stash:
36 newborn Indian prefolds from GMD / $24 dozen (purchased for Dhara)
10-12 workhorse fitted newborn diapers from GMD / $4.95 each
4 snappi fasteners / $3.95 each (purchased for Dhara)
2 Thirsties x-small covers / $11.50 each
3 Weehuggers size 1 covers / $16 each (on sale)
2 Imse Vimse Organic Fox Fibre newborn covers / $15 each (on sale)
Baby Bum Drops wipes solution / $12 (makes 50 cups)
cloth wipes / $9.95 dozen (purchased for Dhara)
2 handmade wet bags
diaper sprayer / $44.95 (if Greg doesn’t decide to make it himself)
It might look like alot, but some of these items were purchased for Dhara when she was a baby, and newer items can be used for future babies. So there you go, cloth diapering 2 babies for the first couple months and more — I’ll let you know if this really works! : ) Oh, and if any of you cloth diapering moms have any advice or recommendations, please feel free to chime in!
Now that I’m all caught up with blog posts, I’m excited to blog about all things baby related — sewing + knitting projects, thoughts/ideas, baby products. Almost 2.5 months to go before they arrive, and so much to do! I still have a couple photo sessions to finish editing, and a basement to finish cleaning, but I’m so eager to tackle the long list of projects I have in mind, figure out which cloth diapers I want to use for newborns, decide on a woven/stretchy wrap, pick a piece of artwork for the boys, etc.
Before Dhara was born, I knew I wanted to get her something special that she could hold onto as she grew. And being that I’m an undercover independent/local art enthusiast, we decided on this piece for Dhara. It now hangs above her crib in a vintage styled frame. I think the same would only be appropriate for these two boys on the way. I want something adventurous, boyishly whimsical, something artistic and that sparks the imagination. I finally narrowed down my search to Theater Clouds by Elly Mackay. Her stuff is amazing and so appropriate for children, especially her boy prints — I didn’t want anything cheesy. I honestly think it’s easier to choose for a girl! But we are leaning towards these two prints by Elly — one for each boy:
“He Found The Rarest Of Thistles By His Rock In The Woods“
and “In His World, He Was King“
the following single print came in as a close second, but then meant both boys would somehow have to share their print, “Side By Side“
I love Elly’s creative process. Small Magazine says about her work, “The themes are dream-like with references to childhood and storybooks half remembered and half forgotten.” She creates her images by painting on yupo paper and cutting it into layers and setting it up in a miniature theater. She plays with lights and filters to create atmosphere and then takes photos of the scene. Way cool. Plus I just love the fact that Elly grew up in an old church in the country!
I’m more than halfway there!!! Ahhhh!!! Today my babies are the length of a banana, and look like this in the womb.
As some of you know already, I had my 20 week ultrasound this week. My mom came along with me since Greg couldn’t get out of a special week long class for work. It was here I found out that we are having two baby boys! It came as somewhat as a shock to me because I was almost sure, or let’s say expecting that it would be a boy and girl. After the tech revealed the first gender, a boy, I was hugely relieved that I would get my boy! But then when she revealed that the second was also a boy, I was kinda dumbfounded — not at all because I didn’t want two boys, but that I wouldn’t get another sweet little girl. But then again, I have no grid for boys since I don’t have any, so I’m sure I’ll be saying the same for boys after these little guys join our family! On a side note, I was also thinking, “What in the world am I going to do with all of Dhara’s clothes!” TWO BOYS!
After the initial shock of two boys, I went ahead and texted Greg at his class — because he wanted to be one of the first to know, granted! : ) I texted him from my mom’s phone, “It’s Susan…both boys!” Greg texted back with a, “Praise God! We are going to have lots of fun!” All the men in our families were ecstatic! All the women were like, “Wow, what are we going to do now?” : ) In the end, God knows we need two little rambunctious boys to liven things up a bit, not that Dhara doesn’t already add to the fun!
The fact that both are boys is still sinking in; I recently came across a photog’s blog where she photographed twin boys (with their older sister), and boy did it make my heart melt! See here. TWO BOYS! Bring it!
Here are our little guys — both were ever so active! They were cooperative for the tech doing the ultrasound, but sooo active and completely healthy and right on track in their growth based on the ultrasound, thank the good Lord. I was initially worried that I wasn’t feeling enough movement for having 2 babies inside me, but I’ve been feeling more and more as I get farther along, and it was amazing to see how much they moved during the ultrasound, yet how little I actually felt.
baby A – weighing in at 13 ounces
baby B – weighing in at 12 ounces
One of the first things I did when I found out Dhara was a girl, was go shopping for some girl things. For these little guys, I wanted two of these High Seas onies for a photoshoot — the perfect blend of vintage/retro, but it seems they are all sold out for now, bummer. One thing is for sure, boys clothes are not as interesting as girl’s clothes, but it will be my aim to fix that.
How do I feel? I threw up for the first time yesterday. I was brushing my teeth in the morning and when I was ready to rinse, the dry heaves began. Not fun, but ever so grateful that this pregnancy has been simple thus far. Although, I don’t feel like I’m eating enough for twins, and when I do eat, I love seafood, yogurt, fruit, and pizza. And although I’ve never really enjoyed a tall glass of milk, I’ve been using Dhara’s milk (full fat with cream on top!) from a local farm for cereal and my husband’s homemade masala chai (amazing! especially alongside a slice of warm pumpkin pie in the evening before bed.).
So 4 more months to go! It could be a little less depending on when these guys want to come! Twins are known for coming before full term, and I secretly hope they do!
Again, kudos to Facebook for reuniting an old friendship. Jainy and I went to high school together. We met in Biology class. Being that we are both malu’s, it was inevitable that we would eventually gravitate towards one another — Jainy with her cheery personality, and me with always something up my sleeve, we had loads of fun on our mini adventures (like walking through graveyards), hanging out and laughing hysterically.
Jainy and I lost contact after I switched high schools in 10th grade. But we connected almost 13 years later via Facebook. She’s now married to an awesome guy, Dwayne, and they both have an amazingly cute baby boy named Jayden. This little guy has got some serious adorableness going on. Jainy wanted some family portraits, so we decided to meet at the beautiful Brookside Gardens to capture her lovely little family in action. It’s been so neat catching up with her in this season of our lives now that we get to talk about cloth diapers, sewing and knitting. : ) Meet the Stewart’s.
Just a little peek at some new items in the shop! I’m totally in love with the Indian inspired swaddle blankets. Swaddle blankets are becoming more and more popular these days, so why not get a little boho with it? I’ll definitely be making a batch of these come spring for our two little bambinos. In addition to swaddle blankets, we’ve added quilts, wool flower clips, bibs and more.
I had my second prenatal appointment yesterday with Kathy Slone’s practice. It’s the practice I switched to much later in my last pregnancy. It’s a practice of 4 midwives. I met with Kathy today — mid-sixties, has the most piercing blues eyes you’ve ever met, the kindest smile, and many years of natural birthing practices behind her. This is the reason we decided to stick with her, and to a midwife in general when I was pregnant with Dhara. We’ve decided to stick with her for this twins pregnancy as well. It’s a good fit for Greg and I since we prefer something a little bit more homespun.
For all twin pregnancies, Kathy works with a highly specialized perintologist who will also be present at the birth in case complications arise. Greg and I felt really comfortable upon hearing that this OB is head of the department and that he loves delivering breech babies rather than conducting a cesarean — hard to find that in this day and age. He will also be in charge of reading all my ultrasounds every month and making sure both babies look good throughout the pregnancy. So we really have the best of both [midwife/doctor] worlds, as Kathy says. I also love that the office manager, Kim, knows exactly who I am when I call or come in for an appointment. My only dislike is that we have to drive 35-45 minutes to the midwife office and to the hospital, both of which are downtown; versus the local hospital which is 15-20 minutes away. I was also looking forward to having a water birth, but I guess that’s not advisable with twins. Maybe next time! : )
At my appointment I measured nicely at 15.5 weeks and everything looks to be on track. We, even Dhara, got to hear heartbeats. I also love that all my questions were answered non-rushed and very laid back. Kathy says that I’m short waisted, so come March, people will think I’m about to blow [oh no!], but that I can certainly go till at least 37/38 weeks.
So it looks like this twin thing is no joke. It’s for real, for real. I’ve been feeling great except for a case of sciatica which has been causing me discomfort since I was 7 weeks pregnant. I also wake up periodically around 4 AM and can’t go back to sleep for an hour or two. And most foods aren’t tasty, or I should say they aren’t satisfying. I’m craving things like sushi, sushi, and more sushi, shrimp, deli sandwiches, chili, pizza, and grapes. And yes, I know that I should be staying away from things like sushi and sandwiches, but we did indulge in sushi just once last week at a local sushi joint — and it was truly the best meal I’ve had in weeks! [By the way, I got the cooked options.]
Anyway, we can’t wait till November end when we find out the genders of our babies! Until then I don’t think I can begin all the sewing, knitting, and creating I want to do for these two new little ones! More on this later.
