cloth versus disposable diapers

I love nature. I love Mother Earth. And for most part, I leave as little carbon footprint as possible. I ride public utility vehicles instead of driving my own car, I walk instead of riding if the place is near, I recycle almost everything (pack rat!), I conserve water and our home uses solar panels. And now that Labsie and I are going to have a child, I decided to remain being green in raising him/her. And thus we begin with the diaper issue -- cloth or disposable?

Cloth diapers is reusable for years on end, making it cheaper. Also, there's no trash to contribute to landfills and zero percent additives to harm your baby's bottom. Its major downside is washing the cloth and thus wasting precious water. Also a downside for me is handling poop and pee directly, yuck! -_- Disposable diapers on the other hand is very convenient -- use and throw. And the "throw" part is the bad part as disposables are plastic with lots of additive that will take at least 500 years to decay. Really bad for the environment! =(

So what's a trying-hard green mommy to do? I don't wanna launder diapers with yucky stinky poo (one of the millions of reasons I didn't wanna have a baby) but I don't wanna pollute the earth unnecessarily either. After much research, I stumbled upon a third alternative -- organic disposable diapers!! ^_^ These are just like the mainstream plastic disposables BUT they are made of earth-friendly stuff plus there are no unnecessary additives to harm baby's skin. Perfect!

And the best part is? I found sellers here in my town! Woohoo! The price is just the same as disposables (it's imported) but I'm willing to sacrifice money for the sake of our Earth. If this is your first time to hear of organic disposable diapers, read on below. Got descriptions of the 2 brands of eco-friendly diapers that I'm planning to buy =) For more brands, you can click the sellers links (pink) as they have more info in their sites. Good luck!

Organic and Chlorine-Free Disposable Diapers
Davao City seller: Angel's Butt
Manila sellers: Earth Friendly Organic Diapers - Handy Dandy Diapers - Pick A Diaper

Earth's Best TenderCare Disposable Diapers are made from only chlorine free absorbent materials that are NEVER treated with chlorine bleaching agents which may contribute to dioxin pollution. Their breathable sides, moisture barrier cuff and refastenable tabs ensure premium comfort fit and ease of use. Our diapers are made with renewable resources and fewer petro-chemicals to reduce your baby's environmental footprint.

• Non-chorine bleached materials
• Contains natural absorbent material such as corn and wheat
• Super Absorbency
• Comfy stretchy refastenable tabs
• Latex-free, dye-free, perfume-free
• Moisture barrier cuff
• Breathable sides
• Imported from Canada

The Moltex Oko Disposable Diaper is marketed as an eco friendly disposable diaper that is also better for your baby. There are no added chemicals as found in the mainstream brands. These chemicals, such as lotions and deodorants are used to keep odors away. Unfortunately these can cause rashes and other problems such as fungi and viruses. The Oko diapers use a green tea leaf extract to help with odors.

Twenty percent of the absorbent gel has also been replaced with a totally biodegradable absorbent gel made from maize (corn) starch. Being a natural product this also tends to prevent formation of ammonia which can also cause skin rashes. The breathable backsheet is made from 100% biodegradable materials as is the packaging. All this means a fully compostable diaper without the need to add to landfill or be burnt.

* Refastenable/velcro frontal tape
* Multiple channel leakproof
* Cloth-like backsheet for 100% airflow
* Improved absorbency
* Imported from Germany
.

Week 24 update (Nov 29 - Dec 6, 2009)

This week is a mix of good and bad moments. The good: we hit the 6-month milestone! Yesiree, we're 6 months pregnant already! ^_^ Also, we found out the sex of our baby. Wanna know if s/he's female or male? Read on below! The bad: I was sick with flu. Last Nov 29, I felt weak and had scratchy throat. This continued for 2 more days and all I did was water therapy. On the fourth day, I had colds and slight fever but no cough. I drank more water plus lots of fruit juices. Last Dec 4 (Friday), I went to my monthly OB checkup and the doctor recommended antibiotics. I didn't take it, instead I drank more fluid + juices + vitamin C and got plenty of rest. And because I rested, I missed Papa's last Shell Family Day in Eden, huhu! I also missed a musical recital that my father-in-law invited us to. Sigh! On the bright side, I'm feeling a whole lot better today (Dec 6). I hope the flu will leave me soon and I hope that our sweet baby wasn't affected by it..

How far along? 24 weeks! Woohoo!
Total weight gain/loss: I gained another 2 kilos! That brings my total weight gain to 8.5-9.5kg in 6 months! I now weigh a heavy 53.5kg -_-
Maternity clothes? Still not wearing them.. Guess I'm still in denial that I need loose maternity clothes to accommodate my huge belly. Hehe!
Stretch marks? Nothing so far! Guess my increased fluid intake (for hydration of skin and tissue) and use of Mark & Spencer's White Peach and Almond lotion helped =)
Sleep: Lacking a good night's sleep! I toss and turn every night finding a good position.. Sigh!
Best moment this week: Finding out our baby's sex last Dec 4!! But, we're keeping it a secret until Christmas Day! Hehe! =) Also a great moment was window shopping in Chimes (and eating in Banana Leaf, love their prawn cakes below!) and DavCon Christmas Bazaar. Oh, and we had family dinner in Aseya (Kamameshi!!) too. Plus, I helped my culinary student cousin cook his individual chicken dish, for which he got a grade of 92! Nice! ^_^ All in all, this has been another food-gasmic week! And the entire month has been nothing but food intake -- and it definitely showed in my weight gain of 2 kilos -_-
Movement: LOTS!! Our sweet baby is really super active. Does this mean s/he's gonna be one hyper kid?? Hope not! :p On a sidenote, earlier this evening, I had severe navel pain -- as if my navel is being pulled inside me. I dunno if baby was playing with it or what, but it was really painful that I cried -_-
Food cravings: Palabok! Empanada! Which I all had, thanks to my mom ^_^
Gender: SECRET!! Hehe!
Labor Signs: None!
Belly Button in or out? Still in but very, very shallow. Guess it will pop out soon..
What I miss: Being healthy! The 1-week flu really weakened me, but more than that, it scared me coz it might have affected our baby. S/he remained very active the entire week though -- a good sign I hope!
What I am looking forward to: CHRISTMAS!! Hubby won't have work starting Dec 22 (cross fingers!) -- it's bonding time for us! Woohoo!
Weekly Wisdom: Drink lots of fluid! If possible, more than 2 liters a day! It keeps infections away and your skin will thank you for it. Also, take your vitamins and keep your immune system 100% functioning.
Milestones: We just hit the 6-month mark!! And we knew the sex of our baby! Time to go shopping for gender color-appropriate clothes and stuff! ^_^ Another milestone, albeit not good, was that I became sick the first time during this pregnancy *sigh*
.

pregnancy-safe holiday drinks!

Christmas is around the corner and we all know that yummy alcoholic drinks make this wondrous event even more fun! ;-) Unfortunately for us pregnant ladies, alcoholic drinks are a big no-no. So I scoured the web for non-alcoholic drinks and here they are! Enjoy!

The Bumptini (SOURCE)

3 ounces pomegranate juice
2 teaspoons white sugar
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 ounce lime-flavored club soda
1 tablespoon raw brown sugar (garnish)
*1 lemon twirl (optional garnish)

1. Rim a martini glass with raw brown sugar by rubbing the rim of the glass with a lime wedge while holding it upside down, then dipping it into a small plate of sugar. Set aside.
2. Muddle the ginger and white sugar in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add the juices and ginger and ice, then shake vigorously. Gently strain into the sugar-rimmed glass, then top with club soda or ginger beer.
3. Lay a lemon twirl across the surface of the drink.

-------------------------

Sparkling Pear Cider Cocktail (SOURCE)
Benefits: fiber, calcium and folate
Serves 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes, plus freezer time (at least 4 hours)

2 cans pears in extra-light syrup
2 cups sparkling apple cider
8 ounces Kerns Peach Nectar (or flavor of your choice)
8 fresh or frozen berries of your choice (optional)

1. Make pear purée ice cubes one day prior to serving: drain the canned pears and process in a blender until smooth. Pour the pear purée into an ice cube tray. Place in freezer until completely frozen.
2. When ready to serve, remove eight purée cubes from the trays and place two in each of four standard-size champagne flutes. Fill each glass approximately 1/3 full with sparkling cider, top with 2 ounces of peach nectar and drop in two berries, if desired.

Nutritional Information per serving (6 oz.): 172 calories, % fat, 100% carbohydrate (43 g), % protein, 7 g fiber, 1 mg iron, 28 mg calcium, 10 mcg folate.

-------------------------

White Raspberry Daiquiri (SOURCE)
Benefits: calcium and folate
Serves 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes

1 cup frozen raspberry sorbet
2 cups white grape juice with calcium and added vitamin C
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
10 ice cubes
4 ounces sparkling apple cider
fresh or frozen whole berries
fresh mint sprig or candy cane for garnish (optional)

1. Combine all ingredients except apple cider in a blender. Blend at medium speed until smooth.
2. Pour into wineglasses, stopping at least 1/2 inch from the rim. Top each glass with 1 ounce of sparkling apple cider.
3. Float berries on top and garnish with mint sprig or candy cane, if desired.

Nutritional Information per serving (6 1/2 oz.): 158 calories, % fat, 99% carbohydrate (39 g), 1% protein (.5 g), 2 g fiber, .5 mg iron, 18 mg calcium, 7 mcg folate.
.

Week 23 update (Nov 22 - 29, 2009)

How far along? 23 weeks!
Total weight gain/loss: I'm figuring I gained one kilo from all the pigging out the last two weeks. I'll know for sure how much I gained in next week's OB checkup.
Maternity clothes? I'm wearing one in the photo above! My sis-in-law gave it to me, so cute huh?? =) Other than that, I'm still wearing my mom's clothes and some of my loose stuff.
Stretch marks? Nothing yet! Or maybe hubby and I just don't know what a stretch mark looks like, LOL!
Sleep: Switched to a new sleeping position: me on the left and hubby on the right. I lie on my left side while hubby hugs me from behind to support my aching back. So far, it's working and I'm sleeping quite soundly ^_^
Best moment this week: Watching New Moon last Nov 24! It was so kilig as expected and Labsie also had fun guffawing the "romantic" scenes, LOL! Another best moment: eating WAGYU beef steak last Nov 26!! Dang, it was sooo good, fat and all!! And because of it, my blood pressure rose (I had palpitations, cold sweat and was dizzy for 20 minutes). Scary!
Movement: LOTS!! And everytime our baby kicks me, I talk to him/her. I noticed s/he's awake early morning (6am) then sleeps then awake at 10am --> sleeps --> active again at 3-4pm --> sleeps --> awake at 7-8pm or at 10-11pm, our bedtime. So far, I haven't woken up between 12-6am due to his/her active movement.

Food cravings: Nothing.. I had all I wanted to eat this week! =) Labsie made me french toast last Nov 25, ate Wagyu, had roasted chicken last Nov 27, ate plenty of eggs yesterday (courtesy of my paternal aunt) and had Sbarro pizza today! Yep, my parents arrived from Manila and we got more food! =)

Gender: I feel we're having a girl coz I'm so mellow. According to mommies, when they had boys, they had mood swings and raging anger (probably due to testosterone?). Truth to tell, I'm much more bitchier when I wasn't pregnant than the past 6 months :p

Labor Signs: None!

Belly Button in or out? Still in!

What I miss: Shopping without getting tired! Was looking for storage and baby stuff on Nov 24 (NCCC) and 26 (Victoria Plaza), and my feet + back were just killing me! Guess it couldn't handle my additional weight + extensive walking -_-

What I am looking forward to: The ultrasound next week! Hope our baby will not hide his/her privates anymore!

Weekly Wisdom: Try spooning with your hubby to support your back while sleeping, it's really good! =)

Milestones: My nipples oozed a bit of fresh milk last Nov 23! I had been suspecting I have breastmilk already but until this week, I only saw its dried remains. I have milk for our sweet baby, woohoo! =) Another "milestone" are the "bubbly kicks" I felt this week. I'm not sure if baby came up with a new movement (aside from kicking) or s/he's having seizures inside me. Coz that's how the "bubbly kicks" felt, like there's something vibrating inside me, shaking me from inside. Maybe our sweet baby is just hiccuping? Forming bubbles and all that burst against my belly? Must ask my OB about this..

.

pregnancy breakdown

This table opened my eyes to how the 9 / 10 months of pregnancy is broken down to lunar / typical months and weeks. I actually started my 6th month of pregnancy last week! I thought sixth month = 24th week, but it wasn't the case as evidenced by the pregnancy breakdown table below. Hope you learned something too! =)

Your First Trimester: 1st Month = Weeks 1,2,3,4 2nd Month = Weeks 5,6,7,8 3rd Month = Weeks 9,10,11,12,13	Your Second Trimester: 4th Month = Wks 14,15,16,17 5th Month = Wks 18,19,20,21 6th Month = Wks 22,23,24,25,26	Your Third Trimester: 7th Month = Wks 27,28,29,30 8th Month = Wks 31,32,33,34,35 9th Month = Wks 36,37,38,39,40
Week 1 till end of week 13	Begin week 14 till end week 26	Begin week 27 till Birth

.

Week 22 update (Nov 15 - 22, 2009)

Another busy week! And a rainy + cold one at that! End-result? I cooked a lot of saucy and soupy dishes to keep our lil family warm =) Yup, another food-gasmic week! I just hope my weight in my next month's OB checkup won't balloon from all the over-eating this month. Sigh! Anyway, we cooked spaghetti and pork BBQ last Nov18 (just because!), I cooked kare-kare last Friday and shabu-shabu + udong + crispy bacon last Saturday. Then we had a yummy Chinese dinner early tonight in Kowloon Dimsum (along Roxas Ave). I just love Chinese food! ^_^ Oh, I also had Panadero Expreso's specialty, cheezy overload bibingka today! Sooo good! I was in Panadero with my doctor friends for our monthly chismisan, hehe ;-)

How far along? 22 weeks!

Total weight gain/loss: around 6.5-7.5kg

Maternity clothes? nope.. still wearing Mama's dresses

Stretch marks? nothing yet! hope it stays that way! =)

Sleep: Not so good.. I'm having a hard time finding a comfy position that's also good for our baby.
Best moment this week: The food trips!! Our sweet baby will grow up a food-loving person, that I'm sure! At his/her young age, s/he has been exposed to many wonderful cuisines already =) Another cool thing: Labsie laid his head on my belly to talk to baby and s/he kicked hubby's cheek! The dad-to-be was startled, LOL
Movement: LOTS! And I'm kinda seeing the sleep/awake cycle of our baby.

Food cravings: Nothing.. I guess that's what happens when you eat great food the entire week, hehe! I want to have another bite of Panadero Expreso's cheesy bibingka though ;-)

Gender: Anything goes for me this week!

Labor Signs: None!

Belly Button in or out? Still in!

What I miss: The sun! I feel the cold weather will take a toll on my health -_-

What I am looking forward to: Knowing our baby's sex in 2 weeks! I really, really wanna know!!

Weekly Wisdom: Eat and be merry! LOL! But, don't forget to exercise also =)

Milestones: According to BabyCenter.com, our baby is almost 1 pound heavy now and is starting to look like a miniature newborn. His/her lips, eyebrows and eyelids are becoming more distinct too. Cute! Daddy and Mommy can't wait to see you sweet baby! Mwahh!

.

the aches and pains of pregnancy

I'm nearly five and a half months pregnant, and boy, the weight I gained is taking a toll on my petite body and bones! On a side note, I had a free bone scan recently and I was overjoyed that despite me not drinking milk / taking calcium supplements regularly, I have uber-healthy bones! No signs of osteoporosis or whatever -- happiness! =) Anyway, I gained a total of 6.5 kilos for the first half of my pregnancy and though my body mass index (BMI) is still normal for my height, this is the heaviest I've been my entire life! I've been chubby during my high school life and during summer times but at most, I only weighed 47-48 kilos.

The added weight plus my bulging abdomen have been killing my back, calves and feet! I can definitely feel what the pregnancy books are saying with regards to my growing belly changing my body's center of gravity. My body is a mess and my muscles and bones are taking the all the glorious pain! I badly need a full body massage to soothe my aching muscles and foot spa but I'm so lazy to get out of our house. As it is, I'm relying on hubby for mini-back massages and foot massages every day. He sooo good at it, especially with the foot! ^_^ Hope you won't get tired massaging me Labsie.. Thanks so much and I love you so!
.