"How Do You Do It?" part 1

As the mother of many, I can't tell you how many times I've gotten that question!  Often I don't know how to respond...and does anyone really expect me to?  The real answer is, of course, by the grace of God!  But I think people are really curious about big families and how things get done.  When it is a genuine question, I don't mind answering at all.  I would be curious, too!  And I was!  Yes, I once even asked a woman with many children (in the mall in Greenville, SC) if they were all hers.  LOL  Then, I even said something like "Wow!  You have your hands full!"  I NEVER meant it in a negative way, but with respect.  Little did I know then, that she probably heard that every time she went out with her children and it didn't always sound positive.  Now, I know.

Anyway....I thought I might use my blog to address some of the questions people have about how large families do things.  I don't claim to be an expert....just someone who is living it.  I will say upfront right now that many will have problems with the way I do things.  That's okay, I probably have problems with the way they do things too.  One of the keys to running a large household is to delegate.  My older children have to help around the house.  I rely on my two older girls a lot.  They really do lighten my load on a daily basis.  I do not want to overwhelm them with chores, but at the same time they are in training to be moms and wives one day.  My sons are in training to be dads and husbands.  Hopefuly when they become those one day, they will be prepared and know the responsibilities that go along with the positions.  I am definitely not raising pampered, spoiled individuals who expect the world to cater to their needs.  At least I hope not!  I want my children to be responsible, God-fearing, God-loving, kind people with a good work ethic.  Some days I fail in that instruction, and other days they blow me away with the people they are becoming, despite my mistakes and failings as a parent and an example.

The first thing I was going to talk about was cloth diapering.  Mainly because I'm having a cloth diaper party soon and that is on my mind!  Many people have expressed amazement at me having time to cloth diaper, so I thought I would devote a few minutes to tell you how easy it is!  I first became interested in cloth diapering when I was pregnant with Riley, 8 years ago.  I bought some Kissaluvs diapers and some FuzziBunz.  When Riley was born I jumped right in.  I was only planning to use the cloth diapers part time, mostly while we were at home during the day.  Things went well for a while, but then I started noticing a strong smell when Riley would wet the diaper.  Ammonia!  I also didn't have a great washing machine at the time, nor had I researched a lot about diapers.  I gave up pretty quickly.  Then when Reece was born I again used them off and on for a couple of months.  Same issues.  When I had Ridge, I had a postpartum hemorrhage and felt awful for quite a while.  I didn't want to add extra laundry plus I had some friends give us almost 3 months worth of diapers they could not use because their daughter was allergic to them.  This time around, I did a lot of research online. I learned that the reason for the smells I was having was partly due to hard water and partly due to the wrong detergent.  So this time I changed how I washed diapers and haven't had the same problems.  Of course, it helps that we have a new washing machine that was actually made during this century!

I invested in a few different kinds of diapers.  I kept the Fuzzi Bunz that I'd used before and added to that.  I bought some Bum Genius 3.0 AIO's and have loved them!  It is just like changing a disposable diaper!  They come in really pretty colors too, as do the Fuzzi Bunz.  I've also added a couple of Happy Heinys  (not my favorite though because they tend to leak occasionally), BlueBerrys, and Ragababes.  There are so many choices today and I have to admit that I'm addicted.  My kids will tell you that I'm often online looking up different kinds of diapers and looking for sales.  I've purchased some that are very expensive diapers but I've gotten them on clearance or as seconds.  Still excellent quality! I'll list my recommendations at the end!

My wash routine is very different from what I did before.  I now have an LG frontloading washing machine.  I wash diapers on a Sanitary cycle with a prewash, extra rinse, and water plus (where it adds extra water).  It takes a long time for them to wash, but that is just how it is with these new water efficient machines.  I've been amazed at how clean the diapers come out.  I only have one or two that have stains and they are very, very, light ones.  Since I am exlusively breastfeeding, so far there is no dunking diapers in the toilet.  I just throw them in the washing machine.  For later I do have a diaper sprayer that is attached to the back of the toilet.  It is like a shower head.  When Reagan is on solids, I will just spray off her diapers in the toilet and then wash.  Much easier than in the old days!  I was spraying them off at the beginning but realized that I didn't need to.  I was washing diapers every other day.  Lately, I've been trying to stretch it out one extra day when I can.  But I really don't mind doing the extra couple of loads of laundry.  I feel like this is so much better for Reagan than the chemical-filled disposables.  And I will admit, they are A LOT cuter!  I enjoy cloth diapering.  Oh, I use Lulu's detergent for hard water.  I have some Rockin Green that I'm going to try next.

So, it really isn't that much more work.  My washer does most of it.  I do look forward to warmer weather when I can hang the diapers outside to dry.  That might add a little more work, but, hey, I need the sun and fresh air!  The rest of the family endulges my new love for cloth!  I do almost all of the diaper changes at this point.  Rebecca, Rachel, and Rick have all changed a few diapers though, and I haven't heard any complaints.  I will soon be away from Reagan as I have two doula births coming up in the spring.  We'll see how they do when I'm not at home.

My recommendations for cloth diapers:  For newborns I REALLY liked the Bum Genius AIO xsmall.  They have discontinued the bigger sizes but will still be making the xsmalls.  They say they fit up to 12 lbs., but my daughter could only wear them until she was almost 11 lbs.  Still I liked how well they fit and were perfect when she was born at 8 lbs. 1 oz.  She wore them for almost 3 months.  I also like Fuzzi Bunz xsmall for newborns.  Next, I am currently using size small in Fuzzi Bunz and Bum Genius.  Reagan is just now getting into the one-size diapers where you can adjust them down for a small baby or make them bigger for an older baby.  I still prefer the different sizes but I think as she grows I'll like the One Sizes better.  I've recently bought some Ragababes and I really like these too.  They are gorgeous and very absorbant!  Only problem is that they are expensive.  I used Christmas money for Reagan to buy hers, but no way could I afford a whole stash of them.  Still, I love the ones she has.  I am holding onto my diapers for a while....you never know if God will bless you with another little one.  But, when I KNOW I'm done, I can sell my diapers.  Yes, people will buy used diapers!  So I will be able to regain some of the money spent.

Blessings!
Cindy

This may be a long series.  I plan to cover homeschooling, chores, finances, and health.  What are your questions for a mom of many???