Mamatography - Week 14

Day 92

(04/01/12)

Note to self: Sunday morning is apparently a very busy day at the laundromat. Do not attempt to do laundry at this time or you will be bringing wet laundry home.

Monday Minimalist: Tiny Space

If you've been following long, you know I'm always fascinated by people that design or engineer very small living space. This week I have a link for you that is a slightly different take than usual. This guy designs small, portable sleeping space, but it isn't living space. These things don't have kitchens and such, but they're more meant for taking to events and sleeping in a structure more sturdy, secure and comfortable than a tent.

Here, you'll understand so much better if you just go check out this article from DailyMail UK.

They're called "Eco Friendly Micro Houses" and they're made from household junk! My dad (and his dad) was well known for taking scraps from job sites to reuse on other job sites or for his own stuff. He built a tiny cabin to have on-location at a place we used to camp regularly. My grandfather reused the wood from an old skating rink to floor his home!

What is the best or most creative way you've seen materials reused?

Let me know if you have a Monday Minimalist post and I'll share it on my blog.

Click the icon to grab the button for your MM posts or for details on how to join the movement.

Sunday Surf: EC & Bad Parenting

Another week full of appointments behind us. Each of the kids had appointments this week, including Sasha's first dentist visit. Thursday was the only day free of them.

Here are just a couple of links for you.

Pottytunities for Two

Clarifying Intentions with Newborns

What is truly the goal when practicing elimination communication with a newborn? This is a great article about what it is like to practice elimination communication in our mainstream society, especially with a new baby.

Cracked.Com

5 Hallmarks of Bad Parenting That Are Actually Good for Kids

I love Cracked.Com. They always take a no-nonsense, fun, often foul-mouthed approach to topics, including parenting. This article lets me know that maybe I'm not fouling up this whole parenting thing. I especially appreciated the section on risky play. Click over to learn something new.

What fun things have you read lately?

Up Your Nose with a Rubber Hose

I posted last month about taking Spencer to follow up with the cardiologist and the doctor hearing a stridor. Our pediatrician referred us to an ENT to check for any obstruction in Spencer's throat that might be causing the stridor. We had that appointment yesterday.

The nurse sat me in a special chair in the middle of the exam room and checked Spencer's pulse. I was surprised that they didn't want to weigh him, she just asked me for that information.

Born at Home Toys

I happen to be lucky enough to stumble into a friendship with the couple that created Born at Home Toys. Rebekah is co-editor with me on Natural Parents Network for Wordless Wednesday.

Rebekah and her family came to town to meet me in person for my baby shower last year when I was pregnant with Spencer. It was so great to meet in person, but it was also a busy event so I didn't get to chat much with them. I did notice, however, that their family is peaceful. They simply have an aura of peace.

They brought me my first diaper cover and a package of new hemp inserts. They also brought Spencer a set of Sun and Moon Maple Teethers. Spencer just started teething so I thought to get these out for him. They are very lightweight, so he has no trouble holding them at all. They are beautiful pieces! Sasha ran off with them, though, because she loves them too!

I got the opportunity to get to know Chris, Rebekah and their children a little better at the vacation weekend with volunteers from Natural Parents Network. (You can see their post about the event here.) Chris and Rebekah also have a blog called Liberated Family. They offer some great, peaceful advice on sustainability, cooking, and family life.

Rebekah and her family came to town to meet Spencer and visit with us this week. Rebekah made a lovely little stuffed toy with upcycled fabric. It is a great thickness for Spencer's little hands and perfectly safe for him to stick into his mouth. They also brought a special gift for Sasha...

I have been wanting to get her this Happy on the Farm Animal Set since I first saw them! They are so very cool! As a bonus, these things smell amazing! Ronni said they "smell like happiness!" They just smell so natural and good. Sasha did not let go of the cow and the horse all night!

If ever you'd like some non-plastic, non-violent, imagination-encouraging, non-gender specific, natural toys for someone you love, please think of Born at Home Toys. This peaceful family makes awesome products!

Mamatography - Week 13

Day 85

(03/25/12)

Chillin' on the couch, checkin' out the thumb.

Doesn't this look uncannily like a shot from last week? He honestly doesn't do this too often.

Playing in the Rain

Welcome to the April 2012 Carnival of Natural Parenting: Kids and Personal Care

This post was written for inclusion in the monthly Carnival of Natural Parenting hosted by Code Name: Mama and Hobo Mama. This month our participants have shared stories, tips, and struggles relating to their children's personal care choices.

We recently purchased and moved into a travel trailer. We have it parked at a nice local RV park that provides water, electricity, cable, etc. My oldest was out of town during the move and as we were preparing her living space, we needed to find some storage for her clothing.

We filled the small shower stall with drawers. There are laundry and shower facilities on site. The water pressure through our travel trailer isn't very high and of course we're paying to heat the water ourselves and the hot water tank isn't huge. We decided we'd just commit to using the park's shower facilities.