5/08/2011

Now and Then

If you  know me, you know I'm a total sentimental sap. I cry over reality TV shows, I hoard any object my daughter ever touched (oh yes, this one is already turning out to be a BAD habit), and I frequently reminisce about seemingly inocous events of my childhood that, in retrospect, make me very, very happy. 

One such reflection... the movie Now and Then. It is such a sweet movie about childhood friendship, and if you are a girl* between the ages of, say, 23 - 32 who attended a sleepover, you too have likely watched this movie. I cannot even count the number of times I have seen it. I know we watched it at my friend Laura's house at least a half-dozen times, and I do believe my sister also became infatuated, which would mean we also had it on VHS and likely watched until the tape gave out. *or perhaps 'guy,' don't want to suggest you missed this fabulous pre-teen 'classic.'

 
image courtesy imdb.com

Normally I'd say, 'if you haven't seen it, rent it immediately.' But I don't even know if the movie would still resonate today as it would with your younger self (that and I don't think modern-Rosie contains nearly the same appeal as her 1995-self did). But I do hope that you have seen it, and have similar happy memories of it.

Cutting to the chase (yes, I'll admit, if you know me you also know that I r.a.m.b.l.e., but I always mean well)......

Now and Then 
The idea of considering where you are now, and reflecting on where you were then.
I mean, come on, a concept perfect for a sap such as myself!

Abby, that^^ cannot possibly be your final point? Correct, dear reader, I'm getting there. 

One question I see repeated time and again on the cloth diaper forums... 'why did you switch to cloth?' or 'what was your first diaper?' or other such musing asking for responders to reflect on their cloth diapering roots. And I want to ask you to do the same thing (well, sort of)! 


What?
Now and Then at Itsy Bitsy Bums

When? 
Monday (5/9) - Sunday (5/15)

Why?
Because it is fun, and of course there is swag

How? 
No purchase necessary! 

There are two ways to participate: 
1. Post photos on Facebook - show us your 'Then' and your 'Now'
2. Comment on this post - tell us your 'Then' and your 'Now'

Get creative with your 'Then' and 'Now.'
It just must be cloth diapering-related (well, that and it cannot be indecent). 

Some ideas: 
  • first stash shot | current stash shot
  • first cloth diaper on the bum | latest cloth diaper on the bum
  • first fluffy mail | most recent fluffy mail
  • first attempt at a Snappi and prefold | current Snapping prowess
  • first cloth diaper fail | latest cloth diaper fail
  • and the ideas go on and on!
The Swag 
Next Monday, 5/16, I'll draw for two winners. 
Grand Prize: $50 IBB Gift Certificate
First Prize: To be Announced Thursday 5/12 (I promise there are *multiple* diapers involved!)
 
The Sales
To celebrate 'Now and Then' there will be two fabulous sale offers good Thursday - Sunday (5/12 - 5/15). These sales will be announced Thursday morning.

 
The Rules
  • All entries posted Monday (5/9) - Sunday (5/15) will be entered in the 'hat.' 
  • No limit to the number of entries per person. 
  • Facebook entries
    • Each photo pair posted on Facebook constitutes an entry.
    • No need to comment here, I'll keep track of the Facebook posts.
    • Please label your Facebook entry 'Now and Then' and comment on at least one of the photos the theme or subject that ties them together. 
  • Bitsy Buzz entries
    • Each comment on this post constitutes an entry. 
  • Please do not replicate your entries - if you post a photo pair on Facebook do not then comment here regarding the same subject.
  • The I-have-to-get-mean rule: if you are posting ridiculous nonsense on this thread or Facebook simply to up your entry count, it will be deleted without warning.
  • Winners to be announced Monday, 5/16, on Facebook and Bitsy Buzz. Winners must be in touch within 24 hours to claim their prizes.
  • Prizes: The Grand Prize ($50 Gift Certificate) will be issued 5/16, and must be redeemed by 5/21. The First Prize (diapers!) will be mailed to winner within 24 hours of being claimed.
 

73 comments:

  1. Then: I thought I could make my own cloth diapers. Boy was that a bad idea! My first diaper was made out of horrible stiff wal-mart cloth, which only repelled. I attempted to put elastic in the legs and waist, but I ran out, so it was lopsided. Then I tried to put snaps on it, but I didn't have my snap press set up right, so I cracked one snap and put another snap on backwards!
    Now: I buy diapers. GroVia and Thirsties are my favorites. They are infinitely better than my homemade massacres!

    mk_mitchell90 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Then: I thought people who were addicted to buying cloth diapers were crazy! Now: I think cloth diapers are super fun and am sooo addicted to buying them! It's pitiful! I keep trying to stay on the wagon, but it just doesn't work!! apierce1 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Then: I thought disposables were safe.
    Now: Disposables contain chemicals such as sodium polyacrylate that could possibly harm my baby.

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  4. Then: I only considered charlie's soap and allen's naturally for washing my cloth diapers.
    Now: I'm open to anything that's "free and clear" and considered "cloth diaper safe" as long as it's friendly on my budget.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Then: If a family member babysat my baby, I would buy disposables for them to use b/c it would be more convenient.
    Now: I am not okay with them using disposables for the reason of convenience (if there was a valid reason, I would be okay with it). I want them to learn how to use cloth diapers.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Then: I thought prefolds were my only option. So that is what I used. Technically they were the only option in Lawrence. Till I met you!
    Now: I am addicted to AIO's. I love love love them. Pockets come in a close second. Perfolds are now only used at night :) zissoupants@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Then: I honestly thought Fuzzibunz were low quality cloth diapers and was not willing to buy one at all.
    Now: I haven't tried one yet, but after seeing the newest version with the leg gussets and the adjustability, I CAN"T WAIT to try one.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Then: I thought pockets & microfiber were the way to go.
    Now: Our stash is 95% natural fibers!

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  9. Then: I never considered CD's until DD got a rash so bad it bled.

    Now: I dream about CD's at night!

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  10. Then: I was afraid to try anything 'hard' or new. I thought pockets were what I wanted.

    Now: The harder to use the better! I love flats and am starting to stalk wool! I barely use the pockets or AIO's I have.

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  11. Then: I thought the only way to CD was to buy the diapers.

    Now: I make most of DD's stash!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Then: I thought microfiber was great! It was much cheaper than all those natural fabrics and works just as good.

    Now: I absolutely hate microfiber! It doesn't work well and holds stink in like crazy. I only put natural fibers on DD's bum.

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  13. Then (only 8 months ago): Found out we were pregnant and spent hours researching diaper choices and were completely sold on cloth and spent hours trying to convince my mother it was worth it!

    Now: Just started our stash with 6 newborn-size bumGenius gifted to us and tragically lost our Ayden Parker due to severe preeclampsia. We are hoping to have an opportunity in the future to take advantage of your awesome store. Thank you for offering such a wonderful place for such great products!

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  14. Then-I thought it would be difficult & I'd have to use flats with pins.
    Now-I wish I would have used cloth on my first 2 its so easy!
    sara dot thompson@swbell dot net

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  15. Then: Thought I'd only like diapers with disposable insert options
    Now: Realize there are so many great options out there & it's not that hard using cloth!

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  16. Then: we found out we were pregnant with our 4th and would have 3 in dipes at the same time. I wanted to save money, and thought cloth would be the way to go.

    Now: we lost that baby, my middle daughter PT'ed and I have spent more on cloth/wool than I would have on disposables! (but we will never switch back :P)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Then: I thought I wanted only pockets and NEVER EVER wool!

    Now: I have sold most of my pockets in lieu of AI2s (FN and BSB are the fave!) And I absolutely adore my wool!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Then: When I decided to try out "real" cloth diapers after Hannah grew out of her medium gdiapers, I wanted the "easiest" diapers and did the Total Convenience trial package. I liked the idea of AI0s and pockets and couldn't imagine the trouble of multiple steps of fitteds, prefolds or flats.

    Now: fitteds make up half our stash and I sold most of my pocket diapers (except the AppleCheeks, still love those!) to fund more fitteds. I wish I had started with a more diverse trial package, but live and learn. :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Then: I started with gdiapers with flushable inserts because I didn't think I could handle having to touch poop and wash out inserts.

    Now: I successfully did an oragami folded flat diaper this morning! It even contained a messy poop, which I had no problem cleaning off with the diaper sprayer I had DH make shortly after we started cloth.

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  20. then: i thought babies in general were gross

    now: i have been known to scrub an insert with my hands to get a stain out! (won't lie - i've definitely had to touch poop!)

    ReplyDelete
  21. then: i just HAD to have that diaper sprayer..
    now: it's packed in a box who knows where :(

    ReplyDelete
  22. then: twitter is totally lame. i will never get twitter

    now: oh i can tweet for extra entries to win fluff?? SIGN ME UP! oh it's been an hour, gotta tweet!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Then: "People put their kids in USED cloth diapers!?! GROSS!"

    Now: I'm a regular on any used cloth diaper site, page, etc. I talk to cloth selling Mamas more than my friends and family, lol!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Then: (7 years ago) I could NEVER cloth diaper.

    Now: I can't do anything but cloth diaper.

    ReplyDelete
  25. then: i remember seeing a woman's stash and it was HUUUUUUUGE and she said most of them were from giveaways and I thought "i never win anything"

    now: i enter giveaways all the time and i've even won a *few*! always keep my fingers crossed for more fluff to try!!

    karilynaley at yahoo

    ReplyDelete
  26. then: i told my Hubs cloth diapering saved money because you "only needed" about 35 pockets to diaper full time..

    now: i convince him that the more we have the less each gets used so the better resale value they'll have ;)

    karilynaley at yahoo

    ReplyDelete
  27. then: i refused to buy "fluff" detergent deeming it unnecessary and an extra cost

    now: i have ever scent of Rockin Green in my laundry room to use according to my mood ;)

    karilynaley at yahoo

    ReplyDelete
  28. then: i'm just not "mom" material - i'm not cut out to be a mom!

    now: i'm a breastfeeding, baby wearing, cloth diapering super-mom!! :) (if i do say so myself..)

    karilynaley at yahoo

    ReplyDelete
  29. then: i thought people with internet "friends" who talked in chatrooms were weird.

    now: #clothdiapers twitter parties, smart bottom viritual parties, QOTD posts - you name it! i LOVE my cloth diapering mama friends!

    karilynaley at yahoo

    ReplyDelete
  30. then: my first diapers were pockets, so i thought that's how all cloth diapers were. i got some AI2s on sale (didn't know that's what they were, though) and was SO UPSET when they came - I thought I got ripped off, they were worthless, I was so upset...they say unused for a month.

    now: i'm obsessed with Flip, Applecheeks as covers, and those same AI2s I started with! Way less laundry, way less space! easier to use on the go!

    ReplyDelete
  31. then: i would put off laundry as LONG as possible! not that i didn't like it, but it didn't seem necessary..

    now: i LOOOVE fluff laundry - in fact sometimes i change her more than she needs because it means i can do laundry sooner :) or if i know i'm waiting on fluff mail i get really impatient b/c i have to hold off doing the fluff laundry until it comes!

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  32. then: i thought one baby would be nice. my husband wanted 6.

    now: i've decided 6 is the way to go to get the BEST bang for my buck on my cloth... in fact the more fluff i buy, the more kids i want! :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. then: I use to think animal prints were sooooo UGLY and I did not understand why ppl bought them
    now: I'm in love with animal prints. They are the most adorabel diapers ever!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  34. then: I started off buying only OS pul diapers
    now: I love and have bough fitted sized diapers.

    ReplyDelete
  35. then: I thought that OS diapers would fit newborns, so I didn't buy any xs
    now: I don't think so!! I now have xs diapers, as well as prefolds.

    ReplyDelete
  36. then: first fluffy mail - OS WAHM cloth diapers
    now: latest fluffy mail - wool dryer balls :)

    ReplyDelete
  37. then: I only bought diapers off of Craigslist and wasn't interested in DiaperSwappers
    now: I buy them from everywhere including DiaperSwappers and Hyena Cart

    ReplyDelete
  38. Then: My first prefold experience involved poop on nearly everyone in the house. I swore off prefolds.

    Now: I prefer prefolds over everything else!

    Bmwunderlin.at.hotmail.dot.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. Then: I was terrified of my toilet water.

    Now: Dunk and swish and even wring!

    Bmwunderlin.at.hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. Then: My hubby wouldn't touch diaper laundry with a ten foot pole.

    Now: He (SAHD) does more diaper laundry than I do!

    Bmwunderlin.at.hotmail.dot.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. Then: When I talked about CD's I wanted it meant music...

    Now: CD's I want are significantly fluffier. :P

    Bmwunderlin.at.hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. then: i said i'd never do a WAHM because i couldn't trust the quality
    now: i'm selling everything i can to fund my WAHM obsession!
    karilynaley at yahoo

    ReplyDelete
  43. then: i thought prints were ugly. seriously ugly.
    now: i obsessively hunt down great prints any chance i get! WAHM, applecheeks, bumgenius, happy heinys. you name it! i rarely use solids anymore!

    karilynaley at yahoo

    ReplyDelete
  44. then: I used prefolds and PUL covers
    now: I use a variety of wool! AIOs, pockets and fitteds!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Then: I was sure there was no way I could ever use a prefold, or fitteds, or wool.
    Now: She sleeps in a b4 with wool nightly, and I can go all day snappi'ing prefolds to my hearts content!

    ReplyDelete
  46. then: we washed breastfeeding poop right off the bum in the washing machine
    now: we have to spray and plop toddler poop

    ReplyDelete
  47. then: we used Rockin Green and had to pay shipping
    now: we use Tide Original and can get it at the corner store! score:)

    ReplyDelete
  48. Then: I didn't know anyone online or rl who actually used cloth diapers.
    Now: I have made a tons of friends online who do

    ReplyDelete
  49. Then: I had to do laundry daily to stay full time cd
    Now: I could go five days if I wasn't worried about stinkies!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Then: My washer had poop in it from nasty blowouts on clothes!
    Now: My washer has poop in it from diapers only!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Then: Oh look at that adorable pants and onsie set!
    Now: Where's the scissors, and do I have babylegs to match this onsie converted tee shirt?!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Then: I thought a wagon was made by radio flyer
    Now: its a horrible thing meant to keep me from buying dipes, and it keeps hitting annoying potholes!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Then: I hated having to use Desitin to treat rashes when we were using sposies but it was necessary because we had so many rashes to deal with. It was so messy and sticky and so hard to get off my fingers and out from under my nails. I felt like my hands smelled like Desitin long after washing them.

    Now: I was changing Hannah's diaper at a church breakfast Easter morning and someone asked "What's that great scent?" It was the Grovia magic Stick that I was using as a precaution since I knew it would be a busy day (she didn't have a rash, we have very few rashes in cloth). It started us on a fun conversation about natural products and cloth diapers. :)

    ReplyDelete
  54. Then: I stalked the newspaper inserts looking for Pampers coupons.
    Now: I stalk WAHMs on HC looking for custom slots!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Then: Diapers (disposable) were an unpleasant necessity and were treated like granny panties- cover them up because no one wants to see that!

    Now: Diapers (cloth) are still a necessity but are also an accessory and are treated more like cute panties/thong. I often base Hannah's outfit around her diaper and am sure to save the extra cute ones for when they can be shown off.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Then: first fluffy mail = Total Convenience trial package from IBB
    Now: latest fluffy mail = Woollybottoms soaker

    ReplyDelete
  57. Then: I hated doing laundry, mostly because I didn't like folding it.
    Now: I enjoy hanging diapers out on the line (they look so pretty!) and plopping down on the couch at night and matching up diapers & inserts and putting them neatly into the baskets on the changing table.

    ReplyDelete
  58. THEN:
    One of my first emails to Abby included:
    "...One last thing----where would you recommend I get a wool soaker from. The places like Wild Child whatevers and stuff, I go to them and they have none there and they talk about stalking and such. I have no idea what they are talking about. I'm sure I could make my own as my mom sews, but maybe wanted to buy my first one."

    NOW: No need to stalk other websites, IBB has them! (And yes, I know what stalking means, too, lol).

    ReplyDelete
  59. Then: DH took convincing that this was the best thing. I approached him armed with all sorts of health/environmental/money reasons.

    Now: DH actually carries a print out on those reasons in his wallet (he made them onto little cards) to hand out to people who ask about her fluff butt!

    ReplyDelete
  60. Then: I actually had room in her drawers for stuff like clothes and blankets.

    Now: Her diapers take up all the drawers in her changing table *and* one in the dresser that we bought because I had too many diapers.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Then: I wanted to save money.
    Now: I just want the cuteness!

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  62. Then: I wanted it to stop raining because the rain can be depressing.
    Now: I want it to stop raining so I can sun my dipes!

    ReplyDelete
  63. Then: I used to pack numerous outfits into the diaper bag in preparation for the blowout I knew would happen.

    Now: I pack numerous outfits into the diaper bag because the outfit *always* has to match the diaper!

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  64. The: I thought "Itsy Bitsy" was a spider - and I have arachnaphobia

    Now: I know "Itsy Bitsy" is a cd store and trust me, there is *NO* phobia involved!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Then: when DH changed a poopy cloth diaper he would put it aside and tell me that switching diapers was "my thing" so I got to clean it.

    Now: He almost always sprays off poopy diapers when he changes her and even sometimes sprays a diaper when I change her while I'm putting on the clean one!

    ReplyDelete
  66. Then: I hated changing my first daughter's disposable diapers because I didn't like feeling the wet squish of the gel.

    Now: I don't mind changing diapers because I get to pick out a new cute diaper to put on. No more gel squish, just a soft fluffy bum!

    ReplyDelete
  67. Then: I'm embarrassed about it now, but when I changed my first daughter's disposable diapers I didn't even look at the poop most times- I just rolled it all up and put it in the diaper champ.

    Now- When my second daughter is eating I can predict how messy the poop will be and will choose her diaper accordingly. For example, we had blueberry pancakes for dinner last night so today she had fleece liners on all diapers so that I could easily spray off the blueberry poo.

    ReplyDelete
  68. Then: We had a diaper champ for storing used disposable diapers and DH and I would always try to stuff in an extra diaper because we didn't want to be the one to have to lug the disgustingly stinky bag outside to the trash. (whoever filled the pail had to take it out) Even sealed in the plastic bag in the closed container the pail stunk.

    Now: we use a pail liner in a trash can with a swing top and there is no stink because all the poo is where it belongs- flushed down the toilet!

    ReplyDelete
  69. Then: I looked at a sunny morning and thought about where I would take my girls outside to play.

    Now: I look at a sunny morning and hang diapers on the line while taking the girls out to play. Sophia actually asks me to hang out the diapers when she sees that it is sunny in the morning because she likes playing on the deck and helping mommy with laundry by handing me clothespins.

    ReplyDelete
  70. ugh another giveaway where blogger deleted previous posts! :(

    then: my first cloth were charlie bananas and so i assumed all diapers worked the same way. when i found some rainforest babies on sale for $5/each i bought LOADs.. the first time I used them overnight they leaked so badly I cried and couldn't believe I'd bought something so worthless..

    now: i'm selling off some of my pockets to get money for AI2s! i LOVE them for day time - so much less space and laundry and so much easier on the diaper bag! LOVE LOVE LOVE them!!! :)

    karilynaley at yahoo

    ReplyDelete
  71. then: people were worried about how i would do with a baby. babies weren't really in my "plan"..

    now: i'm a baby wearing, breastfeeding, cloth diapering proud-to-be-super-mama! (if i do say so myself ;))

    ReplyDelete
  72. then: i couldn't have told you the different between an AIO and an AI2 or any of them!

    now: i teach people all about them, i've written articles, and just today even i helped a newbie CD mama! <3

    ReplyDelete
  73. then: i thought people who only talked about their babies were boring and kind of lame.

    now: i think people think i'm boring and lame when all i talk about is my baby's fluffy bum!! ;)


    karilynaley at yahoo

    ReplyDelete