Finally Fall

All I can say to today's post.... YUM!

From the Desk of Marky Baby - 

Oh how I love the smell of fall.... (well, I mean, when I can smell it. My allergies are so bad I generally cannot smell from August until October). 

I have a few fall favorites, in no particular order: 

• Turning leaves
• Pumpkin patches
• Cool dense air that really makes the Turbo go whoooosshhhhhh
• Cosby sweaters (no, not worn by me, but others)
• Guessing when Christmas decor will be set out by eager retailers
• And, as always, the food! Warm slow-cooked stewed concoctions 

Yummm. I never differentiated winter and summer foods when I was a child. But when we moved to Minneapolis I realized why one needs winter foods - mainly to thaw out. 

Last year a friend bestowed upon us a chili recipe which we both love. I just made it tonight and Avalee loves it too! Here it is - please enjoy! 

Chili

1 large onion

2 cloves garlic 

1 lb. ground beef

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 tsp salt

1 can whole tomatoes, undrained

1 can red kidney beans, undrained

1. Peel and chop onion and garlic.

2. Cook beef, onion and garlic in saucepan; drain when browned.

3. Stir in chili powder, oregano, cumin, salt and tomatoes w/ their liquid. Break up tomatoes.

4. Heat on high until boiling - reduce heat so bubbles gently. Cover and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

5. Stir in beans and their liquid. Heat to boiling over high heat. Once boiling reduce heat so bubbles gently. Cook uncovered for 20 minutes stirring occasionally until desired thickness.

*For a hearty serving of leftovers, double the tomatoes and beans. 

*Serve with shredded cheddar on top. 

*We like to use turkey in place of beef. 

Cornbread

1 cup milk

1/2 stick melted butter

1 egg

1 1/4 cups yellow corn meal

1 cup flour

1/2 cup sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1. Mix milk, melted butter and egg.
2. Add yellow corn meal, flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
3. Bake at 400 for 20-25 minutes in a greased pan.

Or, buy one of these:

Baby Steps

After a two week hiatus, I'd like to welcome back Marky Baby to the land of IBB. 

Have I told you (nope, I'm positive I haven't, but the phrase makes a nice transition don't you think?)... every Monday Mark emails me his post, typically jotted down on his lunch break. Today's post arrived pre-lunch, as he likes to see the whites of his deadline's eyes the early email caught me by surprise. As I read his thoughts, it just struck me as so meaningful, and all around quite sweet. For those who don't know me well, or even at all, I've had several health issues over the years. Nothing that I left ever keep me down for long, but some days can be very, very challenging. Today was one of those days. 

Anyways, what I mean to say, his message rings so true and I thank him for the lovely post. I hope you all enjoy it. 

From the Desk of Marky Baby...

As my little baby starts to walk run, climb stairs, climb on things like the dog, her walker and pretty much anything else that sits still for too long, I have realized something.... it all starts with baby steps. 

Abby, Avalee and I strolled the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City on Friday night after a refreshing dinner at Blanc (Editor's Note - if you are local, you *must* try this place! especially the truffle fries!) and a quick trip to the Gap. We happened to have two ways to get back to the car - a. take the slow creepy elevator back to the parking lot, or b. walk up the three flights of steps. With the sun setting at our backs and the dinner sitting heavy in my stomach, I wanted to go for the elevator. Avalee seemed to have other ideas. Her eyes lit up when she came upon the steps and, her little fist in mine, she pulled me towards them. 

My thoughts were as follows, in no particular order: 

• Fight or flight, I'm going with flight
• Whose daughter is this really? Three flights of steps in the KC heat. What? 
• She'll definitely be pooping out, or should I say, get tired in the middle and stop.
• Who's going to help Abby up the steps? 
• Who's going to help me up the steps? 
• Why aren't there hand rails? 
• What genius decided to put so many steps outside? 
• Oh look, a bird, Kaw-k-Kaw

Anyways, step by step Avalee climbed with minimal assistance. Then she stood still long enough that I thought she was done, so I picked her up and started to climb. Avalee seemed to have other ideas. She quickly wiggled to get back down, and her trek resumed. 

With people looking on, cheering from the McCormick and Schmidt's patio, shrimp cocktail in one hand and a cocktail in the other, Avalee kept going (Editor's note - I spy a wee bit of fiction Marky Baby). It wasn't until close to the top when an older gentleman passed us by, saying 'someone's going to sleep well tonight.' He obviously doesn't know Avalee (Editor's note - while I may have chronic fatigue, my apple fell very far from the tree). Anywhoos.

She finally made it! She climbed her Everest! When I turned around and looked to where we started I was shocked! She really did it! It just goes to show you slow and steady wins the race. My little girl showed a lot of heart and determination. So, next time I am faced with a momentous task, my own Everest, I shall attack it with one baby step at a time! 

Smarter than the Average Bear

Marky Baby hit the ground running this morning, to say the least.....

ps. He passed his test last week! Thank you everyone who sent your well wishes his way!

From the Desk of Marky Baby - 

To: the author of those books (you know who you are)

You know, those books that think husbands are bumbling idiots. The same husbands who must have pulled the old bait and switch with their wives. The same husbands who are doctors, lawyers, stay at homes, financial professionals, factory workers, et al. I guess no matter who you are, if you have a y-chromosome, you can't cut it. 

Dear author, I hope that you yourself have a husband who cannot read. 

Here's what I have to say. Can you only get your laughs by belittling men? I truly hope that is not how you really feel. What were you in your past life, a writer for Married With Children? Here's my suggestion - if you cannot connect with people without putting down half of the population perhaps you should try a different profession. If you need a laugh in your books, perhaps hire a comedian. 

I can't speak for all the men out there, but I can speak for me. You don't read men's manuals that put women down. So why do you need to do the same? 

So in closing, really think about it for your next book, or revision to the current edition.

And another thing, my shirt is Pink, not Salmon. 

Mini Marky Baby

Dear Readers, 

This week's MBM takes a slightly different spin. Corporate worker by day (and witty writer by night), Marky Baby has a massive licensing test tomorrow and is unable to come to the computer. But the show must go on! Rather than attempt to mimic his careful balance of sarcasm and sincerity, I instead want to just leave you with this fabulous peak into his past - 

the coverless prefold modeled by our very own Marky Baby, circa 1981

Items That Make Daddy-hood Easier

My dear readers, welcome to Marky Baby Monday. No, don't adjust your monitor. Just another busy week at the IBB home, which tends land Marky Baby Monday onto Tuesday. Three trial packages currently out to prospective homes, and another few newborn packages just made their way out the door! So giddy over all the new cloth diapered bums! 

And, very large Thirsties and Fishnoodle replenishment orders are due to arrive any minute, along with the much-anticipated business cards (well, much anticipated by me and my proud parents, at least)! At long last, I can justify buying one of those adorable business card holders. Ekkk! 

With that, I leave you to Marky Baby. Happy trails! 

From the Desk of Marky Baby - 

As another week dawns on us here in Diaperland (perhaps the other Happiest Place on Earth?), I am late with Marky Baby Monday once again. Sorry for the delay!

As a father there are a slew of things I have in my trusty super hero utility belt (it's like the male version of a purse, but not a fanny pack). Some are very useful and some are just there for flash (we all need some flash). Below I have listed items that I have found to be most useful during this stage of Daddy-hood. 

1. Diaper Sprayer - Spraying diapers into the toilet sure beats rinsing them outside under the cover of darkness (Editor's note - purely conjecture about the outside spraying, fear not!)
2. Random Stuff on the Changing Table - From rash cream to wipes, the more random the better it distracts Avalee so I can get to the business end of things. Literally.
3. Facial Expressions - There is nothing Avalee likes more than trying to decipher what kind of face I am making at her. She sometimes looks perplexed at the new face, but then ends it with a smile. 
4. The Dog - (Editor's note - hmm, how does one fit a dog in a tool belt?) Avalee and Daisy Dog are quite the dynamic duo. They usually play so well together for me, although I can't say the same about them when I am not around (Editor's note - TRUE that!). But, at least they do greet me at the door most days when I get home from work. Always a welcome sight after a long day!
5. A Remote Control - If all else fails, a remote always sparks new interest. It's one of those forbidden items. Plus, she records the darnedest things. 
6. Madden - How, you ask? Avalee loves all the colors and movement. Why not a cartoon, you ask? Because they kind of bore me. Since Avalee doesn't really understand what's going on anyways, we might as well bond over some football. (Editor's note - Hmmmmm.....Madden vs 'Super Why?' We'll see.)
7. Facebook - Have a question? Need some attention? Maybe some conversation? Post it on Facebook and prepare to be entertained. Also, something I check as I rock Avalee to sleep in her car seat. 

patiently waiting

maybe the trusty super hero utility belt would be handy here? 

(Editor's note - and there's the UPS man! Lots of goodies await in truly the happiest place on earth!)

Our Anniversary Present to You....

Paper, schmaper - how about a free Snappi, or two, or three? Yes, the traditional first anniversary gift is paper, but I think it is time to mix it up. 

A year ago tomorrow, August 10th, we switched to cloth diapers! In honor of this exciting milestone, it is time to pay tribute to what got us started - the prefold and Snappi. Therefore, Itsy Bitsy Bum's gift to you - 

A free Snappi for every dozen prefolds purchased! 

But wait, there's more. Rather buy a fitted? In honor of our WAHMlight of the month - for each Cow Patties Famous Pocket Fitted purchased you will receive a matching Snappi for free! 

Offer good August 10th only, while supplies last. No code required for freebie(s). And, as always, free shipping on domestic orders over $35! 

From the desk of Marky Baby - 

I remember our first cloth diaper like it was yesterday. The excitement of newly prepped unbleached prefolds hung in the air.  There they were - fresh out of the dryer, warm to the touch and soft as a baby's bottom. Ok, maybe not that last part, I might be getting a bit carried away (Editor's note - really? that neeevveerr happens around here). 

The prefolds were stacked and ready to go, taking the place of the disposables we'd used for six weeks prior. It was time. Dun, dun, dunnnnnn.

No more landfills for us. Just prefolds and Snappis, with a few Thirsties covers to round out the stash. I'll admit, the first time I did an overnight diaper change it was a bit scary. Let's just say it wasn't my best jelly roll. 

Now, a year later, I still use prefolds as my workhorse, or when I need to babysit and buff the car at the same time (you know, wax on, wax off). Yeah, these days I tend to prefer an all-in-one or pocket for convenience's sake, but prefolds will always hold a tender place in my heart. 

Move Over Letterman....

Welcome to another Marky Baby Monday (well, belated Monday)!

From the Desk of Marky Baby - 

Why did I switch to cloth? Hmmm. Good question.

Presenting the 'Top Four Reasons I Switched to Cloth.' 

4. Cost Savings

3. Environmental Impact

2. Fashion

1. It makes Abby happy! (Editor's note - awwwwwww)

So we all know cloth saves money. I knew it, but not really until I did the math myself. You can break those apples down as far as you want - a two or three year total savings, or a monthly savings, or even a per-change savings. No matter how you slice it, you need to find a number that sells either you or your other half. Just remember, for your partnership you are already convinced, but your partner may not be. Since I'm a bottom-line-numbers guy, all the possible cost-savings scenarios work for me. In fact, the initial cloth naysayers at my office got an earful of the following phrases: 

• 'Guess who saved $3 yesterday? Not you.'
• 'Guess who saved some landfill space yesterday? Me!'
• 'Do you really own jean diapers? I have sushi ones!'

But seriously, Abby and I work very hard for our money, why would we let Avalee poo on it and then throw it away? This is an investment. Plain and simple. You buy them, use them while saving money, and you typically can sell them when you are done. Or, if you are Abby, when you find a prettier one. (Editor's note - true fact!)

As the proud owner of a worm composter, I obviously care about the environment. We recycle, carpool, walk when we can, use fluorescent lights and do not own an SUV - why would we throw away diapers that have an estimated landfill shelf life of 500 years or so? Not sure. Some people may argue that disposable diapers are more eco-friendly than washing diapers over and over, but I am pretty sure those are the same people who said the world was flat. 

Ok, so the boring part is over. Money and the environment, as important as they may be, don't hold a candle to the fashion. Solid, prints and patterns - oh my! You have different clothes for different uses, and you also need different diapers for different reasons. Think about how cute your baby is dressed. I can imagine it now - a cute dress from Gymboree just below the knee, with a gorgeous flower print in a color scheme that brings out your little girl's eyes. Then styled up with some Robeez and maybe a purse? Who knows. Then your beautiful girl rolls on the ground, playing with the dog. 

Bam. There is Winnie the Pooh, and Piglet too, just looking at you from their crinkly paper background. 

Talk about ruining the moment!...like when your shoes don't go with your purse (or belt). Why not have coordinating diapers for your little one's outfits? You do it up with baby legs or shoes, why not diapers? You may as well. So break out the kitten heels (after all, you have a little one and cannot exactly chase them in stilettos) and let's accessorize. (Editor's note - is the chasing in stillettos a challenge? I accept!)

The last and final reason is simply that Abby really wanted to do cloth. That's all the reason I needed. All the other stuff was just fluff. Money is always good to save and the environment is cool and fashion is fun, but in this partnership we call a marriage, Abby had something she wanted and it was my job to sell myself. 

Poonami

Welcome to Mondays at Bitsy Buzz!

When you shop at Itsy Bitsy Bums, you will notice I do not market specifically to mothers. I cannot tell you the number of times I have read that a diaper is 'the perfect choice for a husband or babysitter' or 'trusted by moms around the world.' What on earth does that even mean? That a husband isn't competent? That he isn't any better than a hired childcare provider? Ok, so these are perhaps gross oversimplifications, but I do believe and hope that parents come together to make the best decisions for their child. And if that involves using a diaper with a higher learning curve, a husband will be on board. 

Let's get heavy for a second. I think a parenting is a partnership. And I believe a husband's role in cloth diapering is just as important as the mother's. I will often read posts on a favorite online forum claiming 'my husband will not let me cloth diaper.' The statement always breaks my heart. I pray it is simply a poor choice of words, rather than the the possible truth that he is not allowing his wife to cloth diaper their baby.

Okay, off my one-ton soap box. Need some jocularity? Me too. 

My husband is not only supportive of cloth diapering, but he also hopes to be an inspiration to some reluctant spouses out there, be they husband or wife (or both!). Therefore, each Monday you will find an entry written by him. I hope you find him helpful, witty and incredibly darling, just like I do! 

And, for such a special guest author, should today simply be called Monday? Nay! If my grandfather can get away with calling my husband 'Marky Baby' then I should as well! Henceforth Mondays at Bitsy Buzz will be known as 'Marky Baby Mondays.' 

Enjoy your first MBM! 

From The Desk of Marky Baby

Poonami (p-näm)

n. pl. poo-na-mis

As defined by the Baby Daddy Dictionary 'A Tsunami of, well, you know...'

As far back as I can remember I have always associated babies with diapers, for the obvious reasons. When we found out that Abby was pregnant, people and 'friends' would ask about my diaper changing skills, which were lackluster at best. They would say you have to change them often and occasionally they may pee on you. Okay, fine. But these 'friends' never warned me about Poonami. 

Poonami and I were introduced early on into my time as a father (which I like to call it the 'Newlywed Stage').

  

The memory of my first introduction to Poonami is very vivid in my mind. It's something most people never forget. The sweet innocent baby girl in all her glory had just arrived, still with her little angel wings on. She had the sweetest little cry you have ever heard, like a little lullaby, just wanting her diaper changed. So, I picked her up, moved her to the changing table, got my wipes ready, got the new diaper ready and pulled the sleep sack up to get to work. While smiling at her, I proceeded to open the left side of the diaper and then the right. The second I pulled back the diaper, all my senses were instantly violated. I actually think I lost all of them in that one instant. The sight of it led to the loss of my sense of smell which then lead me to be speechless, and the last two senses just gave up. As I regained my composure, I saw a box of rubber gloves. I rushed to put on a pair and go at the Poonami - definitely something the 'books' never taught me. 

Ever since that day I have been battling a war with Poonami. It is a fact of life. Thanks to the diaper sprayer, it's pretty easy to clean Poonami from the diaper. But don't get me wrong, there are days when I am tempted to put Avalee over the toilet and just use the sprayer directly on her bum (you know, save wipes). But I would never do that. 

One last thought I want to leave you with: my sister gave me and Avalee matching shirts with the saying 'Warning: Excess Gas.' Honestly, Avalee's is wrong. It should have said 'Beware of Poonami.'