Real Mom Talk: I'm a good mom

This morning, a stranger told me I was a good mom and it made my day.

Each morning, I wait with my boys for the school bus. Our neighborhood is filled with early morning walkers, most past their parenting years. One of my sons was on the ground investigating something on the sidewalk. A walker approached and I shouted, "MOVE!" The polite walker said, "Oh it's okay." Not wanting to seem an overbearing mom, I replied, "We're trying to teach him awareness of others."

Little did I know that statement would spark a five minute conversation. I discovered my neighbor was a retired 4th grade teacher. In her opinion, awareness of others and basic social skills are just as important as academics. She shared some things she'd encountered in her years in the classroom and reassured me it's never too early to start teaching good manners. Our conversation ended as she said, "You're a good mom. Keep up the good work!" She popped her earbud back in, turned and resumed her power walk.

My neighbor had no idea three days ago, I'd taken my children to the pediatrician with claws for nails and scratch marked arms from a recent brotherly tangle. She couldn't have known my husband found a cup of spoiled milk in my minivan when we swapped cars yesterday. I hope she couldn't see the toys strewn on the floor from our front windows. She had no idea of my recent mom failures.

What she could see was that I was a mom that cared enough for my children to invest in what I believe will make them the best people they can be. My daughter may have wild, uncombed hair in public, but love, manners and concern for others are drilled into my children. That's what is important to our family. That was enough for her to deem me a "good mom".

I feel I have pretty good parenting self-esteem. I work hard not to compare my family too much to other families. I was surprised at how much her simple positive comment reassured and fortified me. It also made me realize I need to be more purposeful in supporting and encouraging other parents as well.

Have you encouraged a good mom or dad lately? Share your story, I need some ideas.

Real Mom Talk: Work Life Balance

Balance. Now there's a loaded word. Over the past year (who am I kidding it's been well over 10 years) I've been searching for the definition and/or execution of "balance." Don't hold your breath, I don't have many answers. What I have discovered is that for me, balance is a living breathing organism that is in constant motion and change. Kind of like a child. Just when I think I've figured out how to keep some kind of balance in my life, something happens- someone develops a severe food allergy, the car breaks down, unexpected visitors show up at the door when my laundry is strewn across the family room, or most recently a job offer lands on my lunch plate.

After almost 7 years I have recently returned to the full time (commuting, leaving the house with a packed lunch sans Goldfish, and in heels) work force. It was not an easy decision, but the job is was a lifetime dream come true, the kids seemed to be at a good place in their development, and I was ready for a new challenge. I should mention that I'm a fairly big planner. I like to do my homework and work out all the details before I jump too far into things. In this case, I spent hours researching childcare. Mapped out every possible schedule scenario I could think of. Spent days going over the potential conflicts of my new job and my husbands crazy schedule.

Then after finally feeling okay about taking the job, I started the new job nesting. I was shocked at how similar this time was to my pregnancy experiences. I purged and organized my house. Did major grocery shopping. Updated my wardrobe to include some things that didn't have spit up stains and dry play dough on them.

So here's what I have learned in the past few months since returning to work. 1) All the planning in the world did not prepare me for what I was about to encounter. 2) I secretly love leaving the house and kids everyday. 3) Despite my fears, our children are thriving with outside care. 4) Working full time while raising 2 kids, being a wife, friend, daughter, sister, and normal person is, for me, one of the most challenging experiences of my life to date. Let me explain.

I don't have to tell you, a fellow busy mother, that life throws you curve balls at least once a week. I'm blessed to have a job that is semi flexible to those curve balls, but I still have responsibilities that are not negated by a last minute homework assignment at school or make-up baseball practice. As much as a planner I'd like to be, with this many balls in the air, I've been simply taking life a week at a time. If I'm brave, I might schedule out two weeks, but that hasn't happened very often. There have been weeks we haven't gotten to the grocery, and I'm scouring the pantry mixing up some cans of whatever I can find to make a meal for the family at 7pm. I've pulled out dirty shorts for the kids when we hadn't gotten to laundry all week and they had nothing clean to wear. A long time lover of daily morning showers, I've almost mastered the dirty hair styling.

And before the comments start pouring in about my secret love of leaving the house and kids, hear me out. In my dream world I would be the perfect balance of Martha Stewart and Mother Teresa. Stylish, loving, creative, compassionate, organized, and self sacrificing. Ideal, I know. Since I have no plans of vowing chastity or moving to New York to take over for Martha, I'm me, and have yet to arrive at any of those titles.

I love my kids. They are the best thing my husband and I have ever created. But the challenges, as hard as they are, of being in the 'work force' doing a job I was made to do, is so fulfilling. I know I'm in the place I'm supposed to be in, and so are the kids. If the kids weren't doing as well as they are in their settings (elementary school and preschool/childcare) it may be a different story. But they are thriving. They are learning to be more independent and to take care of their own needs. After all that's the goal right? This helps fulfill our desire to raise independent, world changing people. Plus, they are watching me. I know it. They see when I'm tired and worn down. They also see me working hard, keeping my word, following through with tasks and commitments, balancing a career and a family, and being an independent woman. And as backwards as it may sound, when we are all together as a family, we are happier. We have more fun together. And we don't take each other for granted like we used to. Five o'clock is no longer my most dreaded hour of the day. For my family, having two working parents, has made us stronger. And for that I am grateful.

Resa is a real mom who was born and bred in a suburb of New York City. She's been married to her college sweetheart for 9 years and is mother to two boys. Resa took the ''off-ramp'' from the non-profit, social work field when her first son was born. After running her own business from home from the last 5 years, she recently returned to a traditional job as a store manager for Cotton Babies.

Announcing bumGenius Artist Series

The first collection from the new bumGenius "Artist Series" will be released on Tuesday, October 5th. In person previews are available to approved retailers and media at the ABC Kids Expo, October 10-13. Orders begin shipping in November.

The initial details will be shared through a video on October 5th. Please be sure that you have subscribed to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/cottonbabies.

These are the bumGenius prints that everyone has been waiting for! This collection will be released on the bumGenius 4.0 One-Size Cloth Diapers. More specifics will be released in the video on October 5th.

Baby Wearing: Should we offer safety checks?

We noticed comments on the Cotton Babies Facebook page this weekend about a picture posted of a mama wearing an older baby on her back using a stretchy wrap. She was shopping our Cloth Diaper Garage Sale this weekend and clearly enjoying her day... Understandably, a few people were very concerned about the way she was wearing her baby. Don't go look, to protect her privacy we deleted the photo. However, this raised a pretty hairy topic this morning that I thought we should discuss with you.

The way the baby was being worn isn't recommended by the manufacturer. It also isn't recommended by Cotton Babies. When worn on the back using a tie-style carrier made of a stretch material (like jersey), the baby can easily fall out of the carrier and get hurt. Nobody wants their baby to get hurt.

So, we know this.

Some of you know this.

Clearly, not everyone knows this.

If I had been there on Saturday, I probably would have politely mentioned to the mom that Moby Wrap was now recommending against carrying babies on your back due to the risk of falling. However, I would have thought about my wording very carefully for quite a while before saying anything to her. Put yourself in her shoes. If one of our staff members told you that you were wearing your baby incorrectly, you might feel embarrassed or defensive. Maybe it's something you do *all the time* and you're not worried. Or worse, imagine yourself having that encounter at your most hormonal, vulnerable moment... We don't want to embarrass you. We also don't want to send you into an emotional tailspin. However, we want your baby to be safe.

I really try to pick my battles. As we've worked through the major issues over the years, I've realized that most of the things that I would have taken a stand on with my first child are issues that I now know aren't issues worth loosing relationships over. We work very hard at Cotton Babies to respect every mom where she is at. You're going to parent your child better if you don't leave our store feeling like you are an inadequate mom.

Baby carrier safety is something that we've never chosen to address... I've seen some crazy things in my store and usually, the most unsafe situations are moms who are NOT new to baby wearing and should know better.

So, what do you think we should do? There's a definite line to walk between respecting the mom (who may be understandably defensive) and protecting the child (who we don't want to get hurt).

How would you feel about having a Cotton Babies staff member let you know if your baby was being worn in an unsafe manner (knowing that they could help you resolve the safety issue)? How would you want us to say this to you? Would you prefer to ask for advice rather than to have a staff member offer it? Or is it none of our business?

I'd like to hear from people who consider themselves activists on this issue... but I'd also like to hear from everyday moms who are just slugging through life with a baby (or two or three or four). In your comment, please tell me who you are, why I should listen to what you say and what gives you credibility.

Sound off... tell me what you think. I'm listening.

Winner of the Pimp Your Stash 2G Knickernappies Pocket Giveaway is....Maria of Fitteds and Pockets and Snappis, oh my!

Congratulations Maria!  I guess it's true, the early bird gets the worm!  Comment #1 was chosen by random.org and that means that Maria, the mommy behind Fitteds and Pockets and Snappis, oh my! is the winner of a brand new Knickernappies 2G Pocket Diaper w/ Micro Insert in the size and color of her choosing!

Swing by her blog and congratulate her!

*Maria, please contact me asap to claim your prize.  Thanks!

St. Louis Store Event: Cotton Babies Garage Sale

This Saturday, September 18, 2010, 8:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Back by popular demand... the Cotton Babies Garage Sale! This event is hosted by the St. Louis Cotton Babies Store for our local customers to come and sell their cloth diapers and baby products in a garage sale type environment.

This is event is a great opportunity to try out different diapering systems or other natural parenting products without breaking the bank! Come expecting a great selection of used cloth diapers and other great baby products for sale at great prices!

This is a popular event so we highly recommend that shoppers come early for the best selection. Bring plenty of cash. You will be able to make normal store purchases with your credit card, but, just like a garage sale, the seller tables are cash-only.

The sale will begin when Cotton Babies opens early at 8:30 a.m. We'll provide bagels and coffee throughout the morning.

Directions to our store:
* Take 270 South to Tesson Ferry Road.
* Turn West onto Tesson Ferry Road.
* Look for Walgreens - turn left at Kennerly Road.
* You'll see Cotton Babies almost immediately. Turn right into the shopping center.

Store Contact Information:
9916 Kennerly Road, St. Louis, MO 63128, 314-849-6400

Ann Arbor, MI Store Event: Econobum Community Giveaway

Jenn Labit, owner of Cotton Babies and creator of bumGenius, Flip and Econobum cloth diapers, will be visiting The Little Seedling in Ann Arbor, MI from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, September 18, 2010.

Did you know that cloth diapering could save the average family hundreds of dollars a year?

The Little Seedling and Cotton Babies are working together to provide FREE cloth diapers to eligible families. This offer is open to currently WIC eligible families. Please be prepared to show proof of current WIC enrollment. Before receiving a start set of Econobum cloth diapers, an adult family member must attend a short cloth diapering workshop. This offer is first come, first serve. The event begins at 10 a.m.

For more details, visit The Little Seedling online, on Facebook or you may call the store at 734.418.2392. The Little Seedling is located at 355 S. Zeeb Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

St. Louis Store Event: Book Signing

We are so excited to announce Alvin Zamudio, author of the recently released The American Sandbox Dictionary of Children's Mispronounced English, will be joining us at the Cotton Babies store for a book signing from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday, September 18.

Alvin is an artist, producer, and father of three who was inspired back in 1995 when his niece told him he would need a "bulella" for protection from the rain.

If you love kids, then you're sure to love this hilarious book! The book will be available for sale in the Cotton Babies Store so join us Saturday and meet author Alvin Zamudio, he's excited to share fun stories about the book with Cotton Babies friends.

Directions to our store:

* Take 270 South to Tesson Ferry Road.
* Turn West onto Tesson Ferry Road.
* Look for Walgreens - turn left at Kennerly Road.
* You'll see Cotton Babies almost immediately. Turn right into the shopping center.

Store address:
9916 Kennerly Road, St. Louis, MO 63128

Real Mom Talk: Four Little Words

Last week, Jenn asked our Facebook fans what topics they would like to see covered in our new "Real Mom Talk" blog posts. Many of you responded that working mom issues were important to you.

I can identify. I'm right in the middle of transitioning from stay at home to working mom. I spent the last 7 years of my life at home with my children.

I've known for a while my time at home would be coming to an end, I just didn't know exactly when. In between updating my resume, picking out interview outfits and adjusting my laundry schedule, I began preparing my own heart for the transition. Truth is, you can only prepare yourself so much.

What I could not prepare for was when my oldest son stepped off the bus last Friday and asked, "Why are you here?" Four little words was all it took to shake me to my core and make me question returning to work.

My son meant no harm, he was asking a simple question. He had no idea the pain it could cause. The fact is, I know that right now, for my family, this is the right thing. I have a peace about it, deep within my heart. I'm excited, not just because it's a cool job. Deep within my core, I know that many of my life experiences have been preparing me for this job and this season of my life. I also know how blessed I am that this is my choice, rather than a choice based out of necessity. Still, knowing all of that doesn't necessarily make it any easier.

I could make ten to-do lists each day, have a meal in the crock pot each night and my house could run with military precision. It doesn't, but even if it did it wouldn't matter. The most difficult things about being a working mother are the issues that we deal with inside our hearts and minds. They are the little things your children say with their sweet innocence that are a knife through your heart. No one tells you that when you sign your W-4.

What wounding words or moments have your children delivered? How do you deal with those knife to the heart moments?

Free Cloth Diaper Week: Grand Finale WINNERS!

Whew! You all were busy this weekend. We were blown away by your creative entries. You thought of ways to share and prove how you share your love of cloth diapers that we didn't even think of! Thank you to all who played along and shared a bit of your life with us.

Now for the moment you've all been waiting for, our 15 winners, selected by a random number service. Each winner will receive a free 6 pack of bumGenius 4.0 One Size Stay Dry cloth diapers courtesy of CottonBabies.com.

Mrs. Martinet said...
I also posted on facebook that I was THRILLED about a CottonBabies store opening in my city! 

http://www.facebook.com/?sk=events#!/carriethegood

 Carrie Martinet So excited that CottonBabies is opening a cloth diaper store in Vancouver!!! 
27 July at 12:40 via Facebook for iPhone

jdeemarie said...
I tweeted about the "Free Cloth Diaper Week":
http://twitter.com/jdeemarie/status/24077504220

jdeemarie @ gmail.com

Erin said...
I did a blog post on cloth diapering!
http://braderin.blogspot.com/2009/11/my-new-diapering-obsession.html

christy ross said...
This is my follow friday today on twitter. I saved it as a favorite so I could get the link easier (and because cotton babies *is* a favorite):

http://twitter.com/christyross/favorites

Feminine Essence said...
http://pushingthesuburbanenvelope.blogspot.com/2010/09/cotton-babies-diapers.html

fem.essence at gmail dot com
Lov
Liv!!

Jessica A said...
I mentioned your giveaway on my Facebook status

http://www.facebook.com/#!/jesykalei?v=wall&story_fbid=149543981744360&ref=mf

Jenn said...
Here is a blog post I posted about Cotton Babies diapers. We love our Flip and bG 4.0 w/snaps! I'd LOVE to get more. Thanks for the awesome giveaway!

http://babyatchison.blogspot.com/2010/09/cotton-babies-diapers-are-amazing.html

jennifer_atchison at hotmail dot com

The Domestic Princess said...
I posted a blog entry about Cotton Babies

http://domesticprncs.blogspot.com/2010/09/i-love-cotton-babies.html

kristen said...
tweet! http://twitter.com/husskl/status/24200677228

husskl at comcast.net

Madeline said...
Tweeted about the giveaway: http://twitter.com/MadelineMiller/status/24215802277


madelinemiller at gmail dot com

Cassie said...
I posted a link to your blog and little plug for this contest on my facebook! http://www.facebook.com/cassie.m.hill

Kristi said…
I tell all my friends with babies and I shared on FB!
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/kristi.coday
codaycrew at cox dot net

Heather Dempsey said...
I posted on my wall about the contest...http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1631942147
mostly we just share with our kids though, or when someone gets prego =) when I sister got prego with my nephew I told her she needed to CD, he's almost a year old now, and in cloth diapers, I have a friend who is prego with #3 that's going to cd for the first time also, after seeing my youngest in cloth

I think the easiest way to share is by example, I'll be cloth diapering my #3 when he/she is born (in April)

Brenda said...
Love my Bumgenius AIO!! 

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1328856063

Rebecca Blomer said...
I also posted on my FB since I have a different group of followers there. If I win, let me know and I will add you so you can see the post. I have everything friend locked. :)

http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#!/rblomer

Winners will be contacted via e-mail or other direct message tomorrow for more information.

We were pleasantly surprised by the effort and imagination of many of the entries. We want to reward your hard work. In the coming weeks, we will be highlighting some of our favorite entries here on the blog and on our Facebook page. Those who are chosen to be highlighted will receive a special surprise. Thank you again for sharing your love of cloth diapering with us.

Free Cloth Diaper Week Grand Finale

For the grand finale of Cotton Babies Free Cloth Diaper Week, we're changing the game!

We know all women, especially moms, are powerful, influential people. We also know you are brilliant, creative and talented. You've definitely proven that with your answers this week.

For the final days of Cotton Babies Free Cloth Diaper Week, we want to see how you wield your influence. We want to know who you influence. Demonstrate it to us as you tell the world how much you love Cotton Babies.

The rules are fairly simple, if you can dream it and find a creative way to document and link proof of what you've done to us, it counts as an entry. The entry must reference cottonbabies.com, "Cotton Babies" or "Cotton Babies Free Cloth Diaper Week".

It can be as simple as a #FollowFriday hashtag @CottonBabies. It can be as creative as a poem posted online. Maybe you like to create humorous videos.

Let's not forget about your real life influences. These also count as long as you can creatively reference Cotton Babies and document it in a manner you can link to in our comments.

We're being purposefully vague because we don't want to put you in a box, we want to see the BEST of what you have to offer.

However you choose to enter, you must come back HERE to the blog and leave a comment with a link to your tweet, photo, blog or other online proof of sharing your Cotton Babies love with the world.

What's in it for you? We will randomly select 15 winners from all eligible entries to each receive a 6 pack of bumGenius 4.0 One Size Stay Dry cloth diapers!

One comment per entry. Duplicate entries of similar type (i.e. 20 identical tweets) will be disqualified. (No one likes spam!) Multiple creative entries are allowed, but they must be different and demonstrate your different spheres of influence.

Please remember to follow all FTC guidelines and note that you are entering a contest.

Contest runs Friday, September 10 through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, September 12. Randomly selected winners will be announced no later than 5 p.m. Monday, September 13.

What are you waiting for? Let your creative Genius shine!

Free Cloth Diaper Week: BumGenius Baby Legs Winner

Congratulations to our final winner of the day, Jamie Pendergast Brock. She won a bumGenius 4.0 cloth diaper and all five of our bumGenius Baby Legs. Her favorite baby shower gift is:

"I found a lady on etsy who makes the most beautiful personalized blankies! Sooo soft and cuddly"

That's our final question for today. Be sure to check our Facebook page, Twitter and here on the blog tomorrow for more Free Cloth Diaper Week fun.

Free Cloth Diaper Week: Baby Gifts

Congratulations, Kelly Sherretz, you won a free Econobum trial pack and wet bag! She posted her answer on our Facebook wall:

"Clothes line, reusable bags, and clean with vinegar"

Oh baby, we have more free cloth diapers to give out! What is your favorite gift to give at a baby shower?

The random winner from all Facebook, Twitter and blog responses will receive a bumGenius 4.0 cloth diaper and one each of our five bumGenius Baby Legs: Dorothy, William, Henry, Olivia, and Rory.

Free Cloth Diaper Week: Green Products

Samantha Stine Foltz was our random winner of 2 free bumGenius AIO cloth diapers! Congratulations! Her dream job is:

"My dream job would be to become an event coordinator especially for people with a small budget. I love coming up with creative ways to decorate for less!"

For the chance to win an Econobum Trial Pack and wet bag, answer the following: Other than cloth diapers, what additional green, sustainable, eco-friendly products do you use in your home?

As always, we’ll choose a random winner from all Facebook, Twitter and blog responses in an hour.

Free Cloth Diaper Week: Dream Job

Congratulations to our random winner of a Free Flip Stay Dry Day Pack, Jessica Matthews!

"My mom always really supported reading. She read to me all the time and made sure I always had plenty of books of my own to read. I'm doing the same with my daughter."

We know you are all (bum)Genius-es, so other than working for Cotton Babies, what is your dream job and why?

One random winner will receive two bumGenius All-in-One (AIO) diapers. You have an hour to share with us on Facebook, Twitter or in the comments below before we announce the next random winner.

Free Cloth Diaper Week: Mom Traditions

Happy Free Cloth Diaper Week! It’s our third day of giveaways and we’re having a blast! We’re having so much fun with all your responses, we’re continuing to ask questions here on the blog, on Facebook and Twitter. You’ll have an hour to respond. One random winner will be selected from the responses to receive a free Cotton Babies manufactured product. Prizes may include a BumGenius 4.0, Flip or an Econobum diaper.

Today's first prize will be a Flip Stay Dry Day Pack. To be entered into our random drawing, answer this question:

What is one thing your mom said or did that you loved and want to pass along to your children?

Don’t forget to make sure we can see your e-mail address in your Google profile or type it in the blog comments so we can contact you if you are our random winner.

Free Cloth Diaper Week: bumGenius 4.0 Winner

Congratulations to our final winner of the day, Princess Bodani. She won a bumGenius 4.0 one size cloth diaper. Her answer to our camping out question was:

"I would have camped out back in the day for tickets to see my favorite band. However, now that I have a kid, I don't think I'd camp out for much. Spending time with my LO is so much more important.
When he is older, I can totally see my self camping out to get his dream-gift for Christmas or his birthday."

That's our final question for today. Be sure to check our Facebook page, Twitter and here on the blog tomorrow for more Free Cloth Diaper Week fun.

Free Cloth Diaper Week: Camping Out

Congratulations to Krystal Ewers, our random winner of two free Flip cloth diaper covers and a pack of disposable inserts. She responded on our Facebook page:

"I live in St Helen Michigan and I think someone should open a store! LOL or wlmart could start selling them"

A new Chick Fil A is opening in our area and people are already camped out to be first in line. Our final question of the day: What would you or have you camped out for?

As always, we’ll choose a random winner from all Facebook, Twitter and blog responses in an hour.

Free Cloth Diaper Week: Where Do You Live?

Our random winner of 3 Limited Edition color trim Econonbum clothdiaper covers is Holly Muth Kurozawa. She responded on our Facebook page:

"dark chocolate, and escobar chocolate from Mexico is THE BEST!!!"

Our next question, for a chance to win two free Flip cloth diaper covers and a pack of disposable inserts. What city do you live in? What local store should carry our bumGenius products?

We’ll choose a random winner from all Facebook, Twitter and blog responses in an hour.

Free Cloth Diaper Week: Chocolate

Congratulations to Erin Rugg Ketchum, winner of 6 free bumGenius Elemental cloth diapers! She responded on our Facebook page:

"We shop @Meijer. They have good produce and are a local company so we love and support them. =)"

Our next prize is 3 limited edition color trim @econobum #clothdiaper covers! What is your favorite type of #chocolate? White, milk or dark? Do you have a favorite brand? We’ll choose a random winner from all Facebook, Twitter and blog responses in an hour.

Free Cloth Diaper Week: Groceries

It's day two of Free Cloth Diaper Week. Yesterday's winner of the Flip Stay Dry diaper was Sarah Ann Tielke. She said her most indispensable baby product was:

"My husband! And my camera. My daughter is due this Saturday but so far these two have been lifesavers! My husband has been so supportive and helpful and my camera helps me document everything!"

We're continuing the fun today. Same rules as yesterday, we'll post a question here on the blog, on Facebook and Twitter. We'll give you an hour to respond. One random winner will be selected from the responses to receive a free Cotton Babies manufactured product. Prizes may include a BumGenius 4.0, Flip or an Econobum diaper.

Today's first prize will be 6 #free bumGenius Elemental Cloth Diapers. We want to know, where do you buy your groceries? We love Whole Foods Market and Soulard Market. You have one hour to respond - Go!

Free Cloth Diaper Week: Favorite Baby Products

Congratulations to Beccajoy, our random winner of a BumGenius 4.0. She left her response here on the blog:

"beccajoy said...

Just yesterday I poured my son a glass of milk and then I could not find the lid for the milk jug anywhere. I finally figured out I had put the lid in the cabinet with the glasses. Total mommy brain!"

Remember, we're selecting randomly from Facebook, Twitter, & our blog. If you leave a comment here on the blog, be sure we are able to see your e-mail address in some way so that if you are chosen as winner, we can contact you.

Our final question of the day: What is your most indispensible baby product?

Free Cloth Diaper Week: Mommy Brain

Wow! We had more than 800 great comments on our last question.

Congratulations to our second random winner, Stephanie Winegardner. She shared this cloth diapering myth:

"That the poop will stay in your washer forever, and you will be washing every article of clothes in poop. Also that it will ruin my washer in only 1 year if i wash cloth diapers. nuts!"

Stephanie won a Flip Organic cloth diaper.

Our next question: Do you have mommy brain?

When my twins were less than a year old, I had a terrible habit of forgetting my deodorant. It happened so often that I had to carry a travel size stick in the diaper bag.

Share with us, what have you forgotten?

Cloth Diapering Myths

Congratulations to Jenny Vangy Wiebe our first random winner of Cotton Babies Free Cloth Diaper Week. She answered our question about awkward parenting moments on the Facebook page:

"My 3 year old got sick at a LLL meeting I was co-leading and puked straight into my mouth. I had to leave, obviously. Wait, you said awkward, not gross."

Our next question is about cloth diaper myths.

One of the myths we hear frequently is that you have to soak your dirty diapers. With modern cloth diapers, we recommend washing diapers at least every other day. By washing in cold water first, it rinses the diapers which replaces the old style of soaking a diaper in a wet pail.
What's the best cloth diapering myth you've heard?

Free Cloth Diaper Week

Yesterday, Jenn posted to all of you loyal BumGenius followers that this week was "Free Cloth Diapers". While you all were squealing with joy when you read the news, I was frozen in fear. Today is my first day on the job here at Cotton Babies. Nothing quite like learning via social media that you are being thrown into the fire on your first day.

Thankfully, as a mom to four young children born 40 months from start to finish, I've learned how to adjust and try to make the best of almost any situation.

Parenting doesn't come with a manual and we've all learned some interesting lessons along the way. To celebrate the best (and worst) of parenting, we'll be asking questions on our Facebook page, Twitter and here on the blog. We want to hear your best (and worst) parenting tips and tricks.

Each hour between noon and 5 p.m. today, Tuesday, Sept. 7, we'll post a new question. Each hour, one random winner will be selected from a random Facebook, Twitter or blog comment to receive a free Cotton Babies manufactured product. Prizes may include a BumGenius 4.0, Flip or an Econobum diaper.

Winners will be posted each hour along with the next question.

Have fun, be creative, laugh and cry along with us.

Support The Cloth Diaper Foundation! Participate in their Dozens Diaper Drive!

Did you know the Cloth Diaper Foundation relies on donors and sponsors like you to keep their doors open?  They are currently super low on diapers and need our help.

The Dozens Diaper Drive is aiming at a goal of 1200 diapers.   TCDF sends out diapers to their recipients by the dozen and they'd like to have enough diapers for 100 recipients on hand before they open back up for applications.

According to their ticker located, they're up to 236 of 1200 diapers collected.  Their goal is to have reached the 1200 diapers by the end of September.

For more info on where to send your diaper donations, what they do and do not accept, and how to obtain a receipt for tax purposes please visit the Dozens Diaper Drive website.

Can't afford to send in your diapers?  Visit the Cloth Diaper Foundation Website and see if there's a drop-off location near you where you can turn in your diapers.  The drop-off sponsor is responsible for sending in the donated diapers.

Don't have any diapers to send?  Monetary donations are also very helpful.

Sponsorship:  For each 60 diapers donated, one recipient's package will be sponsored (no shipping costs to them), and an additional 6 diapers will be sent to the sponsored recipient.

Pimp Your Stash with a Knickernappies 2G Pocket Diaper! Ends 09-15-10

In honor of the Knickernappies Twitter Party tonight, September 2, 2010, we're kicking off a new Pimp Your Stash Giveaway!

This week's Pimp Your Stash Winner will have their stash pimped by Knickernappies!

One lucky mama will win a Knickernappies 2G Pocket Diaper w/ Micro Insert in the size and color of her choice! A prize valued at $18.95!

These diapers are just amazing and if you haven't already got one then this is your chance. The side snaps are awesome and they provide a comfortable yet trim fit.

Mandatory First Entry
This weeks mandatory task for your first entry is to visit Earth Angels Diaper Co and comment with a link to what item you'd like to purchase besides a Knickernappies 2G Pocket Diaper.

Guidelines for Entry
-In order to participate in our weekly contest and validate all extra entries you must first answer the weekly question.

-Please, be sure to be logged into your email account when you post your comment for us to be able to contact you if you win (that is with the option called OpenID). If you have a blog, be sure to be logged into the account linked to your blog for an easier way to contact you....

-This contest runs until Wednesday September 15, 2010 @ 11:59pm EST.

-Winners are chosen using random.org, notified on Saturdays and winners name also posted on Blog.

-Winners have 7 days from contest end to claim their prize.

-Participation is open to mamas and papas worldwide! Anyone and everyone is welcome to join in the fun, however we are not responsible for lost packages and prizes that do not reach their destination will not be replaced.

-How to earn extra entries:

* (1) Follow this Blog, Diaper Discussions

* (1) Become a FAN of Earth Angels Diaper Co. on FaceBook
* (1) Become a FAN of Knickernappies on FaceBook
* (1) Follow the Knickernappies Blog
* (1) Subscribe to our Newsletter
* (1) Follow Us on Twitter
* (5)*  BONUS:  Tweet about the giveaway during the Knickernappies Twitter Party September 2nd.  (Limit 1 tweet)  Provide a link to this giveaway, use tiny url http://tinyurl.com/2avkadx
* (3) Submit a photo, or have already submitted a photo to our Monthly FaceBook Fan Photo Contest by posting it to our FB Wall
* (1) Place the DiaperDiscussions Banner on your site or Blog
* (3) Tweet About the Giveaway. Use @clothdiapergeek in the tweet and link to this GiveAway using tinyurl of  http://tinyurl.com/2avkadx (You may tweet 1x per day)
* (3) Advertise our Giveaway in your blog, facebook, forums or website (post with your comment the direct link where you posted about it if possible).

--- Please post a separate comment for each extra entry and let us know which you've chosen to do in that comment ---

*Thanks to Knickernappies for sponsoring this great giveaway and for providing the winners prize!

Good Luck!!