Progression in Diapers, Digression in Sleep

As some of you might know, Jeremy & I decided to use cloth diapers instead of the more conventional disposable kind. We bought prefold cloth diapers and some water proof covers.

After the really yucky poo from birth was done (Does poop ever not become yucky? Hmm...) we began using the cloth ones. We had a rough go. Apparently, we needed to wash the prefolds many, many times for them to become fully absorbent. Well, I missed that one. So we had several leaks and much wetness early on. However, we stuck with it. Sure enough, after several washings they began absorbing. I have to admit, the prefolds took a little more time putting on than a disposable. But, we knew in the long run that cloth is the more economical decision.

The prefolds were newborn size and our baby girl quickly grew out of them. So last week we checked out the many, many other options for cloth diapers (CD). Talk about overwhelming! However, thanks to some great advice from other friends using CDs we tried these new diapers from BumGenius. Yes, that is the name of the company! Catchy, isn't it??

To make a long story short (Oh, it has been a long one already. Oops.), we LOVE these new diapers!! They work so well and are so easy to use!

We have made progress in the diapering arena!! :)

Now, one the other hand, there has been a recent digression in the amount of sleep Addisen & Mommy have been getting at night. Addisen has always been a great sleeper. We are so blessed. For a while there she was sleeping consistently from about 10pm - 4 am and then sleeping to about 7am after that. I think I got a little boastful and hopeful that a full night of sleep was around the corner. I think the Lord was humbling me. For about a week, Addisen has been waking up about every 3 hours. Yes, that is Mommy getting out of bed, walking to the other side of the house, and feeding at 12am, 3am, and 6am. Boo...

Sunday was the lowest point. I just about had it. I remember asking the Lord in the midst of my tears for a manual for my child. He didn't answer that prayer. :) However my co-worker, Kyrsten, was an answer to prayer in that she gave me some great advice Monday. (In retrospect, this totally makes sense and I feel stupid for not coming up with this on my own. I blame it on being sleep deprived!) She said that Addisen probably is just waking up and not hungry. She advised me to keep her in her crib if she woke up and try to lull her back to sleep.

So, I tried that last night. When she woke up around midnight, I gave Addisen her pacifier and she fell right back to sleep. Victory! Then at 3am she woke up again and ate for about 10 minutes and fell right back asleep. Victory again! Then she slept until 7am. Woo hoo! Mommy got some substantial sleep and feels so much better. We are praying that Addisen continues to sleep longer stints and will learn how to put herself back to sleep if she does wake up. I'll keep you updated on the sleep situation!