Okay so how was the Babyshow, well busy but fun. We got there as it opened and so the first hour wandering around was lovely but then it just got busier and busier. It was hard work getting to see the stands due to the amount of people and Chloe was a little stir crazy by then. We did miss out on some stands that I wanted to see, there was just so much there, it would have been nice if they had released the floorplan on the friday it opened so that I could have planned our route around better and next time if we go again I think I’ll leave Chloe at home with Nanny. We tried to see if she wanted to go play in the creche but that was a big no no!

So what did we get, we I’d heard a lot of people saying there werent many freebies this year and I think that’s true but to be honest the freebies were generally a sample of fairy washing powder, a mini can of diet coke and a ton of catalogues and leaflets from what I remember last year so that didn’t really bother me too much. What does always bother me is the lack of seating for lunchtime, overpriced and not that child/toddler friendly options for lunch and of course the queues for the toilets! Still we did get a lot of stuff, excuse the poor pic but here’s our haul, I wont go through everything in the picture or I’ll be here all day!

So the first thing missing from the picture is our new pram! We managed to get a purple Stokke Xplory, I love the Stokke range of goods, Chloe still uses her Tripp Trapp highchair daily so that’s another Stokke thing on the shopping list. We didnt get a massive discount but we knew we wanted it and I feel so much better having it on order, it should be here in a few weeks – eeks!

We got some clothes from Pumpkin Patch, again I love their stuff, it fits perfectly and is so well made, but is expensive to buy full price, they had 20% off on the day and of course you didnt have to pay any delivery. So we got a gorgeous outfit and skirt for Chloe and some vests for bump – although might have to find a new home for the boyish ones if we’re on team pink and vice versa! We could have bought a ton of stuff from there but we were running out of spending funds by then!

We also picked up some cloth nappies, 2 of the new gNappies and the matching Bloom dress – looks gorgeous on and perfect for the lovely weather we’re having. I got some of the gNappy inserts (expensive as they only come in a pack of 6 I think it was), will update more once we’ve used them a bit, I do just wish they were snaps and not velcro though! And we snapped up a few more of the Tots Bots Teenyfit nappies at a bargain price and we got a few bibs and things from the Close stand, the car seat protector is so funky in the pink owls print. I think we’ll deff have to get one for the Xplory and for bumps car seat, I love the blue turtles print too!

We got some red Crocs for Chloe as she’d out grown her last pair and they’re great for summer in the garden. A few little bits from Mam, Milton and some other bits. The Tommee Tippee set was free from subscribing to Prima Baby for a year. It’s always nice to have something to read when you’re waiting for appointments etc.

And we bought a personalised picture for Chloe from Frame My Name, I’ve always wanted to get one and this was gorgeous looking and at a great price. Just waiting for it to be made up and arrive and I’ll take a pic!

So we did get a lot of bits, but we still have tons to get of course, once we know bump’s team then we’ll get the carseat and isofix base ordered. And the beside crib and bouncer/activity bits and bobs will come in the next month or so. Need to sort out Chloe’s old bits if it’s a girl and sort through the boyish/girly nappies too. Will hopefully be able to sell on those we dont need without losing any money due to buying on offer etc and buy more we do need! Cant wait to go newborn clothes shopping too! Have already told OH we might have to go somewhere after the scan and pick up a few official pieces!

Okay so ramble over, it’s taken me all day to write this as I’ve been feeling worse and worse, can hardly talk now and Chloe is running a temp so she’s feeling pretty grotty too. Hopefully it will be out of our systems in a few days and we can enjoy friday, the weekend (hopefully OH will have it off) and of course the long bank holiday! We might even pop down to see the family, hope everyone’s enjoying the lovely weather!

Michelle xx

And we went to the Babyshow yesterday – I am SO tired! Up at 6, left just after 7, arrived at 9, had a lovely time and then left at 1ish as I was exhausted and Chloe was sleeping in the pram. Still it was lovely, said hello to the Fill Your Pants gang, bought a ton of lovely stuff (pics to come on that) and we ordered our Xplory!!! Am so so excited, it’s something I’ve wanted since I was pregnant with Chloe and now thanks to some generous family members helping out we can get one! We do actually still have a few things on our to buy list for baby but it kind of all feels real now that we’ve seen baby again and have bought a big item.

But all the excitement from the last few days have left me feeling so tired so I will get some rest (OH had the whole day off today so he will be cooking dinner tonight!) and will do a better round up of things in a day or so. Oh and the sun is finally out so fingers crossed it’s here to stay!!

Michelle xx

So anyway, I decided that I needed new make up as the last time I probably bought some was well before Chloe, not that I’ve ever really been ‘into’ make up but I am a sucker for trying new things! So I was delighted to see that Liz Earle were releasing a simple make up range and as I’m a big fan of the natural/not tested on animals way of things then I headed right on over. I would have loved to get everything but sadly funds aren’t unlimited and well, I just dont get on with ‘fiddly’ things like eyeliner and blusher! So I got the Natural Finish Loose Powder and the big brush to go with it and the Lash Definition Smudgeproof Mascara. I fancied getting the mascara base and a lip gloss but reasoned that they werent really an essential and I have a ton of lip balm/glosses to use up. I also got some of their Sensitive Shave Cream as OH swears it’s the best shave stuff going, giving the best/closest shave – and yes I’ve tried it on my legs and it is impressive, hence why I had to get a new tube as his was going quick!  I did want some new/summery eyeshadows but LE aren’t releasing those till later in the year.

So they arrived the other day and I am super happy with everything, all the mineral powders that I’ve tried before just sit on my skin and show up dry patches – my skin is super dry.This one doesnt, I’m not sure if it’s because I’m now using LE moisturiser which is fab and hydrating or just that the powder is just amazing but it blends in and gives a nice smooth non dry finish. The brush is nice too, big and very soft (although expensive) but I didnt see the point of buying a cheap one that would shed or apply it wrongly if that makes sense? The mascara isn’t one of those ones that makes you go ‘wow’ you’ve got huge/fat/colossal lashes or whatever but as mine are a non-existent light brown/blonde colour it does make me look like I’m wearing make up and make my eyes pop IYGWIM and no clumps or spider eyes, yay! And no I dont work for LE (I wish) I’m just loving their stuff – yes I’m still using the hot cloth cleanser and moisturiser that I raved about here, love it!

So then I was thinking eyeshadow, again I wanted something not tested on animals and thought I’d have to wait till I was next in town and pop into Boots or something. But I’ve used Urban Decay stuff before and liked it and I also follow a lot of blogs and a fair few of them are make up/skincare related. I’ll say again, I’m not a big lover of make up but when someone is passionate about something then I get interested and I like to follow all the new things even if I dont go out and buy them/have the time to try them! So anyway I know the Urban Decay palletes are hugely popular and as I’m greeny eyed then the whole brown/beiges are good for me (or so I heard) and yes you’ve guessed it the latest one Naked 2 is all about that. I ummed and ahhed for a few days about getting it as it was £32 on offer.  But you get 12 eyeshadows along with a double ended brush (as I’m not a make up enthusiast I just dont own any decent brushes and the ones that come with individual eyeshadows are pants). Oh and there’s a mini lip gloss too – again not a selling point as I dont really need it! But in the end after reading so many amazing reviews about it and youtube vlogs on it I quickly added to the basket and checked out. It hasnt arrived yet, boo, but hopefully soon. I am a little nervous about using it and getting overwhelmed but at that price I will make myself use it and hopefully I’ll not need to buy another eyeshadow for years!

And also on another skincare theme, maybe it’s the summer like feel to the air that kicked it all off but actually I bought this before any of the above had even crossed my mind. Burt’s Bees another more natural brand had a grab bag offer going on where if you spent £20  you’d get a random bag of goodies that rrps at £55. Now I kind of liked the idea of the surprise as they do a lot of things I wouldnt pick to buy but yet I probably would like if I tried if that makes any sense. Also my supply of Body Shop goodies was running low (I always stock up when there’s a big sale on) so I thought it was a good offer to take up. I *had* to make it upto £25 to get the free delivery – I hate paying for delivery, so I got some shampoo and wash bits for Chloe. I’m not going to list everything that I got in the bag as it would be too much effort but I got a varied bag of goodies, things I’ve tried before and things that I havent but actually they all smell amazing! I havent really used much yet but the bits I’ve had a quick try of are lovely, another convert! Sorry to those that are thinking ‘oh I might get this’ but as I said I got it a few weeks ago and although I think they might still be doing it, from what I’ve heard, a lot of people ordering now are getting 2, 3 or more duplicates in their order so if you dont mind that then go ahead but I guess they might be running low on stock and pulling it soon. But next time I see them doing this then I will blog about it asap as I’ll be sure to get one again! The little mini bottles are going in my labour bag for sure and I cant wait to use up my current body lotion and start on the BB’s one!

Phew so that’s about it for now, I still need to tackle the clothes front and get a hair cut or something but I am feeling pretty good at the moment, it’s amazing how some powder on your face or what have you, can make you feel better. Maybe I just needed that something different to perk me up, a new boost for summer. But lots still to look forward to as it’s the Babyshow this friday, saturday and sunday – I’m not sure if we’ll be going on sat or sunday but I fully intend to make it a bit of a military operation (a nice one mind you) and get every stand looked at and more importantly get some bargains on the baby bits we have to get – more on that soon, excited!!

Oh and the scan is next monday!!! I have already said to OH that as I’m so desperate to know what flavour bump is, I’m betting they will have their legs crossed the whole time so they wont be able to tell us! Oh well if that’s how it’s meant to be then bring on the surprise I guess! And roll on the summer weather now please, have had enough of the rain for the time being!

Michelle xx

Michelle xx

Basics: Different nappy types, parts to a cloth nappy and accessories

AIO (All In One) – No extra cover is needed as the absorbent part and waterproof part are all sewn together and do not come apart. The easiest of cloth nappies to use and it’s ready to go when dry. Downsides are they arent always great for heavy wetters and take a long time to dry.

AI2 (All In Two) or SIO (Snap In One) - They are basically the same thing, the waterproof part and the absorbent part come apart for washing (usually they ‘snap’ together). This makes drying much faster and with most AI2/SIO’s you can snap out a wet absorbent insert and replace it with a clean one, meaning you can resuse the waterproof shell, saving money and the size of your laundry load. Downsides are that you do have to essemble/snap them together after drying, ready for use.

Pocket (sometimes called a sleeve) - These are similar to the AI2′s in that the absorbent part and the waterproof part are separate so again great for faster drying. Rather then being snapped in the absorbent part is stuffed into a pocket (the opening can be at the front/middle/back of the nappy), some ‘sleeve’ design nappies are open at both ends so it’s easier to stuff and the insert comes out on it’s own in the wash. Pockets can be stuffed with different inserts to suit your little ones needs, the downside is that you need to tug out the insert from the pocket before you wash them (unless it’s a sleeve design) and of course you will need to assemble them before use, ie stuff the pockets.

Fitteds - These nappies have no water proof layer and are only made of absorbent material so need a cover or wrap to use with them. These can be slow drying nappies but generally they are really good for night times and heavy wetters.

Prefold, Terry Square or Flat Nappy - A piece of absorbent fabric that requires folding before use, a cover is needed over the top.

Wrap - The waterproof bit that goes over a prefold or fitted nappy.

BTP (Birth To Potty), OS (One Size) and OSFM (One Size Fits Most) – The nappy can be adjusted (via snaps or elastic) so that it fits from around birth to potty training. These nappies are economical as they grow with your baby so you wont need to buy different sizes but they can give a poor fit on smaller babies (below 8lbs ish) and seem bulky.

Sized or Duo size – You will need to buy small/medium/large sizes as your baby grows. Can also come in a ‘duo/2 sized option’, i.e. size 1 goes from birth to 20lbs and size 2 from 20lb to 35lb/potty training.

NN (Night Nappies) – A nappy that is designed for night times so will be extra absorbent and sometimes cost more then a normal/day nappy. Some little ones will be fine without night nappies and can just use a normal nappy with an extra insert in, others will soak through that and so need a dedicated night nappy. The most popular kinds of night nappies are a fitted nappy with a cover over the top as these are generally very absorbent.

Aplix, Velcro or Hook and loop - All mean the same thing and are the sticky strip fastening for nappies, they are easy to use and can give a snug fit. Downsides are you have to fasten the sticky part up when you take them off and put in the wash or they will ‘stick’ to other nappies in the wash and might damage them. Also they tend to loose there stickyness after a while and can look grey and collect fluff in them making the nappies look aged. It can be replaced but can be a fiddly process. Also older babies can easily learn to undo them.

Poppers or Snaps - The nappy fastens with plastic press studs, they are durable and are harder for little hands to undo.

FS (Front Snap) - the nappy fastens at the front, across the tummy.

SS (Side Snap) – These nappies have the snaps/poppers at the side to do the nappy up, they can give a better fit then front snap nappies as the leg and waist snaps on each side can be set differently. It also makes the front of the nappy smooth over the tummy.

PUL (Polyurethane laminate) – Basically the waterproof layer used in AIOs, pockets etc and in wraps and wetbags.

Insert or Soaker – The absorbant bit you stuff inside a pocket nappy or snap into an AI2. Soaker is mostly an American term.

Booster or Doubler – Usually smaller than inserts and can be added to any nappy to increase absorbancy in nappies (overnight or for heavy wetters). Generally hemp, bamboo, zorb materials are the preferred choices as they are very absorbent. Doubler is mostly an American term.

Liner – An optional extra that is put between baby’s skin and the nappy and catches any solids. These can be disposable or reusable (and washed with the nappies) but is not absorbent. Reuseable liners are also good for making the baby feel drier when the nappy is wet and for stopping stains getting onto the inside of the nappy.

Bamboo, Hemp and Cotton - Natural fibres with good absorbency (better than MF) so great for inserts and boosters but they dont have a stay dry layer so can feel wet against the skin after a while if no liner is used. Also they can feel a little hard/rough after a time, you can give them a quick tumble dry to soften if you think it’s an issue.

BOV (Bamboo Velour) – A lovely soft natural fabric that is absorbent and used to make nappies and insets with. Downside is it can be expensive and doesnt have a stay dry layer so can feel wet against the skin after while if no liner is used.

MF (Microfibre) – A fast absorbing man-made fabric that holds the liquid between the fibres rather than absorbing it into them. Generally isnt great for heavy wetters and does tend to go grey/off colour after awhile, can also retain smells and will start to loose absorbency after a few years. Microfibre should not be placed directly next to baby’s skin, a liner or stuffed into a pocket is fine, otherwise it can cause irritation.

Suedecloth, minky, microfleece and fleece - These are generally used to line nappies, pockets especially but can also be used as the top layer on some inserts as they are stay dry so they allow wetness to pass through them and keep the baby feeling dry. They can also be used as separate liners or on the outside of nappies in pretty colours. There is also a different type of minky material that is used just like a normal insert and is absorbent.

Nippa or Nappy nippa - a type of “y” shaped rubber nappy fastener that grips with little teeth, it replaces the nappy pin that was used on flat/prefold nappies.

Longies - Full length trousers made from wool that can be used as a waterproof cover instead of a wrap for fitted nappies and prefolds.

Shorties, Skirties and Soakers - Same as longies but as shorts, a skirt or small ‘soakers’ that just covers the nappy underneath (like a wrap).

Pail or bucket – Used with a lid to store dirty nappies in till washing.

Wetbag – Can be used instead of a bucket to store dirty nappies in. They are waterproof and generally zip close. They come in a verity of sizes, small – so you can take them out in the change bag, medium/large – if you stay overnight somewhere or an extra large size to use at home instead of a bucket.

Cloth nappy selling terms and forum speak

Fluff and Fluffy Mail – Meaning cloth nappies and post (delivered from either the postman or via courier) that contains cloth nappies.

Stash – This is your collection of ‘fluff’ or cloth nappies, taking pictures (stash shot) of them or listing them to compare/share/ask for advice.

Preloved - This is a nappy which has been used by another (or more) child and is being sold on to someone else.  Some people are fine with this, others are horrified at the idea but it is a great way to make money selling on your unwanted or grown out of nappies or to try a nappy you havent used before at a good price.

PP – Paypal, the easiest way to pay for cloth nappies, most cloth nappy shops use this and is the preferred way most preloved nappies are sold.

EUC – Excellent used condition, the nappy has been lightly used but is in excellent condition, I wouldnt expect any stains or the nappy to look particularly aged/well used.

GUC or VGUC – Good used condition or very good used condition, I would expect maybe the odd stain, grey looking inserts or velcro, maybe the velcro is worn/aged looking or the nappy may be bobbly/pilly from use.

FFP (Free for postage) – These nappies are being sold for the cost of posting them, they might be old and well used, outdated, the owner got them for free or they just want to share the fluffy love and make someone happy.

ISO/IDSO – In search of/in desperate search of a certain nappy or accessory, same thing as placing a ‘wanted’ ad.

Cloth nappy issues and washing terms 

Sunning – Hanging nappies out in the sunshine to bleach out stains.

Wicking and Leaking – Wetness leaks onto clothing, usually caused by compression of the nappy/wrap (a vest, tights or trousers being done up too tight), as a result of the combination of fabrics used in the nappy and wrap (cotton outer nappies can sometimes wick). Or due to the nappy not being absorbent enough, so you may need to boost it or change the inserts to more absorbent ones.

Dry Pailing – putting used nappies in a bucket without water until washing, generally the more modern way as soaking modern cloth nappies for long periods of time can damage them.

Wet Pailing – putting used nappies into a bucket with water until washing, this was generally the old way of doing it when flat/prefold nappies were used.

Prewashing – when you get new nappies it is advised to give them a prewash before using, to get rid of any manufacturing reside and also to help abosrbency. Man made fabrics like microfibre will only need one wash to be at full absorbency but natural matrerials like bamboo, hemp and cotton will need many more washes to open up the fibres and remove the natural oils so they absorb the maximum they can hold (this can take about 8 washes). Some people tend to just wash new nappies once regardless of the material and then use but they keep in mind to change it sooner then normal if its a natural material as it wont yet be fully absorbent for a few more washes.

Rinsing – Generally a cold rinse at the start of a wash is recommended and many people do an extra rinse at the end of the nappy wash cycle to make sure any detergent is washed out.

Stripping – Nappies can get a build up of detergent, either from too much being used to start with or they are well used nappies and it has just built up over time. This build up can cause rashes, smelly or leaking nappies, the solution is to strip the nappies, removing any excess build up. There are many different ways to do this and I will discuss as many as I know in another post, but doing an extra rinse at the end of your normal nappy wash cycle can help to rinse out any excess detergent and is a good preventative measure.

Cloth nappy brand abbreviations 

BBH – Baby beehinds

BL – Babyland

BB – Blueberry

• BBOS – blueberry one size pocket
• BBSS – blueberry side snap pocket

BG – BumGenius (US brand)

BSB – Bright Star Baby (Now called Peachy Green)

CB – Charlie Banana

CT – Cushie Tushie (AUS brand)

DNF – Dunk and Fluff (US brand)

EH – Ella’s House

• EHBH – Ella’s House Bumhuggers

FB – FuzziBunz (US brand)

FNS – Fluff and Stuff (US brand)

GCL – Green Carbon Living

GM – Goodmama (US brand)

GF – Guerilla Fluff (US brand)

GV – GroVia (US brand)

HH – Happy Heinys

HL – Holden’s Landing (US brand)

LG – Little Gumnut

LL – Little lambs

LLS – Luscious little somethings

MF – Monkey foot wet bags (US brand)

MS – Monkey Snuggles

NB – naughty baby

OWW – Owe Whoa When (US brand)

PG – Peachy Green (US brand)

PK – Puddlekins (now called Little Gumnut)

RaR – Rumparooz (US brand)

SP – Smartipants

TB – Tots Bots

WAHM – Work at home mum

WN – Wee Notions

• WNAI2 – Wee Notion All in Two
• WNNN – Wee Notions night notions nappies
• WNNL – wee notions northern lights nappies
• WNOS – wee notions one size pocket nappies
• WNSS – wee notions side snap pocket nappies

Okay so whining over, I know I havent got it as bad as most ladies, no morning sickness etc but the tiredness is really getting to me and I know Chloe is missing out on doing a lot of the fun things we usually do as I’m just feeling so tired. But there’s good things to look forward to this month, firstly there’s a bank holiday on monday so a three day weekend! Time to catch up on some sleep and still have lots of family time and do fun things with Chloe. It’s so nice when Daddy is around to give me a quick rest from Chloe, I so wish my family were closer to help out but we’re managing. And it’s payday on friday, always a good thing, means I might have a night off cooking and have a take out to celebrate! And then there’s the Baby Show at the NEC towards the end of the month (will be saving as many pennies as possible for that). Am hoping to get some big items at a good price, will be doing research and making a list of the things we need and have my bargaining hat on! It is just a shame we wont know bumps flavour till after the show but I guess it’s good in that we wont end up buying things we dont need but just impulse buy! And the scan is 3 weeks away, so so excited, I’m happy either way but I just want to know!

Oh and one last moan – where has the nice weather gone!! Now April’s gone if we could have rain and more sun/warmer weather I’d be super happy! Okay so rambling over!

Michelle xx