Clothes – Page 2 – The Learning Momma

Buttons Cloth Diapers: It’s What We are Loving on Sweet M

March 25, 2017 by Ki Galvan

In the great purging and packing venture (I know, I know! You’re probably wondering what is up – and once I can officially let you in on it, I will!) I’ve been vigiliant in figuring out what we truly need and what we can let go.

One thing we for sure need is our cloth diapers. Because, folks, at the end of summer we are going to have two sweet babes in diapers, and we’d be broke as a joke trying to keep them in sposies full time. Plus, the landfill. Eep!

With Miss H and Mr. B we got really lucky when we bought cloth diapers. I knew absolutely nada and what we went with for them worked like a gem and that was that. I hadn’t even planned to cloth diaper if I’m being completely truthful, but Miss H had such sensitive skin that we could only use super spendy non-bleach, eco-friendly diapers. And I knew that I wanted more than one bambino and the cost of these pricey diapers were not financially sustainable.

This turned out to be a blessing in disguise for us, because it made me research cloth diapers and make the leap, which is both better for our environment and my pocketbook, and we never looked back!

We started over mostly from square one with Sweet M though since I didn’t keep most of our cloth diapers for all those years. And it’s been a legit struggle trying to find trim, super absorbent, non-Velcro, non-microfiber diapers. It’s been a tall order to fill, I know.

But we finally figured out what will keep this squirmy boy comfortable and fit under his clothes appropriately.

Finally.

Buttons cloth diapers.

Oh, and did I mention I have to literally run after him in order to actually put a diaper on him? So I cannot have pieces that don’t either slide into a pocket or, like the Buttons diapers, snap into the cover because that would never stay in place while trying to fasten it on him on the move!

Buttons cloth diapers have been a true gem find.

The covers have two layers of thick PUL and double gussets to prevent leakage around the legs. We have their brand new Super Diaper Cover that has two rows of waist snaps to keep it comfortably fastened. The Super Diaper Cover fits kiddos roughly 12-40lbs, so not ideal for newborns; but that’s okay because they offer newborn covers, too, for sweet peanuts ranging 7-12lbs. Plus, they also have their one size covers for 9-35lb babes. And all these covers come in the sweetest patterns and colors, complete with a cute embroidered button on the bum!

They fit so nice and snug and he has tons of room to keep on growing!

And have I mentioned the luscious snap-in inserts?

They offer hemp, bamboo/cotton, and microfiber inserts. Really, it just comes down to preference. Hemp, bamboo, and cotton are my fabrics of choice, so those are what we naturally went with, but really they are all great. The inserts are sized based on weight of baby, which allows for a trimmer fit, but equally absorbent diaper. I love how soft these fabrics are, and the inserts are so absorbent that he can nap through them with no issues. I actually think he may be able to wear one overnight without the overnight booster (he has recently mostly nightweaned – more on that another day-, if he were still nursing all night he’d definitely need a booster!) and it be plenty absorbent; I just haven’t tried this yet because truthfully, I was so excited to get these on his bum I didn’t do a full prep, just a partial (and they still work amazing, so that tells you how great they are!).

I won’t lie, when I received my inserts in the mail, my first though upon looking at them were “Oh my goodness, these are huge!” Well, they shrank with prep and it turns out my 24lb 13 month old actually isn’t a tiny newborn as I keep imagining in my head. Who knew!? They fit him perfectly.

There are so many cloth diaper options out there, and I know it is so hard to know where to even start. But I feel very comfortable recommending Buttons diapers to all the mommas and papas out there. They are so easy to use, fast drying since they are not an all in one diaper (which have their perks for some, but notoriously take forever to dry), and are easy for even the most novice of cloth diaper user to figure out!

Plus, Sweet M clearly loves them because when I reach into our diaper drawer to get him a fresh diaper, he always grabs a Buttons hemp insert for me and thrust it in my face to use, ha. He knows what he likes on that cute little bum of his!

***Full Disclosure: I was given a set of Buttons diapers in exchange for this review, but all thoughts and opinions are truthful and fully mine.

The Baby Cubby: Your One Stop Shop

January 19, 2017 by Ki Galvan

I recently discovered this absolute gem called The Baby Cubby.

It is literally your one stop shop for all your baby and toddler needs. They’ve done the research to bring you the best and finest items, so you don’t have to wade through other stores, online or otherwise, trying to figure out what’s best.

The Baby Cubby isn’t your typical retail store just out to sell you stuff. They want to know you and help you find whatever it is you need for your little one. Have questions? They’ll answer. And promptly! They want to be an easy and convenient go-to resource for you. Their team is made up with real parents, just like you, who knows what it’s like to be on the home front, a bit overwhelmed, wading through information and reviews, still unsure at times, finding your place in parenthood. They know this is the most exciting, and at times most terrifying, role you’ll ever have, and they want to be a part of it!

The Baby Cubby price matches everything, which was a huge appeal to me, and offers free nationwide shipping (on orders over $49): no pesky membership needed for that perk!

I love that they carry some of my very favorite clothing brands: Kickee Pants and Tea! They’ve got amazing accessories and lotions; car seats and strollers (no need to spend hours researching the safest and most loved – they’ve all ready done that research for you!). Babe need some new shoes? They’ve got your hook up with some of the very best brands! Plus, great quality toys galore! And all the nursery gear you could every hope for.

Sweet M was done playing baby model. But I’m in love with these tiny cute pants. And extra excited that I have pants just like the ones on the left – complete with the elastic waistband and everything!

And if that weren’t enough, they also have a cubby community page where they discuss some of those more challenging aspects of parenthood that we all deal with. And they’re very active on social media, if that’s more your thing.

Sweet M is growing like a fiend, so I snagged him some super cute Tea pants, plus a pair of shorts for our trip to Florida next month. (Okay, so I likely bought all “girl” bottoms, I don’t know. My boys all seem to wear “girl” pants and no one cares, ha.)

I also love that they carry clothing even in my big girl’s sizes!

I’m definitely looking forward to utilizing this great resource more in the future, and I know you will love it, too!

*** Full Disclosure: The Baby Cubby gave me a $50 gift card in exchange for this review, but all thoughts and opinions are accurate and fully mine.

Christmas Shoes

December 5, 2016December 5, 2016 by Ki Galvan

The week of Thanksgiving break we ventured up to Indianapolis for the day. At some point in our day, I’m not entirely sure when, but we lost one of Sweet M’s shoes. The mate to a $30 pair of baby shoes, because he’s on the cusp of walking and shoes are the one thing we will always splurge on because feet are just so, so important.

I was super annoyed with myself, but I didn’t beat myself up either. Although I’d prefer not to throw $30 away, I knew we wouldn’t go without a meal to buy him another pair of shoes.

Flash forward to this morning. The kids were playing sweetly downstairs while J and I were in our room. B comes banging on the door. “Someone’s at the front door! There is a man at the front door. We don’t know him. Come answer the door!”

“It’s fine,” I said. “Just don’t answer the door.”

“No! You have to come now!”

Reluctantly, I came downstairs to the front door where an older gentleman, clearly homeless, stood on the other side. I quickly opened the door to him.

“Do you have a blanket I can have?” he asked.

“Of course.”

Now here is the first thing that I am not proud of.

I grabbed a minky blanket off of our couch and brought it to him. Minky is soft and warm. We have a few on our couch. But I gave him my least favorite one. In that split second I chose to give him the blanket that, albeit as soft and warm as the others, I found to be less desirable than the others. And I’m really ashamed of myself for that. Because he deserved the very best. He is a human too. I didn’t treat him like he is as worthy and valuable as the rest of us.

I gave him the blanket and he thanked me considerably. I noticed his shoeless feet.

It’s cold here. Wet. No one should be without shoes in this weather.

“What size shoes do you wear?” I asked him before he could escape off my porch.

“10.” He answered.

I shook my head. “We don’t have anything that big. I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay,” he replied. “The blanket is more than enough.”

And this is the second thing I’m ashamed of. He walked away into to the cold while I shut my door and embraced the warmth of my home, not thinking to offer him anything more.

I went back upstairs, but I couldn’t stop thinking about those bare feet, clad in nothing but dirty white ankle socks.

As I got dressed, I told J I should have given him food. Why didn’t I offer him food? Another blanket? Gloves? Why didn’t I tell him to wait, I’d run to the store and buy him a pair of shoes for God sakes, no one should be barefoot.

I went into the kitchen and packed up all the easy non-perishable foods I could find: granola bars and lara bars. Slims jims. Some apples and bananas and a re-usable water bottle. I tossed in a sweatshirt, some socks and gloves, and J’s waterproof jacket. And I loaded everyone up in the car in search of that shoeless man.

I wish this story had a happy ending. That we found him and gave him the bag and discovered he is warm and well.

But it doesn’t.

We drove for 2 hours to all the well-known spots that many of our homeless persons visit. And then we drove to many other places where J could think someone might hide for warmth.

But we didn’t find him.

The song “Christmas Shoes” came on the radio at the same time a lump was filling my throat, and nearly pushed me over the edge.

I thought of this man. Probably older than my dad. One cloudy, bad eye. No shoes. Desperate enough to knock on my door for a blanket because he was cold.

He was someone’s baby.

There was a mother that once held him against her chest as their heartbeats synchronized and his breath fell even against her and he breathed his milk-breath onto her. A mother that stroked his soft head and kissed his baby feet and delighted in all that her dear child would be.

And her baby knocked on my door, barefoot, and I didn’t have the forethought to offer him food.

I’m not proud of myself.

But the kids and I are going to use this as a learning experience. What else can we do with it? And focus on how we can help right now with our local homeless center that provides food and clothing and necessities to our homeless friends here in town.

For the next two weeks we will be collecting the following necessities:

•Toothbrushes & Toothpaste*

•Shampoo & Conditioner*

•Deodorant, Razors, & Shaving Cream*

•Feminine Hygiene Products

•Diapers, Baby Wipes (alcohol free), Formula & Baby Food

•Laundry Detergent

•Socks (especially wool or nylon)

•Winter Hats , Gloves, Coats & Jackets

•Sweatshirts & Sweaters

•Sweatpants, Jeans & Belts

•Rain Ponchos & Umbrellas

•Thermal Underwear

•Sneakers & Boots

•Towels & Wash Cloths

•Backpacks, Carry Bags & Rolling Suitcases

•Sleeping Bags, Tents & Tarps

•Toilet Paper & Paper Towels

•Blankets

•Plastic Grocery Bags

•Over-the-Counter Medications (pain relief, cold & flu, allergy, heartburn)

•Pasta

•Cereal

•Coffee & Tea

•Canned Food – Institutional Size

•Condiments

•Stamps

If you have any of the items listed above that you’d like to donate, I would be more than happy to pick those items up from you if you are local. If you’re not local but would like to donate, you can go here to make a monetary donation directly to the Shalom Center.

My 9-month-old has warm, comfortable, nice shoes on his feet when we leave this house, and he’s not even walking himself to and from the car yet. There is a man out there with no shoes. That is not okay. Not even a little bit.

So this Yuletide, the kids are going to work hard to get Christmas shoes to as many people as we can. And we’d love your help, too!

Sharing Small

November 10, 2016 by Ki Galvan

I’ve been meaning to share this awesome subscription box with y’all for a bit now.

My kiddos love mail. And what is better than not only receiving monthly mail, but receiving mail that is useful and is helping someone out, too?

With the state of the world at the moment, doing some good and helping others is definitely needed.

Sharing Small is a great small company operated out of Toronto, Canada. Each month a package arrives that is created to inspire conversation with your children about compassion, empathy, charity, and community. A different theme is introduced each month, which is created on a pair of fun socks and a sticker, and a fun cartoon postcard is also included that has a message that correlates to the theme and gets kids and parents talking.

But it gets better! For every pair of socks that is sold, they donate a pair to a family shelter in Toronto!

My kids absolutely loved receiving their Sharing Small packages, and were excited to put on the fun colored, cartoon socks and read their post cards.

You really cannot find a more fun and interactive subscription box out there that is teaching kids compassion, while also doing some real good within their local community. This is where it is at: this is the generation of children who will learn the values of community and charity from a young age and truly change the world, one pair of socks at a time. I just know it.

Matching Brothers: Little Cub Sew

October 19, 2016 by Ki Galvan

I didn’t realize how badly I wanted to see Mr. B in the role of big brother until he was one. Or how much I wanted to see him not just as a big brother, but as a big brother to a little brother.

For 4.5 years Mr. B was the baby. Oh, and he’s a great baby boy. I’m still utter mush when he crawls into my lap and just lays there and hugs me. He is irreplaceable and will always have a special place in my heart.

He has blossomed in the role of big brother. He has utterly flourished. I worried a bit, I won’t lie.

Being the baby for 4.5 years can change a man.

But that boy loves his baby brother like no other. And I love seeing them together.

Mr. B loves to match Sweet M, and I definitely encourage that. I know it won’t last forever, so I’ve got to get my fill of cuteness while I can.

I found Little Cub Sew on etsy and was absolutely won over by the adorable hoodies and leggings!

They are all homemade with great, quality, comfortable, stretchy fabric. Both of my boys loved their outfits! And Mr. B was thrilled to match his little brother.

Sweet M is on the go these days (and cutting his two front top teeth – getting him to crack a smile is challenging right now!), but his adorable leggings and hoodie stood up to his mobility. He was able to move with leisure, completely unhindered. I grimaced when we went outside, afraid he’d ruin his adorable new outfit, but he crawled all over our unkempt lawn and not a single snag or blemish to his outfit to speak of! I was thrilled.

And Mr. B loooved the hoodie and pocket to his top. He thinks all hats and hoodies make him unrecognizable, and he’s working on his spy skills for the FBI some day (eventually he’ll realize they’re two different entities unless he is really wanting undercover work, but a boy has to have dreams, y’all!). Plus pockets. Pockets make everything awesome.

So if you’re looking for some great quality, comfortable, and adorable outfits for your tykes, be sure to check out Little Cub Sew on etsy. And if she doesn’t have exactly what you’re wanting, send Katie a message so she can make you a fantastic custom set. You won’t regret it!

Kickin’ It With KicKee

October 3, 2016October 3, 2016 by Ki Galvan

When Mr.B was born my only lament to having a boy was that the clothes weren’t as fun. It seemed everything for boys was either sports related or plastered with puppies; neither of which are really my style. So when I happened to be perusing in our local kids’ boutique and a little pale blue coverall with red giraffes caught my eye, I didn’t hesitate it to buy it. The first “boy” thing I’d been drawn to and fell in love with.

That was my first introduction to KicKee Pants. I loved the style and the prints and the little flap over the bottom. I was hooked.

You guys, we love KicKee Pants over here. It’s not a secret. I rave about it to anyone who will listen!

It’s so soft and comfortably made out of bamboo: I want some for me! I always feel so great about dressing Sweet M in KicKee Pants because I know he will be snug and comfortable whether he’s playing or sleeping. And he loves soft things so much that our investment in the swaddle blankets have truly paid off.

One of my children is very particular about clothing and textures and labels and…everything. But she (whoops, gave her away!) is always happy to wear KicKee both for sleeping and for day wear. And I’m happy to outfit her in something adorably age-appropriate that we both agree upon. And since there are always new prints and styles, my little fashionista never gets bored with her options!

I love that all of my children can have matching jammies or coordinating outfits. There is nothing cuter than a bunch of kids who match. And my kids so adore coordinating with one another – I know that won’t last forever so I’ve got to take advantage of it while I can!

You can’t see them – but Mr. B is rocking some KicKee Pants boxer briefs, too! Now that’s luxury!

If you’re in the market to buy the kiddo in your life some new duds or sleepwear, KicKee Pants is what you want. Trust me. You won’t regret it!

Momzelle: Keeping It Real

September 3, 2016October 11, 2016 by Ki Galvan

In my quest to find adorable, comfortable, figure-flattering nursing apparel this go-round, I stumbled upon Momzelle.

Y’all, it’s straight up love.

I didn’t have any nursing-specific attire with my first two, and I survived just fine. I mean, Miss H was almost four when she weaned, so obviously we managed. But I told myself that this time I wanted to be kinder to my post-partum body and breastfeeding-needs. Plus, I really, really love dresses, and that can be super tricky to finagle if it’s not made specifically for breastfeeding in.

I received two Momzelle dresses and I loved them both. They fit like a glove, were super cute, and I could discreetly nurse my babe anywhere, any time, to boot! What more could a momma ask for?

See, this was totally not posed. I was at our local coffee shop. Shortly after this, Sweet M knocked my sister’s latte all over her. We keep things real over here.

Momma is getting her groove back. Looking cute and feeling good, even with baby spit and milk, and let’s just be honest, even poop, on me most days. And I’m so glad I found Momzelle to add to my wardrobe, making it just that much easier to feel good about myself each day, and not worry about flashing the world my boob or my gut each time I need to feed Sweet M.

I don’t have time to shower daily or bother with make-up most of the time, but when I have clothes I’m comfortable in, I feel like a million bucks. Even when Sweet M keeps me up all night showing me his cool almost-crawling tricks.

If you don’t have Momzelle in your wardrobe and you’re a nursing momma, or have a friend or family member who is and you want to treat them (and you do; you really do want to treat them: there aren’t words to describe how huge such a gesture would mean to them), head over to Momzelle and get shopping!

Sweet M’s Favorite Blanket – Austin Tie Dye Co.

August 20, 2016 by Ki Galvan

Sweet M has a rhythm and routine down when it comes to falling asleep. It doesn’t mean he sleeps well or for long stretches, ha, but he is a boy who knows exactly what he wants.

And what Sweet M wants is a blanket on his cheek and a dummy in his mouth. Every. Single. Time.

Third baby and still full of surprises. Wouldn’t change a blessed thing about this kid.

My absolute favorite blankets are muslin, due to them being so lightweight and breathable, and also extremely versatile.

Baby likes to be swaddled? Check! Need a breathable nursing cover or sunshade for babe? Check! Need to throw a blanket down to change babe or let them kick and play for a bit? Check! Big kids need a quick cape? Check! Someone just needs a snuggly by their face to sleep? Check!

So it’s no surprise that we have a handful of muslin blankets.

I also super love bamboo material. It’s so incredibly soft. If you’ve never touched some before, do. Do it now. You will not regret it; it’s so lovely!

Bamboo is also very eco-friendly. It grows nearly anywhere, and quickly to boot (up to 6 feet a day!). It’s also takes only 1/3 the water it takes to grow cotton, and is pretty much all organic. That being said, turning bamboo into fabric isn’t quite as eco-friendly. But you can’t win ’em all sometimes.

I recently discovered the Austin Tie Dye Co. and their amazing muslin bamboo swaddle blankets. You guys. Two of my greatest loves got together and produced these bad boys. There are no words.

And they’re hand dyed to boot. These blankets are singing love songs to my soul!

And to Sweet M’s. Because guess what has quickly become his favorite blanket to snuggle and sleep with? I can’t even make this up. If I grab another blanket and he can see his Austin Tie Dye Co. blanket he will fuss and flail until I swap blankets. This boy knows luxury when he feels it; and he’s not going back now that he’s known it!

Even Miss H knows how much he prefers this blanket to all others and will grab it or remind me to when we are headed out for a long and busy day. It’s just not worth chancing it without anymore.

These blankets are definitely going on my baby must-haves list, and will certainly be gifts for future friends’ babies and my someday nieces and nephews. They are so luxurious and affordable, and there is nothing better than buying from small businesses. Plus, Rebecca, the owner of the Austin Tie Dye Co. is so sweet and easy to work with! Seriously, if you’re looking for a baby gift for someone else or for your own babe, Sweet M highly recommends Austin Tie Dye Co. muslin bamboo, hand dyed blankets.

Baby Bonnets by Emmifaye Boutique

August 13, 2016 by Ki Galvan

We spend a lot of time outdoors. I try to keep Sweet M in the shade as much as possible, but sometimes it just isn’t feasible.

He’s not quite old enough for sunscreen, and I’d rather avoid slathering him in it when possible anyway. So I like to keep him as well-guarded from the sun as possible when we are going to be out and about.

He’s expressed great displeasure with most sunhats I’ve found for him. I suppose that while shielding his eyes and face from the sun, the hats also shielding him from seeing quite a bit. I get that.

Still. His little head is so exposed. And on windy days he can’t bury himself into me quite enough to get away from it.

So when I found emmifaye boutique (right in Minnesota!) with it’s plethora of baby bonnets for every season and occasion; I knew Sweet M needed one.

And boy was I right!

He doesn’t fuss when I put it on him, nor does he try to take it off (though he does try to use the strings as teethers on occasion – so we now know it’s quite durable!).

This handmade hat is not just adorable, but it’s ridiculously utilitarian. It shields his tiny noggin’ from the sun and the wind; and he looks adorable to boot! He’s got a noggin’ in the 75th% – so a big ol’ head compared to Miss H and Mr. B at nearly 6 months old, and he comfortably fits in a size 6-12 month/small hat.

Judy, the owner of emmifaye was so easy and pleasant to work with, and extremely prompt with turnaround. So if you need a bonnet for your little one, be sure to check her out! We will definitely be back for more!

Finn + Emma

August 3, 2016August 3, 2016 by Ki Galvan

It seems I only give birth to loud and very opinionated progenies. I have no idea where they got that from… But it has also extended over into their wardrobes from a very early age.

Miss H was barely walking the first time I vividly remember her making a fuss about what she was going to wear. This resulted in her wearing a tank dress when it was freezing outside because – hey! – there are some battles that are just not worth fighting. And she still dresses herself to the nines, as does Mr. B (who’s often a pretty swanky dresser, if I might say so myself!).

So I’m definitely cherishing whatever time I have with Sweet M’s wardrobe. Because I like clothes. Really like clothes. Especially cute, tiny, baby clothes.

So when I saw Finn + Emma, I was in love. How could I not be? Perfect, adorable baby outfits that let babies actually be dressed like babies. Soft, organic cotton that he can move and groove in.

If the buttons on the onesie and matching shorts weren’t enough to put me over the edge, the hat did it. There is something about adorable matching baby hats that get me every time. I mean, how cute is Sweet M!?

So if you’re looking for some great-quality, organic, ridiculously adorable outfits for your babe, be sure to check out Finn + Emma! You are not going to want to bypass this great brand!

Full disclosure: I received this outfit free from Finn+Emma, but all the thoughts and views are genuine and mine.