Diaper Pins

I've been seriously considering buying a snappi, for those that don't know, snappis are basically a t-shaped device that grabs the wings and crotch of the diaper to hold it secure so pins don't have to be used. From what I hear they don't work on flannel and I'd have to make "snappiable" patches on all my diapers. So for now, I'm opting for the old fashioned diaper pin.  I'm guessing that after I poke myself a few times I may reconsider my position.  One trick I read about on the pin package was to store them in a bar of soap and they will go through the fabric much more easily-and it will make the closet smell so much better.

Baby Preparations: Cloth Diapers

Since I am due to have the baby soon-less than 6 days!-I have been preparing more for the baby's arrival.  We don't know the gender yet so most of the nursery is neutrals which is wonderful because I've never been big on pink.  I've been reading up on cloth diapering for months now and have really heard mixed reviews about the benefits.  My "What to Expect" book frowns on cloth diapering and insists you won't save money due to using a laundering service.  After much reading I decided if I sewed the diapers myself and washed them since I will be home anyways there will definitely be savings.  For my baby shower my lovely Aunt made a dozen curved diapers that just need a cover and to be pinned.  I decided to try my hand at making some more since it is recommended to have 24-36 diapers on hand.  All in all the process was pretty easy and we'll see in a few weeks how well they work.

These diapers are really basic to make.  I bought some flannel at Walmart for less than two dollars a yard and that is really all you need other than thread and a sewing machine to make these.  I just traced one of the diapers I had already and cut two pieces.  I stitched the two pieces together leaving one end open to add some flannel for absorption in the middle.  I cut a rectangle of flannel-about 3 layers-and inserted them in the diaper once it has been turned right side out.  I top stitched around the edges and did some swervy lines around the extra flannel in the middle to add "quilting".  It is recommended to pre-wash the diapers about 5 times in hot water to soften them up, reduce the oils, and increase absorbency.

Baby Preparations: Dresser

 

Finally, after a long long search, I found the dresser I've been wanting.  

Last weekend in a last ditch effort to get the dresser before the baby came I ran down to a nearby small town and visited their Goodwill.  This Goodwill is like none others I have met before-it is well organized, light, well staffed, and is clean.  Since my sister has two kids already I had a ton of clothes but few places to store them so I had been looking for a long low dresser that could fit under the window and possibly double as a changing table.  I found this treasure for $50.  It is very solid and heavy and all of the drawers work.  There are scratches on the top and some of the drawers but if I get ambitious this summer I could refinish it.  All and all I was pretty satisfied with my purchase-if only my husband had the same feelings about buying used furniture.  

Raspberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

This recipe came from my mom and is absolutely delicious for brunches or special occasions.  Mom made it for my baby shower and it was delicious.  I'm looking forward to making this soon. 

2 1/2 Cups of flour
3/4 cup of sugar
3/4 cup of butter
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon of salt
3/4 cup sour cream
1 egg
1 tsp almond extract

Filling:
1 Package of cream cheese
1/4 cup of sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup of raspberry jam

Topping:
1/2 cup of sliced almonds

Directions:
In a large bowl combine flour and sugar; cut in the butter using a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse bread crumbs. Remove 1 cup of crumbs for topping. to remaining crumb mixture add baking powder, soda, salt, sour cream, egg and extract. Blend well. Spread batter over bottom and 2 inches up sides of a greased and floured 9 inch spring form pan. In small bowl combine cream cheese, 1/4 cup of sugar, and egg. Blend well. Pour over batter in pan. Carefully spoon jam evenly over cheese filling. In a small bowl combine 1 cup of reserved crumbs and almonds. Sprinkle over top. Bake at 350 degrees for 55-60 minutes or until cream cheese filling is set and crust is a deep golden brown. Cool 15 minutes. Remove sides of pan. Serve warm or cool-cover and refrigerate left overs.
Serves 16