The Great Cloth Diaper Change was created and began in 2011 by Judy Aagard. She had the desire to celebrate Earth Day by holding an event within her community, which quickly grew into a dream that set a Guinness World Book Record of the most cloth diapers changed simultaneously. Shortly after, the cloth diaper lovers everywhere wanted to continue this annual event to spread awareness that cloth diaper’s are a real option for every family.
When is it?!
Each year it is held on the Saturday around Earth Day! This year the Great Cloth Diaper Change will be held Saturday, April 23rd!
Where is it?!
If you are local to Des Moines, Iowa this year’s change will happen at Uplift Fitness Studios located in Grimes. We are so gracious of the owners to donate their space for this awesome event.
If you are not located near Des Moines, check here for a location near you that may be participating.
What will happen?!
Registration will begin at 10:30 am on Saturday, April 23rd. Bring yourself, kiddo and a cloth diaper! We will have goody bags for the first 30 attendees! We will also be giving aways some awesome prizes and there will also be a few speakers such as a representative from the Central Iowa Babywearing International group!
Make sure you are following our Facebook page for updated details on giveaways, speakers and more!
Help us spread the word! We want to break our local record and spread awareness about cloth diapering!
Do you know of a family who may be in need of cloth diapers and cannot afford diapers? Please check out information about Share the Love!
I am so excited to announce that I am officially a Share the Love host for Central Iowa! What is Share the Love? I have mentioned it a few times since I returned from MommyCon Minneapolis, but I wanted to wait to go into more detail.
Share the Love is a National Cloth Diaper Bank. In 2012, Share the Love was created and began in St. Louis, Missouri. The sole purpose of this program is to distribute and provide cloth diapers to low-income families. A study was done, that one in three American families were forced to choose between food, household items and diapers. Jennifer Labit, owner of Cotton Babies, wanted to help change this.
“It feels like yesterday that my family was in this situation,” Labit said.” Ten years ago, I had a $30 weekly grocery budget and a WIC check. My family had to choose between diapers and food. If it wasn’t for a friend who generously sent my family cloth diapers as a gift, I don’t know what we would have done. Her gift helped my family and changed our lives, and I hope Share the Love will do the same for others.”
Since 2012, there have been host sites created in all 50 states across America. Many states have several host sites. To receive diapers, eligible families must apply for assistance. All of the diapers that are donated to Share the Love sites, are donated from other families who no longer need or use their cloth diapers.
So, what can YOU do?
Donate! You can donate any cloth diapers you no longer use. If they need a little tending to, that is okay. We will make sure they get put back into working condition, before they are distributed to families. You can also donate cloth wipes and/or changing pads!
Be a drop site! Do you own a business or work within a business that would be a great place for people to leave their diapers for donation? We are looking for several places in Central Iowa to leave baskets and information about the program. We would provide the basket & materials and would pick-up as often as needed!
Help spread the word to low-income families! Do you know of a great place or organization that we can spread the word about Share the Love? Share the Love is new to Central Iowa and many low-income families may not know of this option. With your help, we can help ease the minds of these families by getting them cloth diapers!
If you can help in ANY of these areas or have questions about the program please contact me at SharetheLove@cottonbabies.com.
The kids and I had a chance to check out Kids in Harmony, LLC this week at the Urbandale Public Library. They were offering a special preview class for the kids due to Spring Break. We had lots of fun singing, dancing, and playing with egg shakers.
Kids in Harmony is owned and operated by Shelly Peterson who is a board certified music therapist. She has a lot of experience working with children and adults that have special needs. She also works with children who may not have any specific special needs.
She focuses on communication skills, academic skills, fine & gross motor skills, emotional development, sensory, social skills and music skills, in a playful environment.
Right now, Kids in Harmony is offering classes Friday mornings at Courage League Sports in Urbandale. There is one session approaching fast, starting March 27th through May 8th (no class April 3rd). Classes will be held 9:30-10:00 am for children ages 1 through 6 years of age with an adult. It is $66/child for one 6 week session. They do offer sibling discounts also. Click here to register.
Make sure to follow Kids in Harmony on Facebook here.
If you are a babywearer you NEED to check it out. Rhockett Weaving is owned and operated by Rhonda Brackett. After she fell in love with babywearing and discovered it was a necessity in her life, she began creating her own signature style wraps. She also takes custom orders, if you are wanting something really special.
This April, is the very first Rhockett Retreat. This is a place where people come together, who love wrapping as much as you! There will be good food, henna from Alternative Artistry, babywearing yoga, babywearing art, campfires & s’mores, and MORE!
There will be classes through out the the three-day, two-night event including weaving, dyeing fabric and learning different wrapping instructions. You can also check out some awesome local vendors such as Finnabug Bags, Starbright Baby, and Alternative Artistry.
The Rhockett Retreat is being held …
Friday, April 24th through Sunday, April 26th
You can come by yourself, you can come with your little one OR you can bring the entire family. Not everyone needs to attend all the fun classes, but there will be no child supervision provided. There is also a charge for each additional person, to cover room and board.
This years Rhockett Retreat is being held in Ogden, Iowa. You can choose to stay the entire time or drive for only the day on Saturday and/or Sunday. You can register here for whatever option you choose! If you register for the entire retreat you will receive a FREE swag bag!
To help get everyone excited about this fun babywearing retreat, we are doing a GIVEAWAY!
One lucky winner will win a waldorf inspired babywearing doll created from Rhockett Weaving scraps!
The contest begins TODAY and will end Friday, March 13th! I will post the winner on my Facebook page. Good luck!
I attended MommyCon in Chicago last year, while I was pregnant and had a lot of fun. This year, I will be attending MommyCon Minneapolis with Amelia in tow 🙂
For the next several weeks I will be doing a lot of blogging and talking about MommyCon. I will be offering FREE tickets and I will also be offering a discount code so you can receive $5 off your tickets!
Some of you may be wondering, what is MommyCon? So, let’s start with the basic information and get you as excited as I am!
What is MommyCon?
MommyCon is a natural parenting style, influenced convention. The event is full of speakers, workshops, shopping and much more! It is a great event to attend whether you are about to become a parent or are already a parent, there is something for you. You can learn about cloth diapering, babywearing (even try on some awesome carriers), breastfeeding, bottle feeding, etc. There are so many different resources available to see and ask questions.
When is MommyCon Minneapolis?
It is Saturday, April 18th 9 am – 5 pm and will be located at the Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington.
How much are tickets?
Tickets are $35, but if you use the code MIDWESTMOM15 you will receive $5 off!
Can dads attend?
Of course! Last year, there were several dads that attended the event. They can learn just as much as you!
Can I bring my baby and do they need a ticket?
Yes! Bring your kiddos! Children who are 16 years or younger are FREE with their parent.
Can I bring a stroller to the event?
You are allowed to bring a stroller, but due to the high volume of traffic and attendees, it is recommended to wear your baby.
What if I need to feed my baby?
MommyCon is okay with however way you need to feed your baby and wherever you want to feed your baby. They do offer a special lounge area for just women also.
Are there special hotel accommodations?
There is a block of hotel rooms at the Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington. The rate is $99 per night and you must book by March 18th.
As we get closer to the event I will be talking about LOTS of things to see and do, talking more about the speakers, and more. Of course, if you have any questions, please do NOT hesitate asking! You can post here or e-mail me!
I am looking forward to sharing this with you and I hope you ALL attend!
I cannot believe that 2014 is coming to an end! Here are some awesome ideas that you can do locally with your kiddos!
1. Bounce in the New Year
Where: Pump it Up Urbandale
When: December 31st, 10 am – Noon
Info: $10 pre-registered and $12 at the door. Come bounce with friends and celebrate the New Year with a balloon drop at noon! Each child will receive New Year’s favors. To register or find out more information click here!
2. GuideOne ImaginEve
Where: Hy-Vee Hall at Iowa Events Center
When: December 31st, 4pm – 8 pm
Info: This event is FREE! There will be inflatables, obstacle courses, slides, face painters, carnival games & prizes, live entertainment, super heroes & princesses, and a special toddler zone. For children 1o years and older there will be a tween zone and laser tag. The evening will end with a confetti drop at 8 pm and fireworks at 8:15 pm. Check out here for more information!
3. New Year’s Eve at Seven Oaks
Where: Seven Oaks Recreation
When: December 31st, 7-11 pm
Info: Come out and celebrate the New Year with snow tubing, skiing, and/or snowboarding! Admission includes a hot dog or pizza, soft drink, and party favors. Check out here for more information and prices.
4. New Year’s Eve Party at the Ramada Tropics
Where: Ramada Tropics Resort & Conference Center
Info: Ramada Tropics is hosting a very special New Year’s celebration. They have an indoor water park, slide, and tiki bar. There is something for everyone! Check out the flyer for packaging prices and more information of what is included. You better book soon!
5. Noon Year’s Eve
Where: Science Center of Iowa
When: 9 am – Noon
Info: Visit the Science Center and all the exhibits they have to offer. They will also have face painting, balloon twisting, and a huge balloon drop with noisemakers at noon! All of the special events are included with your admission and SCI Members get to enjoy it for FREE! Check out more information here
Info: Check out the last evening of Jolly Holiday Lights. Load the kids up, get some hot cocoa, and enjoy the festive lights before the end of the year!
7. Host a New Year’s Eve Party at your house
Where: Your house!
When: Whatever times you choose!
Info: Invite your friends and their kids over to your place and host a New Year’s party. Or you can invite just the kiddos and have a big sleepover. There are tons of ideas on Pinterest of games, snacks, activities and more to do. Here are some of my favorite pins to check out:
I just learned about Storytime at the local Barnes & Noble recently. Every so often Barnes & Noble will offer Storytime, usually a Friday evening , Saturday afternoon or various other days during the week. An employee reads a special book and sometimes, there is a craft to go along!
This past Friday was a very special holiday edition of Storytime and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was read! The kids dressed up in their holiday pajamas and sat around while the classic was read to them.
They even got their own little red nose, like Rudolph!
Afterwards they were able to decorate a special gingerbread man, drank milk and ate a cookie!
In the Barnes & Noble cafe, they were offering $1.00 hot cocoa during the Storytime period. With every item you purchased in the cafe (including hot cocoa) you received a very special Rudolph shortbread cookie!
Monte and Amelia had so much fun!
Barnes & Noble has two different locations in the Des Moines area. They offer Storytimes at various times through out the week. This is a great alternative then Storytime at the libraries. It’s a nice way to change it up! Check out the event calendars for each location below, to see when the next Story Time will be!
It’s that time of year again! Here is a list of MUST WATCH Christmas movies. Also, I have discovered the Hallmark channel which plays Christmas 24/7!!! It’s amazing! 🙂
ABC Family broadcasts most of these movies through out their 25 Days of Christmas. Luckily, we have a DVR so I have went through and recorded most of these so they are available to watch anytime! Make sure you do the same!
I thought I would share a new thing I am doing with Monte. Since I have been home full time and watching other kiddos, I have been trying to find an easy way to have different activities out to play with daily. I usually keep puzzles, paints, playdough, busy bag items, etc. out of reach, for obvious reasons.
I decided each day, I will place 2-3 trays out with different activities in them. That way Monte and the other kiddos can choose what they would like to play with and everything is in one spot. It makes for easy clean up also!
This was last week. I had our “sewing” busy bag in one tray and matching cards in another tray. I also had Monte’s favorite hippo game out! It was nice because he would run around and play, then stop, sit and work on one of his trays. It’s hard for Monte to sit still for a length of time, if he is not in the mood. This way, when he is ready, he can play!
I picked up the two trays above at Target. They are actually just letter trays and were about $6 a piece.
I already had this red plastic one which is very sturdy. I use it for crafts such as paint, glitter, glue, etc. like when we decorated our witch’s hat!
The trays are also easy to carry things outside like when we did the Erupting Sidewalk Chalk.
What tricks do you do to make kids activities for you and the kids?
When: Thursday, December 12th – Sunday, December 15th
What: Make sure to purchase soon if you are wanting to see this Holiday classic! Go to Hoyt Sherman Place for information on show times and ticket prices.
2. Winter Market
When: Friday 11 am – 2 pm & Saturday 9 am – 1 pm
Where and What: Miss the weekly downtown farmers market? You do not want to miss this then! This market will be located at Capital Square and there will be more then 120 vendors to shop from. Wine, jams, honey, turkeys, crafts and much more will be available for purchase. Check out the Downtown Farmers Market for more information and scheduled entertainment!
3. Cloth Diaper Garage Sale
When: Saturday 10 am – 12 pm
Where and What: Whether you want to sell or buy cloth diapers, this event is for you! Check out the Little Padded Seats page for information on how to sell or buy!
4. Reiman Gardens Breakfast at the North Pole
When: Saturday 9 am or 11 am
What: There are two sittings available one at 9 am and 11 am. This event is for the whole family where you will enjoy a healthy breakfast in the Winter Wonderland, activity station, and carolers. You must register! For more information, prices, and to register check out Reiman Gardens website!
5. Santa at the Blank Park Zoo
When: Saturday 10 am – 2 pm
What: This event is for the whole family! Take a picture with Santa and his reindeer, write a letter to the North Pole, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, and explore the zoo! For scheduled events going on through out the day, check out the Blank Park Zoo website!
6. Brunch with Santa
When: Saturday 10 am – 2 pm
Where and What: Located at the Urbandale Senior Center … bring your kiddos, camera, and wish list! Join Santa for donuts, juice, holiday crafts, cookie decorating, and so much more! $10 per child. For more information and to register check out the Urbandale website!
7. Brunch with Santa at Center Grove
When: Saturday 9 am – 12 pm & Sunday 11 am – 2 pm
What: Eat breakfast, do crafts, and visit with Santa & Rudolph! There will also be a coloring contest! Cost $7.95 per adult and $5.95 per child Check out the Center Grove flyer for more details!
8. Holiday Tea at Terrace Hill
When: Monday and Tuesday times vary!
What: This is an adult event! So make it a date day/night with your significant other! Enjoy the Terrace Hill decked out in holiday lights and decor, enjoy tea, desserts, sandwiches, and entertainment! For more information, times, and to purchase tickets check out the Holiday Tea at Terrace Hill event!
9. Rainforest Romp at the Science Center of Iowa
When: Tuesday 1 pm – 2 pm
What: For ages 3-5 and their families! General admission to the Science Center is included. Discover one of the world’s biggest and most incredible mysteries as we uncover life in the rainforest! Where are rainforests located? What animals live there? Find out all about this amazing ecosystem, the animals that live there and the amazing explorers who help us to understand it better.
10. Cloth Diaper 101
When: Tuesday 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Where and What: Are you wanting to learn more about cloth diapers? Not sure what to purchase or how to care for them? This class is PERFECT for you! Located at the local Little Padded Seats, you will learn everything you need to know. Check out Little Padded Seats website for more information.
11. Children’s Craft Days at Center Grove Orchard
When: Wednesday 10 am – 12 pm
What: Bring the children out and create a kids holiday craft, eat some sweet treats, do a scavenger hunt, and story time! There will also be some lunch items available for purchase. $4.95 per child. Check out the Center Grove flyer for more details!
12. Ladies Night at Center Grove
When: Wednesday 6 pm – 8 pm
What: Make it a fun night out with friends at Center Grove Orchard! Enjoy appetizers, soup, bread, dessert and create a special holiday Pinterest craft. There will also be a drawing for a gift basket giveaway! $9.95 per person and reservations are required! Check out the Center Grove flyer for more information!
