Oh what a week!

Just a quick update for everyone! We had our newest addition join us on Monday, via C-Section. He was 3 weeks early and he is now in the NICU. There is lots to say, but I haven't the energy to post the whole story yet. I will have the birth story and updates on our little man posted sometime this weekend! :)

For now, here's a little peek at our new son, Luke:

Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers!

I have to admit it has been quite some time since I have tried Huggies brand diapers. In fact, I'd say it was about 5 years or so ago- and I always seemed to have trouble with leaking. So, I was very interested in trying Huggies improved Snug & Dry diapers... I wanted to see if they really had changed.

Well, I am very glad to report we have not had any leaks! Night time is our biggest challenge, by far, so for the diapers to consistently protect overnight is huge! Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers now feature improved Leak Lock to pull wetness in and  lock it away, protecting both parents and babies from leaks.

I wish I had some old Huggies to compare to the new ones, but I don't. The new Huggies have a super cute Mickey Mouse design (which my kids LOVE)...and it's perfect for either boys or girls.

  

  

Here are a few pictures- unfortunately the lighting wasn't so great and the flash made the diapers super washed out. The first picture is the front of the diaper. The top of the diaper has a hive-like pattern to it and it rally helps the velcro tabs stick well. The second picture is the back of the diaper. We love the elastic back, especially for those oh so exciting diaper changes where you realize you would have possibly needed an entire outfit change if it wasn't for that elastic!

The third picture is the inside of the diaper. Those inner gussets are SO important! One thing I have learned is to MAKE SURE the frills around the legs are not interfering with the inner gussets- this creates leaks.  Thee diaper itself is a little thick, but not overly bulky- neither of the kids mind it so long as they are dry. Once they are wet it sags a bit and they get a little crabby...all the better for potty training!

Have you used Huggies Snug & Dry recently? What are your thoughts?

Stay tuned for my next Huggies post where I will post a video of me putting Huggies Snug & Dry to the test!

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central for Huggies. I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for participating

all(r) Free Clear and your pollen allergies...

If you have seasonal allergies, you probably are one to keep an eye on pollen counts in your area. In northern Michigan the tree and grass pollen is extremely high.... this can make for a not so great trip outdoors! Of course, there is allergy medication you can take, but have you ever considered all the allergens that are trapped in your clothing waiting to surprise you next time you wear them?

It's honestly not something I had considered before, but I totally understand it. My clothing picks up smells and traps other various things (cat hair, dirt, smoke, etc)... so why not pollen?  Well, it can...and most definitely does. On a peak pollen day up to 7 million pollen grains can get trapped on a large t-shirt! 

So- what can you do?

Well, all(r) free clear is the #2 brand recommended by dermatologists and allergist for sensitive skin... and it remives 99% of the #1 spring allergen- Grass and Tree pollen!  all(r) free clear is also free of potential irritants like dyes and perfumes, and hypoallergenic! And no worries about your washing machine... you can use all(r) free clear with either high efficiency or non-high efficiency washers and both top loading and front loading machines.

all(r) free clear sent me a wonderful kit to enjoy the outdoors with...and to try all(r) free clear! We received a picnic set with a blanket and a laundry bag, and of course some all(r) free clear! Our mission... to have a picnic outside and then wash the clothing and blanket that was outdoors. 

Unfortunately, Michigan weather is extremely unpredictable. We had a week of crazy warm weather when it was supposed to be winter still, then it was cold until just about two weeks ago. So, we've not had a chance to plan a proper picnic. However, we've had several days where we've played outside. 

We're pretty lucky because only me and one of our sons have seasonal allergies... but I was still excited to know that once the laundry was washed we wouldn't have to worry about being affected by the leftover pollen! all(r) free clear washed our laundry well, we had no issues with the detergent. Now, I can't say that all the pollen was gone...because I just don't know how to tell- but I was able to sniff the clothing just fine without sneezing or my eyes getting itchy.  Overall, I'd consider using all(r) free clear again, especially during allergy season. I also plan on using it on the new babies clothing and bedding when he gets here! 

I received a blogger picnic kit from all(r) free clear to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own. all(r) free clear does not prevent or mitigate allergy symptoms and is not intended to treat or prevent allergies.

Got 'Em!

Got Em is a delightful way to "Corner Your Friends"! Trap their pawns in one of two games of escape and capture. In Bright Got 'Em!™ you out smart and corner your opponents through savvy card play, sly movement, and clever placement of blocking walls. In the still-casual but even-trickier Brainy Got 'Em!™ you toss aside card actions in favor of a purely strategic challenge. Both games share the same goal, the same exciting intrigue, and the same social fun.

Contents include: • One game board • The side with colored squares is used for Bright Got ’Em! • The side with white squares is used for Brainy Got ’Em! • 84 wall pieces • 55 Got ’Em!™ cards • 4 pawns • Rules

Buy It: You can purchase Calliope Games: Got 'Em! for 20.81!

Win It: Calliope Games has offered one lucky reader their own copy of Got Em' Please make sure you read the Giveaway Rules before you enter! This giveaway is brought to you by Disney and Real Mom Reviews. Six in the Nest is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

Real Labor vs False Labor

So, as I type this I am sitting here having contractions. I'm due at the end of the month- so it's not THAT likely that they are the real thing. After having several children you'd think I know what the real thing is. The truth is, at least for me, the beginning labor contractions for real labor feel a whole lot like braxton hicks contractions to me. 

I've been told a few things about false labor... first, if you drink a couple glasses and lay down on your left side false labor should let up. Second, if you walk, the contractions will get stronger if it is real labor. I can say that with false labor a couple glasses of water and a nap will take care of them for me. The walking part hasn't been as true for me... and since every woman is different it is hard to be sure.

Here is a great chart from WebMD:

Contraction Characteristics

False Labor

True Labor

How often do the contractions occur?

Contractions are often irregular and do not get closer together

Contractions come at regular intervals and last about 30-70 seconds. As time goes on, they get closer together and stronger.

Do they change with movement?

Contractions may stop when you walk or rest, or may even stop if you change positions

Contractions continue despite movement or changing positions

How strong are they?

Contractions are usually weak and do not get much stronger. Or they may be strong at first and then get weaker.

Contractions steadily increase in strength

Where do you feel the pain?

Contractions are usually only felt in the front of the abdomen or pelvic region

Contractions are more intense and may start in the lower back and move to the front of the abdomen

I have found the only reliable way to know whether or not it is true labor is time. You will either continue to have contractions- or they will fade out and stop. It's always good to ask your doctor when s/he would like you to call when you think you are in labor. Generally all doctors say to call if you think you may be in labor before 37 weeks, but after that time your doctor will probably tell you to call when your contractions are 5-7 minutes apart and have been for over an hour. 

So, maybe the labor fairy is sitting on my shoulder, but maybe not. For me, only time will truly tell!

When did you know you were in labor?