It all started shortly afer Proeun and I married a little over 6 years ago. We were at his insurance agent’s office making the necessary changes. It was taking awhile so I decided I would walk down a few doors to an interesting looking shop I saw on the way in, Peapods. As soon as I walked in I was amazed at the array of natural toys, baby care items, and wonder of wonders cloth diaper. My mother had used these on me, as had my grandmother. Though I hadn’t started thinking about babies yet it just made sense to me. My sister-in-law was pregnant with her 3rd so I bought a dozen prefolds and cover for her. She never used them, but a few months later I was pregnancy with my first and knew I would.

Peapods became a frequent stop for me as I stocked up. I was so excited to find there was still a demand for cloth diapers and they had actually improved over the years. I asked the store clerk if there were any parenting groups he knew of and he referred me to Attachment Parenting. Through them I learned about the family bed and “babywearing.”

When my first was born I had a couple baby carriers ala Target with snaps and clasps and all sorts of impractical things. Soon I experimented with soft carriers. I now have a Kangaroo Korner fleece sling which is my favorite for when baby is young and ease getting even older children in and out but for comfort it is my mei tai all the way. Of course I have to wait awhile to put baby on my back, but when I do it really frees up my hands.

When my 2nd was born a carrier was essential to keep up with a busy 2 year old. Now I am carrying my 3rd. I absolutely love wearing my babies. I even have an evening wear carrier. But winter does present some interesting problems–mostly how you both stay warm. My husband bought me an oversized coat but that means I have to carry the baby on the front. That is when I found this pattern

This is from Little Turtle Knits (I also use and love their diaper cover pattern, particularly the hybrid wrap). It’s relatively easy to make and can be customized to your measurements and yarn choices. With the almost spring thaw type weather we are having it is time to get out and about again after a week of sub zero temps. Today we went around our neighborhood passing out flyers for our CSA. Just have to make sure I don’t slip!