It's 9:24 a.m. and the apartment is quiet except for the sound of rain coming from my Lil Bear's white noise machine. I can't believe it's already December 12. Where did the time go? When I look back I realize that I've accomplished a lot in a little span of time. People thought I was nuts trying to care for an infant and continue on with school but I managed. Looking back I can't help but feel a huge sense of accomplishment. A friend of mine warned that if Lil Bear had colic I'd be screwed in terms of school. Alas, we overcame that obstacle.
Lil Bear has reflux. Took a few weeks of horrible nights full of screaming and crying until our midwife suggested checking out a website FussyBaby.ca The information helped me realize Lil Bear had reflux and how to help ease his discomfort. The website also made me realize I was not alone. Many other women had fussy babies and together we'd be able to make it through the most difficult times. How previous generations survived without internet or Mom & Babe groups is beyond me! Now every time I listen to a mother talk about trying to comfort her fussy baby I make sure she knows about FussyBaby.ca.
Now that school is over and the Victoria Legal Secretaries' Association is adjourned for the holidays I plan to kick back, relax, enjoy watching Lil Bear discover more of his world and prepare for our upcoming road trip.
Friday, 12 December 2008
Sunday, 23 November 2008
The Good, The Bad and the Down Right Stressful
I have a terrible habit of biting off more than I can chew. Both figuratively and literally. The problem stems from underestimating the difficulty of the task at hand. This year is no different.
Currently I am a mother, university student and president of the Victoria Legal Secretaries Association. All of which carry an immense amount of responsibility.
As a mother, Byron relies on me to keep him fed, dry, safe and happy. The good part, actually the GREAT part is when he smiles at me. My heart melts. No matter how tired, frustrated or stressed I am with life, for at least a few moments, I'm lost in his smile. Oddly enough, motherhood is not as difficult as I had imagined. People said I was insane for taking on so much but honestly it's manageable. I am learning to overcome my procrastination; to utilize those who offer to help; and multi-task whenever possible.
Procrastination is something that I perfected over the years but now I have to take advantage of Byron's nap time or when the hubby is around in order to ensure everything gets done. When push comes to shove, I've even read my contract law text to Byron. Hey, experts say that it doesn't matter what you read to your kid, it all helps develop their language skills. What's the harm in him learning contract law any way? He could become a lawyer some day.
All in all, Byron is the good in what I have taken on this year.
School however, is not so good. Actually, to be honest, it's pretty bad right now. First off, I have to say that when you pay so much money for an education it really sucks when you do not do as well as you would like. Growing up I didn't really care about grades. I knew I was capable of great things; just wasn't interested in what was being taught. Now I choose my courses (to some degree); fork out horrendous amounts of cash; and strive to get A's. Unfortunately I had a baby right when I embarked on the courses I knew would be my biggest challenge.
During my legal secretary program contract law was the one course that prevented me from achieving honours. For some reason I had a mental block when applying the concepts to the cases presented. I knew the concepts. I understood the cases. I just couldn't seem to put it all together. This time round it's no different. I've put in even more effort knowing I have to overcome this mental block but I continue to watch my GPA go down the drain. Worst part, is I have two semesters of this. Yup, Contracts is a two part course and is mandatory for graduation. And really, if you think about it, contracts are everywhere. We can't go a day without entering into some sort of contract. This thought only compounds my frustration.
The down right stressful part of life right now is my responsibilities to the VLSA. I so badly want to leave a lasting impression and make a real impact on the organization. However, not everyone shares the same sense of pride and responsibility in their role. Month after month I waste time and energy chasing after people who should be able to fulfill their obligations or simply fill in the vacant role. So much of my attention is being placed on tasks that are normally delegated that the tasks I wanted to perform to the best of my ability are not getting the attention they deserve.
For example, last year I took on the responsibility of organizing our annual Christmas silent auction. I loved it. So much so that I agreed right away to take in on again. When I took on the presidency I knew that I had already agreed to run the auction again. Unfortunately I have not been able to spend as much time on it this year. The year when economic uncertainty seems to have made many of our regular donors rethink their support. As the day of the auction quickly approaches I see the few donations collected and scramble to cast our net of requests wider. I know the stress I face is truly one I created myself. Partly because I did not stay on top of things but partly because I set such a high standard for myself.
Disappointment in myself looms heavily right now. Last year I set the record for highest amount raised by the auction. This year I fear I will set the record for the lowest amount. In the year that the charities we're supporting mean so much to the membership; so much to a friend I highly admire.
But alas, there is still time to continue on in my quest to be the best I can be. Only one more week left in this semester and two weeks until the auction. Hopefully these last few pushes before the finish line will make all the difference between mediocrity and great achievement.
Currently I am a mother, university student and president of the Victoria Legal Secretaries Association. All of which carry an immense amount of responsibility.
As a mother, Byron relies on me to keep him fed, dry, safe and happy. The good part, actually the GREAT part is when he smiles at me. My heart melts. No matter how tired, frustrated or stressed I am with life, for at least a few moments, I'm lost in his smile. Oddly enough, motherhood is not as difficult as I had imagined. People said I was insane for taking on so much but honestly it's manageable. I am learning to overcome my procrastination; to utilize those who offer to help; and multi-task whenever possible.
Procrastination is something that I perfected over the years but now I have to take advantage of Byron's nap time or when the hubby is around in order to ensure everything gets done. When push comes to shove, I've even read my contract law text to Byron. Hey, experts say that it doesn't matter what you read to your kid, it all helps develop their language skills. What's the harm in him learning contract law any way? He could become a lawyer some day.
All in all, Byron is the good in what I have taken on this year.
School however, is not so good. Actually, to be honest, it's pretty bad right now. First off, I have to say that when you pay so much money for an education it really sucks when you do not do as well as you would like. Growing up I didn't really care about grades. I knew I was capable of great things; just wasn't interested in what was being taught. Now I choose my courses (to some degree); fork out horrendous amounts of cash; and strive to get A's. Unfortunately I had a baby right when I embarked on the courses I knew would be my biggest challenge.
During my legal secretary program contract law was the one course that prevented me from achieving honours. For some reason I had a mental block when applying the concepts to the cases presented. I knew the concepts. I understood the cases. I just couldn't seem to put it all together. This time round it's no different. I've put in even more effort knowing I have to overcome this mental block but I continue to watch my GPA go down the drain. Worst part, is I have two semesters of this. Yup, Contracts is a two part course and is mandatory for graduation. And really, if you think about it, contracts are everywhere. We can't go a day without entering into some sort of contract. This thought only compounds my frustration.
The down right stressful part of life right now is my responsibilities to the VLSA. I so badly want to leave a lasting impression and make a real impact on the organization. However, not everyone shares the same sense of pride and responsibility in their role. Month after month I waste time and energy chasing after people who should be able to fulfill their obligations or simply fill in the vacant role. So much of my attention is being placed on tasks that are normally delegated that the tasks I wanted to perform to the best of my ability are not getting the attention they deserve.
For example, last year I took on the responsibility of organizing our annual Christmas silent auction. I loved it. So much so that I agreed right away to take in on again. When I took on the presidency I knew that I had already agreed to run the auction again. Unfortunately I have not been able to spend as much time on it this year. The year when economic uncertainty seems to have made many of our regular donors rethink their support. As the day of the auction quickly approaches I see the few donations collected and scramble to cast our net of requests wider. I know the stress I face is truly one I created myself. Partly because I did not stay on top of things but partly because I set such a high standard for myself.
Disappointment in myself looms heavily right now. Last year I set the record for highest amount raised by the auction. This year I fear I will set the record for the lowest amount. In the year that the charities we're supporting mean so much to the membership; so much to a friend I highly admire.
But alas, there is still time to continue on in my quest to be the best I can be. Only one more week left in this semester and two weeks until the auction. Hopefully these last few pushes before the finish line will make all the difference between mediocrity and great achievement.
Friday, 7 November 2008
An Awesome Responsibility
Recently I read the story of how friends of mine named their little girl. It prompted me to write this. Byron's story. Enjoy.
First off, you need to know that my husband's full name is Shaun William Byron.
I'm sure you can already see where Byron came from but there is more to the story. Since they day we decided to get married I always wanted to name my frist son Shaun William Byron II but call him Byron. I didn't want two Shauns in the house and Byron was less common than William. Unfortunately hubby didn't like the idea as much. I guess living with the name for so long takes the magic out of such a noble sounding name. However, he did agree on Byron which to me was very noble sounding.
We were off to a good start. For months we battled back and forth on what the middle names should be. I wanted Byron to have two middle names like his dad. My niece's middle name came from a relative and I liked the idea of honouring someone in this fashion. But who do we pick? My gut told me Robert Charles after my grandfather (Byron Gustav, after my Opa, didn't seem to flow as well). That didn't seem quite right either even though Shaun liked the name Robert; he has a grandfather named Robert too. In fact, both our father's fathers are Roberts.
Then it hit me. Stephen. Shaun's dad. Over the past few years I have watched Shaun become closer with his dad and I too have enjoyed building a friendship with my father-in-law. I suggested to Shaun the name Byron Stephen Robert. Father, grandfather, great-grandfathers. He said he'd think about it.
For months after that people would ask if we picked out a name and I'd proudly say we had agreed on Byron. Then I'd put the feelers out. I'd mention that we were undecided on the Stephen Robert.
It wasn't until we were driving to the hospital that we discussed it again. No other names had come up. Well, none that were serious. So Byron Stephen Robert it would be.
After 21 hours in the hospital, 15 of which were labour, 7 active labour, Byron Stephen Robert was born. On his Opa Stephen's birthday.
It is an awesome responsibility to name a child. One never knows how the choice of name will affect who that little one becomes. How can we properly pick a name for someone we don't even know? Somewhere, somehow, something inside of me knew Byron was the right name. Confirmation came when I looked up the meaning of Byron - Bear. May seem plain and drab to you, but if you knew Shaun and I well, you'd know Shaun's nickname is Honeybear and I love Winnie-the-Pooh. Now I have a Lil Bear.
First off, you need to know that my husband's full name is Shaun William Byron.
I'm sure you can already see where Byron came from but there is more to the story. Since they day we decided to get married I always wanted to name my frist son Shaun William Byron II but call him Byron. I didn't want two Shauns in the house and Byron was less common than William. Unfortunately hubby didn't like the idea as much. I guess living with the name for so long takes the magic out of such a noble sounding name. However, he did agree on Byron which to me was very noble sounding.
We were off to a good start. For months we battled back and forth on what the middle names should be. I wanted Byron to have two middle names like his dad. My niece's middle name came from a relative and I liked the idea of honouring someone in this fashion. But who do we pick? My gut told me Robert Charles after my grandfather (Byron Gustav, after my Opa, didn't seem to flow as well). That didn't seem quite right either even though Shaun liked the name Robert; he has a grandfather named Robert too. In fact, both our father's fathers are Roberts.
Then it hit me. Stephen. Shaun's dad. Over the past few years I have watched Shaun become closer with his dad and I too have enjoyed building a friendship with my father-in-law. I suggested to Shaun the name Byron Stephen Robert. Father, grandfather, great-grandfathers. He said he'd think about it.
For months after that people would ask if we picked out a name and I'd proudly say we had agreed on Byron. Then I'd put the feelers out. I'd mention that we were undecided on the Stephen Robert.
It wasn't until we were driving to the hospital that we discussed it again. No other names had come up. Well, none that were serious. So Byron Stephen Robert it would be.
After 21 hours in the hospital, 15 of which were labour, 7 active labour, Byron Stephen Robert was born. On his Opa Stephen's birthday.
It is an awesome responsibility to name a child. One never knows how the choice of name will affect who that little one becomes. How can we properly pick a name for someone we don't even know? Somewhere, somehow, something inside of me knew Byron was the right name. Confirmation came when I looked up the meaning of Byron - Bear. May seem plain and drab to you, but if you knew Shaun and I well, you'd know Shaun's nickname is Honeybear and I love Winnie-the-Pooh. Now I have a Lil Bear.
Thursday, 6 November 2008
Keeping the Sanity
Again I attempt the blog. I've heard time and time again from new mothers that it has helped them stay sane in amongst the ever changing life they have embarked on so here goes nothing...
Tis true, I am a mother. My little Byron is so precious and despite the trials and tribulations he has brought to my life, one little smile makes my heart melt and I am immediately reassured that this is how my life is supposed to go right now.
The trials, apart from general adjustment to lack of sleep, include the fussiness of a baby with reflux. Poor little guy has too much acid in his stomach and it makes him uncomfortable, and how do uncomfortable babies let you know their pain? The scream. To add to the pressure, we live in an apartment that is generally very quiet so I feel guilty when I can't calm Byron down and think I may be disturbing my neighbors. So far they have not complained and claim only once to have heard him. Still, I don't like to hear my son scream.
Luckily, I have an awesome Mom & Babe group and was encouraged to read (or watch the DVD - which do you think I did?) the book "Happiest Baby on the Block". Complete turn around in my ability to calm my son within seconds! I can even calm him down while changing his diaper (FYI - babies with reflux do not like laying flat on their back and tend to scream bloody murder during the ordeal). Now my nights alone while Shaun is at work are less stressful as they tend to be a lot quieter.
However, babies have their own agendas and schedules and Byron is very curious about his new world. So curious that he has a tendancy to fight sleep all day long just to absorb as much as he can. This causes what we now refer to as "Awake Days" and "Sleepy Days" which tend to alternate. This would be fine to deal with if I had not taken on my position as President of the Victoria Legal Secretaries Association and continued my studies in the Paralegal program through Capilano University and did not have the art of procrastination down to a science. Byron is teaching me that procrastination is EXTREMELY bad. If I don't get the chores done, my work for VLSA and school work done while he's sleeping, no matter when that might be, I will fall behind VERY quickly. He has also taught me that attempting to meet these responsibilities while he's asleep is 100 times easier than when he's awake, or even in a baby carrier. It's amazing that a two month old can teach you a lesson you've tried to avoid so strongly over the last 20+ years.
Another lesson I've learned is that of discipline. My mother and hsuband will no doubt agree that I tend to lack self-discipline. It has been proven with every purchase of exercise clothing and every payment towards a gym membership. I lack consistency where I have good intentions. What I've learned is that by creating a chore schedule for myself I break up the HUGE task of keeping our home clean over the course of the week and have identified the few chores that need to be kept up daily. An suprising bonus was Shaun pitching in and doing the next day's chores freeing me up to catch up on homework. It is also beneficial that he knows what I am attempting to do every day and knows where to pitch in. Again I am reminded that communication is absolutely ESSENTIAL to a happy marriage. I have systems in my chaos that if I don't explain to Shaun, they just appear to be messes. Sometimes there is more chaos than system but if you know the underlying system it makes it easier to tame the chaos, thus communicating that system has its importance.
The other part of my journey of motherhood is the battle of depression. It is no surprise that I have exhibited symptoms of Post Partum Depression (PPD). The hardest part about motherhood for me is criticism. Now constructive criticism is accepted but straight up "you suck" is never helpful. Unfortunately I have received a lot of plain criticism over the past couple months. What hurts most of all is when it comes from family that promised to help you out but have instead just simply said or implied that I'm doing it wrong. Delivery of the message is often more important that the message itself.
I'm a pretty head strong person but I do listen to people's advice. I just may not act on it. However I do distinguish a difference between a "have you tried this" from a "that's how you should do it". I also have principles based on social, political and environmental responsibility. This has created a few tensions amongst people and in some cases I have been debated on how realistic my decisions might be. But I hold strong to my principles even more so than ever. I now not only think of the world I want to enjoy over the rest of my life but that of a world I am investing into for the benefit of my child and possibly grandchildren.
For example, cloth diapering. We tried from the very beginning to not use disposables. Unfortunately we ran into an unexpected problem - Byron's legs were too skinny to fit the gDiapers we loved so much or cloth diapers we had before he was born. This created a battle to keep the contents of the diaper inside the diaper. While in the hopsital and for a few weeks after, we simply gave in and used disposables. I constantly think of how I am responsible for putting x diapers in the landfill that will remain there until my great-granchildren our running around (may seem crazy but honestly, when there are other options available, why not do your part to leave a better planet for the next generations?)
Lately I have even wondered whether or not I should stop gDiapering (now that they fit properly) as much as I have been. I used to gDiaper whenever I'm out and about but now I've started thinking, "if I'm only out for a couple hours and really may only have 2 diaper changes, why shouldn't I just continue with the cloth?" Then I also think, "Well, if I'm going to visit family for a few days and have access to laundry, why not continue cloth diapering and just make sure I wash the diapers before heading home?" The answer is summed up in one question - is the convenience worth the cost? gDiapers break down in 50 - 100 days but spending 50 cents per diaper seems silly when I have a cheaper option even if it means carrying around a dirty diaper for a couple hours or making sure I pack a diaper pail liner with when visiting relatives. But money is a necessary evil and one that is of limited supply.
Babies cost money, they grow out of clothes quickly and go through more diapers than I really want to count. The weird thing is, environmentalism makes babies cheaper not more expensive. I have spent a total cost of $40 on clothing for Byron and he really only needs a few more things in the size range of 6 - 12 months and 18 - 24 months to be clothed right up until he's in toddler sizes and even then, I've got a good start on clothing already. How'd I do it? Freecycle. A wonderful yahoo group where people post what they don't want for those who do want it to come and pick up. It's the old adage of "One man's junk is another man's treasure". Over half of Byron's clothes have come from complete strangers who share my desire to do as much for the environment as they can.
The other money saver is cloth diapers. Now some people argue that the cost of water and electricity to wash the diapers cancels out the savings but at this point I have not seen a huge change in the power bill (or have been told by Shaun that it has increased significantly) and well, I'm in an apartment and water is included so I don't know how much of an increase there is there. I certainly can't see how the cost of 12 - 15 diapers per day at a cost of $0.25/diaper could translate into being cheaper than an increase in utilites to keep cloth diapers clean. I've spent approximately $300 in cloth and gDiapers and anticipate spending another $1-200 before Byron is potty trained. The daily cost of disposables right now would be about $3-4. Over 2 years, counting the cost of utilities, I am still saving, both my money and the environment. Energy is becoming more of a renewable resource with the development of wind farms and other alternative energy sources whereas the ability to break down plastic still takes the same amount of time and landfills continue to increase in mass at an alarming rate.
Furthermore on my argument for cloth diapers - it's only our generation that have truly been exposed to the convenience of disposable diapers. According to my mother, they only started coming on to the market when I, myself were in diapers. This begs the question of, "Is ease of child rearing really worth destroying our children's planet? Or are we simply not thinking enough about how our lives affect those around us?"
Another question I have had, and one that I think Shaun had a harder time with, is, "do we overlook our socio-political principles of boycotting certain stores when given gift cards for those stores?" My mother will tell you with an air of disagreement that I purposely pay more for items because I disagree with how some corporations treat their employees and suppliers. This again raises brings up the point that our actions affect those around us in profound ways whether we intend it to happen or not. Over the last year I have seen a significant drop in the price of organic fabrics and an increase in their availability. What caused this? Consumer demand. More and more people have become aware of the benefits of organic cotton and are now purchasing it making it profitable for farmers to embark on producing organic crops. Same thing has happened with food. It is now profitable to go organic making more organic options available to consumers. Does this mean that if enough people boycott establishments with less than acceptable practices, they will change? Maybe, maybe not, but we'll never know unless we try.
OK, this turned into something totally different than I anticipated but nevertheless, it's what has been on my mind and has arisen from the various decisions I have had to make since becoming a mother.
Tis true, I am a mother. My little Byron is so precious and despite the trials and tribulations he has brought to my life, one little smile makes my heart melt and I am immediately reassured that this is how my life is supposed to go right now.
The trials, apart from general adjustment to lack of sleep, include the fussiness of a baby with reflux. Poor little guy has too much acid in his stomach and it makes him uncomfortable, and how do uncomfortable babies let you know their pain? The scream. To add to the pressure, we live in an apartment that is generally very quiet so I feel guilty when I can't calm Byron down and think I may be disturbing my neighbors. So far they have not complained and claim only once to have heard him. Still, I don't like to hear my son scream.
Luckily, I have an awesome Mom & Babe group and was encouraged to read (or watch the DVD - which do you think I did?) the book "Happiest Baby on the Block". Complete turn around in my ability to calm my son within seconds! I can even calm him down while changing his diaper (FYI - babies with reflux do not like laying flat on their back and tend to scream bloody murder during the ordeal). Now my nights alone while Shaun is at work are less stressful as they tend to be a lot quieter.
However, babies have their own agendas and schedules and Byron is very curious about his new world. So curious that he has a tendancy to fight sleep all day long just to absorb as much as he can. This causes what we now refer to as "Awake Days" and "Sleepy Days" which tend to alternate. This would be fine to deal with if I had not taken on my position as President of the Victoria Legal Secretaries Association and continued my studies in the Paralegal program through Capilano University and did not have the art of procrastination down to a science. Byron is teaching me that procrastination is EXTREMELY bad. If I don't get the chores done, my work for VLSA and school work done while he's sleeping, no matter when that might be, I will fall behind VERY quickly. He has also taught me that attempting to meet these responsibilities while he's asleep is 100 times easier than when he's awake, or even in a baby carrier. It's amazing that a two month old can teach you a lesson you've tried to avoid so strongly over the last 20+ years.
Another lesson I've learned is that of discipline. My mother and hsuband will no doubt agree that I tend to lack self-discipline. It has been proven with every purchase of exercise clothing and every payment towards a gym membership. I lack consistency where I have good intentions. What I've learned is that by creating a chore schedule for myself I break up the HUGE task of keeping our home clean over the course of the week and have identified the few chores that need to be kept up daily. An suprising bonus was Shaun pitching in and doing the next day's chores freeing me up to catch up on homework. It is also beneficial that he knows what I am attempting to do every day and knows where to pitch in. Again I am reminded that communication is absolutely ESSENTIAL to a happy marriage. I have systems in my chaos that if I don't explain to Shaun, they just appear to be messes. Sometimes there is more chaos than system but if you know the underlying system it makes it easier to tame the chaos, thus communicating that system has its importance.
The other part of my journey of motherhood is the battle of depression. It is no surprise that I have exhibited symptoms of Post Partum Depression (PPD). The hardest part about motherhood for me is criticism. Now constructive criticism is accepted but straight up "you suck" is never helpful. Unfortunately I have received a lot of plain criticism over the past couple months. What hurts most of all is when it comes from family that promised to help you out but have instead just simply said or implied that I'm doing it wrong. Delivery of the message is often more important that the message itself.
I'm a pretty head strong person but I do listen to people's advice. I just may not act on it. However I do distinguish a difference between a "have you tried this" from a "that's how you should do it". I also have principles based on social, political and environmental responsibility. This has created a few tensions amongst people and in some cases I have been debated on how realistic my decisions might be. But I hold strong to my principles even more so than ever. I now not only think of the world I want to enjoy over the rest of my life but that of a world I am investing into for the benefit of my child and possibly grandchildren.
For example, cloth diapering. We tried from the very beginning to not use disposables. Unfortunately we ran into an unexpected problem - Byron's legs were too skinny to fit the gDiapers we loved so much or cloth diapers we had before he was born. This created a battle to keep the contents of the diaper inside the diaper. While in the hopsital and for a few weeks after, we simply gave in and used disposables. I constantly think of how I am responsible for putting x diapers in the landfill that will remain there until my great-granchildren our running around (may seem crazy but honestly, when there are other options available, why not do your part to leave a better planet for the next generations?)
Lately I have even wondered whether or not I should stop gDiapering (now that they fit properly) as much as I have been. I used to gDiaper whenever I'm out and about but now I've started thinking, "if I'm only out for a couple hours and really may only have 2 diaper changes, why shouldn't I just continue with the cloth?" Then I also think, "Well, if I'm going to visit family for a few days and have access to laundry, why not continue cloth diapering and just make sure I wash the diapers before heading home?" The answer is summed up in one question - is the convenience worth the cost? gDiapers break down in 50 - 100 days but spending 50 cents per diaper seems silly when I have a cheaper option even if it means carrying around a dirty diaper for a couple hours or making sure I pack a diaper pail liner with when visiting relatives. But money is a necessary evil and one that is of limited supply.
Babies cost money, they grow out of clothes quickly and go through more diapers than I really want to count. The weird thing is, environmentalism makes babies cheaper not more expensive. I have spent a total cost of $40 on clothing for Byron and he really only needs a few more things in the size range of 6 - 12 months and 18 - 24 months to be clothed right up until he's in toddler sizes and even then, I've got a good start on clothing already. How'd I do it? Freecycle. A wonderful yahoo group where people post what they don't want for those who do want it to come and pick up. It's the old adage of "One man's junk is another man's treasure". Over half of Byron's clothes have come from complete strangers who share my desire to do as much for the environment as they can.
The other money saver is cloth diapers. Now some people argue that the cost of water and electricity to wash the diapers cancels out the savings but at this point I have not seen a huge change in the power bill (or have been told by Shaun that it has increased significantly) and well, I'm in an apartment and water is included so I don't know how much of an increase there is there. I certainly can't see how the cost of 12 - 15 diapers per day at a cost of $0.25/diaper could translate into being cheaper than an increase in utilites to keep cloth diapers clean. I've spent approximately $300 in cloth and gDiapers and anticipate spending another $1-200 before Byron is potty trained. The daily cost of disposables right now would be about $3-4. Over 2 years, counting the cost of utilities, I am still saving, both my money and the environment. Energy is becoming more of a renewable resource with the development of wind farms and other alternative energy sources whereas the ability to break down plastic still takes the same amount of time and landfills continue to increase in mass at an alarming rate.
Furthermore on my argument for cloth diapers - it's only our generation that have truly been exposed to the convenience of disposable diapers. According to my mother, they only started coming on to the market when I, myself were in diapers. This begs the question of, "Is ease of child rearing really worth destroying our children's planet? Or are we simply not thinking enough about how our lives affect those around us?"
Another question I have had, and one that I think Shaun had a harder time with, is, "do we overlook our socio-political principles of boycotting certain stores when given gift cards for those stores?" My mother will tell you with an air of disagreement that I purposely pay more for items because I disagree with how some corporations treat their employees and suppliers. This again raises brings up the point that our actions affect those around us in profound ways whether we intend it to happen or not. Over the last year I have seen a significant drop in the price of organic fabrics and an increase in their availability. What caused this? Consumer demand. More and more people have become aware of the benefits of organic cotton and are now purchasing it making it profitable for farmers to embark on producing organic crops. Same thing has happened with food. It is now profitable to go organic making more organic options available to consumers. Does this mean that if enough people boycott establishments with less than acceptable practices, they will change? Maybe, maybe not, but we'll never know unless we try.
OK, this turned into something totally different than I anticipated but nevertheless, it's what has been on my mind and has arisen from the various decisions I have had to make since becoming a mother.
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