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Diaper and Wipers Newsletter

February 2, 2007

In this issue:
Let’s Chase Mom!
Doublers?  What are they and why do I need them?
Mothering Magazine:  I’m published!

Let’s Chase Mom!
My children love to chase me.  It’s flattering really.  I work part-time outside the home four days/nights a week in addition to the amazing job I do as the brains and inspiration behind Diapers and Wipers!  My kids love to run on the sidewalk along side my car as I drive off and leave them in the capable hands of my husband.  (That is when Colorado doesn’t feel and resemble the frigid arctic!)  My son is always thrilled that he can out run the car!  To look in the rear view mirror and see my children running back and jumping into the open arms of their dad fills my heart with joy and makes leaving them a bit easier. 

Children have that marvelous gift of a simple view of life.  They look for the fun in nearly all that they do.  Putting their shoes on is a dance.  Going to bathroom inspires song.  Mom leaving for work is a chance to race like the wind.  I want to take that appreciation for all the little things in life into my heart.  I’ve joined the kids in chasing dad on occasion, and it is quite fun to run like the wind and be faster than the car. 

We take life too seriously, really.  There are struggles and challenges sure and then there are children laughing and hugging and smiling.  My children, all children, have remarkable spirits, a playful passion for life.  And I will do well to keep that in mind as I paint over the Sharpie Marker artwork on my front door. 

Doublers?  What are they and why do I need them?
Doublers are like little diapers.  They are approximately 5”x12” and are used in addition to a cloth diaper to increase the absorbency.  I carry doublers in hemp, organic and unbleached cotton and they are all used for the same purpose.  There are subtle differences in the performance of the doubler based on the fabric.  Hemp is the most absorbent fiber.  The unbleached cotton doubler (as well as the prefold and wipes) have the added benefit of a looped fiber configuration on one side similar to a terry towel.  The loops actually help hold the poop to the doubler.  Organic cotton is sort of in the middle.  Quite a few customers choose simply based on fabric preference.  If they are going for an Organic Cotton stash then that’s what they order.  I think you’ll be happy with all of the fabric choices!

Why do you need a doubler? 
-  If your cloth diaper (prefold, shaped, fitted or All-in-One) fits great but needs just a little bit more absorbency and you don’t want to add a second diaper.
-  Does your newborn swim in the infant diapers?  Use the doubler on it’s own as a diaper until your little bundle of joy grows into the infants.  The doublers can then be used as doublers along with your diapers.
-  Are you squeamish about poop stains on your diapers?  Use a diaper as a liner to capture all the poop and stains while you increase the absorbency at the same time. 

Doublers are versatile and, I think, a must for every diaper stash.  You never know when your little baby will wake up one morning as a toddler with a bladder size the likes of which you never imagined! 

Mothering Magazine:  I’m published!
Check out the current issue of Mothering Magazine, January – February 2007, on newsstands now and you will find a familiar name in the Letters to Editor section!  That would be me!  YEAH FOR ME!  I was compelled to write Mothering and Peggy O’Mara thanking her for a wonderful editorial in the September – October 2006 issue entitled A Tale of Two Diapers.

Peggy’s editorial concisely lays out the cold hard facts of the impact disposal diapering has on our environment thus shining a bright positive light on the wonderful world of cloth diapering. 

My favorite quote from Peggy’s editorial:  “Most important, ask an experienced and enthusiastic user of cloth diapers to show you how it's done. Cloth diapers are an idea whose time has come again”:  It’s important that cloth diapering be a community experience.  Cloth diapering is at the early stages of a social epidemic.  Women across the US understand that disposables are down right dangerous.  Cloth is a viable option for most every family and can fit into every lifestyle when the desire and passion is present.  Ask any cloth diapering mom about her diapers and you’ll see her face light up.

as she details each cute pattern in her diaper stash, as she conveys all her positive experiences.  Ask that same mom about challenges and she’ll be thrilled to share how she overcame a difficult situation with the help of her mom buddies.  It’s another aspect of parenting, cloth diapering.  We may not get it right the first time.  But when we ask questions we get answers, door open and we figure it all out. 
What’s that?  You say you don’t subscribe to Mothering?  You can easily fill that dearth by subscribing here.  Subscribing is quick and easy.  The rewards are fantastic and long lasting! 

Happy Valentine’s Day! 
Sure it's a commercial holiday but gosh what a great opportunity for everyone to let the love in their hearts spill forth in any possible manner or shape be it silly, goofy, simple, extravagant, sensual, intimate.  Everyday should be Valentine's Day (and Earth Day, and Mother's Day, and Father's Day!!  Everyday we should marvel in the love that surrounds, raise it up and rejoice in it, and steep ourselves in the love we give and the love we received.  Here's some love for you my friends, wrapped in a huge breathtaking hug, for today and everyday!  Cheers!

And happy anniversary to us!  On February 8 my husband and I celebrated 10/17 years and counting.  You continue to be my inspiration, my foundation, my passion.  We find beauty in all life because we look for it together.  I love you Word!

Copyright 2007 Heather Ruch/Diapers and Wipers.

THE INSIDE POOP! is protected by Copyright, 2007 Heather Ruch/Diapers and Wipers. All rights reserved.  Reproduction of any portion of this newsletter is strictly prohibited without the express written consent of Heather Ruch/Diapers and Wipers.