Tie It Yourself Giveaway, a Simple Solution to Babywear Hair

        As a family with long hair, many obstacles are thrown our way when grabby-handed babies are involved. Luckily, hair ties, and elastic ones in particular, have saved many a long-haired parent before and will continue too. And with the advancement of technology and communication, so comes the advance of all other things. Even hair ties. Beginning on my babywearing journey, Lily was constantly wrapped on my front, always looking at me. My hair was in a bun for a few solid months, and the damage to my nearly two feet of hair was noticeable. What once were soft waving curls had large indentions from tight elastics from brands that shall not be names. Once my little girl grew curious and old enough to begin carrying on my back, her fascination with mommy's long hair grew. I knew it was time for change.
        I began looking into alternative hair ties that did not damage my hair, and most were just strips of cloth, not nearly enough grip to hold my thick wavy hair at bay and away from Lily. Finally, I found Tie It Yourself, through it's fantastic Twitter presence, an elastic band of great length that I could then cut down to size and tie to whatever tension I desire.

        The best part of Tie It Yourself hair ties are that they can also be used as headbands, and they're are the same reliable grippy material of the original elastic bands.

        Every mom needs baby-proof babywear hair, so I'm hosting a giveaway of five gorgeous colors of Tie It Yourself hair ties! The colors in the prize package are: Chili Pepper, Coral, Dark Orchid, Lime and Teal.

Enter Here for the T.I.Y/BabywearingItOut Giveaway!:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

        Here is a video on how to Tie It Yourself:

Love In Motion Mother's Day Giveaway- Babywearing Adventures

        Babywearing It Out has partnered with MamAmor Dolls, Wrapsody, and The Babywearing Workout to spread a little love this Mother's Day. Enjoy an interview with a babywearing adventurer, as well as a chance to win some amazing prizes!

Babywearing Adventures Interview

Did you believe your days of adventure were long gone when you found out you were having a child?

You know, I really did -- or at least, that I'd have to keep my adventures to short bursts of time when I could find a babysitter. Now that I've had two kids, I really notice that the media sends me these crazy messages about how motherhood should consume my life. Turns out, it does in some ways -- but it also kind of doesn't. :)

What is proudest achievement with adventuring with baby?

When Sterling (he's four now) was a baby, my husband suggested we pack a suitcase and a diaper bag and just jump on a plane for the weekend. I argued with him for weeks before he finally convinced me to do it. "Listen," he said, "a wrap, some diapers, some onesies, and me. What could possibly go wrong? I want to take you somewhere you've never been before." I let go of my inhibitions and my need for planning and we went to the airport with absolutely no plan. We actually ended up in Denver, and it was the most amazing vacation I've ever had because I had no expectations -- and of course, my husband was right. Sterling was fine; we were all fine. We filled our metaphorical cups in the mountains and came home happier than ever.

What is the simplest challenge to overcome about adventuring with baby?

It took me a while to get my rhythm, especially in the winter -- knowing when to put my carrier on, whether to wear my coat under it or over it. I think if I'd been able to get to a babywearing group first, I would have gotten incredible advice that could have taken that bit out of my learning curve!

What kind of support did you receive from others towards your babywearing? What about criticisms?

You know, our families were a little frustrated. They worried that we weren't doing "tummy time" and it was hard to explain that babyweaing IS tummy time. They worried about whether the kids would learn "independence," which everyone seems so keen on. (In truth, if babies were meant to be independent, they'd be a lot different when they were born!)

I remember the first time I went shopping with my mother, though. She turned to me at one point and said, "Wow. He is SO happy in that thing, isn't he? He hasn't fussed once." Yup. That's the magic. That moment meant a lot to me.

There are many strong opinions when it comes to parenting styles. If you received criticism or encountered someone unsupportive of your babywearing, how did you defend you parenting decision?

I read an article a long time ago that said something like, "Pass the bean dip, please." It's easy to react defensively, giving statistics or studies or whatever, but I've started to just aim for something like, "That's an interesting opinion. Could you pass the bean dip?" It sort of implies it's not up for discussion.

Of course, sometimes someone will give me information that I'll look up later. For instance, when I'm out, I've always got someone worried about baby's breathing, or her hips, or how high or low she is. I'm happy to double check their sources, because I learn something new about being a mama every day.

Many mothers view wrapping as having a large learning curve. How long did it take you to feel like you had mastered babywearing?

My Wrapsody came with an instructional DVD, and I watched it a few times before Sterling was born. By the end of the second week, I felt pretty comfortable using the Wrap Cross Carry. It's the first carry I learned. When Sterling got about 4 months old, I started to try back carries -- it was kind of like starting over again in some ways, but within about a month, I felt really good about that, too. Honestly, I feel like it's easier than tying shoes -- there are fewer steps, really. :)

What is the most rewarding part about adventuring with baby?

We can do SO MANY things, and I feel like supermama a lot of the time. It's like my wrap is my cape, you know? I love that I can knit something while I'm rocking my girl, or that if Sterling is sick I can settle him in less than a minute's time by tying on a wrap, and that I can still take a walk and know I'm meeting his needs. We even went to a rally at the statehouse when he was little. A lot of moms mentioned they'd left their babies with the sitter, but I could do something really important to me, and he got to be part of democracy in action. It was amazing. However, one of my most favorite things to do with both of my babies is The Babywearing Workout. I can wear my little one and Sterling likes to wrap one of his “stuffies” in my scarf on his back and do the DVD right along with me...it’s a family fitness affair!

What do you think are the qualities of a good mother and how do you measure your success as a parent?

At the end of the day, I ask myself, "Have I taught them to be kind? Have I taught them to ask questions? Have I taught them to love themselves?" If at least 5 days out of 7, the answer is "yes," I feel like I'm an OK mama, even if every moment has not felt that way.

Liz is a MamAmor doll brought to life through a partnership between Kristi, Kelli, and Adriana of Wrapsody, The Babywearing Workout, and MamAmor dolls.

A former marketing consultant, Liz now enjoys an active life as a stay-at-home mother of Cate, 6 months, and Sterling, 4. She enjoys adventuring with her babies and her husband, John. She considers herself a diligent student of motherhood and loves learning and creating new things. Her favorite baby carrier is her Wrapsody Breeze, and she loves to use it while she does The Babywearing Workout DVD.

You could win Liz from MamAmor Dolls along with a Wrapsody Wrap and copy of The Babywearing Workout & a “Little” Trainer Onesie. Click HERE to enter!

Celebrity Babywearing

        More and more, media is beginning to include photos of celebrity moms and dads babywearing alongside their usual gossip banter in their magazines. As babywearing becomes more mainstream, even entertainment television news features the celebrities of modern day using the same carriers as us common folk. And maybe that's the problem.... many of the pictures I found of such well-known faces wearing their baby in, what the majority of mothers conclude to be, unsafe positions and in outdated carrier designs.

        I refuse to post the majority of celebrity babywearing photos, because the majority of them are using carriers improperly or front facing at what I consider to be too young of an age. I found that most of the photos that depicted a baby being worn correctly, were being worn by their dads! Now, if that means they did it themselves or had help from a more experienced mom, I still say kudos! As I always say, any babywearing is better than no babywearing. Here are some of my favorite celebrity babywearing dads:

Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka kept twins Harper and Gideon close their hearts — and away from prying eyes — in wraps covered by a jacket and an Aden + Anais blanket, respectively.

Channing Tatum may have won over the hearts of moms everywhere when he was spotted carrying 5-week-old Everly in a baby wrap, covered with an Aden + Anais muslin swaddle.

Gwen Stefani babywearing with a ring sling.

Peter Dinklage, an actor on HBO's Game of Thrones, carried his daughter Zelig in a Baby Bjorn carrier back in early 2012.

A rather hilarious depiction of Angelina Jolie, carrying probably only one of her children safely.

Largest Supermarket Chain in the World puts Babywearing on the Map

        Let me start by saying that this will not be a discussion on the ethics of Walmart and its' owners. I have always gone to Walmart to shop due to ease, regardless of how I feel about the other shoppers I surround myself with.

         Now, Walmart is getting attention for a whole new reason. Babywearing parents are lifting the supermarket chain up in celebration for taking on Chimparoo, a French Canadian baby carrier design and manufacturing company. Their shelves are now stocked with cross-twill woven wraps by Chimparoo, which have been revered as being lovely and worth the investment by the babywearing community for years.

        Despite the positive attention babywearing has received in the recent decades, many parents still claim to be stared at and even approached by strangers who believe that babywearing must be for lower class families and that wraps are "cuts of tablecloth". As an avid babywearer myself, I always try to answer questioning looks and questions about babywearing when I am out in public, because knowledge is power. There will come a day when no one questions or stares because it will be a societal norm, and that day will come much sooner with the help of this marriage of Walmart and Chimparoo woven wraps.

        I truly believe that Walmart, yes Walmart, is doing a noble a good thing here by giving access of the art of babywearing to such a broad range of people, and I hope to see more mothers and fathers wrapping their baby close enough to kiss.

        My favorite part of the listing is this "Woven in cross twill certified free from toxic chemicals- The woven wrap is the preferred choice for those who want to wear their child from birth until about 34 years of age, and who plan to carry their baby frequently for long periods of time". Legitimately laughing out loud over here! 

Favorite typo ever.

        This typo (or is it?) gives truth to the favorite babywearing meme of the moment:

       

Babywearing at the Natural Parenting Expo and Great Cloth Diaper Change in Denver

Guest Speaker Jill Krause (Baby Rabies) is one of my all-time favorite female bloggers, and this past weekend at the Kangacare Natural Parenting Expo and Great Cloth Diaper Change in Denver, Colorado, she asked the crowd of parents: "Are you the parent you thought you'd be before you had children?" Needless to say, she was answered with the giggles a telling laughter of about a hundred parents who knew all too well the answer.

Jill Krause (Baby Rabies) with her son, Lowell on the left and Rachel Gullett (Babywearing It Out) with my daughter, Lily on the right.

I am most definitely a different person now that I have a child. Even though my child may not be able to speak or walk yet, or even express happiness when she was a newborn, she has changed me and changed how I go about living. For instance, I just drug both her and my husband out to a parenting expo when we've been parenting for only four months (and I'm sure he thought I already knew everything there is to know about natural parenting), mostly just to hear my favorite blogger speak. Maybe having a baby has made me crazy, or maybe she's made me care about someone other than myself. However you choose to see it.

  Regardless, I entirely enjoyed everything the expo had to offer, from the raffles (which many deserving women and men won) to the vendors (of which my favorites were Boba carriers and The Babywearing Workout), to the loot bags (they even included baby sunglasses). I'd have to say about three-quarters of the crowd was babywearing, which was wonderful to see! There was even lots of toddler-wearing! For me, it was a day of firsts. It was my first time participating in a world record, as well as my first time using the restroom with a baby strapped to me. These are learning experiences, folks!

My first Great Cloth Diaper Change.

Forcing my husband to take a picture of us waiting in line.

Lily and I were diaper change number ninety-nine.

The simultaneous cry of 187 babies being held in the air against their will.

The Sling Diaries, Sakura Bloom Slings' Babywearing Mother Manifesto

        I recently discovered something that I should have been aware of ages ago: The Sakura Bloom Sling Diaries. For those of you who are like me and have not heard of The Sling Diaries, they are a type of motherhood manifesto sponsored by Sakura Bloom Slings. About every six months or so, a new group (usually around 15 or more) of mothers and their children are chosen to contribute their photos and diary entries, one each month for a half year of their lives. 

A photo from one of The Road Is Home's diary entry for Delight.

        The diary entry may contain any number of words and may be written in any style, but must portray the overall theme as well as a monthly sub-theme, and also include pictures.. I am truly fascinated by this project, which fits me too perfectly to not audition for the next round of diarists being chosen next month. So, I have been putting together a small diary entry on courage, as per Sakura Blooms' guidelines, and I'm going to reveal a bit of it here, with you:

"Now, you reach for my face knowing it will one day be your own, and wrap your tiny limbs around me. And I feel your strength. I see your courage each day, with the trust and love that you already exhibit. You meet my gaze and smile a toothless smile. You are already so much more brave than I, and you will only continue to amaze me with your own fearlessness." -excerpt from Babywearing It Out's Sling Diary entry for Courage

        I am very excited for this opportunity andI hope that Sakura Bloom is too. This is only an excerpt of my entry and I'm only withholding the rest in order to not jinx myself, as this is an audition.
        I encourage other babywearing and especially sling-wearing mothers to audition as well, the deadline is May 1st (so very soon!) and the guidelines are on their Instagram: @lovesakurabloom. My Instagram is @babywearingitout , just in case you'd like to follow my photo adventures, and this weekend, see my full entry.

        Also happening this weekend is The Great Cloth Diaper Change, and I will be attending for my first time in Denver, Colorado tomorrow! My family is so excited not only to take part, but also to meet more parents like us in Denver. You can find a list of where you can participate tomorrow here. As always, I will have a new blog post about it up on Monday. Have a lovely weekend and tell someone how much you love them.

Why Aden and Anais Swaddle Blankets are the Ultimate Babywearing Accessory

There are a million and one ways to make use of an Aden and Anais swaddle when you have a baby, and I have started to realize that they make the ultimate babywearing accessory.

Channing Tatum here demonstrates my favorite use of and A & A blanket as a hood for a wrap, along with how to be an adorable babywearing father.

I bought my first A & A swaddle while I was still pregnant with my first, just to see what all of the hype was about. When you become involved in baby-related groups on Facebook and mommy sites, it is almost impossible to avoid the market saturation that Aden and Anais has created. Everyone and their mother (literally) seems to have a stash of these muslin and organic cotton beauties for their little one. And for good reason because, as I have learned in the first months of being a mother, You should ALWAYS keep a blanket on your person. From spit-up to cuddles, this is the ultimate light, airy all-in-one blankie. Oh, and did I mention I'm totally obsessed?

Here are my top uses of an Aden and Anais swaddle as a versatile babywearing accessory:

1. Makeshift Hood and Sunshade Most newborn carriers lack a much needed hood attachment, like the popular Moby for example. And with a newborn's sensitive skin, sunburn is to be avoided at all cost. A hood also works as a sunshade for when you snuggled baby falls asleep while babywearing and you need to be in the sun or even indoor light.
2. Nursing Cover I hear mothers everyday complaining about how hot and heavy the blanket they use to discreetly nurse in public is, and everyday those mothers are encouraged to use Aden and Anais as a substitute. I personally believe in the mantra "You don't want to see my breast when I feed my child, put a blanket on your own head", but when you are around family, or simply uncomfortable with whipping a boob out in front of people, these swaddles are your go-to cover.
3. Infant Insert Most baby carriers fit infants around twelve pounds and over (unlike wraps that adjust to fit smaller babies) and offer something called an infant insert as a kind of full-body cushion that helps a smaller child fit correctly in the carrier. However, instead of spending money on top of the actual carrier itself, an A & A swaddle, rolled as it comes in it's package and inserted between the legs of the infant for height and another behind the neck for support, works just as well and is just as safe when properly used.
4. Neck Support As mentioned in the last use, a rolled swaddle will work perfectly as a neck support in a wrap or carrier while babywearing. Especially as a newborn, babies have very little neck strength and need help holding their head steady when they are upright.
5. Bib and Drool Guard A lot more carriers nowadays are including a removable drool guard to protect the carrier's clothing from large "drool pools", as I like to call them. I have found that an Aden and Anais blanket wrapped either around the babywearer or the.... babywearee? works just as well for soaking up any fluids leaking from either person.

Now I know you're just itching to ask where you can find some of these miracle swaddles, and I'll tell you "www.AdenandAnais.com, of course!" You can also find lower prices on gently used swaddles on Facebook Buy/Sell/Trade groups.

Ergobaby's new 360 carrier causes 'front facing' backlash

        According to ERGOBaby's website in July 2013, facing a baby forward: “will compromise its basic capability to regulate stress reactions, which in the long run can become detrimental to mental and physical health”. A few months later, and they release a four-position Ergobaby 360 that encourages the use of a forward-facing carry.

It hurts my back just to look at it.

        What is most shocking about this FAQ Ergobaby had on their site, is that it was removed just a few months before the 360 carrier was announced. I'm sorry to call them out on their blatant hypocrisy, but this isn't some new scientific study they have found that proves a forward-facing carry is healthy or even comfortable for you and your child.
        Ergobaby's new FAQ reads:

In the past you have championed the idea that children are subject to a great deal of distractions/overstimulation when carried "facing out". How can you reconcile this with your previous philosophy? Are you not sending mixed messages to parents?

We view the front-outward position ('facing out') as a supplemental option for short, active periods and not as the primary carrying method over multiple hours. Now and again, situations arise where parents — and children — prefer this position. Naturally, there is a greater risk of overstimulation than with the 'facing in' position, since the child cannot actively turn away. Yet on the other hand, the ergonomic posture ensures very close body contact that allows parents to actively perceive the signals their children are giving. Parents know their children best and can tell when their child is fussy, tired or "zoned out" and it is time to switch to the 'facing in' or back carrying position. As a manufacturer of comfortable, ergonomic carriers, we want to offer parents a choice of all options for ergonomic carrying. Our goal is to encourage and embrace all parents to wear their babies for as long as possible by giving them a comfortable, healthy way to do so. Additionally, by giving parents who insist that their carrier have a front-outward option a choice within our product line, it allows us to communicate with them about overstimulation in all of the activities and products that they choose for their baby. We are hoping that this will make new parents more educated about all of the situations that can lead to overstimulation and make them more attuned to baby's cues that she is overstimulated.

        Which only proves more-so that they are sending mixed signals to parents. This is a very poor marketing strategy on Ergobaby's part, although I understand that there is a demand for a deeper seat in a FF carry, there is also a demand for more Elmo toys and that doesn't mean that it is making your experience with your child better or safer. 

        I fear that this new carrier is a prime example of what we in the babywearing community call a "crotch dangler". Bjorns and other similar carriers are what we call crotch danglers. The baby is being dangled by his or her crotch which is a position that is at best uncomfortable for mom and/or baby but at worst can cause problems with your baby's hip and spinal development. I guess I should clarify, it is a bad idea to wear your baby facing out all the time or for long periods of time. However, as a parent you alone get to choose the products you will use with your baby and gauge their safety yourself. I, personally, don't find a forward-facing carry to be comfortable and much prefer a high back carry or even a ruck tie when using a wrap.

        Ergobaby also answers other FAQs about their new carrier such as:

What do midwives and baby wearing consultants have to say about Ergobaby's new Four Position 360 Carrier?

Is the Front-Outward position ergonomic for the baby?

How do I know if my baby is ready for Front-Outward facing position?

There is a belief that only the 'facing in' position puts children in the anatomically correct spread-legged sitting position. How did you resolve this problem?

As a parent, how do I decide: What is better for my child, facing in or facing out? And how can I know?

Is the new Four Position 360 Carrier safe?

Which you can find at the Ergobaby site.

Babywearing Dads

        More and more on my babywearing groups and social media, I am seeing beautiful photos of fathers wearing their children. However, iStock Photo still only has images of a mother babywearing in their archives. The more positive recognition that babywearing itself receives the more comfortable people become with it, such as it's association with the recently trending topic of attachment parenting. 
        Personally, I never saw any reason not to babywear once I discovered its benefits. Benefits such as promoting closeness and calmness with both parents equally, nine months in the womb nine months skin-to-skin, and even advanced healing properties. However, some mothers and especially fathers seem to be uncomfortable with wearing their baby in the view of the public eye. Some parents worry that a baby who is constantly held or worn will become a fussy baby, always crying for attention. Actually, the opposite seems to be true. In cultures where babies are constantly in the arms of caregivers, infant crying spells are virtually unheard of. A study in North America showed that babies cried less when parents were instructed to wear or carry them for several "extra" hours each day.
        As with most aspects of parenting, you can meet some pretty unsavory opinions on whether or not you're thinking about your child's safety. Which, I'm willing to bet that most of you are each and every minute. Babywearing is not a danger to you or your baby if it done correctly and with the right amount of preparation. Like with all things, only in moderation and with proper instruction.
        I think the movement of babywearing becoming more prominent in fathers of modern day is a wonderful message of how our children will treat their own children.
        Here is my own babywearing husband with our daughter Lily:

        Here are some other awesome babywearing dads that prove there are good men out there, from one of my favorite Tumblrs, Babywearing Dads:

'Frozen' In My Tracks

        Since Frozen is being released on Netflix this week (a million children just squealed simultaneously), I decided to dedicate an article to this latest crazy train that moms around the world have jumped on.

        When I was a little girl, princesses were all the rage. Nowadays, the rage had turned into a feeding frenzy. With the 2013 release of Disney's Frozen, the princess-centric Disney culture seemed to be fully revived to the days of Cinderella and Belle. A few months later, and Disney stores literally cannot keep Frozen merchandise on the shelves. The demand is so intense, many parents are willing to dive to "Black Friday-esque" depths in order to please their children. 
        My opinion is that Disney has been reaching for the original princess movie audiences of yesteryear with recent anti-princess films such as: Brave, The Princess and The Frog, and Tangled. I also think that Tangled has hit closest to the mark as far as compelling their market. But Frozen seriously has hit it out of the park by appealing to all three children movie markets: parents, little boys, and little girls. The family and sisterly love theme of Frozen definitely drew the parents in, Olaf the Snowman seems to be a huge hit with little boys, and hardest to please of all, little girls are absolutely obsessed with Elsa and Anna. 
        So, what isn't there to love about Frozen? Not much. As a stay at home mom to a three month old, I've already watched it about ten times of my own accord. I know I'll regret it when she finds her attention fixated on some kind of singing zombie princess movie that Pixar churns out in 8 years. But until then, I'll just keep being a big ole' kid... or princess, rather.
        My mom-session with this kids' movie is not limited to simply watching it on a loop, I have dreams... Dreams that one day there will be a Frozen wrap that I can babywear with. In case you're looking to make me one and be eternally loved by me, I think this print would be awesome:

        Or, at least I could grab a Natibaby in Magic Carbo and customize it myself... so many options!

        And, Tula just released a Woven Wrap and Wrap Conversion in "Elsa"! How perfect!

        I also happen to be sucker for modern songs turned into lullabies. It's a simple change that new parents will thank their ears for, and luckily they've already done it the Frozen soundtrack:

'Frozen' soundtrack Lullabies

The Moby Wrap Vs. The Ergobaby Wrap

        A good wrap/carrier should fit like a good bra, at least that's always been my opinion. Where as an over-the-shoulder-boulder-holder comes in different cup sizes, a wrap comes in many lengths.

There are three factors that you might consider in choosing the size of your wrap:
1. How you plan to use your wrap (e.g., which carrying positions you want to use)---this is by far the most important consideration;
2. Your size (height and weight)---this can play a role depending on #1; and
3. Your baby's size---surprisingly, this hardly matters at all. It's a good thing, too, because babies tend to change size rapidly.

        My very first baby wrap was a Moby, gifted to me at my Halloween-themed baby shower, and it was definitely my most-used present as I discovered the joys of babywearing. After using the Moby for Lily until she was three months old, I then found the Ergo baby wrap. 
        The main difference between the two is that the Ergobaby Wrap has a "4D stretch" material (explains the 5% spandex that Moby does not have) which is a sort of extra layer over the front of the wrap that will be up against your little one. I have heard that this extra piece of material makes for a better seat than the Moby, which means no hassle of repositioning and rewrapping. However, it is always in how well you wrap that provides a sturdy seat for your baby. 
        The weight limits of both wraps end around 35-45 lbs making them pretty equal in that respect. Both wraps claim to "grow with your baby", a definite plus for the economical mother.
        Overall, I much prefer the Ergobaby Wrap for my 11 pounder, since hug hold is her absolute favorite and she sleeps longer in the Ergobaby wrap because I don't have to unwrap and rewrap when I'm wearing her around the house.

Moby Wrap in action!

The Ergobaby Wrap:

•  The right amount of stretch makes it easy to tie right.
• Doesn’t sag throughout the day from baby’s weight.
• Moves in every direction with you and your baby.
• 95% Cotton, 5% Spandex
• Machine washable

The Moby wrap:

• Perfect for babies 8-35 lbs
• 100% natural cotton
• Machine washable
• Encourages parent/child bonding
• Adjusts to grow with your baby
• Petite and plus size friendly

I have provided several links for you to find your wrap, buy, and use it so please make use of them!


The Babywearer Chart of Wrap Styles w/ Lengths

Where to buy the Moby Wrap

Where to buy the Ergo Wrap

How to tie the Ergo Wrap (Newborn)

How to tie the Moby Wrap (Newborn Hug Hold)

Meet Me

        I thought I should start by introducing myself and my family so you know who you're messing with. I'm Rachel Gullett and I'm addicted to babywearing... well, more like being addicted to having my daughter cuddled up against me, and that seems to be her prerogative as well. I'll go ahead and say that I AM NOT one of those blogging moms who would rather go grab the camera than pull her child off of the top tier cabinets, or the type who ignores her baby's cry to finish queueing up a blog post. However, I AM one of those moms who avidly cloth diapers (gDiapers at the moment), valiantly attempted breast feeding and now confidently formula feeds, and above all else I am a babywearing momma (We use a Moby that I got as a baby shower gift)! My husband, three month-old daughter Lily, and I currently reside in Denver, Colorado after a recent move from Nashville, Tennessee (my hometown) for my husband's new career. I am a stay at home mom at the moment, after working up until a week before Lily was born, and I truly enjoy the time that it has given me with my daughter and also to pursue my writing fixation. My highest hope is that this blog will encourage the conversation on babywearing and natural parenting around the world and also support those who have lead me to make the same choices for my baby.