7 Months (a month late)

Well, Riley's 7th month just zoomed past! He is now officially 8 months and while I have already taken his 8 month pictures, I thought I should write about his 7th month first! 

Riley is such a smiley little guy and he is so cuddly! He loves to hug and snuggle into your shoulder...and while he's there, he might as well chew on it! Haha! He also loves to wrap an arm around my neck and play with the hair at my neck. So sweet and...so painful at times. But I know I want to remember it and cherish it now!

Riley has a smile for anyone who will look at him, smile at him or make funny faces at him. He absolutely adores his big brother and little Michael can get some of the biggest belly laughs out of him!

Teeth. Teething. Drooling. Chewing. Gnawing. Fussing. Crying. All of these things have befallen poor Riley. Poor guy. His teeth are all just waiting to burst through his gums! When he opens his mouth, you can see his swollen red gums. Makes me so sad for him. He got his two bottom teeth in on the same day. Ouch! Then he got one of his lateral incisors (one next to his two front teeth)! Totally out of order. It's so funny though, because he looks like a baby vampire...haha!

Little Riley is loving his food too. So far he has eaten avocado, apple, pear, green beans, sweet potato, bananas, figs, nectarines, carrots and rice cereal. I have gotten a lot of his food at our local farmer's market! Love seasonal, local, organic food! Michael and I have had so much fun steaming and pureeing food for Riley. He also loves when I put some softer chunks of food (like avocado, banana, nectarine, cooked apple or pear) in his mesh feeder bag thingy. He goes to town chomping on it! Riley pretty much likes any food I will make for him, although green beans haven't been his favorite. Either way, he is pretty much always eye-balling whatever we're eating! 

 

Riley is a real "talker" too. I'm sure he is trying to be just like his big brother and keep up with him. Riley has lots of "Da-da's", "Bwa-bwa's", "Gggggg's" and I even got a "MOM!" one day! (Squeee!) I love when he gets a real conversation going, "Bwa-bwa-bwa...da-da....ga-ga-ga...mmmmm-mum-mum...ggggg..." He always mixes in plenty of drool with these conversations too. Haha! Another fun thing that he has started doing is to wrap his tongue up and around his upper lip. It's so cute! For as much as he wants to talk and stand up, with help, he is not all that interested in tummy time or crawling! If you want to hear some mad grunts and yells, just put Riley on his tummy and try to encourage crawling...soon enough, you will hear his disapproval! Speaking of which, he does the most hilarious thing - when he's sitting, sometimes he will flex his arms downward and growl. (imagine the Hulk here) It's so funny to watch, because, Michael will imitate him and then it will just escalate as they're both growling and flexing! Haha...My little baby hulk.

7 months has gone by - 7 months of breast feeding (Yay!), 7 months of snuggling, 7 months of learning about little Riley, 7 months to watch him grow and 7 months to love my little sunshine.

The Ultimate Swim Diaper! AppleCheeks Swim Diaper Review & Nature Bumz Co. Sponsor Spotlight #summerfluffing

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with Nature Bumz Co. for the Summer Fluffing giveaway hop! Nature Bumz Co. is a premier online shop and retail shop in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. At Nature Bumz Co., their goal is to provide the whole family with products that are safe, natural and organic. They believe in excellence in customer service as well as doing everything they can to make your entire experience at Nature Bumz Co. a great one!  Founder Crystal and her husband Brian opened Nature Bumz Co. together in October 2010 and they truly believe in the brands and products that they carry. They have used most of the products from their shop on their 3 children - so they have a lot of experience with these items! Talk about a great resource! How wonderful to have a shop where the owners have tried and tested such a great variety of cloth diapering and natural products! At Nature Bumz Co., their goal is to help you find the best products and answer your questions...whether it's about cloth diapering, green parenting or natural living!  

 

Both the Nature Bumz Co. online shop and brick & mortar store are well stocked with cloth diapers, accessories, laundry detergents and more.  They are so passionate about selling natural & organic products and they want to find the best products for you and your little ones. At Nature Bumz Co. they truly care about customers. 

Nature Bumz Co. was so kind to send me an AppleCheeks Swim Diaper in Totally Twilight in size 1 for little Riley. He is 18.5lbs and this swim diaper fits him perfectly! The AppleCheeks swim diaper comes in two sizes: Size 1 fits from7lbs-20lbs and Size 2 fits from 18lbs-40lbs. 

This is such a cute and soft swim diaper! It is made with two layers of polyester mesh that makes the diaper move really well as Riley wore it. The mesh material is comfy, breathable and soft and lets the water move easily through the swim diaper. The mesh material, along with the elastic at the waistband and legs, keeps any solids out of the pool. (thankfully Riley hasn't christened this swim diaper...yet!) I was so happy that I was able to get such a great fit on Riley! With the snaps is is super easy to adjust the fit as your little one grows. I love the royal blue color of Totally Twilight and really, even though I could put board shorts on Riley, who wants to cover that cuteness up?!? I think Riley totally rocks the ruffled elastic too!

 The AppleCheeks swim diaper has two rows of snaps and they are my favorite feature. It is soooo much easier to unsnap a wet swim diaper than trying to wrestle and tug and pull at a wet swim diaper that just pulls on and off. Those just seem to get stuck on little legs! I am also a huge fan love how soft and moveable the fabric is. I think that especially when you have a little one who can walk, this diaper will really move with them and be comfortable to wear. The fabric also has a very breathable quality to it that helps it to air dry quickly and it's nice and light - no weighing a baby down! If you are familiar with the AppleCheeks diapering system, you'll love their swim diaper just as much! 

If you are headed to the pool or beach, this is the ultimate swim diaper for your little one!

You can shop online at Nature Bumz Co. for AppleCheeks swim diapers, as well as many other safe, natural, organic products for mom, baby and the whole family!

Do you live near the Niagara Falls, Ontario area in Canada? Then swing by the shop and you can pick up your order in person or just stop by to chat and get some questions answered!

You can enter the  Summer Fluffing Giveaway Hop HERE and enter for your chance to win an AppleCheeks Swim Diaper from Nature Bumz Co.!

I received the above mentioned product(s) in exchange for this review. This has not influenced my opinion of the product. I have sought to give my honest opinions and experiences on this product. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own.

Summer Fluffing Giveaway Hop! (July 17-31) #summerfluffing

We're Summer Fluffing and having a blast… with this Giveaway Hop, hosted by the So Easy Being Green and According to Jenny. We are excited to bring you some awesome cloth diaper prizes to help you celebrate summertime! If you're looking to win some great cloth diaper prizes, you’re at the right spot.  Each blogger in this Event has a Fluff Prize Package worth at least $25! After entering my giveaway, be sure to visit the other blogs listed under the Rafflecopter form for your chance to win more great giveaways.

I am excited to be partnering with Nature Bumz Co. for this giveaway hop and my prize is the wonderfully soft, super cute and re-usable AppleCheeks swim diaper along with a pair of BabyLegs in the 'Adam' print! If you have a little one and are planning to go to the pool, beach or you're just playing in the water in the backyard, this is the perfect re-usable swim diaper! BabyLegs are also a great summer accessory for your little one. They are the perfect way to cover up your little ones legs from the sun and protect legs while crawling.

You can read my full review of the AppleCheeks swim diaper HERE

CONNECT

You can connect with Nature Bumz Co. on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and follow along on their blog

We want you to be successful in cloth diapering and baby wearing so we offer continued phone and email support for all of our customers. This means if you have a problem, any kind of problem, you can stop by, phone, or email us for assistance and answers. - See more at: http://www.wellroundedbaby.com/pages/las-vegas-cloth-diaper-store#sthash.i2LWFdhw.dpuf

BUY IT

You can shop online at Nature Bumz Co. for AppleCheeks swim diapers and for all your summertime cloth diapering needs!

GIVEAWAY

Nature Bumz Co. wants to celebrate summer with us and they have sponsored one of the prizes for the Summer Fluffing Giveaway Hop on The Little Hedgehog. Nature Bumz Co. has generously offered one of my readers the chance to win an AppleCheeks swim diaper (ARV $21)! I have also included a brand new pair of BabyLegs in the 'Adam' print (ARV $12)! 

***Giveaway is open to the US and Canada only. Entrants must be 18+ years old. One entry per household. The winner has 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.***  

Giveaway will end July 31st. 

Entries go in the Rafflecopter form below! Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck on winning my fluffy prize, but why stop now?  The more you enter, the more chances to win a Summer Fluffing Prize!  So hop around on the linky and don't forget to enter to win the huge Grand Prize for this Event…

ENTER HERE! 

LINKY

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According to Jenny, So Easy Being Green, the Blogging Mamas Network, and the Summer Fluffing participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations. 

Well Rounded Baby Sponsor Spotlight and Best Bottom Review! #MadeInTheUSA

Well Rounded Baby is both a boutique in Las Vegas, NV and an online store that offers cloth diapers, babywearing items and mama gear. I am thrilled that I got the opportunity to partner with Well Rounded Baby for the Made in the USA event! Well Rounded Baby offers many brands of cloth diapers and accessories that are made right here in the US!

I have recently started gravitating more towards cloth diapers that are made in the USA. I appreciate that these companies have chosen to source their materials and workers here, rather than overseas. I also appreciate the workmanship and time that goes into these products.

One of the Made in the USA brands that Well Rounded Baby carries is Best Bottom. I had never actually tried out the Best Bottom system before, so I was super excited when Brittany agreed to send me a cover and insert for Riley!

  I fell in love with this diaper cover and insert as soon as I got them! Right away I noticed that there were double leg gussets and that the PUL material felt really thick and yet moveable at the same time. I love double leg gussets, because they hug little Riley's legs super well and make sure that wetness and blow-outs stay on the inside! Score! Plus, the inside is wipe-able, so you can use it again and again.The Best Bottom shell is actually made with a double layer of PUL. I don't think I have seen that before! The extra material gives the cover sturdiness and a feel of durability to it, yet it is still soft and little Riley seems super comfy in it. This shell definitely feels like it will last a very long time and stand up to plenty of use!

The snap in liners are great too! Seriously, the Best Bottom diaper system couldn't be easier! I really like that the inserts snap into place - no scooting around or shifting to one side! There are three different size options for the inserts as well as a stay-dry microfiber or organic hemp/cotton choice. Another feature that I really appreciate is that the snaps have a crossover feature, which is perfect for tiny and skinny babies. ...not that Riley has that problem! Haha! But when he was a newborn, I did have a hard time getting a snug enough fit around his waist and snap covers were just about fruitless to try to use. This would have come in handy for sure!

The Best Bottom system was created by a husband and wife team and it is a privately owned family company.  They don't scrimp at all when it comes to quality! I love this diaper cover and the stay-dry microfiber insert has been super absorbent! I definitely want to get some more inserts (maybe try the organic hemp/cotton next) and a few more covers! This is a well made cover and insert and I have been so impressed by the craftsmanship. 

Taken from the Best Bottom website: "The highest quality of materials available have been selected with as much of the raw materials made in the USA as we could find. The entire Shell is made with USA-made materials! ALL of our products are proudly handcrafted in the USA at local factories helping to support the local economy and reduce our environmental impact. We use durable snaps and hook & loop, double layer of waterproof PUL creating a perfect no-leak sturdy shell with a wipe-able inside lasting for many washes."

How great is it that when you purchase a Best Bottom diaper, you know that you are helping to support families!?! Not only are you helping to support the family that creates Best Bottom, but by choosing to shop locally (if you are in Las Vegas) or through the family run online store, Well Rounded Baby, you are helping to support their family as well! Yay for Made in the USA!

You can Shop Well Rounded Baby for the Best Bottom system, as well as many other cloth diapers, accessories, babywearing gear and other goodies for the family.

You can also enter to win a $25 gift card to spend at Well Rounded Baby as part of the Made in the USA giveaway hop! Enter HERE

I received the above mentioned product(s) in exchange for this review. This has not influenced my opinion of the product. I have sought to give my honest opinions and experiences on this product. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own.

Love Cloth Diapers? Love Surprises? Then You'll Love the Fluff Fairy! #flufffairy

Do you love cloth diapers? Do you love fluffy mail? Do you love surprises? Then you are going to love the newest helper over at Kelly's Closet! Let me introduce you to the Fluff Fairy! She is fairy who is full of cloth diaper goodness and fluffy surprises. She has come to create mystery packages each month and deliver them to your mailbox. Are you doing the happy mail day dance yet? Are you squealing with excitement? ..I am!

Each month the Fluff Fairy will package up a special surprise for you that includes one cloth diaper and up to 3 additional accessories. The Fluff Fairy will always make sure to package up one complete diaper combo- whether it is a cover with an insert, an AIO or a pocket diaper, you are sure to get everything you need to use that diaper on your little one. Inside your package from the Fluff Fairy, you will get from 1-3 accessories that include things like detergent samples, wipes, lotion, a teether, advocacy gear or some other fun cloth diapering accessory. The diaper and accessories will vary from month to month so you are always guaranteed to get something new and exciting to try out!     

Since the Fluff Fairy varies the contents of her packages each month, the price each month will also vary. July's Fluff Fairy package is only $26.99! Oh, and another little treat from the Fluff Fairy is that the cost of shipping is included in your package! Isn't she generous?! The Fluff Fairy takes great care when assembling your packages every month. She wants to make sure that you get the right colors (or prints) for your little girl or boy! When you go to place your Fluff Fairy order, you  get to select your color preference and/or closure preferences (if available). No need to worry that you might get a floral print for your bouncing baby boy! (Not that there's anything wrong with that, Michael's favorite color used to be pink) ;) 

The Fluff Fairy has created her packages to be like a monthly subscription, without the subscription and recurring payments. No more forgetting to cancel a subscription! You pick the months you want a Fluff Fairy delivery and only pay for those months! No hassle, no fuss, no muss - easy peasy!

Fluff Fairy packages are available for purchase July 8-15th and they will begin shipping the week of July 15th. There are limited quantities available each month, so what are you waiting for? Hurry on over to Kelly's Closet and snag your very own Fluff Fairy surprise! Order one for yourself or surprise a cloth diaper lovin' mama friend and order one for her! (Can you just imagine the glee?!?)

*It should also be noted that: Fluff Fairy packages may not be combined with any coupons or special promotions (unless otherwise noted) and may not be cancelled or returned.  Diaper Dollar reward points will be earned on your Fluff Fairy purchases.*   

*This post does contain affiliate links. By clicking through them and making a purchase, you are helping to support The Little Hedgehog. Thank you!*

Sprout Organics Toddler Snacks Review & Giveaway! #SproutFoods

#spon: I'm required to disclose a relationship between our site and Sprout Foods. This could include the Sprout Foods providing us w/ content, product, access or other forms of payment. Check out the new Sprout Foods website at www.sproutorganicfoods.com.

Little Michael loves snacks! If he could eat snacks all day, I think he would. Breakfast, morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack, late afternoon snack, dinner...and then we start all over the next day! He may be part hobbit, I'm not sure yet. Elevenses anyone? I try my hardest to make all of Michael's meals from scratch and include as many organic ingredients as possible. I enjoy cooking and preparing meals. Making things helps me limit Michael's sugar intake and chemical intake (from pesticides in non-organic foods). I try to make him meals that are nutritious, healthy and fun. Sometimes though, I just don't have the time to make every snack from scratch. One way that I like to sneak in some fun "treats" and "surprises" is through organic, pre-made snacks. Sometimes Michael will get his "surprise" at lunchtime and sometimes I squirrel them away in my diaper bag to pull them out at just the right moment...like when we are running errands, at the beach or pool, on a road trip or at the doctor's office.

I have found a great snack for when we are on-the-go! It is healthy and organic too! When we are out running errands, I am guaranteed to hear, "Mama, I'm hungry!" from the backseat. :) I like to be prepared for such moments and have something to keep my little guy happy. Sprout Foods has created the perfect toddler snacks with their Yogurt Bites and Fruit & Veggie Crispy Chews! The snack bags are just the right size to tuck into my diaper bag and the snacks on the inside are the perfect portion for little Michael. They are easy for me to open up and hand to Michael, whether he is in the backseat or sitting in a shopping cart. The snacks are the perfect size for little hands too! I love the organic fruit and veggie combos that Sprout Foods has created and Michael loves the sweet treats! Just because we are out and about is no reason why Michael can't still have a healthy, good-for-you snack...oh and it's also a plus that they taste great too! I am so happy that I have a new go-to snack in the Sprout Foods line!

Sprout Foods generously send us a goodie box that was full of Fruity Yogurt Bites and Fruit & Veggie Crispy Chews for little Michael to try!

There were 8 Fruity Yogurt Bites (2 of each flavor):

• Banana Pumpkin Yogurt with Real Banana Pieces
• Orange Carrot Yogurt with Real Mango Pieces
• Raspberry Yogurt with Real Mango Pieces
• Strawberry Carrot Yogurt with Real Banana Pieces

and 8 of the Fruit & Veggie Crispy Chews (2 of each flavor)

•  Orange Fruit & Carrot
• Purple Berry & Carrot
• Red Berry & Beet
• Tropical Fruit & Pumpkin 

 Don't they all sound yummy?! I love that the flavor combinations are so unique! Michael's favorites were the Fruit & Veggie Crispy Chews. I think that they are like a thick fruit leather with crispy brown rice that gives it a nice crunch. To Michael, they are like candy! His favorites were Red Berry & Beet and Purple Berry & Carrot! The Fruity Yogurt Bites are crunchy and the dried yogurt makes it possible to take this snack out with us, even when it is 100 degrees outside! Michael's favorite was the Raspberry Yogurt with Real Mango Pieces.
  

The "...mission at Sprout is to create organic products for babies and toddlers that taste great - because a love of healthy foods can last a lifetime!" Sprout has created a a line of baby and toddler foods and snacks that feature organically-grown vegetables, fruits, grains and proteins. While Michael is really good at eating fruits and veggies (or at least giving them a try before he makes his finally assessment), sometimes it is nice to pull a snack out of the cupboard and not have to worry about slicing, dicing or scooping. Just tear it open and eat! As a parent, it is nice to not have to worry about artificial ingredients too!

BUY IT

You can shop for these great Sprout Foods products online at Diapers.com and Amazon or you can find a local retailer that carries them. Right now, you can save $1.00 if you shop through Amazon! Check out the coupon below!

GIVEAWAY

One lucky reader will receive a Sprout Organic Foods sample pack, featuring the NEW toddler snacks - all four flavors of the Fruity Yogurt Bites and all four flavors of the Fruit & Veggie Crispy Chews. 8 snacks total!

***Giveaway is open to the US only. Entrants must be 18+ years old. One entry per household. The winner has 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.***  

Giveaway will end July 13th. 

Entries go in the Rafflecopter form below! Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was provided the opportunity to host this giveaway at no cost to myself. I received the above mentioned product(s) in exchange for this review. This has not influenced my opinion of the product. I have sought to give my honest opinions and experiences on this product. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own.

Made in the USA Giveaway Hop! {July 4-13} #MadeInTheUSA

Welcome to the 2nd Annual Made in the USA Giveaway Hop, hosted by Happy Mothering and The Pistachio Project together with the Green Moms Network! We are excited to bring you awesome prizes that are Made in the USA and valued at $25+ to help you celebrate Independence Day! After entering my giveaway, be sure to visit the other blogs listed under the Rafflecopter form for your chance to win more great giveaways.

I am excited to be partnering with Well Rounded Baby for this giveaway hop! Brittany at Well Rounded Baby gave me the chance to review a cloth diaper that they sell in their shop! I chose to review the Best Bottom system that is made in the USA. I had initially wanted to review the Hedgehog print in snaps, but it sold out so quickly from their shop! So Brittany sent me the cover in Vanilla with snaps and a Large insert, so that I could do a review. She was so sweet and generous to also offer to send me the Hedgehog print as well as soon as it was back in stock in their shop! (Look for another blog post showcasing little Riley wearing the Hedgehog print Best Bottom cover once I get it!) You can read my full review of the Vanilla cover HERE.

Well Rounded Baby was started by Brittany and her husband James. Well Rounded Baby initially opened as a boutique in Las Vegas and as business grew, they expanded and opened the online store!

Well Rounded Baby is a wonderful shop that offers cloth diapers, cloth diapering extras, mama gear, carriers and products for wellness. At Well Rounded Baby, their goals "...is to be able to serve and help more families as they navigate the path of cloth diapering, babywearing, and living greener. We are here to make things easy...  – we would love to help! " One of my favorite design features of the online store is how the diapers are organized! Not sure where to start? Just check out the "Easy Peasy" section. Looking for something simple, then check out the "Back to the Basics" section. Wanting to try out an All-In-Two diaper or a Hybrid diaper? Then you can "Get With the System"! (haha) I just love it when shops can be creative and helpful at the same time! Well Rounded Baby also supports companies that make their products in the US. They have a great selection of diapers and other products that are made right here in the US! They carry brands like Best Bottom diapers, Blueberry/Swaddlebees diapers, Hemp Babies, Rockin' Green, Planetwise, and more!

At Well Rounded Baby, they want cloth diapering, baby wearing and natural parenting to be fun and successful. They happily offer phone and email support for all of our customers! So, if you have a problem or a question, you can stop by the store (if you are a local), visit their Facebook page, call the store or email for help and answers. And, if you happen to be in Las Vegas, make sure you stop by their retail store - Brittany and James would love to meet you!

We want you to be successful in cloth diapering and baby wearing so we offer continued phone and email support for all of our customers. This means if you have a problem, any kind of problem, you can stop by, phone, or email us for assistance and answers. - See more at: http://www.wellroundedbaby.com/pages/las-vegas-cloth-diaper-store#sthash.i2LWFdhw.dpuf

BUY IT

You can shop online at Well Rounded Baby for Best Bottom diaper covers, another item Made in the US or whatever else you little heart desires! I would definitely recommend keeping an eye out for a Best Bottom diaper restocking at Well Rounded Baby! They go fast, so make sure you snap up your favorite color or print before they are sold out again!

GIVEAWAY

Well Rounded Baby wants to celebrate Independence Day with us and they have sponsored the prize package for the Made in the USA Giveaway Hop on The Little Hedgehog. Brittany has generously offered one of my readers the chance to win a $25 Gift Certificate to Well Rounded Baby!

***Giveaway is open to the US only. Entrants must be 18+ years old. One entry per household. The winner has 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.***  

Giveaway will end July 13th. 

Entries go in the Rafflecopter form below! Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

This contest will run through July 13, 2013 at 9:00 pm PST (July 14, 2013 at 12:00 am EST). The winner will be chosen the following day and announced on The Little Hedgehog. No purchase necessary. US entries only. Must be 18 years or older to win.The sponsors provided me with free samples of these products to review, and I was under no obligation to review them if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You understand that you are providing your information to The Little Hedgehog and not to Facebook. Please note that The Little Hedgehog, Happy Mothering, the Green Moms Network and the Made in the USA event bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prize and in a timely manner. We will contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s). The sponsors, in most cases, are shipping their items to you directly. I will make every effort to assist you obtaining your prize. If there is an issue with a sponsor, please notify the blog you won a prize from within 4-6 weeks for assistance, after that we may be unable to assist you.