The Nappy Showdown


Ok, so call me weird, cheap, whatever. Ever since Audrey was born, I've been wondering whether or not the more expensive diapers are 'worth it.' I mean hey--the first three months of life they use about 12 per day (from there it slowly decreases to about 6-8). And just in case you haven't been in the market for diapers lately, let me tell you: they ain't cheap. Assuming you don't buy the smallest pack, which is obviously most expensive per diaper, they can still easily run $0.20 to $0.35 per unit on average. That's on average. There are always cheap, cheap diapers like Luvs, Cloud, Target brand, etc. But for the sake of this laboratory experiment, we stayed with the two most well-known brands: Huggies and Pampers. When Audrey was born, we tried all varieties of these brands and the hands-down best were Pampers Swaddlers. Soft like cloth diapers, absorbent, not bulky, etc. No contest. But these don't come in the larger sizes.

So for the past few months I've been bouncing back and forth between the regular old-fashioned regular Huggies Baby-Shaped Fit (Mega-box at CostCo, about $0.20 each), Huggies Supreme Natural Fit (their premium brand), Pampers Baby Dry and Pampers Cruisers (all of the aforementioned cost around $0.30 each) Pampers Baby Dry seemed to leak, so they were 'out'. The others seemed about the same, but then again what do I know? I'm not the one wearing them.

So I've been wondering how they would hold up in a test at the Coachella Lab Kitchen.

Three diapers Huggies Baby-Shaped, Huggies Supreme Natural Fit, and Pampers Cruisers



Each diaper was filled with 2ooml liquid



The pre-verbal jury watches intently, waiting for her parents to discover what she knew long ago.



Each diaper was then tested for wetness & leakage....




....as well as comfort (defined and measured by how bulky & lumpy the nappy felt when wet)



And the winner is: Diaper C--Pampers Cruisers. Not only was there zero wetness when a paper towel was pressed onto the diaper for 5 seconds, but it stayed remarkably soft, smooth and thin, whereas both other diapers bulked up considerably. With that being said, both Huggies performed only slightly worse than the Pampers. Further both Huggies measured the same in wetness, although the Huggies Supreme is made of slightly softer material.

In the end, our verdict is that because of the significant cost-savings ($0.10 each) we will probably continue using the regular Huggies for regular day-to-day nappies, which are frequently changed anyways. For nighttime and traveling however, Pampers Cruisers are our absolute new fave.



Audrey celebrates the results with a Newcastle.

Reflections on Faith


Reflecting upon Audrey's baptism, I'm reminded of how faith is two very different things at the same time: a gift--and a response.



Nothing speaks more to me about the Creator's nature than the natural world itself. Think about it: God could have made everything purely functional without any aesthetic consideration whatsoever: no sound or melody...black and white...bland..tasteless...without texture or fragrance, talent or design.
(Speaking of talent and design: photo's courtesy of Jay Vanos)



This is a view from grounds at the Wayfarers Chapel, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Being at the ocean makes me feel small in a good way (as opposed to feeling small in a bad way; like when I'm driving around L.A. freeways.)

Physically inhaling moist, salty ocean air is like exhaling the fullest, most restorative sigh from deep down in my soul. In this unfathomably large universe with its vast, unending oceans, I am minuscule. Still, God knows my baby, my husband...me... and every thought each of us will ever have. And cares for us. That's when it's good to be small.




There is also something inexplicably healing about music--especially a human voice singing from the heart. Jeanie sang a very special blessing for Audrey at her Christening...

Forever Young (Bob Dylan)
May God bless and keep you always,
May your wishes all come true,
May you always do for others
And let others do for you.
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous,
May you grow up to be true,
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
Stand upright and be strong,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy,
May your feet always be swift,
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift.
May your heart always be joyful,
May your song always be sung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

Audrey's Christening


After getting up at 4.30 am to drive down to Palos Verdes, Audrey and her Daddy enjoy a moment outside the Wayfarers Chapel before changing clothes.


This Christening gown has been used in Mike's family since 1857!!! (I have 'white' blouses that are 6 months old and don't look this good.) The lace on her bonnet is from mommy's wedding dress.)


The faithful of the faithful drove all the way to the South Bay to attend an 8am Christening. Held at the gorgeous Wayfarers Chapel, it was a special day for Audrey, her parents and her friends and family.

For us, baptizing Audrey was a time to declare that we realize that she came from- and belongs to- God. We have been entrusted with her care and in her baptism we promised to demonstrate God's love for her--first and foremost by personal example. In doing so, it is our hope that she will grow in her own, personal love and awareness of God and choose to follow Him through her life's journey.

This beautiful chapel was built by Lloyd Write and made of Redwood and glass.



The lace on Audrey's bonnet is from Brandi's wedding dress.

What a pious child--lifting her hands to bless the people. Perhaps the pose the baby Jesus strikes in most painting's isn't so affected after all.

May be the next 'Mother Teresa' is among us...? :)

The Shaw/Probst clans

The Morris/Vanos/Handley/Orr clans

Grandma & Grandpa

The Shaw aunties

Auntie Lisa

Audrey's many beloved cousins

Audrey's Great Grandparents: Papa, Jean & Nana

The Great Grandparents & Hal & Donna Handley

Audrey loves Aunt Mindy


Mother of 5, but not just that: "super woman" who always finds time to do thoughtful and creative things for others, Mindy finally gets to be the aunt! Dedicated mother, daughter, and wife, Mindy is always doing sweet things for her niece. From diaper coupons and neat books to cards, roses, butt paste and hugs, Aunt Mindy is always standing by to help.

Audrey loves Aunt Kirsten


Finally, after many years of patiently waiting, she gets to be the aunt. Biding her time, waiting for the chance to avenge herself years of being the 'mean mom' rather than the 'fun aunt', we anticipate Audrey receiving all kinds of loud toys, drums in retribution for gifts to her children these past 11 years.... Kirsten is an amazing mommy, so how could she not be a fabulous aunt? Fun, loving and diligent, she has much to teach a new mother like myself. For her help, love and advice so far...Audrey loves Aunt Kirsten.

Audrey and her Papa


What better way to fall asleep than to snooze in the big black chair with Papa? (Actually, there is one: falling asleep getting a 'head scratching' from Papa. Something to look forward to...) Hardworking, dedicated with a sly sense of humor, this Grandpa could give Tiger a run for his money. Audrey especially loves hanging out at CoffeeBean Tea Leaf with Papa, eating baby food and sipping chamomile tea. Papa loves his grandkids and they sure love him.

Audrey loves Grandpa


Really, is there anyone who doesn't like this guy? Hardworking, cheerful and encouraging, he's always ready to get to know someone new. And he can operate a defibrilator to boot. Or save your life in 1000 different ways if you end up in ER. Quite the golfer, he'll ditch his tee time anytime to lend a helping hand. At home or in Africa, Audrey loves her Grandpa.

Audrey loves Nanay


Ask Nanay's grandkids and they'll all agree: she's the just the most fun. Always ready with a silly face or song, there's almost no where else they'd rather be. Her slumber parties are world-renowned and Audrey can't wait until she's old enough to attend. She always comes up with the coolest and most creative gifts and writes thoughtful and poetic notes to those she loves. Audrey hearts her Nanay.

Aunt Kelly, the package.


Who but Aunt Kelly would drive out to rescue her post-partum sister in the middle of the night? Ok--Aunt Kirsten would too, but she was released from duty in order to care for her own 3 cherubs. Aunt Kelly just straight rocks. Smart, caring and reliable..holding down the family business, studying her Psy.D and a voracious social life--all while looking extraordinarily fashionable. To those who admire Audrey's sense of style--Aunt Kelly has provided 90% of our baby's wicked-cool duds.

Audrey and her Grandma


Audrey is blessed to have many people who love her, but few drop whatever they have in their hands so quickly to come play with her, as grandma. Always ready to lend a hand or help in any way that she can, we all appreciate 'Grandma.' Her encouraging notes and cards come from wherever in the world God sends her. Audrey hearts her Grandma.

Ah... Seattle in Spring


This post is about 2 months overdue but hey: better late than never, right?

Our first official travels with Audrey went pretty well. Admittedly, she is not a light packer (gets that from her mom). But what's a girl to do without her Bumbo chair, stroller, playyard, etc.? It was a good trial run for the upcoming trip to Denmark. We learned a few valuable things along the way... like keep an eye on the armrest when you are changing your baby's diaper in the middle seat. It can suddenly fall down and hit her poor little cranium. Not exactly ideal when one is already doing absolutely ANYTHING to keep one's infant happy so as not to piss ones fellow travelers off. Anyhow, besides that--all went well. Audrey is a first-class trooper and recovered remarkably well from her head-trauma, lack of regular naps and sleeping in the same room as her parents.




Now, some of you may be thinking: do these people write about anything but their baby? For now the answer is: pretty much no. So if you're bored, read no further. Need I explain that there is almost nothing that will rock your world more than having a little baby move in with you? Never fear--we are still very much intent on keeping our relationship as a couple a top priority. But that's a private affair, the details of which are not fodder for a blog. So get over it: our blog contains an inordinate amount of information about our life as a threesome. Getting that off my chest will probably free me up to post more often since I won't feel the pressure to come up with creative and varied entries to match the exciting life of my sister Kelly. :)


Back to Seattle in the Spring: gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. Seattle is really just an uber-cool city. Cool vibe, stunning natural beauty, friendly down-to-earth people, and so on. To all of the conservative people out there thinking, 'yes--and so very liberal too' I reply: 'and so very normal.' A few days in Seattle reminds you of how dysfunctional L.A. is. One day while taking the bus downtown, Audrey and I were chatting with an African American gentleman who confirmed this very thing. When he discovered that we were from L.A., he conveyed his condolences. Apparently, he'd moved from Los Angeles to Seattle many years ago. But enough city-bashing.

We decided on a B&B in lieu of hotel for the cozy atmosphere and were luck enough to find a nice one that allows children (The Hill House www.seattlehillhouse.com ). The place was delightful, breakfast wonderful, and the host just slightly...abrupt, as in New-Yorker seeming. Other than that it was a great choice and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.) It was a business trip so while Mike was in meetings, my girl and I happily toodled around the city. When his work was completed, we met up with Mike and explored together.


Seattle culinary faves:

• Il Bistro ("our"place in Seattle. Great everything. Especially unique is the orangy-pink lighting that gives the entire place a fire-like glow.)
  
• Pikes Market (call it cliché, but it really is a pleasure we never tire of). Everything fresh and alluring!
  
• Cream-cheese canoli (from a bakery in Pike's).
  
• Clam Chowder & crusty bread at Ettas (a Tom Douglas restaurant; for those who don't know Tom he is known as 'Seattle's chef'.
  
• Breakfast at The 5-Spot (in Queen Anne) or Atlas (University Village) (both Chow restaurants and superb!) . Check out these breakfasts, which Mike and I shared at the 5-Spot: Tiramasu French Toast: thick slices of egg bread dipped in rum & amaretto-kissed vanilla custard, griddled and dressed in alluring espresso marscapone; and the St. Stanislaus Kastka Breakfast Sandwich: heart of Polonia kielbasa griddled with apples, carmalized onion, and Swiss over toasted peasant bread with two scrambled eggs. Both SUPERB!

Mike and Audrey at the first Starbucks store

"And now, with your help Lord,
I shall become myself." -Kirkegaard

How is it so very hard--this thing of becoming ourselves? Quite early in life, it seems, a big part of our soul is forgotten...left behind, as it were. Shed like a snake's skin, we take on a weighty new cloak.

Perhaps this is why we need to be reborn as adults: to bury our 'false-self'; to become like a little child again, if we wish to experience the Kingdom of God in Technicolor...