Thursday, September 17, 2009

The Dark Side of The Moon

(With apologies to Pink Floyd for the title of this post.)

It's time we talk about one of the less desirable aspects of parenthood: Diapers. And in our case, diapers times three.

Hoo, boy do we have diapers around here! Fewer than in the early days when we often topped out at 36 diapers a day, but we still average 21-24 a day. More depending on the reaction to new foods.

If you're keeping score at home, that means we go through a Costco-sized box of 200 size 3s in less than 10 days. That's a $40 box of diapers if you really want to do some math that will make your head hurt. And your wallet.

Of course there was that one bout of gastrointestinal distress that led us to go through an entire package of 96 diapers in 12 hours. And then there was the time that I had one constipated baby so I fed all three prunes. POOPAPALOOZA!

But diaper cost and contents aside, my real problem with diapers these days is the actual changing of them.

Back in May I wrote about Isaac's skill at flipping over on the changing table. Turns out he was just warming up, and he's been sharing notes with his brothers.

I'm quite certain it would be easier to milk a wild cow than to change this trio of bucking broncos, especially now that they've had months of practice.

Talk to them to keep their attention? They were over that months ago.

Distract them with a toy? HA!

Tell them "No," firmly, but lovingly? I hate to admit this, but that only makes them grin and laugh. (I know, I know. I'm in trouble.)

Hog tie them? Ah, then we might be getting somewhere.

Since they employ a number of world-class wrestling moves, I've decided to employ a few of my own.

Now if I only had an extra hand to actually change the diaper with once I've succeeded in wrestling the little buggers into submission.

Oh well, I'm sure I burn a couple hundred calories at every diaper changing session. So bring on the ice cream!

10 comments:

Katie said...

My boys (7 mo) rarely poop (like twice a week!). At first I was concerned, but now am just glad :) Love your stories, as it gives me insight to where I'll be in a few months!

Suz said...

I remember the diaper wrangling wars -- used to change them on the floor with my thigh thrown over their chest. They screamed, but it got the duty done.

Memories can be such bliss -- especially when they're distant and involve dirty diapers! ;)

Angela said...

I think our babies are pen pals! It's getting crazy in WA as well! You deserve your icecream now go get an extra scoop!

Judy P said...

Thanks for the pink floyd disclaimer. how come one of you ingenious multiple moms has not invented a diaper you can change with one hand?

Anonymous said...

Given the number of diapers you have to change, it’s possible that what used to be a pleasant experience for you has gotten to be routine, or even worse, a hassle. When parents approach diaper changing in a brisk, no-nonsense way, it isn’t any fun for Baby. Try to reconnect with the bonding experience that diaper changing can be -- a moment of calm in a busy day when you share ONE-ON-ONE time with your baby.

Christy AKA Trippin' Mama said...

Oh, Anonymous, I want to live in your world. No amount of playing, laughing, new toys or chitchat from mom can keep these little wiggle worms still long enough to get the job done! At least once a diaper change there's a bare bottom up.

I think part of the problem is the multiples -- they can't wait to get off the table and back to playing with their brothers. I say that because I often find our calmest diaper changes are when I have only one baby awake.

Anonymous said...

Stop the Diaper Changing Battles

By Robin Elise Weiss, LCCE, About.com

http://pregnancy.about.com/od/caringforyourbaby/a/diaperbattles.htm

Accessed: Monday, September 21, 2009

Anonymous said...

Excuse me.

http://pregnancy.about.com/od/caringforyourbaby/a/diaperbattles.htm

Christy AKA Trippin' Mama said...

Love Elizabeth Pantley, esp. the No Cry Sleep Solution, but her advice is no match for my crew. We've tried it all. Flashlights, Mr. Diaper, tickles, peek-a-boo, mommy's car keys, bicycle legs...phew, I'm making myself tired!

Now on the other hand, if Elizabeth can throw a good lasso...

:)

Emily said...

If it's any consolation, I think the diaper-dance may be a phase - or at least it was in this household. Both my girls did the bare-bum flip for a few months, and then, out of nowhere, they stopped. Now I get the occasional I'm-so-mad-you're-making-me-lie-down kicking tantrum, but it's not an every time occurrence like the flipping was. Hang in there!