Das Not Funny! Friday: A real winner

Your regularly scheduled laughs at my children's expense are being postponed this week to reveal to you my nerdiness. Reader discretion is not at all advised. Unless you have an aversion to nerds, then you might want to look away.

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Hey folks. Well, I stayed up super late just so I could draw a winner for the kikoi/iTunes giveaway. Okay not just for that. Actually, a friend and I had plans earlier this evening and I'm up because I'm still a tiny bit giddy from the little excursion we took.

If, at any time, I've ever deceived you into you thinking I was cool get ready because I'm about to blow my cover big time.

When I texted (clearly the spell check powers that be have not caught up with the coolness of 2010 because "texted" has a red squiggly line under it and I know it's a real word) my friend to confirm our plans for tonight, she texted me back saying she had to run an errand. Let me just say that when she told me where we'd be going I got a tad lot excited. This place just makes my little heart flutter for reasons totally inexplicable to me. Remember that time I was NOT Type A? Yeah. That's now.

Anyway, I know that you're just dying to know where we went, aren't you? Well, brace yourself people. Serious nerd alert.

Staples.

Yes, the office supply store.

I can't tell you how much I love going into office supply stores. My affection for them isn't something that I share freely, er....at least until now. But y'all, I love them. Something about the fresh paper, all the pens full of ink, the crisp, new folders and the stickers and post-its. Well, it's more than my little self can take.

Oh. And tonight. GET THIS. They have this new snazzy idea. There's this little station filled with fun shaped paperclips and soccer ball erasers and highlighters and large paper clips and magnets and other such fun and you get a little tub and you can put as much in as will fit and it's ONLY $5.99.

I just about peed my pants I was so excited. I may have even clapped my hands. Seriously. I dropped my container once on the counter and once on the floor. I guess my hands were a little shaky from all the excitement.

I'm totally serious.

See? I told you I'd totally ruin any coolness you ever saw within me. Who gets that excited over office supplies? Especially when THEY DON'T EVEN HAVE AN OFFICE TO SUPPLY?!

Me = total dork.

So how do office supplies relate to the winner for my kikoi/iTunes giveaway? They don't. Not one bit. But I thought you should know the truth about me. And the truth is. I'm a freako nerd. Welcome to my world.

Alright, now for a winner. Thanks to Random.org the choosing of the $15 iTunes giftcard is totally unbiased by my nerdy, office supply store loving self. There were a total of 16 eligible entries (Because not everyone knows how to follow directions...ahem). Random.org chose lucky number 1 as our winner!

Wooo hoooo Chasity!

Congrats! Email me at beaverbunch (at) gmail (d0t) com and we'll work out getting your gift card to you.

In the meantime people, enjoy your weekend. If you need me, I'll be sniffing my new erasers and sorting my new five dollar and ninety-nine cent container full of office supply goodies.

I'm totally serious.

A GIVEAWAY! Strike while the iron loom is hot!

**** Final Update (7/26/10)****

All the kikois are sold! Yay! But, if that makes you super sad b/c you're just now reading HAVE NO TEARS! Lindy is sending back TWENTY more kikois for you guys! They'll still be just a measly $15 a piece and certainly just as beautiful! Check back in a week or so and I'll hopefully have them photographed and ready to go!


****New Update****

Pinky Linky is SOLD. Sorry folks!

****UPDATED****

Clearly my brain is NOT functioning correctly! I forgot to post one of the kikois! See the 1st one on the list, "Pinky Linky!" Sorry if you've already bought one and wanted a pink one! If it's not already marked "SOLD" and you want to switch, let me know ASAP!

Again, MY BAD. I'm a nerd.

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Original Post:

It's no secret that I have a heart for orphans. Well, at least I hope it's not a secret. It's also no secret that I'm all about my new favorite baby wearing product, The Kikoi (pronounced key-koy). Okay, technically it's not a product. But, it is a fabulous way to wear your baby in numerous different ways. I know there are tons of nice brands of baby wearing paraphernalia out there but what I can promise you that the other brands cannot is that these kikois are cheap and 100% of the profits go to support international adoption. The adoption of the baby(ies) of my dear friends Chris and Lindy Thompson who are currently serving as international missionaries in Kenya.

Can I just tell you that missionaries don't really make a ton any money? So, funding an adoption with little-to-no income is pretty tough. Chris and Lindy are not using ANY of their ministry funds to pay for their adoption. And, I bet if they knew I was posting this huge 'ol long blog post about their adoption they'd probably ask me not too. But, DARN IT! those are my pseudo nieces and/or nephews waiting to come home and I intend to do anything and everything I can to see them home quickly!

So, what's the point? How do orphans and kikois relate?

Glad you asked.

You see, I love, love. LOVE my kikoi that Lindy brought me back from Kenya last year. Truthbetold, I didn't really think it was that awesome until I had Ella. I mean, I used it some with Aaron...

(11 month old Aaron)

And quite a bit more with Olivia when she was littler, but still not tons.

(7 month old Olivia)

But with Ella, well, I use it ALL THE TIME. Especially when we are out and about and she's screaming like her carseat is on fire she doesn't want to sit in her infant carrier or ride in the stroller. A couple nights ago, Luke got home later than normal and I wrapped her on me while cooking and serving up dinner to my other 5 hooligans children. It's been a sanity saver for sure.

(That's a 3ish week old Ella in there.)

And, I even have some friends (including Lindy) who wear them as skirts and they are so cute! I haven't figured out how to do that yet.

Anyway, Lindy sent home to me 10 brand-spankin' new kikois this past week. And, let me tell you, I'm questioning my friendship with Lindy. I mean, these kikois she sent are SO BEAUTIFUL and vibrant. When she gifted me a kikoi did I get a beautiful, vibrant kikoi?

No. I got puce green. Thanks Sista. Thanks a lot.

Not sure how to use a kikoi? Click here for a sorta informational video. Of course, I use the term informational loosely. Very loosely.

At any rate, you can purchase these fabulous kikois for a mere $15. They measure approximately (and I say approximate b/c I only measured 1 and they are hand made so they could vary by an inch or so) 39 inches wide by 65 inches long. For you seamstresses that would make them almost 1 yard wide by almost 2 yards long. (Obviously, I'm a math genius.)

Here's what I have for sale for $15 a piece (that's so cheap it should be a crime). Three guesses on who helped me "name" them.

******Pinky Linky is SOLD.******

******Ralphie is SOLD.******

*****Sherbert is SOLD.******

******Callie Pink is SOLD.******

******Earl Grey is SOLD.******

*****Seablanket is SOLD.******

******Greeny Beany is SOLD.******

****** Yellow John is SOLD.******

******Yellow John 2 is SOLD.******

******Elizabeth Ashlee is SOLD.******
(Not my Elizabeth or Ashlee. Just the kikoi.
You know, just to clarify, in case you were curious.)

(Please pay no attention to the circular blobs in the middle of each photo. Apparently, when you have dust in your nice, new camera, removing said dust by blowing into your camera with your mouth is not the best idea. Slobber can get on your sensor. Clearly, I'm a genius.)

Purdy, ain't they? But please, don't just take my word for how marvelous they are. Here are some friends of mine who have and use kikois. They are the real experts. Or not.

Here's what my BFF Amanda had to say about her kikoi:

I love, love, love my kikoi! I have to admit that when Jessica told me that she got one for me I completely underestimated it. "It's just a simple sling. How great could it be?" I had already gotten a Baby Bjorn and thought that was the be-all, end-all in baby carriers. I quickly learned otherwise!

I have used the kikoi since Annabelle was born. Even now, this 16-pound, 9-month-old loves to sit in her comfy red sling. I love it because it is versatile. She can ride sitting up or lay flat for some of the best naps she has ever taken. I also love it because it is portable. I just cram it into the diaper bag with everything else. Mostly, I love it because it is simple. It takes two people to get a newborn into one of those carriers with straps and buckles everywhere like the Baby Bjorn (which costs $70). I just leave the kikoi tied all the time, throw the baby on my hip, slide it over both of our heads, and she's ready to go. She literally starts shaking and grunting with excitement when she sees me grab it. Don't let the simplicity fool you. It's my favorite sling and I use nothing else!

(Amanda and her daughter Annabelle,
who was almost brand new at the time)

Also, my bloggy friend Tia bought one not too long ago and wrote me this,

I found out about the kikoi through my super sweet and awesome bloggy friend. It looked simple, easy and like it didn't take much effort. That is exactly what I needed for my chunky baby since she has a very very active two year old sister. Once I received my kikoi in the mail I was a little confused about how it was supposed to feel while carrying my large load of a baby. I watched Jess's informative videos on it and once I gave it another try I was hooked. I use my kikoi while grocery shopping, during family outings, while cooking dinner and pretty much anytime carrying my baby is needed. I've even found ways to use it while not carrying her. When I have her in the umbrella type stroller (without the umbrella) I just slide it over the handles (while still tied-knot on backside of stroller) and let it fall over the baby. It's loose enough to keep her from getting hot but it keeps the sun off of her sweet baby skin...and when the wind is blowing too hard I just pull it up over her head. And the other day I figured out that if I get tired of carrying her I can put her in the grocery basket, strap her in and then slide the wrap over her body and around the shopping cart seat (knot on back of seat) and it will keep her from falling over :-). We REALLY love our kikoi! I think you need one too.

(Tia and her daughter Isabelle)

After reading all of that don't you want to support adoption and buy one of these beautiful pieces of fabric?

Here's what you should do. Email me at beaverbunch (at) gmail (dot) com and tell me which one you like. (You can find the name of each one in the photo. Click to enlarge if you need to.) I will email you instructions on how to pay and once your payment is received I will ship it to you! Easy peasy!

Now, for the giveaway part.

I will randomly give away one $15.00 iTunes gift card to someone who either purchases or promotes the purchase of a kikoi. Don't want a kikoi, but want in on the giveaway action? No problemo! Here are some additional ways you can enter to win the iTunes gift card.

* Twitter about this post, linking this post's URL in your tweet. (You can obtain this post's URL by clicking on the post title and then looking at the web address in your address bar.)

* Facebook about this post, linking this post's URL in your status.

* Blog about this post, linking to this post's URL in your blog post.

Please leave one comment for each entry. You can create an entry for each option available. For example, if you buy a kikoi leave a comment saying, "I bought one" or something. Then, if you also twitter about this post, leave a separate comment saying "I tweeted! Here's the link to my tweet: http://...." If you additionally facebook about the giveaway, then leave yet a 3rd comment saying such and leaving a link to your facebook post.

You get the idea. I will use Random.org to randomly choose ONE winner for the iTunes gift card and send it to you via your email address. Entries for the giveaway must be submitted by 11:59pm EST on Thursday, July 22, 2010. The kikois will be available until all are sold.

So, buy a kikoi or spread the word and let's un-orphan a few more babies and decrease the 147 million orphans world-wide one family at a time. Whatta ya say?

Kikoi: The Trilogy

When I posted about my kikoi so many (three) of you jumped on board and wanted one for yourself. Well, I should have known that the kikoi takes some getting used to. I got my first one a few months after we got Olivia's placement and, truthfully, I didn't like it all that much.

But then, I figured out that it really didn't matter what the "right" way was for using it. The point was, I needed to use it. When we had Ella, I dug it back out because I really didn't have a choice. I NEEDED both of my hands all day and Ella NEEDED me to hold her. So, I decided to adapt, improvise and overcome. (That's my husband's college baseball coach's motto. Smart man. He has a lot of kids. I bet it wasn't really meant at all for baseball.)

At any rate, I LOVE my kikoi. I love it beyond the amount that anyone should love a long piece of fabric. And, after I shipped out 2 kikois I got 2 responses saying that they had no clue how to use it. Or, that they had tried to use it but it was awkward.

I totally understood. And, I equally wanted them to love their kikoi as much as I love mine. So, behold, below is a trilogy of sorts on how to use your kikoi. Keep in mind I really have no idea what I'm doing. I'm also going to add some commentary in reference to each of the 3 videos. Truthfully, I would have preferred that this all be consolidated into 1 video, but my cameraman kept stopping the video (twice) and the camera he was using creates a new video each time. And, I have no stinkin' clue how to combine them all. So, bear with me people.

Also, as Luke pointed out I probably could have just emailed these videos to the two people who asked about them but what would be the fun in that? Who would provide such lovely kikoi footage to the rest of the world?

No one. That's who.

First up, how to tie your kikoi into a good knot. Seriously, could the bottom of my foot be any grosser? I won't tell you that I had JUST had a surprise pedicure THAT VERY MORNING. Seriously, I am such a hick, as if my southern drawl when I said, "foo-yut" didn't tip you off to my hick-ness that nasty foot did. If you've ever question which area of the country I'm from, these three videos should make it CLEAR AS DAY. South, deep south. That's your answer.

Also, the side "commentary" is from Olivia. She's off camera strapped into her booster seat. I'm SHOCKED she was so quiet for the making of this film. She typically interjects her thoughts anytime someone else is talking. Even though her thoughts are undecipherable.

Okay, roll that beautiful bean footage...

Kikoi 1 from The Beaver Bunch on Vimeo.

My plan was that the cameraman wouldn't stop tape but rather pass off my babe to me in one fluid motion. Guess not.

For video #2

I realize it appears as though I'm flopping my 11 week old around like a rag doll. Apparently, having an average of a baby a year over the last 6 years has made me a little confident in my baby hold techniques. Other people have told me that I'm this way but seeing it makes me understand exactly what they mean. There were a couple of times that I wanted to reach through the screen and take my baby out of my own arms. Mind you, it never feels like she's being flopped around and I have never dropped one of our babies. And, truthfully she really is safe and secure within my grip. But have mercy.

Also, WHY HASN'T ANYONE TOLD ME ABOUT THOSE SHORTS? If you've ever seen me in those shorts and not said, "Um...what's with the Mom shorts? They are not working for you." you are officially dead to me. DEAD. Seriously. I have Mom crotch AND Mom butt in those! People! I thought we were friends! I'm burning those shorts. Or, at the very least, throwing them to the WAY BACK part of my closet and only pulling them out when I have nothing else to wear and it's 157 degrees with 200% humidity. You know, when it's so stinkin' hot I don't care how my butt looks because I'll be inside sitting directly in front of the air conditioner on my ugly Mom butt.

kikoi 2 from The Beaver Bunch on Vimeo.

Onto the 3rd video, if we must...

Please note that the cameraman told me to bend over like that to show how the baby is securely in place. But, I'm sure Michael Jackson had a grand excuse as well for his baby dangling mishap, so let's just move right along...

The ugly face. Clearly my desire to help is only nullified by me plastering an ugly face all over the interweb. Glad I'm not one bit concerned with myself. Too bad the still frame of video 2 just shot the water out of my ugly face theory.

kikoi 3 from The Beaver Bunch on Vimeo.

Finally, for those of you who this video actually applies to, it would be good to note that I don't untie my kikoi between uses. This makes it available more quickly when I need it and I also think it helps to stretch the fabric and gives you a little bit of extra room that I find so helpful. I know with my green kikoi it feels a lot more relaxed.

Anyway, hope this helped you gals. And for those of you who have never had a kikoi, well, I hope you'll tell me next time I have on Mom shorts. You owe it to me.