My new diaper bag!

The diaper bag scenario is frustrating. These are the options:
* use the stupid Enfamil bag you get when you leave the hospital
* throw it all in the abyss of a tote
* spend a lot of money for something sleak, yet boring, from Babies'R'Us
* spend even more money for something really cool looking

I opted for:
* make your own! just the way you like it!

When I saw the red fabric at Ikea a few months ago, I knew it was for my mom bag. I'm calling it a mom bag, b/c I made it with a long-term view, and it's useful for more than just diapers, ya know.

It's a simple messenger style bag. With just a flap to keep it all together. I don't like to mess with fasteners, which is why I find a tote style bag appealing. But totes just don't work for this purpose right now. Everything sinks to the bottom and that's very annoying.

Here's the bag with the flap up. Lots of nice little compartments easily accessible without having to dig through the bag. Cell phone, pens, small notebook, chapstick, gum, etc.

Inside is a big pocket for a changing pad, which is just an all-purpose waterproof pad that I got at Babies'R'Us. I'd like to make a coordinate backing for it, but we'll see if I have time. I still need to get a toggle button to hold the pocket closed with the loop I already made. It's kind of floppy right now. (I envision this becoming useful for a laptop someday.)

There are three pockets on the other side where I can stash diapers and wipes and whatnot.

Watter bottle or coffee mug holders on each of the ends.

Velcro straps on back to attach a custom food bag I have yet to make. We're always packing peanut butter sandwiches and other snacks, and it gets annoying to have that floating around the main bag.

And I'm all about this: ties at the bottom to attach a rolled up blanket (or wrap!) for further outdoor fun.

And that is my cool new bag. I'm totally basking in its awesomeness!!!

(T minus 5 days 'til vacation!)