tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61350827534373171192024-03-05T11:27:30.583-08:00Birthing MeDiscovering myself and my passions in my thirtiesRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03220450969630944498noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135082753437317119.post-63127805445919796082013-02-04T06:56:00.001-08:002013-02-04T06:56:49.408-08:00Happy New Year Card<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm baaaack! Yay. I needed a blogging break, but I did miss it so and I'm happy to be back. Did you get busy with the holiday season and miss the opportunity to send Christmas cards? I did! It seems like it was Halloween and then Christmas Eve. I kept waiting for the perfect opportunity to take a holiday photo. But with a capricious three year old we were constantly battling his visible physical injuries. First he had a black eye, then he cut his own hair, then it was a fat lip and another haircut - oye! The moral here is that there will never be a perfect time for a photo and with Photoshop and other editing software I could always edit it if it bothered me. I must remember this next year.<br />
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Regardless of y<strike>our excuse</strike> the reason you didn't send Christmas cards, it's never too late to let your friends and family know you're thinking of them. New Year's cards are a great way to wish your loved ones well in the coming year. For our card I cut the letters H-A-P-Y our of red construction paper and then used a glue stick to adhere them to a piece of white card stock. I took a bunch of photos of everyone with their letter and then used Picasa to edit them and make them black and white. I then used the collage function to line the pictures up the way I wanted. Once I made the collage I added text (still using Picasa). I cropped the image to 4x6 for easy printing.. We saved a ton of money by simply printing them at Walgreens just like you would a regular photo (instead of printing them on one of the online card making sites). And we were able to pick them up the next day! Then I raided my stash of envelopes and stuck them in the mail. I also sent some via email.<br />
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Here's the text in case it's hard to read on the small photo:<br />
<i>We didn't send Christmas cards in December</i><br />
<i>But that doesn't mean we don't remember</i><br />
<i>Our friends and family who mean so much.</i><br />
<i>In 2013 let's keep in touch!</i><br />
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<i>Wishing you peace, love and joy in the new year.</i><br />
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And I'll take this moment to wish you all peace, love and joy in the new year. Have you ever sent a Happy New Year card instead of a Christmas card?Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03220450969630944498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135082753437317119.post-17477821527060786252013-01-01T00:43:00.001-08:002013-01-01T00:43:38.221-08:00Happy New YearI have taken some time away from my blog to enjoy some time with my family during the holidays. What wonderful holidays they were. I hope you are enjoying your holidays. And I hope you'll continue along for the ride in 2013. I have a lot of fun things planned and I'll be back soon! Until then xoxo.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03220450969630944498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135082753437317119.post-24077609721194128592012-12-11T14:15:00.000-08:002012-12-11T14:15:07.001-08:00Butternut Squash Pot Pie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8y8T2V75xnZ0i-ksrDNCS_uG5izrGK_sx7nMRtnZaH31YxUUGq80FcQ17ys5Mp6RGuKtG36ZCGH1wTNYftTPJJVYhoev6OdS_MkXGxxAKCbHPw_UiXT8LXy88AWaIV9aThI3Z2UZIQoM/s1600/IMG_0098-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8y8T2V75xnZ0i-ksrDNCS_uG5izrGK_sx7nMRtnZaH31YxUUGq80FcQ17ys5Mp6RGuKtG36ZCGH1wTNYftTPJJVYhoev6OdS_MkXGxxAKCbHPw_UiXT8LXy88AWaIV9aThI3Z2UZIQoM/s400/IMG_0098-002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love fall. I mean, what's not to love - colorful leaves, crisp air, warm hot chocolate, cozy fires and delicious seasonal veggies. Ahh, yummy fall veggies, my favorite of which is definitely butternut squash. It's beautiful to watch grow in the garden, it has a great shelf life and it tastes like candy. This recipe has only 7 ingredients and is quick and easy. There's a whole lotta comfort packed into this pie so it's great to take to potlucks, new parents or those going through tough times. Roasting the squash takes the most time, but it can be done the night before.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKi1iYMLesnyoJonaqsi7iKj7pXIAuQMdpwposrqPmzyqG5XAGbQJX_Uu8vSp8ZaDZ8Z9Y5xYeLoAsUM0ldGL4yxjFdcETPmcfKl95ucGAlpLugjcfE0xvvo9EueG0L0jcJmItCO5EZ7Y/s1600/IMG_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKi1iYMLesnyoJonaqsi7iKj7pXIAuQMdpwposrqPmzyqG5XAGbQJX_Uu8vSp8ZaDZ8Z9Y5xYeLoAsUM0ldGL4yxjFdcETPmcfKl95ucGAlpLugjcfE0xvvo9EueG0L0jcJmItCO5EZ7Y/s200/IMG_0021.JPG" width="200" /></a><b>Butternut Squash Pot Pie (Vegetarian)</b><br />
(click <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1olO91Jh_eyzZsApYQ5H0nj4pQP3h4BVC_SkMb2q-hyo/edit">here</a> for the printer friendly version)<br />
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1/2 of a small butternut squash (roasted and peeled, which can be done ahead of time)<br />
1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of potato soup<br />
1- 16 oz package frozen mixed vegetables (green beans, carrots, peas, corn)<br />
1/2 cup milk<br />
1/2 tsp dried thyme<br />
1/4 tsp nutmeg<br />
1 package of <b>2 </b>refrigerated pie crusts<br />
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1.) I prefer to roast my butternut squash. Preheat oven to 425. Line baking sheet with foil and spray or butter foil. Cut squash in half lengthwise and remove seeds. <b>Tip:</b> If you have trouble cutting the squash you can microwave it for 5 minutes first. Lay squash cut-side down and cook for approximately 45 minutes.<br />
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2.) While squash is roasting, steam the veggies just to thaw.<br />
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3.) In a medium size bowl combine veggies, potato soup, milk, thyme, nutmeg and pepper.<br />
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4.) Prepare pie crust according to instructions.<br />
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5.) Remove squash from oven and allow to cool a bit so you can handle it. Remove skin and cube the squash. Gently fold into the veggie mix.<br />
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6.) Preheat oven to 375.<br />
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7.) Pour veggie mix evenly into first pie crust. Top with second pie crust. Trim and crimp edges. Make slits in pie crust and embellish if you wish. I embellished this pie, but truthfully I usually just poke fun holes that make a shape and we laugh about it once it's baked.* Bake at 375 for 40 minutes. Allow to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.<br />
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I like to serve with a spinach salad topped with feta and plum tomatoes, but whatever floats your boat.<br />
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<b>*</b>Tip: If you choose to embellish your crust you will want to cover your pie with foil in order to avoid burning the embellishment. Put a slit in your foil. Remove foil after about 30 minutes and cook for an additional 20 - 25.<br />
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This is a vegetarian pot pie and I promise that you will not miss the meat. If you are worried about it just add some chicken. I made two of these for a group dinner and cut up a rotisserie chicken and added it to one of the pies (trust me, you don't want me cooking your meat).<br />
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You may have seen this post on <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2012/11/butternut-squash-pot-pie.html">Sugar Bee Crafts</a> during her Guest Post Extravaganza. Check out Mandy's fantastic blog for great crafts, yummy recipes and fun tips and tricks.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03220450969630944498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135082753437317119.post-26543089468400732642012-11-29T11:53:00.001-08:002012-11-30T08:11:53.287-08:00Headband Holder from Oatmeal Container<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey folks! I'm blogging over at <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/">Sugar Bee Crafts</a> today at 3 p.m. so be sure to check out my recipe for mouth-watering Butternut Squash Pot Pie. Thanks to my friend Katie at <a href="http://www.offthehookcrochet.net/2012/10/mistletoe-ornament.html">Off The Hook Crochet</a> for her help with the photos for that post.</div>
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Now, as promised here's my headband holder tutorial.</div>
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I love crafts of the trash-to-treasure variety. It feels good to make something purdy from something otherwise destined for the recycling bin. This is one of my favorite projects so far and it's the perfect time of year to make it. This requires a HUGE oatmeal container.<br />
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See that? 42 oz of Oatmeal! That could take a long time to go through, but a few batches of yummy oatmeal cookies this holiday season and you'll finish it in no time.<br />
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Peel the label off so it won't show through your fabric.<br />
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I chose to cover mine in burlap, but you could use almost any fabric, paper, or wallpaper. If you use burlap find the somewhat finished end. That will be the top of your container. I trimmed the burlap so it was easier to work with. <br />
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Once your glue gun is hot put a bead along the top of the container just under the lip where the lid goes.</div>
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Work your way around the container until all the fabric is attached along the top.</div>
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I decided to use spray adhesive to attach the rest of the of the fabric so I moved the project outside. Working in small segments spray the adhesive and smooth the burlap as you go.</div>
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Trim the excess off the bottom and using spray adhesive tuck the ends.</div>
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Am I the only one who can't use spray adhesive without being covered in the stuff by the time I finish?</div>
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I decided to finish the bottom by adding a circle of paper using regular glue. This step is totally optional as you'll never actually see it. </div>
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Put the lid back on and glue a fabric flower, crocheted flower or other topper. Put your headbands on. There you have it! </div>
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You can store hair bows, hair ties or other accessories inside the container. Who doesn't love hidden storage? If you make this let me know. I'd love to see pictures! What are you upcycling these days?</div>
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I'm linking to: <a href="http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/2012/11/frugalicious-fridaydowntown-tape.html">Frugalicious Friday</a>, <a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2012/11/heirloom-ornaments-show-and-tell-friday.html">Romantic Home</a>, <a href="http://www.herecomesthesunblog.net/2012/11/fabulous-friday-54.html">Fabulous Friday</a>, <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/2012/11/flaunt-it-friday-129.html">Flaunt it Friday</a>, <a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2012/11/frugal-friday_29.html">The Shabby Nest</a>, <a href="http://shabbyartboutique.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/shabbilicious-friday-link-party_30.html">Shabby Art Boutique</a>, <span style="color: #313333; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Myriad Pro, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20.03333282470703px;"><a href="http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/giveaway-and-humble-brag-link-party-9/">The Humble Brag</a></span></span></div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03220450969630944498noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135082753437317119.post-73822745328374002712012-11-19T06:18:00.000-08:002012-11-28T20:43:17.571-08:00Rainbow Hair Bow Holder<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbirthingme.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F11%2Frainbow-hair-bow-holder.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-sG3MYNa1y_8%2FUKnAOP4cVCI%2FAAAAAAAACD8%2Fl4VXSGoo-fI%2Fs400%2F101_7533-001.JPG&description=Rainbow%20hair%20bow%20holder%20tutorial%20and%20pattern%20from%20Birthing%20Me"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a><br />
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When I saw a tutorial for a <a href="http://prudentbaby.com/2012/03/baby-kid/cloud-ribbon-rainbow-travel-pillow/">rainbow travel pillow</a> over on Prudent Baby I knew it would make a perfect hair bow holder. Last week I finally got around to making it for my sweet girl for Christmas. To make this bow holder you'll need:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Ribbon in the colors of the rainbow. 2 in each color - 1 at 5/8" and one smaller</li>
<li>3/8 yd White fabric. I used a plush, cuddly fabric that reminded me of clouds, but you could use almost anything. You'll have lots left over. Probably enough to make 2 more clouds.</li>
<li>Buttons in the colors of the rainbow (I chose a sweet flower shape, but any reasonably sized shape will work.</li>
<li>Beads in the colors of the rainbow</li>
<li>Stuffing</li>
<li><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0Bye43jiuNPL-SHFLTm9JY3V5V2c">Cloud pattern</a> or draw your own</li>
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Measure (or add) the width of your ribbons to be sure they'll fit on your cloud. </div>
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Cut your ribbon to the desired length. I started with about 17 inches so that I had plenty of room to trim them evenly at the end. Place the thin ribbon on top of the wider one and center. Also cut a piece of yellow ribbon for your handle to your desired length.</div>
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For each color, glue the thinner ribbon to the wider one on only one end with just a small dab of fabric glue.</div>
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Prudent Baby has another step which uses heat n bond to keep the ribbons in place while sewing and I think it's a great idea. I wish I had reread her tutorial prior to making this.</div>
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Download my cloud pattern <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0Bye43jiuNPL-SHFLTm9JY3V5V2c">here</a> or make your own . If you download my pattern you'll find the shape differs slightly from the one I made because I decided the bottom should be a bit more straight and the top should be slightly less curved since the ribbon handle pulls upward just a little while hanging. You could also use the one from Prudent Baby, which is super cute, and just shrink it a bit.</div>
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Trace it onto your white fabric using a vanishing fabric marker making sure your fabric is doubled so you'll end up with two pieces and cut. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">If you squint you just might be able to see the cloud outline.</span></div>
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Place one cloud piece right side up on the table. Then arrange the ribbons how you like on top of the cloud piece but backwards so that the ends that will hang down point towards the inside of the cloud. If this is confusing you can again refer to the <a href="http://prudentbaby.com/2012/03/baby-kid/cloud-ribbon-rainbow-travel-pillow/">Prudent Baby tutorial</a> (she's a pro and her tutorials are so easy to follow - I'm still learning). Lay the handle in place on top of the cloud piece with the ends touching the edge of the cloud fabric and the handle portion facing the middle of the cloud (it should look like a u). Lay the other cloud piece on top with the right side down.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Here you see the ribbons pinned inside the cloud pieces.</span></div>
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Sew using a 1/2" seam allowance making sure to leave a few inches open on one side to turn it right-side out. I stuffed it enough to hold it's shape, but not so full that it is puffy, which might make it lay funny against the wall. Then sew the hole closed. Close the turn hole with a hidden stitch for a seamless looks. Check out this tutorial <a href="http://fernandfreckle.com/tutorial-invisible-seams-the-hidden-stitch/">here</a> if you need help with this step. I trimmed the ribbons so they were even and touched them with fray check. You could also use a lighter (briefly and carefully) or pinking shears to prevent the ribbon from fraying. Choose where you want your buttons. You could line them up straight across the ribbons in neat rows or stagger them like I did. Sew the buttons on to the top of the smaller ribbon so that you're sewing the two layers of ribbon together. I then strung a few beads in coordinating colors and sewed them through the bottom of the ribbons.</div>
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Hang your bow holder, clip your bows to the skinnier ribbon and you're done! I absolutely love it. And I think it looks great in her room. If you know my little girl, you know she's a bit lacking in the hair department so this bow holder may be wishful thinking for now, but when her hair does come in I'll be ready!</div>
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Remember, I am new to this tutorial thing and only an average sewer. If you find an error, an overlooked step, or an easier way to do something please let me know. Part of the reason I am blogging is to learn and grow. Now go make a Rain-Bow Holder for the special girl in your life and stay tuned for a simple headband holder tutorial coming up after Thanksgiving.</div>
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Tell me, how do you keep all your little girl's accessories in order?</div>
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Linking to: <a href="http://sarahndipities.indiemade.com/blog/make-something-monday-link-party-64">Make Something Mondays</a>, <a href="http://www.craft-o-maniac.com/2012/11/craft-o-maniac-monday-link-up_18.html">Craft-O-Maniac</a>, <a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/2012/11/just-something-i-whipped-up_18.html">Just Something I Whipped Up at Project Inspire</a>, <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/11/19/made-by-you-monday-128/">Made By You Mondays</a>, <a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2012/11/happy-thanksgiving-show-and-tell-friday.html">Romantic Home</a>, <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/2012/11/flaunt-it-friday-128.html">Chic on a Shoestring Decorating</a>, <a href="http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/the-humble-brag-link-party-8/">The Humble Brag at One Project Closer</a>, <a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/2012/11/weekend-wrap-up-party-and-black-decker-giveaway.html">Tatter Tots & Jello</a>, <a href="http://thecreativeitchboutique.blogspot.com/2012/11/sew-cute-tuesday-112712.html">Sew Cute Tuesday</a>, <a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/2012/11/28/hookin-up-with-hoh-126/">House of Hepworths</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/all-crafts/handmade-projects/homemade-projects-1120/"><img alt="Homemade Projects ~ Add Yours! {11-20}" src="http://uploads.tipjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/a_TipMeTuesday.jpg" /></a> <a border="0" href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqGu67lKt9ir8Xy7sr29hnGHol9hWHg0KX73XunHhoyxWbT6oRjXXCbocTcqyk-XXfGyVDVPkpN69LzdgDeYW2mEPqccyo9IoHNtdsvTy-rLq4jbXjlGc0bTV9U_64F2XHc-3wKG7Nwrl/s800/takealookbutton.png" /></a> <a href="http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2012/11/frugal-friday_22.html" target="_blank"><img alt="The Shabby Nest" src="http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j480/theshabbynest/Shabby%20Nest%20Blog%205-2011/ShabbyNest-GrabButton.png" /></a>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03220450969630944498noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135082753437317119.post-73993060700219155242012-10-26T14:58:00.001-07:002012-10-28T14:08:21.987-07:00Last Minute Kid and Family Halloween Costumes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here is a roundup of some easy, fun Halloween costumes. Most of these can be made last minute so you still have plenty of time. After all, last minute is 10 p.m. on October 30th, right?<br />
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<b>Mama and Baby Zebra and Zookeeper</b><br />
So this one probably required the most legwork, but you could easily get some faux fur and just stick it to a black sweatsuit for both mama and baby. The baby zebra was found at a consignment shop for less than $10. The dress for mama zebra I found at a consignment shop. I found the hat and gloves at Target and the legwarmers were either from Target or a Halloween shop. The zookeeper was super simple with brown pants, khaki shirt and hat. We covered the logo on the hat with a made up zoo logo and put on a zookeeper name tag. It was fun and we got TONS of compliments. I think it was pretty cute if I do say so myself.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">zebra love</span></div>
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<b>No Sew Spider and Web - great for baby wearing!</b><br />
I knew I'd be wearing my 2-month-old last year so it didn't make much sense to put her in a costume that no one would ever see. So this costume was perfect. We got SOOOO many complements. I bought a white sheet at the Goodwill Outlet Center, which means I paid maybe 25 cents for it! I cut it so it wouldn't drag on the ground and then cut a head hole in the middle. I didn't bother to hem it or sew around the head hole. Then I laid it on the floor and used a large tip sharpie to draw the web. I cut a black oval out of felt for the spider body and simply pinned it to the sheet in the appropriate spot. I gathered some long socks in fun coordinating prints (you could do all black of course but I like the whimsy of the prints) and stuffed them with some cheap stuffing. Then pinned each end where I wanted them on the sheet. I found a black kids hat for $1 at Target and cut out some white circles out of felt and some smaller black felt circles for the eyes. I glued the eyes to the hat using fabric glue. She wore the hat backwards. We were both warm and everyone loved the costume.<br />
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<b>Diver </b><br />
Leon loves the ocean and when we discovered <a href="http://www.blueworldtv.com/webisodes/tv-schedule">Jonathan Bird's Blue World</a> on PBS he was hooked. We even ordered the DVD of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jonathan-Birds-Blue-World-Season/dp/B0066OC64W/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1351266412&sr=8-3&keywords=jonathan+bird%27s+blue+world">season 3</a>. He was torn between being a garbage man again or a diver. We both ended up having a lot of fun with this costume. We had purchased a wet suit (aka <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tuga-Boys-Thermal-Sunsuit-Blue/dp/B0067SMR0K/ref=sr_1_5?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1351267029&sr=1-5&keywords=sunsuit">sunsuit</a>) for his birthday and he wore that with pants and long sleeves underneath. I again perused the Goodwill Outlet Center and was thrilled to find the perfect vacuum tube and a cool looking gauge that was attached to a blue tube. Then I sprayed a large Gatorade bottle with flat black spray paint. I attached the vacuum tube to the Gatorade bottle with black electrical tape. I then attached it to a small backpack using the backpack's straps, but you could easily tape it with the electrical tape or attach some straps right to the bottle. I also bought him a swim cap, but he only wore it a little (I think it pulled on his long hair) and he had goggles (not sure why they are not in the picture). I attached the "air gauge" to the front of the vacuum tube using the black electrical tape. I also cut out flippers with black felt and secured them to his shoes with electrical tape.<br />
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<b>Strong man/french painter </b><br />
This was super easy. I picked up a men's t-shirt at Goodwill and cut the shape I wanted out of the neck. Then I cut up the sides and sewed them back smaller to fit him like a jumper. I sewed legs into the bottom of the shirt and padded his arms with stuffing. He had dumbbell, which we made by painting a wrapping paper tube black and then taping 2 black balloons to each end with electrical tape. He didn't carry it around much. It inhibited his worldly exploration.<br />
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<b>Baby Yoda</b><br />
I sewed the hat out of fleece. I basically cut the ear shape (yes, I realize they are a little long, but they are still so cute!) and traced a regular hat that fit him. Then I placed the right sides of the hat together with the ears in between and sewed it all up. When I turned it right side out it was done. I think I hemmed the bottom. I then took a girls t-shirt, size 6), cut it down the middle and wrapped it across his front so it looks kind of robe-esk. I pinned it in place. E-Z!<br />
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<b>Garbage man and trash and recycling</b><br />
Here's another no sew costume. Our son loves all things waste management. You can read more about his beautiful relationship with out former garbage man (who became our dear friend) <a href="http://birthingme.blogspot.com/2012/04/when-hero-dies-talking-to-kids-about.html">here</a>. He was so excited about this costume. I knew it had to be perfect. Our garbage man, Harold, had given him a set of their gloves and the coolest official Waste Pro hat. I purchased a t-shirt similar to the color our company wears and the used an iron on transfer to add the logo to the front and back. I used strips of duct tape to make the reflective strips. I picked up two pillowcases, one black, one blue, from a local fabric outlet and again used iron on transfers to add to recycling symbol and a trash symbol. He used those as his treat bags. My husband went as recycling and I went as trash. As you can see we basically just put bags on us and then stuck trash and recycling to the bags. It was simple and fun. Before he started kindergarten he wore his costume every trash day.<br />
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This year our boys are going as Fred and Shaggy and our neighbor girls will be Velma and Daphne. It should be a lot of fun. Here are a few other fun ideas I've come across:<br />
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I LOVE this <a href="http://www.bearrabbitbear.com/2012/10/sunmaid-raisin-halloween-costume.html">Box of raisins</a> - from <a href="http://www.bearrabbitbear.com/">Bear Rabbit Bear Crafts</a><br />
This <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/target-costume-785295/">Target costume</a> from <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/">Family Fun</a> is simple and cute<br />
Here's a fun <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=363468.0">voodoo doll</a> posted on the <a href="http://crafster.org/">crafster.org</a> forum<br />
Try a cheap and easy paper doll like this one <a href="http://www.coolest-homemade-costumes.com/coolest-paper-doll-costume-3.html">here</a><br />
Here are <a href="http://www.dumpyourfrump.com/2011/10/28/5-quick-easy-halloween-costumes-for-grownups/">five fun ideas</a> - the gore unzipped is both incredibly gross and intriguing<br />
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Enjoy and good luck. Most importantly, have fun with it and let you creativity flow. What last minute costumes have you come up with?
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<a href="http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The Shabby Nest" src="http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j480/theshabbynest/Shabby%20Nest%20Blog%205-2011/ShabbyNest-GrabButton.png" /></a>
<a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/" target="_blank">
<img alt="" src="http://tatertotsandjello.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/978446890_7b2ZN-O2.png" /></a>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03220450969630944498noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135082753437317119.post-27562680923213163142012-10-18T11:07:00.002-07:002012-10-18T13:01:07.368-07:00What I LOVE About Kindergarten<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I like kindergarten for so many reasons. It has opened up my son's world in wonderful new ways. He sometimes spends hours drawing compared to probably two hours in the past year (I'm not exaggerating). It wasn't his thing and I didn't push it. He excels in other areas like sports, his love of nature and his amazing ability to be empathetic beyond his years. Now he is reading simple books, which is amazing and empowering. And he uses the time on our drive to school to practice his writing. It's all so great and his school and teachers are the best.<br />
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But what I LOVE about kindergarten is when our eyes first meet as he emerges from the glass doors at the end of the day and makes a beeline to where I wait to help him into the car. His smile starts as a smirk, but by the time he jumps (literally) into my arms, as he does everyday, it's a blinding show of happy teeth. I love that he lets me hold him as long as I like. He stays nestled in my neck until I pull him back just enough to see his shining brown eyes and ask about his day. I love that for that moment he is my baby and only mine. We stand wrapped in each other's love in the rush of the school car line, but no one seems to mind, or if they do I am so wrapped up in the the way his hair smells like a pleasant mix of shampoo and the outdoors and his curls feel tangled and bouncy from the busy day of a kindergartner that I do not notice. Each day I swear he is heavier than the day before and I'm reminded that one day he will be "too big" to jump into my arms in such a carefree public display of affection.<br />
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Reading, writing, math and music are all important and I'm thankful that my baby is getting a great education. But what I LOVE about kindergarten is that at the end of every day he is back in my arms right where he belongs and for those few moments all is right with the world.<br />
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<i>This post was inspired by and is in memory of <a href="http://www.superty.org/2012/10/our-baby-is-finally-free-rest-in-peace.html">Super Ty</a>, aka Ty Louis Campbell 10/4/2007 - 10/17/2012. </i>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03220450969630944498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135082753437317119.post-3057961552303094132012-10-12T11:24:00.002-07:002012-11-19T18:26:43.719-08:00Receiving Blanket Photo Album Tutorial<div>
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My baby girl turned one in August. 1. ONE! For real. She's been a perfect addition to our family and her big brothers adore her. A few weeks before her birthday Leon told me that he wanted to make her a photo album with pictures of our family. Ada loves to look at pictures of faces so I thought this was a great idea. It's so like Leon to know exactly what a loved one would like. He is extremely thoughtful and empathetic.</div>
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Well, I dropped the ball. I completely forgot about his photo album idea until he asked about it the day before her birthday. It was important to him and I've been trying to instill in him the value of homemade gifts so I wanted to make it happen. (You can read about more of our homemade gifts <a href="http://birthingme.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-five-gift-rule-in-action.html">here</a>.) So, while the other kids napped we got to work. Thankfully, when he first mentioned the idea I daydreamed up some plans. Despite my persistent baby brain, I was able to quickly recall my original thoughts and our project was on. Now I'll share it with you.<br />
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<b>What you'll need:</b><br />
Flannel receiving blankets in fun, coordinating prints. I used 4 different blankets, but had lots left over. (I have a ton of these saved up)<br />
Vinyl (I used the packages that sheets and comforters come in which made it free - yay!)<br />
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Decide on a size for your album. This will largely depend on what size photos you want to use, 3x5, 4x6, 5x7, etc. I decided on 4x6 because that's what I had the most of. I found a book that looked good with the photo in the middle. It had just enough fabric on all sides keeping in mind the vinyl will be cut an inch larger than the photo to allow for sewing. So, if your photo is 4x6 you'll need to cut your vinyl to be 5x7.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirP64Wc3iSbtecYGlS58E0XUN22b6gpDbI3AKLgBYszFcbd1qVHQR0eU1SY89dmI0HxRJd8QUGxPX-IaA9f5hMCEO7opHLRyS9DF9-BjWxtisEjMrAv7lCZIZGg2T02juh1w_fG5wq-iA/s1600/nursingphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirP64Wc3iSbtecYGlS58E0XUN22b6gpDbI3AKLgBYszFcbd1qVHQR0eU1SY89dmI0HxRJd8QUGxPX-IaA9f5hMCEO7opHLRyS9DF9-BjWxtisEjMrAv7lCZIZGg2T02juh1w_fG5wq-iA/s320/nursingphoto.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I was nursing in this photo and while I think it's beautiful it's not essential to the tutorial ;)</span></div>
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Lay your book on your receiving blankets and use an invisible marker or chalk, to create your pattern (you can also make a pattern on paper, but this is so simple that I opted not to). I let my son do almost everything for this project. It's very forgiving so let them at it.<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">Fold the outer edge over on the fold line so that the fabric is doubled. Make sure that the orientation of the fabric is the way you want it before you cut. Cut on the line, but do not cut the fold line. It should look like the picture below.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3yK6yvSuRoRefB4kbF_MSnS1mfq1qLSHQiThiJeSlvg9nlJv8ZgAmlqfmJnWAu-X6TRHId54fYiaJFAM76nRGl5Vz5tZqDqtV8hJenw_c9pNaAyAqQ5VEhao_GV_WYGNKzQh7tBM4BY/s1600/0803121442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3yK6yvSuRoRefB4kbF_MSnS1mfq1qLSHQiThiJeSlvg9nlJv8ZgAmlqfmJnWAu-X6TRHId54fYiaJFAM76nRGl5Vz5tZqDqtV8hJenw_c9pNaAyAqQ5VEhao_GV_WYGNKzQh7tBM4BY/s320/0803121442.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When opened it will look like this.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiki9e7tCN7jk9WXGfpqkfC8WSLydAnXZIv2uVLtuzXREVrd4bizUx3E1mTiSxVJvv_VK4BQfEo8w5JghUbs1-r5ZNT0N-sdx8tpZQzyqkZhLbUFPQCa3aM7sBL1egm57fjf2jwTNc-_WQ/s1600/0803121443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiki9e7tCN7jk9WXGfpqkfC8WSLydAnXZIv2uVLtuzXREVrd4bizUx3E1mTiSxVJvv_VK4BQfEo8w5JghUbs1-r5ZNT0N-sdx8tpZQzyqkZhLbUFPQCa3aM7sBL1egm57fjf2jwTNc-_WQ/s320/0803121443.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I let my son experiment with the rotary cutter and scissors. We were both more comfortable with the scissors. You know the ability of your child so you be the judge and it goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway, supervise your children during this project, especially when sharp objects are involved. </div>
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Using the first one as a pattern trace and cut out three additional pieces (or however many you want). I used 4 coordinating patterned blankets for each piece, but you can cut your pieces from the same blanket if you prefer and have enough fabric. His edge is uneven, but because we will be creating fringe on the edges it won't be noticeable.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpHywyy7kKd_LXxB3TeW48UsJ8Sr_mlmEdGAw3fpcdjafQveVAvWlXl6dVO3sy_Zn1Ioja6L7WpL3Cp9wzRrYRElv_Hn-hR4OPCK-KXtJHSWomZBhl9znoIIiz-yWgHj85nk1jLGyvgmo/s1600/0803121450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpHywyy7kKd_LXxB3TeW48UsJ8Sr_mlmEdGAw3fpcdjafQveVAvWlXl6dVO3sy_Zn1Ioja6L7WpL3Cp9wzRrYRElv_Hn-hR4OPCK-KXtJHSWomZBhl9znoIIiz-yWgHj85nk1jLGyvgmo/s320/0803121450.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0T0YYO6MN70QjBzuXdWZXzOzeHi2mGAfiqSTcTKJWWiCCrH-szJQo_WUmgtlFNywhDfhU5nv9YCKOwbSOkJKSCTl-7NldbX-Lb_L5lZCbrB-FrVlXYYs77yveYtuts8SvdzlrWkZ9yfk/s1600/0803121450a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0T0YYO6MN70QjBzuXdWZXzOzeHi2mGAfiqSTcTKJWWiCCrH-szJQo_WUmgtlFNywhDfhU5nv9YCKOwbSOkJKSCTl-7NldbX-Lb_L5lZCbrB-FrVlXYYs77yveYtuts8SvdzlrWkZ9yfk/s320/0803121450a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiCjuqJ-0wvibaNE5dg_i7rG992agwK7aho1eE6uLYcql4loPp39QLLZi1afTsdCEyDp2Bgf_OwgiLAnMkCRH0Z0Ap6dX-5OlpsdiY9RVIe9xE7dDxr6LCUdVk3_dki8OZcOCnAYQrY4/s1600/0803121450b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiCjuqJ-0wvibaNE5dg_i7rG992agwK7aho1eE6uLYcql4loPp39QLLZi1afTsdCEyDp2Bgf_OwgiLAnMkCRH0Z0Ap6dX-5OlpsdiY9RVIe9xE7dDxr6LCUdVk3_dki8OZcOCnAYQrY4/s320/0803121450b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Using your photo as a guide, cut out your vinyl pieces. You will want to add an inch to the length and the width to allow room for sewing and to allow the photo to slide in. So, if your photo is 4x6 you will cut your vinyl to 5x7, which is what I did.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19Lq11yYJ7oukRBcdX7845KIN2GGRivAXKATV_99ksxWYxueiBbUVf3JOE83rsHIdSVU3ldykZ6DbUbD9Be875c9yCnyUUhcFQDWu_Xql-HcWHf04_PrRvq41HQ8TxqangG-1CKi3Gf0/s1600/0803121508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19Lq11yYJ7oukRBcdX7845KIN2GGRivAXKATV_99ksxWYxueiBbUVf3JOE83rsHIdSVU3ldykZ6DbUbD9Be875c9yCnyUUhcFQDWu_Xql-HcWHf04_PrRvq41HQ8TxqangG-1CKi3Gf0/s320/0803121508.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you cut four pieces it will make 8 pages including the front and back covers. We chose to leave the inside of the front cover and one other page blank so we used 6 vinyl pieces. Sew the vinyl pieces to the flannel. You can measure the make sure you are in the middle (or wherever you want to be) but we just eyeballed it. Remember, this is a kid-friendly project that happens to turn out super cute so don't get too stuck on making it perfect. I used a zig-zag stitch about 1/4 inch from the edge of the vinyl. The vinyl can be tricky to sew cause it can stick. I'm sure there's lots of tricks out there, including putting a little corn starch on it. I chose to loosen the pressure on the sewing machine foot and then I helped my son guide it through the machine at a mostly steady, even pace.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzifYzzz4XQiTKTu3JvNizsDPFcHgGehffo93M094pESwvSAG5CC1mkc_0hGGaVR1JKooOjQqPabeBn_demNRAXGMrc-cYHQjtQSYx8IG-VSBDQ8ilYbfsuXtmdbH4ZxXkRSIjipJa1hk/s1600/0803121602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzifYzzz4XQiTKTu3JvNizsDPFcHgGehffo93M094pESwvSAG5CC1mkc_0hGGaVR1JKooOjQqPabeBn_demNRAXGMrc-cYHQjtQSYx8IG-VSBDQ8ilYbfsuXtmdbH4ZxXkRSIjipJa1hk/s320/0803121602.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We then chose our layout. Which piece we wanted for the cover, the inside cover, etc. Lay them flat and pair them up. I apologize, but I don't seem to have pictures of this part. If you are using 4 pieces you will have two pairs. Place them WRONG sides together. So you will have two double sided rectangles. Using a 1/2" seam allowance zig-zag stitch around the rectangles. Remember, you should be sewing on the RIGHT side of the fabric. Once both rectangles are sewn together simply fold in half, iron the fold and sew a straight line down the middle to create your book. </div>
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Now time for the finishing touch. On the edges of the rectables, very carefully cut in towards your stitching all around the outside approximately every 1/2" or so to create the fringe. I did this part so that my son wouldn't accidentally cut the seam. Wet it or throw it through the wash and then dry on low heat or air fluff to give the fringe that messy shabby chic look. Add your favorite pictures and you're done. Seriously, my 5-year-old handled this like a pro. I'm new to the whole tutorial thing so if you have questions just ask. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zju0BzZ_QLC8Gzdjp2geBj05kfZFzrIjN-wbiHohsEeTqiOa_figZiA10SBixVkwkwGKWLuDjS6WWG9ZUMWJ4h27sBN7UE1PnqbhmvDk4ckki5MhTz8qhce5eREtcVa0_pQQ0l3-Ib8/s1600/HPIM1213+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zju0BzZ_QLC8Gzdjp2geBj05kfZFzrIjN-wbiHohsEeTqiOa_figZiA10SBixVkwkwGKWLuDjS6WWG9ZUMWJ4h27sBN7UE1PnqbhmvDk4ckki5MhTz8qhce5eREtcVa0_pQQ0l3-Ib8/s320/HPIM1213+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This is the inside of the front cover and the first page. We used fabric markers to personalize it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Middle pages</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: center;">We used fabric markers to draw Ada a picture and write her a little note towards the back of the book.</span></div>
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Does she like her new photo album that her sweet, thoughtful brother made for her? Yes indeed. She plays with it all the time and it has held up wonderfully so far. Obviously you'll want to take the pictures out before you wash it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWoqnjL2S2qGqEX-1PUvdQkfWjs6sjoJb73cM6_mGyYyBOyo2Q00DidpGaIaKB1cklUeQo4IdAc4SK88Dsd9tTa-vg882uLb25nK_I5k7dGOonZW4Nll-1JvhyRbyUD6lv9mWHrhv2-o/s1600/HPIM1183+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWoqnjL2S2qGqEX-1PUvdQkfWjs6sjoJb73cM6_mGyYyBOyo2Q00DidpGaIaKB1cklUeQo4IdAc4SK88Dsd9tTa-vg882uLb25nK_I5k7dGOonZW4Nll-1JvhyRbyUD6lv9mWHrhv2-o/s320/HPIM1183+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ok. I got a little photo happy there, but how could you not? The cuteness is just too much. I hope you enjoy making this as much as we did. And please do contact me with any questions (or better ways of doing something - I'm no expert). If you make one leave a comment letting me know with a link to your photos!!<br />
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I'm linking up to:<br />
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<a href="http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxT6Ft4R7FSYxA23YjYXyBLQZ8rbpbNW0MA-u-4nmETwZlRr6YHpBYDAeQSiVHP_2E6qzGhAYBu5ZLWomqnuxT18mpJ7pylqx8MituDEgwF7WbUjjHvbreR6iLD4i2eNEAb5Z7NggU0A4/s200/draft+5.jpg" width="200" /></a> </left><a href="http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/topics/thebetterhalf/party/" title="The Humble Brag Link Party"><img alt="The Humble Brag Link Party" src="http://cdn.oneprojectcloser.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/LinkButton.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a> <a href="http://seevanessacraft.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="See Vanessa Craft" src="http://seevanessacraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/svc_friday.png" /></a>
<a border="0" href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqGu67lKt9ir8Xy7sr29hnGHol9hWHg0KX73XunHhoyxWbT6oRjXXCbocTcqyk-XXfGyVDVPkpN69LzdgDeYW2mEPqccyo9IoHNtdsvTy-rLq4jbXjlGc0bTV9U_64F2XHc-3wKG7Nwrl/s800/takealookbutton.png" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttp://tipjunkie.com/%E2%80%9D" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="”_blank”"></a><a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/"><img src="http://uploads.tipjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/TipMeTuesdayButton1.png" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.kammyskorner.com/2012/11/trash-2-treasure-tuesday-link-party_19.html">Kammy's Korner</a>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03220450969630944498noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135082753437317119.post-22523914413669091642012-10-03T11:02:00.002-07:002012-10-03T22:10:30.870-07:00A Necklace to Remember<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpbOTcsm80d-hAFRW_xixPz-ailZhyYoQSGd3_-mML7KznE-c2ElqYdptjQ9mmYYszZkQ0Moi2w6pEjRlmAE-ETOs1IJoJZIdSJ_jd3MDM4ngsBwAJv2Ixm8nzeAxCaztd48J5KxNwXM/s1600/HPIM1541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpbOTcsm80d-hAFRW_xixPz-ailZhyYoQSGd3_-mML7KznE-c2ElqYdptjQ9mmYYszZkQ0Moi2w6pEjRlmAE-ETOs1IJoJZIdSJ_jd3MDM4ngsBwAJv2Ixm8nzeAxCaztd48J5KxNwXM/s320/HPIM1541.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So here it is. My gift from my husband in honor of our first son starting kindergarten. It is no secret that I have been lusting after this necklace for some time now. Well, not really the necklace, but the pendant. The owner of the wonderfully spectacular, drool-worthy Etsy shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/surfingsilver?ref=seller_info">Surfing Silver</a> took my kindergartner's beautiful writing and turned it into a piece of jewelry I will treasure forever. Do you see the E? He occasionally gets carried away and adds an extra line in his E. It's rare these days and I'm so glad he did it and it is now captured in this necklace because now I will always remember. Even his M's have changed in the few weeks he's been practicing regularly at school.</div>
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My husband told me that the owner of Surfing Silver was great to work with and my husband was not an easy customer. He did this last minute - no??? Shocking! And then he tried to change from the words to a picture our son drew of a rose... but then hubby lost the picture. Oh my. So after much searching he went back to his original idea and she was kind and patient and easy to work with. He kept saying, "Isn't she great?" as if I had interacted with her myself. But I can say with certainty that I hope my husband is a repeat customer. I love it. I cried. On the verge of bawling my eyes out. </div>
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I eventually plan to own many of these pendants (come on it's an easy gift for any occasion - it should make hubby's life so much easier) and want to put them on a bracelet to remind me of special moments in the life of our family and how blessed we are to have each other. It will be like a super sentimental charm bracelet that I can add to for the rest of my life and hopefully it will include some pendants made by grandchildren. Then when the time comes I can break it up and pass the appropriate pieces on to my children and their children. If you've been following my blog you know I'm all about passing things on to my kids. You can read about my hunt for the perfect china to pass on <a href="http://birthingme.blogspot.com/2012/05/pass-it-on.html">here</a>. You may have read about the custom painting I had made for my hubby, but in case you missed it check out <a href="http://birthingme.blogspot.com/2012/09/first-day-of-kindergarten-custom.html">this post</a> to see the incredible art work I purchased from Angela's Etsy shop, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bunnigaru">Bunni Garu</a>. </div>
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I highly recommend both of these gifts for any occasion, but especially the big things. They would be great gifts for when your kids make their first communion, graduate high school, get married, have children of their own, etc.</div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03220450969630944498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135082753437317119.post-3379113141561317332012-09-25T06:49:00.000-07:002012-09-25T06:53:26.765-07:00First Day of Kindergarten Custom Painting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0oz2rAA33-4SouzUOHXnVV0WZS73geGH9tIG_Ao4led1lNIru_C98n7oKRzqzS423IUoVz3Y8ged4eN_NSSgoFhRF5SUAuV51vvbOIcCk3f224z8_TQJ59mzz-BVsPSIefDstw5PZ0o/s1600/bunnigaruimage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0oz2rAA33-4SouzUOHXnVV0WZS73geGH9tIG_Ao4led1lNIru_C98n7oKRzqzS423IUoVz3Y8ged4eN_NSSgoFhRF5SUAuV51vvbOIcCk3f224z8_TQJ59mzz-BVsPSIefDstw5PZ0o/s320/bunnigaruimage.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Custom illustration/painting by Angela Flores @ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bunnigaru?ref=seller_info">Bunni Garu</a></span></div>
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You may have read <a href="http://birthingme.blogspot.com/2012/08/fears-of-kindergarten-mom.html">here</a> that my first-born, my baby boy, started kindergarten this year. I decided (more than a year ago) that I would mark this momentous occasion by giving my husband a little gift. And I decided to tell him about it so that he would not be caught off guard and feel bad for not reciprocating. <br />
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About a year ago I was perusing <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">Etsy</a> when I came across the above image featured in this <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/83663677/custom-illustrationpainting-of-your?ref=pr_shop">listing</a>. I was captivated by the whimsy and innocence of the illustration. I pinned the listing on <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> and am so thankful that I did because when I went to find it a year later the listing was gone, but my pin took me to Angela's shop, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bunnigaru?ref=seller_info">Bunni Garu</a>. From there I was able to contact her to inquire about the listing I had pinned. Apparently it had expired, but she was still offering custom illustrations/paintings. YAY!<br />
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So, I sent her a few pictures and gave her a quick summary of Leon's love of all things waste management and then let her creativity work its magic.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJSl9266xHMj1T0WcBC3AkEI5zGyi1_Qh6Szo2yIsFSZllsaL7FoWkRCvvj81lL40o7Qra8NZa785gWAjOEagKMIhGEa5qKtEZQFTloRlvk_KYzYAStCEN-vuDknIDGaRVJDLzZ3tUiM/s1600/Birthing+Me1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJSl9266xHMj1T0WcBC3AkEI5zGyi1_Qh6Szo2yIsFSZllsaL7FoWkRCvvj81lL40o7Qra8NZa785gWAjOEagKMIhGEa5qKtEZQFTloRlvk_KYzYAStCEN-vuDknIDGaRVJDLzZ3tUiM/s320/Birthing+Me1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Angela was awesome to work with. She was extremely friendly, helpful and communicated well. I could hardly wait to see the results and I'm sure you're on pins and needles so I won't keep you waiting.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2CpYC5LjdYj1ZPQA8eWt8_m0VaDid9oA6wzBAoMjggG6fQoeNdI4d67dUxW7WgXnkh4jAbyJPqSGke7H5-xPDBeZtiD2UzglGvehwNExbCh7tG7Ths480MnyCxkBHh1dIWejznEpKxI/s1600/HPIM1561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2CpYC5LjdYj1ZPQA8eWt8_m0VaDid9oA6wzBAoMjggG6fQoeNdI4d67dUxW7WgXnkh4jAbyJPqSGke7H5-xPDBeZtiD2UzglGvehwNExbCh7tG7Ths480MnyCxkBHh1dIWejznEpKxI/s320/HPIM1561.JPG" width="243" /></a></div>
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Oh my goodness, could it possibly be any more perfect?? She captured him perfectly. It's so sweet. And my husband LOVED it! Leon did too. And it was a very reasonable $45! Seriously, a perfect custom illustration of my kindergartner for $45. Thanks, Angela!</div>
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I have yet to purchase a forever frame for it, but for now it resides here. Can you see it?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTE8nY6kDvSIc-1YlSEjDbIGfKq7wxLniDeyoWH7wb3tkFdTo_2k_2zI7t7YtuuiuDSjkAWYQn-l4wUN7LSyldBcb5eeTKbnUEqagQbojTqKCImOOeAh2UyGL6YgUgJ8XMVYkOcTt6Ko/s1600/HPIM1554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTE8nY6kDvSIc-1YlSEjDbIGfKq7wxLniDeyoWH7wb3tkFdTo_2k_2zI7t7YtuuiuDSjkAWYQn-l4wUN7LSyldBcb5eeTKbnUEqagQbojTqKCImOOeAh2UyGL6YgUgJ8XMVYkOcTt6Ko/s320/HPIM1554.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0VB0Fq0eFDDtpyhn5jTSYMf8cEfQyau4rrU97d6G7tOuPEKyyBEURNqAIOBR1fZCHQ80h3PAnVDZAVN_JiAAoHiUSKC_j8QhnHulFzUf2XbdTzZ5P4qrj0ECyBFHa4jWVpEc1s38ta-U/s1600/HPIM1551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0VB0Fq0eFDDtpyhn5jTSYMf8cEfQyau4rrU97d6G7tOuPEKyyBEURNqAIOBR1fZCHQ80h3PAnVDZAVN_JiAAoHiUSKC_j8QhnHulFzUf2XbdTzZ5P4qrj0ECyBFHa4jWVpEc1s38ta-U/s320/HPIM1551.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The bright mark in the middle is just from the flash not an imperfection.</span></div>
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Have you ever done anything like this to capture your kids in a certain moment in their life? What did you do? I'll be back soon to tell you all about the thoughtful gift my husband gave to me.</div>
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<i>I received no compensation/discount for this post. I just loved it so much that I had to share.</i></div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03220450969630944498noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135082753437317119.post-53720242128176288032012-09-19T10:07:00.000-07:002012-09-19T10:27:33.149-07:00Spaghetti and Meatlessballs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2oUdwkQbf662UuBX_L25hpGh5HRdHg_2fAjsG41WsvagHFYc3w1LsqDBW7GvlhtFpUeixH3zCw52oM5MjwjdCFPplWQzfGEuRFnWSZXhOdrorNH77GzlgfFm_WoO0F2lkaEQdDD0-dM/s1600/0917121232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2oUdwkQbf662UuBX_L25hpGh5HRdHg_2fAjsG41WsvagHFYc3w1LsqDBW7GvlhtFpUeixH3zCw52oM5MjwjdCFPplWQzfGEuRFnWSZXhOdrorNH77GzlgfFm_WoO0F2lkaEQdDD0-dM/s320/0917121232.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I apologize for the picture quality. It was taken when my camera was out of commission. Pics at The Curvy Carrot are much better.</span></div>
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I will state right off the bat that this is NOT my original recipe, but man is it worth sharing. I am vegetarian, have been for almost 20 years (yikes! I'm getting old) and I love it - being vegetarian that is, not aging. There is one thing I miss though and it is NOT bacon. I know, most vegetarians I've talked to really miss the bacon. For me, the flavor of most meat is just too intense and the texture has become foreign. Yes, I've sampled a meat here and there over the years and am happy to say that I was meant to be vegetarian. BUT, I LOVED my mother's meatballs. She used a recipe from a vintage Betty Crocker cookbook. When she'd reach for that thick book covered in faded red gingham I could already smell their savory aroma. I even loved mixing the bread, eggs, ground beef and spices with my hands and forming the extra-large orbs that would adorn my overflowing plate of spaghetti.<br />
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I've tried frozen vegetarian "meatballs" and have yet to find anything worth eating let alone forking over outrageous amounts of cash. My oldest son LOVES meatballs but I don't cook meat. I've cooked it no more than 4 times in the past 20 years. It's not my thing. I get nervous that I won't cook it thoroughly enough or that I will cook it too much and it will be dry. I've done ok with some roast chicken, but really, a good rule of thumb is - you don't want me cooking your meat. <br />
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Then, while <strike>wasting valuable time</strike> perusing pinterest I came across these <a href="http://www.thecurvycarrot.com/2011/02/04/savory-spinach-bites/">Savory Spinach Bites</a> from <a href="http://www.thecurvycarrot.com/">The Curvy Carrot</a> (check it out, it's a collection of fantastic looking recipes - <a href="http://www.thecurvycarrot.com/2011/12/26/chocolate-chip-cheesecake-cupcakes/">Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cupcakes</a> - umm, yes please). I honestly didn't have high expectations the first time I made these so to say I was blown away is an understatement. While I was cooking dinner I served them to my family just the way the recipe suggests. My husband asked, "Are these turkey meatballs?". That's when I realized that not only were these full of savory deliciousness as the name implies, they would be the perfect substitute for a meatball. Hence, our family's Spaghetti and Meatlessballs was born. It is now a staple in our home and we all look forward to it - including my 13-month-old and extremely, ridiculously, nauseatingly picky 2.5-year-old. I think I'm going to make a bunch and freeze them so we are never without.<br />
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So, eat em with spaghetti or as an appetizer with a side of sauce, I don't care, but eat em!<br />
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<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Savory Spinach Bites</span></strong> (adapted ever so slightly from <a href="http://www.thecurvycarrot.com/">The Curvy Carrot</a>)<br />
Servings: 18-24 spinach bites, depending on how big you make them
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<strong>Ingredients</strong><br />
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter<br />
1 small onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)<br />
1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 1 clove) <br />
2 10-ounces packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained<br />
1 8-ounce bag of herbed seasoned stuffing mix. I use Pepperidge Farm because it’s the only mainstream vegetarian stuffing around.<br />
6 large eggs<br />
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese<br />
1-2 tbsp flax meal (optional)<br />
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1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.<br />
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2. In a large sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter<br />
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3. Add onion and cook until the onions are translucent and soft, about 5 minutes or so.<br />
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4. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Remove the pan from the heat and let cool.<br />
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5. In the meantime, remove excess water from thawed spinach by pressing it between paper towels. **You do not need to cook the spinach.<br />
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6. In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix, flax, spinach, eggs, Parmesan, salt and pepper, and onion/garlic mixture. Combine well.<br />
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7. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.<br />
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8. One at a time, using your hands, roll the mixture into individual 1-inch balls. Place each one on the parchment-lined baking sheet.<br />
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9. Bake the balls for about 15-20 minutes, or until very slightly browned.<br>
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbirthingme.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F09%2Fspaghetti-and-meatlessballs.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-BmGhhROJD68%2FUFnFT5HrNcI%2FAAAAAAAABzo%2FlzV4XpdWQvk%2Fs320%2F0917121232.jpg&description=Spaghetti%20and%20Meatlessballs%20from%20BirthingMe.blogspot.com" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03220450969630944498noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135082753437317119.post-48234001005696483612012-09-13T21:31:00.000-07:002012-09-17T21:59:15.679-07:00Leon's Birth Story: Labor and BirthI know I made you wait an eternity for this, but here it is, Leon's birth. So I forgot to mention in my <a href="http://birthingme.blogspot.com/2012/09/leons-birth-story-my-pregnancy.html">last post</a> that when we scheduled the induction one of the midwives said, "I will be starting the foley bulb Monday evening, but won't be doing the induction. I already have one 37-weeker in the NICU." Seriously?! I couldn't believe she said that. If I wasn't nervous before that certainly did the trick.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo courtesy of <a href="http://photokitt.com/">Jesse Kitt Photography</a></span></div>
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Now on with the story...<br />
I spent a long, uncomfortable night in the hospital. The foley bulb didn't cause much activity in my uterus, but my bladder had a field day. I probably should have given in and propped myself up on the toilet and slept there. Seriously. I peed all night long. And if you've ever spent the night in labor and delivery you know how uncomfortable those beds that break down are. Needless to say, the next morning I was tired, but ready for a change (hopefully of the cervical kind).<br />
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They started the pitocin just before 8 a.m. and shorty after 8 I began contracting slowly. Our doula arrived after a brief detour to grab our camera. Around 11:30 or so (remember this is all from memory until I find that darn baby book at which time I will record the specifics somewhere else for safe keeping) the foley bulb came out meaning I was about 4 cm. It was exciting. I was progressing.<br />
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I continued to labor with the support of our lovely midwife, who I liken to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JD--IFO2no">Dustin Hoffman</a> in the most flattering way. She was kind and gentle, and quirky, and made me feel safe and confident. At one point between contractions early in labor she asked if I would mind if she knitted. There was plenty of downtime and it seemed like a perfectly good way to pass the time during early labor. My husband, doula and nurse were also by my side all day. Remember, I had been diagnosed with preeclampsia and was being induced with pitocin. That means LOTS of monitoring, which means LOTS of cords everywhere, well, not everywhere... Anyway, our doula was so good at keeping me moving I barely noticed the cords, until I had to use the bathroom, which I did frequently. I bounced on a birthing ball, I leaned on the bed, I leaned on my husband, rocked in a rocking chair, slept a little in bed, but between each of these positions I went into the bathroom and sat on the toilet. The bathroom was so small, and quiet, and dark. It wasn't a conscious decision, it's just where I needed to be before moving onto the next position. Maybe it was like hitting the reset button, giving me renewed strength to let my body do what my body was designed to do? Maybe I just like bathrooms. At one point, upon sitting on the commode for the tenth, twelfth or thirteenth time, my husband asked, "Are you actually going to the bathroom?" It was adorable and I could tell he'd been wanting to know the answer for some time. I simply said, "Not always".<br />
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It went on like that for some time. Position, bathroom, new position, bathroom. At the time the hospital did not have wireless monitors so the water birth I had been hoping for was not an option, but you can read about the water birth of our third baby <a href="http://birthingme.blogspot.com/2012/08/ada-maries-water-birth-story-part-2.html">here</a>. Our doula did the most wonderful thing and brought a large bucket of hot water to soak my feet. I rocked in the rocking chair while she rubbed my warm feet. It was only my feet, but it was so soothing. All the while they were increasing the pitocin and I was holding strong. And then around 2 p.m., something changed, unfortunately not my cervix. I was still at 4 cm and struggling to handle the new labor pattern. Maybe it was the increase in pitocin, maybe it was my body taking over, who knows, but it was different and hard, really hard. I swear the contractions were coming on top of each other. I sobbed a bit and our midwife called a meeting of the minds. The midwife, nurse, doula and my hubby all gathered around and we talked about our options. We considered that my progress had slowed, we considered that first babies can be pokey, we considered that my blood pressure was high, we considered that baby seemed perfectly healthy, we considered that I was getting tired. The consensus was that this could be a very long labor and that maybe I could use a break. So, after yet another visit to the thinking throne, aka the toilet, I asked for the epidural. I was sad, but I was also tired and the idea of resting sounded so nice. Because of my high blood pressure they had to get a platelet count before I could get the epidural. The midwife felt that we should turn the pitocin off so I could rest and then we'd restart it at half strength (sorry for the lack of medical terminology here) once I had the epidural. She said it should take about 15 minutes for my labor to stop.<br />
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Imagine my surprise after 30 minutes when they told me that my body was laboring on it's own. In a grand gesture they stripped all the cords off and we switch to intermittent monitoring. It felt so freeing even though I didn't feel overly inhibited before. I could breathe in between contractions, but they were still strong and regular. I was able to manage these contractions. The ones that my body was creating on it's own. I started to feel nauseous around 3:30 p.m. The lab was backed up and we were still waiting on the platelet count. That was the furthest thing from my mind at that point. The second time I puked my bag of waters exploded and I was a bit surprised. The amazing women supporting us agreed that it might be wise to check me. I was feeling excited and nervous and curious and anxious. Then they told me that I'm 9 almost 10 cm. Now I was overwhelmed. In another grand gesture the midwife waved her hand in the air like a queen waving away a servant and said, "Call off the epidural."<br />
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I again sought the comfort of the porcelain god and my husband and I sat in quiet darkness. I looked up at him and at first thought he was laughing, but closer inspection revealed tears. He was crying. He let out a mucusy giggle when he realized I was looking at him. He said, "So this is really happening." To which I responded, "Like right now! Uh, I feel something". Overhearing this, our amazing team of women gently guide me to the bed. I didn't think about it, couldn't have thought about it if they'd asked, I just climbed onto the bed and draped myself over the inclined back of the bed. As I did the nurse said, "Hurry, I see his head." Sheets were thrown down quickly and they said it would feel similar to going poop. To which I replied, "Good, because I might". (Poop that is). The midwife responded, "We like poop almost as much as we like vomit." I laughed and with the next contraction his head was out. And if you want to know (cause you know you're a little curious now), I did poo a little and I hardly noticed. It was not a big deal. <br />
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I can't say that I pushed, because that's not exactly what happened. My uterus pushed. I was bearing down, but only because there was no other choice. It was nothing like I'd ever seen on television with people counting and me holding my breath (not usually recommended but still widely practiced, by the way) and my legs in the air. I was in a natural birthing position and my body was pushing my baby out. There was no choice other than to bear down. With one more push he was out. My strong, healthy, perfect baby boy with his dark head of hair had made his way into this world and our hearts at 4:28 p.m. on August 21, 2007. He weighed 6 lbs. 14 oz. was 17 3/4 inches and was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. I was a mama. We were parents.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MHJx4XT785_WRV1nHBiPWUHdJBcbV0dZPEfncbCqFVoP7nvt5GJ5pqOinzks2jWx0XS_mu-l12pNAn0fREXZI9DPMOSdbyQcylLfAtnYlrYHESsSyc62OkMLHkw9dvVJFeHnXHu__bA/s1600/IMG_0230-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MHJx4XT785_WRV1nHBiPWUHdJBcbV0dZPEfncbCqFVoP7nvt5GJ5pqOinzks2jWx0XS_mu-l12pNAn0fREXZI9DPMOSdbyQcylLfAtnYlrYHESsSyc62OkMLHkw9dvVJFeHnXHu__bA/s320/IMG_0230-002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Looking down at Leon and I from the top of the raised bed.</span></div>
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I believe that I was in transition when I described the change in labor and I believe the pitocin was making it even harder. I also feel strongly that if I had the epidural things might have ended differently. Maybe my labor would have slowed drastically. Maybe I would have had to push for a long time and been swollen and sore. Maybe I would not have been able to push effectively and more interventions would have been required. Maybe he would have busted out right then and there. Maybe it would have unfolded much the same way. No one knows for sure. I do know that without pain medication my body was able to do exactly what it needed to to birth my sweet boy and I wasn't a martyr (a description I loathe). I wasn't suffering. I was birthing. I was becoming a mother the best way I knew how.<br />
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03220450969630944498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135082753437317119.post-64290044216219232702012-09-03T22:32:00.002-07:002012-09-04T05:23:17.180-07:00Leon's Birth Story: My Pregnancy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoWfZ8sbLC1mkgNEhOo_Ndg4kE4YmRvwXNiHVW6SjttPV5lRhDk4h3Edk9C1JyjHArmP3e-lKcEPNJWfeEKYxcflsWmXWDgLFw06cga5JGE9ou__weG7zMDix2vdYJZL2QXzXlsnvUOg/s1600/preggowithLeon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoWfZ8sbLC1mkgNEhOo_Ndg4kE4YmRvwXNiHVW6SjttPV5lRhDk4h3Edk9C1JyjHArmP3e-lKcEPNJWfeEKYxcflsWmXWDgLFw06cga5JGE9ou__weG7zMDix2vdYJZL2QXzXlsnvUOg/s320/preggowithLeon.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo by <a href="http://photokitt.com/">Jesse Kitt</a> (I cropped and edited slightly)</span></div>
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I can't believe how overdue this post is. My dear boy turned 5-years-old on August 21 and I am just now getting around to posting his birth story. True, we had a lot going on. True, I had a cold and spent a day in bed (thanks, babe!). But in all honesty, this story is late because I can't find it - yikes! It's true. I can not find my son's baby book. It's here - somewhere - but clearly not where I thought. So, here it goes, mostly from memory, my first baby's beautiful birth story.</div>
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My pregnancy was a bit of a surprise. We were married in October 2006 and I was feeling more than a little nauseous by January. On January 23, 2007 I peed on a stick and learned that in a few short months we were going to be parents. My husband was out of town and I had grand plans for how I would break the news. I couldn't keep the secret though and I spilled the beans over the phone. He was shocked and elated.<br />
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I had a wonderful pregnancy supported by my loving husband and our great friends. We were among the first of our friends to have a child and this would be the first grandchild so there was a lot of excitement. I had a few aches and pains towards the end, but nothing I couldn't work through. I had a really busy day at work on June 28 and was worried that I hadn't felt baby move so I went in for monitoring to ease my mind. All was well. I found a great prenatal yoga class and met some wonderful women who I am blessed to call friends today. <br />
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At 34 weeks we received some surprising, confusing and frightening news. My blood pressure was creeping up, which alone can be problematic, but it is also a sign of <a href="http://www.preeclampsia.org/">preeclampsia</a>. On Friday, August 3 my blood pressure hit 158/108. The nurse left and the midwife came in. I will never forget what she said, "You've just earned yourself a trip to labor and delivery." She said she would make a phone call, get us some paperwork and then she walked out. My husband and I just sat there staring at each other. What did she mean? Were we about to have a baby? Now? Really? When she returned she clarified that we would be headed to maternal-fetal medicine to be monitored and complete a 24 hour urine collection. We were in the hospital for 24 hours and left with orders for bed rest. <br />
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The same scenario played out the following Friday. At around 7 a.m. on Saturday, August 11 we were awakened by someone we'd never met who explained that if we were able to leave the hospital (I hadn't realized this was an if) we would have to follow strict bed rest and would be induced at 37 weeks. Whaaa?? I'm sorry, who are you?? The midwife came in a few hours later and explained it was a resident (in all fairness they may have said that as they woke us up and I just didn't hear it). She sat at the edge of my bed and explained that yes, we were likely looking at an induction at 37 weeks. She answered our questions thoroughly, but it was still disheartening. <br />
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I felt so frustrated. This was not part of "the plan". Our doula was so supportive and compassionate and even came over with some high protein foods. I followed the bed rest orders. Friends pitched in to help in so many ways - even sanding a dresser for Leon's nursery (thanks Robyn!). But, our 24 hour urine collection revealed that my protein levels were above the threshold for preeclampsia. We checked into the hospital on the evening of Monday, August 20 and watched the sun set. I was 37 weeks pregnant.<br />
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I'll be back soon with the story of my labor and our precious boy's birth.</div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03220450969630944498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135082753437317119.post-51356313812097631992012-08-24T05:53:00.000-07:002012-08-24T18:40:41.631-07:00Fears of a Kindergarten Mom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEoHH0Y12NpIXcYKSRg7qAAhyphenhyphenAIkdC9tfJ4EDbRBbPNsIR9wTvw1N3LCeQ40VkjByclouOOpkgP0sKIhc8kl5BsxQPuQ_36s9w3e8KW0ehnZ-LC7hUc0Qf_UEW-j6dBwslbTsqeNsuGo/s1600/HPIM1229-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEoHH0Y12NpIXcYKSRg7qAAhyphenhyphenAIkdC9tfJ4EDbRBbPNsIR9wTvw1N3LCeQ40VkjByclouOOpkgP0sKIhc8kl5BsxQPuQ_36s9w3e8KW0ehnZ-LC7hUc0Qf_UEW-j6dBwslbTsqeNsuGo/s320/HPIM1229-001.JPG" width="243" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Learn the story behind this picture <a href="http://birthingme.blogspot.com/2012/04/when-hero-dies-talking-to-kids-about.html">here</a>.</span></div>
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It happened. I don't know how. I don't know when. But my baby has become a boy, strong and smart and caring. He has his own ideas, his own style, his own way (boy does he ever have his own way ;). And now he has his own space. A space separate from me, from our home. I love his new space. I know he will thrive and flourish in this space, but we were inseparable for 9 months and then seldom apart for nearly 5 years after that and now we spend large parts of our everyday with little knowledge of what the other is doing, thinking or feeling. On the car ride home from school he giggles and rolls his eyes as I grill him like a drill sergeant about what he did, who he played with, how he felt during the day, etc.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbxvHOcQHkxVKCNpvWxbW1Nb9zcuuQUehRmf2rFxIOZ8GdiuBb8zojbJmHFIohkSGGb2pzuvoZeFC16-cQ5nnWcD7J73aqWhwAdP4xWhLBkhj5a4PRrqLPv_FT0LCMFy92fsc41sOBWw/s1600/HPIM1194-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbxvHOcQHkxVKCNpvWxbW1Nb9zcuuQUehRmf2rFxIOZ8GdiuBb8zojbJmHFIohkSGGb2pzuvoZeFC16-cQ5nnWcD7J73aqWhwAdP4xWhLBkhj5a4PRrqLPv_FT0LCMFy92fsc41sOBWw/s320/HPIM1194-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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As we begin our school journey I am surprised by my comfort in it all. I believe that he is where he is meant to be. You see, there was a very small chance (18 spots for 198 applicants) that he would literally win the lottery and be admitted into this loving school family. But win the lottery he did, we did. And now he is right where he is supposed to be - in kindergarten.<br />
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I enter this chapter with a smile in my heart because I know that he is ready and strong and able. I know that he is being nurtured and respected while he is away from me. Still, I think it is only natural that I have fears. I have the normal fears about safety and mean kids and long days, but I am just now realizing that my biggest fear lies within myself. My biggest fear is that I will fail my kindergartner. That I am not ready for this responsibility. That I will not know how to support him at the end of those very long days. That I will not spend enough time in his classroom because I have two other babies at home. Or that I will forget an important school assignment or event. This is not his journey it is our journey and he will need my love, my embrace and my steady hand to help guide him. I'm sure I will drop the ball now and then, but he has the support of his siblings, his incredible father, and some really caring friends and family to lift him up and walk beside him when he needs it most. I love you, Leon. You are bright and empathetic and strong-willed and athletic. You are a part of me, and I you, and I am with you every morning when you walk through those big glass doors.<br />
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I know I owe you a birth story, but I just haven't had a chance to polish it yet between starting kindergarten, the hubby being sick, and preparing for this weekend's craft fair. I'll post it next week polished or not.<br />
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03220450969630944498noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135082753437317119.post-62398553429792033652012-08-15T19:52:00.000-07:002012-08-17T09:08:49.475-07:00The Five Gift Rule in Action<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few weeks ago I shared my <a href="http://birthingme.blogspot.com/2012/07/the-five-gift-rule.html">Five Gift Rule</a> for gift-giving to my children. It was a variation on this <a href="http://www.giventolove.com/2011/11/four-gift-rule.html">four gift rule</a> that is popular on sites like Pinterest. So, as promised, I'm going to share with you how we put the five gift rule into action. (update: I added some more pictures to include her matching outfit)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kpTSmW4K_2YHOqDic68QkJStIgPu3H7AmB4ZA9gz9O7Kzs0-5YnLCunhftN6wPtu3S-SHPHMau7Ev8uHQuIDECacLv3yTQhSOxqwDw8KmOz9G9KK5d2jrdavE840u1-EbR2XhqGpcAE/s1600/5giftrule.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kpTSmW4K_2YHOqDic68QkJStIgPu3H7AmB4ZA9gz9O7Kzs0-5YnLCunhftN6wPtu3S-SHPHMau7Ev8uHQuIDECacLv3yTQhSOxqwDw8KmOz9G9KK5d2jrdavE840u1-EbR2XhqGpcAE/s320/5giftrule.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>1 Thing They Want</b> </div>
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Topsy Turvy Doll - I got the idea from <a href="http://bethany.preciousinfants.com/2007/10/04/topsy-turvy-doll---also-known-as-upside-down-doll.aspx">this tutorial</a> though I changed it up a bit to suit my needs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoNrr2zi1dWyZYi1lHeTNA59F1hM-oVqYkNH03Gmgj2HGOAsrU9SGevkfTZK6gjpqbB_55n71PsxIzQ9yHXjh5uUhEZeRA3nnU_CnucgVpF_LeFDjiRk9DrGRE0I5gFuWN4hq2naIqIsI/s1600/488293_4161604994797_331096279_n-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoNrr2zi1dWyZYi1lHeTNA59F1hM-oVqYkNH03Gmgj2HGOAsrU9SGevkfTZK6gjpqbB_55n71PsxIzQ9yHXjh5uUhEZeRA3nnU_CnucgVpF_LeFDjiRk9DrGRE0I5gFuWN4hq2naIqIsI/s320/488293_4161604994797_331096279_n-001.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
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<b>1 Thing They Need</b> </div>
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A headband, because even when she's decked out in pink from her beautiful bald head to her cute little toes someone still calls her a he.</div>
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<b>1 Thing They Wear</b></div>
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I made her a 1 year onesie with reversible skirt - it all matches her doll<br />
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<b>1 Thing They Read</b></div>
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Her baby scrapbook I've been working on from <a href="http://www.beckyhiggins.com/products/">Becky Higgins Project Life</a></div>
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<b>1 Thing Handmade</b></div>
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Big brother Leon and I made a receiving blanket photo album. (Hopefully I'll get a tutorial together for ya soon.) Her birthday gifts from us were mostly handmade, but I thought this gift fit nicely into this category. It was super simple and I think it turned out really cute. What do you think?</div>
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I think the gifts were perfect for our precious girl.<br />
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<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbirthingme.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F08%2Fthe-five-gift-rule-in-action.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-VYnZEJxy_yI%2FUC5R_OIq-FI%2FAAAAAAAABqE%2FLTjKdkVNla8%2Fs320%2FHPIM1222-001.JPG&description=The%20Five%20Gift%20Rule%20in%20Action%20from%20Birthing%20Me"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03220450969630944498noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135082753437317119.post-57177429918329870792012-08-07T11:45:00.001-07:002012-08-07T18:31:21.929-07:00Ada Marie's Water Birth Story Part 2Now where were we? Oh, yes, <a href="http://birthingme.blogspot.com/2012/08/ada-maries-water-birth-story-part-1.html">part 1</a> of Ada Marie's birth story concluded a few hours short of 38 weeks, 2 cm dilated, 50% effaced, with mild preeclampsia and low amniotic fluid. As I mentioned, I was really surprised that the ultrasound revealed anything out of the ordinary. I was prepared to take castor oil. I was prepared to be induced on Monday. I was prepared to go home and wait. I was NOT prepared to stay at the hospital for an immediate induction. I was feeling anxious. For us, birth had never unfolded exactly the way we thought it would, but somehow this felt very different.<br />
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Shortly after we got settled into our room our doula arrived. We talked through some of my anxieties while we waited for our midwife. Our midwife brought such a calm, soothing presence to the situation. She sat with us and explained the decisions that were being made, patiently answered all of our questions and told us we could try nipple stimulation with a breast pump to see if that would be enough to start labor. We tried that for about 45 minutes. It didn't start labor, but it did cause contractions and I was able to collect some colostrum that I was able to give to a gay couple who had a baby the day before and were looking for breast milk. When the nipple stimulation didn't work our midwife explained that we would use cervidil to get labor started and then remove it once I was in labor. I was nervous because we'd never used cervidil and because it was getting late and I was getting tired. They inserted the cervidil around 10:30 p.m. and I was able to sleep for a bit.<br />
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I woke around 1 a.m. to use the bathroom. I'm not sure if I was conscious of it or not, but I began to pace from one corner of the room to the other while chatting with Steve and our doula. I was cold so I wrapped a blanket around my shoulders as I paced. Steve and our doula knew I was in labor at that point, but I don't think I had realized it yet. I started to feel like our baby girl was very low - like ready to fall out kinda low. The nurse checked me and said that baby was very low, but that I was only 3 cm and she could feel some scar tissue and we'd probably need to manually break up the scar tissue. Whaaa? That didn't sound like fun and it didn't make sense to me because the procedure causing the scar tissue was from way before my pregnancies and hadn't caused any problems with the other two. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Our camera stopped working just moments before her birth. These were all taken with our cell phone. At first I was really disappointed, but now I kind of like them. They are dark, like the room was and not completely clear kind of like the mental state (aka labor land) that mamas enter during active labor.</span></div>
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By 2 a.m. I was fully aware that I was in labor. I had hoped for a water birth with my other two children, but the first time I was monitored heavily and the second was too fast. So our doula began filling the large birthing tub. While it was filling I sat on a birthing ball in the tub and she ran water on my shoulders, back and belly. It was so soothing. Then I got down into the tub on my knees. I felt my body relax into the contractions that were now fast and furious. I knew we'd be meeting our little girl very soon and I was filled with emotion. Needless to say the scar tissue on my cervix did not present a problem.<br />
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The midwife had given us space to sleep and relax while we waited for the pitocin to kick in. She asked to be informed immediately when labor started because my second labor was so fast (1 hr. 45 mins. from 1cm to birth). Somehow she wasn't told, but I was fully supported by my husband, doula and nurse. She came in just in to check on us and immediately realized that birth was imminent. She removed the cervidil. I had a hard time staying low in the water during the contractions so she turned me around to sit and lean against the tub the way you might take a bath at home. When I turned my water broke. I pushed once and her head was born. And, oh the sweet relief. I didn't feel the need to push again for what seemed like a long time, but was probably about 20 - 30 seconds. They told me I could reach down to touch her head. At the time it seemed like so much effort, but I'm so glad that I did. It felt like a freshly washed peach. One more push for her shoulders and a last one for her bum and she was born. She was born with her hand up under her chin as if deep in thought. Our midwife joked that she almost came out holding the cervidil. I reached down and pulled her up out of the water. She was tiny and perfect.<br />
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At some point in the tub I remember saying to my husband, "I think this is the part where I say, 'you did this to me' and 'we're never doing this again'". But I never even thought about drugs. There was no doubt in my mind that I could bring my baby into this world exactly the way I wanted and needed to.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubZgfmLIbanqKU7p42VE3lBuxk4w0knom97jrWfIMxWnLIrS5zxPdrY_4Vqw1IbYc5GSp0ExkcDi2aH9L_jyKqFp2KB15EHOQ7npCidS_wOIJF2E5x8Zuw4SLERtzxYGB5zZornNhZE0/s1600/0806110334+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubZgfmLIbanqKU7p42VE3lBuxk4w0knom97jrWfIMxWnLIrS5zxPdrY_4Vqw1IbYc5GSp0ExkcDi2aH9L_jyKqFp2KB15EHOQ7npCidS_wOIJF2E5x8Zuw4SLERtzxYGB5zZornNhZE0/s320/0806110334+-+Copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Nursing my sweet girl about half an hour after birth.</span></div>
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Ada Marie was born in the water and into my arms at 2:57 a.m. on Saturday, August 6, 2011, exactly 38 weeks. She was an itty bitty thing weighing 6 lbs. 1 oz. and measuring 17 1/4". And she was loved instantly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincmMa3Upo2_izK1V5tCSqh5tQBtYAqS7oGq_wznviNYCFxn7-5BeE-mtzB69JZgopb0gdxVRjtUm-DrL7VGsMP_jnNqZKAbWWqp-D2xQHii0xpek8fjMFdg2wQrbw_Ss7pv6_YJ2i8C8/s1600/0806110423+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincmMa3Upo2_izK1V5tCSqh5tQBtYAqS7oGq_wznviNYCFxn7-5BeE-mtzB69JZgopb0gdxVRjtUm-DrL7VGsMP_jnNqZKAbWWqp-D2xQHii0xpek8fjMFdg2wQrbw_Ss7pv6_YJ2i8C8/s320/0806110423+-+Copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03220450969630944498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135082753437317119.post-54553150298740694552012-08-06T20:58:00.000-07:002012-08-08T21:56:33.201-07:00Ada Marie's Water Birth Story Part 1One year ago today our family and our hearts grew as we welcomed our little girl into this world. Here is the story of her beautiful birth.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">36 weeks pregnant and on a date with the hubby thanks to our fabulous friends who watched the boys.</span></div>
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<b>First the backstory:</b><br />
At 32 weeks my blood pressure (BP) started to rise. My blood pressure is normally on the low side so when it hit 130/80 I knew we were headed down a familiar, yet still bumpy and sometimes scary road. You see, my first two pregnancies were very similar. The first time it came out of the blue and took me completely by surprise. First the high blood pressure and then the protein in my urine. I felt fine so how could I have this potentially serious condition known as <a href="http://www.preeclampsia.org/">preeclampsia</a>? And I had no swelling, headaches, upper abdominal pain or funny spots in my vision. But I was induced at 37 weeks the first time and went into labor while waiting to be induced at 37 weeks the second time. And now I found myself in the same position and while I was not surprised I was still frustrated that there seemed to be nothing I could do to change my fate. I took comfort in the fact that my first two children were born perfectly healthy at 37 weeks and I was still able to have beautiful, unmedicated births with both of them. <br />
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The first high reading at 32 weeks was cause for awareness, but not alarm. Then at about 35 1/2 weeks I was running errands and my heart began to race, I felt flush and dizzy. I was in a store that had a blood pressure machine and though I know they can be unreliable I had checked it at that location before and felt it was better than nothing. My BP reading was 142/92. I informed the midwives of my high BP reading and waited for an official reading at my appointment 2 days later, 146/104, argh. The midwife didn't want to tell me, but I believe in making decisions based on all the facts, not just the ones I like. I had her note that reading along with the second reading, 135/96. I had blood work done and was sent home to collect 24 hours worth of urine, not my favorite thing to do, but relatively simple in the scheme of things. I cannot remember what the results of this test were.<br />
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We continued to go into the office twice a week to monitor things closely, but I was fairly certain we'd coninue the rest of the pregnancy status quo like the first two and thought we might even have a chance at going full term. Then, on 8/2, at 37 1/2 weeks the headache hit me. It was intense and unrelenting. I drank water like a fish, downed a few acetaminaphin and layed down. I was home alone with the boys and they knew something wasn't right. They were patient and quiet and allowed me to try to rest. My neighbor made it home to watch the boys just as my husband arrived to take me to the midwives' office. BP was 150/110 - the highest of any of my pregnancies. We were sent on to Mission for non-stress test (NST) and blood work. Baby seemed to be doing well so we were sent home with another jug for collecting urine. We were expecting to hear results of our urine collection sometime, hopefully early, on 8/4. When I heard nothing I thought it was odd, but assumed that no news was good news. Not so. Steve and I were driving home separately from a swim at a friend's pool when one of the midwives called to tell me that the 24 hour urine results were in, 364. Not super high, but anything over 300 plus the high BP is preeclampsia. So we had two choices 1) come in for an induction, um, now or 2) go in for testing in the morning and then decide. That hit me like a brick. It was like 8 or 9 p.m. and I wasn't with Steve and I was just completely caught off guard so I decided to keep my appointment for the following day.<br />
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I called our fabulous doula and she was able to calm me down and we talked through all the questions I had so that I could be prepared for our appointment. Like I said, this was familiar so while I was a little disappointed and caught off guard because of the time that we received the news, I was still confident that our baby girl would be healthy and that we could have another wonderful birth. Our bags were packed and in the car just in case, but we had a busy weekend with our small business so I assumed that the tests would be fine and we'd either take castor oil or be induced on Monday.<br />
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<b>Just before the big event:</b><br />
At my appointment my belly was measuring 36, which alone didn't seem to concern anyone. Baby was slow to react during the non-stress test, but once she got going she was strong (the test occurred at at time when she was normally less active). Then they led us to the ultrasound room for the rest of the <a href="http://www.webmd.com/baby/biophysical-profile-bpp">biophysical profile</a>. It's amazing to see your baby so far along in pregnancy, but the lights were dim, the fan was humming quietly and it had been an emotional few days. Those are all the excuses I use for both hubby and I falling asleep. Seriously, who falls asleep during an ultrasound of their baby? When I woke up the tech told us that baby didn't do the practice breathing but that was all she said. We headed back to labor and delivery outpatient area and prepared to leave as the nurses phoned the midwives with the results. We could hear them talking on the phone but couldn't exactly tell how it was going. Our wonderful midwife called our room and told us the news. We were not going home. Whaaa???? She would be heading to the hospital and we would begin an induction immediately. I didn't see that coming. With my other pregnancies our tests had always come back fine. I was surprised to learn that our amniotic fluid appeared to be pretty low. Average is about 12, 6 is on the lowest side of normal, mine was 4. I realize this is not an exact thing because they are limited by what they can see, but it is a part of the big picture. If it was just that the fluid was low they said they probably would have had us drink a lot of water over the weekend and come back on Monday, but with the other symptoms they felt it was safest to induce. I was one day shy of 38 weeks, 2 cm dilated and 50% effaced. We phoned our doula and she was on her way.<br />
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Tomorrow I'll post about the <a href="http://birthingme.blogspot.com/2012/08/ada-maries-water-birth-story-part-2.html">labor and birth</a>.<br />
<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03220450969630944498noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135082753437317119.post-88873760550638959652012-07-30T12:30:00.002-07:002013-03-25T08:40:11.935-07:00The Five Gift Rule<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbirthingme.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F07%2Fthe-five-gift-rule.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-WxtvJnHj0SY%2FUBc93fGuwAI%2FAAAAAAAABkA%2FOI5Imsm6HVE%2Fs320%2F5giftrule.jpg&description=Five%20gift%20rule%20for%20gift-giving%20to%20our%20children%20from%20Birthing%20Me"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /> <script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script></a><br />
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I've seen the four gift rule all over <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>. It's a great idea, but I feel like something is missing. So, I have an addition. Here is my five gift rule.<br />
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Ok, so it doesn't flow quite as well, but I think it's time to get back to creating with our hands. Back to giving gifts we've poured our time and love into. Sure, I know not everyone is crafty or wants to be, but there are so many great tutorials out there that require zero special skills (think <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleon_Dynamite">Napoleon Dynamite</a>). Why not give this <a href="http://www.favecrafts.com/Wearable-Crafts/Knotted-T-Shirt-Scarf/ml/1">t-shirt scarf</a> a try? Or <a href="http://tidymom.net/2011/how-to-make-a-scarf/">this</a> one? This <a href="http://www.homemadeginger.com/2011/05/homemade-sugar-scrub.html">sugar scrub</a> would make a great gift for a teenage girl. Have some old crayons hanging around? Melt them into <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/06/27/making-crayons-using-molds-craft-camp/">fun new shapes</a> your kid will love. If baking is more your speed make an extra special cake for your child's special day. Or try your hand at poetry. Maybe your mother or grandmother is an excellent quilter. Then get them involved in the process and have a quilt made from your child's baby clothes like this one <a href="http://diaryofregularmoms.blogspot.ca/2011/06/baby-clothes-quilt.html">here</a>. I still have some of the gifts my mom made for me and someday I'll pass them on to my children or even their children. So, all you craft-tastic folks out there and those of you willing to give it a try, go ahead and pin this five gift rule.<br />
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I am all for giving a reasonable number of gifts and I struggle with this. Really, who doesn't want to give their kids the moon - in theory? But I felt like the four gift rule, while a great start, just wasn't complete. So there you have it, my five gift rule. We have two birth days coming up and I'll post on how we incorporate the five gift rule for our kids. <br />
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<b>Update: </b>Check out the <a href="http://birthingme.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-five-gift-rule-in-action.html">Five Gift Rule in Action</a> to see how we applied it to Ada's first birthday!<br />
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I'm linking up at:<br />
<a href="http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The Shabby Nest" src="http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j480/theshabbynest/Shabby%20Nest%20Blog%205-2011/ShabbyNest-GrabButton.png" /></a><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/" target="_blank">
<img alt="" src="http://jhadfield.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/978446890_7b2ZN-O2.png" /></a>
<a href="http://southernlovely.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q37/schoenfelds/showandshare.jpg" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/the-humble-brag-link-party-4/" title="The Humble Brag Link Party"><img alt="The Humble Brag Link Party" src="http://cdn.oneprojectcloser.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/LinkButton.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a><left> <a href="http://sarahndipities.com/"><img height="125" src="http://i44.tinypic.com/14xjlf5.jpg" width="125" /></a></left></div>
Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03220450969630944498noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135082753437317119.post-14744662806790961932012-07-28T07:16:00.001-07:002012-07-28T07:35:59.804-07:00Fabric Storage From Diaper Stacker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHn99ayRPOgSlA3Fvqc0yyZGUCEEVPlOcWYqWW4_5ql-jhIHktp5dDW4Q2AgKhvkjZwgp23DQpt6mcNBMHUoS2dobTN4dXoNMmjNizDSJ2d8l4ely4d0MtSiVXI1LAFY7AR5V8ZcwuWM/s1600/HPIM1121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHn99ayRPOgSlA3Fvqc0yyZGUCEEVPlOcWYqWW4_5ql-jhIHktp5dDW4Q2AgKhvkjZwgp23DQpt6mcNBMHUoS2dobTN4dXoNMmjNizDSJ2d8l4ely4d0MtSiVXI1LAFY7AR5V8ZcwuWM/s320/HPIM1121.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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I have a problem. I'm addicted to fabric. There I said it. It's the first step to healing, right? Or maybe I don't want to be healed. Maybe I love being a fabricaholic. Of course I love fabric cut straight from the bolt at the fabric store, but I REALLY love finding sheets at the thrift store with cool prints, crisp white sheets that are perfect for everything and fun t-shirts that deserve a second chance at life. And it's so cost effective AND preshrunk! Here are some fabulous sheets I found recently. (Ok, so one is a pillow case and one is a curtain panel, but same thing, right?)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_elYEaahlr32hirFhl30ohpgQEI1VhDy_a3UiEqMTGzVja6PZGpcxNIBcuacscMFAtp2sdcs7h57OsMx0l9aNqB2UGTQjbtlSKHsTPAPJu3uvJJmrXqmQaMpPjltvU_N4sg_hG_a2Jyg/s1600/HPIM1115-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_elYEaahlr32hirFhl30ohpgQEI1VhDy_a3UiEqMTGzVja6PZGpcxNIBcuacscMFAtp2sdcs7h57OsMx0l9aNqB2UGTQjbtlSKHsTPAPJu3uvJJmrXqmQaMpPjltvU_N4sg_hG_a2Jyg/s320/HPIM1115-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWfiA1IMrDFuBrlYJZ6i23pkXnYVTHExekLThn81AII8c0xOhyphenhyphenBYRy0nsccWaLkW1TmZXmjOmmWaCFWUkoK6SF06ZyFt25Gqt747FAvSrC2Y7fRR6DDiA9MBZLiaIdI0sC1yidnO2aLA/s1600/HPIM1118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWfiA1IMrDFuBrlYJZ6i23pkXnYVTHExekLThn81AII8c0xOhyphenhyphenBYRy0nsccWaLkW1TmZXmjOmmWaCFWUkoK6SF06ZyFt25Gqt747FAvSrC2Y7fRR6DDiA9MBZLiaIdI0sC1yidnO2aLA/s320/HPIM1118.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I apologize for the wrinkles. Salvation Army doesn't do folding and I don't do ironing (at least not before I'm ready to sew).</span></div>
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Where to store all this glorious fabric can be a serious problem. I don't have a craft room, sigh, so I use my dining room. I try not to keep all my supplies in there, though let's be real here, that's where they usually stay until I have to move them for some gathering of friends and/or family. I've been trying to find ways to make my closets hold more of my supplies while not displacing other items, which might happen if I added additional shelving. So that brings me to the handy dandy diaper stacker that often comes with nursery crib sets.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Carters-Green-Elephant-Diaper-Stacker/dp/B002BV15BY/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1343409008&sr=8-5&keywords=diaper+stacker"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExBp8-lzblcwDbadKcfg4tKbHMTygEoCnO1_33JBMPBg0vc__5RByqK_XOi1J210KvxTKdTLQJdT0F1ULxaOGCFFxrwlRWqEWq74BO9AhzimuQMk22fJYB5ar-kiJ4Rm14bLxS0lSUVk/s1600/diaper+stacker.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Carters-Green-Elephant-Diaper-Stacker/dp/B002BV15BY/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1343409008&sr=8-5&keywords=diaper+stacker">Amazon.com</a></span></div>
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Someone out there probably uses these, but I do not. Never have. The picture above doesn't show it, but they usually have a hanger at the top to, well, uh, hang. So I have repurposed one that we had laying around and now it is a fabulously easy and convenient fabric holder. Yay for repurposing!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5IyQGcRbIhMwmSuhfGF5CafjSiPKXa0vx0sFVVdhtByGpj-MU7lhSR0J6fhdvm-BGc1_NeOe_gW3c1qqkvuCr3wDGloq7czy8k8-op8HlRb8fTTimmdspmbcvxWW8IYvg_86HX3Km48/s1600/HPIM1121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5IyQGcRbIhMwmSuhfGF5CafjSiPKXa0vx0sFVVdhtByGpj-MU7lhSR0J6fhdvm-BGc1_NeOe_gW3c1qqkvuCr3wDGloq7czy8k8-op8HlRb8fTTimmdspmbcvxWW8IYvg_86HX3Km48/s320/HPIM1121.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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No, I don't store it outside on my clothesline, but seriously, you want to see my closets? I think not. As for the polka dotted turtle wearing the ever-popular propeller hat, it doesn't bother me a bit because it's in the closet. If you have cute closets (don't ever tell me about it because I may vomit) try sewing one of your own using one of the many tutorials out there like this one from <a href="http://www.sewdangcutecrafts.com/2009/12/diaper-stacker-tutorial.html">Sew Dang Cute Crafts</a> or this one from <a href="http://frugalcraftymom.blogspot.com/2012/01/make-your-own-diaper-stacker-for-under.html">Frugal Crafty Mom</a> ( I would use a heavy duty hanger though if you're using it for fabric storage. Like one from a retail store and then the metal part of the hanger can swivel so your fabric stacker can either face sideways or forward.) How do you store your fabric?<br />
<br /><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbirthingme.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F07%2Ffabric-storage-from-diaper-stacker.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-cCE-bWqFJHA%2FUBP1rMtr1pI%2FAAAAAAAABiQ%2FY0KeZ8StRoI%2Fs320%2FHPIM1121.JPG&description=Creative%20fabric%20storage%20from%20diaper%20stacker%20from%20Birthing%20Me" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03220450969630944498noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135082753437317119.post-45934104218960608952012-07-24T11:56:00.000-07:002012-08-01T20:00:53.889-07:00Feeling Down and Getting Dirty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8MPM0cK2wsADv5AuCdsKe_E7iiBueSHNYMLiAWzODO8iaSC_gTxcGtspbs4MN8gs0F4vstz6luRqz10qG-9WZXdaD0j_dQSbqkRqL-SQ4_za7pacqD4JPieAyqThS9m5Ig_vqdz5VrQ/s1600/0723121746a-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8MPM0cK2wsADv5AuCdsKe_E7iiBueSHNYMLiAWzODO8iaSC_gTxcGtspbs4MN8gs0F4vstz6luRqz10qG-9WZXdaD0j_dQSbqkRqL-SQ4_za7pacqD4JPieAyqThS9m5Ig_vqdz5VrQ/s320/0723121746a-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yesterday was rough. Some days are just like that. And I was starting to feel pretty low about my abilities as a parent. So, while my kids were napping (yes, all three of them) I finished making the blueberry sorbet we had started (before the youknowhat hit the fan and I declared nap time for all) and then I sat on my butt with the computer. I turned to one of my favorite blogs, <a href="http://www.herewearetogether.com/">Here We Are Together</a>, for calmness, clarity and inspiration. And I found it. I'm not a neat freak, not even close, but I still feel like I spend a lot of time telling my kids to keep things clean. They don't often get an opportunity to really let lose and get dirty. So, I took a page from <a href="http://www.herewearetogether.com/2012/07/22/in-the-garden-part-two/">Miri's book</a> (or technically a post from her blog :) and we set out to build a mud pit.<br />
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I let them help dig the hole because hard work is good for them and it was part of the fun. They took turns carrying water in buckets (and causing some grief threatening to spray each other with the hose, argh) and pretty soon we had a nice mud pit to play in. The kids looked at me with impish smirks and wide eyes when I told them to jump in - a sign that we need to do this more often. The hubby's response, "Oh my. What are you doing? And why?" Always good to keep him on his toes.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Worm!</span></div>
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Where was Ada during all of this? Right there with us of course. By the time her knight in shining armor arrived to rescue her she had a few mud splatters on her bald head and a big one on her cheek. And she didn't mind a bit.<br />
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I can honestly say that the day ended about as rough as it began, but this middle part, where we all got down and dirty, was pretty fun. I can understand why people go to spas to take mud baths, it's pretty therapeutic, but we'll save our dough and use the dirt that nature provided in our own backyard. What soothes you and your kiddos when you're having a tough day?
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I linked up with Capri +3: Artsy Play Wednesday. Stop by and check out the other great ideas.<br />
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<a href="http://www.multiples-mom.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Artsy Play Wednesday with Capri +3" src="http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m608/multiplesmom/ArtsyPlayWednesday.png" />
</a></center>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03220450969630944498noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135082753437317119.post-51903362690120880412012-07-19T07:49:00.000-07:002012-08-21T05:37:05.342-07:00Personalized Baby Bunting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My cousin recently had twins, a precious boy, Charlie, and sweet girl, Layla. Born at 32 weeks they are true miracles. I was passing on lots of stuff from my kids, but wanted to give her something that I put my heart into. Something personal for each of her blessings. I have been collecting vintage sheets, pillowcases, and other fabric to make flags for Ada Marie's first birthday, which is coming up WAY too quickly. It got me thinking that this could be a fun gift for my cousin.<br />
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So, I riffled through my fabric collection to see what I had laying around. And I was able to gather enough to make two sets of flags. The babies share a room and I was told the room does not really have a theme but half the room is blue and half is pink. That made things even easier.<br />
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I didn't photograph pictures of the process, but hopefully I will when I finish Ada's flags in the next few weeks. After selecting my fabrics I cut out a flag pattern (simply a triangle) from a blog that I cannot seem to find, but it offered the pattern in three sizes so if you know what blog it was please comment below so I can give credit where credit is due. Then I laid out the flags to choose an arrangement. I then used a combination of receiving blankets and fabric to make the letters for the name. I decided on two different fabrics for the letters to get them to show up on the different flags. I then ironed the letter fabric to <a href="http://www.joann.com/heat-n-bond-ultra-hold-iron-on-adhesive-17-x12-/prd49052/">heat n bond</a>, downloaded the font I wanted from <a href="http://dafont.com/">dafont.com</a> and used a <a href="http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/">silhouette</a> to cut out the letters (you can cut them by hand if you don't have a fabulous neighbor with a silhouette). I recommend doing a double cut just to be sure it cuts all the way through on the first try. Then I ironed the letters onto the flags.<br />
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Time to sew the flags together. Quilt binding is a super quick, easy way to attach the flags and it is available in a variety of colors. I used this for some flags I made for spring decorating, but this time I wanted something with a bit more personality. You see, my cousin has lots of personality. I like to think she has a very earthy side, but she also has a very girly, bling side, too. I thought the flags were a bit earthy, especially since they were upcycled, so, I went out in search of some fabulous ribbon and this is what I found. <br />
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It's a shimmery light pink with shiny pink stars - perfect! I folded the ribbon in half and ironed it to get a crease to line up the flags. (One of the stars came off on the iron so I used a tea towel in between the iron and the ribbon.) I trimmed the top of the flags to make sure that they were even then inserted the flags into the middle of the folded ribbon and pinned them in place. I spaced them about 1/2 - 2 inches apart, but do whatever looks best to you. Then I sewed a straight line down the ribbon to connect the flags. I started sewing on the ribbon about 1/2 inch before the first flag.</div>
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And here's Charlie's flags. After I found Layla's ribbon I knew I wanted to find something with stars for Charlie, too. Thankfully it was nearing July 4th so there was no shortage of star ribbon. I wish I had chosen a darker fabric for the H and I, but it's ok I love it anyway and it would be easy to use a sharpie or fabric marker to outline it or fill it in so it would stand out more. <span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
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I love how they turned out and am so excited to finish Ada's. I'm trying to choose a font, which can suck hours out of my life. Any recommendations for an easy-to-read, girly, but not too girly free font? <br />
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03220450969630944498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135082753437317119.post-57972062832188434432012-07-17T08:15:00.002-07:002012-09-27T18:22:45.033-07:00Carrot Cake with Dates and Cream Cheese Glaze<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Don't let the rough phone photo fool you. This is delicious!</span><br />
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We've started a new daily rhythm at our house and it is going splendidly. Each morning we have a different themed activity. Monday's theme is baking or cooking. A few weeks ago, Leon (almost 5), upset with his father's request, said to his dad, "I was going to surprise you and bake you a carrot cake for your birthday. Now I'm not going to!" Keep in mind that Steve's birthday is in February, not like next week. When I asked Leon about the incident and how Dad might have felt about it he clearly felt bad. At first he claimed that it was all a cover up so that Steve would be REALLY surprised when Leon got him the cake. Then he admitted that he said it because he was feeling angry. He wanted to make it up to Steve so he asked if we could make him a carrot cake. It just so happened that the next day was our baking day and I had all the ingredients. So, here is our recipe for homemade carrot cake.<br />
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<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
4 eggs<br />
1 1/4 cups vegetable or canola oil (or 3/4 cup canola oil and 1/2 cup applesauce)<br />
1 8oz can crushed pineapple, drained well<br />
1/2 cup white sugar<br />
3/4 cup brown sugar<br />
3 tsp vanilla extract<br />
1 cup all purpose flour<br />
1 cup whole wheat flour<br />
2 tsp baking powder<br />
2 tsp baking soda<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1/4 tsp nutmeg<br />
3 tsp cinnamon<br />
3 cups grated carrots (I just finely chopped mine in the food processor)<br />
1 cup chopped dates (optional)<br />
1/2 cup pecans or walnuts (optional, I usually prefer it without)<br />
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<b>For the glaze:</b><br />
1 4oz package of cream cheese, softened<br />
1 cup confectioners sugar, sifted (If I have kids tugging at my pants I just fluff it a bit with a fork)<br />
1 tsp vanilla (I've also used almond extract with yummy results)<br />
1 tbsp milk (added slowly as needed)<br />
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and lightly flour a 9x13 inch pan. Set cream cheese on counter to soften.<br />
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In a large bowl beat together eggs, oil, sugars and vanilla. Add pineapple. Mix in flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg and cinnamon. Stir in carrots. Fold in dates and pecans. Pour into pan.<br />
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Bake 40 or 50 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. (Mine is usually done at 40 mins.) Cool in pan for 10 minutes and then place on a wire rack to cool.<br />
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While cake is baking beat together cream cheese, confectioners sugar and vanilla. Add milk slowly until desired consistency is achieved. <br />
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When cake has cooled apply the glaze, sprinkle with cinnamon and devour. <br />
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This cake was a huge hit. It was perfectly moist and just sweet enough. I use a lot less sugar than most recipes so while you can usually get away with decreasing the sugar, just know that it's already a conservative amount. And hey, it has carrots, so it's healthy, right?<br />
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I linked up at <a href="http://mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/">Miz Helen's Country Cottage</a> for <a href="http://mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/2012/08/full-plate-thursday-8-9-12.html">Full Plate Thursday</a>. There are some great recipes over there so check em out.<br />
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Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03220450969630944498noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135082753437317119.post-58402703143152868932012-07-10T13:46:00.000-07:002012-07-10T20:20:57.133-07:00Summer Bucket List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With our oldest son about to enter kindergarten, this summer feels a bit like our last hurrah. Realistically, I know that there is much more fun ahead, but emotionally I can't help but wonder if we've done everything we want to do. Have we made the most of our time together during these pre-school years? So, in an effort to make sure we got out and had some serious fun this summer we made a summer bucket list. The list really helped us prioritize all the things we wanted to do.<br />
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<b><u>Our Summer Bucket List:</u></b><br />
Mom<br />
<ol>
<li>Lakeside camping</li>
<li>Date with each of the boys</li>
<li>Movie with my hubby</li>
<li>Craft retreat</li>
</ol>
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Leon</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Canoeing</li>
<li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jf2XCbcEb0">Slot car racing</a></li>
<li>Baseball at the park with hard bat and ball (so easy to please)</li>
<li>Fishing</li>
</ol>
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Dad</div>
</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Canoeing</li>
<li>Playing music with some guys in the hood</li>
<li>Mountain biking</li>
<li>Camping</li>
</ol>
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Eli</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Go to the girls' house - the girls are our neighbors, whom he adores. (Another easy one to check off the list - done)</li>
</ol>
</div>
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There's some nice overlap between our lists so those are definitely the biggest priorities. In fact, we've already been able to cross a few of these off our list. We've managed to fit in lots of baseball and we've booked a lakeside campsite for later this summer. Actually, we booked two as we're going during the week so there was lots of availability and it will give us added privacy and flexibility with naps and sleeping. We're planning on having our fire at the second campsite so that the hubby and I can hang out by the fire after the kids go to sleep.</div>
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Last weekend we took all three kids to <a href="http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/devilsfork/introduction.aspx">Devils Fork State Park</a> and paddled to a great swimming spot. There are no pics of all of us in the canoe as Ada was miserable in her life jacket so we canoed as fast as possible to our destination and got her out of that bulky, <strike>thumb-sucking preventer</strike> super necessary life-saving vest. We had a great time, Ada included, and we managed to get some cute pics even thought our camera is on the fritz so we only had our plain old basic cell phone.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Ada kept sticking her head in the water to drink it so we took it as a sign that she was thirsty. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">We totally canoed with the stroller - you know, just in case we wanted stroll through the red clay or sandy hills, lol. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Leon loves life under the water. He spent most of his time searching for fish. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The boys enjoyed a snack break in the canoe. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">You can barely make out the boys in the distance canoeing back to the boat ramp. Ada and I returned on foot.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZUREufYByHw_jJSoazMF7lTRu6MD23rAtU-PTuAUCMcNnj0PJqcpoKfmvoyWJHKxWxWc7pC5OkSY_19gqNF8xUNHjAnXFeKDNfn2-hUl0ZqpAx0wCGAUfQn3TAOegtubKOFIaeLcuqM/s1600/0708122008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZUREufYByHw_jJSoazMF7lTRu6MD23rAtU-PTuAUCMcNnj0PJqcpoKfmvoyWJHKxWxWc7pC5OkSY_19gqNF8xUNHjAnXFeKDNfn2-hUl0ZqpAx0wCGAUfQn3TAOegtubKOFIaeLcuqM/s320/0708122008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: center">Leon finally caught a fish! We didn't see a single fish (unless you count the dead one on the shore) until we returned to the boat ramp and then he caught one in a ziploc! He was thrilled and then heartbroken when we had to leave.</span><br /><br>
<span style="text-align: left;">Since our life got a little less crazy (read about our -or my - craziness </span><a href="http://birthingme.blogspot.com/2012/06/note-from-kitchen-floor.html" style; text-align: left;">here</a><span style; text-align: left;">) we've really been trying to focus on our family and spending lots of time together doing the things we love. Our bucket list has helped and the kids felt like they had a say in our summer plans. Why shouldn't they?</span><span style= text-align: left;"> So, what's on your family's summer bucket list?</span></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbirthingme.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F07%2Fsummer-bucket-list.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-HNijGrTp8kw%2FT_xtKhrqAKI%2FAAAAAAAABcY%2FhWwK_yAV-wU%2Fs1600%2F0708121901-001.jpg&description=Summer%20bucket%20list%3A%20Birthing%20Me" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03220450969630944498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135082753437317119.post-68302555619004173112012-07-04T21:58:00.000-07:002012-07-10T12:43:11.974-07:00The Freedom of ParenthoodI am sometimes guilty of focusing on the the restrictions of parenthood - we can't come and go as easily, the bedtime hours are shot (lately that seems to be from 8 - 11, argh), vacation is expensive, the cost of eating out adds up and our two-year-old often struggles in such settings so why bother, laundry is an endless chore, naps restrict us to the house during certain hours (not that I'm complaining about nap time - trust me), and so on. So, in keeping with the spirit of the Fourth of July holiday I am reflecting on the many freedoms of parenthood.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My awesome baby-daddy doing some serious puddle jumping with the boys on Mother's day.</td></tr>
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<li><b>The freedom to be silly</b><br />We adults tend to worry a bit too much about what other people think. Kids, especially young ones, don't really care. Not so great when they bust out a full blown tantrum in line at the grocery store (candy at the checkout should be illegal), but pretty fabulous when it comes to their imagination and playfulness and some of this rubs off on us adults. I've seen some really awesome dads playing various roles during rousing games of princess, moms pretending to be evil villains so their miniature super heroes can defeat them, puddle jumping, hill rolling, bad-basketball-playing, mud fighting, and everything in between. You never have to worry about looking foolish because you're doing it for your kids (and you know you're having a blast), so go on and be silly.</li>
<li><b>The freedom to be frumpy</b><br />Don't get me wrong, I love dressing up and looking my best, but parenthood does not lend itself to that everyday. I know some mamas will disagree and say that you should look your best everyday, but that's just not for me. Some days I like to steal those extra minutes of sleep, role out of bed and into a full blown kid-centered day. And I'm pretty confident that when I roll into the grocery store corralling my three kiddos with my hair looking a bit too <strike>greasy</strike> shiny, not-so-slight circles under my eyes, and more than one spit up, paint or obvious food stain on my clothing ain't nobody gonna say nothin. And I like it that way because for me that's real.</li>
<li><b>The freedom to see things through the eyes of a child</b><br />In the time between being a kid and having kids how many times did you stop to watch a deer by the side of the road or watch the ripples when you threw a rock into the water? How many times did you strike up a conversation with the garbage man because his truck and his job are fascinating? Or try for hours to catch minnows in a stream? Everyday I see things in a different, more colorful and more beautiful way because of my children and I am so grateful.</li>
<li><b>The freedom to be a big dork</b><br />Remember in high school when you would purposefully not wear pink on Valentine's Day or orange on Halloween or red, white or blue on the fourth of July? Well, I do. And now I stress just a little if I don't have something festive to wear. For Valentine's Day this year I made my own heart sweater from <a href="http://sincerelykinsey.blogspot.com/2012/01/lace-heart-sweater-diy.html">this</a> super simple tutorial. For real, I didn't just wear pink or red I rocked a homemade heart sweater (sweater itself was from Goodwill, but I DIYed the heart). And I got lots of compliments from other moms, my kids loved it, and so did I. For St. Patrick's Day I upcycled a too tight green tank top (see picture below) by adding some shamrock print to the sides and bottom and you better believe I wore it in public. It's fun to get just a little too into the holidays and right now my kids think it's great.</li>
<li><b>The freedom to be assertive</b><br />I've never been the most assertive person, but now that I have kids I really don't have a choice. I need to teach my kids to stand up for themselves so when there is a wrong we point it out, talk about it and try to make it right, if it's within our control. It can be taking from others, cutting in line, or speaking up for those who can't speak for themselves. I distinctly remember waiting in line at the gas station with my brother to buy a pack of gum. We must have been about 8 and 6. As we started to step up to the counter a man, more than old enough to know better, stepped right in front of us and began to checkout. The cashier said nothing, but I remember her looking at us. My mom must have walked through the door just in time to see it because she marched right up to him and said, "Excuse me. My children have been waiting patiently and you cut in front of them." He grumbled, but moved out of the way. I will never forget her standing up for us like that. Of course, there are many more dramatic examples of her standing up for us - it's just what you do for your kids - but this example illustrates how even the smallest situations can have a big impact. Thanks, Mom!</li>
<li><b>The freedom to find myself</b><br />I studied marketing in college, went on to work as a marketing assistant at a local mall, and then became the communications director for our local chamber of commerce. It was all great, but it was what I did, not who I was. After my first son was born I went back to work at 3 months but my heart wasn't in it. I didn't feel like I was giving 100% to my job or my sweet babe. I decided to quit my job, start a super small business that I could do with my son and try to eek out every precious moment of his infanthood. That started me on this journey. The journey to discover who I am and who I want to be. To discover what is important to me and what is worth my precious time. My children led me back to my sewing machine, deeper into my roots and on this road to become a <a href="http://www.dona.org/">DONA</a> certified birth doula. I can't imagine going back to the work I used to do. Not because it's not important or not fun, but it's just not me. A birth-loving, breastfeeding, scatterbrained, craftaholic mama to three amazing kiddos - yup, that's me.</li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The plain-tank-turned-festive-shamrock-shirt, lol.</td></tr>
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So, while it is true that parenthood can be restrictive, today (technically yesterday, but I have yet to go to bed so it's still July 4th in my book) I am celebrating all the ways that my kids have set me free. Thanks, my brilliant babies. I'd love to hear how your kids set you free?</div>
<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03220450969630944498noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6135082753437317119.post-21978371070283057382012-07-02T21:07:00.001-07:002013-03-25T08:43:18.785-07:00Welcome Home BabyThere we were, two midwives and I, the doula, sitting around a beautifully inviting circular table inside an obviously loved and cherished home. As we contemplated stages of labor and who would be the first to sample the just-sweet-enough smelling muffins the couple had baked in the earliest stages of labor, it seemed fitting that we were seated at this open, welcoming, soft, yet strong table surrounded by sturdy walls and protected by the dark of night. It seemed fitting that this, my first home birth experience, would begin in this way and so I asked, "Other than the obvious, how is a home birth different from a hospital birth?" I originally thought I meant the logistics, where supplies are kept, who does what, who cleans what, etc. But I now know that the answer I was looking for was something more of a feeling and it all became clear shortly after the clock signaled the start of a new day on June 27, 2012.<br />
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I sat barefoot in the soft, creaky glider used countless times to rock her first son to sleep and watched the immediate bond form with her second son while they snuggled and cooed in her bed just moments after his birth. She rubbed the feet that only minutes earlier had fluttered and kicked inside her as he made his journey from the world that only they shared and into his home, his little place on this big earth. To be born into that place where he belongs unconditionally, into that place where his arrival has been anticipated with hope and joy since his conception is something words cannot explain. You have to be present to feel and appreciate the beauty and the rightness of starting his life right where he is meant to be. <br />
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It was around midnight on this fresh, dark night when we heard the unmistakable sounds of a woman nearing the end of her labor. We went quickly, but gently to where the mama clung tightly to her husband as the waves compounded and released the ocean inside her. I was completely present in both mind and body, applying counter pressure and using affirmations, but make no mistake I was a guest on this journey. Mama and papa were in a world by themselves, she rocking and moaning and bearing the weight of the final stages of labor and he, genuinely in awe of this strong, courageous woman who would soon bless him with their fourth child. I was simply there in case they lost their rhythm or in case fear briefly took over I would help lead them back. But they walked through it in complete synchronicity - papa guiding and reassuring mama - and they were rewarded for their hard work with a babe who knew just when to arrive. He knew just what his mama could handle and before his head had been completely born he let out a small, muffled cry to greet his parents.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Look at their faces - papa's filled with pride and joy and mama's filled with relief, both filled with love.</span></div>
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And as these parents bonded and loved each other and their new babe, we visitors returned to that welcoming round table and sat in tired and contented silence until the elder midwife looked up from her just-sweet-enough tasting muffin and asked me, "So, how is a home birth different?"<br />
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My three perfect miracles were all born with the support of my husband, a midwife and a doula, without pain medication, in the hospital and each birth was beautiful, peaceful and perfect. I've attended several serene hospital births as a doula, but this experience was life-changing and left my womb aching, just a little, to bring forth life in our home with complete and pure love and acceptance. And since some of you will ask, no, there are no current plans to do so.<br />
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Leave a comment and let us know where we can read your birth story. <br />
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<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbirthingme.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F07%2Fwelcome-home-baby.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-CHvFvE0Uv7k%2FT_SS2UBQCuI%2FAAAAAAAABao%2Fvk0NFPsuSU0%2Fs1600%2FSteven%2Bbirth.JPG&description=Home%20birth%20story%20-%20a%20doula%27s%20perspective%20from%20birthing%20me"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03220450969630944498noreply@blogger.com3