tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17837902673477621072013-01-28T15:01:29.292-05:00The Bing OhanaClarissa Bingnoreply@blogger.comBlogger188125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783790267347762107.post-72958680297841651812013-01-15T20:03:00.000-05:002013-01-15T20:03:04.972-05:002013-01-15T20:03:04.972-05:00Cheater Italian Wedding Soup<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75519251@N05/8384436077/" title="Italian Wedding Soup by Clarissa Bing, on Flickr"><img alt="Italian Wedding Soup" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8491/8384436077_b58984c3d6_z.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a> <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Cheater Italian Wedding Soup</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">1 bag Trader Joe’s Mini Party Meatballs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">2 tablespoons good olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">1 cup minced yellow onion</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">1 cup diced carrots, cut into 1/4 inch pieces</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">1 cup diced celery, cut into 1/4 inch pieces</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">10 cups chicken stock </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">1 cup ditilini</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">8-12 ounces baby spinach, washed and trimmed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">1 tbsp freeze dried dill</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Fresh grated Parmesan</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">juice from half of a lemon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">salt and pepper, to taste</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Pan fry meatballs, according to directions in the label.</span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">In a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the onion, carrots and celery and saute until the onion is transparent, about 7 minutes. Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and meatballs, return to a boil, and cook until the pasta is cooked al dente. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning to your liking with salt and pepper. Remove from heat. Add the spinach, dill, and Parmesan and simmer for a couple of minutes more, until the spinach is just wilted but still a vibrant green. Stir in lemon juice. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Ladle into bowls and serve with extra grated Parmesan cheese.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">NOTES: </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I am horrible at measuring things, I usually just throw things into the pot, add stuff, taste, add more….. So, these amounts are mostly estimates. Add more dill or Parmesan if you want. Love carrots? Add more! Want more lemon? Sounds good! Need more pasta? Go for it!</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"></span></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I really like the Trader Joe’s Mini Party Meatballs. They have a great flavor, are tender, and are small enough that they don’t overwhelm the soup. So, use whatever meatballs you want but I recommend mini ones.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"></span></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I had a jar of freeze dried dill in my cabinet that a friend left at my house so I gave it a shot one night when I didn’t have fresh dill. It worked great and I didn’t have to deal with tearing the dill leaves of the stalk and chopping it up. So it works for cheater soup. </span></li>
</ol>
Clarissa Binghttps://plus.google.com/104383143371654290554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783790267347762107.post-71456785208631114462013-01-14T16:08:00.000-05:002013-01-14T16:08:15.816-05:002013-01-14T16:08:15.816-05:00How to Strip Cloth Diapers<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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So, last week I wrote about Owen’s awful yeast rash. He wore
disposables for about 2 weeks while I stripped my diapers and we waited for his
rash to heal. Everything I’ve read suggests waiting 5 days after the last
symptom disappears before using cloth again (to prevent anything from getting
back into the cloth). So TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT- we are finally going to start
using cloth again tonight and I AM BEYOND HAPPY. </div>
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<br /></div>
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We use a combination of prefolds/covers and BumGenius
3.0/4.0/Freetime (speaking of the Freetime, it’s an amazing diaper and I plan
on reviewing it here soon). BumGenius recommends using bleach when necessary,
so I felt comfortable doing so. Some diaper manufacturers do not allow bleach
and it will void the warranty so please check with your own diaper manufacturer
before following my process for stripping cloth diapers. Prefolds are just
cotton, so you can use bleach on them, no problem. Again, check manufacturers
recommendations for your covers. I wasn’t too worried about ruining my covers
(they are Thirsties) and just went ahead and washed them with everything else. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also, I currently use a front loader, however I used a top
loader until last year and would use much the same process for either machine. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How to Strip Cloth Diapers and Get Rid of a Yeast Infection</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1<sup>st</sup> wash:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Throw a load of diapers into the machine. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Apply 5 drops of Original Dawn (the BLUE stuff) directly to
the load.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fill bleach cup with ½ c bleach.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Set machine on HOT with extra water.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2<sup>nd</sup> wash (this is to ensure diapers have no
bleach or detergent left in them):</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No detergent, soap, or bleach.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Set machine to HOT with up to 3 extra rinses (2 is probably
enough, I like 3 to make sure).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then they go into the dryer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It took me about 3 loads to get it all washed but they smell
really nice and clean now and nothing was ruined by the bleach either. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can’t wait to be back to the cloth diapers after we get home
tonight. The disposables are so so so gross and I am so so so done with them. </div>
Clarissa Binghttps://plus.google.com/104383143371654290554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783790267347762107.post-14765752141459084212013-01-08T16:21:00.000-05:002013-01-08T16:21:15.308-05:002013-01-08T16:21:15.308-05:00Making Better Eating Habits<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I really want to get this family back on track with our
eating habits. Especially over the last month (between the travel for the
holidays, the holidays themselves, general busy-ness, and everyone being sick
ALL THE TIME) I have taken the easy way out and just fed us what we can. A lot
of nights the boys got fed pasta or chicken while Chris and I just foraged for
ourselves later (which usually meant a bowl of cereal or even nothing a lot of
times). We were in survival mode, I guess.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I think the worst is behind us and I want to get us back
on track. I have lots I need to do, especially with Casper. He is a very picky
eater, but I think that is more about control than anything. Typically if I
prep him enough with my expectations for his behavior as well as prepping him
to help with his expectations that helps in anything new with him. So I am
going to start discussing with him what I expect of him at meals BEFORE WE EVEN
GET TO THE DINNER TABLE.</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span>He needs to try a bite of everything on his
plate.</li>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span dir="LTR"></span>He can then eat what he
wants from what I have offered.</li>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span>If he eats everything on
his plate he can have dessert.</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have read that exposure to new foods will eventually
encourage a kid to eat (because it isn’t really new anymore) and hopefully like
it. So I feel like as long as he tries something, I am not going to force it
down his throat because every time we have that for dinner we’ll hopefully be one
bite closer to him happily eating it (one day). If he actually doesn’t care for
something, then fine, one bite and he’s done. No dessert but that will be his
choice.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another thing I am focusing on- less processed/packaged
food. I really have come to rely on these “convenience products” too much since
the boys started daycare/preschool in the last 6 months. We don’t even get home
until dinnertime now, so it is hard to make a meal from scratch before everyone
is just cranky and starving (parents included here). But I think if I carefully
choose recipes that are simple but full of REAL FOOD that I can do the majority
of the prep for on the weekend or even the night before we will all feel much
better. After all, those “convenience products” from boxes or bags are just
health hazards for all of us down the road. So, some examples of what I can do
here:</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span>Stirfry- cut up all
veggies/meat the day or weekend before and marinade. Set rice cooker timer to
cook rice before we get home. </li>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span>Slow cooker meals</li>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span>Freezer cooking</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is a link between the crap we’ve been eating and the
number of days our family has been sick this winter, I know. I need to strengthen
our bodies to make us healthy again. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Any tips or ideas to help out with this? Have any of you
gone through the same thing? Any advice on how to deal with toddler and preschooler pickiness?</div>
Clarissa Binghttps://plus.google.com/104383143371654290554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783790267347762107.post-76636231558250392912013-01-03T12:09:00.000-05:002013-01-03T12:51:00.997-05:002013-01-03T12:51:00.997-05:00Bad News for My Cloth Diapers<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>ZH-CN</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>AR-SA</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:ApplyBreakingRules/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> <w:UseFELayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif][if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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</style> <![endif]--> The day I have dreaded since I had kids is finally here.... Owen had a horrible yeast infection and it is in my cloth diapers :(<br />
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Owen had a few ear infections over the last couple of months and the rounds of antibiotics really did a number on his gut. I was giving him extra yogurt and probiotics in his food, too, but he still had a horribly upset tummy, was getting a bad rash on his face, and eventually got a yeast infection. It was so bad. But our pediatrician gave us some sort of creamy concoction she made up and that has cleared up the infection really nicely right away. So that's the good news. The bad news is that I am in the midst of a multiple day project of stripping my diapers and making sure I kill any sort of yeasty thing that might be in them.<br />
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I have Owen in disposables for right now (7th Generation ones) so I can take my time making sure I really get my cloth good and clean. Also, I don't know if the cream the pediatrician gave us is cloth diaper safe (it's probably not) so I thought I'd err on the side of caution and just use the disposables for a few days. They are yucky and I am not too happy about them at all. I can just smell the chemicals in them (I think it’s the super absorbent gel stuff that reeks) and my house smells like poo, too (which is not normally a problem since we rinse and flush any poo down the toilet when sing our cloth). I am rushing every dirty diaper right out to the trashcan outside immediately just to lessen the stench of chemicals and poo. Clearly, I HATE disposable diapers and I can’t wait for him to be back in cloth. Plus, can you even imagine how wearing paper and plastic underwear must feel to someone who is used to soft cozy fabric? Poor thing.<br />
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These pictures are from about 6 months ago.... but they are the only ones I have access to right now with Owen in cloth, so enjoy the cuteness! <br />
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I'm linking up to <a href="http://change-diapers.com/" target="_blank">Change Diapers</a> just click the button below to check it out and maybe you'll find some new blogs to follow!<br />
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Clarissa Binghttps://plus.google.com/104383143371654290554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783790267347762107.post-69585043437884858302012-12-15T07:38:00.001-05:002012-12-15T07:38:19.988-05:002012-12-15T07:38:19.988-05:00Everyday Moments- A Blog CircleSo many of our moments this month have been about Christmas. Casper really took a liking to my little bird ornaments this year and has been playing with them all over the house. I keep finding them pinned to everything!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/75519251@N05/8273813565/" title="DSC_0081 by Clarissa Bing, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0081" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8504/8273813565_80c7c6c579_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Please check out <a href="http://www.hellomisha.com/2012/12/everyday-moments-december-a-blog-circle-orange-county-photographer" target="_blank">Misha Hettie</a>, an amazing Orange County photographer who is the next stop in our blog circle.Clarissa Binghttps://plus.google.com/104383143371654290554noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783790267347762107.post-44083328740055919392012-11-17T19:38:00.004-05:002012-11-17T19:41:25.550-05:002012-11-17T19:41:25.550-05:00World Prematurity Day 2012Worldwide, 15 million babies are born to early every year, in the United States, 1 in 8 babies are too early.<br />
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From the World Prematurity Day Facebook page (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/WorldPrematurityDay/app_203351739677351#!/WorldPrematurityDay">https://www.facebook.com/WorldPrematurityDay/app_203351739677351#!/WorldPrematurityDay</a>):<br />
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"While other parents are counting happy milestones -- baby's first smile, first tooth, first step -- the parents of premature babies are counting heartbeats. Premature babies aren't just small. Many of them -- more than one million babies each year -- won't make it to their first birthday.<br />
More newborn die from premature birth than from any other cost. Yet, 75% of these deaths can be preventable, even without intensive care.<br />
Funding is needed to improve care in countries around the world -- from low-cost steroid shots to promote lung development, to wider adoption of "kangaroo mother care" (the profoundly beneficial practice of skin-to-skin contact between a mother and her newborn child). And research is needed to identify the causes of premature birth, and develop treatments and preventions.<br />
Raising awareness of premature birth is the first step to defeating it. Please help us <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WorldPrematurityDay/app_128953167177144">spread the word</a>."<br />
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When I went into premature labor and Casper was born prematurely, we were so lucky to have the necessary medical care that saved our lives. So many babies and mothers worldwide do not have that basic medical care that is so necessary in these situations, and we need to make that happen. <br />
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To be honest, this was something that I thought would never happen to us. I was having an easy pregnancy, no complications, taking care of myself... And then my water broke in the middle of the night at 31 weeks. We rushed to the hospital and I think we were both more scared than we had ever been in our lives. We got checked in to the maternity ward, the nurse confirmed that my water had indeed broken but I wasn't actually in labor. They started me on antibiotics and steroids shots as well as medication to prevent labor. This entire time is such a blur to me but I still remember the panic and fear I felt knowing that my baby who was much too small to be here could come at any moment. <br />
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I didn't end up going into labor immediately. I was in the hospital on bed rest for what we were hoping would be the long haul. I had lots of tests to monitor the situation every day and a week later I went into labor. Casper was breech and in the end we had an emergency c-section. I was so scared but they let me see him for a minute before he was rushed to the NICU and Chris went with him. I was out of it for the next several hours, I'm not even sure how long it was before I got to see him. Chris was with him the whole time though.<br />
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He was in the NICU for three weeks. I think we were lucky that our hospital understood the importance of skin-on-skin contact/kangaroo care, breastmilk/nursing, and that we needed to be with him as much as we possibly could. He had some issues while were were in the NICU, but overall he was so strong and we came home when he was only 35 weeks (4 weeks before he was even due) because he was strong and healthy enough. There were so many babies in the NICU that weren't able to go home on time and had so many complications. My heart still goes out to those families and I pray that those children are running around happy and healthy like Casper. <br />
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We are so blessed that he has had no complications as a result of his premature birth. So, so, so blessed. We are blessed that we had excellent medical care when I was pregnant with Owen and we were able to prevent another premature birth. <br />
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Every mother and baby should have access to the necessary medical care to help survive a premature labor and birth and the complications that can arise.<br />
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The pictures below are from our week on hospital bed rest through his first day at home. We actually don't look at these pictures too much, I start to get very emotional when I do look at them. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris's feet in my huge hospital room (they said I had the best room in the place)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My snack table</td></tr>
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Monitors</div>
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Chris cutting the cord</div>
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Meeting Casper for the first time</div>
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Reunited in the NICU</div>
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First family photo</div>
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He still makes this face when he screams</div>
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So tiny, he fit in Chris's hand</div>
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Diet of kings- pumped breastmilk</div>
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First day home</div>
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My love :)</div>
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Clarissa Binghttps://plus.google.com/104383143371654290554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783790267347762107.post-25842832482427636412012-11-03T13:47:00.000-04:002012-11-03T13:47:04.410-04:002012-11-03T13:47:04.410-04:00Menu Plan and Hurricane DamageI usually only plan 5 meals a week since I know we'll have leftovers some nights. Also, these aren't in any particular order, I'll just decide what to make each night based on what is going on for us. <br />
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1. Tacos<br />
2. <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/04/baked-parmesan-spaghetti/" target="_blank">Baked Parmesan Spaghetti</a>, garlic bread, salad<br />
3. Roasted Pork Loin with Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Autumn Salad (pears, walnuts, blue cheese)<br />
4. Chili (my recipe), cornbread<br />
5. <a href="http://smells-like-home.com/2011/08/grilled-greek-chicken/" target="_blank">Grilled Greek Chicken,</a> tzatziki sauce, cucumber salad, rice pilaf<br />
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I'll definitely post my chili recipe soon, it is delicious!<br />
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We found a nasty surprise from Hurricane Sandy this morning (yes, it's been almost a week but we don't go out back to often). One of the trees in our backyard was uprooted! It fell against another tree, thankfully, or it could have caused a lot of damage to the house. We have the tree guys here now taking it down, and we're getting a few other trees removed while they're at it. <br />
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Hope everyone has a great weekend!Clarissa Binghttps://plus.google.com/104383143371654290554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783790267347762107.post-884717150573883232012-10-13T19:23:00.001-04:002012-11-03T13:48:16.861-04:002012-11-03T13:48:16.861-04:00Sweet Shot Tuesday<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a blog="blog" category="category" href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" kentweakley.com="kentweakley.com" sweet-shot-tuesday="sweet-shot-tuesday">http://kentweakley.com/blog/category/sweet-shot-tuesday/</a></div>
Clarissa Binghttps://plus.google.com/104383143371654290554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783790267347762107.post-53937274951032172562012-09-16T18:05:00.000-04:002012-09-16T18:05:54.410-04:002012-09-16T18:05:54.410-04:00Favorites of the WeekThe best things I saw on the internets this week... What did you see that was awesome???<br />
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Recipes:<br />
This is my favorite coffee flavor <a href="http://www.jasonandshawnda.com/foodiebride/archives/8295#" target="_blank">Pumpkin Spiced Latte Recipe</a><br />
Great fall recipe <a href="http://abitchinkitchen.blogspot.com/2012/09/awesome-autumn-recipe-roundup.html" target="_blank">Roundup</a><br />
How cute is this <a href="http://www.curbly.com/users/capreek/posts/14037-how-to-make-a-polka-dot-cake-on-the-inside" target="_blank">Polka Dot Cake???</a><br />
Chris would love these <a href="http://www.annies-eats.com/2012/09/07/caramel-apple-crumble-bars/" target="_blank">Caramel Apple Crumble Bars</a><br />
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DIY:<br />
I've wanted to do this with Ikea bookcases for a long time <a href="http://www.acharmingnest.com/2012/09/turning-ikea-into-custom-built-ins-part.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+acharmingnest%2FRBYA+%28%7BA+CHARMING+NEST%7D%29" target="_blank">Turning Ikea Into Custom Built-Ins</a><br />
I need to do something with my dining room chairs- they need to be more fun, like <a href="http://www.sweetpickinsfurniture.com/2012/09/before-after-pair-of-chairs-2.html" target="_blank">this!</a><br />
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Organization<br />
Great ideas to make cleaning your kitchen <a href="http://www.areal-lifehousewife.com/2012/07/8-awesome-cleaning-solutions-for-your.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FghUDo+%28A+Real-Life+Housewife%29" target="_blank">easier</a><br />
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Clarissa Binghttps://plus.google.com/104383143371654290554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783790267347762107.post-26464899719909627392012-06-03T16:46:00.002-04:002012-06-03T16:46:44.376-04:002012-06-03T16:46:44.376-04:0022/52: Playtime<div style="text-align: center;">
All we did last week was play! The boys had the best time at White Sands, though, I think. They just slid down the hills, buried each other, and had a great time. It was Chris's first time at White Sands, he's been coming with me to New Mexico since 2004 and I have never taken him there before. He was pretty impressed, I think!</div>
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Chris went first...</div>
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Then Casper...</div>
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Then Owen (he wasnt too excited)...</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Linking up to </span></div>
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<a href="http://kentweakley.com/blog/project-52-week-22-playtime/" target="_blank">Kent Weakley's Project 52</a></div>Clarissa Binghttps://plus.google.com/104383143371654290554noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783790267347762107.post-10487308834179509942012-06-03T16:33:00.001-04:002012-06-03T16:33:23.685-04:002012-06-03T16:33:23.685-04:0021/52: FavoritesWow, I really let myself get behind on my Project 52 the last couple of weeks! I am attempting to catch up. The theme was "Favorites" and one of my favorite anaimals are goats. Love them. We were lucky enough to see some little goats during our visit to New Mexico last week, they were so cute!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rcdRDCZeB8c/T8vJ3Wj48jI/AAAAAAAACAY/dA3-KkBAIcQ/s1600/076+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rcdRDCZeB8c/T8vJ3Wj48jI/AAAAAAAACAY/dA3-KkBAIcQ/s640/076+edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Clarissa Binghttps://plus.google.com/104383143371654290554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783790267347762107.post-16258483528544652862012-05-23T08:55:00.002-04:002012-05-23T08:55:52.918-04:002012-05-23T08:55:52.918-04:00Recipe- Homemade Baby Food<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I wanted to write a quick post on making baby food at home- it's easy, it's yummy, and it's cheap! We fed Casper homemade baby food and are doing the same for Owen. </div>
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The idea is pretty simple: steam/bake/cook your ingredients, then throw it into a food processor (a blender would work, too, I'm sure) with water, breastmilk, or formula. Only use a little liquid at first and add it as you need until you get to a consistency that your baby can eat. </div>
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We use KidCo baby food ice cube trays, but you can use regular ice cube trays, too (that's what we did at first). We bought these at Babies R Us (we didn't have a lot of options for baby stores in Hawaii) and love them because they have lids. Each cube holds about a 1/4c of food (maybe a little less). After you put the food into the tray just freeze it and once frozen pop them out and place into freezer bags that are labeled with the food and date. </div>
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You can make as much food as you want at one time. I make baby food once a week or so and we end up with a wide variety of foods pretty quickly. </div>
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Below are sweet potatoes, but I have made broccoli, peas, mango, papaya, prunes (good for constipation), butternut squash, carrots... I haven't yet made any meat (usually we wait until they can eat finger foods and give them meat like that) but the idea is the same.</div>
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When you want to serve it, you can throw it in the microwave until the right temperature or you can thaw it slowly in the fridge. When we are going somewhere we will throw the frozen cubes into a small Tupperware and they usually are ready to eat by the time Owen is hungry.</div>
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If the food thaws and is really thin you can thicken it up to the right consistency with baby cereal, just add a little at a time. </div>
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We also give Owen large pieces of food/veggies that he can hold and gnaw on. It gives him something to do while we eat dinner. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3tu3tI-U62I/T7zYgVyI9TI/AAAAAAAAB8E/r79biTc2ni0/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3tu3tI-U62I/T7zYgVyI9TI/AAAAAAAAB8E/r79biTc2ni0/s640/015.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>Clarissa Binghttps://plus.google.com/104383143371654290554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783790267347762107.post-5327999582590374332012-05-20T08:01:00.003-04:002012-05-20T20:06:50.325-04:002012-05-20T20:06:50.325-04:0020/52: Mothers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My mother and Casper<br />
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<br />Clarissa Binghttps://plus.google.com/104383143371654290554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783790267347762107.post-88485317629611964652012-05-19T22:15:00.002-04:002012-05-19T22:15:53.296-04:002012-05-19T22:15:53.296-04:00DIY- Kitchen Backsplash<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few weeks ago (right around Easter), we FINALLY decided on a tile to do our backsplash. This has been an on-going project for 9 months or so, starting when I was on bed rest. I picked out a bunch of tiles online and Chris went and picked up samples, then we returned all of them without a decision made. This has happened several times. We just couldn't decide what kind of tile to go with. The main problem was the 4 inch granite backsplash that we had installed along with our countertops last year. At that time, we didn't know that the 4 inch granite backsplash was a design no-no, but now we do. It has made choosing a backsplash so difficult because we had to find something that looks right when seen smack dab right next to the granite. WIthout that 4 inch backsplash, I think there is more leeway in choosing the backsplash granite because they aren't so obviously next to each other. I don't think I explained that very well, but hey, I'm not a designer!</div>
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ANyway, so we finally decide to go with a white ceramic subway tile with white grout from American Olean purchased from Lowe's. The price was right, I love the look of white subway tile with white grout (although Chris wasn't sold on it), and we "thought" it would end up looking pretty good with the countertops. </div>
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Speaking of the countertops, they are Giallo Ornamental. When we had the countertops installed we also got a new sink and choose to go with a giant single tub sink. I LOVE my sink and never want to go back to a regular double tub sink. I guess that means all our houses in the future are going to get kitchen makeovers since you hardly ever see that kind of sink in a home. </div>
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Anyway, here are some pictures of Chris doing all the work. Just so you know, however, I did lay a tile, and I also helped with the grout :)</div>
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This was going on Easter weekend, and my stove was out of commission. I read online that you could steam eggs to hard boil them and since we needed Easter eggs, that is what I did. </div>
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It didn't work. These were semi-boiled eggs, we didn't eat them after the Easter egg hunt.</div>
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This is what Chris looks like after a late night spent tiling.</div>
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Yes, we did out Easter egg hunt in jammies.</div>
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Back to the backsplash.</div>
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What do you think? Chris did a great job!</div>
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By the way, does anyone have any suggestions for flooring? We want to replace the floors but color is turning out to be an issue since we don't like floors that are too light and I don't want the floors and cabinets to match. </div>Clarissa Binghttps://plus.google.com/104383143371654290554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783790267347762107.post-62205653682910201662012-05-13T17:57:00.002-04:002012-05-20T20:07:41.441-04:002012-05-20T20:07:41.441-04:0019/52: Still Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I normally link up with My3Boybarians but this week Kent Weakley is hosting the P52, you can check out his site and the other particpants if you click the button below<br />
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<a href="http://my3boybarians.com/"><img alt="project 52 p52 weekly photo challenge my3boybarians.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5763" height="166" src="http://my3boybarians.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/web_post_p52_2012.png" title="project 52 p52 weekly photo challenge my3boybarians.com" width="500" /></a></div>Clarissa Binghttps://plus.google.com/104383143371654290554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783790267347762107.post-84878235277137571992012-05-07T22:35:00.001-04:002012-05-07T22:35:16.269-04:002012-05-07T22:35:16.269-04:00Sweet Shot Tuesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://my3boybarians.com/category/photography/sweet-shot-day/"><img alt="Sweet Shot Day" border="0" height="125" outline="0" src="http://my3boybarians.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/sweetshotbutton.png" title="Add your photo to Sweet Shot Day @ m3b" width="125" /></a></div>Clarissa Binghttps://plus.google.com/104383143371654290554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783790267347762107.post-72064376209928094922012-05-04T07:12:00.002-04:002012-05-04T07:12:59.700-04:002012-05-04T07:12:59.700-04:0018/52: Siesta<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Is there anything better than having a sleeping baby cuddled up on your chest?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Owen and his Uncle Andy, Bedford PA, April 2012<br />
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As always, linking up to:</div>
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<br /></div>Clarissa Binghttps://plus.google.com/104383143371654290554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783790267347762107.post-72845745218893781742012-04-26T14:26:00.000-04:002012-04-26T14:26:00.847-04:002012-04-26T14:26:00.847-04:00Meadowlark Botanical Gardens- Vienna, VA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Out in Vienna is a great botanical garden. We actually went there to see some cherry blossoms because I wanted to avoid the crowds and traffic in DC. </div>
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There's a good sized parking lot right out front of the welcome center, so you shouldn't have an issue with parking. </div>
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Inside the welcome center are brochures, etc, and several aquariums with local wildlife. Plenty of snakes, some frogs/toads, and some turtles.</div>
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This little guy was super friendly. </div>
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Casper had to show his car to his new friend, naturally. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--K-U3Ky-s-g/T5W01KANxdI/AAAAAAAABug/HIEeSbK1uGI/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--K-U3Ky-s-g/T5W01KANxdI/AAAAAAAABug/HIEeSbK1uGI/s640/004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Owen was less than impressed with the snakes.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--T9mxD9cnJU/T5W06VMZunI/AAAAAAAABuo/MBNo1XMdDuE/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--T9mxD9cnJU/T5W06VMZunI/AAAAAAAABuo/MBNo1XMdDuE/s640/008.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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A bird skeleton.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ds40PntZXV8/T5W1Cag4q2I/AAAAAAAABu4/QWQAFHlJcxo/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ds40PntZXV8/T5W1Cag4q2I/AAAAAAAABu4/QWQAFHlJcxo/s640/018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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There are a few bridges going over the creeks that feed into the large pond in the center of the garden.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tDI69UsPRuE/T5W1HtkLmWI/AAAAAAAABvA/qwWX7CpTRbY/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tDI69UsPRuE/T5W1HtkLmWI/AAAAAAAABvA/qwWX7CpTRbY/s640/028.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Gorgeous flowers everywhere.</div>
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Tons of cherry blossoms.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uWM1qXFYBm4/T5W1ehmTxSI/AAAAAAAABvo/-1btHChB9Vk/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uWM1qXFYBm4/T5W1ehmTxSI/AAAAAAAABvo/-1btHChB9Vk/s640/043.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Happy geese. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2ga7uOeYnMY/T5W2Hy1zt0I/AAAAAAAABwg/RpHX_BNJIYU/s1600/095+edited_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2ga7uOeYnMY/T5W2Hy1zt0I/AAAAAAAABwg/RpHX_BNJIYU/s640/095+edited_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It seems like my kids never smile!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aqfcTbu-hfI/T5W2QytKHTI/AAAAAAAABw4/dppoMcLltdY/s1600/114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aqfcTbu-hfI/T5W2QytKHTI/AAAAAAAABw4/dppoMcLltdY/s640/114.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />There is a cute gazebo in the center of the pond. </div>
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<br />Now he's smiling (even if he is out of focus)!</div>
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<br />There is a Korean garden with a cool wooden wall, this bell pavilion, and some Korean totem poles (I'm sure they have a correct name but they looked just like Native American totem poles). </div>
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We really had a great time and would love to go back sometime for a picnic. </div>
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9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court Vienna, VA 22182<br /> <nobr>(703) 255-3631</nobr></div>Clarissa Binghttps://plus.google.com/104383143371654290554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783790267347762107.post-56678547063406723652012-04-26T14:09:00.002-04:002012-04-26T14:09:17.837-04:002012-04-26T14:09:17.837-04:0017/52: Green<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We have a beautiful wooded area behind our house. There are paths thorughout it, exercises areas, a large playground and basketball court, and a lake. It's so great. And it's so green right now!</div>
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Linking up to Darcy at</div>
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<a href="http://my3boybarians.com/"><img alt="project 52 p52 weekly photo challenge my3boybarians.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5763" height="166" src="http://my3boybarians.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/web_post_p52_2012.png" title="project 52 p52 weekly photo challenge my3boybarians.com" width="500" /></a></div>Clarissa Binghttps://plus.google.com/104383143371654290554noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783790267347762107.post-76514984835251656082012-04-23T15:47:00.000-04:002012-04-23T15:47:56.922-04:002012-04-23T15:47:56.922-04:00The Joys of BabywearingMy top reasons for babywearing:<br />
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1. It's practical and convenient: I can cook dinner, do the dishes, wrangle Casper, go shopping, and any thing else I need to do with my hands that I wouldn't be able to do if I was using my hands to hold Owen. It's the only way I get any grocery shopping done when I have to take both boys. Casper goes in the cart (buckled in) and Owen gets worn.<br />
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2. It beneficial to the baby: He feels safe and comfortable, babies that are worn (facing in, not out) are less likely to cry and are able to stay in an alert calm state that enables them to participate in your world.<br />
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3. It's a work-out for me: I'm doing everything I normally do but with an added 20+ lbs.<br />
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4. It's cute- You can get the BabyHawk and other carriers customized with your choice of fabric (tons of choices and options) and other carriers like the Ergo come in many beautiful colors and prints, too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Owen in the Ergo</td></tr>
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I love using our Ergo and BabyHawk with my babies. It's so cozy, they are snuggled right into me, they feel safe and comfortable. And it is healthy for their bodies (when compared to the Bjorn or Snuggli type front-facing carriers). <br />
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What do I mean by that? The front-facing carriers (the type that most people think of when they are about to have a baby and start thinking of buying a carrier) like Bjorn and Snuggli hang the baby by his hips, placing all of his weight onto his groin area. In addition, the baby's legs are spread completely apart, something that isn't natural to a newborn- instead they naturally put their legs into a "frogger" position which is how they are carried in the Ergo, BabyHawk, Moby, and other types of carriers. <br />
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And what about for the person wearing the baby? The Bjorn tends to be incredibly uncomfortable after a short amount of time because all of the weight is pulling on the shoulders. With the carriers below, and other similar ones, the weight is distributed completely across the back, making it much more comfortable for a longer time. Plus you can use these for the baby for 30+ lbs (in a back carry) whereas the Bjorn only goes up to 15 lbs or so. <br />
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I used a hand-me-down Bjorn when Casper was a newborn. I hated it. Couldn't wear it for very long, it hurt my back, left red marks on his legs. Just bad. I have also used a Babyhawk Mei Tai, an Ergo, and a ring sling. I would love to have a Moby as well (maybe for the next baby). <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casper in the BabyHawk MeiTai</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casper in the BabyHawk MeiTai</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casper in the BabyHawk MeiTai</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Clarissa Binghttps://plus.google.com/104383143371654290554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783790267347762107.post-311178437561720642012-04-20T17:12:00.003-04:002012-04-20T17:12:56.385-04:002012-04-20T17:12:56.385-04:0016/52: Things That Grow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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These are Casper's piggies. They are starting to look just like his daddy's (which is not really a good thing). They are growing so fast, just like the rest of him- I can't believe he will be 3 in ten days! It has gone by too fast! </div>
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As always, linking up with My3Boybarians, click on the butten below-</div>
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<a href="http://my3boybarians.com/"><img alt="project 52 p52 weekly photo challenge my3boybarians.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5763" height="166" src="http://my3boybarians.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/web_post_p52_2012.png" title="project 52 p52 weekly photo challenge my3boybarians.com" width="500" /></a></div>Clarissa Binghttps://plus.google.com/104383143371654290554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783790267347762107.post-43172801968907557982012-04-16T19:25:00.001-04:002012-04-16T19:25:10.718-04:002012-04-16T19:25:10.718-04:0015/52: Sacrifice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This man would give up anything for his family. He does so much for our boys and for me, without complaint. I really am blessed to have such a wonderful father for my children. </div>
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<a href="http://my3boybarians.com/"><img alt="project 52 p52 weekly photo challenge my3boybarians.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5763" height="166" src="http://my3boybarians.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/web_post_p52_2012.png" title="project 52 p52 weekly photo challenge my3boybarians.com" width="500" /></a></div>Clarissa Binghttps://plus.google.com/104383143371654290554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783790267347762107.post-61447866826585409542012-04-05T19:45:00.001-04:002012-04-05T19:45:50.491-04:002012-04-05T19:45:50.491-04:0014/52: Foolin' Around<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tZkmaDtJWd0/T34t68WVgtI/AAAAAAAABrU/r-gNJPnGwjA/s1600/122+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tZkmaDtJWd0/T34t68WVgtI/AAAAAAAABrU/r-gNJPnGwjA/s640/122+edited.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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Go check out what everyone else did while they were "Foolin' Around" this week by clicking below:</div>
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<a href="http://my3boybarians.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="project 52 p52 weekly photo challenge my3boybarians.com" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5763" height="166" src="http://my3boybarians.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/web_post_p52_2012.png" title="project 52 p52 weekly photo challenge my3boybarians.com" width="500" /></a></div>Clarissa Binghttps://plus.google.com/104383143371654290554noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783790267347762107.post-45487168264935892782012-03-30T16:29:00.000-04:002012-03-30T16:29:00.930-04:002012-03-30T16:29:00.930-04:0013/52: Details<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AV8xcrZ03hk/T3YXFE2nWgI/AAAAAAAABic/-oQQs3sZh3s/s1600/114+edited+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AV8xcrZ03hk/T3YXFE2nWgI/AAAAAAAABic/-oQQs3sZh3s/s640/114+edited+2.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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I adore this picture of Casper. He is checking out a plastic red golf tee that he was using to golf in the front yard earlier this week. He is at that age where he checks out everything so intently, looking for the details in all that he comes across. </div>Clarissa Binghttps://plus.google.com/104383143371654290554noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1783790267347762107.post-83257704080482878362012-03-27T21:43:00.000-04:002012-03-27T21:43:42.287-04:002012-03-27T21:43:42.287-04:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Clarissa Binghttps://plus.google.com/104383143371654290554noreply@blogger.com0