Tales from Astoria

The search has ended.

When you are pregnant, people ask you lots of questions. One of those questions is usually about your pediatrician. Do you have a pediatrician? Where does he/she have privileges? Did you interview him/her? How many others did you interview? The questions go on and on.

Before Charlie was born, we had ALL the answers to ALL the questions. We had asked friends for recommendations. We had called and interviewed pediatricians. We picked one that came highly recommended. Well...what I didn't realize was that BEFORE we were parents we THOUGHT we knew it all. We THOUGHT we knew what would be important.

Two children, two pediatric practices, four pediatricians, and four years of parenting later...I think I found a pediatrician we are all happy with. Is it close to home? No. Does she have privileges at our nearest hospital? No. Does she keep us waiting? No. Do we have to hunt for a parking space? No. Do we have to leave a message with a service in case of emergency? No. Do we have to do everything exactly as she says - or else? No.

Finding a pediatrician is a lot like dating. Go once or twice. See if it works for you. If not, break up. Spend some time researching. Try another one. Repeat until you find the one that works. The one that will be with your family for 18 or more years.

There is no shame is changing doctors if they aren't the right fit. There is no shame in admitting you don't have ALL the answers - or the right answers.

Today, I took our two darlings for our well visits. Both got shots. Both were met where they were developmentally rather than where protocol said. If they were afraid, time was taken to explain what was happening. My husband showed up late and was welcomed. We talked. We weren't questioned. We were taken on time. We found parking with no problem. Despite receiving a shot, Charlie still said Alex was his favorite. (The nurse who gave him the shot.) What does that tell you?

Finding My Stride

Well, it has been awhile...our newborn is now almost 18 months old...our son is 4!!! We 've been in our little house for almost two years. (Two years ago today, we decided to make this place our home.) I'm working full-time in youth ministry. A lot has happened in the last year. I'm not entirely ready to share all of it but, here I am. I have found my stride again. Things that I enjoyed when we were newly married and new, first time parents are becoming part of my life again. I am exactly where I am supposed to be.

Getting Past The Grumbling

Today's readings and Blessed Is She devotion talk about not complaining and using God's grace to get you through the rough moments. I certainly do my share of grumbling but I am also starting to realize that the things that I grumble about the most are the things that are the greatest blessings in my life...This coming week each time I grumble, I'm going to try to remember to turn it into gratitude. I need to give thanks for the many things, people, and situations in my life that may cause me aggravation.

When I stop grumbling and work on being grateful, my entire demeanor changes. God gives us such amazing gifts. Initially when we recieve those gifts they may seem irritating or overwhelming because we had not necessarily planned on them becoming part of our lives. It's not about our timing. It's about God's timing and His will for us.

In college, one of my theology professors defined grace as God working within you. Putting the graces we recieve into action isn't always easy but in order to have a positive outlook it certainly is necessary. God's grace empowers us to strive to share our gifts with others in His name.

The $29/week SNAP Budget Challenge

So apparently, Gwyneth Paltrow failed the $29 per week challenge made by Chef Mario Batali...When Julie at Corner with a View began wondering how much per week we spend on groceries, I just had to resurrect this little blog and share...

Presently we spend approximately $50 or less on groceries per week... (I generally shop every other week so unfortunately you don't get a real time shopping list from me.) I went virtually shopping on peapod.com to show you how I would spend my $50 this week assuming I had (almost) nothing in my pantry.

I'm a nursing mom living with my husband, toddler, and infant daughter. We live in suburban New York (where we have one of the highest COL in the United States). I shop at Stop 'N Shop without coupons.

As a SNAP family we would receive - $29 x 4 = 116 per week....
This week I spent - $60.10

If I used items in my pantry, I would have spent much less. Also some of this lasts for more than one week.

16 oz. bag of carrots $1.50**

16 oz bag frozen broccoli florets $1.79**

16 oz bag frozen corn $0.89**

Cucumber $0.59

Cantaloupe $2.00
5 lb. bag of potatoes $3.99**
3 - Ham Steaks $6.00*
2 - 20.8 oz packages of Ground Turkey $3.99*
1 gal. Whole Milk $4.19
1 doz. eggs $2.19
4 - 6 oz. yogurts $2.00*
64 oz. Apple Juice w/ added Calcium - $1.99
2 liter Lemon Lime Seltzer $0.89
Loaf of Whole Wheat bread $2.29
Cereal $1.99
2 boxes of pasta $1.66
Bag of rice (32 oz) $2.39**
Baked Beans (28 oz) $1.50*
Tomatoes Diced with Zesty Milk Green Chilies $1.79*
Black Beans (15 oz) $0.69
Red Beans (15 oz) $0.69
Grape Jelly $1.59**
Peanut Butter $3.29**
2 Jars of Marinara Sauce *
Taco Seasoning $1.09*
Chocolate Sandwich Cookies $1.00**

* indicates a brand named item
**items that will last for more than one week

If this were a week where cans of coffee were $1.79 with a $25 purchase I would have bought a can of coffee.

It is obvious that if I just randomly shopped for items as we needed them, it would cost more. I shop based on the sales. I stock up when things are inexpensive. For example, the tomatoes for the chili I buy when they are $0.79 a can. Right now, they cost more than double that.

I find shopping on a budget entertaining. I like to see how much I can get for the least amount of money. We eat pretty simple meals but, they are tasty, filling, and healthy. Breakfast for dinner is not unheard of because we like it and there is little preparation.

From these items our meal choices are:
Lunch/Dinner:
(The biggest meal of the day depends on when we are home. My husband works crazy hours and my hours are unpredictable. The smaller of the two meals is leftovers.)
Chili w/ beans and rice
Ham steaks w/ baked beans and potatoes
Meatballs w/ pasta and sauce
Vegetable fried rice
Pasta w/ vegetables and sauce
Peanut butter & jelly sandwiches

Breakfast:

Eggs w/ toast and fruit

Ham & Eggs

Cereal w/ milk and yogurt

Toast w/ peanut butter

Snacks:

Fruit

Yogurt

Cucumber

Carrots

My boy is growing up!

Over the weekend we took our first overnight family trip to Montauk. We stayed at the Beachcomber Resort. It was wonderful. Charlie loved the sand and the hotel. He seemed to enjoy the fact that we were in one room together for two days. I can't wait to go back when it is warmer.

Also last week, our little man said his first word - other than mom - BALL! His Uncle C. bought him a big blue kickball. He's learned to throw it with two hands over his head and he enjoys trying to bounce it. Charlie walks around the house saying "ball" every chance he gets.

On Monday (May 6th), Charlie took his first two independent steps to put a ball in his little basketball hoop. (His uncles are a little obsessed with sports.) I can't believe my little boy is growing up so fast!

In other news, I launched my Facebook shop (http://facebook.com/thehydrangeahut). Please stop by and "like" my page!

Finding like minded mommas

As a new mom on maternity leave and then a leave of absence, I struggled to find moms that I could relate to. I wasn't really a working mom. I didn't have multiple children. I didn't have a child who could play, yet. It made it really hard to find a community of women to belong to.

One of the ways I've found "mom friends" is on the internet. Meetup.com was the gateway to joining may other local and not so local mom groups. I found Meetup.com super easy to use. It was customizable to my interests and location however, it seemed that many of the groups on there weren't very active or were active but only for a small group of preexisting friends. For example, I came across a group of stay at home moms who wanted to have play dates with other people at other people's houses. However, the events actually said that you must be friends with a specific person in order to sign up. Needless to say, I quickly became frustrated with some of those groups and moved on to Facebook.

I've been a part of #CathSorority Facebook Group for awhile. It was wonderful to find a group of women who shared my faith. In that group there were a few moms, after several conversations about poop, birthing, and breast feeding we decided to make a spin off group, #CathSorority Moms, to spare the other women from having to hear about the aforementioned subjects. Interestingly, these online friends shared my faith and many shared my parenting style. They encouraged me to find other local groups (Long Island Baby Wearing, Long Island Cloth Diapering Moms and Dads, and Modern Tribal Mamas).

In these local groups, I have found women, Catholic and not, who enjoying the outdoors, healthy living, cloth diapering, and baby wearing. I have gotten together with them on several occasions, one I see weekly at a Little Gym class.

When you ask, "How do make friends when you aren't in school or working?" You hit the internet. Yes, some people are creepy. No, you shouldn't get together with every person you come across on the internet. But, when you are part of closed, private, secret groups that generally require some screening to join, you can take proper precautions. I've loved meeting these women both in real life and online.

If you have any interest in becoming part of any of the groups I've mentioned above, leave a comment or drop me an e-mail and I'll be happy to chat with you about joining us!

What I've been making...

A friend of mine commissioned me to knit her adorable little girl a keyhole scarf for next winter. She selected the pattern off of Ravelry and let me pick the yarn and embellishments. It was so much fun! I can't wait to see her little girl wearing it next winter.

If you'd like me to make one for your little boy/girl, leave a comment or send and e-mail and I'd be glad to work with you!

What's new?

The big news is my brother (the oldest of the three boys) got engaged on Thursday!! YAY! The happy couple came up to visit us this weekend. We enjoyed celebrating with them.

My youngest brother came home from London and surprised Charlie with a Paddington Bear who is about the same size as he is. Charlie is enjoying playing with his uncle and the bear.

It is so much fun to watch Charlie grow up. I can't believe how many more sounds he is making. His sounds definitely mean something because they are different in different situations. For example, my friend Patti has a dog named Charlie and whenever my Charlie seeing him he lets out this chirping noise that I only hear when he is near the dog.

Charlie definitely wants to walk he just can't seem to get the balance down. He is flying back and forth using this plastic push toy but, whenever he realizes he isn't holding on he sits down very carefully so as not to hurt himself. He still really enjoys playing with his Fisher Price Laugh & Learn House. He loves playing "a boo" (peek a boo) - even at 5 AM. I love when he thinks he is hiding because he has a tiny toy in front of his eyes.

We have been searching for a more permanent place to live. Not sure where we will end up but, hopefully we'll have some idea soon. For the next two years or so, we'll be in NY until the hubby can wave into a new state.

What's new?

I'm a columnist at Ignitum Today. Head over there and check out my first article!
It's Earth Day! Get outside and enjoy the beautiful day!
We went to our friends' wedding on Saturday. It was a fun night out. I always enjoy remembering our wedding day as I hear my friends recite their vows to one another.
I'm looking forward to May! Our friends Jenn & Tim will be in the area (well, closer than TX). Charlie will be one!
Next weekend one of my brothers will be coming home from Study Abroad.
Charlie is teething like crazy. He has one top tooth poking through and several others that I can see poking around up there. This kid could have a bunch of teeth for his birthday.
My friend Kristin is raising money for Cystic Fibrosis. She is in the final push to meet her fundraising goal. Won't you go help her out?

Five Favorites

First, I want to congratulate Hallie on the birth of her very own little Charlie! (I have to say I think she picked a great name.) Second, I want to congratulate Jen on the birth of her little man and ask for some prayers for Jen and her son as he's having some health issues right now.

And for the moment you've all been waiting for...

My Favorites

The weather - It has been close to 80 for the last three days which means beach and playground time for the little man and I.
Charlie - This has been an amazing week for the little man. He has started walking holding my hands. He enjoys digging in the sand with his shovel. He also enjoys trying to eat the rocks on the beach. He is wearing shoes and he hates them just like his momma. (I'm going to have to start to wear shoes/flip flops more often to teach him they truly aren't so terrible.)
Discovering that making mom friends at the playground involves a pickup line: "How old is your little one?" It seems that this is code for, "Hey, I would really like to have an adult conversation with someone. Want to chat? Maybe, if you are normal, we could have a cup of coffee sometime."
Charlie's favorite: The parachute at Little Gym. He absolutely adored standing in the center of the parachute while everyone went around in a circle singing "The Wheels on the Bus".
Charlie's favorite: BUBBLES! He is really getting into popping the bubbles and tracking them down as they come out of the wand.

I am linking up with Hallie today!

Five Favorites

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Little Gym

Awhile ago a Beach Bum & Baby wrote about how her little one loved Little Gym. Then, a friend of mine was RAVING about Little Gym. Well, Charlie went to his first "Birds" class this morning and LOVED IT! We have been taking advantage of all of the free classes these places offer in hopes of finding something that would keep him entertained and active for the entire time. He loved every minute of it. He used almost all of the equipment and the staff was so willing to help. We signed up for the rest of the school year. Can't wait to go back later this week for open gym time!

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"Squeezies"

When we're on the go, we love the food pouches that you can squeeze directly into the child's mouth. No spoons necessary! While it's not homemade food, I can still get organic pouches. (Thanks to Grandma & Grandpa who brought a bunch for Charlie!) Some of our favorite brands are Plum Organics, Happy Yogi, Earth's Best & Peter Rabbit Organics.

Apparently, Target has a kit to make your own "squeezies". I may have to look into that. However, I'm still searching for reusable "squeezies" so I can put my own food in and not have the waste from the disposable pouches.

If you find the need to use a spoon with the pouches, there are Plum Organics makes little spoons that attach to the end and come in a convenient case so you don't lose them in your diaper bag (as I inevitably always do).

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Oshkosh B'gosh

They had an AMAZING $1.99 sale on Fall/Winter clothes. I was able to score a bunch of great tops and sweatshirts for the little guy. If you have a store nearby, it's definitely worth stopping in to see if they have anything left.

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Russell Stover Marshmallow Bunny

So, I normally have an undying love for all things chocolate peanut butter (read Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Eggs, Pumpkins, Christmas Trees, etc.). I've found something new (to me)! These are super yummy AND apparently they make them for almost every holiday. YAY!

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My mom comes home from London today! I get to pick her up from the airport in just under two hours! It will be so nice to have her home.

**I'm linking up with Hallie Lord over at Moxie Wife. Happy Birthday Hallie! Hope your LO arrives shortly! (Thanks Jen for hosting in her absence.)**

Do you "like" your job?

I've had two real jobs since graduating college. First, I was a teacher. Now, I'm a mother. I can honestly say I enjoyed both jobs. Of course, there are challenging days when you wish you could move to a tropical paradise with a swim up bar but, all in all I loved my jobs.

I ran into someone today who works in a service capacity with small children and parents. I've met her and chatted with her several times. The more time I spend with her the more it seems that she dislikes small children. It appears that she thinks she's not there to work with the kids. In fact, she does everything in her power not to interact with the small children. She pawns off activities that are definitely her job on others in her place of employment.

I hope that her outward appearance is only a coincidence...

This experience made my think of how I appear to others. Do I appear to be happy with my place in life? Or, do I appear angry and exhausted? Your outward appearance isn't everything but, it certainly leaves a lasting impression on others.

I need to make more of an effort to let the positive parts of my job as a mother show through the mounds of dirty diapers, laundry, and dishes that greet me each day. No, everything is not all sunshine and rainbows but, I have a great kid with whom I'm happy to be able to stay home. I get to see all of his smiles, hear all of his laughs, and wipe all of his tears because I am blessed to be with him each day, all day long.

Happy Easter!

Spring has sprung!

Well, it is officially Spring! One of my favorite seasons. It appears this week we'll finally be getting a taste of the warmer weather. I'm sure many of you have your little ones home this week because of school vacations. It's a great time to take part in all of the activities your community has to offer. Make sure to check out what the local library is doing!

As a kid, I LOVED to paint. Painting with my hands, my feet, and my brushes always was so relaxing. While perusing Pinterest, I found another great painting activity. You can paint with flowers! As the crocuses, daffodils, and tulips are beginning to blossom, pick a few and let your little one paint with them! See if they can paint a picture of the flower they are using as their brush. It is always fun to see their interpretation of what they are seeing.

One of the coolest things I've seen around the web is this Garden Bath idea. You decorate the tub using fake flowers, turn the water green using food coloring, and make dirt dough. Little ones can spend hours playing in their "garden". The best part is that it's germ free!

Sensory bins are a great way to bring the outdoors in to your child. Let's face it. The weather can be unpredictable at best. Spring sensory bins are easy to make, especially since everything from Easter will be discounted after March 31st. You can use green "Easter" grass as fake grass. Some small plastic eggs in a nest. (Pier 1 had some adorable nests with eggs in them if your little one is past the point of putting things in his or her mouth.) A small bird house, watering can, and some fake flowers finish up the bin. As Spring changes into Summer, your bin can change as well!

As always, I leave you with our favorite Springtime books!

Bear Wants More by Karma Wilson
Green by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert
The Tiny Seed (World of Eric Carle) by Eric Carle
And Then It's Spring by Julie Fogliano
It's Spring by Susan Swan
Everything Spring by Jill Esbaum
Mouse's First Spring by Lauren Thompson

Miscellaneous Ramblings

You may (or may not) have noticed that I haven't been posting regularly over the past two weeks. It started because Blogger was eating my scheduled posts. I would schedule them to publish and they would be deleted at the time they were supposed to be visible to you. Needless to say, I was frustrated by this and I felt like I didn't want to publish random stuff just for the sake of publishing it.

Then a blog I read regularly posted about how someone took the photos of her gorgeous children and turned them into something truly awful and disgusting. I was completed thrown by this heinous action. To think that someone might take the pictures of my precious boy and do that broke my heart. It made me reconsider writing this blog and sharing our lives on the internet. I began to thinking of making the blog private but, that would exclude the random people who pop by and say hi. I truly enjoy interacting with you!

My hubby pointed out that many of my friendships have started as a result of my blog/blog related groups. It been wonderful getting to know and meet the women of #CathSorority. I couldn't possibly shut down something that has opened so many doors for me recently.

So, I ask that you simply have respect for what is posted here in my little corner of the World Wide Web. Have respect for one another who comment regardless of whether you agree or disagree with the words written here. Understand that your words and actions have an effect on a real, live person.

As always, thank you for reading. I look forward to updating more frequently.

Ambivalence: Lessons in Parenting

Mandi, one of my bloggy friends, wrote a post and stated that she had never before used the word "ambivalence" in her writing. I started thinking about what the word "ambivalence" means. We talked a lot about it when I was in graduate school for my degree in counseling.

After thinking about our class discussions and checking out the dictionary, I came to decision that what I'm feeling right now is ambivalence.

Last night, my little boy (who will be ten months old on Friday!) slept in his crib for half the night. Today, he is napping in his crib. Until last night, he had never slept anywhere but next to me either in his pack n play or with us in bed.

Is it nice to have our bed back? Sure.

But, I miss him!

I've spent the last 19ish months with him no farther than an arms distance away from me.

The independence is nice but, I miss my little baby.

As parents, we are supposed to raise children to become successful, independent, God fearing children.

We've taught him that he can trust the fact that we will be there to get him when he is ready to wake up. We've taught him not to be afraid that something bad will happen to him because we will protect him.

I can't help but feel a little twinge of sadness that he can sleep on his own without crying hysterically when I put him down.

However, I am proud that he can sleep on his own without crying hysterically when I put him down.

Ambivalence -

simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feelings (as attraction and repulsion) toward an object, person, or action

-Merriam Webster Dictionary

A Guest Post: St. Brigid

Won't you pop on over to It's Just Called Spicy and check out my guest post on St. Brigid of Ireland?

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St. Brigid became one of my favorite saints as I prepared for Confirmation in the eighth grade. I was looking for a “different” saint (a.k.a. not one that all of the other girls had picked). I knew I wanted a female saint who had something to do with education and helping those in need. St. Brigid fit the bill perfectly (it didn't hurt that she was Irish either)...

7 Quick Takes

Hop on over to Conversion Diary for more Quick Takes!

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The snow has finally arrived. We've been waiting for Storm Saturn to make its way here since Wednesday. Now, we just have to see how much snow we wake up to in the morning. So far, this seems to be a repeat of the last storm...

No plows...no salt...no sand...

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I've been trying to focus more energy on things unrelated to technology. I've pretty much given up on watching television (except when it came to the extraordinary filibuster by Sen. Rand Paul). Knitting and crocheting are once again consuming my "free time".

Current projects:

-longies

-Lucy Hat

-Charlie's Baby Blanket

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It was fun tonight sitting with the hubby chatting while I was knitting and the baby was sleeping in bed. It make me feel like we went back in time. There was a soft glow from the night light. The computer was off and we were just enjoying each other's company. All too often we neglect the art of actual conversation in favor of statements that are 120 characters or less.

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I know this week people have been either agree with or disagreeing with a Facebook status that went viral about a mother using her Iphone while at the park with her child. It certainly has made me more cognizant of what Charlie see when he's playing. Does he turn around and I'm watching him happily? Does he turn around and I'm staring at a computer/telephone/tablet screen replying to a message?

I'm not saying that using technology is wrong and you don't deserve time to yourself. I'm just saying that I would hate to miss something Charlie was proud of because I was replying to a message or an e-mail.

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Since we're embracing random here...

A local business purchased several high end purses for sale. One of the most popular patterns features the image of a vintage cowgirl pinup.

source

I can't decide how I feel about this. Some people say it's art that appreciates the beauty of the female form. Others feel that it objectifies women. Yes, these cowgirls are sporting short shorts and short skirts. One even has her stomach showing. Are these the picture of modesty? No. Basically, it comes down to the fact that I don't know that I'd want my daughter carrying one of these bags. Therefore, should a mother be carrying this image around with her? Does it send the right message? I don't know. Women are beautiful. Women are fun loving. Women can do anything they strive to do. Is that what this image is saying?

In my perusing the internet for another point of view, I came across this interesting post.

What do you think? Would you carry one of these bags?

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There was a great post on Nurshable this week about sleep solutions for your infant. It truly embraces what our philosophy is at the moment - Wait it out.

As you've probably read before, the little guy doesn't sleep through the night.

He probably won't for some time.

He sleeps with us in our room, usually in our bed.

He's happy there.

We're happy to have him there.

When he's ready..

he'll sleep through the night..

he'll even sleep in his own bed...

I just hope we're ready.

"I can savor bedtime and wait it out, because this will not last forever. You are a little creature that is bent on independence. All I need to do is help you see sleep for what it is. Safe, comfortable, and lovely." -Nurshable

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We'll be getting our photo CD tomorrow with the rest of the photos from our photographer!

I'm so excited!

Because I can't contain my excitement, here's another one she posted on her website.

*Bonus*
Eleven years ago today, I met my hubby on a school bus headed to the Freshmen Retreat at Chapman Lake.

Who would have thought we would be here now?

Five Favorites

I'm linking up with Hallie Lord at Moxie Wife. She has a new link up that features your five favorite things. Seems like a fun way to use my time while the little guy is napping.

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These adorable pictures that Kate of Kate Marie Photography took earlier this week. I can't wait to see the rest. She was great with Charlie, super easy to work with, came to my house, and is super talented. (Can you tell I loved her?!)

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My brother was made an acolyte on Sunday at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. He is experiencing all of the conclave hullabaloo first hand. They have 9 U.S. Cardinals staying with them at the moment.

HOW COOL IS THAT?!

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Peanut butter cup brownies....YUM!

Source: susannahskitchen.com via Amy on Pinterest

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Sally Hansen Xtreme Nail Polish - Strobe Light

source

The last time I had sparkly toes was just before giving birth to Charlie. This week during one of his naps I decided I would break out the sparkles because they make me happy!

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Cloth wipes/cloth napkins from Mamamade. They keep me from having to buy endless disposable napkins. Charlie loves to "paint" himself with his food. These make my life so much easier. I'd love to find the time to make some more.