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August 31, 2005
Hurricane Katrina
We're all thinking about the people affected by Hurricane Katrina this week and counting our blessings.
If you have a preschool or school-age child and you've been watching the news or reading the papers at home, you've probably been faced with some tough questions. FEMA has a nice website for kids that explains what a hurricane is and why it causes harm, how it affects families, and how people will get help afterward:
http://www.networkforgood.org/offsiteframe/?siteURL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.fema.gov%2fkids%2fhurr.htm
To make a donation that will help families in New Orleans and along Katrina's path, the Red Cross has greatly simplified the process on their website's main page:
Posted by Sarah at 9:56 AM
August 30, 2005
Wise Stork
Heather Johnson of The Wise Stork has a couple of spaces open for her weekend childbirth preparation class scheduled for September 24-25.
The course covers everything you need to know about your remaining prenatal care, labor, delivery, postpartum, and even newborn care. Heather is an RNC and an experienced childbirth educator who gets rave reviews from the parents who have been in her classes.
For more details about this class or to enroll, go to www.thewisestork.com or email Heather directly:
heatherjohnson@thewisestork.com.
Posted by Sarah at 4:35 PM
August 29, 2005
Labor Day with the Takoma Park Birthing Circle
The Takoma Park Birthing Circle will celebrate Labor Day with an Open
Forum for discussing any birth, parenting, or pregnancy issues you might want to share or learn about.
Some topics mentioned for interest in previous meetings include circumcision, vaccinations, chosing your birth location, and communicating with family members about your alternative choices.
The details:
Sunday, September 4, 2005
6:30 to 8:30 pm
at Sangha
7014 Westmoreland Ave in Takoma Park!
About the Birthing Circle:
Takoma Park Birthing Circle meets the first Sunday of every month
from 6.30 to 8:30 p.m. at Sangha, 7014 Westmoreland Avenue in Takoma
Park. The group welcomes anyone in the DC area interested in exploring their birth options and being part of a supportive community of people who care about how women give birth.
This is a great group of parents and maternal-child health caregivers! If you are expecting, or expecting to be expecting, check them out.
Posted by Sarah at 3:25 PM
August 27, 2005
Calling All Williams & Sophias
Thanks to Meldoy Kisor of The Baby Duck for sharing this fun info!
The most popular baby names in Washington, DC are...
[Drum roll please...]
http://washington.babyzone.com/babynames/topbystate.asp?fl=USA_DC
My own DC baby's name, Ava, ranks #16 -- which I *think* I should feel good about. (Right? Isn't it socially adaptive for a child to have a "common, but not TOO common" name, relative to her peers? But what do I know? I thought quite seriously about naming her Ida, which didn't even make the list.)
Yet, for every parent endlessly mulling over the significance of naming and choosing "just the right one," there's somebody else who just can't be bothered. (Reference the popularity of "Babygirl," a moniker handily provided on the infant's hospital wristband ID...)
Posted by Sarah at 2:22 PM
August 26, 2005
Weekend Watch
It's not ALL penguins, you know! There are several children's theater productions that recently opened and have weekend performances:
"Hyronomous A. Frog, The Frog Prince" at Adventure Theater in Glen Echo (www.adventuretheatre.org)
"Charlotte's Web" at the Way Off Broadway Theater in Frederick (www.wayoffbroadway.com)
and
"The Wizard of Oz," also at the Way Off Broadway Theater in Frederick (www.wayoffbroadway.com)
On Saturday, Dulles Town Center hosts "Family Fest" from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with activities focusing on family health and safety, nutrition, education, and community awareness. While that description may sound, er, dull, rest assured they'll have jugglers, a reptile show, a magic show, and goody-bags for the first 100 families to show up.
In the District, Tree Top Toys (www.treetopkids.com) is hosting "A Groovy Dreamtastic Celebration" from 11 a.m. to noon, for ages three+. They encourage you to "come dressed as your favorite groovy girl and have your picture made with Groovy Girl Gwen." You can also have your face painted and make groovy accessories.
Happy Friday!
Posted by Sarah at 2:18 PM
August 25, 2005
Free Program on Postpartum Depression
A first-of-its-kind forum is set for next month in Arlington. It's intended for pregnant women, women who plan to become pregnant, parents, and all who work in the maternal-child health field.
This promises to be a GREAT educational program on a topic that affects millions of women -- and many in the DC community. The lineup of speakers is awesome, with a local mother sharing her personal story and Karen Kleiman, who recently wrote a good book on this topic.
Here's the low-down:
WHO: Virginia Hospital Center and Women's and Children's Wellness Foundation, Inc.
WHAT: Forum on Postpartum Depression
WHEN: Sunday, September 18, 12 noon to 2 p.m.
WHERE: Virginia Hospital Center
John T. Hazel Conference Center
1701 N. George Mason Dr.
Arlington VA 22205
SPEAKERS:
Karen Kleiman, MSW, LSW
"The Therapist's Perspective"
Executive Director, Postpartum Stress Center and author of This Isn't
What I Expected
Dr. David Rubinow
"Current Research"
National Institute of Mental Health, Clinical Director of Intramural
Research Program
Adrienne Griffen
"A Mother's Perspective"
This event is free and open to the public. Parking is available.
To register, call 301.881.9464.
Posted by Sarah at 9:40 PM
More It's THE WIGGLES
This just in: A mom in Old Town says in the past strollers HAVE been allowed at the MCI Center for children's events only. Since this does contradict everything I've found online -- and since I can't seem to get a phone answered over there to verify the policy for tonight -- you would do best to (a.) Get through to the MCI Center by phone before taking your stroller on metro tonight, (b.) Go in the car so you can leave the stroller if they won't let you in with it, or (c.) Go stroller-less.
Have fun!
Posted by Sarah at 10:06 AM
It's THE WIGGLES
They're heeeere! The rock stars of children's music, Australian import band The Wiggles, are in Washington, DC tonight at the MCI Center. If you haven't heard of them, you've been under a big rock.
Tickets sold out long ago. Congratulations to those who got some!
Never been to the MCI Center with a little one?
Be aware that ANY child who has reached his or her first birthday won't be admitted without a ticket.
For location/directions, go to http://www.mcicenter.com/mci_subpages/mci_coming.shtml
For rules on food and drink, dinner options inside the MCI Center, and nearby restaurants, go to http://www.mcicenter.com/mci_subpages/mci_whatsat.shtml
To view the layout of the MCI Center, go to http://www.mcicenter.com/mci_subpages/mci_fact.shtml
To read policies and guidelines for visitors with disabilities, go to http://www.mcicenter.com/mci_subpages/acc_seating.shtml
Parking:
The 2 story underground garage has 475 pkg spaces and elevator access to the MCI Center. You can contact the garage at 202.628.3200, ext 7992.
There are four nearby metro stops:
- Gallery Place - Metro Center
- Archives - Judiciary Square
*the Gallery Place stop is under the Arena and is the most convenient.
Here's their official policy on what you can bring inside:
"MCI Center's policy allows each individual to carry in one personal bag provided that it is no larger than 13" long, by 9.5" high, by 6" wide. If an individual's bag is larger than this size, the item will not be allowed into the arena. Any item which fits within the size restriction will be searched upon entering the arena. In order to facilitate entry into the arena, MCI Center asks that all patrons consider what items they bring into the arena. Entry will be quicker, smoother, and easier if our patrons do not bring any bags with them."
That means no strollers inside the arena.
Long live The Wiggles! www.thewiggles.com.au
Posted by Sarah at 9:48 AM
August 23, 2005
Calling All Budding Yogis
Circle Yoga has announced its fall schedule for the Budding Yogis program, hands-down my favorite family and children's yoga option in the DC area.
The highlight: A new kids' class that coincides with a separate adult class on-site. Mama and kiddo can go to yoga in their own age- and level-appropriate groups during the same hour. Mucho convenient for busy schedules, and TRULY "family friendly."
Another of my favorites: TummyTime Yoga for mamas and their babies during the first year of life. Infants from six weeks old to walking are welcome.
The Budding Yogis classes run Monday through Sunday, with offerings for all ages:
Their Family Yoga offers kids a chance to practice yoga with Mama or Daddy, structured like a kids' yoga class but with more emphasis on interactive and partner poses.
They also have a Movers and Twisters class for ages two to four, with a parent or caregiver participating.
Their Storytime Yoga for Kids (ages three to five) teaches children to practice quiet and gentle yoga stretches through storytelling, with a foot massage and relaxation period at the end of class.
Kids & Pre-Teen Yoga classes have a theme, and include poses, breathing, movement, music, art, and relaxation.
Teen yoga allows this age group to work on particular poses and progress in their practice.
And perhaps the most specialized and unique offering of all, Budding Yogis offers Therapeutic Yoga for Kids, designed to increase self-esteem as well as physical and social growth in children who have special needs. Many of the techniques used in the class are based on IMT (Integrated Movement Therapy). (More info. on IMT is available at www.samaryacenter.org)
There are two Budding Yogis locations: one on 39th St. NW in Chevy Chase (at the Circle Yoga center, just below the Chevy Chase Circle), and the other in Upper Georgetown, 1826 Wisconsin AVe. NW in the Spiral Flight studio.
For the full Budding Yogis schedule, class descriptions, dates, prices, and policies, go to www.buddingyogis.com.
Namaste!
Posted by Sarah at 9:40 PM
August 22, 2005
Summer In the City
Ok, so summer's almost over -- But the sun's still beating down and the kids are still outdoors non-stop through Labor Day.
I recently worked as a communications consultant to the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition on the topic of sun protection for little ones. The piece -- a Q&A with a pediatric specialist -- was published today and is accessible on the HMHB site, if you fancy a peek:
http://www.hmhb.org/qa_sunprotection.html
Personally, I get frustrated by the flood of advice we mamas regularly encounter as we try to keep our kids healthy and safe. Too many messages and too many conflicting recommendations. This is especially true of an issue like sun protection, where there are products to be sold and research studies to be second-guessed. There's no shortage of "expert" advice on the market these days -- from product manufacturers, pediatricians, dermatologists, parenting magazines, neighborly folk wisdom, alternative practitioners -- and it can lead to brain cramps for those of us in the trenches every day. In my not-so-humble opinion, HMHB is one of the organizations doing a good job at sorting through the noise, evaluating the latest research, and giving us the straight dope.
DC mamas, daddies, and babies, enjoy that *80 degree* high temp in DC tomorrow ~ Fall is just around the corner!
Posted by Sarah at 8:34 PM
More Second-Hand Heaven
Kudos to the DC BABY reader who offered this addition to the list of children's consignment / second-hand stores in the DC area:
"The best second-hand store that I have found locally is the Value Village on 23rd and University in Hyattsville. They also have two other stores on Annapolis Road and in Suitland that are pretty good.
I find they are quite good for children's clothes, books, and board games. The toys are hit or miss."
Anyone else have favorites we should know about? Drop me a line: sarah "at" dc-baby.com
Posted by Sarah at 8:26 PM
August 20, 2005
Oh How I Love Thee, Sofia Bean
In the forthcoming book I give online baby boutique Sofia Bean my five-gold-star rating. Here's an excerpt:
Owned by former DC mama Amy Fox, who is now a Williamsburg, VA mother of three. Sofia Bean offers sweet, soft, and cuddly basics with matching accessories for sizes newborn to 12 months. One-pieces, tops, bottoms, hats, bibs, blankets, burp pads. DC BABY adores their color choices and their whimsical gift boxes - perfect for baby showers. You can even get funky, mixing and matching colors for a "build your own box." The boxes themselves are as sweet as the clothes, and they make for storage you won't want to hide away in the dark depths of your closet. The site is user-friendly and the products have been featured in BabyTalk and Pregnancy magazines, as well as on the LA Pregnancy, Urban Baby, and Thrifty Mama Daily web publications. Soon to be featured by ePregnancy, as well.
Now here's a treat:
Sofia Bean is offering a special discount to DC BABY readers! And it's easy to redeem. After you fill your shopping cart and procede to the secure checkout, enter the coupon code "DCBaby15." You'll receive a 15 percent discount. If you're reading this post, you are eligible to use the coupon! It's good for one time only, through the end of 2005.
Happy shopping!
Posted by Sarah at 6:49 PM
August 19, 2005
Weekend Watch
"The Wild Thing" (that is, character from the famous children's classic -- not my bouncing-off-the-walls toddler daughter) will make an appearance this Saturday at A Likely Story in Old Town Alexandria. This special storytime starts at 11 a.m. and all ages are welcome.
A Likely Story is located on King St., just a few blocks from the metro stop. For more info., visit www.alikelystorybooks.com.While you're in the neighborhood, stop into the great little independent coffee shop on the corner of King and Harvard Sts., The Uptowner Cafe. (They have a coupla highchairs, if you want to stay for lunch!)
Also on Saturday, it's your last chance to catch the Montgomery County Fair, 8 a.m. to midnight at the county ag center. Best part: Kids age seven and under get in free. For more details, go to www.mcagfair.com/fair.htm.
Have I mentioned that you MUST sign up for the affordable weekly newsletter from www.our-kids.com? It is absolutely THE full and comprehensive guide to what's happening for kids and families throughout the DC area, with tons of weekend listings.
Posted by Sarah at 11:52 AM
This Just In
The classes offered through parks & rec are getting more sophisticated and diverse all the time.
Case in point:
As of this fall, Arlington County offers Lamaze childbirth classes.
They'll be taught by experienced Lamaze instructor Lara Maupin at the Fairlington Center. The class runs five weeks, from September 22 to November 3. A six-hour "express class" will also be held on October 15.
See page 20 of Arlington County's Fall Recreation & Leisure brochure for full course descriptions. You can even register ONLINE: www.arlingtonva.us/prcr.
This is great news for area parents-to-be, a trend we can only hope continues in Arlington and other DC-area counties. What's next? Birthworks classes? Bradley Method? We can dream!
If you'd like to see your local parks & rec department add more childbirth education and parenting options, be sure to let them know.
Posted by Sarah at 11:01 AM
August 17, 2005
Get Yer Bargains Here
My husband's love of all things cheap inspires today's entry.
Just for kicks, here are a few of DC's best children's consignment shops, excerpted from the forthcoming book, DC BABY: A Handbook for Parenting In (& Around) the Capitol City.
Emma's Closet
19723 Frederick Rd., Germantown
301.916.2551
www.emmasclosetllc.com
Kensington Caboose
10508 Connecticut Ave., Kensington
301.929.0178
Kid to Kid
6039 Centreville Crest Ln., Centreville
703.222.4595
www.kidtokidcentreville.com
Paddington Station
448 Maple Ave. E., Vienna
703.938.0378
www.pschildrenconsignment.com
Red Beans & Rice
4710 14th St. NW
202.291.0337
Small Change
Lake Anne Village Center, Reston
703.437.7730
www.smallchangeconsignments.com
The Growing Years
10303 Kensington Pkwy., Kensington
301.933.1152
The Purple Goose
2005 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria
703.683.2918
www.thepurplegoose.com
Togs for Tots
10101 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring
301.754.1300
Treasured Child
9411 Old Burke Lake Rd., Burke
703.978.4778
Twice Upon a Child
47100 Community Plaza, Sterling
703.406.0601
May you find many fabulous things on your journey, and may you find them on sale!
P.S. Have a favorite children's consignment store you don't see listed? I'd love to hear from you!
Posted by Sarah at 11:18 PM
August 16, 2005
ICAN, ICAN, I THINK ICAN
Tomorrow night, Wednesday the 17th, the Northern Virginia chapter of ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network) meets from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Tysons Pimmit Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike in Falls Church.
This group gathers at the same time and place on the third Wednesday of every month, and newcomers are welcome. Pregnant women, those who have had a cesarean, those who want to avoid a cesarean, their partners and friends, maternal-child health caregivers, and other supporters are all welcome.
ICAN's stated mission is "to improve maternal-child health by preventing unnecessary cesareans through education, providing support for cesarean recovery, and promoting Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)."
The NoVa ICAN chapter's website: www.icanofnova.org. Their contact person is Lori Cooper, lskcooper@icanofnova.org.
The other chapter near DC is ICAN of Baltimore, whose contact person is Barbara Stratton, icanofbaltimore@comcast.net.
To find out more about ICAN and their mission: www.ican-online.org.
Posted by Sarah at 9:08 PM
August 15, 2005
Dragon Tales
In my case, at 10 p.m. after a cranky toddler day, it's more like "Draggin' Tails" ...
But I digress ...
Just got word that Aladdin's Lamp Children's Book Store in Arlington has a special event scheduled for Saturday the 20th.
Cuddly fire-breather "Alouette" will perform a one-dragon show, complete with a singalong and fiddle playing, at 11 a.m. The performance will dramatize the tale of "Hansel, Gretel, and the Little Green Dragon." (Something tells me this is a new rendition of the classic.)
The performance is appropriate for ages 3+ and admission is free. For more info., call the store at 703.241.8281.
Posted by Sarah at 9:35 PM
August 14, 2005
The Best Birth DC Has to Offer
Except when they experience a truly "hi-risk" pregnancy, DC mamas are fortunate to have options beyond a hospital delivery and business as usual. One of those options is a freestanding birth center, attended by certified nurse-midwives.
The DC area is lucky enough to have THREE freestanding birth centers, and all have impeccable reputations.
They offer full prenatal and gyn care to women, as well as providing lots of personal attention, health education, and loving support. These are master's-degreed (or higher) registered nurses who have advanced education and years of clinical practice specific to obstetrics. The only thing they *don't* do is serious emergency medical intervention, such as c-section surgery. They also teach women to believe in their own bodies and to deliver with little or no medical intervention. (If you're SOLD on an epidural, this might not be for you...)
Other benefits of a birth center: Comfortable, quiet, private birth suites, and the biggest jacuzzi tubs you've ever had the pleasure of laboring in. There's nothing like the support of an experienced, professional team of midwives during birth -- And a freestanding birth center offers a private, homey setting that no hospital birthing room can match.
Check them out!
The Maternity Center
Bethesda, MD
www.maternitycenter.com
BirthCare & Women's Health
Old Town Alexandria, VA
(the BirthCare midwives also do home births!)
www.birthcare.org
The DC Birth Center
NE Washington, DC
www.developingfamilies.org/dcbc.html
Happy and healthy DC birthing!
Posted by Sarah at 10:03 PM
August 13, 2005
Wolves (& Lions, & Bears) . . . Oh My!
Wolf Trap in NoVa just released their schedule of fall classes for the under-five set.
They will offer "Baby ARTSPLAY" for infants/toddlers and a parent or caregiver. These are integrated performing arts classes that meet eight times -- Mondays from September 19 to November 14.
Sections are divided by age group: Section 1 from 10 to 11 a.m. (19-36 months), Section 2 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. (6-18 months), Section 3 from 10 to 11 a.m. (6-18 months), and Section 4 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. (19-36 months).
They also offer ARTSPLAY II for older tots: Section 1 from 10 to 11 a.m. (36-60 months) and Section 2 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. (60-72 months).
I've heard nothing but praise for Wolf Trap's early childhood programming -- Worth looking into!
To register or get more info., visit www.wolftrap.org/education/classes/artsplay.html.
Posted by Sarah at 4:00 PM
August 12, 2005
Weekend Watch
Did you know that tomorrow, Saturday the 13th, is "Shark Day" at the National Aquarium? Special events include shark stories, shark crafts, and talks by the shark keepers. Fossil shark tooth collections will be on display, and kids can dig for a fossil shark tooth in the "dig area."
This little treasure, the National Aquarium, has been around since the nineteenth century and was saved from demolition by a group of loyal District citizens 20 years ago.
It's located in the basement of the Department of Commerce at 14th St. and Constitution Ave. NW. (Seriously!) This fact is odd at best and creepy at worst, but the National Aquarium's geography only increases its charm. I have great affection for this place, with all its quirks. The aquarium is far smaller and more antiquated than Baltimore's, but that's a plus for young kids. Wide aisles accommodate strollers, it's rarely crowded, and you can make the rounds in less than half an hour -- Perfect for a toddler's attention span.
You can take metro -- Get off at the Federal Triangle stop. For more information, call 202.482.2825.
While we're talking weekend revelry, I also want to let you know about a great resource: www.our-kids.com. Founded by a local mama, the site is specific to the Washington metro area. You can access a lot of DC-area information for free, but you also have the option of subscribing to a weekly newsletter for a reasonable annual fee. The newsletter shares time-sensitive event information that you *won't* find on the website. Subscribe, pay via PayPal, and voila, you'll find a week's worth of interesting goings-on delivered to your inbox every Tuesday.
Posted by Sarah at 7:58 PM
Quack Quack
Today is the last day to register for a "Pets and Babies" workshop offered by The Baby Duck, which comes highly recommended.
The workshop is set for Saturday, August 13 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in Alexandria.
According to the fabulous Melody Kisor of The Baby Duck, a DC maternity and parenting education org, "This class is designed for expectant couples who want to help their 'dog babies' and 'cat babies' accept a new baby brother or sister. Families with babies who are considering adopting a new pet are also invited to join us."
For more information or to register, visit www.thebabyduck.com.
Even if you don't have a Fido or Fluffy at home, be sure to check out The Baby Duck's site. They have a helpful set of links to area resources, some good coupons for retail and services, doula and childbirth educator referrals, and a full schedule of classes / support groups.
Posted by Sarah at 12:40 PM
August 11, 2005
DC BABY Updates!
You might have noticed that this site is a work in progress. Times are a changin' -- almost daily.
New features include two sign-up options for supporters of DC BABY.com and future readers of the forthcoming book. You can add yourself to the email notification list and receive updates on publication date and where the book will be available. If you're a regular visitor to the blog, you can also sign up for a separate list alerting you every time the DC BABY site is updated. Rest assured that your email address will be used ONLY for the purpose specified, and will never be shared with anyone else.
Also new on the site are links to our generous host, Modwest, Inc., and one of DC BABY's favorite online retailers, Babystyle.com.
We're beginning the design process with the manuscript and are (fingers crossed) still on schedule for an October book release!
Stay tuned...
Posted by Sarah at 10:48 AM
August 9, 2005
Magicians Without Borders
I admit it. I've never much liked magic shows. As a kid I couldn't get the hang of "suspending my disbelief," and I still think card tricks are a total yawn. I don't want to see bunnies pop out of hats and I just don't care WHERE that coin came from.
Sourpuss childhood reflections aside, this is NOT your average magic act, and it sounds like great fun (REALLY!):
An all-ages magic show by the nonprofit organization Magicians Without Borders is set for August 21 at 1 p.m. at the Leland Center in Chevy Chase (4301 Willow Ln.). Donations are appreciated but not required.
Here's a bit about them, from their website:
"Magicians Without Borders performs magic shows for children in refugee camps, orphanages and hospitals around the world - often in war torn places where love, laughter and magic are desperately needed.
"Magicians Without Borders began when Tom Verner, a professor of Psychology, was traveling through Eastern Europe in 2001 and did some magic shows in the refugee camps of Kosovo and Macedonia. The shows were so well received, that Tom decided to take a leave from his teaching and perform full time.
"Tom has set up a non-profit organization, Magicians Without Borders, to allow him to accept contributions to fund his work. The trips would not have been possible without the support and contributions of generous individuals, corporations, organizations, friends and family.
"In 2003, Tom and his wife Janet, a visual artist and teacher, performing as a mime and clown in the shows, have traveled to Ethiopia, Haiti, Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Croatia. Tom and his daughter Mira traveled to India and Mira was also along on the Haiti trip. In 2004 they performed in Ethiopia, Chad, Bangladesh, India and Nepal."
Check out their site: www.magicianswithoutborders.org.
Posted by Sarah at 1:00 PM
August 7, 2005
Urban Babies Wear Black
At long last, a self-deprecating board book urban babes can really appreciate: Urban Babies Wear Black by Michelle Sinclair Colman and Nathalie Dion.
Infantus urbanas, sassy in a black organic cotton romper, goes for lattes and yoga in his Bugaboo Frog. He playdates at the Guggenheim and in evenings he prefers the Met.
The illustrations are fabulous and the tone tongue-in-cheek.
Hot off the press in June 2005, published by Tricycle Press. You'll find it on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1582461589/ref%3Dnosim/shagpad/104-4959353-7539104
Posted by Sarah at 10:15 AM
August 6, 2005
Tax-Free in DC
In time for back-to-school, a week of tax-free shopping begins today in the District!
Sales tax will not be charged on clothing and accessory items priced under $100 each (that's each item, not the total bill).
Seems to me this is the prime time to shop local boutiques. My favorite indulgences for infant and kids' clothes:
Full of Beans
5502 Connecticut Ave.
Piccolo Piggies
1533 Wisconsin Ave. (Georgetown)
K Baby
3112 M St NW (Georgetown)
Kid's Closet
1226 Connecticut Ave NW
Enjoy!
Posted by Sarah at 9:26 AM
August 5, 2005
Weekend Watch
FREE CONCERT AT FT. DUPONT PARK
8 P.M. ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 6
MINNESOTA AVE. & RANDLE CIRCLE SE
This weekend's concert theme is "DC Jazz." Marcus Johnson and Spur of the Moment will perform. Bring blankets (or folding chairs) and a picnic dinner. Dogs must be leashed. No glass containers or alcohol. For more details, call 202.426.5961 or 202.619.7222.
ANNUAL FRIENDSHIP FIREHOUSE FESTIVAL
Saturday, August 6
Alexandria, VA
Kids will get to meet a real Dalmation firehouse dog, climb around (supervised, of course) on equipment, look at antique fire trucks, and get a free firefighter's helmet. There will also be live music, food and drinks for sale, craft booths, and displays by Alexandria merchants. The Friendship Firehouse will also be open. For more details, call 703.838.3891.
FREE DRIVE-IN MOVIE: "E.T."
7:30 P.M. ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 6
5875 Trinity PKWY., CENTREVILLE, VA 20120
They'll be screening the new re-release of "E.T.," which includes previously deleted scenes, a few new scenes, and some additional special effects. This August series of drive-in movies is sponsored in part by Fairfax County, VA. For more details, visit http://www.co.fairfax.va.us/parks/performances.htm#cinema
HOWARD COUNTY FAIR
RUNS SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 THROUGH SATURDAY, AUGUST 13
8 A.M. TO 10 P.M. DAILY
HOWARD COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS, WEST FRIENDSHIP, MARYLAND
The fair includes an antique tractor pull, baby contest, mini parade, cow milking contest, horse pulling contest, pie eating contest, livestock, miniature horse show, woodworking, entertainment, petting zoo, and pony rides. For more details, call 410.442.1022 or visit http://www.howardcountyfair.com/.
TICKETS GO ON SALE FOR "SUPER GROVER LIVE"
On sale through Ticketmaster starting August 8
Shows scheduled for the First Mariner Arena in Baltimore, September 22-25
Posted by Sarah at 12:33 PM
August 3, 2005
World Breastfeeding Week
I think it's important to mention that this is World Breastfeeding Week. Especially given the fact that successful breastfeeding is so tied to infant mortality rates -- And the fact that the DC area's infant mortality rates have recently gone up instead of down.
Did you know that the U.S. has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the developed world, with only 29 percent of mothers breastfeeding their babies at six months postpartum?
When I Googled "World Breastfeeding Week" for Washington, I didn't find the local observances and nurse-ins I expected. But I did learn about a DC pediatrician, Dr. Jennifer Tender, at Children's National, who is leading a study of cultural differences in breastfeeding practices. The goal of the study is not to identify who's doing the mommy thing "right" and who's not, but to find out what the factors are that make breastfeeding unlikely or difficult for some women. In other words, why is it that some groups are less likely to breastfeed than others, and how could the health and medical community make it easier?
The Children's National Medical Center press release quotes Dr. Tender: "We are focused on increasing community awareness of breastfeeding by ensuring that accurate information, education and patient support systems are available to DC families. We know that breastfeeding provides babies with complete nutrition, and we want to ensure families have the information they need to make an informed decision about breastfeeding."
Dr. Tender is available to speak to area clubs and organizations about the benefits of breastfeeding, as well as the challenges mothers face and the research at DC Children's. You can get her contact info at www.dcchildrens.com.