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February 27, 2006

Buckle Up, Baby

This recent report from the Post is making its way through the child health and safety community, as a reminder to parents abou the safest and best way to fly with children (regardless of what the flight attendant says!):

"Child safety seat best way to protect infants on flight"
Sunday, February 26, 2006

Although children age 2 or younger can fly free, Cindy and Todd Lowman of Centreville, Va., wanted their 4-month-old daughter to be as safe as possible. So the couple paid more than $400 for a ticket to guarantee a seat for the baby's Federal Aviation Administration approved carrier.

All was fine on the JetBlue flight to Long Beach, Calif. But on the way home, crew members insisted that the baby be held on a parent's lap during takeoff and landing - the least safe times to hold a child.

"The problem comes up from time to time" on various airlines, said FAA spokeswoman Alison Duquette.

But clearly, the flight attendants were wrong. A child safety seat with a sticker saying it is approved for aircraft use is recommended during all stages of the flight. In fact, if the child has a ticket, "No [airline] may prohibit a child from occupying a child restraint system," according to Section 121.31 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

To convince misinformed attendants, consider carrying a copy of the regulations, available at www.faa.gov.

Posted by Sarah at 5:10 PM

Kindermusik in Arlington

Local mama Tracey Kretzer is a parent educator and Kindermusik instructor who offers several classes for little ones in Arlington. And she's scheduled two free opportunities for families to preview these programs.

On Saturday, March 11, she'll be at the Babies R Us in Falls Church for their BabyFest event, from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Drop by to pick up information about Kindermusik classes, their new American Sign Language class (Sign & Sing), and their home party program (Do Re Me & You).

On Saturday, March 25, also at the Babies R Us in Falls Church, Tracey will offer a free information session and demo class of Sign & Sing, which is geared toward ages six months to three years. She'll be available between 12:30 and 2 p.m., and the demo class runs from 1 to 1:30 p.m.

In her Kindermusik classes that start THIS WEEK and run through June, Tracey still has some open spots. Classes meet at the Fairlington Center (3308 S. Stafford St.) and Arlington Mill Center (4975 Columbia Pike). You can register online at her site, Little Genuis Music & More, or with the registration form in the Arlington County Rec & Leisure course booklet (pg. 35): www.arlingtonva.us.

About the available classes:

Kindermusik Village is for newborns to age 18 months, with parent or caregiver in attendance. One group meets on Tuesday evenings from 6:15 to 7 p.m., and the other meets Friday mornings from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m.

Kindermusik Our Time is for ages 18 months to three, with a parent or caregiver. One class meets Wednesday evenings from 6:15 to 7 p.m., and the other meets Friday mornings from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.

Kindermusik Imagine That! is for ages three to five, with the parent or caregiver attending during the last 15 minutes of each class. One group meets Monday evenings from 6:15 to 7 p.m., and the other meets Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Kindermusik Sign & Sing is a sign language class for ages six months to three years. Through songs, toys, and playtime, the class teaches you more than 50 simple signs your child can use to communicate.

For more info or to register, send email to Tracey at: info (at) littlegeniusmusicandmore (dot) com, or check out the website.

Posted by Sarah at 2:59 PM

New Moms Lunch in Fairfax

Thanks to organizer Rochelle Goldberg and all the gals at the New Moms Lunch Group in Fairfax for having me as their guest today! What a friendly, laid-back bunch - and what a nice atmosphere, dining fireside at Il Lupo.

If you live in or near Fairfax and you have a baby under eight months of age, you really must know about this group. They meet every Monday from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the restaurant, located in Old Town Fairfax. Each week features a different guest speaker on a topic relevant to new mamas. And Rochelle also shares important information during the luncheon, such as recent infant product recalls, local family-friendly events, etc.

The babies are very welcome. And since the group has a private room, you don't need to worry about noise (you'll be in good company) and you can nurse in relative privacy. Plus, the food is great. And it's a nice way to meet other new moms and babies.

The cost of an individual luncheon is $20. If you know you plan to attend several times, you can buy a discounted four-lunch series for $75 - good for any four luncheons, so you don't have to use them on consecutive weeks.

Reservations are required for all luncheons, by contacting Rochelle: eventbuilders (at) hotmail (dot) com. There's also info about the group online at Rochelle's company website, Event Builders LLC.

The scheduled speakers for March are:

Monday, March 6: "Financial Planning: Saving for the Future" with certified financial planner Jennifer Fletcher

Monday, March 13: "Postpartum Nutrition" with a speaker from The Women's Club

Monday, March 20: "Getting Organized" with Misha Keefe, owner of Misha K.

Monday, March 27: "Stroller Strides: Getting in Shape After Having a Baby" with Stroller Strides instructor Tabatha Mitchell.

I think Rochelle's concept is a great one - I wish I'd had a group like this when Ava was a newborn - and I'd love to see her bring it to other DC-area neighborhoods. Maybe Old Town Alexandria or Bethesda could be next?

Posted by Sarah at 2:31 PM

February 24, 2006

Playing with Your Food

The fabulous Mollie Katzen has a new family cookbook on whipping up meals with - and for - young kids: Salad People & More Real Recipes: A New Cookbook for Preschoolers & Up.

This Monday the 27th at 12 noon, Katzen is doing an online chat about cooking with kids at the Washington Post site. You can submit questions in advance, and if you miss the live event, you can always read the transcript after the fact.

Among the yummy-sounding recipes - all of which are vegetarian:
Tiny Tacos
Salad People
Crunchy Fruity Granola
Cool Cucumber Soup
Rainbow-Raisin Cole Slaw
Foccacia
Green Garden Dip
Counting Soup
Sweet Potato Surprise
Sunrise Lemonade
Polka Dot Rice
Miso-Almond Dipping Sauce
Corny Corn Cakes
Cream of Tomato Soup with Crispy Cheese Crackers
Egg Salad
Mango-Honey Lassi
Broccoli-Cheese Quiche
Chewy Energy Circles
Pesto-Macaroni Souo
Raspberry-Yogurt Swirl

Yum.

Posted by Sarah at 9:00 PM

Labor Massage Classes in Bethesda

Local CMT (certified massage therapist) Mary Beth Hastings is offering her labor massage class to expectant mamas and their spouses/coaches at The Maternity Center in Bethesda.

Classes are scheduled for Thursday, March 16 and Wednesday, April 19 from 7 to 9 p.m. (The class content is identical. You'll want to register for one date or the other, but not both.)

You can register through The Maternity Center at 301.530.3300 or by calling Mary Beth at 202.276.3661. Cost is $50 per couple.

This class is for pregnant women and their partners, friends, or family members who will form their labor support team. Focused on methods proven to facilitate labor, the class "will empower birth partners to give appropriate relief, support, and comfort to women in labor."

The class covers:

* Relaxation and visualization techniques
* Use of sensitive touch
* Dos and don'ts of labor massage
* Contraction distraction techniques
* Specific techniques for back labor
* Reflexive/zone therapy approaches to labor facilitation

Posted by Sarah at 8:47 PM

February 23, 2006

Weekend Watch

On Sunday afternoon, February 26 at 1:30 p.m., I'll be at Aladdin's Lamp children's bookstore in Arlington (2499 N. Harrison St.) for an informal chat with parents about some of the best support resources for parents in the DC area - listservs, facilitated moms' groups, clubs, newsletters, that sort of thing. And of course they'll be selling my book, and I'm happy to sign copies. Come join us!

Also in Arlington this weekend, don't miss the big Tenth Annual Mt. Olivet Preschool KIDSTUFF Sale, Saturday, February 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Thanks to Mt. Olivet mama Liz Hall for giving me the heads-up! Items will include quality, gently-used kids' clothing (sizes newborn to 6x), maternity clothes, baby equipment, toys, videos, and books. The sale is held in the Fellowship Hall of Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church, 1500 N. Glebe Road, Arlington (the intersection of N. Glebe and 16th St.). Admission is FREE, and there's ample free parking at the lot adjacent to the church. For more info, call 703.527.5508. (Coincidentally, Ava and her Daddy have Hola Baby on Saturday mornings at Mt. Olivet, so I'm looking forward to tagging along this week and doing some shopping while they hablan Espanol!)

If you have a toddler who is boat-obsessed, remember there's the Washington Boat Show this Saturday and Sunday at the Washington Convention Center in the District, 12 noon to 9 p.m. each day. Adults are $10, but kids under age five get in free. Little ones can even climb inside some of the boats.

And the recently recommended Cathy & Marcy are doing a Country Music Jamboree, sing-along style, this weekend at the Kennedy Center. Performances are Friday night, Saturday afternoon at 1 and 3:30 p.m., and Sunday afternoon at 1:00. The show runs about an hour. Tix are $15. For info, call the KC at 202.467.4600.

Posted by Sarah at 10:02 AM

February 22, 2006

New Drop-In Play in Alexandria

Calling all Alexandria parents - especially those who are home with the kiddo on Thursdays: Parenting Playgroups has added a new option to their lineup of programming. They will host drop-in play on Thursday mornings from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, March 2 through June 22.

The play area is equipped with a sand table and science area, blocks, reading area, housekeeping center, art station and wall easel, puzzles, and "manipulates" for children age 16 months to three-and-a-half years. Cost is $9 per hour for one child, and $2 per additional sibling.

Dr. Rene Hackney, a developmental psychologist and school psychologist, will also be teaching her parents' class on Positive Discipline techniques on Thursdays starting tonight, February 23 through March 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. (No childcare provided.) She'll also be offering this class as a one-day workshop on Saturday, March 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (No childcare provided.) An eight-week version of the class runs Tuesdays April 4 through May 23 from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m., WITH childcare available.

Other one-day parents' workshops offered by Parenting Playgroups:
PRE-ACADEMIC ISSUES
Saturday, February 25
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
POTTY TRAINING, MEALTIMES, & SLEEP
Saturday, March 18
9 a.m. to 12 noon

Parenting Playgroups also offers a toddler program and a play program for preschoolers. All activities take place at their offices, 6161 Fuller Ct. in Alexandria, off Franconia Rd.

For more info or to register, send email to rene (at) parentingplaygroups (dot) com or call Rene Hackney at 703.922.0044.

Posted by Sarah at 8:18 PM

February 20, 2006

Web Crawl: iWearBaby (& Note to Email Subscribers)

You'd be surprised at the number of DC-based, mama-owned businesses that offer online shopping. You can feel good about supporting local, independent retailers, while also doing easy shopping at any odd hour of the day or night.

Aneliese Carino is one of the DC mompreneurs I feature in my book, and she's the owner of an online boutique specializing in every brand and style of baby-carrier you can imagine. Formerly known as Bundle Your Joy, Anneliese's company has a new name, new web address, and a cool new look for 2006. iWearBaby is live and online!

Congrats to Anneliese on the new do. I like!

iWearBaby also does special events and babywearing workshops, which are posted on the new site. And she offers a gift registry, perfect for baby showers.

To contact Aneliese iWearBaby, send email to: info (at) iwearbaby (dot) com or call 202.841.6550.

p.s.
Special alert to DC-BABY.com subscribers: We're upgrading our email software. If everything goes as planned, you will continue receiving emails without interruption. The only thing that will change is the return address. But if you suddenly stop receiving updates, or receive duplicate emails, please let me know. And as always, you can be removed from our list at any time. For those of you who haven't signed up for e-mail updates, you can subscribe now at www.dc-baby.com/signup.php. Thanks to all who have made DC-BABY.com such a success!

Posted by Sarah at 2:42 PM

February 19, 2006

They Might Be Giants (or they might be toddlers)

Thanks to local mama & reader Laura Berkebile for sharing another stellar music recommendation for young kids: Here Come the ABCs by They Might Be Giants.

Laura says, "We listen to it all the time and it definitely surpasses the standard kiddie sing-a-long. The dvd is really cool, too. Teaches the kids ABCs. I'm sure you can buy the music on iTunes, and I know Netflix rents the dvd."

I'm really glad to have this tip. At our house we're already way into another They Might Be Giants kid CD. Titled, appropriately enough for toddlers, NO! We've had it since Ava was a tiny newborn, and it was some of her first favorite music. It's great to know that TMBG has another something out there.

Most of us (or shall I say those of us who are old enough and formerly cool enough) remember They Might Be Giants as the quirky, hyper-literate New York alt-pop guys who did the "little birdhouse in your soul" song. (You know the one!) Now they're allegedly all grown up - still in New York, still making records, but they've spawned a few smallheads of their very own. And some witty, listenable tunes.

Click here for the entertaining main page of TMBG online. For their YahooStore kids' section, click here.

Posted by Sarah at 2:59 PM

Stress, Depression, & Resillience Among Parents

In case you missed it like I did, there's a transcript online from a recent Washington Post parenting chat with Dr. Neil Bernstein, a clinical psychologist who practices in the District and NoVa.

During the chat, Bernstein responds to the recent - and, I think, weird - study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior which found that parents (of any age children - from newborns to adults) are more depressed than people who have never had children, published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior. He also responds to the questions of parents and parents-to-be regarding their emotional health.

V. interesting stuff! To read, click here.

Posted by Sarah at 2:48 PM

February 18, 2006

Parent Event in Silver Spring: Disaster Prep for Families

Since the 9/11/2001 attacks - and more recently during the hurricanes that took out New Orleans - DC parents have been struggling with how to talk to their kids about disasters, destruction, and fear. How do you answer questions? How much do you share? Does your approach depend on your child's age and/or personality? Does active preparation for a disaster tend to comfort, or distress, a child?

I don't know the best answers to all of these questions, but Heather Blanchard, deputy director at the Department of Homeland Security's "Ready Campaign," has insight to share. Blanchard will be giving a free talk for local parents on Wednesday, February 22 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and again from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Silver Spring (9100 Colesville Rd.)

The event is FREE and open to the public. No reservations needed.

Child care is available and FREE, but you must call in advance to reserve a space: 301.588.0818 (ext 235).

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and The Ad Council recently launched "Ready Kids," a family-friendly tool to help parents and teachers educate children ages 8 to 12 about emergencies and how they can help their families better prepare. "Ready Kids" is the newest addition to the Ready Campaign, a national public service campaign designed to educate Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies - including both natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks.

Though the materials were specifically designed for the 8-12 age group, the topic - and the tips and information that will be shared at this event - are important and useful to ALL families. So consider going even if you have tiny tots.

BTW, all parents and children are invited to supper (free will donation) in the church's Bieber Hall at 6:30 p.m., between the two sessions.

For directions and more info, go to the St. Luke's website.

Posted by Sarah at 8:13 PM

February 17, 2006

Free Stroller Strides Event in Alexandria

Stroller Strides Alexandria is having a special event this Monday, February 20 at Landmark Mall.

A free Master Stroller Strides class will be taught by the local instructors - Meet inside the mall at 9:30 a.m. , in front of Lord & Taylor. There will be entertainment, play activities for the kids, and some prize-giveaways. Bring your stroller (any type will work), water, and a towel or blanket to use for abs and stretching.

Stroller Strides is one of the programs I recommend in the book for postpartum fitness - a good way to get out and about, meet some other mamas and get some exercise, without being separated from your baby. If your baby gets fussy - needs to be fed or held - in the middle of class, no one will blink an eye.

For more info, contact Jennifer Lungren at jlungren (at) strollerstrides (dot) net.

If you're not in or near Alexandria but have an interest in Stroller Strides, rest assured that there are groups all over the DC area. Check out the national website to find them.

Posted by Sarah at 3:09 PM

Music to Our Ears

How cool is this? Did you know that Iota in Arlington sometimes does kid-friendly shows on Sunday afternoons? The music is appropriate for all ages (but not "kiddie-specific," so you won't leave with a raging headache). You can re-visit the experience of going out to see live music (which most of us stopped doing when a child came along), while at the same time having fun with your little ones in a place with a neighborhood vibe.

There's NO SMOKING during these Sunday afternoon shows (hurray!).

This weekend, on Sunday February 19, the popular alt country/roots/folk band Last Train Home starts at 3 p.m. They'll play two 50-minute sets with a break in between. The opening act, the Kevin Cordt Quartet (jazz band led by Last Train Home trumpeter Kevin Cordt) starts at 2:00.

Cost is $12 per person. Remember, popular band, popular venue = crowd. GET THERE EARLY! Need more info? Call Iota at 703.522.8340.

And while we're on the subject of music kids and parents can both love, thanks to reader/mama Laura Champe Mitchell for tipping me off to Cathy & Marcy, who won the Grammy in 2004 and 2005 for Best Children's Album. They're DC locals, but they tour internationally. Laura says: "Like Dan Zanes, this is music for kids to grow up with, not grow out of (like Veggietales or Wiggles). We have their entire collection and it's WONDERFUL. Unlike a lot of kids' CDs, I enjoy the music myself and am never sick of hearing it."

Posted by Sarah at 2:33 PM

February 16, 2006

Weekend Watch

My faves for this weekend:

Thanks to Dinah at A Likely Story in Old Town for letting me know about their special event on Saturday, February 18 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meet Jane O'Connor, author of Fancy Nancy, to learn some fancy lessons, just like Nancy teaches in the book. Fancy walking, talking, eating, and sipping, with cookies and drinks served. Kids are encouraged to come in fancy dress (optional), and you can get your book signed (in fancy script, natch) by the author. FREE, and no reservations required.

Also on Saturday, if you're up for day-tripping to Baltimore, the fantastic Port Discovery children's museum is hosting one of their "Infant and Toddler Days" from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Geared for infants to age four. Admission is required. The schedule of events is:
Doggie Tales from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tiny Tot Treats with Whole Foods Market from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Kindersinger at 1 p.m., repeating at 1:30 p.m.

I really like Port Discovery, and my only reservation about taking a toddler there is that many of the permanent activities and exhibits are more appropriate for older preschoolers. However, these special events for infants and toddlers are the PERFECT time to check out the museum. And it's a nice plus that it's located two blocks from the harbor, with plenty of restaurants, shopping, and people-watching to make it a full-day family outing. If you've never been there before, prepare to pay for parking at the garage right next door to the museum. (Or, if you don't plan to be there more than 2 hours, it's easy to find a metered spot on the street.)

Enjoy!

Posted by Sarah at 12:38 PM

February 15, 2006

Bilingos Book Social

TONIGHT! Thursday, February 16 at 7:30 p.m. Your chance to preview the Bilingos line of bilingual books and resources for children at a special "book social" in Springfield, VA.

Bilingos.com was created by DC-area parents (one of whom participates in the Hola Baby program with my husband and daughter!) to provide parents and educators with a convenient source for a wide range of bilingual and multilingual educational materials. They will have numerous resources available for you to look at during this event (and even take home) in languages such as Spanish, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Tagalog.

They also have the capability to access many more languages and would love to speak to you about your specific needs.

For more info, or to RSVP and get directions, contact Michelle Haworth, 703.644.2005. Also be sure to check out the Bilingos website.

Posted by Sarah at 11:14 PM

New Resource & Support Group for Local Parents

Are you a local parent whose child has Erb's palsy or a brachial plexus injury? Would you like the opportunity to meet, share support, and network with other DC-area parents who have a child with this injury?

The Brachial Plexus Injury (BPI) Parent Network is a new resource group. Meetings will be coordinated by Monica Micklos (mother of a 2-year-old with BPI) and Monica Peddrick (mother of an eight-month-old with BPI). These two local mamas are are looking for an opportunity to bring parents of children with a BPI together to share experiences and to learn from each other.

The group's purpose:

* Resources. To share information with each other, such as
experiences with various professionals working with BPI children
including neurologists, plastic surgeons, orthopedics, doctors of
physical medicine, physical therapists, pediatricians, attorneys, and
others.

* Education. To share information regarding the brachial plexus
injury and affects.

* Experience. To discuss experiences and outcomes of various
treatments options.

* Support. To provide an opportunity for parents who are facing
similar challenges to talk with each other.

* Community. To provide an opportunity for families with BPI kids to
meet other families in the area with this type of injury.

The first meeting to be held in upper Northwest DC. Date and time to be determined.

If you are interested in getting involved, send email to Monica Micklos at jeff-monica at starpower dot net.

Posted by Sarah at 3:36 PM

February 13, 2006

Feelin' the Love

Happy Valentine's Day, from my little cupid to yours!

I like the AAP's (American Academy of Pediatrics) press release this holiday, with reminders for showing your children love every day of the year:

1) Use plenty of positive words with your child.

2) Respond promptly and lovingly to your child's physical and emotional needs, and banish put-downs from your parenting vocabulary.

3) Make an extra effort to set a good example at home and in public. Use words like "I'm sorry," "please," and "thank you."

4) When your child is angry, argumentative, or in a bad mood, give him a hug, cuddle, pat, secret sign, or other gesture of affection he favors, and talk with him about his feelings

5) Use non-violent forms of discipline. Parents should institute both rewards and restrictions many years before adolescence to help prevent trouble during the teenage years. Allowing children of any age to constantly break important rules without being disciplined only encourages more rule violations.

6) Make plans to spend time alone with your child, doing something she enjoys.

7) Mark family game nights on your calendar, so the entire family can be together. Put a different family member's name under each date, and have that person choose which game will be played that evening.

8) Help your child foster positive relationships with friends, siblings, and members of the community.

9)One of your most important gifts as a parent is to help your child develop self-esteem. Your child needs your steady support and encouragement to discover his strengths. He needs you to believe in him as he learns to believe in himself. Loving him, spending time with him, listening to him, and praising his accomplishments are all part of this process.

10) Don't forget to say "I love you" to children of all ages!

For the Spanish-language version of this AAP Valentine's Day Tip Sheet, click here.

Posted by Sarah at 2:25 PM

V-Day at Union Station

I love taking Ava to Union Station. It's the near-perfect place for a winter outing with a toddler. Not only is it beautiful and metro-accessible - full of window-shopping options, food options, and restrooms with changing tables - but there's also plenty of space for little ones to burn off some steam. In the bustle of the place they can make noise without eliciting dirty looks or being shushed.

Union Station is doing its annual Valentine's Day Bazaar today and tomorrow, February 13-14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Main Hall. The vendors will be selling special Valentine's items and pre-packaged treats. Oo la la!

Posted by Sarah at 1:37 PM

February 12, 2006

Events This Week

A couple of things going on this week that you might want to know about, and a tip on finding the spring consignment sales in your neighborhood:

The NoVA chapter of ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network) will hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday evening, February 15, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Tysons Pimmit Library in Falls Church (7584 Leesburg Pike). Here's a description from the group: "The International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) chapter of Northern Virginia is for those who are pregnant or have never birthed, and for those needing support after a cesarean. ICAN's 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). We strive to lower the rising cesarean rate through education, provide a forum where women and men can express their thoughts and concerns about birth, and provide a support network for women who are healing from past birth experiences."

A new round of Saturday Itsy Bitsy Yoga classes in NW DC's U St. Corridor begins this week. Packages are available for attending four, five, or six classes, which are held at the family-friendly Boundless Yoga studio. The babies' class runs 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. and the tots class is 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. For more info or to register, visit itsybitsyyogawithmoira.com.

And pre-registration is now open for Melody Kisor's popular "Pets & Babies" class, to be held Saturday, March 4 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. in Alexandria. Featured recently on the front cover of the Examiner, this class will help you get your four-legged "baby" ready for the arrival of your new little one. For more info or to register, go to thebabyduck.com/pets.

Regarding late winter and early spring consignment/benefit sales - two of which I posted about yesterday - be sure to check the special section on this topic at Our-Kids.com. Amy Miller of Our-Kids puts together the definitive, comprehensive listing each season. If it's happening, she'll have it posted! To share info about a sale you're involved with this spring, send it to amy at our-kids dot com. (You're also, of course, welcome to forward to me if you also want it posted here: sarah at dc-baby dot com.)

Posted by Sarah at 7:25 PM

February 11, 2006

Kids' Stuff Sales on the Horizon

Late winter into spring is the time for benefit sales and consignment sales of gently-used toys, furniture, gear, and clothing for little ones. A good way to a.) find a bargain or b.) clean out your closets for a worthy cause. Here are the first few announcements of the season:

The MOMS Club of NW DC Sale & Swap will be held February 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Chevy Chase Community Center, 5601 Connecticut Ave. NW (Connecticut Ave. at McKinley St.). There will be children's clothing, equipment, toys, books, and maternity gear. All are welcome to shop. Club members are also welcome to bring items for sale. For more info, send email to shannolater at alumni dot williams dot edu.

Montgomery County Parents of Multiples will hold their Semi-Annual Baby/Equipment Sale on March 11 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Julius West Middle School (651 Great Falls Rd., Rockville, one block east of 270). Admission for the general public is just $1. What to expect: Clothing: preemie and up, maternity, swim wear; Childproofing equipment: gates, outlet covers, latches; Equipment: strollers, high chairs, playpens, bathtubs; Furniture: cribs, changing tables, gliders; Toys: Large and small, books, videos; Supplies: bottles, bedding, nursing. Cash and checks accepted. For info, call 301.990.3490 (before 9 p.m., please) or send email to sale at mcpom dot org.

The Northern Virginia Clothing Exchange is preparing for its Spring 2006 Sale, to be held March 31 through April 1 at Arlington Forest United Methodist Church (4701 Arlington Blvd., Arlington). I'm told it's a lot of work to take part as a volunteer/consignor, but consignors get first dibs at the merchandise, before the public shopping begins. A nice perk. For consignor info and who to contact, click here.

Posted by Sarah at 10:00 AM

February 10, 2006

Weekend Watch

It's Valentine's Weekend. And if the weatherman is right, it'll be a white one. (Tres romantic, no? Unless you're the one who has to shovel the front steps.)

My two favorite V-Day happenings for little ones this weekend:

On Saturday at the Arlington location of Tree Top Kids, there will be Valentine cookie-decorating from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, and at the Mclean location there will be special crafts from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

On Sunday at Jammin' Java in Vienna, share the love with children's musician Mr. Knick Knack at his Valentine's Day Show, 4 p.m. All ages. Cost at the door is $8 per person.

Also this weekend, don't forget the Open House at MusiKids in Bethesda, for a sneak peak at their programs.

And last but not least, the bidding starts this weekend on the fun "Lunch with a Leader" fundraiser for Communities in Schools - a national educational organization to help support schools in real need. Visit the website to find out more. You get to bid on having lunch with some fancy famous folks, and for a good cause. You can place your bids beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday.

Posted by Sarah at 9:56 AM

February 9, 2006

Weekly Web-Crawl

In this week's crawl of the web...

My in-laws introduced us to the Life is Good products this Christmas, and they sure are cute. My daughter loves their trademark dog (and, in fact, barks loudly with excitement when it's time to put on her LIG pajamas). The kids' section of their website is chock full o' stuff for little ones that makes good playclothes and fun gifts.

I especially love their unique bucket hats for infants and toddlers and their soft baseball-style caps for toddlers. Also check out the tees, lounge pants, and socks for older boys and girls.

What I also love about this company is its family-friendly ethic. They host festivals each year for kids, with 100 percent of the event proceeds going to children's charities. (Over half-a-million dollars raised for such organizations, to date!) "Do what you like, and like what you do" is the corporate slogan.

To read the company's irreverent, slacker-style history, click here. To read more about the Peter Pan-esque brothers who created Life is Good, click here.

Happy shopping!

Posted by Sarah at 12:49 PM

February 7, 2006

Valentine Cookie Decorating at Whole Foods, Glover Park

Jonah's Treehouse is co-sponsoring a Valentine's event with the Whole Foods on Wisconsin Ave., Glover Park/Upper Georgetown, TOMORROW afternoon, Wednesday, February 8 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Head to the Whole Foods Cafe to decorate Valentine's Day cookies with your child and get tasty tips from the Whole Foods baker. This event is designed for children ages two-and-a-half to four years of age, and space is limited. The cost is $15 for Jonah's Treehouse members ($25 for non-members). Call Jonah's Treehouse first thing Wednesday morning if you'd like to take part: 202. 298.6805.

Also at JT, registration for the spring session, "Blue Tulips," is in full swing, and founder Vicki Gersten tells me classes are filling quickly. The session runs February 27 to May 21, 2006. Go to www.jonahstreehouse.com and click on the "Blue Tulip" icon to register online.

Posted by Sarah at 10:04 PM

Tax Help for Fairfax County Fams

Thanks to local mama Meredith Eisenberg for sharing this info, which could prove very helpful to parents who live in Fairfax County, Virginia:

The Fairfax County CASH Program (Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope) and AARP are offering free income tax assistance to low- and moderate- income families (making under $38,000 per year) from now until April 15.

The volunteers help those who participate get all of the credits and refunds to which they are entitled. For example, many families skip over the Earned Income Tax Credit (a provision for families with children), which can be worth over $4,000. This works out to the equivalent of a $1 per hour raise, if the credit is claimed.

Since volunteers running the program help participants file online, refunds are available in 7 to 10 business days. This means that families don't have to take out unnecessary refund anticipation loans, which typically come with very high interest rates.

The CASH and AARP programs are running at locations throughout Northern Virginia. Families can call 703.222.0880. or visit http://fairfaxcounty.gov/partnerships for more information or to find the nearest site.

Posted by Sarah at 9:54 PM

February 6, 2006

Two More Preschool Previews

Two more preschool open houses to share - A bilingual English/Spanish program in the District and a performing arts program in the Conservative Jewish tradition in Alexandria:

The Latin American Montessori Bilingual Public Charter School (LAMB PCS) will hold open house events on the following dates: March 7 and April 4 from 9 to 10 a.m., February 23 from 5 to 6 p.m., and March 21 from 5 to 6 p.m. LAMB is currently co-located at Bunker Hill Elementary School in Brookland, where the open houses will be held. (However, be aware that the school is moving into a renovated building at 1375 Missouri Ave, NW.) LAMB is a dual-language immersion public charter elementary school that uses the Montessori curriculum. LAMB's goal is bi-literacy in English and Spanish. They currently have three classrooms of three-, four- and five-year olds, and one classroom of first graders. Open houses during the school day will include an opportunity to observe one of the classrooms. LAMB will begin accepting applications for school year 2006-2007 on February 7 and will continue until April 19. LAMB admissions will be offered to children who turn three and four by December 31, 2006. If there are too many applications to fill the number of available spaces, a lottery will be conducted. Because the school's bilingual component is based on the Dual Language Educational (DLE) model, half of the student population must be native speakers of the targeted language (in LAMB's case, Spanish). The other 50 percent of the school population can be second- or third-language learners. In order to follow the DLE model and to ensure language balance, LAMB will perform two lotteries - one for Spanish language dominant children and another for non-Spanish language dominant children. The lottery will be held April 21. For more info, visit their website or call 202.526.8239.

Agudas Achim Performing Arts Preschool in Alexandria will hold open house sessions on February 9 at 7 p.m., February 16 at 9:30 a.m., and February 21 at 7 p.m. They offer half- and full-day programs for children ages two through five years. With emphasis on creativity and self expression through the arts, the curriculum features the Conservative Jewish tradition and elementary skills in literacy and mathematics. For more info, contact Barbara or Karen at 703.998.6072.

Posted by Sarah at 3:09 PM

Mama = Still the Best Teacher

We're right in the thick of it. The annual flurry of preschool open houses in DC - marked by fierce competition and waiting lists. So maybe the topic of Marguerite Kelly's column in last weekend's Post was no accident.

In Friday's Family Almanac, Kelly addresses our increasing obsession with early "achievement" and our expectations about early education. I like her timely reminder about the most important learning opportunities we offer our kids - and which the best preschool programs offer, too. Those are the everyday moments that engage the whole child, and they happen anywhere and everywhere. Not just at school.

To read the column, click here.

Posted by Sarah at 10:51 AM

February 5, 2006

Have a Few Minutes to Spare?

I'm putting out a call to local parents who have just a few minutes to spare. (I know, I know, there are no minutes to spare... But bear with me. This is for a good cause.)

One of my consulting clients is working with other partners in the maternal-child health field to develop posters about newborn jaundice, as part of a national campaign to raise awareness among pregnant women and new parents. The posters will be seen in hospitals, private doctors' offices, and other healthcare settings where expectant parents might visit.

We're in need of feedback on which posters are the most effective in reaching parents with this important message. If you can spare five minutes to view the sample posters online and answer a series of multiple-choice, ratings-style questions, we would be most grateful!

Click on this link to view the posters and share your feedback. The survey will be online until Friday, February 10.

Also feel free to forward this link to friends, family, colleagues... The more feedback we get, the better job this campaign can do at keeping newborn babies safe and sound!

For more about jaundice and the prevention of kernicterus, check out PICK online - a grassroots organization founded by parents whose children developed kernicterus after their severe newborn jaundice was not properly diagnosed and treated.

Thanks (in advance) for participating!

Posted by Sarah at 7:14 PM

February 2, 2006

Weekend Watch

Super Bowl fever? Nah. I'd rather have my toenails pulled out one by one with a pair of rusty tweezers... but that's just me.

If I have any kindred spirits out there (which, beyond my husband, remains to be seen), here's some advice. Grab the kiddo and leave the house Sunday afternoon for the annual Chinese New Year Parade in the District's Chinatown, 2 to 5 p.m. (see last Friday's Weekend Watch blog entry for more details and links). Little ones will love the traditional Lion Dance. And it's metro-accessible.

Or, if you've got school-aged children, head to the children's film program at the National Gallery of Art, "Animated Animal Tales." Showings on Saturday, February 4 at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., and on Sunday, February 5 at 11:30 a.m. in the East Building Auditorium. Recommended for age seven +. Here's NGA's description of these short films: Tales from Kenya, China, South Korea, and the Pacific Northwest, United States unfold in The Magic Lion (Charles Githinji, Canada, 2004, 7 mins.), The Gnat and the Lion (Burke Higgins and Tony Prohlm United States, 2004, 4 mins.), Bright (Si Jun Zhou, Australia, 2004, 4 mins.), King Tangun (Jung Eun Lee, United States/South Korea, 2000, 7 mins.), and Raven Tales (Simon James and Chris Kientz, Canada/United States, 2004, 23 mins.).

A football alternative for the preggers ladies among us... Check out the Takmoma Park Birthing Circle's February Birth Salon on Sunday, where they'll talk about parenting strategies that support the needs of newborn infants and local resources for new parents. Guests will be the Takoma Park chapter of Attachement Parenting International, as well as local childbirth educators and postpartum doulas. They meet from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Sangha in Takoma Park. Newcomers are always welcome, from anywhere in the DC metro area. Participants are invited (but not required) to bring a pot luck dish to share during the Birth Salon. For more info, send email to larissa at northstarbirth dot com.

Calling all activist and activist-curious parents: This weekend at the National Conference on Organized Resistance, held on the AU Campus Saturday and Sunday, check out two workshops: "Parenting for Social Change" (Saturday from 10 to 11:30 a.m.) and "Peace on Earth Begins with Birth." (11:40 a.m. to 1:10 p.m. on Sunday). Entry cost for attending any/all of the conference is $12. You can pay at the door - No need to be pre-registered.

Posted by Sarah at 7:36 PM

Weekly Web-Crawl

This week's pick for Web-savvy shopping is 100 percent homegrown - an independent business owned and operated right here in DC that has just launched its website, where you can browse or buy without fighting traffic (yay for that).

Local mompreneur and former nonprofit exec Laura Swanstrom Reece founded The Silken Thread in 2005 with her husband and business partner Glen. The venture has allowed Laura to be at home with their young daughter, Hannah, while also sharing her creative talents through hand-crafted work.

Laura specializes in embroidered, personalized, and monogrammed gifts for babies and children (as well as for grown-up gifts and special occasions).

She does lovely personalized sleep sacks, bibs, diaper covers, burp cloths, and blankets for babies, as well as sweet christening accessories. Check out the personalized "fancy pants"/diaper covers! For older children, I love her personalized tooth fairy pillows.

Laura sources products from around the world, continually updating her repertoire of fonts, monogram styles, and thread colors for customers.

While at the website, you can sign up for their email list, which allows you to receive early notice of sales and special events.

Congrats to The Silken Thread for its web debut! And hats off to Laura for following her passion.

Posted by Sarah at 1:49 PM

February 1, 2006

Confessions of a Naughty Mommy (her - not me!)

Starting in about 20 minutes - at 1 p.m. EST today - there's an online chat session at WashingtonPost.com with Heidi Raykeil, author of the book Confessions of a Naughty Mommy.

Think Carrie Bradshaw - or maybe more like Samantha Jones - with a kid in tow.

Heidi writes the "Sex & the Suburbs" column for LiteraryMama.com and also blogs on her own site.

IF YOU MISSED THE ONLINE CHAT, CLICK HERE TO READ THE TRANSCRIPT.

Posted by Sarah at 12:35 PM

Group for New Parents at DCJCC

The DCJCC (DC Jewish Community Center) has a group for new parents: "Starting Your Journey: The Blessing of a Skinned Knee." They meet at the DCJCC on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 12 noon.

The first meeting was this Monday, January 30, but don't sweat it! You're still welcome to join starting next week (and can receive a prorated discount on the fee if you missed the first meeting). The group will meet February 6, 13, 27, and March 6 and 13. Cost for the full session is $60 for DCJCC members and $75 for non-members.

Here's a quick description of the group from facilitator Sarah Gershman: "Bring your baby and meet other parents for a warm and informal discussion group. We will read excerpts from the acclaimed book, The Blessing of a Skinned Knee by Dr. Wendy Mogel, to discuss different parenting styles. Share the joys and struggles of being a parent and take this opportunity to reflect on your own parenting goals and dreams."

For more info or to register, contact Sarah Gershman 202.777.3237 or sarahg at dcjcc dot org.

Posted by Sarah at 10:14 AM