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March 31, 2006
Weekend Watch: Cherry Blossom Mania & Biking with Baby
Winter is SO last week. Put those wooly Ugg boots away and get the heck outside, already!
Thankfully we were optimists last weekend when it was still windy and cold - We bought one of those toddler bike trailers for our daughter to ride in, and her daddy spent a couple of hours on the back patio assembling it. Ava has also been practicing wearing her helmet - inside, outside, in the bathtub, during breakfast, you name it. She's more than ready to roll!
Of course the cherry blossoms have finally "popped," and it's gorgeous down at the Tidal Basin. The Cherry Blossom Festival continues this weekend, natch. And while I advocate for ALL of us spending max time outdoors for the next few days, remember to plan ahead for transportation if you're going downtown with your DC baby. Believe it or not, you are just one of 20 bazzillion DC-area friends and neighbors with the same grand plan! Metro is a good bet for most of us, but if you must bring a car, you should check out the official festival website in advance, where you'll find a map and notices of traffic restrictions. Allow extra time and extra patience for travel with little ones, and don't forget to pack the snacks! (Woe be unto us when we absentmindedly bring fishie crackers instead of the delicacy du jour - the celebrated organic Elmo crisp - on a car trip that involves red lights.)
Daily performances are scheduled for 12 noon at the Tidal Basin Stage, on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial.
The festival fireworks show over the Washington Channel is set for Saturday night, April 1, starting at 8:15 p.m. at the Southwest Waterfront Promenade (metro stop is Waterfront-SEU on the green line). They say the best views will be from the promenade itself, or from East Potomac Park.
Laissez les bon temps roule!
p.s. Also this weekend, for preggers gals and their partners, the Takoma Park Birthing Circle will hold their April Birth Salon on Sunday, April 2 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Sangha, 7014 Westmoreland Ave. in Takoma Park. This month's topic: "It Takes a Village to Have a Baby: The Purpose & Value of Labor Support." Discussion will cover reasons for and benefits of support (such as a doula) during labor, including sharing tricks and strategies for pain relief and labor progress. Newcomers are always welcome. For more info or directions to the meeting place, contact Larissa: larissa (at) northstarbirth (dot) com.
Posted by Sarah at 10:46 AM
March 30, 2006
Monthly Mamas' Raffle on Saturday
Local mama, doula, and childbirth educator Melody Kisor tells me that tomorrow, March 31, is your last chance to register for this month's free drawing and giveaway sponsored by The Baby Duck in Alexandria. To enter, click here.
Melody draws a name on the first of each month and will contact you directly if you're the winner. No strings attached! Among the giveaways this year: a copy of DC Baby, a free pregnancy massage, a gift box from Sofia Bean, a gift certificate for any Parenting Playgroups class or program, free Stroller Strides classes, a free Our Kids newsletter subscription, three free weeks of Gymboree classes, and several other great offerings.
Melody will also be teaching a free, slightly condensed version of her helpful "Pets & Babies" class at the Baileys Crossroads (Falls Church) Babies R Us this Saturday at 12 noon. For more info on this bargain opportunity to get some great information about baby-proofing your pet (and pet-proofing your baby), send email to melodykisor (at) thebabyduck (dot) com.
Posted by Sarah at 2:50 PM
March 28, 2006
Desperately Seeking Playgroup?
This morning a reader's email query about how to find or organize a no-registration-required, no-fee playgroup got the wheels turning in my little brain. This is a question I hear frequently, and here are my suggestions:
If you already have a couple of mamas who'd like to start a new playgroup in your neighborhood, try out the new online scheduler called iPlaygroups.com. It's a secure, members-only service. (Still, I would caution you against posting your child's photo or profile there, since, IMO, the web is the favorite stomping ground of unsavory characters and it's better safe than sorry.) This site can be a great way to get organized and share information when you're starting a new playgroup! It's similar in form and function to the popular MeetUp.org website, which you could also use for organizing a playgroup.
Another great place to connect with others from your area who would like to create a playgroup: the playgroup message board at the DC Urban Moms website. You don't have to be a member of the DCUM listserv to use the message boards, so it's an easy and free way to get started.
Amy Miller of Our Kids has created a nice list of already-established playgroups in DC, suburban Maryland, and NoVa. Some, but not all, of these playgroups require registration/membership fees, especially if they are facilitated by a professional - So just be sure to ask!
Also, The Baby Duck's website includes some already-established DC-area playgroups in its "Activities for Babies & Toddlers" section.
If you're on a locally-focused listserv, such as the Old Town Moms List where I'm a member, take advantage of that opportunity to connect. There are often informally-organized playgroups that have been initiated by mothers who are on neighborhood listservs. If not, don't be shy about posting an email to the list, expressing your interest in starting a playgroup. You're likely to find several takers.
Happy playgroup hunting!
Posted by Sarah at 3:53 PM
Web-Logging
Not that I sit around reading blogs and eating bon-bons all day (no siree, not me!), but did you know that Leslie Morgan Steiner, Washington Post staffer and author of the new book Mommy Wars, is blogging at the Post's site? V. interesting - especially if you spend any time thinking about the whole "working mom" vs. "stay-at-home-mom" catfight. (Is it just me, or hasn't anyone discovered that in real life, most of us have carved out a precarious but glorious situation that levitates somewhere in between these seemingly mutually-exclusive poles??)
On the subject of blogs, my DC Baby readers have turned me on to several that fall into the funny-smart-and-addictive variety, penned by mamas. In fact, one of my kind and savvy readers, Victoria, has boosted my coolness rating by introducing me to local blogger Elizabeth of Half Changed World: a DC mom/policy wonk's musings on work, parenthood, gender, politics, and the rest of life.
And thanks to the gals who have pointed me toward:
City Mama (perhaps my fave)
Family Food
Blogging Baby
Nonlinear Girl
Daring Young Mom
Literary Mama (which is dishing some dirt on Steiner's Mommy Wars book this very day)
& MomBrain
And then there's the blog written by that father-guy, MetroDad. And the father-guy blogger he's often confused with, Daddy Types.
Not that I sit around reading blogs and eating bon-bons all day. No siree.
Posted by Sarah at 1:19 PM
March 27, 2006
DC Diaper Drive
Have unopened packages of diapers in a size that your DC baby has outgrown? Or do you have a diaper coupon lying around? Great! You can make a difference for local babies and toddlers who are in need of the basics.
The DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence is sponsoring a Diaper Drive now through April 15, to help make life a little easier for mothers and their little ones who have been affected by violence in the home.
To help: You can drop off new, unopened packages of diapers (in any infant or toddler size) at the Coalition's office, 5 Thomas Circle NW in the District. Please call ahead or email to arrange your drop-off, to ensure that someone is available to receive the diapers when you come by: 202.299.1181, ext. 106 or kmcintyre (at) dccadv (dot) org.
To download a PDF of the Diaper Drive flyer - which you can share with your mother's group, church/synagogue, or neighbors - click here.
Posted by Sarah at 10:22 AM
March 25, 2006
Hola, Baby!
Registration is open for the spring session of the fabulous Hola Baby program in Arlington. Playgroup-style Spanish immersion classes will be offered on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, starting the week of April 17 and ending June 10.
Groups are available for ages 12 to 30 mos. and ages 30 mos. to four years. A parent or caregiver attends each 45-minute session with the enrolled child.
Founder, instructor, and Arlington mama Maria Elena Greene - a.k.a. "Tia Maria" to the kids - has boundless energy, creativity, and research-based knowledge about bilingualism in early childhood. Our daughter Ava has been enrolled in Hola Baby almost from its beginning, and we are BIG fans of the program!
For more info or to register, contact Maria Greene at mggreene26 (at) hotmail (dot) com or 703.731.1630.
For more great bilingual playgroups, classes, and booksellers - including Bilingos, Toddler Tiempo, CommuniKids, Candida's World of Books, and Amigas y Vecinas, check out our regularly-updated links list here at dc-baby.com. Know of a locally-based group you'd like to see added to our local links? Send me an email: sarah (at) dc-baby (dot) com.
Posted by Sarah at 2:15 PM
March 23, 2006
Weekend Watch: Go Fly a Kite, plus Child Safety Program in Arlington
My weekend faves for those of us with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers:
Not one, but TWO kite festivals are scheduled for Saturday. And though it'll be on the chilly side, we certainly have kite-worthy winds in the forecast.
The 40th Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival is Saturday on the National Mall, and it's really something to behold. Cool demonstrations by regional kite groups, and of course plenty of opportunity to fly your own. (While you're down on the Mall, take your DC baby for a spin on the carousel. It's a cheap thrill!)
Out in NoVa on Saturday is the Gunston Kite Festival, which the Post has declared one of the "best family events in the DC area." You can bring your own kite or buy one at the Museum shop of the Gunston Hall Planation (10709 Gunston Rd., off of 95 & Route 1, Alexandria). There will also be a puppet show, children's costumed characters, hands-on colonial activities, and barbecue and baked goods for sale if you'd like to picnic. Children under age six get in FREE. Adults are $8 and kids six to 18 are $4 each. For more info, call 703.550.9220.
And if you're in Arlington this weekend, be sure to stop by Cosmo Tots on Wilson Blvd. - They are offering FREE Child Identification Cards (two per child) on Saturday between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Posted by Sarah at 9:54 PM
Local Book Buzz: One for Children, One for Mamas
NoVa mamas and children's authors Michele Lalicata and Wendy Hockersmith have a new book out: Pippa's Magic Pocket.
Coinciding with the book release is a children's writing contest that could put your little one's very own stories into print. Parents and kids can download the entry form from the website and mail it in to enter. Winning entries will be published in the next book in the Pippa series series, to be released this fall. Entries may be written by adults, as long as the thoughts and ideas come from the child. For more details or to enter, click here.
Michele and Wendy will also be doing free author visits for schools during the 2005-2006 school year. Administrators and teachers should visit pippabooks.com and click on "school visits" to contact the authors.
Congrats to these local gals for the launch of their book series, which features fun and colorful illustration of Pippa's world, bringing to life stories that encourage children to express themselves by sharing their ideas and feelings.
Now, a little somethin' for the mama readers....
On Tuesday, April 18 at 8 p.m., The Kennedy Center will host a special edition of Larry King Live! with one of my favorite scholar-authors from the communications field, Deborah Tannen. She'll be talking about the subject of her new book: You're Wearing THAT?: Understanding Mothers & Daughters in Conversation.
This book is hot, hot, hot and NY Times best-selling author Tannen (also on the faculty at Georgetown) has recently made the rounds on Oprah, NPR, the Today show, Good Morning America, 20/20, and Nightline discussing the mysterious, complicated, and intimate relationships of mothers and daughters.
Tix for this event range from $50 to $85, but there's a mother-daughter special, too. When you book one ticket and a second for your mother or daughter, you get the second at half price. For reservations, call 202.326.9530.
Speaking of books... Thanks to the Washington Post's "Home Front" divas for their kind mention of DC BABY in today's live Q&A with local readers! A mom wrote in wondering where to get a cute, decently priced rug for a toddler's small room... And my love of IKEA's children's department, as recommended in DC BABY, was mentioned in reply.
Posted by Sarah at 12:57 PM
March 22, 2006
Misc. Goings-On
After a coupla days away, I have a hodge-podge of opportunities to let you know about for expectant mamas, new mamas, and little ones:
For pregnant gals and moms of babies & toddlers ... Mark your calendar and register early for the Beltway Babies Mother's Day Weekend Brunch, taking place on Saturday, May 13 in Old Town Alexandria! I will be among the guest speakers, covering DC-area resources for the prevention and treatment of postpartum depression. (I'll also be signing books, and copies of DC BABY will be available for purchase in the exhibits area.) There are many other fabulous guest speakers on the schedule, plus some great exhibitors, demonstrations, a play area for children two and under, interview opportunities with local doulas, a nice brunch, and more. Click here to find out more or to register.
Georgetown Yoga will start its next Kids' Yoga session this Sunday, March 26 through May 7 (no class on Easter Sunday) from 4 to 4:45 p.m. Cost is $85 per child and the group is tailored to ages two to four. Click here to read a full class description and register online.
Springfield, VA mama Laura Rozier has announced that she'll be teaching a new round of Baby Signs Parent Workshops and Sign, Say, & Play classes this spring. Times and locations vary. She's offering a 25 percent discount for the first five families who sign up. Another perk, just for you lovely readers: Mention DC-Baby.com and get $10 off a workshop or class. Contact Laura directly for more info or to register: rozier3 (at) cox (dot) net.
This Sunday, March 26 in Herndon, VA there will be a Health Seminar for Women and Teen Girls from 1 to 4 p.m. at Congregation Beth Emeth (12534 Lawyers Rd.). The highlight is keynote speaker Leslie Morgan Steiner of The Washington Post, author of the much-gabbed-about new book, Mommy Wars. She'll discuss women's decisions to stay at home vs. continue working after having children. There will also be presentations on fitness, yoga, cancer prevention and early detection, etc. Among the exhibitors will be The Women's Center of NoVa, the NoVa Chapter of Mothers & More (love these ladies!), reps from Inova Healthsource and from several area fitness and pilates practices, and more. Tix are $18 in advance or $20 at the door, with discounts available for groups of 10+. Click here for more info or to register.
Posted by Sarah at 7:53 PM
March 19, 2006
E-Books Are Here!
Noah and I are jumping aboard this crazy train known as "the twenty-first century." The entirety of DC BABY is now available as an e-book!
You can order online, pay online, and download the book to your computer at a cost of $10 per copy.
The benefit of an e-book, even if you already own the print edition, is that you can store it on your computer's desktop and print out relevant sections on an as-needed basis. This comes in especially handy if you're going on an outing and don't want to lug the DC BABY book with you - or if you just like the convenience of having an on-screen copy of this resource.
Click here for more about how e-books work.
In order to keep the cost of the e-book low, I ask that readers respect the PDF text as the copyrighted material that it is. Please do not share your downloaded PDF version of the book with those who have not compensated the author. Keep in mind that months of blood, sweat, and tears went into the production of this 300+ page tome. Follow the honor code!
There will always be those of us who crave the weight and feel of real, live books - and would gladly lug them with us to the ends of the earth. Rest assured, this website and all of our fab local retail vendors will continue to stock the real, live DC BABY book.
Whether you're Old School or Wired, I thank you for reading!
Posted by Sarah at 6:32 PM
Parenting Workshop This Week: "Raising Resilient Children"
Foundations for Families will host an interesting workshop for parents this Wednesday, March 22 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at The Lyceum in Old Town Alexandria.
Here's a description of the workshop, "Raising Resilient Children," from the organizers: The workshop focuses on the characteristics of resilient children and how to help children develop them. Resilient children have strong social skills, good problem solving skills, they are persistent and have a sense of future. The format is casual, interactive and fun. Discussions center around what parents and caregivers can do to ensure that children grow to overcome challenges and lead healthy successful lives. Many families find value in asking their nanny to attend if parents are unable. The workshop content is ideal for any important adult in a child's life.
I'm especially curious about this workshop topic, since our DC Mamas Virtual Book Club is currently reading Raising Resilient Children by Robert Brooks and Sam Goldstein!
Cost to attend the workshop is $20 per person. Registration forms can be found online.
If you can't make it this time, they'll be repeating this program on Friday, April 7 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., again at The Lyceum in Old Town.
Foundations for Families donates a portion of proceeds from their parenting workshops to Children's National Medical Center in DC.
Posted by Sarah at 4:12 PM
March 17, 2006
Weekend Watch: Kiss Me, I'm Not Irish!
Happy St. Patrick's Day! It's the last weekend of this year's green-wearin' events, so pack up your DC baby and head on out:
Mclean, VA's celebratory brew-ha-ha for families is going on TONIGHT from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Mclean Community Center. Cost is $10 per child, or $7 for Mclean district residents. Adults get in FREE. Ideal for children ages three to eight, but all families are welcome for Irish food, entertainment, games, and arts/crafts. Special treats for those who remember to wear their green. For more info, call Sharon Harrison at the Fairfax County office, 703.790.0123.
Manassas, VA holds its Annual St. Pat's Parade tomorrow, Saturday the 18th, starting at 11 a.m.
There are also several big infant and children's benefit consignment sales in NoVa this weekend. As always, I recommend tracking these seasonal sale events with the fabulous calendar Amy Miller of Our Kids has put together.
Posted by Sarah at 9:56 AM
March 16, 2006
Coming April 1: Free Preview of Classic Tales & Tunes
Jody Katz, creator of Classic Tales 'n Tunes, has scheduled a fun morning of stories, music, movement, puppetry, and play for Saturday, April 1 in Falls Church, VA.
This is your chance to get a free preview of the multi-sensory Classic Tales 'n Tunes program! The free classes will be held at 9:30, 10:30, and 11:30 a.m. at the Falls Church Community Center (223 Little Falls St.) and are appropriate for ages 18 mos. to four years (with an accompanying adult).
Though there's no cost to attend, space is limited and it's suggested (but not required) that you register in advance to ensure a spot. (Call the Falls Church Community Center, 703.248.5077.)
The Classic Tales 'n Tunes regular spring session starts in mid-April, and classes are offered in Arlington as well as Falls Church.
The program features:
* A variety of activities - music, movement, fingerplays, stories, free play and parachute
* Combination of structured and unstructured class time
* Great music by original artists
* Interactive format thtat builds confidence and self-esteem
* Small classes with differentiated instruction
* Enrichment with Spanish and American Sign Language
* Themed lessons that change every two weeks
The curriculum draws on early childhood development research, incorporating language, cognitive, social, and motor skills. Special-needs children are welcome members of these inclusive classes.
Posted by Sarah at 10:56 AM
Postnatal Family Yoga Event in Bethesda
Tranquil Space Yoga in Bethesda (7475 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 8) is hosting a special event this Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m.: "Family Yoga: Bond with Your Bundle of Joy."
Parents and babies will come together for in a two-hour yoga event where you can practice yoga postures with your partner back-to- back and side-by-side. You'll also learn baby yoga play, such as "flying baby" and "baby squats." This type of practice can strengthen your communication with your partner, as well as your baby. Yogic breathing and relaxation techniques will be part of the event, as well as a full 15 minutes of aromatherapy, massage, and meditation to conclude.
Appropriate for mamas, their partners, and babies birth to age nine months. Cost is $50 per couple.
For more info or to register, contact Carol Collins, the postnatal coordinator at Tranquil Space, at 301.654.9642.
Posted by Sarah at 9:57 AM
March 15, 2006
Local Hospital in the Spotlight, & a call for March of Dimes Support
Anybody catch part of the six-hour "Birth Day Live" marathon on the Discovery Health Channel last night? It featured local, DC mamas giving birth!
The show was broadcast live from three American hospitals - one of which was our very own Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, the largest community hospital in the state of Maryland. Ob/gyn Dr. Footer and the nursing staff of Holy Cross were also prominently featured, as well as the US Surgeon General attending one of the cesarean deliveries.
Honestly, I was very disappointed to see a disproportionately high number of cesarean surgeries on the show - about twice the rate of the actual American c-section rate (which, IMO, is already inappropriately high). My husband and I kept waiting and waiting for a non-surgical birth, but they were few and far between. At times I felt that the producers of "Birth Day Live" made ob/gyns the heroes of childbirth, rather than the mothers.
On the plus side, I was thrilled to see the producers leverage spokes-families and neonatal experts from The March of Dimes. The show did an excellent job of sharing the March of Dimes message about the prevention and treatment of prematurity.
I'm a former community board member and team leader for The March of Dimes' biggest annual fundraiser, WalkAmerica. And again this year I'm helping to raise money for research, public education, and treatment advances for preemie, at-risk babies and their families. I challenge local parents to make a donation to the DC Metro March of Dimes WalkAmerica this year - Do it in honor of your own DC baby!
Click here to make a contribution to our DC WalkAmerica 2006!
Here's how your money can help:
* $100 provides 10 families of babies in newborn intensive care with information to support and ease their fears and uncertainty.
* $330 provides nurses with online continuing education about preterm labor.
* $500 funds a program to help pregnant women quit smoking.
* $900 provides 15,000 pregnant women with wallet cards listing the signs of preterm labor and what to do if it happens to them.
Also, bring your DC baby and join us for the local event on April 30, starting at 9 a.m. on the National Mall. Start location of the family-friendly walk, which also features live entertainment and activities, is the Sylvan Theater (15th St. NW & Constitution Ave.) Strollers are welcome! You can find out more about the DC chapter and this year's WalkAmerica at the Capitol Area March of Dimes website.
Other DC-area walks will be held in Montgomery County and NoVa. Click here to find the event closest to you.
Posted by Sarah at 11:09 AM
Local Hospital in the Spotlight, & a call for March of Dimes Support
This article has moved to http://www.dc-baby.com/archives/2006/03/local_hospital.html
Sorry for the inconvenience!
Posted by Sarah at 9:50 AM
March 13, 2006
Virginia Expands Newborn Screenings
If you're an expectant mama who will give birth in Virginia, you should know about recent changes to the protocols for newborn testing. The state has - thankfully - expanded the number of disorders newborns will be screened for:
As of March 1, 2006, newborns in the state of Virginia are undergoing screening for a wider range of inherited disorders. The state department of health has added 17 additional disorders to its existing list of 11 screens.
The new protocol includes testing for cystic fibrosis. Newborn screenings are intended to identify and provide early intervention for rare inherited disorders that can be devastating if not treated.
For more on Virginia's changes, including the complete and updated list of disorders now included, click here.
For more on the Virginia Genetics Program at the state's health department, which oversees newborn screening as well as PKU management, click here.
Posted by Sarah at 11:51 AM
Music-Making
Grab your calendar - There are new dates for some of the local children's musicians featured in my book:
The fabulous Oh Susannah! will be performing at these spots in March and April:
Saturday, March 18:
Cosmotots, 2729 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, 11 to 11:45 a.m., Free
Friday, March 24:
Marley Station Family Fun Day, Glen Burnie, 12 noon, Free
Sunday, April 2:
Cedar Lane Unitarian Church, 9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda, 1 to 1:45 p.m.
Benefit for Children of the Ukraine
$5 per person with a $15 family max
Sunday, April 9:
Jammin' Java, 227 Maple Ave., Vienna, 2 to 3 p.m.
Susannah teams with accordionist and keyboard play extraordinaire Brian Simms, $8 per person
Wednesday, April 12:
Pottery Barn Kids, Tyson's Corner Center Mall, 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., Free
Children's performer The Banjo Man has announced several March shows, incuding a new gig at a venue in Takoma Park, MD: Starting Thursday, March 16 at Sangha -The Banjo Man show for young children is scheduled every Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m. $5 donation per child. Coffee and light fare will be available, and donations are also requested to help support the venue. Sangha is a new performing space located at 7014 Westmoreland Ave.
Directions to Sangha: Take East-West Highway (from Bethesda/Silver Spring) to the 'T' intersection at Carroll Ave. Make a right on Carroll and proceed past the Gazebo on the left. (The House of Musical Traditions is on your right.) Go left at the corner onto Westmoreland and right up the hill at the second driveway. There are spaces for 35 cars. (Old "Permit Required" signs should be covered up, but if not, you may ignore them - they no longer apply.) Sangha is through the wooden gate by the house you pass on the right as you enter the parking lot. For more info, call 301.891.3214.
On Tuesday, March 21 at 10:30 a.m., the Banjo Man returns to Red Beans & Rice Children's Boutique, 4710 14th St. NW in DC. There is a $3 suggested donation for the show. The phone number is 202.291.0337, and the email address is: redbeanchildren (at) yahoo (dot) com.
The Banjo Man is also a regular at the Silver Diner in Rockville, MD - Now the fourth Tuesday of the month for Kids' Night, 6 to 8 p.m. His next show there will be March 28. The Silver Diner is located at 11806 Rockville Pike. For more info, call 301.770.2828.
On March 31, The Banjo Man Show takes place at the Smithsonian Discovery Theater in the S. Dillon Ripley Center. There are two shows that day, at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. for children ages two to seven. For more information, call 202.357.1500.
Thanks to a positive response, Banjo Man's performance at Jammin' Java in Vienna, VA continues every Friday at 10:30 a.m. There is a $5 admission per child, $7 for two of your own children, $10 for three children of your own. Jammin' Java is located at 227 Maple Ave. E. in Vienna, VA. For more info, call 703.255.1566.
Groovy kids' group Rocknocerus continues its Wednesday shows at Jammin' Java in Vienna, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Jammin' Java's admission fees apply.) They'll also perform on Saturday, April 15 at 3 p.m. at Iota Club & Cafe in Arlington - an all-ages, no-smoking show!
And on to Mister Don! He's a busy, busy man this month, with several children's shows on his schedule:
Tuesday, March 14, 6 to 8 p.m., Monthly Series: Second Tuesdays with Mister Don at Silver Diner Kids' Night in Fairfax, 12250 Fair Lakes Parkway (corner of West Ox Road). For more info, call 703.359.5999. Music, crafts, face painting, coloring contest, balloons & more! No cover charge, but tips encouraged.
Wednesday, March 15, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Mayorga Coffee, Silver Spring, MD.
Wednesday, March 15, 1:30 to 3 p.m., at Stacy's Coffee Parlor, Falls Church.
Thursday, March 16, 4 to 5 p.m., at Town Meeting Hall, Clifton, VA.
Sunday, March 19,11:10 a.m., KIDZONE worship, New Life Christian Church.
Monday, March 20, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., at Jamie's General Bean, Centreville, VA.
Monday, March 20, 4 to 5 p.m.,Moorenkos Ice Cream Cafe, Silver Spring.
Tuesday, March 21, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Jammin' Java, Vienna.
Tuesday, March 21, 6 to 8 p.m.: Twice a month, third and fourth Tuesdays at Silver Diner Kids' Night, in Merrifield, VA, 8150 Porter Rd. (@ Gallows Rd.). For more info, call 703.204.0817. No cover charge, but tips encouraged. Music, face painting, crafts, balloons & more!
Wednesday, March 22, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Mayorga Coffee, Silver Spring.
Wednesday, March 22, 1:30 to 3 p.m., Stacy's Coffee Parlor, Falls Church.
Thursday, March 23, 4 to 5 p.m., Town Meeting Hall, Clifton, VA.
Friday, March 24, 3:30 to 5 p.m., Monthly series: Fourth Fridays for Kids at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mount Vernon Ave., (corner of Delray Ave.), Alexandria. For more info, call 703.739.9268. Sing-alongs, motion songs, rhythm instruments, marching & dancing! Suggested contribution per child.
Sunday, March 26, 11 a.m., KIDZONE worship, New Life Christian Church.
Monday, March 27, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., Jamie's General Bean, Centreville, VA.
Monday, March 27, 4 to 5 p.m. at Moorenkos Ice Cream Cafe, Silver Spring.
Tuesday, March 28, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Jammin Java, Vienna, VA.
Tuesday, March 28, 6 to 8 p.m., EJ (Eileen Joyner) will substitute for Mister Don at the Silver Diner Kids' Night in Merrifield, VA, 8150 Porter Rd. (@ Gallows Rd.) No cover charge, but tips encouraged. Music, face painting, crafts, balloons & more!
Tuesday, March 28, 7:45 to 8:15 p.m., Don Family Show at Friends of the Takoma Park Library Annual Meeting, Takoma Park Library, 101 Philadelphia Ave., Takoma Park, MD. For more info, call 301.891.7259. Free and open to the public.
Wednesday, March 28, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Mayorga Coffee, Silver Spring.
Wednesday, March 28, 1:30 to 3 p.m., at Stacy's Coffee Parlor, Falls Church.
Thursday, March 30, 4 to 5 p.m., Town Meeting Hall, Clifton, VA.
Friday, March 31, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Mister Don will fill in for The Banjo Man at Jammin Java, Vienna, VA.
Posted by Sarah at 10:27 AM
March 12, 2006
Spanish for Children in Kensington
Kensington, MD mama Elizabeth Zifcak has announced that she'll be teaching a new session of her Spanish for Children program at her home, starting next month. Classes will be held on Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., April 20 through May 25.
Elizabeth's Spanish for Children class is tailored to two- to six-year-olds and teaches the basics of Spanish. It covers numbers, colors, greetings, body parts, clothing, food, animals, family members, etc. Elizabeth says the style is Montessori, in that the activities are hands-on and interactive. Children play games, use manipulative materials, sing songs and read short books. The class size is small, with six to eight kids, so there is a lot of individual attention.
Classes are 45 minutes long and the session runs for six weeks. Cost is $65, payable upon registration to hold your place.
Elizabeth, who has a master's degree in education and is an AMI-trained Montessori teacher, has been offering this bilingual class for over three years.
Want to register or get more info? Email Elizabeth at: zifcamb (at) erols (dot) com or give her a ring: 301.962.8795.
Posted by Sarah at 9:50 AM
March 10, 2006
Weekend Watch: More Shamrocks, Plus Big Benefit Yard Sale & Children's Book Fest
If you haven't yet had your fill of St. Patty's Day festivities, the Gaithersburg Parade is Saturday at 10 a.m., starting at the Washingtonian Center and ending at Kohl's. Also on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Aladdin's Lamp children's bookstore in Arlington, Marlena Thompson will lead a guitar sing-along and tell "lucky stories" with puppets to celebrate the Irish holiday. And there's the DC St. Patrick's Day Parade at 12 noon on Sunday, which moves down Constitution Ave.
Even if you're shamrocked-out, you should know about two more happenings:
This weekend is the Montgomery County Parents of Multiples Semi-Annual Baby/Equipment Sale - Saturday, March 11 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Julius West Middle School, 651 Great Falls Road, Rockville (one block east of 270 on Falls Road). Admission cost is $1 for the general public.
What do they have for sale this year?
* 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
For more info, call 301.990.3490 (before 9 p.m.) or send email to sale (at) mcpom (dot) org.
Also...
The Greater Washington JCC is hosting the 18th Annual Bender-Dosik Parenting Center's Children's Book Fair, which kicks off Sunday and runs through Thursday, March 16. Here's a description: "The outstanding selection includes a wide variety of Judaic titles, books by award-winning authors and illustrators, fiction and non-fiction, and the newest releases. Special programming includes story time at noon on Monday, March 13 with Bethesda resident Amy Reichert, author of While Mama Had a Quick Little Chat; a parenting lecture and breakfast on Tuesday, March 14 at 9:30 a.m. with Devra Renner, author of Mommy Guilt: Learn to Worry Less, Focus on What Matters Most, and Raise Happier Kids; and a Character Dinner on Wednesday, March 15 at 6 p.m."
Children's Book Fair hours are:
Sunday, March 12 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Monday, March 13 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Tuesday, March 14 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wednesday, March 15 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Thursday, March 16 9:30 a.m.-12 noon
The Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington is located at 6125 Montrose Rd.,Rockville, MD. For more info, call Robin Schneider at 301.3418.3837 or send email to rschneider (at) jccgw (dot) org.
Before I go, I must repeat yesterday's plea - I feel terrible about not being able to reach this reader: Will the local mom who sent me the super-nice email letter yesterday re: my book (and offering a copy of it for a preschool fundraiser) PLEASE, PLEASE resend your message to sarah (at) dc-baby (dot) com?? Somehow it has slipped into the ether and is nowhere to be found. And I have no way of replying to you!
Posted by Sarah at 10:47 AM
March 9, 2006
Children's Consignment in DC, MD, & NoVa
Today's post is new news about children's resale shops in the DC area. But FIRST, please bear with me while I make a desperate public request: Will the local mom who sent me the super-nice email letter yesterday re: my book (and offering a copy of it for a preschool fundraiser) PLEASE, PLEASE resend your message to sarah (at) dc-baby (dot) com?? Somehow it has slipped into the ether and is nowhere to be found. And I have no way of replying to you!
Thanks. Now, moving on:
Red Beans & Rice, the cute combo consignment-and-new-stuff children's boutique in downtown DC that I recommend in my book, has a new website: www.redbeanchildren.com. Check it out for announcements about coming sales and specials, directions to the store, and how to consign items. It's the only children's store of its kind in the District!
I also want to tip you off to a new-to-me kids' resale shop in Frederick, MD, which has a large clientele from Montgomery County. Enkore Kids, owned by Maryland mama Jennifer Guenther, specializes in "previously loved" children's clothing, developmental toys, and gear for newborns to age eight. They also carry new products from Baby Einstein, Robeez, Melissa & Doug, Ergo, Bumbo, Clean Shopper, and others. They offer some nice perks for repeat customers and those who refer friends! To call the store for more info: 301.668.0837.
Another new-to-me kids' consignment shop is Momma's Boy-Daddy's Girl in Chantilly, VA, located near the Dulles Expo Center in the Chantilly Shopping Center. Owned by NoVa mama Karla Dishun, this shop specializes in consigned and new clothing, toys, and gear for BOYS newborn to eight.
Happy shopping!
Posted by Sarah at 12:31 PM
March 8, 2006
Free Baby Signs Intros This Weekend, Throughout DC Metro
Thanks to local mama (and Baby Signs instructor) Laura Rozier for letting me know about free sign language classes being held at Babies R Us stores during their Early Learning Expo this Saturday, March 11.
Half-hour Baby Signs classes will be held at Babies R Us stores between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday. Parents get a free Quick Reference Guide from the instructor at the end of the free session, which you can take home to learn and practice more signs with your little one.
You just need to call your nearest BRU location to reserve a spot and verify the class times.
To contact Laura Rozier about her ongoing Baby Signs classes in NoVa, call 703.912.1245 or send email to: laura (at) babylovestosign (dot) com.
Posted by Sarah at 9:49 AM
March 6, 2006
Studio Diana Website Gets a New Look
Studio Diana in Fairfax - one of DC BABY's recommended picks for photography of children and families in the Washington area - has launched a new online look.
Be sure to check out the complete transformation of the Studio Diana website . It provides a nice sampling of Diana's diverse work, recent studio news, and contact info for scheduling a booking. While you're at the site, be sure to register for the monthly drawing for a free portrait session.
Studio Diana has recently stocked DC BABY for their clients, and my books are happy to travel out to Fairfax for the honor!
Posted by Sarah at 4:05 PM
March 5, 2006
Lilo Gonzalez: he once was lost, but now he's found!
A reader kindly brought to my attention last week that the phone number for children's musician Lilo Gonzalez featured in my book has become outdated. I had to do a little sleuthing of the "Desperately Seeking Lilo" variety, but thanks to a couple of local mamas in-the-know, I have new contact info!
So if you own a copy of DC BABY, take out your red pen and go to the chapter on "services," and the section on children's entertainers. Mark through that old phone number (the elderly gentleman who now claims it will thank you!) and make a note to yourself: You can reach Lilo on his cell phone at 301.346.9322 or by email at: lilo (at) erols (dot) com.
Lilo comes highly recommended by local families who have hired him for children's parties, as well as by the area professionals in early childhood programs who work with him. Kids warm up to Lilo instantly, and he has a wonderful repertoire of children's songs in both English and Spanish.
Vicki Gersten, founder of Jonah's Treehouse in Glover Park, NW DC, knows Lilo well - he teaches at her son's preschool and recently played a birthday party for the family. The Lowell School, the Levine School of Music, the Latin American Youth Center, and the Latin American Montessori Bilingual Charter School... All these and more know and love Lilo Gonzalez as a familiar teacher and performer!
I'm so glad he can again start receiving referrals from DC BABY - Give him a ring for your next children's event!
Posted by Sarah at 7:04 PM
March 4, 2006
Infant Massage Class
Jennifer Moore of Moore Than Yoga is teaching an infant massage class in Arlington on Thursdays March 9, 16, and 23 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Babies from one to nine months of age, along with a parent or caregiver, can take part in the class for a registration fee of $75.
If you want to participate, better jump on it! You must register by Tuesday, March 7.
Infant Massage is a great tool to help your baby relax and sleep more deeply, release any tummy trouble, improve your bonding experience and social interaction, and more. The class will teach you massage techniques appropriate for infants, and Jennifer will provide the massage oil and written information you can take home.
If you've done infant massage in the past and just need a refresher, Jennifer says you're welcome to attend just one session at a cost of $25.
To register, contact Jennifer at 703.671.2435 or info (at) moorethanyoga (dot) com.
Posted by Sarah at 10:26 PM
March 3, 2006
Weekend Watch, Part 2: College Park Preschool Preview
One more thing I must let you know about this weekend, since preschool competition for fall '06 is still at its frenzied peak:
College Park Nursery School (4512 College Ave. in CP, MD) will host its Open House on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. They are located on the lower level of St. Andrew's Church, which is just behind the Maryland Book Exchange, close to campus. (This program is especially convenient for parents who are UMD staff, faculty, or grad students! It's a great location and is a community that includes plenty of other university-affiliated parents.)
The KIDS ARE WELCOME at the open house (a refreshing concept that keeps you from having to find a babysitter just to drop by). In fact, the event will include children's games, a lunch/bake sale, and a gently-used toy and clothing sale.
College Park Nursery School is an accredited, parent-run cooperative offering half-day classes for two- to four-year-olds and extended-day after-care to 3 p.m. Class sizes are small -- about 12 children per class. Costs are kept lower than non-co-op preschools because of the significant parent contribution. However, for families who cannot co-op, the school will also offer a new non-co-oping class for three- and four-year-olds beginning this fall.
For more info, call 301.864.5355 or send email to kristibahrenburg (at) yahoo (dot) com.
Posted by Sarah at 9:53 AM
March 2, 2006
Weekend Watch: Wearin' o' the Green
It's easy to pick my fave weekend happening this time: Right here in my neighborhood, starting a block from my house, is the Old Town Alexandria St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday. It begins around 12 noon at the intersection of Pendleton and King Sts. (and moves down King, several blocks past Washington St.). It's the 25th anniversary of this annual Old Town event.
If you really want to make an outing of it, come early for the Fun Dog Show in the market square, starting at 10:30 a.m.! (We'll be the ones with the crazed toddler-girl, who I expect will be barking, panting, and jumping about like a puppy with ADHD. Canines in general - never mind canines in funny costumes - inspire in my daughter such joi de vivre!)
Also on Saturday, local mama Trish Thackston of The Baby Hammock is hosting a free babywearing workshop from 10 a.m. to 12 noon in Alexandria. It's an opportunity to test drive various makes and models of soft carriers and slings, without any obligation to buy. And a good way to get Trish's feedback on what product might be the best fit for you and your baby. You must RSVP to let Trish know you're coming and to get directions - Send email to trisht (at) thebabyhammock (dot) com.
And for the preggers gals - and aspiring preggers gals - out there, the Takoma Park Birth Salon meets on Sunday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Sangha in Takoma Park, MD (7014 Westmoreland). You don't need to be a TP resident to attend, and all are welcome. This month's topic: Pregnancy 101. Of course, pregnancy opens women up to a whole world of change. Their bodies, lives, relationships, choices and challenges are new and different from their pre-pregnancy selves. There are also whole industries that women will come in contact with as they become pregnant - the health care system, retail outlets, books, websites and more. Experienced mothers will share their experiences, lessons learned, and "things they wish someone had told them." The group will talk about conception planning, options for prenatal care, identifying good resources, transitioning from pregnancy to parenthood, etc. For more info., send email to Larissa at: larissa (at) northstarbirth (dot) com. To join the TP Birthing Circle's listserv, click here.
Posted by Sarah at 1:42 PM
Breastfeeding-Friendly in Washington, DC
Curious about which local employers, care providers, and public spaces earned praise at this year's DC Breastfeeding Coalition Awards, held in early '06 at the National Museum of Women in the Arts? Click here for the scoop on this year's winners!
The DC Breastfeeding Coalition publishes a comprehensive Breastfeeding Resource Guide for local mamas, and you can get a copy by calling 202.470.2732.
The guide has a bit of everything that might be useful to new mothers, as well as to maternal and child caregivers and health care providers - including DC policies on breastfeeding, the mayor's proclamation on breastfeeding, some basic breastfeeding information, pumping information, resources, insurance, employer information, something geared towards dads, and adds from local companies and agencies that provide breastfeeding products, classes, and consultation.
Among their many local listings:
The African-American Breastfeeding Alliance (I've blogged about their Maryland and DC meetings, and the drop-in clinic in DC - all projects of this Baltimore-based nonprofit organization) is listed with its national helpline: 877.532.8535 and website: www.aabaonline.com. And, of course, the fabulous Breastfeeding Center of Greater Washington, also located in the District.
If you want to reach the local contacts working with the US Department of Health and Human Services' National Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign Community-Based Demonstration Project, contact:
Richetta Webb & Cheryl Harris
2100 Martin Luther King Blvd, Suite 409
Washington, DC 20020
202.645.5663
cheryli.harris (at) dc (dot) gov
Richetta.webb (at) dc (dot) gov
Kathi Barber, CLEC
Executive Director, African-American Breastfeeding Alliance
940 Madison Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21213
410.225.2006
aaba (at) att (dot) net
Posted by Sarah at 10:04 AM
March 1, 2006
Enter This Month's BD Raffle
Today is your last chance to register for the monthly raffle giveaway sponsored by The Baby Duck & Affiliates. To enter, go to www.thebabyduck.com/raffle.
If you've already entered in 2006, your name is still in the box for all of the 2006 raffles.
The winner will be contacted by email and/or snail mail, so be sure your raffle entry form is complete.
The 2006 prizes are:
$50 Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa gift certificate, donated by Our Kids
Copy of DC BABY: A Handbook for Parenting In (and Around) the Capitol City, donated by ME!
Earth Mama Angel Baby "Booby Tubes," donated by The Wise Stork
Signing Times video, donated by Tiny Fingers
Gift certificate for free pilates session ($60 value), donated by Studio Contrology
$50 gift certificate towards any class offered by Parenting Playgroups
One year membership to Our Kids weekly newsletter of activites, offered by Our Kids
Three free fitness classes, offered by Stroller Strides of Alexandria and Arlington
Custom Mother's Birthstone Necklace ($75 value), offered by The Baby Hammock
Baby Shower photo album, offered by The Baby Duck
Gift box ($35 value) with a onesie, pair of pants and either bib or hat, offered by Sofia Bean
Gift box, offered by The Body Shop at Home consultant Cecili Williams
Three free weeks of Gymboree Play & Music classes ($54 value), offered by Gymboree Play and Music of Alexandria and Fairfax County
Thanks to local mama and Baby Duck owner Melody Kisor for organizing this nice giveaway!
Posted by Sarah at 9:57 AM