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September 29, 2006
Weekend Watch, Part 2: National Book Festival in DC
DC BABY reader and local mama Stephanie reminded me that I should mention the National Book Festival taking place on the Mall in DC this weekend.
Stephanie writes, "It's a favorite with my little one. She gets her picture taken with an array of her favorite characters."
The festival takes place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., is hosted by the Library of Congress, and is free and open to the public. For a map and a schedule of events, click here.
At the "Let's Read" Pavilion, you'll find most of the child-friendly activities, including characters from the PBS Kids shows:
Anne of Green Gables
Arthur
The Berenstein Bears
Digit from "Cyberchase"
Caillou
Ord from "Dragon Tales"
Clifford the Big Red Dog
Curious George
Elmo from "Sesame Street"
Leona from "Between the Lions"
Maya & Miguel
Noddy
Piggley Winks from "Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks"
Snook from "It's a Big Big World"
Mr. McFeely the Speedy Delivery Man from "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood"
& the host of the new PBS KIDS preschool block, "Miss Lori"
Posted by Sarah at 7:33 PM
Weekend Watch: The Fabulous Jose-Luis Orozco Performs in DC, Arlington
There's a lot going on this weekend, and the weather promises to be perfect for getting out and about with little ones.
My weekend pick has to be the local concerts by Spanish-language children's musician Jose-Luis Orozco.
Jose-Luis is a big hit at our house - Ava loves his CDs, and they are on our "most played" list, along with Dan Zanes.
This Sunday, October 1, you can catch his live, bilingual performances at 1:30 p.m. at Busboy's Cafe in the District (2021 14th St. NW, 202.387.7638), and at 4:30 p.m. at the Arlington Central Public Library in VA (703.228.5990).
Thanks to local mama and Hola Baby founder Maria Greene for giving us the heads up!
Posted by Sarah at 10:42 AM
September 28, 2006
Friday Afternoon: Free Car Seat Check in Silver Spring
An important event taking place tomorrow afternoon, with limited space still available:
The Maryland Safe Kids Coalition will provide a FREE Car Seat Check on Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Silver Spring Babies R Us store (12012 Cherry Hill Rd., near Calverton).
The Coalition crew will check for correct installation and to see if the seat is the proper size/type for the age of the child. As an extra perk, the store will also offer $5 off coupons for anyone buying a carseat that day.
Last I heard, there were about 15-18 spots still available, so if you're interested, RSVP quickly! Call Babies R Us at 301.586.8630. Ask for the customer service desk or for special promotions coordinator Lynn Dean (at ext. 3), and tell them you want to sign up for Friday's free car seat check.
Having recently helped a nonprofit client prepare for a briefing on the Hill related to child passenger safety, I can't stress how important it is to have a professional check the installation of your child's car seat and go over proper usage with you. All of us do our best to select the right seat and use it correctly, but it can be incredibly confusing. And parents are bombarded with so much information that it's hard to get a grip. What's shocking is that the NHTSA's research shows that, in fact, over 70 percent of child car seats are incorrectly installed, or the straps are incorrectly secured around the child. So take advantage of a free checkup whenever you can!
For more child passenger safety info, and to look up other checkpoints sponsored by Safe Kids U.S.A. (you can search by state/city), click here.
If you have an older child who may be ready to transition to a booster seat, check out (my client's website!) BoostKids.org.
Posted by Sarah at 10:37 AM
September 27, 2006
Mamma-Palooza Next Week in Ashburn
Heads up for a free moms-and-kids event in NoVa next week:
"Mamma-Palooza" is set for Wednesday, October 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Lakes Recreation Center in Ashburn.
Mr. Knick Knack (a DC BABY favorite) will perform for the kids at 11 a.m., and there will be free demo classes by Gymboree (at 12:15 and 1:15 p.m.), on-site children's photography, free coffee a la Starbucks, raffles, and boutique shopping (including goodies from local mamapreneur Jennifer Militello's online boutique, Silverspoon!)
Getting there: From the Dulles Tollroad, take Exit 6, VA-772, to Ashburn. Turn right onto Ashburn Village Blvd. Cross over Farmwell Rd. and take the third left onto Cheltenham Circle. The Lakes Center (and free parking) will be on your right.
Posted by Sarah at 10:40 AM
September 26, 2006
"100 Best Companies for Working Moms": Who in DC made the list?
Working Mother magazine just published their newest, most up-to-date list of the "100 Best Companies for Working Moms."
Who made the list here in the Washington area? Congrats to Arnold & Porter LLP in the District; Booz Allen Hamilton in Mclean, VA; Capital One Financial Corp., also in Mclean; Covington & Burling LLP in the District; Discovery Communications, Inc. in Silver Spring, MD; Fannie Mae in the District; and Inova Health System in Falls Church, VA.
For more about their selection process and the outstanding employers who made the list, click here and here.
I also give two thumbs way up to the new book by the CEO of Working Mother, Carol Evans: This is How We Do It: The Working Mothers' Manifesto. It's a practical survival guide for moms who work outside the home, whether part-time or full-time. And it's also a book that I wish every CEO, Executive Director, human resources person, and corporate board in the country would pick up and READ!
Posted by Sarah at 1:07 PM
September 25, 2006
Baby & children's consignment sale in Falls Church
Thanks to local mama Janise for sharing this time-sensitive Halloween tip:
There will be lots of gently-loved Halloween costumes (plus loads of other clothing and gear) for sale this weekend at the Northern Virginia Parents of Multiples (NVPOM) consignment sale.
The sale takes place Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Marshall High School in Falls Church (7628 Leesburg Pike).
Posted by Sarah at 8:05 PM
September 24, 2006
Please Take 5 Minutes to Share Your Halloween Faves with DC BABY Readers
I'm collecting your Halloween tips and "favorites" - including where to shop for costumes and Halloween supplies, and which DC-area events / activities you recommend for families with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
I will compile, summarize, and share this information on the blog and the monthly newsletter on October 1. So if you can spare 5 minutes to respond to a few questions, you can help share your wealth of knowledge with other local parents. Click here to complete the anonymous survey, "Halloween for Little Ones in (& Around) DC."
p.s. I'll share my own best tip right now, to help you get started on your Halloween planning. Our Kids has the most comprehensive and complete calendar of family-friendly Halloween events around - covering DC and all of suburban Maryland and Virginia. Fabulous resource for families with children of ALL ages! And it is updated regularly, as new happenings are announced. To check it out, click here. If you know of a family-friendly seasonal event not yet on their calendar, just send the details to: info (at) our-kids (dot) com.
Posted by Sarah at 2:01 PM
September 21, 2006
Weekend Watch: Saturday Morning @ The National & Totswap in Gaithersburg
In my book I featured "Saturday Mornings at the National" in DC as one of the best local (and FREE) activities for families with young children. If you haven't checked it out yet, I highly recommend it - And a new season just opened on September 16, with a great lineup of weekly shows scheduled for the fall and winter.
This Saturday there are 9:30 and 11 a.m. shows featuring Tony "The Madcap Magician," appropriate for all ages. (In my experience, these types of shows are the best ones to bring the under-age-four crowd to, rather than the slower-paced, quieter storytelling events.)
The key to this whole schbang is getting there EARLY. If you've never been to the National Theatre, it is located in downtown DC, at 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, right by Freedom Plaza and just a couple of blocks from both the Metro Center and Federal Triangle metro stops. Seating is limited and this is an extremely popular Washington event. Tickets are distributed 30 minutes before show time, and the line usually forms at least 15 minutes before that. Many a family has been disappointed to arrive 25 minutes before show time and not get in, so the earlier the better. (My tip = Put one parent in line extra early, while the other walks your little one around the neighborhood to burn off some energy during the waiting period.) To find a lunch spot near the National for after the show, click here. To join their email list, click here.
Also this weekend in Gaithersburg, MD is the ginormous Tot Swap event - a huge children's and maternity consignment sale with new and gently-used children's clothing, shoes, accessories, equipment, gear, furniture, toys, and all things maternity. The event started on Thursday and runs through Sunday at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. While you're there, be sure to check out the booths of (local and fabulous) Mom Made Foods and Chic Tots - they'll be conveniently located right next to each other at the event.
Posted by Sarah at 7:22 PM
September 20, 2006
Prenatal Pilates & Yoga Techniques for Labor Relief
Two opportunities for expectant mamas to get some much-deserved TLC (and even get the expectant dads involved!). Both of these are worth looking into even if this isn't your first ride on the pregnancy rollercoaster. Not your usual prenatal fitness/education. They're unique classes that I wish had been accessible to me when I was pregnant:
1.) Local mama Megan Bellamy Brown (whose "new" baby boy is already four months old!) is starting a weekend Prenatal Pilates class at NeuroPT and Evolution Pilates in Alexandria, VA. The first session is this Saturday, September 23, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon.
The eight-week session offers specialized and safe attention throughout your pregnancy, teaching proper posture and body mechanics to prevent back pain and other muscular problems. This Pilates class emphasizes total body strength, balance, and breathing control, with a focus on conditioning the pelvic floor muscles. For more info or to register, check out www.neuropt.net or email Megan directly at: megan (at) neuropt (dot) net.
2.) Also in Alexandria: Pure Prana Yoga in Old Town will host a Yoga Prenatal Workshop for expectant couples, designed to help give the dads tools and techniques to comfort mom and ease her labor pain, maximize comfort and the steady progression of labor, and support ease of breathing.
The workshop is set for the evening of Friday, October 20, and pre-registration is required. Depending on the level of interest, Pure Prana may offer this workshop as a continuing series! For more info or to register, check out www.pureprana.com or call the studio at 703.836.PURE.
Posted by Sarah at 9:58 PM
Babymoon, anyone?
A locally-based journalist for CNN Newsource, Sumi Das, is reseaching a story on "babymoons" - a.k.a. the new trend of expectant parents taking a vacation together during the second half of the pregnancy, as a sort of couples' "last hurrah" before the baby arrives.
Sumi is interested in interviewing pregnant women (and the dads-to-be, if they are available) who are planning this type of getaway. She would need about 15 minutes on the phone with you, and then an hour or two of face-time to shoot a short interview.
CNN Newsource is CNN's affiliate service, so the story could air on local TV stations nationwide, in addition to CNN and CNN Headline News.
If you are a babymooner and are willing to be interviewed, contact Sumi at: 202.777.7266 or by email at sumi.das (at) turner (dot) com.
I must say, if you can get a day or two away from work and can foot the bill, this "babymoon" thing sounds heavenly. Long before we'd ever heard of a "babymoon," during a brief window of time in my pregnancy when I was healthy and feeling almost human again - at about six mos. - Noah and I took a three-day weekend to NYC to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Granted, it was early February and bitterly cold in New York, but we luxuriated in a room at the Waldorf and enjoyed seeing friends, eating in great restaurants, and just getting away together. (Marred only slightly by a cruel barfing incident, my inability to stay awake past 8 p.m., and my unfortunate decision to pack kickass black boots that didn't want to zip over my swollen preggo ankles.) Ah, yes. Looking back, it really was our last hurrah as a child-free couple!
Posted by Sarah at 8:46 AM
September 19, 2006
Tonight in Friendship Heights: Open House for Mom Support Group
A new support group for moms of babies and toddlers invites you to an "Open House" TONIGHT, Tuesday the 19th, at 7 p.m. in Friendship Heights (5247 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 2, NW DC).
You'll get to meet the professional facilitators, clinical social workers Jen Kogan and Alison Fellowes Comley, to talk about mutual mom support and what the group can offer.
Here's a description from Jen and Alison:
The group will help you to...
Explore your changing self as you grow as a parent.
Reflect on the relationship you have with your baby and others.
Share ideas and find solutions to feeding, sleeping, and soothing
your baby.
Nurture yourself as a key part of parenting.
Develop relationships with other new mothers.
If it feels like a good fit at the Open House, you have two options for joining a group. The daytime group begins Wednesday, October 4, and meets from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon. The evening group begins on Thursday, October 5 and meets from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Both groups will meet for 10 sessions and will be limited in size.
For more info or to register for a group, contact Jen at 202.215.2790 or by email at: jenniferkogan (at) verizon (dot) net.
Posted by Sarah at 10:11 AM
September 18, 2006
A Helping Hand for Fairfax County's Neediest Schoolchildren
I recently learned about a wonderful program that focuses on the neediest of needy children attending Fairfax County schools in suburban Virginia. And I'm spreading the word in hopes that some of my readers can help make a difference.
Now in its 20th year, "Kristi's Christmas All Year 'Round" is a program administered by the West Springfield, VA Rotary Foundation. Here are ways you can help:
If you can make a donation of cash or items from the organization's "wish list" (school supplies, books, clothing, holiday gifts, and other needs), check out the organization's website and then contact the program via volunteer Karen Brown, 703.644.1364, or karen (at) karenbrownrealtor (dot) com.
If you teach or work with families in Fairfax County, and you know of a child who is in need of school supplies, books to read, or other basics (such as a gift at the holidays), please share the info. with your principal or administrator, who should contact the program for assistance: Karen Brown, at 703.644.1364 or karen (at) karenbrownrealtor (dot) com.
Thanks to local mama and educator Tracey Kretzer for sharing the details of this program with me!
Posted by Sarah at 10:15 AM
September 16, 2006
New Group in Dupont Circle: Chinese for Children
A new early childhood enrichment class is forming in Dupont Circle, teaching basic, introductory Chinese for ages three to six in a playgroup-style model.
The group will meet weekly for 40 minutes to "have fun learning Mandarin Chinese through songs, games, and dancing."
Facilitator will be Weiqin Yu, a teacher from China with decades of experience in teaching the language. She is a retired professor from the Sichuan University, one of the most prestigious universities in China. During her 25 years of Chinese teaching, Prof. Yu's students came from all over the world - mainly from Europe, Japan and the United States. Grandmother to a five-year-old and a two-year-old, she is currrently on a long-term visit with her daughter's family in Dupont Circle.
Curriculum will be the same used by the Murch Elementary School after-school Chinese program. Two United Nations language experts developed the curriculum, and it is for children who are from American families and who do not have previous knowledge of Chinese. It uses cartoons, music, songs, and plays to stimulate children's interest in Chinese. For more info on the curriculum, check out www.betterchinese.com.
Start date for the group is early October, with day and time TBA, based on the preferences of families who want to take part.
For more information or to pre-register, contact Kathleen Finn ASAP, at: kathfinn (at) gmail (dot) com.
Posted by Sarah at 3:07 PM
September 15, 2006
Weekend Watch, Part 2: The Gulf Coast at the Kennedy Center
My pick for the weekend... A free, child-friendly event in the District.
On Saturday at the Kennedy Center, it's the free, all-ages Open House Arts Festival from 12 noon to 7 p.m. This year's theme is "Arts Along the Gulf Coast Highway" - featuring cajun, creole, zydeco, Texas "folkabilly," gospel/soul, blues, ballet performance, and funk. Among the many, many free musical performances: Nancy Griffith, Blind Boys of Alabama, The National Symphony Orchestra, The Wild Magnolias, Marcia Ball, and Grupo Fantasma - plus a show from the Calliope Puppets troupe.
Throughout the event there will be Gulf Coast tales in the storytelling tent and roaming costumed characters for photo opps ("Mosby the Kennedy Center Cat,the Symphony Orchestra's "Maestro Mouse," and "Bullseye" the Target Dog.)
On the South Terrace there will be classic New Orleans food for purchase, like crawfish etouffe, jambalaya, and beignets.
Voulez vous le bon temps rouler!
(Also this weekend... At the National Zoo on Sunday afternoon, check out Latino music, dance, and food, plus special animal demonstrations!)
Posted by Sarah at 9:31 AM
Weekend Watch, Part 1: Shopping Opp
Today and tomorrow in Alexandria, there's a great shopping event featuring loads of really cool and unique stuff for babies and children (plus some treats for mamas, too). Several of these great folks have been featured in my book and on this blog!
Alexandria's Fall Fashion Fair & Trunk Show
Friday, September 15, noon to 8 p.m.
Saturday, September 16, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
@ Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 1608 Russell Rd.
Boden/Mini Boden - British wear for both adults and children (LOVE their catalog of stuff for kids)
Lilly's Pad - Original, handmade children's products crafted by local mama Susanne Seidman & Orient Expressed
Little Follies - Top of the line children's clothing
Pineapple Grove - Vineyard Vines, preppy gear, and fine stationery
Pink Piglet Designs - Monogrammed silver and children's accessories
Queen Bee Designs - One of Washington's most noted jewelry designers, local mama Allison Priebe Brooks
Posted by Sarah at 8:02 AM
September 13, 2006
Fall Shopping Buzz: Sweater Day Sale at DPB
Love beautiful, fun, adorable stuff? Love shopping in the city and strolling around Capitol Hill on a Saturday? Thinking ahead for holiday gifts? Then put this on your calendar:
Just in time for a chill in the air... The fabulous Dawn Price Baby at Eastern Market in DC (recommended in my book for the best baby-and-child shopping on Capitol Hill) is hosting a special Sweater Day Sale on Saturday, September 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The boutique is teaming up with the high-quality Claver Sweaters to allow customers to create their own one-of-a kind sweater for ages six months to 14 years.
Here's how it works: You choose a sweater from one of their many options, choose your own design, and pick your background color. Really simple, really cute, and totally personalized. Completed sweaters will be shipped to the store for pickup. (Or they can be shipped to you or a gift recipient for an additional charge.) If you want to participate but can't make it to Dawn Price Baby on the 30th, call the store and they will work with you over the phone: 202.543.2920.
Dawn Price Baby has also recently updated its website, offering online purchases. By entering coupon code "dpbfirst" at checkout, you can get 10 percent off your first online purchase! And the boutique will soon be expanding to include maternity.
Posted by Sarah at 10:57 AM
September 12, 2006
New News from Tiny Fingers & Hola Baby
It's that time of year, when the early childhood enrichment programs are gearing up after a summer slowdown. Today I've got the fall registration scoop for two of my favorite local programs - Tiny Fingers baby and toddler sign language and Hola Baby Spanish-language playgroups.
The fabulous Hola Baby in Arlington, founded by Maria Elena Greene (mama of two-year-old Leila), is now registering for an eight-week fall session that runs October 11 through December 9. The program is held at Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church on N. Glebe Rd., convenient to 66, Clarendon, etc.
Hola Baby's playgroup-style classes are organized by age, and a parent or caregiver attends with each child. Classes for ages 12 mos. to 2 1/2 years are open for Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, or Saturdays from 10 to 10:45 a.m. For ages 2 1/2 to 4 years, groups are open for Thursdays, Fridays, or Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 12 noon. On Wednesday afternoons from 4 to 5 p.m., there's a sibling class for kiddos from the same family between the ages of 1-4 years.
My daughter and her daddy have just registered for their second year in the Saturday morning Hola Baby program, and we LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. Maria has so much energy and creativity - not to mention the benefits that a native bilingual Spanish-English speaker can bring to the experience. And it's such a friendly community of families and kids, ranging from those who speak some Spanish at home (or with a caregiver) to those who are learning the language from scratch. I can't recommend the program highly enough!
For more Hola Baby info or to register, send email to: maria (at) holababy (dot) net. Their website is under construction - Coming soon!
Also registering for fall is the Tiny Fingers baby and toddler sign language program, which I recommended in my book. Thanks to popular demand and recent expansions, Tiny Fingers (founded by the talented Eileen Ladino) is now offering classes in the District (at Capitol Hill Yoga), at three different Alexandria locations (Cameron Perks coffee shop, Parenting Playgroups, and in the Landmark neighborhood), and in Silver Spring, Rockville, Gaithersburg, and Baltimore (Kingsville).
They also arrange group classes in private homes or a location of your choice, such as a clubhouse or community meeting space. (Or they can arrange a private group session for a moms' group or club at one of the public locations where classes are offered.)
For more about the Tiny Fingers program, its founder and instructors, click here.
A side note: Tiny Fingers is so busy that they are looking for an additional instructor. If you've taken a couple of formal ASL classes and have experience teaching babies and toddlers to sign, contact Eileen to talk about opportunities. Send email to: classes (at) tinyfingers (dot) com or click here.
Posted by Sarah at 11:11 AM
September 11, 2006
Remembering Local Families on Fifth Anniversary
On the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, there is an ongoing, interfaith Prayer Vigil for Peace at the Washington National Cathedral in NW. (Don't let the construction on Wisconsin Ave. deter you - the cathedral is very much open and active today.)
There were several commemorations in and around Washington yesterday, including the quilt project and the Unity Walk on the National Mall. This morning outside Arlington County's courts building, there was a moment of silence at 9:37 a.m., the tolling of the bells and the singing of the National Anthem. The Pentagon held a multi-faith service this morning (solely for Pentagon employee survivors). And another service for the Pentagon crash family members, by invitation only, took place at 9:30 this morning.
Still to come: In Vienna, VA, the Fifth Annual Mark McGinly Scholarship Golf Classic, Dinner, & Auction will raise money for his scholarship fund. It's set for September 18 at the Westwood Country Club. Click here for more info. Mark was a young man born and raised in the DC area, and he died at the World Trade Center in NY.
Of the 184 people who died at the Pentagon that day, there were local parents, local children, and professionals who taught local kids and cared for local families.
This morning, feeling the inevitable weight of the day after watching the inevitable documentaries on TV last night, I decided to put aside the stack of work on my desk, and take a brief pause to read more about some of these Washington neighbors and friends we lost - not just as numbers, but as individuals with their own stories. The Post has excellent coverage of today's anniversary and its local impact.
Dr. Paul Ambrose was a 32-year-old family doctor in Arlington. Eleven-year-old Curtis Brown was a student at Leckie Elementary School in SE DC. Sgt. 1st Class Jose Orlando Calderon-Olmedo of Annandale, VA left behind children ages three and 10. Rosemary Chapa of Springfield, VA was a mother of five and a grandmother of five. Michele Heidenberger of Chevy Chase, MD was a mother of two. Dong Chul Lee of Leesburg, VA was a father of three. Patti Mickley of Springfield, VA was the mother of a young daughter. Shelley Marshall was the mother of two young children, both of whom were evacuated from the on-site childcare facility at the Pentagon that day. Charles Falkenberg and Leslie Whittington, a University Park, MD couple, was killed along with their two young children, Zoe and Dana.
And of course so many others. It only seemed right today to take a pause from business-as-usual and remember these lost neighbors and friends - and to let their families know that we remember, and we care.
Posted by Sarah at 9:56 AM
September 10, 2006
Local Babies & Toddlers Eligible to Participate in Georgetown Research
Thanks to DC mama and Georgetown U. staffer Rachel Barr for sharing this great info:
We are very eager for local families to participate in the Georgetown Early Learning Project (ELP)! At the ELP, we are attempting to document what kinds of information babies notice and remember over the first two years of life.
We are particularly interested in how infants pick up information from 2-D objects. Many of you may have seen the recent New York Times or Time magazine articles that show that in fact we currently know very little about whether and how much young babies and toddlers might be able to glean from media. This is where the ELP comes in. We conduct studies with infants from six- to 18-months and are always looking for new participants. Our work will help us understand how infants learn from the different sources at very early ages.
All our studies take place in your home, because that is where babies are at their best. We are willing to come at any time - early in the morning, in the evening, or even weekends! We are very flexible and accommodate even the busiest schedules to include you.
If you are interested in participating or would like further information, please call us at 202.687.6988, email us at: earlylearning (at) georgetown (dot) edu, or look us up on the web at www.elp.georgetown.edu.
Posted by Sarah at 1:09 PM
September 9, 2006
Come & Get 'Em: Free Preview Classes Next Week at JT
Late breaking news, folks: Jonah's Treehouse is offering free preview classes next week! (Their fall session doesn't start until September 18, and registration is still open.)
The schedule for free previews is:
Monday, September 11
9:30 Giraffes (Walkers 9-15 months)
10:15 Zebras (Runners 16-24 months)
11:00 Elephants (2-year-olds)
11:45 Koalas (Sitters/Crawlers 9-14 months)
Tuesday, September 12
4:30 Lions (structured play and games for 3s and 4s)
Wednesday, September 13
9:30 Giraffes (Walkers 9-15 months)
10:15 Zebras (Runners 16-24 months)
11:00 Elephants (2-year-olds)
11:45 Koalas (Sitters/Crawlers 9-14 months)
Thursday, September 14
4:30 Lions (structured play and games for 3s and 4s)
Friday, September 15
9:30 Giraffes (Walkers 9-15 months)
10:15 Zebras (Runners 16-24 months)
11:00 Elephants (2-year-olds)
11:45 Koalas (Sitters/Crawlers 9-14 months)
1:30 Gorillas (more unstructured play for 3s and 4s)
To attend one of these free preview classes, you must RSVP and reserve a space! Send an email with "preview class" in the subject line to: vick (at) jonahstreehouse (dot) com, and specify your child's name, age, and which day and time you want to attend. They will reply with a confirmation email. Or you can just call the studio: 202.298.6805!
Posted by Sarah at 1:22 PM
September 8, 2006
Weekend Watch: Child-Friendly Festival in Takoma Park
Get out and about this weekend!
My pick for families with little ones: Sunday's Takoma Park Folk Festival in Maryland, 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. This is a FREE and incredibly child-friendly annual soiree with a special kids' stage designed for audience participation.
Children's performers include singer Uncle Pete, storyteller Elloise Schoettler, performing duo Tom Proutt and Emily McCormick, storyteller Cindy Rosen, hip-hop youth dance troupe Future Shock, music from No Blow & the Bushwackers, and the beloved Frank "Banjo Man" Cassel (who also plays regularly for kids at the Takoma Park Farmer's Market, and will be a "roaming performer" at the festival).
Near the kids' stage, there will be a hands-on children's arts and crafts area hosted by Abrakadoodle. There will be lots of food. And proceeds benefit local youth charities.
For directions and a map, click here.
Posted by Sarah at 1:19 PM
September 7, 2006
Open Houses at Parlez Vous & Apple Seed
Two free and fun events to share in Old Town Alexandria:
A wonderful language enrichment center for early childhood featured in my book, Parlez Vous, will host its Second Annual Open House on Saturday, September 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. Join the staff, instructors, families, and friends for children's storytimes in French (at 2:30 p.m.) and Spanish (at 3:30 p.m.) Plus, at 3 p.m. a special guest from the ACTFL (American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages) will speak about the importance of learning languages across various ages in the lifespan. Please note that Parlez Vous has a new address... They have just moved to the other side of the street and down one block, to: 1407 King St., a short walk from the King St. metro station. If you plan to attend the Open House, call to RSVP: 703.838.9683.
On Thursday, September 14, the new and fabulous Apple Seed maternity, infant, and toddler boutique will host an in-store reception from 6 to 8 p.m. to launch their fall collection, with personal stylist Lauren Rothman. As the owner of Styleauteur, Lauren is a fashion and trend expert that can help moms-to-be create the perfect fall wardrobe and choose the best styles and colors to fit their changing figures. The evening will be a casual open house, so don't worry if you can't make it at 6:00 sharp. For more info, click here or call the store at 703.535.5446.
Posted by Sarah at 8:06 PM
More Yoga: New Prenatal Class in Falls Church
Speaking of yoga...
In addition to the prenatal and postpartum programs featured in my book, there's a new prenatal yoga class at Falls Church studio Sacred Well, and it will meet Fridays from 4:45 to 6 p.m. First class is September 15.
Registrants will actually get two instructors for the price of one, which is nice for lots of personal attention during pregnancy. The studio's director will be the primary isntructor, assisted by a teacher trainee.
For their fall schedule or to register, click here.
Thanks to local mama (and Livie & Luca lady) Amie Garcia for the tip. She's a student at this studio and recommends it highly!
Posted by Sarah at 12:05 AM
September 5, 2006
Free Kids' Yoga Previews in Bethesda
Tranquil Space Bethesda is offering a couple of FREE children's yoga groups this month. Check 'em out:
Free Kids Yoga Class (ages 5-8)
September 15, 4:30-5:15 p.m.
An interactive class designed to introduce children to yoga in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Through the use of yoga games and exercises, children will learn about yogic concepts and philosophies such as belly breathing, mindfulness, cooperation, and relaxation. The class is free, but pre-registration is highly encouraged. For more info or to register, send email to andrea (at) tranquilspace (dot) com or call 301.654,9642.
Free Kids & Parents Yoga Class (ages 3-5)
September 17, 9:30-10:15 a.m.
A yoga class for kids with an emphasis on partner poses and interaction between parent and child. poses are introduced through songs, stories, and creative play. class concludes with a relaxation time for both parent and child. The class is free, but pre-registration is highly encouraged. Send email to andrea (at) tranquilspace (dot) com or call 301.654.9642.
Their weekly kids' yoga classes for ages three to eight, as well as for teenagers, begin in October. Tranquil Space also offers weekly prenatal and "baby & me" classes.
Posted by Sarah at 9:55 PM
September 4, 2006
Wee Play in Herndon, VA
New to me: Do you know about the combination enrichment program and play studio in Herndon, VA?
Wee Play offers one-hour classes for ages 20 months to five years, with a parent or caregiver, incorporating a storytime, open-ended art or craft project, and play time with balls, hoops, equipment, and a parachute.
New for fall 2006 are "Pee Wee Play" for 20 months to young twos and "My Great Big Messy Art Class" for ages two to five.
The 10-week fall session begins September 11. For more info or to register, visit their website.
p.s. If you're the writer of one of the many emails I've received over the holiday weekend, please be patient! I am currently in Dallas, Texas taking care of my mother during and after a hospitalization. I will get back to you as I work through the backlog of messages, and will post announcements to the blog in the order I received them. Thanks!
Posted by Sarah at 8:59 PM
September 1, 2006
In case it rains on Saturday...
With the prospect of a wet start to the holiday weekend, Jonah's Treehouse (located on Wisconsin Ave., in Glover Park/Upper Georgetown, NW DC) has opted to open tomorrow, Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon for OPEN PLAY.
Children age five and under only, and the cost is $15 per hour per child.
You can just show up - but unless you're the gambling type, you may want to call ahead to be sure the studio isn't completely full: 202.298.6805. Or, if you want to reserve your child's space, send email to: vicki (at) jonahstreehouse (dot) com.
To answer the inevitable question: Nope, you don't have to be currently enrolled in a Jonah's Treehouse program to take advantage of their Open Play days! (But it's a great way to preview their cool equipment and play space, if you are considering registering for a JT program this fall.)
Posted by Sarah at 4:46 PM
Weekend Watch: Will Ernesto Rain on Our Parade(s)?
I'm no weatherman, but if the latest reports can be believed, there's a 50-50 chance of more Ernesto rain tomorrow, while Sunday and the Monday holiday look dry. Which is good news, because there are tons of family-friendly outdoor events planned for the Labor Day weekend!
My picks are the parades. Free. Outdoors. Non-interruption of naptime or bedtime. Come-and-go as you please. And guaranteed enjoyment for 99.5 percent of small children.
The Gaithersburg Labor Day Parade is Monday starting at 1 p.m.
The Kensington Labor Day Parade & Festival is Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Greenbelt Labor Day Parade (part of their weekend-long festival) is Monday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon
Enjoy a safe & fun holiday weekend!
Posted by Sarah at 10:13 AM