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July 30, 2007

DC Baby Carrier Expo

Just got word that a new event, the DC Baby Carrier Expo will be held on Saturday, August 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cafritz Center on the campus of George Washington University.

The expo is sponsored by Babywearing International, a nonprofit organization "devoted to raising awareness about the benefits of babywearing and teaching people about the different baby carrier options available and how to use them."

The event will include many different manufacturers and styles of soft carriers, with demonstrations throughout the day and carriers available for purchase. A free babywearing DVD will also be given away to the first 50 attendees through the door.

The expo is free, but I'm told the sponsor "will be requesting a nominal donation from attendees," to be earmarked for local and national Babywearing International programs.

Posted by Sarah at 8:17 PM

July 29, 2007

National Children's Museum moves to the Harbor

Wow. Looks like the under-redevelopment National Children's Museum is going to the new National Harbor area in PG County, MD, rather than the previously slated L'Enfant Plaza in DC.

Check out this article in the Washington Business Journal for more about the plan. And this piece from the Post.

Of course, we'll be waiting a good long while for the opening - now slated for 2012.

Posted by Sarah at 4:21 PM

July 23, 2007

Before I go... Children's performers in Rockville & Takoma Park

DCB is taking some much-needed time away, so the blog will be quiet for the rest of the week and I won't be able to reply to your email. But I leave you with this announcement from local children's musician Frank Cassel, The Banjo Man:

Thanks to Frank for letting me know that there are now two regular children's performers at Sangha in Takoma Park. Julia Birnbaum does songs and stories on Thursday mornings this summer at 10:30 a.m., and Audrey Dahl performs a kids' show on Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m.

As for The Banjo Man himself, he's back to performing twice per month at the Silver Diner in Rockville (1806 Rockville Pike). He's there for their Kids' Night on the first and third Tuesdays of each month from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. there's free face painting, and children get a free milkshake. (On Tuesdays when Banjo Man is off duty, a magician performs.) You can also catch his regular children's gig at Jammin' Java in Vienna, VA, Fridays at 10:30 a.m. (Admission is $5 per child over age 12 months - Adults are free.)

Have a good week!

Posted by Sarah at 9:58 AM

July 20, 2007

Weekend Watch: Family Music Day in Alexandria

This Saturday, July 21 - and again on Saturday, July 28 - Cheryl Sabo and Music Together Vivo will be hosting a cool and fun Family Music Day from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon in Alexandria, at Nativity Lutheran Church (1300 Collingwood Rd., 22308). A good way to preview the Music Together philosophy and program, if you've been considering registering for classes.

The kids will enjoy a full 45-minute Music Together class, make their own instrument, and attend additional adult-led play activities while a Music Together teacher does a parents' presentation on music development in early childhood. There will also be a potluck picnic and lots of playtime.

Cost is $28 for a whole family with one child (infants not included - they get in free), or $32 for a family with two children.

You can register online or call 703.619.6441.

Ava and I had a great Music Together experience when she was a baby and toddler. We still remember and sing a lot of the songs. Highly recommended!

Posted by Sarah at 3:28 PM

July 19, 2007

"Goldilocks" puppet theater at Glen Echo Park

Today, on my day off from (paid) work, I took my daughter to Glen Echo Park to see The Puppet Co. Playhouse's Goldilocks production before it closes. And I'm so glad we did ~ My kid was in heaven!

If you've never visited Glen Echo Park, you're missing out. If we lived in Bethesda/Potomac/upper NW, we would be there regularly! It really is like stepping back in time - and totally worth a bit of a drive on a weekday morning, when the park is not too crowded.

We rode the beautifully restored 1920s carousel, ate hot dogs at the picnic benches, watched folk-dance students rehearse in the covered dance hall, played on the playscape, peeked into the temporary home of the Adventure Theatre (while the real space is being renovated) and Spanish Ballroom, and from the bridge watched the "big kids" (summer daycampers from the on-site Discovery Creek Children's Museum) hike on the boulders and wade in the water down below.

As for the puppet show itself.... Lovely, air-conditioned small theater just right for children and families. Gorgeous puppets and professional set design. And unlike some of their productions, which are clearly intended for school-age children, Goldilocks (which runs through this weekend only) is great for ages three+. (Yes, the program says ages four+, but if you have a three-year-old who has decent public behavior and the attention span for a 40-minute production, s/he will love it! I just don't recommend it for the under-three crowd - Children are expected to stay seated through the show and to keep their voices down.)

With virtually all of our dramatic sensibility channeled into movies/videos and other electronic media these days, it's easy to forget just how magical it is for children to see live theater and arts performances. My daughter was absolutely enthralled, and it inspired me to do more of this! Having had such a good experience today, I'm already planning to take Ava to Adventure Theatre's Winnie the Pooh production sometime in August (it runs weekends only, through September 2).

Posted by Sarah at 1:49 PM

July 18, 2007

This weekend in DC: Free screening & discussion of The Motherhood Manifesto - plus, event next week

This weekend, local moms and dads are coming together to watch and discuss the one-hour documentary The Motherhood Manifesto, which recently aired on PBS and spotlights the issues that trip up parents in creating work-family balance - as well as what some parents, employers, and policymakers are doing to make positive changes.

The screening is free and open to the public this Saturday, July 21, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the historic True Reformer Building (1200 U St. NW, DC). Childcare and snacks will be provided. If you plan to attend or need more info, contact Liz Chimienti at 202.293.5380, ext. 110.

The event is sponsored by DC Councilmember Mendelson with the Center for Economic and Policy Research, DC ACORN, the DC Employment Justice Center, DC Jobs with Justice, Empower DC, Jubilee Jobs, Inc., the National Association of Mothers' Centers, Mothers Ought to Have Equal Rights, the National Partnership for Women & Families, and the National Women's Law Center. Financial support is also being provided by the Washington Area Women's Foundation.

Hope to see you there!

Also, a heads-up for an event being hosted for attorney-moms (and non-attorney moms, too) by the Women's Bar Association of DC. A presentation on "Workplace Flexibility: How to Negotiate It & the Pros & Cons of Different Arrangements," with guests Ellen Jakovic of White & Case, Katherine Neville of Neville Career Consulting, and Consuela Pinto from the Center for WorkLife Law. Takes place Tuesday, July 24 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the offices of Janner & Block (601 Thirteenth St. NW, Suite 1200 South). Cost is $15 for WBA members, $25 for non-members, and $10 for law students.

Here's a description:
"Whether entering the field, considering a new job, returning to the workforce, or exploring alternatives within your current position, before negotiating terms of an offer or proposing to alter your work schedule, it is critical to recognize that all work arrangements involve trade-offs. Each strategy to achieve more time for non-work-related responsibilities involves pros and cons, which can carry different weight over the course of a career. This breakfast panel discussion will offer perspectives on negotiating alternative schedules and provide an overview of factors to consider in weighing the various options."

To register, click here.

Posted by Sarah at 11:48 AM

July 17, 2007

Elizabeth Dranitzke rocks!

Last weekend we picked up our order of prints and a custom keepsake album from the fabulous Elizabeth Dranitzke, Capitol Hill mama and professional photographer extraordinaire. And I couldn't be more pleased. The photos are beautiful, spontaneous, and fun! Not only did we get a great shot of my daughter and me for the back cover of the second edition of my book, but we ended up with loads of portraits of Ava and our family.

I just can't say enough good things about our experience with Elizabeth. She's such a pro, immensely talented and creative, great with unpredictable and/or shy young children (my daughter was both, at the beginning of the photo session), and easy to work with. Elizabeth specializes in portraiture of children and babies, families, and pregnant women. She's adept at using maximizing natural settings and using natural light, and she can suggest a number of "uniquely Washington" settings for photo sessions.

I really appreciated the ability to spend time with the proofs online before making decisions about what to order - with the added benefit of forwarding the web link of the proofs to family and friends, who could order selections for themselves. And I love her kid-friendly office space, where I could comfortably bring my three-year-old to consult/ordering appointments - and then stroll through Eastern Market across the street with Ava afterward.

Prior to the winter holidays, Elizabeth sometimes offers special packages or discounts to families who are looking for the perfect Christmas card photo - So start thinking ahead now if you'd like to schedule a session this fall.

You can see a nice sampling from Elizabeth's portfolio at her website, www.photopiadc.com.

Love, love, love her!

Posted by Sarah at 10:52 AM

July 16, 2007

Mom & Baby fitness in Chevy Chase, Pajama Party Family Yoga in Arlington

Coupla new classes to share - one for postpartum moms and their babies, and the other for children with their parents:

Vionna Jones' Mom & Baby Fitness class for new moms and infants (six weeks to six months) will meet for 13 sessions on Monday and Wednesday mornings, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., starting July 18. The class meets at the Chevy Chase Athletic Club in the Barlow Building (5454 Wisconsin Ave., 18th floor) and is designed to gently guide you back into a fitness routine during the postpartum period, while also allowing you to spend some bonding time with your little one and meet other new mamas/babies. Participants should bring a front carrier for baby and water. For more info or to register, contact Vionna at 202.423.7445 or vionna-at-fitindc-dot-com.

And THIS SATURDAY, July 21 in Arlington, the fabulous Jennifer Moore of Moore Than Yoga will lead a Pajama Party Yoga session for babies through school-age kids and a parent/caregiver. Infants to age two years participate for FREE. And yes, you really should wear your pajamas! Each participant brings a blanket and towel, or a yoga mat. No prior yoga experience is necessary. The group meets at Bethel UCC (4347 Arlington Blvd.), with parking available next door in the Red Cross lot. Reservations are required by TOMORROW, Tuesday, July 17! Contact Jennifer at 703.671.2435.

Posted by Sarah at 11:27 AM

July 13, 2007

Weekend Watch: Muppet Movie at the Avalon

During the month of July, the historic Avalon Theater in Chevy Chase, NW DC hosts matinees of kid-friendly musical movies, Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m.

This weekend it's a fave from my own childhood, and the best of their offerings this month for the preschool crowd: The Muppet Movie (1979). Worth it just to see Kermit's "Rainbow Connection" (which, now that I'm a mother, will probably make me weep).

Posted by Sarah at 7:08 AM

July 12, 2007

Moms of little ones prefer part-time work - But it don't come easy!

A story in today's Washington Post looks at the results of a new study from the Pew Research Center, which finds that 60 percent of mothers - especially those with children under age six - prefer part-time employment to staying home full-time or working in a traditional full-time job (which often comes with little or no flexibility in terms of telecommuting or work days/hours).

As I've heard from so many of my girlfriends and DCB readers, finding part-time work that is relevant to your field, worthy of your experience, and pays a viable wage can be very, very difficult. That's even when you are willing to give up the benefits of a full-time staffer, such as health insurance, sick leave, and paid vacation time. Our society does not make work-life balance easy for moms (or dads) of young children - and this tug-of-war can be particularly stressful in an area like DC, where the cost of living is inflated.

From where I'm standing, our public policy currently doesn't do us a lot of favors in giving incentives and rewards to workplaces who offer parents flexibility. I think we can do much, much better by working parents and children in this country. This is one of the issues the grassroots network MomsRising.org is actively working on - and bless 'em for it!

Posted by Sarah at 8:38 AM

July 11, 2007

Free Baby Signs storytimes in Gaithersburg & Bethesda

Kensington, MD mama, pediatric occupational therapist and certified Baby Signs instructor Trish Stone is offering several FREE Baby Signs storytimes for little ones and their parents/caregivers. Here's the lineup:

July 23 @ 10 a.m.
at Andy's Parties in Gaithersburg

August 21 @ 11 a.m.
at Jabberu in Bethesda

August 27 @ 10 a.m.
at Andy's Parties in Gaithersburg

These storytimes are designed for infants and toddlers (under age three - though all ages are welcome to attend). They ncorporate children's stories and songs with "BeeBo," the Baby Signs program's special bear. The storytimes demonstrate how parents and caregivers can learn to communicate with your young child using simple signs and gestures. These storytimes are open to the public, but space is limited. To RSVP, email Trish with the age of your child(ren): trish.stone-at-yahoo-dot-com.

Also, on Thursday, July 26 from 7 to 9 p.m., Trish will teach a Baby Signs Parent Workshop at Jabberu in Bethesda. Pre-registration is required, and cost is $60.

The workshop is for expectant parents and parents of children from birth to 24 months who are interested in learning how to communicate with their infants and toddlers using simple signs and gestures. Cost is $60 and includes a take-home kit containing a parent guide (spiral bound book), a quick reference guide and helpful DVDs, among other goodies.

Trish will also soon be announcing her fall schedule of Baby Signs classes and workshops. For more info or to register, contact her at 301.946.2486 or by email: trish.stone-at-yahoo-dot-com.

Posted by Sarah at 10:52 AM

July 10, 2007

Rejoice, Montgomery County -- Beware, Alexandria & DC

A new article published in Forbes magazine is stirring up local buzz - and with good reason. If you, like my husband and me, have a child who will be ready to start kindergarten in a year or two - and are starting to think seriously about your longer-term residential and schooling options - this story is a must-read.

Forbes' piece ranking "Best & Worst Public Schools Districts for the Buck" features a scathing view of Alexandria public schools (which lame defensive comments from city officials can't even begin to redeem, once you look up the census data for yourself). Fact is, Alexandria City public schools rank dead last in the country at #97 - even worse than the notoriously troubled District of Columbia. What does it come down to? Those of us who live and pay taxes in Alexandria or the District are having our money very poorly managed. We're getting failing schools, high dropout rates, and unacceptable test scores to show for our high cost of living.

However, there's good news for those of you in Montgomery County, MD: Your public schools rank #5 in the nation, in terms of school success per tax dollars spent.

Loudon, VA ranks #11.
Fairfax, VA ranks #38.
Arlington, VA ranks #64.
District of Columbia ranks #95.

Read 'em and weep, if you must... and then make your plans accordingly.

Posted by Sarah at 10:01 AM

July 9, 2007

Strathmore hosts Backyard Theater for Children

The fabulous Strathmore in North Bethesda is at it again this summer, hosting their Backyard Theater for Children on Thursday mornings at their Backyard Theater Stage.

Little ones under age three get in free - children three and older and adults are $6 each. Here's the remaining lineup for summer '07:

Thursday, July 12 @ 9:30 and 11:30 a.m.: Celtic jigs and reels
Thursday, July 19 @ 9:30 and 11:30 a.m.: Kevin Reese in "A Perfect Balance" (held in the Music Center's lobby)
Thursday, July 26 @ 9:30 and 11:30 a.m.: Goombay: The Caribbean Experience

Bring a blanket to sit on! (Or you can bring folding chairs, but will have to sit at the back of the crowd if you go that route.) Free parking at the Strathmore Mansion's parking lot - Go to the entrance at 10701 Rockville Pike. More info and ticket purchases at the website, or by calling 301.581.5100.

Also: On August 13 at 8:30 p.m., the Strathmore will present a kid-friendly selection at its Outdoor Film Festival: The Wizard of Oz. You can bring a picnic or buy food onsite to benefit the NIH Children's Charities, with restaurant booths opening at 6:30 p.m.

Posted by Sarah at 8:54 AM

July 6, 2007

Weekend Watch: Free concert for Mother Earth & Celebrations in the suburbs

Tomorrow, Saturday starting at 10 a.m., it's a FREE and family-friendly concert near the Capitol, on the grounds of the National Museum of the American Indian, with performances by Trisha Yearwood, Garth Brooks, Blues Nation, as well as rock, funk, punk, reggae, Andean and gospel groups. This is a Live Earth-affiliated event that is linking seven continents and over 100 artists focusing on combating the climate crisis and protecting the environment. (The Folklife Festival will also continue through Sunday on the Mall, if you haven't had a chance to visit yet.)

Also this weekend, several of the DC 'burbs are hosting their Independence Day celebrations - including Alexandria, Laurel, and (though it's more a community birthday event) Reston.

Posted by Sarah at 10:25 AM

July 5, 2007

Workshop series in Silver Spring: "Foods for Crawlers to Toddlers"

Nutrition counselor and whole foods chef Monica Corado is offering a series of workshops for parents: "Nourishing Healthy Kids: Foods for Crawlers to Toddlers" on upcoming Sundays, July 8 and 22 and August 5 and 19 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Silver Spring.

You can register for just one workshop or the whole series. Here's the lineup of topics:

JULY 8:
Easily Digested Dairy
Healthy Fats: Why Your Child Needs Them & How to Supply Them

JULY 22:
First Grains: Digestible & Delicious
Stock for Strong Bones

AUGUST 5:
Veggies on the Menu: Raw, Cooked & Fermented
Properly Preparing Beans

AUGUST 19:
Fabulous Finger Foods

Instructor Monica Corado has a private practice in Takoma Park, Simply Being Well. For more info on this workshop series or to register, contact Monica at 240.988.9312 or by email at simplybeingwell-at-aol-dot-com.

Posted by Sarah at 8:31 AM

July 4, 2007

Happy Independence Day

Most of the suburban community events to celebrate the Fourth are scheduled for this weekend, the 7th-8th, but if you're doing the District events today, here's the scoop:

The National Parade starts at 11:45 a.m. at the intersection of Constitution Ave. and 7th, traveling down Constitution to 17th St. Parade is scheduled to run about two hours. Get there as early as possible, and use metro - but remember that the Smithsonian station is CLOSED all day today for security reasons.

The Folklife Festival is also ongoing on the Mall, with music, performance, food, and crafts native to Virginia, the Mekong River, and Northern Ireland. Very family-friendly.

The National Archives will also have special family programming celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence today from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. From 10 to 11 a.m. it's the Color Guard, Army Fife & Drums, and a dramatic reading of the Declaration. From 11:30 to 2, there will be family activities under a tent behind the Archives, on Pennsylvania Ave.

Be prepared to go through a security checkpoint to enter the Mall today. Also, lots and lots of road closures in the District today, so think twice before packing the car.

Happy Fourth!

Posted by Sarah at 8:56 AM

July 3, 2007

Discount code for Livie & Luca shoes

My very-favorite baby and toddler shoe co., Livie & Luca, is offering FREE ground shipping on all online orders through this Friday, July 6.

Just enter the code "julyfreeship" (without the quotation marks) in the coupon/promotion section during checkout.

Livie & Luca was co-founded by Arlington, VA mom Amie Garcia. My daughter has had several pairs of their shoes and we LOVE them! So cute, with really soft leather that doesn't rub blisters, and soft, flexible rubber soles that move with little ones' feet while being sturdy enough to wear to the playground. Highly recommended.

Posted by Sarah at 11:30 AM