« September 2007 | Main | November 2007 »
October 31, 2007
Happy Halloween
Categories:
Oh, the horror of holiday rush hour! This story in today's Washington Post warns working parents to leave the office extra early - and expect traffic - to get home for tonight's festivities.
From me and mine to you and yours, have a safe and happy Halloween evening!
Posted by Sarah at 2:05 PM. Permanent link to "Happy Halloween."
October 30, 2007
Halloween Rocks at the Kentlands
Categories:
It's almost here... The first annual child-oriented Halloween Rocks is set for tomorrow afternoon/evening, October 31, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Market Square Courtyard at the Kentlands, Gaithersburg.
The award-winning kids' band Rocknocerus takes the stage at 4:30 p.m., in addition to hip-hop performances, face painting, balloons, trick-or-treating with participating merchants, a DJ and dancing, a creative costume contest, crafts and games.
I love the concept behind this event. Little kids have early dinnertimes and bedtimes, they're often fearful of after-dark Halloween antics, and many busy families in the transient DC area don't have strong connections to their immediate neighbors, leading parents to worry about trick-or-treating on the block. Halloween Rocks is a safe, non-scary environment that's just for children - as well as a place where families can gather with friends and make new ones.
Created by our friends at Andy's Parties, the event is co-sponsored by familiar names like the Kaleidoscope enrichment program, Jabberu, Stroller Strides, My Gym, Kindermusik, Baby Signs, Yoga Tales, Let's Dish, Apple Seed, and others - many of whom will be on hand for the Halloween fun.
Posted by Sarah at 9:58 AM. Permanent link to "Halloween Rocks at the Kentlands."
October 29, 2007
TONIGHT: Free "Happiest Toddler" parenting workshop in Arlington
Categories:
A bit of a last-minute announcement, but this is a great opportunity:
Tonight, October 29, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Shirlington Public Library in Arlington (4200 Campbell Ave.), a FREE parenting workshop and discussion based on the best-selling book by pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp, The Happiest Toddler on the Block.
It's not necessary to have read the book or seen the video to participate. Since the event is being held at the library, adults only please. And although there is no cost, please be sure to RSVP if you plan to attend: Call instructor Tracey Kretzer, parent educator and founder of Parent Child University, at 571.643.1002 or register online.
I must say, I have Dr. Karp's books and videos and have found them very helpful. I've also worked with him in my "real job" as a communications consultant to nonprofit organizations, and I respect him as a leader in his field. Good stuff!
Posted by Sarah at 9:53 AM. Permanent link to "TONIGHT: Free "Happiest Toddler" parenting workshop in Arlington."
October 26, 2007
One more weekend highlight...
Categories:
If you plan to be in or near Old Town this weekend... The fabulous Apple Seed baby and maternity boutique is offering 25 percent off one item as part of the special Old Town Boutiques Halloween event, today through Saturday only.
Other specialty boutiques in the neighborhood are also offering special deals as part of the event: The Shoe Hive, Hysteria, Bellacara, Tickled Pink, The Little Monogram Shop (new! - around the corner from Austin Grill and just on the other side of King St. from Apple Seed), plus several others.
Posted by Sarah at 10:12 AM. Permanent link to "One more weekend highlight...."
October 25, 2007
Weekend Watch: This, That, & the Other
Categories:
Several tidbits to share for this weekend:
In addition to the Halloween-esque fun at Boo at the Zoo, the Fall Frolic at the nostalgic Glen Echo Park, and the Children's Parade in Del Ray, Alexandria...
There is a FREE educational seminar for expectant parents at Ashburn Library in NoVa: The Baby Buzz. Drawings for prizes throughout the day, along with refreshments provided by local restaurant Cafe Panache. The event is presented in partnership with Lactation Services of Loudoun and the Ashburn Library.
Also, the first session is FREE in the new series of Hot Mama Pre- and Post-Natal fitness classes, Saturday, October 27 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Cooke Elementary School in NW DC (300 Bryant St.). Wear comfortable clothing and bring a towel, resistance band, stability ball, water, and a blanket. Advance RSVP is required: Contact instructor Vionna Jones, 202.423.7445 or vionna-at-fitindc-dot-com.
Enjoy!
Posted by Sarah at 7:57 PM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: This, That, & the Other."
October 24, 2007
November 8: Free parenting seminar in Bethesda
Categories:
Thanks to reader and Concord-St. Andrew's Co-Op Nursery School parent Andrea for sharing this event:
The preschool will host a FREE parent-education forum, open to the public, on Thursday, November 8 at 7 p.m. "Play: A Powerful Tool for School Success" will be held at the school (5910 Goldsboro Rd., Bethesda).
The speaker is Dr. Charmaine Ciardi, who counsels parents and staff at my own daughter's preschool in Old Town and is fabulous! She is an educational consultant and family counselor with Parent Child Development Services and has worked with preschools, daycare centers and public school systems throughout the DC area.
Here's a description of the program:
"This forum will examine the role of play in children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. We will also discuss how play builds the foundation for group activities in further education, gives children meaningful chances to learn by doing, and fosters experimentation."
There's no charge, but please RSVP if you plan to attend. Send email to: register-at-csacns-dot-org.
Posted by Sarah at 5:54 PM. Permanent link to "November 8: Free parenting seminar in Bethesda."
October 23, 2007
RESOLVE hosts Nov. 3 conference in Falls Church
Categories:
Many thanks to reader Kelly M. for sharing this event announcement:
The Mid-Atlantic Region of RESOLVE hosts its annual Family Building Conference, "Road to Resolution," Saturday, November 3 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church.
Here's a description of what to expect: "For those dealing with the difficult and often isolating experience of infertility, or facing the seemingly daunting task of understanding the ins and outs of adoption, this event is for you. This one-day conference features unbiased, noncommercial and instructional information on the latest assisted reproduction technologies for women and men, parenting opportunities via donor egg and sperm, surrogacy, complementary medical treatments, mental health issues such as stress reduction, along with an entire seminar track that covers all aspects of domestic and international adoption. The consumer fair will feature exhibitors from the Mid-Atlantic Region including clinics and adoption resources."
For more info and to register, go to www.midatlantic.resolve.org.
Posted by Sarah at 1:09 PM. Permanent link to "RESOLVE hosts Nov. 3 conference in Falls Church."
October 19, 2007
Weekend Watch: The Ghost Train returns to Burke Lake Park
Categories:
The mini-train at Burke Lake Park (Fairfax Station, VA) is repaired and back in business - just in time to offer Ghost Train rides!
We did this last year with our then 2 1/2-year-old daughter, and she loved it. The ride is geared toward younger children, meandering through the "haunted woods" - not scary for the little ones and not too long. Plenty of friendly, non-threatening characters and scenes young children will recognize along the way.
Fair warning: The Ghost Train lines can get long, especially near closing time and in good weather. Plan for extra time to get there, park, and wait through a couple of cycles in line before you get on a train. (And we learned that the time at which the last train departs can vary.)
Kids are encouraged, but not required, to wear costumes. Toddlers under age two get in free - Everyone else is $4 to ride. For an extra buck or so, you can ride the carousel. There's also a playscape near the train.
Weekends only, October 20-21 and 27-28, 11 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Posted by Sarah at 12:09 PM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: The Ghost Train returns to Burke Lake Park."
October 18, 2007
Baby Signs hosts free monthly playgroup in Kensington
Categories:
Local Baby Signs-certified instructor Trish Stone has started a FREE Monthly Baby Signs Playgroup in Kensington, MD! It meets the last Friday of each month from 11 to 11:45 a.m. at the Kensington Park Library. First meeting is October 26.
Trish says all ages are welcome at this free group; "It's a great opportunity for parents who are already signing with their children to come meet other parents and children who sign. It's also a great place for people who want to find out more about the Baby Signs program in general." The free group does songs and stories with signs, bubbles, time for socialization and Q&A on the Baby Signs program. To get more info or RSVP that you plan to attend on October 26, contact Trish at: trish-at-babysignsbytrish-dot-com or 301.946.2486.
She has also has a session of the Sign, Say, and Play classes starting November 5 at Jabberu in Bethesda, meeting Monday mornings from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Pre-registration is required.
And Trish is leading a Parent Workshop on sign language with babies and young children on Thursday, November 8 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Andy's Parties in Gaithersburg. Pre-registration required.
Posted by Sarah at 10:02 AM. Permanent link to "Baby Signs hosts free monthly playgroup in Kensington."
October 16, 2007
Tot Talk's Second Annual Costume Party & Open House
Categories:
Heads up: The Tot Talk Playgroup will host its Second Annual Costume Party / Open House on Halloween morning, October 31, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. A fun way for little ones to get an early start on trick-or-treating, this year with a "pirates" theme. Art projects, a moonbounce, treasure chest, games and more are on the agenda. You'll also have a chance to meet the new Tot Talks Spanish Playgroup instructor and their infant/child CPR instructor.
The Open House takes place at Chevy Chase Baptist Church (5671 Western Ave. NW). To RSVP or get more info, send email to: director-at-tottalkpg-dot-com by October 26.
Also, Tot Talk will be offering a morning baby sign language class at Tranquil Space Yoga in Dupont Circle (2024 P St. NW), starting October 23. Visit the website or email director-at-tottalkpg-dot-com for more info or to register.
Posted by Sarah at 4:05 PM. Permanent link to "Tot Talk's Second Annual Costume Party & Open House."
October 15, 2007
All About Doulas: November 5 in DC
Categories:
An event of interest for those of you expecting a new addition to the family: The Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washington will hold a free info session on birth and postpartum doulas on Monday, November 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A birth doula and postpartum doula will be on hand to discuss the following (and more):
What is a doula?
Why use a doula?
What services do doulas provide?
How is a doula different from a midwife?
Can I still use a doula if I plan to use pain medication?
Is a doula redundant if my partner will be at the birth?
Is there a connection between breastfeeding and doulas?
How much do doulas cost?
Where can I find a doula?
What should I ask a prospective doula?
Attendees are welcome to bring a partner, friend, child, and lunch.
To register, send email to: register-at-breastfeedingcenter-dot-org, or call 202.293.5182. The Center, which by the way has a superb reputation among local mamas and maternal-child health professionals, is located at 2141 K St. NW (Suite 3) in DC.
Posted by Sarah at 7:23 PM. Permanent link to "All About Doulas: November 5 in DC."
October 12, 2007
Weekend Watch: Fun fall events & Halloween sale
Categories:
Fall weather is finally here! And the absolute best place to find listings of child-friendly fun in DC, MD, and NoVa is the Our Kids website and newsletter, with comprehensive listings of fall festivals, pumpkin patches, apple-picking orchards, and Halloween events. There is no better resource for seasonal happenings geared to local children and families. It has guided me and mine to so many places we would've otherwise never known about.
Also this weekend... Heads up for a Halloween sale at Enkore Kids in Frederick, MD. Most of their new and "previously loved" Halloween costumes and accessories are 25 percent off. Marked-down stock includes witch hats, pirate hats/eye patches/hooks, knights' swords and shields, flashing bracelets and flashing teeth, light-up masks, Halloween decorations, and the vast majority of their costumes and Halloween-themed kids' clothing.
Enjoy!
Posted by Sarah at 10:09 AM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Fun fall events & Halloween sale."
October 10, 2007
Shopping alert: Moms' Nights Out at DBP
Categories:
Want to do a bit of holiday shopping early? Need a night off? Can't shop with the kids? Dawn Price Baby is hosting Moms' Night Out Shopping Sprees at both locations this week.
Fifteen percent off your purchases for the evening, plus complimentary snacks and beverages.
TONIGHT, Wednesday, at the Capitol Hill Dawn Price Baby (325 7th St. SE), 6 to 9 p.m.
TOMORROW NIGHT, Thursday, October 11, at the Georgetown Dawn Price Baby (3112 M St. NW), 7 to 9 p.m.
Calls in advance to RSVP that you're coming will be appreciated, to help plan for plenty of tasty catering.
Posted by Sarah at 5:13 PM. Permanent link to "Shopping alert: Moms' Nights Out at DBP."
October 9, 2007
New resource alert: Capitol Moms Maternity Edition
Categories:
Did you know? Teia Collier, founder of Capitol Moms, tells me the new Capitol Moms Maternity Edition blog has launched.
The new blog will feature local services and hot-spots specific to pregnancy. They welcome both your readership and your contributions of maternity-related tips!
Congrats to Teia and Capitol Moms for making this new resource a reality.
Posted by Sarah at 10:13 AM. Permanent link to "New resource alert: Capitol Moms Maternity Edition."
October 5, 2007
Weekend Watch: Good stuff in Takoma Park & Bethesda
Categories:
On the Maryland side of town this weekend, don't miss the kid-friendly Takoma Park Street Festival and Taste of Bethesda.
And while you're in downtown Bethesda, heads-up that fabulous consignment boutique Wiggle Room is hosting its Semi-Annual Great Stroller Sale, with strollers, highchairs, swings and more marked down. For your shopping pleasure during your Taste of Bethesda outing.
Wear shorts (!), stay cool, enjoy!
Posted by Sarah at 4:03 PM. Permanent link to "Weekend Watch: Good stuff in Takoma Park & Bethesda."
October 3, 2007
FREE flu shots & children's fun, this Friday at Union Station
Categories:
This is such a great program, I hope some of my readers will be able to take advantage of it:
The nationwide family health tour, "Say 'Boo!' to the Flu" makes a stop at DC's Union Station this Friday, October 5 from 2 to 5 p.m. FREE flu vaccinations for all children and adult family members, administered by nurses from MedStar Health VNA.
To help make getting a shot a lot more fun, there will be giveaways, children's games and activities, and face-painting. Kids are also invited to come in costume! Go the West Carriage Porch at Union Station to take part in the fun.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all children ages six months to five years, their caregivers, and pregnant women be vaccinated against the flu each year. Pregnant women, babies, and the elderly are most at risk for serious complications of influenza, so immunization is truly a community effort to protect the most vulnerable.
For more info about this event, contact Jennifer Resick at 202.835.9427.
Posted by Sarah at 11:21 AM. Permanent link to "FREE flu shots & children's fun, this Friday at Union Station."
October 1, 2007
October 8: Mocha Moms event in College Park
Categories:
Thanks to DCB reader Chanda for sharing this with us:
The Northern Prince George's County, MD chapter of Mocha Moms will host its Third Annual Home Business Extravaganza on Monday, October 8 (the Columbus Day holiday) from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Holiday Inn-College Park (10000 Baltimore Blvd.). Admission is FREE, and all are welcome.
Here's a description of the event:
"Have you wanted to stay home with your family but were skeptical of work-from-home offers? Have you been looking for ways to earn extra income so that you could have more time for other interests? If so, this event is for you. Fifty reputable home businesses, door prizes, children's activities, and great shopping!"
For more info, send email to: web-at-mochamomsnpgc-dot-org.
Posted by Sarah at 11:15 AM. Permanent link to "October 8: Mocha Moms event in College Park."