DC BABY: A Daily Resource for Parents In & Around Washington, DC

New children's bookstore coming to Old Town

Breaking news! A new children's bookstore will be opening soon in Old Town Alexandria, in the King St. space formerly occupied by A Likely Story (whose sad demise I reported in November).

Hooray for Books is scheduled to open sometime this summer, and we can hardly wait to turn out and support them. Hope my Alexandria readers will do the same! Independent bookstore owners focusing on children and families are facing a very tough market, so we need to show them the love!

Stay tuned for grand opening details...

"Summer Camp for Preschoolers" in NW DC

Good news for those of you scrambling to make summer plans for your kids: Jonah's Treehouse in Glover Park, NW DC will be offering a brand-new Summer Camp for Preschoolers program, June 9 through August 22.

This half-day, drop-off program for ages three to five will be held in two sessions: Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and Monday through Friday afternoons. Movement activities, cooperative games, art projects, snacks, stories, and music are on the schedule.

A brilliant solution to the preschool's-out-for-the-summer blues.

Stroller rally for child product safety

Fed up with all the recalls? You can do something about it. Consumer advocacy groups have organized a "stroller rally for toy and product safety" on Capitol Hill, this Thursday the 15th starting with a press conference at 10 a.m. at Upper Senate Park (Constitution Ave. between New Jersey and Delaware Aves.) Local parents and their children are invited to take part.

You've read the headlines that made 2007 "the year of the recall." From toxic paint on imported Thomas the Tank Engine toys to BPA in baby bottles to the injury-prone Polly Pocket magnets to pthalates in baby bath soaps. Then, in December of last year, the U.S. House of Reps responded to public demands by passing legislation to reform the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), ban lead in children's products, and increase scrutiny of imported toys. In March, the Senate passed its own CPSC reform proposal, which also bans phthalates - dangerous developmental toxins - in children's products.

The next step for the House and Senate bills is a conference that brings together the two pieces of legislation. The stroller rally is intended to give Congress the message that we want to see the strongest possible combination of these bills pass.

For more info about the rally, contact Erin Wingo at U.S. PIRG: ewingo-at-pirg-dot-org or 202.546.9707.

Coming soon to Bethesda: Hot Mama fitness studio

Local personal trainer Vionna Jones is opening a new women's fitness studio in Bethesda, just for expectant and new (or even not-so-new) mothers: Hot Mama Fitness will offer prenatal fitness and yoga classes, as well as fitness classes that allow moms to bounce back after having a baby.

What I like most about this concept is that it creates a social space where women can get support - along with the workout - and connect with other expectant and new mothers. Childcare will be available! (Almost unheard of at DC-area fitness centers.) And Vionna tells me the studio will also offer nutrition education and services, as well as workshops on a variety of topics.

Evening classes begin in June. And the grand opening is set for September 6. To sign up for their newsletter and register for classes, go to www.hotmamafitnessstudio.com.

Weekend Watch: Ode to mama

It's Mother's Day... and boy do you mothers deserve the five-star treatment. Pass this along to your family if they need some suggestions for honoring and pampering you this weekend (and trust me, they do):

If you haven't yet selected a gift, shop to it. Pronto. Something handmade by the children is also a nice touch. Click here for gifts you must NOT give.

No cooking, no cleanup. Take mama out to brunch. (And to minimize crowd-stress, go extra-early or make a reservation!)

Plan a low-key outing to enjoy Washington's springtime blooms (and get a nice little photo opp of mom with her kiddos).

Last but not least, give her some uninterrupted sleep. The greatest gift of all! You can even send her one of these humorous e-cards from the Sleep Foundation to let her know that rest, sweet rest, is coming her way.

Happy day, one and all!

May 19: "Keeping Kids Safe" seminar in Arlington

An important event for all of us who are concerned about the safety of our little ones: On Monday, May 19 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Arlington Unitarian Cooperative Preschool will host a seminar open to the public. This child safety educational event will be led by Lt. Brett Butler of the Arlington County Police Department Special Victims Unit and Graciela Cerda, director of the Arlington County Child Advocacy Center.

The evening promises to be both informative and thought-provoking, with professional guidance of the discussion on how to keep our kids safe in an unsafe world. Topics will include teaching your children about strangers, protecting your child from sexual abuse and abduction, Internet safe practices, and any related topics participants bring to the table.

Cost is $15 per person or $25 per family. Payment at the door on the night of the seminar, but please direct your questions and RSVPs to: eileen.piper-at-verizon-dot-net.

The event will be held in the lower level of the church in the preschool activity room. Arlington Unitarian is located at 4444 Arlington Blvd., on the southwest corner of Rt. 50 and George Mason Dr.

Thanks to DCB reader Eileen Piper for sharing this announcement. Eileen is an inspiration and a great resource on this tough but vital subject. She's a local mother of two, a former prosecutor in the District of Columbia, a survivor of child sexual abuse, and married to a forensic scientist who processes evidence from crimes in which children are victimized. She's also a parent at the hosting preschool, and a strong advocate for DC-area families.

McLean MOMS Club wants YOU!

Thanks to reader Julie Brown for sharing this announcement: The MOMS Club of McLean, VA is in the midst of a membership drive, and they invite you to join.

This support group for professional and stay-at-home mothers and their children is for residents of McLean, Great Falls, and Dunn Loring (zip codes 22101, 22102, 22066, and 22027). Julie says,

"We are a relatively new branch of the nonprofit MOMs Club International, with a growing membership...a combination of both working and stay-at-home mothers. We're extremely diverse in interests, children's ages and activities. We try to have about one event a week if not more, which can range from a general meeting at a library, a playgroup at the park, a tea at someone's home or a free afternoon of music at a local coffeehouse. If you are interested in joining our chapter, have any questions, or would like to see a sample calendar, please email mcleanmomsclub-at-yahoo-dot-com. We encourage prospective members to attend two public events to get a sense of who we are before joining. We welcome you! By the way, all activities are voluntary: You attend what you can, when you'd like to. We have an annual dues of $25, which goes toward newsletter mailings, supplies, special events, guest speakers, etc., but we can accommodate a member who wishes to participate with special financial needs."

New Takoma Park children's shop celebrates Mother's Day

Did you know? There's a new (and utterly adorable) children's boutique in Takoma Park! The Pajama Squid, located near the Takoma metro station on the red line (7320 Carroll Ave.), will celebrate Mother's Day with a FREE event this Friday, May 9.

DC-area writer Lorraine Gordon will speak and sign copies of her book, Dancing with Momspirations, from 6 to 7 p.m. Stop by to meet Lorraine, check out the store, and enjoy some light refreshments. (I understand those luscious mini-cupcakes from Cake Love will be on hand.)

FYI, The Pajama Squid sells both from their Takoma Park storefront and their virtual store online. And they were featured this week by CoolMomPicks, offering a special discount through June 4 and the chance to win a giveaway prize.

Congrats to owner Tiffany King for bringing new children's retail to the neighborhood! To learn more, give them a ring at 301.560.7956.

FREE "baby spa" opportunity

Here's a fun chance to pamper your baby (ages four weeks to pre-crawling) at Hela @ The Collection in Chevy Chase - for free! Tomorrow and Wednesday, May 6-7 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, participants are invited to an infant massage instruction session.

In partnership with Infant Massage USA, Hela Spa is expanding its baby spa services, encouraging families to check out the benefits of practices like therapeutic touch. It's true: The research suggests that babies who are massaged tend to sleep longer and more deeply, spend more time active and alert for learning, have fewer problems with gassiness or constipation, and benefit from the bonding experience with their caregiver.

The Collection spa is located at 5481 Wisconsin Ave., Level 2. No charge, but class size is limited. Call 301.613.9828 to reserve your space.

p.s. I'm a firm believer in spa days for MOMS, too. Aside from feeling good, it's the best preventive medicine for a tired, busy body. And Hela Spa's Georgetown location is offering Mother's Day specials - including a "mom-to-be" package that sounds divine. Be sure to forward this link to your partner, if he needs a little nudge in the gift-giving direction!

Weekend Watch: The Sippy Cups, live in DC

There's big buzz for The Sippy Cups, performing two shows live at DC's National Geographic Grosvenor Auditorium this Saturday at 12 noon and 3 p.m.

Tix are $16 for adults and $12 for kids age 10 and under. To get yours, call 202.857.7700 or click here.

Described by the San Francisco Chronicle as "every parent's favorite kid rock band and quite possibly the illegitimate offspring of The Cat in the Hat and Joey Ramone," the Bay area-based band "blends imaginative originals, cult-rock favorites from groups like the early Pink Floyd, exciting visuals, puppets, aerial feats, and juggling into an unforgettable whirlwind of a show that appeals to everyone."

The Cups have appeared on ABC's Nightline and have gotten air-time on XM Kids Radio and Sirius Radio's "Kids Stuff." Their debut CD is Electric Storyland.

The Banjo Man at Tree Top Kids stores

One of our favorite local children's entertainers, The Banjo Man, will be making the rounds doing FREE musical performances at DC-area Tree Top Kids locations throughout the month of May. Here's the lineup:

Saturday, May 3: 11 a.m. at Cabin John Mall in Potomac
Saturday, May 3: 1 p.m. at Wildwood Shopping Center in Bethesda
Saturday, May 10: 11 a.m. at Bee Bop/Park Plaza in Severna Park
Saturday, May 10: 1 p.m. at Bee Bop on Forest Dr. in Annapolis
Saturday, May 31: Time TBA, at Fairfax Corner Center in Fairfax

Frank Cassel, aka The Banjo Man, is recommended in both editions of my book as a fun performer for kids' parties and special events. He also regularly brings his bluegrass-influenced children's music to the Takoma Park Farmer's Market, the Silver Diner in Rockville (Tuesday kids' nights), and Jammin' Java in Vienna. Check him out!

May 10: Mom's Day Out in Arlington

The fabulous Jennifer Moore is offering her annual Mom's Day Out workshop for mothers on Saturday, May 10 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon in Arlington.

I was able to attend last year, and I highly recommend it for two hours of uninterrupted self-care and replenishment! The workshop uses basic yoga postures (no experience necessary), breathing techniques, meditation and relaxation, reflexology, and massage. Cost is just $35 for pre-registrants. Just bring a yoga mat or a towel, a blanket, and two pillows. No cell phones, and no children!

Pre-registration is required, no later than Tuesday, May 6: 703.671.2435. Location is Bethel UCC (4347 Arlington Blvd.).

Parenting workshops on the Hill: "Understanding, Preventing, & Addressing Challenging Behavior"

Not too late to participate! Therapist Amy Hunter, LICSW, is facilitating a parenting workshop beginning TONIGHT and running for five consecutive Monday evenings, 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Capitol Hill. Perfect for those of you who live and/or work in the District.

The workshop series, "Understanding, Preventing, & Addressing Your Child's Challenging Behavior," will help participants learn some new strategies and share your experiences, with an emphasis on helping your child(ren) to manage emotions, enhancing your positive relationships, and developing an individualized plan. To learn more about Amy and download a flier on this series, click here.

The series is held at Healing Arts of Capitol Hill (320 G St. NE). For more info or to register, contact Amy Hunter at 202.544.9389 (voice mail), 617.571.6390 (cell), or via email at amynhunter-at-comcast-dot-net.

Contributors sought for "bump to baby" book

Here's a chance to share your mothering experience and see your name in print: Teia Collier of Capitol Moms and DC therapist Julie Belgard are co-editing a book of baby stories, and are collecting tales from around the nation.

Teia tells me, "Every mom has a baby story--from finding out they are pregnant to the actual birth and beyond. These are wonderful, bonding stories, both funny and dramatic, and we realized that there are very few formats in which to share them. We are working on editing a book of bump to baby stories - particularly how you found out you were pregnant, how you told your partner/family/friends/boss....and then what came next."

The editors would love to share your story alongside their own. Email your submission to: bumpstories-at-gmail-dot-com.

Shopping discount to benefit Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies

Mother's Day is around the corner, and personalized stationary makes a great gift. This year you can support the good work of the national nonprofit organization Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies (HMHB) by ordering from Amy Adele online.

You'll get a 10 percent discount, while a portion of your purchase goes to support the programs of HMHB. Just be sure to enter this code at checkout: nhmhbc.

Happy shopping!