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

Capitol Moms' goodie bag giveaway (& a P.S. for tonight)

Mon, 23 Oct 2006 13:13:26 -0500

The new Capitol Moms blog is doing its first giveaway, with goodie bags including promotional passes to the Road to Motherhood Tour at Babies R Us stores throughout the DC area. For more details and to get your freebie goodie bag from Capitol Moms, click here.

I also want to clarify that there is NO cost to attend the Road to Motherhood Tour - it's a complimentary event! The Capitol Moms goodie bag is a fabulous perk that I encourage you to take advantage of - and that helps to promote the Tour among local moms - but you don't have to wait for a bag to be mailed to you before you attend.

The Road to Motherhood Tour makes its first stops in the DC area this week - In Silver Spring on Friday, Sterling on Saturday, and Falls Church on Sunday. The tour will return to the Washington area on November 11, with an event in Pasadena/Glen Burnie.

p.s. Expectant mamas: Remember that the Apple Seed boutique in Old Town is hosting its "Work Wear" event with a great professional stylist (Lauren Rothman) TONIGHT, Tuesday, October 24, 7 to 9 p.m. According to owners Dina and Elleni, there are still a few spaces open - and you don't even need to RSVP. Just drop on by!

Holiday perks from DC Baby's favorite photographer

Mon, 23 Oct 2006 10:33:00 -0500

If you have the first edition of my book/e-book, you know that Elizabeth Dranitzke of Photopia is our favorite pick for photography of babies, children, and families. And I just got a sneak peek at their holiday portrait packages, including some special $$-saving perks.

Weekend appointments are filling up fast, so you'd better call ASAP if you want a weekend sitting with Elizabeth between now and December! However, if you have some flexibility... Book your session on a weekday in October or November, and you get 25 free 4x6s (of the same image).

Also this year, in response to client request, you can purchase one image of your choice as a high resolution file for $150 through December 31. This is a great way to use a professional image of your family on your holiday cards. Or, you can create your own fine art cards online, through Photopia's partnership with Pictage. Through November 26, you get 10 free cards with an order of 25 or more.

And in addition to the cards and prints, Photopia also offers linen-bound albums that are great for gifts.

To book Photopia, contact Elizabeth Dranitzke at 202.550.2520 or elizabeth (at) photopiadc (dot) com.

Weekend Watch: Street Festival, Preschool Parade, & Last Chance for Renaissance Festival

Fri, 20 Oct 2006 10:12:44 -0500

Earlier this week on the blog, I pointed you toward our family's faves for this weekend - Saturday's Clarendon Day and the grand opening of the new Kinder Haus store in Arlington, as well as Sunday's children's costume parade through the pumpkin patch at 12:30 p.m. in Alexandria (on the grounds of Immanuel Episcopal Church on the Hill, at Quaker Ln. & Seminary).

Of course, there are many other great fall activities and Halloween-related events happening this weekend. And it's the last weekend of the Maryland Renaissance Festival in Crownsville (if you're into that sorta thing), with jugglers, jousters, kids' sing-alongs, stage shows, music, and dancers. All kids under age six get in FREE.

Free events at NoVa Gymboree locations

Thu, 19 Oct 2006 10:25:54 -0500

Two of the NoVa locations of Gymboree Play & Music are hosting free "Baby Blast" events for infants up to 10 months of age and their parents or caregivers. It's a chance to meet the Gymboree "teachers" and try out some free play at their facility. There will also be some give-aways and other special perks.

Here's the schedule:

Alexandria:
TONIGHT: Thursday, October 19, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
TOMORROW: Friday, October 20, 1 - 2:30 p.m.
(318 S. Pickett St.)

Springfield:
Next Week: Tuesday, October 24, 5:15 - 6:45 p.m.
(Springfield Mall, Upper level next to Macy's)

Although there is no charge to attend, they ask that you RSVP to reserve a space, by calling 703.836.2277.

The new Kinder Haus rocks!

Wed, 18 Oct 2006 14:07:54 -0500

After taking a wrong turn in the Clarendon neighborhood of Arlington last weekend (it happens), I stumbled upon the brand-new Kinder Haus store - and boy is it fabulous.

Big, beautiful, sparkling clean, well-staffed, and stocked with a gazillion treats for kids of all ages - Our new favorite toy store! To take a virtual tour, click here.

It just so happens that Kinder Haus is celebrating its grand opening this Saturday, October 21 to coincide with the "Clarendon Day" event. Between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., the store will do drawings for prizes every hour. Free balloons and free face painting are on the menu. Children's author Sue Pyatt and her illustrator Dana Saxerud will be signing their new book. And nine-year-old balloon animal prodigy Adam Olsen will work his magic for the crowd between 10:30 a.m. and 12 noon. For more on the "Clarendon Day" brew-ha-ha of food, music, and arts, click here.

Kinder Haus is also doing a Halloween Costume Contest (with prizes) for ages 3 to 12 on Monday, October 30 from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. (also featuring face painting and balloons) - It's free, but they ask that you RSVP by calling 703.527.5929.

For the Mamas & Mamas-to-Be

Tue, 17 Oct 2006 09:41:11 -0500

Three gals-only events, just for the mamas:

1.) A free trial "Momilates" Pilates class for new moms & existing moms (sounds better than "old moms," right?) is this Saturday, October 21 from 10 to 10:50 a.m. at NeuroPT & Evolution Pilates in Alexandria (5249 Duke St.). Space is limited, so you should RSVP to the instructor, Megan, if you plan to attend: megan (at) neuropt (dot)net, or 703.751.1733. She's offering an eight-week Momilates session starting in November, so this is your chance to preview it at no cost.

2.) Apple Seed, the new maternity and baby boutique in Old Town, continues to host cool events for the pregnant gals:

Work Wear, Tuesday, October 24, 7 to 9 p.m.
A night of shopping with Apple Seed's personal stylist! Styleauteur will be there to help you choose the best colors, fabrics, and styles for the workplace. Great for new moms-to-be just starting their maternity shopping. This is a complimentary event, but since dressing room space is limited, please call to RSVP by Friday, October 20: 703.535.5446.

Evening Wear, Tuesday, November 7, 7 to 9 p.m.
Once again the holiday season is upon us. From formal gowns to chic separates, Apple Seed's fashion consultant will be on hand to outfit you for all your formal occasions. This is a complimentary event, but since dressing room space is limited, please call the store to RSVP by Friday, November 3: 703.535.5446.

Halloween Tips, part 3: Events for the wee ones

Sun, 15 Oct 2006 20:32:12 -0500

Thanks to those of you who shared your favorite DC-area Halloween events/activities appropriate for the toddler and preschool crowd. Here's a compilation of your tips:

Boo at the Zoo, at the National Zoo in NW DC (already sold out, but some on the DC Urban Moms listserv are selling their extra tickets, if you're in the market...)

Apple-picking at Homestead Farm in Poolesville, Maryland - It isn't too far of a drive (and the drive is beautiful!), and they have apples, pumpkins, squash, etc., as well as sheep, turkeys, chickens, and roosters for the kids to visit. They are also very reasonable in price.

Driving up Skyline Dr.

Cox Farms and Burke Nursery, both in VA

Butler's Orchard Pumpkin Festival in Maryland - really fun and very child-focused

The Ranvensworth-Bristow Civic Association in Annadale has a great (and FREE) Halloween parade for children -- families gather along the route and pass out candy to the children. They even have some pets dress up! It's held on the Saturday before Halloween at 4 p.m. on the corner of Erie and Newcastle Sts.

Rock Creek Park's Nature Center in DC has a costume party on October 29 at 2:00.

Croyden Creek Nature Center in Rockville, MD has Croyden Creep events with an animal show, graveyard tour (totally not scary), climbing wall, drive-in movie with a kid friendly movie (last year it was "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown"). Last year they had a little "bat cave" and talked about and showed a bat. Everything is free, except for the movie (I think).

Burke Lake Halloween train ride is great. We also go to Boo at the Zoo every year.

Halloween Fashion Show at Babies R Us in Falls Church.

DelRay Halloween Parade in Alexandria - It's usually held the Sunday before Halloween on Mt. Vernon Avenue at 2 p.m. There are awards for best costumes.

We love Cox Farm for preschool through elementary-age children. They have mazes of baled hay, rope swings, gigantic slides, farm animals, fresh applesauce and grilled hamburgers, and on the weekend they have terrific folk-rock performers on an open air stage. You can also take a tractor-drawn hayride through a ridiculously silly haunted field (painted cartoonish signs) and get a small pumpkin from the patch.

Brookside Gardens in Maryland has a pumpkin patch for toddlers - Sign up early!

Belvedere Plantation in Fredricksburg seems to be the favorite for taking children to a real pumpkin patch for parents that live in Woodbridge, VA.

Greenbelt, MD has an annual costume contest and parade at the Roosevelt Center. This year it's October 27 at 4 p.m. (registration starts earlier). Costume contest is for ages 18 mos. through sixth-graders.

There is a vendor who sells his fresh farm produce in Tenleytown Saturday and Sunday. Last year he sold pumpkins. So far, I've only seen gourds this year.

There is a patch in Upper Marboro that had assorted pumpkinsn and corn last year. It is way laid back and a lot of fun.

The Leesburg Animal Park has a great pumpkin patch with a petting zoo, puppet show, hay rides and a host of slides and other activities that promote a family fun-filled afternoon. There is an admission fee of $10 per person on the weekends and holidays. It is less during the week. Leesburg Animal Park, 19270 James Monroe Hwy., Leesburg, VA 20175.

Turtle Park in NW DC (the AU Park neighborhood) has a great costumed kids' Halloween festival each year, with a costume parade and a children's musician or performer. This year I believe it's the morning of Saturday, October 28, starting at 10:00.

Burke Nursery's "pumpkin playground" is the "closest in" one we go to -- it's really great for small children as they have few "big slides" like the pumpkin patch at Cox Farms. But the Cox Farms one is great now that my oldest is in elementary school.

There's a pumpkin patch near the Blockbuster Merchants Starbucks on Rolling Rd.

In Alexandria, we love the annual pumpkin patch on the grounds of Immanuel-on-the-Hill Episcopal Church, near the intersection of Quaker & Seminary Ln. The pumpkins are brought in from a Navajo farm in New Mexico, and there are also some great seasonal soups and baked goods for sale. They have an annual children's Halloween costume parade through the patch each year - This year it's on Sunday, October 22 at 12:30 p.m., and all are welcome. You don't have to be a church member.

In Arlington on October 28 at 4 p.m., Westover Baby-Toddler Halloween Parade. Starts at intersection of Kennebec and N. 11th St, at the pavilion. Mr. Don will perform.

Cox Farm is a drive but it is the BEST!! We go every year. Take a picnic lunch and make a day of it.

Cox is great, but it has crowds on the weekends. Go during the week, when it first opens.

My own sideposts:

I just learned about a fun and free Halloween party for the little ones at Jonah's Treehouse in DC on October 27... more details coming soon in a blog post of its own!

And as I've mentioned previously, my best tip is this: For many more great Halloween events appropriate for children ranging from toddlers through school-age, be sure to check out the fabulous Our Kids seasonal event list, which covers the District, ALL of suburban Maryland, and ALL of the NoVa suburbs.

Weekend Watch: Recap of Butler's Orchard & Georgetown Street Festival

Fri, 13 Oct 2006 10:28:22 -0500

If you're thinking of doing the Pumpkin Festival at Butler's Orchard in Maryland this weekend, I highly recommend it. We took Ava last Sunday, and it's perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.

My main tip: To get in and park quickly without the traffic hassles, and to avoid the crowds that get heavier around noon-1 p.m., arrive when the gates open at 10:00. And do the tractor-pull hayride to the pumpkin patch first thing, before the line gets long.

They have plenty of staff working this event, and it's well-organized and safe. And if the weather is nice (like it was last Sunday), this place is heaven. Really beautiful, loads of space for little ones to run off energy, and no shortage of fun stuff to do for all ages:

Big slides for big kids, little slides for little kids, gentle farm animals (bring quarters to buy animal food from the machines), Halloween characters made out of pumpkins - lots of photo opps, a (stationary) wooden "pumpkin train," ride-on toys, a big hayloft for jumping and playing, a corn maze, pony rides, a moonbounce, and a Cinderella-esque pumpkin carriage. That's in addition to the hayride to the pumpkin patch (built into your admission cost) and the option to pick fresh apples and berries on the premises. There's live bluegrass music and food for purchase, too.

The Butler's Orchard website notes that children under age 2 get in free...but it seems that in practice, children under age 3 get in free. (At the gate, we told them Ava is 2 1/2 and they did not charge us for her entry.) Older kids and adults are $9.

If you've already "been there, done that" with Butler's Orchard, I also recommend the street festival in Georgetown on Saturday. The area will be blocked off on Wisconsin Ave. between M and South St. for "Taste of Georgetown," 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. They have children's activities this year, as well as live jazz and blues. Not to mention the yummy restaurant tastings (about $5 each, or $20 for five tastings). Heads up, lushy mamas and daddies: Wine tastings this year, too.

TONIGHT: Concert for a great cause

Thu, 12 Oct 2006 09:45:48 -0500

Tonight, Thursday the 12th, from 5 to 7 p.m. in Alexandria: A children's concert to raise funds for the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia. Performers are Signing Time star Rachel Coleman and local children's musician Miss Belle (we recently attended one of her sing-alongs at Aladdin's Lamp and really enjoyed it!).

The concert takes place in the auditorium of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (6560 Braddock Rd., door #9).

Tix are just $3 per person or $10 per family, and are available only at the door. All for a very worthy cause to support parents, kids, and families in NoVa.

New place for ALL to play

Tue, 10 Oct 2006 14:12:52 -0500

Yesterday's Washington Post featured a story on a cool new playscape that is fully accessible to special-needs kids, set to open in Mclean, VA on October 21.

Thanks to Post reporter Arianne Aryanpur for spreading the word about this fabulous space where local children of all abilities and ages can have fun together -- And a standing ovation for 90-year-old resident Adele Lebowitz, who donated her estate to the Fairfax County Park Authority specifically to benefit children living with disabilities (when she could have raked in millions from suburban developers by selling the land).

The new Clemyjontri Park is a two-acre playground with many adaptations for special needs children - the first of its kind in Fairfax County. (It reminds me a lot of the fabulous Hadley's Park playground in Potomac, MD, which I wrote about and photographed for the first edition of my book - located at the corner of Falls Rd. and Falls Chapel Way.)

Bethesda Groups Start Next Week: Moms-Only & First-Time Moms with Babies

Tue, 10 Oct 2006 09:47:01 -0500

Starting next Thursday, October 19 in Bethesda: New sessions of professionally-facilitated support groups for local moms at Counseling Associates of Metropolitan Washington - led by therapists (and and mothers!) Nancy Markoe, LCSW-C and Deborah Horan, LCSW-C.

Here's more detail on each group:

Moms-Only Group: Offers the opportunity to address the issues confronted by mothers of babies and preschoolers. Offered in the evening to allow mothers working both inside and outside the home to attend, this group helps mothers deal with the challenges they face as their children grow. This group will look at changing relationships, family dynamics, sibling issues, childcare and balancing outside work with motherhood. Join other mothers in a safe and supportive environment. The group meets Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

First Time Moms with Babies: Daytime sessions are offered for new mothers with their infants up to 6 months (if they choose to bring them). These sessions address the same issues and concerns as the Moms-Only group, with an added emphasis on practical parenting. Meet other women facing the challenges of new motherhood who wish to discuss their concerns and feelings in a safe and supportive environment. This group meets Thursdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

The group meets for 10 sessions at their office, 4833 Bethesda Ave., Suite 204. The office is metro-accessible and there is adjacent metered parking. The registration cost of $260 is payable in advance, or at the first session.

For more info or to register, contact Nancy at 202.494.6840 or Deborah at 301.325.3052.

Tomorrow Night: The "One-Armed Cook" in Silver Spring

Mon, 09 Oct 2006 12:22:13 -0500

Tomorrow night, Tuesday, October 10 at 7 p.m.: The authors of The One-Armed Cook: Quick & Easy Recipes, Smart Meal Plans, & Savvy Advice for New (& Not-so-New) Moms will be at the Silver Spring Babies R Us store.

Co-authors Cynthia Stevens Graubart and Catherine Fliegel (who also happens to be a registered nurse and childbirth educator), will give a free presentation on "Safe & Sane Family Kitchens," including a kitchen safety demo. They'll also be signing copies of the cookbook, which will be available for sale before and after their talk.

There's no charge to attend, but space is limited. To RSVP for a spot, call the store at 301.586.8630.

Your Halloween Tips, Part 2: Higher-End Costumes

Sun, 08 Oct 2006 18:59:17 -0500

Thanks to those of you who responded to the online survey and shared your tips. Here's a compilation of your favorite places to buy higher-end costumes ($25+) for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers:

Pottery Barn Kids

Red Envelope

Babystyle.com quality is nicer than anything else.

The Disney Store. They are ridiculously pricey, but you know the quality is decent.

The Giant Peach in Annapolis... very cute costumes

Why Not? on King St. in Old Town

Buy Buy Baby has the cutest Elmo outfit. Need I say more?

One Step Ahead

BuyCostumes.com, only for the Tom Arma signature collection. It is definitely high quality and feels good to the touch. My son was one when he wore the brown bear costume and didn't fuss at all about it. Plus, it is heirloom quality and something that I plan on keeping for a very long time.

Dawn Price Baby on Capitol Hill (just down the block from Eastern Market)

Weekend Watch: Indoor/Outdoor Fall Fun

Fri, 06 Oct 2006 10:13:59 -0500

Looks like Saturday will be chilly and wet, but Sunday will be a gorgeous (and dry) fall day. With that in mind, here's a pick for each day:

Saturday:
The fabulous Great Zucchini will be at the Arlington location of Tree Top Kids at 10:30 a.m., and it's free. He recently entertained the kiddos at my daughter's preschool to wild applause, so I highly recommend the experience! Best for ages 2-6.

Sunday:
Should be a perfect day to check out the Annual Pumpkin Festival at Butler's Orchard in Germantown, MD from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Little ones under age two get in free - all others are $9. In addition to shopping for your own pumpkin and farm-fresh veggies and fruits, the kids can also take a hayride, go down the big slide, jump around in the Hayloft, wander through the maze, take a pony ride, have their picture made with the funny pumpkin creatures, and enjoy fall foods & treats.

For more tips on pumpkin patches, fall orchards, and autumn festivals, see the "'Tis the Season" chapter at the back of my book. Also do not miss the excellent, comprehensive listings on the Our Kids website: 2006 Halloween Events, Pumpkin Patches & Fall Festivals, Apple Picking, and Farmer's Markets.

Your Halloween Tips, Part 1: Best Bargain Costumes

Thu, 05 Oct 2006 14:05:38 -0500

Thanks to those who filled out the online survey, sharing your costume tips and favorites for babies to age four. Here's a compilation of your recommendations for low-cost costumes:

Target. They are inexpensive, and since my kids will probably only wear them once, they're good enough.

Tot Swap, Target, and BabyCenter.com

Value Village Thrift Store (University Blvd. in Langley Park, MD). A HUGE selection, and cheap.

CostumeExpress.com They have some of the cheaper prices I've seen for a lot of the standard costumes. However, I've also noticed they have some really cute toddler costumes that I haven't seen anywhere else. They process orders very quickly. I ordered my son's costume before noon on Wednesday, and it was shipped the same day. I got it via standard mail several days before it was expected. The quality is the same as most standard Halloween costumes!

Consignment sales (e.g. Dani's Duds & Tot Swap) and yard sales. Mommy-group websites (e.g. MOTH) are a good place to get costumes - often the upscale ones that were worn once the previous year that people are trying to unload for less than $10.

Target - you can see what you're getting for the cost.

Toys R Us, OneStepAhead.com, Children's Place

From moms in my playgroup who have slightly older kids. My seven-month-old will be wearing a 6-12 month size lion outfit that a friend bought from Children's Place last year for her now 18-month-old.

eBay

Last year there were good, inexpensive choices for infants (my son was six weeks old) at The Purple Goose in Alexandria.

Target - they are inexpensive, easy to get, and I can piece together a great costume not only from their Halloween department, but from the rest of the store as well!

Target or Old Navy. Good prices, easy to wear.

Online, because it's easy to shop and compare.

I actually bought mine on the military base.

K-Mart. They go on sale at the last minute and have a wide assortment.

Wiggle Room - consignment store in Bethesda - great deals!

Old Navy and Children's Place - inexpensive and good selection.

The Unique Thrift Shop on Gallows Rd., just past Fairfax Hospital. I like it because they are barely used and it goes to a charity... Lupus, I believe.

Old Navy.

Yard sales or consignment stores, because kids don't really understand the meaning of Halloween, especially babies and young toddlers. And you can get them for a low price for using the costume only once.

My daughter is seven months and it's my first year as a mom, so I'll go to Wal-Mart.

DisneyShopping.com, becaue they have great sales and free shipping with coupon codes.

BJ's, Party City, and LillysKids.com

Marshall's, because they are affordable and you can return them if they don't fit before Halloween day.

Online from Sensational Beginnings . The sizes are pretty acurate and my girls just pick out which costume they want, and all I have to do is order.

Joann's Fabric Store. They usually have a cute selection of bagged costumes and accessories. If you're on their mailing list, you can get a 40 percent off coupon and then the prices aren't just reasonable, but cheap. Also, they often have sales where the Halloween costumes and accessories are very reduced.

One Step Ahead catalog - affordable, lots of variety, and best of all, I can shop from home.

Target, Target, and more Target!

Stay tuned: Coming this weekend, a compilation of your recommendations for fancier, hi-end Halloween costumes.