My loyal readers know that I grew up in Washington DC (in the Chevy Chase / Tenlytown area) and that my parents still live there. Cameron and I have been visiting a lot lately – and plan to in the future, so I have begun to blog about our adventures there.
I hope my Facebook Fans of Mommy FTW who are in DC can get some use from this – I have also learned that a lot of my mom friends who live here in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill have some roots in DC – pretty cool! Anyways, because of all the Washington DC related posts that I’ve done, and plan to do, I decided to add a new Catagory to Mommy FTW – Washington DC. I hope that you all find it useful!
On Tuesday Cameron and I headed out to Clinton Hill Library (380 Washington Ave) for Reading with Babies, and a break from the rain. When I got to the library I saw a sign posted that there wouldn’t be any story time until March 2nd, and that they were showing a Sesame Street movie instead. I was a little disappointed, but I wanted to check out the Children’s section of the library anyways because I had heard it was a nice place for kids to play – story time, or no. Indeed, I was not let down.
Cameron plays with the bead maze
There was plenty of space for Cameron to roam around, and a few other babies there. So many books were at his level, and I didn’t feel bad about him taking them off the shelves himself and taking a peek at them (I just followed him around and put them back). There were also a few toys for the kids.
So many books to choose from
Overall, it was a nice place to take Cameron when the weather is bad, so we will certainly be back!
Pardon this little bit of non baby related news -
With very little fanfare (except some blog posts on Clinton Hill Blog and the Local) the Pratt Post Office is closing temporarily. I hadn’t been able to find out much about what was going on, so I went to the post office this afternoon (located on Myrtle near Hall) to try and find out more. There was a sign posted with the following info:
Effective Monday March 1, 2010
Pratt Station Post Office Will Be Closed Temporarily
Due to Emergency Repairs Needed to Fix
Infrastructure Problems Within the Station.
Mobile Units Will Be in Front of Pratt Station Post
Office starting Monday, March 1, 2010
-Pratt Station PO Box customers will be able to pick up their mail at the Mobile Units
-Carriers will be delivering mail from the Metro Station Post Office (47 Debevoise St; Brooklyn NY 11206)
-If customers need to hold mail – submit completed Hold Mail Cards to the Mobile Unit Retail Clerks
-Renovations will take approximately 8 to 12 weeks to complete or longer
Thank you for your cooperation during this time.
USPS Brooklyn post office
The sign!
I’m the kind of person who orders everything off the internet – from my groceries, to my diapers, and everything in between. When it came time to get Cameron his first set of “big boy shoes” (hard soled shoes for walking) I had my doubts about ordering online. After all, fit is really important, and I didn’t want to slow Cameron down with the wrong shoes. When I was in DC this past week visiting my parents with Cameron my mom suggested we check out Ramer’s Shoes (3810 N. Hampton St NW DC). They are a Stride Rite retailer. She told me that she used to take me to Ramer’s Shoes when I was little… and once we got over there, I definitely remembered it. Dear readers, I am 31 – so that should tell you this place has been around for awhile!
When we arrived we walked in on another mom who was also there getting her babies first walking shoes. The mom and baby both seemed very happy with their recent purchase, and I was feeling confident that the saleswoman would take good care of Cameron. Indeed she did!
Cameron gets measured
She expertly measured his feet – informing me that one was half a size smaller than the other, and that his feet were unusually narrow (like my husband’s feet). She told me that shoes with laces were better for early walkers, because they offer more support (I had asked for velcro, but she told me this was a no-no). We tried on a few pairs of shoes and found the right one.
And we try on the first pair of shoes....
They even have a little piano that is perfect for having babies stand at so you can see how the shoe fits when the baby is putting pressure on the foot. They also keep a chart on your child of their shoe size, and send you reminders when it’s time to get a new pair. Overall, the service was outstanding, and I am so glad we went there for Cameron’s first shoes.
Putting them to the test
I am all about buying things online, but I think in this case, going to a real shoe store with someone who knows what they are doing was the right thing to do. So moms in the Washington DC area, check out Ramer’s Shoes!
Usually when Cameron and I go out for lunch we end up at 67 Burger. I can’t deny that we both LOVE their food! Plus the staff is always so friendly. But mom and baby can not live on sweet potato fries and burgers alone, so I was in search of somewhere new. Celia, mom to Claire and fellow Brooklyn blogger (check out her site, Chic Squirt) recommended that I try Il Porto (37 Washington Ave Brooklyn, NY). I admit my husband and I order pizza delivery from there all the time, but I had never actually been to the restaurant.
Under the BQE and to Il Porto we go!
So, Cameron and I ventured over there one afternoon to check out the scene. They had plenty of room for my stroller, and also had a few high chairs. The wait staff was very friendly and made Cameron and I feel welcome. I ordered the gnocchi right away (per Celia’s recommendation). I also got some bread for Cameron to snack on. The pasta came quickly – and it was SO good! Cameron was suspicious at first (as always) but once he saw me enjoying it, he gave it a try. Success!
Cameron waits for his gnocchi. Also pictured Skip Hop Plate
So Fort Greene and Clinton Hill mommies (and daddies) if you are looking for something yummy for lunch, try Il Porto – and try the gnocchi – it’s perfect finger food for baby, and mighty tasty for you!
Want more info on Il Porto? Check out this Lunchtime with Tillie review from Clinton Hill Blog.
Cameron and I braved the snow and made a recent trip back to Washington, DC. Of course, while we were there we went to the Wilson Aquatic Center (3 times!) I learned a few new things I wanted to share.
Let's get this show on the road!
1)Babies are now required to wear swimsuits and swim diapers. We found this out the first day from one of the lifeguards. He allowed us to stay, but said we should get one for next time. We were able to find an ugly, but affordable swimsuit at Feline’s Basement in Mazza Gallerie. Problem solved!
2)The Women’s locker room – which has warmer showers than the family locker room, and is much bigger, and has a swim suit dryer – also has a diaper changing station. So if you feel more comfortable in there (I like it better, personally) try taking your little one to that locker room instead.
3)Be sure to bring lots of Quarters for the meters outside. If you don’t have any, you can park at the lot that services Whole Foods. If you get your ticket stamped it saves you a few bucks.
4)While getting my ticket stamped in Whole Foods (due to all the snow we couldn’t park on the street at a meter) I also got Cameron some lunch. They have a great salad bar, hot food bar, and soups. Cameron ate some squash soup, fresh mozzarella balls, peas, white beans, and pesto chicken salad. Yum! Upstairs they have a place you can sit and eat, which has 2 high chairs. Unfortunately I didn’t have my phone with me – so no pics – but believe me when I say, there are lots of choices for mom and baby, and plenty of seating too!
I just wanted to spread the word about an upcoming mom’s night out that was posted on Parents Around the Hill (PATH).
When: Thursday, Feb 25th from 8-11
Where: Chez Lola which is at 387 Myrtle Ave (next to the gas station on Vanderbuilt)
Please RSVP to: Tracy Joerss tamcdonagh AT yahoo DOT com
Members of Parents Around the Hill can see more on the Events Page.
I know hard it is to get moms to commit and organize everyone – so please do RSVP if you think you might go! You know you deserve a night out, and a cocktail or two, so secure yourself a babysitter or husband type, and I’ll see you there!
FYI for those of you who don’t know Parents Around the Hill is a ning (s0cial networking type-site) that brings together families from Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, and Bed-Stuy. If you want to learn more about them before joining the ning, you can check out their public site at ParentsAroundtheHill.com
I am so fortunate to know a lot of moms who share with me their ideas and advice. This post is based in their experiences, as well as information gained from the Fort Greene Babies Yahoo Group and Parents Around the Hill (PATH). I haven’t checked out all these places myself – so I can’t speak to every one of them personally – but my mom friends haven’t steered me wrong yet. The reason I have decided to post about them before being able to check them all out is I am guessing that a lot of you are starting to feel a little desperate with all this snow and cold weather – I know I am! So here are some ideas of places to take your baby in the Fort Greene / Clinton Hill area:
The Booklyn Flea – The Flea has moved indoors for the winter months. It’s new home is at One Hanson Place on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 5pm. The Flea is on the main floor and lower level. According to one mom, the lower level has food options, and the upper level is where the sales go on. She said the lower level is a great place to take kids and let them roam around, and that there is space for strollers. So if you are looking for a weekend activity – check out the indoor Flea!
Story time at Greenlight Bookstore – Greenlight Bookstore is located at 686 Fulton Street and has a free story time on Saturday mornings at 10:30 AM. Check it out for more weekend fun.
Playgroup at Brooklyn Junior – Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon there is a free playgroup at Brooklyn Junior (150 Clinton Ave – corner of Myrtle) from 3:15-6. Please email info@brooklynjunior.com if you would like to go. Children of all ages are welcome.
The Clinton Hill Library – Not only does Clinton Hill Library (380 Washington Ave) have a great and free Reading for Babies program on Tuesdays at 10:45 and 11:30, but I’ve also been told it’s a great place to take your kid to let them roam around even when no scheduled activities are going on.
Chuck E Cheese – Now this one, I never would have thought of! Last Thursday a few of us were hanging out at Der Schwarze Kölner and one of the moms said that she had just been at Chuck E Cheese with her baby (he is an early walker). She said that it was her nanny who had originally suggested it, and although she was skeptical – it turned out to be a great place for him to roam around, and it was free (since they aren’t playing any games). Chuck E. Cheese is located in the Atlantic Terminal Mall.
Der Schwarze Kölner aka the Beer Garden – As I mentioned above I’ve been going to the Beer Garden (710 Fulton Street) with Cameron and some other moms + babies. It is a great winter option – and they are so welcoming and nice! Read more about Der Schwarze Kölner at this other post I wrote a few days ago.
If you have other ideas to share, please leave a comment!
Back in November when Cameron was just turning a year old we went out to Chicago to visit my husband’s family, and I was NOT going to pack a bath seat for the trip. So, we started getting Cameron used to taking a bath in the tub without his Dream Baby Bath Seat. At first, someone sat in the tub with him, and then after a few days he was sitting alone in the tub. He seemed a little insecure at the beginning, but now he loves being in the tub by himself.
Cameron playin' in the tub! (Also pictured - Bath Letters)
I still use his infant bath seat in the beginning of bath time because it makes it easier for me to wash him, but when we move to play time, I release him into the tub. We have a rule, which another mom suggested to me, that once he stands up, bath time is over. He quickly learned that this is how he should signal that he is ready for bed.
I’m aware having a baby in the bath tub isn’t revolutionary, but I know a lot of moms who are nervous about taking their little ones out of their seats and letting them be in the tub without bumpers or restraints. So, I wanted to write this little post to give you the confidence to try it out! Your baby just might love it.
The first time my moms group went to Der Schwarze Kölner (the Beer Garden on Fulton) one of the moms brought along her Touch and Feel baby flash cards. The babies were really loving them – and I was also impressed. They are made of thick cardboard, and use real pictures, which I prefer over illustrations. And, as the name implies they also have textures that baby can touch.
Lots of options for your little one
I ordered Cameron some from Amazon right away. For him I got the “First Words” set, and the “Animals” sets.
Here's what they look like
They also come in Colors and Shapes, Numbers and Counting, and Things That Go. All of these have great reviews on Amazon, so I don’t think you can go wrong!
