Mommy FTW

I have a new found love for the library now that I have kids.  We go all the time to pick up books I’ve requested (see my post on putting books on hold) as well as to browse the shelves for something new and excited.  So I was happy to hear about the Check it In Fine Forgiveness Campaign that the DC Public Libraries have in effect.  Here are the details:

Don't worry, the library still loves you. Bring it back!

The “Check It In” campaign is an effort to encourage DC Public Library cardholders who haven’t used the library in a while because of overdue, lost or damaged books or other library materials to return to the library.  The DC Public Library will forgive all fines and fees on any overdue, lost and damaged item.

The DC Public Library wants to get back as many overdue books as possible to benefit more District residents. The Library wants to also ensure we have your most up-to-date information so this is an opportunity for you to update your customer record with your new email address, phone number or mailing address.

How long is the campaign?
The 60-day campaign will run from Monday, Dec. 5, 2011 – Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012.

How does it work?
No matter how long you’ve had the book. No matter the condition of the CD. You can return them to any DC Public Library. No questions asked. And best of all NO FINES OR FEES charged. You lost it? No problem. Stop by your local library and we’ll forgive that too.  When returning your book, you must see a library staff person in order to clear your record of fines and fees.

What are you waiting for? Check it in and discover the joy of using your library again.

I remember as a child I lost a book and was so scared of paying the fines (my allowance was non-existent) that I never went to the library again.  It wasn’t until I came back to DC as and adult (with a new last name from my marriage – ha!) that I started using the library again.  Don’t let this happen to you!  The DC Public Libraries want to give you a clean slate.  Start your love affair with the library again!

For more information on where to find your local DC Public Library branch, check out their website.  Also be sure to read my post on placing books on hold (my favorite way to get the most out of the library) and check out what Cameron is reading if you need some inspiration!

I did a post on the topic of trick or treating with your toddler last year, and it was pretty popular, so I am doing a repost since it’s that time of year again!  I hope everyone has a safe, happy, and fun Halloween!

Our pumpkins this year. Cameron's is the cat!

Choose a costume that is comfortable and don’t cover your child’s eyes. If your child is working on potty training, think about how easy it will be to remove for a bathroom break. If your child’s costume has a hat, try putting it on them a few times before the big day so they can warm up to it. Also, put it on your head to show them how cool it is.

Try and go visiting before your toddler’s bedtime. No one says you have to wait until dark to visit your neighbors in your Halloween costume. This will help avoid crankyness! I think we will head out after dinner, but before bath time.

If you are going to go around the neighborhood, bring a stroller or wagon. That way if they get tired of walking you have a back up plan that doesn’t involve you carrying them.

Take a flashlight with you if you are going out after dark. Also, Give your toddler something that is lit to hold. A flashlight, glow bracelet or necklace work great. You want others to see them coming

Make sure your toddler is wearing comfortable shoes – even if they don’t go with the costume!

If your child is potty trained, suggest they go to the bathroom before you go. If not, put on a fresh diaper.  (Even thought Cameron is mostly trained, I might try and get a diaper on him anyways to avoid any tricky situations).

Consider using a backpack as a goody bag. It’s easier to carry if things get heavy, and it keeps those little hands free to carry a flashlight.

Be sure to bring a bottle of water or your toddler’s sippy cup so that they can have a drink.

Take pictures before you go out trick or treating while everyone is well-rested, well fed, and happy.

I hope everyone has fun! Please feel free to post pictures of your little one in costume on our Facebook Fan Page!!  Cameron is going as Thomas the train – is anyone surprised?!

PS: if any readers live nn NW DC I hear that Brandywine St is closed to traffic between 46th and 47th streets from 5-8:30.  There will be a fire truck there around 6:30. That’s where we will be!

We’ve had a few rainy days here in D.C. but the weather this weekend is actually looking like it will be pretty good.  So if you are looking to get out with your little one and have some fun, why not check out Truck Touch 2011!  If your kids love trucks as much as Cameron does, it’s sure to be a hit.  Here’s the info which was sent to me this morning by Suburban Nursery School (Thanks for the heads up!):

Cameron gets his Truck Touch on!

Join us on Saturday, October 15th from 10am-3pm for our biggest, most colorful Truck Touch ever! Suburban Nursery School has assembled a ton of trucks for kids (and adults) to explore and touch including: a pink dump truck and a pink trash truck; a fire truck and a tree-trimmer bucket truck; a lime green shredder truck and a big white snow plow; big trucks and small cars; and many, many more.

Enjoy home-made baked goods, snacks and lunch from some of your favorite local vendors (pizza and ice cream!!), facepainting, and take a tour of the school too! This is a great opportunity for you and your kids to climb on and pretend to drive all of the trucks they love to read and talk about.

Truck Touch will take place in the school parking lot at 7210 Hidden Creek Road in Bethesda, MD (20817), near River Road, off of Wilson Lane. The cost is $5 per person; FREE for children under 2. All proceeds benefit Suburban Nursery School.

I’m always on the look out for a kid friendly place to take Cameron for a meal – and when I can find a place that I also enjoy eating it’s a bonus! Pete’s New Haven Style Apizza is perfect for us. There are a few locations, but the one we frequent is in Friendship Heights (4940 Wisconsin Ave). Their pizza is “New Haven Style” – I’m not exactly sure what that means – but having moved to DC from New York (and having eaten a lot of really good pizza) – I can say that “New Haven Style” must mean “tasty.”

It’s a thin crust pie with sophisticated, quality, locally sourced toppings available (don’t worry, they also have peperoni – Cameron’s favorite) like broccoli rabe, roasted while garlic, and sautéed wild mushrooms to name a few. This isn’t Dominos, people! They also have super delicious salads, some pasta dishes (which I admit I’ve never tried) and desserts.

If you head there for lunch, which is what we do, be sure to consider one of the lunch specials – 2 slices of cheese pizza + a fountain drink, or 1 slice of cheese and a small salad + a fountain drink for $5.99 (you can get toppings on your pizza for 25 cents each).

After you order, the food comes out quickly. There’s plenty of places to sit, and it isn’t a huge deal if your kid is a little rambunctious. There are plenty of high chairs and booster seats, they have kids cups with lids, and a bathroom for the all important potty break.

If you are a fan of Pete’s A Pizza like me, be sure to sign up for their email list so you can hear about specials. For example, October’s special is on Tuesdays 25% off your order, all day, all three locations (dine in or take out only). Not bad! You can also follow Pete’s on twitter.

The Hurricane is coming!  It’s time to batten down the hatches, and figure out what the heck to do with your kids!  Here’s a round up of my favorite rainy day activities in Washington DC if you need to get the little ones out of the house, most of them FREE!

Some ideas to beat the rainy day blues. Of course, there's always puddle stompin'!

Wilson Aquatic Center – The Aquatic Center is currently closed for it’s yearly “deep clean” but will re open Sunday, August 28th all refreshed.  Given that Sunday is supposed to be one of the more rainy days, this seems like great timing to me!  Check out my earlier post on the Wilson Aquatic Center to learn more about this fabulous, free spot.  It’s the perfect place to take your kiddos and really tire them out!

Rock Creek Park Nature Center – While not the most glamorous spot, it’s a great little gem for a rainy day.  There’s lots of things for your little explorer to look at and touch, and plenty of free parking.  Check out my earlier post on the Rock Creek Park Nature Center for more information.

The National Museum of Natural History – This museum has Dinosaurs, bugs, a huge Elephant, gems, and so much more.  Both my son and daughter loved being able to hold the bugs, and were amazed by the butterfly exhibit.  Check out the National Museum of Natural History website for more information on the current exhibits and hours.

National Museum of American History – If your little one loves trains, trucks, machines, and hands on activities don’t miss the Spark Lab!), then you definitely want to check out this Museum.  Check out the website for more information on exhibits and hours of operation.

National Air and Space Museum – There is something amazing about giant planes hanging indoors just a few feet away from you – even to an adult!  Air and Space is a guaranteed winner for kids.  Be sure to check out the How Flight Works exhibit which has lots of fun hands on activities.  Check the Air and Space website for more info.

Wisconsin Place Rec Center – This isn’t the most exciting outing, but if you are desperate to get your little on out of the house, this is a decent option.  Check out my previous post on the Rec Center to learn more.

Metro Train Ride – If your toddler loves trains as much as mine does, they might enjoy just a train ride on the Metro.  I know I’ve done this before!  Cameron really loves the “underground train.”  Seems silly…. but you never know what is exciting to a little one.  Kids under 4 ride free.

National Zoo – Yes, much of the Zoo is outside, but there are lots of indoor exhibits too.  Cameron’s favorites are the Bird House and Amazonia.  Check the Zoo website for more info on exhibits and hours.

Palisades Library – Did you know the Palisades library has a train table, and a whole floor devoted to the kids section?  It’s the best kids library I’ve ever encountered.  The library isn’t open Sunday, but it’s a good option for this Saturday (or any other rainy day!)  Check out the Palisades Library page on the DC Public Library website for more info.

Those of you who read Mommy For The Win regularly know that Cameron loves to read, and I try to encourage this by always getting him new books.  I’ve become a huge fan of the D.C. Public Library because really, who has the money to buy all these books!

When I first started going to the Library I would aimlessly search the shelves and pull out what seemed like it would interest Cameron.  Occasionally I would find something good, but it was hard to really get in there to look for specific things while wrangling a toddler and a newborn.  So, with the encouragement of the DCPL on twitter (@dcpl) I checked out the D.C. Public Library website, and learned how to place books on hold for pick up at whatever library I wanted.  It’s really easy – Here’s a step by step guide:

1)Figure out what book you want to check out – this can be the hardest part.  If you are short on inspiration, use Amazon.com to help you.  Today I started by typing in “Truck Book” to the search box.  One of the suggestions that came up was “Little Blue Truck” by Alice Schertle.  The reviews seemed good, so I thought I’d see if the Library had it.  (Honestly, I would say 8 out of 10 times they do have the book I am looking for!)  FYI, another great resource is the “Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought” suggestions box.  It’s full of other great ideas for similar books.  If your toddler has a favorite book, search for it and see what Amazon suggests in this area.  It’s really helpful!

Use this suggestions box to come up with ideas

2)Go to the D.C. Public Library website and search their online catalog.  The website is catalog.dclibrary.org – just type the title of the book (or if you have an author you like, you can try that as well) to find your book.

Search the online catalog

3)Place the book on hold.  Click on the book – when looking at the book information page you will see there is an option to “Place Hold” – this means that they will fetch the book for you (from any DC Library branch) and bring it to whichever Library branch you ask.  Yes.  THEY DELIVER IT!! If the book is checked out, they will get it for you once it is returned.  Usually it takes a few days if the book is not checked out.  They will email you when the book has arrived at your requested library.

Place your book on Hold - you can choose your pick up branch

4)Pick up your book.  Once you get your email, go and pick up your book – it will be there waiting for you under your name.  It’s so easy.  You will never aimlessly browse the Library again!

You can manage your holds and see what the status is as well.  If you decide you don’t want a book after all, you can cancel the hold.

Manage your Holds using the "My Requested Holds" button

Of course to do all this you need a library account.  If you don’t have one of those, sign up.  It’s quick, easy, and FREE!

Not in D.C.?  Don’t worry – I know other Libraries have a similar system.  Stop in to your local branch and ask them how to place a hold for a book and if they have an online catalog.  You will be so happy you did!

Hooray!  Today I received an eye witness report that the sprinklers at Chevy Chase Playground (aka Livingston Playground) are finally up and running as of 1130am this morning!   The hours of operation will be 11am til 7pm DAILY – this sprinkler park is in fact open on SUNDAYS! The water comes on in ten minute cycles (on for 10 minutes, off for 2 minutes) but the button on the top of the red “hydrant” in the middle of the spray ground will keep it on continuously (see picture).  See you there!!

A picture from the testing phase - note the red hydrant in the middle which keeps the water on.

Chevy Chase Playground (often called Livingston Playground because of its location) is located at 4101 Livingston Street Northwest, Washington D.C. It is within walking distance from the Friendship Heights Metro Station (on the Red Line) and, there is also plenty of street parking.  For more pictures and information on the rest of Chevy Chase Playground (which was just renovated) check out my earlier post.

Update on Tuesday August 2nd – the sprinklers are ON!!

Update on Wednesday July 27th – DPR announced at the meeting Tuesday evening that they are working on the drainage problem at present and hope to re-lay the concrete/cement on Thurs/Fri this week. They hope to turn the sprays on again on Monday August 1st to test whether the problem has been fixed.

Original post – It seems like all the moms in NW DC are asking “When are they going to open the spray park at Chevy Chase Playground?!”  It’s so hot out, and it’s hard to be patient.  Today I sent a tweet to the Mayor (@mayorvincegray) asking if he could help and at least get some information about when they plan to fix the drainage issue.  I just got his response: DPR tells me that work to repair should start Monday and take a couple of weeks. I understand impatience in this heat!

So there you have it – I wish I had better news to report!  In the mean time, check out the other DC sprinkler parks – I posted a list just the other day.  And, don’t forget about the Wilson Aquatic Center.  It’s a great way to beat the summer heat.

Still not open - and it sounds like it will be awhile.

FYI – There will be a community meeting with DPR regarding Livingston Street Park on Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at 6:30 PM. During this meeting DPR will review the additions to the park, areas that need attention, and the timeline for repairs or remaining installations (spray park, sand box, benches, etc.).

Who: DPR Staff, Director Aguirre, CM Mary Cheh and Community
When: Tuesday, July 26, 2011
6:30 PM
Where: Chevy Chase Community Center Multi-Purpose Room
5601 Connecticut Avenue, NW

This week Cameron, Violet, and I, went to check out the sprinklers at Friendship Park (Turtle Park).  He had a blast, so I wanted to find out where we could find more “Spraygrounds.”  I contacted the DC Department of Parks and Recreation on twitter (@DCDPR) and they pointed me to a list of all the Sprinkler parks in the District. Here’s the list:

Cam cools off in the Turtle Park sprinklers

14th and Girard Street Spray Park - 14th and Girard Street, NW
14th and Park Road Spray Park - 14th Street and Park Road, NW
Benning Stoddert Spray Park - 100 Stoddert Place, SE
Columbia Heights Spray Park -  1480 Girard Street, NW
Friendship Spray Park - 4500 Van Ness St., NW
Lafayette Spray Park - 5900 33rd Street, NW
Palisades Spray Park - 5200 Sherrier Place, NW
Petworth Spray Park - 801 Taylor Street, NW
Riggs LaSalle Spray Park - 501 Riggs Road, NE

UPDATE – As of Today, 8/2/11 the sprinkler park at Chevy Chase Playground is OPEN.  For more info: http://mommyftw.com/the-sprinklers-are-on-at-chevy-chase-livingston-playground/

For more information on hours of operation and contact phone numbers for the sprinkler parks, check out the Washington DC Department of Parks and Recreation website.

By the way, if your toddler is a little water shy, check out an earlier post I wrote about helping your toddler warm up to going in the sprinklers.

UPDATE – Yesterday we went to check out the Palisades Spray Park and the water was NOT on. I talked to some people at the park and they said it is usually NOT on – so if you are looking for some sprinkler fun, I wouldn’t bother heading over there!  Check out Friendship Park instead.

My 2.5 year old toddler isn’t really keen on spending the day indoors even if it’s hot or rainy (and neither am I!)  But my 3 month old little girl doesn’t do too well in extreme heat, so I’ve been on the look out for places to go near by that are fun for him, comfortable for her, and affordable for me.  I already wrote about the Rock Creek Park Nature Center, which is a favorite of ours – but recently I checked out the Wisconsin Place Community Recreation Center at the suggestion of some moms.  It was a greet find for us, so I wanted so share with my readers.

The Wisconsin Place Community Recreation Center is located at 5311 Friendship Boulevard in Chevy Chase, MD – just over the Maryland line in the same building as the Whole Foods and Bloomingdales. They have a children’s play area with a few oversized blocks (see pictures) and some toys. The guy at the front desk told me that on Monday and Wednesday mornings they move the kid’s stuff into the basketball court and let the kids play there – which is where we ended up. It’s nothing amazing – but Cameron had a great time running around with the other kids. The cost was $5 for us to enter, but you can get a yearly membership which is what I plan to do. It’s $30 a year for Montgomery County residents, and $45 for non-county residents.

You can park in the building parking lot, which isn’t free. But, if you spend 5$ at Whole Foods (including the coffee bar) you can get parking validated for 90 minutes. I’m almost always in need of some coffee or some groceries, so it’s not too hard to think of a reason to shop.

You can find out more about the Rec Center including facility information, hours of operation and fees at the Montgomery County website.