This week I’m heading back to DC with Cameron (for more pool time at the Wilson Aquatic Center!) so I decided to do a little research on the local Library (the Chevy Chase branch located at 5625 Connecticut Avenue) to see what sorts of baby friendly reading programs they have in case we’ve got some spare time. Here’s what I found listed on the Friends of the Chevy Chase Library web site. Looks like they’ve got some good offerings!
Chevy Chase Library (via flickr)
Baby Time!
Thursdays at 9:30 am
Books, Lullabies, and Bonding
A program intended for babies and their caregivers
Story Time!
Thursdays at 10 am
Stories, Songs, and So Much More
A program intended for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers
Family Time!
Wednesdays at 7 pm
Stories, Arts & Crafts, and FUN
A program intended for children and their family members
I don’t think we will make Baby Time on this visit, but we will try to in the future! I think this just goes to show that you should check with your local library to see what kinds of things they have to offer you and your little one.
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!
