Cameron enjoys toast – peanut butter toast, french toast – but sometimes you need a change. So when I was at Trader Joe’s recently I picked up some of their whole wheat “British muffins” (English muffins) and some tasty toppings.
I’ve been toasting them lightly and putting hummus on (per my pediatrician’s recommendation), or some peanut butter and honey. I was even thinking of Apple or Pumpkin butter (though I haven’t gotten to those yet). Another mom also told me that her toddler loves the cinnamon raisin British muffins. Next time, I’ll give those a try!
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!
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.
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!
I was over at another mom’s house recently and she was telling me about a great website that her daughter loves, which is also educational. It’s called Starfall.com – I checked it out with Cameron, and he really enjoys it. The site has different levels of reading and phonics help for different aged children – we stuck with the A B C’s for now!
Pick a letter, any letter!
All the letters of the alphabet are laid out, clicking on each one brings up a small interactive display about each letter – what it sounds like, what it looks like (upper and lower case,) some words starting with and containing each letter, with some pictures or animation, and in some cases a small game. There is also a section on sign language.
A is for....
B is for... GRR!
C is for... Cameron's favorite. He loves Cats!
The displays are easy to navigate, and although Cameron isn’t using the mouse yet, I think given his expertise with the iPhone, it won’t be long before he won’t need my help at all. So check out Starfall.com with your little learner!
The other day I was hosting a playgroup at my house and one of the moms broke out some Snapea Crisps. The babies were in a frenzy! Cameron was double fisting them! I knew I had to find these Snapea Crisps, and fast. Fresh Direct came to my rescue, as usual. I ordered 2 bags right off the bat!
Yummy Yummy in Cameron's Tummy
Now, I know these aren’t the healthiest snacks on the planet (I think the Fig Newtons are a lot better) although the first ingredient is “peas.” But, sometimes it’s good to have a sure fire winner in your arsenal.
I know mommy always thinks she knows best, but sometimes the gifts you get from other people that you wouldn’t have bought yourself turn out to be the best ones. These toys have consistently Cameron’s favorites, and are also extremely popular at playgroup.
Playskool Busy Ball-Tivity Center
Cameron got this “Activity Center” from one of Matt’s Co-workers when he was about 1 month old. We kept it in the closet until he was about 6 months old. When we finally broke it out, I was very unimpressed with it. It didn’t seem to do much at all, and I found the music it played to be annoying. Well, shows what I know – this has been, and still is, one of Cameron’s favorite toys. He loves the music, loves the spinning balls, loves everything about this toy! And so do the other kids at playgroup. There is generally a crowd around it.
CAT 3-in-1 Ride-On Dump Truck
When this gigantic ride on truck showed up in the mail, I thought, “What am I going to do with this huge thing?!” It also arrived when Cameron was very young, like the activity center. Once he was crawling we took it out of the box, and he immediately began pushing it around the apartment. It also honks and makes noises when you press the buttons – exciting stuff! Now, Cameron is using it as a walker. It is also a ride on if you lift up the back part. All of the kids at playgroup are immediately drawn to this toy. So if you’ve got room for a big, ugly, dump truck in your living room… go for it! Your baby will love you for it.
Recently a mom told me that her daughter loved to snack on fig newtons and that that her pediatrician had recommended them as a healthy snack. I went on Fresh Direct looking for them, and I was happy to find that they had 100% whole grain Fig Newton Minis. They come in little packages, which I keep in my diaper bag. Cameron really loves them! I did a little research on figs, and I learned that they are indeed good for you.
A tasty treat mom approves of
Here’s some of what I found out:
The mineral content of figs closely resembles that of human milk
Figs are rich in both vitamins A, B1, B2 and calcium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, sodium potassium and chlorine
Figs are high in vitamin B, that is essential in the intestine regulation, the fig has a similar function in our bodies as cereals do;
Dried figs are rich in fibre, potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron
The fig is oxidant, laxative, diuretic, digestible and a blood cleanser
Figs excellent for the liver
Sounds good to me! Snack on, Cameron – snack on!
