Mommy FTW

It seems like spring is around the corner, so hopefully there won’t be too many cold days left on the horizon, but I am sure there will be plenty of “spring showers” to keep the little ones stuck indoors.  Never fear – besides Amazonia at the National Zoo, there’s also lots of fun to be had at the Bird House – which is where Cameron and I ended up earlier this week.

Besides the regular bird exhibits, the Bird House has something going on each weekday morning which the kiddos will really enjoy:

On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings you can Meet a Kiwi up close and personal at 11am.

On Tuesday morning at 10:30am there is a story time in the bird resource center.

I haven’t been to these things so I can’t really speak to them.  But they sound fun!

On Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 11am they do a feeding.  We watched this and it was really cool!  All the birds come up close to the zoo worker and you can get a really good look at them.  Cameron thought it was totally awesome.

Also, in the Bird Resource Center (which is in the back of the Bird House) there are lots of cool feathers that the kids can touch and other things.  Cameron had a blast checking everything out.  Of course, all of this is free.  And remember, if you are a FONZ member you can park for free too.

To get to the Bird House we usually park in Lot B and then walk past the Asia Trail (Panda Area) and over the bridge (and the Elephants).  Also, if the weather is good check out all the outdoor bird exhibits.  There’s lots of cool things to see in this section of the National Zoo.

Tuesday Cameron and I went to the newly opened Tenley Friendship library.  I took lots of pictures, which you can see below.  We had hoped to get to story time which was advertised online at being at 10:30 – but when we got to the library we learned it is actually at 10:00 and 11:00.  Bummer!  Also… it was totally crowded.  I would say there were at least 30 kids + caretakers in the room.  So instead of fighting the mob scene we decided to take a little tour of the library, especially the kids section.  Cameron had other plans, and dropped a nice bomb in his diaper.  Off to the bathroom we went!

I had read that this library was built to be very child friendly, so I expected a changing table in the bathroom.  I didn’t find one.  There was a small area with a counter top away from the sinks that was about the right size, so I made use of that.  Perhaps that was supposed to be the changing area?  If not – oh well!  Works in a pinch.

All clean and fresh, we made our way to the children’s section which is located on the main level.  Along one wall there is a small space with some nice tables and chairs for the kids to sit and draw (they had crayons and paper out) or look at books.  Along the other wall that faces Wisconsin Ave there are some larger tables that groups can sit at. Other than that the space is entirely books and isles.  I felt like there were almost too many books and bookshelves which meant there was not a lot of room for the kids to play and hang out.  In the winter especially, half the point for us for going to the library is to spend some time out of the house, and out of the cold.  I think if there were a few kids there the space would be ok, but with the number of people there today, it felt very crowded and cramped.

As far as the media goes, a lot (all?) of the books seem new, or at least in very good condition, and there are so many great ones to choose from for all age groups.  In the board book section, Cameron found many about firetrucks, cars, and animals – his favorite subjects.  They seem very well organized – hopefully that will last!  There’s also lots of computer terminals throughout the first floor.  I didn’t let Cameron have at them, but I am guessing the two in the kid’s section have kid related programs on them.

As far as the story time program goes – we didn’t really participate.  There were so many kids and grownups in the room that Cameron and I were feeling a bit clostraphobic.  Cam did want to stick his head in every now and then to listen to the songs that were playing, but then he would run back out to the lobby area to climb the stairs or take the elevator.

Overall, Cam did seem to have fun, and he had a good nap after.  To me, that means we had a successful morning.  I hope that after the library has been around for a few months that it will be less crowded.  I think as Cameron gets older he will appreciate the amazing book collection more, and the lack of play space won’t be such an issue for us.  The space itself is beautiful – new, clean, and modern looking.  It’s certainly worth your time to check out!

The Tenley Friendship Library is located at  4450 Wisconsin Ave. N.W. D.C.  You can email them at tenleylibrary@dc.gov check out the D.C Library website, or  call at 202-727-1488 to find out more about their programs and services.  For those not in the Tenleytown area, it’s really easy to get to – sitting directly above the Tenleytown metro stop on the Red line.

Washington, DC 20016

Most of you know that I moved from Brooklyn to Washington D.C. with my Husband and Cameron last fall.  Well, we finally were able to find a house to buy, and this past weekend we actually moved in.  It’s been pretty hectic, and Cameron seems to be having  a hard time adjusting when it comes to his sleep routine.  I think he thinks it’s just too exciting to nap!  So, I have to apologize for the lack of postings – things have been so busy lately.  I hope to get back on track soon.

But, while I am here…. a small bit of local news – The Tenley-Friendship Library (4450 Wisconsin Ave. N.W D.C.) just opened today after being under construction for what seemed like forever!  The first toddler story time is tomorrow, Tuesday January 25th at 10:30 am.  Cameron and I are going to check out the scene and I promise a write up with pictures. Check out this article on TBD.com for more stats about the library and some sneak peek pics.  See you there tomorrow?

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!

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!

No real updates today – this mommy is SICK!  And unfortunately it seems like Cameron has caught my cold.

Just a reminder – on Saturday is the Greenlight Bookstore Storytime (and other grand opening celebrations) and then on Sunday is Ghouls and Gourds at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens.  Here’s to hoping for good weather, and a speedy recovery for myself and Cameron!