Mommy FTW

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.

The other day Cameron and I decided to give the Tenley Friendship Library another visit.  The first time we went the Library was really crowded and the layout of the Children’s section made it feel cramped and unwelcoming.  I know I wasn’t the only one who felt this way because there was a lot of talk on the local Yahoo groups about it!  Well, it seems like the Library listened to the criticism and changed the layout.  They’ve reoriented the book shelves and moved all the small tables into a cluster (see pictures – click the image to see a larger version).

The area feels more spacious now, so I think it’s an improvement.  A warning though – the chairs they have at the small tables, while really cool looking, tip over very easily.  I had to help Cameron in and out of them to prevent an accident.

So, if you were originally underwhelmed with the Children’s section at the Tenley Friendship Library, check it out again.  You might find it more welcoming this time.  We’ve been going in the evenings to wait for Cameron’s dad (he takes the metro home) and then we all go home together.  It’s not too crowded, and a good way to escape the cold in the afternoon/evening.  Plus Cameron is really getting into books lately!  This mom certainly loves that.

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?

Recently we were back in Washington D.C. visiting Cameron’s Grandparents and of course, the Wilson Aquatic Center!  FYI – During the renovation of Wilson High School the entrance to the Aquatic Center is closed, so you have to enter from the Nebraska Avenue side (near the athletic field).

Cameron is ready to get his swim on!

While there I learned that the Wilson Aquatic Center will be closed from August 23 – September 14 for maintenance and a deep cleaning.  According to the Department of Parks and Recreation website, here’s whats on the to-do list:

• Remove and drain all pool water according to local or federal regulations.
• Acid wash pool shell.
• Clean all pool drains.
• Service and perform maintenance on movable bulkheads.
• Purchase and install new lighting throughout the facility.
• Clean and seal all existing tile floors through-out the building.
• Check hydrostatic relief valves.
• Replace and recharge pool media for pool tanks.
• Install and clean pool lights and pool shell lights as needed.
• Pressure wash pool deck.
• Deep cleaning of offices, locker rooms and lobby area.

Sounds good to me! Although it’s an inconvenience to have the pool closed, it’s good that they are taking care of it so it is there for years to come for us all to enjoy.

Posted from New York, New York, United States.

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!

While we were in Washington, DC recently Cameron and I (and Grandma) went back to the Wilson Aquatic Center for some winter time swimming. This time the water was much warmer and it was almost empty!  Here’s a few more tips that I picked up on my recent visit, as well as a few pictures of the family locker room (hey, it’s no spa, but it’s clean with plenty of space).

Let's go swimming already!

1) All the times I’ve gone the water for the shower in the family locker rooms was cold. You are required to shower before going into the pool, so Cameron and I braved the cold for a few seconds out of necessity.  This time my mom was with me in the family locker room and she said that the showers in the women’s locker rooms was much warmer. So if you go to the family locker room and the shower is freezing, duck into the other locker room with your baby. It’s much more comfortable!

If this shower is cold, try the other locker rooms.

2)The men’s and women’s locker rooms also have swim suit dryers.  The family locker room doesn’t have one.  But, there are diaper changing tables in the family room, which is really helpful.

I've got my swim diaper on and I am ready to go!

3)The lockers in the locker rooms don’t have locks on them. If you are really worried about this you can bring your own lock to use.

Plenty of lockers, but bring your own lock.

4)If you a not a resident of Washington DC you have to pay a small fee to get in. They don’t take Cash – so bring some plastic! Also, bring your ID. They will check it!

5)I’ve never had a problem parking on the street, even though the Wilson Aquatic Center is right by the Tenlytown metro station.  Just be sure you bring lots of quarters for the parking meters!  There is a clock prominently displayed on the wall in the pool area, so it’s easy to tell how long you’ve been there so you don’t run out of meter time.

Need more info on the Wilson Aquatic Center?  Check out their official website.  Here you can find info about hours or operation, admission requirements, amenities, and costs.

Have fun swimming!  You can bet Cameron and I will be back next time we are in DC!