Right now is seems like Lucas's goal in life is to be asclosetomeaspossible at all times. If we are playing on the floor he doesn't just want to sit next to me, he wants to sit on me. Likewise for sitting on the couch. He is so tall and heavy (around 33 pounds!) and wants to be carried all the time. "Mama carry you" he begs at the top of the stairs, bottom of the stairs, walking out the door, on the way home from the park.
After a few hours of quality time with Lucas I feel like I've been tenderized.
Seriously.
He has got to be the sharpest kid ever. And, I'm not talking about brains (though obviously he's a genius!). I'm talking sharp elbows and feet and knees that wedge through you into your muscle and bones. He's even got a sharp little butt.
Speaking of butt, is that a taboo word? Should we be using "bottom". I mean I'm sure he's going to go through a "butt" stage anyway, you know butt head, etc. whichever term we use. But will other parents get annoyed and think our kid taught their kid the word "butt"?
What was I saying? Oh yeah, sharp kid.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Working for Great Public Schools
Whenever I talk to friends who have kids but aren't lucky enough to live in my wonderful town, they are always jealous. We have a wonderful, amazing and supportive parent's group. The listserv alone has helped me find a pediatrician, babysitters and great, local activities for kids and families. Not to mention a tree service and accountant. We have a very low-key and fun playgroup that meets three times a week. Our town has many parks (one of which is just five houses up from us!) lots of great old trees, quiet streets and a wonderful community spirit.
Sound like the best place in the world to raise kids? Well, yes and no.
The public schools, apparently, leave something to be desired.
Even as the amazing parents on the listserv offer up hearty on-line and in-person (complete with a welcome baskets and meals!) congratulations upon the birth of a new baby or welcomes when a new family moves to town, they also regularly offer up grave cautions about the local public school system. Whenever the topic of education comes up, the "word on the street" is simply—you can't send your kids to the public schools. Then the discussion promptly moves to the complicated and seemingly ever-changing rules and strategies for getting into the lottery for the magnet Montessori and French immersion schools and for applying to the local Catholic and private schools. And if, forbid, you end up at the public elementary school, there are tactics for getting your kid qualified for TAG – the talented and gifted program – which opens the door to another school.
When I was wholly consumed with a new baby, I didn't pay too much attention to these discussions. After all, I still had years to figure all that out, right? Now that Lucas is two, and with the entrance to the Montessori program starting at three or with Kindergarten soon to follow, the issue of our public schools is weighing on my mind.
While I still don't know what education option we'll choose for Lucas, I do know that I believe strongly in public education. I see no reason why our fabulous town shouldn't have fabulous public education opportunities.
Luckily there are many other parents in town who believe the same thing. So, a group of us with pre-school aged children, older children, grandchildren and no children at all, have come together. We've formed a group dedicated to getting involved with--and hopefully improving--our local public schools. Town officials are supportive of the idea. We don't have a plan yet per se, but we are committed. After all, as Margaret Mead said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
Original post to DC Metro Moms. Aimee also blogs about life with a toddler at Smiling Mama
Original post by Smiling Mama. Thanks for reading!
Sound like the best place in the world to raise kids? Well, yes and no.
The public schools, apparently, leave something to be desired.
Even as the amazing parents on the listserv offer up hearty on-line and in-person (complete with a welcome baskets and meals!) congratulations upon the birth of a new baby or welcomes when a new family moves to town, they also regularly offer up grave cautions about the local public school system. Whenever the topic of education comes up, the "word on the street" is simply—you can't send your kids to the public schools. Then the discussion promptly moves to the complicated and seemingly ever-changing rules and strategies for getting into the lottery for the magnet Montessori and French immersion schools and for applying to the local Catholic and private schools. And if, forbid, you end up at the public elementary school, there are tactics for getting your kid qualified for TAG – the talented and gifted program – which opens the door to another school.
When I was wholly consumed with a new baby, I didn't pay too much attention to these discussions. After all, I still had years to figure all that out, right? Now that Lucas is two, and with the entrance to the Montessori program starting at three or with Kindergarten soon to follow, the issue of our public schools is weighing on my mind.
While I still don't know what education option we'll choose for Lucas, I do know that I believe strongly in public education. I see no reason why our fabulous town shouldn't have fabulous public education opportunities.
Luckily there are many other parents in town who believe the same thing. So, a group of us with pre-school aged children, older children, grandchildren and no children at all, have come together. We've formed a group dedicated to getting involved with--and hopefully improving--our local public schools. Town officials are supportive of the idea. We don't have a plan yet per se, but we are committed. After all, as Margaret Mead said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
Original post to DC Metro Moms. Aimee also blogs about life with a toddler at Smiling Mama
Original post by Smiling Mama. Thanks for reading!
Working to Improve our Public Schools
Today I'm over at DC Metro Moms writing about my latest community endeavor. Come visit!
Monday, April 7, 2008
Adorable
Lucas has been so wonderfully adorable lately. When he's not being incredibly stubborn and whiny and waking up at 4am, that is. But the latter is easier to take when there are multiple does of the former throughout the day.
How so, you ask? Well, let me give you a few examples...
Just awakened from a nap and jumping in his crib when I go in to get him, Lucas announces, "Go outside, Mama. Need coat, hat, shoes." Well, alrighty then.
"Meow" licks your face. "Meow" licks your pant legs. (My dear friend Katie got to experience the pant leg licking on her recent visit!)
Speaking of Katie, I think Lucas thought I was calling her "Lady" and so he began calling her "Old Lady". It really was quite funny. Though perhaps not for her. I tried to explain that the reference comes from Goodnight Moon in which there is "an old lady whispering hush". I'm not sure she bought it. But, clearly she made an impression on him. Her visit was two weekends ago and just a few nights ago when he woke up in the middle of the night he begged to "go sleep in old lady bed, Mama, other bed". You see, we've avoided the idea of him coming to bed with us, but occasionally either Abel or I will take him into the guest room bed and sleep with him. More accurately, try to sleep while he lays sideways and kicks our head all night.
But anyway, back to the adorableness...
"I so happy Mama."
I'm so happy, too, Lucas.
How so, you ask? Well, let me give you a few examples...
Just awakened from a nap and jumping in his crib when I go in to get him, Lucas announces, "Go outside, Mama. Need coat, hat, shoes." Well, alrighty then.
"Meow" licks your face. "Meow" licks your pant legs. (My dear friend Katie got to experience the pant leg licking on her recent visit!)
Speaking of Katie, I think Lucas thought I was calling her "Lady" and so he began calling her "Old Lady". It really was quite funny. Though perhaps not for her. I tried to explain that the reference comes from Goodnight Moon in which there is "an old lady whispering hush". I'm not sure she bought it. But, clearly she made an impression on him. Her visit was two weekends ago and just a few nights ago when he woke up in the middle of the night he begged to "go sleep in old lady bed, Mama, other bed". You see, we've avoided the idea of him coming to bed with us, but occasionally either Abel or I will take him into the guest room bed and sleep with him. More accurately, try to sleep while he lays sideways and kicks our head all night.
But anyway, back to the adorableness...
"I so happy Mama."
I'm so happy, too, Lucas.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Cumberland, MD
As I mentioned, we were in Ohio for Easter. Getting to Ohio entails a loooong drive. Back in the PL days (that's pre-Lucas) I'd pack lunch, snacks and drinks to eat in the car and we'd make the drive in approx. 8 hours. Not too bad. With Lucas in the backseat, however, it is a 10-11 hour trek.
Ugh.
With approximately two round-trips a year we've pretty much become masters of the drive and I am very pleased to report that both the to and from of this Easter trip were our best ever. Lucas was so good both ways. He kept himself entertained, sang some songs, "read" some books, played with a cool driving toy (his first video game! according to my brother-in-law), enjoyed looking at the trucks and mountains and rivers. No DVD player in our car! (Although I was about ready to cave on that one after our last two trips were horrible!) Sure he got cranky at the 7ish hour mark. But heck, so did I!
When traveling long distances with Lucas, we generally stop every 3-or-so hours to get him out of the car and work off some energy. This is a big part of why our trip is now 2-3 hours longer than it used to be, but it is also critical to any hope of a decent journey.
One of the best things about the actual drive to Ohio (the only good thing?) is our stop in Cumberland, MD. We discovered Cumberland on our first drive to Ohio with Lucas and now I really look forward to stopping there.
We go to Canal Place which is literally two turns off I-68. The first two times we stopped there we simply enjoyed a picnic lunch at the picnic site along the C&O Canal. The next time we explored the Western Maryland Railroad Station and discovered the Tree House Toy Shop. On this stop we didn't pack our lunches but enjoyed really yummy sandwiches at Karmer's Deli.
I really can't say enough about how wonderful Canal Place is. But I'm going to try.
First, any woman--and especially any mother--knows the value of clean, spacious public restrooms with a changing station. There are two restrooms here that fit that bill--one inside the train station and one near the shops along the C&O canal.
Second, there is a lot of room for a rambunctious toddler to stretch his legs. Not only is there a nice-sized grassy area, there are almost always 1-2 real live passenger trains parked at the station, there's a replica canal boat and a nice brick walkway along the water that leads to the shops.
Third, there is great food! We can heartily recommend Kramer's Deli. The food is so yummy (lots of specialty sandwiches) and the owners are the kindest people. For example, they have a kid's menu and the little shtick is that if you finish your meal you go back to the counter to let them know and they give you a cookie. Even though we didn't pack our own lunches, I did pack food for Lucas so we didn't order him a kid's meal. The wife in the couple that own the place still came over to ask Lucas if he finished eating (clearly from our own tupperwear!) and offered him a cookie. And...wait for it...bubbles!
Finally, great toys. We simply adore the Tree House Toy Shop. It is a smallish toy shop with all your favorite brands and old-fashioned toys you haven't seen in ages. We aways pick up a few things. Our most recent discovery is Nuchi--adorable wooden trains which are compatible with Thomas yet have a very "generic" look--great for building imagination! We purchased a starter figure 8 set for Lucas and he loves it.
So, if you find yourself travelling through Western Maryland on I-68 or are lucky enough to live close to Cumberland (only a few hours from the DC metro area!) then definitely stop by Canal Place!
Ugh.
With approximately two round-trips a year we've pretty much become masters of the drive and I am very pleased to report that both the to and from of this Easter trip were our best ever. Lucas was so good both ways. He kept himself entertained, sang some songs, "read" some books, played with a cool driving toy (his first video game! according to my brother-in-law), enjoyed looking at the trucks and mountains and rivers. No DVD player in our car! (Although I was about ready to cave on that one after our last two trips were horrible!) Sure he got cranky at the 7ish hour mark. But heck, so did I!
When traveling long distances with Lucas, we generally stop every 3-or-so hours to get him out of the car and work off some energy. This is a big part of why our trip is now 2-3 hours longer than it used to be, but it is also critical to any hope of a decent journey.
One of the best things about the actual drive to Ohio (the only good thing?) is our stop in Cumberland, MD. We discovered Cumberland on our first drive to Ohio with Lucas and now I really look forward to stopping there.
We go to Canal Place which is literally two turns off I-68. The first two times we stopped there we simply enjoyed a picnic lunch at the picnic site along the C&O Canal. The next time we explored the Western Maryland Railroad Station and discovered the Tree House Toy Shop. On this stop we didn't pack our lunches but enjoyed really yummy sandwiches at Karmer's Deli.
I really can't say enough about how wonderful Canal Place is. But I'm going to try.
First, any woman--and especially any mother--knows the value of clean, spacious public restrooms with a changing station. There are two restrooms here that fit that bill--one inside the train station and one near the shops along the C&O canal.
Second, there is a lot of room for a rambunctious toddler to stretch his legs. Not only is there a nice-sized grassy area, there are almost always 1-2 real live passenger trains parked at the station, there's a replica canal boat and a nice brick walkway along the water that leads to the shops.
Third, there is great food! We can heartily recommend Kramer's Deli. The food is so yummy (lots of specialty sandwiches) and the owners are the kindest people. For example, they have a kid's menu and the little shtick is that if you finish your meal you go back to the counter to let them know and they give you a cookie. Even though we didn't pack our own lunches, I did pack food for Lucas so we didn't order him a kid's meal. The wife in the couple that own the place still came over to ask Lucas if he finished eating (clearly from our own tupperwear!) and offered him a cookie. And...wait for it...bubbles!
Finally, great toys. We simply adore the Tree House Toy Shop. It is a smallish toy shop with all your favorite brands and old-fashioned toys you haven't seen in ages. We aways pick up a few things. Our most recent discovery is Nuchi--adorable wooden trains which are compatible with Thomas yet have a very "generic" look--great for building imagination! We purchased a starter figure 8 set for Lucas and he loves it.
So, if you find yourself travelling through Western Maryland on I-68 or are lucky enough to live close to Cumberland (only a few hours from the DC metro area!) then definitely stop by Canal Place!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Healthy Eating
When Lucas started solid food and dairy milk I bought organic for the first time. When the food or milk in my cart was for Lucas, it was organic. When it was for my husband or me, it wasn't. For more than a year Lucas has been drinking organic milk almost exclusively. As for Abel and me, the only time we have organic milk is when the skim runs out and we swipe some from the other carton. For Easter, I didn't want Lucas to have too much candy so he got matchbox cars and raisins in his eggs. But what's Easter without candy? I just kept it aside for myself and the other adults. My husband and I always make sure there we have pleanty of Lucas's favorite fruit and veggies in the house. But I hate to admit that the two of us rarely get our five a day.
Bottom line: we feed Lucas healthier food than we eat ourselves. And I'm happy to report that the double-standard has officially (started to) come to an end!
Today we received our first milk delivery--to our front door and in glass bottles! Welcome to 1950!
Seriously, I am so excited that our town has been added to the delivery route of a Maryland dairy farm. Their dairy cows aren't given growth hormones and have free choice feeding options. The fields don't get any pesticides. Our order included both 2% and Skim--milk (can I just say it again, in GLASS BOTTLES!) for all of us.
Hopefully this will be the first of many choices I make for us all to eat healthier.
Original Posting to DC Metro Moms Blog. Aimee also blogs about life with a toddler at Smiling Mama.
Comments
Leticia said...
I've heard rave reviews about South Mountain Creamery and have been meaning to have some of their meat delivered. I've also heard that it's a great place to visit as a field trip since you can help feed the calves from bottles.
Robin said...
I'm jealous! I miss milk in glass bottles!
Rebecca said...
Hi Aimee! I can't imagine receiving milk in a glass bottle - what a foreign concept! Welcome to the DC Metro Moms Blog!
MamaBird@SurelyYouNest said...
I *love* South Mountain Creamery! We get their milk delivered and it makes me so happy to never leave my house! I mean support a local farmer (smile). Welcome to DC Metro Moms! MamaBird from SurelyYouNest
gentlemadness said...
We also get milk delivered from South Mountain Creamery (as well as to-die-for cheese, butter, meat, etc.) and have been thrilled with their service. We just put our order in on their website on Wednesday night and everything arrives on Friday morning - couldn't be easier! :)
workout mommy said...
milk in glass bottles delivered to your door? I need to sign up for this! Thanks for the tip!
suann said...
oh my, this sounds amazing! very jealous.
Amy said...
I grew up getting milk delivered to our house. I'd be interested to know how long the milk lasts- both in freshness and quantity during the week.
linda said...
I hear they are delivering to Vienna, VA now and it only takes like 5 people to have delivery to your area. I know my mom's group has got enough people that it's now delivering to Reston!
I love the taste of milk in glass bottles. Yum.
Jen said...
Welcome to DC Metro Moms! And thanks for your first post - we have been trying to eat more local and organic food since our 16 month old daughter came along. South Mountain could be exactly what we are looking for!
Kelly said...
Awesome! After we read your post we clicked right over and signed on up for delivery. South Mountain Creamery should give you a commission! ;)
Original post by Smiling Mama. Thanks for reading!
Bottom line: we feed Lucas healthier food than we eat ourselves. And I'm happy to report that the double-standard has officially (started to) come to an end!
Today we received our first milk delivery--to our front door and in glass bottles! Welcome to 1950!
Seriously, I am so excited that our town has been added to the delivery route of a Maryland dairy farm. Their dairy cows aren't given growth hormones and have free choice feeding options. The fields don't get any pesticides. Our order included both 2% and Skim--milk (can I just say it again, in GLASS BOTTLES!) for all of us.
Hopefully this will be the first of many choices I make for us all to eat healthier.
Original Posting to DC Metro Moms Blog. Aimee also blogs about life with a toddler at Smiling Mama.
Comments
Leticia said...
I've heard rave reviews about South Mountain Creamery and have been meaning to have some of their meat delivered. I've also heard that it's a great place to visit as a field trip since you can help feed the calves from bottles.
Robin said...
I'm jealous! I miss milk in glass bottles!
Rebecca said...
Hi Aimee! I can't imagine receiving milk in a glass bottle - what a foreign concept! Welcome to the DC Metro Moms Blog!
MamaBird@SurelyYouNest said...
I *love* South Mountain Creamery! We get their milk delivered and it makes me so happy to never leave my house! I mean support a local farmer (smile). Welcome to DC Metro Moms! MamaBird from SurelyYouNest
gentlemadness said...
We also get milk delivered from South Mountain Creamery (as well as to-die-for cheese, butter, meat, etc.) and have been thrilled with their service. We just put our order in on their website on Wednesday night and everything arrives on Friday morning - couldn't be easier! :)
workout mommy said...
milk in glass bottles delivered to your door? I need to sign up for this! Thanks for the tip!
suann said...
oh my, this sounds amazing! very jealous.
Amy said...
I grew up getting milk delivered to our house. I'd be interested to know how long the milk lasts- both in freshness and quantity during the week.
linda said...
I hear they are delivering to Vienna, VA now and it only takes like 5 people to have delivery to your area. I know my mom's group has got enough people that it's now delivering to Reston!
I love the taste of milk in glass bottles. Yum.
Jen said...
Welcome to DC Metro Moms! And thanks for your first post - we have been trying to eat more local and organic food since our 16 month old daughter came along. South Mountain could be exactly what we are looking for!
Kelly said...
Awesome! After we read your post we clicked right over and signed on up for delivery. South Mountain Creamery should give you a commission! ;)
Original post by Smiling Mama. Thanks for reading!
Lookin' for some comment luv!
Woo hoo!
In between working the polls today for our special County Council election (more on that later!) I just posted my first blog entry on DC Metro Moms! Check it out here. And, I'd be oh so grateful for some comment luv!
xoxo Smiling Mama
P.S. The milk? Deeeeeeeeeeelicious! (That will make sense when you read my post.)
In between working the polls today for our special County Council election (more on that later!) I just posted my first blog entry on DC Metro Moms! Check it out here. And, I'd be oh so grateful for some comment luv!
xoxo Smiling Mama
P.S. The milk? Deeeeeeeeeeelicious! (That will make sense when you read my post.)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)