June 2007

Visiting your partner at work is something to look forward to for all involved. It’s probably feasible for most professions, but feel free to let me know if you are someone for whom this suggestion is ridiculous. (If your partner works at home or does not work… go visit a friend or your old coworkers.)

I assumed I would do this all the time while I was on maternity leave, but it only happened once. Therefore, I now see it as a major outing. I suppose it depends entirely on the commute.

The day I drove over the bridge and went to meet up with Ryan, he was more interested in getting out of the office to see us than in having us come in to show off the baby. Fine by me. I didn’t need all those germy people putting their hands on my baby. We had lunch together outside and Julian slept through the entire thing. He had no knowledge of his extra time with Dad that day, but hey, I got to use a restroom all by myself. What a special event!

Jacqui publishes Red Tricycle, a newsletter and website dedicated to finding the cool stuff for kid-focused people in Seattle.

She shares with us some of her favorite activities for moms and new babies around the city as inspired by her own son, James Hudson:

Day One: Downtown
You can’t come to Seattle to without checking out the attractions. Shoot for mid-week, early morning/afternoon visits to Pike Place Market and Seattle Center to avoid the crowds.

• Olympic Sculpture Park is the latest & great Seattle attraction (always open). Very easy to navigate with a stroller.
• Pike Place Market - would definitely use a baby carrier, unless you go very early in the morning.
• Seattle Center: ­ If it’s sunny, play in fountains. If it’s rainy, wander through Pacific Science Center There are many festivals going on through the summer, check Seattle Center’s calendar.

Day Two: Madison Park / Madison Valley
Great neighborhood-y feel. Fun boutiques to check out.

• Grab some sandwiches from Essential Bakery and have a picnic in the Arboretum or at Madison Park beach. My Coffeehouse is a cool mommy hangout On E Madison between 28th & 29th (it’s just not Seattle without a coffee shop visit).
• The Original Children’s Shop at Madison and 41st features­ high-end children’s clothes, toys, and more.
• If you have a toddler, there is a playground in downtown Madison Park across from the Bakery.
• If you get out of the house in time on a Thursday or Sunday, breathe through a mom & baby yoga class at Santosha Yoga (by appointment). Treat yourself to a donut after yoga class at Madison Park Bakery.

[click to continue...]

We’re always on your case to do what you want to do and reconnect with your languishing personal interests. It’s sort of our thing. What about trying something completely different?

Take your toddler berry picking. I’ve heard raves from moms bold enough to try it. Then, make some homemade jam to go with that peanut-butter substitute you feel comfortable serving spread between impossibly-whole wheat bread.

> Compelling jam story and “recipe” by megnut
> That Friends episode, The One with the Jam (Let Monica’s jam plan inspire you)
> Mighty Foods spotlight on the Strawberry
> KidsOffTheCouch Cherries Jubilee Adventure (for older kids, here’s a fun movie tie-in!)
> Local folks, here’s where we can go fruit pickin’ near Berkeley
> Get a Hobby! book review by me on our blog