by Heather
Before my pregnancy, I trained for triathlons with the half-asses, a subset of Team Bad Ass. Now, I really miss having a training buddy and I use that as my main excuse to not exercise.
If you like to run or walk with a partner (and actually want to get back out there), See Mommy Run can help. It is a nationwide group dedicated to helping moms find like-minded and similar-paced running buddies (or in their own words a free Internet service to help busy women find or start child-friendly running or walking groups convenient to their personal geographic needs, time constraints, and fitness abilities.)
I need to get some action between 6am and 7am before the day unravels begins, so wish me luck! 11-minute-miler Berkeley chicks, can you hear me?!
by Heather
AKA Attend a private puppet show.
Because of a little known program called InfantSEE (a public health initiative spear-headed by former President Carter), Holden’s eyes were checked for major vision problems by a nice person playing with hand puppets and shining lights in his face.
If you ask him, I think he liked it only ok, but I’m telling you that there are at least three good reasons to find a Dr. in your area and go do it:
- It’s totally free
- It’s an outing for you and baby complete with a light show, puppets, and a professional entertaining her exclusively
- And, most important, it will give you peace of mind that her eyes are developing as they should or it will set you on the path to correcting any major vision problems early!
The free program applies to babies from six months to a year in age.
So, now I guess I need to confess that I did this for Holden but didn’t get around to it for Milo… Scarlett, there’s still time for you!
by Whitney
When Heather and I were editing our book, I thought we were including one too many ways to decorate a baby’s chest. I hope we don’t sound like broken records, suggesting embellished onesies for every day of the week. But now, my friend Nila has delighted me with a style we haven’t posted yet, so I must show it off. She just made this felt applique t-shirt for Scarlett and I think it’s pretty cute.
Materials:
Baby t-shirt, hoodie or onesie. Don’t limit yourself to a solid color. Stripes could be really cute with an applique on top.
Embroidery floss. It comes in one zillion colors at fabric or craft stores. It comes in a fair amount of colors at Target.
Needle.
A button or two.
Felt. This is sold in rectangles at craft stores and comes in lots of colors. To preserve your masterpiece, turn the garment inside out when you wash it. This will reduce pilling of the felt.
I don’t think you really need further instructions. Cut some shapes, sew them on. You can do it! For further inspiration, take a look at these adorable similarly styled tiny clothes from Jasper Hearts Wren. Please do photograph your project and post your links here!
Related:
Activity #138: Decorate baby clothes with fabric paint
Activity #88: Design your own baby clothes
by Whitney
While you’re still making all that good fresh baby food, hold a food swap with some other mom friends to introduce your kid to new flavors and broaden his palate. Here’s how:
- Make a huge double batch of sweet potatoes or winter squash (steam, puree, put in a large tupperware in the fridge)
- Your pals, Bettina and Henrietta, make a huge batch of lentils or stewed pears following the same process
- You give some to Big B and some to Miz H and open your arms to receive from them.
- When you get home, put the fresh and tasty mush in ice cube trays, freeze into little food cubes, and store in labeled ziploc freezer bags (after some experimentation, I now realize how impractical it is to keep those suckers safely frozen and swap ‘em that way!)
Voila! All three babes have some new foods to learn about.
Our favorite combos were : Squash/Pear, Carrot/Apple, Pear/Mango/Banana, Carrot/Sweet Potato.
Worst experience: Green Beans/Tofu, Carrot/Parsnip
