From the category archives:

Month 11

Run errands or walk errands

December 5, 2011

Since my New Year’s resolution every year since Julian was born has been to walk 10,000 steps a day, and so far I have failed miserably, I have a new piece of advice for myself. I should be doing as many errands as I can on foot. I did so much better when I was [...]

Slide on the playground

September 26, 2011

Are you ready to see some big smiles? Or looks of horror? Be prepared for either. Our babysitter taught us the following method for putting Julian on the slide when he was too young to slide sitting up: Put baby on tummy, feet down, mid way up the slide. Place his hands up near his [...]

Activity #344: Find your rainy day meccas

November 16, 2010

What do Studio Grow, Sadie Dey’s Cafe, Habitot, and even the Berkeley YMCA have in common? They’re all fighting for my rainy day toddler entertainment dollars. Whitney challenged me to go to them all (not a problem, I was making the rounds anyway) and write up my opinions. Several years later, it has led to [...]

Date night idea: thrifted board games

August 12, 2010

Alana from Nala’s Magic shared a terrific tip for keeping an at-home date night creative for less than five bucks. Head over to the thrift store and buy a few new board games. Play with your partner after your baby goes to bed. Done and done. She added a favorite family recipe of Fettuccine Alfredo [...]

Activity #576: Build a fort and hide in it

June 8, 2010

If you and your baby are home before your mate, the activity/game of the day is to build a simple fort with a sheet draped over a large table and wait to be discovered. I recommend strategically placed binder clips to secure the loose edges. To make it fun for the baby, bring pillows and [...]

Activity #363: Do Music Together

May 20, 2010

Yes, I’m endorsing a product/service here. No, I am not being paid to do so. It’s called Music Together and two past experieinces made me decide to recommend this activity. Several of my friends had done Music Together for three consecutive “semesters” and then decided to skip a semester. During that period we met at [...]

Activity #161: Walk this way

February 16, 2010

Little pre-walkers need lots of practice and encouragement. Walk around slowly holding junior’s hands. If possible, get someone to take a picture from behind with baby and your adult hands supporting him – super cute!

Activity #315: Collect all the funny faces together

January 5, 2010

I am the first person to delete the blurry pictures and the closed-eyes pictures from my computer. Despite what my MIL might think, I make a strong effort to edit what I share with the world. What about the funny, goofy faces? Do those get chucked out too? Well, how sad. Do yourself a favor [...]

Activity #254: Go to brunch

December 8, 2009

Find a good time between baby’s naps and enjoy a brunch out with your partner or some friends. You want to find a place with wide enough aisles between tables that you can wheel a stroller or walk with a toddler, no fancy table cloths, and a changing table in the restroom. Ambient noise is [...]

Activity #398: Give a sentimental gift

July 21, 2009

Especially if you live in the Boston area, check out the sunrise photos of Joe Gerry He takes a photo every day, so you can purchase one that comes from a date that’s meaningful to you and the recipient. Becky writes that she was given one of his prints of the sunrise the day her [...]

Activity #159: Bike around

June 24, 2009

Those bike trailer thingy-doos are cool, right? My friend Erin has one and it can carry two kids. So fun! Erin has also used the extra space for Target merchandise. Yes, my friend, you can ride your bike to Target with your baby in the trailer and shop your little head off. Isn’t life grand? [...]

Activity #573: Plan a Mommy Playdate

March 16, 2009

During my first pregnancy, I learned the term “NMS” on the BabyCenter message boards. This means “not my style,” as in, “You want to decorate your baby’s room in a rockabilly theme? That sounds like fun, but NMS.” Or, if someone is planning to name their son Clifford, again, fine, but NMS. It’s like, I’m [...]

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