Rookie Moms

You city mamas probably already know that it’s Pride Weekend season.  That is Gay Pride for those who are not familiar with this most fabulous event.  The family-friendly folks who march with their kids in San Francisco have invited us (anyone who wants) to join them, and I’m thinking it sounds like a good idea for my little dude. He knows what a parade is, and I’m thinking when I inform him that he can actually BE IN THE PARADE, he might go crazy with excitement.  And more, he can wear a funny hat and ride his tricycle if he wants.  And, more, it’s all about being proud of who you are, and my son is all about that. Proud that he pooped in the potty, proud of his sister for eating watermelon. He shares generous doses of pride with us all the time, so this seems like a good event for him.

I posted some of the details on East Bay SavvySource for my local peeps, but it’s Pride weekend in a few other cities, I think.

(photo of our friends Norrie and Angela courtesy of Mama Isobel)

Most music classes for children provide a free trial class. Take advantage of these freebies before committing to a paid class. Try to talk your other mama friends into joining you so it’s the most fun for YOU.

• Kindermusik Village classes are for babies under 18 months and each class is 45 minutes long.
• Music Together is mixed age classes up to age five and the classes are an hour long.
• In Berkeley, Jingle Jamboree is for ages 6 mos to 15 mos.

I’m not really so much of a treehugger myself. I’m all for the values associated with it, I just don’t like being cold or wet, so my hiking adventures are limited to sunny days. But not too sunny, because I don’t want us to get burned.

Hiking is such a great thing to do as a family, though. Going for a hike takes you away from the house, the chores, the tv and computer. Babies usually are soothed by the light and air. Preschoolers are intrigued by every stick and leaf on the ground. Compared to Heather’s family who is on a car fast this month, mine hardly remembered it was Earth Day. Something to improve on for next year, I suppose.

Another pair of Bay Area moms just let me know about their blog, Tree Huggers In Training, on which they review local trails (both paved and off-road) from a new mom perspective, paying close attention to trail conditions, weather conditions, and general “Goodness, how would I do this with a baby?” conditions. Dana and Beth hope that new (and expert) moms, as well as dads, use the site as a resource to get out and enjoy all walks and hikes that the area has to offer.

They encourage us to take the Treehuggers In Training Oath, centered around three “B”s: beverages, blankets and bumcover disposal methods:

1. I promise to pack beverages - Milk for me (in whatever form I prefer) and water for mom
2. I promise to never leave the house with out the blanket- on which to sit, with which to cover, and to share
3. I promise to be responsible with my bumcover- Tree Huggers always pack out what they packed in. A ziploc is your friend.

Help the TreeHuggers build their reviews of outdoor excursions by taking one yourself and then sending them a write up. Send them a note at reviews AT treehuggersintraining DOT com. Even if Dana or Beth have already reviewed a hike or a piece of gear, they welcome all other first-hand experiences.

Look around and choose a vegetable your baby hasn’t tried yet. Bring it home and steam and puree or mash with a fork.

Does this not sound like enough action for you? Believe me, it is. Navigating the stroller through the market area is a challenge and there are so many things to look at for your baby, it’s worth the effort.

There are Farmer’s Markets in Berkeley each week on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday sponsored and organized by The Ecology Center and another festive one in Rockridge on Sunday.

The beautiful Farmers’ Market in the San Francisco Ferry Building is on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Check the hours>