Palladium print

We had a scheduled photo shoot on a rainy, dismal day. Not the best-case scenario for a shoot, but as the children were both bathed, brushed and in a relatively cooperative mood, I just wanted to go through with it. It turned out that the photographer, Alice Garik, made the dreary day disappear. Being inside turned out to be complete fun.  Here is a palladium print of a sequence from our inside play.  Birch was showing off his trucks on his train table. We had every light on in the room to keep out the heavy clouds.

And then I got in the mix, not intentionally, but to keep the peace at one point. (This image is an archival book she put together).

Then Alice took a shot of our daughter and printed it with an image of leaves on it for a handmade painted print. Cool- now we can feel the season indoors! I love it.

The photo below was not our photo shoot- but I couldn’t resist putting it up. She sandwiched two images here again for exquisite results.

It’s not a surprise that as an artist whose work is in the The Brooklyn Museum, The Polaroid Collection, The Center for Photography at Woodstock and whose work will be on the movie set of “Eat, Pray, Love” (which stars Julia Roberts),  that Alice creates unique images that go beyond “family photography.” They are art prints that create a mini narrative of a family’s life.

Related posts:

1. Bookplates for your little reader
2. Winner of Photo Session Giveaway
3. Holiday Photo (and Video!) Specials and Best Holiday Cards and Photo Contest
4. Birth Doc coming to Brooklyn for Screening
5. Parents Group Photo Session

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Post tags: alice garik, baby bites brooklyn, brooklyn family photographer, family portrait photographer

Froggy Craft By Brenda Ponnay

If you celebrate Passover then you know why frogs are important. Frogs were one of the ten plagues that Moses imposed upon the Egyptians to convince the Pharaoh to release the enslaved Jews. It took ten plagues for the Pharoah to relent. During the plague of the frogs, Moses sent hoardes of frogs from the Nile into the Egyptians homes, food and beds. They infested everything. Though the plagues were awful, Brenda Ponnay found a way to make a craft based on it that is both lovely and educational.   This project is a little more complicated than the Easter pipe cleaner puppets, but no matter how old your toddler is, they can get in on the fun along the way.  If your child can hold a paintbrush or a pencil, they can participate.

I love the way these frogs look clinging to the window with the newspaper words shining through them like real reptilian skin. And, don’t you love the patterns their bodies make?

Painting on newspaper

For the step by step directions and great photos, check the craft out here.

Related posts:

1. Easter craft: pipe cleaner finger puppets
2. Art Projects to do at home
3. Bookplates for your little reader
4. How to remove paint and ink from clothing
5. New Parks and Playgrounds

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Post tags: activity for passover, craft for kids passover, passover craft, passover kids craft

I love the quirky blue chick!

It’s getting close to Easter and that means Peeps, chocolate and all things cute. Here is a craft you can do with your kids that is super easy: pipe cleaner finger puppets! Craft Jr came up with the simple yet adorable creatures. We used pipe cleaners at our house to accessorize our pumpkins with pipe cleaner eyeglasses and ears. The best thing about using them is that the kids can twist them and make shapes themselves so they end up with their own special designs.

What you Need to Make Easter Finger Puppets

Pipe cleaners of various colors

Mini pom poms of various colors and sizes (you can substitute cotton balls sometimes)

Googly eyes

Hot glue gun

Wire cutters

To learn how to make them, visit Craft Jr’s easy instructions and you can see all of her pipe cleaner puppets.

Related posts:

1. Passover Craft: Frogs, frogs, frogs
2. Finger Foods Ideas
3. Mrs. Meyers Cleaner- the Cheap Way in Brooklyn
4. New Parks and Playgrounds
5. Finger Foods STRIKE!

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Post tags: easter craft, easter craft for kids, easter puppet, how to make finger puppet, kids easter craft

Image showing how to adjust a sling for a safe carry

I wonder if this announcement today by the CPSC was prompted by the press given baby carriers by the New York Times and MSNBC in the last two days…..?

From the CPSC (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission): Infant Deaths Prompt CPSC Warning About Sling Carriers for Babies

WASHINGTON, D.C.- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is advising parents and caregivers to be cautious when using infant slings for babies younger than four months of age. In researching incident reports from the past 20 years, CPSC identified and is investigating at least 14 deaths associated with sling-style infant carriers, including three in 2009. Twelve of the deaths involved babies younger than four months of age.

Slings can pose two different types of suffocation hazards to babies. In the first few months of life, babies cannot control their heads because of weak neck muscles. The sling’s fabric can press against an infant’s nose and mouth, blocking the baby’s breathing and rapidly suffocating a baby within a minute or two. Additionally, where a sling keeps the infant in a curled position bending the chin toward the chest, the airways can be restricted, limiting the oxygen supply. The baby will not be able to cry for help and can slowly suffocate.

Many of the babies who died in slings were either a low birth weight twin, were born prematurely, or had breathing issues such as a cold. Therefore, CPSC urges parents of preemies, twins, babies in fragile health and those with low weight to use extra care and consult their pediatricians about using slings.

Two months ago, the Commission added slings to the list of durable infant products that require a mandatory standard. Additionally, CPSC staff is actively investigating these products to determine what additional action may be appropriate. Until a mandatory standard is developed, CPSC is working with ASTM International to quickly complete an effective voluntary standard for infant sling carriers.

CPSC recommends that parents and caregivers make sure the infant’s face is not covered and is visible at all times to the sling’s wearer. If nursing the baby in a sling, change the baby’s position after feeding so the baby’s head is facing up and is clear of the sling and the mother’s body. Parents and caregivers should be vigilant about frequently checking their baby in a sling.

Related posts:

1. Carriers vs. Strollers
2. Baby Wearing: Slings, Baby Bjorn and Carriers
3. Infant Deaths on Air Mattresses
4. Simplicity and Graco Cribs major recall
5. Cough Medicine dangerous for new age group

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I would buy these over Doritos any day- wouldn't you?

On February 24, 2010 the Panel for Educational Policy voted on revisions to a regulation banning home-made foods from school fundraisers while permitting Doritos and Pop-Tarts instead.  One mother, Elizabeth Puccini, stayed until 11:35pm to voice her opposition to the Regulation.  She warned Chancellor Joel Klein and the members of the Panel that should the revisions pass, they would “incur the anger of many parents.”  The Panel voted unanimously in favor of the revisions.  Elizabeth plans to make good on her word.

Elizabeth Puccini is organizing a “Bake-In” with other parents down at City Hall in Park Row Plaza on Thursday, March 18th from 4-6pm to let the Chancellor and the Panel members see for themselves parents’ outrage.  The rally will have one table featuring the approved DOE food items and another table featuring home-made foods cooked by parents and their children.  The ingredients of all the foods will be on display so that the public can decide for themselves which treats are healthier for children.  Hundreds of parents from all over the city are expected to turn out.

Council Member Gale A. Brewer will be attending the rally.  In 2009, Council Member Brewer introduced Resolution 2300, calling on the Department of Education to amend the Chancellor’s Regulation, in order to repeal the City’s ban on the sale of baked goods from schools. Council Member Brewer will be reintroducing this resolution at the March 25, 2010 Stated Council meeting and will be seeking a public hearing on this important issue.

You can obtain information about the rally and a copy of the regulation at nycgreenschools.org.

Related posts:

1. Bake Sale: Doritos and Pop-Tarts, but not homemade brownies
2. 19 NY Schools Will Close
3. Brooklyn Public Library- Major Cuts? Help Out!
4. Buy 1 Pass Bring a Friend Free at PLAY

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Post tags: bake in at city hall, bake sale in ny school, regulation 1812, resolution 2300

Yummy Mummy store

This question frequently comes up: Where can I rent a breast pump? There are a few places to choose from.  Some stores will even deliver the pump to you, which can be a real blessing.  Yummy Mummy, a breastfeeding specialty store in Manhattan offers same day delivery for $15. Though Worldwide Surgical delivers for free, it does have a $15 pickup fee unless you return it yourself. The advantage of renting from Yummy Mummy is that the owner and lactation educator, Amanda Cole, will  answer breastfeeding-related questions in the store or on the phone every day.  **** Yummy Mummy is also offering a coupon that you can download and use to receive a FREE breastfeeding diary.
I also get these questions a lot: where can I get nursing pads (for leaking) or accessories (for a breast pump) or bottles? Luckily, again there are some great options for you that are in almost every neighborhood in Brooklyn. All of the listings below offer nursing supplies and bottles. Those that offer breast pump rentals are noted. It might also be of interest that Boing, Boing Boing, Stork Store and Remedy are all owned by lactation consultants or lactation educators. Most of them are available during the day to answer questions. Just call ahead.

Boing!
http://www.boingboingmaternity.com/
461 7th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11215
718-840-5880
Pump rentals.

Boing Boing

http://www.boingboingmaternity.com/

204 Sixth Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11215
718-398-0251
Open M-F:11-7, Sa-Su:10-6.
Pump rentals.

Brooklyn Junior
brooklynjunior.com
150 Clinton Ave (at Myrtle)
Brooklyn, NY (Clinton Hill)
347-742-2623

Neerguard Pharmacy
454 5th Ave (btw. 9th and 10th St)
718-768-0600
24 hours!
Pump rentals.

Remedy
http://www.remedyme.com/
79 Atlantic Ave
718-797-8797
Tu-Sa:11-6.

Stork Store
580 Manhattan Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11222 (Williamsburg, Greenpoint)
718.360.1732
info@storkstorenyc.com

Worldwide Surgical
http://www.worldwidesurgical.com
2165 East 21st Street
Brooklyn, NY 11229 (Sheepshead Bay)
Hours: 10am-5:30 pm but there is 24 hours phone, email service 7 days a week.
Tel: 718-648-8130
Pump rentals. Free local delivery but $15 pickup fee unless you return it to their rental station.

Yummy Mummy
http://yummymummystore.com
1201 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY
212-87-YUMMY (212-879-8669)
Pump Rentals: For $15, we offer same-day messenger service of Medela and Ameda hospital grade breast pumps to many parts of Brooklyn, including Boerum Hill, Brooklyn Heights, Carol Gardens, Cobble Hill, Dumbo, Gowanus, Greenpoint, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Redhook, and Williamsburg. They also offer unlimited phone support regarding the use of the pump; as a lactation educator, the owner, Amanda, will answer breastfeeding-related questions in the store or on the phone every day.

**** Yummy Mummy is offering a coupon that you can download and use to receive a FREE breastfeeding diary.

Related posts:

1. Problems in Nursing
2. Which Breast Pump?
3. Nursing Supplies

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Post tags: boing, boing boing, brooklyn junior, neerguard pharmacy, pump rental brooklyn, pump rental ny, remedy, stork store, worldwide surgical, yummy mummy

In the 10th annual robot extravaganza, tech-savvy New York City kids show off their creations in a series of competitions. Fri, Sat and Sunday in mid-town

****First, remember to set you clock forward by one hour on Sunday, March 14th. For tips on dealing with sleeping and daylight savings, check our post about it here.

Here are some highlights for this weekend:

• St. Patrick’s Day at the Irish Arts Center (Irish step dancing, animated films, dance and language classes)
• Last Week/end in Wollman Rink in Prospect Park for skating
• Robotics Competition at Jacob Javits Center (watch teens battle it out with their homemade robots)
• Craic Fest at Tribeca Cinemas (short animated Irish films)
• Cinderella performed by the NY Theater Ballet
• Brooklyn Mutt Show (with hilarious categories like Sloppiest Kiss and Most Interesting Tail)
• Legends of Aerospace land via helicopter on the Intrepid
• Putumayo Jazz Playground Concert
• Gustafer Yellowgold performs

Buy Tickets in advance to:

March 19 through April 4: 46 Circus Acts in 45 Minutes
The cheeky Aussies of Circa push their own limits as they barrel, bolt and balance at breakneck speed across The New Victory stage in 46 Circus Acts in 45 Minutes from March 19 through April 4, 2010.  Featuring four cirque talents with expertise in such disciplines as aerial acrobatics, hand balancing, contortion and hilarious clowning, 46 Circus Acts in 45 Minutes is a zany salvo of traditional and not-so-traditional circus stunts.  Member tickets cost $24.50 (orchestra), $17.50 (mezzanine) and $8.75 (balcony).  Tickets for non-Members cost $35 (orchestra), $25 (mezzanine) and $12.50 (balcony).
Details: You can get tickets at 646-223-3010 or online at NewVictory.org. The New Victory Theater is at: 209 West 42nd Street New York, NY 10036

Saturday and Sunday, March 20 and 21, 1–5 pm: Global Weekends
The story of the ancient Silk Road is, in part, a story of immigration and of the cultural exchange that occurs at the borders of immigrant communities. Through performances, interactive workshops, conversations, and films, this family-friendly event focuses on Latino communities in New York City while drawing parallels between immigrant experiences throughout time. Highlights include performances by the Coatlicue Theater Company, which will weave part of the Mayan creation story with stories of migration; Los Pleneros de la 21, a leader in the resurgence of Puerto Rican traditional music in New York; Samba Nation Productions, will bring rhythms of Brazilian Carnival; and Tahuantinsuyo, a pioneer folk music group from the Andes.
Details: Kaufmann and Linder Theaters, first floor. Free with Museum admission. See http://www.amnh.org/programs/ for more information, including a full schedule of events.

Wednesday, March 24, 7:00-8:30pm: NYC Sleep Doctor presents: Sleep Solutions for Adults With Janet K. Kennedy, Ph.D.
A good night’s sleep doesn’t have to be a dream!  This 90-minute class teaches you the fundamentals of getting good sleep, giving you the tools to make changes that will improve your nights…and days! Dr. Kennedy will provide realistic solutions to common problems, including: erratic sleep schedules, daytime and nighttime habits that interfere with sleep, bedtime routines, ruminating/racing thoughts, fears about sleep (or not sleeping), myths and misconceptions.  Issues particular to the the elderly will also be addressed.
Details: $50. Class size will be limited. Register now. Gumbo   493 Atlantic Avenue (bet. Nevins & Third) Brooklyn  718-855-7808

Friday, March 26, 5:45 pm – Saturday, March 27, 9 am: A Night at the Museum Sleepovers
Lights Out! Test your valor when journeying through the darkened hallways of the Museum after hours. Meet live animals such as hawks and falcons; participate in arts and crafts projects like origami making; watch an IMAX movie; check out the Butterfly Conservatory; listen to bedtime stories; and explore the Museum with only a flashlight in hand. End the night sleeping under the whale in Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, beneath famous dioramas in the Hall of North American Mammals, or among the geological formations in the Gottesman Hall of Planet Earth.
Details: The American Museum of Natural History . $129 per person, $119 members * All participants must register in advance.  One adult is required for every 1–3 children attending. Open to 7 -13 year olds. http://www.amnh.org/kids/sleepovers/

Sat, Apr 3: 1:30 pm: “L’Étoile” Family Matinee
“It’s not too late to catch New York City Opera’s divinely silly production of Chabrier’s L’Étoile, an operetta full of surreal happenings and sparkling tunes.” —The Washington Post,  Introduce your children to the musicand characters of L’Étoile, Chabrier’s hilarious opera about a madcap king, his inept astrologer, and one unlucky peddler. This special one-hour version of the opera will follow an interactive program featuring the New York City Opera Orchestra and select cast members.
Details: Family Tickets start at $6. www.nycopera.com • 212.721.6500 David H. Koch Theater 20 Lincoln Center New York, NY 10023

April 9-18: Time Step- tap dance trio
The New Victory Theater presents Parallel Exit’s hit Time Step, a work blending tap, percussion and physical comedy, from April 9 through April 18, 2010.  Premiering to critical acclaim at Joyce Soho in November 2008, Time Step at The New Vic will feature additional characters and choreography.  It fuses the tap stylings of Astaire and Kelly with the comedy of Chaplin and Keaton to tell the tale of three hilarious hoofers.  Through tap dance, they evoke the world of classic movie musicals with a story that shuffles between past and present, juxtaposing the characters’ performances from their youth with their later-in-life attempts to relive their heyday. The show is best for kids aged 6 years and up.
Details: Tickets for members cost $24.50 (orchestra), $17.50 (mezzanine) and $8.75 (balcony).  Tickets for non-members cost $35 (orchestra), $25 (mezzanine) and $12.50 (balcony). Buy them online at www.newvictory.org

Sunday, April 11, 3:00-4:30 PM: Raising a good sleeper
Dr. Janet Kennedy of NYC Sleep Doctor will teach you the fundamentals of raising a good sleeper from birth and answer your questions about this all-important issue. Topics will include: the basics of infant sleep patterns, how to make sure your child is well rested, how to help your child learn to put herself to sleep , how to avoid excessive crying, how to address sleep problems as they arise
and more.
Details: WMAAC, 347 Grand St., Williamsburg.  Babies under 1 year are welcome to attend.  $20/single; $30/couple (prepayment required)  RSVP:    brooklyn@babybites.com

Saturday, April 17th: 11:00am and 1:00pm: Happy Concerts for Young People
Soaring music, flying aerialists, and tumbling athletes perform a dazzling display of airborne marvels. Champion Athletes In Training from The Wendy Hilliard Foundation join AntiGravity and The Little Orchestra Society in a concert that flies through the air! “Aerialists, Athletes and Arpeggios” with Dino Anagnost, Conductor at Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center
Details: Ticket information: $10 to $50. The Little Orchestra Society at 212-971-9500 or the Avery Fisher Hall Box Office at 212-721-6500 or buy tickets online at www.littleorchestra.org.
Avery Fisher Hall: 1941 Broadway at 65th Street, New York City *Age Range: children ages 6 to 12

Event Picks:

Through April 4: Tales from the Land of Gullah
Step into the world of the Gullah people—West African slaves brought to plantations on isolated islands off the coast of Georgia and South Carolina in the 17th century—and discover how they held on to their songs, stories, and customs. Find out about common nursery rhymes and children’s songs like “Michael, Row Your Boat Ashore” the Gullah gave to American culture, catch shrimp and crabs with nets, plant okra in the garden, learn to tell Gullah time, and much more.
Details: At the Brooklyn Children’s Museum

Last Week/end in Wollman Rink in Prospect Park
Last year, I finally made it to this rink on closing day. Talk about procrastination! It is a fine rink for teaching small children, but don’t expect to do any jumping or fast skating here. It is small and crowded but pretty gentle for the little ones. We even made a few friends while we were there. The lockers are free but bring your own padlock. The skate rentals were easy and the personnel were pleasant. Check hours on the site. Every Friday: ½ Price Admission! (does not include skate rental charge, holidays excluded). Adults: $5 (ages 15 and up) and Children (ages 14 and under) and Seniors: $3. Skate Rental: $6.50 (tax included). For more info like hours go to their site.
***To find out where to buy used and new skates locally- check our post here.

Through April 18th: Math Midway at New York Hall of Science
First, a big thank-you to our advertiser, NY Hall of Science for buying ads and second, they are giving all of us a DEAL! You get one free child admission with one paid adult general admission. Get the deal here. Experience math in cool new ways: take a smooth ride on a square-wheeled tricycle, create one-of-a-kind drawings using the mechanical harmonograph, compose a tune with the organ function grinder or attempt to solve one of the tricky math puzzles. While there, check out their great Preschool Place. It has great interactive exhibits with plenty of space for parents and kids.
Details: New York Hall of Science 47-01 111th Street, Queens, NY 718-699-0005 www.nysci.org

Through April 26: Tim Burton Exhibit at MOMA
You remember the films Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985), Beetlejuice (1988), Batman (1989), Edward Scissorhands (1990), Batman Returns (1992), The Nightmare Before Christmas, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), right? Well, film director Tim Burton has an exhibit at MOMA that explores the full range of his creative work, tracing the current of his visual imagination from early childhood drawings through his mature work in film. It brings together over seven hundred examples of rarely or never-before-seen drawings, paintings, photographs, moving image works, concept art, storyboards, puppets, maquettes, costumes, and cinematic ephemera.  The gallery exhibition is accompanied by a complete retrospective of Burton’s theatrical features and shorts, as well as a lavishly illustrated publication.
Details: If you plan to see the exhibition Tim Burton (November 22, 2009–April 26, 2010), please be aware that gallery occupancy is limited. Timed tickets to enter Tim Burton are suggested on weekdays and required on all weekends and holidays. Timed tickets guarantee entrance to the exhibition at the time designated on the ticket, and carry no extra charge. This ticket also permits you to all other Museum galleries, exhibitions, and films. To purchase timed tickets for Tim Burton, simply select a specific date and time when you purchase your admission ticket online. Adults $20 Seniors  (65 and over with ID) $16 Students (full-time with current ID) $12 Children (16 and under) Free.  http://www.moma.org/

Through Sept 2nd: Lizards and Snakes: Alive! and Butterflies and Journey to the Stars at the American Museum of Natural History
Just think: 60 plus lizards and snakes in the flesh! Your tots will probably love this exhibit with opportunities to “spy” the reptiles in their habitat.  Enter the lovely (and warm) exhibit of the live butterflies in the Butterfly Conservatory for an escape from winter. See the all-new Space Show “Journey to the Stars”, narrated by Whoopi Goldberg and travel 13 billion years into the past, when the first stars were born.  The Silk Road is a new exhibit I haven’t seen yet- but might be worth a look.
Details: Adults: $16 Children (2-12): $9 Central Park West at 79^th Street. http://www.amnh.org/ To see the lighting of the tree and my dear friend Jo performing there click here.

Friday, March 12, Saturday, March 13th and Sunday, March 14th: 10 am- 4 pm: Robotics Competition
In the 10th annual robot extravaganza, tech-savvy New York City kids show off their creations in a series of competitions. This year you can watch high schoolers duke it out with robot soccer while elementary and middle school students use LEGO-based robots to perform humanlike tasks. Ages 6 and up. Free
Details: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center 655 W 34th St (at Eleventh Ave)  Midtown West  | Map 973-596-3234  Subway: A, C, E, 1, 2, 3 to 34th St–Penn Station  | Directions http://www.nycnjfirst.org
Thanks so much to:  http://newyorkkids.timeout.com/ for this listing!

Saturday, March 13: 11 am: Craic Fest at Tribeca Cinemas
Craic Fest is a Film festival for Kids with a selection of award winning animated short films from Ireland and local NY filmmakers. Kids are $ 5, Adults $10.00. Free goodie bags! Free coffee and donuts for the big kids (adults)
Details: Get tickets here. $10 for general admission tickets. Tribeca Cinemas at 54 Varick Street. New York, NY 10013

Saturday, March 13: 1 pm: Gustafer Yellowgold
Gustafer Yellowgold’s Show is a multi-media performance of live music, animated illustrations and storytelling. It is a blast to watch and the kids are riveted. We went last weekend and the show was an absolute hit! With its unique crossover appeal, the show has been the wild-card opening act for Wilco and The Polyphonic Spree. This performance is a benefit for the Coop School.
Details: Tickets are 12 dollars on the day of the show, and 10 dollars in advance. Advance tickets can be purchased at the Coop school. All money raised will go towards community scholarships at the Coop School. The Coop school is located at 87 Irving place, Brooklyn NY 11238.  http://www.gustaferyellowgold.com http://www.thecoopschool.com/

Saturday, March 13: 11 am: The Deedle Deedle Dees Variety Show
I like the Deedle Deedle Dees and their gentle, literary tunes. I especially love that one of the band members plays acoustic upright bass- and plays it well. Author Randall de Seve will read from her already popular, but new book: Mathilda and the Orange Balloon, and surprise musical guests will also make an appearance.
Purchase tickets here online.
Details: $10/child and caregivers/parents free. At the Knitting Factory, 361 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY. 347-529-6696 http://bk.knittingfactory.com/

Saturday, March 13: 3 pm: The Fuzzy Lemons
Family-friendly rock band The Fuzzy Lemons are a fun kids group t that will be performing at the Knitting Factory after the Deedle Deedle Dees. Purchase tickets here online.
Details: $10/child and $20 family pass. At the Knitting Factory, 361 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY. 347-529-6696 http://bk.knittingfactory.com/

Saturday, March 13: 11 am and 1 pm: Putumayo Jazz Playground Concert
Putumayo’s new Jazz Playground CD is in constant play in our car. I love it: the album is sophisticated yet accessible  that treats jazz with renewed energy. The international songs have a great vibe and I was so happy to hear some familiar but underplayed childrens’ songs interpreted on the album: Shortnin’ Bread, This Little Light of Mine, and Agree & Disagree. Oran Etkin, jazz clarinetist, from the CD will perform and sing CDs afterwards at the Scholastic Store. The Israeli-born, New York-based Oran Etkin has been described as “a great clarinetist” by Ben Ratliff of the NY Times and “Woodwind Maestro” by PRI’s Afropop Worldwide.
Details: The Scholastic Store, 557 Broadway. New York, NY  www.scholastic.com/sohostore Free – Reservations required 212-389-3800

Saturday, March 13 and Sunday, March 14: various shows: Cinderella Ballet
NYTheater Ballet’s hour-long ballets for children began in the 1980s when Diana Byer commissioned Keith Michael to create The Nutcracker. It proved so popular among family audiences that other ballets were developed to meet the demand. This innovative concept grew into NYTB’s current Once Upon a Ballet series. To date, NYTB has presented miniaturized versions of Cinderella, Carnival of the Animals, and The Firebird. Other works for the series are The Alice-in-Wonderland Follies and Mother GOOSE!. In February 2009, the Company premiered its new Sleeping Beauty. These entertaining and meticulously rendered productions have introduced thousands of people to the world of classic ballet. Perfect for ages 3-12. Review of Cinderella: “A clock that comes alive and dances. Furniture that moves magically about…This Cinderella will please grown-ups and children alike.”-The New York Times Other upcoming performances: Carnival of the Animals & The Firebird – April 24, 25, 2010. All performances held at the 400 seat, family-friendly Florence Gould Hall. Sleeping Beauty - May 15, 16, 2010.
Details: New York Theatre Ballet  30 East 31st Street, 5th Floor New York, NY 10016. http://www.nytb.org/2009-10-once-upon-a-ballet-series/?preview

Saturday, March 13: 3-5 pm: “Legends of Aerospace”
A group of famous aviators and astronauts including Neil Armstrong and Gene Cernan, the first and last men on the moon, Captain Jim Lovell, Commander of Apollo 13, Bob Gilliland, the first man to ever fly the SR-71 Blackbird, and General Steve Ritchie, the last Air Force Ace, will visit the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, located at Pier 86 (46th Street and 12th Avenue), Manhattan. The group of aviators and astronauts will land via helicopter on Intrepid’s flight deck.  The group will discuss their personal experiences as aviators and astronauts at a panel discussion at 4:00 PM and participate in a meet and greet with museum guests afterward.
Details: Please note, times are approximate and subject to change based on the travel arrangements of the participants.   The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum will stay open until 6:00 PM on Saturday, March 13.  Last tickets will be sold at 5:00 PM. “Legends of Aerospace” is free with the price of admission to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. Tickets for the museum are available for purchase at www.intrepidmuseum.org. Cost of Admission: Adult: $22.00  Seniors and College Students: $18.00  Youth 3-17 and Veterans: $17.00  Active Military, Retired Military and Children Under 3: Free  All tickets are subject to a $2.00 facility fee.

Saturday, March 13th, 10:30 AM: Storytime at Greenlight Bookstore
Spend a winter morning at Greenlight Bookstore in Ft. Greene, Brooklyn in the back of their store. It’s a cute way to meet other families and browse for yourself! Authors and Illustrators Melanie Hope Greenberg and Miriam Cohen will read and sign books. Melanie wrote “Good Morning Digger” which we have in our house and love- and also “Mermaids on Parade”.
Details: 686 Fulton Street  Brooklyn, NY 11217-1699  (718) 246-0200.  Seating is first come, first served. Closest subways are the C to Lafayette, G to Fulton, or any train to Atlantic/Pacific; click here for a map. Fort Greene.

Saturday, March 13, 1:30-3:00pm: NYC Sleep Doctor presents: Solving Toddler Sleep IssuesWith Janet K. Kennedy, Ph.D.
In this 90-minute class, Dr. Kennedy will discuss methods for handling transition to toddlerhood and instilling healthy sleep habits that will last your child a lifetime.
Topics will include:Transitioning from crib to bed; Early wakings; Night wakings and wanderings; Bedtime routines; Ending bedtime battles; Tantrums and negotiations;
Sharing a room with a new or older sibling; …plus plenty of time for Q & A! (Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate children at this event.)
Details: $45 single, $70 couple. Class size will be limited. Register now.  Gumbo   493 Atlantic Avenue (bet. Nevins & Third) Brooklyn  718-855-7808.

Saturday, March 13th: 1 pm: Crossfit Mamas
Challenging and way cheaper than therapy, new moms can convene at the Brooklyn Barbell club every Saturday at the Brooklyn Barbell Club, to regain and build strength, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness. Each class is led by a CrossFit-certified coach. Parents and new babies.
Details: Brooklyn Barbell Club 221 North 8th St (between Driggs Ave and Roebling Street)  Williamsburg, Brooklyn  917-720-6551 Subway: L to Bedford Ave, G to Metropolitan Ave 
(Thanks to http://newyorkkids.timeout.com for this listing)

Saturday, March 13th: 10 am: Crossfit with Lulemon
Leave your yoga mat at home, people! This month, all of Lulemon’s open level Saturday classes will be held at CrossFit South Brooklyn. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to the CrossFit space (NOT the showroom!) so you can get yourself situated, sign a waiver, and get pumped for some FUN! And remember, fitness is earned. Space is limited for these classes, so please RSVP: brooklyn-store@lululemon.com OR 718.636.6298. CrossFit is a strength and conditioning program focused on developing broad, inclusive fitness. The program is designed for universal scalability, making it appropriate for all ages and abilities regardless of athletic background or lack thereof! We can’t wait to see you there.
Details: CrossFit South Brooklyn: 597 Degraw Street (bt. 3rd and 4th Aves) http://www.lululemon.com/newyork/brooklyn

Saturday, March 13th and Sunday, March 14th: 10 am- 5 pm: Brooklyn Flea moves indoors to Ft. Greene
The Brooklyn Flea has moved to a winter location in the spectacular former Williamsburg Savings Bank at One Hanson Place in Fort Greene.  The location is stunning with mosaic tiles lining the floor, mosaic murals with gold leafing and a vaulted ceiling. There are 100 vendors, including the beloved Red Hook food vendors.  It’s fun to visit the vault downstairs were the majority of the food vendors are and then wander into the former executive offices, now occupied by craft makers.  Though the aisles are wide enough for strollers, the stairs (up and down) are not stroller-friendly, though everyone helped me bring my stroller up and down the stairs. The Brooklyn Flea will be in its new location until March 28th.  For a photo of the incredible location and our original post about the story, go here.
Details: 1 Hanson Pl. (at Flatbush Ave.)  B/D/M/N/Q/R/2/3/4/5 to Atlantic Ave./Pacific St.  LIRR to Flatbush Ave.  B41/B45/B63/B67 to Atlantic + Flatbush

Saturday, March 13th and Sunday, March 14th: 11 am- 7 pm: Brooklyn Mutt Show
Who doesn’t love a good dog show? Westminster Dog Show this is not- this is the show for the “every-dog”. Categories like “Sloppiest Kisser, Looks Most Like Owner, Best Tail” will make this one of the most fun dog competitions ever. Proceeds will benefit BARC shelter.
Details: Brooklyn Lyceum/227 4th Ave/Brooklyn/ R Train to Union Street   Cost(Entrants): $5 for doggie bag -and-$10 per class entered. One handler allowed per dog.  All other handlers/friends/family $5/person per day. Cost(Audience): Adult – $5 per day or $8 for the weekend  Child – $3 per day or $5 for the weekend. http://www.brooklynmuttshow.com/

Sunday, March 14: 10:30AM: Babywearing class
This class is perfect for those who are new to baby wearing. They will go over the 5 different types of carriers (available for you to try on) and the specific brands available. From Mei Teis, wraps, ring slings, pocket slings, one shoulder vs. two shoulder carriers, soft vs. structured …They will concentrate on discovering the best carrier for you, your partner and your family’s needs. Class will be taught by Megan Davidson and Tanya Wills of the  With Woman Doula Coop.
Details: Class will be at Madison Rose Maternity 313 Court Street between Sackett and Degraw.To RSVP to the store through their website www.madisonrosematernity.com

Sunday, March 14: 3:30 pm: Audra Rox at Jalopy
Audra always rocks the house with fun and original songs. This show is her “home venue” since it is right around the corner from her house, so you know she will blast this one!
Details: Jalopy. Buy tickets at 718-395-3214. $10 individuals and $30 family pack. Kids under 1 are free. The Jalopy Theatre and School of Music is located at 315 Columbia St.

Sunday, March 14: The Muppet Movie Sing-a-Long
My mom and I are big fans of the Muppet Movie and I hope to convert my kids at this sing-a-long at the Knitting Factory. Sing along with and celebrate this classic musical with other Muppet fanatics at the Knitting Factory. Words to all of the classic Muppet Movie songs will be subtitled on the screen with the movie so that the whole audience can join in!  As Kermit makes his way to fabled Hollywood, he assembles his team of like-minded individuals, including Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, Gonzo the Great, and others. With Steve Martin, Mel Brooks, Richard Pryor, James Coburn, Dom Deluise and Carol Kan (Tim Burton and John Landis were both puppeteers!) “Rainbow Connection” alone makes The Muppet Movie one of the best musical films of all time. But really, all the songs Paul Williams and Kenny Ascher wrote for this film are brilliant.
Details: Knitting Factory Brooklyn 361 Metropolitan Ave Brooklyn , NY  11211 http://ny.knittingfactory.com

Sunday, March 14th: 4-5 pm: Dr. Seuss- new pop-up book reading and activities
Dr. Seuss’ Oh, the Places You’ll Go! is a wonderfully wise and joyous ode to finding one’s path through the maze of life. For its 20TH anniversary, this classic bestseller has been transformed into a pop-up book by master paper engineer David A. Carter. Join us for a read aloud of Oh, the Places You’ll Go! and other classic Dr. Seuss books, followed by Dr. Seussian arts activities.
Details: Powerhouse Arena. 37 Main Street. Brooklyn, NY www.powerhousearena.com

Sunday, March 14th: 12 – 5 pm: St. Patrick’s Day at the Irish Arts Center
Celebrate St. Patty’s Day at the Irish Arts Center for their annual Open Day celebration, featuring classes, workshops and performances for children and adults. Events include Irish music and dance performances by adults and children, celtic harpist, film screening, short animated Films, Irish Language for Kids, storytime, step dance lessons for kids and a tin whistle workshop. Whew! For full details and schedule, visit their site.
Details: Irish Arts Center (553 West 51st Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues) and admission is FREE. For more information, call 212-757-3318 or visit www.irishartscenter.org.

Sunday, March 14th: 4 pm: PS Children’s Storytime
This is my go-to event on Sundays if we are looking for something to do. The owner does a great job of assessing what age group he has in front of him and catering to that group. He also sings a bit too with the kids. Call to reserve with ages as he does like to prepare – but drop-ins are welcome too! Storytime is from 4 pm to 5 pm.
Details: 70 Washington Street, Brooklyn, NY. www.psbookshop.com,

Tuesday, March 16th: 6-8 pm: Private School or Public School
To help parents fully understand their public and private options in the city, NY Family is holding a seminar led by Clara Hemphill (founder of insideschools.org), Roxana Reid of Smart City Kids, and Gabriella Rowe of Mandell School. The seminar will be held at Mandell School, 128 West 95th Street between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues.
Details: Tickets are $35 each and $60 per pair in advance; or $40 each at the door. Anyone who pre-registers will be entered into a raffle for Gazillion Bubble Show tickets! Click here to purchase tickets and pre-register.

Saturday, March 20: 11am- 3 pm: Family Resource Day
Join the New York City Child Care Resource & Referral Consortium for Family Resource Day. Representatives from a variety of summer programs, enrichment programs, child care programs, and other community resources will be available to provide the information you need to make the best decisions for your family. For more information or directions, please call (888) 469-5999.
Details: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Library 10 Grand Army Plaza Brooklyn, NY 11238

Saturday, March 20: 12:30-2:30 pm: Infant Massage
Learn infant massage and share the gift of loving touch with your baby. Learn to calm and soothe your baby, promote bonding and attachment, and provide your baby with a healthy start. Infant massage techniques can help baby release tension and sleep better, relieve digestive discomfort, and encourage growth and development. Class is open to pre-crawling babies up to 5/6 months old and their moms, dads, and caregivers. Bring your baby and a cozy blanket. Massage oil will be provided. Taught by Carolyn Cryer, Licensed Massage Therapist. Carolyn has been practicing massage since 2004. Her practice focuses on helping pregnant women feel comfortable in their changing bodies and providing parents the tools to connect with their babies and support their healthy development.
Details; 2 hrs, $45/family Birthday Presence 291 8th Street in Park Slope  http://www.birthdaypresence.net/classdescriptions.html#8

Sunday, March 28, Sunday April 25th: 3:30-4:15 pm: Family Yoga
This lively and challenging class is an excellent way to connect through yoga.  Group poses, pranayama (breathing practices), and age appropriate meditation techniques instill confidence and self-esteem and are great tools to carry off the mat, no matter what your age!  Each class includes sun salutations, balancing poses, partner poses, yoga games and deep relaxation.  3 – 6yr old classes include storytime, yoga games, singing and
bubbles.  No yoga experience necessary.  Adult participation required.
Details:$25.00 per family/drop-in (walkers – 6yrs). At Mala Yoga in Cobble Hill. http://www.bijakids.com/workshops.html and www.malayoganyc.com

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A Child Grows, 2010. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Audra Rox, ballet for kids nyc, bija kids, birthday presence, deedle deedle dees, fuzzy lemon, greenlight bookstore, jacob javits robot, janet kennedy, l'etoile, lululemon brooklyn, mala yoga, maternity clothes brooklyn, maternity cothes ny, moma kids, New Victory, new york hall of science, opera for kids nyc, robotics competition ny, sleep consultant ny, the little orchestra

Swan Lake vacation house rental

Deck with mountain view

Pool deck

Master bedroom

View from pool

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Post tags: catskills rental, family rental in catskills, swan lake

The Montessori Day School

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Post tags: 237 park place, Carroll Gardens school, International School of Brooklyn, montessori day school brooklyn, prospect heights school

at boing!, a baby shop in Brooklyn, talk about baby carriers and other subjects. For some, “wearing” a baby has taken on cachet. Béatrice de Géa for The New York Times Mothers

The New York Times goes on a “babywearing” trip to 2 of the biggest babywearing stores of NY and Brooklyn: Boing and Metro Minis.  They report that, for a lot of these parents, the “last decade’s coveted Bugaboo or Maclaren stroller has been largely supplanted by baby carriers.” Has babywearing become fashionable? That’s what the article posits. As we see images of celebrity parents carrying their babies more and more, “wearing one’s baby has taken on a certain cachet.”

Sales of baby carriers have dramatically increased. “Between 2006 and 2008, overall sales of industry-certified carriers rose 43 percent to $21.5 million, according to the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. The ERGObaby, a soft carrier structured like a backpack that was introduced in 2003, has seen sales rise 200 percent since 2007, according to Karin Buck, a company spokeswoman. The Moby Wrap, a length of stretchy cotton that attaches babies to their caregivers with a series of origami-like tucks and twists, has doubled in sales almost every year since it was introduced in 2003, said Marisa Frantz, a company spokeswoman, and it is poised to debut this month in retail locations of Babies “R” Us.”

Regardless of the upswing in sales, the Consumer Product Safety Commission believes that certain carriers are not safe.  Specifically, bag-style slings have contributed to the suffocation of several infants.  “On Tuesday, Inez M. Tenenbaum, the head of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, announced a forthcoming warning about slings, saying that “we know now the hazard scenarios for very small babies” carried in them. Many specialty stores, like Metro Minis, do not sell bag-style slings whose safety has been challenged, and instructs buyers to position babies in any sling upright and tight against the caregiver.”

Will the “cachet of wearing your baby” supplant the stroller?

There are a group of parents who believe it should. This group defines themselves as “anti-stroller”, like these commenters on a mothering.com forum:

I have seen so many children crying and ignored in their strollers- never leaving the contraption the entire playdate. They are huge, expensive, and are EVERYWHERE anywhere you go.

admitt I am anti stroller. I have used them before, I am not going to lie.. But I am horrible now, I catch myself wanting to run over and talk about babywearing to stroller pushers sometimes, I think I tend to look down my nose a little at them which is snobby and wrong, but only cause they look at me like I have 10 heads for wearing my 16 month old on my back all the time..

Others see the advantage of using a stroller, like another commenter on the same mothering.com forum:

I personally never understood why people needed strollers until my daughter got heavy enough that my joints were affected on long walks (we walk as much as we can, to the grocery store, etc.). Slinging a 25-lb toddler is just too much stress on my knees and hips– it remains comfortable otherwise. The stroller has also proved to be a wonderful way for me to get some exercise. Walking slowly with a toddler on my back isn’t that strenuous, really (except to my knee joints), and I can get my heart rate up nicely while pushing the stroller.

I am happy to see babywearing catch on.  It’s a tradition for many parts of the world and been done here for decades too. I don’t know why it has to be an argument about carrier vs. stroller. I own both and use them for different situations.  Carriers are becoming more fashionable- and why not? Strollers have been going that way for some time.  Whether we like it or not, fashion and design has become enmeshed in our lives. It’s only natural that it would spill into the design of the carriers.

P.S.- there is a Babywearing class this weekend, in Carroll Gardens at Madison Rose Maternity. Here are the details:

Babywearing Class: March 14th at 10:30AM, 313 Court Street between Sackett and Degraw.

This class is perfect for those who are new to baby wearing. They will go over the 5 different types of carriers (available for you to try on) and the specific brands available. From Mei Teis, wraps, ring slings, pocket slings, one shoulder vs. two shoulder carriers, soft vs. structured …They will concentrate on discovering the best carrier for you, your partner and your family’s needs. Class will be taught by Megan Davidson and Tanya Wills of the  With Woman Doula Coop. To RSVP to the store through their website www.madisonrosematernity.com

Related posts:

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5. Babywearing: slings, pouches, carriers and more….

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Post tags: babywearing brooklyn, boing, boing boing, ergo, metro minis, slings in the city