Some Cute Gift Ideas

For the future world-traveler, Little Passports. I can't wait until Michael is old enough to appreciate this!

Totsy sale on Olian Maternity

If you don't already know about Totsy, check it out. I can send you an invite to join. Big sale the next three days on maternity clothes.

Mobile Device to Show 'Breastfeeding Friendly' Venues

Bravado, maker of nursing bras and the like, has a new app!

Breast Feeding Friendly Locator

Check it out!

Holiday Gift Ideas

We are having a hard time coming up with gift ideas for Michael to give to his grandparents. Here are my meager thoughts. Please feel free to add yours, or steal mine.

- photo calendar personalized with birthdays, etc (Shutterfly.com has a nice layout and 50% off when you buy more than one)
- hand print 'stone' for the garden (credit due to Laura for this one) Michael/AC Moore should have this type of thing
- Fabric painted aprons, tea towels, tote bags (either with hand prints or true drawings for the older kids)
- Personalized picture frames (also best for older kids)

Suggestions on potty training?

I'm ready to begin potty training in earnest, though my son doesn't seem at all interested. Is this craziness on my part? or is there any hope that I might convince him to join me in this endeavor?

Daisy Baby in Bethesda nursery design event (Tomorrow)

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Daisy Baby & Kids <daisybaby@verizon.net>
Date: Wed, Oct 20, 2010 at 1:30 PM
Subject: Reminder: our nursery design event is tomorrow!
To: jennifer.lynott@gmail.com

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

Greetings! Our nursery design event "Introducing the Nursery Into Your Home" is tomorrow! Please join Designer Samantha Friedman in our store as she shares tips on: - how to bring your current style and colors into this new space - how to make the room comfortable for both you and the baby - designing a room to grow Refreshments will be served. We hope to see you there! What: Introducing the Nursery Into Your Home When: Thursday, October 21, 7-9pm Where: Daisy Baby & Kids, 4912-A Del Ray Ave. Samantha will also be available in the store to help new moms with space planning from 11am-4pm on Friday, October 22, and Saturday, October 23. For more information, go to www.shopdaisybaby.com. To RSVP, email dana@shopdaisybaby.com or call 301.654.7477.   Sincerely, Dana M.K. Evans Daisy Baby and Kids

Forward email This email was sent to jennifer.lynott@gmail.com by daisybaby@verizon.net. Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Email Marketing by Daisy Baby and Kids | 4912-A Del Ray Ave. | Bethesda | MD | 20814

How to Dress While Pregnant (and other tidbits)

Another friend asked me to forward her this information today. The list was originally compiled by a friend of mine. I realized that this group may also be interested in the resources below:

Online Community/Listserv -- DC Urban Moms and Dads

This is invaluable for all things pregnancy and mommyhood. Get on the listserv and you can read other people's questions which i found educational (but sometimes annoying or off-topic) and the key is to be able to post your own questions. I found our pediatrician, info about travel with infant, found some items that people were selling (rocking chair for nursing, breastfeeding pillow, baby bjorn),etc.

Podcast for pregnancy

This is a GREAT podcast. You can either download from their website or itunes. I downloaded all the past ones and listened to them on my commute etc. Its better than reading the books in many cases.

Pregnancy Clothing
I am a huge proponent of the nice maternity clothes because it really makes a difference in how you feel and also how you look. Plus, my experienced friends told me that they didn't realize that they would not only be wearing this stuff during pregnancy but you end up wearing it for a bit after you have the baby because your body is not back to normal yet. However, let me say a few things about this:

Don't be a sucker for Pea in the Pod. Yes, they have cute stuff but everything is SUPER expensive and I found that you can often find the same stuff online for cheaper or discounted.

Some women really love something called The Bella Band which is like this tube top thing that goes around your belly and you can use it to wear your regular pants for a longer time (unbuttoned) and you can also use it with maternity pants when they still are a little big: http://www.bellaband.com/

I recommend Appleseed boutique in Old Town to go and try on some stuff to see what size you are and also what brands/styles you like and then what you can do (which is what I did) is search online for the brands and find them at lower prices. They have ALL the cool brands but they are full price - but rarely have sales. Get on their mailing list for coupons. However, I swear I found some of the very same stuff online for like 25% off! So in the dressing room I actually wrote down the names and style numbers for things I liked and then searched for them online. However, I did go back and buy a few things at these shops that I couldn't find online. FYI - they sell bella bands.

The best brands in my opinion are:
Japanese weekend - they have a website that has sale items quite often: www.japaneseweekend.com

Noppies - a UK brand that has awesome pants and jeans too. I have a pair of brown and black pants that I lived in and I wore them from the beginning and still fit in them at the end plus my jeans are from this brand and they were about $100 compared to some of the really trendy brands at pea in the pod for like 200+...

Olian - cute tops and dresses

Meet me in Miami

Chiarakruza - i love their pants - they are so stylish

Jeans -- Citizens of Humanity, Habitual, and Serfontaine are the top brands for maternity jeans with the celebrities. Here's my take on them. If you absolutely LOVE THEM on you and you think you will wear them for your entire pregnancy, see if you can find them online on sale but first try them on in the store so you can be sure of your size. I personally found that they didn't look as cute in person than they did in photos etc.

Online boutiques I love:
Tummy Style - www.tummstyle.com (my FAVE store online)

Belly Dance Maternity - Sale page http://www.bellydancematernity.com/sale-c-5.html

bellylicious maternity http://www.bellyliciousmaternity.com/belly/

Baby Style http://www.babystyle.com/content/maternity/main.asp

Also I found a few coupon codes that can be used at these stores:
babystyle.com
Description: $10 off every $30+ purchase
Code: BABYJEL
Expiration: unknown

Bellylicious Maternity
Description: 10% off on all non-sale merchandise
Code: DADDYDRAMA
Expiration: unknown

NIH Lactation Program

The NIH has a Nursing Mothers Program that is available. While the lactation consultants can't come to see you, they do offer over the phone consultations that might help. See their site here.

Choosing a Stroller

Questions are flying around DCEG about the best stroller. Here are some of the opinions:

We have the city mini and couldn't be happier. Compact but very sturdy, awesome one hand fold, and reasonable basket. I totally recommend it. Also, we can fold up Ella's razor scooter and fit it in the bottom, so when we go longer distances, Amelia rides and Ella scooters...

I don't think the maclaren is all that. We have one but don't like it. It tips over, has a small basket... My friend has a city mini, she loves that one! We have the BOB, which is awesome.

Are you subscribed to the NIH Parenting Listserve? What about DCUM?

There's a parenting listserve at NIH with posts about everything from nanny shares to free baby gear. Click here to subscribe...

Also, the DC Urban Moms and Dads Listserve and Forum are fantastic sources of information, stuff for sale, etc.

I bought a lot of maternity clothes off this list...

$1 Family Movies at Lowes Georgetown (on Tuesdays)

Not that any of us are off on a random Tuesday, but in case you are....the Loews theater in Georgetown will be running $1 family movies: next week, 7/27 is Kung Fu Panda. Check it out.

Survey for Parents

---------- Forwarded message ----------

From: Amit Pandya <amit.pandya@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Jul 21, 2010 at 9:35 PM
Subject: Survey for Moms
To:

Hello friends!

So my good friend YiShaun is writing a children's book and creating a new children's product for the purpose of fostering a love of books in babies and toddlers.  She is looking for moms with a child age 9 months to 3 years old to fill out a quick survey, and I thought of you all.  This is a quick survey, and she is hoping for 400 responses in the next 2 weeks... so if you can also forward the survey link to your mom friends with a child 9 months - 3 years old, it would be greatly appreciated.  Here is the link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SJXSVNF

Thanks in advance!

A.

More terrible news about our modern lifestyle

Sitting alone might kill you, regardless of how much exercise you do!

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/14/phys-ed-the-men-who-stare-at-screens/?scp=1&sq=sitting%20sedentary&st=cse

Prego-gear Swap?

Does anyone have a belly band in size small that they are willing to loan out? Let me know.

Time Cover Story on Only Children...

In case it's of interest, Time Magazine's cover story is about only children.

Upgrade for the blog

I just figured out how to add other people as authors on the blog... now, when you want to post, you can do so on your own, without using my email posting address. Let me know what you think of the process.

Jennifer Loukissas

(btw, my husband's last name is Lynott... so sometimes you'll see my name as Jennifer Lynott! I thought I'd change it, and established an email address... then, changed my mind)

2 million cribs recalled

 

 

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10270.html

 

They are recalling about 2 million cribs – many were sold by toysrus and babiesrus in the last few years.  We have one of them – I am about to send off for the refund and the crib is going to the dustbin L

 

 

Amy Berrington, DPhil

Investigator, Radiation Epidemiology Branch

DCEG, National Cancer Institute, NIH

6120 Executive Boulevard (Rm 7034)

Bethesda MD 20892

tel: 301-594-7201 fax: 301-402-0207

 

For working mothers in academia, tenure track is often a tough balancing act - From the Washington Post

 

E-mail

 

Tenure track for women often isn't easily maneuvered

By Daniel de Vise

The tenure system of academia is uniquely incompatible with the biological clocks of working women, according to a new study, one of the first to examine the persistent "leak" of talented women from the pipeline that produces professors.

Slacker Moms Rejoice

Thanks to Amy for this great article on the benefits of slacker parenting.

More Helpful Reading Material...(from NY Magazine)

Dear lord... this is me (more or less)... it's hard to be a parent!

Participate in Georgetown Early Childhood Development Research

our family participates in their studies--it's a nice way to give to research; visits are quick and fun!


Dear Baby and Parents,

Have you ever wondered what your child is learning or remembering from different media sources? Here at the Georgetown Early Learning Project we are currently looking at how babies acquire and retain information from computers, books, television, and screen media.

Currently, we are looking for 6- to 54-month-olds and their parents to participate in a fun study.

Typically our studies involve:
- Coming to your home for 1-2 visits lasting 15-30 minutes each.
o We come to you because home is where babies are at their best!
o We are available to come anytime- early morning, in the evening,
or even weekends!

-Showing your child either a live or videotaped demonstration with any
number of our fun toys.

-See if the child remembers the game at a later time (either the next
day or a few minutes after)

If you are interested in participating or would like further
information, please call us at (202-687-6988), email us at
earlylearning@georgetown.edu, or look us up on the web at
www.elp.georgetown.edu. We will answer your questions, and
hopefully arrange a visit!

Also, feel free to visit the NPR website
at http://www.wamu.org/programs/kn/07/08/23.php#17202 to hear an interview with our director, Dr. Rachel Barr.

Thanks so much and hope to hear from you soon!

Sincerely,


Paula McIntyre
Research Assistant
Georgetown Early Learning Project
306 White Gravenor Hall
3700 O St, NW
Washington, DC 20057
202-687-6988
earlylearning@georgetown.edu

Get focused on the new building

By now most people know that NCI is moving to Shady Grove in 2013. GSA has a contract with a building to design and build the facility to NCI/GSA specifications. The building will be "environmentally friendly", but it has become clear to many of us that it will be less "family friendly". There are no plans for an on-site child care center.

http://newcampus.cancer.gov/location/amenities/childcare/#respond

Until the issue was raised, plans included only one lactation room in the complex. That number has now been expanded, I think to 3. None of the windowed offices are 'private' as they will have 1/4 to 3/4 wall to window ratio for the interior wall. This is to allow sunlight to filter in to the core of the building. Those offices--which are designated for GS-13 equivalent and above--will not have blinds to offer privacy for those of us who prefer to pump while at our desks.

An additional survey is planned to measure NCI staff support for child care and other amenities. I urge you to complete the survey when it's distributed.

StrideRite Sale!

SAVE THE DATE | Friends & Family Event - 25% OFF (May 27- May 31,2010)

View this email online. to redeem on striderite.com, enter promo code: FFMAY25 at checkout *Limit one coupon per customer. Offer valid only at striderite.com, participating stride rite stores, collections by stride rite stores, and stride rite outlet stores. Offer cannot be combined with employee discount, any other coupon  or offer. Not valid on prior purchases. Cannot be applied to gift certificate or gift card purchases. Offer valid for in-stock merchandise only. Coupon does not include tax. Offer valid 5/27/2010 – 5/31/2010 We've sent you this email because you registered or asked us to notify you with news and promotions from stride rite. You have received this email from stride rite. Unsubscribe | privacy policy. Our website address: http://www.striderite.com Our mailing address: Stride Rite Children's Group, Inc., P.O. Box 9191, Lexington MA 02420.

Pumping at AACR

CHILD CARE AND NURSING MOTHERS SUITE
The AACR will provide professional child care services in the Convention Center at reduced rates subsidized by the Association for infants and children ages 6 months to 11 years during the Annual Meeting. To register for child care services, please download the child care registration form or online below.


* ONLINE CHILD CARE REGISTRATION
* DOWNLOAD CHILD CARE FORM *

Annual Meeting participants who are also nursing mothers will find the privacy of the Nursing Mothers Suite in the Convention Center a comfortable and secure environment in which to nourish and nurture their babies. AACR-Women in Cancer Research is pleased to sponsor this important service. Child care will be located in Salon F on the East Registration area; the Nursing Mothers Suite will be located in Salon D of the East Registration area. Both of these are across from the Annual Meeting registration area in the Washington Convention Center.
Hours of Operation:
Saturday, April 17 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 18 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Monday, April 19 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 20 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 21 6:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Toddler Diversion

www.kneebouncers.com

Careful, it's addictive!

--
Sent from my mobile device

What to do on the weekends..

Indoor Activities:

* Playseum- 7000 Wisconsin Avenue - Lower Level, Bethesda, 9:30 to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat
(full disclosure: this place is run by evangelical Christians; We've never been, but friends love it!)

* The Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, between 4th and 5th Streets, @Judiciary Square Metro (Red Line) 10 a.m. Saturdays; 11 a.m. Sundays
(The Building Zone, for toddlers and pre-schoolers--lots of play space, controlled number of kids/parents at any one time; Also, the museum has a Firehook cafe, and tons of running around space; a fountain)

* Smithsonian Museums, 10 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays
(We have loved The Museum of the American Indian and the Natural History Museum)

More ideas here: A Parent in Silver Spring (blog)

Outdoor Activities:
* Cabin John little train
Off Tuckerman lane, pass the entrance to park where DCEG picnic is held, turn left into Cabin John park. The park has a fabulous collection of play-ground areas. It's well shaded for the summer. There are bathrooms, but we've never had to use them. Ample parking. The train is $1.25 for all passengers, regardless of age. You can pay with cash/credit. It's about a 20 minute ride. You can rent a room there for a party, too.

* Glen Echo park & carousel
Less shaded than Cabin John. A little harder to find/get to--off Canal road. They have an okay playground. The carousel is beautiful. There's a little Irish pub nearby that's pretty kid-friendly.

* National Zoo
Open dawn to dusk every day. Lots to do. Parking at the zoo is $20 unless you're a member. Ample neighborhood parking on either side (Adams Morgan or Cleveland Park). If on metro, get off at Cleveland Park and walk down the hill; then to leave walk down hill again to Woodley Park.

* Turtle Park Sprayground 10am-7pm, Mon-Sun
Near American University, off Van Ness. Parking on the street. Shaded playground with big sand box, several climbing areas. Not as many swings as I might like. Some running around space in the playground (a nice hill, etc), but there are also tennis courts and fields that are more open. The splash-park is small-ish and mainly for tots, but a ton of fun. It's not fully shaded. There isn't much seating for parents so be ready to sit on the ground and maybe get wet. There are bathrooms, but I've never used them. Friendly parents: At least once another mom gave me a diaper when I had a swim dipe but no backup for once we were done splashing!!

Saturday-only
Glover Park Farmers' Market: Off Wisconsin Avenue, at the school across from Social Safeway. There are usually musicians. No shade whatsoever.

Sunday
Dupont Farmers' Market: Very crowded, usually there are musicians at either entrance. Not the best for kids.

Send photos of your kiddos

How about posting pics of our cute kids on the blog? any interest??

Prenatal Yoga

For the pregos...

I took prenatal classes all through my pregnancy at the Dupont location of Tranquil Space. Anna (pronounced Anne) who teaches the class was a midwife turned yoga-instructor/massage therapist. She is WONDERFUL.

http://www.tranquilspace.com/preandpostnatal.html

It's worth the schlep downtown for those of you who live further out.

Pregtastic, the pregnancy podcast

I loved listening to these podcasts in 2006 (before I was pregnant!!!) and 2007.

http://www.pregtastic.com/

Enjoy!