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Sunday, November 2, 2008
Donate to a school in need
From www.iloveschools.com
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Sammamish Police help gather toys for needy children
Release Date: Oct. 27, 2008 If you would like to contribute a new toy for a needy child, the Sammamish Police Department is once again accepting donations at City Hall, 801 228th Avenue S.E. It's all part of the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program, a non-profit effort supported by the City of Sammamish. If you would like to participate in this worthwhile program, please bring a new, unwrapped gift to the drop bin located in the Sammamish City Hall lobby near the main entrance. Donations will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 18th, 2008. More information about the program is available at the following website: www.toysfortots.org . You may also contact Sammamish Police Detective Amy Jarboe at (425) 295-0786. |
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
FW: Little Gym vs. Gymboree
Hi guys,
We are realizing Isabelle is needing more activities now that she's getting older, seeing how much she loves KinderMusik, and since we didn't make it into the Wobblers class :( . We are exploring signing her up for one of the local gyms. Anecdotally we know a lot of people with kids at Little Gym but no one at Gymboree. Anyone understand the differences in terms of activities, prices, etc. or heard anything good/bad about either?
Thanks so much for any input and let me know if anyone else is interested in signing up. I know Little Gym next session doesn't start until 2/4.
-Jenn
Monday, October 27, 2008
Halloween Activity
Free family halloween activity at Sammamish City Hall.
http://www.ci.sammamish.wa.us/files/document/4953.pdf
http://www.ci.sammamish.wa.us/files/document/4953.pdf
Fun Music class- $5.00 per kid
Hi everyone,
I met a wonderful Mom who was a teacher in CA and teaches music classes in her home in Klahanie (sp?). She does a great job, and it is drop in. Her classes are Mondays at noon and every other Wed at 4:00. The classes are 45 minutes and both my girls (ages 3 and 1) had a great time.
Here is the info- Kathy Brandt
4260 246th PL SE
Issaquah 98029
(425) 427-9778
sisterkbrandt@hotmail.com
I met a wonderful Mom who was a teacher in CA and teaches music classes in her home in Klahanie (sp?). She does a great job, and it is drop in. Her classes are Mondays at noon and every other Wed at 4:00. The classes are 45 minutes and both my girls (ages 3 and 1) had a great time.
Here is the info- Kathy Brandt
4260 246th PL SE
Issaquah 98029
(425) 427-9778
sisterkbrandt@hotmail.com
Monday, August 11, 2008
Fun stuff to do
I was cleaning out my desk today and found this paper that was given to me by a toddler group. It has a bunch of fun destinations for toddlers/kids and I thought I would post it. Not all of it looks fantastic but some of it does :-)
Seattle: Maritime Museum, Greenlake Community Center, Pacific Science Center, Childrens Museum, Monorail, Pike Place, Aquarium, View Ridge Park and wading pool, Argosy Cruise, Waterfront Trolley, Woodland Park Zoo, Childrens Theater, Ballard Locks, Burke Museum, Alki, Discovery Park, Golden Gardens, Scratch Patch, Swanson Nursery
Woodinville: North Creek Trail, Tot Spot Cafe, De Young Park, Cottage Lake Park and pool, LLC Farm on Wood-Red Rd, Wilmot Gateway Park, Gold Creek Trout Farm, Northshore Gymnastics
Issaquah: Cougar Mt Zoo, Lake Samm State Park
Redmond: Farrel-McWhirter Park and petting zoo, Marymoor Park, Redmond Town Center and fountain, Borders storytimes, any Barnes and noble too for storytime, Anderson Park, Grasslawn Park, Pine Lake on Plateau, Inglewood Park, Nike Park, Redmond Park and Rec classes, 2nd story childrens theater, South 47 Farm
Bothell/Kenmore: Stipek Park, Little Gym, Country Village ducks, Bothell Landing concerts, St Edwards park
Duvall: Cherry Valley Farm, Taylor Park, River at McCormick Park
Bellevue: New Castle Beach, Kelsey Creek Park animals, Meydenbauer Beach Park, Crossroads Mall, Robinswood Park
Everett: Forest park animals, Jetty Island, Silver Lake Beach, Childrens Museum
Snoqualmie: train rides, Falls
Kirkland: Market walk and park, Houghton Beach/Kidd Valley, Kirkland Community Center, Peter Kirk Wading pool, Juanita Beach, Denny Park, Tot Lot (111 9th Ave),Concert Series, Dennys Pet World, Big FInn Hill Park
Seattle: Maritime Museum, Greenlake Community Center, Pacific Science Center, Childrens Museum, Monorail, Pike Place, Aquarium, View Ridge Park and wading pool, Argosy Cruise, Waterfront Trolley, Woodland Park Zoo, Childrens Theater, Ballard Locks, Burke Museum, Alki, Discovery Park, Golden Gardens, Scratch Patch, Swanson Nursery
Woodinville: North Creek Trail, Tot Spot Cafe, De Young Park, Cottage Lake Park and pool, LLC Farm on Wood-Red Rd, Wilmot Gateway Park, Gold Creek Trout Farm, Northshore Gymnastics
Issaquah: Cougar Mt Zoo, Lake Samm State Park
Redmond: Farrel-McWhirter Park and petting zoo, Marymoor Park, Redmond Town Center and fountain, Borders storytimes, any Barnes and noble too for storytime, Anderson Park, Grasslawn Park, Pine Lake on Plateau, Inglewood Park, Nike Park, Redmond Park and Rec classes, 2nd story childrens theater, South 47 Farm
Bothell/Kenmore: Stipek Park, Little Gym, Country Village ducks, Bothell Landing concerts, St Edwards park
Duvall: Cherry Valley Farm, Taylor Park, River at McCormick Park
Bellevue: New Castle Beach, Kelsey Creek Park animals, Meydenbauer Beach Park, Crossroads Mall, Robinswood Park
Everett: Forest park animals, Jetty Island, Silver Lake Beach, Childrens Museum
Snoqualmie: train rides, Falls
Kirkland: Market walk and park, Houghton Beach/Kidd Valley, Kirkland Community Center, Peter Kirk Wading pool, Juanita Beach, Denny Park, Tot Lot (111 9th Ave),Concert Series, Dennys Pet World, Big FInn Hill Park
Friday, May 9, 2008
Popular Baby Names for 2007
The list has been released! Check out your baby's name at http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/
Saturday, May 3, 2008
One of my clients told me about this place and I thought it was pretty darn cool. Forgive me if you've already heard of it but I thought it would be worth posting anyways. There is a website that will take your blog and turn it into a hardcover (or softcover) book! For all of us with baby blogs that maybe in the future want to find a way to have a copy of it to leave on the coffee table etc then this is the place to go. Prices are super cheap too. Around $20....
http://www.blurb.com/create/book/blogbook
http://www.blurb.com/create/book/blogbook
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Get out of the house!
Coming soon! May 21st will be the first day of the Sammamish Farmers Market. It will be held at City Hall from 4-8pm. Sure to be fun to stroller around!
Finally! A weekday Farmers Market at a time that that partners can attend!
Finally! A weekday Farmers Market at a time that that partners can attend!
Monday, March 31, 2008
From Brenda: Community Health Classes
COMMUNITY HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMS OFFERED
To register or for more information, call 206-386-2502.
Car Seat Safety Inspections — Cherry Hill: Saturday, April 12 in the Cherry Hill parking garage, level 3B. Half-hour appointments required, 9 a.m.-noon.
Kid’s Safety and CPR — First Hill: April 16 from 5:30-9:30 p.m. in the 1-East Conference Room. Fee: $20.
And this is supposed to be really great. I started talking to another mother at the theater one day and she mentioned this:
http://www.listeningmothers.org/welcome.html
To register or for more information, call 206-386-2502.
Car Seat Safety Inspections — Cherry Hill: Saturday, April 12 in the Cherry Hill parking garage, level 3B. Half-hour appointments required, 9 a.m.-noon.
Kid’s Safety and CPR — First Hill: April 16 from 5:30-9:30 p.m. in the 1-East Conference Room. Fee: $20.
And this is supposed to be really great. I started talking to another mother at the theater one day and she mentioned this:
http://www.listeningmothers.org/welcome.html
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Super Baby Food
I wasn't as ambitious as I wouldve liked but this book is awesome for baby food recipes to do at home that are really healthy. Especially when they get into solids etc.
http://www.superbabyfood.com/
http://www.superbabyfood.com/
From Jennifer: DHA Cereals
After our discussion on baby food I started to do a little research. I had noticed at the store rice and oatmeal cereals for babies with DHA added and wondered if it was really better. Here's a Consumer Reports article on baby food that talks about this issue, organic baby food, etc.:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/babies-kids/baby-toddler/eating-and-sleeping/baby-food/baby-food-4-07/overview/0704_baby-food_ov.htm
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/babies-kids/baby-toddler/eating-and-sleeping/baby-food/baby-food-4-07/overview/0704_baby-food_ov.htm
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Baby Photographer List
Looking for a photographer? Here is a list of recommended photographers compiled by the MS moms and their respective comments...
Mary Ann
http://www.barefeet-photography.com
She’s taken my pregnancy portrait and our 2006 Holiday picture we send to our family. Beyond her natural talent for taking great shots, you also get a CD with high resolution images taken at the session included in her fee!
Docuvitae
http://docuvitae.com
She shoots celebrity weddings and does quite a bit of lifestyle work, including documenting children.
Desiree Swanson
www.jillabberton.com
We had good experience with Desiree Swanson. You get a CD with all the images so you can get them developed anywhere and any way you'd like.
Jill Labberton
www.jillabberton.com
Jill Labberton is amazing. She's pricey, but well worth it. She's located in Redmond.
Elisha Rain
http://www.erainimages.com
I highly recommend Elisha Rain. She’s a former doula with such talent for working with new families! She just took our daughter’s six month pictures and they are wonderful. She took newborn, and pregnancy photos for us as well.
Michelle Huenink Photography
www.michellehuenink.com
She’s great – AND you get the CD with all the rights to print on your own.
Amanda Shea
www.amandasheaphotography.com
she is simply wonderful to work with and her photographs are first rate. We have been 100% pleased with everything’s she’s done for us. She’s not the cheapest, but we think the quality of her work is worth it.
Crains
www.crainphotography.com
MeRa Koh Photography
http://www.merakoh.com
MeRa Koh photography is great! A little more expensive but worth every penny in my opinion.
Kristine Anderson Photography
www.kmaphoto.com
Bella Photography
www.bellaphotographynw.com
I really like www.bellaphotographynw.com. You can see other peoples’ proofs on her web page to see if you like her style.
Carmen Chan Photography
http://www.carmenchanphotography.com/
I have personally used Carmen Chan, and she is great. Her price can be a bit more, but she loves kids and will come to your house. Very easy to work with. The only other thing is that you have to purchase the CD seperately if you want all your images. -Maria
Mary Ann
http://www.barefeet-photography.com
She’s taken my pregnancy portrait and our 2006 Holiday picture we send to our family. Beyond her natural talent for taking great shots, you also get a CD with high resolution images taken at the session included in her fee!
Docuvitae
http://docuvitae.com
She shoots celebrity weddings and does quite a bit of lifestyle work, including documenting children.
Desiree Swanson
www.jillabberton.com
We had good experience with Desiree Swanson. You get a CD with all the images so you can get them developed anywhere and any way you'd like.
Jill Labberton
www.jillabberton.com
Jill Labberton is amazing. She's pricey, but well worth it. She's located in Redmond.
Elisha Rain
http://www.erainimages.com
I highly recommend Elisha Rain. She’s a former doula with such talent for working with new families! She just took our daughter’s six month pictures and they are wonderful. She took newborn, and pregnancy photos for us as well.
Michelle Huenink Photography
www.michellehuenink.com
She’s great – AND you get the CD with all the rights to print on your own.
Amanda Shea
www.amandasheaphotography.com
she is simply wonderful to work with and her photographs are first rate. We have been 100% pleased with everything’s she’s done for us. She’s not the cheapest, but we think the quality of her work is worth it.
Crains
www.crainphotography.com
MeRa Koh Photography
http://www.merakoh.com
MeRa Koh photography is great! A little more expensive but worth every penny in my opinion.
Kristine Anderson Photography
www.kmaphoto.com
Bella Photography
www.bellaphotographynw.com
I really like www.bellaphotographynw.com. You can see other peoples’ proofs on her web page to see if you like her style.
Carmen Chan Photography
http://www.carmenchanphotography.com/
I have personally used Carmen Chan, and she is great. Her price can be a bit more, but she loves kids and will come to your house. Very easy to work with. The only other thing is that you have to purchase the CD seperately if you want all your images. -Maria
Monday, March 10, 2008
Easter!
For any zoo members (Im still looking to see if there are any other fun easter things going on for kids)... BUNNY BOUNCE
Bunny Bounce presented by HomeStreet Bank Saturday, March 22, 2008 9:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Hop, skip and jump to Woodland Park Zoo for the seventh annual Bunny Bounce presented by HomeStreet Bank, featuring amazing egg hunts for children ages 1 to 8, crafts, bunny photos, and eggs-citing zoo programs throughout the day. Space may be limited. Each egg hunt is open on a first-come, first-served basis. Activities are free with zoo admission. Zoo members receive free zoo admission year-round. For more information call 206.548.2500.
The malls have Easter bunny pictures too.
Bunny Bounce presented by HomeStreet Bank Saturday, March 22, 2008 9:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Hop, skip and jump to Woodland Park Zoo for the seventh annual Bunny Bounce presented by HomeStreet Bank, featuring amazing egg hunts for children ages 1 to 8, crafts, bunny photos, and eggs-citing zoo programs throughout the day. Space may be limited. Each egg hunt is open on a first-come, first-served basis. Activities are free with zoo admission. Zoo members receive free zoo admission year-round. For more information call 206.548.2500.
The malls have Easter bunny pictures too.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
NURTURING PATHWAYS FOR BABIES
Alicia talked about this class in PEPS: http://kirklandparks.net/eConnect/Activities/ActivitiesCourseDetails.asp?cid=22052
Registration begins March 20th and there are only 12 total spots.
Registration begins March 20th and there are only 12 total spots.
Friday, March 7, 2008
More language options
The Sponge School comes highly recommended, and they just opened up a location on Gilman in Issaquah:
http://www.spongeschool.com/
They have classes for newborns - I guess it's never too early!
http://www.spongeschool.com/
They have classes for newborns - I guess it's never too early!
Tips for traveling with baby
Hi everyone! Brandon and I recently flew with Ryan from Seattle to both Chicago and LA. Both trips were quite good, and I wanted to share some tips...
- Borrow as much as you can from the people you are visiting. My mom is a teacher and was able to get a bunch from her colleagues, so literally it was just Ryan in the Baby Bjorn. This was MUCH easier than having to bring carseat, stroller, etc... However, even if you do have to bring all that stuff, I still recommend using some type of Bjorn type carrier in the airport
- I never had to take Ryan out of the Bjorn in security. They didn't wand me either.
- If you are traveling with someone, try and book seats so that one of you has a window and the other person an aisle, with the middle seat open. This increases your chances of having the row to yourself, and even if someone ends up taking the middle seat they certainly won't mind trading you for a window or aisle!
- Always ask at the gate if you can have your own aisle. You might get a sympathetic gate agent!
- I highly recommend the bulkhead if you can get it. It makes it easier to stand up and move with your baby.
- I didn't travel with a Boppy. Instead, for feeding on the plane I brought my own blanket and used the airplane pillows and blankets to prop my arm up on the armrest more comfortably.
- Ryan has feed on most takeoffs and landings, but also slept through a couple. His ears never seemed to be bothered. Our doctor told us that a recent study came out that said that sucking vs. no sucking on takeoff and landing didn't make much of a difference.
- I brought kids Tylenol just in case, but didn't need it.
- There are changing tables on the plane in at least one bathroom above the toilets. It's cramped, but not impossible - Ryan likes being changed so I did it once or twice just to keep him happy.
- It can be tough to entertain a baby in such a confined space. The white noise may put your baby to sleep - it didn't work too much for mine! So clip a couple of his/her favorite (but small) toys onto your diaper bag.
I hope this is helpful! If you have any questions specific about traveling with baby that I didn't answer, feel free to ask!
- Borrow as much as you can from the people you are visiting. My mom is a teacher and was able to get a bunch from her colleagues, so literally it was just Ryan in the Baby Bjorn. This was MUCH easier than having to bring carseat, stroller, etc... However, even if you do have to bring all that stuff, I still recommend using some type of Bjorn type carrier in the airport
- I never had to take Ryan out of the Bjorn in security. They didn't wand me either.
- If you are traveling with someone, try and book seats so that one of you has a window and the other person an aisle, with the middle seat open. This increases your chances of having the row to yourself, and even if someone ends up taking the middle seat they certainly won't mind trading you for a window or aisle!
- Always ask at the gate if you can have your own aisle. You might get a sympathetic gate agent!
- I highly recommend the bulkhead if you can get it. It makes it easier to stand up and move with your baby.
- I didn't travel with a Boppy. Instead, for feeding on the plane I brought my own blanket and used the airplane pillows and blankets to prop my arm up on the armrest more comfortably.
- Ryan has feed on most takeoffs and landings, but also slept through a couple. His ears never seemed to be bothered. Our doctor told us that a recent study came out that said that sucking vs. no sucking on takeoff and landing didn't make much of a difference.
- I brought kids Tylenol just in case, but didn't need it.
- There are changing tables on the plane in at least one bathroom above the toilets. It's cramped, but not impossible - Ryan likes being changed so I did it once or twice just to keep him happy.
- It can be tough to entertain a baby in such a confined space. The white noise may put your baby to sleep - it didn't work too much for mine! So clip a couple of his/her favorite (but small) toys onto your diaper bag.
I hope this is helpful! If you have any questions specific about traveling with baby that I didn't answer, feel free to ask!
Signing with your Infant
Sign Language:
www.hoptosignaroo (local)
www.sign2me.com
"Sign About" books by Anthony Lewis are available on Amazon.com & they're a nice, easy way to introduce signing to your baby. If you're interested in learning more about Language Development there'sgood info. on www.Talaris.org & also www.zerotothree.org.
Joseph Garcia developed the SIGN with your BABY program & his popular book is called Baby Signs. He also has a DVD, both are available through the King County Library System.
www.hoptosignaroo (local)
www.sign2me.com
"Sign About" books by Anthony Lewis are available on Amazon.com & they're a nice, easy way to introduce signing to your baby. If you're interested in learning more about Language Development there'sgood info. on www.Talaris.org & also www.zerotothree.org.
Joseph Garcia developed the SIGN with your BABY program & his popular book is called Baby Signs. He also has a DVD, both are available through the King County Library System.
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