A Child Grows in Brooklyn

Peter and the Wolf

2008-05-15T05:00:00-04:00

Peter and the Wolf

You’ve seen and heard Peter before - but not this way! Enjoy Prokofiev's timeless classic brought to life with a kid-friendly twist by Bang, Bow, Buzz and Toot.

Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 10:30am & 12noon
Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 1:00pm & 2:30pm

Children (ages 3 to 5) will fall in love with Mr. Maestro and his adorable animal friends Bang, Toot, Buzz and Bow (each representing a family of the orchestra). Parents will be amazed that this early introduction to classical music can be so incredibly fun for everyone. Lolli-Pops™ performances weave together music, drama, dance and art in ways audiences have never seen before - inspiring a life-long appreciation of music through concerts that captivate.

Single tickets are $40, but subscribe at $30 each for 3 tickets.
CALL: 212.971.9500
The Little Orchestra Society

330 West 42nd St., 12th Fl
New York, NY 10036
http://littleorchestra.org/

Performances at: The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College on E. 68th Street (btw. Park and Lex)

A Blah Week At A Child Grows

2008-05-14T14:00:00-04:00

This is definitely a BLAH WEEK at a child grows......for a couple of reasons.
First, most important to you all....I won't be posting this week so the site will be really boring unless you are doing research and use the resources we have.
Second, I am sick, sick, sick. Papa Tree, Birch and I came out to Arizona to see my family and then I promptly got sick. Today I was just diagnosed with TWO ear infections (one of which has a punctured eardrum), ONE sinus infection and TWO eye infections. Could it get any worse? No, but it can get better I'm told! Anyway, Papa Tree and Birch flew back without me. Truly one of the saddest moments was hearing Birch repeat, "Mommy stay?" with such anxiety I cried.
But, I figure this is a good time to get well. I am in sunny Arizona with 95 degree heat, a house where I don't have to cook or clean or grocery shop or entertain a 2 year old and a mother who makes a great nursemaid. I got a deal, as they say.

So, I'm sorry for not posting this weeks events- but if you scroll down you will find that a lot of them from last week carry over to this week.

Hope YOU all are doing well!

The Lice Lady of Brooklyn

2008-05-09T05:00:00-04:00

"Lice Lady of Brooklyn" is not what I would choose as my nickname, but Abigail Rosenfeld has earned it. She has been treating the ice laden youths of Brooklyn for over 20 years. She even travels throughout the tristate area to treat infested heads. Her treatment is a combination of a special nit comb, conditioner, baking soda and her experience. She charges $25 for a home visit and you pay for travel time. Her number is 718-435-2592.

Which Insect Repellent?

2008-05-08T05:00:00-04:00

"Healthy Child, Healthy World: Creating a Cleaner, Greener, Safer Home" is a new book put out by the CEO of the nonprofit environment group of the same name. It has gotten some great reviews. I checked out their website which is a fount of information. One of the articles I was interested in reading was how to choose the right insect repellent for your child.

The article discusses DEET which is a major ingredient of most repellents. "The most frequently reported symptoms of DEET toxicity in children are lethargy, headaches, tremors, involuntary movements, seizures, and convulsions. According to a study in The New England Journal of Medicine, repellents containing 20 percent or more DEET offer 3-5 hours of protection against mosquitoes."

So, of course the question is: what is an alternative to DEET?

"Products containing less than 10 percent DEET ward off mosquitoes for approximately one to two hours. In stark contrast, the citronella and herbal products kept mosquitoes away for less than 20 minutes. A product containing IR3535 was about the same. The only natural product that lasted more than an hour was a soybean oil product called Bite Blocker for Kids, which the US Department of Agriculture found to be as effective as a 15% concentration of DEET and lasted for 4-8 hours."

Which then led me to Bite Blocker's website. They have a variety of products that have coverage for various time periods: 2 to 8 hours. They also have insect repellents for your pets and for pest control.

As summer approaches and the mosquitoes begin their descent on you and your families- this Bite Blocker might be a good option.

A Child Grows Event Picks

2008-05-07T05:00:00-04:00

Don't forget the BBG annual plant sale. I go to this every year and find unusual plantings, great rose specimens and helpful advice. It really is worth it. The plant sale takes place on May 7th (9am-7pm) and May 8th (9am-12pm). Member-only preview is on May 6th. (4:30-8pm)

Thursday, May 8th Boing Boing is having a Babywearing Workshop at their new location on 7th Ave and 16th Street in Park Slope. Doula Megan Davidson will have about 25 carriers for you to try or bring your own that you need help with. $15 per family for the workshop on Thursday, May 8th at 12 pm.
http://brooklyn-doula.com. Here is a photo of me trying out one of Megan's carriers

Bright Ideas Is having a “Chocolate Treats and Truffles Making Workshop” so that children can make yummy treats for their moms for Mother’s day. Bright Ideas is in Bay Ridge. Stop by for some serious stirring on Wed, May 7th at 4pm, Thurs May 8th at 4 pm and Sat May 10th at 4 pm. Cost $7.00 per child or $10.00 for 2 children.
Call for reservation 718 701 2634
Bright Ideas is at 249 86th Street, Bay Ridge.

On Saturday, May 10th from 12-3pm maternity store, Bump Brooklyn is teaming up with Ricks Picks Pickles and Blue Marble Ice Cream to celebrate Mothers Day. They will be accepting donations for the ice cream and contributing a portion of the weekend sales to The Children's Brain Tumor Foundation.

I am picking this event because I love Socrates Sculpture Park. The grass might be a little scruffy there,, but it is a great place for exploring and learning. SSP is hosting their First Annual LIC Bike Parade this Saturday, May 10, 2008. I love the idea of the kids putting together cool "readymades" using found materials and their own bikes. Kids can also repair their bikes with help. The day kicks-off with several hands-on workshops and activities at the Park including bike decorating with artists from Socrates Sculpture Park, Freestyle Arts Association, Materials for the Arts, and the Noguchi Museum; bike repair consultations with Recycle-A-Bicycle; riding safety tips and helmet fitting with Bike New York and Transportation Alternatives. Immediately following the workshops, participants will parade their bikes around the Park in a colorful procession with Hungry March Band and performers from Circus Amok, City Reliquary and the Civic Riders Bicycle Club, that will continue down Vernon Boulevard and finish at Queensbridge Park where participants will be welcomed with bicycle themed music presented by Friends of Queensbridge Park. Here is the jist of the event: The parade is from 3:00 PM - 4:00PM. Registration 11:30 AM and Workshops 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Free / Rain or Shine! All workshops are free and supplies will be provided. Participants are required to bring their own bicycles. The workshops will last approximately three hours and will be held - rain or shine -in the education area at Socrates Sculpture Park.
www.socratessculpturepark.org

Bike New York is offering a free class to learn the basics of biking for new two-wheelers. You and your child can learn how to ride a two-wheeler in a safe setting and watch other kids try it out too. Apparently this class doesn't teach the method of you running behind the bike and letting go..... Last year, more than 600 kids and their parents learned this method, and the program received the 2007 Best of Parks Best Partnership Award. Classes listed below are offered in association with City of New York Parks & Recreation. Bikes and helmets are required.
Pre-register at http://www.bikenewyork.org/education/classes/teach_child.html.
* Saturday, May 10, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., J. J. Byrne Park (Fourth Street and Fifth Avenue), Park Slope
* Saturday, May 17, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Crispus Attucks Park (Fulton Street and Classon Avenue), Bed-Stuy. While supplies last, DOT staff will distribute free NYC bike helmets. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to receive a helmet.
* Saturday, May 24, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Carroll Park (Court and Smith Streets), Carroll Gardens

The Paddlewheeler Festival is this Saturday May 10th from 10am to 1pm. I'm not sure why it is so named, but it sounds like a fun event. They will have live entertainment, games, arts & crafts, face-painting, a raffle, ice-cream, climbing aboard fire-engines, singing and dancing and food. It is fundraiser the Robert Fulton School: PS 8 at 37 Hicks Street 11201.

There will be the Prospect Park Craft Fair this Saturday, May 10th. A couple of my favorite vendors will be there: Maggie's Threads and Greenjeans, to find out who else will be there, check this link: http://www.geocities.com/parkcraft. The craft fair benefits PS 154 of Windsor Terrace. Besides crafts there will be music from 12-3 pm (I think Randy Kaplan will be performing) and also kids activities.The fair takes place at Bartel Pritchard Square @ the 15th Street Entrance. (PPW and 15th St. adjacent to the 15th St. F Train)---Steps from the Harmony Playground (9th Street Playground). 10:00 am - 5:00 pm RAIN or SHINE

Does your child have AD/HD? ADAPT will be conducting an AD/HD Parent Support Group for Women on Sunday, May 11, 8:00 PM at Yeshiva Mikdash Shlomo H.S. 1532 East 10th Brooklyn, NY 11230. Whether your child is in preschool, elementary school or high-school, newly diagnosed or receiving treatment this is a support group for everyone. ADAPT coordinates the Brooklyn-Area chapter of CHADD, a national organization providing education, advocacy, and support for AD/HD. (718) 228-8939

Mamlu's is celebrating Mother's Day on Sunday, May 11th with free mimosas and a make-a-mini-mobile. Call 718.486.6312 to rsvp ($35). mmmmmm....mimosas!
Mamalu
http://mamalu.us/
232 North 12th Street (btw. Roebling and Driggs Ave)
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-486-6312

Vaccinating Your Child: A Workshop for Parents and Practitioners with Dr. Palevsky onThursday, May 15 6:30-9:00 pm. With all the recent discussion, debate, and questions around vaccinations, this workshop is aimed at helping parents better undersand the issues so that they can feel confidant about their decisions. Dr. Palevsky is a board certified pediatrician who received his medical degree from the NYU School of Medicine in 1987. He completed a three year pediatric residency in 1990 at the Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC, and a one year fellowship at Bellevue Hospital-NYU School of Medicine in the pediatric outpatient department and emergency room. For more information about Dr. Palevsky, please visit: www.HolisticChildHealth.com. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Where: The Everyday Athlete- 136 Union Street (btwn Hicks and Columbia)

Get prepared for the 4th Annual Williamsburg Kite Festival next weekend on Saturday, May 17th. Get those kites out and polished! This is a full day of kite flying, crafts and games. Live music too: The Hungry March Band, I.S. 318 Marching Band, Bubble do Beatles, Audra Rox, Lulu and the Amazing Jeske, Greenpoint Shotokan Karate and Metro Dance. There will also be a "neighborhood cafe" and a kite hospital for your injured flyer. Saturday, May 17th, 2008, 12 – 5 pm McCarren Park, Bedford Avenue & N 12 Street, Brooklyn, 11211 Rain date: Sunday, June 8th, 2008, 12 - 5 pm

Do you need to add some books to your library? Specifically french ones? Then this is the book fair for you. On Saturday, May 17 from 10am-5 pm, go to the Language and Laugher Studio at 139 Nevins St (corner of Bergen) for the Children's French Book Fair. 718-852-2965

BIG Movies for Little Kids is showing Hoppity Goes To Town from 1941. This is an old-timey animated feature. This film series is every other Monday for kids at Cobble Hill Cinemas. The next one is: Monday, May 19th at 4pm
Ages: 2-7 (all kids welcome)
Location: Cobble Hill Cinemas, 265 Court Street @ Butler
Subway: F train to Bergen St.
Cost: $6.50/pp (for all walking humans)
For more info: http://bigmoviesforlittlekids.blogspot.com or 718.596.4995
As always, special guests, giveaways, and fun surprises!

The author of City Baby Brooklyn is holding a workshop for Expectant Parents. She will talk about what you may need, how to find parents groups and other tips. The cost is $25 for Expectant Mom only. $40 per couple. Sign up at least a week in advance to alison@brooklynbaby.com. The talk will be on May 21st from 7-8:30pm at Families First on 250 Baltic Street (between Court & Clinton)
www.FamiliesFirstBrooklyn.org

No more Chinet paper plates this summer

2008-05-06T05:00:00-04:00

I admit we used paper plates at our last big shindig for Papa Tree's 40th birthday party. Yes, I felt guilty about it, but I also didn't want to wash plates for the whole night. As his 41st birthday is soon approaching, I wanted to find an alternative this year. Well, I think I found it. Bagasse plates, cups and bowls are made from a sugarcane refining process and can be recycled with other paper or put in with your other compost. They are unbleached and FDA approved for food use. Believe it or not they can also survive runs in the microwave and freezer. You can buy bagasse utensils too. Find them at www.branchhome.com. The 9" Plates (pack of 50) are $9.00- which means you are paying $.41 per plate.

Finally, a list of BPA-free products!

2008-05-05T05:00:00-04:00

There has been a flurry of information about BPA-free products over the last year and a half. In many ways it has been confusing: some bottles are NOT completely BPA free (the bottles themselves may be, but not their other parts), and then the government told us that BPA wasn't linked to certain cancers and now they tell us it most likely is...

Well, there is some clarity now: there is a site called Zrecs that has put out various editions of what companies are selling products that are completely BPA free. If you have a question about a certain product you can text "zrecs" plus a company name and/or a product category to 69866. You'll get a text back (or occasionally two) providing the BPA status of products by that company and/or in that category. Current categories are bottles, sippys, pacifiers, and tableware. What a great service!

They divide companies into categories of Excellent, Good and Fair and Poor.
The following are companies that fall into the Excellent Category.

Adiri (pictured in TOP PHOTO)
Born Free
Combi
Medela
Obentec
thinkbaby

A Child Grows Event Picks

2008-04-30T05:00:00-04:00

Have you ever done Belly Dancing? How about your teen girl? If not, this might be your chance. I took a belly dancing class eons ago and it did wonders for feeling great about your body and all its jiggles. You can sign up for the class at GUMBO that starts Thursday, May 1st from 7-8 pm. The instructor is also teaching a Middle Eastern Dance and Rhythm class for Children starting May 1 from 4-4:45 pm. It is for ages 4 and up. Your kids will slither like snakes, use finger cymbals, belly dance and improvise.
Gumbo
493 Atlantic Avenue
718-855-7808
Open M-F:11-7, Sa:10:30-7, Su:11-6.

Baby Loves Disco always sells out. So if you want to be included, I would suggest getting your tix right away. Here is the scoop! The host/mom is heather murphy monteith , the djs: the rub dj's. They will have fun stuff: hula hoops, dance scarves, healthy snacks and juice, chill-out space and more. Ages 6 months to 7 years.
brooklyn/southpaw: Saturday May 3 from 2-5 pm tickets: $12 per walking human. buy tickets online www.babylovesdisco.com
brooklyn - southpaw, 125 fifth ave (Park Slope) brooklyn, ny www.spsounds.com

This weekend try out the Art and Craft, Flower and Plant sale at the Narrows Botanical Gardens in Bay Ridge. This is a great jump start on the big flower and plant sale that takes place at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens later in May. There will be crafts for children to do: flower pot painting and face painting, storytelling and you can check out the frogs, turtles and fish in the ponds. Free admission. The event takes place on Saturday, May 3rd from 10am-4 pm (rain date is Sunday, May 4th).

The famous Sakura Matsuri: Cherry Blossom Festival at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens is taking place on Saturday, May 3rd and May 4th from 10 am to 6 p.m. at Brooklyn Botanic Garden. This weekend-long family festival of Japanese culture and arts with over 50 performances. Taste Japanese entrees at the Terrace Café, take free weekend tours, and browse the special Hanami Shop. As you plan your visit, track the Garden's more than 200 cherry trees as the they bloom on Cherrywatch 2008 at bbg.org/cherrywatch. To learn more about Sakura visit bbg.org or call 718-623-7333. To get tickets go here

The listing below, Spring Carnival, is courtesy of www.gocitykids.com. This sounds like a fun time.

Time: 10am-3pm
Cost: Free entry; Buy tickets for activities ($2-$3 each) or purchase a $25 day pass

Spring Carnival
Families First hosts a carnival with old-fashioned arcade games, crafts, moon walk, face painting, a tempting selection of kid-friendly food, a silent auction, and entertainment. A petting zoo is set up from 12n-3pm. Rain or shine! [718.237.1862; http://www.familiesfirstbrooklyn.org]

The Prospect Park Zoo is having their “Shear” Excitement at the Barn, May 3 and 4. An expert shearer will be shearing not only sheep but alpacas! Fleece Festival is free with regular zoo admission.
Sheep Shearing. Time: 1:30, 2:30, & 3:30 p.m.
Wooly Wonders at the Barn Local artists demonstrate wool carding, finger-knitting, and other techniques.
Time: Noon–4:00 p.m.
Baaaing to the Beat
Country singer Mary Lamont leads a hoof-stomping barnyard hoedown, New York City-style. Time: Noon–4:00 p.m.
Crafts Make a headband adorned with sheep cut-outs. Time: Noon–4:00 p.m.
Hands-On Science Activities Led by SPARKS, a local science education program. Time: Noon–4:00 p.m.
Keeper Chats Times: Barn chat: 11:00 a.m.; Discovery Trail Chat: 3:00 p.m.
More Fleecy Fun in Prospect Park
On Sunday, stop by the Brooklyn Public Library’s Kidsmobile at the Prospect Park’s Children’s Corner on Flatbush Avenue for barnyard-themed books. Throughout the weekend, Lefferts Historic House will host their annual Flax and Fleece Fest, 1:00–4:00 p.m., both days.

Princess Katie & Racer Steve (along with mr. RAY) are going to be performing in BROOKLYN on Sunday May 4th @ Southpaw! www.princessracer.com
WHAT: Park Slope Parents Kids Music Series
WHERE: Southpaw, 125 Fifth Ave., Brooklyn, NY
WHEN: Sunday at 2:00 p.m.: May 4
TICKETS: $10 at www.spsounds.com
INFO: (718) 230-0236

Corduroy Kid and Small Magazine are having a party with NY City Explorers. There will be a runway show, trunk show, snacks by Panela and a craft time taught by NY City Explorers. The kids portraits will be taken with their projects and featured in the next issue of Small Magazine. Sunday, May 4th from 3:30-5 pm. 388 Atlantic Ave between Hoyt and Bond.

Bike New York is offering a free class to learn the basics of biking for new two-wheelers. You and your child can learn how to ride a two-wheeler in a safe setting and watch other kids try it out too. Apparently this class doesn't teach the method of you running behind the bike and letting go..... Last year, more than 600 kids and their parents learned this method, and the program received the 2007 Best of Parks Best Partnership Award. Classes listed below are offered in association with City of New York Parks & Recreation. Bikes and helmets are required.
Pre-register at http://www.bikenewyork.org/education/classes/teach_child.html.
There are four sessions in Brooklyn during Bike Month (May): choose one.
* Saturday, May 3, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., McCarren Park (Nassau Avenue, Bayard, Leonard and North 12 Streets), Williamsburg
* Saturday, May 10, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., J. J. Byrne Park (Fourth Street and Fifth Avenue), Park Slope
* Saturday, May 17, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Crispus Attucks Park (Fulton Street and Classon Avenue), Bed-Stuy. While supplies last, DOT staff will distribute free NYC bike helmets. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to receive a helmet.
* Saturday, May 24, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Carroll Park (Court and Smith Streets), Carroll Gardens

Bright Ideas Is having a “Chocolate Treats and Truffles Making Workshop” so that children can make yummy treats for their moms for Mother’s day. Bright Ideas is in Bay Ridge. Stop by for some serious stirring on Wed, May 7th at 4pm, Thurs May 8th at 4 pm and Sat May 10th at 4 pm. Cost $7.00 per child or $10.00 for 2 children.
Call for reservation 718 701 2634
Bright Ideas is at 249 86th Street, Bay Ridge.

Are you interested in having your free portrait taken with your child for Mother's Day? Rumor has it that there isn't any "catch" - it really is free, you just need to sign up for a Windows photo account which is free too. The Windows photo studio is "for real", and it is a nice event and supposedly very fun . You get a mini makeover while your tot chomps on snacks and drinks. Then you get your shoot! The photo studio is in Brooklyn Heights at 89 Montague Street. The offer is on until May 11th. The studio is open from 11am-6pm. For more info, drop by or email:nystudio@portraitsofmom.com

We used to live one block away from the Upright Citizens Brigade . We used to see the lines stretch around the corner to get in for their Asssscat show. So I was curious when I found out that the UCB is putting on a children's show. It sounds fun, cheap and like fairly sophisticated comedy. Here is the scoop:
The Wizard's Lounge is an hour-long comedy show for kids ages 4 and up. The show is part PeeWee's Playhouse, part Harry Potter, and part Late Night with Conan O'Brien. It's a unique, interactive, and silly show that will be fun for all ages. It runs every Sunday from April 20th through May 11th. Showtime is 12:30pm. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door or at http://newyork.ucbtheatre.com/shows/1690. The UCB Theater is located at 307 W. 26th Street between 8th and 9th Avenue (212-366-9176; newyork.ucbtheatre.com). Subway: Take the C or E train to 23rd Street.
On Saturday, May 10th from 12-3pm maternity store, Bump Brooklyn is teaming up with Ricks Picks Pickles and Blue Marble Ice Cream to celebrate Mothers Day. They will be accepting donations for the ice cream and contributing a portion of the weekend sales to The Children's Brain Tumor Foundation.

Which birth control now?

2008-04-29T05:00:00-04:00

There are so many questions about the right kind of birth control after you give birth. There are so many options now that it is confusing. There is the pill, IUC, sterilization for men and women, diaphragm, condoms, the patch, the ring...and the list goes on.

Last night I read an article in Parenting Magazine called, A Mom's Guide to Birth Control by Dana Sullivann and found it really helpful. I thought I would pass on some of it here. Parenting.com had another helpful summary of the various contraception techniques and their effectiveness. I included that here too (in purple). Lastly, I found this table from the FDA interesting in that it shows the statistical effectiveness of contraceptives.

I've always been on the Pill, but now I'm breastfeeding. That means I can't go back on it, right?

Not necessarily. The main thing to avoid is contraceptives that contain estrogen, which can reduce your milk supply. So women who are exclusively breastfeeding need to steer clear of birth-control pills that contain both estrogen and progestin, as well as the Patch (a bandagelike square that delivers hormones into your bloodstream) and the Ring (which you insert into your vagina, where it releases hormones).

Instead, you could use a "mini-Pill" -- a progestin-only contraceptive, such as Micronor, that won't affect milk supply. (One caveat: It's important to take the mini-Pill at the same time every day for optimal effectiveness.)

You can also safely use an intrauterine contraceptive (IUC) or try any barrier method, such as a diaphragm, cervical cap, sponge, condom, and Leah's Shield (a reusable rubber insert), says Karen Meckstroth, M.D., assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of California, San Francisco.

I'm not sure whether I'm done having babies, so what's long-term but not permanent?

An IUC is ideal, and there are two types. The first, the Mirena IUC, releases a steady stream of progestin and is the most popular birth control with female ob-gyns.

It's even more effective than tubal ligation if it stays in place, says Dr. Meckstroth. It most likely works by changing the texture of cervical mucus so that it blocks sperm from reaching the eggs. It can also prevent ovulation. It's approved for up to five years, and once it's removed you can get pregnant right away.

There's also ParaGard, an IUC that's approved for up to ten years and doesn't use hormones. It releases copper instead, which experts think creates an environment that's toxic to sperm. It may also keep the egg from attaching to the uterus.

Another option: Implanon, a matchstick-size rod that's implanted under the skin of your arm to release progestin and lasts for up to three years. One downside: It often causes breakthrough bleeding, so you'd have to be willing to put up with that.

I've heard there's a type of sterilization for women that isn't surgical. Does it work? Is it permanent?

It's called Essure, and it's put in via a nonsurgical procedure that can be done in your doctor's office. A pluglike coil is inserted through your cervix into each fallopian tube. Over time, tissue grows over the devices, permanently blocking the tubes and keeping sperm out. Until the tissue is fully formed, you can't rely on it, so you'll have to use a backup method the first three months post-insertion. It seems to be as effective as tubal ligation and has a faster recovery, but its efficacy hasn't been studied beyond ten years. You should also assume it's not reversible, says Daniel Mishell, M.D., chairman of obstetrics and gynecology at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, in Los Angeles.

My husband got a vasectomy after our first child, but now we want to have more. Is it really permanent?

It can be reversed, but it's pricey (from $6,800 to $13,000) and the success rate is only 30 to 40 percent. Another option to consider: A physician can use a needle to remove sperm from the testicles and then perform in vitro fertilization.

Oral contraceptives Most pills are safe to use after the first month postpartum (when the risk of blood clots decreases). Since most also contain estrogen, which may reduce breast-milk production, a better choice for nursing moms is the progestin-only mini-pill.

The patch and the ring Since these methods contain the same hormones as birth-control pills, the same cautions apply. But with effectiveness similar to the Pill's and even greater ease of use, they're good options.

The IUD A choice for new moms (women who haven't had a baby are more likely to expel the device), the IUD releases progesterone, which doesn't interfere with breastfeeding and results in lighter menstrual periods. It's as effective as sterilization, can be inserted about four to six weeks after delivery, and lasts up to five years.

Barrier methods Diaphragm users need to be fitted for a new one after delivery. Condoms are still a reliable and inexpensive choice, but forget cervical cups and the Sponge -- they don't provide enough protection in women who have given birth.

Sterilization If this pregnancy is your last, sterilization can be performed at delivery. But be sure it's what you want -- the procedure is difficult to reverse.

Failure rates for birth control methods when used correctly

(Number of pregnancies per 100 women per year)
Male condom alone	11
Female condom alone	21
Diaphragm with spermicide	17
Cervical cap with spermicide	17 to 23
Sponge with spermicide	14 to 28
Spermicide alone	20 to 50
Oral contraceptives	1 to 2
Contraceptive patch*	1 to 2
Vaginal contraceptive ring	1 to 2
Hormone shots	less than 1
Hormone shots	less than 1
IUD	less than 1
Periodic abstinence	20
Surgical sterilization (female)	less than 1
Surgical sterilization (male)	less than 1
Contraceptive patch is less effective in women weighing more than 198 pounds.
Information from U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Birth Control Guide. Retrieved August 4, 2004, from the World Wide Web: http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/1997/babytabl.html

Camping Successes and Failures

2008-04-28T05:00:00-04:00

So, we made it. The camping weekend was fairly successful due to the advice I got from the internet that I posted here. But more importantly it was a blast. We went down to North Carolina for a bluegrass festival, and although people played music until 4 am in the camping ground ( yes, it was annoying at times) it was amazing. We were surrounded by tents within 5 feet of ours so we all became close very fast. And that was good. I guess you can't take the city girl out of me.

This was car camping and so in many ways it was much easier than remote camping. We could bring the Pack N Play for one, and have the luxury of bringing lots of food for two.

However, there were some failures. None loomed so much as my ear infection which sent me to the emergency room for a couple of hours and one painful, sleepless night (at least hearing the music all night was entertaining!)

Okay, so I have to start off with the not so successful stories from our trip:

Identity bracelet for Birch. (Don't forget there were around 16,000 people at this festival). It wrapped around Birch's wrist and I wrote with permanent marker his name, emergency numbers, etc. The permanent (!) marker wore off in 2 days from sweat, suntan lotion and general grime.
Eating in the tent. This was a particular disaster as Papa Tree woke up swearing one night. He had rolled onto a fig newton. Apparently it hurt?? At any rate, he woke me up "all for a damn cookie!", but when I had a look at him the next morning, I was in stitches. He had fig newton in his hair, mashed on his back and in his sleeping bag. Apparently he was rolling in fig newton! If we had been in bear country we would have been in big trouble.
Not enough toys. I know, I know, playing in nature is the big box of toys. But, honestly, Birch was running to other campsites to check out their goods all day and night and that got tiring for all of us.
No cooler. This was a big loss as no one sold milk at the festival. Not even the ice cream vendors. So we just did without
Not bringing toilet paper. It seems t.p. is a big commodity for car campers. Every time I went to the port a potty the t.p. was gone. Not a lot of fun.
Birch did not go to sleep at his normal bed time. Unlucky for us. He would go to sleep about 2 hours later. I think that was due to the fact that it wasn't dark enough at night.

And, now for the more positive, successful travel tips from our camping trip:

Soccer ball: this travels well, and satisfies not only children but adults. You can buy these at our destination for about $3 from a drugstore or big box store.
Tarp or waterproof backed blanket: this became a good spot for Birch to play on and for us to lounge on when the sun was hot.
Pack N Play: some toddlers will sleep in your sleeping bag with you and so make the Pack N Play obsolete. Birch would only sleep in the Pack N Play. Although he is almost too big for it, it kept him contained- especially when I needed to run to the port a toilet and didn't want to leave him alone in the tent. My friend Deb wrote to say that she and her husband hung a blanket from the center of the tent to divide the Pack N Play from their sleeping and she said that helped. Her daughter would wake up and play by herself- lucky Deb! I think this is a great solution.
Head lamp. We used this for trips to the bathroom, to get ready for bed or read when Birch was asleep. We also hung it from the top of the tent so we could read to Birch late at night. Birch also learned how to use it so he could ready by himself (divine!)
Foogo Thermos for keeping milk or drinks cold
Travel towelettes of makeup remover (this is great for wiping sticky suntan lotion off)
We used a 7 am Enfant stroller blanket as a sleeping bag for Birch. It wasn't too large that we worried he would suffocate. (Though I read from someone on Berkeley Parents Network that they put a belt around the outside of their child's too large sleeping bag to prevent their child from slipping down into it).
Tiny board books . I linked here to Birch's favorite one: a window book about a spider who is lonely. It fits in his pants pocket.

Camping With Children

2008-04-25T05:00:00-04:00

We are going camping this week at a bluegrass festival with about 3000 other people. Yes, we are insane. I am 6 months pregnant and will have to use the dreaded porta potties all night, not to mention roll around in the tent with my ballooning tummy while tending to Birch while Papa Tree is out playing music. I am the one who is insane to agree to this.

In order to manage this camping experience I did some research into families who successfully camp. A good portion of these are from the Berkeley Parents Network- my favorite parenting advice site.
Here are some of the suggestions that I culled:

But when we camp with young ones, the first thing we do is set boundaries. Even for toddlers. Walk the area with them that they are allowed to roam without supervision. This is usually the campsite itself. If you start this as toddlers, the older kids pretty well figure out where they can go, but always tell them anyway.
Another thing we found useful at 11 months, when our son was still crawling, was to have a reasonable size tarp for him to play on. That way, he didn't get quite as filthy and was a little less likely to eat all the bark and bugsi he could see.
It's somewhat hard to keep them safe at this age. I would recommend bringing a portacrib or similar so that you can confine your baby at times when you're cooking or whatever. I remember our first car-camping trip with a one-year old and we ended up using the car itself as a playpen for brief periods.
We went on lots of walks with her in the backpack which kept her out of trouble some of the time and we spent a bit more time in the tent than I normally would while camping, but, again, it was a very rewarding experience for all of us.
I would not recommend bringing your port-a-crib. If your child stays under blankets all night, you may buy a cheap kid's sleeping bag (Target sells them). If your child does not keep his blankets, like my daughter, bundle him up like it is winter if you are camping where it is cold at night. They love sleeping between parents. It was actually while camping that our oldest sarted sleeping through the night!
We took our 2 1/2 year old and 10 month olds camping a year or so ago and brought the portable crib. However, we only used it when we needed 2 hands each and could not watch the baby closely. As for sleeping arragements, we had sleeping bags for them, but were also open to having one of them each in the sleeping bags with us. Our oldest daughter slept just fine in her own with her pillow from home, cuddled up against my husband on the air mattress. The baby slept best in the sleeping bag with me on a foam pad on the floor of the tent. That way, I didn't worry about her getting too cold, and she fell asleep right away with me beside her. Worked out great and we all had a ball!
With the port-a-crib you can put your child down for a nap and need not worry about any wanderlust that always happens while you're between your campsite and the bathroom. It's best to keep the kid off the ground; they'll sleep better, it's warmer, more comfortable, and you know just where they are if you are 10 feet away and hear them squirming.
Worship baby wipes. You will develop an entirely new appreciation of them after you've camped with a toddler.
Don't worry about bringing any toys except maybe a familiar book for the bedtime ritual -- otherwise, nature has a lot of its own toys (sticks, rocks, etc.). It has helped to have a sand bucket and shovel handy for him to scoop dirt to his heart's content in the campsite.
If you're camping in summer, also be prepared for your baby or toddler to want to stay up later than normal. They won't have the normal cues for nighttime such as a dark room with closed curtains, and sunset can be quite late.

More concern over formula containers

2008-04-24T05:00:00-04:00

Last week the story broke that the NTP (the National Toxicology Program)- which is part of the NIH (National Institutes of Health) cited concern over the use of BPA (bispehnol A) and its possible link to breast cancer, prostate cancer and early puberty. Well, finally!

This was big news because it overturned an earlier judgment made by another government panel that said that BPA was NOT linked to those health problems. But when the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee investigated, they found that the contractor who had been hired to do the review was corrupt and that the contractor had deliberately given false science!

All major formula companies use BPA to line the metal portions of infant formula containers- both powdered and liquid. BPA is also found in many plastic baby bottles. BPA is in almost any shatterproof plastic (including water bottles) or any metal lined container (including canned foods).

For the Associated Press stories on the subject, visit the Environmental Working Group.
For BPA free bottles, see my previous post here- there ARE alternatives.

A Child Grows Event Picks

2008-04-23T05:00:00-04:00

Are you in the market for a stroller? Or some new toys? Well, here is your sale. Half Pint Store in DUMBO is having a big sale. 20-40% off select Bugaboos, 20-30% off of Phil and Ted's e3 and 20-50% off Melissa and Doug toys. April 22-25
Half Pint, Inc
www.babybazaar.com
55 Washington Street (DUMBO)
Brooklyn, NY
718-875-4007

Don't forget to check out all the Earth Week events. There are a ton going on. Check my post about them here.

Prospect Park has scheduled some events for Earth Week. I have chosen what I think are the best of them below. For a full listing of the events going on at Prospect Park this week and weekend, visit their site.
Have you seen any of the Planet Earth or Blue Planet BBC series? They are fantastic. Prospect Park is having a free showing for you and your kids on Wednesday, April 23 at 4 pm. The one they are showing is "Planet Earth: Seasonal Forests". Appropriate for all ages. 44 min.

On Friday, April 25 there will be an Arbor Day Celebration: Children's Story Time from 2 – 3 p.m. Story readings from some of the most famous children’s books that have trees as their subjects. There will also be a Tree Walk from 3 – 4 p.m. where you can learn what famous specimens call Prospect Park home on a tree walk with a Naturalist.

Lastly, on Sunday, April 27, you can and an expert can learn to tune up your bike from 1 – 4 p.m. Bring your bike to the Audubon Center and get help tuning it up for spring. Also, learn quick lessons for maintaining your bike and improving its performance.

Are you interested in having your free portrait taken with your child for Mother's Day? Rumor has it that there isn't any "catch" - it really is free, you just need to sign up for a Windows photo account which is free too. The Windows photo studio is "for real", and it is a nice event and supposedly very fun . You get a mini makeover while your tot chomps on snacks and drinks. Then you get your shoot! The photo studio is in Brooklyn Heights at 89 Montague Street. The offer is on until May 11th. The studio is open from 11am-6pm. For more info, drop by or email:nystudio@portraitsofmom.com

The perfect kids present

2008-04-22T09:00:00-04:00

Stop looking for the perfect present, because I have found it! It is a personalized book called, "The First Adventures of Incredible You." Papa Tree and I received one for Birch last night and read it together. Papa Tree was laughing, "ahhing", and generally thrilled. He loved reading Birch's name and his favorite places that we visit. I loved seeing Papa Tree's pure joy while he read it. The illustrations are whimsical, happy and even feel a bit retro which parents will love. The rhymes are personalized with input from the person who orders the book- including what park you go to, what street the child will ride his bike on and more. I can't wait to read the book to Birch. I know he will love hearing the fun Seussical rhyming and discovering the details in the drawings.

You can take a personalized book tour on their website so you can test it out. The book is $33 and worth every penny!

Earth Week and Vacation Week Events

2008-04-21T05:00:00-04:00

Earth Week and Break from schools coincide this year. It's good luck because a few venues are putting on events to celebrate Earth Week that will keep you and your kids entertained.....

Still Hip Brooklyn in Clinton Hill is hosting the following events:

Tuesday, April 22 10-5 | Clothing Recycling | FREE
Still Hip will have recycling bins, provided by Wearable Collections in front of the store for you to dispose of your goods.

NOON | Baby Wearing & Cloth Diapering Workshop | FREE*
Megan Davidson will bring with a whole collection of carriers, ready to answer your baby wearing questions and make sure you have a carrier that works for you. She will aslo fill you in on the advantages of cloth diapering. See how easy, and inexpensive, it really is!

Yogi Babies Save the Trees | FREE*
Move and stretch together, sing songs and bond while giving back to Mother Earth.

3:30 | Tree Pose Kids Yoga FUNdraiser | FREE*
To register contact Kate at 646.413.3102

April 23 10:00 | Let's Dance Brooklyn | FREE*
Birch takes this class at 21 months and LOVES it. I highly recommend checking this free class out. To register go to letsdancebklyn.com

Friday, April 25 10:00 | Junk Printmaking Workshop | FREE*
Young artists, age 2-4, will use recycled materials for a relief printmaking activity. Feel free to bring any toilet paper or paper towel rolls, old dry sponges, wine corks, slightly used cardboard cup protectors and corrugated cardboard scraps.

11:00 | Recycled Robots Workshop | FREE*
Young artists age 5-7 will use recycled materials to create their own robots. Feel free to bring old cereal boxes, small cardboard boxes, toilet paper and paper towel rolls, corrugated cardboard, etc. To register go to www.privatepicassos.com

Saturday, April 26 2:00 | Tot Garden Project | $12 materials fee
Join Raymond from Earthly Horizons Floral Designs to build your child's personal garden. (Earthly Horizons is a new floral shop owned by a local dad and I can attest to his wonderful boquets that I have seen grace Still Hip's countertop). Each child will be given their own 6" clay pot with saucer and a choice of spider mum, African violet or pink polka dot to plant.

Sunday, April 27 1-3 | Adult Clothing Swap | $5/10
Put your clohtes in a bag marked, Still Hip Mom's Sale & Swap. Bring your stain-free and washed clothes to Still Hip on Saturday, April 26th, from 1 to 5pm and come back on Sunday to make your swap! If you've made a contribution to the Swap & Sale, you'll pay a $5 admission fee. Should you choose to only augment your closets, you'll pay a mere $10 to shop away without guilt.

* In lieu of class fees Still Hip will be collecting donations for The Society for Clinton Hill
Still Hip
www.stillhipbrooklyn.com
moms@stillhipbrooklyn.com
283 Grand Ave (btw. Lafayette and Greene)
Brooklyn, NY (Clinton Hill)
718-398-0008

The Children's Museum of Art is hosting these earth week activities:

Wednesday, April 23: Recycled Bag Hero Capes
Bring in those plastic bags and create a super hero cape out of it. Ages 3+

Thursday, April 24: Wild Sea Creatures from Recycled Materials
In honor of Earth on Friday you will be turning trash into a new treasure. Ages 3+

Friday, April 25: Earth Day Earth Models
Create your earth model using tissue paper collage and recycled materials. All ages.

Children's Museum of the Arts
182 Lafayette Street
New York, NY 10013
Tel 212.274.0986 Fax 212.274.1776
www.cmany.org

The Salt Marsh Alliance is having Kids Week- Earth Week. It is open to kids 12 years and younger. FREE. All materials will be provided.

Monday, April 21 at 1 pm: Art and Craft of Flight
Discover how animals fly and crate your own animal of flight.

Tuesday, April 22 at 1 pm: Critter Crafts
Create critters of your own design.

Wednesday April 23 at 1 pm: Owl Food
Dissect an owl pellet and see what the owl ate for dinner

Thursday April 24 at 1 pm: Animal Tracks
Make your own animal tracks guide and then go on a hike

Friday, April 24 at 1 pm: Who Likes Herbs?
Create a window sill herb garden

Salt Marsh Nature Center
3302 Avenue U,
Brooklyn NY 11123 For information call 311 and ask for the Brooklyn Urban Park Rangersrs

The Ikea Is Finally Opening

2008-04-21T05:00:00-04:00

So, it is finally happening. I am sad for Red Hook and what it means for them in terms of traffic and noise, but happy that I don't have to drive 1 hour each way to get to the nearest Ikea. Selfish, I know.

Take a look at this hilarious map of Ikea that a blogger did. It is a joke of course, but it reminds me of how lost I feel whenever I go into Ikea.

Here is all the information from the press release that came out yesterday.

IKEA BROOKLYN – 1ST IKEA STORE IN NYC – WILL OPEN JUNE 18;
RED HOOK LOCATION WILL INCLUDE MANY TRANSIT OPTIONS
BROOKLYN, NY – IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today announced that its future Brooklyn store will open at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. It will be the Swedish company’s 1st store and restaurant destination in New York City, 4th in the New York-New Jersey area, and 35th in the United States. Until the 346,000-square-foot future IKEA Brooklyn opens, customers can shop at IKEA stores in
Elizabeth, NJ; Hicksville, NY; and Paramus, NJ; or at www.IKEA-USA.com.

IKEA Brooklyn will present 50 different room settings, three model home interiors, a supervised children’s play area, and a 450-seat restaurant – with views of the lower Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty – serving Swedish specialties such as meatballs with lingonberries or salmon plates, as well as American dishes. Other family-friendly features include a ‘Children’s IKEA’ area in the showroom, baby care rooms, preferred parking and play areas throughout the store. IKEA Brooklyn also will offer home delivery, kitchen installation and design consultation services. The project includes a 6.5- acre public waterfront esplanade and many transit options such as ferry service from lower Manhattan, a bus stop for the B61 and B77 lines and shuttles to nearby subway stations and to Downtown Brooklyn.
# # #

Brooklyn Loses Out On Gifted and Talented Seats

2008-04-18T05:00:00-04:00

I was just introduced to Eduwonkette. She has some pretty great stuff on her blog at Education Week. She writes about current events in education from preK to college- and does so with good cheeky commentary. Plus, I really like her avatar!

This week she has been blogging about the Gifted and Talented programs. She did some charts and analysis and her conclusion is: Brooklyn and the Bronx lose out and Manhattan wins! How is this possible if Joel Klein says his original intention was to create universal access to G and T programs? (see press release below).

"Today, there’s limited access to gifted and talented education in some districts. The opposite is true in other districts. We want to create universal opportunity—and dramatically increase the numbers of students testing for, and hopefully entering, gifted and talented programs."

-Joel Klein, October 29, 2007 Press Release

This is Eduwonkette's analysis and her excellent charts. See how we Brooklynites fared below. (Thanks purple dressed, yellow caped fly girl!)

This fall, New York City adopted a uniform system for gifted and talented admissions. Educational equity, we were told, was the reason for this reform; New York City has long operated a decentralized network of gifted programs, and the conventional wisdom is that more affluent community districts had more than their fair share of these programs. Tapping into this debate, Joel Klein framed his reform as a mechanism to increase access to poor and minority kids.

Last week, the Department of Education released the number of kids qualifying for gifted and talented programs by community school district (those scoring at or above the 90th percentile on the OLSAT and Bracken School Readiness Assesment qualified). The DOE did not release socioeconomic or demographic breakdowns, but one way to get at the equity question is to look at which districts won and lost under the new system.

Did poor kids gain ground? The graph below, which plots the percent change in the number of students offered gifted seats in the entry grades against the percentage of students qualifying for free lunch in the district suggests that the answer is no. On average, districts with higher proportions of poor kids saw declines in gifted admissions.

Make no mistake - NYC's poorer community school districts lost out under the new gifted and talented admissions process. On Monday, I discussed the change in gifted seats by district, but some readers asked for the overall percentage of kids in each district that are classified as gifted.

You can find the full figures for 2007 and 2008 below. Overall, the big winner in entry grade seats is Manhattan, and Brooklyn and the Bronx lost the most.

Percentage of Students Classified as Gifted and Talented, 2007 and 2008

This is Karen again here- In case you are wondering (as I was), which district you are in, here is a very general breakdown. (I used my listing for selected public schools for this) and thanks to the information at www.insideschools.org

District 14- Williamsburg, Bushwick
District 13- Brooklyn Heights, Prospect Heights, Clinton Hill, Fort Greene,
District 15- Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens, Boerum Hill, Park Slope
District 20- Bay Ridge
District 18- East Flatbush

Great Resource for Teen Summer Internships and Classes

2008-04-17T05:00:00-04:00

You may have heard of Dr. Glaser before as a recommended pediatrician in Brooklyn. I had and so was suprised to get an email from her telling me not about her practice but about a book she had written about summer opportuntities for teens. When I received the book from her, I was interested to read the introduction to find out why (and how she had the time) to write this book. As she explains in the book, she is the mother of two teens, a lifelong New Yorker and a pediatrician who hears what her teen patients are doing and so she has learned a lot about what is available for teens. She has been able to pass that information on to other parents in her medical office, but wanted to share it with a larger audience. I think she is onto something. There isn't a resource like this out there. Sure, there are summer camp listings and summer class listings, but nothing that gives you such a broad and unique scope of little know programs for teens: free classes, unusual law programs that pay and cool sports camps. The book isn't very thick but seems to cover a lot of territory. Honestly, this is one review copy I am happy to have in my collection. I am sure by the time Birch is a teen, Amy will have updated it many times.

Some of the coolest listings from Dr. Glaser's book:

The Day Jams Rock Music Camp. At DayJam your child can form a rock band with both individual and group instructions where the band composes songs, creates videos and learns how to play like a band. It is on E. 92nd Street in the city.

How about kids interested in marine life? Your child can go to the Brooklyn College Marine Ecology Institute to study urban marine ecology for one month where they visit salt marshes, oyster farms, a wildlife refuge and ocean beach. It is free too!

How about a great opportunity for future human rights leaders? The International Center for Tolerance Education DUMBO offers a curriculum of films, writing, theater and research in conjunction with organizations. There is transportation aid, daily lunch and a stipend.

I took sailing lessons when I was a teenager and loved them. I can't say I am any use on a sailboat, but I sure loved practicing capsizing all summer. The New York Sailing Camp gives 9-16 year olds the opportunity to try sailing in larger boats including a 42 foot (yikes that's a lot of boat to handle!) The kids are also able to try dinghies.

For details about any of these opportunities and a lot more that are available for teens, check out Amy Glaser's book, "Summer in the City for Teens". The cost of the book with shipping is $14.

A Child Grows Event Picks

2008-04-16T05:00:00-04:00

Wednesday, April 16th, Bump Brooklyn will be hosting a Midwife Mocktail night. Clementine Midwifery will talk about the role of a midwife. I am personally really bummed not to be making this as I have heard so much about Clementine (and Bluebird Midwifery too for that matter). So if you are thinking of a midwife, this is one of the most highly regarded practices in Brooklyn and probably worth going to meet them. Space is limited so please reply to hannah@bumpbrooklyn.com if you would like to attend. 7 pm.
Bump Brooklyn at 464 Bergen Street.
For more on midwives (and on these two practices), visit our "midwives" page here.

My friend Mommy Poppins has found a great event that I wanted to pass on to you all....here is her post....

........And that’s the idea behind the Young Child Expo and Conference being held at the Hilton on Friday, April 18th and Saturday, April 19th. This event, hosted by Fordham University and Los Ninos Services, is designed to give parents, educators and early childhood professionals direct contact with the leading experts, resources and information in early childhood development today. One of the unique things about this conference is that it covers the whole spectrum of early childhood development from “normal” to the range of special needs, including Autism. With an opening keynote from T Berry Brazelton, perhaps the top early childhood expert, to the closing sessions on nutrition and exercise from none other than the experts at Sesame Street, this event is not kidding around when it comes to childhood. For more about the event, check out her blog .

Slings In the City is holding this month's Brooklyn Babywearing Meeting at Brooklyn Yoga from 2-4 on Wednesday, April 16. 474 Smith Street--F/G to Smith & 9th. For more information, visit http://www.slingsinthecity.com.

On Saturday, April 19 Greenpoint has some fun activities for Earth Day in McCarren Park. The listing info is from www.gocitykids.com

Time:
Cost: Free 11am-4pm

Go Green! Go Greenpoint! Earth Day Celebration
North Brooklyn's first Earth Day celebration features writing and recycling poster design workshops, arts & crafts with recycled materials, street tree bed design, tree planting, judo and yoga demos, a scavenger hunt, live music and dance performances, and more. Local schools present educational programs, community groups offer "green" information, and vendors sell enviro-friendly merchandise. Lorimer Street between Bedford and Driggs Avenues, behind the Field House. [718.609.1090; http://www.nycgovparks.org]
Ages: 5-13

Habana Outpost- an eco friendly indoor and outdoor restaurant in Ft. Greene is hosting a 2 day Earth Day Celebration on Saturday April 19th and Sunday April 20th. All events are free. Throughout the weekend there will be free arts & crafts, games and entertainment for children focusing on recycling and nature. There wil be a local beekeeper, a kid's corner, recycling and composting workshops and an umbrella recycling area! (There really is a place to put all those blown-out umbrellas we have?) For times and full listings, check their site.
Habana Outpost
757 Fulton St (corner of S. Portland)
Brooklyn, NY 11217

Saturday, April 19 there is an Earth Day Eggstravaganza. This is for all of you who didn't get enough of decorating or finding eggs at Easter. The event will take place at Hudson Place Park in the city, The listing information is from www.gocitykids.com

Time: 1pm-4pm
Cost: Free

Earth Day Eggstravaganza
Hudson River Park's Earth Day Eggstravaganza includes an egg hunt (yes, even though Easter was last month!), egg dyeing, egg relays, potato sack races, fishing, game stations, arts & crafts, storytelling, face painting, live performances by the Hudson River Ramblers, free apple cider and popcorn, and more. At Pier 45, Christopher Street and the West Side Highway. [212.757.0981 ext. 205; http://www.fohrp.org]

There is another Earth Day Eggstravaganza at the South Street Seaport on Saturday, April 19th. This egg hunt takes place on a tall ship.
The listing information is from www.gocitykids.com

Time: 12n-5pm
Cost: $5/ Person

Earth Day Eggstravaganza
Nesting season is about to begin and Sassafras the Sea Turtle is looking for her lost eggs... and kids use clues to find the eggs aboard the tall ship Peking and return them to her. Drop by the Seaport for craft activities and storytelling, and meet the animals living in the Living Harbor Wet Lab. [212.748.8786; reservations@southstseaport.org; http://www.southstreetseaportmuseum.org]
Ages: 4 and up

On Sunday, April 20th, the Salt Marsh Alliance is having a big Earth Day Celebration that will run from 10am to 5pm. They'll be a community clean-up, crafts, a tree planting and a dance performance and a special appearance by Smoky Bear! The very next day will be the start of our successful Spring Break Kid's Week with an event Monday - Friday at 1pm each day. Flatbush Ave and Ave U area.
http://www.saltmarshalliance.org/

Don't forget to check the A Child Grows in Brooklyn's Google calendar in the right-hand column for daily reoccurring events. (There is a movie night at Mamalu's in Williamsburg and also storytime at PS Bookshop in DUMBO).

Papa Tree and Birch went to the Murakami exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum of Art last weekend and thought the show was spectacular. Papa Tree said that even the fountain in front of the museum was a hit with Birch. Personally I am not so sold Murakami, but I can't deny his appeal. The work is really poppy and fun. The exhibit goes from April 5- July 13, 2008. Here is the info: Japanese artist Takashi Murakami includes more than ninety works in various media that span the artistâs entire career, installed in more than 18,500 square feet of gallery space. Tickets for MURAKAMI are $10 for adults, $8 for older adults and students with valid ID; children under 12 are free. MURAKAMI tickets include the cost of general admission and are available at the Brooklyn Museum Visitor Center for the day of purchase. Tickets can also be purchased online.
200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, New York 11238-6052 (718) 638-5000 Wednesday- Friday: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Saturday- Sunday: 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. Get detailed hours

Chabad of Clinton Hill is hosting a Passover Seder on Sat April 19th and Sunday April 20th. There will be a community Seder with hand-baked Matzah, wine and dinner with unique traditions and customs. No membership or affiliation required. RSVP requested: email info@greenechabad.com or call 718-974-9472.www.greenchabad.com

CANCELLED ON FRIDAY/APRIL 18----Saturday, April 19, 3-5pm, BAX is putting on a workshop of puppetry for kids ages 5-9. Taught by Spica Wobbe
Price: $20 pair | $15 single
You can create puppets from scratch using hangers, cardboard, foam and found materials. Workshop instructor Spica Wobbe is a puppet designer, puppeteer, producer and scriptwriter whose puppetry works have been seen in countries including Japan, Holland and the U.S.

There are a ton of Earth Day events going on at resale shop Still Hip in Clinton Hill. For details and more information visit their site at www.stillhipbrooklyn.com

Tuesday, April 22
10-5 pm: Clothing Recycling | FREE
12 pm: Baby Wearing & Cloth Diapering Workshop | FREE*
2:30 pm: Yogi Babies Save the Trees | FREE*
3:30 pm: Tree Pose Kids Yoga FUNdraiser | FREE*
Kids you know what's important: Having fun and fresh air! Let's imagine we are seeds growing into trees, be all kinds of animals, and do a special meditation called Being the Earth. Songs and Games make good karma fun!
Wednesday, April 23
10:00 am: Let's Dance Brooklyn | FREE*
Friday, April 24
10:00 am: Junk Printmaking Workshop | FREE*
11:00 am: Recycled Robots Workshop | FREE*
Saturday, April 26
2:00 pm: Tot Garden Project | $12 materials fee
Sunday, April 27
10-2 pm: Adult Clothing Swap | $5/10
The famous Sakura Matsuri: Cherry Blossom Festival at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens is taking place on Saturday, May 3rd at 10 am to 6 p.m. at Brooklyn Botanic Garden. This weekend-long family festival of Japanese culture and arts with over 50 performances. Taste Japanese entrees at the Terrace Café, take free weekend tours, and browse the special Hanami Shop. As you plan your visit, track the Garden's more than 200 cherry trees as the they bloom on Cherrywatch 2008 at bbg.org/cherrywatch. To learn more about Sakura visit bbg.org or call 718-623-7333. To get tickets go here.

Princess Katie & Racer Steve (along with mr. RAY) are going to be performing in BROOKLYN on May 4th @ Southpaw! www.princessracer.com
WHAT: Park Slope Parents Kids Music Series
WHERE: Southpaw, 125 Fifth Ave., Brooklyn, NY
WHEN: Sunday at 2:00 p.m.: May 4
TICKETS: $10 at www.spsounds.com
INFO: (718) 230-0236

Who Wants to Eat Vegetables?

2008-04-15T05:00:00-04:00

Apparently, not Birch. Unless that is, they are hidden, pureed or baked into another dish. I had a play date yesterday and when I pulled out three (yes, three!) jars of baby food spinach and potatoes for his dinner veggies, my friend gasped, "you're still giving him BABY FOOD??" Um, yes. The thing is Birch loves pureed baby food vegetables. He calls it soup, so we pretend it is too. I also make a batch of spinach/swiss chard and fruit purees every week and those seem to go down easily too. But not diced carrots, brussel sprouts, colorful green beans or....any bite-sized vegetable.

So, when I read this simple recipe from "Real Simple Family", I knew I had to give it a try. I am sure I am not alone in the battle for my child to eat veggies (Jessica Seinfeld's book bet on that!), so here is the recipe. I am hoping it helps some others of you too.

Looks like: chip dip
secret identity: broccoli

One 14 oz bag frozen broccoli, thawed (though I don't see why you wouldn't just get fresh broccoli)
One cup low-fat cottage cheese (again, if this is for a kid, I would just get 2% or whole cottage cheese)
Kosher sat
One 5 oz package pita chips
Puree the broccoli, cottage cheese and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a food processor until smooth. Serve with the pita chips.

By the way, this photo is from another broccoli dip- not the one above. The one above won't look this smooth, it will be chunkier.