Can I borrow Your Phone?
Although my trip to Puerto Rico was loads of fun, there was one thing that did go wrong: I lost my phone. Yes, friends, my phone was eaten by the sands of Condado Beach. I'm a little sad about it. Okay I am a lot sad about it. It was the G1 Google phone and I had an intense love affair with it.But, the good news is this: I am not phone-less now. T-Mobile came to the rescue, and it didn't cost me a penny.I was in a desperate situation. When we got back from Puerto Rico we were totally broke and I couldn't afford to buy a new phone. At least not immediately. I was so overwhelmed and depressed about the situation that I was resigned to the fact that I would just go without a phone for a while. But my boyfriend would not have this."I have to be able to get in touch with you! I need to be able to check on you and our son!"So I called T-Mobile and asked them what they could do for me. It turns out T-Mobile has a program called the "Loaner Phone Program" for people in my situation. The [...]
A Visit to Museo del Niño
Today I had the privilege of visiting San Juan's Museo del Niño (The Children's Museum) with my son and my boyfriend, who (incidentally) was the photographer of this photo:We tried to visit the museum yesterday, but it was Monday and apparently this museum is closed on Mondays. We found this out after trekking from Condado Beach all the way to Old San Juan on the bus, only to find the museum's sad sign that read "Cerrado" -"Closed."Today was Tuesday, and the museum was, in fact, open so we had a chance to visit. Admission to the museum is $7.00 for children (ages 1-15) and $5.00 for adults.Museo del Niño has classic children's toys like the following:You may recognize this vintage toy from any pediatrician's office you or your child have visited since the 1980's; or possibly earlier in time, but I can only speak for my generation.In addition to classic toys, Museo del Niño also has more elaborate structures for children to play with. Such as the following:And how about these?In addition to these impressive structures, the museum also had traditional activities for children of varying ages to engage in. These included a dress up area with lots of mirrors:A [...]
The Ocean is a Toy
The ocean is many things; it is beautiful, mysterious, sometimes dangerous with it's unpredictable ebb and flow. But today I have learned that (in addition to all these qualities that the ocean possesses) it is also a toy.Let me explain; my son decided that when the waves wash into the shore it is hysterically funny.And when they leave the shore and go back out into the ocean's abyss, this is even funnier. I knew that my child liked water; what I didn't know was that he thought it was hilarious. It just goes to show you that a child can view a natural phenomenon entirely different from us adults. We look at the ocean and we see a massive body of water; sometimes peaceful sometimes erratic, but always volatile. But a child views this body of water as exciting, funny, and strange.Thank you ocean, for keeping my child and me on my toes.
Puerto Rico: Where Children are Loved
Greetings from sunny (sometimes rainy for five minutes and then sunny again) Puerto Rico! Where the natives love children and say things like:"Que Lindo! Su nino caminando." - "How beautiful, your child is walking."Puerto Ricans love children. I cannot tell you how many random people; people on the street people in restaurants, people at the bus station , even homeless people have gone out of their way to make comments about how cute my kid was. I even got a discount on a pair of sandals for my son because the sales people thought he was cute.After we purchased the sandals a nice older woman approached my son and carefully disinfected his hands with Purell hand santizer because she saw him crawling all over the store's floor and was concerned about germs. All the while she was repeating "Que lindo, que lindo." - "How beautiful."It has to be a cultural thing. When I walk down the streets of Brooklyn, few strangers approach me to oogle at my child. But in Puerto Rico we can't go a block without getting stopped by strangers who want to accost and touch my child.It's kind of nice actually, how much Puerto Ricans love and [...]
A New Friend Named Rupert
For the past few weeks my son has been waking up at night and screaming. I'm not sure of the cause, but I have a sense that it is because he is lonely. So my solution: give him a fuzzy friend to ease the pain.He is a platypus and his name is Rupert. My son loves him. He has made going to sleep easier. When it is time to take a nap or go to sleep for the night, I hand him Rupert and all is well in the world.So those of who are dealing with night separation anxiety from your child, try a stuffed animal friend! He/She just might help ease the bedtime blues.
Why are Children’s Books So Inane?
In the course of reading several children's books, I have realized one major flaw about many of them; they are incredibly boring.Many of the baby board books are repetitive and less than compelling. I cannot tell you how many baby books I have read about the sounds that barnyard animals make:Pig = Oink, Cow= Moo, Cat = Meow etc.Don't get me wrong, I'm not expecting to read a literary masterpiece in a "board book," but come on! Even if there is a simplistic concept, at least the drawings could be innovative; different; creative; unique in some way shape or form.Of all beings, children are the most open to off beat concepts. Authors and artists should take advantage of this aspect of children and create children's books that reflect children's innovative nature.
Summer Reading, Had Me a Blast!
You all know how much I love the Brooklyn Public Library. There are so many reasons why I love it. The access to free books, the kids events and now this; The Summer Reading Program.My friend Josina told me about this program that is exclusively available at the library. And guess what? It's free!It works like this:1. You go to the library2. Head to the children's section3. Ask to sign up for the Summer Reading program4. The librarian will hand you all the materials you need.You will get a "Reading Log," a booklet which is numbered inside from 1 - 30. Here you will write down the 30 books that you read to your son or daughter (or both) over the summer. Next to the title of the books are stars which enable you to rate how much you and your child liked the book you read.When you have completed the the 30 books, return the booklet and....get this?... you get a prize! To be honest, I don't know what the prize it, but we will find out at the end of the summer and let you know.You can also sign up for Summer Reading online! Visit: www.summerreading.org and register [...]
The Journey To Hickville USA – Epilogue
Ever since our trip to Hicksville, my son has been enjoying his Cozy Coupe car on a daily basis. (**see previous blog here).When we returned home that evening from purchasing the car, I wrote an email to the kind mother of four who relinquished her Cozy Coupe to us for $15. It said:Just wanted to say thank you so much for the Little Tikes Cozy Coupe. My son loves it. Here is a link to a blog I wrote about our journey to Hicksville. http://oldschoolnewschoolmom.blogspot.com/2009/07/journey-to-hicksville-usa.html Also- please let me know about future tag sales for kid's clothing in the area. Thanks a Million, SarahI received an email back from the lovely mother of four today; it read: Hi Sarah, Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I have a busy schedule with my kids, my work, etc. It was nice meeting you, your husband and your son. I'm glad the weather cleared up the day you all came and that the sun was shining so your son got the chance to see his car and the chance to sit on it. It's great knowing it will be enjoyed. Time goes by so quickly with your children so having [...]
Recess Monkey Climbs into Brooklyn
I was perusing the Brooklyn Public library's website for children's events, and I came upon a free children's music concert. The band playing was called "Recess Monkey." BPL described the event as: "a fun concert of goofy original and educational songs for children." Sounded good to me!I forwarded the event on to Josina and Nelson. They wanted to come too! I managed to drag both my parents and my niece too. We didn't know what to expect, but once the concert started all attendees were groovin' to the music.Recess Monkey is composed of three band members, Andrew, Daron and Jack. All the guys are school teachers from Seattle and their songs are inspired from their work with children. Their songs are goofy and esoteric with titles like "Marshmallow Farm" and "Bubble Factory."I particularly loved their song "Haven't Got a Pet Yet." Jack began the song by asking the audience:"So, I have a question for you guys: who here doesn't have a pet but really wants one?"Several of the kids in the audience screamed affirmative answers."This song is for you guys!"Then they busted into song:"Susie's got a pet, Johnny's got a pet, but I haven't got a pet yet!"The concert was [...]
Earth’s Best Has Bested Themselves
As some of you may know, I recently contacted the Hain Celestial company (makers of Earth's Best Organic Baby food) regarding a free cooking class (see previous blog here). My mom also contacted the company on my behalf (see additonal blog here).Unfortunately, after all of my efforts to cash in on this offer, the free cooking class promotion has expired. I am terribly disappointed. But, for my trouble, Pati, a lovely woman and supervisor at the Hain Celestial company sent me a large variety of coupons for Hain Celestial products. These are not just ordinary $1.00 off type coupons. There was one coupon in the bunch for a FREE package of Earth's Best diapers valued at $14.99. And several more for free Earth's Best products valuing up to $2.99. Way to go Earth's Best!I have always wanted to try the Earth's Best diapers, and now I have the perfect opportunity.Thank you Hain Celestial and Pati, for listening to one of your consumers.
Let’s Go to The Movies!
Yesterday, my son, my friend Donna, her friend Susan and I went to the movies to see "Up" in 3D. It was my son's first time going to see a movie in the theater. I was hesitant; even a little neurotic. When I mentioned my movie plans to my dad, it triggered a memory for him: "I remember when we took you and your brother to see the first Star Trek movie. It was 1979. They almost didn't let you in! We had to lie and tell them that we came all the way from the Bronx with a baby. Then they let us in." "How old was I?" I asked my dad. Now I was getting nervous. "Oh, I don't know. A baby. Remember it was 1979." I was born in '79 so my age had to be in terms of months.I called the theater ahead of time to ask if they would even let my child in. The theater employee on the other end was not phased by my query."You can bring in any child. Doesn't matter how old." she said sounding surprised that I was even asking the question to begin with. "How old is your son?""14 [...]
Immunity to Injury
Yesterday my parents were babysitting my son while my boyfriend and I were out. When we returned my dad had an ominous look on his face."I have to tell you something." He said, the guilt so apparent that it was leaking off of his face." What?" I asked, already annoyed."Ari fell...off the bed and bumped his head."I looked at my son, who was smiling and laughing and running across the floor with a plastic truck. He was obviously fine."It's okay dad. He looks fine."My dad was visibly relieved. What I find interesting about this story, is that six months ago I would have freaked out if my son fell down and bumped his head. I realized that my laid back response to my son's injury means that I have grown as a parent.I now realize that not anything and everything is an emergency. There will be lots of bumps and scraps along the road and not every one of them requires a a freak out.Incidentally, head injury in babies can be serious. I don't mean to minimize it. I remember one time (when my son was around 9 months old) he fell and bumped his head leaving him with the [...]
Homage to The Soft Boiled Egg
I love breakfast foods. There I said it! If I could, I would eat breakfast all day everyday. I particularly enjoy eggs. But the problem is, being the mother of toddler, it is difficult to have time to prepare elaborate breakfast meals. There is a solution to this breakfast craving for those of us that have no time in the morning: the soft boiled egg.What you do:1. Boil a pot of water2. While you are waiting for the water to boil, throw a slice of bread in the toaster3. When the water has boiled crack an egg open into the boiling water4. Boil the egg for 2 - 3 minutes on a high flame5. Take toast out of toaster and place on a plate6. Either pour the egg into a colander to drain it, or scoop it out with a spoon7. Place egg on the toast, add salt, pepper and even a little cheddar cheese (my favorite!)8. ENJOY!While the egg is cooking you can also prepare your coffee, tea, or orange juice.I love soft boiled eggs. They are quick, easy and healthy! Because you don't add oil or butter to the water, they are really good for you.I hope you [...]
The Journey to Hicksville USA
Somehow, my son knew that today was a special day; and it was. Today was the day that we were headed to Hicksville, NY. Why Hicksville, you might ask? Because his resourceful mother had gone on craigslist and located a mother of four who was selling none other than the Little Tikes Cozy Coupe for a mere $15! The very same plastic car that my little man had become so obsessed with just a few days ago. He was so taken with this car that he tortured two children just for the privilege to sit in the thing. (see previous blog)When we got to our car, he could barely contain himself.We drove and we drove. We got lost quite a few times. We argued about who knew which direction to go and what exactly constituted a driveway. It was rough going there for a while, but finally we arrived in Hicksville. My son and his daddy immediately hopped out of the car and began to enjoy the green surroundings.When we arrived at the house in question, there was a note on the door:"Sarah, be back in a moment."So we took the opportunity to decompress from our long drive and from [...]
A Visit Down Memory Lane…Inspired by The Toilet
Every mom has a labor story. I was just spending some time on the toilet, and I remembered (some time ago) a friend of mine telling me that all I had to do to get my baby out of my uterus was to pretend that I was having a bowel movement. This took me back to the day I gave birth.It was a Friday evening. I was nine months pregnant. I passed out on the couch, as usual, waiting for my boyfriend to come home from his evening shift at work. He arrived at 1:30am and as he gave me a kiss on the forehead I felt a gush of liquid shoot out of me. I promptly removed every article of clothing below my waist. The liquid kept on coming, flowing onto the hardwood floor of my Park Slope apartment."Oh my G-d! Oh my G-d! Oh my G-d! I'm in labor! I'm not ready for this!" I exclaimed.It was true. I wasn't ready because my due date was June 1st and it was only May 3rd. My boyfriend responded with an alarmingly detached"Why is this happening now? I have to call my job and find out about FMLA benefits, blah [...]