We tried out an open house at City Treehouse this weekend. Lovely place though kind of small. It was an altogether lovely Saturday spent in bustling New York City. Gawd, I miss the city.
Monday, March 09, 2009
City Treehouse
We tried out an open house at City Treehouse this weekend. Lovely place though kind of small. It was an altogether lovely Saturday spent in bustling New York City. Gawd, I miss the city.
Friday, March 06, 2009
Love this video
This is a great video. I don't understand how this won 2nd prize in the AARP u@50 contest. The first prize is not all that. Oh well...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42E2fAWM6rA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42E2fAWM6rA
Monday, February 23, 2009
Skiing at Mount Snow
This is a week behind schedule but here it goes.
Skiing at Mount Snow was great for the kids. We had decided (thanks to K's decision) to not enroll g in ski school. I had a lot of trepidation about this but thought that in the interest of saving money, I will just go along with it. At worst, the kids and I can go to a sleigh ride or shopping.
Things worked out, it seems. Fortuitously after we had rented the equipment and G did a run just to get his ski legs, the kids and I hung out by the ski school. While there, I saw the steps that there teaching the kids. So I started having g mimic everything that the kids on the other side of the fence were doing.
First, show the kids how to put on their skis. One ski first. Then walk around and get comfortable. Second, put on the other ski. Shuffle around and get comfortable. Next it was the pizza wedge. We did quite a few of those. I didn't notice what came next because by then G had returned and g was ready to move on from all that shuffling. She wanted to pick up some speed.
My first suggestion was for G to carry g up a few paces on the side of bunny slope and have her come down. They did that a few times before G was about the pass out from the effort of trying to walk her up with all her gear and his gear.
Next we moved onto the tow line. As G was lining up with g, I noticed another parent coming down the slope with his kid using the ski poles as a sort of harness. I told G to do the same. So with poles under each arm, G and g skied down. g giggled all the way down. She loved it.
We found out later on that all the "magic carpets" (a flat escalator to the top of a small slope) in the facility are open for anyone to use. We thought that it was exclusively for ski school students. Thanks again to K for the info.
The next day we got a little bold. We decided to strap some ski equipment on little s to see who she would fare. We followed the same basic steps of instruction. This time we went directly to the magic carpet. shuffling on skis took a lot out of little s since the equipment was probably almost half her body weight. After much prodding, she finally went down the slope. Once she did it, that was it. The little snow bunny was telling me, "no hold, no hold!!" She wanted to do it herself. By the end of the day, she was getting on and off the magic carpet by herself.
g and s had the time of their lives. I think the family C will be skiing again very soon.
Skiing at Mount Snow was great for the kids. We had decided (thanks to K's decision) to not enroll g in ski school. I had a lot of trepidation about this but thought that in the interest of saving money, I will just go along with it. At worst, the kids and I can go to a sleigh ride or shopping.
Things worked out, it seems. Fortuitously after we had rented the equipment and G did a run just to get his ski legs, the kids and I hung out by the ski school. While there, I saw the steps that there teaching the kids. So I started having g mimic everything that the kids on the other side of the fence were doing.
First, show the kids how to put on their skis. One ski first. Then walk around and get comfortable. Second, put on the other ski. Shuffle around and get comfortable. Next it was the pizza wedge. We did quite a few of those. I didn't notice what came next because by then G had returned and g was ready to move on from all that shuffling. She wanted to pick up some speed.
My first suggestion was for G to carry g up a few paces on the side of bunny slope and have her come down. They did that a few times before G was about the pass out from the effort of trying to walk her up with all her gear and his gear.
Next we moved onto the tow line. As G was lining up with g, I noticed another parent coming down the slope with his kid using the ski poles as a sort of harness. I told G to do the same. So with poles under each arm, G and g skied down. g giggled all the way down. She loved it.
We found out later on that all the "magic carpets" (a flat escalator to the top of a small slope) in the facility are open for anyone to use. We thought that it was exclusively for ski school students. Thanks again to K for the info.
The next day we got a little bold. We decided to strap some ski equipment on little s to see who she would fare. We followed the same basic steps of instruction. This time we went directly to the magic carpet. shuffling on skis took a lot out of little s since the equipment was probably almost half her body weight. After much prodding, she finally went down the slope. Once she did it, that was it. The little snow bunny was telling me, "no hold, no hold!!" She wanted to do it herself. By the end of the day, she was getting on and off the magic carpet by herself.
g and s had the time of their lives. I think the family C will be skiing again very soon.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
she Crazy!
The more I hear about the Octo-mom, the more I am coming to the conclusion that "she crazy". I know that my judgment is based on new media stories that can be purposely inflamed to keep me watching. I won't comment on the possible plastic surgery rumor.
The burning questions in my mind are:
How did she afford in-vitro? These treatments are not cheap.
Why would anyone seek fertility treatments when one can barely support a brood of six?
(if I were a taxpayer in California) How can I "not" support this woman's lifestyle?
Octo-mom (or her overt hyper-birthing behavior) drives me insane. I love children as evidenced by the two that I have. However I find it unconscionable to have kids that you cannot support in every way. It is a sad start to their lives. I watch those little babies (and they are truly little) and pray. For what else can I do?
What I won't do is DONATE to their crazy mother.
The burning questions in my mind are:
How did she afford in-vitro? These treatments are not cheap.
Why would anyone seek fertility treatments when one can barely support a brood of six?
(if I were a taxpayer in California) How can I "not" support this woman's lifestyle?
Octo-mom (or her overt hyper-birthing behavior) drives me insane. I love children as evidenced by the two that I have. However I find it unconscionable to have kids that you cannot support in every way. It is a sad start to their lives. I watch those little babies (and they are truly little) and pray. For what else can I do?
What I won't do is DONATE to their crazy mother.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Here we go.
This is how it started. I thought it would be really great for g to learn how to ski, so I recruited her best bud, a (and his parents, of course) to go skiing. The hope was that with her friend in tow, she would more likely get on the slope without whining. a's mom decided that it was best that she breaks a into skiing herself rather than signing him up for ski school. Upon hearing this, G decided that he will do the same (note....my eyes were rolling when he im'ed me.) Let's just say that G is not the most patient of teachers. He almost expects the kids to learn anything from their colors to square roots with a minimum of explanation. He never seems to understand why they don't "get" concepts within minutes. I predicted that the whole "learning-to-ski" experience would last about 35 minutes. The first 20 minutes would be getting the gear on. The next 10 minutes will be getting on the slope. G's explanation of the concept of skiing about 1 minutes. g falling on her first attempt would be take about 30 seconds. The rest of the time will be whining and crying until G and g would just give up and call it a day.
So I thought it best to give G a trial run at being a teacher. We took the kids ice skating. The first few minutes was slightly foreboding as the skates were hurting G's foot. I rented g a larger size so she seemed fine. The first round looked painful as G supported g's full weight under her arms. She looked like wheelbarrow. The second round was better as G and g started holding hands instead. Despite falls, g took it and kept on going.
The two of them passed the test. Now on to the slopes. Hopefully it will last longer than 35 minutes.
So I thought it best to give G a trial run at being a teacher. We took the kids ice skating. The first few minutes was slightly foreboding as the skates were hurting G's foot. I rented g a larger size so she seemed fine. The first round looked painful as G supported g's full weight under her arms. She looked like wheelbarrow. The second round was better as G and g started holding hands instead. Despite falls, g took it and kept on going.
The two of them passed the test. Now on to the slopes. Hopefully it will last longer than 35 minutes.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
What defines a cheap vacation?
cheap vacation for single people requires space enough for a sleeping bag or a smallish blanket, the dollar menu or dominos hot wings and a warm shower.
cheap vacation for families with kids - oxymoron. Seriously.
Now that everything has to be multiplied by 4, everything we do and everywhere we go is exponentially more expensive. We have planned a nice simple little ski trip. We got a good deal on a house and are sharing expenses with other people. However even with that, I am staring at almost $1000. Yikes!
Makes me wonder how the Duggars do it?
cheap vacation for families with kids - oxymoron. Seriously.
Now that everything has to be multiplied by 4, everything we do and everywhere we go is exponentially more expensive. We have planned a nice simple little ski trip. We got a good deal on a house and are sharing expenses with other people. However even with that, I am staring at almost $1000. Yikes!
Makes me wonder how the Duggars do it?
Friday, January 30, 2009
The Motherlode - Do I want a "Marian Robinson"?
JW had sent me a link for an article on the Motherlode (NYT magazine blog on Parenting). I was distracted from reading the linked article when this other item caught my eye. I belong comfortably in the "if-my-mother-is-willing-to-be-my-"Marian Robinson",-I-will-gladly-have-her" camp. (Incidentally the f parental unit is arriving, yahoooo!!!!)
I think that the whole angst around the "Marian Robinson" effect has more to do with this culture (meaning US). In the Old country, grandparents expect to spend some time caring for their grandkids. The family unit is closer and in most cases, stronger. People don't tend to move too far away though that is beginning to change. (I see a lot of my friends lighting up the globe now.) I have seen that in the US, there is a bit of a struggle between "living life to the fullest" and "tending to the young." This generation of grandparents are globe-trotting and social clubbing bunch. They have way too much to do to devote whole weekends or summers to the little ones.
On the one hand, I at times am saddened that the kids only see Gmom once a week when it's convenient. However I can see it from her point of view as well. She is young and have spent most of her life, saving and worrying about her kids. Her kids are now grown. This is her time. I get this. This is more likely the model of my own senior years.
But what about the family? I am used to a wide web of family, uncles, aunts, cousins, etc (though my own family is not that big). More and more, I have had to redefine family as my own nuclear unit. Which though wonderful can be at times lacking in the noise and affection that comes with a larger network of loved ones.
I think that the whole angst around the "Marian Robinson" effect has more to do with this culture (meaning US). In the Old country, grandparents expect to spend some time caring for their grandkids. The family unit is closer and in most cases, stronger. People don't tend to move too far away though that is beginning to change. (I see a lot of my friends lighting up the globe now.) I have seen that in the US, there is a bit of a struggle between "living life to the fullest" and "tending to the young." This generation of grandparents are globe-trotting and social clubbing bunch. They have way too much to do to devote whole weekends or summers to the little ones.
On the one hand, I at times am saddened that the kids only see Gmom once a week when it's convenient. However I can see it from her point of view as well. She is young and have spent most of her life, saving and worrying about her kids. Her kids are now grown. This is her time. I get this. This is more likely the model of my own senior years.
But what about the family? I am used to a wide web of family, uncles, aunts, cousins, etc (though my own family is not that big). More and more, I have had to redefine family as my own nuclear unit. Which though wonderful can be at times lacking in the noise and affection that comes with a larger network of loved ones.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The big "S" conversation
I saw this online today and found it hilarious. It's a short documentary about adults recounting how they were told about sex and where babies come from. The result is Kinda Sutra.
Personally I don't think I ever recalled being told about it.
Enjoy.
Personally I don't think I ever recalled being told about it.
Enjoy.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
New site for Toddler learning
I have been roaming the net for site that will help teach kids. Fun sites with games and I have found a couple.
(I am in the midst of updating the blog look and feel, so stay tuned. All of these links will be kept in one place soon.)
For the little kids (around 2-4 years old) - the World of Victor
Cute site with simple fun activities exploring animals, puzzles and music.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Culinary Classes @ICE
In a burst of inspiration, I decided to sign up for a Chinese cooking class at the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE). A short background - though I have been cooking for years now, I felt that I am a hit-or-miss kind of a cook. There have been moments of culinary brilliance and then there have been moments when most of what I've made end up in the trash. Trashy moments usually happen when I decide to veer off the recipe or the tried-and-true method.
So I thought to sign up for Chinese cooking to get myself some good basic skills. I knew about ICE from a friend who works there and another friend who have taken classes there. Both have raving reviews. So I tried it.
I loved it. It was great. Under the tutelage of Chef Lillian Chou (former food editor at Gourmet Magazine), I learned to fold a dumpling (I know that I must be the only Chinese woman who doesn't know how to fold one properly), stir fry and steam. A small chunk of the class was about seasoning a wok. Though I have read about this before, I have never done it. Seasoning not only embeds flavor into the wok but makes the cooking surface pretty non-stick. I haven't tried this out yet, but stay tuned.
The recipes were good. We were taught to make a basic chicken stock, rice balls (meatballs with rice around it), velvet scallops with snap peas, soy sauce chicken, wontons, potstickers, steamed sea bass and more. The ingredients are top notch. The scallops were huge as were the shrimp and sea bass. The chef did a great job showing us the basics from washing rice, checking freshness of fish, etc. These are the few things I actually know but it would be a great class for beginners.
I loved that the recipes were of things that I would actually make. There is another Chinese cooking class in the roster that was more for Chinese take out. How many ways can I say "bleh" to that?
A new discovery for me was water chestnuts. I thought I hated water chestnuts. It always seemed to taste bland and metallic. Whenever I see it in a dish, I would do my best to steer clear of it. She brought in fresh water chestnuts which we peeled and ate raw. It was actually good, sort of stronger tasting pear. Wow. So wow that I snuck one out to give to the kids. They loved it and wanted more.
After the flurry of cooking, everyone assembles for the meal that we prepared with bottles of wine. What a way to spend a weekend.
Postscript - It has been 2 weeks since the class and I think my kids are enjoying the results. I have been making my own stock, working on the perfect slurry, using different combinations. Cooking is a work in progress but I am enjoying it more now than I did before. I am now on the hunt for the next class. Maybe Korean or Indian. Anyone interested?
So I thought to sign up for Chinese cooking to get myself some good basic skills. I knew about ICE from a friend who works there and another friend who have taken classes there. Both have raving reviews. So I tried it.
I loved it. It was great. Under the tutelage of Chef Lillian Chou (former food editor at Gourmet Magazine), I learned to fold a dumpling (I know that I must be the only Chinese woman who doesn't know how to fold one properly), stir fry and steam. A small chunk of the class was about seasoning a wok. Though I have read about this before, I have never done it. Seasoning not only embeds flavor into the wok but makes the cooking surface pretty non-stick. I haven't tried this out yet, but stay tuned.
The recipes were good. We were taught to make a basic chicken stock, rice balls (meatballs with rice around it), velvet scallops with snap peas, soy sauce chicken, wontons, potstickers, steamed sea bass and more. The ingredients are top notch. The scallops were huge as were the shrimp and sea bass. The chef did a great job showing us the basics from washing rice, checking freshness of fish, etc. These are the few things I actually know but it would be a great class for beginners.
I loved that the recipes were of things that I would actually make. There is another Chinese cooking class in the roster that was more for Chinese take out. How many ways can I say "bleh" to that?
A new discovery for me was water chestnuts. I thought I hated water chestnuts. It always seemed to taste bland and metallic. Whenever I see it in a dish, I would do my best to steer clear of it. She brought in fresh water chestnuts which we peeled and ate raw. It was actually good, sort of stronger tasting pear. Wow. So wow that I snuck one out to give to the kids. They loved it and wanted more.
After the flurry of cooking, everyone assembles for the meal that we prepared with bottles of wine. What a way to spend a weekend.
Postscript - It has been 2 weeks since the class and I think my kids are enjoying the results. I have been making my own stock, working on the perfect slurry, using different combinations. Cooking is a work in progress but I am enjoying it more now than I did before. I am now on the hunt for the next class. Maybe Korean or Indian. Anyone interested?
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Inauguration Day!
Where am I? at work. I wish I could be in Washington DC today despite the freezing temperatures. The excitement is palpable. I wish I were there.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
My girl in an affectionate mood
The girls were just roughhousing tonight. I thought that it was so sweet that they are often (though not always) naturally affecionate towards each other.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
my daughter, the lobbyist
ever since g's friend, E got her ears pierced, g has started the campaign to get her own ears pierced. G seems to think the ear piercing was the beginning of all sorts of wacky body piercing. I did point out to G that despite having pierced ears for the better part of my whole life, I have never had any desire for any other body piercing. Still G is hesitant.
I have told g that there probably would be some pain like an injection. She said that she was brave during her last vaccination. Indeed she was. According to G, she didn't even cry.
I also told her that she shouldn't play with it or pull on it. That refraining from doing so might be hard for her. She promised that she wouldn't, that she will leave it alone even during bedtime.
I told her that I would think about it, hoping that maybe she would drop the topic because her father seems adamant about her not getting holes in her ears.
However it seems like it comes up at least once a day. So what is a mommy to do?
I have told g that there probably would be some pain like an injection. She said that she was brave during her last vaccination. Indeed she was. According to G, she didn't even cry.
I also told her that she shouldn't play with it or pull on it. That refraining from doing so might be hard for her. She promised that she wouldn't, that she will leave it alone even during bedtime.
I told her that I would think about it, hoping that maybe she would drop the topic because her father seems adamant about her not getting holes in her ears.
However it seems like it comes up at least once a day. So what is a mommy to do?
Monday, December 22, 2008
Merry Christmas!!!
I felt a bit nostalgic tonight, so I have decided to dig out a classic. Well, at least for me.
The song is "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" by an acapella Christian group called First Call.
Enjoy!
The song is "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" by an acapella Christian group called First Call.
Enjoy!
Monday, December 15, 2008
My s's ghetto birthday
This is a picture of Little s on her birthday. We had bought her a cake and had intended to celebrate at home. However because of the time we ended up doing the song and cake at gmom's house. We hadn't anticipate doing this so we didn't even ask for candles. So we improvised. Her "candle" is a barbecue match. She didn't care. She sang and ate up her icing and cake.
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| From Public |
Thursday, December 04, 2008
g the photographer
we gave g a little camera for her birthday. She has begun to take some pictures. It's been pretty blurry mostly but occasionally she gets her subjects in frame. Maybe a photographer someday? She has even figured out how to turn on the flash. Now if only she can keep the camera still as she presses down the shutter. Well I kind of still do that now.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
To Santa or not?
I have been really ambivalent about introducing Santa to my kids. I believe that he has come to symbolize a materialistic view of Christmas. Being Catholic, I would prefer my kids to come to see Christmas as a celebration of the birth of Christ.
However since we don't live in a bubble, Santa is all over the place and hard to miss. As a donation to the school, I gave g money to take a picture with Santa. It's one of the school's many fundraisers. As I was walking her to school, I was trying to prep her for the picture taking so that it wouldn't be a picture of Santa with a screaming, crying little girl trying to get off his lap. She told me quite confidently that she will smile and that Santa buys toys for kids. All my good intentions of keeping Santa out of the C household has been thwarted.
I am still looking for ways to deemphasize this. Maybe volunteering on Christmas Day, maybe making presents for less fortunate kids, I don't know.
In any case, I am still ambivalent about Santa.
However since we don't live in a bubble, Santa is all over the place and hard to miss. As a donation to the school, I gave g money to take a picture with Santa. It's one of the school's many fundraisers. As I was walking her to school, I was trying to prep her for the picture taking so that it wouldn't be a picture of Santa with a screaming, crying little girl trying to get off his lap. She told me quite confidently that she will smile and that Santa buys toys for kids. All my good intentions of keeping Santa out of the C household has been thwarted.
I am still looking for ways to deemphasize this. Maybe volunteering on Christmas Day, maybe making presents for less fortunate kids, I don't know.
In any case, I am still ambivalent about Santa.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Another way to spend hours on the computer
As if any suggestion is necessary but I thought that this site was cool especially for moms (and dads) who do their book shopping online. Lookybook allows you to take a glance through the book. It is more apt for picture books because you can't really zoom into text when it is on the small side but at least it gives you a general idea.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
g turns 4 - a reflection
I have had a lot of mixed feelings about g's 4th. It's big because it signifies her first step away from home. Though she has attended daycare in the past, this is the first time that she has entered a large public school building with a defined teacher and a clear curriculum of work. (It is a bit light on academics for my taste but g is the oldest in her class due to where her birthday fell) It feels different too because I have been assailed with school stuff (parent council meetings, multiple fundraisers and the like). Above all this, the difference I think is internal.
This being her first foray towards independence, I wonder if I have provided her with enough tools to deal with life in school. I wonder if I had given her strength to be herself and to stand up for herself. I wonder if the shy little wallflower that she is will finally come out of her shell and grow. I am still wondering. Almost 2 months after the start of school, I am still wondering. It is not in her nature to blurt information, so news of school goings-on are scant or non-existent. My line of questioning has to be specific (what was lunch? what did you and your friend E played today?) This poses a problem since I go on the little information that I have observed or gleaned from previous conversations. I am wondering if this is a glimpse of her high school years when the responses to my questions would probably be just as brief.
This is a small part of letting go, the beginning of her flight. I hope for her a long and glorious adventure though some of these will from now on remain a mystery to me.
g is my wonder girl. she is the child of my heart, so intelligent, wildly emotional.
This being her first foray towards independence, I wonder if I have provided her with enough tools to deal with life in school. I wonder if I had given her strength to be herself and to stand up for herself. I wonder if the shy little wallflower that she is will finally come out of her shell and grow. I am still wondering. Almost 2 months after the start of school, I am still wondering. It is not in her nature to blurt information, so news of school goings-on are scant or non-existent. My line of questioning has to be specific (what was lunch? what did you and your friend E played today?) This poses a problem since I go on the little information that I have observed or gleaned from previous conversations. I am wondering if this is a glimpse of her high school years when the responses to my questions would probably be just as brief.
This is a small part of letting go, the beginning of her flight. I hope for her a long and glorious adventure though some of these will from now on remain a mystery to me.
g is my wonder girl. she is the child of my heart, so intelligent, wildly emotional.
Friday, October 17, 2008
g turns 4
we had g's big birthday bash a little early this year. It was part of a big October kids' birthday extravaganza. It was nice to see everyone again. I realized then that despite summer being the season for gatherings, I barely saw anyone this summer. Sad.
I love this shot of g because I think it truly reflected the feel of the party~ carefree and happy.
It is hard to believe that g is already 4 and going to school. I am in the middle now of reviewing all my pictures for the year to create this year's scrapbook. She began the year with a recital at dance school. She looked like such a baby then.
How time flies.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Animaniacs Remixed
This is g's rendition of the Animaniac theme song.
For the curious, the original version is more like this.
For the curious, the original version is more like this.
Friday, October 03, 2008
Flash Fever
Very odd thing happened last night and I am putting the word out to figure out why.
g woke up in the middle of the night, crying. She told me she was crying because she wanted me to give her water. (That's not something she usually cries about.) I felt her forehead as I was trying to calm her down. It was hot, really hot. I gave her water and took her temp. She was 103.6. I took another and it was the same.
I gave her a dose of ibuprofen and put her back to bed. I asked if she needed anything else, she just said that she thinks she needs to go to sleep now (something she doesn't usually say.)
Before that, she was complaining about pain in her knees and not being able to walk on it. I thought that this was a reaction to all the attention that s is getting. (s has been sick the last few days). She also told me before she slept that her eyes feel like they're "sleepy." She didn't have a fever when she went to sleep though.
The fever spike took place around 1:00 am. When she woke up today, I fully expected her to be sick and have at least a little remnant of a fever. She didn't. Her temp was fine.
Anyone has any ideas of what this is?
g woke up in the middle of the night, crying. She told me she was crying because she wanted me to give her water. (That's not something she usually cries about.) I felt her forehead as I was trying to calm her down. It was hot, really hot. I gave her water and took her temp. She was 103.6. I took another and it was the same.
I gave her a dose of ibuprofen and put her back to bed. I asked if she needed anything else, she just said that she thinks she needs to go to sleep now (something she doesn't usually say.)
Before that, she was complaining about pain in her knees and not being able to walk on it. I thought that this was a reaction to all the attention that s is getting. (s has been sick the last few days). She also told me before she slept that her eyes feel like they're "sleepy." She didn't have a fever when she went to sleep though.
The fever spike took place around 1:00 am. When she woke up today, I fully expected her to be sick and have at least a little remnant of a fever. She didn't. Her temp was fine.
Anyone has any ideas of what this is?
Monday, September 29, 2008
A TYRANT IN THE MAKING
A post from dad...g has lately become somewhat of a crybaby. The slightest touch or disapproval from anyone would send her into tears. The situation is no different in response to her little sister, s. The situation between my two girls can turn ugly fast. One second they're playing and the next second g is in tears.
While i was busy preparing dinner tonight, the kids were engaged in their typical roughhousing. All of a sudden g comes running to me in the kitchen crying that her little sister just kicked her. In an effort to empower her to be more independent and less of a crybaby, F and me are trying to let g decide what she can do in response to things that upset her. I asked g to calmly stop crying and to think about what she wanted to do. She paused for just a moment and then ran back to the living room and confronted her little sister. With her index finger pointed and wagging at little s, g yelled at her and said "s, no kicking!" Ordinarily s would slink back to a corner because she knew she did something wrong or just stand there and stare coyly, but today after hearing her sister yell at her, she stuck out her little index finger, stared squarely into her older sister's eyes and said in perfect english "no crying!" That upset g even more and she yelled even louder "no kicking" to which s replied "no crying." The yelling and finger wagging went back and forth for a bit more before i broke it up. g was in tears and s evolved from yelling "no crying" to "no kicking."
Today is the first time i saw s verbally stick up for herself. I fear the tyrant brewing inside of her.
While i was busy preparing dinner tonight, the kids were engaged in their typical roughhousing. All of a sudden g comes running to me in the kitchen crying that her little sister just kicked her. In an effort to empower her to be more independent and less of a crybaby, F and me are trying to let g decide what she can do in response to things that upset her. I asked g to calmly stop crying and to think about what she wanted to do. She paused for just a moment and then ran back to the living room and confronted her little sister. With her index finger pointed and wagging at little s, g yelled at her and said "s, no kicking!" Ordinarily s would slink back to a corner because she knew she did something wrong or just stand there and stare coyly, but today after hearing her sister yell at her, she stuck out her little index finger, stared squarely into her older sister's eyes and said in perfect english "no crying!" That upset g even more and she yelled even louder "no kicking" to which s replied "no crying." The yelling and finger wagging went back and forth for a bit more before i broke it up. g was in tears and s evolved from yelling "no crying" to "no kicking."
Today is the first time i saw s verbally stick up for herself. I fear the tyrant brewing inside of her.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
6 Food Mistakes Parents Make - NYT Article
I thought that this was an interesting article. Link is here.
Text below:
Text below:
HARRIET WOROBEY, a childhood nutrition instructor, knows firsthand that children can be picky eaters, but even she was surprised by a preschooler last year who ate a mostly chocolate diet.
“Chocolate milk, chocolate chip muffins, chocolate chip pancakes — it was unbelievable,” said Ms. Worobey, director of the Rutgers University Nutritional Sciences Preschool in New Brunswick, N.J. “His mother just thought, ‘That’s what he wants, so that’s what I’m going to do.’ ”
While most parents haven’t resorted to the chocolate diet, they can relate to the daily challenge of finding foods that children will eat. Although obesity dominates the national discussion on childhood health, many parents are also worried that their child’s preferred diet of nuggets and noodles could lead to a nutritional deficit.
Fussiness about food is a normal part of a child’s development. Young children are naturally neophobic — they have a distrust of the new. Even the most determined parents can be cowed by a child’s resolve to eat nothing rather than try something new. As a result, parents often give in, deciding that a bowl of Cocoa Puffs or a Pop-Tart, while not ideal, must be better than no food at all.
“I think parents feel like it’s their job to just make their children eat something,” Ms. Worobey said. “But it’s really their job to serve a variety of healthy foods and get their children exposed to foods.”
A series of simple meal-time strategies can help even the pickiest eater learn to like a more varied diet. Here’s a look at six common mistakes parents make when feeding their children.
Sending children out of the kitchen With hot stoves, boiling water and sharp knives at hand, it is understandable that parents don’t want children in the kitchen when they’re making dinner. But studies suggest that involving children in meal preparation is an important first step in getting them to try new foods.
Researchers at Teachers College at Columbia University studied how cooking with a child affects the child’s eating habits. In one study, nearly 600 children from kindergarten to sixth grade took part in a nutrition curriculum intended to get them to eat more vegetables and whole grains. Some children, in addition to having lessons about healthful eating, took part in cooking workshops. The researchers found that children who had cooked their own foods were more likely to eat those foods in the cafeteria, and even ask for seconds, than children who had not had the cooking class.
When children are involved in meal preparation, “they come to at least try the food,” said Isobel Contento, professor of nutrition education at Teachers College and a co-author of the study. “Kids don’t usually like radishes, but we found that if kids cut up radishes and put them in the salad, they love the radishes.”
Pressuring them to take a bite Demanding that a child eat at least one bite of everything seems reasonable, but it’s likely to backfire.
Studies show that children react negatively when parents pressure them to eat foods, even if the pressure offers a reward. In one study at Pennsylvania State University, researchers asked children to eat vegetables and drink milk, offering them stickers and television time if they did. Later in the study, the children expressed dislike for the foods they had been rewarded for eating.
“Parents say things like ‘eat your vegetables and you can watch TV,’ but we know that kind of thing doesn’t work either,” said Leann L. Birch, director of Penn State’s childhood obesity research center and a co-author of the study. “In the short run, you might be able to coerce a child to eat, but in the long run, they will be less likely to eat those foods.”
The better approach is to put the food on the table and encourage a child to try it. But don’t complain if she refuses, and don’t offer praise if she tastes it. Just ask her if she wants some more or take seconds yourself, but try to stay neutral.
Keeping ‘good stuff’ out of reach Parents worry that children will binge on treats, so they often put them out of sight or on a high shelf. But a large body of research shows that if a parent restricts a food, children just want it more.
In another Penn State study, researchers experimented to determine whether forbidden foods were more desirable. Children were seated at tables and given unlimited access to plates of apple or peach cookie bars — two foods the youngsters had rated as “just O.K.” in earlier taste tests. With another group, some bars were served on plates, while some were placed in a clear cookie jar in the middle of the table. The children were told that after 10 minutes, they could snack on cookies from the jar.
The researchers found that restricting the cookies had a profound effect: consumption more than tripled compared with when the cookies were served on plates.
Other studies show that children whose food is highly restricted at home are far more likely to binge when they have access to forbidden foods.
The lesson for parents? Don’t bring foods that you feel the need to restrict into the house. Instead, buy healthful snacks and give children free access to the food cabinets.
Dieting in front of your children Kids are tuned into their parents’ eating preferences and are far more likely to try foods if they see their mother or father eating them. A Rutgers study of parent and child food preferences found that preschoolers tended to like or reject the same fruits and vegetables their parents liked or didn’t like. And other research has shown girls are more likely to be picky eaters if their mothers don’t like vegetables.
Given this powerful effect, parents who are trying to lose weight should be aware of how their dieting habits can influence a child’s perceptions about food and healthful eating. In one study of 5-year-old girls, one child noted that dieting involved drinking chocolate milkshakes — her mother was using Slim-Fast drinks. Another child said dieting meant “you fix food but you don’t eat it.”
A 2005 report in the journal Health Psychology found that mothers who were preoccupied with their weight and eating were more likely to restrict foods for their daughters or encourage them to lose weight. Daughters of dieters were also more likely to try diets as well. The problem is, restrictive diets don’t work for most people and often lead to binge eating and weight gain. By exposing young children to erratic dieting habits, parents may be putting them at risk for eating disorders or a lifetime of chronic dieting. “Most mothers don’t think their kids are soaking up this information, but they are,” Dr. Birch said. “They’re teaching it to their daughters even though it doesn’t work for them.”
Serving boring vegetables Calorie-counting parents often serve plain steamed vegetables, so it’s no wonder children are reluctant to eat them. Nutritionists say parents shouldn’t be afraid to dress up the vegetables. Adding a little butter, ranch dressing, cheese sauce or brown sugar to a vegetable dish can significantly improve its kid appeal. And adding a little fat to vegetables helps unlock their fat-soluble nutrients. The few extra calories you’re adding are a worthwhile tradeoff for the nutritional boost and the chance to introduce a child to a vegetable.
Giving up too soon Ms. Worobey said she has often heard parents say, “My kid would never eat that.” While it may be true right now, she noted that eating preferences often change. So parents should keep preparing a variety of healthful foods and putting them on the table, even if a child refuses to take a bite. In young children, it may take 10 or more attempts over several months to introduce a food.
Sibling dynamics and friendships can also change a child’s eating habits. Dr. Birch of Penn State noted that her first child was always willing to try new foods, but that her second child was not. “Part of it was just him defining his place in the family,” she said. By the age of 10 or 11, he didn’t want to be outdone by his sister and was far more willing to try new foods.
Susan B. Roberts, a Tufts University nutritionist and co-author of the book “Feeding Your Child for Lifelong Health,” suggested a “rule of 15” — putting a food on the table at least 15 times to see if a child will accept it. Once a food is accepted, parents should use “food bridges,” finding similarly colored or flavored foods to expand the variety of foods a child will eat. If a child likes pumpkin pie, for instance, try mashed sweet potatoes and then mashed carrots. If a child loves corn, try mixing in a few peas or carrots. Even if a child picks them out, the exposure to the new food is what counts.
“As parents, you’re going to make decisions as to what you want to serve,” Ms. Worobey said. “But then you just have to relax and realize children are different from day to day.”
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Easy Banana Bread (great kiddie activity)
I got this from another mommy. g and I have been experimenting with baking together. Well, the results seem like an experiments. I have been on the lookout recently for activities we can do together and baking or cooking seems to be a natural thing for mommies and girlies.
So now on to the recipe:
Banana Bread
So now on to the recipe:
Banana Bread
1/2 cup butter Cream together
3/4 cup sugar
2 beaten eggs Add to above
1 cup mashed ripe bananas
1 teas. baking soda Mix together and add to above
4 tablespoons sour cream (Will start to bubble up)
1 teas. vanilla Add to above
1 1/2 cups sifted flour Add to above and mix well.
Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.
My additions/comments on the recipe:
1. butter should be room temperature. (Every baker out there reading this is probably rolling his eyes. Sorry.)
2.the kids loved opening the bananas and mashing them up.
3. I found this cool video of how to cream butter for the newbies out there.
The results:
g gives it 2 thumbs up.
Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.
My additions/comments on the recipe:
1. butter should be room temperature. (Every baker out there reading this is probably rolling his eyes. Sorry.)
2.the kids loved opening the bananas and mashing them up.
3. I found this cool video of how to cream butter for the newbies out there.
The results:
g gives it 2 thumbs up.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
The crazy month of August
It's been a really hectic month but I'd like to share our pictures over the last month.
This is Liberty State park during our sad attempt to fly a kite.
This is Liberty State park during our sad attempt to fly a kite.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Mommy confession
9:22 pm - This is arguably the best part of the day. Yes, I admit it. It is quiet in the house. I am watching "The Next Food Network Star". I have poured myself a rather strong glass of plum wine. For the first time in my typical day, I breathe. Not that the day is over but that I can at least work at my own pace. There is still a lunch and/or dinner to prepare. More often there is a document or two that needs to be prepared for work. There is some cleaning that needs to be done. The list goes on and on and on.
As much as I love motherhood, I need this quiet every night.
As much as I love motherhood, I need this quiet every night.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Disease proof your child
I can't recall anymore how I found this book, Disease-Proof Your Child by Dr. Joel Fuhrman. In the book, he advocates for nutritional excellence. As defined in the book, nutritional excellence is mainly a vegan diet. Though he feels that vegan is the way to go for everyone (including and especially kids who have started solids), he makes a little compromise for some lean meat and some dairy (but only low fat).
There are some tips that are pretty useful in the book. For one, he lists ten super foods which is a great guideline to incorporate. (Excerpted from the book/website)
There is one point though that he made regarding picky eaters that turned on the "light bulb" for me. His advice was to never coerce a child to eat. Seems like an oft repeated mantra but he follows it up with a new mantra - "I will not be concerned with the number of calories consumed by my child" It finally clicked. I really did just stop pushing s to eat. It was getting more and more frustrating. I've tried many things but often she will eat as much as she wants and as often as she wants. So now I don't push anymore. I stopped completely. I would ask the nanny how much she ate. However much it is, it is enough until she asks for more. That has been such a relief.
In summary, he makes a lot of interesting points though many of his points were made in most health magazines for years. So there is probably no reason the book should have gone to almost 230 pages.
My rating - read through the website. Everything is there and the information is indexed for quick access.
There are some tips that are pretty useful in the book. For one, he lists ten super foods which is a great guideline to incorporate. (Excerpted from the book/website)
Avocados are a clean, healthy source of healthy fatty acids. They are rich in cholesterol-lowering phytosterols and high in the powerful anti-oxidant glutathione. Avocados are healthy anti-cancer food. Use it in place of butter, mash it with bananas for young children, and use it in lots of avocado-based dressings and dips.
Blueberries/Blackberries are packed with tannins, anthocyanidins, flavonoids, polyphenols, and proanthcyanidins that have been linked to prevention and reversal of age-related mental decline. They also have powerful anti-cancer effects. Use frozen organic berries in the winter when fresh ones are not available.
Cantaloupes are another vitamin powerhouse. With only 56 calories a cup, one gets a huge amount of vitamin C and beta-carotene as well as folate, potassium, fiber, thiamin, niacin, pantothenic acid, and vitamin B6.
Carrots/Beets are colorful root crops that add beauty and flavor to dishes. Shredded raw in salads, cooked, or in soups, they are high in fiber and antioxidants compounds such as cartonoids abd betacyanin, a powerful cancer protective agent found to inhibit cell mutations.
Flax Seeds are rich in lignans and omega-3 fatty acids, and scientific studies have confirmed that flax seeds have a positive influence on everything from cholesterol levels and constipation to cancer and heart disease. Use ground flax seed in oatmeal, or add them to whipped frozen bananas, stewed apples, and cinnamon and nut balls. Keep in mind that the scientifically documented benefits from flax seeds come from raw, ground flax seed, not flax seed oil.
Green Lettuce is exceptionally low in calories, but contains an abundance of phytonutrients, plant proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Eat salad with lettuce every day.
Kale is a fantastic high-nutrient green vegetable to add to soups and to serve chopped.
Sesame Seeds are one of the most mineral-rich foods in the world and a potent source of calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, manganese, zinc, vitamins, and fiber. They are also rich in anti-cancer lignans that are uniquely found in sesame seeds alone. Grind some unhulled sesame seeds into a powder to sprinkle on salads and vegetables. Toast lightly and mix with eggplant, chickpeas, scallions, and garlic for a healthy and delicious dip.
Strawberries are high in folic acid, flavonoids, iron, and vitamin C. They provide a good source of dietary fiber and potassium yet contain only 60 calories per cup. Use strawberries and frozen strawberries frequently. Try a fruit smoothie by blending together a banana, orange juice, and frozen strawberries.
Tomatoes have been a hot topic in recent years because their consumption has been linked to dramatic reduction in the incidence of common cancers. One of the tomatoes' heavily investigated anti-cancer phytochemicals is lycopene, which has been shown to be protective against cancer, including prostate cancer, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancers."
The other tip that I liked is regarding nuts. He liked nuts as an alternate (read - better) form of fat. However it shouldn't still be consumed in large quantities.There is one point though that he made regarding picky eaters that turned on the "light bulb" for me. His advice was to never coerce a child to eat. Seems like an oft repeated mantra but he follows it up with a new mantra - "I will not be concerned with the number of calories consumed by my child" It finally clicked. I really did just stop pushing s to eat. It was getting more and more frustrating. I've tried many things but often she will eat as much as she wants and as often as she wants. So now I don't push anymore. I stopped completely. I would ask the nanny how much she ate. However much it is, it is enough until she asks for more. That has been such a relief.
In summary, he makes a lot of interesting points though many of his points were made in most health magazines for years. So there is probably no reason the book should have gone to almost 230 pages.
My rating - read through the website. Everything is there and the information is indexed for quick access.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Darfur - a primer in 10 minutes
I know that this is not mommy related but I was so impressed at how clearly and succinctly this short video was able to explain the conflict that even I with my mommy (read - foggy) brain could understand.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Boston, part 3 - Whale Watching
This is one of the few pictures I took. The whale watching trip really went well. I was so hesitant about the whole thing because I was afraid that we would not see whales and that we would all get seasick. This was taken with no zoom lens. The whales were really that close.
We booked a tour with Boston Harbor Cruise. I booked over the phone. It was a little annoying that I never got an email confirm of my booking. I had to call back and get a confirm number. I also like this tour operator because unlike the New England Aquarium tour that was going to charge for every person onboard (so for us. that's 2 adults, 1 senior and 2 kids). Whereas this operator will only charge for adults and seniors. Kids under 4 are free.
Though the tour turned out to be 3 1/2 hours (it was advertised at 3 hours), the time went by really quickly. We had the first whale sighting within an hour or so. It was pretty awesome to see.
Now some words of caution:
Whales don't breach very often. A breach is when the whale basically jumps out of the water. We found out that whales only breach about 10% of the time and usually as a result of trying to get to some "itch" or some irritation that has latched to its skin. It can also be a form of communication. However since it takes a lot of energy to do this move, it doesn't happen often. So adjust your expectations. Because if you came to see jumping whales, you'll be disappointed.
It's colder in the open ocean, especially when the boat is traveling at top speed. When the experts say this online, believe them. I forgot my jacket at home and thought that since it was a warm summer day, I would be fine. I don't get cold much but it was chilly on the upper deck. I should have listened. So if you are planning to be on the upper deck, plan on bringing a sweater or thick windbreaker with a hood.
If you're feeling lucky.... I chose to go with the advice of staking a spot on the upper deck for the best view. However I think everyone got that advice, so it got pretty crowded. Whereas Gmom, G and the kids remained downstairs inside the cabin so that they can stay warm. When the whale sightings began, everyone made a dash for the upper level, leaving the windows of cabin open for viewing. G got some really great video of the whales without leaving the comfort of the climate-controlled cabin. He was lucky. Later on, a bunch of kids came back from upper deck and his clear view got obstructed.
Boston, part 2
After a great time at the Children's museum, the family C retired to our hotel.
for a nice afternoon nap. Instead of the whole production of taking the kids out trying to scope for food, we left them with Gmom napping while G and I tried to find get food. We found Thai Basil Restaurant. I was very encouraged by the amount of local kids (probably university kids) who were piling into the place. Lots of small families too.
The food was acceptable Thai. Of course, I made the mistake of ordering a lo mein, thinking that the kids might like that. Instead they took to the Mango fried rice. The lo mein looked a little sickly but everything else was just ok.
After an arduous swim in the hotel pool, it was time for fireworks or more accurately, it was time to wait for the fireworks which did not happen till almost 11:00 PM. For young families who want to watch fireworks, I think this might have been the best decision. I paid more than I would normally for a smallish hotel room but the view to the fireworks were amazing.
From my research, this is one of the few hotels in the area that actually has a view to the fireworks display from the rooms. We played the broadcast on TV to listen to announcements and watched the fireworks through the window of our climate-controlled hotel room. It was fabulous.
Some tips for those wanting to book a room for the 4th of July Fireworks in Boston:
1. The hotel that we used was the Westin Copley Place. There are other Westin properties in Boston, so make sure you have the right one.
2. Request a room on a high floor. We were on the 22nd floor and we are slightly obstructed by the roof of the building next door (check picture above). 22nd floor is the lowest floor to be on for a good view (I think).
3. Request a river view.
Was it worth the extra $$$? I think so. g really wanted to see fireworks. To try to bring the kids to the waterfront in the heat and have her waits HOURS just felt excruciating to me. It was a once-in-a-lifetime expense. She has these pictures. We can check this off the list.
The hotel was clean. The pool was also clean. The staff were easy to deal with. The hotel was also convenient in the sense that it is near the subway.
RIPOFF ALERT - the hotel has valet parking ($42 for the evening) and self- parking ($32 for the evening). Both prices are highly inflated. When we inquired about other parking options in the area, we were told that there weren't much. Driving around the corner to look for the hotel self-parking entrance, I saw another parking garage sign for $9. I parked there. Not knowing that metered parking is suspended because of the holiday. I found out the day after. So I could have parked for free. Lesson learned.
for a nice afternoon nap. Instead of the whole production of taking the kids out trying to scope for food, we left them with Gmom napping while G and I tried to find get food. We found Thai Basil Restaurant. I was very encouraged by the amount of local kids (probably university kids) who were piling into the place. Lots of small families too.
The food was acceptable Thai. Of course, I made the mistake of ordering a lo mein, thinking that the kids might like that. Instead they took to the Mango fried rice. The lo mein looked a little sickly but everything else was just ok.
After an arduous swim in the hotel pool, it was time for fireworks or more accurately, it was time to wait for the fireworks which did not happen till almost 11:00 PM. For young families who want to watch fireworks, I think this might have been the best decision. I paid more than I would normally for a smallish hotel room but the view to the fireworks were amazing.
From my research, this is one of the few hotels in the area that actually has a view to the fireworks display from the rooms. We played the broadcast on TV to listen to announcements and watched the fireworks through the window of our climate-controlled hotel room. It was fabulous.
Some tips for those wanting to book a room for the 4th of July Fireworks in Boston:
1. The hotel that we used was the Westin Copley Place. There are other Westin properties in Boston, so make sure you have the right one.
2. Request a room on a high floor. We were on the 22nd floor and we are slightly obstructed by the roof of the building next door (check picture above). 22nd floor is the lowest floor to be on for a good view (I think).
3. Request a river view.
Was it worth the extra $$$? I think so. g really wanted to see fireworks. To try to bring the kids to the waterfront in the heat and have her waits HOURS just felt excruciating to me. It was a once-in-a-lifetime expense. She has these pictures. We can check this off the list.
The hotel was clean. The pool was also clean. The staff were easy to deal with. The hotel was also convenient in the sense that it is near the subway.
RIPOFF ALERT - the hotel has valet parking ($42 for the evening) and self- parking ($32 for the evening). Both prices are highly inflated. When we inquired about other parking options in the area, we were told that there weren't much. Driving around the corner to look for the hotel self-parking entrance, I saw another parking garage sign for $9. I parked there. Not knowing that metered parking is suspended because of the holiday. I found out the day after. So I could have parked for free. Lesson learned.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
A word on sunscreen
I found this website and found it to be incredibly useful in understanding about sunscreens. It is a huge read for busy moms but well worth it when you consider that it does not recommend some of the most popular brands of sunscreens like Coppertone.
It breaks down each product by toxicity and by effectiveness. It is interesting that it also recommends a common drugstore brand above the leading ones in the field.
This site is not limited to sunscreen but covers all manner of cosmetics and skin care. I also like the fact that this is primarily a research group, not affiliated with any company and not trying to sell any other product of its own.
Cosmetic Database
It breaks down each product by toxicity and by effectiveness. It is interesting that it also recommends a common drugstore brand above the leading ones in the field.
This site is not limited to sunscreen but covers all manner of cosmetics and skin care. I also like the fact that this is primarily a research group, not affiliated with any company and not trying to sell any other product of its own.
Cosmetic Database
Monday, July 07, 2008
Boston!!!
The Family C has just returned from a wonderful trip to Boston, MA. We went there for the 4th of July fireworks. g has always liked fireworks. We set out early Saturday morning, hoping to arrive in Boston around 1:00 pm.
With Gmom in tow, we set off more or less on schedule. Almost as soon as the car started, Gmom proceeded to serve up a variety of snacks. Most surprisingly, after an hour or so of snacks, g & s fell asleep at 10:30 AM. I can't remember the last time these kids went to sleep that early but they both did.
Upon arriving in Boston at noon (a whole hour earlier than my expectation. Thanks, Tom tom), we were primed for some of that famous New England seafood. Our first stop was the Barking Crab Restaurant.
Our rating - too much for too little
We had asked about their crab bowl. It's basically 4 lbs of different types of crab "clusters" (not sure what a crab cluster is.) I think there should be snow crab, dungeness crabs and king crabs. All this for the "bargain" price of $80. Hmmm....No. So instead of the crab bowl, we got 3 appetizers, 4 sides and a kid's meal. Our total ended up being $80 anyway which is the irony. The food was ok though not worth $80. It's a shack albeit a glorified one. We had the steamed mussels, calamari and crab cakes. For sides, we had 2 orders of jasmine rice, green beans and bok choy with shitake mushrooms. The portions were really small. Flavorwise, well, it's nothing to write up. I'll leave it at that.
Next stop, Boston Children's Museum
This was not part of the original plan but since we saw a sign for it at the Barking crab, I thought, "why not?" The kids were rested and we needed something low key to do before the fireworks tonight. So we went and it turned out to be one of the best children's museum I have gone to.
It had a ton of things to do. There were the usual animal displays, bubbles, water area and oversized climbing structures. I also liked that there were cultural displays as well. They had a recreation of a traditional Japanese house. A new exhibit for the rest of the year is about Hangzhou, China. There was a recreation of a typical Chinese kitchen (funny, looks a lot like mine - complete with oyster sauce, wok and steamer). There was a video class on working an abacus. There was also a water wall where kids should be trying Chinese calligraphy (ie excuse for kids to play with water and a brush). Costumes and a small stage for a Chinese opera was also available for play. I would post a particularly incriminating photo but for the sake of the marriage, I won't.
The most fun was a "photo souvenir booth" where there was a background set and camera hooked up to the internet and pc. You take the picture, enter your email address and voila!!!
In summary, Love it.
With Gmom in tow, we set off more or less on schedule. Almost as soon as the car started, Gmom proceeded to serve up a variety of snacks. Most surprisingly, after an hour or so of snacks, g & s fell asleep at 10:30 AM. I can't remember the last time these kids went to sleep that early but they both did.
Upon arriving in Boston at noon (a whole hour earlier than my expectation. Thanks, Tom tom), we were primed for some of that famous New England seafood. Our first stop was the Barking Crab Restaurant.
Our rating - too much for too little
We had asked about their crab bowl. It's basically 4 lbs of different types of crab "clusters" (not sure what a crab cluster is.) I think there should be snow crab, dungeness crabs and king crabs. All this for the "bargain" price of $80. Hmmm....No. So instead of the crab bowl, we got 3 appetizers, 4 sides and a kid's meal. Our total ended up being $80 anyway which is the irony. The food was ok though not worth $80. It's a shack albeit a glorified one. We had the steamed mussels, calamari and crab cakes. For sides, we had 2 orders of jasmine rice, green beans and bok choy with shitake mushrooms. The portions were really small. Flavorwise, well, it's nothing to write up. I'll leave it at that.
Next stop, Boston Children's Museum
This was not part of the original plan but since we saw a sign for it at the Barking crab, I thought, "why not?" The kids were rested and we needed something low key to do before the fireworks tonight. So we went and it turned out to be one of the best children's museum I have gone to.
It had a ton of things to do. There were the usual animal displays, bubbles, water area and oversized climbing structures. I also liked that there were cultural displays as well. They had a recreation of a traditional Japanese house. A new exhibit for the rest of the year is about Hangzhou, China. There was a recreation of a typical Chinese kitchen (funny, looks a lot like mine - complete with oyster sauce, wok and steamer). There was a video class on working an abacus. There was also a water wall where kids should be trying Chinese calligraphy (ie excuse for kids to play with water and a brush). Costumes and a small stage for a Chinese opera was also available for play. I would post a particularly incriminating photo but for the sake of the marriage, I won't.
The most fun was a "photo souvenir booth" where there was a background set and camera hooked up to the internet and pc. You take the picture, enter your email address and voila!!!
In summary, Love it.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
g says the darnest things #251
The back story - The Family C finally got a new set of wheels. It was long overdue considering all the mechanical difficulties that poor civic had and about $1500 in repairs due. One major repair was air conditioning. The AC stopped working months ago. So while driving to a playdate, g and I were talking about the new car. She mentioned she wanted to show her friend, a, her new big car. She also said that a had a small car while she had a big car. Not wanting to make her feel that somehow having a big car was any better than a small car, I explained that our small car's AC had broken down and that is why we needed to get the bigger car. That some people did not want or need a bigger car.
Fast forward to actual story....
G was doing brain quest with g. In one picture, she was asked to identify what was missing from the image. The image was of a car interior with no steering wheel.
So G asked, "what's missing, g?"
g responds, "the car has no air conditioning."
Fast forward to actual story....
G was doing brain quest with g. In one picture, she was asked to identify what was missing from the image. The image was of a car interior with no steering wheel.
So G asked, "what's missing, g?"
g responds, "the car has no air conditioning."
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Pumps - info for new moms
I've been asked this a few times this week, so I thought I'd share a list taken from one of my mommy forums. This is by no means comprehensive but these are all mommy-tested and approved.
First and foremost, for information on breastfeeding - go to Kellymom
Now, info on Pumps, parts and all:
Pump Recommendations
Medela Pump In Style
Medela Pump In Style Advanced
Ameda Purely Yours
Avent Isis
Whisper Wear
Lansinoh Double Electric (same as the Ameda Purely Yours)
Milk Storage
Gerber Seal 'N Go Breastmilk Storage Bags
Medela Pump and Save Bags
Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags
Avent Via
Other Pumping Accessories
Medela Personal Fit Breast Shields
Easy Expressions Hands Free Pumping Bra (a lifesaver!!!!)
Medela Micro Steam Bags and Anti-Bacterial Wipes (never used this personally but heard good things about it)
Replacement Valves and Membranes for the PIS
Places to find pumps for less
breastpump.com
Birth and Baby
The Baby Bungalow
Other recommended vendors for replacement parts
Self Expressions
Pumps for Less
NYC people can get their replacement parts, pump rental and all things breastfeeding related at the UpperBreastSide store.
First and foremost, for information on breastfeeding - go to Kellymom
Now, info on Pumps, parts and all:
Pump Recommendations
Medela Pump In Style
Medela Pump In Style Advanced
Ameda Purely Yours
Avent Isis
Whisper Wear
Lansinoh Double Electric (same as the Ameda Purely Yours)
Milk Storage
Gerber Seal 'N Go Breastmilk Storage Bags
Medela Pump and Save Bags
Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags
Avent Via
Other Pumping Accessories
Medela Personal Fit Breast Shields
Easy Expressions Hands Free Pumping Bra (a lifesaver!!!!)
Medela Micro Steam Bags and Anti-Bacterial Wipes (never used this personally but heard good things about it)
Replacement Valves and Membranes for the PIS
Places to find pumps for less
breastpump.com
Birth and Baby
The Baby Bungalow
Other recommended vendors for replacement parts
Self Expressions
Pumps for Less
NYC people can get their replacement parts, pump rental and all things breastfeeding related at the UpperBreastSide store.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Shanghai noodles
So I bought bag of flat noodles and wondered what to do with it. Off to the internet I went to search for a recipe. I found this site.
Here's the recipe:
Stir-fried Shanghai Noodles Recipe
Ingredients :
1/2 pack thick yellow noodles, fresh ( 7 oz )
1 tsp chopped garlic
4 oz shredded green onions
5 oz sliced button mushrooms
5 oz cut chinese mustard greens ( aka Small Gai Choy )
1 egg
1 tbsp fish sauce
2 tbsp thick soy sauce
1-2 tsp tsp sweet soy sauce (ABC brand, bottleSweet Soy Sauce)
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp cooking oil
white pepper to taste
Notes : Sugar and molasses are already added in the thick soy sauce and the sweet soy sauce. Hence, no sugar is needed for this recipe.
Method :
1) In a pot of boiling water, cook the yellow noodles until the required texture is achieved. I like it springier, so I cook the yellow noodles for just about 5-8 minutes. Remove, rinse in cold water, drain and set aside to cool.
2) Add sesame oil and cooking oil to the cooked noodles. Mix well and set aside.
3) Heat the wok until it's smoking hot and turn the heat down to low. Quickly stir-fry the green onions and garlic until fragrant.
4) Stir in an egg, mix the cut mustard greens, sliced button mushrooms, turn the heat back high, and continue stir-fry for 1 minute.
5) Add the noodles, splash in the fish sauce, sweet soy sauce, thick soy sauce, white pepper to taste, and continue to stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minute or until evenly mixed.
Changes that I made:
- I had flat noodles instead of the egg noodles.
- I didn't have mustard greens. I used american broccoli instead and I pre-boiled it.
Verdict - stay tuned for lunch time tomorrow but at initial taste, it seems flavorful but dry.
Updated verdict - it is really dry. Flavor is there definitely. I really like the preboiling technique. Wouldn't be bad with a bowl of soup.
Here's the recipe:
Stir-fried Shanghai Noodles Recipe
Ingredients :
1/2 pack thick yellow noodles, fresh ( 7 oz )
1 tsp chopped garlic
4 oz shredded green onions
5 oz sliced button mushrooms
5 oz cut chinese mustard greens ( aka Small Gai Choy )
1 egg
1 tbsp fish sauce
2 tbsp thick soy sauce
1-2 tsp tsp sweet soy sauce (ABC brand, bottleSweet Soy Sauce)
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp cooking oil
white pepper to taste
Notes : Sugar and molasses are already added in the thick soy sauce and the sweet soy sauce. Hence, no sugar is needed for this recipe.
Method :
1) In a pot of boiling water, cook the yellow noodles until the required texture is achieved. I like it springier, so I cook the yellow noodles for just about 5-8 minutes. Remove, rinse in cold water, drain and set aside to cool.
2) Add sesame oil and cooking oil to the cooked noodles. Mix well and set aside.
3) Heat the wok until it's smoking hot and turn the heat down to low. Quickly stir-fry the green onions and garlic until fragrant.
4) Stir in an egg, mix the cut mustard greens, sliced button mushrooms, turn the heat back high, and continue stir-fry for 1 minute.
5) Add the noodles, splash in the fish sauce, sweet soy sauce, thick soy sauce, white pepper to taste, and continue to stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minute or until evenly mixed.
Changes that I made:
- I had flat noodles instead of the egg noodles.
- I didn't have mustard greens. I used american broccoli instead and I pre-boiled it.
Verdict - stay tuned for lunch time tomorrow but at initial taste, it seems flavorful but dry.
Updated verdict - it is really dry. Flavor is there definitely. I really like the preboiling technique. Wouldn't be bad with a bowl of soup.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Home Remedies
I read these in Parent's Magazine and thought it seems really interesting.
Honey and lemon juice for sore throat
Mix together a tablespoon of each microwave for 20 seconds until warm (not hot) and have your child swallow the mixture a teaspoon at a time.
Chamomile tea for colic
Steep tea for four to five minutes, let it cool to room temperature and then put one to two ounces in bottle.
Baking soda for bug bites
Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with just enough water to make a thick paste, smear it on the bites, and let it try.
cayenne pepper for nosebleeds
Keep your child's head upright and pinch his nostrils together for several minutes. Then sprinkle a pinch of ground cayenne pepper on a moistened cotton swab and dab inside the nose on the area of the bleeding.
Duct tape for warts
Place a small piece on the skin over your child's wart, but not so tightly that it hurts. Change the tape whenever it starts to get icky: in about a month, the wart should be gone.
A bubble wand for anxiety
Have our child blow long, slow steams of bubbles from the soapy wand.
Fresh Ginger tea for car sickness
add a teaspoon of shredded fresh ginger to four ounces of boiling water and let it steep for four to five minutes. You can add a bit of honey to make it taste better.
A credit card for a bee ting
Use he flat edge of a credit to gently scrape across the area until the stinger comes out.
Stick of gum for indigestion
chew some gym when she complains of a full stomach after a big meal
Don't try these
Whiskey for teething
Rubbing even a small amount of whiskey on a baby's gum can cause alcohol poisoning. Instead, gently massage the area with your finger.
Butter for burns
Petroleum jelly, oil and butter trap heat which can worsen a burn. It's best to soak your child's skin in cool water and cover with a sterile gauze pad. If it's oozing, call your doctor or head to the ER.
Bicorbonate for colic.
Some babies have died or suffered long term cognitive delay from swallowing this.
rubbing alcohol for fever.
It's true that it cools down your child's skin as it evaporates but she can also absorb and inhale the alcohol which could poison her.
Cigarette for tick removal.
The heat from a lit cigarette ca cause a tick to burrow deeper into the skin. Instead, use blunt tweezers to pull the tick out.
Honey and lemon juice for sore throat
Mix together a tablespoon of each microwave for 20 seconds until warm (not hot) and have your child swallow the mixture a teaspoon at a time.
Chamomile tea for colic
Steep tea for four to five minutes, let it cool to room temperature and then put one to two ounces in bottle.
Baking soda for bug bites
Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with just enough water to make a thick paste, smear it on the bites, and let it try.
cayenne pepper for nosebleeds
Keep your child's head upright and pinch his nostrils together for several minutes. Then sprinkle a pinch of ground cayenne pepper on a moistened cotton swab and dab inside the nose on the area of the bleeding.
Duct tape for warts
Place a small piece on the skin over your child's wart, but not so tightly that it hurts. Change the tape whenever it starts to get icky: in about a month, the wart should be gone.
A bubble wand for anxiety
Have our child blow long, slow steams of bubbles from the soapy wand.
Fresh Ginger tea for car sickness
add a teaspoon of shredded fresh ginger to four ounces of boiling water and let it steep for four to five minutes. You can add a bit of honey to make it taste better.
A credit card for a bee ting
Use he flat edge of a credit to gently scrape across the area until the stinger comes out.
Stick of gum for indigestion
chew some gym when she complains of a full stomach after a big meal
Don't try these
Whiskey for teething
Rubbing even a small amount of whiskey on a baby's gum can cause alcohol poisoning. Instead, gently massage the area with your finger.
Butter for burns
Petroleum jelly, oil and butter trap heat which can worsen a burn. It's best to soak your child's skin in cool water and cover with a sterile gauze pad. If it's oozing, call your doctor or head to the ER.
Bicorbonate for colic.
Some babies have died or suffered long term cognitive delay from swallowing this.
rubbing alcohol for fever.
It's true that it cools down your child's skin as it evaporates but she can also absorb and inhale the alcohol which could poison her.
Cigarette for tick removal.
The heat from a lit cigarette ca cause a tick to burrow deeper into the skin. Instead, use blunt tweezers to pull the tick out.
Friday, June 13, 2008
A family that wiis together
The family C is definitely WII-ing together. The purchase initially was for me. I wanted to find a way to get healthy within my specific time constraints (READ - no time). I think the WII Fit fever has spread.
Rave:
- I like the variety in the offering. However I am at day 18 ad I have unlocked almost all the games, so I am afraid I am running out of "variety" soon.
- The exercises are fun. The aerobics are the most fun. The yoga is good too. I am horrible at the balance games.
- There is something for the kids to do. The running game is good for both g and s. g can even follow along a step class.
- Hula Hoops - need I say more?
Rant
- I would wish that there would be a workout routine like a whole workout rather than pieces. Most exercises (especially the yoga stuff) has a bit of an introduction and commentary from your "trainer" afterwards. Since I am doing this because of time constraints, this is even more annoying. In the first week, a 30 minute workout would take me almost 45 minutes to get through. I do understand that most newcomers to exercise need the instructions/demo, but why can't I just skip it when I've seen all of this?
Rave:
- I like the variety in the offering. However I am at day 18 ad I have unlocked almost all the games, so I am afraid I am running out of "variety" soon.
- The exercises are fun. The aerobics are the most fun. The yoga is good too. I am horrible at the balance games.
- There is something for the kids to do. The running game is good for both g and s. g can even follow along a step class.
- Hula Hoops - need I say more?
Rant
- I would wish that there would be a workout routine like a whole workout rather than pieces. Most exercises (especially the yoga stuff) has a bit of an introduction and commentary from your "trainer" afterwards. Since I am doing this because of time constraints, this is even more annoying. In the first week, a 30 minute workout would take me almost 45 minutes to get through. I do understand that most newcomers to exercise need the instructions/demo, but why can't I just skip it when I've seen all of this?
Monday, June 09, 2008
Why can't we all just get along?
I am fresh from a big vaccine discussion on one of my mommy groups and I am spent. After that blood bath, I got another email from another mommy "friend" telling me how I was so "wrong" about my thoughts on this zoo (she loved and I hated). It has taught me one thing that when it comes to kids, parenting and things we do with our kids, there doesn't ever seem to be one right answer. However, I would like to submit that opinions (as in like and hate) has very little to do with "right", right?
Like all opinions, I don't think that mine weighs any heavier than the "paper" that this is being written on but like all opinionated people, I chose to write them anyway and share. I also believe in contributing to the "system". I read other people's reviews and get a lot of insight from them, so I think it is only fair that I contribute as well so that people may avoid my pitfalls.
I am wondering now if I should ever share my thoughts. Most people, once a parent, begin to adopt ideas and viewpoints based on their experiences of parenthood. Some then feel that because it had worked splendidly on Junior, then it must be as sacred as gospel. What saved me from that narrow point of view is little s, who firmly rejects being a copy of her older sister. s is fierce in her independence and refuses to follow any of her sister's footsteps. It almost seems like she takes great pains to avoid them.
I find that I have "encounters" with those parents often. However the "reality" is as diverse as the personalities of each little child. "What works" runs the gamut.
In the end, I bowed out of the vaccine discussion with this thought - all parents really have the same goal in mind, "the best for our kids." So as I continue posting my thoughts and opinion on the web, know that I will only be expressing one of the many viewpoints that make this parenting thing an adventure, a struggle and a joy.
Like all opinions, I don't think that mine weighs any heavier than the "paper" that this is being written on but like all opinionated people, I chose to write them anyway and share. I also believe in contributing to the "system". I read other people's reviews and get a lot of insight from them, so I think it is only fair that I contribute as well so that people may avoid my pitfalls.
I am wondering now if I should ever share my thoughts. Most people, once a parent, begin to adopt ideas and viewpoints based on their experiences of parenthood. Some then feel that because it had worked splendidly on Junior, then it must be as sacred as gospel. What saved me from that narrow point of view is little s, who firmly rejects being a copy of her older sister. s is fierce in her independence and refuses to follow any of her sister's footsteps. It almost seems like she takes great pains to avoid them.
I find that I have "encounters" with those parents often. However the "reality" is as diverse as the personalities of each little child. "What works" runs the gamut.
In the end, I bowed out of the vaccine discussion with this thought - all parents really have the same goal in mind, "the best for our kids." So as I continue posting my thoughts and opinion on the web, know that I will only be expressing one of the many viewpoints that make this parenting thing an adventure, a struggle and a joy.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Children's Place 20% off coupon - exp 6/30
Just thought I'd share this printable Children's Place coupon for 20% off entire purchase.
It's also valid for use online.
It's also valid for use online.
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