Coffee, Tea, Baby?

Sometimes in order to get out of the house, I need to offer myself a reward.  A good cup of coffee will be enough.  So I loaded the baby into the stroller for yet another adventure downtown…this time to Steel City Coffeehouse.  I’ve always loved Steel City, but I think I love it more now under new management.  They threw a new coat of fun colored paints on the walls; rearranged the tables to add more (yet it still seems like there is more room than before); and finally cooked up a new menu that includes my favorite meal: dessert.  The coolest thing about the new menu is that they have Klondike bars now.  I want a photo of my daughter in her bear suit crawling toward the Klondike bar; it would be Facebook worthy.

I digress.  Steel City Coffeehouse also offers musical shows.  I have yet to take a baby to one of these....but I’m considering it (much to the chagrin of fellow concert goers).  If you have taken a baby to one of these shows, please let me know how it went.  I remember it getting pretty packed in there during concerts, I’d like to know if it would be a total disaster to bring my little one. 

Stroller Accessibility   4  There are no stairs to navigate getting into the café; and you can get the stroller up to the counter.  However, you won’t be able to get the stroller past the main aisle, so expect your seating to be more limited.

Dirty Diaper Changing  3 There is no diaper changing station, but you do have two private unisex bathrooms to choose from.  You can throw a changing pad on the floor and get the diaper changed in private.

Family Friendliness  3  There’s a kid’s menu with healthy options, but I haven’t seen a high chair around.  The place attracts a fair amount of teenagers, that could be both good and bad.

Nursing Possibilities  3  There are some comfy seats in the place, but they aren’t really in private places to nurse.  I think I would take a bottle instead. 

Overall, I think Steel City is baby friendly during the day when it’s incredibly mellow in there.  So enjoy your cup of java, my fellow mamas! 

Say Cheese!

For Valentine’s Day this year, we had a threesome…I mean we were no longer a just a couple, we had an extra wheel, i.e. our newborn daughter.  So we decided to include her in the day by getting a professional portrait done of her in some very cute Valentine’s day themed outfits.  Those of you who are considering the 3 month old photo shoot, pay close attention. 

I chose JC Penny Portrait Studio only because I had coupons for it.  Honestly, it never occurred to me to research other photographers, and I’m sure there are some good ones out there.  I wasn’t even aware that JC Penny had a portrait studio until I received coupons for it in every baby magazine and free sample that ended up in my mailbox.  I guess the coupon assault worked, because I found myself booked for a noon sitting appointment.

First, let me say the ease of scheduling an appointment was a snap.  You can easily book your appointment online.  The website gives you helpful advice for preparing for a photo shoot with your baby, mainly how to avoid fussiness of the baby by feeding her first, bringing an extra outfit in the case of spit up, and of course, starting with a fresh diaper.  We did all the above. 

We got there early because I wanted to make sure baby was ready to shine.  Our photographer helped us pick out backgrounds that worked with our outfits, scattered the floor with rose petals, and had multiple props for our baby to pose with.  She started with tummy time pictures, which I thought was going to be a disaster, but it actually was good.  I couldn’t believe it when our baby almost rolled for the first time….apparently that happens often at the studio. 

Despite the fact that we woke the baby from a deep car induced nap and she was pretty sleepy, the photographer was a real pro and got her to smile.  That photographer even coaxed the baby into giving her “little stinker” smile which I’ve only seen on rare occasions.  I was very impressed with how well the photographer worked with us quickly (before baby got cranky), yet I didn’t feel rushed.  The photographer was also very imaginative with poses and props.  She had Callie tackling teddy bears, holding roses, and sitting in a red throne. 

The only downside was you have to choose the photos you want at the end of the session. This part does feel rushed because by this time baby is cranky and you have to make big decisions that require money.  All of the pictures we had to choose from were fantastic.  I gave all my coupons to the photographer who helped us choose the best packages available for what we wanted. To be honest, I’m not sure if I did get the best deal.  I put our trust in the photographer to give us the best deal, but that might have been naïve. Somehow I ended up spending way more than I anticipated, even with 40% off and a free 8x10.  Unbeknownst to me I also got signed up for a JC Penny Portrait Membership for $20.  I don’t remember how that happened; it was a whirlwind, baby was fussy, and I was hungry too.  So, my suggestion is to know exactly what package you want PRIOR to getting there and not deviate from the path. 

Overall, the quality of the pictures was great and the photographer was a professional and good with babies.  The only downside was having to pick my pictures immediately (although the photographer was very willing to spend as much time as needed on this part, my rumbling tummy and fussy baby did not allow the same patience).  You do get online access to the photos to order more prints, but beware that a photo sheet is anywhere between $10- $15.  That can add up!  Also, when you go to pick up your photos, they will have printed several more sheets and offer them to you for an additional $20.  It’s soooo evil, because who is going to say no? 

Where Babies Go for Fixing Up the Nursery: IKEA

I’ve always loved IKEA at any stage of my life: single, married, and now as parent.  When I was single twenty-something, I could cheaply furnish my studio apartment at Target prices, but with a touch more class.  As a married 30-something, I could furnish my slightly bigger apartment on a budget since we spent our savings on the wedding.  Now as a parent, I see that IKEA has risen to an awesomeness I had never realized before: they really cater to mommas and babies!  Here’s what I noticed with the new eyes of a parent:

Parking: family spots in the parking lot that are BIGGER (for getting car seats/strollers out) and CLOSER to the store.

Baby Nursing Station: A lockable, private room devoted to nursing your child!  Complete with a comfy chair, a changing table, and extra diapers and wipes in case you forgot!!!!  (yes, that deserves four exclamation points)

Bathrooms with changing tables: also complete with diapers and wipes.  For the smaller kids there are child seats to strap the kids into while you pee.  Note: my husband said the men’s side was fresh out of diapers though. 

Smaland: “a FREE supervised play area to leave your potty trained children between 37” – 54” tall for 1½ hours while you shop.”  Awesome!!!

Children’s Section:  Cribs, changing tables, toys, rugs, curtains…you name it, they got it!

Video games in the Living Room area:  Keeps the kids/husbands entertained while you shop.

Stroller accessible: You aren’t stuck to the aisles either. 

Cafeteria: Kid’s Menu is only a $1; and they have high chairs, bibs, and a bottle warmer.  Not to mention a complete play area for older kids. 

Shopping carts:  You don’t need to bring the stroller, they have carts (although I’ve always found IKEA shopping carts to be a bit wiley).

So, are you seeing why IKEA is like the best thing since sliced bread?  The only bad part is getting there (Rt. 476 has always stuck fear into my heart).  I ended up with a couple of finger puppets, a cute lamp for the daughter’s nursery, and a smile on my face for one of the better shopping experiences with child I’ve ever had!  

Parenting: The Musical

In the days of Glee, it doesn't surprise me that Parenting: The Musical would catch my eye.  Sure it's not exactly kid-friendly in that you can bring a child, but I get the feeling this play might provide the belly laughs a parent so rightfully deserves. For you parents who actually got a "couple's night" for Valentine's Day, you might have found that all you did was talk about the baby anyway!  My husband and I made a rule NOT to talk about the baby on our "wild" night (more like 2 hours) on the town.  Of course, we broke that rule several times.  So the next time you get a date night (hopefully this month), why not just accept the fact that you will never stop talking about the kids and go see a musical that embraces the idea?

Parenting: The Musical is playing at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia through March 6.  If you go (and I don't), please leave a comment and let me know how it was!

Restaurant Review: The Starr Diner (Formerly the Phoenix Diner)

During my pregnancy I craved a lot of things; one of those was a hamburger.  Not just any burger, but a diner burger.  There are some of you who can appreciate the subtle difference between an authentic diner burger and some fast food patty, or even how a diner burger can be way better than the gourmet flame-kissed burger with all the fixings. Yes, for a girl who grew up on diner food, it’s the only food that would satisfy me during the final trimester.

I would waddle my nine month pregnant butt up to the Starr Diner on Starr St. and feed my cravings on a regular basis.  I ate there right up to the day before my daughter was born. I swear the wait staff expected me to deliver right there in the booth with one hand dipping French fries in ketchup and the other holding my delicious burger! 

I guess you start to develop a bond with the people who saw you at your fattest, so I have continued the tradition of taking my daughter to the diner post-utero.  She’s always a big hit there with other patrons and the staff.  I can’t say enough good things about the place….wait yes I can:

Stroller accessibility: 5   Since we live close enough, we often walk to the Starr Diner (a good way to burn off this baby weight); hence we have a stroller there frequently.  Unlike other restaurants that take the stroller away, we were able to keep it with us at the table. 

Dirty Diaper Changing: 4   I was super pleased to find a nice soft padded diaper changing station in the women’s restroom.  There was not one in the men’s room, however.  But if a guy was brave enough he could easily use the women’s restroom (it’s a one toilet room, easily unisex in a pinch) to change the baby.

Family Friendliness: 5   As I said before I always feel quite welcome there.  They do have a kid’s menu and high chairs.  In fact it was a waitress here who taught us that by putting a wooden high chair upside down, we could fit the car seat carrier on top!

Nursing Possibilities:  3   I’ve never been brave enough to whip out my boob in public yet, and I may never.  There are two strategically placed booths out of public eye where I could see you getting away with it discreetly. 

Hope to see you there!

PS. Since I know at least one of my readers is pregnant, you can make your trip to the diner extra nice by treating yourself to a pedicure at Ethan’s Nails a few doors down afterwards!

The Year of the Rabbit: Come Celebrate Chinese New Year's @ the Penn Museum

What you might not know about me is that I participate in a little experiment called "Fearless Fridays," where I attempt to shed my rookie mom fears and do something bold.  This week, I'm moving "Fearless Friday" to "Scared No More Saturday" to participate in the Penn Museum's Chinese New Year's Celebration.  In order to do this I must brave Rt. 76 with baby on board.  Normally, this highway scares the crap out of me without my progeny in the backseat; so this will be quite the challenge. 

However, the events, while not necessarily infant friendly, are very kid friendly.  There will be music, dancing, calligraphy demonstrations for children, kung fu, tai chi, and even a parade!  It sounds absolutely wonderful, so I hope you might join us out there as well. Activities run from 11am-4pm.

New Event Alert!

From The Phoenix "Neighbors" section: 

Chester County Mothers of Multiples Club will be holding their bi annual outgrown children's sale on Saturday, March 19th from 9am-12pm. This event will be held at the Church Farm School at 1001 East Lincoln Highway, Exton, PA. We will be selling gently used items including children's clothing, shoes, and toys, baby accessories such as swings, highchairs and strollers as well as anything else a mother or child may need. This has become one of the largest outgrown sales in the area and our customer numbers have been rapidly growing due to the economy. We now have over 500 shoppers. For pictures and more information on this event, please go to http://ccmomc.org/public/clothing_sale.htm. For other questions, please contact Danielle Markert at themarkerts@gmail.com. The Chester County Mothers of Multiples Club (CCMOMC) is a 501(c)3 non profit and community service organization that provides support for its members in a variety of ways. We are dedicated to supporting mothers of multiples and assisting them in adjusting to their new role. Membership is available to all mothers and expectant mothers of multiples.

I will be there; will you? 

Babies Night at the Colonial Theatre

I have to admit I was riddled with anxiety about going to the movie theater with my three month old baby, even if it was Babies Night at the Colonial.  What if she screamed thru the flick and ruined it for everyone?  What if she got hungry?  What if she needed a diaper change?  What if the car seat didn’t fit in the aisle? What if I was so anxious I couldn’t concentrate on the flick?  Well, most of my fears didn’t come true, but some of them did.  As the fellow newbie parents in line said, “This could either be really awesome or a complete disaster!” I’m tending toward the awesomeness.

The best case scenario would have been that the baby falls asleep in the car and then sleeps through the entire movie.  This did not happen.  In fact, she was wide awake until five minutes before the closing credits.  On the plus side, she was very well behaved.  After buying our popcorn, Twizzlers, and sodas, we headed up to the balcony where it was warm and toasty.  Granted, I had panic attacks about the baby somehow falling off the balcony, but it was overall worth it to be upstairs when it came to diaper changing time.

Yes, within the first half hour, baby had a wet diaper. I headed to the ladies room to find no changing table, but there was a very accommodating counter space and the diaper change went off without a hitch.  Of course, I missed a ten minute segment of the movie, but oh well…I’m kind of used to watching TV like a detective: piecing together segments of an interrupted show like they were clues to a plot I’m on the verge of understanding.

Within in the next half hour, baby was hungry.  Luckily, I had brought the boppy nursing pillow with me thinking it would be more comfy for her to sit on our laps with the pillow.  The darkness of the theatre makes it ideal to breastfeed in public with none the wiser.  We managed through a half hour feed perfectly.  In the faint distance I heard a baby cry, and I smiled.  It wasn’t annoying in the least. 

Of course, she still didn’t sleep despite being milk drunk.  The gunshots from the Western flick startled her a bit (I think comedies might be better movie choices in the future), but she sat on our laps seemingly watching the movie with us.  It was only at the end that we transferred her back to the car seat, which was wedged between us on the floor of the aisle.  When the lights came back on, I noticed a couple below had managed their car seat into the actual chair.  Why didn’t we think of that? 

I think next time I will sit down below in the main area.  Carrying the car seat up to the balcony was tough.  If we walked to the theatre with our stroller, as summertime will warrant, we could park it in the handicapped seating areas and sit with our bundle of joy while we enjoy another movie night.  The best part of the night was actually getting to go to the movies with my husband after three months of cinema celibacy! 

The Valentine's Day Threesome

As Valentine’s Day quickly approaches, my husband and I are wondering how we will celebrate this holiday not as a couple, but as a family.  In the past, we celebrated V-day with romantic dinners, couples massages, etc. Considering baby Callie was born in November, Valentine’s Day holds special significance for us ;)  But this year, we can’t take a baby to a fancy restaurant (I don’t recall seeing high chairs at Majolica). So how do you celebrate a romantic holiday with the ultimate romance killer: a newborn. 

Mamas with newborns will understand.  You haven’t slept in who knows how long because you are always on call for a crying fit, not to mention the extra  baby weight makes you feel less than attractive.  In other words, daddies are really going to have to put on the charm to get Mommies in the spirit this holiday.  The old dinner and a movie gig may no longer useful.  Well maybe it is….

The Colonial Theatre has Babies Night on Mondays, and conveniently Valentine’s Day falls on a Monday this year.  Your dinner plans might include Iron Hill (see review), which is very family/baby friendly.  Valentine’s Day could very well be saved this year for new parents who don’t mind including baby on their romantic evening out.

But what could really make this Valentine’s day stand apart from the rest?  How about a professional photography session with you and your baby?  Everyone has that one outfit you’ve been dying to get baby into, but it’s just too darn nice for regular wear (and if you don’t, you have an excuse to go shopping).  So why not trek down to JCPenny Portrait Studio at the Exton or KOP Malls and get that photo taken?  Hint to Daddy looking for gift certificate opportunities:  give mommy an excuse to go have a salon day in preparation.  In keeping it local, we have Salon Fiber, Fashionistas, and Verde (where I received a very awesome maternity massage). 

But if you need some time alone (and we all need some strictly couples’ time) this V-day the hardest part is going to be finding a sitter.  No one, not even your single and childless friend, wants to admit they are alone on V-day, so finding a sitter might prove challenging.  Although I’ve never used the service, Care.com is a virtual warehouse of babysitters (and house cleaners…hint, hint, Daddy) ready to be hired.  You can find a local sitter who has had a background check and legit references.  To be honest it might beat having your folks watch the kid; your parents can be romance killer too. 

Whatever you decide to do for Valentine’s Day, may love guide you!  Cheers Phoenixville Parents!

Philadelphia Premium Outlets: Take One

Yesterday after the MOMs group, I was packing my daughter into the car and realized “Wow, it’s a really nice sunny day!”  Does this warrant a trip to the park?  More like a trip to the parking lot of the Philadelphia Premium Outlets.  I have been dying to get to the Carter’s outlet as I am addicted to their incredibly adorable clothing.  Just look at my daughter in this adorably cute Carter’s polar bears outfit (It was so cute I bought it in two sizes so she could wear it longer):

Anyway, I drove home to get my daughter appropriately dressed for an outdoor excursion (i.e. the Old Navy bear suit) and collect my hubby for some fun in the sun.  What I didn’t count on was it getting much colder in the short hour between events.  While baby was sweating under her double fleece enclosures, I was freezing my butt off (mainly because due to breast feeding, my winter coats still don’t fit).  We headed straight from the car into Ruby Tuesdays for warmth and a lunch. 

I was surprised to see at least four strollers already parked in the foyer of the restaurant.  Obviously we weren’t the only ones with babies who knew about this secret family friendly haven.  I won’t do a full review here, but let’s just say they have a changing table in the restroom (and it was an aluminum space-aged looking changing table at that).  As I was leaving the bathroom, I discovered another mommy friend who also had the same idea about stroller walk at the outlets.  See it’s good to get out!

I had big ambitions to check out all the children’s stores, but I only managed two!  The Children’s Place disappointingly had no clothing for a baby under 6months (Why?). On a side note, I also tried visiting The Children's Place at KOP mall and the employees had rudely cut off access to the newborn section and obviously I had a newborn with me. Despite standing there looking longingly at the clothes I wanted to buy but could not get to, the employees continued to ignore me and, hence, lost my business.  That's two strikes Children's Place!  One more and you're out!

Anyway, back to the story at hand, we stopped beating around the bush and got to Carter's.  It was like heaven on earth.  No joke.  I bought $40 worth of stuff she’ll probably grow out of in two days, but it was all so cute, and I couldn’t stop.  Even my husband ended up going gaga over some footies. 

We emerged from Carter's triumphant.  I saw Heartstrings and OshKosh B’Gosh a few doors down, but I was already tired, cold, and cranky as soon as a gust of arctic wind hit me in the face.  Hence, I entitle this "Take One", because I will be back to properly review this beast.  It just might take a few installments! 

MOMs Club Phoenixville

MOMS Club Phoenixville Meeting

BEFORE:

I type this at 9am in the morning.  I’ve already had an unprecedented shower in the AM in anticipation of attending my very first MOMs club Phoenixville meeting.  For the first time in 12 weeks, I’ve thought about how my hair looks and what I’m wearing.  I’m debating whether or not to bring my child.  If things go south, I could hide behind her car seat; but using my child as a shield seems pathetic, however, possibly necessary. My husband offered to watch her, and I should very well accept that offer, but I feel pioneering this morning…those MOMs clubs ladies surely have their babies with them.  Luckily, I hear her pooping so that’s one less challenge I have to face in front of the glaring eyes of 20 other experienced mothers. 

I hope I’m being silly with a bad case of social anxiety.  But If I have it, then I’m sure at least one other reader does too.  I figured if you knew the whole journey, it could inspire you to get out of the house and check out the group too.  My biggest fear is that since I am not a stay-at-home mom, this will exclude me from just about every activity the group has to offer.  At least I can inform you about what I’ll be missing out on.   

We are out the door!

AFTER:

Well, MOMs club time is approximate (not like Baby Story Time at the Phoenixville Library where 9:30am means 9:30am).  I was unusually the first person there, and there’s nothing worse than being the first, especially when you are new.  But as mommies trickled in with their kids, the small play corner of Franklin Commons Bistro became a toddler zoo.  (Note: Franklin Commons Bistro would be a great place to take your toddler if you wanted to get out of the house and your child wanted to enjoy toys you didn't buy.) 

I soon realized that if I had showed up without a child, I would have stuck out like a sore thumb.  So bring your baby to the meetings (even the business ones).  I chatted with a few moms in between them chasing their two year olds around the place.  My baby, like always, is the youngest one there.  Do mommies with children under 6 months ever leave the house?  If so, where are you hanging out?  I want to meet you!  One of the MOMs assured me that the club does have quite a few newer moms with younger babies, but the turnout today was low.

I really enjoyed meeting the MOMs of Phoenixville.  All were super sweet, but the meeting really didn’t afford much talk time. Both the baby and I were a bit overwhelmed by the activity of the place.  It’s hard focusing on adult talk with fifteen toddlers wandering around.  Maybe that’s an acquired skill of motherhood.  I think I’d prefer smaller group functions.  From what I understand, any MOM can host an activity, and I use the word “host” loosely.  You could “host” a stroller walk at Valley Forge Park; just tell the MOMs where you’ll be and see if anybody meets you there!

What did I learn from MOMs today?  One: Monkey Joe’s is apparently the place to be.  Two: Kindergarten is way harder than it used to be back when we were in it.  Forget the days of recess and nap time.  Apparently, Kindergarten is the new college.

Will I be back?  To a meeting, no (but logistically I’ll be back at work). To an activity, yes.  I just have to get my $25 membership dues in (although you are allowed to attend two functions before you decide to be a member).