Hospital Bag Essentials : What to Pack

When you are getting ready to deliver your baby it can make you nervous not knowing when or what is going to happen. Just try to plan for what you can control, pack your bags, and be ready to roll with the punches.

What's In The Bag?

For Mom:

1. Large overnight bag - 1 or 2 smaller bags (for free stuff from the hospital - diapers, blanket etc...you know mama likes free stuff)

2. Folder - to hold paper work, birth certificate health insurance info preferably plastic in case of a spill

3. Robe, preferable long and large and comfy.

4. Slippers and or shower shoes or flip flops

5. Stretchy Clothes or nursing nightgown. Nursing bra and underwear. You'll want to be comfortable when you leave the hospital. (clean shirt for partner)

6. Toiletries : Mini toothpaste, toothbrush, mouthwash, chapstick, brush or comb, hair ties, face wash or wipes, moisturizer and body wash. After a shower or a freshen up you feel much better and your lips and skin may get extra dry. Must be feeling/looking good for those first photos!

7. Lanolin nursing cream for your nipples if you are nursing and nursing pads for your bra.

8. Electronics and chargers: Camera, camera charger, phone charger, ipad or tablet and charger if you want and then a small power cord to plug it all in.

9. Birthing items - calming music cd or candles in case you are in labor for a while, white noise machine.

10. Ear plugs or headphones and ipod in case you are near the door or have a noisy roommate

11. Snacks , a refillable water bottle and cash for the snack machine or cafeteria.

For Baby:
1. One outfit for baby to go home in and a newborn onesie and socks for pictures with family

2. Maybe wipes but NOT diapers, the hospital will give you plenty plus a whole lot more.

For Partner:
1. Change of clothes
2. Cash
3. Phone charger
4. CARSEAT on the last day! (Don't forget or they will not let you leave)

P.S. Definitely make sure a friend or family member stays with you the first night - you will be completely helpless, emotional, exhausted and the nurses will probably be busy or perhaps not too helpful when you are in pain. You'll need someone to chase them down when you need pain medicine, someone to get you water and/or help you to the bathroom! Cannot stress this enough!

Kids Playhouse - Astoria Play Space

When the cold weather won't let up we are lining up museums, arcades and indoor play areas for those days when we need to run around and let off steam. A favorite of ours is a local indoor play space and mini arcade right on Steinway Street just a half a block from the N and R train.

This is definitely a favorite space for my son since it is close by and climbing is a must. It consists of a baby toddler area that is padded and has a small crawling and climbing space. In the big kid climbing maze, a tunnel, obstacles and two large slides make for lots of challenges and fun. The play spaces are cleaned daily which is necessary when little ones are sweating, drooling, coughing and just being messy as kids can be. The owners are family oriented dads who know what parents look for and the young ladies who work there are so helpful and kind. 

They offer water, juices and milk for sale as well as snacks and coffee. Personal pizzas are also available if your group gets hungry while playing (which ours often does). 

Kids Playhouse is open 7 days a week from 10am - 8pm. Mornings are usually available for open play at $7 a child for up to 4 hours but be sure to call ahead to see that they haven't booked a private event. Also ask about any promotions they may be running.

If you are having a party you can be sure it will be a clean space and every party gets use of the entire space so it is completely private which is rare for the price they offer.

Kids Playhouse Facebook Page

34-17 Steinway Street
Astoria NY 11101
718.806.1288

They also have a new space in Jackson Heights which we look forward to checking out soon.

Playground Etiquette

Unofficial Rules for Playing in an Urban Playground:

1. Never play in the muddy corners of the playground or behind benches - there could be urine or other foreign objects. At night homeless people, teenage kids and others use the playgrounds to get high, drunk or do the dirty so keep that in mind when your baby is playing in certain areas.
2. A toy brought to the playground is up for grabs so if you or your child doesn't want to share their toy - put it away or maybe leave it at home because there will probably be a tug of war over it. 
3. Young children especially don't understand ownership and some parents don't teach children how to respect other people's property so if you think it will break have an adult's only rule. ex: when we bring our bubble blower to the park I am the only one allowed to touch it so it doesn't break.
4. Never put your hands or discipline another child unless their life is in danger. This one is very important because even if the child is bullying or taunting your kid their parent may not be paying attention and only see an adult yelling at their kid and that adult may be a bully too.
5. If another child is acting wild feel free to play in another part of the playground and let the child's parent handle it.
6. Keep an eye on your kid and other adults. Adults without children are not allowed in playground but that doesn't keep them out so make sure if you see a childless adult to keep your kids away.
7. If the play ground is a dirty mess or someone is not following the posted rules feel free to call 311 or the parks department but don't hold your breath for a response.
8. If you have a snack be prepared to share it but always ask the parents first. With all the allergies and food restrictions kids have it's better to be safe than sorry.

If you have any recommendations or rules you and your friends try to follow please feel free to share.

New York - Astoria / L.I.C. After Hurricane Sandy

Aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in Astoria and Long Island City.

Power lines down

Squirrel Park ruined in L.I.C.

closed park after giant trees down

Uprooted trees in the playground

42nd Street trees down

Steam coming up in L.I.C.

Light post down in Gantry Plaza

Rainey Park Trees Down

The Canadian Exporail Museum

Exporail Train at Entrance

When visiting Montreal I had heard of a train museum that was highly recommended and since our son is a big fan of trains we decided to check it out.
It was just about a 40 minute drive south from our hotel in downtown Montreal and pretty easy to get to in nearby Saint-Constant. (Beware of the street signs they are very small). This museum was more than we could imagine. It had retired steam engines, diesel engines, freight trains, passenger cars, old steam trains on view from London, streetcars, school trains, really more trains than you can imagine. Weather permitting there are rides you can go on to view the grounds and have fun. I would suggest the tram ride first so you can see the whole museum but it all is in walking distance from each other. The mini train was a favorite among the smaller visitors but hold on tight!

The Exporail Train Museum

Outdoor Exhibit

I couldn't believe how enormous the trains were and how well the museum was put together. This was a highlight of our trip for our train loving child but also for us adults. We had no idea what to expect and we were so glad we did, it truly is a railway adventure. Well worth the trip!

Montreal Canada : Fun for Kids

When deciding on a trip my husband and I could not come to a decision on where to go. We wanted to take a driving trip from New York and we needed it to be on the way to Lake George since we were meeting friends there at the end of our trip. We also needed it to be a kid friendly place and a much needed change of scenery.

We decided on Montreal because it is a beautiful city and since everyone speaks French it would be just what we needed to switch it up. We all had our passports already so we thought "what the heck, lets go". A hurricane was on its way so we packed up the car and headed north. It is a long driving trip so we prepared with electronics, car games and snacks. A day of driving (about 7 hours or more when including long stops) through the beautiful country, up and down mountains and across the border.

Biodome

We stayed in the center of town at Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel which is absolutely gorgeous, newly renovated and sophisticated but also kid friendly. I must say the staff was extremely helpful and the restaurant downstairs was one of the best in the neighborhood with breakfast as a highlight (we ordered room service multiple times). The concierge helped us with our directions and plans since our GPS was out of range while we were there and we also scored discounted tickets to events so be sure to check with your concierge when making plans for outings.

Biodome

Our first trip was to the Biodome, a sort of indoor zoo where there are different areas to see many types of animals in their own habitats (our favorite were the penguins, so friendly and active). They also had an interactive special addition that changes often. We then headed to the gardens and Insectarium. My son enjoyed the playground in front of the Insectarium but then fell asleep in the stroller. Surrounding the area is the gorgeous Maisonneuve Park which is perfect for picnics and bike riding or even a stroll. A trip to the top of the viewing tower is great so you can see all of Montreal at once.

Olympic Park Viewing Tower

Besides this area, which can take a full day or two to see, there are many shops on Sainte Catherine street but be sure to change your money and bring a lot of it because things can be pricey. While walking around definitely stop into the children's book store, Babar en Ville. It is a very cute store with children's books and toys. Afterwards you and your little ones can let off steam at a fantastic park, water play area and playground are near the

Park near the Westmont Public Library

Bibliothèque Publique de Westmount. It has sprinklers, play equipment, swings, paths for scooting or biking and a duckpond with a romantic landscape. It was a much needed escape for our energetic son and with the greenery we were just as happy to relax and play catch. Our next stops were just outside of Montreal so I will have a separate post for those and they deserve one since both places were super fantastic! Parc Safari and The Candian Exporail Museum - Here we come!
 

Scooter Approved!

Astoria Park Fireworks Show 2012

 

Awake

I wanted to share a poem I wrote in college for my final poetry reading. I was so scared to get up in front of a whole group of poets and classmates and read aloud. I am thinking of starting again because it always made me feel better. Here is the first poem I'd like to share. 

Awake

I didn’t know what a wake was.

Dimly lit flowers and candles.

Sniffles and organs and whispers of prayers

I played to my cousins

and the big faces said  STOP!  In their eyes

unconscious gazing in silence so severe it

echoed through the halls.

My sister began crying

now time to view the body

It came out of hiding, jumped in front of me

glazed donut brown filled

with cream colored pillows

soft divine light shining from inside out.

Gray putty skin, air sucked from her pores, perfectly placed curls.

Pink lipstick she stood wiping off.

little me. Nose peaking over the edge.

Up two steps to a lapse of eternity.

I stared for a too long time.

Didn’t cry but felt it carve deeper and deeper as I looked,

No blinks, it’s the last time I’ll see her, leaving me here.

I don’t want to be awake.

I want to fall back asleep

Dream seeing her again.

Dream Song

Fall 2007

Asbury Park is Making a Comeback

Our family just got back from a beach weekend and we had an amazing time. We decided on Asbury Park, NJ because we wanted a clean beach close by, with activities for toddlers and not too crowded so we can relax on the beach. We picked the right place since it is only about 1hr 45mins away with a little traffic and since it is still being rebuilt it wasn't too crowded. My family has spent many a summer in Wildwood NJ and that area gets very crowded and is best suited for older kids who can enjoy the rides and young adults who like to party. This beach in NJ was right on the money and it had lots to offer from toddlers to tweens. There is a playground right on the beach and a great sprinkler park on the boardwalk along with miniature golf, a museum arcade and yummy ice cream.

We had lots of fun playing on the sand and everyone we encountered was very nice. The water was refreshing and clean (except for after the rainstorm - and then it had some leaves and large waves - to be expected). It is such a short trip from NYC that I was surprised that it wasn't a mad-house. In town there are some great restaurants and bars, very Gay friendly, and a few art and home decor shops. My only complaint was that there wasn't much choice in hotels near the boardwalk and The Berkeley Oceanfront left much to be desired in cleanliness but had plenty of space to pack a large family into.

If you have time you must visit the very nearby town of Ocean Grove. It has gorgeous old Victorian houses and many have been turned into Bed and Breakfasts' or Inns. The beach is beautiful along the boardwalk here as well, and just a couple of blocks down Main Ave there is an adorable row of shops and an amazing Ice Cream Shoppe called Nagle's Apothecary Cafe. After ice cream you can head to the Cards and Gifts store across the street and get some cute toys and beach souvenirs that won't break the bank. Skip the shops on the boardwalk that are way overpriced.

While visiting the beach area why not head into town for some glassblowing. Hot Sand has a great glassblowing studio where you can see a demonstration or even get involved. They have great items for kids to make as keepsakes and would make a great gift for the holidays. We didn't get a chance to partake but we definitely be in there next visit. I really wanted to make a mold of my son's hand to have as a paperweight.

As we were leaving they were setting up a carnival which I'm sure would have been a lot of fun. With the live music, history, artsy folks and great restaurants we totally recommend it and will be returning soon.

Froggy boots

I decided to follow my son's lead today beginning with allowing him to chose his outfit for the day. He decided on his new froggy rain boots, striped pajama pants and a new red T, topped with pink beads. We had fun at the playground and hopping on the sidewalks and in and out of shops. Hopping like a frog! So adorable.

Funtopia USA - Queens Play Arcade

Funtopia USA is a great place to take toddlers and young children during the week when it is rainy or cold. The fee is $7 per child during the week ($9 weekend and holidays) and you get a free return visit if you save your receipt and bring it back within 30 days.
We usually spend a few dollars extra on games and bring a couple small soft balls to play with in the kids area. The place is large and well maintained. They have two designated play areas, one for younger children with slides, a small climbing area and tunnels and one is a very large climbing area with slides, tubes and ropes. Both areas are great for active play and fine tuning those motor skills and children who need to expel energy every day. The areas are matted and closed in so that you can always keep an eye on your little one and not worry about them getting lost. It can be a bit loud when it is busy with kids yelling and all of the arcade games and music but it is worth it when you have energetic kids who don't wish to be stuck in your apartment on rainy days. Going early and during the week is best so it isn't too crowded. It is best to drive to the location but there are buses and it is located at the last stop on the M train which is right next to the Metro Mall shopping Center. When arriving be sure to go down the ramp on the right side of the mall and park in the back of the mall because that is where the entrance to the mall is and where you can access Funtopia and the other shops.
We had our sons birthday party here and while it was plenty of fun I would highly recommend this type of party place for older children (age 6 - 10) and ask to have the room decorated before you arrive. The staff was a little disorganized and very busy because of multiple parties on a busy weekend but accommodated all of our requests with a smile. The laser tag and bumper cars sound like fun but of course were too old for our toddler partygoers. When my son gets older I would choose this place again and include all of the extras offered.

FuntopiaUSA.com
66-26 Metropolitan Avenue
Middle Village NY, 11379

Hours:
Mon - Thrs: 10am - 8pm
Fri - Sat: 10am - 10 pm
Sun: 10am - 9pm
FREE Parking

NYC Mommy's Recipe : Grilled Chicken with Olive Topping

Last year I came across a recipe that I liked but decided to tweak a little for some added flavor (and I had a lot of cilantro in the house).  I am so glad I did because this new recipe has turned into one of our favorite meals at home. It is tasty, pretty easy to make, and yummy.

Ingredients: 
3 cloves of garlic - minced
1/2 cup of fresh cilantro
1 cup of Kalamata olives - pitted
1 tsp of red wine vinegar
1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp of crushed black pepper (or to taste)
Brown or white rice
Thin cut chicken breast
salt to taste

Directions:
(You can probably use the processor for these steps)
Chop olives into small pieces
Chop garlic
Chop cilantro
Mix all of the above with red wine vinegar and olive oil
Top with crushed black pepper and mix in a bowl and place aside

Rub trimmed chicken with olive oil, salt and pepper
( I like to use Kosher salt because its a little coarser and gets the flavor into the chicken)
Pan sear the chicken on medium heat and cook until the chicken has almost no pink showing and then turn over. Both sides should be light brown and crispy. (Takes about 7 or 8 mins each side)

Top the chicken with the olive topping and serve with rice.

Enjoy and let me know how you like it!

P.S. My Husband got me this food processor for the holidays and I love it -

My Sleeping Shopper

 

my sleeping shopper

He was so tired after a day of play but we had to run out to the market to grab a few last minute items. He fell asleep in the car on the way there and I forgot my stroller so I laid him down in the cart thinking he would wake right up and the little guy just conked out. My amazing little boy makes me smile again and again.

A Trip Just for Mommy : Finally Home

I recently took a small vacation for just Mommy. I went to Florida to visit friends and get a day of relaxation and I definitely recommend it. Daddy watched the baby so I could go and catch up and relax. I was extremely worried about leaving my son because it was the first weekend overnight trip without Mommy but I knew he was in safe hands.
When you get caught up in the everyday craziness of raising a toddler you can get pushed over the edge so it is good to hit the pause button, relax and reflect. I have realized over this trip that my life has changed greatly over the past few years. I have a toddler, I am married, I've grown up. Thinking about this made me smile because I could not wait to start my own family when I was younger and have that unconditional love of my family unit. Growing up adopted I always had my doubts about how much my family loved me. I know they had love but there is always that insecurity and families being disfunctional as they are (especially mine) didn't make me have any extra comfort in those feelings. Having a family of my own has filled this sort of hole in my heart and it is really the most amazing feeling. It is a feeling of being safe, warm and happy.
With this new found feeling of solidarity and family comes a lot of changes in my self. I find that things I used to like to do I no longer feel are important. I don't need to see the latest movies or eat at the coolest new restaurants. It isn't imperative that I purchase the latest style trends (well not for me anyway). I do like to hang out with my friends but going out partying is not a priority any longer. Perhaps this is temporary but for now spending that time sleeping is more enticing! I do know that making time for girlfriends and talking is important to keep relationships and friendships alive and I still have to work on finding that balance.
The trip I took was very relaxing and it felt great having time to myself and not have to worry about someone else the whole time. Not worrying if my son was cold, hungry or tired. Not having to deal with stinky poop diapers, temper tantrums, or getting hit in the head with toys. That time away to take a breath was great. On the plane ride home however I realized how much I really missed my family and could not wait to get back. I was so overwhelmed with emotion that actually started to tear up because I missed them so much (and my plane anxiety kicked in a little bit). I am so glad to have a family of my own, I finally feel that I am HOME.

Apartment Living: Toys for Toddlers

It's the holiday season. The turkey has been eaten and the Black Friday holiday shoppers were trampled but some are still searching for the perfect toys for our little boys and girls. I have found that the following toys get a lot of playtime action these days.

 

Ipad 2

LeapPad or Ipad - He uses mine whenever I am not looking so I finally gave up and downloaded some great learning apps for him. I mostly get the free ones but I did buy two educational apps for his birthday and he loves it! Ipad 2

Make Believe toys - My son loves to play in the kitchen, push shopping cart or stroller and pretend to vacuum. At the play dates the vacuum is the toy all the boys fight over. I hope he can learn to use the real one and keep the vacuuming passion going which is why this one is definitely on our wishlist!

A fold-able play tent and tunnel is perfect to get those jitters out when it is too cold for outdoor activities and it folds easily and stores right under the couch. 

Playgroups - Finding the Right One

As my son grows he is need of social interaction with other children and I need some interaction with other moms and the outside world. I have searched playgroups and got plenty of suggestions from my sister in law, friends and research online. As a Stay At Home Mom funds are tight because we are living off of one income. We made the choice to have me stay home to care for our son but that doesn't mean we have a large disposable income, we live on a budget and can't afford to pay exorbitant prices for Mommy and Me, music classes and playgroups.
When looking for a affordable place to play in the colder months and even a regular hang out for your child there has to be some criteria. For us it needed to be safe, clean, close by and affordable.
When beginning to look for a playgroup consider churches and other places of worship. They usually  have a basement or spare room and sometimes offer free or low cost playgroups to the neighborhood. Sometimes they are hard to find because their websites aren't up to date or even online but ask around the neighborhood or go to your local church and ask about the programs offered for children. Elementary or pre-schools may also have a playgroup or Mommy and Me program available.
Some play gyms have open play but you have to be a member in order to take advantage of the free play time. The problem with scheduled groups is that things come up and there are instances where your child is sick or you are sick or you have relatives in town and won't want to go. I like the playgroups that let you pay as you go, this way we can go when we want and aren't committed to any program. Some are worth it and some are not. Take a look at prices and see what fits your budget.
We have been frequenting a playgroup now that I was introduced to by my sister-in-law. It is closer to her but it is well worth the drive. This playgroup is at a religious school and they have plenty of toys, mats, games, jumpers and chairs for moms to socialize and children from infants to toddlers to play and have fun. The cost is five dollars and is pay as you go. They have a small coffee and bagels tray for adults and juice snacks for the children. After free play the head of the group asks everyone to clean up and then we sit on a mat and are read a story, sing songs, march and play instruments and other group activities. It is well worth the money and is lots of fun for my son. I only wish it I wasn't always late from getting a slow start in the morning and getting lost on the way there. Hopefully in the future we can get our act together in the morning to get us there on time.
Another option we like is the church right around the corner on 37th Street. It is in the afternoon and they only ask for donations to offset the cost of the snacks provided and there is plenty of room for my son to run around. The only complaint is that the play area can be very warm and dusty but I guess it is to be expected in a basement of an old church and there is no real structure and I don't see why they can't read a book or sing a couple songs but I guess you get what you pay for.

If you know of a great place to play please comment on this post and share with other moms

Here are a few sites in Queens that helped me in my search
- nymetroparents.com
- mommypoppins.com
- nyparenting.com