Ceci’s Favorite Bedtime Books :: The Toddler Years

By

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February 6, 2020

While bedtime is a contentious time in our household, one routine that has remained steadfast is our bedtime reading. As an English teacher, I treasure this time with my oldest, encouraging her love for reading before she can do so independently, and spending anywhere from five minutes to a half-hour delving into a world of literature. Depending on her fancy, some nights we read as many as five books, and others we read only one. Here is a list of our favorite bedtime books:

“I Love You, Stinky Face” by Lisa McCourt, illustrated by Cyd Moore

This is one of the sweetest books I have ever read, and my daughter loves it. Throughout the book, a young child imagines all the ways s/he could change and become stinky, scary, or otherwise awful, and with each description, the mother assures her love as unconditional and unwavering. I love the theme; Ceci loves all the silly descriptions!

“Sleep Tight, Snow White” by Jen Arena, illustrated by Lorena Alvarez

This is a new addition to bedtime, and there are a couple of things to love about this one: My daughter knows most of the characters because the book refers to common fairy tales. Also, it rhymes. A lot. Every page is a new rhyme about a different character going to sleep. It’s simple, sweet, and entertaining. This will definitely become a regular in our reading collection.

“The Peas Say Please: An I Can Do It Book” by Tori Hane, illustrated by Belinda Strong

Another rhyming book, this one is fun and it teaches manners. It isn’t technically a bedtime story, but Ceci loves it because she recognizes the lessons as ones we teach her, and it’s a bit silly with the personification of different foods and objects. The text is simple, making it a great read for a sleepy toddler to digest before bedtime.

“DC Superheroes: My First Book of Girl Power” by Julie Merberg

We have a well-rounded toddler. She loves princesses and superheroes. This book, one of four DC superheroes books we own, is by far her favorite. (Wonder Woman is a close second, followed by Batman and Superman). It introduces a variety of female superheroes in the DC universe (yes, there are more than just Wonder Woman, Batgirl, and Super Girl), along with their superpowers. We’ve read this one so much that Ceci knows it by heart, calling out each heroine’s power as I read it.

“Goodnight, Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd

One of the most classic bedtime books, this story features a bunny who avoids bedtime by saying goodnight to every possible thing in his room. The pictures aren’t as colorful as other texts, but they are so endearing. Ceci also enjoys finding the different items the bunny says goodnight to in each bedroom scene. Some nights we even pick out objects in her room to say goodnight to before turning off the lights.

Huggy Kissy, by Leslie Patricelli

This sweet story was given to us by a friend after the arrival of our second daughter, Adelaide. Simple words and pictures, all about hugging and kissing, make this story a quick read before bedtime — perfect for an over-tired toddler. At the end of the story, there is a list (with pictures, of course!) of the different types of hugs and kisses. We always select one type to end our reading — my favorite is the Eskimo kiss, while Ceci’s is the bear hug!

“I Am A Princess” (Little Golden Book) by Andrea Posner-Sanchez, illustrated by Gabriella Mata and Francesco Legramandi

This book, one of the many Little Golden Books we have, replaced Ceci’s other favorite, “The Pokey Little Puppy,” around two years ago. While the puppy was adorable and precocious, Ceci began to favor princesses and picked this book from her bookshelf one evening before bed. Like the superhero book, this one introduces each princess, along with her favorite pastime. It even inspired her to watch “The Princess and the Frog” (a welcome change from “Frozen,” “Moana,” and “Tangled,” which were all on repeat for months).

These are some of the books that have been in our rotation for the past couple of years. Occasionally, Ceci gets hooked on something new, like the PJ Masks Moon Mission Sing-Along book or the Little Golden Book about Captain Marvel. Ultimately, she returns to her cache of bedtime classics.

What are your toddler’s favorite bedtime books?

8 Parenting Podcasts You Should Be Listening To

By

Rachel Wilson

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February 5, 2020

With three kids under 6, I find myself looking for parenting advice wherever I can get it. I have a lot of parenting books on my to-read list. But it’s hard to get ahead of the reading when I fall asleep in a child’s bed at 8:30 p.m. every night. Podcasts have become the way I get a lot of my parenting information these days. You can spend all that time in the car in a useful way! Here are some of the parenting podcasts the Boston Moms team is listening to:

The Longest Shortest Time

This award-winning podcast created by Hillary Frank touts itself as a parenting show for everyone. And it is. These unique stories demonstrate that there is a wide world of parenting that goes far beyond our individual experiences.

Mom Brain

Hosted by Daphne Oz (daughter of Dr. Oz) and Hilaria Baldwin (wife of Alec), this podcast offers frank discussions about being a mom with a wide variety of diverse guests. It is often serious, at times funny, and always honest. Daphne and Hilaria also share their “favorite things” at the end of every episode.

Raising Good Humans with Dr. Aliza Pressman

Dr. Aliza is a developmental psychologist and parent educator. I’ve found that each of her podcasts are spot on and help me to learn to be the parent I aspire to be. If you find yourself reading a lot of parenting books and thinking, “I wish someone would just boil this down for me,” then this is the podcast for you. Dr. Aliza also takes listener questions via her Instagram account!

Power of Moms

This podcast started small but has grown over the years with the help of a group of volunteer moms. The discussions and interviews are meant to help moms find more purpose and joy in motherhood. Also, check out the spin-off Power of Families.

3 in 30

A gem for moms who are short on time. (Isn’t that all of us?) This is a 30-minute podcast that has “three doable takeaways to make your family life a little better each week.” You can also get the takeaways each month via email, if you listen to your podcasts in the car like I do!

Happy Mama Movement with Amy Taylor-Kabbaz

Amy’s Happy Mama brand focuses on defining who we are and how we navigate motherhood in this world of social media and heavy expectations. This podcast includes interviews and insights that focus on mindfulness and connection.

Motherkind

Each episode of this podcast features an expert in self-development or well-being, with the intention of helping moms find their “calm, happy place in the madness of modern mum life.”

Never Thought I’d Say This

One of the hosts of this podcast is Jodie Sweetin, who plays the role of Stephanie Tanner on Fuller House. She and her cohost, life coach Celia Behar, talk about parenting fails, taboos, and embarrassing moments. Listen if you need a laugh. (It’s heavy on the swearing, so tune in when you’re kids aren’t around!)

Happy listening, everyone! If you have any favorite parenting podcasts, let us know!

Representation Matters :: A Doll Like Me

By

Chelsey Weaver

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February 4, 2020

A few months ago my 3-year-old innocently studied her favorite baby doll, one of my beloved dolls from childhood that my mom saved for me. I was not prepared for the question that followed, even though I had been mentally preparing for this moment over the last several years.

“Mama, why doesn’t my baby have [leg] braces just like me?”

Her sudden realization stunned me into silence for a moment, and in her endearing toddler way, she grabbed my face between her hands and asked me again more urgently.

Searching for an answer, I blurted out “Baby Sally doesn’t use braces to make her legs strong, but I bet if you ask Santa he can bring you a baby that does have braces just like you.”

And there you have it, folks. My total amateur mom move. Did I mention this conversation happened in December? It did.

Previous life experience had taught me that I would most likely need to move heaven and earth to make this happen for my beautiful girl. We had already gotten her a Bitty Baby doll for Christmas, and I frantically searched the American Girl website for anything resembling a leg brace for her. Maybe the cast they sell could be modified into something that fit? Could my husband possibly, discreetly sequester the 3D printer at work to make one and not get fired? Maybe someone on Etsy could make and ship one in time?

Many children wear leg braces. Why was this so hard?

Then, in a desperate move, I mentioned my dilemma to my daughter’s beloved orthotist, Brad, at our next appointment at Boston Orthotics and Prosthetics. Without hesitation, he told me, “Yeah, no problem. I can do that. It will take me about a half-hour, but I can definitely do it before Christmas.” He went on to tell me that they make a lot of orthotics for “lovies,” mostly teddy bears, and that they’d never had a request for a doll. But he would make it happen. I thanked him profusely and barely got to my car before I started to cry with relief.

This was really going to happen.

I giddily told my husband and best friend all about my new plan to have the braces already on the baby in the box when my daughter opened it on Christmas morning so it looked like they belonged there the whole time. I could hardly contain my excitement.

I dropped her off at preschool and rushed to the Peabody office just a few days before Christmas. By this point, every staff member I encountered knew about the baby doll braces and was just as excited as I was. Brad brought the doll out, looking as proud as could be — and knowing the powerful difference visibility makes for people of all ages. The office staff excitedly agreed my daughter would love it, and they also noted how special it was.

It was the truest embodiment of Christmas spirit I’ve ever encountered. Our own little Christmas miracle.

My husband and I carefully pulled open the new doll’s box, put the braces on the baby, and then wrapped her up. The braces looked just like my daughter’s, right down to the pink velcro.

Christmas morning came, and we anxiously waited for her to open the box.

She looked at the doll’s red hair and blue eyes, and then she incredulously exclaimed, “She has braces!” So much emotion enveloped her little body she didn’t know what to do with herself. She now feels so much pride in her ability to take the baby’s braces on and off all by herself and in pretending to teach her to walk.

In her new baby, she found commonality. She found visibility — a toy that tangibly looked like her — and unlocked something I had taken for granted.

Representation matters.

The way manufacturers make toys matters.

And most importantly, kindness matters.

Thank you a million times over, Brad from Boston Orthotics and Prosthetics, for giving all of us such a priceless gift. I, for one, will never forget it.

I Lowered My Entertaining Standards, And It Was Awesome

By

Amanda Rotondo

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February 3, 2020

En

I recently did something kind of crazy. I invited people over for that same evening — about 10 adults and their kids — people I have definitely not known for years, some of whose spouses I’ve never met. I didn’t clean my house. Like, at all. I only cooked based on what I already had in the kitchen — no grocery store run. I told people what I was making and asked them to bring whatever else they thought would work. There were dishes in my sink. There were toys laying around. I certainly didn’t shower.

And we had FUN.

Let me start by saying I am on no level a “neat freak.” I stink at managing clutter, and with three kids under 6, there is a LOT of clutter. I hate washing dishes, and my method of organizing papers involves many piles of which only I understand the significance. While I might feel like I’m constantly picking up and purging crap from my house, the state of my environs proves that I’m probably more likely doing other stuff with my time.

But I will say I am an entertainer. I love having people over, and, until the rugrats came along, I loved making eclectic, elaborate food and drinks. I would decorate for even a small party, and I would labor over aesthetically pleasing plating schemes for apps and desserts. I was (hopefully) never precious about it — my guests knew I did it because I thought it was fun, not because I was trying to impress them. I prided myself on making people feel welcome and appreciated. Entertaining — being an entertainer — became part of how I defined myself.

Enter: The Children.

Have you ever tried to “plate” with a 1-, 3-, and 5-year-old around? Elaborate entertaining, unless you have someone to remove your children from your house for a full day (or week), is not an option. So, for a long time, I didn’t do much entertaining. Sure, I’d have close friends over — friends who I was confident wouldn’t care about eating Trader Joe’s frozen apps off paper plates. But I wasn’t inviting over new people.

In retrospect, I think I worried that new people would think that level of low-key would indicate that I didn’t care about having them over, or that I was uncreative, or that I was incapable of putting together anything more. If part of my identity was someone who hosted extraordinary gatherings, what would happen if my gatherings became… ordinary?

So one day I just said, “Screw it.” There were some folks in town I had been chatting with and who I thought seemed very cool. So I texted them. I invited them over for that evening and gave the caveat that it was nothing fancy and my house would be in its natural state. I asked them to bring something to throw on the table for everyone to share. I committed to myself that I was not going to apologize for the state of my house or the non-fancy food. Then I spent the next hour panicking about whether I had made a stupid mistake.

Turns out I hadn’t made a mistake at all. We had a ball. Everyone ate and drank, the kids ran around, we laughed, and once things got rolling I never once stopped to worry about… well… any of it. Had I not just texted, had I waited to have time to put together something thematic and whimsical and involved, I never would have gotten to spend time with these people, and they never would have become my friends.

And as it turns out, I still am an entertainer — maybe even more so now. Because being a good host isn’t always about putting on a good show. Sometimes, in a stage of life where everyone is running around with their hair on fire and often feeling overwhelmingly lonely, entertaining is about simply providing a time and place for a gathering, and giving permission for everyone to be a little bit of a mess by being a little bit of a mess yourself.

I Am an Iceberg Mom

By

Leah Lynch

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January 30, 2020

Scientists say an iceberg is 90 percent underwater. That is, we can only see 10 percent of the iceberg.

Moms are the same.

I find myself often feeling isolated, even lonely as a mom. On the outside — my 10 percent — I probably look like any other suburban mother of three. I do what millions of other mothers do every day. I wake up, drink coffee, and get my two oldest kids ready for school. I pack lunches and check all the reading logs and homework. I play with my toddler. I run errands or have playdates with friends. I am involved in a PTO.

Yet every day I feel isolated, distanced, or disconnected from my fellow moms. I cannot quite put my finger on why, but it’s a heavy 90 percent for this iceberg mom to bear. Maybe it is because I am overwhelmed by a child with special needs, in addition to two other children who demand my time and energy. Maybe it is my own fear of rejection. Maybe it is because I am naturally an introvert, and I really just want to watch TV with my husband.

I often feel like I am misunderstood. Friends will comment on how well I am managing the difficult parenting situation I have been given. They see my strengths, and though I see them too, I also see the work. The energy — both emotional and physical — that parenting has taken. I see the missed opportunities my kids have had because of my fear of not being able to handle a situation.

We all have different parenting struggles, and parenting a special needs family is all I have ever known. I see other moms and wish I was more like them. I suppose some moms might look at me and wish they were more like me. We are all doing our best, trying to be the best moms, friends, spouse we can be. I am always the friend who is there to encourage her fellow moms. Maybe I just need to encourage myself, too.

I am an iceberg mom. We all are icebergs. This New Year, and new decade, I will stop isolating myself and share my 90 percent more. I will share my fears, disappointments, struggles, sacrifice, failures, and persistence. I will share it with the hope that this might show my friends and family that it is work — hard work — in every aspect of life that will bring you success. Parenting is really hard. I am doing the best I can, and so are you.

6 Ways to Thrive in the New England Winter (With Small Children in Tow)

By

Meredith Bazirgan

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January 29, 2020

We’ve all been there. The holidays can be a whirlwind of fun and delight, January is full of newness and resolutions, and then the reality of the New England winter sets in.

I have to say, I’ve come to embrace winter over the years, and this year I wanted to think more about how. Here’s what I’ve come up with so far:

Embrace indoor playgrounds

(And then douse yourself and your children in hand sanitizer. Those germs are no joke.) Boston has SO many options to play indoors. One of our favorite spots around is at the Natick Mall. Their indoor playground is great for open-ended play, dancing, climbing, running, and there are even some games. You can sit at the counter and sip a delicious bevvy while you watch your kids burn off some cabin fever. Go grab a pretzel at Annie’s or a meal at the burger bar at Wegman’s afterward to make it a full outing.

Get outside

Especially at any sign of sunshine. Bundle up and bring the kids. Or if you’re at work, pop out alone and face that sunshine. You need ten minutes of vitamin D a day for it to have the needed benefits of boost in your mood and your health. Bonus points if you do something active!

Join a gym

I’m partial to the YMCA for its family-friendly nature, its affordability, and its sense of community — I see a ton of friends there, and we love the staff as well. Our Y has childcare included in the membership for something like two or three ENTIRE HOURS. And after I work out, the kids can play on the indoor playground at the Y as well. Win-win. Seriously, this saves me with two young kiddos. This winter, on Mondays I have my personal training class; on Fridays, I swim. On Wednesdays, the kids have swim lessons. And on Sundays, we do family swim! Endorphins and easier bedtimes for the win!

Plan a trip

I don’t care if it’s to see friends a few towns over for a weekend when it gets nicer. Or now. Having something to look forward to, especially if it involves family and friends, is everything. We’re going to a bonfire in the town I grew up in this coming weekend with some of the kids’ cousins, and we’ll have a sleepover. It’ll be grand. I’m also planning some girls’ weekends sprinkled throughout the spring, and a family getaway to NYC in May. So much fun ahead!

Plan things with your favorite people

Plan things with the couples you love. With the kids’ friends. With your family friends. With your family. Making memories with friends is something your kids will cherish forever, and so will you and your partner. It can be as simple as inviting some friends over for takeout and putting on a movie. Or starting a monthly taco night tradition. Whatever you do, do it with love and an open heart, and it’s sure to give your New England winter blues the boot!

Find a way to embrace winter sports

Both with and without the kids. This past Christmas we bought my son a new pair of snowshoes so we could pass his old ones down to my daughter. I’ll never forget the first year we introduced him to snowshoes. He was only 4, and he could’ve bopped around on those things with me for hours. This year we took the kids skating, and it was the same thing — pure joy. He didn’t even want to stop for burgers and milkshakes. They both have lessons on Saturday mornings now. It’s a great way to get their bodies moving and build confidence learning something new.

I’d love to hear more ideas on how you thrive in winter in New England. We’ve got this!

Takeaways From the Kobe Bryant Tragedy

By

Shannon Gibson

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January 28, 2020

On Sunday our world stopped in the face of tragedy. News of Kobe Bryant’s untimely death started to spread on news outlets and social media, followed by the news that his teenage daughter, Gianna, and seven other precious lives had been cut short as well. As more details of the helicopter crash surfaced, the outpouring of grief, love, and reflection began.

Many times, tragic circumstances are enough to unite us, despite what usually divides us. Suddenly, sports alliances, politics, money, religion, and race are not a priority. We are all hurting. We are all just humans trying to understand, trying to cope, trying to do what we can.

I do not personally know the Bryant, Altobelli, Mauser, Chester, or Zobayan families. However, I feel bonded to them at this time through our collective grief over this deep loss. We cry and lament for these families we do not know out of compassion for humanity.

Death is ugly. But the humanity that follows is beautiful and moving.

Friends and colleagues sent heartfelt tributes to the victims’ families at the Grammys on Sunday. Celebrities and athletes took to social media to express their condolences and disbelief. NBA players intentionally let the shot clock expire for 24-second violations, honoring the number 24 that Kobe Bryant wore for much of his career. Fans spontaneously gathered outside the Staples Center in Los Angeles where Kobe played during his time in the NBA.

Tears were shared, hugs were passed around, and kindness was on display. How different would the world look if these values were practiced no matter the present circumstances?

With our defenses and agendas down, we are able to love the way we always should.

The events that unfolded yesterday resurfaced feelings of grief from tragedies I have faced in my life. I called my mom with nothing really to say except, “I feel sad today. I wanted to hear your voice.” Perhaps you remembered your losses as well. Death shakes us and wakes us up in a powerful way. We feel how small we are. We are reminded of how fragile life is.

Tomorrow is not guaranteed for any of us. Life does not provide a dress rehearsal. This is it. This is the time we are given. Live your life! Mend that broken relationship. Set boundaries with that toxic person. Follow your calling. Be brave enough to experience your passions fully. Do not hold back. Hold your people close. Savor the gifts you have been given. Pay your gifts forward. Invest in what is important, and leave behind what is not bearing fruit in your life.

You are valued, and we need you.

In the coming weeks, we will continue to grieve the tragic losses of these nine lives. What will you take away from this tragedy? The best way to honor these lives is to do our part to make the world a better place. Let’s be light in the midst of darkness.

2020 Guide to Boston-Area Camps

By

Boston Moms

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January 27, 2020

A special thanks goes out to all the sponsors that helped make this guide possible. If you would like your camp included in this guide please email meghan{@}bostonmoms{dot}com.

As busy moms ourselves, we know that finding summer camps in and around Boston is on the top of many moms’ lists of things to figure out. We’ve seen the posts all over social media asking for camp recommendations, and we’ve been right there with you having the conversations, trying to figure out how to make sure our kids have the best summer possible.

While we long for the lazy days of summer, we also know there are childcare and entertainment needs week after week. We hope this guide to summer camps in and around the Boston area, brought to you by Mass Audubon’s Wild at Art Camp and Dexter Southfield Summer Camp, provides the insight you need to plan a fun and stress-free summer.

Wild at Art Camp

SUMMER 2020 UPDATE: Wild at Art Camp will be running camp for 4 weeks this summer from July 27 to August 21.

Give your child the chance to experience the transformative power of art and nature! The Wild at Art Camp unique camp setting — part wildlife sanctuary, part art museum and studio — inspires creativity, promotes well-being, and enhances connections to nature. The Wild at Art Camp provides a safe, fun-filled camp experience specially designed to foster a child’s creativity, sense of wonder, and bond with nature. Campers have fun and build lasting friendships as naturalists, teaching artists, and trained counselors lead them in outdoor explorations and creative art projects, including pottery, painting, mixed media, printmaking, and much more.

One- and two-week sessions blend art, nature, science, and engineering for a stimulating experience. Camp staff are selected for their compassion, enthusiasm, creativity, and ability to work with children in an outdoor setting. Most of our counselors are college students or graduates pursuing a career in art or environmental sciences, while professional art educators plan and direct camp art activities.

What are your toddler’s favorite bedtime books?

The Longest Shortest Time

Mom Brain

Raising Good Humans with Dr. Aliza Pressman

Power of Moms

3 in 30

Happy Mama Movement with Amy Taylor-Kabbaz

Motherkind

Never Thought I’d Say This

Happy listening, everyone! If you have any favorite parenting podcasts, let us know!

And we had FUN.

Enter: The Children.

Moms are the same.

Embrace indoor playgrounds

Get outside

Join a gym

Plan a trip

Plan things with your favorite people

Find a way to embrace winter sports

I’d love to hear more ideas on how you thrive in winter in New England. We’ve got this!

Death is ugly. But the humanity that follows is beautiful and moving.

With our defenses and agendas down, we are able to love the way we always should.

You are valued, and we need you.

Wild at Art Camp

Dexter Southfield Summer Camp

Camp Bauercrest

Camp Invention

iD Tech Camps for Kids & Teens

Maine Camp Experience

LINX Camps

Real Madrid Soccer Camps

Orchard Hill Equestrian Center

Mass Audubon Summer Camps

BC High Summer Programs

Summer in French-French Cultural Center

Boston College BIRDBALL Youth Baseball Camps

Leaders 4SC

Code Wiz Arlington

Hale Day Camp

JCC Summer and Vacation Camps

Pine Village "Avion Imaginario"

The Skating Academy Summer Camp

Hill House Boston

BCC Summer

Kidstock! Creative Theater

Community Boating Youth Sailing

We each have a gaggle of kids.

My house is the muggle version of The Burrow.

There are always extra kids hanging around.

We are thrifty.

The housework is never ending.

We both like cheese.

We know how to throw a party.

We always know where everyone is.

School is important.

We aren’t afraid to send howlers.

Speaking of an earful…

We are fiercely devoted to our kids.

What about you? Which “Harry Potter” character do you identify with most?

My attitude has shifted

I’m less social

I’ve become a rule breaker

I’m still getting ready

Our baby will have no nursery

I have less anxiety

So, moms, as I sit in the glider looking at my small corner of the world, I see you. I see your struggles and sacrifices and triumphs. I am lucky to be on this journey with you.

Today, I felt pathetic. I felt like a failure. It had just been too much.

That little moment saved me.

All those days together make up the motherhood journey. All of them.

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