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Babies in the Summer: What To Do??
I recently received an email from a reader that I thought might benefit the rest of you:
'I am new to the area from NYC, I have a 1 month old and I am dying staying inside all day. Any recommendations for a baby this small??'
Sound familiar? I have such memories of myself at this stage of parenting and clearly remember the desperation I felt. You've lost your independence, your ability to leave the house without toting what feels like the baby's entire nusery, every venture seems overwhelming, not to mention that you're just dead tired.
One of my friends calls it the 'baby cave' - some folks disappear into the cave for a short time, others seem to get lost in its labyrinth for years. It's hardest in the summer, when all you want to do is go to the pool, take a walk, or smell the flowers. So many people move to the country after having babies -- ohhh won't it be nice to get out of the city in time for the summer? Seems great on paper, but what no one tells you is that Westchester empties out almost as much as the city-- people take off for far-flung destinations or hole up at pools, clubs, or lakes that for the new mom are beyond thought. The usual classes and library functions close down too, leaving the newly formed and recently arrived family wondering what in the world they were thinking moving here?!
We've all been there, I promise. I also promise that you will grow to love your new home and what it has to offer. I guarantee that there are ten other moms in your neighborhood just as desperate to find you. When you see one, you'll notice that certain look in her eyes -- she's the one sitting with her baby at the local cafe, hair slightly askew, looking around desperate to catch the eye of a passerby to talk -- just so she doesn't have to leave and go home yet. Get up your nerve and introduce yourself, she'll be thrilled, I guarantee it.
Need a few hints on how to get out of 'the cave'? | |
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1. Don't worry. I know, easier said than done, but I also know this...if you go out and the baby cries, don't worry about it. Stick with louder restaurants, book stores, outdoor venues or coffee shops, chances are there will be other crying babies, or music and no one will even hear your little wonder. Remember that your baby sounds louder to you than to everyone else, most people won't even turn their heads.
2. Do things YOU like to do -- especially when the baby's too small to notice. In the first few months, take advantage of the fact that they sleep in their car seats and mostly sit still -- enjoy it because it doesn't last long! Take them to museums, libraries, parks, malls, shopping, and more. People will coo at you, you will have adult conversations, and you will be OUT of the house, and the baby? They think it's fun to go anywhere, so don't worry about what they like yet -- soon enough you'll find yourself at a restaurant with kid's characters and balloon artists, no need to rush into that.
3. Find a friend. The most important part about getting through the first few months is finding someone going through the same experience. If there aren't any classes available over the summer, sign up for the fall. Go to the library and see if they host groups, search our playgroup page for a group near you, ask at your local hospital and see if they have a new moms group or class. You just need one person to call for a breakfast date or to complain to about your lack of sleep, it makes everything seem better! Find out about local groups >>
Where can I go?
Here is a list of fun spots that might just get you and yours out and about this summer:
1. Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, 630 Bedford Road, Pocantico Hills, NY, www.stonebarnscenter.org. Stone Barns has an amazing cafe and walking trails, is a beautiful place to just wander around, and is a fascinating study in how farms, food, restaurants, and nature can come together to form a near-perfect spot. Bring a jog-stroller or baby-sling and take a walk through the trails, then treat yourself to a delicious snack from the cafe, which is casual -- sit with baby and coffee in a gorgeous courtyard apres-walk. If you go on Wednesday, Friday, or Sunday, check out the farmer's market.
2. Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay Street - Route 22, Katonah, NY, (914) 232-9555, www.katonahmuseum.org. Wander this small, yet wonderful, art museum located near downtown Katonah. The museum offers excellent exhibits as well as a very pretty (and well-shaded) outdoor courtyard which is convenient for just enjoying an afternoon with baby. You can get through the full exhibit before your baby gets restless, and just when he/she wants to get out of that car seat, head outside and have a comfy seat for a little fresh air.
3. Neuberger Museum of Art, Purchase College, State University of New York, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, NY, www.neuberger.org. I just found out that the Neuberger is offering Free Admission through September 12th due to gallery renovation, only the permanent collections are on view, but it is still totally worth a wander through (especially for free!). Cruise the galleries and the outdoor sculpture area.
4. Daisy Hill Farm Stand, 214 West Patent Rd, Mount Kisco, NY, 914.244.1132. Hours: Friday (9am-6pm), Saturday (9am-6pm), Sunday (10am-4pm). Make a day of your shopping at this gem of a farm stand. Check out the various farm critters right from a picnic table while you enjoy some lemonade and fresh air and surprise your hubby with a delicious dinner of locally raised goods. Fills your time and your fridge!
5. Stroller Strides. Grab your baby and your stroller and get a move on. A great way to get to know other moms, get out of the house, and find out about your new neighborhood, all while starting to burn off the baby pounds. Classes are held outside except when there is inclement weather. Classes available in Valhalla, Briarcliff Manor, and White Plains. Visit http://strollerstrides.net/westchester to find out more.
6. Local Libraries. Get to your local library and make the children's librarian your new BFF. They know everything and everyone, and are generally very helpful. Often there are new moms groups held at the libraries, ask for a schedule and sign up!
7. Citibabes. If you're living in and around Scarsdale, count your lucky stars, Citibabes is coming this fall and honestly sounds like the best thing since sliced bread. Classes, work out areas, new moms groups, a cafe, and it goes on and on. Seems like a no-brainer. Did I mention the child care while you work out in the gym? Genius. Click here to go there.
8. Walk the towns. Explore the local area -- pack up your stroller and take to one of the many 'quaint' towns in the area. Our favorites for walking with stroller friendly spots? Katonah, Mt Kisco, Chappaqua, Tarrytown, Rye, Larchmont in NY & Ridgefield, Greenwich or Westport in CT. If you think of anything more, visit our forums and post your own thoughts -- click here to comment! |
 Amazing Grace Circus!
For the first time in over 100 years, a live elephant (named Minnie) will parade down "Soho-on-the-Hudson's" Main Street on Saturday, July 25th at 10am to kick-off a two and half week celebration of dual centennial anniversaries: the 400-year Hudson River discovery and the 200-year birth of the American Circus.
Amazing Grace CIRCUS!, the region's only year-round children's and youth circus, will present "Circus-in-the-Park Extravaganza!" July 19 - August 2 in Memorial Park, Nyack, under their beautiful Cirque du Soleil-like tent at the foot of the Tappan Zee Bridge. The AGC! Youth Troupe, a circus company of 13 teenagers from Rockland and Bergen Counties, will perform on the weekends and lead the Old Tyme Circus Parade Down Main Street on July 25th.
For a full listing of events, go to www.amazinggracecircus.org. For tickets to all circus events visit the Riverspace Box Office at www.riverspace.org. |
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The Imagine Project Inc. Presents: "IMAGINE"!
An original play with music, created and performed by the young actors of Imagine Project Inc.
The New York International Fringe Festival - FringeNYC. August 14th - 30th. Tickets: $10 and $15. For tickets visit www.FringeNYC.org. All actors are part of the ongoing Imagine Project creativity workshops. Half our cast members come to us from our programs in New York City Homeless Shelters.
The most original kids' songs ever." - Roger Clark reporter NY1 TV
Based on ideas and improvisations of their own creation, our cast of twelve young actors brings to life eight contemporary stories filled with beauty, humor and magic expressed in their own words. Themes dealing with topics as universal as "Love," "What If?" "Ya Gotta Leave This World A Better Place!" "Ideas Parts I and II" as well as the fairy-tale-silliness of "Magic Shoes" and "There Ain't No Royal Prince in Brooklyn" illuminate the joys, doubts, and fears that young people so often express as they try to make sense out of the sense-less.
I can't stop! I can't get this music outta my head", Brianna O'Reilly - Student- age 10
 The Imagine Project, Inc. is a life-changing creative and performing arts program designed specifically for at-risk youth in homeless shelters and low-income neighborhoods that improves presentational skills, instills discipline and self-esteem, and inspires the children to believe in their own ability to make a positive and profound impact on the world. Founded in 1992, we are an organization dedicated to nurturing a child's creativity through the performing arts by establishing a secure environment for children to explore and engage their imaginative forces.
The youth in our target population face tremendous social and environmental challenges. Our programs are designed to counteract these obstacles by guiding children through a journey of creative development, awakening a drive to feel curiosity about life and empathy for the needs of others as well as courage to travel the path toward fulfillment of their potential in the world. We believe above all else that art has the power to save lives. We have nurtured inner city children who barely speak, to sing; children who hardly move, to dance; children who never thought it possible, to turn their own ideas into staged works of art with music created by the students themselves. For many children The Imagine Project is the only place they may ever have to discover that all accomplishments start with a dream, and that all dreams are possible.
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Member Highlight: ProBody Personal Training. Still having trouble showing up in your bikini at the pool this summer? While the kiddos are in camp, treat yourself to a little camp for moms. Be the mom everyone checks out at back-to-school night! 10% off of a 12 week package. Visit our Member Section for more deals and steals. Click here >> |
 New to EssentialMom.com: Half Moon Resorts. Looking to find great family values in the Caribbean? Haven't planned your summer vacation week yet? Kids Stay and Play FREE at Half Moon this Summer! Why not check it out!
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Essential News: Tickets Still Available! Stepping Stones presents Tom Chapin and The Clean Machine Tour, July 26 at 5 pm. Chapin's live performances engage the hearts, minds and imaginations of children and adults alike. Special member pricing $12/person, Non-members $15/person. Children under one get in FREE. Reserve today! Online or call 203 899 0606, ext. 247. Read more News >> |
 Essential Event: Shades of Jazz, July 29, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm. Shades of Jazz returns for its fourth season in the Museum's Sculpture Garden and continues a summer tradition of picnic dinners and complimentary beer and wine. Doors open at 6:00 pm. Guitarist Eric Krasno, drummer Adam Deitch, and friends team up with John Scofield. Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay Street, Katonah, www.katonahmuseum.org. Visit our Events Calendar >> |
Essential Volunteer: Westchester Children's Museum Charity Golf Outing. Featuring great prizes, on course-contests, auction items, raffle prizes, etc! Proceeds benefit the campaign for the Westchester Children's Museum. WCM will be a vibrant, hands-on cultural and educational institution for children, families, and school groups. September 21st, Quaker Ridge Golf Club. Visit www.discoverWCM.org or call 914-421-5050. Read more under Volunteer Opportunities >> |
 Essential Recipe:
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Join in and take advantage of our many wonderful features such as our Member Benefits section, the ratings and reviews section and the forums. Give yourself a good alter-ego and ask anything you want-- simple questions, silly chatter, or if you must...things you actually want the answer to! Have FUN! | |
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