Instant Hausfrau : Seattle

Moving the hausfrau...

2006-08-06T09:41:00.000-07:00

... this blog is moving to a new location, http://instanthausfrau.wordpress.com/ While blogger has been a great home, wordpress has tag support, which is a function I love when reading other people's blogs. So, I hope you'll follow me there to find out more about what's happening for children in Seattle. See you soon!

Robin Hood Aims True: Check out Sherwood Forest in Volunteer Park

2006-08-06T09:02:00.000-07:00

Spent last night at Theater Schmeater’s Robin Hood in the park. Moon’s 20 months now, with a very active personality, so sitting through a whole show is an awful lot to ask. Luckily for us, the show is in Volunteer Park, home of a popular playground and wading pool. When the small one got too rambunctious, we walked down the hill to splash in the water and cool down.

The show has everything you’d want from a Robin Hood adaption: evil Sheriff of Nottingham (a show-stealing John McKenna), heroic and sneaky Robin Hood, Little John of the Strong Silence, a cross-cast singing Allan a Dale, heavy fighting and drinking Friar Tuck, and a strong willed Maid Marian. The violence is mostly of the swash-and-buckle variety, making it very kid friendly, and although the show is free an ingenious hat passing gimmick is worked into the script.

So, lather up your sunscreen, pack your picnic, and head out to volunteer park for free summer theater at its kid-friendly finest. Robin Hood runs today at 4:00pm, skips a weekend, then runs for two more. And if you have an actor on your hands who dreams of the glories of doing summer theater themselves, you can share this great behind-the-scenes look at the making of this summer-stock production: On With the Show!

Theater Schmeater’s Robin Hood Volunteer Park (in the field next to the Conservatory) Free, but donations are gratefully accepted and kids love the chance to give money to Mr. Hood himself.

Sunday, August 6, 4:00pm

Friday, August 18, 6:30pm Saturday, August 19, 4:00pm Sunday, August 20, 4:00pm

Friday, August 25, 6:30pm Saturday, August 26, 4:00pm

This Morning at the Library: The Fisher Price My First Mosh Pit

2006-08-04T08:49:00.000-07:00

That's right! Captain Bogg & Salty, the pirate rockers from Portland, are in town for a library program this morning. Blue-Angles, schmoo-angels.

Are you ready? 'Cause really, what kiddie rock concert is better than a pirate kiddie rock concert? Plus, they cover Nellie the Elephant. (And yes, they really do call for a "Fisher Price My First Mosh Pit", making the kids raise their hands and promise to help each other up.)

Captain Bogg & Salty Central Library Downtown 1000 Fourth Ave., Seattle, WA 98104-1109 10:30am-? Free!

Edited to add: If you missed this morning's concert, head out to Bellevue's Crossroads Library for another performance at 5:00pm tonight. This morning, the kiddies with eye patches and balloons swords dancing in the aisles were a sight to see -- don't miss out!

The Newest Animals at the Zoo: 48 Hand-Carved Horses

2006-07-26T19:31:00.000-07:00

Zoo Carousel Originally uploaded by Instant Hausfrau.

The restored 1918 carousel is up and running at Woodland Park Zoo. Now through September, you can pay $1.00 to ride the carousel located in the zoo's North meadow. In September, they'll be closing it down again to allow workers to complete the Carousel pavilion (with special rooms for birthday party rentals, along with a full enclosure for the horses). Between this and Zoomazium, a zoo membership is looking like the best deal for entertaining families in this city.

Moon is an expert Carousel Queen, and seeing this one as we entered the North Gate made her light up. "Whee?" she asked, pointing to the hand-carved horses. How could I refuse?

We watched the horses go 'round for a turn, noting that your dollar buys a good, long ride. The carousel is quiet, making it unobtrusive for those visiting the more lively zoo animals. It was also good to note that the outside row of horses don't go up and down, so a less-adventurous young one has several steeds to choose from. We chose an inside row, as Moon is an experienced rider of painted ponies (and loves the chance to look up at the mechanism controlling her horse's rise and fall).

There was no objection (or additional charge) for me to stand on the Carousel platform to hold my daughter in place and remind her that it's good to hang on with both hands.

The detail on the horses is amazing. That alone can be enough to keep parents entertained by the ride. Most parents that weren't riding or helping their child ride were snapping photo after photo on the sidelines.

Be warned: The zoo has lost no time in marketing to young horse lovers, and a small cart next to the pavilion hawks carousel stickers, stuffed animals, and statues.

She loved the ride, and was reluctant to say "bye bye" to the horses. I was too.

Woodland Park Zoo Carousel
$1.00 + zoo admission
Woodland Park Zoo's North meadow

Bedtime procrastination: Just one more drink of water?

2006-07-25T11:05:00.000-07:00

Moon, my dulcet darling, has become a first class Bedtime Procrastinator. With the aide of her miniscule vocabulary, she is able to ask for just one more glass of water (wa-ba?), another story before bed (moon?), another kiss (she plants kisses on me and keeps doing it until her affections are reciprocated -- she must get that from her father), and so on, repeating steps as necessary to ensure Staying Up. I thought my daughter would be speaking in full sentences before the onslaught of delaying-the-inevitable began.

Procrastinating at 20 months. Where's the line for that in the baby book?

Her other new melt-mommy's-heart trick has been the pointing me out and proudly declaring "mama!" for the rest of the world. She's feeling the need to announce my presence to strangers at the grocery store, parks, and malls. I know once the teenage years start, it will be all about making sure strangers know She's Not With Me, so I'll love being pointed out while I have it.

When I told The Husband about her new party trick as he and Moon came back from a jaunt at Cal Anderson Park*, he was unimpressed. "You're just jealous that she isn't all proud of her papa," I retorted smugly. "No," he replied, amused. " It's just that she called several dogs at the park that, too." Moon - 1, My Self Esteem - 0. But who's counting?

*If you are one of the three or so people who haven't been since they re-did this place, go! It's really lovely, with a great playground and lots of dogs for small children to harass. In the Spring, they will be likely to have ducklings again, as they had a proud mom of twelve or so this year. Plus, all that great Cap Hill people watching for the parents!

Apologies for the cloudy weather.

2006-07-10T14:56:00.000-07:00

It is, in fact, all my fault.

Moon, you see, is a water-baby through and through. Now that summer has come to Seattle, the local parks have filled their wading pools. I always manage to forget this, and thus forget the requisite swim diapers, swim suits, towels, and float toys needed for a successful outing with the 1.5 year old. So, after a particularly heart-rending melt down in Volunteer Park this weekend, I got everything together last night: bundled together in a towel, you'll find her swimsuit, swim diaper, floating toy, and the baby sunscreen that was already living in the bag. This makes an easy to grab package for our next park-outing. I even remembered to wear my flip-flops this morning, for ease of chasing Moon through the watery delights (there is nothing worse than the squish of soggy socks, IMHO).

Naturally, this means that it's cloudy and cool today. Weather forecasts predict this sort of thing for the rest of the week. Uh, sorry about that guys.

Here there be Pirates!

2006-07-06T09:01:00.000-07:00

Yes, yes, the newest Disney movie concerning the adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow is out in theaters this weekend (for a bit of the surreal, see real Johnny Depp vs. Animatronic Johnny Depp by clicking play above), but I'm talking about the local swashbucklers.

This Saturday, the Seafair Pirates will make their annual landing at Alki Beach in West Seattle to pillage and plunder. So get your little ones out there in their finest Piratical Duds, and be there by noon to enjoy the festical atmosphere and pirate games.

Seafair Pirate Landing Commercial | (requires Windows Media Player)
Saturday, July 8th
Noonish (the pirates are somewhat subject to the tides)
Alki Beach in West Seattle
Free
(But get there early, parking can be a zoo)

Tap. Tap. Is this thing on?

2006-06-29T13:51:00.000-07:00

Hi, I go by IHF around here, and I used to blog about Seattle? And parenting stuff? And parenting stuff for folks in Seattle?

But, for the month of June, I have basically vanished into the fog that is the School Closure Process, with some death in the family thrown in for extra measure. Apologies for the absence, I'll do my best to make sure it doesn't happen again.

As I see it, the most important thing that I missed in June, is this: Please Take my Children to Work Day. Governors in Hawaii, New Jersey, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nebraska and Kentucky declared June 26th, 2006 for this important holiday for stay-at-home parents. Washington really needs to jump on this bandwagon next year.

And for the working parents making a go of it, you can check out www.mommytrackd.com . A great resource for staying organized, with a slick web design to boot. Any dads want to recommend some good dad-specific parenting resources out there?

Zoomazium, School Closures

2006-05-23T01:38:00.000-07:00

So, things have been quite busy in Chez Hausfrau and I have been remiss in my blogging duties. It means I have missed the chance to provide that semi-exclusive first look at Zoomazium, too. (We're members of Woodland Park Zoo, and thus had access to the special preview day on Thursday, May 18th). Between Kids Quest Children's Museum in Factoria and Zoomazium, it's pretty easy to find the current trends in child development research:

Giant Tree Structure which kids can climb but parents can't?check.
Enclosed toddler space, somewhat separate from the rest of the space but with low walls parents can see over? check.
Atmospheric stage lighting to make my pictures come out awfully dark? check.
Fake rocks? check.
Thousands upon thousand of parents and children packed into a small space? check
Picture of nursing primate above chair intended for visiting nursing mothers? ~~check~~ oh, wait, that's just Zoomazium.

So yeah, because parents are just so excited to have something new to take their children to, Zoomazium lives up to it's first syllable. Once crowds die down, I imagine it will be a much more pleasant place to be. And if you have a zoo membership, it's a wonderful deal. You get free access to what is basically an indoor children's museum type space, as well as access to all the zoo animals. It also helps provide more zoo options for rainy days or simply restless toddlers who aren't so excited about seeing the non-touchable animals. But if you already have a membership at Kids Quest, you'll find it's much like where you're already going (but without all the fun water to splash in, or the truck). Then again, Kids' Quest can't boast the very awesome giant egg shell kids can climb into.

Zoomazium
Woodland Park Zoo
750 N. 50th Street (South Gate)

Hours 10am - 5pm daily

Admission
free with Zoo Admission

--

But the big news for kids in the Seattle area are the school closure announcements. To make up budget shortfalls and address a declining school population, Seattle Public Schools' Community Advisory Committee has proposed closing 9 schools, relocating 5 programs, and merging two schools. Currently, they are holding town hall meetings where parents can name their concerns about the process and the closures. Emotions are running high, as no parent wants their school to be the one to close (though many recognize that closures seem a good idea). Still, it's hard to understand the reasoning behind some of the choices; schools that just received $4.5 million dollar renovations are on the list, and that money is about equal to the projected savings the School System web page is highlighting.

Even if your own children are too young to be affected by the choices now, these do affect the options in your neighborhood in the future. Come out to a town hall meeting, see what parents and students are saying about their schools and take this opportunity to start learning about the opportunities provided by schools in your area. We attended a meeting tonight, and saw a lot of concerned students and parents making their voices heard. It also gave us the chance to ask student's about their schools and what they like about them, although admittedly the lack of response or answers to parent questions about the selection process were frustrating. The town halls as provided seem to be more a venue for parental venting than a chance to get questions about the process answered.

You can read more about the issue here:

Mother's Day Gender Discorse

2006-05-12T12:45:00.000-07:00

This post, by Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling would have me running out to buy her books for my daughter if I didn't already own them. And if you haven't seen the video for P!nk's Stupid Girls, the song referenced in Rowling's comments, allow me to point you to a brilliant work of parody:

In general, Gender is on the brain right now. I just finished re-reading It's a Girl: Women Writers on Raising Daughters, and I'm still waiting for my copy of It's a Boy: Women Writers on Raising Sons to arrive via the SPL. At the playground today, Moon found her ideal playmate in a twenty-one month old boy who, like her, screamed for the pure joy of screaming. They chased each other around the playground, babbled in what seemed like conversations of their pre-English, and practiced the tried and true vocabulary staples of "Hi!" and "No!". When I admired the way his lips moved slowly to the side as he thought, the boy's mother told me with a tired sort of wonder that he was, "his father's child. All boy."

If that's "all boy", then what is my daughter, running and screaming with the same delight? I'm asking this thoughtfully, rolling the question around in my head to taste it. Moon was wearing her dinosaur overalls and shoes, the ones she picked out today and loves to stomp around in (helped, no doubt, by her love for the Boynton book Oh my oh my oh dinosaurs!"). She makes her truck toys go "Vroom!" now, at eighteen months, and excitedly points out airplanes in the sky to me.

And yet, later in the day, when picking out a new sippy cup, she chose the pink one with a kitty on it over the bright red with dinosaurs, causing maybe a little sadness for this former tom-boy Mom. She hugs and cuddles her stuffed animals, and is endlessly social and interested in other children. As she gets older, I know that we'll hit the age of trying out her girl-ness in all it's glory (that same age between three and five that seems to have so many of the moms in It's a Girl baffled), and I forsee a future where I'll swallow hard as my house becomes invaded by these concepts of female that I loathe.

In the great spectrum between nature and nurture, boy and girl, why do we send the messages we do about what makes a girl, or what makes a boy? How do I stop the experience of adolescence from crippling the spirit of my daughter, like it did me? I want to let her be the person she is, to explore and enjoy all the aspects and ideas about herself. I also desperately want to shelter her from the ideas of skeletally thin as pretty, and pretty as all that is important for her.

I'm already well on my way to becoming Overprotective Mom Extraordinaire. How do I keep myself in check when there seems to be such an overwhelming onslaught of Stupid Girl mentality to protect against?

To Market!

2006-05-10T16:50:00.000-07:00

Market Flowers
Originally uploaded by Instant Hausfrau.

It's Wednesday in May, and that means I got to drag Moon to the Columbia City Farmer's Market for a quick trip through the stalls of flowers, cheeses, baked goods, and fresh produce. Moon was mostly interested in the visiting dogs, and had a great time pointing them out to me. She also got to re-meet the midwife who helped deliver her, who happened to be wandering the market with her own lovely daughter. Added bonus: all the visual and aural stimulation was enough to overwhelm my dear girl. Nap time was a breeze once we were back in the car.

While my quest for fresh Mozarella did not go as planned, I found a local cheese maker with Paneer. (For those who don't know it, Paneer is a mild cheese used much like tofu in many Indian dishes. Simply cube it and simmer it up in your Indian sauces, served over rice, and you have a delicious and kid-friendly protein and - dare I say it? - variety in the small-one's diet). Quick and easy Indian dinners, here we come!

The previously mentioned and much adored Columbia City Bakery is staying open until 7pm on Farmer's Market days, so I picked up a lemon meringue tart as a special treat to share with our guests this afternoon.

But now it's off to finish tidying the house (quietly, so as not to wake the baby). Tonight's guests are the first I've hosted for a playdate, and I'm nervous as all heck. With luck, we'll be enjoying the weather in the backyard, Christening the sand and water table the grandparents spoiled Moon with, sipping lemonaide and eating vietnamese sandwiches from the local deli. If things go poorly, I'll hide in my lovely flowers from the market. They'll never find me in there.

Seattle Farmer's Markets

As cheap or as expensive as you make it, and a great way to get shopping done and enjoy the outdoors. Click the link above to find a market near you.

Ahoy there mateys!

2006-05-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

Seattle Waterfront Taxi
Originally uploaded by Instant Hausfrau.

I am triumphantly returned from what I am dubbing "Grandparent-a-palooza 2006". We survied a maddening week and a half with three different Grandparental visits. Now if I can just get Moon back onto a regular nap schedule, we can consider the whole thing a success. I missed you all terribly.

And I'm finding that it must be summer. Why? Well, the true sign that Summer is here in Seattle (other than the gorgeous sunny weather) is this: The return of the Elliot Bay Water Taxi.

For three dollars a person (children under 5 sail free), you enjoy a twelve-minute cruise across Elliot Bay (we like to find parking in West Seattle and take the taxi over to Pier 55). Watching Moon's eyes light up at the sight of this small Ferry Boat (with disctinctive yellow-and-black checkered trim, natch) was worth the price alone. Along the way, we peered over the edge of the dock to see minnows, and admired the nearby goslings with their proud Canada Geese parents.

I'm already planning another trip, once we have babysitting lined up, because Friday and Saturday nights the service runs until 11:00pm. And hey, a romantic date for $12 round trip? Now we're talking!

Elliot Bay Water Taxi
(May 1st - September 30th)
Seacrest Park - Pier 55
Children under 5 - free
All Other Passengers - $3.00/one way

--

And to really get your small sailor in the mood for high seas adventures, I suggest downloading (free!) one of our favorite songs here, a gift from those musical Pirates of Portland Captain Bogg & Salty. If you like their downloadable track Scurvy as much as Moon and I do, please pick up a CD or two and help encourage more children's music that is fun for adults too. You can catch the Captain and crew in live performances (complete with full pirate regalia) later this summer at many area public libraries.

Free Stuff:

2006-04-25T14:57:00.000-07:00

The in-laws are in town, leaving me next to no time to blog. Accept my apologies and one or more of these offers for free stuff. I'll be back soon.

Head to Southcenter, Northgate, or Alderwood Mall to a Picture People near you for a free 8x10 or 10x13 Portrait (Good until May 14th, don't forget to print the coupon).
Don't forget that today is free cone day at your local Ben & Jerry's.
And most obvious freebie of all? The sunshine today! Go enjoy the Seattle weather while it's 65 and beautiful. May I suggest The Kubota Gardens for your day in the sun?

"I'm sure it's just a phase"

2006-04-23T08:55:00.001-07:00

INT. INSTANT HAUSFRAU HOUSEHOLD

IHF, a late twenties Mom, steps out of the baby's room holding a diaper. She is looking for MOON, her 1 year old daughter.

IHF: (forced enthusiasm) Moon! Come on! It's Diaper-Changing Time!

We hear the thuds of toddler footsteps through the house, followed by the slam of a door.

IHF: Moon?!

IHF steps further into the house, and the camera pans back to reveal what is obviously a bathroom door. Moon has shut her self inside.

IHF: (knocking on the door) Moon, sweetie. We have to change your diaper.

There is no sound from within the bathroom. THE HUSBAND enters frame, bemused and holding a cup of coffee. He pats his wife on the shoulder.

HUSBAND: I'm sure it's just a phase.

Confessions of a Mildly Hip Mama

2006-04-22T07:56:00.000-07:00

Just got word that I am now a Crazy-Hip Blog Mama. While my proportions are a bit off (I'm a lot crazy and perhaps only mildly hip), I am honored that the judges could overlook that and add me to such distinguished company. Thanks, Mamas!

But now, I feel I must confess. You see, when I started this blog, I did it for a couple of reasons. Firstly, being the first in my group of friends to have small children, I wanted to try and provide for others what I had wanted: a friend with some knowledge about what's available for children in the Seattle area. My secondary reasons were much more selfish. I hoped that with complete anonymity, I would be able to talk freely about my issues with post- and pre-partum depression. 'Cause blogging? Much cheaper than therapy.

But I'm finding that despite the blog's reputation of being all about mememe, I just can't do it. I had hoped the relative anonymity of blogging here, without the knowledge of my friends or family, would allow me to talk pretty freely about depression issues. I thought without that audience of folks who care about me, who know me, I wouldn't have to worry and guilt over hurting them by being hurt. I seem to have thought wrong. I can't seem to get over this new case of the shys.

Instead, I find myself making an attempt to answer the parenting magazines that tell me to put the number of my $300/hr Baby Yoga Class in my Blackberry. What parent can afford that?. If you can, I so need to set up a Paypal link on here.

So here's to you, parents. I hope to be your friend who's been there, who can point you to cheap and/or affordable living or vacationing with children in Puget Sound, as much as that oxymoron is possible.

Parenting in Seattle: As summed up by the SPL

2006-04-21T05:32:00.000-07:00

So, after finding references to a couple of books in the blogs of other parents, I jumped onto the Seattle Public Library website to request the books.

It's a Girl: Women writters on raising girls proved to be no problem. I'm number 4 on the waiting list.

But Confessions of a Naughty Mommy: How I found my lost libido? I'm number 174 waiting for that.

And really, what else can I say about the topic?

Celebrate Earth Day: Recycle Your Kids' Clothing

2006-04-20T10:37:00.000-07:00

So, Earth Day is coming up this Saturday, and while lots of activities are focused on the great outdoors, I'd like to take a minute to talk about a topic a bit closer to home: outgrown children's clothing.

For families with small children, keeping track of what outfits still fit can be something of a challenge. If you're like me, you go through everything about every six months, culling the outgrown or out-of-season. But what to do with the outgrown clothing?

Many moms find themselves saving outfits for future siblings, or passing things along to other moms they know who may have need. Another popular option is a local consignment shop, where mom's can earn back a percentage of the proceeds from the sale of clothing they drop off. I keep thinking I need to quilt my own straight jacket, personally, but my sewing skills just aren't up to snuff. However, here in Seattle, we have another great option for families.

The Baby Boutique is a local social services agency that serves homeless families in the Seattle area. Moms in Domestic Violence shelters, families without homes, and single parents in Transitional Housing programs all benefit from their work. They offer new and used children's clothing, books, diapers, toys, and equipment to these needy families, and they do so for free. It's a great organization, and really deserves your help.

So, next time your doing the semi-annual wardrobe cull, keep the Baby Boutique in mind (be it Earth Day or anyday). Share what you have, and take the opportunity to teach your children about helping the less fortunate and the earth by recycling their clothes, toys and books.

The Baby Boutique
1100 Virgina Street, #211
Seattle, WA 98101
206.902.4270
Hours
Tuesday through Friday - 10:00-3:00
The Fourth (4th) Saturday of each month - 9:30-Noon

Some Tips on Donating Items:
Wash clothing items and toys before bringing them in -- it's common courtesy and definitely helps your chances in cosigning items.
Check for a wish-list at the organization you're wanting to donate to -- many agencies have limited storage space. Make sure what you bring in is something they need.
Recognize when it's time to recycle, and when it's time for the trash -- if the item your thinking about is something you wouldn't be willing to have your own kids use at this point, don't try and pass it off to someone else. Sometimes, it really is time for an item to go, and passing off your problems is not helping anyone.
Get your kids involved -- let children select old toys they don't play with, or books that are now too young for their use. Having them choose the items that go gives them a feeling of control, and lets them learn about the importance and joy of helping first hand.

Toys and Ice Cream

2006-04-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

If you have more money then I do to spend on children's toys and furnishings (not hard), Land of Nod is having a sale (up to 80% off!) on many items. Check them out online or head to the U-Village store to see what's available in person. (This castle looks an awful lot like the one currently in our attic, waiting for Moon to reach the required age of playing-not-eating. It is part of the growing collection of toys in our attic that Mom and Dad think are Really Cool, and hope Moon will feel the same way about.)

In other U-Village news, next Tuesday will be a great day to hit Ben & Jerry's. It's the infamous Free Cone Day April 25th, sure to bring long lines of ice cream lovers. While I can't promise that the sale will still be going on at Land of Nod then, free ice cream and cool kids toys, all in one convenient U-Village location seems a pretty sweet deal.

And if U-Village hits too many of your upscale yuppie buttons, click here for a list of all Washington area Ben and Jerry's shops to find out who's participating.

Land of Nod U-Village
University Village
Seattle, WA 98105
206.527.9900

Ben and Jerry's U-Village
2619 NE University Village,
Seattle, WA 98105
206.526.0607

Full Contact Yoga

2006-04-17T09:19:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, I miss the days of being able to go through a yoga routine without a small person jumping on my back and shrieking.

To the hunt!

2006-04-14T14:44:00.000-07:00

“Until lions have their historians, tales of the hunt shall always glorify the hunter” -- African Proverb

Spring has arrived (the drooping daffodils, tired time-change eyes, and remains of crocuses tell me so), and we approach the weekend of The Hunt. I refer, of course, to Easter Eggs. Mind you, these days the domestic egg is considerably less treacherous than it's feral brothers and sisters, but if you're looking for a Seattle location to track and capture the elusive Hen Apple, here are some good places to start:

The Bunny Bounce | Saturday, April 15, 9:30 am - 2:00 pm, at Woodland Park Zoo, zoo admission required : The fifth annual bunny bounce features live rabbits for your young ones to harass, egg hunts for children ages 1-10, and some poor sap in a rabbit costume. Bags are provided for the hunt while supplies last, or feel free to bring your own.
Community Center Egg Hunts | Saturday, April 15th, 10am, at a community center near you, free : Many community centers throughout Puget Sound are hosting their own egg hunts for kids. General guidelines indicate that these hunts are for children ages 1-10, and some include bonuses like a pancake breakfast, though the bonuses cost extra. Bring your own bag or basket to collect eggs.
Eggstravaganza and Healthy Kids Day | Saturday, April 15th, 10am - 2pm, Sammamish Family YMCA, free : Promises healthy food taste tests as well as the usual egg hunt and celebrity Easter Bunny appearance. Goodie bags while supplies last.

Those of you with teens should check your community centers as well. Many have a teen-focused flashlight egg hunt tonight, starting around 7:30 or 8:30 tonight. Or, if your religious sensibilities aren't squicked by the notion, go with the current trend of Zombie movies to celebrate Christ's return (have you seen Shaun of the Dead, yet?).

And for parents who spell Easter "Eostre", this weekend provides the Spring Mysteries, an attempt to recreate the Eleusinian Mysteries of Classical Greece in Ft. Flagler, WA. Ambitious, much? And rather exciting, I think.

Happy hunting!

B&O Espresso to close?

2006-04-12T20:56:00.000-07:00

From the Slog:

After 30 Years, B&O Espresso May be Forced to Close

Posted by DAN SAVAGE at 06:42 AM

Frizzelle may lose his view yet.

An ominous notice has gone up at B&O Espresso on Olive Way: The building the B&O is in may be torn down to make way for yet more condos. “It’s kind of up in the air, and it won’t be for a while,” Katharine, a manager, told me when I called B&O. “The city put up a sign, and it looks like the soonest it would happen would be a year and a half from now.”

Nate, a Stranger reader who lives a block from the B&O, wrote in after receiving a letter from the city about the new development. Says Nate…

I am really, really furious: B&O is a landmark on capital hill… they have the best desserts ever, and it is such a good place I always keep going back! It is in the top 3 reason I moved here, and I always take friends & family who are visiting Seattle to B&O. The worst part is that they just finished printing all their 30 year anniversary flyers when they received the news. If they would at least provide enough space in the new mega building so B&O could open up again, I think it would be okay. I would prefer not to have a mega building like that on my block, but if B+O goes away it is going to change the feeling of the neighborhood drastically…. Well, if you guys think this is important, then you can get the word out right?

We’re on it, Nate.

Unfortunately your idea—make sure the B&O gets the retail space in the new building—isn’t going to work out. Majed Lukapah, who has owned B&O for 30 years, tells me that the developers talked to him about occupying the retail space in the new building, “but it’s very, very small, 2200 square feet. Once you put in a kitchen, handicapped bathrooms, a counter—there’s no room left for seating. We would need at least 3500 square feet of space.”

According to Lukapah, B&O Espresso was the first espresso place on Capitol Hill, and one of the first three in the entire city.

“People are angry, and they think I’m the one to blame,” says Lukapah. “People are saying it’s my building and I want to tear it down and build condos. People are asking me, ‘Why do you want to tear this building down?’ I say, ‘It’s not me, there’s nothing I can do about it!”

There’s a meeting next Wednesday, April 19th, at Seattle Central Community College, at 6:30 PM. “Anybody who wants to complain can meet with the city at this meeting and talk with them,” says Lukapah. “There is a chance, if people fight this, that we can save the building.”

If the building can’t be saved, perhaps the developers can be convinced to expand the retail space to the 3500 square feet that Lukapah needs to keep the B&O in business.

In the meantime, if anyone knows of a space on Capitol Hill that’s at least 3500 square feet, Lukapah would appreciate a call.

UPDATE: Aw, crap. I tossed this up as quickly as I could, because I had to get home. I wanted to amend this post before anyone really saw it, but… too late. I’m already being called out in the comments. Isn’t the Stranger for density? We are, and I’m not all that upset about the demise of the one-story building that currently houses B&O. While B&O may be historic (or as historic as a thirty year-old coffee shop can be), the building its in isn’t really all that remarkable.

I was working toward my preferred solution at the end of my dashed-off post: Instead of pressuring the city or the developer to drop the project, we should pressure the developer to increase the size of the retail space so that B&O can stay on the site.

And even if the B&O doesn’t survive—God forbid—it hardly signals the end of Capitol Hill culture.

I for one would be sad to see B&O go. When the Husband and I were first visiting the city, we stumbled upon the place and their tasty, tasty boreks. I'm a huge fan of their rumballs, too.

Psst! Hey Buddy!

2006-04-09T11:37:00.000-07:00

Wanna buy a Bassinet?

Living Vicariously Via Blog

2006-04-03T09:26:00.000-07:00

So, becoming parents makes any family feel poor -- all those new expenses like diapers and clothing every three months. Add to that potential changes in earned income or child care expenses, and you begin to feel there's no money to do anything.

This is where the glories of the Interyweb come in. I can, through reading the blogs of others, begin living the high life (or at least, finding an interesting new angle on it all) without leaving the my desk. Here are some of my favorite bits of blog at the moment:

The Accidental Hedonist and Seattle Bon Vivant allow me to indulge my foodie cravings while resigning my real world self to another day of shoveling bland, safe foods down my daughter's throat. Bon Vivant adds the extra bonus of occasionally learning about a fun new place where the husband and I can splurge on that cup of coffee or some Parisian Hot Chocolate, enjoying each other's company and the beautiful city we live in. Ah, bliss!

To properly explain the next blog on my list, I need to take you back.

In the late 90's, I was living in Japan as a student and teacher, practicing my language skills and soaking up the culture and life. And I discovered a peculiar fascination of the Japanese -- hearing foreigners talk about their culture. There was a whole television show dedicated to it, where a bunch of foreigners sat and talked about those wacky nihonjiin. Coming back from my travels, I saw America with fresh eyes that questioned everything. Why do we do things the way we do? And now, Well, reading The I'mPerfect Mom, I'm getting a chance to see America (and my beloved Seattle) with fresh eyes again. It's an interesting cultural exchange, and knowing next to nothing about Malaysian life and culture, I'm learning a lot too.

And finally, Ravings of a Corporate Mommy used to be my what-if reading. I would check out the pages to see how Bear was doing, and imagine a life where I was still working full time. Recently, she's left her work and I find it less of a practice in escapism, and more of a journey in I remember that.

Who are you reading?

Essentials of New-Parenthood...

2006-03-31T19:36:00.000-08:00

Nice post on Urbanmamas about the gear needs that comes with parenting. Wish I'd been able to send it on to a friend before her recent baby shower.

It seems important to note, however, that as much as we can try and make a general list of what was needed and what seems to be a racket for overpriced plastic, these things are highly personal. While I find I mostly agree with their list, I'll just chime in with the comments that the bouncy seat was the only way I got a shower in for the fist 6 months or so. And note that while I consider the travel diaper-wipe warmer the height of taking advantage, a friend who has worked as a Nanny for years swears by the devices.

And while I'm talking about parenting blogs, following links in my reading today led me to Seattle-based Red Tricycle, which has given me a new way to describe my blog space: "It's like Red Tricycle, only cheaper. Much, much cheaper."

On the Dangers of "Yay!"

2006-03-31T10:18:00.000-08:00

So, lately, dearest Moon has taken cheering her accomplishments to a whole new level. While her first "Yays!" (clapping her hands, smiling, and saying "Yay!") on completion of a task (like putting the correct block shape into the shape-sorter) were endearing, she has decided that the appropriate counter to "no" is "Yay!".

"Moon, no! Stop climbing the cat funishings!" "Yay!"

"No, Moon! Bottom down on the sofa, please!" "Yay!"

"Moon! Gentle touches with the kitties!" "Yay!"

The kitty one will be answered soon enough when she goes to far with one of our fur balls, but the others? She giggles and laughs when I tell her no, despite my not letting her get away with whatever behavior is earning the no. I always knew my child was good natured, but this is a little too good natured.

A Lazy Sunday at the Zoo...

2006-03-31T10:17:00.000-08:00

Woodland Park Zoo
Originally uploaded by Instant Hausfrau.

Sunday proved an excellent day for an outing to Woodland Park Zoo. It was cloudy enough to scare away the big crowds, but not too cold for most of the animals. We enjoyed a walk along the trail of vines, time with the elephants, and of course a chance to investigate the progress on the historic carousel and the opening later this Spring Zoomazium. I'm really looking forward to the opening.

And of course, if you lack the funds or time for a zoo visit, there's always the Bear Cam (though in colder months the bears seem to stay curled up asleep out of camera view).

Woodland Park Zoo

9:30am -- 4:00pm daily (Winter Hours)

Admission
Adult (13-64)	$10.50
Child (3-12)	$7.50
Toddler (0-2)	FREE

More Culture for Cheap.

2006-03-31T10:14:00.000-08:00

And by "culture" I mean airplanes.

Yesterday was the first Thursday of the month, which means that many Seattle area museums were free for the looking (the main SAM location is still closed for new construction). Boeing's Museum of Flight was open to free visitors from 5pm until 9pm, and since we hadn't been before we decided there was no time like the present.

Wow. It's a really great museum, and we didn't see half of what was there (and the concorde and airforce one are closed during the free first Thursday evenings). Most of it was too old for Moon, but she loved exploring the new environment and seeing all the children there. I was completely in love with the WWI and WWII exhibits, as I have a tremendous soft spot for old bi-planes. The radio segments made available in the displays were a very nice touch.

Also good to note that the cafe doesn't gouge you -- we had the pork chile verde, and prices are about what you would expect from any small cafe ($5.94/sandwich or so). You get views over Boeing Field's runway as you dine, and they even stock PB & J on whole wheat for the picky eaters.

The coolest find was in the gift shop -- The Battat Take-A-Part Airplane. We've added it to the growing collection of toys Mom and Dad think are cool that we hope she'll like someday "when she's older". For now, we'll keep it in the packaging to stop Mom and Dad from playing with it.

The Museum of Flight

9404 East Marginal Way South Seattle, WA 98108-4097 206.764.5720

Hours 10am -- 5pm, 7 days a week

Admission Children 4 and under free Youth (5-17) $7.50 Adults (18-64) $14.00 Seniors (65+) $13.00 Museum admission is free of charge on the first Thursday evening of every month from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Cheap thrills on the Eastside...

2006-02-24T07:43:00.000-08:00

KidsQuest children's Museum, Factoria, WA Originally uploaded by djwudi.

The Husband and I needed some time to talk. Moon needed some time to run around and play. We needed it to be cheap. Lucky for us, the Kids Quest Children's Museum in Factoria, WA is open for business. So, last Friday Moon, the Husband, and I went to check it out (please note, my photos always seemed to include the faces of other people's children, who may not want their faces on the IntreyWeb, so I have borrowed this lovely shot from Flickr user djwudi, all credit goes to him!).

We found the museum in the Factoria Mall, across from the Petco, and Friday evenings are free! This also means that Friday evenings are somewhat crowded, and since admission is $6.00 each, it may be worth it to you to opt for a less crowded non-free time. There were cubby holes and lockers for shoes and coats, located along the back wall, and children playing everywhere!

The museum is divided into different play areas, with suggested age ranges for each one. Older children will find "The Garage", complete with a truck rig they can climb into and play with, as well as tools for building and the "Waterways" section, which lets children play with water to make sounds, explore currents, paint, or just get wet. Younger children like Moon have "The Backyard" to explore -- with lots of books, blocks, places to climb and crawl, and an "international" farm table, where you can learn what a cow says in Russian.

Moon loved it, and though we spent most of our time in the age-appropriate Backyard area, chasing her from one interesting object to the next, we also had to find some time in the Waterways for our water-loving daughter. Moon splashed and played and loved it.

The trip was a very worthwhile one, and we enjoyed having time together as a family. Don't miss the height check spot just around the corner from Waterways -- most parents and kids seemed to, and how often do you get a perfectly accurate measurement of your height read back to you by computer (5'8" with my big shoes on, thank you very much)?

Kids Quest Children's Museum
4091 Factoria Blvd. SE
Bellevue, WA 98006
(425) 637-8100
Hours
Monday CLOSED
Tuesday 10:00 - 5:00
Wednesday 10:00 - 5:00
Thursday 10:00 - 5:00
Friday 10:00 - 8:00
Saturday 10:00 - 5:00
Sunday 12:00 - 5:00
Admission Members Free Children under 1 year Free Children (age 1-12) $6.00 Adults and teenagers $6.00 Friday evenings from 5:00-8:00 Free

I begin to understand that whole sibling thing.

2006-01-27T20:01:00.000-08:00

I mean, other than the redundancy plan covered by Mr. Vogel of ironycentral.

We've reached a stage where Moon does more than fill diapers and demand to eat. She interacts. She laughs, giggles, hugs, kisses and climbs. I never thought a house of mine would be filled with so much laughter, and right now every night has shrieking and goodness in it. Add that to the fact Moon is too young to be making those clumsy, horrible grabs for independance that give 2 such a bad reputation, and things seem pretty sweet. It's almost enough to sucker you into thinking another one is a good idea.

Please note the use of the word "sucker" in the above sentance.

Baby-friendly Morning Spots

2006-01-24T11:34:00.000-08:00

morningbun Originally uploaded by Instant Hausfrau.

Nothing like sinking your teeth into a delicious Morning Bun from the Columbia City Bakery. This place has a great selection of baked goods, which you can watch them make while you eat, and very friendly (and kid-friendly) service -- Moon could spend days playing peek-a-boo with the girls behind the counter. My favorite decorative touch would have to be the ceiling fan. Go take a look when you stop in. The coffee can be a little slow getting to you, but the atmosphere here is more than worth the wait.

(Now if only they'd be open Tuesdays so I could grab a bite before Cry Baby Tuesdays at the Columbia City Cinema).

Columbia City Bakery
4865 Rainier Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98118
206 723-6023
Wed-Sat 7-4
Sunday 8-4

Sweedish Pancake Breakfast...

2006-01-08T15:01:00.000-08:00

pancakebreakfast Originally uploaded by Instant Hausfrau.

Every first Sunday of the Month, the Sweedish Cultural Center serves up fresh Sweedish Pancakes, liberally doused with lingon or strawberries and cream. Also on offer are milk, coffee, orange juice and a large slice of ham. Generous helpings served without pretention (and the helpful volunteers refilling the Sweedish Coffee to my caffinated heart's desire) gave this event a warm place in my heart (and tummy).

Moon was delighted by the music and folkdancing (though eager to participate as much as to watch), and we saw children of a variety of ages enjoying the food and happy, boiserous atmosphere. Think church brunch sort of event, but with Sweedish folk music and no references to church of any kind, and you'll have the right idea.

Sweedish Pancake Breakfast
8:30am to 1:30pm
1st Sunday of every month
1920 Dexter Ave N
Seattle, Wa 98109
206.283.1078
Adults: $6.
Children 6-12: $2.
Children under 6: FREE.

Baby's First Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

2006-01-06T21:55:00.000-08:00

So, at a recent holiday shindig, Moon met a two year old who was fascinated with the "baby". At the urgings of his parents and our hosts, he hugged Moon repeatedly. She was a bit shy and uncertain at first, but was soon chasing him down to give him hugs in return. And now, she's hugging everybody.

At the playground, I watch parental looks of suspicion and alarm chase my daughter as she runs up to tackle their unsuspecting offspring in a gentle baby-hug. Where they are doesn't seem to matter; she's just as happy hugging a child facing the other way as hugging a child eager to return her fledgling affections. At times, such as teetering on the edge of some slide or other playground equipment, ready to plunge off to their Doom below, one can't help but be a bit concerned.

Today, Moon transferred her affections to a playground Mom. She reached out with a smile and a "Hi!", took the woman's hand, and began marching off with her. This Mom's 19 month-old son was understandably outraged, and ran up to pull his mother's hand away from Moon. "My Mommy," he told her angrily, and raised a hand to hit my daughter. "No, no!" his mother cried. "That isn't very nice!"

Moon simply opened her arms wide, smiled, and moved forward to enfold that boy, and the world.

Seattle Aquarium

2006-01-05T10:34:00.000-08:00

Seattle Aquarium Originally uploaded by Instant Hausfrau.

New years day meant a trip to the under-renovation Seattle Aquarium this year. If you haven't made it to the Aquarium yet, it's an extremely kid friendly venue. Seeing fish in a well-lighted tank is easy from an early age, which can make it a better choice than the zoo, and the indoor location is nothing to sneeze at during these winter months. Moon loved splashing the water in the tidepools, and playing with the wall-mounted octopus tentacles (ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!). For those of you who are old hands at the aquarium game, the baby sea otter (born December 6th) should help entice you out. The Seattle Aquarium Waterfront Pier 59 1483 Alaskan Way Seattle, WA 98101 206.386.4300 Admission Fees: Adult 13 and up $12.00 Youth 6-12 $8.00 Child 3-5 $5.00 Child 2 and under Free

2005-12-30T22:28:00.000-08:00

I will always remember 2005 as the year I tried three times to kill myself, and failed. Dealing with Post-partum depression? Please get help.