Easter Bunnies in Nashville

You think that's cute?

These guys have nothing on the crew that we met right here in Nashville.

That's right, it's Easter and the bunnies are back at Phillips Toy Mart! We've been twice and I'm sure we'll be back before the season ends.

The bunnies are clean, cute and unbelievably patient with little hands. The folks at the Toy Mart even provide hand sanitizer!

Simplify Your Childs' Life

Kim John Payne, M.ED. will be in Nashville this Thursday night at Linden Waldorf School to talk about the ideas behind this book and help attendees create a Simplicity Menu for their family.  The cost is $10 and you can find more detailed information and purchase tickets here.  I'm definitely looking forward to this one!

Valentine's Day Activity for the Pre-School Set

Yogi isn't ready for a whole lot in the way of crafts, but I couldn't let Valentine's Day go by without doing some kind of activity with a theme. 


I LOVE a theme.  And I LOVE Valentine's Day.  Kate thinks it's a ridiculous holiday imposed by a greeting card company, but I think it's a great excuse for finding creative ways to show people how much you love them and eating desert without guilt.  A win-win.  


This year I decided to make a Valentine version of a sensory box.  I had never heard of a sensory box until I started reading kiddie blogs, but after reading a bit about them and seeing how much fun Yogi is having with it, I'm hooked.  We will definitely be making more of these.  


If you're interested in the thinking behind sensory bins, read this.


Here's how we made ours.


MATERIALS


2 gallon-sized Ziplock bags
3 bags of white rice
Red food coloring
1 relatively shallow box with a wide base
Assorted small cups and measuring spoons 


INSTRUCTIONS


1. Pour all of your rice into a Ziplock bag and drop in about 10 drops of food coloring. You can do more or less depending on how red you would like your rice.  As you can see from the picture, ours was a bit on the pink side.


2. Seal carefully.  If you are super cautious, you might want to double bag.  I did.  ;)


3. Roll the rice bag around on the floor, giving the rice the chance to soak up the color.  Yogi loved this part and entertained himself with that bag for quite some time.


4. Allow rice to dry in the bag for a few hours.  We dyed the rice before dinnertime one night and got it out to play the next morning.  


5. Dump the rice into the box.  Play!


Yogi was really enthusiastic about this activity and when I explained that we needed to keep the rice in the box he was pretty careful.  There was certainly sweeping afterwards, but it wasn't a huge disaster.  I spent the first few minutes encouraging him to touch the rice and run it through his fingers, showing him how to pour from one cup to another and scoop up small amounts with the measuring spoons.  We played together for the most part, but I'm thinking this is something he might do quite happily while I was doing something else (making dinner) close by.  This little box kept him engaged for almost an hour.  

Mother Goose is on the Loose at the Nashville Library

If you're looking for Yogi and I on the first Wednesday of the month, you can find us at  Mother Goose on the Loose at the Main Library downtown .  We've been going for the last three months and we both enjoy it.  It's a nice way to mix things up from our more typical Story Time plans.  

So, what is Mother Goose on the Loose?  

It's an early literacy program designed for children between the ages of 3 months and 2 years, although we regularly see school-age kids that seem entirely engaged.  There is music, movement, nursery rhymes, colored scarves, puppets and stories being read.  Each session is very much like the last (their materials cite 80% overlap) creating a comforting ritual in which little people (and big people too) know what to expect.  The whole program lasts 30 minutes and at our library concludes with a craft.  In addition to the singing and moving and rhyming, the leader also offers development tips and suggestions to the parents.  You can even pick up a handout on your way out that outlines each of the rhymes if you want to continue playing at home.

 If you're looking for an opportunity for both play and learning and you like things that are based on research, you might want to give this a try.  You can find out more about the program on the website.

Trader Joe's: Nashville's Best Grocery Store for Kids

Grocery shopping with others does not top my list of favorite things to do.  Grocery shopping with a toddler doesn't make the list at all.  I like to tackle these kinds of errands solo, but since Yogi has arrived I don't get too much "solo".

With Yogi as my errand side kick, I've had to adopt a new perspective.  My pre-Yogi perspective was all about efficiency; get as much accomplished as quickly as possible so that you have more time for the fun stuff.  Stuff that bears no resemblance to errands.  Post-Yogi it's fairly impossible to do something like grocery shop, drop off books at the library or even walk down to the street to check the mail with anything approaching speed.  It can take us 5 full minutes to make it up the stairs on a particularly distracted afternoon.  I know that because I've timed it.  What I'm saying is that nothing happens quickly anymore and I figure that if you're going to spend way.too.long doing something, you might as well enjoy it.  Enter my new perspective.....

ERRAND AS DESTINATION

No more is an errand something that we do on the way to doing something else, but the thing itself.  This little shift has done more than just lower my blood pressure, it has allowed me to enjoy these mundane little moments with my son.  Of course I still get antsy when Yogi feels compelled to examine each rock he encounters on the path from door to mailbox, but seeing the trek as more than just a means to an end (getting the mail) allows for a little breathing room.

So, what does this have to do with grocery stores?

Well, our most favorite errand destination is this place.  Trader Joe's is hands-down Nashville's most kid-friendly grocery store.  Aside from the obvious fact that they sell fabulous food (more on that later), the store itself is a pleasant place to be and that has mostly to do with the people who work there.  The staff is genuinely friendly (not that weird, scripty customer-service brand of friendliness), helpful and interesting.  The faces we encounter on our visits are consistent (seems like low turnover) and we usually have a few actual conversations while we're there.  Yogi is always recognized by someone and frequently offered a taste of something yummy (peach pops are his favorite) while he rides in the cart. 

Although we're not ready for it yet, the store also offers those fun, kiddie shopping carts.  Unlike lots of places where those things are just accidents waiting to happen, at Trader Joe's they actually work.  I think that has to do with the fact that the store is so small and the shoppers seem to be less rushed and frantic than they are at other places.  I can't say that I'm counting down the days, but based on all of the pointing he does when he's sees other kids "shopping", Yogi is looking forward to pushing his own cart.

The other BIG attraction is of course, the food.  If you eat a largely plant-based diet you can find lots of great things at reasonable prices.  This is not to say that Trader Joe's isn't a place for meat eaters (they certainly sell meat), but just that I haven't done the pricing on that.  It's a great place to get staples like seasonal produce, dairy, bread and tofu/tempeh.  I'll leave you with a list of yummy Trader Joe's specific things to try on your next visit:

• Jalepeno-Cilantro hummus
• Pizza Olympiad
• Ready-to-use frozen squares of basil, garlic and cilantro
• Veggie Masala burgers
• Cookie Butter (don't ask, just buy)
• Lemon & Triple Ginger Snap ice cream
• Dark Gingerbread mix
• Dark Chocolate coated Mints (near the registers)

Nashville's Coal Train Railroad - Jazz for Kids

 

 
Have you seen these guys yet?!!  If you've got kids and you're into music (you do live in Nashville, right?!) you've got to check them out.

They describe themselves this way on their website:

Coal Train Railroad is a collection of jazz songs created just for kids!  Written from a child’s perspective and covering such important topics as bellybuttons, juice, sharing, and snuggling, the songs are inspiring kids all over the world to dance, play, and use their voices to riff along with the musicians.  Produced by bassist Chris Donohue (Emmylou Harris, Buddy Miller, Collective Soul) and featuring the charming, playful voice of Katy Bowser, Coal Train Railroad appeals to grownups, too.  You’ll keep listening even when the young ones aren’t around!

Yogi and I discovered the band at the downtown library back in December and so when we heard they would be back this week we put it on the calendar.  In spite of Kate's weekend absence (call weekend - boo) we managed to have some fun Saturday morning swinging and getting our wiggles out with the band.

Wondering when you can see them next?  They will be at Parnassus Books on Saturday, February 4 for a webcast concert at 4 o' clock.

Books, a train table AND Coal Train Railroad?!!!

We'll be there!

Fighting Kids? 10 Steps to Peace

Tonight is book club night!  A few months back some girls from one of my play groups decided to get together occasionally after bed time (wild women we are!) to talk about parenting books.  It's probably not everyone's ideal way to spend an evening out, but we have a lot of fun.

Our read this month was Raising Happiness: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents (Dr. Christine Carter).  There was so much practically useful information in this one, that I had to share a taste of it with you. 

This time next year I will have two children under the age of three.  I have no siblings and NO experience with sibling arguments and I'm already nervous about fighting kids. So.... I loved this list!  I know it will be awhile before I'll be able to use just this method with my little guys (Yogi isn't really up for two-way conversation yet), but the spirit will still apply.

Here goes......

#1 Breathe

Take a deep breath and collect your own self before entering into the fray.  If you are rattled and yelling yourself, you're just going to escalate emotions.  Enter the situation with as much calm as you can muster.  

#2 Address the Situation

Call it what is.  We have to help our children gain confidence in confronting a problem squarely by acknowledging that there is a problem here that we need to solve. 

#3 Promote Calm

Before we can address a problem we have to let the heat of the moment pass.  Christine recommends a peace table to help kids step back and gain perspective before tackling the problem. 

#4 Identify What They Want

Ask each child to identify the problem as they say it (answers might be different and that's ok) and what it is that they want. 

#5 Express Feelings

Have everyone use an "I" statement to communicate how this fight has made them feel.  This might sound like: "I feel angry when you hide my doll" and follows the form, I feel X when you do Y. 

#6 Communicate Understanding

Make sure everyone understands what has been said.  This is one way to help build empathy. 

#7 Shift the Focus

Now that everyone understands the problem, we can help our children focus on the problem instead of one another.

#8 Create Possible Soultions

Ask the children to work together to come up with a few solutions that could meet the needs that were expressed earlier.  They may come up with solutions that seem like a bad idea to you, but that's ok.  As long as they are happy with them (and they don't create other problems) that's all that matters.

#9 Agree on One

Now that they have a few ideas, they need to pick the one that seems best to everyone. 

#10 Move Forward and Have Some Fun

Hug it out!

Broccoli & Cheese Patties

 

Yogi has decided that he likes to eat fruit and cheese.  ONLY fruit and cheese.  I'm being a tad dramatic here, but it's not as easy to get veggies in the little guy as it used to be.  

In my search for the magic veggie vehicle, I've gotten some quality advice and a particularly yummy recipe from this lady.  I've also found a new (to me) website and I can tell it will be a great resource.  It's called Weelicious: Fast, Easy and Fresh Baby food, Toddler food and Recipes for the Entire Family! - yes there is actually an exclamation point in the title.

I tried this recipe last week and although I can't tell you that Yogi mistook it for a banana, he did eat most of it.  It's the little things.  

INGREDIENTS

1 Russet Potato, peeled and cubed
1 Cup Broccoli Florets
1/2 Cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded
3 Tbsp Panko or Bread Crumbs
1/2 Tsp Salt
1 Large Egg
1/8 Tsp Garlic Powder
1/8 Tsp Onion Powder
1/2 Cup Panko or Bread Crumbs
1 Tbsp Canola or Vegetable Oil

PREPARATION

1. Place the potato cubes in a steamer pot over boiling water and cook for 8 minutes. 


2. Add the broccoli to the steamer pot and steam the vegetables for an additional 2 minutes, or until they are fork tender. Then, remove everything from pot and allow them to cool.

3. Mash the potatoes in a large bowl and chop the broccoli florets into bite-size pieces.

4. Add the broccoli, cheese, panko, salt, egg, garlic and onion powder to the bowl and combine.

5. Place the remaining 1/2 cup of panko in a separate bowl.

6. Using a ice cream scoop or 2 tbsp to measure, roll the mixture into balls, coat them in the panko and then shape each one into a small patty.*

7. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a skillet over medium heat, place the patties in the skillet and press down with a spatula to flatten a little.

8. Pan-fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden.

9. Serve with ketchup or any favorite dipping sauce.


*At this point, place the patties on a baking sheet and freeze for one hour. Put the patties in zipper bags and label. Defrost when ready to use and cook following step #7.

How to have a Fabulous Date Night in Nashville

Go have dinner at Park Cafe.

After living in Nashville for more than a year, last Friday we finally made it.  What took us so long?!!

We were there to celebrate Kate's birthday and I haven't been happier to see my wife age other year.  Yum!

We split the Arugula and Radicchio salad that is served with roasted apples, fennel & butternut squash, spiced walnuts, apple butter, a crispy goat cheese ball and sherry vinaigrette.  They brought out the salads on two separate (quite lovely) plates and due to Kate's lack of interest in all things cheesy, I got the crispy goat cheese ball all to myself.  Happy birthday indeed.

For dinner I had the Mushroom Risotto with grilled asparagus, smoked pepper vinaigrette and Parmesan crisp.  It was creamy and mushroomy and absolutely right.  I don't have the patience for risotto, but I'm grateful that there are people who do.  Kate had the Sous Vide Chicken breast with crispy polenta, organic vegetables, roasted chicken jus, lemon garlic aioli,  and Parmesan.  If you (like me) don't know what it means to cook chicken "sous vide" AND you are a fan of Top Chef, you should definitely check out this video.

The salad  and risotto were delightful, but the real magic was in the desert.  I have two words for you.

Homemade Smores.

The menu described the dish this way: Marshmallow fluff layered with warm chocolate ganache, topped with house made marshmallows and graham crackers.

I describe the dish this way: MMMmmmmmmmmmmm 

If you've got a babysitter and you can't remember the last time you've had a spectacular meal, I suggest making a reservation at Park Cafe. And if you have leftovers, you know where to find me.  ;)

Looking for Kid Fun on a Cold, Rainy Day in Nashville?

In spite of the news from the thermometer yesterday (68 degrees, really?!!) it's winter in Nashville.  Today it's drizzly and the 10 day forecast promises more of the same.

Unfortunately, the frequent playing outside inappropriateness of the season is not something that matters to Yogi.  He is a toddler and he MUST run at top speed while shouting at the top of his voice at least a few times each day.

Enter.... The Monkey's Treehouse.

We made our first visit on New Years Day when it was f.r.e.e.z.i.n.g. outside and nothing was open.  By nothing I mean the library and the zoo.

I really must get more creative.

But, hey I'm branching out.  Obviously.

You can play all day for $7 and children under 12 months are free.  In addition to the great price, this place is a parent's dream because it offers lots of comfortable sitting space for the adults and free wi-fi if she should be lucky enough to multi-task.  They are open from 9 to 5 during the week and 9 to noon on Saturdays.

Yogi says "Go and play!"

Parnassus Books

Thanks to Ann Patchett we no longer live in a town without a bookstore!  We were so excited about Parnassus Books that after nap this afternoon, he headed down to Green Hills.  The place was buzzing and I"m looking forward to being a regular visitor.  Not only is it a bookstore, but it's across the road from Trader Joe's.  A win-win for sure.

Yogi was pretty pumped about the kid's entrance to the Children's section.  How cute is that?

In addition to the swank kiddie entrance, the Children's area also has a super cool train table.  Yogi had a blast playing while we checked out the store. 

If you're interested, in finding out more, check out their website here. 

Ellingtown at the Main Library

Yogi and I were in the mood for a little entertainment this morning and that is exactly what we got at the library.  Ellingtown is playing (more information below) and it is certainly worth a trip.  The Children's Theater was packed and after Mary Mary and Library Pete welcomed everyone, the show was on!  The set was impressive and the puppets were lively.  I was surprised to find that a puppet show about jazz could get so many laughs, but the crowd was definitely entertained.  We have plans to see this one again before it's gone!

A description from the library website.


Join Duke Ellington, the great master of Jazz, as he takes us on a musical journey with puppets of all sorts in this special presentation produced with the Nashville Jazz Workshop! A treat for all ages. Running time: 30 minutes. 

Fridays and Saturdays at 10:30 and 11:30 in October.

Honeysuckle Hill Farm

Fall is my very favorite time of year and from the moment I first thought about having my own kids, I couldn't wait to take them to a pumpkin patch.  I might not have been able to visualize the children, but I could see the pumpkins.  Last year was our first opportunity to do this kind of thing as parents so we carted a two month old Yogi out to Gentry Farms.  As it turns out there is almost nothing a baby can do at such a place, but Kate and I still managed to have fun.

This morning we tried again and at thirteen months, Yogi had a pretty good time.  As you can tell from the image above, we went to Honeysuckle Hill Farm.  I would love to include my own pictures, but after actually remembering the camera (shocker) and dragging it all the way into the farm, the battery was dead.  Completely, hopelessly dead.

Kate and I were pretty impressed with the place; it was huge.  This is easily the kind of spot where you could spend the bulk of the day.  It took about thirty minutes to get to from Nashville, but the facilities were great and the staff was friendly.  Although I'm convinced he can do it and is holding out on us, Yogi is not yet a walker and so his options were more limited.  His favorite part of the farm was where the animals were and he seemed to get a big kick out of watching the baby pigs nose through the dirt.  We also got to see chickens, some very tiny goats and a baby cow.  Kate helped him mine for gemstones (read: splash in the water) and pedal a cart around a very dusty track.  By the time he had cruised around awhile at the Tractor Tire playground it was lunchtime and we headed for home.

I'm thinking we will definitely be back next year.  A walking, one-nap-a-day Yogi will take that place by storm!