Summer luau

As my mother always told me when you have a really bad day everything will be better tomorrow. How true. Today the Golden Gate Mothers Group (the West Coast version of HRP Mamas) hosted a free summer luau at our neighborhood park, Julius Kahn (referred to by locals as J.K.).

J.K. with the cypress trees of the Presidio National Park in the background

The festivities started at ten this morning. Mister T, Miss L and I walked over to be welcomed by balloons and leis. They had jumpy houses set up by age group. Miss L jumped and played in the toddler house. They also had wonderful themed crafts, like making your own lei and coloring your own beach ball. There was face painting and temporary tattoos. Miss L chose flowers and a seahorse for each arm. She didn't care for the application of the tattoos (holding a wet sponge to her arm for 20 seconds), but she was very pleased with the finished products.

A DJ was playing funky 70's music and early 80's MJ hits. They filled inflatable tubs with bubble liquid and had gigantic bubble wands the kids could dip in and whirl around to create giant bubbles. Each child was given a ticket for a free Popsicle so Miss L tasted her first for the summer (strawberry, of course). They also offered free snacks, such as diced fruit and bananas. And at the end everyone could pick out party gifts from big buckets filled with bath toys and beach toys.

It was a really well-organized, fun event. Miss L loved running from station to station to try everything as well as getting some time to enjoy the sand and slides in the playground. I could tell she was tired as we strolled home, up the two big hills to our street. Of course as soon as we got home she had to kick her beach ball around the house before agreeing to take her afternoon nap. Now she is soundly sleeping away. We'll hit the pool for family swim when she wakes up.

I heart Dr. Michel

Source: www.tribecapediatrics.com

I feel so lucky to have had Dr. Michel Cohen as Miss L's pediatrician while we were in New York. I always thought that Tribeca Pediatrics was a wonderful practice. Dr. Michel rode his bike over to our apartment for Miss L's first appointment the afternoon we arrived home from the hospital. He gave us great reassurance and support as new parents. We enjoyed his low intervention, common sense approach. We always looked forward to our appointments, especially Miss L. She loved playing in the waiting room and looking at the fish in the patient rooms. She never fussed during her appointments and always wanted to run around between the rooms to follow the nurses and say hello to the other patients. She was eager to run into Dr. Michel's arms when he came in the room and when she was a newborn she did a lot of cooing and later rolling around the exam table. In fact, whenever we strolled by Tribeca Pediatrics on Warren Street, Miss L pointed and motioned that she wanted to go inside.

So I will admit that there is a very high bar to impress me with a new pediatrics practice here in SF. Needless to say we were extremely disappointed (and traumatized) by our first visit to a new pediatrician this afternoon. I had taken recommendations from local moms and was excited that the practice was within walking distance (still feeling like a New Yorker walking to the doctor). Mister T went with us, which is a good thing because he might have thought I was exaggerating about what happened.

We walked in the front door to find a drab white medical office that could have been mistaken for a lab or ENT practice. There wasn't a toy in sight. No bright and whimsical wall-size paintings. No hip, modern decor. No train table or push toys. The air was humid and stuffy (and San Francisco is not a humid place, there is always a cool bay breeze).

When we checked in the receptionist looked up our appointment and asked if this was our one-year appointment. I told her it wasn't since Miss L was 22 months. We were taken to a patient room, which also didn't have a toy in it. There were a couple of old books that you would expect to find in a dilapidated public school that lacks funding to buy books that were published in the last 20 years. There were cabinets at toddler height with no safety latches that held medical supplies. Miss L was bored immediately and was trying to open them and pull out the tongue depressors. The room was so sterile and uncomfortable. There was no place for me to sit so I just stood, trying to fill out a myriad of paperwork while Mister T tried to keep Miss L out of trouble.

Here is where it gets even better. The nurse came in and without acknowledging Miss L told us she needed to take her weight. We had to take Miss L out of the patient room to an adult scale in the hallway and try to get her to stand on it (with all of her clothes on). She didn't like this so Mister T had to get on the scale with her and then by himself. There was no way I was going to voluntarily be weighed!

Then we returned to the patient room where the nurse told Mister T to shut the door because Miss L was going to cry while she took her length and there was another nurse outside our room who was on the phone that couldn't be disturbed. All I could think was maybe she wouldn't expect her patients to cry if she showed even the slightest bedside manner and actually interacted with the children (and maybe with a smile on her face).

After all of this the doctor finally came in to see Miss L. She didn't interact with her much at all. She just asked us a few quick questions and then wanted to see if we had any questions. We discussed the immunizations that would be needed at the 2 year appointment. She seemed impressed that Tribeca Pediatrics had electronic patient records when looking at their wonderful graphs showing Miss L's development from Day 1. Then she debated aloud whether she should take a stethoscope out and even check Miss L. She seemed afraid to approach her on this first visit.

Since this was supposed to be more of a meet-and-greet appointment, Miss L did not have any shots, but she left the office screaming and crying inconsolably and stayed that way hugging me tightly the whole way home. Oh, and right before we left the receptionist asked me if I wanted to book Miss L's 15-month appointment.

My conclusion: Miss L and I should come back to see Dr. Michel for her 2 year appointment. When I see him I will ask if he wouldn't mind relocating to SF and before he makes the move if he could ride his bike out to California for the twins first doctor's appointment.

Aqua mama

Source: www.jccsf.org

When I was pregnant with Miss L I practiced yoga everyday and was enjoying headstands (against a wall of course!) up until delivery. This time around I can't get enough of the pool.

We joined the Jewish Community Center, which is just three blocks from our house. I love that I can walk over in a few minutes (especially when I feel I am always running late trying to get out of the house with a toddler). Our family membership is the same cost as my single membership was at Equinox so I feel like I am getting great value for our money. Miss L and I have created a nice pool routine that we share together twice a week.

After breakfast on Tuesdays and Thursdays we put our suits on and pack our swim bag and head off to the JCC. I take Miss L to the children's pool (which is heated to a lovely 90 degrees) from 8:00 to 9:00. She practices paddling, kicking and putting her head under water (her favorite thing to do right now). The more we go the more comfortable Miss L has become in the water. Today she started walking around the shallow end scooping up the pool toys and dipping her head under water on her own. Of course, I am always at arms-length to be safe. We also spend some time hanging out on the steps playing with plastic whales and turtles and pool rings. We also blow bubbles, sing songs and do a few seated jumps into the water from the side of the pool.

After pool time, Miss L loves to have her own shower to rinse off. We get changed (while Miss L chats it up with the other women in the locker room, saying "pool" and pretending to blow bubbles) and then we head over to JCC's cafe and have a snack. Then I drop her off at the JCC child care for some play time while I get to have my own time in the pool.

I take an hour long prenatal aqua class. It takes place in the deep end of the adult pool (not quite as warm at 80 degrees, but once you start moving it feels just perfect). We wear little flotation devices that fit right under the shoulder bones on the back with a belt that snaps in the front and sits right above the pregnant belly. This gives a great feeling of buoyancy in the water. The class is spent moving up and down the length of the pool doing cross country, running, breaststrokes with bicycle legs as well as some stationary work like side kicks, jumping jacks with weights and wide-leg pedaling.

The classes are taught by two doulas so when we aren't too out of breath we discuss our pregnancies and questions/thoughts on labor and delivery. The class is a nice mix of regulars, including first-time and second-time moms. After class we often go to the warmer children's pool to stretch, hang out and talk about maternity clothes and what we are going to eat for lunch after class.

When I pick up Miss L from child care she is happy from the full morning and ready for her midday nap by the time we arrive home. By noon she is asleep in her room and I can prepare my lunch and read the Times (Thursdays being the best with House & Home and Styles).

I just love how my body feels after spending most of the morning in the water. I feel refreshed and relaxed. I feel more energized later in the day to take Miss L to the playground. And I sleep so soundly at night.

For all of the pregnant mamas, I highly recommend booking some pool time this summer!

Back to school

Ok- so I'm sitting in class, with 9 other women, all hunched over, concentrating closely. I can't seem to get anything to work properly. I break into a sweat. One woman has already walked out. No, this is not a nightmare about showing up for a final exam naked, but my first attempt at crocheting.

Learning to knit was such a wonderful process. With Mama N as our amazingly patient teacher, we had many fun knitting and wine club sessions with wine and snacks sometimes getting the better of our knitting. Laughing over mistakes with all my Mama friends helped me learn. I, of course, needed many extra help tutorials that Mama N was kind enough to indulge me. She still often gets my panicked emails with questions.

Mama N has been encouraging me to learn to crochet as I tend to take on many gifts for people and knitting takes so much time. She even sent me a book with instructions and patterns. She promises me crochet is easy and I'll be able to work faster- but I'm still not sure.

Learning a new skill at eight months pregnant may not be the best idea for my sanity, but I decided to give it a try. I signed up for a 2 week class at lionbrand studios in Union Square. While it is not our beloved store "The Point" (now closed), it does have a nice variety of yarns and the salespeople are all very friendly (not like our neighborhood shop). I was surprised the class was full (10 women- 9 after an older woman who was a needlepoint teacher gave up after 10 minutes) and was excited for a night out. The women taking the class were very nice, but it wasn't like learning with friends. No one to giggle with or to to help each other out. I found myself lagging behind and getting frustrated. Tracy encouraged us to go at our own pace- that we would all get it. Halfway through the class, I wasn't sure it was for me - but I felt better at the end. I was finally able to do single crochet. Some had moved on to half double but I will practice this week. My feeble attempt at crocheting is in the photo. If only I could fly to Mama N for some private lessons!

Patchwork inspiration

Source: JenSport's shop

If you haven't yet discovered Etsy then you're in for a handmade treat. This website is a market place for thousands and thousands of crafters to sell their wares. Anything and everything handmade or home made or vintage or not. It's main downfall is that there is so much on offer that it can get confusing. But I've made a few fabulous purchases from recrafted vintage jewellery to baby bibs, vintage clothing, new clothing and now a patchwork quilt pattern.

I made my first patchwork quilt - or started my first quilt - when I was about 8 years old. Mum wouldn't let me use her sewing machine and made me sew each little hexagon and triangle by hand. I don't think I did ever finish it and I have no idea what happened to those little cut out scraps of pink and while fabric. Since then I have done a lot of sewing and inspired by Mama H's beautiful quilt am ready to tackle my own, this time with my trusty sewing machine.

My first project was going to be something boyish for Master R. However when I saw this Union Jack I just had to do it. While I'm not British. I've lived here since the end of 2000, with a two year stint in New York of course, practically all my adult life. I have a British passport and now so does Master R. I do feel a certain pull towards the Ol' Blighty but in a different way to my deep smugness and pride of being Australian*.

After searching ebay, I've bought some red, white and blue fabric and will be commencing this hopefully while my mother is staying so she can help me with the finer points of patchwork such as what backing and padding to use and the best method of finishing. Let's hope it's a quickish project and I can show you some finished pics in the not too distant future.

*During my very pompous group naturalisation ceremony the Lord conducting it turned to me in front of the others and asked where my allegiance lay in regards to the cricket. He said that was the true test of Britishness. I'm sorry to say I have zero interest in cricket but of course my allegiance is with Australia. If Australia and England play rugby, I'm rooting for Australia. If a Brit and and American are playing tennis, I'm all for the Brit. If Germany and England are playing football (soccer to you) I have to go for Germany or be booted out of my home. We are a confused household!

Admitting defeat

Sometimes with any handicraft there is a point where you just have to admit that it's not working out. It's best to cut your losses and either start over or set it aside.

A certain mama amongst us is due with number 2 in just 6 weeks. I thought I'd be extra early and knit her something now. I saw this pure wool in Austria and snapped up a couple skeins of each in navy and orange - 2 skeins is normally enough for a newborn cardigan style top. I had read that this striped pattern was particularly yarn hungry so I bought extra thinking that I might have enough to do one for myself if I have a boy.

After knitting about half the jacket I realised I was going to run out of yarn - despite the pattern saying I had enough. Other knitters had complained about this on Ravelry. I also decided that the colours were probably a bit out there for this mama's tastes. I love orange and navy but it's not to everyone's taste. So I frogged it - a knitting term for rip it, rip it, rip it.

Second attempt was this all in one seamless baby kimono. Again the pattern said 100g of yarn was enough, this is exactly what I had. I knew from the beginning it was going to be close but was determined to keep knitting until it was finished or the yarn ran out. As you can see, the yarn ran out. NOOOO! Not twice?

Today I did a speedy trip with screaming Master R to my LYS (local yarn store for the non knitters) and picked up some yarn and have started something tried and true. This HAS to work or a certain mama will be getting a store bought gift.

Or maybe a gift voucher hahahaha!

My New Mommy Wardrobe

Source: www.forever21.com

I have finally discovered the usefulness of the plain white button down shirt, and it has changed my life. Actually, I should say they have changed my life, as I am now the proud owner of ten oxford shirts that have made formerly unwearable pants look fresh and transformed "closet orphan" skirts into my go-to bottoms. I have been throwing my new shirt over shorts (long ones I bought last summer and short ones I've had packed away forvever, now more modest with the looser top), belting it over skinny jeans, and tucking it into trousers with a belt.
I feel almost silly writing this blog, like I'm espousing the "hidden" yumminess of cupcakes, but these shirts have been off my radar for a reason. Actually, a few reasons:
1. They're often expensive, and expensive white shirts and motherhood don't mix.
2. They need to be ironed, and I hate to iron.
3. They look fancy, and I'm not fancy.

The cons were all eliminated thanks to a very useful website and one baby-free shopping trip. I have started reading a blog, www.youlookfab.com in an attempt to update my wardrobe and eliminate I-have-nothing-to-wear crises. In one post the author contrasted woven shirts (like oxfords) and knit shirts (like tee shirts) and explained why many women look better in one vs. the other. I realized that I always wear knits, and I therefore feel sloppy and like my still-bf-ing boobs and leftover baby bump are overexposed. I decided to switch to woven tops and embarked on a fruitless mission to find one that wasn't ruffled. A few weeks ago my mom offered to watch Master D so I could hit the mall and finish hunting. After striking out at J. Crew, Banana Republic and the Gap, where the woven shirts all looked a little workaday for me, I flung myslef into Forever 21 so I wouldn't go home empty-handed. There, I found the holy-grail of shirts: cheap enough to risk ruining, casual enough to go un-ironed and therefore look effortless. I brought it home, tried it on with almost everything I own, and bought ten more in white and various stripes on Forever 21's website. I know this sounds extreme, but I have seen the light and haven't worn a tank top in weeks. I feel much less self-conscious wearing a looser-fitting top, and I actually look forward to getting dressed now.