Mama's Cup

Olivia's Pick 5 October 2009

2009-10-25T18:45:00.001-07:00

It's the Great Pumpkin Patch Season, Mamas! And this weekend we burst onto the scene with uninhibited enthusiasm (despite Mama's broken toe). A corn maze, a hay ride and fresh cider are all hallmarks of our favorite pumpkin patch, Jones Family Farms in Shelton, CT.

Looking for a pumpkin patch, hayride or corn maze near you? Check out Pumpkin Patches and More. Scroll down for a list of states, click your state and then scroll down for area autumn adventures.

Happy pumpkin hunting!

Olivia's Pick--14 September 2009

2009-10-05T05:39:00.000-07:00

Olivia and Mama are both loving Olivia's new duvet cover from Saffron Marigold, a small textile company offering handprinted linens in traditional Indian style.

It's beautifully made, with a wood button enclosure. Olivia loves the girlie rose print we picked together. Mama loves that it's machine washable.

Olivia's Pick--6 September 2009

2009-09-22T06:38:00.000-07:00

Last week's pick: solved.

How'd I do it, you ask? And so quickly? We got rid of the nap.

I admit, I held onto it--selfishly--as long as I could. But her rigorous new school schedule made me realize that we weren't long for napping anyway around our house. She'll be coming home from preschool too late to start a nap.

So, we went cold turkey.

And while it's led to a couple of meltdowns and several bouts of uncontrollable laughter, it has also made bedtime a dream.

Our current routine now consists of bath, two books, lights out. And, after 8.5 minutes: silence.

Olivia's Pick--31 August 2009

2009-09-07T18:30:00.000-07:00

"Mommy, Mommy. I need some water."

"Mommy, Mommy. I need a book."

"Mommy, Mommy. I need to go on the potty."

"Mommy, Mommy. I need you to come back upstairs and into my room because I don't want to go to sleep."

OK, in truth, she hasn't actually said that last one. But that's what every other "need" she suddenly discovers at bedtime boils down to. This, dear Mamas, is most definitely what she's into this week. And I'm sure she's not the only 3 (or 4 or 5) year-old with this particular affinity.

I'm trying--most times gently--to break her of this affliction. Not only is it highly annoying, but, on the worst nights, it robs her of an hour of sleep. (Not to mention that it also robs Mama of an hour of Mama time.)

Bedtime has never been a big deal around our house. So I'm not used to jumping through these hoops just to get her to go to sleep.I

t's likely that I'm handling the situation all wrong. I've been walking that tightrope between sweet words of understanding and fire-breathing dragon Mama. I'm hopeful, however, that preschool will prove so utterly exhausting for her that, in less than two weeks, this problem will seem but a distant dream.A Mama can hope, right?

Olivia's Pick--17 August 2009

2009-08-30T18:53:00.000-07:00

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

It's been a zooey summer for the little one. We've explored, we've safaried, we've petted. From camel rides to train rides, Olivia's seen just about everything a zoo has to offer--and she even has the mountain of gift shop paraphernalia to prove it.

This summer's best zoos:

1. The Bronx Zoo
2. The Toledo Zoo
3. The Central Park Zoo
4. The Beardsley Zoo

And I'll also mention the Butterfly House in Whitehouse, OH. It couldn't be a more out-of-the-way location, but their indoor butterfly garden is simply spectacular. I'd even go so far as to say that it's better than the butterfly garden at the Bronx Zoo. Now that's wild.

Olivia's Pick--9 August 2009

2009-08-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

"Mama, I love Misha," she said this morning, speaking of our very old dog. Mama's best friend was around before Olivia and before Papa. "I don't want her to be anyone else's dog. Can we keep her?"

So, Misha, despite your stinky breath and daily med schedule, you'll be thrilled to learn that you've got a loyal and committed fan in the family.

Do you think that age 3 is too young to hand over doggie duty?

Need an old (or new) dog around your house? Check out Petfinder. They'll match you up with local animal shelters in your area.

Olivia's Pick 27 July 2009

2009-08-04T04:32:00.000-07:00

Leave it to Grandma to come up with the best birthday gift. Olivia doesn't want to take off her brand new backpack--even at bedtime!

Maybe it's because she's got the coolest new pack on the market, from the geniuses over at Skip Hop. Branching out from their baby background, these veterans of infant gear have created some adorable products for the preschool set.

They make Mama happy too, because this brand new backpack is BPA-free, Pthalate-free and PVC-free. And at 20 bucks, what's not to love?

Olivia tested, Mama approved!

Olivia's Pick--20 July 2009

2009-07-26T19:44:00.000-07:00

There's no question that Olivia's pick this week was her backyard, Pooh Bear, pool-side, bouncy-house birthday party! Friends, sun, cake and hours of bouncing made it an afternoon to remember.

We borrowed a bounce house with a water slide from a generous Mama friend; let me tell you, it made the party. The kids bounced around the yard like a pack of Tiggers, stopping only to shove handfuls of cake into their mouths. It was a perfect summer party for my special little birthday girl, one that she likely won't remember and one that I will surely never forget.

Olivia's Pick--12 July 2009

2009-07-21T06:30:00.000-07:00

Olivia and I spent a girls' weekend on the town, living it up in the Big Apple. The weather was perfect. We celebrated a sunny Sunday morning eating our bagels in the park and dog-watching. It was divine.

Being the born New Yorker that she is, Olivia suggested we spend the late morning and early afternoon at the Museum of Natural History.

Dinosaurs and other beasties ruled the day. She was most impressed by the life-size blue whale model and kept asking why it wasn't swimming. It was fun-filled and action-packed to say the very least.

Try as she did to keep the momentum going in the city that never sleeps, she wound up crashing for a monster 3 hour nap in the afternoon, giving Mama some much needed down-time.

On our way back to our little seaside Connecticut town, she looked back from her car seat at the skyline and said, "See you next time, New York!"

Olivia's Pick--21 June 2001

2009-07-13T10:46:00.000-07:00

Our lucky little girl attended not one but two birthday parties this weekend. Both were the very best kind of summer party; both were POOL PARTIES!

We had so much fun splashing around while the pads of our fingers shriveled up like our dried fruit snacks. It wouldn't be a stretch to assert that this weekend was one of the best of her life.

It was also a nice reminder that safety and summer fun are inseparable. For kids as young as mine, life jackets are a great accessory for a pool party--or a lakeside or beachside vacation. There's some helpful "Life Jackets 101" information out there, like this from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Pool toys, floaters and rafts are all fun for young swimmers, too. Of course, the most important accessory for any waterside fun is simply a parent's vigilance. Whether they can swim or not, children are drawn to water like 'tween girls to a Jonas Brothers show. In either case, a parent's watchful eye is recommended.

And of course, if you're planning on more than just a little fun under the sun, don't forget the sunscreen.

Olivia's Pick--14 June 2009

2009-06-22T06:01:00.000-07:00

"Mama, Mama! I see a bunny! I see a bunny!" Olivia was standing at the back door off the kitchen, gazing into our yard.

I looked out the window over our sink and, sure enough, there was the sweetest, smallest baby rabbit nibbling at our lawn.

"Mama, can we go out and see him?"

"Sure, angel."

So we opened the door as noiselessly as we could. And we tiptoed out, as noiselessly as a 3-year-old in close proximity to a baby bunny can tiptoe.

Before too long, the bunny caught on that he was being stalked and bounced away to safety under our hedge.

"Bunny, come back," Olivia was on the move after him when, all of a sudden, she fell down. Except, from where I was standing, it didn't look like she had actually fallen. She was on the ground, one leg out to the side, but...where was her other leg?

It was, as it turns out, stuck up to the knee in a groundhog hole in the back of our yard. She started crying while I tried very hard not to laugh. I rushed over and pulled her out. But when her foot came out of the hole, I saw only her little pink sock; the hole had kept her sneaker. Once discovered, this prompted a round fresh tears at increased volume.

"MwaaaalssshhhhMySHOOOOOO!"

I brought her inside, dried her tears and offered up a second pair of shoes. (I had peeked down that hole and it was pretty deep. I wasn't about to stick my hand down there after a well-used sneaker from Target.)

Despite the lost shoe, she was calm and smiling within minutes. She's also had considerable fun recounting her harrowing adventure to friends and family.

She hasn't even soured on the bunny in our back yard, or rabbits in general. As I type this, in fact, she has recruited her Papa to go out and look for our backyard bunny. But this time, she's doing it barefoot.

Olivia's Pick--8 June 2009

2009-06-16T07:38:00.000-07:00

Central Park has always been one of my favorite things about New York City. It's an oasis, a sea of life surrounded on all sides by the steel and concrete on which New Yorkers build their dreams. The park makes the noise and the pace of the city a bit more bearable; inside its lush greenery, you can come up for air.

Yesterday, Olivia and I spent the day (the perfect, glorious, sunshine-y day) exploring the park. After poking around the flea market on the Upper West Side and stowing our treasures in canvas bags hanging off the stroller handles, we made our way east into Central Park.We entered at Strawberry Fields and watched the tourists snapping photos. We saw penguins, puffins and polar bears. We snooped on one of Manhattan's most famous residents with a high powered telescope. (It's someone we've enjoyed reading about recently.) We admired sailboats as they glided silently past. We joined a mad tea party, already in progress.I

t was one of those days when the universe conspires to spread smiles on the faces and joy in the hearts of Mamas and little ones everywhere. It was as perfect a day as any in my memory. And I got to share it with her.

Lucky, lucky me.

Olivia's Pick--31 May 2009

2009-06-08T04:41:00.000-07:00

Writing! W-R-I-T-I-N-G! Olivia has burst through the initial barrier of literacy! This weekend (with a fair amount of assistance from me, I'll admit it) she wrote her name! In hot pink sidewalk chalk on our slate patio, the letters O-L-I-V-I-A are clearly and gloriously legible.

I felt like throwing a party.

She made calls, told the grandparents and reveled in the general hooplah Mama and Papa were making. But despite all that, her memory of The First Time She Wrote Her Name will doubtless fade into the mists of childhood experience.

But not for me. I'll never forget it: The bright pink color of the chalk and how she had it smeared on her forehead. The navy batik shirt she was wearing, and how it tied in the back. The way she went running, yelling "Papa! Papa! I wrote my name!" The hug I gave her and the way her skin smelled like sunshine, sunscreen and the ocean.

These things, I will not forget. Not for the rest of my life.

This is how it was, the day that she wrote her name for the first time.

Olivia's Pick--24 May 2009

2009-05-31T18:58:00.000-07:00

18-months'-worth of weekly swim lessons at our local Y have paid off; Olivia has, for the last several weeks, been doggie paddling without Mama's assistance, further proof that she'll be going off to college in about a week.

The swim lessons are great, and our teacher is first rate. Best of all, the better Olivia gets, the more she enjoys it.

I think learning to swim is a necessity, especially when living close to the shore. Olivia thinks it's the coolest thing since pedaling a tricycle.

Olivia's Pick of the Week--17 May 2009

2009-05-26T08:45:00.000-07:00

The summer festival season has begun. This weekend, we visited a beach festival in a neighboring town. Olivia rode the carousel, the train, the cars, the fire engines and the ponies. She was all smiles and excitement. I looked on in complete astonishment that she is old enough to ride on these things all by herself! Didn't I just give birth to her like last Tuesday or something?

One of the games we played entailed throwing darts at balloons. The sign proclaiming "Everyone Wins!" beckoned to us, perhaps skewing our sense of our dart-throwing capabilities. Giant teddy-bears, stuffed dogs and flamingos looked down from their perches on high, smiling at us, their eyes saying "Take us home!" So we shelled out 6 bucks for three darts.

45 seconds later, we walked away from the booth 6 dollars poorer. But we were the proud new owners of a very loud harmonica, the kid-sized stuffed animals remaining frustratingly out of our reach. No shrinking violet, my little Olivia proceeded to regale festival goers and workers alike with her natural abilities on this nuanced instrument.

She has brought the magic of the weekend into Monday morning and currently has her harmonica talents on display for the family and the family dog.

Someday, when she's playing at Carnegie Hall, this will be a funny story for me to relate to the New York Times. Right now, it's just loud.

Olivia's Pick of the Week--10 May 2009

2009-05-11T05:50:00.000-07:00

It's Children's Book Week and Olivia has decided to celebrate by compiling her first ever Top 5 list.

Olivia's Top 5 Favorite Books Ever:

1. Winnie the Pooh -- A.A.Milne
2. Olivia and the Missing Toy -- Ian Falconer
3. Peter Rabbit -- Beatrix Potter
4. Madeline -- Ludwig Behmelmans
5. The Wind in the Willows -- Kenneth Grahame

Olivia's Pick--4 May 2009

2009-05-11T05:28:00.001-07:00

Our little artiste has been busily expanding her oeuvre of late, and has been enjoying experimenting with watercolor.

Mama likes watercolor, too. It isn't very messy and it provides hours (OK minutes) of entertainment.

Even better, I found a quick and easy recipe for making your very own watercolor paint.

Cheap, easy, non-toxic. What else could a Mama ask?

Olivia's Pick--27 April 2009

2009-05-04T08:40:00.001-07:00

It doesn't take long for the weather to warm up in the Northeast. What I mean is, once Old Man Winter finally releases his death grip on the region, we usually go from 40 degrees to 80 degrees in the space of about six days.

This weekend, the mercury spiked and our backyard became a summer-like wonderland. Sure, the leaves on the trees were still curled tightly into little buds, but the sprinkler was out and Olivia & Co. were running, jumping and laughing their way into the season.

Her Green Toys sand play set is still her favorite outdoor dirt & sand kit. It's made from recycled milk jugs, but you'd never know it. It's cute, durable and "eco-groovy." And if that's not enough, it's made right here in the USA.

Olivia's Pick--20 April 2009

2009-04-27T06:12:00.000-07:00

Q: What's more fun than the zoo for an almost-3-year-old?

A: The Bronx Zoo

This place is definitely not your average zoo. In fact, it's the largest metropolitan zoo in America, clocking in at 265 acres. They work hard to give animals room to roam in landscapes that resemble their natural habitat.

Well-placed signs inform urban adventurers about the zoo's inhabitants and the challenges they face. For instance, I had no idea that only four to five thousand tigers remain in the wild. Or that recycling my old cell phone (something you can do at the Bronx Zoo) could help preserve the Congolese gorilla population.

Even if you don't live close enough to plan a day trip, their website is a terrific resource, loaded with video, facts and ideas for sustainable living. They even have a special section on their website just for teens.

As for Olivia, she's busy planning her next trip.

Olivia's Pick--13 April 2009

2009-04-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

Our house guests for the holiday included a lovely, patient, 15-year-old cousin, whom Olivia adores. In fact, when she's around, Olivia has very little use for me!

Over the weekend, this cousin was painting her fingernails pink. As you might imagine, Olivia was thoroughly intrigued and wanted her nails to be pink, too. So, Olivia had her fingernails painted for the first time this weekend, two different shades of pink, one shade for each hand. I have a feeling, however, that it will not be the last.

It was another moment for the memory bank, another small step on the path from baby to little girl. A moment she will surely forget, the memory of her tiny pink fingernails poking out from the sleeves of her Easter dress will stay with me forever.

Olivia's Pick--5 April 2009

2009-04-13T06:05:00.000-07:00

We had a festive weekend at our house, complete with a fancy dinner out. It was Olivia's first experience in fine dining (read: not a diner, pizza joint or Mexican restaurant). An early reservation (6:00 PM) coupled with persistent promises of birthday cake to be had as a reward for good behavior made the whole evening rather manageable.

And she couldn't have looked cuter, in her pretty pink sweater dress and black Mary Janes. She even carried a purse--a vintage, ivory, beaded evening bag that was my grandmother's.

It would seem that Olivia has embraced her more elegant side. ("This is a very fancy restaurant" she said as we stepped into the powder room for a potty break.) It was sweet to watch her negotiate this new environment, especially because she did it with such class.

My little one acted just like a little lady (with enough squirm thrown in to make sure you know she's still a kid). She charmed the pants off of the entire staff and made Mama & Papa very proud. Sharing an evening like this with her was the best birthday present this Mama could get.

Olivia's Pick--29 March 2009

2009-04-05T19:37:00.000-07:00

"Deep in the Hundred Acre Wood..." my little one fell in love with a Silly Old Bear and his band of loyal friends. That's right. Olivia has discovered the world of Winnie-the-Pooh (and Christopher Robin, too!). Rereading these sweet stories for the first time in many, many years, I find that I am falling in love all over again. I'm also thoroughly enjoying the perspective of my years; it sheds new light on these beloved old stories.

With the distance of the intervening decades and the recent reintroduction of Pooh-Bear into my life, suddenly the idea of another book, The Tao of Pooh makes complete sense. Looks like I'll have to add that to my own library, just as Olivia and I are making our way through the original.

Olivia's Pick--22 March 2009

2009-03-29T18:53:00.000-07:00

I love yoga, though I don't pretend to be all that good at it; I'm proficient enough to enjoy it.

Lately, Olivia has been loving it, too. We took a class last fall, at Growing Tree Yoga (a link for my Fairfield County readers) and since then, she's shown increasing interest.

Apart from it being a healthy habit for her mind, body and spirit, it's also a lot of fun to be able to share something I enjoy so much with my favorite little person.

Some of our favorite yoga resources for kids are:

Yoga Pretzels--Don't have a half hour to commit to a DVD? This oversize card deck is perfect for the yogi on the go! Pull out an illustrated card with simple instructions and then you and your little one can twist yourselves into a few of your favorite poses before you head out to the supermarket.

The Treasure in Your Heart--A wonderful guide for parents, this book by Sydney Solis weaves the ancient art of storytelling with the ancient practice of yoga. Solis' volume is a handbook focusing not just on yoga, but on compassion and communication.

Yoga by the Dozen--I'll be honest; it isn't easy to find a yoga-for-kids DVD that doesn't make me roll my eyes and apologize for recommending it. But JoAnna and the kids at Yoga by the Dozen have managed to make a yoga DVD that's actually a lot of fun. But don't let her flair fool you, JoAnna knows her yoga, too.Namaste, Mamas!

Olivia's Pick--15 March 2009

2009-03-22T18:24:00.000-07:00

We're compiling our Beatrix Potter library and Olivia is loving these sweet stories of animal adventure. Her most recent addition to her collection was The Tale of Jemima Puddle Duck.

We'll give her one of these little books as a gift now and then, for good behavior, for a pick-me-up when she's sick, or for no reason in particular.

These classic books in their classic format are perfect gifts for your little one or someone else.

Olivia's Pick--8 March 2009

2009-03-16T07:20:00.000-07:00

It was a glorious, whopping 64 degrees here over the weekend, complete with warm rays of sunshine and gentle, caressing breezes. The temperate weather melted away the remaining snow to reveal small green shoots pushing their way up through the thawed earth. Glorious, I tell you!

And Olivia reveled in every minute of it.

"Is this spring, Mama?"

"Yes, sweet one, it sure feels like it."

"I love spring. It's my favorite."

So, in a kind of G-rated bacchanal, we exhausted ourselves yesterday morning, swinging, sliding, spinning our way over every inch of the playground at our beach. It was decadent, exhilarating and liberating.

Then, after returning home, emptying the sand from our shoes, and eating a delicious lunch, the smallest of us indulged in a post-bacchanal three hour nap.

Nothing like that fresh, spring air.

Olivia's Pick--1 March 2009

2009-03-09T07:27:00.000-07:00

Of late, Olivia has been embracing her French side. She has been much more adventurous with her words and sounds, speaking to Papa in his native tongue daily.

Papa is thrilled, bien sur, as am I. The more languages we can shove into that sponge of a brain before the walls start to go up, the better. And there's no better teacher than a native speaker.

We've been having fun reinforcing her Francais with books and music.

And we even have a few French favorites that are actually in English:

Adele & Simon (Thanks, Auntie Kiki!)

This is Paris

Degas & the Little Dancer

and, of course, Madeline

Olivia's Pick--22 February 2009

2009-03-01T18:39:00.000-08:00

Lip gloss.

Bubble gum, berry flavored or Burt's Bees--it doesn't matter, Olivia loves it. I guess she figures she's spent long enough watching Mama affect a minimal morning primping routine. Now, she wants in.

She has her little tubes of the stuff stashed everywhere: her purse, my purse, her car seat, my desk drawer. When I tell her she's applied enough, she claims chapped lips and manages to administer another layer of sweet-smelling balm before I can get it out of her hands.

Before you panic, there's no azure eyeshadow or sequined bodysuits in her immediate future--or her distant future, if I have any say in the matter. But there is, in all likelihood, another tube of Chapstick lurking somewhere just up the path.

Hey, at least she's not eating it.

Olivia's Pick--15 February 2009

2009-02-22T18:01:00.000-08:00

This week's pick is both funny and true: Olivia is, apparently, a fan of The Ting Tings. Or, at least, she's a fan of that catchy little post-punk tune of theirs, "That's Not My Name."

Whenever this track comes on the radio and we're in the car she says "louder, Mama!" So, I turn it up a bit. Then, she proceeds to rock out in her cow-print Britax car seat, blonde locks flipping in my rear view mirror.

She even sings along, though she mainly sticks to the chorus: "That's not my name, that's not my name." Then, she cracks herself up laughing, and starts singing again. "That's not my name!"

I'm not sure how long our musical tastes will remain in sync, so I'll enjoy this immensely, while it lasts.

Olivia's Pick--8 February 2009

2009-02-15T17:19:00.000-08:00

"I'm going to do some writing, Mama." Olivia said this to me a few days ago, as she picked up notebook and pen and headed to the kitchen table.

"Oh really?" I asked. "What are you writing?"

"Well," she mused, opening her notebook and carefully uncapping her pen, "I'm writing a poem."

"That's wonderful," I said. "I love poetry, don't you? Are you a poet?"

"No," she said. "Actually, I'm Olivia."

This week is a prolific one for Olivia, the writer and the logician.

For some enviable inspiration on how to encourage your young writer, check out The Write Start.

Olivia's Pick--1 February 2009

2009-02-09T05:19:00.000-08:00

Blueberry pancakes. Oatmeal raisin cookies. Bundt cakes. Muffins. This week, Olivia has proudly taken on the mantle of Assistant Baker in this Mama's kitchen. Whatever I'm cooking up, she wants in. And the messier, the better.

Of course, I'm careful to steer her away from the hot stove or oven. But, as we've both discovered, there's much for her to do in an active kitchen. She stirs. She cradles smooth, rosy eggs in her tiny, perfect hands. She adds sugar and flour. She stirs some more. Perched on a chair, she helps me rinse blueberries. Sprinkled with flour, we explore texture, mixture, temperature. Her perfect curiosity is a delight to entertain--and encourage. And her sense of accomplishment, when we share a cookie she helped bake is simply beyond compare.

Every minute in her 2 1/2-year-old life is a learning experience. What a privilege, to bear witness.

Olivia's Pick--25 January 2009

2009-02-01T18:34:00.000-08:00

This weeks's pick is much to this Mama's dismay. My 2 1/2 -year-old, potty-trained little angel has a new and troubling affinity: The pacifier.

Now, I've been told by other Mama's that this phase of regression is normal, and passing. I've been told that it was brought on by the birth of so many sweet babies into families we're close to--none of these babies sweeter than my little tough guy nephew. Seriously, you should see his cheeks.

But I've got to tell you, this new "I'm a baby" phase, complete with wanting a pacifier she never used in the first place, well, it kind of freaks me out.

At present, I'm trying not to make a big deal out of it. We don't have any pacifiers in the house, other than those attached by ribbons to her baby dolls. And I've been encouraging her desire to pretend and play, including indulging her when she asks me to "hold her like a baby," which involves me cradling all 37 inches of her in my arms.

But the pacifier? Really?

I'm hoping that, as other Mamas have predicted, this too shall pass.

I'll let you know.

Olivia's Pick--18 January 2009

2009-01-25T17:53:00.000-08:00

It's a strange thing to admit, since I haven't made my home in this part of the country for well over a decade, but I think, based on the big tears she's crying this morning as we finish packing, Olivia's pick this week is Ohio.

I know. Weird, right?

But she's had so much fun here--despite the extremity-numbing cold--that I felt I needed to acknowledge it.

So, here's a very short, incomplete list of some noteworthy Ohio places, institutions or otherwise remarkable locations:

Toledo Museum of Art
Coastal Ohio--Lake Erie
OSU--The state's beloved university (and my baby brother's alma mater)
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame--Like Olivia says, "it's rock & roll, sweetheart!"
The Great Lakes Theater Festival

To be sure, Ohio is the butt of many of my jokes. So I'm taking my cue from Olivia this week, and employing a softer approach. I'm embracing my roots, appreciating my history. And I'm starting right away.

Well, as soon as I get back East, anyway.

Olivia's Pick--10 January 2009

2009-01-19T05:16:00.000-08:00

Another mid-winter visit to the Midwest to play, bake, read and explore with her extended family is, as Olivia would say, "definitely" her favorite thing going this week. And cousins, well, they're the best of the best, especially when you're a kid. So this week, Olivia's Pick is her cousins and all of the fun time she gets to spend with them.

And I have no doubt she's having a blast because every time I peek in to see how she's doing, she looks at me and says "Go away, Mom."

Olivia's Pick--3 January 2009

2009-01-12T05:31:00.000-08:00

My little artist expanding her oeuvre before my very eyes, thanks to Santa's well-honed gift-giving skills. Olivia has moved her art off of the kitchen table and onto her brand new wooden easel from the fabulous Melissa and Doug. In addition to painting, this easel's capabilities have encouraged her to experiment with new mediums, including chalk and dry erase markers. Paint on paper, however, still seems to be her preferred form of artistic expression. By next Christmas, she might be ready for canvas!

Thanks, Santa!

Olivia's Pick--27 December 2008

2009-01-05T05:02:00.000-08:00

Giddy and exhausted in our post-holiday denouement, we decided to treat Olivia to her first cinematic experience. We bundled up and headed over to the multiplex, a palace of animated and confectionery wonders in which Olivia had never previously set foot.

She was smitten immediately, giggling with joy as we stepped onto the first of several escalators that would lift us to our destination: the swashbuckling epic film of love, honor, hope and rodents. The Tale of Despereaux.

It is a carefully crafted, lyrically told and gorgeously animated story that held the entire audience (which was largely populated by preschoolers) rapt. Devoid of raunchy, inappropriate jokes that seem so ubiquitous in "children's" movies these days, this film is a real gem that will capture the imagination of the entire family.

And when this full length feature was over and the credits began to roll, Olivia looked up at me and said--you guessed it--"Again?"

Olivia's Pick--20 December 2008

2008-12-28T16:17:00.000-08:00

There's a little hill just down the street from our house that, when blanketed with 10 inches of snow, transforms into a peak of sledding perfection. Neighborhood kids, bundled up to their eyes, can be seen tugging their brightly colored, plastic discs and toboggans toward the hill, long before the snow stops falling.

Of course, we took Olivia last year. We pulled her through the snow, avoiding the steepest part of the hill.

But this year, she was ready for the real deal. Layered in Thinsulate and making that "swish swish" noise as she walked, we trudged down the block. We could hear the laughter before we even arrived. She was mesmerized, watching the other, older kids go zooming down. I had thought she might be scared or slightly intimidated but now, she just looked excited.

We climbed onto our two-seater, no frills, red, plastic sled. "Let's go, Mama!" she yelled.

"Hang on," I said.

A small push and we were off! Her laughter rang out as we bumped and bounced down the slope. Giggling and cold, we skidded to a stop at the bottom of the hill.

She turned back, looked at me from behind layers of pink outerwear and said, "Again?"

Olivia's Pick--14 December 2008

2008-12-22T04:43:00.000-08:00

Maurice Sendak's whimsical illustrations + E.T.A. Hoffman's original "Nutcracker" legend = Olivia's favorite new book. This story is the mother of all Nutcrackers, the inspirational blueprint Tchaikovsky used to create his ballet monopoly on Christmas.

Sendak's illustrations illuminate this fanciful and slightly haunting tale in such a delightful way that, upon closing the book for the evening, Olivia will inevitably look at me and say "again!"

Plus, we've added the complete ballet recording to her musical repertoire, layering her experience of this holiday classic. Next year, she'll be ready to see the ballet live!

Olivia's Pick--7 December 2008

2008-12-15T05:14:00.000-08:00

Honestly, what is better than the magic of the Christmas season as seen through a child's eyes? Especially a two-and-a-half year-old child who doesn't remember her two previous Christmases!

The wide-eyed wonder on her face when we lit up our tree was priceless. And now, whenever we get in the car, she makes it her job to find and point out every decoration or bundle of lights visible from her car seat. She's even learned several Christmas carols.

I know that as her Mama, I face the challenge of teaching her the true meaning of Christmas, and helping her learn that giving feels better in your heart than getting ever could. And I am already trying to weave these ideas into the fabric of her mind.

But right now, this Christmas, she's still only two-and-a-half. And it only takes lighting up our Christmas tree to put a smile on her sweet face. She's experiencing the magic of Christmas for the first time (even if it is really her third time). And witnessing that is, frankly, one of the best gifts this Mama could receive.

Olivia's Pick--30 November 2008

2008-12-08T05:07:00.000-08:00

Horses. Ponies. And more horses.

What can I say? During our week-long, Midwestern, family-filled, Thanksgiving Odessey we managed to get in a visit to a cousin's farm where they had--you guessed it--horses! Olivia took her very first pony ride on Bonnie, a patient brown and white little pony.

Since then, she's talked of little else and I have a sneaking suspicion that her little, plastic, toy horses at home will simply not measure up to her latest experience.

We might have to start an "Olivia's Pony" fund. In the meantime, maybe I'll pick up a copy of Anna Sewell's Black Beauty.

Olivia's Pick--23 November 2008

2008-12-01T04:43:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, Olivia flew on an airplane, something she'd been looking forward to for weeks. She would fly around our living room, arms out, flapping her wings, saying "I'm flying like a plane!"

I'm not the best flyer, and I was afraid that, once faced with a real airplane, she might be nervous, too. I gave her the window seat, while I took the aisle, managing books, snacks, juice and my nerves. As we rumbled down the runway, I swallowed my anxiety, reading to her from a beautifully illustrated children's version of "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

We shot into the air and I concentrated, silently willing the plane to stay in airborne, trying not to vomit or lose consciousness. Next to me, buckled in tight, Olivia still managed to bounce happily in her seat. "I want to fly, Mama! Let's fly!" she shouted.

I couldn't help but laugh."We are flying sweetie, see?" I pointed out the window at the receding earth below as the plane turned at a nauseating angle.

"Oh. OK," she said, pressing her little nose to the window. "This is pretty fun."

I guess we'll have to do this more often. Maybe I'll even learn to enjoy it.

Olivia's Pick--16 November 2008

2008-11-24T04:23:00.000-08:00

Perhaps I will regret this one day, when she's 15 years-old and this particular Pick of the Week somehow surfaces from the depths of this cyber sea and rears its ugly head. But I'm too excited to keep my mouth shut about this.

This week, Olivia's favorite thing is using the "big girl potty." That's right, she has unceremoniously left her diapers behind (except for bedtime) and she is immensely proud of herself.I am beaming with pride as well, but for me, this milestone is bittersweet. My baby is becoming a little girl, and a bigger little girl by the day.

When I brought her home from the hospital, everyone said "It goes so fast, you won't believe it! Cherish every minute." But I'll admit, I had no idea just exactly how fast it goes. Now, I don't want to blink, for fear of missing something.I've read a lot and written some about being a "present parent." And while no Mama can stop herself from being distracted some of the time, I am recommitting myself to this goal.

Because it really does go by so fast, so fast, I can't believe it. And I want to cherish every minute.

Olivia's Pick--9 November 2008

2008-11-17T05:52:00.000-08:00

This week, Olivia's feeling a bit under the weather, so she's less into stuff and more into snuggles. But between sneezing and coughing, she's been enjoying books as much as ever. This week, she's discovering the magic of The Polar Express by the talented Chris Van Allsburg. This Caldecott winner tells the story of a nighttime journey to the North Pole and an exhilarating encounter with Santa. Van Allsburg's signature mysterious illustrations turn this book into a real adventure for the imagination.

Olivia's Pick--2 November 2008

2008-11-10T05:16:00.000-08:00

I suppose it had to happen, sooner or later. As much as I tried to put it off, I knew that one day, Olivia would discover the magical pleasure of chocolate.Yep, that's right. She went trick-or-treating on Friday, with the rest of America. And she came home with a bucket full of candy. I sifted through her stash and removed all the the jaw breakers, Starburst, and bubble gum that are too sophistacated for her little 2 year-old jaw. But after all her hard work and excitement, she deserved a taste of her earnings. And she had it, in the form of several small Hershey's bars. She jigged. She ambled. She smeared chocolate on her face, her hair, her costume. She was, I'm afraid, totally blissed out.

So, that's it. The seal has been broken. She now knows the meanings of the words "candy" and "chocolate" and there's now turning back.

I just hope she'll be kind hearted enough to share a Hershey's or two with me.

Olivia's Pick--26 October 2008

2008-11-02T18:05:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, Olivia and I picked up a copy of "The Wind in the Willows," by Kenneth Grahame. We began making our way through it slowly and I was impressed by her focused attention, considering there were only about five illustrations in the whole book.

Last week, she received a beautifully illustrated copy in the mail. (Thanks Grandpa!) It is now officially the only book she wants to read. We're 147 pages into this gorgeous tome, illustrated by Inga Moore. I have little doubt we'll finish it this week. At which point, she'll probably look up at me and say, "Read it again, Mama."

Olivia's Pick--19 October 2008

2008-10-27T04:41:00.000-07:00

We've been baking some seriously delicious pumpkin bread around here lately. Olivia is in Seventh Heaven while we bake together. She holds the eggs gingerly, before I break them. And she helps to stir our batter to silky smooth perfection. She watches with glee as I pour our mixture into the pan and put it into the oven.

I think that my little gourmet has fully graduated into Little Kid-dom, because today, I caught her reaching up to the counter top to dip her tiny finger into my freshly poured brown butter glaze that was dripping over the sides of our freshly baked loaf.

Olivia's Pick--12 October 2008

2008-10-19T18:19:00.000-07:00

This weekend, we revelled in cool, cloudless days that can only mean autumn in the northeast. Blessed with such weather, we experimented with having some "free fun." We packed our weekend with outdoor adventures that didn't cost a dime.

We took in some sun on the swings at our lovely beachside playground. We visited a nearby farm and "baa-ed" at the sheep and "moo-ed" at the cows, and even made friends with the affectionate barn cat. We invited over some friends to share dinner and were treated to a scooter stunt show, while the littler ones pushed wagons and collected leaves. Olivia assembled a beautiful bouquet of Maple and Dogwood leaves just for her Papa.I

t was a lovely weekend and Olivia had more than her share of fun. As for us parents, we were reminded of something Olivia knows intrinsically: The best fun, the richest experiences don't cost a penny. And the memories are priceless.

Olivia's Pick--5 October 2008

2008-10-13T04:56:00.000-07:00

In a moment of respite from the rain and wind this weekend, we were blessed with a sunny afternoon. We took the opportunity to drive to a nearby farm for some good old-fashioned pumpkin picking. Olivia was in her glory! After struggling with a few "big ones" she decided the "small, tiny ones" were more easily managed. Together, we filled the wheelbarrow with our harvested treasures and went in search of further adventures.

We discovered a wonderful hayride over the picturesque grounds. We lost ourselves in an authentic corn maze. And we giggled at the cute, but decidedly "stinky," pigs. Finally, we purchased a bag of the freshest and most delicious apples we've had all year.

Olivia's joy over experiencing autumn on a real farm was infectious. And as we were piling into the car, sharing an apple, she said "Can we do it again?"

Olivia's Pick--28 September 2008

2008-10-05T17:38:00.000-07:00

This weekend, Olivia was gifted with some new puzzles, manufactured by the fantastic Melissa & Doug. Made from real wood and painted with sweet, whimsical images, these puzzles have captivated her in a way I never would have imagined. They're sweet, simple and--best of all--safe.

Olivia's Pick--21 September 2008

2008-09-28T18:41:00.001-07:00

This weekend, our little town hosted its annual Barbecue and Blues festival. The food was great, the weather was even better and the music was fantastic.

The best part, however, was our discovery that Olivia digs The Blues! She was a little wary at first, but after some first rate barbecue pulled pork she was hooked. We grooved out to some great music and she danced her little heart out!

Now, she's ready for some Muddy Waters or Buddy Guy. For the uninitiated little one, Taj Mahal's album for kids, "Shake Sugaree" is great introduction to The Blues. You're on your own for the pulled pork.

Olivia's Pick--14 September 2008

2008-09-22T05:22:00.000-07:00

Last week, I lamented my little one's growing feet and how they were outpacing my shopping capabilities. Fortunately, we have been able to make some new footwear purchases since then, for all kinds of weather.

Olivia's new favorite? Her Wellies.We bought them in the midst of a total downpour, and so she wore them home. But when we got to our house, she didn't want to take them off! She wanted to show them to Papa, to our dog, and to all of her animals. She wanted to eat lunch in them. And then, she wanted to nap in them.

Somehow, with much coaxing, we managed to remove them before naptime. And she has resigned herself to not wearing them around the house.They remain, however, her go-to footwear for every outdoor activity. She hasn't worn them to the playground at the beach yet, but she does enjoy wearing them to the supermarket.

Olivia's Pick--7 September 2008

2008-09-17T04:55:00.000-07:00

Olivia has found a new favorite book. A soft, sweet story by Karma Wilson, beautifully illustrated by Jane Chapman. We picked up the book, Bear Feels Scared, as a further study in the emotions which were brought on by her in depth experience of Peter and the Wolf. My goal was to deal with the emotion of fear, which she was experiencing and expressing through the Prokofiev classic.

This book, Bear Feels Scared, is simply wonderful in this capacity. With illustrations you feel like you could crawl into--which Olivia tries to do saying "I want to get in the book!"--this sweet story of a bear lost in an autumn storm, and his animal friends who form a search party to find him is, quite simply, heart warming.

The best part--the entire reason I chose this particular book, for this particular reason--is that, at the end, the search party locates Bear. They warm him with hugs and lead him home.

At the end, cuddled in a heap, warm and cozy with those he loves the most, Bear feels safe.

Olivia's Pick--31 August 2008

2008-09-07T18:02:00.000-07:00

This week marks the symbolic passing of summer and launches us, feet first, into the promise and adventure of autumn. I anticipate that, this autumn, some of Olivia's favorite picks will be:

-Heading to an apple orchard to pick some of her favorite snacks.

-Running through the pumpkin patch, choosing all the pumpkins--big and small--that we will use to decorate our yard.-

Taking our dog to the beach, once the summer people have gone home and we have our piece of shoreline back to ourselves again.

-Going trick-or-treating for the very first time!

-Running and playing in the brisk autumn air, smiling through ruddy cheeks.

-Warming up with warm apple cider, from a nearby farm.

Olivia's Pick--24 August 2008

2008-09-02T05:05:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I told you about this awesome version of Prokofiev's classic, Peter and the Wolf, narrated by Sting. Honestly, it doesn't get much cooler. We've been listening a lot these days to Sir John Gielgud's version, which is dramatic and spectacular, even if it lacks the 80s rock factor.

Olivia has been having so much fun listening, that we decided to check out an illustrated book version, to enhance her experience. We found this lovely copy, with folktale style illustrations by Ian Beck.

The child is now obsessed.

Returning again and again to the page where "big, grey wolf" comes out of the forest, she will say "I'm scared," just as she does at the same point in the recorded symphony. But she can't get enough! She talks about Peter all day long, and tells me that she wants to go into the meadow with him to catch the wolf.

And so I must warn our poor, old Jack Russell terrier, lest Olivia decide to cast her in the role of "Wolf" in her first production of Prokofiev's childhood masterpiece.

Olivia's Pick--17 August 2008

2008-08-25T04:59:00.000-07:00

Apart from my absurdly cute little nephew and his (only slightly less cute) parents, we are separated by hundreds and hundreds of miles from our extended families. Now that we have a family of our own, this is less fun than ever. We are, however, blessed with families who will travel, who will cross oceans and mountains to see us. Okay, to see Olivia.

But that's the point. She's been absolutely reveling in the revolving door of familial house guests we've had this summer, which is really bittersweet. I love to see her loving--and being loved by--her family. I love to see her building relationships that will endure through her life. But it's sad, because each visit comes to an end, one that's not punctuated with "See you next week."And while it's true, all these visits have made me a bit nostalgic for my own childhood summers filled with fun and family, I still think it's true that family is her pick this week. Love and laughter abounds and she is truly, deeply happy.

Olivia's Pick--10 August 2008

2008-08-17T19:07:00.000-07:00

Olivia's always had a love of music. But recently, she's discovered the piano. We were visiting a relative who has a piano, and from the moment she was introduced, Olivia couldn't get enough! While not quite as skilled on the keys as one might hope for so prolific a player, she still thoroughly enjoyed herself. And though her fingers are still rather short, I honestly believe she shows promise...in a loud, banging sort of way.

So, it looks like we might need to invest in a piano of our own.

Or something.

Olivia's Pick--3 August 2008

2008-08-11T19:10:00.000-07:00

We're in the midst of a mini baby boom over here. Last week saw the introduction of not one, but two sweet little angels into our midst. Olivia is loving every second of it. Between her brand new little cousin and her new friend, Olivia is getting a taste of what it's like to be The Big Kid.

And you know what? She's handling it great. She's gentle with the babies and likes to help make them comfortable. If her little cousin needs a teddy bear, Olivia's happy to bring it to him. Socks for the baby? She loves to assist in warming the tiniest of toes! Plus, it's good practice for putting on her own socks!It's sweet to watch her gain a new level of confidence and independence, while also seeing her behave in such a loving and compassionate way.

So, I think it's official: Olivia loves babies. Good thing we know of at least 3 or 4 more on the way!

Olivia's Pick--27 July 2008

2008-08-04T10:28:00.000-07:00

Without a doubt, Olivia's pick for this week--maybe for the whole year--is Birthday Parties. Specifically those held in her honor. This weekend, the backyard was packed with kids indulging in our Messy Art Party. By the end of the afternoon, children were wandering around in sugar-induced hazes, caked with frosting and paint, diapers sagging from splashing in the pool. From the sunshine to the pinata to the cupcakes to the Pollock-rivaling masterpiece the kids created, the day was simply perfect. And everytime I caught Olivia's eye, she would meet my gaze with that smile that makes me melt.

A couple of months ago, we were considering not throwing a birthday party at all. She's young and won't remember, we rationalized. But then I spoke to a wise and wonderful Mama I know and she reminded me how few moments there are in life for us to truly celebrate, and that we should take advantage of each one.

Boy, am I glad we did.

Olivia's Pick--20 July 2008

2008-07-28T04:59:00.001-07:00

Nothing says summer like bowl of fresh blueberries! Olivia can't get enough of these delicious treats. I'm loving that she's loving them because they're a really healthy food, full of antioxidants and vitamins. She'll eat them plain, in yogurt, over ice cream or in whole wheat pancakes. Yummy!

Olivia's Pick--13 July 2008

2008-07-21T05:29:00.000-07:00

So this week's pick is more of a perpetual pick. Olivia's been loving her copy Puff the Magic Dragon for quite some time and her interest hasn't yet abated. Yes, Puff comes in book form now, with the original lyrics and some lovely new illustrations by Eric Puybaret. There's also a CD included with a new recording of the song. I'm actually enjoying this as much as she is!

Olivia's Pick--6 July 2008

2008-07-14T10:25:00.001-07:00

It's summertime for sure and that means a lot of running through sprinklers! Olivia has been running mini marathons in the backyard, splashing her way through the afternoons. It's a fun, healthy activity for kids. And the bonus for Mamas is the great sleep the little ones get after a day of outdoor play. Splash on!

Olivia's Pick--28 July 2008

2008-07-07T17:38:00.001-07:00

Likely spurred on by our "overly ambitious" most recent art project, lately, Olivia just can't get her fingers out of the finger paint! Finger painting is a wonderful way to spend a giggly half hour. I know, Mamas, I know what you're thinking. Finger paint?! What a mess! But these finger paints from Crayola are extremely washable, so cleaning up after is no stress. And for the true IronMom, here's a recipe for homemade finger paint. Let us all know how that goes...

Olivia's Pick--21 June 2008

2008-06-30T04:07:00.001-07:00

An entrepreneurial Mama I know who owns the cutest baby store in town gave me a suggestion that has turned out to be Olivia's latest favorite: Ballet on YouTube. We're not big on TV around our house and Olivia is generally nonplused by it when she sees it. But show her a video of a twirling ballerina and she just can't get enough! Within moments, she's spinning, trying to point her toes and stretching for her best arabesque. It's a quick and cute distraction that's brought both of us a lot of smiles.

Olivia's Pick--15 June 2008

2008-06-22T16:54:00.000-07:00

Maybe it is the influence of last week's pick that has inspired a creative surge in Olivia. She's creating masterpiece after masterpiece with her Do a Dot art set. Part marker, part paint set, Do a Dot is the hybrid of toddler art. And yes Mamas, the paint is totally washable.

Olivia's Pick--8 June 2008

2008-06-16T03:52:00.000-07:00

Olivia has officially added Impressionism to her ever-growing list of interests, thanks to the lovely book, "Degas and the Little Dancer," written and illustrated by Lawrence Anholt. A sweet story of a young Parisian girl with big dreams, this book manages to introduce Degas and his artwork in a completely natural way, through the story. Unlike so much of what's out there these days, this book doesn't promise to make your kid the next Leonardo Da Vinci. Rather, it is a story worth reading in its own right, with the added bonus of an introduction to one of history's more celebrated artists.

We can't wait to read more in Anholt's Artists Books for Children series.

Olivia Pick--1 June 2008

2008-06-09T04:14:00.000-07:00

Beach, beach, beach! She can't get enough of our pretty little piece of coastal heaven, and truthfully, I'm loving it too. But Girls of Summer need gear, right? Shade on the shore is a must, but you don't need to break the bank on a good beach umbrella. Castle building goes green with this Sand Play Set by Green Toys. Made from recycled plastic, this playset is manufactured, assembled and tested in the USA and is BPA and Pthalate-free. And no day at the beach is complete without snacks. This summer, skip the hot dogs and nachos and freeze some fresh fruit the night before, to keep it cooler, longer. Cut up watermelon, mango, pineapple or whatever your little one loves and freeze it. Then, pack it on ice for your day of fun in the sun! And Mamas, don't forget the sunscreen!

Olivia's Pick--25 May 2008

2008-06-02T04:42:00.001-07:00

The sunshine is here, even if summer doesn't officially begin for a few more weeks. And Olivia can't get enough of just being outside. We spend hours sketching masterpieces, sculpting great works or just blowing bubbles. Before I know it, she'll be ready to ride with the big girls.

Olivia's Pick--18 May 2008

2008-05-26T04:47:00.000-07:00

The latest gift from Grandma hit a homerun. Olivia won't go anywhere anymore without her fancy new handbag from Manhattan Toy. The bag comes complete with compact, cell phone, wallet, cash and credit cards and looks good with just about everything. Now she can pick up the tab at our favorite local Mexican Cantina. Gracias, Grandma!

Olivia's Pick--11 May 2008

2008-05-18T17:38:00.001-07:00

Maybe because she's half French, and certainly because she's all kid, Olivia can't get enough this week of Bonjour Babar! This book has all six of the original Babar stories by Jean de Brunhoff. These stories are just as magical and unique as they were when I was a child, which means that I enjoy reading them to her, almost as much as she enjoys listening to them.

Olivia's Pick--4 May 2008

2008-05-13T15:49:00.000-07:00

5/1/08
Being a fan of real music, we don't listen to very many kid's CDs around our house. But I have to say that Putumayo does a terrific job of producing albums that kids love and parents can stand. This week, Olivia is grooving out to Putumayo Kids World Playground. Hey, it's not The White Album, but we have time, right?