Love for Leapfest

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August 16, 2017

Love for Leapfest Providence Moms Blog I wasn’t sure what to expect from Leapfest in all honesty. To quote their website, “Leapfest is the largest, longest standing, international static line parachute training event and competition.” So, it is a day of watching people jump out of helicopters and parachute to the ground…in West Kingston, RI. Okay, that sounds cool. And it’s close to home. I am happy to report that it was an AWESOME family adventure! Here’s why I now love Leapfest:

Approaching West Kingston, we could hear and see the CH-47 Chinook helicopters flying their loop and parachute teams jumping out of them. The kids were so excited and, admittedly, so were my husband and I. We were going to see that all day, up close!

We parked and walked around the West Kingston Elementary School to get to the event. The parking lot opened to a school playground on our right, heavily utilized by kids who needed a break from the Chinooks, booths selling t-shirts and a decent crowd camped out on the side of a field watching people skillfully fall from the sky. For an international military competition, it was pretty low key.

Teams came from all over to compete, most notably from Botswana, South Africa, Germany, the U.K., and Canada, among many others. Impromptu geography lessons were crafted for my kids. Everyone came to show their skill of jumping out of a helicopter and landing on (or missing and running to) an “X” in the middle of a field. This is an immensely difficult task, especially given the wind. Every two minutes or so, we’d hear and see a Chinook, then we’d see four parachutes pulled open by a static line. It was literally exactly the same every time, though the repetition never diminished the awe of the act. In fact, it made us continuously stop in our tracks.

Love for Leapfest Providence Moms Blog

My husband knew some people at the event, including some of the jumpers. This made the event even more special for the kids. My son got to try on a jumper’s helmet, which he loved. And my daughter received her first challenge coin. Every jumper receives a Leapfest coin and this particular jumper offered his to my 1.5-year-old baby girl. It’s truly an honor!

Even if we didn’t know anyone at this event, the community is friendly and supportive. There seemed to be a higher awareness, appreciation, and acceptance in the crowd for (young) kids and families. And there are so many kids (and many ways to keep them busy)! It was a near-perfect, family-friendly environment.

Enough cannot be said for the appreciation of military service, the skill required to be an Airborne Soldier, and the global camaraderie this one day offered our family. Ample opportunity for observation and education for the entire family. And it was immensely fun. If you haven’t gone, you should! And oh, by the way, it’s free. Hope to see you at Leapfest 2018!

The Grass is Always Greener: a Working Mom’s Perspective

By

Amelia Sugerman

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August 15, 2017

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grass always green working mom's perspective Providence moms Blog I took a vacation day this week without any real plans. I knew the weekend was going to be busy, so I wanted the opportunity to do laundry, grocery shop, and maybe even sneak in a nap while the baby slept. I thought I had it all planned perfectly. It was completely different than I expected.

Here’s an account of the day:

6:10 am: Alarm (i.e. baby) goes off and I roll over with a smile remembering that I don’t have to rush today.

6:12 am: Alarm sounds for the second time and now I’m throwing a bottle in the warmer and thinking about how quickly I can make myself some coffee.

7:30 am: Baby is playing quietly and I’m thinking this is going to be the best day EVER. I should totally quit my job and be a stay at home mom because this is so fun!

7:45 am: I decide we should go for a walk because it’s a gorgeous day and we’re on vacation.

8:03 am: I shower, make the iced coffee, and get the baby dressed for our walk.

8:23 am: Baby is tired, hungry, and I still haven’t had the coffee.

8:42 am: Baby is now napping (before 9am?) and I’m throwing in laundry, answering emails, and making lists of things that I have been neglecting, which includes, but is not limited to all the things I’ve been trying to get done for months.

9:00 am: Now I’m overwhelmed. And the baby is awake. And I haven’t had coffee yet. And the dog wants to go for a walk. Can I surrender yet? How do you stay at home moms do this?

9:30 am: We’re walking…and drinking coffee…and this is so fun! My friends are coming over for lunch and a pool party too!

10:40: Can’t remember if I switched over the laundry but we’re in the pool and baby is skipping nap today because we’re having so much fun.

12:00: We’re trying to feed five children and three of them are tired. Did someone say nap?

1:00: Baby is finally down…. For FIFTEEN minutes! Why does this child sleep for hours at daycare but when he gets into his own crib he’s just dancing around at all hours?

2:30: When is Daddy coming home? How do people do this all day? I’m tired… there are tons of dishes, the baby hasn’t slept, and my laundry pile is still huge. Going to work every day seems so much easier than this!

4:15: Since I didn’t go to work today, it’s only fair that I cook dinner.

5:00: It’s looking like take-out again.

Bottom line: The grass is always greener on the other side. When I’m working, I wish I was with my kids in the pool. When I’m at home, I long for the career I have always worked so hard for. On the weekends, I run around like a crazy person trying to squeeze errands and family time into 60+ hours. It’s a juggling act, but it’s my act, and this is my life.

Raising Rhode Islanders

By

Sara

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August 13, 2017

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“Mommy, where’s the bubbler?”

My daughter and I were at the mall a few years ago and she asked me about a bubbler. I assume I gave her that deer in headlights look because it was followed up with, “Mommy, I am thirsty and I need the bubbler!” Now I had a little more of a clue, but I thought maybe she was discussing a kind of fizzy drink. After another minute or two of utter frustration she said, with great exasperation, “It’s that thing where I can get a drink of water. I just want a drink of water!!” Aha! A water fountain! She just wanted a water fountain. Crisis averted.

As I recounted this story to others, I realized that there are challenges to being a Little Rhody transplant who is raising two born and bred Rhode Islanders. Their father is a native Pittsburgher and I come from Long Island. Each of these areas has its own quirks. New Yorkers are known to get into fights about which pizza place has the best slice, and in Pittsburgh, they put french fries on sandwiches and salads. When a Long Islander goes to the movies, she waits “on line” and when a person from the ‘Burgh has a dirty car it “needs washed.” Having lived in several cities, I have always enjoyed learning the things that make each one different.

We moved here 16 years ago, so my kids have never known anything different than living in Providence. They have picked up their share of local idiosyncrasies. These are the ones that are the most pronounced.

Food

In a 2002 NY Times article, the writer, Paul Lukas, stated, “…how has Rhode Island managed to keep so many of its food traditions intact? And why haven’t they migrated beyond the state line?” My kids have fully embraced many of the foods that are connected to Rhode Island. Pizza strips, Del’s lemonade, clam cakes, doughboys – all are household favorites. From the time they could talk, my kids knew that a sign with pink and orange = donuts. By kindergarten age, each of them had tried coffee milk at school. I can appreciate all these foods and agree that summer is not complete with several trips to the clam shacks, but there is a different level of reverence with my kids.

Travel

I grew up about 40 minutes from NY City and would frequently take the train in for a show or to go to a museum. My kids start asking, “Are we there yet??” in Cranston…when we are driving to Warwick. Snacks and water in the car are required if we are driving more than half an hour, and I often hear grumblings when I suggest that we go somewhere that will force us to be in the car for longer than that. They are always amazed when I tell them how, as a kid, we used to drive from Long Island to Buffalo to visit relatives – an 8-hour drive and we were still in the same state. My kids enjoy having their lives within a small radius of our house.

Sports

This one has been tough for me. When I got married, the officiant commented that it was a mixed marriage – the bringing together of a Mets fan and a Pirates fan. Moving to New England, I should have known it would only be a matter of time before my children would leave my sports teams behind. My daughter was co-opted into being a NY Giants fan for a while, but once she reached school age it was all things Patriots and Red Sox all the time. She speaks at length about Tom Brady, Julian Edelman, and Big Papi and feels that she is somewhat responsible for the Red Sox recent success (she was born 2 days before the Sox won the series in 2004 and therefore she was a “good luck” baby.) It breaks my heart a little bit every time she trash talks my teams, but I do appreciate her loyalty.

Embrace of the Unique

My kids have always relished the quirky and odd things that one only finds in Rhode Island. They love seeing the Big Blue Bug as we drive down 95. They have climbed all over the giant Mr. Potato Head at the Roger Williams Park playground. They love Waterfire, Rocky Point Clam Shack, and visiting the giant Buddha at the RISD Museum. They appreciate that within 20 minutes of our house are all the advantages of a city, as well as large farms where they can go apple and berry picking. Bubbler incident aside, it is nice to see my kids embracing their native state. After all, we would not live in Rhode Island if it was not wicked awesome.

Comparing Ourselves to Other Women: She Said, We Said

By

Jackie Hennessey

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August 10, 2017

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I’ve done it. You’ve done it. We’ve all done it.

But you may not realize how harmful it can be. I’m not talking about eating gluten at midnight or consuming free celebrity gossip while waiting in line at the grocery store. I’m talking about comparing yourself to other women.

There’s nothing worse than comparing yourself to other women, especially when you become a new mom. Comparing myself to other moms brings out a side of me that thankfully not too many people get the pleasure of seeing (except, of course, my husband and kids).

The crazy thing is it didn’t start when I became a new mom. It started when I was pregnant.

Well into the first trimester of my first pregnancy, I’d look down at my 1999 (mom) jeans with a rubber band tied around the button-fly waist and think, “Well, this isn’t going to hold out much longer.” My husband and I hardly had enough money to pay for parking in downtown Seattle, let alone buy stylish “office-appropriate” maternity clothes. (I happened to be pregnant with my first child before Target or Old Navy launched their maternity lines. Yes, I’m that old.) I’d see all the hip young moms-to-be strutting around Seattle wearing designer maternity suits and stress out when I couldn’t find one that cost less than what my husband and I were paying on a monthly basis to rent our one-bedroom apartment.

I was excited about being pregnant, but didn’t realize the harm I was doing by comparing myself to other women so early on.

So I got creative. I stuck with basic black and consignment store finds and pressed on.

For another month.

The further along I got in my pregnancy, the more worries started worming their way into my head.

With random questions popping up, such as:

Why is that mom reading literature to her unborn child in the park? (As I put down a copy of US Weekly.) Will my baby come out humming Pearl Jam and asking about Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt?

Should I be teaching him a second language? (¿Dónde está el baño?) (I barely had enough energy to meet work deadlines, let alone cram in post-college Spanish sessions.)

Will my child be an under-achiever because I don’t play Baby Mozart for him in the womb? (As I turned up Cyndi Lauper in my car.)

How many more weeks can I stretch my basic black elastic waist-band skirt until it pops? (It popped about a week later.)

When it came to a delivery plan, I started to second-guess my choices based on what other mothers were doing, from Washington to Women’s Health magazine. Although I admired women like Ricki Lake who had a natural birth, I had an incredibly challenging first birth experience (including false labor, hemorrhaging, and surgery), which meant the word “Epidural” was my new best friend. I didn’t realize I’d be judged by other women for having one. And these were women who weren’t even my friends. They were women I’d met casually through birthing class, the doctor’s office or friends of friends. “Excuse me for not wanting to DIE in childbirth,” I’d think to myself. And because of the trauma, I was not physically able to breast feed. Lord knows I caught flack for bottle-feeding. I loved my new little guy, all 8 pounds, 9 ounces of him.

But I always ended up feeling like somehow, I wasn’t doing the right thing for him. My grandmother once told me being clueless is what being a new parent is all about. None of us know what the heck we’re doing when we become parents, but you have to trust yourself, open your mind, and know it’s going to be OK.

Sixteen years and two children later, I’ve had my fair share of re-thinking my decisions on everything from potty training to playdates. Honestly, I’m more concerned about curfews and college tours these days. But that’s fodder for another post.

I remember hearing moms brag about their 19-month-olds directing their urine stream perfectly into a Cheerio. (While my toddler son would turn to me and pause before peeing in a Pull-Up.) At the time, I thought I was a failure for not succeeding at potty training him at 20 months. Oh, we tried. My entire family knows I tried. But I can assure you, he did not go to preschool peeing into a Pull Up. He was fully trained a few months later and never had an accident.

Through the years, I’ve learned to stop.
To stop listening to the noise. The comparisons. The celebrity advice. And go with what works for me.

Oh, I enjoy learning from other moms. But I’d rather giggle with them. I find that the more confidence I have in what works for me and my family, and the less I compare myself to other women, the better off I am. (The better off we all are!) I’d rather laugh with other moms and celebrate our imperfections. It’s more fun (and a heck of a lot healthier) for everyone.

In Defense of Nap Time: My Nap Time

By

Robin Barton

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August 9, 2017

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My kids are very dependent on their sleep and their naps are precious. When growing tired, they become increasingly whiny, impatient, and irritable. My nearly 6 1/2 year old will still nap on the weekend when given the opportunity. Miraculously, he will still go to bed on time even if he took a two hour midday snooze. On nights when the kids go to bed 30 or more minutes late, we will almost certainly pay for it the next day in the form of two whiny cranky-pants who spend the day antagonizing each other.

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

At 6 times my oldest’s age, I too will nap if given the opportunity. In fact, most weekends I’ll lay down to catch some shut eye when they do. Yes, the house may be in desperate need of tidying and the laundry may be piling up. But despite staring down a sometimes seemingly unsurmountable to-do list, I’ll usually choose to nap.

I enjoy crossing things off my to-do as much as the next person. Accomplishing anything is satisfying on some level. But you want to know what’s more satisfying for me?

Taking a nap.

Curling up for a good weekend nap on the couch is not only relaxing, but it rejuvenates me for the rest of the day. Sometimes my naps are short and sweet, others are just as long as the kids’ naps. Catching a few midday zzzz’s also gives me the opportunity to turn my mind off for an hour or two, which is sometimes just necessary for my mental and emotional well-being.

Also, when I’m tired, like the kids, I can get a bit grouchy. Some midday sleep can really help with this. That is, as long as I am woken up on my own. You can ask my husband about the creature I turn into when I don’t wake up on my own accord (but I can save that for another post).

Speaking of which, guess who else sometimes lays down for a nap when the kids do (albeit less frequently)? Yup, you guessed it – my husband.

Adults aren’t immune to the same effects that a lack of sleep has on the kids. A well-rested and relaxed me is a lot better than an impatient, overwhelmed, overtired me. The same goes for my hubby. It helps makes us not only better people, but better parents. Parents who are re-energized to handle the next curve ball the kids throw at us, not to mention parents who have more drive to tackle some of their to-do list.

I have read many blogs and articles talking about the importance of mothers embracing the notion of self-care. For some that is working out, for others it’s a trip to the spa, shopping, or reading a book. Self-care for me is settling into my well-worn couch cushions for a good, old fashioned nap. A solo trip to Target with a treat for Starbucks in hand is a close second.

So, I let the dishes sit in the sink, the dust accumulate on the mantle, and the laundry go unfolded. I do what’s best for me some days. Nap. Self-care is where’s it at, Moms. Don’t you forget it, or regret it.

Back to School Shopping with Luca Boutique!

By

Rhode Island Moms

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August 8, 2017

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At Providence Moms Blog, we love to connect moms with amazing local businesses, especially ones that are owned by moms. We could not be more excited to partner with Luca Boutique for this sponsored post to help all moms navigate back to school clothes shopping!

back to school shopping Luca Boutique In just a few short weeks, I am sending my baby girl off to Kindergarten. Entering this new chapter in our lives is exciting, emotional, and overwhelming. As we prepare for this new step, we are slowly checking off the boxes of necessary school accessories: new lunch box, new backpack, new pencils, new clothes.

Oh, those new clothes.

It presents me with such a dilemma. When my daughter was first born, I was insistent on purchasing new, adorable, and often pricey clothes. Very quickly, I realized the error of my ways. Clothes get stained and children grow so fast, it’s hard for me to justify spending a lot of our money on clothes that will get put away or donated after a season of wear.

But as a person with high end taste, I’ve struggled with the best way to do this. More inexpensive clothing that I’ve purchased often can’t withstand the wear and tear of my adventurous daughter. Most of the consignment stores I’ve ventured into are dark, cluttered, and hard to navigate. And while I want to exclusively shop at fun places like Hanna Andersson, the sticker shock alone means I have to be more selective in what I purchase. Plus, as someone who tries to be environmentally friendly, I have a hard time justifying the ecological impact of buying new clothes.

Enter Luca Boutique, the most adorable children’s consignment boutique I’ve ever seen. It’s light, airy, and inviting, and the merchandise is well positioned and easy to peruse on the floor. The owner, Diane, is dreamy. Helpful and friendly, she has a great eye for putting together the perfect combination of outfits and clearly remembers the challenges of being a mother of young children. She also has a dedicated area of the store where children can play that’s gated. Since I always have my 19 month old in tow, the ability to have a safe space to contain my child so I can shop is a huge bonus.

Her merchandise selection is incredible. From Mini Boden, Crewcuts, The North Face, and Tea Collection to my beloved Hanna Andersson, Luca Boutique has everything that any kid could want, in excellent condition at an even better price. And you know what’s better than new Hannas? Used Hannas that are even more soft and comfortable. In my book, that’s a win-win.

At Providence Moms Blog, we asked Luca Boutique to give us a sampling of outfits that any kid would want to wear on the first day of school. Here are some ideas she put together just for our readers!

For a Kindergarten Girl

Girls Size 5 Zara Top $6.50

Baby Denim pull on denim jeggings 7.50

For a Second Grade Girl

Girls Tea Collection Dress Size 7 $14

Kid Pik Shoes New with Tags $12

For a Middle School Girl

Girls Crewcuts Sweater Size 12 $12

Zara Leggings NWT $12

LL Bean Duck Boots Size 3 $48

luca boutique back to school shopping sponsored post Providence Moms Blog

For a Kindergarten Boy

Boys Size 5 Hanna Andersson Top $9

Mini Boden Drawstring Cords $12

North Face Summit Series $28

For a Second Grade Boy

Boys size 8 Black Dog Hat NWT $7

Crewcuts Top $12

Gap Vest $9

Mini Boden Denim $9

For a Middle School Boy

Boys size 12 Patagonia Down Sweater $44

Mini Boden Drawstring Cords $9

Crewcuts Top $9

Mini Boden Velcro Suede Sherpa Lined Boots Size 3 $15

Aren’t these outfits amazing? I can’t help but swoon as I look at them!

Not only are the clothes at Luca Boutique in excellent condition, the brands that I adore, and at the perfect price point, the boutique takes eco sustainability very seriously. Each transaction is paperless, and the paper bags they use are environmentally friendly. And as a mother who wants to do everything I can to protect the environment for my children, I appreciate Luca Boutique’s willingness to think about its own carbon footprint. Luca Boutique is a worthwhile investment for any mother and mom-to-be!

Back to school shopping could not be easier than at Luca Boutique! PMB readers, please join us on Friday, August 11, at Luca Boutique’s New To You Back to School Shopping Event from 10-5pm. Patagonia, Crewcuts, Hanna Andersson, Zara, Vineyard Vines, Lands End, Tea Collection, Garnet Hill, Janie and Jack, The North Face, Primigi , Gap, Ugg, Helly Hansen, and Mini Boden are just a few of the great brands that will be there! Be sure to come early and RSVP on Facebook for the latest updates and sneak peeks! Luca Boutique is located at 193 Water Street in downtown Warren. They carry premium and better brand children’s apparel, baby gear, and trendy maternity clothing for the stylish Mom to be! You’ll also find a wide array of new accessories and gifts.

Investing in the Future: Rhode Island’s Promise Scholarship Program

By

Tracy Slater

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August 7, 2017

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Providence Moms Blog recently had a “Mom Poll” on Facebook that asked about people’s favorite diaper brands. One mom responded, “If I were a rich woman, I would buy Pampers.” I have been thinking a lot about that answer, because I do not by any stretch of the imagination consider myself a rich woman, yet I buy Pampers almost exclusively. So that comment got me wondering why I had never once considered that Pampers could be a luxury for one family when it was simply just another necessary purchase for mine.

I think I may have figured it out. On one hand, we are currently a one income family. That one income certainly does not put us in a tax bracket that will lead to Caribbean vacations or a house with a two car garage anytime soon. But on the other hand, my husband and I never had something that many of our peers do: college loan debt. Through a combination of hard work (our own and our parents), luck, and circumstance, we both graduated debt free. And as a young family starting out, not having that kind of overwhelming debt has allowed us to make choices we might not otherwise have had the luxury to make. I like to believe that we are responsible with our money. We do not take extravagant vacations and we stopped paying for cable years ago. But we buy Pampers. We always have a fruit basket full of fresh produce for our children. When we recently had our third child, we decided that I would take a little extra time out of work to make the adjustment easier for all of us. And instead of writing a check to Sallie Mae, we’re building up college savings accounts for our own children. I’m not sure we would have the breathing room to make these kinds of choices if we were saddled with college debt.

Last Thursday, Rhode Island became the fourth state in the US to make community college tuition free with the enactment of The Promise Scholarship. The four year pilot program will cover the tuition and fees at the Community College of Rhode Island for Rhode Island residents who have graduated high school the previous semester, regardless of their income. What a tremendous gift to the young people of Rhode Island!

In the very best of circumstances, being a young parent is hard work. And I would not consider having massive college debt the best of circumstances. For me, the ability to buy diapers that don’t leak overnight makes parenting a little easier. And for many young people in Rhode Island, the Promise Scholarship will do more than just allow them to buy expensive diapers at some future date. It will be the means that allows them to go to college in the first place. As a mother, I see this as a worthwhile investment in the youth of Rhode Island. It is a step in the right direction and an important statement from the state government that the economic future and well being of our children matter. And one day, when and if they decide to become parents, I hope these students will have the same breathing room to focus on the future of their children that I have been lucky enough to have.

I’m Having an Anxiety Attack: A Small Glimpse Inside of an Anxious Mind

By

Jessica Johnson

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August 6, 2017

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Right now. I know it’s happening soon because all of my warning signs are present. My muscles are tight, my heart is beating faster than usual, and I am completely on edge. My head is – just – loud. There is so much noise that if someone started talking to me, I likely would not notice right away. It is almost like a white noise machine or a static television channel turned all the way up. When the noise really gets loud, I know I have to get out. If I am in, I need to be out. I need to be breathing fresh air because when everything is reeling out of control, there is something about being as close to nature as humanly possible that is necessary for me to endure what’s coming.

Right now, my mind is a very loud and terrifying place to be. My imagination is not submissive to my will, and unspeakable, horrific thoughts quickly come and go. It is almost like flipping through slide show, until I stumble on a “good slide” to stop and study. Once a thought sticks, I cannot get it out. I say things to myself like “this is not true, this is not real, this is completely implausible,” even though I can see the event unfolding right before my eyes. Sometimes my real voice is louder than my thoughts, but most of the time my thoughts win and the next few minutes are pure hell on earth (and I do not say that lightly).

The time after this is a complete blur, and I honestly do not know what it looks like from the perspective of an outsider. All I know is I think I am going to die. I don’t know if I am screaming or talking or rocking back and forth or what. When it’s over, my eyes are swollen and my face is wet with a mixture of tears and sweat. My breathing is labored and my muscles are very sore. All I want to do is crawl in to bed and sleep.

This is my battle with anxiety.

On good days, I am usually laid back and jovial. Laughter comes easily. I enjoy my children and my family. I am able to home school with enthusiasm and gratitude.

When I’m struggling, I spend my days calculating worst case scenarios and my nights checking and rechecking our locks. If my husband does not answer the phone or call me back within a half-hour, I am fully convinced he is dead somewhere. I easily convince myself of realities that do not exist. I blame myself for things I did not do. The way I talk to myself is extremely negative. I am constantly calling myself stupid, dumb, ridiculous, fat, ugly, worthless, gross, incapable, psycho. In my right mind, I know I am not these things, but I am not in my right mind all the time.

Thankfully, even though I do experience a few anxiety attacks and some tough days, the good days have been a more frequent occurrence than the hard days.

Here is why.

My anxiety level skyrocketed when I was pregnant with my fourth child. I am so thankful for my midwife who asked me at every check ho5w I was doing mentally, and I am so grateful that I was honest with her about it. She referred me to a wonderful psychiatrist and I started taking medication and saw improvement almost immediately.

I also let my friends, family, and church family know about my struggle with anxiety. Because they are most important people in my life, I knew their support and prayers were essential to focus my mind and soul on truth.

Here is the thing: post-partum anxiety affects about 15-17% of women. It is very possibly even more common that post-partum depression. If you are experiencing any concerning symptoms, please consult your doctor. There is no reason you have to suffer through this in isolation when there are so many of us who are fighting the same battle. You are not alone, and you can manage this.

Rock-a-Baby: A Worthwhile Musical Experience

By

Jessica Johnson

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August 3, 2017

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Music can play an important role in children's development, which is why we are excited to be partnering with Rock-a-Baby, who has sponsored the following post. The content contained within is original and reflects the opinions of the writer.

Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a child I was always singing, dancing, and performing for anyone who would give me an ear. It’s amazing how music awakens the soul. A sad song can rock you to your core, and at the same time an upbeat melody can leave you humming happily for days. It has such an effect on our mood that in my house, we reset our cranky days with a dance break. It works every single time.

As a mom, I intentionally create a home environment where my children feel comfortable expressing themselves through song and dance without feeling self-conscious. When I heard about the Rock-a-Baby classes being offered in the Jewish Community Center in Providence, I could hardly contain my excitement.

I looked forward to dancing along to silly music with my 18 month old little girl. To my pleasant surprise, the Rock-a-Baby classes were much more than dancing around to silly music. Education, community, and active play were all highlighted in each 45 minute class.

The Class

Upon entering the class, my daughter and I were greeted by a trio of musicians. Marc played the keyboard, Benny stood casually strumming the guitar, and Rachel was the engaging vocalist. We removed our shoes and sat with 8-10 other little ones ready to get their dance on.

The Rock-a-Baby team established a sense of community in the very first song as Rachel greeted each child with a high five and welcomed him or her to the class. The next interactive song introduced the weekly theme. One week was Fourth of July themed, another was outer space; you get the idea.

My daughter was a bit hesitant at first to join in. The music was not too loud or overstimulating; in fact, some brand new babies napped during class, but my daughter tends to hang back in any new situation. It is just her personality. She observed with skepticism until the puppets Melody, Harmony, and Rhythm made their grand entrances. These characters are wonderful educational tools that teach the kids simple and interesting musical concepts.

Samantha’s Favorite Elements

Melody, Harmony and Rhythm were easily Samantha’s favorite part of each class. She warmed right up when she saw them every week. She was still too shy to dance (although there were plenty of toddlers cutting a rug), but she really enjoyed the other active elements like patting rhythms, chasing balls, and popping bubbles. The other kids in the class also enjoyed getting their wiggles out before it was time to sit down for a story song-book. The story song-book, which was a giant book with pictures illustrating a popular song (think Twinkle Twinkle Little Star), was a great way to wind down before ending the class.

My Favorite Elements

The kids aren’t the only ones who have fun, though. My favorite element of these classes was the weekly introduction to a new instrument. Each child would get a chance to play an instrument they most likely had never seen before. It was neat to watch them figure out how to make noise and create rhythm using these new instruments.

I also really appreciated that the music was not “babyish.” Live music is much more fun for kids to watch and listen to. Some songs also featured creative twists to familiar favorites like The Beatles or Tom Petty. This not only made it more enjoyable, but it also made it easy for the adults to sing along (maybe a little too loudly in my case – oops).

Another thing I loved about these classes was that the musicians treated the kids with integrity. They didn’t dumb down the music or musical terminology. Their respect and love for children shone through every minute we were there. In fact, when my daughter walked over to Rachel with her arms stretched high, Rachel picked her right up with a smile.

All in all, Rock-a-Baby classes provided a wonderful summer of exploring and learning different styles of music together. It’s no surprise they were winners of Rhode Island Monthly’s Best of RI in 2015. Babies, toddlers, and adults all enjoy the warmth and adventure they bring to each class.

The fall session of Rock-a-Baby classes are offered in Providence, Warwick and Barrington from August 28-October 20.

Rock-a-Baby is an interactive music program for infants and toddlers. Parents come along for the class as we introduce the stars of our show – Melody, Rhythm and Harmony. Every week we introduce a new theme through music and dance – exploring simple musical concepts through live and recorded sound. Children experience everything from Beethoven and Bach to rap and rock! Classes run in 6 to 8-week sessions and last 45 minutes. And if you can’t get enough, you can buy our CDs, books, bubble trumpets and egg shakers to play along at home… or for a private gig, we do birthday parties and special events.

First Birthday: Countdown to One, the Second Time Around

By

Darlene Follett

-

August 2, 2017

0

It is happening again. There is no way to slow it down. The days are passing quickly and my tiny little baby is slipping away. My sweet little girl, you are going to be one.

I cried on your sister’s first birthday. I know, how stereotypical of me, but I could not believe that I was leaving those cherished baby months behind. However, I do not think I will cry on yours. Do not take that as a slight, my little one; I just know what is coming. Your baby days may be numbered, but your people days are just starting. I get to watch you grow, and I am already catching a glimpse of who you will become.

I can see it already–the wheels turning inside your head. Your curiosity is abound. You are drinking in the world around you. I love the way you interact with us and mimic what we do. You are trying with all your might to communicate with us and you are elated when you receive the response you sought after. I love your dance moves and how you are desperately trying to walk. I am so impressed by those couple of steps you take when you think no one is watching. I love the way you and your sister are beginning to interact. She more than just tolerates your presence now; you’ve charmed her. I look forward to the days when you can hold your own against her.

Your tiny little smile can light up an entire room and your giggle is contagious. People flock to you, and you welcome them with no questions asked. You are fearless, which scary because I thought I had my hands full with you sister. I may never sit again once you get moving. These toddler years, while trying, are also so rewarding.

Now, do not get me wrong; I am going to miss my sweet, happy baby. You can be sure I am going to soak up these last few weeks. Snuggles will be plentiful and I will breathe in that sweet baby smell. Those middle of the night feedings are slowing down, so I may rock you just a bit longer. I know I will miss those quiet moments, just the two of us. I am going to kiss those sweet, baby feet and try to get in as many full belly baby laughs as I can. And when those tiny, little hands reach up for up for me, I will scoop you up and cuddle you closely.

This year has been so full of love, my sweet little one. You were the perfect addition to our family. I did not know what I was missing until you entered our lives. Your sister may have made me a mother, but you, sweet girl, you showed me how much my heart could expand.

countdown to one first birthday providence moms blog — Photo courtesy of KM Photography

Happy Birthday, Little One!

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