Babble Chicago
Might somebody provide the contact information for the person who coined the term “terrible twos?” I want to verbally assault them for leading me to believe it’s all rosy starting on a kid’s third birthday. Did they give away their child on its third birthday rendering them ignorant to the fact that the “threes” are far worse than the twos could ever dream of being? I’ve had a hell of a couple of weeks that included tantrums, persistent colds, sleeping issues and a general sense of brattiness permeating the household. The latter applies to my twins AND me. I turn a tad cranky after being awakened a week straight in the middle of the night so a three-year-old can begin arguing with me about what she’ll wear the next day five hours in advance. I blame daylight savings time and an unfortunate strand of DNA that makes preschoolers obsessive about their clothing options. (It runs on my husband’s side. Long story.) Continue reading »
The time change sucks for parents
Tomorrow morning at 2:00 am the time will magically leap forward an hour to become 3:00 am. Whose bright idea was it to “spring forward” in the first place? Not a mother of small children, I can tell you that much. Actually (I looked it up) Benjamin Franklin first suggested it (figures it was a man…) in 1784 as a way to save energy, but it wasn’t until a century later it was implemented. But for the sake of wanting someone specific to blame, let’s blame Ben. Here are just a few reasons I hate the time changing twice each year. Can’t we just pick a time and stick with it? Continue reading »
Bump Club and Beyond founder Lindsay Pinchuk (far right) and her daughter mingle at a Bump Club event
I had the pleasure of attending an event last month sponsored by Bump Club and Beyond (“Where Moms and Moms-to-Be Connect”) and thought the concept behind the group was pure genius: A social group comprised of expectant and new moms where the women can compare notes, learn about various aspects of motherhood and, perhaps most important, have human, in-person contact with other moms or moms-to-be going through the exact same thing as they are. And a bonus for the moms? Babies are welcome at most events. Continue reading »
Worst Oscar hosts ever, James Franco and Anne Hathaway
I wish I was in the room when the idea was first floated that the Academy Awards should be hosted by two stars who would appeal to a “younger demographic” and someone in the meeting giddily volunteered, “I know! Anne Hathaway and James Franco!” And then a bunch of morons nodded excitedly in agreement. Because I’m pretty sure any normal Oscar viewer could have told these delusional decision-makers that such a ludicrous pairing of co-hosts was a recipe for disaster. And disaster it was. I don’t know which annoyed me more: Franco’s corpse-like demeanor and delivery or Hathaway’s Gosh! Golly! Gee! portrayal of a star-struck Hollywood outsider giddy just to be there. Remember that moment when she shakes the beads on her gown like a high school girl going to prom? Yeah, I was at that point hiding under the coffee table in embarrassment. Continue reading »
I’m a big fan of watching the Oscars with girlfriends. Husbands and boyfriends just don’t get it. Like in 2009 when Jennifer Aniston brought then-boyfriend John Mayer and subsequently presented an award three feet from Brad Pitt and ex-mistress Angelina Jolie while wearing an ill-conceived braid in her hair. A guy just won’t get the significance. Jen’s with an immature narcissist who slightly resembles a creation of Dr. Frankenstein. And she’s wearing a braid on top of her head.* Meanwhile Brad and Angie are canoodling like lovestruck teenagers all night — no braids, no Frankenstein, no outbursts calling ex-lovers the equivalent of “Sexual Napalm.” Also men don’t want to debate which cleavage is real and which is silicone. They’re just glad it’s showing. And forget watching it alone. I was stuck on a business trip solo the year Gwyneth Paltrow won for Best Actress. I wound up screaming at the hotel’s television all by myself, “Gwyneth, for the love of God, get a dress that fits or get a tailor!” Experiencing the Academy Awards alone is like having sex alone. Sure, it’s better than nothing, but having someone to share it with is much better. (Disclaimer: That’s not always true. I’m talking to you boyfriend circa 1999.) Anyway, if you want to venture out to watch the awards tonight rather than host a gaggle of girls at home where the kids might interrupt your good time, here are some suggestions for where to watch in the Chicago area courtesy of the Chicago Tribune: Continue reading »
I was happy to see Rahm Emanuel will be the next Chicago mayor. He’ll take office in May amid a host of problems the city is facing. So what has the notoriously potty-mouthed powerhouse presented as his agenda? Here are three big components of his plan for the city: Continue reading »
I'm off to vote! Um, what's a "Rahm?"
If you haven’t voted in the Chicago mayoral election yet, it’s not too late. Polls are open until 7:00 pm — we are currently walking out the door. Not sure where to vote? Check here for your polling location. Not having much choice, we always drag the girls along when we vote, and tonight is no different. Fellow voters really appreciate having preschool twins running around as they try to concentrate on important decisions like electing government officials. Okay, maybe they don’t… But I think it’s a nice tradition we’ll continue as they get older so our daughters understand the importance of participating in the process. Continue reading »
For a place that was named the “best rainy day activity site” by Chicago magazine, the Exploritorium in Skokie still has a hidden treasure feel to it. My three-year-old twins and I arrived Tuesday at noon and didn’t leave until 3:15 pm. The staff probably thought we were moving in. Which isn’t a bad idea — the girls ran around laughing their heads off for hours. The Exploritorium is part of the awesome Skokie Park District, the same folks who brought us the Skokie Water Playground — it’s like a full-blown aquatic amusement park! — which I’ll write about closer to summertime. The best part? One needn’t be a Skokie resident to partake in these venues (although non-residents are charged a bit more), and Skokie is just a short drive away from the city. Continue reading »
Last week we ventured out to try a new museum: The Museum of Science and Industry. A friend recently told me how much her preschoolers enjoy it. I had never given it a go because, well, it’s called The Museum of Science and Industry. Doesn’t sound overly three-year-old friendly to me. As with many things in life, I was wrong. The sheer size of the place is amazing. So big, we somehow missed the submarine, which will give us something to look forward to next time. We went on a Wednesday afternoon from about 1:00 to 4:00 and felt like we had the place to ourselves. Here’s what we enjoyed the most: Continue reading »
As Valentine’s Day approaches, I suppose I should be making recommendations on where to buy delicious, heart-adorned cupcakes (Sensational Bites and Sweet Mandy B’s) or listing my favorite spots for dinner (Terragusto, Chalkboard, Mia Francesca, and Sola). But I’m not a fan of Valentine’s Day, and would sooner endure another epic Chicago snowstorm than go out to dinner this weekend amid all the Valentine revelers. Doesn’t a holiday that basically forces one to make a romantic gesture render that gesture somewhat meaningless? Here are a few other reasons I can’t stand Valentine’s Day:
1. Wikipedia defines Valentine’s Day as “an annual commemoration held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions” and “traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards.” Given this is a holiday for adults (or should be), why am I being asked to bake Valentine’s Day cookies for a preschool play group? (Never mind that nobody should be subjected to anything I’ve baked.) My number one problem with this holiday: it’s a big deal for children, even ones who haven’t started school yet! Continue reading »
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