Quick Kiddie Takeout Meal

I have lost the guilt over not being able to cook every meal and resort to takeout on occasion.  My husband actually found this kiddie meal that we are a big fan of at Chipotle, a burrito chain.  It costs $3.99 and includes a taco kit- rice, beans, and a meat if desired, a taco or burrito shell, organic milk or juice, and a little baggie of chips.  Since there are so many Chipotle locations, it is an easy pick up.  The ingredients they use are part of "Food with Integrity," meaning the animals are supposed to be humanely raised and ingredients fresh with a low impact on the environment.  I haven't researched this thoroughly, but would love to believe that it's true.  Meanwhile, the convenience of the locations and the fresh burritos are great!

Chipotle Kids Menu

The Discovery Museum

  Love this Acton museum and this experience!  We go periodically and it's a great little place for toddlers.  There are two buildings here, one for younger kids (think 0-5ish) and one for older kids- Kindergartenish and up.  The younger children's building is in an old Victorian house, with each room being theme based.   From the train room, to water tables, an interactive "restaurant," kids are fully engaged in the hands on exhibits.  The outdoor space is great too, a sandbox, tricycle riding area, and a few picnic tables throughout.
The staff are very laid back about eating on the grounds and another great facet is they don't try to sell you anything- food, drinks, gifts... once you pay admission you're home free.
They're open 6 days a week, closed on Mondays, with a variety of events offered in the evenings and on weekends.

The museum is located at 177 Main St, Acton, MA, convenient to Route 2.

The Discovery Museum

Cloth Diapering

When our son was about 3 months old, we decided we were ready to integrate cloth diapers into our lives.  I grew up with cloth diapers (though they were very different then!) and thought environmentally it was a choice we wanted to make.  We didn't completely switch, but decided to do it about 75-80% of the time.  For nighttime and longer naps, we used disposable, since we never found a cloth that stayed dry enough at night.

We were very fortunate to have a great resource a few miles from our house.  I refer people here all the time.  The Diaper Lab has a plethora of cloth diapers and they help you customize your purchase.  Although initially it is a big investment, it works out that money is saved on diapers over time, as disposables are bought so frequently, especially in the early months.
The ladies at Diaper Lab talk you through exactly what you are looking for, your lifestyle, the size and age of your baby (if the baby has been born), and help you select some diapers.  There is a two week trial period, which we really needed, since we had only purchased G-diapers at our local Whole Foods and then found they leaked on our son.  We tried six different diapers before settling on two different kinds, and ended up purchasing about 4 of one kind and 12 of another.  All of our diapers could be used until our son was about 30 lbs, as they were adjustable.

The Diaper Lab holds cloth diapering classes, has an online site, and now has expanded to host baby food making classes as well as baby wearing classes (offering a variety of slings and carriers).

In the early, sleep deprived days, they were supportive and helpful, and practical in the matters of applying this change to our lifestyle.

They are now located in Davis Square in North Cambridge, at 200 Elm Street, as well as having a number of online resources.

The Diaper Lab

                                                           The diapers in action.

Make Way for Ducklings Boston Event

We attended this a few years ago, a great family event that takes place in the Public Garden in Boston.  This year it falls on Mother's Day, May 13, 2012.  The event celebrates Robert McCloskey's book Make Way for Ducklings.  There is parade that traces the ducklings route through the city and ends in the Public Garden, where there is entertainment and food.  This years parade takes place at 10:30 am.  There is a donation of $35 per family if you attend the parade (and prepay, it's $40 the day of).  Since our little one was only months old, we just went down and watched some of the music and walked around.  Kids dress up & some adults also.  A nice way to celebrate the beginning of spring and some local literature!

Make Way for Ducklings 2012