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Bye Bye Babies: When You’re Done Having Kids

By
Erica B
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I always thought I’d have a big family. After having two children, I never expected that I’d be done having babies.  I’d always loved the idea of that mom with four or five kids, happily immersed in chaos and sticky kisses. But even though I met my future husband when I was only 22, we didn’t have our first child until I was almost 30. 

And in that hazy, sleepless first year of parenthood, there were MANY times when we looked at each other and said, ‘maybe one is enough’.

Eventually, as our daughter became more independent and we started sleeping in longer stretches, that legendary amnesia happened.  We forgot how hard that first part was, as we were so enamored with this amazing and fun little person.  Our daughter was that easy breezy baby, who was always happy and surprisingly even tempered.  It was her fault that baby fever hit us.  Why wouldn’t we want another fun kid like her?

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Fast forward a couple of years and I was pregnant again. I was three years older, and pregnancy wasn’t as much fun. It wasn’t all pedicures and shopping trips. My husband had started traveling and my career had advanced too. I had several miscarriage scares during the 1st and 2nd trimesters, and having lost two other pregnancies, I was paranoid. All that being said, I never imagined that this baby would be the last.

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But here I am almost three years later, and I’m 99.9% sure that there will be no more beautiful babies. My husband is 110% sure, but I can be quite convincing when I want something badly enough.  My son was not the easy infant my daughter was. He was what I call a ‘stage 5 clinger’. He wouldn’t sleep without me and ONLY wanted ME. He couldn’t breastfeed;I pumped for his first year to provide him with my milk, which took a huge amount of time away from my already busy day. 

As my son transitioned from my Siamese mini-twin into a mercurial toddler, my husband and I couldn’t help but compare him to his happy-go-lucky big sister who did everything early and easily:

  • He didn’t say much other than ‘mama’ and shriek in frustration until he was close to two. 
  • He could be fun when he wasn’t frustrated about us not knowing what he wanted, and was always affectionate…
  • But I frequently compared him to a Sour Patch Kid and often sang to him a song I wrote myself called, ‘Bi-polar Baby’.

When my son was about 15-months-old I went back to school and began to work on starting my own small business.  I’m closer to 40 than I am 30 (sigh). I want to give my kids opportunities to find activities they love. I spend about half the time parenting solo due to my husband’s work travel. And I like sleep. Precious sleep. All of these reasons, and more, recently got me to the point where I told my husband it was time for the ‘ol snip snip. I actually said it out loud and to his face. It was shocking to me, but he was ready to make the appointment right then and there.

So here it is. No more babies. Sorry uterus, you can weep all you like at the sight of sweet chubby cherubs, but the shop is closed for baby making business. And I’m finally really good with that. 

bingoAs I look at my first-grader and almost 3-year-old these days, I may have bittersweet feelings about no more babies. Then I remember how grateful I am for sleeping until eight o’clock on Sundays, and little people who can communicate their wants and needs instead of just screaming at me. They are FUN and smart, and one can wipe her own behind now. It’s magical to get to witness their lives and watch them grow. They tell me stupidly silly jokes and are still little enough to want hugs and give sloppy kisses. dj

 

It was an exhaustively beautiful experience parenting my kids through their first years, but I’m ready to move on. So… bye bye babies, so long.   

Can YOU relate? Share your stories with us!

 

Are Thank You Notes Dead?

By
aubreymoon
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If you spend time with my 93-year-old great grandmother, a conversation about the lack of mailed letters is bound to come up eventually. “No one writes letters these days,” she’ll say. While it’s not false, there are so many other, more convenient ways to communicate with our family and friends. 

 

It was instilled in me at a young age that you must always write a proper thank you note after receiving a gift regardless if it was a birthday, communion, wedding, anniversary, etc. It should always be hand-written and from the heart. Acknowledge the person’s gift, how you’ll use it, share your gratefulness for attending the event (or not) and close with a heartfelt goodbye. It doesn’t have to be long but it should show the recipient that you truly appreciated their gesture, whether you loved the gift and will use it everyday, or you’re already planning to re-gift it. It should also be sent in a timely manner… not six months after the fact.  

It’s simply rude not to send a thank you. But in today’s world where technology is king, is a thank you text sufficient? What about an email? 

Think about how you feel when you get that note in the mail. It brings a smile to your face and you can’t help but think about the memory you created with that person on their special day. I, personally, feel like a simple 3-5 sentence note is the least you can do for someone that goes out of their way to try and bring a smile to your face. We need to raise gracious children that acknowledge kind behavior and teach them that they shouldn’t expect gifts or any occasion.

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Even if your child is too young to spell or write, a great start is by having them color a picture on the note that you write for them. From there, perhaps, the next step is to have them sign their name and then, eventually, write it for themselves. I believe that kids today are too often raised in an entitled society and one simple way to stop the trend is by having them express gratitude when it is deserved.  

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Do you make your children write thank you notes following the reception of a gift?

Share your comments below!

2016 Guide to Detroit Summer Camps

By
Elizabeth Lewis
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Disclosure: This is a compilation of our featured summer camp sponsors. For an even longer list of camps in + around the Detroit area, please see the upcoming ‘The 2016 Summer Camps In + Around Detroit’.

Spring is on the horizon and that means the school year is closing in on us. Soon our kids will be home for the SUMMER. Have you started to think about what you are going to do to keep the kids busy yet? With summer quickly approaching, we couldn’t be more excited to launch our local Summer Camp Guide! We realize how important summer camp is to many families in + around Detroit. Our goal here at DMB is to make your life a little easier and make a list of possible camps you may want to learn a little more about. Metro-Detroit has some wonderful and enriching programs just waiting for your child!

Camp Skyline

At Skyline, we see children thrive in nature. With opportunities for structured and unstructured play and exploration, supported by compassionate adults, our campers are affirmed and challenged to grow individually and socially. It looks like smiling faces; it sounds like laughter and music; it tastes like excellent meals; it smells like campfires. On 156 acres, just north of the metro area, Skyline is an independent non-profit, operating since 1964. Operating day camps and overnight camps, with sessions for both typical needs and special needs, Skyline’s campers have doubled in the past five summers, but we remain a small camp where we learn everyone’s name and don’t need a megaphone!

Camp Dates: June 12 – August 19, 2016

Register Now
5650 Sandhill Rd
Almont, Michigan

(810) 798-8240

Cranbrook Art Museum

CAM CAMPS

Cranbrook Art Museum offers art‐intensive summer camps for students entering grades one through eight. Teaching artists guide students as they create and explore art, architecture, and design using Cranbrook’s amazing collections! One week classes available for grades 1-6, two week classes available for grades 7 & 8. Ages: 1st – 8th grade.

Cranbrook Summer Art Institute

Our summer programs are taught by graduates of Cranbrook Academy of Art, and are designed to both bolster creativity and develop fundamental skills. Our teaching artists excel in providing individual attention and innovative instruction – accommodating students of all levels.

Cranbrook Summer Art Institute utilizes the rich resources available at Cranbrook Academy of Art – one of the most respected graduate schools in the world for fine art, design, and architecture. During each two‐week session students attend class for studio time and instruction from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with additional educational opportunities offered for Boarding Students. Day and Boarding options are available. Ages: High School.

Camp Dates: June 20 ‐ August 12, 2016

Register Now

39221 Woodward
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303 

248-645-3323

Legacy Sports Center

Michigan’s largest sports complex is reloaded and ready to offer the most jam packed camp of the year. The Legacy Center located in Brighton, is your Summer Camp Head Quarters and hot spot for summer fun! Our camps offer unique sports specific morning sessions with traditional summer camp activities in the afternoon. Get ready for Drone Wars, Knockerball Soccer, Canoe Adventures, and more great activities with our certified camp instructors. With over 220,000 sq ft of state of the art indoor facilities and over 60 acres of premier outdoor playing fields, rain or shine we are ready for a great time. Make this year’s summer camp experience Legendary with the Legacy Center! Give us a call and save up to $40 by registering before May 15th.

Camp Dates: June 27- August 4, Monday – Thursday

Register Now

9299 Goble Dr
Brighton, MI 48116

810-231-9288

Leslie Science Center

This summer, experience adventure in the great outdoors! Campers enjoy days filled with hiking, conducting science experiments, and visiting Leslie Science & Nature Center’s resident raptors and critters. Create art, make music, write stories, and enjoy the summer sunshine. Every day has opportunities to learn new skills like fire-building or animal tracking and make new friends as you hike the trails, play scatter ball, or search for creatures in Black Pond. Each week of camp includes sessions for campers who’ve completed Kindergarten through fifth grade. Campers who have completed 2ndand 3rd grade enjoy an off-site field trip and nearly every 4th and 5th grade camp has a field trip and an on-site overnight. And, for the first time, LSNC is offering an optional extended day session every week to support working families and campers who want to stay outside just a little bit longer. Whether you’ve been to LSNC one or one hundred times, adventure and discovery await you this summer!

Camp Dates: Week-long camps every week from June 20 – Sept 1

Register Now

1831 Traver Road
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105

734-997-1553

Troy Recreation Department

The Recreation Department offers high quality leisure programs and services that promote healthy and ACTIVE lifestyles. Engaging programs from dance to martial arts and yoga, day camps as well as sports allow individuals and families the opportunity to meet their physical and social needs. Our 50 Plus and Adaptive programs meet the needs of our diverse Troy Community.

Camp Dates: Troy Recreation Department offers more than 40 day camps Monday – Friday, for ages 3–18

Register Now

3179 Livernois
Troy, MI 48083

248-524-3484

YMCA Metro Detroit

Like many programs at the YMCA, day camp focuses on teaching life skills, developing character and making friends. But few environments are as special as camp, where kids become a community as they learn both how to be more independent and how to contribute to a group as they engage in physical, social and educational activities. Every new experience comes with a chance to learn and grow. At the Y, we strive to give every child and teen opportunities to test their own limits and explore their potential. Summer day camp is offered all summer long at various locations throughout Metro Detroit.
Boll Family YMCA – Detroit 
Farmington Family YMCA – Farmington 
Birmingham Family YMCA – Birmingham
Downriver Family YMCA – Southgate
Livonia Family YMCA – Livonia
Macomb Family YMCA – Mt. Clemens
North Oakland Family YMCA – Auburn Hills
Plymouth Family YMCA – Plymouth
Lakeshore Family YMCA – St. Clair Shore
South Oakland Family YMCA – Royal Oak
Carls Family YMCA – Milford

Camp Dates: June 13 – September 2, 2016

Register Now

1401 Broadway, Suite 3A
Detroit, MI 48226

313-267-5300

Robot Garage

The Robot Garage offers LEGO Robotic, Engineering and Architecture camps throughout summer for Grades 1-3, 4-5 and 6-8. Sign your kids up for a week they’ll never forget. Camps run Monday-Friday from 9am to 3pm with before and after care available from 8am-6pm for $10 per hour. Summer 2016 Themes are Superheroes In Europe, Minecraft, Robot Discovery, and a very special Top Secret Theme that will be announced through hints as summer approaches. Save $30 before April 1st with Promo Code “Summer2016” and as always Members save 10% on full priced camps.

Camp Dates – Camps begin the week of June 27th to July 1st and run until the week of August 29th – Sep 2nd. Various weeks offered at each location with multiple themes.

Register Now

Various Locations

248-723-9100

Sloan Longway

Avoid the summer slide and register now for exciting and engaging summer camps and programs! This summer Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium has more than 40 science, history, and geography activities for kids age 4 through 8th grade. 

Get all the details and register online at SloanLongway.org.

Camp Dates: 40+ camps starting June 27 through August 4, 2016

Register Now

1310 E. Kearsley Street
Flint, 48503

810-237-3400

SafeSplash Swim School

SafeSplash Swim School specializes in teaching swimming to children 6 months old to adults. We are dedicated to developing your child into a confident and happy lifelong swimmer. We have successfully taught over 4 million lessons over the past decade. That is a lot of happy students!

Camp Dates: Various sessions beginning June 6th. 

Register Now

Various Locations

248-723-9100

YMCA Camp Ohiyesa

For the last 98 years and counting, YMCA Camp Ohiyesa has been how camp was meant to be. This is not a parking lot, school, or basement camp – this is real camp. The 300 acres filled with forests, trails, horses, high adventure, archery, canoeing, swimming, mountain biking, and counselors and campers from all over the world will tell you that. Similarly priced to other “camps”, Ohiyesa campers and parents know the difference. Come join us this summer.

Camp Dates: Day Camp June 12 – Sept 1; Overnight Camp – June 19 – Aug 13. One week sessions.

Register Now
7300 Hickory Ridge Rd
Holly, Michigan

810-237-3400

JCC Day Camps

JCC Day Camps features spectacular month-long and week-long camps that offer something for everyone! Located on more than 200 beautiful wooded acres in West Bloomfield, our summer camp is open to children of all backgrounds and abilities—including children with special needs—and includes indoor and outdoor pools, a fishing and boating pond, nature trails, a ropes challenge course, a 600-seat professional theatre, a full gym, an interactive children’s museum, an art gallery, inline hockey center, playgrounds for all ages, air-conditioned facilities, a library and gaga pits. We offer free, chaperoned transportation to and from most areas in Oakland County, are licensed by the state, and are accredited by the American Camp Association.

Camp Dates: June 20 – August 12, 2016

Register Now

6600 W. Maple Rd.
West Bloomfield 48322

248-661-1000

Kids on Campus (Schoolcraft College)

Kids on Campus at Schoolcraft College is a hands-on, fun and exciting summer enrichment program. KOC offers programs for kids in preschool through high school including art, science, computers, career exploration and more! Each summer new and stimulating camps are added such as Under The Circus Big Top: Grades 3 & 4, Digital Art – Get Wired: Grades  5 & 6, Tech Camp – Code Breakers & Minecraft Modders: Grades 7, 8 & 9 to name a few. Join us this summer for a camp experience you will never forget.

Camp Dates: Camps are July 11-15, July 18-22, July 25-29, August
1-5, August 8-12 from 9AM-3PM and Academic Skill Classes are July 11-21 and July 25-August 4 from 9AM-12PM. 

Register Now

18600 Haggerty Rd.
Livonia MI, 48152

734-462-4448

Downriver Youth Performing Arts

Summer fine Arts Program running 3 days per week – Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday – featuring Dance, Music, Theatre & Art.

Camp Dates: June 28 – August 6, 2016

Register Now

Trenton Village Theatre
2447 W Jefferson Ave
Trenton, MI 48183

734-673-9507

Oakland University

Camp Dates: Jazz Camp: June 4-5; Piano Camp: June 20-24, 2016

Register Now
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Oakland University
2200 N. Squirrel Road
Rochester, MI

248-370-2100

School of Rock – Farmington

Be a ROCK STAR! Our 1 week Performance Camps lets you be the rock star, all levels available from ages 8-17. Rock 101 camp for ages 8-11 and Performance Camps 12-17. Play with others, learn about being in a band and have a blast rocking out!

Camp Dates: Performance Rock Camp June 27 – July 1
Rock 101 Beginners Camp July 11 – 15
Guitar Building Camp July 25 – July 29
Rock 101 Beginners Camp July 11 – 15
Punk Rock Camp Aug 22- Aug 26.

 

Register Now
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22730 Orchard Lake Rd
Farmington, MI 48336

248-987-4450

Berkley Parks & Recreation

Summer Day Camps at Berkley Parks and Recreation offer swimming at outdoor local pools, beaches, our firehose sprinkler and waterparks, weekly age appropriate field trips, crafts, sports, movies, ice cream, games, out-to-lunch trips, our own inflatable bouncer, 4-H demos, weekly themes and include a free T-shirt (for group identification on field trips)! Camp is divided into 3 age groups based on their grade in the Fall, KIDS KAMP: Kindergarten – 2nd grade; JUNIOR KAMP: 3rd grade – 4th grade; SENIOR KAMP: 5th grade – 8th grade. Camp hours are from 8:45am -5:00pm Monday through Friday and before-care and after-care are available for an additional fee. Berkley Parks and Recreation summer camps cost $150 per week for residents, $165 per week for non-residents PLUS a 1-time $25 registration fee – 3 and 4 day prices available as well. You can register for ALL 11 weeks of Berkley Summer Day Camp 2016 for $1500 per resident ($1400 if you register by May 27) or $1650 for non-resident ($1550 if you register by May 27). 

Camp Dates: June 20th to September 1st

Register Now
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3338 Coolidge Hwy
Berkley, Michigan

248-658-3300

Total Soccer – Royal Oak

Total Training Soccer Camps are designed mindful of today’s young players from ages 5 – 12. Our goal is to further the techniques of all participants regardless of their current skill level. We concentrate on the smallest of details and work our camps in a progression style. Eric Scicluna and Chris Kelly from Total Soccer take great pride in helping players improve all facets of their game, no matter their particular level of play. All camps are located at Worden Park in Royal Oak (Behind the tennis courts at Total Soccer). We offer team & family discounts. Players should bring a soccer ball and plenty of water.

Camp Dates: Camp #1: June 20 – 24, 9:30 – 12 pm $99* Camp #2: July 11 – 15, 9:30 – 12 pm $99* Camp #3: July 25 – 29, 9:30 – 12 pm $99* Camp #4: Aug 8 – 12, 9:30 – 12 pm $99*  (*Teams of 8 or more receive $10 off per player) Family discount: $10 off each child

Register Now
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Worden Park in Royal Oak

586-294-8848

Wildwood Ranch/Camp Burt Shurly

Wildwood Ranch is a non-denominational Christian camp. Come explore our high adventure courses, swim and kayak on the lake, take a ride on one of our horses, and enjoy many other activities! Registration is open on our website where you can learn more about all of our exciting options. We look forward to seeing you this summer!

Camp Dates: Day Camp (ages 4-13): June 13-August 26; Overnight Camp (ages 8-17): June 26-August 12; Horse Camps (ages 9-15): June 18-August 26

Register Now
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4909 Brophy Rd
Howell, Michigan

800-969-8090

YMCA Camp Stephenson

Camp Dates: June 13th to Sept 2nd

Register Now
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3338 Coolidge Hwy
Berkley, Michigan

248-658-3300

Want to be a part of our 2016 Summer Camp Guide?

We want to show our readers all the great camps available right here in the Detroit area. Partnering with us allows your business greater visibility with a large targeted market of local families. Join us and help enrich the lives of Detroit Moms!

Let's Chat

Saving for College: Options for Every Family

By
Kim C.
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When it comes to saving for your child’s college, there are so many options it can be overwhelming. MESP 529, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, Gerber Life College Plan, IRAs, bank savings accounts, money stuffed in a mattress. Which is the right choice? Well, the answer is more about what is right for YOU.

Piggy-bank-free-license-CC0For many families, it’s a challenge to balance day to day expenses and have some left for savings for the family; and that’s before setting aside some savings for something that’s perhaps 5, 10, 15 or 18 years away. It can seem a low priority when the goal is that far out, or at least a lower priority than other things you need to spend your hard earned money on. It can be especially daunting when money is tight.

However, I have come to realize how quickly time moves the older we get so for our family, making room for college savings was as imperative as paying the light bill.

While I was lucky enough to have a full-time job that offered tuition reimbursement for my education and walked that stage debt free, my husband took out students loans for his schooling which we will continue to pay for years to come. The benefit has outweighed the cost in so many ways, but it has really helped us realize that we didn’t want our child saddled with education debt for much of her adult years if we could help avoid it. That’s not to say she won’t be asked to contribute in her own way by perhaps having a part-time job or working for scholarships and grants. We surely want to teach her the benefit of working for something, the value of money and to appreciate the blessing of education. However, if we can help her avoid starting her adult life in debt, then that is a priority for us.

Success

So began the search for the right way to save for our family. We recruited friends, researched online and eventually picked what felt right for us.

Here is what we learned in the process – options that fit for families in a variety of different income levels and situations:

NOTE: This is not meant to be a recommendation of any one plan over another. Nor does this list include all applicable information for all situations. Please use the links provided to assist in your own research on what is right for you and seek professional investment advice for any questions you may have.

529 plans

  • Automatic payments.
  • Tax advantages.
  • Use at any school nationwide (tuition, books, computer equipment etc.)
  • Monetary gifts can be added to your account.Investment type flexibility.
  • Can be transferred to another qualifying family member of the current beneficiary. However, if the money is not used for school, withdrawls are taxed and penalized.

Certificate of Deposit

  • Upfront investment can be significant.
  • Low risk set term/rate for investing.
  • No access to money without penalties during that term.
  • Laddering CDs can give you access to your invested money at different intervals when one matures as you start another.

Coverdell Education Savings Accounts 

  • These accounts work like a 529 plan except that certain K-12 purchases and considered qualified purchases.
  • Lower maximum contribution limits, available only to families below a specific income level.

Custodial Accounts (Uniform Gifts to Minors Act/Uniform Transfer to Minors Act)

  • A simple way for a minor to own securities without requiring the services of an attorney to prepare trust documents or the court appointment of a trustee.
  • The donor designates a trustee and income must be reported for the minor.
  • Money is used at the discretion of the beneficiary once they are of legal age.

Educational Savings Bonds

  • Interest-bearing U.S. government savings bond that is guaranteed to at least double in value over the initial term of the bond, typically 20 years.
  • Series EE bonds are typically exempt from state and local taxes
  • Must be held at least one year before redeeming.

Gerber Life

  • Fixed monthly payment.
  • Guaranteed payout at maturity.
  • Doubles as life insurance for parent.
  • Money can be used at investors discretion after payout.

Individual Retirement Account (Roth IRA)

  • Investment is made with taxed income so no penalty for early withdrawls on qualified distributions such as college expenses.
  • Must have investment for 5 years before a withdrawl can be made.

Taxable Accounts (Bank Savings Account)

  • Guaranteed amount of what you have saved, no loss on investments.
  • Some moderate interest yields.
  • Can add and withdraw at any time for any reason.
  • Money can be used for any purpose, not just school.
  • Can add any birthday, holiday or special occasion monetary gifts to this account.

Upromise

  • No fixed investment.
  • Earn cashback to save on every day purchases.
  • Family members can designate their cash back earnings to your savings account.
  • This can also be used to pay down qualified current student loans for parents!

Use the comparison tool for more info!

 

Have YOU used any of the above savings plans?

What steps, if any, are you utilizing in your home to plan for future education costs?

Sign Language: How I Learned to Speak Baby

By
emiliemaierhofer
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When I learned how to communicate with my baby, her world was opened up to me.

In college I was referred to babysit for a new family. They were planning a move and mom needed time to organize and pack without distractions. I met mom and baby, Naomi, at the local hands on museum for a couple of hours of play. But there was something I hadn’t yet learned about the child in my care.

Naomi was a sweet girl who seemed to really look at me, do you know what I mean? It was like I could see her wheels turning as she stood, waiting for me to hang up our coats.

Hands on museums are as much fun for me as they are for children. I walked with Naomi through the exhibits feeling like a kid again myself. It was no problem at all, to crawl through a model digestive system and slide down the tongue, or cast our ballot in the daily play-vote.

At one point, we found a room with crafts and books set out on small tables. We took a seat, but Naomi didn’t seem interested. I love books, so I kept trying to draw her back into the activity She kept waving her hands, but in a way that looked intentional though not frantic. Her eyes looked alert, but her face was relaxed. “I’m sorry honey, I know you want something but I just don’t know what it is!” I said aloud.

“Excuse me,” a voice came from a woman seated at the kid-sized table next to ours. “She is saying, ‘water.’ She may be asking for a drink, or to play in the water table around the corner.”

I looked at her, dumbfounded. “What?” I sputtered, amazed and a little confused that this stranger somehow could read this child’s silence.

“I’m sorry, I’m Janice.” She introduced herself. “I am a speech and language pathologist, volunteering at this station. This little girl is using sign language and repeating the sign, ‘water.’”

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The fog in my mind began to clear. I quickly excused my ignorance. The only thing more surprising than learning the thoughts of a pre-verbal child was wondering why her mother didn’t alert me to her skill!

As you can guess, she didn’t want a drink of water. Naomi led me right to the water table where we played with an elaborate ball-moving contraption for the rest of the morning.

I babysat Naomi again a few more times before the family moved away. In subsequent days, her mother taught me some of their most well-used signs. Naomi would sign “shoes” when she wanted to play in the yard, or “cookie” when she wanted a snack.

Once I spoke her language, we got along swimmingly. I had never met a more relaxed toddler, which I attribute to her ability to communicate her wants and needs with relative clarity.

Now I have a baby, and it is time for me to do the teaching. At around 9 months, my husband and I watched a great DVD about baby sign language. It has been a couple of months of regular practice, and I am still thrilled when I see my daughter clearly asking for milk (a good first sign for obvious reasons).

(I would highly suggest reading or watching/attending a program on baby sign language rather than winging it. I knew some signs from the experience I described above, but learned much more about teaching and understanding a baby through the educational material. I used Sign with Your Baby by Joseph Garcia)

“All done” was actually the first sign we taught our baby L. What makes me so happy is to see the recognition on her face, and in her actions when she hears this phrase. Moms and dads, I get downright giddy. When my baby is whining, sometimes I can actually get her to STOP! One benefit of teaching baby L signs, was that we were unintentionally intentional about also teaching the meaning of the phrase, which she learned to attribute to various situations.

If baby doesn’t like her diaper changed I say, “all done” verbally, and she stops whining. The same thing happens when I wash her face, or pick food out of her hair. When I’m not sure what she wants, I just go through the few signs we know, and wait for her to show recognition, or repeat the sign, and go from there.

In this crazy life of a parent I am just happy for one less thing to guess at. Communicating via sign language is probably my favorite  guilt-free mom trick.

Do you sign with your baby?

What are the most important signs in your household?

 

Family First: Surviving a Life Changing Event

By
Mary
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We knew that this day might always come. Somehow even as I sat in the waiting room though, it seemed surreal. I had played this scenario over in my head a million times, and yet nothing truly prepared me. My husband is only 40 years old, and yet there I sat waiting to hear the latest update on his heart surgery. Nothing can prepare you for this roller coaster of emotions, particularly when you have young children to take care of in the process.

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My husband was born with a heart condition, and we knew that surgery might happen someday. Even though you recognize it’s a possibility, I can tell you from our experience that you never really accept that it will be reality. When we got the news that he would need this heart surgery, it hit both of us like a ton of bricks. I knew that I had to stay strong for both of us—and that I had to help our kids through this emotionally charged situation.

Support and Well Laid Plans Kept Me Sane

I suppose I’ll say that I went into “go mode” throughout the process. I knew that there were things that had to be done for my husband, my kids, our new puppy, the house, and just the everyday responsibilities. I focused my attention on all of that, mostly because then I wouldn’t give into the temptation to sob inconsolably.

When you are trying to prepare your family for something so big, it really helps to be organized. First and foremost, this helped me to figure out the logistics and arrangements for the kids each day that my husband was in the hospital. It also gave me the opportunity to throw myself into plans and preparation—then I didn’t have much time to focus on just how scary this really was.

I knew that I had to lean on family and friends to make it through this too. He needed me to be with him at the hospital, but my kids still had to get to school. They still needed homework done, lunches made, and they still needed all the support that they have come to know each and every day. Without the love and help of my family and friends this would have been impossible! My very best advice for making it through something this big is to lean heavily on your support network.

It helped to lay out all of the logistics, even having a friend dedicated to letting our new puppy outside. I had my moments of panic, but it was mostly about the surgery and his recovery specifically. With my friends and family by my side, and with the detailed plans in place, it made this emotional situation so much easier to get through.

Family Comes First Always But Especially At a Time Like This

I also felt that my job was to be there to support our kids. They had anxiety that they couldn’t even identify or understand at the ages of 5 and 7. I had to be there to help them see that Daddy was going to be just fine. I helped them through their range of emotions, calmed their fears, and did my very best to keep things as “normal” as possible. Fortunately I have really great kids, but this was certainly something I had to keep on top of.

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Nothing can truly prepare you for a major life changing event, but going into it with a positive attitude helped greatly. I never knew how strong I was until we made it through this. I am happy to say that he’s doing well, and that our family made it through this chapter with ease. I feel so incredibly blessed that all is well and that this is behind us, but I hope to help others who may be struggling with a similar situation.

You never know what you are capable of until you go through it. If you find yourself facing a health scare or a life changing event, then you will likely go into action. Staying positive, putting your family at the forefront, and thinking through all of the details helped tremendously. This kept our family on track and ensured that I didn’t allow myself to slip into the scary world of “what ifs”.

We are so happy that he’s doing well, and we now use this as something positive to focus on moving forward.

 

With support, planning, and a positive mindset, you truly can make it through anything—and we’re now living proof of that very concept!

Be My Valentine! 25 Detroit Date Night Ideas

By
Erica B
-

Valentine’s Day: A perfect excuse for a date night. Those mystical few hours where you and your partner get to be KID FREE!  

 

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For many parents it happens so rarely that we’ve forgotten that there is actually more to life than (lovingly) wiping little bottoms or sticky hands and singing nursery rhymes. 

We used to be fun. Right?   

So when the magical unicorn opportunity, otherwise known as “Date Night”, happens…some of us can get a little stuck and lack ideas on what to do, other than the old dinner and a movie standard. 

So here are 25 fun ideas to try with your Valentine, or on your next night out in and around Detroit:

  1. Escape Rooms – Use your brains for something other
    than meal planning and juggling schedules.  There are quite a few options around the metro area Breakout, The Great Escape Room, Escape Room,and Trapped in a Room with a Zombie are just a few.
  2. Go rock climbing!  Planet Rock has locations in Madison Heights and Ann Arbor.
  3. Bowling is a cheap and fun way to spend an evening out, especially with friends.
  4. Feather Bowling at the Cadiuex Cafe.  Somewhere between horsehoes and bocci, it’s tons of fun and this is the only place in the U.S. that you can do it.  Plus there’s a fantastic beer selection and great food!
  5. Ice Skating, either outdoors at Campus Martius in the winter or at your local indoor rink.
  6. Curling.  Channel our neighbors to the North and try this Canadian favorite at the Detroit Curling Club.
  7. Live music.  Detroit Rock City always has live music!  From the local corner bar to Cliff Bell’s to big arena acts at DTE or The Palace.  Check the Metro Times calendar to see what’s happening musically around town.
  8. Laugh together at a comedy show at one of our local comedy clubs.  Go Comedy! Improv, Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, & Joey’s Comedy Shop are a few of the local places to try.
  9. Make art together!  Painting classes like Painting with a Twist have locations in Ferndale, Farmington, Shelby Twp, Wixom, Rochester Hills, and Detroit.
  10. If you don’t want to make art, look at it.  The Detroit Institute of Arts has evening hours on the weekends and also art films at the Detroit Film Theatre.
  11. Enjoy the sweet sounds of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
  12. Game Night! Play video games, win tickets, and earn prizes.  Like Chuck E Cheese for grown ups, but with better beer, Dave & Busters has locations in Utica and Livonia.  
  13. Punch Bowl Social has craft cocktails and variety of pub games like shuffleboard, Foosball, ping pong, and pinball plus a bowling alley.
  14. Go Sporty! This is Hockeytown! We have a wide variety of Professional, Semi-Pro, and college teams to cheer on.  Check out the Red Wings, Pistons, Tigers, or Lions for pro action, the Big House in Ann Arbor to root for the Wolverines or Go Green in East Lansing for the Spartans.  For the soccer fanatic, it doesn’t get much more fun than taking in a Detroit City Football Club (DCFC) game downtown. City or die!
  15. Get jazzy at one of the local Jazz venues like Cliff Bell’s, Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe, or Bert’s.
  16. Win big at one of the local casinos (Motor City, MGM Grand, or Greektown), go international across the border at Caesars Windsor, or if you can overnight without the kids, head to Mt. Pleasant and Soaring Eagle.
  17. Book a couples massage at your local spa.
  18. Head to the races!  Bet on the ponies at Northville Downs or the Hazel Park Raceway.
  19. Plan a Night In: Send the kids on a sleepover and order takeout and rent movies.  Sometimes it’s nice to have some couple time in your own home.  If that’s not possible, book a hotel and order room service.
  20. Take a tour!  There are tons of fun options to sight-see and learn more about the city we love.  Try a Diamond Jack cruise in the summer, Detroit Experience Factory, or a Detroit Bus Tour.
  21. Ride a bike.  Wheelhouse Detroit offers bike rentals by
    the hour and also guided tours through the city.  Slow Roll is another fun way to see the city.
  22. Target Practice.  Head to a local firing range!  Close Quarters Tactical, Firing Line, and Action Impact are local options.
  23. See a show.  There’s always live theater around town, check Ticketmaster for schedules at The Fox, The Detroit Opera House, Macomb Performing Arts, or The Masonic Temple.
  24. Go dancing!  Arthur Murray Dance Studio has locations all around the metro area.  Or try the free salsa lessons on Friday nights at Vicente’s.
  25. Take a cooking class together.  Sur La Table offers classes at their Somerset Mall location in Troy.

 

Wishing YOU a wonderful night out with your sweetie!

You Know You’re From Detroit When…

By
Meghan Simonie
-

You’ve all heard the ‘Detroitisms’ that make you realize your little slice of home is special no matter where you go. Whether on vacation, living in another state, or just doing everyday errands, you can spot a Detroiter from a mile away.

YOU KNOW YOU'RE-4

Passionate about ALL things Detroit, Our Detroit Moms Blog Team had an absolute blast compiling this list,
‘You Know You’re from Detroit When…’

  1. You can manuver your car around and over potholes without spilling your coffee. 
  2. You realize half of your change is Canadian.
  3. You acknowledge there are two types of coney dogs and you will argue your favorite to the very end.
  4. You know what car is pulling up behind you by the sound of the engine.
  5. You attend your family reunion at the Woodward Dream Cruise. 
  6. You know what a Paczki is and cannot let Fat Tuesday pass without at least eating two. 
  7. You know what Euchre is and you NEVER turn down a bower. 
  8. You get asked if you live near 8 Mile and if you’ve ever run into Eminem. 
  9. Your family spends summers at the cottage Up North.detroit2
  10. You give directions, referring to a ‘Michigan Left’ and leave out-of-towners utterly confused. 
  11. You drink pop, not soda. 
  12. You have experienced Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer all in one day. 
  13. You can easily pronounce Gratiot, Mackinac, Sault Ste Marie, and Lahser. 
  14. You include Vernor’s in your diet when you’re sick. 
  15. You have to make sure your child’s Halloween costume can fit over a winter coat. 
  16. You use your hand for directions. 
  17. You refer to the thumb as a place in the state, not on your body. 
  18. You hate Ohio State, no matter which in-state college you support. 
  19. You have a least one relative that works for one of the Big Three. 
  20. You regularly drive 80 mph on the freeway and pass on the right. 

detroit

What would YOU add to our list?

Share your ‘Detroitisms’ with us!

Husband and Best Friend: Not One in the Same?

By
Kim C.
-

I am aware that in many marriages people consider their spouse to be their confidant, their secret keeper and their other half.  I believe a spouse should be all those things when you are building and living a life together as partners; but is there really anything wrong with saying I also have a best friend? It’s almost become taboo to say such a thing. As if my marriage is weakened if my spouse is not my everything. Two words: Not true.

I lived a lot of life before I met my husband and it included a lot of different people who did not cease to exist after I got married. I’m not suggesting that my husband is less important that anyone I knew before him; he is my partner, the person I have chosen to spend my life with; to create a family with and share this journey with. However, without any formal vow and big white dress, I have essentially made the same choice with my best friend. It’s a friendship, a sisterhood that spans 30 years of ups and downs. A friendship that has endured through adolescence, high school, college, separation, boyfriends, marriages, divorces, deaths, births, triumphs and each other. She is as much my tribe as my husband. How can that relationship be discounted? 

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Let’s be real, I met my husband at 33. He missed a whole lot of awkward teenager, bad decision-making co-ed, struggling 20’s and quite frankly my thinnest, hottest time (sorry honey!) But there is someone who was there through it all and remembers every agonizing moment.  And since we are being real, let’s admit that we can all appreciate someone who remembers us as young and vibrant and crazy and weird who reminds us of our failures and accomplishments and isn’t afraid to put us in our place when we get to full of ourselves. I love my husband completely but he simply doesn’t know about the big red barn we drank wine coolers in or the “Little Ho Peep” costume that we laughed about for hours or all the adventures in our 20 years of girls weekend camping that help keep me sane when too much responsibility and pressure and adulting wears me down.

For my husbands’ part he is fully on board with my having another life partner as we call her. He knew it was a package deal when we were dating. He considers it a bonus. For one, there are many interests I have that he has no desire to be a part of (I’m looking at you chick flicks and foodie restaurants.)  He has even on occasion uttered the precious words, “Can you do that with your other life partner?” Second, he gets a lot of help when it comes to milestone birthdays, and commemorating special events. Last, and certainly not least, he genuinely likes my friend and understands how important it is to me that I make time for her too. I’m pretty sure having the TV to himself during football season weighs in there someplace too.

He is learning the old stories and we are making new ones.  We have mastered our own shorthand language and inside jokes. I am perfectly ok with having two very different life partners. So is he. It is not a betrayal, nor is it a diminishing factor in the importance of our marriage. It’s just how we do.

So if you are lucky enough to have this friend in your life; consider it a relationship as important as a marriage.  If you have that friend AND a spouse who sees you with all your flaws and all your gifts; shares your joys and sorrows and chooses you every day, then you, my friend, are blessed. 

A Detroit Foodie’s Restaurant Bucket List

By
Erica B
-

I absolutely LOVE dining out in Detroit and the surrounding area! We have so many amazing food experiences available to us, from food trucks at Eastern Market to upscale cuisine in and around the city!

DETROIT RESTAURANT

 

Here are some of my tried and true favorites, and a few spots that are still on my wish list:

 

American Coney Island, Detroit

Featuring diner fare and (arguably) the best coney dog around.  I can’t pick a side in the long enduring family rivalry between American and their next door neighbor Lafeyette Coney.  Here’s the story behind the feud!

 

Bad Brad’s BBQ, Utica, New Baltimore, & Clinton Twp (Carry-Out)

Some of the best BBQ around!  Promising everything from scratch, and food made with love.  Expect a wait during peak hours, but the taste is totally worth the extra time it takes to get a seat!

 

Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, Detroit

Southern comfort food made right and amazing live jazz performances, need I say more?

 

Cadiuex Cafe, Detroit

Known for their extensive beer collection, mussels, and feather bowling, the Cadieux is a great place for a night out.  Belgian dishes and pub favorites fill the menu, and there is a regular schedule of great live music of all genres.

 

Cafe d’Mongo’s Speakeasy, Detroit

Only open on Friday & Saturday evenings, serving soul food, stiff drinks, and a fantastic atmosphere straight out on the 1930’s.  A true mixing bowl that represents what Detroit is all about, come here with friends for a night out.

 

Central Kitchen + Bar, Detroit

Classic American fare, a fairly casual atmosphere, and a nice selection of craft cocktails, beer, and wine.

 

Cliff Bell’s, Detroit

Come for the fantastic food and drinks, stay for the live music and the atmosphere.

 

Cuisine, Detroit

Upscale dining at it’s best!  Chef Paul’s menu of European style fare and the carefully selected wine menu make the perfect pair.

 

El Barzon, Detroit

It sounds counter-intuitive to combine Mexican and Italian menus, but El Barzon pulls it off! 

 

Gold Cash Gold, Detroit

Farm-to-table from local sources is the mission at GCG, reserve the Chef’s Table and watch how it’s done!  Small plates or tapas style, so you you share and try several items.

 

Green Dot Stables, Detroit

While sliders doesn’t exactly bring up the word gourmet to mind, at Green Dot the menu ranges from Mystery Meat (varies by the week) to Korean to quinoa versions and everything in between.  The menu is all a la carte, they have a good selection of beer, and the prices are unbeatable.  Green Dot is a popular place, so expect a wait during the dinner hours and after.

 

Hudson Cafe, Detroit

If you’re craving breakfast or brunch, this is your spot.  From omelets that dreams are made of to fantasy french toast and fresh squeezed orange juice.

 

Huron Room, Detroit

Some of the best Fish & Chips you’ll find locally, as well as excellent craft cocktails!

 

Inn Season, Royal Oak

Vegetarian and Vegan dining at it’s farm-to-table best.  Even the meat lovers in your life will be OK with pretending to be an herbivore for a night.  Amazing gluten free pizza, salads, and veggie versions of classic comfort food fills the menu.

 

Lafayette Coney Island, Detroit

Featuring diner fare and (arguably) the best coney dog around.  I can’t pick a side in the long enduring family rivalry between American and their next door neighbor American Coney. 

 

La Feria, Detroit

Spanish tapas at it’s finest.  If you want to try it all, this is the place to do it! 

 

Mabel Gray, Hazel Park

It’s off the cuff location aside, Mabel Gray is hands down some of the best food you will put in your mouth.  The atmosphere is casual and kitschy, the craft cocktails are divine, and the food is second to none. Utilizing the best of what is available locally, the menu at Mabel Gray changes daily.  Try the Tasting Menu, and just eat what the chef gives you!

 

Marais, Grosse Pointe

For dinner or brunch, you can’t go wrong at Marais.  They also offer a tasting menu, where the chef will serve you the very best of what he has available in his kitchen that evening!

 

Mercury Burger Bar, Detroit

If you love burgers, dogs, tater tots (fried in lard!) and boozy milkshakes or beer, this is your place!  It tends to be busy, especially when there are other events happening downtown, so if you don’t want to wait try lunch or off peak hours.

 

Mon Jin Lau, Troy

Asian fusion cuisine and sushi at it’s best.  The vibe is young and uptempo and there are often special events happening, so be sure to see their website and find out what’s going on if you’re looking for a fun night out.

 

Mudgie’s Deli, Detroit 

Try Mudgie’s for brunch or their fantastic sandwiches.  It’s a fairly family friendly place and has a kids menu.  If you come without the kids there is a huge craft beer menu.

 

One Eyed Betty’s, Ferndale

One of the best burgers around, but also serving amazing comfort foods, homemade donuts, and a huge beer menu.  Try the beer cheese soup, you won’t regret it!

 

Ottava Via, Detroit

Upscale Italian dining in Corktown.  In warmer weather you can dine outside on the back patio too.

 

Parks & Rec Diner, Detroit

Farm fresh local foods made into the best breakfast ever!  Classic breakfast food as well as some truly innovative combinations to tempt your taste buds.

 

Pegasus, Detroit & Saint Clair Shores

This Greektown classic serves up traditional Greek recipes.  The atmosphere is casual, but still nice enough for a date night.  Don’t forget the Saganaki and then head over to the casino!

 

Pho Lucky, Detroit, Novi, Redford, & Southfield

The menu is focused on Vietnamese noodle soup, Pho but includes other Vietnamese specialties as well.

 

Polish Village Cafe, Hamtramck

All of your favorite Polish comfort classics from stuffed cabbage to kielbasa to dumplings in one amazing place.   PVC is the real deal!

 

Pollo Chaplin, Detroit

This hidden gem is tucked inside a house in Southwest  Detroit.  REAL Mexican food to make your mouth happy, and the prices will make your budget smile too!

 

Public House, Ferndale

A delicious mixed offering of small plates, craft cocktails, and good beer.  It’s hard to go wrong at Public House.

 

The Rattlesnake Club, Detroit

A city staple for years, whether for a burger, a fine dinner, or a wedding the Rattlesnake Club never disappoints.  Take a stroll along the river after dinner!

 

Redcoat Tavern, Royal Oak

Legendary burgers and fish & chips will satisfy your hunger and their enormous beer list will sake your thirst!  The atmosphere is dim and speakeasy-ish at this longtime favorite.  Expect a wait in the evenings, but here’s a secret – they will put your name on the list if you call when you’re en route!

 

Roast, Detroit

Michael Symon’s downtown Steakhouse takes fine dining to the next level.  The menu offers a variety of new flavors and classic comfort.

 

Rose’s Fine Food, Detroit

Come for the food and the ethics – Rose’s serves fantastic farm fresh, made from scratch deliciousness and also pays their staff a living wage.  They do accept tips, but they are split by the entire staff and a portion is donated each month to a charity of the staff’s choosing.

 

Rubbed, Detroit

This formerly lunch-only Corktown staple now serves dinner on the weekends!  Sandwiches, comfort classic entrees, and even coconut milk straight from the coconut!

 

Selden Standard, Detroit

This neighborhood restaurant is cozy and offers excellent craft cocktails and a seasonal, rotating menu of American style small plates. 

 

Small Plates, Detroit

Upscale casual, but don’t be afraid to bring the kids!  They offer a children’s menu in addition to the large selection of tapas to share with the table.

 

Supino Pizzaria, Detroit

This Eastern Market favorite serves up amazing pizza!

 

Taqueria El Rey, Detroit

This little Mexican restaurant serves up BIG flavor!  Tacos, Burritos, Grilled Chicken, & Ribs to make your mouth water, so come hungry!

 

Texas de Brazil, Detroit

Though it’s a chain, this Brazilian Steakhouse serves up one of the best meals you can get around the metro Detroit area.  The dinner price is a flat rate and includes the “salad bar” which has a HUGE selection of veggies, cheeses, meats, sushi, and more plus the all-you-can-eat variety of grilled meats.  From chicken to lamb, to sausage to filet Mignon, the gauchos offer sample size portions of each to your heart’s content.  Wear your stretchy pants!

 

Townhouse, Detroit

The atmosphere alone makes this newer downtown restaurant – a sister to its Birmingham location – worth trying and the well thought out menu and cocktails make a second trip a good idea too!

 

Town Tavern, Royal Oak

Nestled on West Fourth Street in Royal Oak, this hot spot has a vintage, cozy feel and serves up some amazing food! A great place to catch up with the girls, or for a date night. Don’t miss the Lobster Mac, with an adult beverage on the side!

 

Travis Diner, Saint Clair Shores

Cash only, this little diner serves up it’s famous sliders, plus breakfast all day, and other typical diner fare.

 

Vicente, Detroit

Delicious Cuban food, with both entree size options as well as small plates so you can share with the whole table.  On Friday nights, around 10 PM, the tables in the center of the room get moved aside and they offer free salsa dancing lessons!

 

The Whitney, Detroit

Another Detroit legend that never disappoints.  The combination of excellent food and atmosphere make this fine dining experience one you’ll want to repeat.

 

Wright & Co., Detroit

This newer casual restaurant serves American far
e at the next level along with some of the best craft cocktails in town.

 

What local hot spots make your list?

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Share them with us!

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