I like a lot of things about this washable dress — the colors, the print, the high neckline, the work-appropriate length… It seems like the kind of thing you could layer with a dark sweater in fall, a light sweater in spring, and dress it up or down. It was $104, but is now marked to $62 at Nordstrom (and the same print is also available in a washable faux-wrap style for $70, was $118). Ellen Tracy Border Print Twill Fit & Flare Dress
children -- baths on their own says
08/05/2015 at 10:18 amI have two girls who are 20 months apart. For years, I’ve just thrown them in the tub together, which they’ve liked. I think it’s getting crowded and am thinking that it’s maybe time for them to start taking their own showers (how good they’ll be at first, who knows, but that’s how they learn, no?). My plan is to instruct and then to supervise more and more loosely over time. Any advice? Recommended ages where this would work better? Thanks!
Shayla says
08/05/2015 at 10:24 amI think the age really depends on your girls’ maturity and ability to follow instructions. For some, that will be 4, for some that may be 5. I think it might help transition them if you alternate who takes the shower, and let the other take a bath-is that possible, or is it a combined tub/shower? That way it’s still at the same time, but just different mode. And, less work for you. If they are not already washing their own hair and washing themselves, it might be easier to teach them those basics in the tub where you’re able to be a bit more hands on without getting so wet.
Good luck!
mascot says
08/05/2015 at 1:09 pmIf you are still using tear-free shampoo and can help with rinsing, I think a 4-5 yr can (mostly) shower by themselves. We usually allow a little bit of playtime then hand our child a pouf with the soap on it and let them handle it. We don’t use tear free shampoo so we will still help with the hair washing-rinsing
Maddie Ross says
08/05/2015 at 12:46 pmYou don’t say the age of your daughters, but I think splitting them up is probably the first step. I know that’s longer for you to monitor, but at the same time, without a playmate, each bath may be a bit shorter. I know I didn’t start showering until about middle school. That didn’t seem unusual at all based on my friends’ experiences. I think showering at 4 seems tough for an every night thing. Frankly at 4, I would have been dangerous in the shower.
Anonymous says
08/05/2015 at 6:10 pmMy oldest two are 3 and 6. They shower alone and together (and bathe in the tub alone and together – although together is tight!) The oldest was a really hard sell to the shower. She really hated everything about it, I think. The younger begged to take a shower when she was maybe 2.5 years old? She loved it, which is what got her older sister to try it.
I didn’t really have a plan or approach. It just sort of happened. But I’d make sure the water temp is perfect and that the shower air has time to warm up. The handheld shower head can help a child who doesn’t want to get their head in the water. You can hold it lower than their face, or they can be in control. You could try showering with them individually, too.
Mostly, I had to lay out a strict NO JUMPING rule. The younger child is a real firecracker! “Luckily” she slipped once without any serious injury, which got her buy-in on the idea of being careful.
Anonymous says
08/05/2015 at 7:11 pmOh, and having them be more independent is fantastic. I never leave them in the tub, but I feel comfortable with them being alone in the shower while I’m within ear shot and check in. One has short hair and can easily shampoo/rinse herself.
DC Mom says
08/05/2015 at 11:22 amDD’s first birthday is coming up – we survived the first year!
I would like to throw a simple party, because I really want to be able to enjoy the day and not stressed out about it being perfect. We would have about 15-20 adult guests and about 5-7 babies.
I can’t decide whether to have the party in our apartment or at the park around the corner. I feel like the adult guests would be bored at the kiddie park. Any advice?
ELL says
08/05/2015 at 11:36 amI’d rather be at a park rather than trying to wrangle my child in an apartment.
Sounds fun! For my child’s first, we invited one set of grandparents and a neighbor for pie. It was very low stress and totally delightful.
rakma says
08/05/2015 at 11:37 amOur ratio was a little different (~25 adults, 2 big kids, 2 babies) but I went for the option that was lowest stress for me, which ended up being brunch at a restaurant. Having it at the house would have meant 2 parties (our house is not setup in a way that makes entertaining more than 10 comfortable), and a winter baby means indoors was necessary. I wasn’t thrilled with the plan going into it, I just wanted a quiet dinner at home with cake, but it was nice to be able to include everyone, and to only do it once. DD loves a crowd, we brought her highchair which is on wheels, and moved her from table to table, so everyone got a chance to hang out with her. (That ended up being a big hit, and meant I actually relaxed for a few minutes)
I wouldn’t be too concerned with the adults being bored–it’s a first birthday party, they can chat with each other, eat some cake, and coo over the guest of honor.
mascot says
08/05/2015 at 11:41 amFirst birthdays are generally for the adults anyways. Are the babies all younger than one? I’d probably do the apartment if you have the space. Climate controlled, easier for feeding/diaper breaks, you can change birthday child out of cake covered clothes, your space is already child-proofed, etc. After we did cake for my child’s first birthday, he got cleaned up and put down for a nap. The adults continued to mingle and have fun.
Anonymous says
08/05/2015 at 7:16 pm+1 My thoughts exactly.
One of the best 1st birthday party I’ve ever been to was a donut open house. They had donuts (and fruit and coffee) at about 10-noon. Adults chatted. Babies hung out on the floor and parents’ laps. Every ~15 minutes they’d open a present with the birthday child but it wasn’t a big presentation. It happened with the kids were fresh and everyone had the rest of the day to themselves.
POSITA says
08/05/2015 at 1:46 pmFor my daughter’s first birthday the big hit of the party was a big basket of balls. The babies played on a blanket putting the balls into and out of the basket the whole time. A few older siblings also took balls to play with too. Everyone marveled at how much fun the kids had with just a basket of balls. We gave out the balls as party favors.
We had my daughter’s party at the part in August and it was fun, but very hot.
Hire a photographer says
08/07/2015 at 1:39 pmWe had a casual party at our community center at the playground (a warm DC November) but since we invited everyone we knew in the city, and about 40 people came, I really wish we’d hired a photographer. I don’t care if it was wedding-style or whatever, but just to have the pics would’ve been great. It was 2009 or so…
Glasses for tweens? says
08/05/2015 at 12:26 pmAnyone have recs for eyeglass frames for pre-teens? I have a 9-year-old son whose head is too big for kids’ frames, but the adult frames at our eye doctor’s office were all too big. That office also didn’t offer different sizes in their frames – that seems odd to me???
Pigpen's Mom says
08/05/2015 at 2:36 pmWarby Parker maybe? They allow you to sort by size.
I also think I remember seeing teen-sized frames at the Costco optical department.
For (formerly) preg 3L says
08/05/2015 at 12:27 pmJust wanted to say that you are in my thoughts. I don’t know if the trial has started yet (or ended), and not fishing for information on this public forum!, but sending strength and good wishes your way.
(former) preg 3L says
08/05/2015 at 1:09 pmThanks! The trial won’t begin for 10-12 months. We have a long way to go.
For (formerly) preg 3L says
08/05/2015 at 1:14 pmOh wow – I had no idea about the timing. Chin up, lady – you’re fighting the good fight.
sfg says
08/05/2015 at 12:56 pmSometime in the past few months, a commenter had a recommendation for baby food cookbooks… unfortunately, my searching skills are failing me, as all I can find is the post re: the Baby Led Weaning book. So, if anyone can recommend their baby food cookbook (or point me to the post), I’d appreciate it!
JEB says
08/05/2015 at 2:01 pmIt’s not a book, but I’ve found the following website to be helpful.
wholesomebabyfood@momtastic@com
MSJ says
08/05/2015 at 2:37 pmIt is also a (great) book! I referred to it often when introducing solid foods
CHJ says
08/05/2015 at 2:07 pmI also liked the Wholesome Baby Food site, and Tyler Florence’s book Start Fresh. His roasted bananas with blueberries recipe is ridiculously good.
KJ says
08/05/2015 at 2:57 pmI like Parents Need to Eat Too. It’s not a baby food cookbook per se, but it has notes on all the recipes about how they can be turned into baby good.
sfg says
08/05/2015 at 6:38 pmThanks!!