Reston Mom

new fave fall muffin recipe

This is my new favorite fall muffin recipe - Pumpkin Cornmeal Muffins from Real Simple.   They are really tasty without being too overly sweet - and overall, they aren't so bad for you either.  I think I'll try substituting some plain yogurt or apple sauce for the butter next time for a lower fat version. They would be great with some chopped apples in them too  - or actually, if you are into interesting stuffing/dressing recipes for Thanksgiving, you could break up these with some onion, apple, salt, and herbs and make a really nice pumpkin/cornbread stuffing for your turkey.  In any case, these hit the spot especially with a little pad of butter and if your sweet tooth desires, a drizzle of honey.  Mmmmmmmmmm.........

On a further note, the pumpkin farmers must be up and running again this season because I actually did manage to find a 15 oz can of Libby's pumpkin at my Safeway!  Hooray!  We're back in business for pumpkin pancakes, Paula Dean's Pumpkin Ziti, and muffins of course...not to mention pie.  I love fall.

just for the (hospital) record

If you are going to give birth in this area and are choosing a hospital, I just thought I'd add my experience to the pot if it helps any.

I have delivered at Reston Hospital and Fairfax INOVA, both times I stayed for 3 days at least due to c-section. 

I guess I can't comment too much about the facilities at Reston since they have been totally re-done since the time Maddie was born - and I believe there is now some kind of NIC unit there while there wasn't before.  I can say that my experience with the nursing staff wasn't great.  It wasn't really terrible either, but definitely not the best I've had in three c-sections.  I know a lot of people who have had fine experiences there and logistically we had no problems.  

Fairfax has had a bit of a bad reputation I think.  "Baby factory" comes to mind.  It is a very busy hospital. We were told ahead of time that we might feel like "just a number" and be quickly rushed in and out, etc.... Fortunately, this was not the case at all.  My best birthing experience of three hospitals was here.  I love their family focus - the baby was allowed to stay with my husband and me for the entire time immediately following birth and we had the say of when to release her to the nursery.  It was so comforting to not have her whisked away to be cleaned and taken care of and then returned later after I was out of the recovery room and into my patient room.  The nursing staff was very kind, informative, and helpful. (Though, I was probably a bit more assertive by the third time).  We did not feel like a "number" even though it was evident that the hospital was busy. 

When I was pregnant with Ami, the doctor who delivered Maddie at Reston (I really liked my doc by the way) was not practicing there anymore.  Actually, if I recall correctly, she traveled somewhere to be a missionary.  So, not having any attachment to a doctor, we chose another practice and hospital for Ami's birth.  I found a doctor I like who was very familiar with multiple c-sections (having three herself) at a practice I really love with residency at Fairfax Inova.  Fairfax was my first choice because it has the best NICU in the area and should anything have happened, I wanted to be recovering in the same hospital as my baby.  

So, anyway, that is my limited experience with hospitals in the area, but I hope it helps someone out.

two strange things about pregnancy

Each pregnancy is a little different, just as each child is quite different.  Even after four pregnancies, I have still had some new experiences this time around.  Here are a couple that kind of surprised me:

 - this kid is so heavy on my bladder that I can't tell by sensation when I'm finished peeing.  Honestly, I just have to listen to know when I'm done.  Ha! 

- I'm not able to eat as much at one time anymore because there isn't much room.  The other night, the baby squished upward so much that I actually had a separate little bulge between my rib cage where my stomach was sticking out and I really thought for a moment that I might throw up.  He still makes me a bit nauseated sometimes when he stretches so hard upwards like that. 

the baseball diamond is a great place to learn

 If you can get to a baseball diamond at a park or school somewhere nearby when it is not being used, it can turn into a really fun chance to do some learning.

When the days turn nice out, it is difficult for us to hunker down over textbooks inside, so we find ways to get out of the house.  Plus, tactile learning is often helpful and fun.  

A good example of this is hitting the baseball diamond.  All you need is some clothes that you don't mind getting dirty, some long and short sticks, and a few ideas.  

Writing in the sand is something the kids enjoy (actually, I think it is pretty fun too) and if they get restless, you can just send them on a run around the bases.  Even toddlers will enjoy and be kept busy by writing in the sand while you practice with the older kids.

Here are some ideas for preschool and elementary age groups:

preschool : 

- write out shapes, numbers, or letters in the sand.  Say them and see if your child can trace or draw their own.  

- practice teaching your kids to count using tally marks in the sand - either let them practice drawing the straight lines as you count or let them do the crosswise swipe with a flourish to complete each 5.

- draw dots and see if your child can connect them

- draw long straight lines for jumping over and trails to follow and "balance on" 

- teach them to draw their name

elementary:

- kids can do any kind of written subject practice - math, handwriting, spelling, etc... in the sand.  

- simple diagrams work well in the sand too - solar system, graphs, clocks, maps, plant parts, etc...

- give the kids a question to think about and have them each draw their solutions in the sand and then compare (for example, tanagrams: can you use four triangles to make a big square? etc...)

- if you bring rulers or measuring tape you can do geometry, or if not, you can just use the length of your feet as a general measurement.

- play word games such as hangman or using the letters of one or two words to create as many new words as you can

- bring something that will stand up and create a sundial on the field to observe throughout the time you are there. 

little nummies

I just thought this site was fun.  If you are like me, you probably don't have a lot of time to play with the food to make creative little surprises for your kiddos.  Nor are most of these extremely healthy - but, I still thought it was a lot of fun.  I actually scrolled through the entire site - and if you find a moment to do the same, you are sure to find something that you and your kids will adore and that is pretty easy.  I thought this would be a great idea to surprise all those kiddos coming home from their first days of school - who wouldn't love a snack in a playful shape? 

Check out Little Nummies for some inspiration and have fun playing with your food!

more kid music

 Did you know that Pandora has channels for kiddos?  This might help if you are tired of the same cd that your kid always requests.  I was just made aware of these, so I haven't actually listened to any of them yet - but I'm anxious to give them a try especially on car trips or during clean-up time in the house.  

Toddler Radio – Meant for kids 4 and under, this station is educational and fun! A variety of toddler-friendly themes and music genres are explored. Look for Sesame Street, Disney, & The Wiggles among others.

Lullabye – Meant for kids 5 and under, this station is designed to prepare your tyke for a nap or bedtime (or any time you want to bring the energy level down a notch). It's full of mellow sounds and sweet lullabies.

Radio for Kids – Meant for kids 7 and under, this station is fun, educational, and not too baby-ish. For kids who are moving on up from Toddler Radio. Many musical genres are included here, and due to the variety and quality of songs, it's enjoyable for kids and adults!

Rockin' Kids Radio – Meant for kids 7 and under. This one is my personal favorite; an energetic station good for dancing, room-cleaning and high-energy play. This station is a winner for kids (and adults!) who love upbeat music. Rock out, kiddos.

Tween Radio – Meant for ages 8 to adult. This station is appropriate for those too old for children's music but a bit too young for rock 'n' roll's more adult themes. It includes pop music favorites like Miley Cyrus, The Jonas Brothers, and the cast from “High School Musical.”