The Adventures of Baby Arthur

by Lincoln

Labels: arthur, family

by Lincoln

The name GuessYourBaby may have been motivated by hosting baby pools, but it also has a double meaning. Can you guess it? (badum-ching!) As first time parents, me and Liz are basically guessing at everything! (badum-ching!) We obviously rely very much on the advice of our doctors. Even if we question that advice, we lean on it and hang on their words. Even the advice of other parent's doctors comes into play. ("My doctor said...")

We quickly realized that it's not just about the doctor and his or her personal qualifications. It's also the entire staff, office and overall operation. It's a business and we are the consumers. We originally brought Arthur to a neighborhood Chinatown doctor, who shall hereafter be referred to as "stinkin-Chinatown-doctor". While stinkin-Chinatown-doctor himself was a nice, courteous and intelligent man, his staff left a lot to be desired and it reflected poorly on him. With a baby at home and as first time parents, we need a doctor that's accessible. We need a doctor that is willing to field questions over the phone and maybe even email. Whenever we called this office, all we ever got was a "maybe the doctor will call you back if he has time". Appointments were pointless. You go in, sign your name on an extremely long list and wait for 2 hours. Why did we bother making an appointment? Add on the general rudeness and poor attitude of the reception and it was quite clear we needed a new pediatrician.

We decided to go with rock star pediatrician and author of The New Basics, Dr. Michel Cohen, M.D; who shall hereafter be referred to as "Dr. Frenchy". I am introducing Dr. Frenchy by name because I'm assuming that a published author wouldn't mind that I'm mentioning his work, plus I only really have positive things to say about him! His practice was as different from stinkin-Chinatown-doctor as night is to day. The entire operation is professionally run from top to bottom. We've never had to wait more than 20 minutes. There is a 24-hour hot-line that we can call if we have any problems (and we have!). They have a website where parents turn to and look at test results. He came highly recommended by Dr. Anna, whom we trust. He apparently has client roster that includes celebrities like Jennifer Connelly (We've heard as much anyway!). Most importantly, his practice accepts our insurance just the same as stinkin-Chinatown-doctor! Easy decision!!

You could say I've always been blah-zee when it came to my own health and I've never gone through such a process of picking a doctor. I guess this is why I found this entire process to be worth a post!

With Arthur comes great responsibility.

Labels: parenting

by Lincoln

I love my Mom. After Arthur was born, I loved my Mom and my Dad in a way I've never loved them before. In fact, after Arthur was born, I loved Liz's mom for the first time ever! They have all been so supportive, me and Liz would never be able to survive without them.

Here comes the BUT.

For the last 10 days, my parents had been "living la Vida Loca" on a fancy German cruise. While they were away, in true baby fashion, Arthur went through a number of unbelievable and rapid transformations! He started grabbing the spoon and feeding himself. He started grabbing is sippy cup and drinking on his own. The best part? It seemed like he was starting to bond with his dear old Dad in a different way!

Today, my Mom returned from her vacation and resumed her babysitting days again. Excited to report Arthur's progress at the dinner table to my Mom, I grabbed the spoon and gestured for Arthur to feed himself. *SMACK!* The spoonful of food crashed to the floor. When he seemed thirsty, I handed him his sippy cup as we had been doing the entire week. I was rebuked with a dirty look and a shriek that said, "Are you kidding??". My mom then happily proceeded to FEED him his food as well as HOLD HIS CUP for him to drink!

We naturally all have our own parenting styles. I don't always agree with the approaches of my cousins, friends, "experts" and even Liz! But, it's hard to dispute your own Mom. Since it was quite clear that my Mom was the common denominator in Arthur's shift in behaviour, it was my job to give her the talk. I tried to explain as best as I could that she should encourage Arthur to do things for himself. Even if he objects, encourage anyway! After all, according to one of our resources: Child of Mine: Feeding with Love and Good Sense, at 12 months, Arthur should be weening off the bottle as well as using the spoon himself. Check page 250! Our pediatrician concurs.

My Mom's response was obvious:

• "I'm treating Arthur the same way I raised YOU!"
• "I don't spoil him, he's only 13 months old!"
• "You didn't come off the bottle until 20 months"
• My favorite: "Don't torture my grandson."

Of course this was all followed by "At least I think so anyway, I don't remember, it was 30 years ago".

What else can I say? I love you Mom. (and the torture resumes tomorrow)

Labels: parenting

by Liz

Soon after we rolled out of bed Saturday morning, we thought it'd be nice to walk around the neighborhood and get some breakfast on such a nice sunny day. We settled into the restaurant, glad that another shrieking baby was on the premises to keep the heat off of us! That shrieking baby turned out to be the daughter of a stylishly dressed (in a low-key way) and amazingly fit Jessica Alba. We only noticed them as they were leaving and we're assuming that the baby was Honor Marie, who according to this 'the Insider' article, is less than 3 weeks older than our own Arthur. We naturally researched all of this as soon as we got home of course. We also confirmed that Jessica Alba IS currently in town according to the tabloids, but Lincoln won't let me post any gossip links on this blog aside from that one article!

Anyway, I couldn't help but notice a few things that were mentioned in the Insider article. The natural birth (Lincoln says I'd kick her butt!) and proximity of birthdays between Arthur and Honor are where our similarities end. Sadly, not only do we not have a hilltop LA estate, I was not allowed a "soul food diet" during pregnancy either! My OB/GYN, Dr. Anna, was a stern looking and strict woman with the kind of piercing eyes that cut through you if you did anything wrong. She basically prescribed me the Atkins diet - no carbs, no juice, no sugar. She also told me to control the quantities I ate, that I should not listen to any of those "eating for two" cliches and that being pregnant is not a green light to gain 55 lbs!

Well, I didn't listen to her completely, but I did manage to only gain 18 lbs (21 in total) after 8 months. At our visit that month, Lincoln and I were both concerned that the baby was not gaining enough weight. Dr. Anna quickly dismissed those concerns after her checkup and estimated that Arthur weighed 6.5 lbs already. She then slanted her eyes and said, "You've been drinking juice haven't you?!". *GULP*, Guilty As Charged!

Anyway, I guess we can't all be Jessica Alba. And by the way, the "I lost my tummy by breast feeding" is complete BULL!!

Labels: health, miscellaneous, pregnancy

So how did Arthur handle life after vacation? Liz and I were a bit worried about how he would react to the sleeping arrangements at a hotel . We did not bring Arthur's playpen/portable crib, so that night was the first time we had ever all shared the same bed. After a substantial and often painful commitment to sleep training Arthur (in bed by 9:30pm for the entire night), we did not want to undo all the hard work.

We also knew that Arthur would be experiencing more than his normal amount of stimulation from all of the activities. How would he react in the days following?

Well the sleeping didn't end up being an issue at all. He was so tired the Sunday night we got back (as were we!), he simply passed out and that was it. On Monday night, he went to bed on schedule.

However, after spending nearly the entire weekend by Liz's side, Arthur developed quite a case of separation anxiety from her. The separation anxiety reached a point to where he seemed to forget who I was! No smiles, no seeking attention, no crawling to my office, nothing! The day after we returned, we were told by Liz's Mom that Arthur had been quite cranky the entire day. You could say I was a little disappointed that he was still being a Mama's Boy when I got back from work.

Finally, on Tuesday morning, Arthur was back. He was his old happy self and Dad became relevant again. That's ok, I think he just needed a vacation from the vacation just like any of us adults would need!

Labels: arthur, parenting

by Lincoln

Day 2 was off to an early start as we all arose by 7am. The fact I hadn't been asleep at 9:30pm since, 1991 or so, may have had something to do with it!

We started off with a quick breakfast at Irving Farm, where the coffee is locally roasted and all pastries are baked on the premises. It didn't disappoint. This place also appeared to be the only breakfast gig in town as it was pretty busy for an early Sunday morning!

Then we were off to another day at the countryside, visiting farms, looking for farm fresh food and farm animals for Arthur to gawk at! Along with a couple of friends who joined us, we made stops at Dykeman Farm for some produce, Barton Orchards for some cider donuts and fruit and Sprout Creek Farm for the cheese.

These farms may have been only 20 or so miles south of where we were on Day 1, but the area had a far more suburban feel. I also couldn't help but feel that we were a month or two too early since the farms seemed a bit under supplied. The cider donuts didn't appear to be in season at Barton Orchards! (It seemed like they had just renovated and we were told that their bakery wasn't operating yet. Too bad they failed to mention that on their website!) Nevertheless, the weather was perfect and the country air made it worthwhile. Sprout Creek also had a nice looking cottage for rent, so that may be an opportunity for another time!

It's only grass kiddo! We're gonna have to work on those jungle instincts.

So off we went South back towards home with only one more stop to go.

Blue Hill / Stone Barns Center

About 50 miles south from Dutchess County and a mere 20 or so miles from home is the Blue Hill Restaurant and Stone Barns Center. The Blue Hill seemed to be a natural culmination to the trip as it not only stayed faithful to our theme of eating at restaurants featuring local ingredients, it is located on an operating farm. (Yet ANOTHER one!) We actually discovered this place while watching Top Chef and Blue Hill was to be the most reputable and vaunted stop on this trip. So we made a lunch reservation for eight (6 of our friends joined) TWO months in advance and eagerly awaited our visit!

Perhaps the most interesting part of the $68/pp prix-fixe lunch was that it did not feature a menu, but rather a list of seasonal ingredients. Apprise the wait staff of your dietary restrictions and off you go at the mercy of the chef! The food didn't disappoint in presentation or taste and I did enjoy being surprised (even though they served chicken!). The service was even better as plates were served in what appeared to be a carefully choreographed and coordinated movement (they wouldn't say if they practiced).

At the end of the day, I'd have to say that Red Devon won this Iron Chef competition.

Kid Friendly?: At least they try. They did have high chairs available but the environment was anything but kid friendly. Blue Hill strives to provide an elegant experience and let's face it, crying kids are NOT elegant. Liz and I took turns taking Arthur out for walks to keep him calm during what ended being a 3 hour lunch. We didn't want to be "those" parents with a crying baby! Maybe Arthur was extra hyped to be sitting at a table of 8, but I think he just already had as much vacation as a 1-year old could take! Save this place for the adults.

After a walk through the Stone Barns Center to look at yet more animals, it was time to go home!

Two days on the road and all I get is this stupid duck!

Resources
Hammertown
About Town
Dutchess County Tourism

Labels: arthur, parenting, travel

by Lincoln

Now that Arthur is just over 1 year old, we decided that a short yet local weekend getaway would be a good idea. Not only was it also Liz's birthday weekend, we thought a weekend of firsts for Arthur would do wonders for this bourgeoning curiosity. We are not one of those bold parents who dare to take their young children on plane rides and we've also tried our best to not be one of "those" parents. You know what I mean by "those", the ones with the crying baby! With this in mind, we came up with the following requirements:

1- Must have something for everyone: Arthur, Liz and I.
2- No planes or public transport. So only we'd suffer a cranky crying baby.
3- Only 1 night away from home. Short and sweet.

Since Liz and I both love eating great food, breathing fresh air and the fact that site of any animal (Even rats with wings, a.k.a. an NYC pigeon) makes Arthur go berserk with excitement, our decided destination was Dutchess County. Dutchess County is a mere 75 miles or so from Manhattan and is what I like to call a "Napa Valley on a much smaller scale".

After a bit of research and reservation making, off we went on a Saturday morning.

Wild Hive Farm

















An Anxious Arrival!

After reading a positive review about this place on Hammertown I thought this was a worthy spot to have some breakfast. Local ingredients and freshly baked goods. The egg sandwich was well made and the brioche bun was fresh and soft with a unique earthy flavor. Along with fresh toast topped with a habanero jelly that was hot enough to wake up the dead, this breakfast was a good start even if it did take forever to get it! Well, we were on vacation, who cares?

Kid Friendly?: Yes. high chair available and a steady stream of families with children of all ages going in and out.


















I'm gonna club someone with this garlic if I don't get my food soon!!

Dog Show Hosted by Ledgewood Kennels




















It took me a couple of days to find something specifically animal oriented aside from looking at livestock from behind a fence, but eventually I got lucky finding this event when I chanced on the Amenia Chamber of Commerce's Website. This was strictly a local affair with a focus on community participation. It wasn't a Westminster Dog Show, but it did the trick as the up close and personal interactions with the dogs was far more effective at piquing the interests of a 1-year old! And yes, Arthur was going berserk almost the entire time.

Kid Friendly?: It doesn't get much more kid friendly than this!



So after a quick stop at McEnroe Organic Farm to pick up some fresh produce and groceries to take back home, it was time to check-in to our lodging so Baby Arthur could have his nap time. This plan was enthusiastically sponsored by Arthur with piercing shrieks.



The Interlaken Inn

So after deliberating on the lodging for a bit, we settled on the Interlaken Inn. While we originally were planning to stay at a nice bed and breakfast ("b&b"), that idea was nixed because:

1- Many b&b's are not kid friendly. They even specifically put an age limit on their website. I guess it's to be expected since you're basically staying at someone's house.
2- We needed a bathtub. Not a given at a b&b.
3- Most of the b&b's wanted a 2 night minimum. (So did the Interlaken but they had a loophole if you booked online!)
4- I hoped to have a pool for Arthur's first swim! Not a given at a b&b.




















While the Interlaken Inn served its purpose, I was not completely satisfied. We paid $300 for our one night and it wasn't the Mandalay Bay. I'll tell you that the place looks a lot bigger on their website! The place is a bit dated and could use a renovation. It was clean, but as clean as an old hotel could be. Here are the TripAdvisor reviews. They're mixed, so you be the judge. It wasn't all bad. The pool was heated and the staff was courteous. We were in & out so it wasn't a big deal. But, that price tag was too hefty for what we got in my opinion.

Kid Friendly?: Definitely. They not only encourage kids, they encourage whole families including pets. There were many other familes at the place. It's also a wedding friendly hotel. The place may be more worth the price in the townhouses.

Red Devon Restaurant



















Red Devon was the highlight of our trip. Simply put, it's an awesome restaurant and the food is just exquisite. The restaurant was recently renovated with a focus on green guidelines and sustainability as the building itself has many green innovations. With reviews like these from About Town, and Hammertown, its focus on local ingredients and its green focus (I'm an engineer remember?) we just had to give it a try. They offer a nightly chef's menu and we ordered the grilled sea bass with potatoes and the pork belly with chanterelle mushrooms and red chard over risotto as our entrees. Both were cooked to perfection. The sea bass was served whole, was crispy and salted on the outside and incredibly soft and moist on the inside. All that we left behind was a pile of bones. As a pork belly fanatic, there's almost no way I wouldn't enjoy it. But the combination of the tender pork belly, crunchy red chard and base of risotto made each bite a harmonious melody. We'll be going back.

Kid Friendly?: Yes. They offer booster chairs (really fancy ones!) and the environment is sophisticated yet laid back. We did make a reservation for the earliest time possible to avoid a crowd, but as dinner went on, other families with small children came in. The staff was friendly and helpful with everything.
























Sorry Officer, I've Been Drinking!

Well that was the end of Day 1 and it was definitely a good one!

Labels: arthur, parenting, travel

by Lincoln

Even before Baby Arthur was born, Liz had this idea of taking pictures of the baby. At first I thought she meant going to Walmart and sitting for a portrait. "Cheesy, but ok" I thought. No, she wanted to hire a professional photographer. Even worse, she wanted said photographer to come to our apartment and take pictures of us acting naturally!

I was totally against this idea! I'm not crazy about being in pictures to begin with and having a strange man in our home was just beyond my threshold. This ain't no reality show we're hosting over here!

Of course Liz got her way.

But look what we ended up with! These are two of my favorite pictures we have.

Included was a fancy picture book. I took some shots of what the book looks like with my camera:



















Every pro has got to get their artsy fartsy ones in!





































There's no way I would have ever been able to take pictures like that. We were given prints, the picture book and a DVD. The final product is absolutely priceless. Liz, you were right and I was wrong!

I have no idea where the photographer got this book done, but I would think Shutterflyor Picaboo could pull it off.

Labels: arthur, infant, memories, parenting

I want to elaborate a bit on hosting "baby pools". And i'm not talking about swim time, i'm talking about the baby shower game! As you already know, hosting a baby pool is a great way for your friends, family and co-workers to share in the joy of your pregnancy and a new life. Loved ones near and far can all get into the action! A baby pool is a game where each participant guesses what the birthday, gender, length and weight of the expectant child. Whoever's guess is closest wins the game. In this post, i'll quickly summarize on some pointers to make the baby pool a great success and some quick tips on game etiquette.

When I was running the baby pool for my son, everyone had a great time and got into it. Except I received one email from my cousin's friend who basically said: "Don't you have anything better to do than to gamble on the birth of your son?". At first I was confused. First, My son's baby pool did not require a monetary stake. Of course, anyone who did not put money into the pool was not eligible to win any money either! Second, I was not even participating in the pool myself. I was only organizing it so everyone else could have fun.

I concluded that this guy needed to LIGHTEN UP. Come to think of it, i'm not even sure how he even got invited in the first place! There is nothing wrong with hosting a baby pool. It's just a game and it's all for fun! Your loved ones are excited for you and want to participate in the pregnancy. Baby pools are a way to keep them involved! There are rules to be followed of course. The mom and dad to be must not participate in the pool as they have the inside scoop. The baby pool deadline must be enforced as those guessing later would have an unfair advantage. The mom and dad to be must also not give unfair data to anyone in the pool either, i.e. the estimate weight during routine sonograms would certainly provide an unfair advantage! It's just a game, but a game is most fun when it's fair!

Here are some things you should keep in mind when running your baby pool:

• A baby pool is usually a pretty male thing to do. Have the father-to-be organize it, it's a great thing for him to do since mother-to-be is getting most of the attention!


• Neither of the parents-to-be should be participating in the pool nor should they be giving out any unfair information! Information from regular doctor's visits is a definite advantage!


• The guessing period should start several weeks before the baby shower and conclude at the end of the baby shower event. If that timing doesn't make sense for you, the guessing period should end one month before the due date.


• The baby shower itself is the single best place to collect guesses! You should print out a bunch of copies of the guessing form for people to fill out so you can punch the guesses in manually.


• A monetary stake is not needed, but it certainly adds another level of excitement. $5 or $10 per guess is normal but it's really what you feel comfortable with. My son's baby pool did not require any money and a friend of mine gave away a prize to the winner of his son's baby pool.


• The winner of the pool normally gets all the money, but sometimes a percentage of it is given to the parents-to-be as a gift. Either way is fine, though it would be weird for the parents-to-be to take any of the money if they themselves are organizing the pool.

Just always remember that the baby pool is all about having fun! Click here to see my squidoo writeup about baby pools - baby shower game.

h7ub8sd56f

Labels: baby pool, baby shower, baby shower games