Through the blur, I wondered if I was alone or if other parents felt the same way I did – that everything involving our children was painful in some way. The emotions, whether they were joy, sorrow, love or pride, were so deep and sharp that in the end they left you raw, exposed and yes, in pain. The human heart was not designed to beat outside the human body and yet, each child represented just that – a parent’s heart bared, beating forever outside its chest. - Debra Ginsberg
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, I just wanted to share my thoughts on love and being a mom, how love for my children has brought me both the greatest joy and the deepest pain and fear in a single moment. It seems as if parenthood opens up emotions that I never knew existed..and that my mother never warned me about.
Have a great week ahead and please tell me what you're doing to share your love this Valentines. Email me at catherines@macaraonikid.com or leave a comment below.
Cathy
Look for #MomHackMonday where Macaroni Kid will be posting, and encouraging others to post their favorite mom hacks on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Check out what @mackidmamabear posted on on Instagram! Can't wait to see what other mom hacks you all have up your sleeves!
Gotta dance! Check out Intensity's Junior Dance Program for kids age 4-17. Led by Marcello Deaguero, one of the area’s most renowned dance instructors who hails from Colombia, the home of modern dance, keep your children active as the weather becomes colder and all outside sports are over. Winter registration has started and classes are 45 min - 1 hour and go until May 18 (16 Week Program). For information, visit Intensity or call them at 203-853-7727.
Support Group for Parents of Preemies on the first Monday of each month, with the next group scheduled for February 2nd from 8:00 to 9:00 pm. This is a “call in” group, making it possible for parents to participate. The call-in number is (641) 715-3635 with an access code of 729997#. Additional upcoming dates are March 2, April 6, May 4, and June 1.
The Playgroups for Parents of Preemies is offered every other Wednesday. The groups are appropriate for parents with preemies up to ages 2-3, and meets in a Darien preemie parent mentor’s home. Location information provided upon rsvp. To respond call (203) 202-9714 or e-mail info@ttmf.org. Additional upcoming dates are February 11, February 25, March 11, March25, April 8, and April 15.
Get ready to time-travel, kids! For three days starting Feb. 17, the Westport Historical Society will host an imagination-stretching “Journey Into the Past”. Kids will create their own murals and take an imaginary journey on a sailing sloop carrying Westport goods to distant ports. But before casting off, they’ll learn how to tie knots, make a captain's log and create a navigation chart. Actress Jen Devine of Mocking Bird Arts will lead dramatic play relating to the journey. A snack is included, but kids need to bring lunch the first two days. Pizza served the last day.
“Journey Into the Past,” Feb. 17-19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Ages 5-12. Members $150, non-members $175. Enrollment limited, registration required: (203) 222-1424. Westport Historical Society, 25 Avery Place, across from Town Hall. Learn more about the Society at www.westporthistory.org
Great winter activity: Decorate a Gingerbread House! For an allergy free version, you can pick one up at IzziB's Norwalk location, Whole Foods in Darien, Ms. Green's in New Canaan, or visit www.ibcakes.com.
INDOOR FUN: Chelsea Piers CT just opened a 65,000 sq. foot health club that includes a family lounge and babysitting services for family members. Parents now have an amazing place to work out when their kids are in our various programs. Visit online for more info!
Calendar:
Macaroni Menu: Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wings
Macaroni Made: Valentine's Cupcake Contest
Winter Break Boredom Busters: Vacation Camps, Indoor Fun and Daycations
Subscriber Giveaways of the Week: Kids Eat Free at Freshii, Safety Gates, Winter Wonderland Ball, Valentine's Photo Shoot
Pet of the Week: Tanner
Coming soon: Summer Camp Guide! Kids Eat Free Guide, Moms Work at Home Guide, Birthday Party Guide, Make a Difference Guide, Learning Vacations, Mac Kid Fashion, Haydn's Reel Reviews & Games, and Preston's Gluten Free Food Reviews and much more!
About Macaroni Kid
Proudly serving Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, Norwalk, New Canaan, Westport, Wilton, and Weston. Your source for the latest kid-friendly events, activities, reviews, recipes, giveaways and more! Connect with other parents and find tips and information on fundraising, childcare, wellness, nutrition, learning, schools, camps and birthday parties. I welcome your comments and ideas and hope you visit often. For updates, like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.
Are you gluten free? I have a local gluten free moms group to share recipes, tips advocacy and ideas for moms in Fairfield County. Please email me at catherines@macaronikid.com or submit a comment below if you're interested in joining.
Having a special event or fundraiser? Post it on my site. Simply submit your info here. Free!
Want to sell or share something with other local moms? Post it on my forum and call me to discuss other promotion ideas. Free!
Are you a local business that caters to families? Please email me about my local business directory or advertising! Easy, targeted and effective!
Macaroni Kid Wants You! I am always looking for a few local ambassadors and writers to help me write reviews, attend events and help others in the community. Email me at catherines@macaronikid.com for details. Each week is something different and fun.
