Lakeshore Athletic Club - Our Home Away From Home!

For those of you moms who know me personally you knew I would have to gush about Lakeshore Athletic Club at some point. In fact, I met some of you at the prenatal swim class taught at LSAC. By the way, I highly recommend this class to anyone who is preggers!

It is no secret that Brayden and I are regulars at the gym. The nursery/playroom has been a godsend in both of our lives. I get to exercise and do something for me. And Brayden gets to hang out and play with toys other than his own, he gets to socialize with other tots and he gets a break from mom. Trust me, this does not offend me...I am sure I would grow tiresome to all after long periods of time stuck in doors and staring at each other.

Here is the real deal about LSAC and why I think...okay I know...each of you will benefit.

The nursery/playroom is amazing. Unlike other gyms they change poopie diapers, give bottles and let the kids pal around with snacks. The caregivers themselves are phenomenal. They never forget Brayden's name and make him feel welcome the second he sets foot in the door (regardless of his mood). Your newborn is invited as early as 6 weeks! This too is a major advantage other gyms do not offer. And even better, from 6 weeks until 3 months your baby is in a separate nursery with one-on-one care for an entire hour. The fee is a bit more but for piece of mind the extra $3 is worth it.

We can attest because Brayden has been going regularly since he was 6 weeks old. It hasn't all come up roses...he goes through phases of separation anxiety. Instead of these women rolling their eyes at my screaming child they say to us (Brayden and I), "You just need to cry to let mommy know how much you love her. I understand." How sweet! Definitely helps my guilt as abandon my grief-stricken child and shuffle up to the treadmills. And the cost for all of this is reasonable. A punch card of 15 visits costs $50. Or you can pay as you go for $5 a visit. The one-on-one baby care is $8. They do ask that you please call in advance to let them know your tot is coming. This way they can manage the number of tots so it is always a positive experience and not too crazy! But from personal experience I can tell you they are cool if you forget to call.

In addition to the awesome child care, LSAC is all around family-friendly and offers a variety of classes, sports, dance, yoga and activities for all ages. Tot activities start as young as 12 months with swimming and gymnastics. Summer camps start at age 3. Short sports will soon be offered to tots as young as 2! I cannot wait to enroll Brayden! There is a 'kids gym' for school age tots to hang out in, play video games, exercise on real equipment and play games. This service is free for up to 3 hours a visit. I often see kids of all ages hanging around the gym...some even doing homework in the dining area. The whole place is just so comfy. Though the dining counter can be slow...fyi. I have litte patience when it comes to waiting.

However, having access to a dining area is a bonus. They offer anything from bagels to cheeseburgers, hummus to soup, water to Blue Moon beer. You can even bring your own food and have lunch. It's a great touch. I bet you are blessed with appropriate patience :)

Give LAC a call and check it out. This is a perfect family hang out. Sometimes, we grab dad and take a swim in the kid's pool. LAC 773-477-9888 or www.lsac.com







BRAYDEN's Pick: Apples, Apples, Apples...even the peel.

10 Surprising Safety Hazards!
Dishwashers: provides access to pointy utensils and the detergent can be harmful
Latex Ballons: choking hazard and can completely block breathing
Kitchen Ranges: all sorts of burning hazards
Soft Bedding: can cause suffocation
Hand Me Down Baby Gear: may be broken, missing pieces or not up to current safety standards
Bath Seats and Rings: can trap babies underwater if they tip over
Bath and Bady Oils: can cause pneumonia-like conditions due to the liquid hydrocarbon
The Family Dog: dog-bite related injuries are way more common than you can imagine (shucks...we have a dog)
Power Windows: can crush fingers and limbs
Pocketbooks and Purses: can cause a variety of injuries including choking...who know what we have in there

For more on these hazards and strategies to prevent them visit www.parents.com.

Have a great week!

K&B

The Happy Hour Playdate!

Yep, your eyes have not deceived you! It is about time you scheduled a Happy Hour Playdate for you and your tot!

Working moms and stay-at-homes alike deserve a little treat once a week (wink). Or maybe, more doable, once every two weeks. A bona fide Happy Hour just like we did before we had kids. :) Cyndi Lauper found the heart of the issue...GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN and there is no reason not to. Though we no longer come home in the morning light.

Here's the deal, we are women...intellectual, spirited and spunky women. We willingly and eagerly give so much of ourselves and our time to our families. So every now and again I encourage us to spice up the playdate. Herein lies the best of both worlds. (Shout out to Liam..."my dad drinks spicy juice.")

This late afternoon soiree is a perfect blend of adult play and tot play. There are a couple of options for making this work. You can host a Happy Hour Playdate at your house and set out some delicious snacks and wine. Or make it a potluck and every week (okay...or every other week) rotate who brings what and the 'where'. Easy, breezy. My summer suggestion is margaritas and guacamole. Ahhhhh...

For the tots...set out all of your tot's favorite toys or have each tot bring their favorite toy to share. Next, let the tots go wild. I mean crazy nut wild! With wine in hand the brewing disaster in your living doesn't seem so bad. While your tots are entertaining each other by snatching toys from one another and exclaiming 'mine' you and your mom friends can toast all the week's (alright...or every other week's) successes, failures, new developments, upcoming events...etc. Perfect.


Now that I've successfully convinced you you need a regular Happy Hour Playdate let's put one on the calendar. I already know of a few moms who would love to have a set Happy Hour Playdate. Something to look forward to... My suggestion is this, let's schedule one every other week (obviously I prefer every week...so speak up if you do too!!!) and whoever can make can make it. The usual disclaimer applies to this playdate as it does to all others...plans are always tentative when a child is involved. Make a comment on this blog if you are in for a Happy Hour Playdate!!!! I'll set up an email exchange for everyone interested. CHEERS!



BRAYDEN's Pick: Tylenol. I'm getting so many teeth at once! What in the world...

BABY BLOOPERS: Random Tot Quotes...inspired by Liam :)

"Nobody puts me on the corner!" (no explanation necessary)

"That man has a candle in his mouth!" (it was a cigarette)

"If I were a gift I would be a necklace so I could stay with my mom." (Ahhhhhh)

If you have a collection of your tot's hilarious quotes then visit www.parents.com. Find the Mom-to-Mom Advice and locate 'Share Funny Toddler Moments'. Post your quote and you could win $250! College fund...

K&B