Pool Day with a Toddler // Swann Street Summer

The season of pool days is here! We kicked things off in North Carolina with my family. Getting ready for the big first pool day had my head spinning a little bit. What do we need?! How does this work? Last summer Miles was itty bitty but this year, we are ready for splashing and snacking.

From before his conception Miles' spirit was with me- so in sync. Earthside things have been no different. Stepping into warmer weather literally side-by-side. We are walking and marching along to all the places we love and being outside has been an effortless transition. Time outdoors, in whatever form that is manageable, is my desire for everyday this summer. You might remember my one little word for the year is outside. A constant, steady reminder to get some fresh air, get our hands dirty, or just sit by the pool. Without walls, time expands. 

My one little word is sort of like a mantra. An answer to problems and stress and lately I've seen that going outside in the literal sense is only a part of that meaning. I also need to live outside my comfort zone. Outside the artificial boundaries I set for myself. A reminder to anyone who needs to hear it: you are more capable than you realize. Take that step further, pursue that goal, accept that "flaw," because you are amazing.

Our precious pool days have taught me more about my son and his personality, like his idea of fun and who he is becoming. Does he try to jump right into the water or float around peacefully? Lounge with snacks? Or run around wild? Of course he will change but being aware of change itself comes with the gift of presence.

Post-8 hour road trip (and pre-pedicure, heh) it felt so good to be at the pool on this day. I tried out all of our new gear which is linked below. The only thing that a bummer was the pool shoes. They were way too slippery and Miles took a tumble in them. I won't be using them again but I would try a better brand if he really needed them.

As for me, I absolutely love this long sleeve rash guard. I got a really bad sunburn on vacation a few months ago and I definitely don't want a repeat of that. The floral pattern on this is so pretty and of course I love that it coordinates with Miles' little swim outfit. The white portions are not see through when wet and it fits like a dream. There are built in (and removable) cups so you have support, too. I'm 5'1 and a 32DD, ordered the size 6 and it fits perfectly!

Here are the things that have made our time at the pool fun and easy.

For Miles, 15+ months old:

Swim diapers (I LOVE the wipes bag that came with this!!)

Washable hat with head strap

Sunglasses

Rash guard

Swim trunks

Baby Float with canopy

Water bottle

Sunblock (EWG Best of Kids Sunblock)

Wet bag

Spare clothes to change into

Towel

A few pool toys

Snacks (We brought cheddar bunnies. berries, and watermelon)

And for me, the mama!:

Mineral Sunblock (EWG rating of 2)

Floppy Hat

Rash guard style bathing suit

wishing you joy on your journey,

kristen

Seashell Toddler Activity // Swann Street Summer

My fun fact: I love seasons!!! And right along with that, seasonal things that fall into the categories of cooking, baking, and fun activities. This summer my son, Miles, is 15 months old and it is really the first time we are venturing into this whole world of hands on playtime. This seashell activity ranges from entirely free to $10 and it teaches a variety of skills like counting, shape sorting, colors, patterns, and more! I bought one container of seashells and used a random tray we had around the house to keep them contained. The link to the shells is at the end of this post. This was a supervised activity as there are small shells and pieces could break off. It also has been a good one to keep him playing at my feet while I get things going for dinner.

So here's how it worked for us: 

Grab a tray and your container of seashells.

- I took a handful of shells out of the container and let Miles examine them. I left the container on the tray so he could take a look at those too, if desired. As it was the first time he ever even saw a seashell I did not want to just dump out the entire container. It is less overwhelming to lay out just a few.

- Next I poured out the rest of the container. We talked about how they looked: spotted, blue, swirly, striped, etc. We organized them in different ways.

- You can also count them, separate them by shape, length, pattern, color.  Make piles of similar shells and ask where the next one goes. 

- Ask which one is the one favorite and why.

- Make a beautiful design/mosaic, use them to design a circle.

- Put them in order of largest to smallest.

Other options: I did not include any water in our playtime but if your tray holds it, you totally could! You could use a muffin tin to sort them. Miles ended up putting them all away into the container and twisting the lid! He came up with it on his own through playing. Love that.

This was an awesome way to play on theme with these sunshine-summer days! Here is the link to the Amazon seashells! I chose this mix because they are so pretty and seemed to have the most varied types included for a good price. In a world where engaged learning often means more complex, digital, and expensive, activities like this are a wonderful way for me to be alongside Miles as he learns. Each and every time he plays with the shells it is a different experience as he learns more and more. Have fun! 

wishing you joy on your journey,

kristen

The Life of Animals in Japanese Art // Sundays with Swann Street

You all know I love all things Japan so visiting this new exhibit at the National Gallery of Art was high on my list of things to-do lately. This past weekend there was a whole bunch of fun events to celebrate the exhibit's opening. We got to see the entire exhibit together. Wander with us and check out some highlights from our visit!

Umm, talk about mesmerizing! We walked through the twinkly tunnel over and over. It is beautiful! You take this tunnel to the East building where the exhibit is located!

This weekend was a community kick-off weekend with lots of events like origami making, a live DJ, storytelling, sake tasting, taiko drumming, and more! We missed basically all of those things but I was happy to just go to be there at a time that worked out for us. It's common for a work thing or two to pop up for my husband on the weekend but this afternoon was totally free for us to go together. Yay!

On the second level there was a section where families and friends could learn how to make origami!  I'm going to tape this crane Miles found into his baby photo album (which stopped at like 7 months and I dearly need to update...). He also has a crane that was given to him by a Japanese chef we met at Union Market when he was a few months old. Maybe by time he is grown he will have 1,000. 

What is more fun that art by Yayoi Kusama?

My favorite, favorite part of this exhibit is the way it allows you to connect the ancient myths and symbolism of animals in Japanese art to what we see in modern Japan. In this case, right next to each other: the bronze deer from the 14th century depicting the fusion between Shinto and Buddhist beliefs in Japan next to the modern interpretation.

During our 2012 visit to Japan we saw the revered deer that live in Nara which the bronze deer is based on. At that time I just thought it was cool to see so many deer wandering around freely, but seeing this helped me add a deeper meaning to that experience. I have read about why those deer are so special but seeing the detailed piece in person really drove it home for me. (I'm a visual learner for sure. Anyone else?)

It's not every Sunday that we decide it's a good idea to go downtown around 3:30pm but it worked out as a nice way to spend those last few hours before dinner (and bedtime for Miles). I love spending time together at these sort of things. We learn, we share what we find interesting, and there are also always some good snacks or food around to grab a treat. Miles' favorite part was the live DJ!

Nintey-nine birds on the outside...and the 100th? A gorgeous crane on the inside. This wedding garment left me stunned! Throughout the exhibit you will see embroidered kimono, sculptures, and massive samurai suits of armor to compare to modern garments influenced by pleats and patterns we see today. This is all just another reminder to gravitate towards what leaves my mind turning and turning. Japan is that thing for me. I am endlessly fascinated. Find what leaves you stunned and keep moving towards it. 

At the entrance to the exhibit there are posters where you can identify your Japanese zodiac and learn more about it. At the end of this post I have a link to more information as well.

This exhibit provides the perfect opportunity to learn about the symbolism regarding animals appearing in Japanese variations of Buddhism and Shinto. If you plan on visiting Japan, your trip would be greatly enriched by what you learn here. These symbols are everywhere: temples, books, magazines, music, poetry, ads, stores, designs. Japan is a place devoted to beautiful design, so for sure the whole country will come to life when you have a deeper of understanding of what it all means.

If you decide to go, here are some tips for your visit: bring a stroller as there are a few parts of the exhibit that look pretty tempting for a toddler to touch but can't be touched. Check out the cafeteria area in the East building since it's more open than the one you may pass through in the West building. There are accessible ways of getting around the East building but they are not that obvious. The elevator to the concourse level is a little hidden so just ask the info desk outside the exhibit. 

Read on:

Learn more about Japanese Zodiac

More events going on for this exhibit (see Related Events tab on the right hand side)

Really detailed review and write-up of this exhibit

The incredible symbols on the bronze deer

Awesome write-up of the exhibit by the DCist

wishing you joy on your journey,

kristen

The Door is Open // Life Update, Garden Update

The dreamer that I am, I wish that every blog post showcased the creative ideas I keep in my head  but reality is that life these days leaves room for less of my own goals. When I first became a mom I felt like my previous self disappeared entirely. I was confused, wondering who I was supposed to be now that I was a mom. There were times I swayed intensely towards complete self-sacrifice and that left me very empty. That path leads to going through the motions. Truth is that becoming a mom was a wake-up call. This post is about me, but it is for all of us who dream.

Once Miles entered this world I felt like something was waiting for me but I did not know what that might be. I don't have a fancy new job or some impressive endeavor to share but I do have a renewed sense of purpose that is more true to the core of who I am. The part of myself that got lost in the shuffle of life long ago. My relentless pursuit to prove myself started the day I moved to Washington DC over seven years ago. Each time I met a goal, I strove further.  This city sparked a passion that has never let me go. It was hard work, but it left me off balanced. Sure, I was no longer the unmotivated me that got by through much of college but the gaps where my true self was to fill were instead taken up with the ways of what was around me. My external locus of control allowed me to all too easily settle for blending in, even to wearing clothes I did not truly love and interests that ran dry.

Growing up in Florida I was outside all day and night. Sandy toes and Jack Johnson always playing, complete with driving in my Jeep past the Everglades on the daily. DC was a huge adjustment and I have since always missed the carefree side of myself. Being a mother has brought me full circle to the me that doesn't mind if I look messy or my clothes run more flowy than my fellow Washingtonians. I am me. I like carefree. I like not wearing business casual on the weekends. :)

I read earlier this week from Phoebe of Honestly, Though a most outstanding reminder: that our first photo/video/blog post/novel/whatever will not be perfect. Do it anyway. I keep waiting to find the perfect niche where my lifestyle fits into this blogging world but I can't put my finger on it. So I wait and make excuses. And I fret that I post too much of the same thing and not enough style. The hesitation leads to not doing anything at all. When I applied to an opportunity to work in Tokyo and did not get it, I let that be an excuse to give up on my dream. It stung to miss out and I doubted my abilities. 

No longer will I wilt under this self-created pressure. I have a voice and it should exist outside of my own head. 

For awhile I have been aggressively studying Japanese again in my free time. One day I want to wake up in Japan with my family and call it home for awhile (even if only briefly). 

All of the "random stuff" that is actually the stuff of my life right now that sits on my phone and doesn't get shared...I'm going to share it anyway. My dream for this blog was never to turn a profit. It was to share my voice and creativity through style, photography, writing, and public speaking. To do that, I need to show up and let myself to be heard.

It is so easy for me to tell myself, eh, I'm a mom, I should focus on something else, shouldn't I? Isn't there more to do around the house? Aren't these goals a bit far-fetched? Perhaps. But they are mine and the pleasure I have in pursuing them has given me such satisfaction. When we pursue what we dream of being or doing, we truly live.

wishing you joy in your journey (and thank you for following mine!)

kristen

Father's Day GIFT idea {simple, affordable, meaningful}

On Max's first Father's Day I handed him five sealed envelopes. Cheap, bulk envelopes you find at a convenience store. Inside each one was a page with words printed simply. It wasn't the cost of the gift that made a difference, but the messages inside. I reached out to five fathers I know my husband respects and admires, and asked them a series of questions. Their responses blew me away. I had no idea what to expect but their collective wisdom meant the world to Max and I hope this idea inspires you this Father's Day. 

Words sustain me. Throughout the day I rely on messages and recalling encouragement/jokes/stories to make sense of life and stay true to myself. Pieces of advice become mantras and those mantras empower me. They help me make decisions. There are no limits to the power of words, but they must be shared first.

Ready to make it happen? 

1. Come up with questions. (See end of post for ideas!)
2. Reach out to father figures. I emailed five dads I know my husband loves and respects. I tried to mix it up between fathers with grown children and fathers around our age. That doesn't necessarily matter but it was very interesting to see the wisdom from a father whose children are off and gone along with the ones in the thick of it.
3. Print them and place into envelopes. With a newborn I had limited time- I used cheap envelopes and regular printer paper. You can fancy this up as much as you want but the words on the paper are what matter most.

Done! 

And last, here are some questions to consider:

What is the best part of being a dad?  
If you had a superpower as a dad what would it be? 
What is your advice for managing work-life balance? 
What is important to remember on difficult days? 
What are your happiest moments as a dad? 
Share a wise piece of advice about being a dad. 

What traditions did your father pass on to you that you passed on to your children?

wishing you joy on your journey,

kristen

The National Zoo with a Walking Toddler!

 

I'm a child at heart in so many ways. I love fruit strips and candy. I prefer a cute little trinket or toy over a fancy gift from Max. Beginning when we first met, anytime Max traveled without me he would bring me back a very small gift. Once it was a panda eraser from a 50 cent machine in a record store in Saint Louis. Another time a Japanese keychain that looked like edamame. And more recently, tiny wooden Frida Kahlo earrings from a market in New Orleans. When it comes to being a mom, I am already imagining the day when Miles and I can build Legos together, or paint at an easel (soon!). I am all about fun learning activities. I strive to learn more about learning philosophies and play styles, and also stay in tune with my own intuition.

From Miles' infancy he was very aware and had an active mind (not that he was hyper- there's a difference). The fact he barely napped really drove that point home. He sleeps exactly the bare minimum of healthy time necessary and wakes up early ready to take on the day. 

For playtime, I am a huge fan of learning beside him and letting him be confused as he figures things out. I fully believe that it means the world for me to be there in the process of him learning, and not just the final outcome when he has figured it out. Understanding development stages has assisted with understanding when to say no, and when to let things slide. All in all, I have a joy that I can barely contain about playtime and Miles does, too. I think I am supposed to be miss those newborn days, but there is nothing like sitting with him, sharing lunch, and running around! These are the moments I dreamed about having and as a parent, and it is my greatest happiness to find fun, happy, interesting things for him and us to together.

Becoming a Member at the National Zoo

Most recently I decided to become a member at the National Zoo. Here are the best reasons I think it's totally worth it! I joined at the Premier level for $80 (and also got a cute tote!).

• FREE parking. It's normally $25 and taking the metro to the zoo is just not my thing. You go to the zoo to get worn out, and a train ride home sounds miserable. Get us in an air conditioned car! We take the train all the time but this is a time I vote no. Parking, please!
• First access to fun, free events.
• Saving 15% on food. There are now food trucks and organic coffee at the zoo. Come on. That's awesome.
• Cute freebies. Like right now members can go to the Asia gift shop and get a free stuffed animal. That's awesome as normally a little gift from the shops are kinda pricey.
• Free train rides.
• Reciprocation. There are TONS of other zoos and aquariums around the country where you can get free or discounted admission and other great discounts. Awesome!

Okay, that's about all I can think of at this moment but there's more on the website. And depending on which level you chose, there are different perks. I think Premier is the perfect balance of still getting a deal for what you're paying for: 3 visits to the zoo would be $75 so why not just become a member? That was my logic.

A Day at the Zoo

So a membership is great and all but what about planning the day? Here's what ours looked like:

• 7:45am - Called ahead to order for pick-up at nearby Open City Cafe. One of us ran in to get it and grabbed a coffee as well. All of the food does not open until 10am at the zoo.
• 8:15 - Parked in Lot A to be near the Asia Trail aka where the pandas are! It is also right near the Panda Overlook which has tables and that is where we sat to eat.
• After this, we just kept an open schedule. We saw the pandas first which was a lot of fun and then wandered on mixing up indoor exhibits to cool off, with outside fun. Towards the other end of the zoo where the petting zoo is, there is a really excellent playground space. The ground is so soft and there is so much space. It's also perfect for sitting down for a break and have a snack. I packed us a small cooler lunch bag with snacks (cheese sticks, fruit rolls, pb & j, water, crackers). There is also a family restroom and purified water bottle fill-up station.
• Shortly after this we made our way back to leave so we could run an errand, but ideally we would have just stayed for lunch, let Miles have a stroller nap, and then left.
• All in all I prefer to get to the zoo early even though the food does not open until later on. There's more parking and things just feel more peaceful. The crowds are not out yet and it's also not as hot.

Anyways, I hope this was helpful! It's sometimes weird to write posts like this that seem sponsored? This is not sponsored, it's just something I am very excited about! So it's a motherhood and fun stuff update all-in-one!

wishing you joy on your journey

kristen