The New Swiss Army Knife of Parenthood

My hubby J absolutely wanted to be a guest blogger on this topic.

A single innovation has fundamentally shifted on how we raise our son. No, scientists did not invent an odor-eliminating diaper. Sesame Street is not in 3-D. There’s no robot that cleans up spilt milk. It’s much more profound. Soon we’ll wonder how we ever got along without it as parenting is forever changed.

You see, like other mamas and papas across the country, my wife has succumbed to the allure of the fancy, shiny iphone. Who can blame her? After 5 years of wielding a do-nothing-fabulous flip phone, she knew she was missing something essential in her arsenal of tricks. When the little guy is in need, she always has milk and crackers, wipes and diapers, a sweatshirt and shoes, and sun-block and toys. Lately, it has not been enough.

I got an iPhone for work over a year ago and ever since Ly has taken every chance to swipe her finger across the small of the rectangular screen to unleash the power of the Internet and Apple’s endless applications. On Saturday morning errand runs, she’ll research swim lesson times, restaurant menus and playground locations. On our way to the city, she’ll check traffic, confirm directions and check for email updates. With the little guy, we’ll shoot video on his favorite train ride at the Oakland Zoo or playback last night’s impromptu concert performance complete with makeshift microphone. Of course, the grandparents have the latest photos zipped to them and occasionally get to exchange words on speakerphone.

Now my wife has loaded her 4G model with baby flashcards, the Pandora Internet radio app and the Koi pond app. My son has no qualms unlocking my phone or asking to watch train videos on YouTube. With over 50 million iphones sold since its release in 2007, I know this is not NEW news. Instead, this is “what the hell did we do before iphones” kind of news. It’s addictive and convenient for the whole family. Set a reminder to set it aside and ponder life without it.
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And I might add that I can also blog on the go!

Best New Find: The Animal Fair

We had a family trip to the Alameda Friends of the Library book sale and picked up this fabulous book by Alice and Martin Provenson for a buck fifty. Retro illustrations and witty stories promise to make your little one happy. It’s more of a collection of rhymes, riddles, and stories without words that will make night readings a blast. The award winning artists are a married and the love they put into this work of art is contagious. The Animal Fair is definitely something to add to your home library.

Ooh...Chopsticks and Baby

OMG! Kai picked up a grape with chopsticks yesterday. We were eating at Sushi King and he was seriously concentrating on picking up single grapes with the wooden chopsticks. This was his own initiative.On the fifth try, he was able to pick up one plump one and he was ecstatic! I think it’s time to buy the kiddie chopsticks like the ones shown above. I think that is one accomplishment that will do down in his book. Nineteen months and chopstick ready!

Read more about the average age to start chopstick training.

Rain Rain Go Away

The Bay Area has seen some stormy weather all week. Californians are sad. We don’t do so well in our non insulated homes and non weatherproof clothes. Oh well. I really do admire folks in the mid-west who still manage to have fun in the extreme cold.

Kai likes all his new rain gear which includes:

Yellow Rain Boots by Vincent Shoes



Bubble Jacket by Bon Bebe with a faux fur collar

The downer is that he gets so little time outside. So we’ve tried to be creative with homemade play dough, dance sessions with me, and night walks when possible with a flashlight.

We also moved into Kai's room to hibernate. I find that I really enjoy sleeping together as family. It helps with cutting down the heating bill and we all help each feel warm and cozy.

Kaboose offers some cool ideas to keep kids active in the winter too.

Last Call: Persimmons

January is the last month to pick up persimmons. I’m always surprised at how many people have never eaten one. It can be seen more as an Asian fruit as the markets in Chinatown are always fully stocked. Kids will love their sweetness and the star pattern found inside. The crunchy Fuyus seem to be packed with more beta carotene, antioxidants, and Vitamin A than the Hachiya variety. Eat up!

My sister-in-law made yummy persimmon bread over the holidays too.

Read more about Persimmon Pleasures at Tea and Cookies.

My First Sony Boombox Takes Us Back

Awhile back I scored an old My First Sony boombox for Kai at a garage sale. I swear that little box is blessed with good music karma. Anytime I turn it on, there is some dope music program on. It gets amazing reception and picks up all the indie radio stations.

At 8:30 this morning, Paid In Full by Erik B and Rakim started playing on KALX and Kai was bobbin’ his head. Could I have imagined this moment back in the day….probably not.

Bless your weekend with good beats!

Surprise Mini-Vacation: Point Reyes

Originally we had plans to spend the weekend in Santa Cruz, but the Lockheed Fire changed that. Instead we drove on over to Point Reyes. This is the perfect place to take your little one and feel like you’re on vacation.

It’s absolutely gorgeous and only a little over an hour from Oakland. You can beach hop since there are several beaches along Sir Francis Drake Blvd. I highly recommend going to these places:

Hearts Desire Beach—It’s a sweet little cove that’s perfect for kids to hang in the water. There isn’t much wind and no big waves unlike most Bay Area beaches. You can even find a spot that gives you half shade and sun. Just try to arrive before noon to get a parking space.

Check out the Farmer’s Market at Point Reyes Station for goodies to bring on your picnic lunch.




Before hitting the beach, stop by this super cool and well thought out toy store, Into The Blue. This has been one the most impressive toy boutiques I’ve visited. Wooden toys and pretty kites fill up this small storefront. I grabbed a tie dye octopus kite for little Kai. The owner provides a map of best beaches to fly a kite and safety tips as well.


If you like oysters, there are plenty of farms and cafes that serve ‘em up raw or barbequed.

Cool Sighting: Tandem Bike with the Kids

When I was driving to Kai’s daycare this morning, I saw the sweetest thing. A dad plus his young daughter riding tandem and his toddler on a baby bike seat in the back. They were going uphill too! That’s dedication.

Read more about the benefits of tandem biking with the kids here.



Image by illustrator Barbara Pollack

Behind the Clothing: Tea Collection

I know sometimes we hesitate to buy higher end clothing for the little ones. But there's something to be said about quality and originality.

One of the most admired clothing companies in the bay area is Tea Collection. There’s a reason for this.

Designer Laura Boes shares the inspiration for their current spring collection and how Brazilian street art was a key influence.

Walking the streets of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil is the ultimate stimulation of the senses. Read More

Must-Have: Canon G10

It seemed that I ditched photography for a couple of years. I had an SLR once when film was still in. After having Kai, our mini point and shoot wasn't making the grade. We upgraded to the Canon G10 which is compact and light with many SLR capabilities. No more shaky photos of the baby. No lugging around a big SLR. In just two months, my passion for photography has been rekindled. I highly recommend this cute camera!

Bargain Hunter: Must See Sales

You know me, I love my bargains. Especially when the good stuff goes on sale. One thing I've learned about on-line sales is that you have to jump on them. Here are two you might enjoy:

Robeez--You know those cute soft shoes that you think are overpriced? No need to buy them used today because their on sale for half-price at Pacifier




Tea Collection--my favorite line of locally designed children's clothing has a magnificent sale you don't want to miss.



Can't forget to mention the sale happening at Flinc. Get your American Apparel Sheer School Girl Tee or Gramps Caputo Cap...either for $5! Don't sleep on this one.


Happy huntin' for those bargains.

DIY:CARDBOARD PlAyBoX

Don't ditch those big boxes from all your on-line shopping.

Do a quick upgrade and viola! you've created a fun box. All you need are sharp scissors, old stickers, yarn, and finger puppets. You could leave the box as-is but this is much more fun. Cut out windows and hang things with short strips of yarn to add dimension.



Shown Above: Puppet penguin and monkey trapezing across the way.


Honestly your kid and pet will end up snoozing in there. Enjoy!

Here's a link to more advanced cardboard toy making too.

DIY Flashback: Pregnancy Photos

Green Washing: Makes You Wonder

I’ve been seeing the new ads for JIF Natural. I’m a huge fan of peanut butter so I take notice. Sure as a kid from the 80’s, my mom only bought creamy JIF to make peanut sauce for our Vietnamese spring rolls. With the leftovers, I made PB & J sandwiches on Wonder Bread. But I was also the kid who ate Smuckers Grape Jelly straight from the jar. I didn’t know any better! It was only when I turned 22 did I try 100% natural peanut butter for the first time. Damn, it’s good despite the pool of oil sitting on top of the jar.

So back to JIF, they created this new natural line. Hmmm…makes me wonder what was it before if not natural? Looks like all these old school companies are jumpin’ on the green wagon. Why didn’t they just make things natural in the first place?

I believe the Natural JIF is now 90% peanuts and the rest is still sugar, palm oil, and salt.

Close enough, I guess but there’s no turning back for me. Remember there are benefits to eating this fatty and delicious food but you don't reap the benefits by eating refined peanut butter.

Beat the Sniffles—Cold Cure for Mama and Dada

Everyone seems to be sick now. That nasty cold keeps being passed between child, mom, and dad right? Well if you catch the cold, it doesn’t need to bog you down. Skip the Tylenol and try these simple recipes that will give you energy to beat the sickness.

The most important thing is to stay warm. Not just with socks and a hat, but your body's thermogenesis needs a kick.

Brew Roasted Ginger and Lemon Tea:

-Cut a whole ginger and lemon into thin slices and then place them in the toaster oven to roast for 10 minutes.
- Boil 2 cups of water with 3 tablespoons of raw or rock sugar.
- Add the roasted ginger and lemon
- Simmer on low heat for at least 30 minutes

Drink the tea several times a day and your circulation will be up to speed. Ginger is magic.

Eat Rice Congee. I know it doesn’t sound good but East Asians eat this to retain their strength during sickness. You can easily purchase it at a traditional Chinese restaurant. Or you can cook up this comfort food for cheap:

Basic Congee
serves 6
1 cup long grain white rice
9 cups water or stock (chicken or fish)
Salt to taste

In a heavy pot, bring the rice, liquid and optional salt to a boil, then turn it down to a simmer and cover loosely with a lid. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the rice is thoroughly cooked and the porridge has become thick and creamy, about 1 1/2 hours. Serve up hot with the condiments of your choice or plain, just as it is, for a comforting, simple meal.

Recipe from The Kitchn

If you’re not sick, these recipes can cheer up your partner, children, and friends. They’ll love you for it!

More Art for the Baby's Room: Adrian Tomine

When I was pregnant with Kai, I treated myself to a New Yorker subscription. During this time, the work of Adrian Tomine started to grow on me since he illustrated multiple covers and images recently. I fell in love with the image below from an October issue:




Now I'm a big fan and we plan to make room in Kai's room for the Gold Boy, Emerald Girl illustration. I think it will accompany the David Weidman piece well. Hopefully Kai will love it too. Are there other fans out there too?

Baby Upgrade: Cool Convertible Car Seat

Yes, my baby is growing out of his first car seat. We’re moving on to a convertible. I was so relieved to find the Maxi-Cosi Priori. The Britex and Eddie Bauer versions were a bit of an eye sore for me. I want it all…beauty and function. Maxi-Cosi is considered the Graco of Europe. It’s been 4-5 star rated for safety and durability on web reviews . The Priori costs $200, but right now Pacifier is selling them for $169 with free shipping. This upgrade is worth the buy because of the high resale value. I wonder why US companies can’t make things this pretty?