Free Books for D.C. Kids!

From the D.C. Public Library system: 

Even at an early age, reading to young children is the best thing you can do to put them on a path to success. Your kids pick up new words, have fun while they learn, and develop skills they will need later in school.

DC Public Library wants to make reading with your child fun and easy. That's why the Library is launching Books from Birth, a program that mails all enrolled kids in D.C. a free book each month from birth until they turn five.

Parents. You must register for this program in order to receive free books for your child.REGISTER HERE.

For more details about the Books From Birth program, please see our Frequently Asked Questions. If you need further assistance, feel free to contact us.

Cherry Blossom Petals Falling at Dumbarton Oaks' Gardens

One afternoon last week, while I should have been working and writing, Nonna and I snuck out to Dumbarton Oaks' Gardens and Museum. We sat beneath this canopy of cherry trees whose petals were falling with every breeze.

I'd love to write about the magical, fairy-tale experience of being surrounded by pale pink petals, but only cliches come to mind (magical, fairy-tale). Perhaps cliches are cliches for a reason. Regardless, I'll leave you with this video and keep trying to find the words or metaphor to describe this moment.

Shopping for (Used!) Maternity Clothes in the Metro D.C. Area

To follow-up on yesterday's post about used maternity clothes in New Jersey, here are the two best stores I've found in the Metro D.C. area:

Wiggle Room in Bethesda, MD

Bellies & Babies in Alexandria, VA

Are there others that I've missed?

Used pregnancy pants warning: The elastic on the top of the pants loses some of its, well, elasticity with time. Be sure to walk around the store a little and try squatting or bending over before buying a pair of used maternity pants. If you have to keep tugging at your pants to keep them up after a few minutes then they certainly won't fare well later.