Play time!

It's the middle of January, temperatures are in the low 30s, and slushy snow covers the ground.  Cabin fever has set in.  I know I'm not the only one.  I can see the crazed look in the eye of almost every woman passing us with a child.

 

Many buildings have "play rooms" that offer a place for parents and children to congregate, to get out of the apartment, play with some different toys, and interact with others.  Unfortunately our building does not have such a little spot.  I know what to look for next time I'm faced with finding an apartment in a city that has winter for what seems like 6 months out of the year.

 

It isn't surprising that pay to play spots are all over the city.  Places like My Gym, Gymboree, and Little Gym are just a few that offer classes for toddlers and open up for "free play" time during the day.  The fee generally runs about $200/month for one 45 minute class per week and some free play sessions.  Ouch.  Most places seem to offer free play sessions that coincide with nap time so we'd be unlikely to take advantage of that unstructured play time in the space.

Thankfully my time online is paying off and I've managed to find some deals via doodledeals.  It's like Groupon but all the deals are kid or mom centered.  Most deals have involved things like birthday parties or music lessons but I have seen a few things like eyelash extensions and botox treatments.  Haven't scooped up any cosmetic surgery deals quite yet, but we have been getting some indoor playtime on the "cheap," $15 per session rather than $25-30.

And Freddie loves, loves, loves it.  We've been to a few open play sessions and he's all over the place, moving nonstop from the time we enter.  His favorite is the trampoline.  Unfortunately our first attempt to go to a class was foiled because of closures due to snow.  Of course.

Thanks, Rebekah and Freddy for the company, and the pictures!