Issue 11: Heavy babies, strong spines
Spy moms, cakey cookies, and our very first newsletter movie night
Every so often, Ashley will share her expertise as a movement educator in a series we’re calling Movement Snacks. Each video gives you a handful of exercises to counteract some of the ways parenting can be challenging on the body. You can check out the first in the series in Issue #7.
This week, we are exploring thoracic (upper back) mobility and strength. Our babies become toddlers who become kids, and along the way, they just keep getting heavier. And yet they’re still tugging on your legs saying, “Up! Up! Up!'“ To keep both our spines and our kiddos happy, maintaining length and strength through our upper back can help offset unnecessary stress and compression through our low back and pelvis. I’ll keep things quick, simple, and informative, so take 10 minutes out of your day to get to know your thoracic spine and all it can do for you.
What We’re Reading
[Ashley] - I was recently given a copy of Mothershift by Jessie Harrold. My brain isn’t quite ready to dive in, but dang, am I looking forward to it. The book focuses on the transition into motherhood in all its complexity. It approaches this shift as a two to three-year time span (this feels SO RIGHT) as opposed to the more common six weeks or three months. Harrold introduces her own method to navigate this change and I’m eager to read through her guidance. If you, like me, can’t quite find the time to sit down during the end of year chaos, check out our dear friend Becca Piastrelli’s interview with Harrold on her gorgeous podcast Belonging.
[Genevieve] - I’ve made the excellent decision to subscribe to The Rot, a Substack all about composting (the name is 10/10, no notes). “The absolute basics of building a pile” is a perfect place to start, and they even provided this incredibly cute printable resource for teaching kids how to compost.
[Maddie] - The three of us were joking the other day about how intelligence agencies should recruit parents - we’re exfiltration specialists, prepared with a million supplies, making up stories on the fly. Maybe that’s why I’m drawn to all things espionage right now. I read Transcription by Kate Atkinson practically overnight, and I’ve torn through Mick Herron’s Slow Horses series as quickly as the library holds system will allow (the TV series is great too). Next up is Keira Knightley’s new Netflix show Black Doves in which she plays a spy who fields calls from her nine-year-old in the middle of a shootout. It all adds a little intrigue to packing the diaper bag these days.
Our Picks
[Ashley] - These Italian ricotta cookies are my absolute favorite Christmas cookie to make. NYT Cooking has the best collection of cookie recipes and I make these every year. A step away from the classics like sugar and gingerbread cookies, these are cakey (my fav), fluffy, and packed full of ricotta with a generous dose of sugar. Elevate your toddler’s cookie decorating by smearing some icing on top for extra decorating delight.
[Genevieve] - Are you aware of the existence of a Ham Party? Ham. Party. [Ed. note: I’m there for the spread of mustards!]
[Maddie] - I’m reporting from the breastfeeding trenches yet again, this time with an improvement to my pumping routine. When I swapped out flimsy storage bags for small glass jars a few months ago, I felt better about reducing the baby’s exposure to microplastics, but I didn’t quite escape the threat of freezer burn. I’m excited to give Boob Cube’s breastmilk storage kit a try (10% off with code SOFTSPOT10), especially since their silicone canteen attaches directly to my Spectra pump.
End of the Year Awards
We’ll take a break from publishing for the next two weeks and return in January. In the meantime, we’re sharing what readers clicked on most this year:
Marlow’s House - our photographer pal Amber Marlow shared this gorgeous essay with us
ILU massage - good for getting those bowels moving at any age
Better Cheddar Cheese Powder - the pantry staple dressing up our popcorn, pasta, and broccoli
Meals Chef Pants - a real outfit-maker with all the pockets you could possibly need (20% off anything at Nikki Chasin with MAMA20)
Baby-Daddy Cassoulet - the easy, cozy dish G’s co-parent makes this time of year
Movie Night
Hudson Valley friends: let’s see a movie! Meet us at Story Screen Cinema in Hudson on Wednesday, January 22 for a private screening of the comedy BABES, starring Ilana Glazer and Michelle Buteau. It’ll be a cozy night at the movies, laughing with other parents. Doors open at 6pm for drinks and chatting, with your first drink on us. Snacks and future rounds will be available for purchase. For babysitter purposes, you’ll be out the door by 9pm. Buy your tickets here!
In the Neighborhood
We live in the Mid-Hudson Valley and we’re keeping tabs on these (mostly family-friendly) events near us. If there’s another event you’d like us to share, please send it our way!
Now through Sunday, December 29 - The Polar Express on Catskill Mountain Railroad, Kingston
Now through Sunday, December 29 - The Wonderland of Lights, Rhinebeck
Sundays until March - Long runs with Return Run Club, Hudson
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Friday, December 20 - Inspire and Unwind Co-Hosted by Super-Stories and Village Yoga, Kinderhook
Friday, December 20 - Golden Russet Cookie Swap, Rhinebeck
Friday, December 20 - Carolin’ Canines, Kingston
Friday, December 20 - Ugly Holiday Sweater Bash at Return Brewing, Hudson ^
Friday, December 20 through Sunday, December 22 - Nut/Cracked, Tivoli
Saturday, December 21 - Olana Winter Solstice Celebration, Hudson
Saturday, December 21 - A Festive Flea & Fête with Phoenicia Flea and Foreland, Catskill
Saturday, December 21 - Burger + Martini Night at Quinnie’s, Hudson
Saturday, December 21 - Winter Solstice Party at Left Bank Ciders, Catskill ^
Saturday, December 21 through Sunday, December 22 - Cannonball Factory Holiday Market, Hudson
Tuesday, December 31 - Old Chatham Country Store’s New Year’s Eve Dinner, Old Chatham ^
Tuesday, December 31 - Glen Falls House New Year’s Eve Bash, Round Top ^
Tuesday, December 31 - Woodlands Masquerade at Deer Mountain Inn, Tannersville ^
Wednesday, January 8 - Free movie screening at Hudson Area Library: Paddington, Hudson
Starting January 5 - Catskill Mountain Music Together winter classes, multiple locations
Starting January 9 - Prenatal, postnatal, and toddler yoga at Sadhana, Hudson (10% off with code FRIENDS10)*
Sunday, January 12 - Free movie screening at Story Screen Cinema: Paddington 2, Hudson
Wednesday, January 22 - ✨The Soft Spot Presents✨ BABES Movie Night, Hudson ^
^ = for adults
* = will likely sell out, so book soon
As we find our rhythm, please reply with what you want to see in our emails. We have toddlers, we’re used to tough feedback.