We Embraced our World!

This year, International Babywearing Week was celebrated with the theme "Embrace Your World."  This of course had the 2 fold meaning of baby being our world, but also, getting out there to embrace what our local community has to offer.  So we did both!

Our chapter planned several fun and informative activities during International Babywearing Week.  One thing we planned was an auction to benefit the chapter.  This was a great success and raised $400 for our local chapter!

An example of one of the baskets won by the participants!

Our chapter did a day at Cox Farms in Centreville VA to enjoy the slides, music, and donuts!  The members who attended Cox Farms had a great time!

A group of members wearing their little ones at the farm

Another day we hit the Smithsonian National Zoo in DC!  It was a gorgeous day and we saw lions, tigers, and pandas, oh my!

L and her little one look out over the elephants

M wears baby on her back while observing the elephants, and big kid S photobombs in the background.

Even 5yr olds get tired.  M let me borrow her wrap when my 5yr old announced she was worn out

Half our group meets up to see the big cats!

Another chunk of the group plays with the bears

On Sunday we had an event with Takoma Attachment Parenting that gave us a chance to do a little outreach while the bigger kids did crafts!

AM demonstrates using an SSC to a group of parents

The toddlers, preschoolers, and big kids enjoyed making crafts

Our friends at Honest Soul Yoga in Alexandria hosted us for "Rogue Monday."  This has become a DC-MD-VA tradition where we host an event outside of the exact dates of IBW, but on the federal holiday to give working families a chance to participate.  This year we did a fitness and yoga walk.  This was a lot of fun!

The group warms up in the studio before the walk

Making our way out and working on some yoga poses

The group spread out down the path on the walk

Then we gathered together for some more yoga

Stretches!

This was a tough one, arm dips on the edge of the playground

A little relaxation break

Cool down back at the studio

And finally, while IBW was kicking off, several of your leaders were taking an opportunity to grow in their knowledge with the second part of the Center for Babywearing Studies course.  We joined leaders from several local groups including BWI of So. MD, BWI of Central MD, and Quantico Area Babywearers to become better educators to our local members.

A group photo with Joanna from Center for Babywearing Studies
and a group of educators including Angelique, Jessica, and Ann Marie from our chapter.

Overall, IBW was an amazing week and we had a great time spending it with you!  We look forward to seeing you at a meeting soon.


Posted by Ann Marie

International Babywearing Week 2015!

It's just about time to kick off International Babywearing Week 2015!  This year the theme is "Embrace Your World."  We are looking forward to embracing all of the things we love about wearing and the little ones we love wearing.  We have a variety of activities, from family outings to the zoo, farm, and yoga, to regular meetings, supporting local businesses that support us, and finally supporting our community.  This year we are excited to be hosting a carrier drive to benefit Mamatoto Village.  Mamatoto Village , aims to combat the high rates of preterm birth, low-birth weight and infant mortality in the D.C. Metro Area/Baltimore through the advancement of two programs. The Birthworker Program offers training, education, and practical

experience to women of color who are dedicated to the advancement of maternal health equity in underserved communities. Mothers Rising, allows expectant teens and lower income women under age 25 to receive prenatal education, emotional support, and career planning from pregnancy through the first year of the child’s life.  Carriers will be collected at all IBW events and will be delivered along with a workshop on carrier use for the Mamatoto Staff following IBW.

Our full schedule can be viewed here.
For more details on any event, see our events tab on Facebook.

Tuesday, October 6 - Cox Farm  10am-6pm Fall Festival all day. 

Wednesday, Oct 7 - Tysons meeting.  10am-noon.

Thursday, Oct 8 - Bethesda meeting. 10am-noon

Friday, Oct. 9 - Zoo Playdate 10am (meet in front of the visitor center at the main entrance)

Sunday, Oct 11 - Family Activities Day with Takoma AP  - 3:15-4:45pm

Monday, Oct 12 - Family Yoga and Walk at Honest Soul Yoga in Alexandria. 11am-noon

All Week - Baked by Yael (across from the zoo on Connecticut Ave) will be giving 10% discounts to anyone wearing a child in a carrier.

All Week - In previous years we have held a fundraiser raffle for IBW, but this year, we have decided to try holding an online silent auction.  We have some great items available for purchase to support BWI of DC-MD-VA in the coming year.  Please take a look and consider supporting our organization.  http://bwidcmdva2015.eflea.ca/

We hope you will join us for a few activities to celebrate babywearing during this fun week.  Also a final note, the Combined Federal Campaign is currently taking place for federal workers.  If you, your spouse, your parents, or anyone else you know is looking for a cause to support with the CFC, we would like to remind you that this year, we are an eligible charity.  Our CFC# is 60645.



Thank you for all you do to support Babywearing International of DC-MD-VA.