Artful escapes

The first six months with your newborn are one of nature's great bonding experiences.  The two of you spend endless hours nursing, feeding, cooing, and cuddling together at home.  Mom and babe get to know each other in ways that no one else can.  If you are like me, though, your life pre-baby was go, go, go.  The day before I went into the hospital to give birth I was zooming around town like a madwoman; attending meetings, chatting with friends, having lunch out, and shopping.  While I was blessed to have an immediate bond with my sweet little boy, the sudden  halt to my million-mile-a-minute lifestyle left me a little bewildered.  Once I came out of the complete fog of the first eight weeks, I needed a chance to get out every once in a while.  Below are some great nanoescapes for new mom and baby!

-The Columbia Museum of Art: Load up the stroller and head to the corner of Main and Hampton.  The quiet atmosphere won't over stimulate baby, and you can peruse the current exhibition, Excavating Egypt: Great Discoveries from the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, University College London.  Included are jewelry and fashions of the times, busts, and even an amazing coffin (who knew the Egyptians were so short?).  While  you are there, head upstairs to look at the Kress Collection, which includes works by Botticelli and Crespi.

- Starbucks: Admit it. Your internet time has increased exponentially since baby entered your life.  You should be sneaking in naps when he dozes, but instead you are hammering away at your keyboard.  Why not take that activity out?  Pack up your laptop, diaper bag, and infant carrier and head for a Grande Chai Latte and some Wi-Fi.  Your little one can coo and snooze while you answer your email.

- Walk the Devine Mile:  Okay, it's not quite a mile, but on a beautiful day a stroll past (and into) the shops on Devine Street will certainly lighten you mood, and the fresh air will put a tiny smile on your little sweet pea's face (or gas... whatever works).

- Lunch With The Girls: Take advantage of your baby's portability now, because when he is walking and gabbing and discovering how to throw, a leisurely lunch will become more of a rarity!  Besides, everyone wants a lunch date with a sweet, gurgling bundle of joy!

Life in this slowed down lane is full of amazement, and experiencing activities with your baby will help you to relax and step outside of your box.  Be creative as you work around your child's schedule and  you will both be happier for it!