Baby Loves Disco is a new trend that I’ve heard a lot about lately. Basically it’s a chance for families to come hang out in a nightclub, with child-friendly environment, with cool music, snacks and even a chill-out room. (I’m flashing back to my days as a rave dj. I’m sure it won’t be quite THAT crazy… but hey, I haven’t been “out” in a LONG time!)

I’m glad that the Baby Loves Disco wave is sweeping over Fort Lauderdale! I’m surprised we don’t have to drive to Miami to catch something like this. (I know Twilli would LOVE some good Salsa dancing. But I’m not able to move that way! hehehe)

Also, a super cool chic from one of our local Meetup playgroups, is one of the sponsors. (Maybe we’ll bring home some cool SWAG!) Nicole is the head chef and chief bpa-free bottle washer for Rockin Mamaz - for Moms who ROCK the Cradle with the Flyest Gear and Coolest Clothes. Bringing you Hip and Funky Maternity and Infants to Big Kids Apparel. Unique toys, BPA- Free Glass Bottles, Sippy Cups and so much more. I immediately resonated with Nicole when we first met. I can’t wait to see what she’s put together for her shop!

Twilli LOVES music! And she loves to dance! Right now, it looks more like HEAD-BANGIN’ than anything else. Actually, that’s part of the humor! Twilli looks too sweet to be a head-banger! But she loves when Au-teen plays metal on guitar, too! I guess she inherited some of her daddy’s taste in music. Oh, and she looks great in black! lol

Hopefully, Elliott will shoot LOTS of photos of everyone shakin’ it to the Village People! lol And maybe we’ll post a video or two of head-bangin’ Twilli!

It’s Dad’s turn to write “Wears The Baby Wednesday” this week. I’m between daytime gigs right now, so my schedule opened up to attend a Broward Babywearing Meeting this past Monday, where Renee attends regularly.

Mothers of varying experience levels gather to share tips, and allow each other to try out the myriad baby carriers available today. You can try out ring slings, soft structured carriers, mei tais and other Asian-inspired carriers, and mobi wraps.

Due to the large turnout (yay!), Kimberley decided that we would do introductions then have a few demonstrations. The back carry was demonstrated with a few different carriers. After the formal demonstrations of the back carry, the curious to paired up with the experienced for some one-on-one instruction.

The next meeting is tentative for this Saturday, April 26th, at Volunteer Park, in Plantation. Check in with the Broward Babywearing site to find out more.

Today I went to my first playgroup meeting at a local playgroup on Meetup.com in Fort Lauderdale. The organizer of the group, Jordanna, planned a Valentine’s Day party at Chick-Fil-A for the kids to play and exchange cards. There was a turnout of around 35 people. In attendance were parents with kids aged 3 months, up to a couple of teen girls, who came to help.

Everyone I met was GREAT! There are some really cool families out there. Face it, everyone ultimately wants the same thing. Right? We all need fellowship with peers. I can’t believe I didn’t go to one of these meetings before.

For a long time I’ve been saying, “I want to meet like-minded people in the community.” But I haven’t followed up with action until lately. It is definitely worth the effort.

Meetup.com is an EXCELLENT resource for finding people in YOUR community. (And no, I am not getting any kickbacks for this.)

How have you met other parents and families? Please LEAVE A COMMENT and share your experience.  

We have seen many positive changes in my 13 year old son this year. One of the best ones has been his recent involvement in the Civil Air Patrol, aka CAP. My husband explains more about Civil Air Patrol on 21stCenturyDad.com.

Last weekend, they took a field trip to the Coast Guard Station. At yesterday’s meeting, they learned about the parts of an airplane, and how these parts allow the plane to fly.

This coming weekend, the Cadets will be marching in the Candy Cane Parade - Hollywood Beach, FL. If you are interested, and in the Fort Lauderdale area, the parade is free. It starts at 7:00 p.m., on Saturday, December 8, 2007 at the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk & A1A at the Beach Theater.

This is the first time Au-teen has been in a parade. I assume they will be showcasing their marching drills and cadences. It’s wonderful to see my son getting involved with an organization that instills discipline and responsibility. And it’s not every day that he gets to march in a parade!