Dr. Straughn's favorite non-medical stuff

How to get a note from the President

Blog Author — Fri, 02 May 2008 18:35:36 GMT

Regardless of your political leanings, it makes a pretty cool addition to your baby book to have a personal note from the president. You can send a baby announcement to the White House, or you can simply fill out an online request. Within a few months, you will receive a hand-addressed letter from the President. (Or maybe it is a volunteer caligrapher, and not Laura Bush, who addresses every envelope by hand)

Organic Garden Center and Farmer's Market

Blog Author — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 20:57:25 GMT

Last Saturday, we packed up the minivan (with the twins, there's no way to fake it with an SUV), and drove about 20-30 minutes to Balch Springs for Market Day at Eden's Organic Garden Center. Walt had a big time chasing the chickens, geese, and goats and petting the horses. In addition to organic gardening supplies and advice, on certain Saturday mornings they have a small farmer's market. Four or five local organic farmers came with their fresh produce. We picked up some farm-fresh eggs, fresh salad greens, radishes, onions, turnip greens, and butter lettuce. It was great fun to chat with the farmers and get the "just picked yesterday" beautiful veggies. There is nothing fancy about this place -- just nice, honest folks who are proud of what they do for good reason. You can get on their e-mail mailing list so you can receive notices about the next market day. Don't expect anything too big or polished, but this was a really pleasant way to spend a spring Saturday morning!

Local Foods

Blog Author — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 16:47:22 GMT

Please forgive my long absence from the blog - I had Influenza B about 3 weeks ago, and it took some time to shake off the "malaise." (Lousy flu vaccine this year -- check my last post).

Recently, the Dallas Morning News presented a nice list of local producers of produce, meats, cheeses, and other artisanal foods. I can't speak for all of them, but I have certainly enjoyed the Farmer's Market, Lucky Layla Farms, Mozzarella Company, and Spiceman's F.M. 1410. As we get into spring, the fresh, local foods will get increasingly enticing!

Ink Pen on the Computer Monitor

Blog Author — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 13:50:15 GMT

Just hypothetically speaking, if your toddler decides to write all over your LCD screen, don't freak out. Ballpoint pen cleans off very nicely with a 50-50 solution of rubbing alcohol and distilled water. Rub gently with a soft, lint-free cloth and it will come right off. Like I said, purely a hypothetical situation....

Kid's Quote of the Year

Blog Author — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 13:29:25 GMT

Zak, age 6: "Dr. Straughn is the best doctor in the world. His head is an oval."

My Favorite Kids' Stuff of 2007

Blog Author — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 14:14:59 GMT

This is a highly subjective, non-comprehensive list of my favorite kids stuff of the year. I tend to prefer things that are fun, playful, and not dumbed-down too much for kids. It is also important to teach a positive message without being too heavy-handed about it. This list is 99% "Dad Choice" and 1% "Pediatrician."

Music

Favorite New Album: Mommy Says No! by Asylum Street Spankers

This is an eclectic Austin-based band with their first children's album. I prize kids music that does not drive adults crazy, and this fits the bill.

Favorite Song: “18 Wheels on a Big Rig” by Trout Fishing in America, from the album Mine!

Funniest counting song ever. This was released in 1994, but we first heard in 2007, so that's why it's on the list.

Hall of Fame Album: Not For Kids Only by David Grisman and Jerry Garcia

Yep, the same Jerry Garcia from the Grateful Dead. These are beautiful, traditional songs in a folk and bluegrass style.

Books

Author: Mo Willems

I was planning to list a favorite book, but you just can’t go wrong with anything by Mo Willems. We were hooked from the start with Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! Since then, Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!, Leonardo the Terrible Monster, and Elephant and Piggie: Today I Will Fly! have become regular favorites in the book rotation.

Toys

Favorite Toy: Stomp Rocket When was the last time a $15 toy actually did what it was supposed to do, kept your kid's attention for months, and got them outside being active? This toy claims to teach your kids the physics of trajectory, force, and motion, but I just think it teaches them that rockets are awesome. Order online, or find it at Learning Express in Snider Plaza.

TV Show

Yo Gabba Gabba!

For the majority of the year, The Backyardigans were the clear favorite. Recently, however, we have discovered Yo Gabba Gabba! The music is great, and Biz Markie teaching your kid how to beat-box increases the Cool Quotient considerably. This is a very sweet show that teaches developmentally appropriate messages in a gentle and fun way.

(Pediatrician Disclaimer: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no TV before age 2, and then no more than 2 hours per day of supervised, well-chosen programming.)

Pictures of My Boys, Finally

Blog Author — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 21:44:28 GMT

Left to Right: Harry, Walt, and Sam on Thanksgiving Day

Harry thinks Sam is hilarious

Talking to Your Kids About Money

Blog Author — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 14:54:33 GMT

There is a great article in yesterday's Wall Street Journal about talking to your kids about money. No link available, as I can't find it in the online content. Look for the December 17 paper edition. One of my favorite ideas -- when eating out, offer your kids this choice: they can either have a soda, or they can have a dollar. You might be surprised at how often they will take the money and be happy with drinking water. The author describes this as a financial lesson, but it also works as a healthy choice!

Turkey Talk

Blog Author — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 16:25:47 GMT

It's turkey time, people, and I get serious about my cooking and food science. I am a big proponent of brining for any poultry or pork. Brining refers to soaking meat in a salt water solution before cooking, and it reliably gives more moist and tasty food. It is not too difficult, and it makes a big difference. If you are used to dry and dusty white meat in your Thanksgiving turkey, give it a try. I prefer the Cooks Illustrated methods for all things cooking. My wife things I am overly complicated and ridiculous in my methods, however, so proceed at your own risk. Happy Thanksgiving, everybody!!!

Roasted Brined Turkey Recipe, courtesy of Cook's Illustrated

Staying at home with the Boys

Blog Author — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 14:49:49 GMT

Greetings,

I am taking some time off this week to be with my boys. The twins are 11 days old today, and they are doing great. Sam had jaundice and needed home phototherapy, but he is significantly better now. We are still up frequently at night, so this will not be a restful vacation for me! I think that it is more challenging as a parent with the firstborn -- Leigh and I have consistently commented that it was harder with Walt than it has been with the twins so far. All of things that seem stressful and difficult with the first child do not seem so bad with the second (or third). Once the twins are mobile, I think the degree of difficulty will increase!

I have also been able to spend more time with big brother Walt. He is adjusting quite well. He is very sweet with the babies, and he always wants to check on them. I think he is better at telling them apart than we are! With two newborns to compare him to, I appreciate how special Walt is -- how big he has gotten, his funny personality, and how his development has progressed. I look forward to watching my kids grow and change over the years, and I consider it a privilege to do the same with yours!

Hug your kids today,
Chris