That is the question many pregnant women consider as they get close to their due date. For some women, it isn’t a question at all. They want it, and the sooner the better. For other women, an unmedicated childbirth experience is a really compelling goal. When I was pregnant with my first child, I thought I would absolutely have the epidural. Then my mom overheard me saying so, and that’s when I found out that she’d had three unmedicated births.

This was not something we had ever discussed. But realizing that my mom had been able to do it and hearing her many points in favor made me want to try it. We took a 12-week class in the Bradley Birth Method, since I liked the idea of my husband learning how to be a really integral part of the experience. By the time we finished that class, we had an airtight birth plan and a no-epidural attitude.

But then I went 19 days past my due date and things started to unravel. I’ll spare the details, but in the end I finally took the epidural, with both my mom and my husband cheering the anesthesiologist on. My daughter was healthy, and that’s what mattered most. My next two births, I went with a different doctor at a different hospital, and things progressed much more according to plan. I didn’t need the epidural. I’m not going to lie. Both of those were incredibly intense, painful experiences, but for me, the benefits of mobility during labor and the quick recovery time more than made up for the discomfort.

If you’re considering this question right now, here are a few things you should know.

• While there are some moms that fall very strongly on one side or the other of this question, the majority of moms agree that this is a personal decision you make based on your unique situation. Maybe you have a very high or low tolerance for pain. Maybe you have some other extenuating circumstances that make an epidural impossible (or absolutely necessary). What’s most important is making an informed decision, one way or another.
• If you think you want to try for an unmedicated birth (or even if you’re on the fence), take a class on the subject. You will get a lot of information and tools to help you along. You’ll get to practice relaxation techniques and your partner will learn some massage and pressure points. You’ll both feel ready and confident when the day comes.
• The best time to get an epidural is between 4-7 cm. If you get it too early, it can slow down your labor leading to additional interventions, and many hospitals won’t give it to you once you’ve reached the active phase, because things are moving too quickly at that point.
• In most situations, the epidural is perfectly safe for your baby. The drugs are injected locally, and a very negligible amount (if any) will cross the placenta. Some studies show that babies whose mothers have had epidurals have a more difficult time latching on to the breast, but this is not universally true.
• Epidural side effects can include a drop in blood pressure, headache, backache, itching, and shivering. Major complications are extremely rare. Occasionally an epidural will not work, or will only numb one side and not the other. But when everything goes just right, the relief is immense.
• Getting an epidural will almost always mean you’ll need to stay in bed for the remainder of your labor. This means that you cannot easily change positions, and you will need to push lying on your back. Sometimes this can lead to more interventions (like forceps, C-section and vacuum delivery), particularly if the baby is not positioned well and you can’t move around to try to get the baby to relocate. This happened to me in my first delivery – the baby was posterior (or “sunny side up” as my OB cheerfully put it), and I couldn’t do anything to fix it. We had to use forceps to get her out. Ouch.
• The benefits of un-medicated childbirth include an easier time pushing and a faster recovery. Also, the stress hormones produced by the body in response to the pain of labor are present in the placenta and umbilical cord, which may be evidence that these are useful in preparing the baby for life outside the womb.
• Whatever happens during your labor and delivery, stay focused on a good outcome (healthy mom, healthy baby) and be proud of what you’ve accomplished.

Big thanks to Raeanne Brazee from Boston Baby Beginnings for fact-checking this article and giving it her stamp of approval!

Memorial Day Services: City of Boston
The Boston Parks and Recreation Department will be conducting several Memorial Day observances in city-owned parks and cemeteries. Various locations all over Boston.
Thursday, May 24, 2012 - Monday, May 28, 2012

Faneuil Hall Street Performers Festival Extravaganza
Enjoy performances by jugglers, magicians, mimes, & musicians all around the marketplace. Over 50 entertainers present 3 days of family entertainment. Quincy Market Colonnade, Boston.
Saturday, May 26, 2012 - Thursday, May 31, 2012

CORRECTION: Boston Central has informed us that the Festival is not happening in an official capacity this weekend, although street performers will still be performing.

Memorial Day Open House at the MFA
Visit the Museum of Fine Arts for a day of celebration with free general admission for all, including drop-in art activities for all ages. 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston.
Monday, May 28, 2012

Military Heroes Garden of Flags on the Boston Common
Every year, the MA Military Heroes organization plants a Garden of 20,000 flags in front of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument on Boston Common, to commemorate Massachusetts service members who have given their lives to defend the United States. Boston Common, Boston.
Thursday, May 24, 2012 - Monday, May 28, 2012

Beauty & the Beast: Broadway Across America
This elaborate theatrical production will come to life at the Boston Opera House for a limited one-week engagement, from May 29 to– June 3, 2012. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is part of the Lexus Boston Area Dealers Broadway In Boston Series. 539 Washington Street, Boston.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012 - Sunday, Jun 3, 2012

Alastair Moock: American Roots Music
What do you get when you mix whimsical tunes for children with classic American folk songs? Alastair Moock knows. He will introduce you to his own blend of upbeat sing-along tunes that reflect American history and cultural traditions. John F. Kennedy (JFK) Library & Museum, Columbia Point, Boston.
Monday, May 28, 2012

Zoorassic Park at Franklin Park Zoo
Zoorassic Park, a thrilling seasonal exhibit, will be open from May 26 through– Sept. 3. Journey into prehistoric times and encounter dinosaurs including a Chasmosaurus with its baby, a Cryolophosaurus, a Dilophosaurus, and many others all nestled within the trees, bushes, and undergrowth for a truly realistic experience. If your kid is a dinosaur fan, you won’t want to miss it! One Franklin Park Road, Dorchester.
Saturday, May 26, 2012 - Monday, Sep 3, 2012

Watch Out for Vulture Vomit & Other Bird Watch Adventures
Bird watching isn’t just for adults anymore. Kids and teens are getting hooked on nature through birds, and birders of all ages will enjoy this humorous and engaging presentation by Bill Thompson III, author of the new Peterson Field Guide, The Young Birder’s Guide to Birds of North America. Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge.
Saturday, May 26, 2012

Family Drop-in Activities at Arnold Arboretum
Free drop-in activities on the last Saturday of each month. Activities run from 11:00am to 1:00pm, and may include scavenger hunts, science investigations, craft activities, stories, guided walks, and more. 125 Arborway, Jamaica Plain.
Saturday, May 26, 2012

Open House at JFK National Historic Site
Celebrate the 43rd anniversary of John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site’s official dedication as a National Park Service site on May 29, 1969, along with the 95th anniversary of the birth of the country’s 35th president. 83 Beals Street, Brookline.
Sunday, May 20, 2012

Puppet Showplace Theatre presents: Fairy Circus
Classical music meets marionettes at Tanglewood Marionettes’ Fairy Circus! The puppets will dance, play instruments, juggle, contort, transform, and fly through the air with the greatest of ease, all to the music of favorite composers. 32 Station Street, Brookline.
Thu, Sat, Sun from May 24, 2012 - May 27, 2012

It’s nerve-wracking to put on an event like Drool. There are a lot of moving pieces and  a lot of things that can go wrong. So many people need to work together in harmony for it to come off without a hitch. But on Tuesday night, in spite of a few challenges (pouring rain + parking problems + faltering internet access), I believe we pulled it off.

There were over 600 people walking around and checking out the many, many excellent products on display. Everyone I spoke to was enthusiastic, happy, and having a lot of fun. The sponsors and exhibitors did an amazing job creating spaces that were colorful and welcoming, and they brought so much energy to the event. This year, like last year, I was really overwhelmed by the supportive, warm relationships we have with so many of our suppliers. I lost track of the number of hugs I gave and received over the course of the day.

None of it would be possible without the incredible team that worked tirelessly to make Drool a reality. Jennifer, Michelle and Sarah from Plum Productions handled all the logistics and coordination with great care. Jennifer, who started out pregnant at the beginning of the planning process, deserves some special kudos. We had our first planning meetings when she was pregnant. We had phone meetings when she was on bed rest. We had coffee when she made it to 38 weeks and was taken off bed rest. We met in my office when her baby was just weeks old. She breastfed through meetings, pumped between meetings and phone calls, and managed to stay on top of every detail even as she figured out motherhood for the first time. It was incredibly inspiring.

At Magic Beans, Drool is truly a labor of love. Everyone who works on planning the event crams in all that extra work above and beyond their normal workload… and everyone is happy to do it. Every single person who works here — all 56 of them — played some part in the success of Drool. It’s an amazing thing to watch, as a business owner.

Some people here played more than just a small part. Jill, Matt, Emily, Robert, Isaac, Eli, Colin, Kerry, Brad, Alex, Kelsey, Jonathan… the list goes on and on. These people spent many hours planning, organizing, schlepping, designing, printing, framing, marketing, promoting, hanging flyers, shipping and receiving boxes, arranging flowers… I’m profoundly grateful to be surrounded by so many talented, passionate and committed people.

And then, there are our friends outside the sphere of Magic Beans – Jamie Grayson (AKA The Baby Guy) made the trip from NYC to help us in the final days before the event, and then worked tirelessly all day Tuesday helping to get everything set up. He took many neat pictures at the event and posted them to his Instagram account – I’ve got a pinboard of them (and some others) started here.  And Charlene from Charlene Chronicles was a huge help, marshaling the local blogger community to help us publicize the event.

The aftermath has been amazing, with great round-ups from bloggers and other media. Here are some highlights, in case you are interested.

Boston.com Moms – Drool Baby Expo Draws Hundreds

Jess at Don’t Mind the Mess did both a blog post and a Pinterest board

Random Recycling – A little magic at the Drool Baby Expo

And then we have fabulous pictures and even a beautiful video to share!

See Rebecca Deaton’s pictures

See KCK Photography’s pictures

Watch the video by Whitewall Films:

Boston Kite & Flight Festival

Hot Dog Safari on Lansdowne St.
Celebrate the hot dog! This indoor and outdoor event offers parties inside all the restaurants plus food and fun all over Lansdowne Street. Lansdowne Street, Boston.
Saturday, May 19, 2012

EarthFest at the Hatch Shell
The Annual Radio 92.9 EarthFest will return to DCR’s Hatch Memorial Shell in Boston on May 19, 2012 with a stellar line-up that includes Third Eye Blind, The Spin Doctors, Switchfoot, and Eve 6. Storrow Drive, Boston.
Saturday, May 19, 2012

Kids Planet Family Music & Activities: WBOS Earthfest
Enjoy an impressive family area including a stage with kid-friendly live music & entertainment all day, face painting, crafts, and more. Charles River Esplanade.
Saturday, May 19, 2012

Boston Ballet’s Next Generation: Boston Opera House
Boston Ballet’s Next Generation will showcase and celebrate the School’s Pre-professional and Trainee program students, and will include BBII and guests from Boston Ballet Company. 539 Washington Street, Boston.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Hidden Gardens of Beacon Hill Tour
This annual tour offers visitors a rare opportunity to see hidden landscapes and secret pathways behind the brick facades and shutters of historic townhouses. Beacon Hill, Boston.
Thursday, May 17, 2012

Shoebox Tour Juggling Show
Two of the world’s best jugglers stop in Cambridge on their Shoebox tour. The focus is on creative juggling, so all audiences will enjoy the mix of artistry and visual spectacle. 70 Memorial Drive, Cambridge.
Sunday, May 20, 2012

Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle
The 16th Annual Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle is on Sunday, May 20 at the Blessing of the Bay Boathouse in Somerville. Events include a 5K road race, 3 paddling races, a bicycle tour, and a play by youth from Somerville’s Wild Tales program. 32 Shore Drive, Somerville.
Sunday, May 20, 2012

Franklin Park Zoo Centennial Celebration
On May 19, Franklin Park Zoo begins its exciting summer season with Zoo 100 Day, a kick-off event to salute the Zoo’s 100th birthday. While Franklin Park Zoo’s 100th birthday isn’t until October, we believe that such a milestone year should be celebrated all season long. One Franklin Park Road, Dorchester.
Saturday, May 19, 2012

Puppet Showplace Theatre Presents: Little Red Riding Hood
The tale of Red Riding Hood, with tabletop puppets! Little Red is sent into the big woods to deliver a basket of goodies to her sick Grandmother, but is hounded by a hungry wolf who wants the basket for himself. 32 Station Street, Brookline.
Thu, Sat, Sun from May 17, 2012 - May 20, 2012

Greenway Carousel Evening Event
Free rides on the Greenway Carousel, and free cotton candy! The free fun is limited, so get there early. Boston Greenway, Boston.
Thursday, May 17, 2012

Art Museum Day at Sackler Museum
The Harvard Art Museums will offer free admission and a 10% discount on all new membership purchases on May 18, as part of the Association of Art Museum Directors’ (AAMD) Art Museum Day. 485 Broadway, Cambridge.
Friday, May 18, 2012

Celebrate Asian Cultures at Boston Children’s Museum
Celebrate the diversity of the Asian community. This week: Celebrate Japan! Visit Kyo-no-Machiya, the Japanese House, and make an origami samurai helmet to wear. Hear a kamishibai story and try on Japanese geta (shoes) or a yukata (cotton kimono). 300 Congress Street, Boston.
Sunday, May 13, 2012 - Sunday, May 20, 2012

Walk for Epilepsy
The Epilepsy Foundation of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Maine is holding the first BBQ of the season at their annual Walk for Epilepsy and clothing donation drive. DCR’s Artesani Park, 1255 Soldiers Field Road, Boston.
Saturday, May 19, 2012

BOO Magazine looks like the glamorous offspring of a coffee table book and a copy of Vogue, and is full of dizzyingly gorgeous photography, original art, and collage, representing the style of Bugaboo. And it’s not just artifice: there’s plenty of content in here, too. There’s a feature on the history of Bugaboo, taking readers from founder Max Barenbrug’s days at the Design Academy Eindhoven up to the present day; profiles of Angela Missoni, Marc Jacobs, and other designers who have collaborated with Bugaboo; portraits of hip international Bugaboo owners; and a fascinating look at the Bugaboo factory. Ever wonder how Bugaboo strollers are quality-tested? There’s a picture of a handlebar-shaking machine in the factory on page 67.

And, perhaps most importantly, BOO Magazine gives you an exclusive glimpse at the people behind the strollers. The Designers & Engineers photo pages introduce you to a cast of 23 stylish young men and women, in sober black and white, arrayed in a parking garage. And an in-depth profile introduces Bugaboo fans to Barenbrug, who spends a lot of time thinking about design, and how people interact with the items they own. It’s notable that while luxury strollers might be described as a “trend,” Barenbrug doesn’t have that in mind when he designs a stroller at all: “When something’s ‘trendy,’ it means that tomorrow you’re going to want something different. Things shouldn’t be exchangeable. Love for an object is important.”

We agree completely: you’re going to spend a lot of time with your stroller, so you should find the one that you’ll love. Perhaps that stroller will be a Bugaboo – and you can meet the Bugaboo Donkey, the Bugaboo Bee, and the Bugaboo Cameleon, and hundreds of other beautiful strollers at the upcoming Drool Baby Expo, on May 15. Bugaboo will have copies of BOO Magazine on hand – or, you can check it out at www.bugaboo.com/boo, where you can read it as an e-magazine, or download it for your iPad or Android phone.

Get your tickets for the Drool Baby Expo here!

“When I speak with my friends about cord blood banking, I liken it to a safety helmet. None of us wore helmets when we were kids and most of us turned out just fine. Of course today we rarely see a child without one. Yet, all parents are keenly aware that a helmet can’t protect for every type or degree of head injury. There are no guarantees, but there is a level of reassurance in knowing it’s on.”

Storing your child’s umbilical cord blood is another safeguard against those late night “what if?” questions: it can be used to treat a growing list of life-threatening diseases, including cancers, genetic diseases, immune deficiencies, and blood disorders. Viacord’s website features beautiful stories about how families who stored cord blood with Viacord used their services to defeat those same diseases. At their testimonials page, you can watch videos featuring kids successfully treated for sickle-cell disease, aplastic anemia, leukemia, and more.

Studies are also underway testing the use of cord blood in treating diabetes, cerebral palsy, brain injury, and heart disease – all both common and devastating. As medical research advances, the stem cells contained in cord blood may become more and more valuable.

The Gurock family, the owners of Magic Beans, banked all three of their children’s cord blood, and used Viacord for their youngest child. Sheri says: “I was so impressed with Viacord’s ongoing research and the active role they take in finding new ways for cord blood to save lives. I wanted to support their efforts to push this new technology to the next level.”

Need more reasons to choose Viacord? Check out their website, or meet representatives from Viacord at the Drool Baby Expo on May 15. For more info, and for tickets to our extraordinary baby expo, go to www.droolbabyexpo.com!

Drool is all about sharing information with new and expectant parents. We recognize that it’s overwhelming to make sense of all the baby gear options out there, and that there’s no cookie-cutter solution that works for each family. But there are some great strategies that can help parents assess products and make good decisions. Jamie will join me and our friend Charlene from Charlene Chronicles to dish about some of our best tips for registries, stroller shopping, car seat selection, baby carrier options and many more. Whether you’re in the market for new gear or you have some great advice to share, you are welcome to join the conversation.

If you live in Boston and you haven’t already bought your tickets, there are still a few left. Go to http://droolbabyexpo.com to learn more.

The details
When: May 13, 2012 from 8-9pm EST.
Who: You and anyone who know who is pregnant, has a baby, or is just gear-obsessed (like us).
Hashtag: #DroolBaby.
Custom Tweetgrid: http://bit.ly/K1bMyr
Drool Sponsors: @mbeans @britax @ergobaby @orbitbaby @viacord @bugaboo … and many more
Prize Sponsors: @ergobaby @skiphop @mdmoms @snoozeshade @nestedbean @babyktan @weangreen @ellaskitchen @tinyhanger @kayaskloset
Party Hosts: @TheBabyGuyNYC with a little help from @SheriGurock, @CharChronicles and, of course, @DroolBaby.

To be eligible to win prizes, you must register by commenting on this post.

But our very favorite Bob is the BOB Revolution SE stroller, made by BOB Strollers. BOB all-terrain strollers are made to take your kid wherever he needs to go, whether you’re surrounded by happy little trees or happy little traffic signs, happy little trails or happy little sidewalks, happy little elevators and happy little supermarket checkouts.

You can take the BOB Revolution SE for a happy little jog, or a long and grueling one: either way, this stroller’s fantastic suspension and shock absorbers keep your child… happy. For fantastic one-handed steering that lets you turn on a dime, just unlock the front wheel to allow it to swivel. And when strolling is over, it’s easy to fold your BOB stroller into a happy little package that fits in your car’s happy little trunk.

Want to learn more about BOB? Check out the BOB selection on mbeans.com – and, meet BOB representatives at the Drool Baby Expo, a gathering for new parents, parents to be, and the friends and families of the expectant. The newest and best from BOB and tons of other baby gear vendors will be there – check out www.droolbabyexpo.com to learn more and get your tickets!

And in our abecedary* of baby gear, “B” is often for Britax, the best from the Brits! For over 70 years, the name Britax has been synonymous with child safety. Their infant car seats, convertible car seats, and booster seats are among the most popular in Europe and the US. And their strollers are no slouch either: the Britax B-Agile Stroller is a lightweight stroller tailored for heavy use. It folds compactly, but it can carry a whole lot of kid (55 pounds!). Snap the matching B-Safe Infant Car Seat in, and you’ve got a travel system that’s tops for style and safety.

So far, in 2012, Britax has unveiled a new Child Bike Seat, a new Stroller Organizer, and a new Stroller Board, and the B-Agile Double Stroller was unveiled at the end of April. You can see the latest from Britax, and baby gear from A to Z, at the upcoming Drool Baby Expo on May 15, here in Boston. Learn more and get tickets at www.droolbabyexpo.com.

* A primer, especially for teaching the alphabet.

Drool Baby Expo

Lilac Sunday at Arnold Arboretum
The one and the only day of the year that picnicking is allowed at the Arboretum! Enjoy a slice of paradise among the endless lilac blooms, in one of the city’s loveliest public parks. 125 Arborway, Jamaica Plain.
Sunday, May 13, 2012

Duckling Day Parade on Boston Common
An annual parade led by the Harvard University Band, where families retrace the steps of characters from the classic children’s book Make Way for Ducklings. Beacon Street at Park Street, Boston.
Sunday, May 13, 2012

Fort Point Art Walk Spring Open Studios
More than 50 art studios and galleries open their doors to the public. Enjoy shops, performances, music, artist talks and demonstrations, and hands-on art activities for all ages. 300 Summer Street M1, Boston.
Friday, May 11, 2012 - Sunday, May 13, 2012

Newtowne School Spring Fair
The annual Newtowne School Spring Fair is a fun and exciting event with games for kids of all ages, a live animal show, a moon walk, live music, delicious food, a rummage sale, a raffle with great prizes, and a chance to play in a Cambridge Fire Department Truck! Come and enjoy a great family outing. 11 Garden Street, Cambridge.
Saturday, May 12, 2012

The Art of Craft
Join us the Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend for a family-friendly day at The Art of Craft. This indoor/outdoor open market of contemporary and traditional arts, crafts, and artisanal foods celebrates our local artists. 765 Concord Avenue, Cambridge.
Saturday, May 12, 2012

Mother’s Day Walk for Peace
Join thousands of Bostonians who pledge their commitment to peace on a day that we celebrate mothers and children.  The Mother’s Day Walk for Peace began in 1996 for families who had lost their children to violence; today, it’s a place for families and friends to feel the support and love of their community. 1565 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester.
Sunday, May 13, 2012

“Race to Nowhere” public screening
Public screening of Race to Nowhere, a film that addresses the issues with public schools in America today. This film is a call to mobilize families, educators, and policy makers to challenge current assumptions on how to best prepare the youth of America to become healthy, bright, contributing and leading citizens. 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston.
Friday, May 11, 2012

Boston Handbell Festival
The Back Bay Ringers and Old South Church are pleased to announce the sixth annual Boston Handbell Festival. 645 Boylston Street, Boston.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Lag Ba’Omer Community Celebration
Come and enjoy a fun evening with the community to celebrate Lag Ba’Omer Enjoy Laser Tag, hamster balls, bubble fun, music, and food for purchase. 15 Newton Street, Brookline.
Thursday, May 10, 2012

Believe in Brookline Kids Fenway Fantasy Fundraiser
Enjoy a glorious day and the experience of a lifetime at Fenway Park! This fun family day will provide critical funding that supports free and low-cost mental health services and social workers for children and families in the Boston area. Get tickets here! Fenway Park, Boston.
Saturday, May 19, 2012

You’re probably already familiar with these brands, but here’s a quick refresher:

ERGObaby: The Hawaii-based creators of the hugely popular ERGObaby Carrier have harnessed the power of ergonomics to make baby-wearing supremely comfortable for both you and your child. Wear it on the front, wear it on the back, wear it on the side, wear an infant, wear a toddler – ERGO does it all, with a wide, padded waist band that supports your lower back so you can tote your baby all day long. ERGO carriers are available in a variety of styles and colors – we love the new “Galaxy” pattern (pictured here).

Orbit Baby: When you take an Orbit Baby Travel System G2 for a spin, your baby can face in any direction, giving him more opportunities to participate in the wider world. The Orbit SmartHub™ is included on both the stroller frame and the car seat base, and lets the seat rotate 360 degrees. This means that you can stroll with your baby facing you or facing away; you can turn your baby away from bright sunlight; you can insert the car seat facing you and then rotate it into position; and more! The car seat attaches to the compact stroller frame, making it the most user-friendly travel system we’ve ever seen. Next up, Orbit is dipping a toe into the double stroller market later this year: the Orbit Double Helix is on its way this fall.

Both companies are born innovators, and both have been integrating eco-friendliness into their products, with ERGO’s Organic Baby Carrier and Orbit’s “Orbitgreen”-certified fabrics. So it’s an all-natural match.

Now that ERGObaby has purchased Orbit Baby, what comes next? Orbit representatives say that the acquisition will make their top-notch customer service even better. We look forward to finding out what other innovations will spring from this mashup. And of course, we’ll keep you informed.

In the meantime, you can meet representatives from both companies at the upcoming Drool Baby Expo, on May 15. Come see the coolest new strollers, the comfiest new carriers, and more – go to www.droolbabyexpo.com to learn more and get your tickets.

In just eight days, Magic Beans will be presenting the second annual Drool Baby Expo in Boston. Drool is a one-night extravaganza for parents, featuring many of the best brands in the baby biz. It’s a rare opportunity to interact one-on-one with the people behind the products, get in-depth demonstrations, and have great conversations. If you’re pregnant, a newly-minted parent, or shopping for a loved one with a new baby, here are five reasons why you shouldn’t miss this event:

1. The brands
Drool isn’t just an anonymous expo produced by a big corporation. It’s a Magic Beans project, through and through. We handpick the vendors with as much care as we give to the product selection in our stores. We aim to fill the room with the best, most trusted names in the industry, like Britax, Ergo Baby, BOB, Orbit Baby, Viacord, Bugaboo, Baby Jogger, Skip*Hop, phil&teds, Maclaren, and many others. We bring in the most interesting new products out there, like Sage Spoonfuls, Babyhome, Wean Green, Nested Bean and Blooming Bath. We go out and we find the most useful local services for parents, like Boston Baby Beginnings, Boston Baby Nurse, and Healthy Habits Kitchen. We invite mom-owned small business to come and showcase their wares, like Betty Barettes, Kaya’s Kloset, and Tiny Hanger. We ask our favorite non-profits to join us and share their wisdom, like Children’s Hospital, Room to Grow and JF&CS. We get our favorite cupcake bakery (Party Favors!) and frozen yogurt purveyor (Pinkberry!) to come and treat you.

2. The deals
Many of the manufacturers exhibiting at Drool have also come up with a very special, one-night-only deal for guests at Drool. There will be products on sale that night that are NEVER on sale. We can’t say any more. You’ll just have to come and see for yourself.

3. The gift bags
Last year, these were legendary. The VIP gift package was so immense that it took three whole bags to contain all the goodies. We’re planning a little better this year (hello, bigger bags), but the bags are no less amazing. Both the standard and the VIP bags will be filled with useful products, gift certificates, and valuable coupons.

4. The raffle
Drool is all about interacting with brands and learning about products. To that end, we have a unique system for rewarding you for your time and attention. When you register, you’ll receive a special-edition Itzy Ritzy Snack Bag. Hang on to this – you’ll need it! As you circulate through the different tables, you’ll collect beans from each of the vendors as a reward for various activities. At the end of the evening, you’ll get to weigh your beans and exchange them for raffle tickets (lots of them). Then, take your tickets and shop our raffle table. Each item has its own container, and you are free to distribute the tickets however you’d like – put all your tickets in for one special item, or spread them around among many things that appeal to you. After the event, we’ll draw winners – you do not need to be present to win.

5. The fun
In addition to meeting the 75 great brands represented at Drool, you can grab a chair massage or a mini-manicure, courtesy of our friends at Bella Sante. You can do some real, live social networking with other Boston-area parents. You can hang out with our friend Jamie Grayson (AKA The Baby Guy) and get his advice on baby gear. I’ll be there too (hopefully not running around like a headless chicken), and I’d love to meet you. In fact, our entire staff of gear gurus will be on-site that night to help guide you and answer any questions you might have.

Tickets for Drool are on sale now. They’re just $35 for a single ticket and $20 for a companion ticket (admits a second person, but does not include a gift bag). The standard gift bag alone is valued at over $125 right now, so this is a great deal.

We’re giving away a great prize, too. One winner will get a VIP ticket  AND a Britax B-Agile stroller. Enter now via the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Coolidge Corner Theatre Kids’ Show: Artbarn presents Mendel’s Accordion
Follow Mendel, a Klezmer musician, from his village in Melnitze to America in search of a better life for his family. This original Split Hares Traveling Troupe production features an authentic Klezmer accordion musician and will have you up on your feet, dancing in the aisles. Get tickets here!
Sunday, May 6, 2012

Greenway Mobile Food Fest
Local food trucks park on the Greenway for an urban celebration of spring cuisine. Festivities include live folk music, spring-inspired tastings, farm-fresh offerings, lawn games, and kiddie activities. Dewey Square, Boston.
Saturday, May 5, 2015

Brookline Reservoir Family Fishing Festival
On the shores of Brookline Reservoir, cast a line, learn about fish in our local waters, fishing safety, fishing ethics, and fishing equipment. Route 9 at Sumner Road, Brookline.
Sunday, May 6, 2012

Project Bread Walk for Hunger
The 20-mile route will include entertainment and snacks along the way. Over 40,000 Walkers will step out and raise $4 million to help fund help fund hunger relief throughout MA. 139 Tremont Street, Boston.
Sunday, May 6, 2012

Lemonade Day
A day for children to learn how to start their own business by having a lemonade stand. Families and youth organizations all over Boston will be participating. Register your stand online at boston.lemonadeday.org, and see the different locations & participants. All over Boston.
Saturday, May 5, 2012

6th Annual Backyard Dash
The Backyard Dash invites families and friends living around Boston to enjoy free food, drink, and games, and to participate in the Girls on the Run 5k, Hill House Diaper Dash, or family fun-run.  Storrow Drive, Boston.
Saturday, May 5, 2012

Boston Bakes for Breast Cancer
Boston Bakes for Breast Cancer is a sweet and delicious way to raise “dough” for breast cancer research and care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. 10 Brookline Place, Boston.
Monday, May 7, 2012 - Sunday, May 13, 2012

BC Race to Educate: Kids Fun Run and 5k
Make exercise a family event. The BC Race to Educate is a 5K run or walk that starts on the Boston College Campus. A fun run for kids is held at 10:30, before the 5k begins. And family fun continues after the 5k run/walk. 140 Commonwealth Ave., Chestnut Hill.
Saturday, May 5, 2012

Open House at the Crimson Sailing Academy
Always wanted to learn how to sail? Come for a short sail with us, meet the directors/instructors, and see the facilities at the Harvard Sailing Center. 45 Memorial Drive, Cambridge.
Sunday, May 6, 2012

When I was in second grade, I wrote an autobiography and lamented that, as the oldest child, I was the victim of my parents’ inexperience. As you can probably imagine, I’ve never lived that down. But it resonated like never before when I became a mother, and realized that now it was my daughter’s turn to suffer. I’ve made my fair share of mistakes, but then this brilliant, beautiful child overwhelms me with her vitality, her imagination, and her sense of humor. So I imagine I must be doing OK (just like my parents, by the way).

After Audrey was born, people tried to warn me: it goes really fast. But in the thick of things, with spit-up in my hair and a donut pillow under my behind, I never believed it. Every day seemed to take an eternity, and I was just trying to make it from one feeding to the next. But time is a snowball rolling downhill, and it just keeps gathering speed. Of course it’s not over for me yet, not by a long shot. And the years ahead will probably be more challenging than the years before. But 10 years have passed in the blink of an eye, and now I’m painfully aware that if I blink once more my kids will be all grown up.

You see, there’s a woman lurking inside my daughter, and more and more often, I’m catching glimpses of her. This woman, she’s amazing — that much I know — but she’ll be here before I’m ready.

I’m not ready. I’ll never be ready.

But it doesn’t matter if I’m ready or not, because she’s on her way and there’s no stopping her. So I’d better just make sure that Audrey, at least, is ready.

Arts First Festival: Harvard University

30th Run of the Charles Canoe & Kayak Race
The biggest and best canoe and kayak event in New England. The 30th anniversary of the Run of the Charles Canoe & Kayak Race celebrates the Charles River Watershed Association’s 48 years of improvements to the health, beauty, and enjoyment of the Charles River. Soldier’s Field Road, Brighton.
Sunday, Apr 29, 2012

Independent Film Festival of Boston
Enjoy trend-setting, eye-opening, cutting-edge indie films at the annual Indie Film Fest. Get tickets and find kid-friendly screenings at the film fest website. Screenings at the Somerville Theatre, Brattle Theatre, Coolidge Corner Theatre and ICA Boston.
Wednesday, Apr 25, 2012 - Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Boston College Arts Festival
The Boston College Arts Festival is an annual event that celebrates student and alumni artists at Boston College. Performances range from traditional to contemporary theater, jazz to Irish dance, symphony orchestras to a cappella performances, and a wide variety of events for all ages. 140 Commonwealth Ave., Chestnut Hill.
Thursday, Apr 26, 2012 - Saturday, Apr 28, 2012

Healthy Kids Day: YMCA
YMCA Healthy Kids Day is a nationally celebrated Y event. Enjoy recreational games, swimming, healthy snacks, smoothies, a moonbounce, a family walk, and more at your local Y. All over New England.
Saturday, Apr 28, 2012

ICA Play Date: Ready, Set, Design
Visit the exhibition galleries and ICA collection to explore the range of ideas, materials, and forms used by today’s artists. 100 Northern Avenue, Boston.
Saturday, Apr 28, 2012

Quidditch Champions Series
The top real-life Quidditch teams (a college sport based on the Harry Potter books) are coming to Harvard to compete in the International Quidditch Association’s spring Champions Series. After the magic and mayhem are finished, ticket holders may watch the Season Opener of the Boston Cannons Professional Lacrosse team in Harvard Stadium. 65 North Harvard Street, Boston.
Saturday, Apr 28, 2012

Japan Spring Festival
This festival celebrates Japanese culture with crafts, food, performances, and more in Boston’s historic Copley Square Park. Boylston & Clarendon Streets, Boston.
Sunday, Apr 29, 2012

Coolidge Corner Theatre Kids’ Show: Mr. G Concert
A favorite with parents as well as kids, Mister G encourages the whole family to sing and dance along with his witty lyrics and infectious melodies. Mister G’s new CD, Bugs, has been hailed by People Magazine as “irresistible.” Get tickets here. 290 Harvard Street, Brookline.
Saturday, Apr 28, 2012

Puppet Showplace Theatre presents: National Day of Puppetry
It’s the National Day of Puppetry 2012! Join PST for a day of puppetry fun to celebrate, with a fun pirate puppet show, a letter-writing campaign, and a Puppet Karaoke Party. 32 Station Street, Brookline.
Saturday, Apr 28, 2012

Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Bread & Roses
The Boston Workmen’s Circle Center for Jewish Culture has created an interactive concert extravaganza to celebrate the Bread & Roses centennial and worker and immigrant rights. March to the beat of drumming, picket lines, and protest songs, and learn about an important episode in American history. Buy tickets here! 180 Mt. Vernon Street, Dorchester.
Sunday, Apr 29, 2012

In addition to the performance, the Boston tour also includes the new Play Zone. This is a hands-on play area outside the theater where kids can interact with some of the familiar props and set pieces from Sesame Street. They can sit in Big Bird’s nest, pop up out of Oscar’s trash can, twirl in front of a mirror in Zoe’s dance studio, and — deep breaths — visit Elmo’s world. The Play Zone opens one hour before the show starts, and access is free with the purchase of your ticket to the show.

There are seven shows this weekend at the Agganis Arena in Boston, starting tomorrow morning at 10:30am. For the complete schedule, or to purchase tickets, click here.

Would you like to enter to win a family 6-pack to see the show (yes, that’s SIX tickets to ANY performance this weekend!!)? Enter using the Rafflecopter below. But hurry – a winner will be drawn at midnight to allow for the best selection of dates and times.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Celebrate 100 Years – Fenway Park Open House
An amazing opportunity for fans to explore 100-year-old Fenway Park at their own pace. Fans will have a chance to discover spots and learn more about the ballpark by following the “Fenway Park: A Living Museum” path. Lansdowne Street, Boston.
Thursday, Apr 19, 2012

Cambridge Science Festival
Be Curious! Join scientists, engineers and more at the Cambridge Science Festival, a 10 day celebration showcasing fun and interactive science, technology, engineering and math for everyone. In and around Cambridge.
Friday, Apr 20, 2012 - Sunday, Apr 29, 2012

Earth Day on the Greenway
Celebrate Earth Day while learning about sustainably and organic practices through free, fun, family activities in Dewey Square Park. Wharf District Parks, Boston.
Friday, Apr 20, 2012

‘More than Meets the Eye’ at ICA Boston
Visit the ICA galleries to look at sculpture created by some of today’s leading artists. Then, experiment with reflective materials to create three-dimensional forms that challenge others to look again. 100 Northern Avenue, Boston.
Tuesday, Apr 17, 2012 - Thursday, Apr 19, 2012

Arnold Arboretum Family Hike
Arnold Arboretum will offer a family hike during school vacation week with Visitor Education Staff. Search for signs of spring on a guided adventure. 125 Arborway, Jamaica Plain.
Friday, Apr 20, 2012

Crabgrass Puppet Theater – Haiku, Hiphop & Hotdogs
It’s National Poetry Month, and the award-winning Crabgrass Puppet Theatre weaves favorite children’s poems into a seamless tapestry of art and entertainment for all ages. John F. Kennedy (JFK) Library and Museum, Columbia Point, Boston.
Tuesday, Apr 17, 2012

Coolidge Corner Theatre Kids’ Shows: Jenny the Juggler
Jenny the Juggler thrills kids and adults alike with juggling, magic, music, singing, physical comedy, interactive silliness, audience participation, inspiring messages, and a real live bunny! See for yourself what has made Jenny Boston’s “Best and Only” Female Professional Juggler since 1997. Be sure to join us for this one of a kind show that’s fun for the whole family! 290 Harvard Street, Brookline. Buy tickets here
Sunday, Apr 22, 2012

Science Carnival
Over 100 hands-on science and engineering activities for the whole family. Also, live performances from the artists of the Boston Circus Guild, the Mad Science folks, Marvelous Molecule demos, and much more. 449 Broadway, Cambridge.
Friday, Apr 20, 2012

1-2-3 Imagine with Elmo & Friends Sesame Street Live
This high-energy musical production will transport audiences to faraway places as Ernie captains the high seas, Elmo dances to the rhythm of the African rainforest, and Bert meets an octopus who has the blues. 925 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston.
Friday, Apr 20, 2012 - Sunday, Apr 22, 2012

The Wizard of Oz at Riverside Theatre Works
A vacation-week tradition continues with Riverside Theatre Works’ 30th annual youth production. Follow the yellow brick road to “The Wizard of Oz,” a colorful, affordable, family-friendly show, directed by theater professionals, and featuring kids and teens from around the region. 45 Fairmount Ave., Hyde Park.
Monday, Apr 16, 2012 - Sunday, Apr 22, 2012

DCR’s Park Serve Day
On Saturday, April 21, Governor Deval Patrick invites you to lend a hand. During this day of statewide volunteer service, we’ll work together to get state forests, parks, and beaches across Massachusetts ready for summer. Boston parks and beaches.
Saturday, Apr 21, 2012

Picnic for the Planet at Boston Common Frog Pond
The Nature Conservancy will be holding a Picnic for the Planet at the Boston Common Frog Pond in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest global picnic. Everyone is invited to picnic from noon to 3:00pm. 84 Beacon Street, Boston.
Sunday, Apr 22, 2012

MFA Vacation Week Activities
Story hours, family-friendly tours, and art-making activities will keep children engaged as part of the Cogan Family Foundation Vacation Week Adventures program. 465 Huntington Ave., Boston.
Tuesday, Apr 17, 2012 - Friday, Apr 20, 2012

The Amazing Gnip Gnop Circus at Puppet Showplace Theatre
You haven’t seen a circus until you’ve seen the Amazing Gnip Gnop Circus by Z. Puppets Rosenschnoz at PST. Don’t miss it! 32 Station Street, Boston.
Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun from Apr 19, 2012 - Apr 22, 2012

Paul Bunyan: An Operetta
He’s a lumberjack, and he’s okay! The NEC opera department presents the Boston premiere of Benjamin Britten’s Paul Bunyan. Exploring themes of nature vs. industrialization, it’s full of musical delights, and yes, lumberjacks. 559 Washington Street, Boston.
Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun from Apr 14, 2012 - Apr 17, 2012

Party for the Planet at Franklin Park Zoo
Raise your family’s environmental awareness! This year marks the 100th anniversary of both Franklin Park Zoo and the Girl Scouts, so the Zoo has teamed up with the Girl Scouts of Eastern MA to host a Party for the Planet. One Franklin Park Road, Dorchester.
Sunday, Apr 22, 2012

Celebrate Spring at Boston Children’s Museum
Explore the natural world as it wakes up from winter, and discover how people from various cultures celebrate spring. 300 Congress Street, Boston.
Saturday, Apr 14, 2012 - Sunday, Apr 22, 2012

Ben Franklin: Scientist
Come try simple, hands-on experiments that illustrate some of Founding Father Benjamin Franklin’s most famous discoveries. Old South Meeting House, 310 Washington Street, Boston.
Tue, Wed from Apr 17, 2012 - Apr 18, 2012

When I first saw the prototype for the Skip*Hop Zoo Luggage at Toy Fair, I’m pretty sure I actually squealed. It’s really hard to find nice, kid-scale luggage, and traveling tots love having their own suitcase to tow around. You can always count on the folks at Skip*Hop to spot a parent problem and figure out a clever solution. Their Zoo characters have been a big success all around, thanks to the fantastic designs. Now, they’ve taken them on the road, with rolling bags that are big enough to hold plenty of stuff and small enough for kids to maneuver down the jetway.

I got to test-drive the Owl on a recent family trip, and I thought it was fantastic. I used it as a carry-on bag for my 3.5-year-old son. I packed it up with some books, an old iPad and headphones, some toys, and a change of clothes (just in case). Everything fit with plenty of room to spare.

At the airport, my older kids wanted a turn wheeling the suitcase around, which was fine since it was a little easier to keep their brother strapped in to his stroller while we navigated through security to our gate.

I discovered, as we were gathering our belongings after the x-ray machine, that the bag had a really nice strap for an adult to sling over a shoulder, in case the child responsible for the bag should get distracted. This is far more comfortable than trying to wheel the bag, since the handle is made for children and is too short to be used by an adult.

On the plane, the bag fit perfectly under the seat, making it easy to access throughout the flight.

As we waited to get our luggage, the suitcase was a great source of entertainment for the kids, who took turns pulling it all around baggage claim. Bonus!

So now that I’ve shared some photos, it’s your turn. We are co-hosting a contest on Pinterest with our friends at Skip*Hop. Enter now, and you could be traveling in style with an owl of your own.