Baby’s firsts, Bay View style

Recording children’s “firsts” is a popular parental hobby. We’re encouraged by sentimental baby books that have pages for tracking the first smile, first steps, first zoo trip, and more. The list in my daughter’s baby book seems too generic.

Rather than the firsts that apply to any child across the country, I’m more interested in Bay View-specific firsts. They emphasize that Bay View is such a great place to raise a child. So here are some Baby View Firsts that I’m proud to mark, even though they aren’t in my daughter’s baby book.

First time accompanying parents out of the house, probably to a coffee shop like Anodyne or Sven’s. After long days and nights with a newborn daughter her first few months, sipping a steamed milk at Anodyne made me feel a little less like a zombie.

Chomping on a slice of local, non-franchise pizza. Depending on the parents’ style, kids enjoy a piece of pie from standby restaurants like De Marinis and Pietro’s or newcomers like Classic Slice or Transfer. 

Meeting munchkin neighbors during a playgroup or class at Beulah Brinton or the Bay View Community Center. The low-cost, drop-in playgroups were welcome winter escapes for my daughter and me, particularly when I didn’t work outside the home. The groups helped pass the time when it was too cold for outside play and my daughter was too young for organized classes.

Taking a bus ride on the Milwaukee County Transit System, most likely the 11, 15, or 51. My daughter enjoyed the bus when she was only a few months old and I could carry her strapped in a sling. This is one of the firsts that make Bay View feel urban and distinctly non-suburban.

Throwing rocks into Lake Michigan from a park, particularly from one of the beaches south of the South Shore Yacht Club. Some of the best beaches are accessible only from the pedestrian path. Discovering, stacking, and heaving rocks is timeless fun. Perhaps Bay View’s earliest settlers, even the first owners of my home, watched their kids throw rocks into the water 100 years ago. Before that, Native American children probably did the same.

Yelling “dog” and pointing at one of the furry neighbors that are so common on the Bay View sidewalks. Late afternoon, especially 4pm, seems to be prime doggy hour. Given the variety in breeds, my friends and I were amazed at how quickly our children learned to spot dogs.

Collecting compliments while being pushed in the stroller at the farmers market. Given Bay View’s popularity for young families and the current baby boom, it won’t be long before encountering new friends who might be future classmates.

Dancing at Chill on the Hill, the music series organized by the Bay View Neighborhood Association. Once they can walk, many kids are drawn to the noisy area just in front of the stage and speakers. The noise level makes some parents cringe but the dancing is good for burning off some pre-bedtime energy.

Being entertained at the South Shore Frolics parade. This quirky parade is easy to reach and family-friendly.

Savoring bread or a cookie from one of the excellent local bakeries. Many Bay View residents are lucky enough to be able to walk to a bakery.

Nighttime trick-or-treating. Many kids start by getting pushed in a stroller, some before they can even eat candy. Halloween is a good time marker because kids get old enough to walk up steps alone around age 3 and eventually old enough to trick or treat without an adult.

Playing with puzzles, browsing books, or attending Thursday morning story time at the Bay View Library. Among the great choices are colorful books by renowned local Lois Ehlert.

As I reflect upon the list, I notice that these Baby View Firsts are low-cost, which allows families of different income levels to mingle. Most are not sedentary, which helps keep kids healthy. These firsts reinforce our great neighborhood.

The author is a freelance writer and mother of one. Reach her with comments or suggestions at jill@bayviewcompass.com.

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