Meeting the Moms: Kate Poles

1. How long have you been attending MOPS?

I joined MOPS in September 2013.

2.If you had a 25th hour in your day without your children present, what would you do (aside from napping)?

I would finally start making photo albums with all of our family pictures. I keep saying I will start a book soon, but still haven't gotten around to it.

3.What you have found to be the best "product" (toy, food, etc) for kids?

Although it is not a kids product, my cordless hand vacuum is great for cleaning up messes without having to pull out the big vacuum. In terms of kids products, my favorites are the second-hand clothes, toys, and gear that I have found at yard sales and consignments sales and shops! I love a good deal!

4.What is the best parenting advice you ever received?

Everyone always says to enjoy the time right now when John is little because it goes by so quickly. I definitely agree...I can't believe how fast 1.5 years have gone already! During the past few months, I feel like I have learned to enjoy even the smallest things every day that John is learning to do because I realize how quickly he is growing up.

5. What has been the hardest thing about parenting for you? What have you enjoyed the most?

The hardest thing for me has been learning to accept that not every day and not every aspect of parenting will go exactly the way I plan it. I get frustrated at times when I plan the day around a nap that doesn't happen or when I read about and try out ways to help your child with ____ and they don't work for John right away. The best part about parenting is watching John explore the world around him and get so excited about learning new things.

6. Favorite fill in the blank (food, place, song, book, movie, etc).

Favorite foods: whole wheat bread, homemade ice cream from a farm stand or ice cream shop, and homemade desserts, especially ones with chocolate!

7. Any recommendations on Boston area kid-friendly places?

There are so many places I enjoy going with John in the Boston area. I love walking on a nice day at Wollaston Beach, Pope John Paul II Park or Castle Island. We also frequently reserve museum passes at the library for discounted or free admission to local attractions like the Franklin Park Zoo, New England Aquarium, Museum of Science and the Children's Museum. John enjoys seeing the animals at local farms like Hornstra in Norwell. Storytimes and music programs at local libraries are also great, even when we are out of town. This summer my husband and I also spent many weekend days biking with John. Some of our favorite family-friendly trails include the Minuteman Bikeway (Arlington to Bedford), the Cape Cod Rail Trail (starting in Dennis), and the East Bay Bike Path (starting in Bristol, RI).

8. Anything else you might like us to know?

Before John was born I taught fourth grade for nine years. Although I miss teaching some days, I love teaching John new things now that I am at home. My husband and I spent a lot of our free time traveling in Europe before John was born. Right now we are enjoying local trips in New England and exploring the cities and parks in our own country. Someday we hope to visit all 50 states! We also hope to return to some of our favorite places here and abroad with John.