Today is our Gotcha Day. This is the anniversary of the day, 10 years ago, that Maylee became my child. Many adoptive families celebrate their own “Gotcha Day”,  “adoption day” or “family day”. Whatever they call it, it’s an important holiday for most adoptive parents and their kids. As I tell my daughter, our first Gotcha Day was the happiest day of my life⎯it was the day I won the lottery, it was the day that all of my dreams came true.

Chinese adoption is much different now than it was 10 years ago. The regulations are stricter, with marriage, health and even certain body mass index requirements.  The wait for a Chinese baby is on average three years (for us, 13 months). A friend  of mine is expected to get her child in the year 2015⎯an almost unbearable amount of time to wait for her dreams to come true. So, my family is very, very fortunate.

Ten years later, my baby is a tween; she loves to draw and write, and wants to learn Chinese calligraphy. She’s not crazy about the Jonas Brothers, but she likes the Naked Brothers. She cherishes her Chinese heritage and gets upset when kids in her class talk about inferior Chinese-made products. She sings our national anthem with pride and jumped for joy when Obama was elected. She is American in every way. But on Gotcha Day she is, to me, still Mao Xiao Qiong, the smiling Chinese baby that was placed in my arms by a tearful nanny from the orphanage.

Happy Gotcha Day to Eric, Gwen, Perri; Kurt, Meghan, Nina, Ella; Dan, Leslie-Jean, Bethany, Miriam, Cristian, Carl; Steve, Kelly, Alex; Doug, Sara, Kailyn and most of all, to my angel, Maylee.

–Maxine Wolf, CEO & Publisher, KIWI Magazine

Tonight, Saturday March 28 at 8:30 p.m., your family can show support for the planet by participating in the third-annual Earth Hour. Last year, 50 million people turned out their lights for one hour in honor of the fight against global warming. Learn more and pledge to go dark at earthhour.org.

–  Marygrace, KIWI staff

Princess Sylvie had a great day yesterday.This feisty 2 1/2 year-old is the daughter of our blogger, Audra Hughes, famous for The Boob Chronicles. Sylvie was diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer on February 11, 2009. She is going through chemotherapy and may need surgery. The good news is that the doctors tell Audra and husband, Michael, that this cancer can be cured!You can follow Sylvie’s progress on her blog, Princess Sylvie.  On the most recent post, Audra reports, the chemo is working:  Sylvie’s tumors are shrinking and her lymph nodes are normal so the cancer is not spreading. YAY!  I hope you’ll join me in sending  positive thoughts and prayers to Audra, Michael and most of all, Sylvie. I’m counting on a “happily ever after” ending to this Princess’ story.

–Maxine Wolf, CEO & Publisher, KIWI Magazine

It’s time again for another round-up of the best of the mom blogosphere!  Here’s what’s going on…

• Hopping on board the backyard vegetable garden train this spring?  Nature Moms reviews garden tool sets and gear for your little farmers-in-training.
• To school or not to school?  Read about Mama-Om’s journey on her family’s decision to send their son to school or stick to unschooling at home.
• Green Baby Guide puts the bokashi bin, an indoor composting system from Japan.
• Forget balance.  Instead, Healthy Green Moms says we should be seeking harmony.
• The Soft Landing Blog covers possible legislation for federal ban of BPA in children’s food containers.  Yes!

What’s happening on your blog?  We want to know!

Marygrace, KIWI intern

If the name Pure and Little doesn’t give you enough warm fuzzies, try their logo on for size: Organic. Baby. Love.  Ahhh!  I’m sold.  The company offers organic baby clothing, bedding, and accessories like bath products, books and music, and plenty of plush toys.  Spring and summer babies can keep comfortable in Pure and Little’s organic cotton onesies (we love the peace out natural), while fall and winter babies will stay toasty with a unisex kimono jacket.  But my very favorite?  The Baby Fred monkey plush.  He just looks so happy!  More at pureandlittle.com.

Marygrace, KIWI intern

If a Prius is beyond your budget right now, try a new kind of hybrid: gDiapers.  Perfect for the eco-conscious mom-to-be who isn’t quite ready to embrace cloth diapers full on, gDiapers are made of a washable cotton outer with a disposable, plastic-free liner that can be flushed down the toilet, composted, or tossed in the trash (they decompose in about 90 days.)  A starter kit is available at gDiapers.com, or try their gBaby Shower Gift, featuring the starter kit, an extra cloth outer, and a case of flushable refills.  Oh, and the “g”?  It stands for green!

Marygrace, KIWI intern

What do Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, conservationist Jane Goodall and the founder of Burt’s Bees, Roxanne Quimby, all have in common? Each one of these women has significantly contributed to making Mother Earth a greener, healthier and safer place. Following in these footsteps, the theme of this year’s National Women’s History Month is Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet.

What began in California in 1978 with just a single week dedicated to recognizing the history of women has since grown to encompass the entire month of March. Whether you’re teaching your child about the founding mothers of our country or telling stories about your own mother, we encourage you to help make National Women’s History Month last all year!

– Sara, KIWI intern and writer of herstory

Traditional Medicinals, a tea company featuring all-natural, herbal brews, helps new moms and moms-to-be achieve health and balance.  Their organic Pregnancy Tea combines a blend of herbs like alfalfa and spearmint used by women for centuries to nourish the womb and prepare it for childbirth.  Breastfeeding mothers can benefit from Organic Mother’s Milk, made of anise, fennel, and coriander.  And all women will get a boost from Women’s Liberty, which promotes healthy hormonal balance according to Chinese medicinal practices.  Learn about all their teas at traditionalmedicinals.com.

Marygrace, KIWI intern

All of us here at KIWI are excited about the launch of KIWI Community, a resource we created to help families have more fun outdoors.  In addition to tons of fun ideas for things to do in your very own backyard, KIWI Community has the lowdown on things like nature walks, green zoos and theme parks, nature centers, family gardening, local community events, green lodging options, as well as a rotating variety of fun contests and discounts on all things green-related. You can also add comments about local events happening in your area.

Daylight savings time just started and the warm spring air is beginning to settle in.  Visit KIWI Community at kiwimagonline.com/community to plan a day of outdoor fun for your family!

Marygrace, KIWI intern and lover of spring, the outdoors, and sunshine!

Change we need, indeed!  And on this first day of spring, we’re going to get it, thanks to Michelle Obama and 23 Washington DC fifth graders.  Together, they will break ground on the South Lawn for the nation’s first White House garden since that kept by Eleanor Roosevelt during World War II.

With over 55 different edibles being grown, including hearty greens, lettuces, peppers, tomatillos, berries, herbs, as well as two beehives for honey, the organic garden will be a chief source of food for the first family.  It will also provide a valuable learning experience to participating students who, along with the President, will do their part in planting, weeding, and harvesting. Even more important, the White House garden will serve to influence mainstream America on the value of local, sustainable food.  (The entire garden set up cost around $200–who says it’s too expensive to eat well?)

Michelle Obama is taking this opportunity to advocate the necessity of good food for our children.  She’s encouraging parents to get healthy with their kids by upping their fresh (locally produced, if possible) fruit and vegetable intake, limiting processed foods, and preparing more meals at home.  Interested in starting a garden of your own?  Learn all about it from Kiwi Community’s article on family gardening.

-Marygrace, KIWI intern and organic gardening supporter

With the local, sustainable food movement gaining serious momentum, you’ve probably heard the growing buzz about community supported agriculture, or CSA, over the past few years.  Joining one gives your family the opportunity to support a local farm by providing it with the investment capital necessary at the start of each growing season, well before any crops are harvested.  In much of the country, that time is right now!

Participating in a CSA is basically like paying for an entire season’s worth of farmers’ market goods without ever having to make the trip.  Pay for a share (usually enough to feed a family of four) now, then receive a box of fresh, local produce each week throughout harvesting time. While some CSAs do deliver, most drop their boxes at a central location for member pick-up.

Vegetable CSAs are the most common, but many farms also offer shares of fruit, meat, eggs or dairy, and even flowers.  No matter what type of food you receive, however, the benefits of CSAs remain: Your food supply will be healthy, as fresh as fresh gets, and have a low environmental impact, while your family will be connected to the local land and community.  To find a CSA near you, visit localharvest.org.

Marygrace, KIWI intern and local produce fanatic

Purple and Carrot, discuss. Purple carrots can now be found in a fruit & veggie drink for kids. First Juice, Inc. just introduced two new flavors, blueberry+purple carrot and peach+purple carrot. And, if you are wondering…yes, purple carrots are real! Furthermore, their darker complexion brings antioxidants similar to blueberries and red grapes.

It is sold in an 8 oz. reusable and recyclable, spill-proof, BPA-Free sippy-top container that is convenient for parents on-the-go. The First Juice 32 oz. bottle is great for refills.

Read about the history of the purple carrot and First Juice!!!

– Stephanie, KIWI staff and wondering if adults can drink this too…?

Last month, Congress’s CPSIA regulations put limits on the amount of lead and phthalates that can appear in children’s toys. Good news for little ones who stick everything in their mouths, but bad news for the small toy companies who’ve been making safe playthings for years. Some of our favorite small businesses face potential economic strain from these regulations, since companies have to pay to get items tested. Fortunately, the Handmade Toy Alliance is fighting the good fight for everything small and green. The HTA is directing its efforts toward a Congressional amendment to protect cottage industries from the high costs of mandatory product testing.

– Sara, KIWI intern and keeping you up-to-date on CPSIA regulations

I live in Philadelphia. To get to my laundry room, I have to walk outside and around the corner to another room in the same building. Today while changing loads, I saw a police car idling for quite some time. Idling is beyond inefficient, getting zero miles per gallon. Yes; it is worse than turning off your engine and restarting it. Both of which I recited to this officer. To really grab his attention I add, “there are several schools starting initiatives for idle-free school zones.” He replied, “Wow, I did not know that!” I told him to share this news with his friends.

A growing number of organizations are supporting this cause, especially in schools. Let’s all lead by example. If your school does not have a no-idle zone; check out these resources and toolkits.

– Stephanie, KIWI staff and clean air advocate 

The Go Green Expo is heading to Philadelphia this weekend. Visit our KIWI booth #301 and say hello. We’ll have lots of fun samples and magazines for you and your family.

Saturday, March 14th • 10am - 6pm
Sunday, March 15th • 10am - 5pm

Download the speaker and event schedule.

The Pennsylvania Convention Center
1101 Arch Street - Hall B
Philadelphia, PA 19107

– Stephanie, KIWI staff and attending the Philadelphia Go Green Expo

If your family is hoping to grow a few green thumbs this spring, don’t delay! Get a head start in the winter. Unlike their warm-season counterparts, cool-season crops are best started in early spring, so they’ll have enough time to fully mature before the summer heat arrives. Exact dates for planting seeds will vary slightly depending on your geographic location and the variety of the vegetables you are planting. Delicious cool-season veggies include calcium-rich kale to beta-carotene-packed carrots. Take advantage of a sunny March day and bring the kids to a local nursery, or check out a USDA-certified organic seed company  online. Both are great ways for the kids to decide what cool-season veggies they want to see in their spring salad!

Sara, KIWI intern

An article in yesterday morning’s paper reported that this year, thrift store sales have skyrocketed.  Considering the current state of the economy, as well as the ever-growing movement to reduce, reuse, and recycling, this comes as no surprise.  Whether it’s out of concern for the planet or simply an effort to save some money doesn’t make much difference to me–people are consuming less, and that translates to less focus on the material, as well as less junk in our landfills.

While people are embracing the awesomeness that is second-hand (where else can you find a perfectly worn-in pair of Gap jeans for $6?), however, the article also reported that thrift store donations are way down.  Clearly there’s an imbalance here, and it needs to be fixed!

March is the perfect month to take on some spring cleaning.  While it’s tempting to make a little extra money by selling your unwanted goods at a garage sale or consignment shop, think about organizations like Goodwill or the Salvation Army who could really use them.  And remember, these places don’t just take clothes–thrift stores will happily accept your old linens, cookware, toys, furniture, and even electronics.

Marygrace, KIWI intern and thrift store junkie

If life is tough for your family right now, keep everyone’s spirits up by planning a daily celebration. Dress the table for dinner each night. Set a beeswax candle or some item from nature in the center. Depending on the ages of your children, play a word game or two. Take some time to reconnect by asking those close to you, “What made you happy today?”

Resolve to surprise one family member each day by gifting them with something special—a promise for fresh baked cookies, 15 minutes snuggling, or a bike ride, for example. Whether your family numbers two, three, or a dozen, earth-friendly gifts like these are free acts of love and kindness that will always be appreciated. Most importantly, take a vow to each day celebrate what you have rather than focus on what you don’t.

-Lynn and Corey Colwell, mother-daughter duo and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family.

This month, Congress is cracking the whip when it comes to toxins in children’s products. Thanks to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), little ones now have greater protection from exposure to dangerous substances. As of February 10th, all items made for young children must be tested for levels of lead as well as a group of toxic chemicals known as phthalates. The new standards under the CPSIA are great for our children, but they’ve also led to complaints from small manufacturers who feel threatened by the high cost of laboratory testing. We’ll keep you updated on the risks and benefits of this important act in the following weeks.

– Sara, KIWI intern and advocate of trustworthy toys

Last week temperatures in the Philadelphia-area reached about 60 degrees. For a moment, I thought we beat winter. Visions of spring - fresh veggies, flowers and warm, sunny days - put a smile on my face. Then, I checked the 10 day forecast. Winter storm approaching. Normally I don’t believe storm warnings, but I grabbed my fabric bag and got ready to head to the food store.My partner stopped me and asked what I would be getting. I answered plainly, “Milk, bread, juice, eggs. The standards.” He challenged me to use what we had in the apartment instead of spending money to purchase food we didn’t desperately need. “Okay,” I replied always up for a challenge. I had chicken in the freezer and veggies leftover from Friday night’s dinner. This should be easy.I woke up today and the streets are snow-covered. Winter prevails and I am home cooking. For breakfast, we ate blueberry pancakes. My chicken soup is simmering in our cast iron Dutch oven. I think I’ll whip up some brownies later. I feel like I won, but more importantly, we won. It is a challenge for all of us in this economy. Let’s think to use what we already have to create something we may not have originally thought of.– Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of creative cooking