Has anyone had experience with Estrellitas Montessori in DC - for pre-k3 and within the past few years preferably, I know there were some earlier posts raising a few concerns.

Or is anyone sending their child to the program this year?

Thank you.

Has anyone had experience with Estrellitas Montessori in DC - for pre-k3 and within the past few years preferably, I know there were some earlier posts raising a few concerns.

Or is anyone sending their child to the program this year?

Thank you.

I would welcome any feedback on PreK 3 and/or 4 at DC Bilingual, Communikids, Estrellitas.

Some specific questions –

Does Prek3/4 at DC Bilingual provide academic basis different than what is provided by Communikids and Estrellitas both of which seem to be more daycare oriented?
Is Estrellitas a true Montessori program? I have heard/read mixed reviews
Did the physical aspects of Communikids’ facilities (no windows in some of the classrooms) worry any other parents
Is DC Bilingual’s leadership and program worth the drive which is 20-40 minutes each way without major accident/backup? Just don’t know what to expect from the traffic component. We are excited that we got a spot at this amazing school but with my husband and I both working downtown, the drop-off/pickup scheduling is a real concern.

So in essence, does it matter at pre-K level and what are people’s experiences with any of above mentioned programs.

Thank you in advance for any feedback offered.

OP here.

thank you all for responses. Food for thought. Being condescending doesn't really help get a point across. If I didn't need reassurance from my community, I wouldn't be posting here. I view these type of outlets as first and foremost providing a sense of community from folks going through or having gone through same experiences. Having questions is part of the human experience. Obviously I have spoken with my OB and felt the need to also reach out to those within my immediate vicinity going through similar experiences.

I thank all who responded, regardless of tone. I especially thank those who took the time to put in some references, personal experience, and data.

I am 28 weeks pregnant with twins - my first pregnancy. I have a checkup next week and I believe this is when my Dr. wants me to get the DTAP vaccine. Let me upfront that I am one of those people that does google searches on medical issues which I have come to learn is the pathway to madness. I've been good about it during the pregnancy but made the mistake of looking up ingredients and warning of vaccine.

My husband an I are discussing if I should get it now or after they are born. I know there is a rise in whooping cough.

Here are some questions, especially for folks who have gotten it and have toddlers now, but everyone's input welcome.

1. Is DMV area an area that has seen the rise in whooping cough?
2. I know they give the DTAP vaccines to infants 2 months on and the theory is my antibodies will help with increased immunity during that lag time between brith and first DTAP.. Are there any concerns with it being more harmful to them while in-eutro. Has anyone had it impact the babies negatively while pregnant? There is a part of me that thinks it is actually safer as I will get the aluminum deposited in my organs and they will only get the antibodies from me. But I am not a scientist and don't know if my assumption is technically correct. Or does aluminum cross the barrier and since they are developing still make them vulnerable? Or is it actually too much of a stressor on them from the immune reaction to vaccine while still in-eutro. Some of the posts say their little brains and liver can't handle the immune response from me at this time much less for themselves. But again, those aren't from vigorous studies but certain enough to cause me anxiety as I type this at 1:15 AM.

It is so difficult making all these choices for them already. And they haven't even technically arrived. YIKES.

Thank you all in advance for your input. I know this whole vaccine issue is a bit controversial. My concern isn't about vaccines overall rather about getting them while pregnant. I didn't get the flu vaccine as I got pregnant after the flu run was done and my OB didn't feel it was necessary. So I didn't have to deal with this issue of vaccines during pregnancy until now.

OP here. Thank you all for sharing your advice and experience. And world of encouragement.

The result for me and husband as PP put it - go with our gut. Focus on the twins as many of you have said. And that despite what many say, especially those living outside the city - we have plenty of options not the least being walking, metro and ride share.

Thanks again. 14 more weeks to go before the littles are here.

OP here. to Anonymous at 07/06/2018 17:09

What configuration do you have your Diono? Are you using the middle seat as one? We looked at a CRV today and there is no tether for the middle seat in back of the bench.

thank you all for your quick replies. And for putting my mind at ease. I also feel we should just focus on being with the twins and see where things take us. But everyone we meet has to have an opinion - my own family included - and insisting we get a big car. But those are people who don't live the way we do. They are either in the suburbs or even if in the city, drive everywhere. Thanks again. I am relieved.

My husband and I are expecting twins in October. We live, work and socialize in downtown DC. We both presently drive small cars (mini coopers). We also have two small dogs (under 15 pounds each) and will have a full-time nanny. Neither of us have ever owned large cars. We are stumped on what car to get. For me, even a Mini Countryman seems huge. We want to get something for just the first 2-3 years (will lease).

- Are there cars with large enough back seats for two car seats and a small adult to sit comfortably - Outback, Forrester, CRV, anything else? Do any of them work with that configuration?
- If so, what car seats should we get (my husband is 6' 4" so he will need to push his seat all the way back
- If we have to go to 3 row SUV, what do people like that is easily maneuverable in downtown DC?
- Can we get any with a two row car for the first two years?

Thank you all in advance for your input.

Thank you for both of your replies. This person had embryos that didn't make it through the thaw and she is convinced it's because CF's lab is as disorganized as their front office is. And there is an element of that reasoning I can get. The only reason we are with CFA is because Dr. Sacks is so chill, always available and came recommended. I'm not impressed with their billing or front office either. But assumed that was different from the lab.

So good to hear words of wisdom, especially success thaw stories. thank you for taking the time to reply.

Hi everyone. We are working with Dr. Sacks at Columbia Fertility. I get pregnant naturally but cannot carry for an unidentifiable reason. We have frozen embryos and are now working with a surrogacy agency finalizing a contract with a gestational carrier. At a gathering last night someone told me that Columbia Fertility cannot be trusted. That I should immediately move my embryos to another facility and pray that they embryos are still good. That Columbia's back office (lab, storage) is as big of a mess as their front office is (I know they don't have the most friendly and competent front office). I am totally freaking out. Does anyone have any input? Should I move the embryos? It'll be another 4-6 months before GC process is complete. Thank you.