Some time ago, I wrote about tips to choosing a pre-school when I accompanied my friend to enroll her little one in a morning-only program in Reno. That little one has since started kindergarten and is thriving in her new learning environment.

But what about a local resource for finding that perfect preschool fit? There’s a new website that not only lists Lodi’s preschools, but posts some helpful articles in getting you (the parents) ready for the change. Check back often for updates to this new site.

This year, start a new tradition as you share with family members around the Thanksgiving table what you’re thankful for.

Here’s a great article about doing just that. While it has a religious slant (and I recognize not everyone in Lodi prays), there are some tips about just expressing thankfulness and teaching your children to do the same thing.

It’s easy this time of year to be thankful for good health or a warm bed to sleep in, but I enjoy teaching my toddler to appreciate the little things in life. His race car toys. The smell of fall. Mommy and daddy’s warm hugs. A warm “kiss” from our daschund.

How do you teach your children to be thankful for what they have in life and take less focus away from what they may not have? Share your ideas here.

And for those who need evidence that it’s healthy to be thankful, read this recent research project on the long-term effects of gratitude.

On a recent Saturday, my husband decided to take Sam to the real thing at the Stockton 99 Speedway. Sam was enthralled. In fact, he apparently didn’t move from his seat for the first hour — that’s a lot to be said for a toddler who’s always on the go!

From the report I got when the two returned home, it sounds like a great place to take the entire family. Race admission is $10 for adults and free for children under 10. Concessions, too, are fair with hot dogs costing a mere $1.50 and pre-packaged candy, $1. Want to save even more? Bring your own snack-filled backpack.

Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait until next season to catch live racing since Sam’s adventure was the last opportunity for 2009.

When I was shopping for an easy fold-and-go stroller a few years back, I saw these exact models in the Stockton Babies R Us and local Target stores so I’m sure Lodi moms and dads are pushing them around town.

Click here for information on obtaining a free repair kit to cover the closing mechanism hinge.

As part of the settlement, the Baby Einstein company will refund $15.99 for up to four “Baby Einstein” DVDs per household. The deal enables parents to exchange their video for a different title, receive a discount coupon, or get the cash through March 10. No receipt required.

Instead of plopping your little one in front of the DVD player, try ideas like these in nurturing his or her little mind.

But before you send the DVDs back, tell me what you think of the Baby Einstein videos. Are they worthwhile, or another failed marketing ploy to the age-two-and-under crowd?

The reason? Swine flu precautions. I will keep my opinion on this virus to myself because I do regularly report on it and the affects on schools, and instead focus on the lack of thought I feel was put into this decision.

Let me give you some background: I have to have a c-section, which means I am required to be at the hospital two hours before the scheduled surgery on an upcoming Monday. At that time, I will be forced to tell my toddler son goodbye. I won’t be allowed to see him for two days, since that is the standard time a c-section patient stays in the hospital.

I am trying to understand exactly why hospitals have chosen to do this — and many in the Bay Area made the same decision last month — but I’m not really sure if they thought out the implications.

While I won’t be able to see my son, Sam, too, won’t be permitted to see his baby sister until she is brought home. And although I have no immediate family in the area, I must find a babysitter to care for my toddler while my husband is not only visiting me, but bonding with our second child.

The reasoning? Pregnant women reportedly fall into one of the high-risk swine flu groups, and the hospital doesn’t want anyone getting sick, especially the newborns. I get that.

But Lodi Memorial’s birthing rooms are separate from the general public, as are most definitely the surgical rooms. The in-room toilets are only to be used by new and expectant moms, so the chance of germs being spread are slim. In case you’ve never visited the maternity ward, there are no public places.

In the end, I understand hospitals want to keep their patients safe. And while I am smart enough not to let my son inside the maternity ward if he is sniffling or otherwise ill, apparently other people aren’t.

1. Are you having twins?

2. You must be due soon.

3. Wow, you’re measuring big (she surely won’t hear the m-word when followed with “big”)!

4. Are you sure you’re allowed to eat that?

5. How many pounds have you gained?

Feel free to add some of your own.

I recently received this e-mail from Graco (the people that make the majority of the car seats we use to haul around the five-and-under crowd). It had to so many great tips I thought I would just post them verbatim:

1. Before the big day, do an installation run-through of your car seat. Like any new parent, you won’t want to leave anything to chance. Practice installing your car seat (and even buckling it) so you won’t get caught frantically trying to figure out which straps go where at the hospital. (Chance are, both mom and baby are just going to want to get home!)

2. Dress the part: There is no doubt you’ve packed several cute outfits for your new baby. But, what about something clean, comfy and new for you? This is a time to celebrate and you should dress the part. If make-up is your thing, be sure to pack it. This is also a great time to switch your digital camera to black and white mode. This will soften any puffiness and dark circles that sometimes accompany both you and your baby during childbirth.

3. Bring the essentials: Be sure you’re prepared with the necessities for your little one, too. Most hospitals supply you with knit caps to keep your baby’s head protected during these first days, so use them. Receiving blankets, socks, a pacifier and a burp cloth are also handy things to have as you make your trip home.

But most importantly, drive safely!

The merchants downtown invite the community to trick-or-treat at their establishments on the Saturday before Halloween between 12 noon and 4 p.m. The Fall Festival, sponsored by the Downtown Lodi Business Partnership, carries on into the evening and has many family activities which include live music, a food court, pumpkin painting, petting zoo, face painting, costume contests, games, raffles and a pumpkin carving competition.

Vine & Branches is offering costume photos for free if you bring in a canned good (or $5) to benefit the Emergency Food Bank of San Joaquin County. The food drive runs from noon to 5 p.m. at 110 W. Oak St. Following Halloween, the images will be posted here for a month-long costume photo contest. Be sure to vote for your favorite!

Also, keep your eyes open for signs in front of churches. Many local congregations throw open their doors for low-cost and safe festival fun like bobbing for apples. This year there is also a kid-friendly race at Lodi Lake.

Know of any other events? List them here.

I’ve stopped reading books about child-rearing and have instead turned to the internet or friends with older children when something comes up that I’m not really sure how to deal with. All in all, it hasn’t been too hard. Yet.

But someone once told me if the terrible twos weren’t so terrible (and they weren’t), then hold on for the troublesome threes. I’m holding tight, literally.

My son’s personality is in full force, as are his words and actions. He is truly a little person now — with a big attitude. (I thought they didn’t start blatantly ignoring you until at least their pre-teens!)

As I prepare for this next chapter in childhood, what books would you recommend in rearing a 3-year-old? Here’s what I already have on my shelf (although I admit I haven’t gotten very far into it because well, between potty training and getting his first bicycle, life happens).