Alabama Baby & Child Winter 2018

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& child

INDIE & CHIC REBORN DOLLS CONQUERING KAWASAKI FAMILY TRAVEL TO

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From choosing a doctor to choosing a stroller, WE’RE WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. The journey through pregnancy can be an emotional time. One filled with excitement, uncertainty and anticipation. And UAB Women & Infants Services is here to help with everything you might need along the way. Offering extraordinary care by an experienced team of physicians, nurse practitioners and staff, and the only Level IV NICU in Alabama, we’re committed to handling everything you expect and anything you don’t. Matching our skills to your needs.

And being with you every step of the way.

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& child

W I N T E R 2 01 8

contents

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EDITOR AT LARGE LaTanya Bayles ART DIRECTOR Amy Heise Murphree

features

CONTRIBUTORS Kim Hildenbrand Robin Raven

24 Indie & Chic 26 Conquering Kawaski Disease 30 A Labor of Love - Reborn Dolls

PHOTOGRAPHY Jessi Carney Sarah Sexton

departments

PROJECT MANAGER Mexia Hall

10 Partners in Kids Health: Kawaski Disease 12 Childcare: Choosing Quality Childcare 14 Expert Q&A: Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie 18 Make Room for Baby: Fireflies & Fairytales 38 Family Travel: Memphis

INTERN Christina Smith, UAB GRANDPARENTS TO PRECIOUS, CINNAMON & THE GOOSE Cecil & Francine

Lifestages

Media

Inc.,

Copyright

2004-2018.

in every issue Lifestages

Media Inc. publishes Alabama Baby & Child quarterly. All

04 Editor’s Letter 06 News & Notes 42 Event Picks

rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Publisher assumes no liability for unsolicited art, photographs, manuscripts, or other material.

Disclaimer: Statements and opinions expressed in Alabama Baby & Child are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Lifestages Media Inc. Information provided should not be interpreted as medical instructions; editorial content is not intended as medical advice. Consult appropriate healthcare professionals prior to taking any action.

Although great care has been taken in compiling and checking the information given in this publication to ensure accuracy, the authors, Lifestages Media Inc., and its servants or agents shall not be responsible or in any way liable for the continued currency of the information or for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in this magazine, whether arising from negligence or otherwise or for any consequences arising therefrom. The appearance of an ad in Alabama Baby & Child does not constitute an endorsement of that product or service.

contact us LifeStages Media Inc. t. (205) 440-2229 www.AlBabyMag.com www.BabyPaloozaTour.com

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What you see are proud new parents.

But what you don’t see is the Baby Yourself Nurse from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama answering the questions she had for a healthy pregnancy. Or that she was able to choose her OB/GYN, thanks to the largest network of doctors and hospitals in the state. Or their close friends and family receiving a text she sent through the Baby Yourself App, letting them know it’s finally time.

Blue Cross works hard behind the scenes.

AlabamaBlue.com/NewFamily

Parents Partnering S U M M E R 2 017

ARE

WITH

Faith-Based Preschools

Find Out Why

www.ccslion.com/faith-based ®

covenant classical® schools & daycare Birmingham Area Locations Homewood • Trace Crossings • Valleydale Pelham New Greystone-Summer 2018 ALBabyMag.com 3

Editor’s Letter

From the

Editor THE DATES AND LOCATIONS for the 2018 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama BABYPALOOZA Tour are scheduled. The tour kicks will begin in Tuscaloosa on March 24. All dates and details are on the website at www.BabyPaloozaTour.com.

This year in response to feedback from previous attendees we have expanded the parenting conference aspect of the tour. In addition to great local resources expect more mini-classes from local experts on everything from baby proofing to lactation to car seat safety.

Please check your city and save the date. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Sincerely,

Cecilia Pearson cc@albabymag.com

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Look forward to counting all those fingers and toes.

Grandview Medical Center is one of the first hospitals to receive the Blue Distinction Center for Maternity Care designation by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama.

Whether you’re going to be a first-time parent or you’re adding to your family, you have so much to look forward to with the birth of your child. At Grandview Medical Center, we’re here to help -- from finding an OB/GYN, to prenatal tours and classes, to the day you meet your new bundle of joy.

Inside our beautiful, new women’s center you’ll find a staff focused on the whole family. We encourage special mom and baby time and offer open visiting hours to allow siblings and other family members to be part of the family bonding experience.

And should the need arise, our private NICU suites are designed for parents to stay right in the room with their little one.

3690 Grandview Parkway • Birmingham , AL 35243 • 205-971-1000 To find a physician, call 1-844-GMC-DOCS

www.GrandviewHealth.com

Blue Distinction Centers (BDC) met overall quality measures for patient safety and outcomes, developed with input from the medical community. A Local Blue Plan may require additional criteria for facilities located in its own service area; for details, contact your Local Blue Plan. Blue Distinction Centers+ (BDC+) also met cost measures that address consumers’need for affordable healthcare. Each facility’s cost of care is evaluated using data from its Local Blue Plan. Facilities in CA, ID, NY, PA, and WA may lie in two Local Blue Plans’areas, resulting in two evaluations for cost of care; and their own Local Blue Plans decide whether one or both cost of care evaluation(s) must meet BDC+ national criteria. National criteria for BDC and BDC+ are displayed on www.bcbs.com. Individual outcomes may vary. For details on a provider’s in-network status or your own policy’s coverage, contact your Local Blue Plan and ask your provider before making an appointment. Neither Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association nor any Blue Plans are responsible for non-covered charges or other losses or damages resulting from Blue Distinction or other provider finder information or care received from Blue Distinction or other providers.

Editor’s Letter News & Notes

Hot Off the C O M P I L E D BY K I M H I L D E N B R A N D

NEW URGENT CARE CENTERS FOR CHILDREN OPEN IN ALABAMA It’s Murphy’s Law for parents: Right after your pediatrician’s office closes for the day, your child gets a minor injury. Or perhaps your son or daughter wakes up with a fever during the weekend when you’re doctor’s not working. Waiting until your pediatrician’s office is open simply isn’t always an option, but going to the ER isn’t the best solution either unless you’re truly dealing with an emergency.

Walk-in urgent care centers geared specifically for children can be the perfect choice for situations like these. They are not a replacement for a regular

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Press pediatrician nor are they suitable for emergencies.

However, for rashes, diarrhea, sore throats, and other minor issues, they are extremely convenient. Thankfully, parents in the greater Birmingham area as well as in Mobile can now take advantage of these services.

Kids Street Urgent Care now has offices to serve patients both in Pelham and in Mobile. The hours are Monday through Friday from noon to 10 p.m. and weekends from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The centers focus on offering shorter-than-typical wait times and pediatric providers to ensure the best possible experience for children.

KIDS STREET URGENT CARE KidsStreetUrgentCare.com PELHAM 300 Big Mountain Road, Pelham (205) 644-8289 MOBILE 6280 Grelot Road, Ste 100, Mobile (in front of Winn Dixie) (251) 288-5606

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. s m r e t r u o y n o e Live lif AlfaInsurance.com ALBabyMag.com 9

Partners in Kids Health

Kawasaki Disease

KAWASAKI DISEASE (KD) IS A RELATIVELY RARE CONDITION. In fact, only around 20 to 30 children

are admitted annually for the disease at Children’s of Alabama. However, it’s still good to be aware of this condition. To learn more about the symptoms, treatment, and causes of the disease, we spoke to Matthew Stoll MD, PhD, MSCS, of Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham.

• Conjunctivitis (pinkeye) • Changes to the mouth (e.g., strawberry tongue, cracking of lips) • Changes to the hands and feet (e.g., swelling, peeling at the fingertips) During the second week of the illness, lab tests typically reveal inflammation (swelling) as well as elevated platelet count.

SIGNS OF KAWASAKI DISEASE

According to Dr. Stoll, Kawasaki Disease is defined by a fever that lasts at least five days, accompanied by additional symptoms: • Red patchy rash • Swollen lymph nodes

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TREATING KAWASAKI DISEASE

The goal of treatment is to intervene within the first week to 10 days, according to Dr. Stoll. Treatment is effective. The first therapy is a dose of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). “Before IVIg was discov-

ered to be a therapeutic option in children with KD, the risk of mortality was 2 percent,” Dr. Stoll says, “and many others were left with large aneurysms of their coronary arteries.”

Today, if a child is treated quickly, the risk of these complications are low. And while IVIg is not effective in everyone, other medications, including Remicade (infliximab), can help resolve the fevers.

KAWASAKI DISEASE CAUSES

Unfortunately, there’s no way to reduce the risk of getting Kawasaki Disease. “Genetics is likely to be a large risk factor,” Dr. Stoll says, “and that of course is something that you’re born with.”

Dr. Stoll notes that there is some evidence that various infections can cause KD, although no single infection probably accounts for all cases. Because the infection(s) that can cause Kawasaki are unknown, no vaccine or other prevention method exists beyond basic hygiene (ie, frequent hand-washing).

Children’s

of Alabama is ... l

The third largest pediatric hospital in the United States

l

Licensed for 332 beds & 48 NICU bassinets One of the Top 20 employers in Alabama with more than 4,700 employees across the state The pediatric teaching hospital for the School of Medicine at UAB Home to the Pediatric & Congenital Heart Center of Alabama, where more than 450 cardiac surgeries are performed annually Site of the only pediatric kidney dialysis program in the state — one of the largest in the country Home to one of the largest burn units in the Southeast One of the largest pediatric rheumatology programs in the nation and the only one in Alabama Provides care for more than 90 percent of Alabama children with cancer and blood disorders

l l l

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Most viral illnesses resolve spontaneously within a few days, according to D. Stoll. However, if a young child (typically less than 5 years of age) has high fevers for more than 5 to 7 days, particularly if accompanied by some of the symptoms listed above, this may be KD. In these situations, the parents should ask their pediatrician about this possibility quickly. “If their child does have KD,” Dr. Stoll says, “the risk of complications is much lower if treatment is completed within 10 days of the onset of symptoms.”

To sign up for the Partners in Kids Health Newsletter and for more information on this or other health and safety topics, visit www.childrensal.org.

l l l l

.............................

Russell Campus 1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233 205.638.9100 Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children 1601 5th Avenue South Lowder Building and McWane Building 1600 7th Avenue South McWane Building 1600 7th Avenue South Children’s on Third Outpatient Center 1208 3rd Avenue South Children’s Park Place 1600 5th Avenue South

Children’s South 1940 Elmer J. Bissell Road, Birmingham, AL 35243 205.638.4800 Outpatient surgery services, Pediatric Imaging Center, laboratory services and specialty care clinics

Partners in

www.ChildrensAL.org

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Childcare

Four Indicators of Quality

Childcare

DON’T BE IN THE DARK ABOUT CHILD CARE, a

campaign of the Alabama Partnership for Children and VOICES for Alabama’s Children, is an effort to inform parents about the difference between licensed and exempt childcare and the components of a quality childcare program. Alabama is one of only seven states that allows some childcare programs to operate legally without a license, and currently, nearly one-half of all childcare centers in Alabama are operating “exempt” from a license and inspection for basic health and safety standards. Don’t Be In The Dark About Child Care encourages families looking for childcare to focus on the four indicators of a quality childcare program:

early childcare and education or child development that help them understand children’s needs and how they can help them grow and develop.

When you pursue childcare options, look for staff who enjoy caring for young children and respect the child’s development and learning. This includes staff that: • Nurture, talk to, and listen to the child • Use a respectful tone of voice and sit or kneel down on the child’s level to interact • Celebrate the child’s new skills • Talk to you on a regular basis about your child’s development and learning 2. ENVIRONMENT

1. STAFF

The staff is the foundation of a quality childcare program. Quality childcare staff have backgrounds in 12

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A quality childcare environment is inviting and warm, as well as safe, organized, and clean. A quality physical environment provides fun, hands-on

activities, including: • A play area with age-appropriate toys, books, blocks, and art supplies • Opportunities to play outside • Musical activities where children sing, play instruments, dance, or listen to music • Activities that encourage children to use their five senses • A quality emotional environment is welcoming, and the children’s behavior is guided in a positive way, including: • Staff that praise the children, help one another and work together well • Staff that explain the rules in a simple, positive way • Staff that comfort children and help them express their feelings when they’re upset • No physical punishment is allowed 3. HEALTH & SAFETY

A quality childcare program has standards and policies in place to keep the children and staff healthy and safe. In Alabama, licensed childcare programs are inspected annually to ensure that they meet the state’s minimum standards for the health and safety of children in childcare. If your childcare program is not licensed, find out if it meets the following health and safety standards: • Fire and Health Department Inspections • First Aid and CPR Training • Emergency Procedures • Staff-to-Child Ratios 4. PARENT INVOLVEMENT

Developing a good relationship with your child care provider will create a good support system to promote your child’s development and learning.

Quality childcare programs will have staff members who keep you informed about your child’s day, but you can make sure they maintain quality care for your child by: • Talking to your childcare provider. Discuss your concerns and make sure you are happy with their answers.

• Talking to your child. Ask them how their day went, what they did, who they saw, and if anything special happened.

• Reporting your concerns. Contact DHR if you see anything that may affect a child’s health or safety. For the Childcare Services Division, call (866)528-1694. For Child Protective Services, call (334) 242-9500.

2825 18th Avenue South Homewood, AL 35209 205.870.3503

  

@swaddlehomewood

Online Baby Registry Available at SwaddleOnline.com

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Expert Q&A

moms of alabama

A Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie CURE in Babies

BY K I M H I L D E N B R A N D

A LOCAL PEDIATRIC DENTIST SHARES EXPERT ADVICE ABOUT TWO ORAL CONDITIONS THAT CAN CAUSE PROBLEMS PARTICULARLY IN BREASTFEEDING BABIES.

According to research, around 1 in 10 babies are born with tongue-tie or lip-tie—but for those babies (and their parents), the conditions are life changing.

We spoke with Richard Baxter, DMD, MS, of Shelby Pediatric Dentistry, about the conditions.

Dr. Baxter performs more laser tongue-tie and lip-tie releases per day than any provider in Alabama, and often treats patients from other states and even other

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countries who travel to his office. He also lectures nationally and has created two online dental CE courses to help other dentists learn how to treat these conditions.

Along with his professional expertise, Dr. Baxter has personal experience with tongue-tie: He had the condition himself and only recently had it released.

After the procedure, he could speak more easily and more quickly without tiring or experiencing neck and shoulder pain. In addition, his twin daughters had tongue-tie at birth and nursed much better after treatment.

“I just want more people to know that this can be a hidden reason why kids are having issues with nursing, feeding, and speech,” Dr. Baxter says. Keep reading for information about these conditions.

1. WHAT IS TONGUE-TIE?

Dr. Baxter: Tongue-tie is a tight piece of tissue under the tongue (a remnant from fetal development) that restricts normal tongue movement. Most people have a string of some kind under their tongue.

To qualify as a tongue-tie it needs to be too thick, too tight, or too long and causing a functional problem of some kind.

For breastfeeding mothers, tongue tie can cause a number of issues: • Painful nursing • Flattened, lipstick-shaped nipples • Bleeding, blistered nipples • Plugged ducts or Mastitis • Insufficient milk transfer

Dr. Baxter: Tongue-tie is underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed, and it is common.

Research articles from a decade ago would say 4 to 10 percent, but the actual number including posterior tongue-tie is likely higher, but no one knows for sure.

Also, no one knows why the numbers of babies born with a restriction of the tongue is increasing.

Part of the difficulty in diagnosing it lies in the fact that the presentation of each mother and baby dyad is different.

Some moms have pain, some don’t.

Some babies spit up, some don’t.

If there are many of these issues going on, it’s worth having the baby evaluated by a lactation consultant who is familiar with tongue-tie. Some issues may be resolved by lactation support, but in other cases, these positioning and latching techniques will not resolve the issue because there is an anatomical problem (the tongue and/or lip-tie).

Many babies with a tongue-tie also have a lip-tie because they often occur together and should recede together during fetal development.

3. WHAT IS LIP-TIE?

4. HOW DO YOU DIAGNOSE

Dr. Baxter: A lip-tie is an abnormally thick, tight, or long piece of tissue under the lip that can cause problems.

Typically if you lift the lip up, and the frenum (lip-tie tissue) blanches or turns white, or exerts a traumatic force on the tissue, then it is likely a lip-tie. It also needs to be causing a functional issue for us to consider releasing it.

TONGUE-TIE?

2. HOW COMMON IS TONGUE-TIE?

3. WHAT PROBLEMS DOES TONGUE TIE CAUSE?

Dr. Baxter: The biggest issues with tongue-tie are with nursing, feeding, and speech. In babies, tongue-tie and lip-tie can cause several problems: • Poor weight gain • Reflux or spitting up often • Clicking noises while feeding • Choking or gagging • A shallow latch • Milk dribbling out of the mouth • Gassiness and fussiness

Dr. Baxter: It is diagnosed by a combination of both a clinical exam and a questionnaire about symptoms. During a clinical exam, we will assess the functional movements of the tongue and lip and determine if there is a restriction.

We will feel under the tongue, and often there is a tight string that feels like a speed bump or guitar string under the tongue. It sometimes is hidden under the floor of the mouth and is not an obvious string attached to the tip.

Many of the babies we see do not fit in the category of a “to-the-tip” tongue tie and all have a different appearance, either thick, thin, or variable length.

In fact, the most painful nursing often comes from babies who are restricted with thick inelastic tissue that is hidden under the tongue and not easily seen, but it is easily felt if you know how it feels.

RICHARD BAXTER, DMD, MS Shelby Pediatric Dentistry 2490 Pelham Pkwy Pelham, AL 35124 205-419-7444 ShelbyPediatricDentistry.com

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Expert Q&A 5. HOW DO YOU TREAT TONGUE-TIE?

Dr. Baxter: Some providers use scissors and a special retractor that holds the tongue to cut it. Sometimes this scissor release or “snip”/ ”clip” can help, but we often see babies who have been previously clipped and are still having issues because there is still tight tissue left that was not released.

We use a laser to get a full release of the tissue so it can function properly and give the child the most mobility. Our special CO2 laser takes away the tissue quickly (in about 10 seconds) with minimal to no bleeding, and less pain afterward. It is also safer because there are no sharp objects in the baby’s mouth. We strictly follow all laser safety protocols.

The laser looks like a small pen attached to a machine and we just “paint” over the surface of the tissue and it disappears. It is extremely precise, gently removing a layer of cells less than the width of a human hair at a time. It is the most advanced way to do the procedure.

We use a numbing jelly on the babies during the procedure. We do not use any sedation or general anesthesia to treat these babies. The babies typically calm down immediately after the procedure, are taken to their mother and put to breast right away.

Most mothers notice an immediate difference in latch and often a reduction in pain, although the baby has to relearn proper muscle patterns to suck well, which can take a few weeks.

5. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HEAL?

Dr. Baxter: The wound under the lip heals in two

weeks, and it takes three weeks for healing under the tongue. The parents have to do exercises afterward to ensure it does not reattach. We teach the parents how to do the exercises, and have them do the first set of exercises in the office after the procedure.

The healing is such that at three or four weeks it’s typically hard to tell that anything was done.

Scarring and swelling have been shown in studies to be less with the laser than with scissors or scalpel.

6. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR NURSING TO IMPROVE?

Dr. Baxter: Most babies will feed better right away, but each baby is different. Often the babies will have to relearn how to suck properly, and this process can take a few weeks. We always recommend that nursing babies follow up with their lactation consultant regularly and if there are any issues to call us.

7. DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR PARENTS ABOUT TONGUE-TIE?

Dr. Baxter: If you think your baby has a tongue-tie, do some research about the condition. We have some helpful resources on our website. Seek out a tonguetie knowledgeable lactation consultant for help. So much has changed in the research that it is critical to stay up to date on the latest advances.

Parents often turn to Facebook groups, and there is an “Alabama Tongue and Lip-Tie Support Group” on Facebook. It’s a great place to connect with other parents who have been through this process with their child and can help you navigate this issue.

Dr. Baxter’s Suggested Questions to Ask Providers 1. How many tongue-tie procedures do you perform a week?

2. When was the last continuing education course you went to related to tongue-ties?

3. What method do you use to release (scissors, diode laser, CO2 laser, cautery, etc.)?

4. What is the youngest age baby you will treat?

5. Do you use general anesthesia or sedation?

6. Do you release lip-ties or posterior tongue-ties?

7. Do you recommend exercises or stretches afterward to prevent reattachment?

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Make Room for Baby

Sleeping IN STYLE

BY K I M H I L D E N B R A N D

f

P H OTO G R A P H Y BY J E S S I C A R N E Y

FIREFLIES & FAIRYTALES IS REBORN AS A CUSTOMIZABLE LINE OF BABY BEDDING, BRINGING TIMELESS ELEGANCE TO NURSERIES ACROSS ALABAMA.

Have you ever longed for gorgeous baby bedding designed precisely to suit your tastes?

Good news: The owners of The Swanky Stork in Birmingham recently debuted an exclusive line of custom linen baby bedding called Fireflies & Fairytales.

“Baby bedding was a natural next step for The Swanky Stork,” says co-owner Bryson Kessler.

“So many of our customers were searching for timeless, classic baby bedding without any luck.”

The Fireflies & Fairytales bedding collection features classic style and elegance, and it’s completely customizable. Every piece is handsewn in the United States using gorgeous linen fabric. The bedding is sold as sheet sets in the store as well as by the yard.

The three owners of Swanky Stork—sisters Bryson Kessler, Beth Booth, and Mary Ann Hudson—used to own a children’s clothing store that also offered custom baby bedding. In

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THE SWANKY STORK 118 Cahaba Heights Road, Birmingham www.theswankystork.com

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Make Room for Baby their maternity shop, The Swanky Stork, they used a crib with bedding from the old store as a prop for displays, and virtually every day customers would exclaim, “This bedding is what I’m looking for!” They saw this as a sign to bring the bedding line back.

Bringing back their bedding line was a labor of love for the three sisters. They spent months tweaking the designs and freshening the style, while preserving the timeless and classic feel. With the help of talented designer Beanstalk Paperie, they designed fabric exclusive to the line of bedding, including lovely watercolor designs.

“We are thrilled about this new bedding line and the opportunity to work with our customers by not only dressing their baby bumps but also helping to dress their nurseries,” Kessler says.

What’s the significance of the name Fireflies & Fairytales? The three owners, Bryson Kessler, Beth Booth, and Mary Ann Hudson, fondly recall growing up in the country. During long summer

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nights, the sisters would sit outside, watching the fireflies flit about and talking about what they wanted to be when they grew up—their happily ever after.

“Fireflies & Fairytales represents remembering your roots while creating your future,” Kessler says.

Another project near and dear to their hearts is the Fireflies & Fairytales Foundation, which benefits children touched by cancer. The sisters launched the foundation to honor their mother, who passed away from breast cancer over 20 years ago, and Beth, who is currently battling melanoma.

“We know that life is short and we are not promised tomorrow,” Kessler says, “so it is our ultimate mission to give back to those who are also impacted by cancer and do our part to make a difference in this battle.”

The bedding collection is available for viewing at The Swanky Stork, or you can purchase online at Etsy.com/shop/FirefliesNFairytales.

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Indie & Chic

w

A talented designer begins crafting handmade teethers and burp cloths for her own kids—and ends up with a thriving business.

BY K I M H I L D E N B R A N D

P H OTO G R A P H Y BY S A R A H S E X TO N

WHEN SAMANTHA ECHOLS was a little girl, she

tha with Rob and Saman anor.

Ele d an , m Sa , Max

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spent much of her time in the embroidery store her mom owned in Homewood. There, she built forts in the massive floor-to-ceiling storage shelving and napped in a small bed under an office desk as a sleepy toddler; when she was older, she walked to the store every day after school.

“To say I grew up in her store would not be an over-exaggeration,” Samantha says. “That’s where my love of entrepreneurship and creating began.”

Not surprising for someone raised by a strong independent entrepreneur, Samantha’s interest in creating—as well as in earning extra money—started early. As a child, Samantha would set up shop in front of her house, selling handmade cards, Happy Meal toys, and virtually anything else she could come up with.

Over the years, Samantha embarked on several entrepreneurial adventures: In college, she

Her passion for baby products started with the teething necklaces that moms wear and babies chew to relieve their sore gums. Then, she began to use the silicone chew beads to create pacifier clips, teething rattles, and more. launched a website where she reviewed scrapbooking products in videos. Next, she began crafting felt headbands. During senior year, she launched a line of costume jewelry and branded her business Indie & Chic.

After college, Samantha married to her childhood crush Rob, and had three children: Max, 4; Sam, 2; and Eleanor, almost 1. Her children are the ones who sparked her most recent life change: When other moms showed an interest in the baby products she made for her own use, she changed the focus of her business.

Reborn in January 2017, Indie & Chic is now a modern baby line that features teething products, baby gifts and clothing. Her passion for baby products started with the teething necklaces that moms wear

and babies chew to relieve their sore gums. Then, she began to use the silicone chew beads to create pacifier clips, teething rattles, and more. She also produces children’s clothing, as well as oversized burp cloths that feature fabrics from other female artists.

In fact, empowering women has always ranked high on Samantha’s priority list. Currently, every product in her store is handmade by Samantha herself or sewn by her mom, Shanne Adams. One major goal for Indie & Chic is to be able to hire other moms to craft teething pieces, sew, and take care of other business needs. “I really want to build a community of motherhood around my business,” she says. “I hope to empower other women to create themselves while also able to contribute to their families financially and still have plenty of time to spend with their kids.”

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T he Inside Scoop on Indie & Chic OWNER SAMANTHA ECHOLS OPENS UP ABOUT WHAT MAKES

WHY HER PRODUCTS ROCK: “Our products stand out because

HER BUSINESS UNIQUE.

of their creative colors and their ability to coordinate with one

THE NAME: “The word Indie comes from Independent (Indie

another. All our pieces in a collection work together and make it

music was a huge part of my life in college when I started the

so easy to gift. Many customers create baby gift packages—like

business), and Chic conveys the style of the products I design.

a burp cloth with a matching teething necklace, or a coordinat-

I’ve always loved ampersands, so that was a must.”

ing teething rattle with a paci clip. We’re also detail-oriented—for

THE MATERIALS: “Handmade products can’t compete with

instance, we used wooden pacifier clips instead of metal.”

mass-produced items price-wise, so I prefer an increase in

WHAT HER CUSTOMERS WANT: “People love to create their

quality to make up for the price. I source as much as I can from

own color combos and ideas, so I’ve learned to offer that for my

the U.S. and to look for other small family-run businesses to buy

creative customers.”

our materials from.”

THE SUPPORT SHE RECEIVES: “I’ve been very lucky to be surrounded by a very supportive local community as well as family and friends. Just this Thanksgiving, my uncle was building me shop displays for retailers and my husband’s best friend has been building my booth displays for the upcoming market. It means so much to be surrounded by people who believe in me and the goals I have for my business.”

Purchase Indie & Chic products at www.IndieAndChic.com or at Swaddle, 2825 18th St South in Homewood.

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Popular Products at Indie & Chic TEETHING PIECES: The chewable necklaces, teething rings, and pacifier clips are crafted from food-grade silicone beads that promote tactile development for babies. The beads can be chewed without damage and washed infinitely with warm soapy water. The wooden beads are sourced from a small family business in North Carolina. Samantha conditions each bead with a coconut oil/beeswax finish.

OVERSIZED BURP CLOTHS: Cars, princesses, and baby animals are typical burp cloths patterns—but Samantha wanted

CLOTHING LINE: Samantha loves hand-embroidery, but she

something different. She chooses beautiful fabrics and ensures

wanted to create garments to withstand washing and wear. The

the cloths are extra-thick for added versatility. Along with cleaning

majority of the designs are Indie & Chic exclusives created from

up bigger messes, they can serve as a changing pad, a blanket, a

artwork—a nod to Samantha’s love of supporting artists and small

lovey, and much more—and they can last for years.

businesses.

ALBabyMag.com 25

CONQUERING

Kawasaki After struggling to pinpoint a diagnosis for their ill baby several years ago, one Dothan family is grateful for a happy ending.

BY K I M H I L D E N B R A N D

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IN, 2012, AOWYN JENKINS was a happy baby who delighted her parents Aurie and Noah, and her three older brothers Landon, Braddoc, and Tayton. At the time, the family lived in Utah due to Noah’s military service (though they have since moved to Dothan).

At 10 months old, baby Aowyn was a happy and cuddly girl, sporting eight new teeth, cruising along the furniture, and zombie-crawling like a champ. She loved dolls, mom Aurie recalls, and was always talking and singing. Her three big brothers adored her.

However, one day, everything changed. Aowyn suddenly had a fever of 103 that wouldn’t go away.

“Her fever wouldn’t come down with Tylenol, cool baths or any of the other tricks,” her mom recalls.

Then came the rash—and it didn’t go away. Her high fever also stuck around (up to 105 at times), and a host of other symptoms came and went. One day her joints were red and inflamed; the next day her lips were bright red as though she were wearing lipstick. She also rotated between having red, swollen eyes and bright red, swollen hands.

“It was really hard to convince a doctor that something was wrong,” Aurie says “because her symptoms changed every day.”

Before their eyes, Aowyn became very lethargic

and would hardly move. Aurie and Noah were extremely worried. Because they relied on the military health care system, the family didn’t have a regular pediatrician. So each day, Aurie returned to a different pediatrician in hopes of answers and treatment—and every day, the doctors told her to let the fever run its course.

Aurie slept in her daughter’s room every single night and didn’t let the baby out of her sight even for a moment. “I remember sobbing to my husband one night that I knew she was going to die,” Aurie recalls. “I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. She was my fourth baby, and while all of them had had fevers and colds, none of them had ever been as sick as she was. She wasn’t eating, didn’t even move, and barely had the energy to cry.”

Desperate, Aurie began to plug her baby girl’s symptoms into Google, hoping to turn up answers.

She ran across the symptoms of Kawasaki disease.

“It seemed to fit,” Aurie says, “but when I saw how rare it was, I moved on, thinking it couldn’t possibly be that.”

On the eighth day of Aowyn’s illness, Aurie brought her to a pediatrician away from the base.

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After just a few minutes, he confirmed that he believed something was very wrong with the baby. He performed some scans and X-rays, but before Aowyn was even unstrapped from the table, he had called an ambulance to rush her to the children’s hospital in Salt Lake City.

“He discovered that her throat was closing up due to swelling and she was struggling to breathe,” Aurie remembers.

After the frantic ambulance ride, baby Aowyn was greeted by a team of doctors awaiting her arrival, who immediately began to work on her.

What the doctor told Aurie stuck with her: “You already know what’s wrong with her,” he said. “If you tell me everything that has happened to her since this all started, give me a road map of sorts, you will end up giving me her diagnosis.”

After a long discussion, the doctor said he felt fairly confident in the diagnosis, but he went to consult with the team. Less than 10 minutes later, he returned to share his likeliest diagnosis: Kawasaki Disease.

This condition, which is rare, is characterized by a variety of symptoms, including fever, rash, swell-

ing of hands and feet, red eyes, swollen lymph nodes, and mouth issues (such as red, swollen, cracked lips, tongue, and throat). (See the sidebar for more information about KD.) Because of the late stage, achieving a definitive diagnosis was difficult; all they could do was treat Aowyn for KD and see if it worked. The disease generally has a 10-day window for most effective treatment, and by now was the morning of day nine.

Aurie and Noah were given the choice of whether to proceed with treatment, not knowing for sure of the diagnosis. Their answer was a resounding yes.

Thankfully, it was the right choice. Aowyn received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and aspirin and improved almost immediately. “Within two hours of starting the treatment, my little baby who could hardly move a few hours before was sitting up, playing, talking, and singing,” Aurie says.

Aowyn stayed in the hospital for five days, and her parents were relieved to watch her improve. “The doctors said that if she had not made it in by the time she did, she was at major risk of having huge heart problems for the rest of her life,” Aurie says. “I’m so glad I trusted my instinct.”

Advice from a Mom Aurie Jenkins was terrified she’d lose her daughter­­—and she doesn’t want that to happen to another family.

Below, see her advice for dealing with an unknown illness.

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS: You know your child best. Even if someone says he or she is fine, you have unique insights as a parent.

DOCUMENT EVERYTHING: Aurie says that after meeting other families who have dealt with Kawasaki, all agree on one thing: They wish they’d taken daily photos of their children’s symptoms to help show doctors exactly what was occurring.

BE PERSISTENT: If you’re concerned about your child, it’s good to seek a second or even a third opinion.

LEARN MORE ABOUT KAWASAKI DISEASE OR SEEK SUPPORT: Team Kawasaki Disease Alabama Facebook page: facebook.com/TeamKawasakiDiseaseAL Kawasaki Disease Foundation: www.kdfoundation.or Kawasaki Disease Foundation Facebook page: Facebook.com/TheKDFoundation

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After Aowyn returned home, she had to have an echocardiogram every three months for the next year.

So far tests show no long-term damage, but she will need to have her heart checked every five years and remain heart healthy for life.

Today Aowyn is a happy and active 6-year-old who loves to sing and dance. She goes to kindergarten and recently started gymnastics and cheerleading. As the only girl, she loves to take care of the whole family: her three older brothers (now 11, 9, and 7) as well as little brother Fynnock, who is 20 months old. “Aowyn has the most loving heart and never meets a stranger,” Aurie says. “She wants to be a mom and a teacher when she grows up.”

After her daughter’s battle with Kawasaki, Aurie, a prolific blogger at findingyourjoyinthejourney.com, is now dedicated to spreading awareness about the condition.

The rarity of the disease, she says, means many doctors have never seen a patient with it, so diagnosis is tricky.

“Trying to find out what was wrong with our daughter was one of the scariest times of my life,” she says, “and I don’t want another family to have to go through what we went through.”

ALBabyMag.com 29

A LABOR OF

Love

BY R O B I N R AV E N

Two talented Alabama artists create dolls so realistic they’re often mistaken for real babies.

Kendra Lyas

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TIFFANEY HILL JOINER AND MELISSA HARVILLE

Left to Right: Tiffaney Hill Joiner and Melissa Harville

have always been artistic. During the two friends’ childhood in Mobile, Melissa enjoyed painting, and Tiffaney immersed herself in dance and the performing arts.

Fast-forward a couple of decades, and the lifelong friends are now business partners. Five years ago, they launched an art business called the Pink Glitter Nursery. Their product of choice?

Realistic-looking dolls called reborns.

While the concept sounds unusual to those who aren’t familiar, reborns are actually a popular phenomenon across the country and around the globe. Reborn dolls are hand-painted to resemble a human baby as much as possible— and can even be painted to resemble a portrait of a specific baby. The realistic details are important to artists and collectors alike.

“They may freak you out a little—we get that a lot—but once you hold one, you may also find yourself rocking and patting it, just like a real baby,” Melissa says. “They are weighted and poseable, so they are heavier than regular dolls.

It’s very close to holding the real thing.”

For Pink Glitter Nursery, Tiffaney and Melissa create their dolls from their Alabama homes and ship them all over the world. In this world, “reborning” is the process of creating and painting the special dolls, while the artists themselves are referred to as “reborners.” The special magic that creates a bond between reborn dolls and their proud owners is rooted in imagination, fun, and artistry.

“Most people assume they’re children’s toys, but these dolls aren’t intended for young children,” Tiffaney says. “They must be handled gently as if you were holding a real baby. These are handmade works of art.”

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But the Pink Glitter Nursery isn’t all serious business. Fun is something that comes naturally to these free-spirited, joy-loving professionals. In fact, that sense of fun is clear in the very origins of Pink Glitter Nursery.

“Our business started because Tiffaney saw an episode of Dr. Phil where a woman had a reborn doll who treated it like a real baby,” Melissa recalls. “I was living in Texas at the time. She called me and said, ‘Melissa these things look crazy real, and I want you to try to make one.’ I thought she was nuts!”

But the more the two friends discussed the idea, the more sense it made. “Next thing we know, we are learning how to make them and started a business!”

Tiffaney says.

When it comes to business ownership, the pair have a leg up. For starters, they’ve worked together many times over the years; this fact coupled with a strong friendship makes them the perfect team.

Their past career experience, too, plays a part in their success. Tiffaney has owned several performing arts businesses over the years, for which the majority

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of her customers were women and children, while Melissa has also worked for many charitable organizations that benefit children. These past roles made the process of starting their own business much easier.

However, the reborn business is a little different from anything they’ve done before. Before getting started, Tiffaney took a class to learn the art of reborning, but it only taught the basics. Melissa, on the other hand, used her inherent artistic talents to teach herself.

“We quickly learned that reborning is nothing but a giant experiment and no one paints the same,” Tiffaney says. “Every doll we paint is truly one of a kind. No two are ever alike.”

For the Pink Glitter Nursery doll artists, their passion is largely about creating a special experience for customers. They love receiving photos of people when they receive their dolls. “Seeing their faces... there is nothing better!” Melissa says. They also love to hear people say their dolls look real. “That,” Melissa says, “is the ultimate compliment.”

LEARN MORE You can follow the Pink Glitter Nursery on Facebook and check out their website. www.facebook.com/pinkglitternursery www.pinkglitternursery.com

How Reborns are Made Like real babies, every single reborn crafted by the Pink Glitter Nursery is 100 percent unique. Here’s what the process entails.

1. The dolls are crafted from vinyl kits. They are filled and weighted with premium poly fill and micro-glass beads. Each doll includes a baby-scent wafer inside to produce a natural newborn scent.

2. Each doll is hand painted using very thin layers and heat set after each layer. This can take days or even weeks. “This process is not only tedious, but very time consuming,” Tiffaney says.

3. The dolls are finished with a layer of varnish for protection and realistic texture.

4. Bald heads are standard, but for adult collectors who want to upgrade to delicate hair, Melissa and Tiffaney use tiny needles to micro-root silky strands of mohair one or two at a time.

5. The dolls are then packaged with love—and extra surprises. “Our dolls usually arrive in a cute outfit with a matching bow or hat. They also come with a blanket, magnetic pacifier, diapers, birth certificate and a few extra surprises. We want the ‘box opening’ to be fun and exciting for our customers,” Tiffaney says.

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Why Do Adults Love Reborn Dolls?

Think dolls are just for kids? That’s not the case. For many people, reborn dolls are a true passion. Here are a few reasons why.

1. BABIES ARE WONDERFUL: For people who love the feeling of snuggling a newborn baby, reborn dolls offer a very similar feeling.

Reborn dolls are even used in Cuddle Therapy for Alzheimer’s patients, and can offer an array of benefits.

2. REBORNS CAN ALLEVIATE GRIEF: For parents who have suffered a miscarriage or are dealing with infertility, holding a baby doll can help ease the sense of loss. In fact, people who have death with any sort of grief can find comfort cuddling a reborn.

3. ROLE-PLAYING IS FUN: Anyone who’s ever enjoyed a simulation-style video game knows the fun of truly becoming a character. Some people who own reborns become the dolls’ parents, caring for them, changing their diapers and clothes, and even bringing them places.

4. COLLECTING IS A POPULAR HOBBY: Like paintings, sculptures, or any other type of art, reborns are unique and beautifully crafted works of art. Collectors value these unique traits and enjoy showing off their dolls.

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Family Travel

History Comes Alive in

Memphis

Memphis offers outdoor adventures, interactive historical museums, and musical experiences the whole family can enjoy together.

w

BY R O B I N R AV E N

WHILE ITS NAMESAKE CITY OF MEMPHIS, Egypt, is located on the widest section of the Nile River, Memphis, Tennessee, is located on the widest part of the Mississippi River. Memphis has the energy and excitement of a big city, but the soul and authenticity that comes from its rich heritage

and strong legacy.

From the beats of soul music to the roars at the Memphis Zoo, Memphis is a great family-friendly destination. Many know it as the city where Elvis lived. However, as you peel back the layers, you’ll find there’s much more to Memphis.

FAMILY TRAVEL SPONSOR

38 ALBabyMag.com

Find more family-friendly travel tips and destinations from The Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport at AlBabyMag.com/Travel.

family travel

Getting T here Memphis is an easy three-and-a-half-hour drive from Birmingham via Route 22. You take one road all the way there, so you can just relax and enjoy the journey.

Flights are available from the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, too. They usually have one quick layover in Atlanta, for a typical travel time between three to four hours.

Where to Stay

duck farmer. When the ducks are a year old, they go back to farm, where they usually fly off to the wild. They are never named or hand-fed, so they can easily return to the wild.

Families can spend one-on-one time with the Duckmaster when booking the Ducky Day Family Package, which includes one night’s accommodations, plus the following:

PEABODY HOTEL www.peabodymemphis.com

Known as the South’s Grand Hotel, the Peabody Memphis merges a family-friendly vibe with luxuries parents crave, including a resort-style luxury spa and on-site restaurants. The Peabody is most famous for a 90-year old tradition where ducks march to the lobby fountain at 11:00 a.m. each day and stay there until they march back to the elevators at 5:00 p.m.

On a recent visit, we learned that the hotel gets a new team of ducks every three months from a local

• Honorary Duckmaster duties: Help the Duckmaster march the Peabody Ducks to/ from the lobby fountain at 11 a.m. OR 5 p.m.

• Official brass-head Duckmaster cane • Peabody Duckmaster Celebriduck™ collectible rubber duck toy • Reserved table at your scheduled Duck March • Peabody Duck Cookies from The Peabody Deli & Desserts

ALBabyMag.com 39

family travel

Cypress Swamp

Big Cypress Lodge

Memphis Zoo

BIG CYPRESS LODGE www.big-cypress.com

Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid features a 100+ room hotel, Big Cypress Lodge. Each room is designed as an outdoorsman’s paradise, and is so comfy, you hardly realize you’re staying in a hotel. Each room comes with a “front porch” that overlooks the retail space, complete with wooden rocking chairs.

Guests can rent the hotel’s new cruiser bikes by the hour, which they can use to explore Memphis or ride along the Mississippi River in the adjacent Tom Lee Park.

What to Do THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF HISTORY

designated for children under four, and the recently refurbished Grand Carousel. Originally built in 1909, the carousel has been repainted to match its original autumn color scheme. With hand-painted wooden carvings, traditional carousel music, and 1,350 lights, the carousel provides a memorable experience for visitors.

MEMPHIS ZOO www.memphiszoo.org

Turn on your wild side when you visit the Memphis Zoo, which is rated one of the top zoos

by TripAdvisor. Home to more than 3,500 animals, it is one of only four zoos in the country to have giant pandas. While you’re there, check out their latest traveling exhibit, Nature Connects: Art with Lego Bricks, until July 9.

www.cmom.com

Memphis is steeped in history, and the Children’s Museum of Memphis offers hands-on exhibits and programs that bring history alive for kids. It’s located in the former National Guard Armory, which was built from 1941 to 1942. The museum has a splash pad, an outdoor play area, an area specifically 40 ALBabyMag.com

SHELBY FARMS www.shelbyfarmspark.org

Shelby Farms Park is more than five times larger than Central Park in New York City. This free park is open to the public every day between sunrise and sunset.

In 2016, they completed their Heart of the Park

family travel

Children’s Museum of Memphis

Children’s Museum

expansion, which features a larger lake, paved bike trails, a new visitors center, two new restaurants, a water splash pad for kids, bike and boat rentals, an outdoor concert venue, and much more.

NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM www.civilrightsmuseum.org

At the National Civil Rights Museum, families can see the room where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spent his last night. View the balcony where he stood as he took his last breath. Dive into the civil rights story from the 17th century to the present. April 4, 2018, will be the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s passing. The National Civil Rights Museum started a year-long celebration last year to commemorate his legacy and focus on the future with a theme of “Where do we go from here?” This celebration is interactive, encouraging visitors to share their stories as well as commit to a year of peace and action.

MEMPHIS HERITAGE TRAIL memphisheritagetrail.com

The National Civil Rights Museum is one of eight stops on the civil rights historic loop as part of the

Shelby Farms

National Civil Rights Museum

Children’s Museum of History photo provided by The Children’s Museum of Memphis.

Photo of Grand Carousel by Phillip Van Zandt

Memphis Heritage Trail. New in 2018 will be the I Am a Man commemorative plaza, set to open by April.

The plaza will be located next to Clayborn Temple, where Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his last speech.

The Memphis Heritage Trail includes such stops as the Withers Collection Museum and Gallery, where photographs tell the story of local history. Exploring the trail is sure to help kids appreciate the diversity, history, and culture of Memphis.

The stops on the Heritage Trail include: 1. National Civil Rights Museum 2. Blues Hall of Fame/ Blues Foundation 3. Historic Shotgun Houses 4. WLOK Radio Station 5. Chisca Plaza Development 6. Baker Historic House Restoration 7. Clayborn Temple 8. St. Patrick’s Catholic Church

ALBabyMag.com 41

family calendar

T N E V E

{January, February &March}

s k c i p C O M P I L E D BY A L A B A M A

1

B A BY & C H I L D S TA F F

JANUARY 22 – APRIL 29

MCWANE SCIENCE CENTER

McWane Science Center just got even

more fun. Starting January 22, a new exhibit called Backyard Adventures will

delight—and educate—children of all ages. The exhibit focuses on the types of science that

can be found right in your own backyard: biological interactions between insects and plants,

the zoology of nocturnal animals, the math skills necessary to create a path with pavers, and

the knowledge necessary to cultivate a thriving vegetable garden. Kids will discover how active outdoor play benefits their health, learn that there’s more to their own backyards than they’d ever imagined, and leave with the knowledge that science is everywhere—and they

2

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BACKYARD ADVENTURES

too are scientists.

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF DISNEY ON ICE JANUARY 24- 28

LEGACY ARENA AT THE BJCC

Children will enter a dazzling world of adventure at The Wonderful World of Disney On

Ice! They will join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on an inspiring walk down memory lane in celebration of magic and family fun. Nothing is out of reach for Rapunzel as her friends help light the way. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs make their own magic and reveal we can do ANYTHING in

tow.

with

Tickets

our

friends

available

at

Ticketmaster.com,

by

calling

1-800-745-3000

in

person

or

the Legacy Arena at BJCC Box Office.

a t

january 22 – April 29 There’s a hidden world of science waiting to be discovered in the backyard

PRESENTED BY

ALBabyMag.com 43 200 19TH STREET NORTH – BIRMINGHAM, AL 35203 – 205-714-8300 – WWW.MCWANE.ORG

a

family calendar

T N E V E

{January, February &March}

picks

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BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF ALABAMA PRESENTS KIDS MERCEDES MARATHON FEBRUARY 10 LINN PARK • 11:00 AM

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Kids Mercedes Marathon is program

designed for children kindergarten (K5) through 5th grade. Children will run the

For more family

distance of a full marathon (26.2 miles) over the course of several months. On race

friendly events vist

day, Saturday, February 10, 2018, kids will run the final mile on the actual marathon

ALBabyMag.com or

course. Every child will receive a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Kids

download our APP .

Mercedes Marathon Finisher’s Medal, a miniature version of the Mercedes

4

Marathon finisher’s medal as they cross the finish line.

ROSA PARKS AND THE MONTGOMERY BUS BOYCOTT FEBRUARY 10-11 BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN’S THEATRE 60 years after the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Rosa Parks is remembered as “The Mother of the Civil Rights Movement”.

With deep intensity and uplifting songs of the struggle, this play tells her uniquely moving American story. Recommend for ages 8 and older. Tickets start at $10 and may be purchased by calling 205-458-8181or at http://www.bct123.org/.

5

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS MARCH 9 AND MARCH 11 PETE HANNA CENTER AT SAMFORD UNIVERSITY The world famous Harlem Globetrotters, featuring some of the most electrifying athletes on the planet, will bring their spectacular show to Birmingham in March. The famed team will feature a star-studded roster that includes Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard and Cheese Chisholm—plus female stars TNT Lister and Ace Jackson—the Globetrotters’ one-of-a-kind show is unrivaled in the world of family entertainment. Every game will showcase incredible ball handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, hilarious comedy and unequaled fan interaction. Tickets start at $25 and may be purchased at www.harlemglobetrotters.com or by calling the Pete Hanna Center at 205-726-3647.

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