BABYOURSELF Magazine - Holiday 2011

HOLIDAY

2011

pampering for preggos

sanity for sleepless mommies

Orlando

  from a Lake Mary boutique

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5RECIPES HOLIDAY

 wish list to put on your

YOU’RE SURE TO LOVE

this Holiday Season

upset

tummy trouble

Career Woman.

MOVE OF THE MONTH

exercises to help you keep that weight off !

Wife. Mom. Introducing feature writer Katie Miller Witter

Holiday 2011 $3.95 value — but YOU get this issue FREE! Subscribe online to get future issues in YOUR mailbox!

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babyourself.com • Holiday 2011

As you wait for fingers and toes...

The birth of your little prince

or princess can be exactly how you’ve always imagined it. From your personal birth designer to your choice of boutique amenities, your delivery can be uniquely yours. The security and assurance you experience with our specialists, nurses and neonatal intensive care unit, allows you to focus on what’s important – you and your baby. Because while you’re waiting for those little fingers and toes

We’ll wait on you hand and foot.

For a tailored tour or to learn more about designing your perfect delivery, visit WinterParkHospital.com or call (407) 646-7200.

Central Florida’s only boutique hospital for women and babies. babyourself.com • Holiday 2011

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babyourself holiday 2011

Add this to my

WISH LIST

please!

CONTENTS

know yourself

14 Ask the Doc OB/GYN -

GI troubles

15 Career Woman, Wife, Mom -

Converging paths

22 Ho! Ho! Hold It for the Holidays! -

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You’ll love these goodies for the holidays!

special features

8 Babyourself Gift Guide

12 Ella’s Story -

Move of the month

& Wish List - What’s on your list?

One-year old Ella, her battle with neuroblastoma

16 It’s A Small World! 26 Season’s Eatings -

Local families share their traditions

Recipes for the holidays

treat yourself

6 Making Christmas Special -

23 Santa Spottings 30 Reality Chic -

Have you been naughty or nice?

Personal space, or the lack thereof

16 23 Hold it!

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babyourself.com • Holiday 2011

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In simple ways

Tree of Life

Birth and Gynecology Offering Holistic Home, Birth Center and Hospital Midwifery Care, Well-Woman exam/contraception, Primary care and Lactation support by Breast is Best Lactation, LLC Consultant Karen Bell, IBCLC

Now Offering VBAC Classes Offered: Breastfeeding HypnoBirthing ® Dunstan Baby Language Mommy and Me Stroller Postpartum Depression Attachment-Parenting Cloth Diapering Babywearing Doula referral and much more

Ladies ’ Night Out! Dec 2 nd 7-9p Shopping by Premiere Jewelry, Thirty-One and Lush 10-min makeover by Make up by Nicole Skin care tips by Inner Beauty Skincare, Preggo-tini’s and birth movies Contact us for details/RSVP ~ >

Kaleen Richards, CNM, ARNP

819 East First Street, Suite 4 Sanford, FL 32771 407-878-2757 www.treeoflifebirthfl.com

Unforgettable HOLIDAY

WINTER PARK VILLAGE • 407.539.2079 COLONIAL TOWN PARK • 407.805.0477 Open Daily: 10–9pm Fri & Sat: 10–10pm • Sun: 12–7pm walkonwaterfl.com

Free Gift With Purchase November 3rd–6th Purchase $200 or more of PANDORA jewelry and receive your choice of either the Multi-Strand Bracelet Concept (a $115 retail value) or Five-Clip Bracelet Concept (a $95 retail value).* *Good while supplies last, limit one per customer.

Charms shown on bracelets are sold separately.

MKTG24121_WALKON.indd 1

babyourself.com •10/5/2011 Holiday 2011 3:47:04 PM

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Letter from the Editor

Making Christmas Special in Simple Ways Have you ever noticed how easy it is to get caught up in the idea that you have to spend more, do more, and have more to be happy – especially around the holidays? There’s always that new gadget to buy or toy to have.

Last year’s iPhone is long outdated, and your kids are quick to tell you that they HAVE to have that new Xbox game.

In recent years, especially since becoming a parent, I have allowed the frenzy of gift-buying to paralyze me. Even to the point of becoming sad that I can’t buy EVERYONE in my life a meaningful gift. Aunts, uncles, in-laws, nieces, nephews, grandparents, parents, your kid’s teacher, your neighbor, sisters, brothers, best friends, co-workers – not to mention your husband, and children! It can get exhausting and overwhelming if you allow it.

Is there another way to approach this?

Maybe you’ve already discovered the solution for this sometimes stressful time, but for me – this year – I’ve decided that Christmas can be meaningful and special by the simple things – organizing a Christmas Movie Extravaganza, while stringing popcorn during the movie; drinking some hot cocoa and making the gingerbread cookies, chocolate-covered pretzels, and rich fudge during a fun giggly evening with the kids.

Less emphasis on the gifts, more emphasis on creating memories.

Now, I’m not suggesting that you shouldn’t buy gifts for your family! In fact, I love giving gifts! On pages 8-11, we at babyourself have found gift ideas for the many different women in your life. Maybe our gift guide will help the gift-giving be a little less stressful for you, so you can focus more on making memories and enjoying the holidays with family.

This holiday season, at the top of my list is an extra dose of togetherness and memories – Simplicity.

Kristi Corley editor in chief

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babyourself.com • Holiday 2011

babyourself Volume 2, Issue 6 ~

Holiday 2011

www.babyourself.com www.facebook.com/babyourself www.twitter.com/babyourself

EDITOR IN CHIEF kristi corley

EDITORS jennifer hatcher elisabeth myrick

FEATURE ARTICLES elisabeth nixon

& elisabeth myrick-

babyourself gift guide

kristi corley - multicultural christmas vickie myers - season’s eatings

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS kim daniels kimberly kimmig jennifer hatcher april merritt, md katie miller witter

PHOTOGRAPHY

elisabeth nixon kimberly kimmig

WEB AND DESIGN andy corley

Our Winter Issue (Jan/Feb) focuses on

Making Wise Investments in your body, family, your finances, and more.

To advertise in babyourself call 321-696-3962 or email advertising@babyourself.com

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @babyourself

WE ASKED...

What’s your favorite holiday memory?

Last year was the first year that Kendall "got" Christmas. She was so excited about everything, the wrapping, the presents, and of course the empty boxes! I can't wait to see what she thinks of Christmas this year!!

Elisabeth Myrick

Our family usually opens gifts on Christmas Eve and then opens the stocking on Christmas morning. I love that the excitement my kids have opening their stockings is equal to the bigger gifts they receive.

Vickie Myers

My favorite Christmas memory is the year that we spent Christmas in the country. We didn’t have any of our Christmas decorations with us, so we cut down a tree from our woods, strung popcorn, and baked cookies to hang on the tree. It was made even more memorable when we noticed that our dogs had eaten all the cookies from the bottom of the tree!

Kim Daniels

A friend of mine has had an ornament decorating party for the last 3 years and it is an awesome time to get together with the girls and let our creativity run wild....not to mention it is always fun to add a unique ornament to the Christmas tree!

Kimberly Kimmig

My favorite holiday memory is baking banana bread from scratch with my grandmother and mother. I am trying to pass it on to my kids...but my three year old has yet to learn to crack an egg without making it explode.

on the cover The decision to have baby Sofia as a part of this photoshoot was an easy one. I had originally asked Kamil Tully to be a pregnant model for me, to which she immediately said “yes!” That evening, however, she went into labor - nearly 5 weeks early. I had the privilege of being their doula and that evening Kamil, Mike and big brother Bryce welcomed baby Sofia to their family. Kamil jokingly said, “Well, I guess we won’t have that photoshoot after all!”

As I started to ask families to participate in the “It’s A Small World” feature, my thoughts immediately went to the Tully family.

Once again, they were very excited to participate, and I was thrilled to be able to give Kamil and 4-week-old Sofia their photoshoot!

Ironically, the day of the photoshoot was Sofia’s due date! Sofia was so sweet, too sweet actually, as photographer Cristy Nielsen just wanted to hold and cuddle with her!

The adorable outfits were provided by Coastal Kidz, of Lake Mary, FL. Clothing descriptions can be found on pages 16-20 of the “It’s A Small World” article, or online at www.coastalgiftsanddecor.com.

Dr. April Merritt

Waking up Christmas morning, 1987, my parents would not let me see what Santa Claus brought until I went to the kitchen and ate breakfast first…I was so angry! Well, when I walked in the kitchen and looked outside in the yard, I saw a beautiful white pony with a big red bow on her halter standing there looking at me! I leaped for joy, hugged my parents tighter than ever before and ran out to see my very first pony, Brookie, I had been dreaming of for years!!

doula moment...

I just wanted to say that I am the luckiest gal! I mean, take a look at what I get to snuggle with! Thank you Tully family!

Katie Miller Witter

babyourself.com • Holiday 2011

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babyourself GIFT GUIDE

21

must-haves

this wish list Holiday Season! to put on your

research by Elisabeth Nixon & Elisabeth Myrick | design by Andy Corley

Sentimental & Heartfelt

My Quotable Kid Journal (5”x7”)

$14.95 paper-source.com

Mom: Her stories, own My d Her words (6” x 4 3/8”) g n i d tt for joor overheairly $9.95 paper-source.com s l a n r le joounversationds to be fmaem! tt i l e Petunia Pickle Bottom Unioqsue specialesce are bouenars to coavailable.

Travel Train Case in th ings, Th ms for y nal also Majestic Murano say heirloo d” jour $42 petunia.com a D y “M

Mason Jar Sewing Kit

$48 anthropologie.com

Taste-Test Recipe Book (5.5” x 7.5”) with colorful, ruled pages inside.

$28 anthropolgie.com

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babyourself.com • Holiday 2011

Th so mesaencyome in and col styles ors!

Ooh-la -la!

LA MER Magenta Snake Gold Hearts Chain Wrap

$110 lamercollections.com

timi & leslie Annette Convertable Diaper Bag in red

$149.99 amazon.com

Find your inner fashionista!

KR2 Scroll Ring

$82 BARE ESCENTUALS

KR19 Stylized Kameon

$65

bareMinerals Putting On the Glitz ($157 value) 11-piece glistening holiday collection that’s ideal for a dazzling night out!

Fabulous and uniquely stylish sterling silver rings available from WalkOnWaterFL.com

$54 sephora.com $65

KR07 Ring with Filligree

OPI Rainbow Connection,

n and Get vgarreeieties tote red lly celebra! rea he holidays t

inspired by The Muppets movie

$9.50 fashionista.com

Boutiques in Lake Mary and Winter Park!

Lacey Faux Fur Booties Glam & rugged all at once, these lace-up booties do wonders for a girl’s wardrobe!

$138 loft.com

babyourself.com • Holiday 2011

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24 oz. Contigo AUTOSEAL Kangaroo Water Bottle with Storage Compartment

$12.99 amazon.com

e most unique and These are some of thar use useful fitness toys oufundn !adBdedecato we all need a little anything that our workouts - and GO! time is shortens the get-ready,rth it! definitely wo fitbit ultra tracker

... for measuring & tracking your everyday fitness.

Available in blue or plum,

The North Face Stow-n-Go Sports Bra

$35 thenorthface.com

$99.95 (sold separately) fitbit.com

y v v a s iF tneisnsd-s... f

Fit fitness into your day Make every step you take a step toward better fitness. The Fitbit Tracker shows your real-time activity stats so you know how close you are to your goals. It’s with you every step of the day, motivating you to make small changes that add up to big results.

• Track activity - Measure your full day’s steps, distance and caleries burned.

• Measure sleep - Slip it into the wristband and learn how long and how well you sleep.

• Track stairs - Climb stairs or hills - see how many you climb in a day. The integrated altimeter takes it all in.

• Upload wirelessly - Automatically syncs your data whenever it’s near your computer!

• And so much more - Clock, stopwatch, personal greeting and calories burned can all be accessed and seen in blue on the side.

Definitely check out this tiny wonder at fitbit.com.

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babyourself.com • Holiday 2011

babyourself GIFT GUIDE Polaroid PoGo Instant Mobile Printer

$69.99

polaroid.com

OK - yes, it’s a splu rge, but yo u c an a better cup of coffee!’¢ get have it on good autho (We rity.)

SERIOUSLY

Modern Mommas

Technivorm Moccamaster Coffee Maker with Glass Carafe

$309

williams-sonoma.com

Kindle Fire Web, movies, apps, games, reading and more.

$199

amazon.com

iRobot Roomba 770

(It automatically vaccums your entire house!)

$499

iRobot.com

Technivorm Moccamaster Coffee Maker with Glass Carafe, $309, williamssonoma.com

Michael Kors Wallet Clutch for iPhone 4

$79.95 apple.com

babyourself.com • Holiday 2011

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Have you noticed these billboards?

Ella’s Story ELLA RENEE was born on October 15, 2010 to Michelle and Brian Reese. An always smiling, happy baby with a sweet chuckle, Ella is affectionately called “my little bird” by her mother. But in May 2011 Ella’s carefree life filled with stroller rides and play dates came to an abrupt halt.

There are three billboards here in Central Florida – Michigan Avenue, South Orange Avenue and Highway 50 East. The billboards introduce a little girl named Ella. She has neuroblastoma, a very aggressive childhood cancer. Due to the generosity of some individuals, the three billboards promote awareness of Neuroblastoma.

Here is Ella’s Story ...

With an intuitive sense of urgency, Ella’s parents and pediatrician scheduled an MRI of the spine. On May 19, 2011 a mass was discovered in and around Ella’s spine and in her abdomen next to her kidney. On May 20, 2011 surgery was performed on Ella’s little back to remove a section of the tumor on her spine and inside her vertebrae along her spinal cord. The following day 7 month old Ella was diagnosed with stage 3 Neuroblastoma*, a very aggressive childhood cancer.

She is being treated at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, Florida. Her little body will have to endure surgery, rounds of chemotherapy, blood transfusions, numerous tests, speech and physical therapy.

Though this experience has devastated their family emotionally and financially, Michelle and Brian and the wonderful team of Oncologists at APH remain hopeful for Ella’s full recovery. Friends, family, and strangers have allied around the family in prayer and assistance.

Although life has thrown them a huge challenge, they have deep faith that God is by their side and are eternally grateful that Ella chose to be part of their family. Read Ella’s story on www.EllaFightsBack.com. *Neuroblastoma is a rare childhood cancer that develops from the tissues that form the sympathetic nerve system (the part of the nervous system that controls body functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, bowels, levels of certain hormones). It affects 10 children in every million, usually before the age of 5. In the US an average of 650 children are diagnosed every year, compared to 70 in Canada and 80 in the UK. The term “Neuro” indicates “nerves”, while blastoma refers to a cancer that affects immature or developing cells. The cause of Neuroblastoma is unknown. Studies have shown that genetics and environmental factors are not involved.

Source: American cancer Society and “Neuroblastoma” Norman J Lacayo. MD, Clinical Assistant Prof, Dept. of Pediatrics Stanford University and Lucile Salter Packard Children’s Hospital, February 2005.

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babyourself.com • Holiday 2011

PHOTOS COURTESY ELL AFIGHTSBACK.COM

Starting in late March 2011, Ella visited her pediatrician on several occasions. Her inconsolable crying and unusual fussiness was first attributed to teething and acid reflux. In a span of 5 weeks however Ella stopped babbling, lost her voice, muscle tone (hypotonic) and full use of her legs. Numerous tests were performed (upper GI, MRIs, blood tests etc.) and were all normal. Michelle and Brian’s frustration grew as they knew in their hearts that something was not right.

babyourself Orlando!

The perfect magazine to pamper Orlando mommies!

babyourself.com • Holiday 2011

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babyourself ASK THE DOC

“My husband was great and cooked dinner for me tonight. Now I have diarrhea and stomach cramps and it feels terrible! Do I have to go to the hospital?”

Dr. April Merritt grew up in the Charleston, South Carolina area and attended the College of Charleston where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology.

She graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina and became a Doctor of Medicine in 2004. Dr. Merritt trained in the Orlando Health OB/GYN Residency Program, graduating in 2008.

After graduation, she joined Delaney OB/GYN, a division of Women’s Care Florida.

Tummy Troubles Around the Holidays

It is holiday season time -- time for good food and family fun! Here is a frequent phone call I get during this time of year: “My husband was great and cooked dinner for me tonight. Now I have diarrhea and stomach cramps, and I feel terrible! Do I have to go to the hospital?”

You laugh, but it happens. Your hubby, mother or mother-in-law cooks dinner, and it is OK going in but afterwards -- look out! So what do you do if you have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea?

Nausea/Vomiting: If mild, you can stop eating and try ice chips.

The colder the item, the easier it Dr. Merritt is a member of seems to sit on the stomach. If the American College of you hold down ice chips OK, then Obstetrics and Gynecology.

She has a number of published sip ice water. If that stays down, research papers. She also try a BRAT diet. BRAT stands plans to become certified in for bananas, rice, applesauce and robotic surgery. toast. Eat bland foods like that until you are not vomiting for Dr. Merritt enjoys writing, at least 12 hours. Then slowly scrapbooking, and outdoor add in other foods. If nausea activities with her two children. and vomiting continue, call your doctor for a medicine called Zofran, which can help with the nausea. If all else fails and you cannot even keep down ice chips, go to the hospital. Sometimes you Do you have a question just need some IV fluids to for Dr. Merritt? Ask us on the make you feel better. babyourself Facebook page!

Diarrhea: Yuck! This can come as soft and frequent or watery and nasty. With either, you need to stay well-hydrated with water and Gatorade. A BRAT diet 14

babyourself.com • Holiday 2011

is a good idea until things slow down. It is also OK to take an over-the-counter antidiarrheal medicine (like Imodium) as well.

The big concern with nausea and vomiting and diarrhea in pregnancy is dehydration, which can sometimes cause contractions. If this is the case, rest and rehydrate. Water and Gatorade are really good ideas. If the contractions continue or worsen, go to the hospital. Often, IV fluids stop the contractions and make you feel better.

PHOTO (c) iStockphoto.com/4774344sean

Dr. April Merritt Delaney OB/GYN

Career Woman.

PHOTO COURTESY THE NIEL SENS PHOTOGR APHY & DESIGN

Life was neat and tidy with minimal distractions, obligations and concerns.

Single, Vice President and Partner of a boutique wealth management firm, doing well financially and enjoying life as an independent career woman. Then he came. His name is David Witter. We met in the spring of 2008, and life would forever be changed. We married May 1, 2010, and so the journey began.

Wife.

Mom. Converging Paths

David, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, had started his own firm, Financial Harvest Wealth Advisors, in 2006. We shared goals, philosophy and vision and had a combined 20 years of experience in the investment advisory industry. Were we a partnership meant to be? After much prayerful consideration, we partnered as a husband and wife advisor team working with high net worth individuals, and now co-own the firm. I went from thinking independently and individually to working and living in a world of interdependence: becoming one in marriage and business, combining finances, making joint decisions, budgeting as a couple, planning for retirement. We endured a crash-course in converging paths that I silently titled “juggling with rapid velocity.” It wasn’t all about me anymore.

One of the top reasons couples argue is money. Opposites attract – I am the spender; my husband is the saver. Meeting in the middle can be a tremendous challenge, as it requires discipline, hard work, communication and a strong commitment to the same financial short-term, intermediate, and long-term goals. We found ourselves practicing the same principles we teach our clients, following the adage, “live like no one else today so you can live like no one else tomorrow.”

David and I were blessed with a son, William Alan Witter, born on August 13, 2011. No matter how much you read and educate yourself, nothing prepares you (or at least nothing prepared me) for the actual experience of bringing and raising a new young life into this world. Having a child of my own has changed my priorities - the way I love, the way I look at life, the way I work.

I believe life has meaning, and we all leave a legacy, a road map for the future, a memorable and enduring imprint of life.

As I transition back to work after maternity leave, I wake with a greater sense of purpose and meaning in my every day. I no longer advise from the outside looking in – rather I now understand the tremendous impact wise investment decisions have on families, now and for generations to come.

Juggling a career while being present as a wife and mother can be extremely overwhelming at times.

It is the hardest job I’ve ever had, but I couldn’t ask for a more rewarding and fulfilling journey. Can women truly have it all? I want to be remembered by my husband as his Proverbs 31 wife, by my children as a nurturing and loving mother, by our clients as a consummate professional holding their concerns as my own, and by the community for engaging, giving back and trying to make a difference.

"Having it all" may be just be a myth, as there are bound to be challenges along the way, but there hasn't been a single moment so far that I haven’t felt unbelievably lucky to be engaged in the struggles necessary to attain that goal.

All we can do is make the best, most fulfilling choices as life’s paths converge, sacrifice what we must and hope that we're doing the right thing for ourselves and for the people we love who depend on us. As far as I'm concerned, this is as good as it gets. editor’s note: BY is thrilled to introduce you to Katie Miller Witter as an addition to our contributing writers.

We look forward to the wealth of knowledge she will share concerning our finances and the investments that we can make in our childern and family.

Katie Miller Witter, co-owner of Financial Harvest Wealth Advisors, a Registered Investment Advisor Firm located in Winter Park, has more than ten years of investment advisory experience and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP®) Candidate and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. She obtained her Bachelors of Science in Business Finance & Marketing from the University of Florida and her Masters of Business Administration from the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College.

She serves on the Crummer Alumni Board, Downtown Orlando YMCA Board, and is a graduate of Leadership Winter Park and Leadership Orlando. Katie is married and lives with her husband, David, and son Will, in Winter Park, Florida. Katie can be reached at 407.937.0707 or katie@financialharvest.com babyourself.com • Holiday 2011

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IT’S

A

SMALL WORLD AFTER

ALL!

Orlando families, multicultural ties and the traditions they celebrate!

Compiled by Kristi Corley | Photography by The Nielsens Photography & Design Hair and makeup by Kelli Durrant | Styled by Coastal Kidz

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babyourself.com • Holiday 2011

Poland

I was born in Poland and came here when I was 7 years old.

Polish Christmas traditions are mostly Christian-based, bearing importance on the birth of Christ. Traditions include the children making Christmas ornaments and paper garlands. Christmas Eve is the day of fasting, then feasting. Known as the Star Supper, the dinner begins when the young children spot the first star in the sky, the star of Bethlehem. We place an empty plate on the table for Baby Jesus or a lonely wanderer. Before eating, we break a wafer to wish happiness in the new year. At the end of supper, we open gifts and then we attend Midnight Mass. Christmas Day is celebrated by visiting the extended families.

College Park, FL

My husband Mike’s mom came from the Philippines.

Similar to Polish culture, Filipino traditions include an all-day celebration with a multitude of culinary delights on Christmas Eve. Spending time with extended family members on Christmas Day is also something that the two cultures have in common. One of the fun holiday crafts that kids make is the 5-pointed star called the “parol” made of paper and bamboo sticks to represent the guiding light, the star of Bethlehem. Kids will also put on a talent show for the adults that includes singing Christmas songs as well as playing instruments. Because there is no snow in the tropics of Philippines, the families will adorn their home with lively decorations and use holy bushes instead of Christmas trees.



Mike & Kamil Tully 

Philippines



This year I would love to incorporate both of the cultures by involving our son Bryce in making the traditional ornaments from Poland and the Philippines. I also like the idea of the talent show with all the cousins! What great memories!

As for the feast, I let the grandmothers handle the menu. I know it is something they take great pride in. I will just have to be sure to get the recipes for the future!

Tree Bloomers $14.95 Christmas Headband $14.95 Santa Tee & Tree Corduroys $29.95 Available at Coastal Kidz Lake Mary, FL babyourself.com • Holiday 2011

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Rohan & Kelli Durrant  

Santa Tunic & Polka Dot Leggings $32.00 Available at Coastal Kidz Lake Mary, FL

Sanford, FL

My husband is from St. Vincent in the Western Caribbean, and he loves to cook. On Christmas Eve, he cooks a big feast of all his favorite dishes from back home, and we invite family and friends over to eat. Then Christmas Day we spend the day with my family, opening presents and playing our annual family football game.

St. Thomas Islands

usa

 Ike & Fallon Crofoot  College Park, FL

Christmas to us is about spending time with our families near and far! We alternate every year between North Carolina to see my family or here in Florida with my husband’s family. We began last year chasing Rudolph and the rest of the reindeer on Christmas Eve! Then we hurried home to put out our milk and cookies for Santa and carrots and celery for the reindeer! Christmas morning is spent opening gifts and giving thanks for the many blessings we have received throughout the year, followed with an array of goodies.

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babyourself.com • Holiday 2011

Ornament Tunic & Polka Dot Leggings $32.00 Available at Coastal Kidz, Lake Mary FL

panama

 Dusan & Cecilia Kuzmanovic  Oviedo, FL

My background is Hispanic, and my husband’s is Slavic. We celebrate my heritage by honoring Noche Buena (Christmas Eve). We put on a big Latin spread of foods and open a few presents that night. Since we are both now Americans, we open the rest of the presents on Christmas morning. And, of course, eat leftovers all day from the Christmas Eve spread. Then, we honor my husband’s heritage by celebrating the Orthodox Christmas on January 7th. We open some more gifts and have another big spread of food, but this time it’s all Eastern European foods. The holidays, as you can imagine, are great fun in our house!

  

Slovakia

I Love Santa Playset $42.00 Christmas Tree TuTu Set $39.95 Holiday Ballet Socks $8.00 Christmas Bow $8.00 Reindeer Tree Skirt $65.00 Available at Coastal Kidz Lake Mary, FL babyourself.com • Holiday 2011

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germany



Brett & Wiebke Gellein  Winter Park, FL

There are many German traditions at Christmas time. We typically have Christmas Calendars (Weihnachtskalender) for the kids from Dec. 1st through Dec 24th. The kids get to open one door each morning. It may have pictures, little toys or - most commonly - chocolate behind each door.

We have our most special Christmas markets throughout all of December. We love to drink our Gluehwein, which is mulled wine. We celebrate 1st through 4th Advent, eating Weihnachtsstollen (a Christmas cake), oranges, baked cinnamon apples and Weihnachtsplaetzchen (Christmas cookies) and listening to Christmas music. Each advent, we light one of the 4 candles.

Tool Box Longall $32.00 Tool Kit $24.95 Santa Knit Stocking $19.95 My First Christmas Stocking $19.95 Tree & Ornament Stocking $19.95

On Dec. 5th, each child cleans and shines their boots and puts them outside the door. St. Nicolaus comes in the night, and Dec. 6th is St. Nicolaus Day. The kids get up in the morning, and St. Nicolaus has filled the boots with sweets, little toys, apples, oranges, nuts, etc. Bad children get the Rute, nothing but a stick from a Christmas tree.

Christmas evening, Weihnachtsabend, is the most important part of Christmas. This is done in the circle of the most intimate family.

We then celebrate the 25th and 26th of December, called 1st and 2nd Weihnachtstag, among family and friends. We eat many big and heavy meals such as duck, goose, fish, green We celebrate actual Christmas over the and red cabbage, potatoes, dumplings, etc.

24th (which is our most important day) through the 26th, celebrating 1st and 2nd We are trying to keep to as many of our holiday traditions as possible. We Christmas day. visit Germany every other year, then On the 24th, we have small meals, go celebrate with Brett’s family here in the states. to church and have Beschehrung, which is the opening of the gifts. The Weihnachstmann (Santa Claus) comes Frohe Weihnachten!

(Merry Christmas!) to the children.

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MOVE OF THE MONTH

HoHoHold it!

Isometric moves to help you maintain your weight during the holidays written by Kimberly Kimmig | photography courtesy Kimberly Kimmig

for the Holidays!

OK, we all know it’s coming. It begins with Halloween candy and spirals down as Thanksgiving rolls in with all the comfort foods. Then December is a whirlwind of party after party through the New Year. And what do you have left at the end of it all? An extra 3 to 5 pounds!

several hours post-workout! Since the goal is to “hold our weight” where it is now, try these isometric exercises.

Wall Sits (left) - Stand with your back

against a wall. Walk your feet out so that your body forms a diagonal. Lower your body down, bending at the knees until your thighs are parallel with the ground.

Hold this position for 30 seconds to one minute (depending on your fitness level) and slowly rise back up to standing.

The Plank (below) - Begin on hands The weather is beginning to cool off, so take advantage of that. Get outside for a walk, run or bike ride. Aiming to exercise at least 4 days a week for 20-30 minutes each day will help keep that extra weight off.

Remember, though, that it’s not all about cardio. To rev up your metabolism, you need to do some strength training as well. This will help you burn calories for

doula moment...

Call me crazy, but I love planks!

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babyourself.com • Holiday 2011

and knees. Place elbows on the ground directly under each shoulder. For beginners, stay on the knees as you lower hips down to make a straight line from head to knees. Hold this position while contracting the abdominal wall and breathing. For the more advanced, place toes on the ground making sure to keep a

straight line from your head to your toes.

Hold for 30 seconds to one minute.

The Bird-Dog (above) - Begin on hands and knees with head in a neutral position, eyes looking straight down at the ground. Slowly extend your left arm forward with the thumb facing up (palm facing to the right) and your right foot back behind you. You want to pretend someone is pulling your hand and foot simultaneously to straighten them and hold them as still as possible. You may feel a little off balance and that is normal as you are working your entire core to stabilize your body. Hold for 3 breaths and switch to right arm and left leg extended. Repeat 5 times.

Go through these exercises 3 times before or after your cardio workout, but always after a good warm up.

babyourself SANTA SPOTTER! "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" Sanford's Illuminated Christmas Parade Downtown Sanford Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011 6 – 8 p.m.

Santa Tuesday’s

Join the fun with Santa and his helpers under the tower at the Cranes Roost Plaza in Altamonte Springs.

Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011 6 – 8 p.m.

The 59th Annual Winter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade

Central Florida’s longest running Christmas Parade will continue its tradition of marching down historic Park Avenue spreading holiday cheer in downtown Winter Park. More than 100 bands, dance troupes, floats, local dignitaries and, of course, Santa Claus, will delight the young and young-at-heart.

Saturday, Dec. 03, 2011 9 – 10 a.m.

Park Avenue, Winter Park

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

is a special event held each winter on select nights at Magic Kingdom theme park. Purchase of an additional event admission ticket is required to attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The event is filled with jolly holiday parades, fireworks, live entertainment and a special appearance by Santa Claus.

Select Nights Nov. 8 – Dec. 18, 2011

Santa’s Keepsake Photos

Santa will be on-site for visits beginning Nov. 11th at 7:30 p.m. at the Mall at Millenia! Santa Photos will conclude at 5 p.m. on December 24th. Candid color photos, sepiahued black and whites, and CD-Rom images are available for purchase. Find out more, including Santa’s Magical Arrival, at www.mallatmillenia.com

Santa’s Breakfast & Festival December 3rd, 2011, 8am -12pm

St. Peter’s Preschool & Kindergarten 700 Rinehart Road, Lake Mary, FL

PHOTO WITH SANTA! Delicious Breakfast Buffet, Fun Festivities, Music, Silent Auction, Raffles, Play Area with Bounce Houses, Obstacle Courses, Games, Face Painting, and Much More!

FUN FOR EVERYONE! Pre-sale Ticket Prices: Breakfast: Adults $6, Child (age 2-12) $4 All-day wristband for Santa’s Playground $5 Tickets in advance through the school Or day of Festival for $1 more.

ALL ARE WELCOME! For More Information Call: 407-333-1707

www.stpeterslakemaryschool.org Accredited by Florida Kindergarten Council

babyourself.com • Holiday 2011

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Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Agave Nectar 4 sweet potatoes 2 Tbsp. olive oil ½ tsp. vanilla ½ tsp. ground cinnamon 1 Tbsp. whole cloves Salt Agave nectar 2-3 Tbsp. toasted, slivered almonds

Peel and cube sweet potatoes into ½-inch cubes.

Toss with olive oil and sprinkle with a little salt.

Add spices. Bake in 400-degree oven for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and stir potatoes, drizzle with agave. Put back into oven. Repeat process every 5 minutes until potatoes are soft.

When potatoes are just about soft, sprinkle with toasted, slivered almonds and drizzle a little more agave over the almonds. Bake for another 3-5 minutes. Total bake time 20-30 minutes.

SEASON’S EATINGS! Pumpkin White Wine Risotto 1 cup Arborio rice 4 cups chicken broth 1/3 cup diced onion 1 - 2 cloves garlic 2 cups cubed pumpkin 1/3 - 1/2 cup white cooking wine (or your favorite white wine) 2 Tbsp. butter 1 - 3 Tbsp. olive oil fresh thyme salt and pepper

Peel, seed, and cube pumpkin into ¼ in. cubes. Heat 1-2 Tbsp. olive oil in a skillet. Add pumpkin and sauté until a little color shows on some of the pieces. Add the wine and a few sprigs of fresh thyme. Season with a little salt and pepper. Cover and

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recipes by Vickie Myers | photography by Elisabeth Nixon

cook until the pumpkin is soft. In a pan, heat chicken broth until it is hot, then keep it simmering until it is used. In a heavy saucepan, sauté the onion and garlic in 1 Tbsp. of olive oil and 1 Tbsp. of butter until the onion is soft. Add rice and sauté a couple minutes more.

Slowly add one cup of the hot broth, stirring frequently until the liquid is absorbed. Continue to add the hot broth ½ cup at a time until all the broth is used and the mixture is creamy. Stir in the other Tbsp. of butter. Discard the thyme from the pumpkin. Add pumpkin to the risotto and gently stir. Add more salt and pepper to taste.

makes a great gift!

Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies 1 cup butter (if you have dairy allergies as well, use dairy-free Light Smart Balance spread) 1 ½ cups powdered sugar 1 egg 1 tsp. vanilla ¼ tsp. almond extract 2 ½ cups white rice flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. cream of tartar

Chocolate Turtle Cookies ½ cup pecans 1 ½ cups flour 1 ¼ tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. salt

¾ cup brown sugar ½ cup white sugar ½ cup chocolate chips 1/3 cup cocoa ½ cup caramel bits

Mix flour, baking powder and salt together.

Layer the ingredients into a quart size jar.

Place a tag on the jar with these instructions: Put contents of the jar into a bowl and add: 1 cup softened butter 2 eggs ½ tsp. vanilla Mix until well blended. Drop by teaspoonful onto cookie sheet.

Bake at 375° for 8-10 minutes.

Stuffed Mushrooms 3 Tbsp. finely-chopped onion 2 cloves garlic, pressed or finely-minced 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1/2 lemon, squeezed 3 cups coarsely-chopped fresh spinach 2 - 3 strips of bacon 2 Tbsp. feta cheese 1 pound mushrooms, washed with the stems removed

Mix the butter and sugar until well-blended. Add the egg, vanilla and almond extract. Blend in remaining ingredients. Chill dough for at least 2 hours.

Divide the dough into fourths; it is easier to work with smaller amounts of gluten-free dough. Roll out one portion of dough between 2 layers of powdered sugar dusted wax paper.

Cut into desired shapes and place onto cookie sheet, covered in parchment paper. Bake at 375° for 8 minutes. Makes about 4 dozen cookies. Decorate.

Sugar Cookie Icing 1 cup powdered sugar 1 Tbsp. light corn syrup

2 tsp. milk (for dairy allergies, use almond milk) ¼ tsp. almond extract

In a small bowl, mix sugar and milk until smooth. Beat in corn syrup. Add almond extract until icing is smooth and glossy. If it is too thick, add more corn syrup one tsp. at a time.

Divide into small bowls and add coloring. Spread onto cookies.

Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s dishes and desserts Place mushroom tops in a buttered baking dish. Sprinkle lightly with salt.

Cook bacon until it can be easily crumbled. Drain grease.

In the same skillet, over medium heat, add the olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until the onion is translucent.

Add the crumbled bacon and spinach. Stir then remove from heat.

Squeeze a half a lemon over the mixture.

Add the feta cheese.

Stuff the mushroom caps.

Drizzle stuffed mushrooms with a little olive oil.

Bake at 400° for 15-18 min. Serve warm.

babyourself.com • Holiday 2011

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babyourself.com • Holiday 2011

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REALITY c hic a real mom with real kids & a really messy home

by Jennifer Hatcher PHOTO COURTESY ELISABE TH NIXON

Personal space. It begins to vanish as soon as you announce your pregnancy. Your protruding belly becomes fair game for the uninvited touching of family, friends, even strangers.

When I was pregnant with my first child, this invasion of my personal space surprised me. As my belly grew, more and more people were rubbing me as if a genie might pop out of my round tummy and grant their wishes. During the greet your neighbor and shake their hand song in church, people bypassed my outstretched hand and patted my ever-growing midsection instead.

By my 38th week of pregnancy, my little 5-foot, 2-inch body was holding this giant, overinflated-beach-ball-size growth on the front of me. My waist was easily 43 inches around.

Grandma-like ladies in the grocery store would reach out to touch my tummy while exclaiming, “Oh, honey! When were you due?” I suppose a belly sticking out THAT far does seem more like public property than personal space.

However an overstretched 38-week tummy is very different than a squishy, is she pregnant or just eating too many chocolate chip cookies? 11-week tummy. Soon after we announced my second pregnancy, I was wearing leggings and one of my husband’s button-down shirts. I was in that awkward stage of not really needing maternity clothes, but being uncomfortable in my jeans. While congratulating me on the new pregnancy, a man at church reached out as if to touch my soft belly. I managed to stick my hand out, as if I assumed he was going to shake my hand, while doing this little weave and bob move to protect my flab from being patted. That belly wasn’t protruding enough to be public property yet!

I wanted to be like Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing – “This is your dance space. And this is our dance space.”

Some people were thoughtful enough to ask before touching my belly. Depending on how crazy my hormones were, that either seemed so sweet that I wanted to cry or made me feel like a circus freak, and I wanted to cry.

During my first pregnancy, one guy-friend had never felt a baby kick. I was very pregnant and my ninja-baby was showing her moves as we hung out, playing games with a group of friends.

Everyone all around the room could see my shirt bouncing up and down as she kicked and elbowed all around her tiny space. This guy quietly asked if he could touch my belly. I still remember the look on his face as he felt her kicking. My eyes might even still water a bit at the memory. It really was one of those I have a miracle inside me! moments.

The lack of personal space continues after your baby is born.

This probably surprised me even more than all the rubbing of my belly. Everyone wanted to touch my babies!

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I would be grocery shopping with my little one safely snuggled in her infant car seat across the top of the shopping cart.

Absolute strangers would approach, smiling and commenting on what a cute baby I had. Then, before I knew it, that stranger would have her hands on my baby’s hair, “Wow! I’ve never seen so much hair on a baby!” Or she’d touch my baby’s fingers, “Awww, what tiny fingers he has!” Or she’d actually touch my baby’s face, “Ooooh, she is soooo sweet!”

Once, during cold and flu season, I actually took out a baby wipe, right then and there, and cleaned the stranger-germs off my baby’s fingers. Seriously? What were people thinking?

I wanted to be like Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing – “This is your dance space. And this is our dance space.” Only without the dancing part.

After a few babies, I did finally learn that wearing a baby in a sling cuts down on the touching-by-strangers. I suppose a baby cuddled up against his momma isn’t as much an easy target for public touching as a baby in an infant car seat in the wide-open aisles of a grocery store.

As my babies became toddlers, then preschoolers, it wasn’t strangers and friends invading my personal space. It was my children banging on the bathroom door, reaching under the bathroom door, walking in on me as I got out of the shower.

It was my children climbing into my bed in the middle of the night, kicking my lower back, whacking me in the face middream.

Even now, now that we’ve passed the preschool years, it is my children who touch me with messy hands during meals or poke me to get my attention, no matter how many times I’ve asked them not to. It is my children who lean against me and sit on me in church, wrinkling my skirt and sometimes accidentally pulling my long hair.

And though this invasion of my personal space sometimes drives me crazy. Mostly, I love it. Hands-down, it’s way better than old men in church rubbing my belly or total strangers pinching my babies’ cheeks.

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