BABYOURSELF Magazine - Spring 2013

SPRING 2013

sanity for sleepless mommies

pampering for preggos

Doing the

News

and growing BABIES too!

Our exclusive interview with

Orlando

 Simple & Elegant

Recipes

Martha Sugalski



TIPS for

Spring 2013

FABULOUS SQUATS

by

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what to expect CREATIVE

WAYS

to document your

child’s

growth

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babyourself.com • Spring 2013

Be there. Be giving. Be fabulous!

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We understand your birth wishes are as unique as your baby’s footprint, so our obstetricians, neonatologists and experienced nurses take a tailored approach to your delivery. Should the need arise, our NICU is here for babies who require a helping hand. From labor and pain management decisions to must-have meals — our Birth Experience Team care for you and dad’s needs too. So you can focus on your baby,

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babyourself spring 2013

CONTENTS

21

DOCUMENTING YOUR CHILD’S GROWTH Fun tips to interview your kids

The Spring Issue

Special Features 8 – Orlando’s best parks – Central Florida moms give their list

of Orlando’s best parks

10 – Featured nursery - Vintage-inspired nursery 12 – Martha Sugalski – Doing the news and growing babies 14 – Unique baby shower – An outdoor-festival-themed event

For the Preggos & Mommies

18 – Prenatal doctor visits – What to expect week-by-week

guide

20

19 – Reality Chic – Twilight Zone body changes

TEA TIME simple and elegant recipes

20 – Two for tea – Simple and elegant recipes 21 – Documenting your child’s growth – Create a video

diary of your child’s growth

Expert Advice

16 – Ask the Pediatrician –

Plagiocephaly - When should you be concerned if your baby’s head appears to have a flat spot?

17 –Move of the Month – Fabulous Squats

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VINTAGEINSPIRED NURSERY

ON THE COVER & OUR FEATURE STORY WESH 2 News anchor Martha Sugalski opens up about her daily life as a busy working momma of three, her struggles to get pregnant, and the excitement of her (surprise!) triplet pregnancy.

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10

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IS YOUR BABY’S HEAD DEVELOPING A FLAT SPOT?

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @babyourself

babyourself Volume 4, Issue 2 ~

Spring 2013

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Delivering your....Peace of Mind™

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Schedule your 20 min. Complimentary Consult today!

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EDITOR IN CHIEF kristi corley

MANAGING EDITOR elisabeth myrick

CREATIVE DIRECTOR elisabeth nixon

Here for you during

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Private or group classes

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EDITORS jennifer hatcher elisabeth myrick

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS greg gordon, m.d.

Here for you during

jennifer hatcher

labor

vickie myers

•

Doula Packages

elisabeth myrick

•

Massage Therapy

jackie vega

•

Daddy Life Line™

orlando mom’s guide yesenia garrido

PHOTOGRAPHY elisabeth nixon photography sari underwood photography

Here for you after

baby arrives

WEB AND DESIGN

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Breastfeeding support/lactation consults

andy corley

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Cell 321-213-1112

babyourself.com • Spring 2013

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babyourself LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Spring

After such a crazy winter in the northern states, and some cooler temps of our own here in Central Florida, I think we can all agree that it’s about time for some spring-like temps to enjoy the outdoors! Our spring issue is jam-packed with outdoor inspired articles - including some yummy recipes from our foodie, Vickie, as she encourages us to slow down with a cup of tea with friends. Together with photographer Elisabeth, they have created a gorgeous outdoor tea party.

Kristi Corley, editor in chief, with daughter Kaitlyn

In addition to the spring articles, we were incredibly honored to have a one-onone interview with WESH 2 News anchor Martha Sugalski! The center spread of this issue will give you a peek into one of her average days. Her energy and optimism during her (surprise!) triplet pregnancy is infectious!

Our resident pediatrician shares insight into plagiocephaly on page 16 and if you’re newly pregnant, check out our what to expect guide on page 18.

Planning a baby shower? Why not invite the whole family like the O Family did on page 14.

Orlando’s Best Parks!

BY ORLANDO MOMʼS GUIDE

Parks provide timeless fun for people of all ages, and here in Central Florida a great park is just around every corner.

We recently polled our readers to generate a list of the finest parks in the area. Keep this list handy and you'll know just where to go the next time your kiddo needs to run off some steam!

Azalea Lane Park Winter Park, 32789 Train theme, great for preschoolers, tennis courts adjacent Cypress Grove Park Orlando, 32809 Large playground, lake view, rubber mulch Community Park Winter Park, 32789 Sometimes called "Castle Park" or "Lake Island Park", this park is great for older kids because of its log cabin style construction.

Delaney Park Orlando, 32806 Completely fenced. Fair amount of shade.

Picnic area, tennis courts, and baseball diamond adjacent.

Dr Phillips Community Park Orlando, 32836 Best known for its fantastic splash pad.

On page 10, prepare to be wowed by a beautifully-styled newborn photoshoot, perfect for spring! Or if your kiddos are a little older, look for some fun (and inexpensive!) ways to document their growth on page 21. Plus, we’ve teamed up with Orlando Moms Guide to share some of your favorite local parks (listed to the right.) In the coming issues you’ll find a regular babyourself column from the Mom’s Guide writers that we hope will help take some of the guesswork out of your daily life as a mom.

Merrill Park Altamonte Springs, 32714 Age-specific areas for children of all ages.

We love to hear from our readers. Share with us on Facebook some of your other favorite places to enjoy the gorgeous spring in Florida!

Minnehaha Park Maitland, 32751 Completely fenced and toddler friendly.

Kristi Corley

editor in chief kristi@babyourself.com

Our Summer issue will feature Orlando’s best attractions!

VISIT facebook.com/babyourself to submit your choice!

Phelps Park Winter Park, 32789 Multiple play structures and a giant rock for climbing, plus a shady pavilion for picnics.

Trotwood Park Winter Springs, 32708 Engaging playground, splash zone, lake view.

The Orlando Mom's Guide has been a reliable resource since 2008. A Facebook-based tool, the Mom's Guide is written by a local mom of 4, and exists to take some of the guesswork out of raising children by providing unbiased reviews of local businesses, timely information about family-friendly events, and helpful encouragement for hard-working moms like you.

Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/orlandomomsguide

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babyourself.com • Spring 2013

babyourself FEATURED NURSERY

In the Garden

by Elisabeth Nixon

Mom by day, hospital pharmacist by night, Christy Burns wowed us with her “nursery” this month.

After carefully planning and sourcing beautiful elements for a vintage-inspired nursery, Christy wanted to incorporate the pieces in her new daughter’s newborn session. However, when McKinley was born, the Burns’ new home was still under construction. How could she do this without a physical nursery? By thinking outside the box – literally, outside the house!

Christy contacted Elisabeth Nixon Photography with her idea – a styled newborn shoot using the nursery furniture and decor – but taking it all outside. The ideal setting would have trees to offer shade and soft light, as well as to hang a chandelier on.

Kraft Azalea Garden in Winter Park fit the bill. The huge established trees made the nursery furniture seem almost miniature, and the light filtering through the trees seemed whimsical and fanciful.

The shoot was styled by Christy and Elisabeth, with items sourced locally and from Christy and Elisabeth’s homes.

BY: Christy, what inspired your nursery – both this one and ultimately, in your new home?

Christy: A recent trip to Paris really exposed my love for the shabby chic/vintage motif. I love the rustic style mixed with soft, girly touches.

BY: What is your favorite piece in McKinley’s nursery?

Christy: The changing table and armoire that I refinished are my favorites. I was able to take something that was old and unused, add some feminine details, making it beautiful.

BY: Are you available for styling other nurseries and/or photo shoots!?

Christy: I love challenging my creativity and coming up with original ideas, so yes!

Retro tricycle, rocking chair and chandelier, Restoration Hardware. Dresser: garage sale. Hardware: Anthropologie. Rug and bunny: TJ Maxx. Three stacked pillows: Target. Blankets: family’s own.

When photographing children, please do not leave them unattended, especially when off the ground. Elisabeth Nixon Photography creatively uses editing to “hide” the spotter of the baby.

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babyourself.com • Spring 2013

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PHOTOS COURTESY EL ISABE TH NIXON PHOTOGR APHY

Doing the NEWS &

growing babies!

When energetic,

determined go-getter Martha Sugalski does something, she goes at it with everything she has. So it’s no surprise that after

two years of tenacious trying, Martha is finally pregnant. It was a bit of a surprise, though, that she is

expecting triplets!

babyourself ’s exclusive interview with

Martha Sugalski

W

hen Martha Sugalski arrives at the restaurant where we arranged to meet for brunch, she apologizes for running a little late. Explaining that she had trouble getting out the door, she describes a crazy morning of throwing up, horrible nosebleeds and trying to put makeup on, all while being interrupted by the need to pee AGAIN. However, she doesn’t look the least bit harried. Her trademark long, blonde hair hangs loosely down her back. She is dressed comfortably, yet stylishly, in black leggings, a long white blouse and tall boots.

She’s already seen two kids out the door for school, and after our interview, will run home to get ready for work, then pick up one child from school for a doctor’s appointment before dropping him off at his next activity, and then head to the TV station to anchor the news on WESH, Channel 2, Orlando’s NBC affiliate.

After the 4, 5 and 6 p.m. broadcasts, Martha will hurry home to have dinner with her family at 7 p.m. “We have dinner together at 7 as often as we can. It’s Mom’s rule of the house,” she explains. She hopes to sneak in a quick nap before going back to the station for the 11 p.m. news. She’ll get home around midnight and get up and do it all over again the next day, maybe with a softball game or hockey match added to her evening agenda.

As we eat omelets and fresh fruit and sip orange juice, Martha talks rapidly and laughs often and loudly. She is full of energy and optimism as she discusses her busy life as a working mom of three active children and the excitement of expecting triplets. Martha’s three children from a previous marriage – two boys and a girl – are a college freshman, a high school freshman and a sixth grade daughter.

This summer she and Rob Reich, her husband since 2009, will welcome two more sons and a daughter to the family.

“These babies are so wanted,” Martha beams.

“As my husband said, if we’d been married for 10 or 15 years, we would have them; they’d just be spaced out. So we’re just doing it all at one time.”

Martha, who turned 43 just a few days before our brunch-date, speaks candidly about trying for two long years – and experiencing a miscarriage – before getting pregnant with the triplets, or “bumps” as she affectionately calls them while rubbing her belly. “Everyone is like THREE? But when you want something so badly, and you try and you try and you try, and you’re disappointed so many times . . . When it finally happens, you’re so glad.”

Describing the day they found out they were having triplets, Martha confesses she was a bit worried that her husband would feel overwhelmed. But he said, “Look at all the alternatives. Every time we had a negative

pregnancy test . . . If I can have THIS versus what we’ve been going through, this is great!”

Knowing what it’s like to desperately want to be pregnant, Martha refuses to complain about the negative aspects of pregnancy. “No complaints at all,” she smiles, “because I’ve been on the other side.” So she deals with the exhaustion, the morning, afternoon and evening sickness, the nosebleeds, the swelling feet, the fast-growing belly and the doctor’s orders not to exercise – she handles it all with a sense of humor and unwavering optimism.

“Yeah, it stinks when you just want to go, go, go and you’re told NO, that’s all coming to a halt . . . But I’m just doing the news and growing some babies . . . I am focused on keeping myself healthy. My goal is to bring these babies home with me and not be in a NICU. So that’s really where my head is right now.” She enthusiastically tells us about a book she is reading about pregnancy with multiples. “The book stresses the importance of eating right now to grow the babies as much as possible while they’re in there . . . The success to bringing home multiples is putting the weight on them now, eating enough in the early months.” That information has convinced the health-conscious, extremely-fit news anchor to eat 4,000 calories a day. And so far, that plan is working. All three babies are measuring a day or two ahead of schedule.

In the midst of talking about the all-day sickness or the busy schedule of kids’ sports or preparing their home for the real estate market while they look for a bigger house (they’d just spent a couple nights at a hotel while new flooring was laid), Martha regularly smiles and says, “It’ll be fine . . . It’s all good . . . I’m just riding out the hard stuff . . . It’s all good.”

As we discuss the addition of three more children to the family, Martha is adamant about the family dynamics.

“When we got married, it wasn’t just me. It was all of us . . . So even though there is a big age gap, I want to be sure everyone feels included. Babies aren’t getting preferential treatment.

Everyone’s equal . . . I know life is going to change. But I don’t see it changing that much. The babies will come along and go with the flow.”

Another thing Martha Sugalski is adamant about is being a hands-on mom. She concedes to having a little help in the evening hours – “We have help now to get everyone where they need to be while I’m at the studio.” But she says she is “pretty much a control

freak” when it comes to caring for her babies.

“Everyone says, ‘You need a night nurse!’ Why would I need a night nurse? Nobody else can nurse these babies . . . I nursed my other kids for about a year, so I’m going to try my best with the triplets.”

As she finishes her omelet, it’s obvious Martha is already crazy in love with the three bumps.

“I have FOUR heartbeats in my body! It’s so wild to think there are four hearts beating in there right now!” She marvels. A couple minutes later, she absentmindedly rubs her bump while saying, “I’m anxious to see what they look like!”

“I just want a nice, boring pregnancy,” Martha laughs. “Doesn’t that sound crazy? Just a boring triplet pregnancy.” But so far, that is exactly what she is getting. “All is good. Sorry if I am boring! No excitement here, thank God!” Finishing her orange juice, Martha emphasizes, “It can be done. I want women to know – you can be over 40 and make this happen. Hold onto hope and faith. And if you really want it – and we really wanted it – it can be done.”

And with that, she gives us big, friendly hugs and heads off to the next appointment of her very full day. y

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babyourself BABY SHOWER

B

aby showers aren’t just for women celebrating the momma.

This couple invited all of their family and friends (including children!) to a carnival-style picnic, which even included a big screen TV for the dads! compiled by Elisabeth Myrick

Brian and Shelley, eagerly anticipating Baby O’s arrival.

To celebrate Brian and Shelley’s upcoming bundle of joy, friends and family gathered at a backyard BBQ and pool party. Special touches throughout included quotes about family on tables, favorite family recipes and even clever names for drinks.

In lieu of traditional baby shower games, guests wrote “words of wisdom” to Baby O, guessed her birthdate and weight, and speculated on her name – which the parents-tobe revealed at the end of the celebration. A special “kids only” area with games and ice cream kept even the youngest guests entertained.

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babyourself.com • Spring 2013

The "O" F il es

v l

Join us, please, to celebrate (Friday the third is the date) the new addition to our family with a BBQ and pool party.

Come for fun and be ready to make a guess, the best, we’ll see.

We’ve picked a name for Baby O, revealed to you before you go.

Plan to pick Baby O’s date and weight (hopefully she won’t be late!)

No matter when you choose it to be in the end it’s a mystery!

So eat and drink and talk and play and guess and bet and laugh away.

We hope you come, it will be sweet and soon our little girl you’ll meet!

PHOTOS COURTESY EL ISABE TH NIXON PHOTOGR APHY

and Elisabeth Nixon

plagiocephaly

BY

DR. GREGORY GORDON

pla·gi·o·ceph·a·ly (noun) a malformation of the head marked by an oblique slant to the main axis of the skull and usually caused by closure of half of the coronal suture

As a pediatrician, I have learned to look for abnormal head shape, medically referred to as plagiocephaly. I frequently find children who have developed a symmetrical flat area in the back of their head. This variation of plagiocephaly seems to be the most common. These flat areas result from laying a child on firm flat surfaces too often.

Often a pulled or injured neck muscle causes plagiocephaly. This muscular injury could occur in the womb, at delivery or anytime the child’s head is not wellsupported.

When an adult pulls a neck muscle, she consciously attempts to stretch it out.

When babies pull a neck muscle, they choose to look the way that does not hurt.

As they keep their heads turned, they begin to develop an off-center flat spot on the back of their heads. If not corrected, this will worsen and begin to effect other areas of the skull. Given time, the muscular injury will get better, but the abnormal head shape could last.

Therapy is centered around stretching out the pulled neck muscle to allow the head to rest in a more normal position. Breastfed infants are often forced to turn their heads both ways by feeding on both breasts.

Formula-fed infants whose parent feed the same way are often not forced to turn their heads both ways.

Addressing the issue at home: 1~ Reverse how you feed your child. This is especially important for bottle-fed children whose parents feed the same way. Simply by switching hands, you can begin to correct the problem.

2~ In most cases, I recommend gentle stretches with every diaper change. The two preferred stretches are turning the head from side to side in a “no” pattern and from ear to shoulder. These stretches should not be forced. Stretches should be done when child is relaxed and happy.

3~ Minimize your child’s time in car seats, swings and other “containers.” When baby is in the car seat, place your child’s car seat toys toward the side that you want him to look. Next time, move the toy to the other side.

4~ When you place your son in his crib, orient him so that he is encouraged to stretch his neck. This orientation forces your baby to self-stretch if he wants to see desired objects. Place him in the crib such that when he wants to turn

Dr. Gregory Gordon grew up in Gainesville, Florida. He attended the University of Florida for both his undergraduate and medical degrees.

After he completed his pediatric residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, he joined Pediatric Associates of Orlando. Dr. Gordon is the proud father of seven children. He is the Vice President of “The Gift of Swimming” (a local charity that provides swim lessons to Orlando’s needy children). In early 2010, encouraged by his patients, he started gregorygordonmd.com to share his pediatric and parenting experience.

and look at the middle of the room, he will be stretching the damaged muscle.

5~ One of my boys had mild plagiocephaly secondary to a strained neck muscle. We saw the most improvement by gently “bouncing” him around the house with his neck positioned carefully. When I held him I would gently turn his head and “bounce” him for comfort.

If home-stretching fails, some children will need physical therapy.

After the neck musculature improves, parents usually see improvement in the child’s head shape. But in some cases, the plagiocephaly does not improve on its own.

A referral to a pediatric neurosurgeon should be made by 6 months of age if significant plagiocephaly continues.

After an evaluation to rule out other abnormalities, the neurosurgeon may recommend the child wear a corrective helmet. These helmets must be customdesigned to “round out” a child’s head shape. Corrective helmets typically cost $2,000 to $3,000 and are often not covered by insurance. If that is the case, parents must weigh the cost of a helmet verses the likelihood of cosmetic deformity.

References Andrea E Bialocerkowski PhD BAppSc (Physio) MAppSc (Physio), Sharon L Vladusic BPhty, Choong Wei Ng MBBS BMedSci, “Prevalence, risk factors, and natural history of positional plagiocephaly: a systematic review”, Dev Med Child Neurology, 1 AUG 2008

PHOTOS COURTESY STAR CR ANIAL CENTER

In the 1990s, the United States began the “Back to Sleep” program to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

This program has been very effective at saving lives and reduced the incidence of SIDS. Unfortunately, we have learned that placing children on their backs can lead to positional deformities of the skull.

Estimates are that 22% of children in the United States will develop some degree of abnormal skull molding.

Move of the Month:

Fabulous Squats!

by Jackie Vega

Going from a regular exerciser, to being pregnant, to postpartum and then to the ever-so-busy momma, it’s no wonder we have forgotten one of the best exercises to all aspects of our “growing into motherhood” lifestyles.

Specializing in treating infants with plagiocephaly or other head shape abnormalities.

Although there are many variations, squats remain one of the best exercises, going easily through preconception, pregnancy, postpartum and beyond. Of all the variations, wall squats are one of the safest, yet still highly effective ways of doing a squat.

After a good 10-15 minute warm-up, grab a large stability ball. Stand against a wall with the ball against your lower back. Placing pressure against the ball, lower your hips toward the floor by bending your knees until your upper thighs are parallel to the floor.

Hold for a count, then, by pushing through your heels, return to the starting position.

Do 10-15 reps and follow up with easy, gentle stretching.

Trainer Tips: 1. Keep your feet far enough in front of you so as to form right angles with your knees and hips, never allowing your knees to cross in front of your toes.

Of all the variations, wall squats are one of the safest, yet still highly effective ways of doing a squat.

2. Only lower your body as far as you are comfortable.

3. Be sure you are cleared by your physician or midwife at all stages of pregnancy (there are certain cases in which squats may not be suitable).

Why are squats so fabulous?

• Strengthen your hamstrings and glutes.

• Strengthen uterine and pelvic floor muscles.

• Improve flexibility in the hips.

• Help increase mobility of pelvic joints.

• May relieve gas and constipation.

Want to join the babyourself 60-day squat challenge?

VISIT facebook.com/babyourself facebook.com/babyourself,, and join in!

Jackie Vega is the owner of – and a personal trainer at – Your Personal Wellness. She is certified by the American Council on Exercise (NCCA accredited company) and a nutritionist, with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from Kansas State University and dietetics internship through Iowa State University. Jackie is married with two children, ages four and six, and her busy family life has drawn her specialties towards pre/postnatal, children and families, and mentoring mommys and mommies-to-be toward fit pregnancies and achieving that pre-baby physique!

You can find her on Facebook, follow her on Twitter (FitFab2bRD) and read her blog at www. fitandfabulousmommas.blogspot.com. You can also contact her via email at livingfitnesslife@ yahoo.com, or by phone at 407-353-6929.

StarCranialCenter.com 407-478-7223 2301 Maitland Center Parkway Suite 140 Maitland, FL 32751 babyourself.com • Spring 2013

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babyourself PREGNANCY

What To Expect

by Elisabeth Myrick

Keep in mind that the information below is based on a low-risk, healthy pregnancy with no complications.

First visit (usually between six and eight weeks) This is possibly the most nerve-wracking appointment. Your doctor will confirm your pregnancy with a urine test, and will likely draw a lot of blood to determine your blood type, Rh status and a few other things. This will also be one of the longest visits, since your doctor will want to obtain a full medical history and will explain your options for prenatal genetic testing, which typically takes place in the first and second trimesters.

Additionally, you will also receive a full physical exam, which may include a Pap smear (unless you’ve had one recently). Your healthcare provider will also review with you some of the dos and don’ts during pregnancy, including foods to avoid, travel concerns, weight gain and exercise.

First trimester ultrasound (10 to 12 weeks) Many healthcare providers offer expectant mothers a first trimester ultrasound after eight weeks. If you’ve previously miscarried, your provider may wish to perform an ultrasound sooner, at your six or eight week visit, to ensure the pregnancy is viable. This ultrasound is also sometimes referred to as a dating ultrasound and will provide your practitioner with measurements to more accurately pinpoint a due date.

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babyourself.com • Spring 2013

Biophysical profile ultrasound (16 to 20 weeks) Between 16 and 20 weeks you will likely have a more in-depth ultrasound to check the baby’s growth. This is also typically the screening that will reveal your baby’s gender (if you choose to know!). This ultrasound also gives your practitioner a good look at baby’s developing body. They will check baby’s spine, abdomen, heart and brain.

Gestational Diabetes Test (24 to 28 weeks) One of the more unpleasant tests during pregnancy is the gestational diabetes screening. This will take place between 24 to 28 weeks. The test itself is pretty straightforward: you’ll drink a sugary liquid and give a blood sample to measure the sugar in your blood. The drink itself isn’t terrible, but the blood sample may make you a little dizzy. Be sure to eat and drink normally before and after the test so you do not skew the results.

Routine visits (every four weeks during the first and second trimester, biweekly after 28 weeks and weekly after 36 weeks.)

These appointments will typically be very brief and will include the following elements: urine test, weight, blood pressure, belly size and heartbeat check using a fetal Doppler machine. Your doctor will advise you of how the pregnancy is progressing and ask if you have any questions or concerns, as well as advise of any additional tests that may be needed during future appointments.

After 35 weeks, your doctor may also begin checking your cervix. This is a physical exam to see if your cervix has begun to efface (shorten) or dilate (open). y

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PLEASE NOTE: The information in this article is not intended to provide or be substituted for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your pregnancy.

PHOTOS COURTESY EL ISABE TH NIXON PHOTOGR APHY

Throughout the course of your pregnancy, you’ll have between 10 and 15 prenatal visits. This number may vary based on your individual history and whether you have any complications or conditions. Many of these visits will follow the same routine. However, there are a few visits that will follow a different schedule. Be sure to keep a running list of questions you may have for your provider (try the “Notes” app in your cell phone or send yourself an email!), as “pregnancy brain” may make it hard to remember any questions or concerns on the spot!

REALITY

a real mom with real kids & a really noisy home

hc ic

YOUR PREGNANT BODY HAS NOW CROSSED OVER INTO... THE When I got pregnant with my first child, I assigned my husband one task. ONE. I asked him to please pray every day – Every. Single. Day. – for two things: 1) that I would not get hemorrhoids, and 2) that my feet would not grow.

I had girlfriends. I’d heard the horror stories. One friend had to sit on one of those inflatable donut-shaped pillows for months because of horrible hemorrhoids. She had no idea what was going on Down South (she couldn’t exactly see past the giant baby belly), only that it hurt like heck to sit on her tush. The thought of my most private parts turning inside-out – or something like that – completely freaked me out.

Another friend’s feet grew two shoe sizes during her pregnancy. She started out with cute little lady-feet and ended up with skis at the ends of her ankles! Was this real? Babies don’t grow in your feet! I was appalled at the idea of pregnancy making my feet grow.

The year before I got pregnant, I worked in a shoe store and, well, I used my employee discount to its fullest! There was no way I could afford to replenish my gorgeous shoe collection if my feet grew two sizes!

So I begged my husband to daily pray for those two things. He had gotten me into this weird Body-Twilight-Zone, he could certainly pray regularly for a little heavenly favor on a couple of my body parts.

If I had only known all the other ways my body would morph into PreggoWoman, I would have made that prayer list a whole lot longer!

Right away, in the first trimester, I developed an acute sense of smell. As in SuperSonic sense of smell. As in sniff, sniff

TWILIGHT ZONE

by Jennifer Hatcher

“Timmy’s in the well!” amazing Lassie-dog sense of smell. And this incredible sense of smell triggered an even more sensitive gag reflex. Suddenly, I would breathe in the air near a co-worker and immediately be like, “You ate onions four days ago, and I miraculously still smell it on your skin, so I must puke now.” Those superpowers were the most annoying superpowers in the history of superpowers.

mommy-boobies now!” Yeah, they were that impressive.

And that amazing gag reflex did lead to throwing up. A lot of throwing up. I never knew you could burst the capillaries in your face from throwing up. But the red dots all around my eyes proved it was possible.

Once, I threw up so hard a contact lens shot off my eyeball and landed in the toilet! (No, I did not retrieve it.)

If my digestive system was that of a middle-age man’s, my bladder control had suddenly regressed to that of a preschooler.

I hadn’t really worried about those types of accidents in years, but suddenly I was crossing my legs when I coughed and hoping everything stayed dry down there.

My senses weren’t the only things changing.

My hip joints loosened up in preparation for allowing another person to exit the premises. However, they didn’t just loosen.

Instead, I would be walking along, minding my own pregnant-business, and POP my hip would be out of joint. Suddenly, I had marionette legs!

Along with all those expanding joints, I had quite the expanding belly. I was so big, grandmas at my church would look at me sympathetically and soothe, “Oh, Honey. Surely, you’ll have that baby any day.” Unfortunately, statements like that started coming my way well in advance of my due date – nearly five weeks before I was full term! The best part of a ginormous belly, though, was how amazingly thin my thighs suddenly looked! Proportion and perspective are beautiful things.

Speaking of beautiful things, the Boob Fairy visited me sometime during that pregnancy.

When an old friend came to check out our new baby girl after she was born, he unabashedly exclaimed, “Wow! You have

Of course, underneath those mommyboobies, I was having some serious heartburn. As I munched on Tums, I wondered how I’d managed to get a middleaged man’s digestive system trapped inside the glowing, itching skin stretched across my mid-section.

And I haven’t even mentioned the strange cravings (ravioli for breakfast? crushed ice every single afternoon?) or the leg cramps that woke me up in the middle of the night as if some evil elves crept in and stabbed them while I slept.

No, if I had realized that hemorrhoids and freakishly-growing feet were only the tip of the iceberg, I would have given my husband a big, thick volume of prayer requests.

Of course, then he would have spent all his time praying and wouldn’t have been available to drive all over town in search of the perfect chocolate milkshake late on a Wednesday night. y

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Jennifer Hatcher’s body never did return to its pre-baby state; but after six children, she’s made peace with her momma-hips. Jennifer lives and writes in southwest Virginia, where she still loves the perfect chocolate milkshake, even though she hasn’t been pregnant for more than seven years.

babyourself.com • Spring 2013

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BY VICKIE MYERS STYLED BY ELISABETH NIXON

One way that I stay sane in my crazy life is taking time to have tea (or coffee) with friends. I love making special yummy treats for my friends when they come over. Getting together with my friends lifts my spirits and makes me feel capable of doing anything. Make time to get together, relax and enjoy spending time with your friends.

Orange Almond Biscotti 1 cup + 3 tablespoons flour 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon sliced almonds ½ teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon baking soda 1/8 teaspoon salt ½ cup brown sugar 2 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon orange zest 1 tablespoon orange juice 1 tablespoon apricot preserves 1 egg Mix butter with sugar. Add apricot preserves, egg, orange zest and juice, and ¼ cup almonds. Add dry ingredients to sugar mixture and mix until all the dry ingredients are incorporated. Spread on a parchment lined cookie sheet in a long flat rectangle. It will spread out as it bakes. Sprinkle 1tablespoon sliced almonds on top. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes cut into ½ inch wide slices. Reduce oven heat to 325.

Bake spread out slices 10 minutes.

Turn slices over and bake another 10 minutes.

Vickie’s Favorite Chicken Salad 1 rotisserie chicken skinned, deboned, and chopped For every cup of chopped rotisserie chicken add the following: 2 tablespoons feta cheese 2 tablespoons chive and onion cream cheese, softened 2 tablespoons of sour cream ¼ cup diced pear (the skin gives the salad some color) 2 tablespoons chopped pecans Salt and pepper to taste Combine softened cream cheese and sour cream. Add in the remaining ingredients and serve with your favorite bread. (Vickie recommends small croissants!)

Brie and Pear Grilled Cheese Sandwich Bites 1 baguette 1 pear (your favorite variety) 1 round of brie cheese Bacon, prosciutto or ham Butter Thinly slice the baguette. Butter one side of each slice. Peel and slice the pear. Slice brie into thin slices to fit the baguette. Stack pear, brie and prosciutto between two slices of baguette with the butter sides out. Toast in skillet until light brown on both sides and cheese begins to melt.

PHOTOS COURTESY EL ISABE TH NIXON PHOTOGR APHY

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Documenting your child’s growth

one video at a time!

By Yesenia Garrido Owner of www.orlandomommy.com

I love my smartphone! It helps me stay connected with friends, saves me money at local stores (score!) and, since I’ve become a mommy, it captures my boys’ sweet little faces and voices in time forever!

I love having “interviews” to look back on and remember my children’s voices and the everchanging things that were important to them at each stage. Plus, it’s an easy (and free!) way to document your little ones as they grow.

Here are a few tips on “interviewing” your kiddos:

Babies: I first started “interviewing” my older son when he was 6 months old. It was possibly a little too early though, since every time I would start asking a question, he would begin to fall over and I would have to prop him back up again!

When he was 6 months old, I asked questions like, “Is Mommy your favorite? Blink once for yes, twice for no!”

It may be a little harder to get your baby to talk on command, but keep trying! Capturing their first few words are wonderful momentos.

Toddlers and school-age:

PHOTO COURTESY EL ISABE TH NIXON PHOTOGR APHY

For older children, try to seat them in the same chair every time. We have actually moved quite a bit and have changed furniture a few times, but we have kept that same chair. It’s precious now!

Ask questions like, “How old are you? . . . What is your favorite book or song? . . . What do you want to be when you grow up? . . . What’s your favorite subject at school?”

I love how my little one’s answers change from year to year. And I love how their mannerisms and personality were apparent so very early and haven’t changed much at all! My son cannot sit still for the life of him, and in every video his fun, lively personality shines through!

I now have three boys and about once a year, I sit these sweet little boys down in that special chair and ask them about life, love and the meaning of happiness. Sometimes they have given us baby talk, and sometimes they have blown us away with an enlightened answer.

Eventually, my husband and I will have a video montage of their growth throughout all of childhood. And it only takes a few minutes with the smartphone. That’s even better than saving some money on craft supplies!

Yesenia is a Graphic Designer turned Pottery Guru turned Mommy of Three and Owner of Orlando Mommy™. She loves making things pretty and is passionate about paper, color, and trying anything once! In her free time, Yesenia enjoys finding sweet spots for her kids in the Orlando area and rummaging through flea markets, thrift stores and vintage shops in search of the perfect entry table! She already has the perfect chair. facebook.com/orlandomommy babyourself.com • Spring 2013

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Tree of Life

Birth and Gynecology Offering Holistic Home, Birth Center and Hospital Midwifery Care, Well-Woman exam/contraception Kaleen Richards, CNM, ARNP Rebecca Luckey, LM, CPM Rhonda Huggins, CD(DONA), HBCE Jaclyn Hauge, CD(DONA)

Tree of Life Birth Center

335 South Woodland Blvd DeLand, FL 32720 407-878-2757 www.treeoflifebirthfl.com

NEW PARENT NIGHT Every 1st and 3rd Monday 5:30 PM

Meet us & check us out!

Register to attend on our website or call to register

210 Lookout Place, Maitland FL 32751 p. 407-215-0400 f. 407-215-0402

www.mysunshinepediatrics.com • Board Certified Pediatrician • Board Certified Lactation Consultant in Office • Newborn to Adolescent Care

Dr. Richard Rodriguez

• Lab in House • Sports Physicals • Vaccines • Flu Shots

“The doctor kids love and parents trust.”

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babyourself.com • Spring 2013

Did You Know Chiropractic Care Can Help You Have

A More Comfortable Pregnancy?

Chiropractic care helps...

•

Establish pelvic balance & alignment

•

Increase the room for the developing baby

•

Increase your ability to have a natural birth

•

Maintain a healthier pregnancy

•

Reduce nausea through proper nutrition

•

Relieve back, neck & joint pain

•

Prevent a potential cesarean delivery

•

Relieve overall pregnancy discomfort

•

Reduce the time you’re in labor & delivery

Rivera Family Chiropractic Center Dr. Ali Rivera 821 Debary Avenue Deltona, Fl 32725 (386)860-5448

804 French Ave Sanford, fl 32771 (407)878-5848

www.RiveraChiro.com

3950 US HWY 17-92 Casselberry, Fl 32707 (407)767-HURT

KIDS ARE AMAZING. no one’s better at keeping them that way.

From stitches to brain surgery, moms prefer us 4 to 1. arnoldpalmerhospital.com

Healthier Kids, Stronger Families.