Small Town Kids by Digital Publisher

Small Town Kids East Texasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Signature Family Magazine

Complimentary Issue

July-August-September 2015

See What’s Inside 3. 5 Simple Ways to Strengthen Your Marriage 4. Meet Our Cover Mom 6. Special Needs 8. Local.Business 9. Look Who’s Having a Birthday! 10. Summer Learning List 13. Pregnancy Q&A 14. Child Care & Education Guide

Read the story behind his scar on page 18.

18. Experienced & Expecting

22. An Emotional Epidural 23. East Texas Family Guide

Photo provided by: Angela Duncan Photography

July LETTER Happy July!

July is always a funky month for me. It’s summer, yet sometime in July I feel the pressure of back to school. If you are like me, no worries we have you covered! Wendy has put together summer fun, yet educational tips and Juli has some back to school steps for those of you with special needs children. Also, beginning on page 14, we have a guide of local daycares and schools. Each year we are going to compile a list for those of you who are looking for child care for the first time, new to the area, or just wanting to switch your child from their current facility. Finally, we have added our new Pregnancy Q&A section as promised, for all the pregnant mommas out there! This issue is packed to the edges with information and there is still so much more I want to give ya’ll! So, I will do just that over at our blog {www.smalltownkidsblog.com}, the magazine’s new blog where you can find it all! Join not only myself, but a team of 10 moms {and growing} in the ETX area who all have tips, tricks, events, advice, areas of expertise, and laughs to share! Go check it out and subscribe to get both the blog posts and the digital magazine sent straight to your inbox. All the goodness that is Small Town Kids, right at your fingertips. Does it get much better than that?! Enjoy the rest of your summer and good luck heading back to school! You got this!

Meredith Connect with us meredith@smalltownkidsmag.com

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5 Simple Ways to Strengthen Your Marriage contributed by Lacy Matejka

FromThisSideofThirty.com

I sometimes feel like we are living life with a, “Who’s next?”, attitude about divorce in small towns. Unfortunately, it runs rampant in our society. There are endless studies and professional opinions published related to why failing marriage is so common in our lifetimes. I think our best defense in a world overrun with broken homes is to turn our attention inward, and take an active, aggressive role in nurturing, cherishing and strengthening our relationships. After all, that was our vow the day we said, “I do.”

5. Laugh.

I see so many serious, stuffy looking couples in public. I sometimes wonder if they ever have fun. There are countless things in this world to take seriously. You relationship doesn’t have to be one of them. Poke fun at each other! Send a silly text out of nowhere. Tell them a corny joke. Make life with your spouse full of hilarious absurdity. After all, couples that laugh together, stay together.

4. Don’t let little things turn into big things.

Whether the person you live with has an annoying habit of revving the kids up before bedtime, leaving their coat on the sofa, or spitting toothpaste all over the mirror, don’t let it take root and fester until it becomes a major blow up. Do both of you a favor… mention your frustration in a lighthearted way. Chances are it’s an annoying habit they didn’t even realize they had.

3. Talk to each other.

Sounds simple, but with our fast paced lifestyles balancing family can leave little time for your spouse. Don’t let that happen! If it has happened, fix it! Make time to look in the face of your spouse and talk. Tell them about that funny old lady at the pharmacy or how bad your server was at lunch that day. I imagine you will remember and appreciate the reasons you married them before life took over.

2. Say what you mean, but don’t say mean things.

Being married means really, really knowing another human being. The good, the bad, the sometimes ugly. It means you have firsthand knowledge of which buttons to push to launch a seemingly harmless disagreement into World War III. Don’t do it! Fight fair. Share your feelings, thoughts and hurts, but don’t say things you’ll regret later. Those words have zero benefit to your relationship.

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1. Go to be angry sometimes.

I don’t know who came up with the long standing marital advice, “Never let the sun set on your anger”, but for my marriage, this advice isn’t realistic. We are two very passionate, strong willed people, so sorting out a disagreement in the late evening hours is a recipe for disaster. In certain situations, it’s beneficial to take some time to calm down and sort out your feelings. When both of you are ready come together, share your heart, fight fair, apologize then kiss and make up. Repeat the last step…a lot…multiple times per day...your relationship will be golden. www.smalltownkidsmag.com Page 3

Meet Our Cover Mom...

Describe how you felt when you found out you were pregnant. I was jumping up and down excited. I showed our family the ultrasound and we called him “code name: Rutabega.” How was your pregnancy with Stark? I had a great pregnancy with Stark. I felt good and enjoyed it. Nothing out of the ordinary that would have led me to believe he would be sick in any way. Describe how you felt when you got the news of his heart defect. I froze when I heard our baby had a heart defect. It felt like my world stopped, and everyone else’s kept moving forward.

Salem

Novak

Did anyone give you solid advice that you were glad you heard about having a child who would need an immediate operation? I met with a local family whose daughter has the same defect. She was 6 years old and had been through all 3 surgeries. She was beautiful and was running around with other kids. It was a game changer for me. The doctors told me there was hope, but I didn’t really have much until I saw her.

You have another son. How did you juggle taking care of 2 kids while 1 was sick and in the hospital? We really relied on family a lot. They helped us take care of things at home. When Chris was in Dallas with Stark and I, family took care of Corbin, and made sure he got to school. Corbin and Chris have been so amazing. It’s hard on all of us to be apart. They would usually come for the surgeries, and then go back home. Chris would return to work and Corbin to school. It was tough for them to return to the normal routine when something so abnormal was going on. It was great to FaceTime with them so we could see their faces. Corbin has been so strong through all of this; stronger than a 13 year old should have to be. One time I asked him if he was okay. He said, “If Stark’s OK, then I am.” Corbin is an awesome kid, and I’m so lucky to be his stepmom. How has this affected your marriage, if at all? I think we appreciate each other and all of our family and friends more. We are forever changed by the way people have responded to our situation, and we want to pay that forward. We are on the same page about where to go from here. We both want to educate people about becoming organ donors. Tell us about the foundation your friends started for Stark. My amazing friends started Stark’s Little Heart, a not for profit organization, whose mission is to help families, similar to ours, with medical bills. The families are chosen and then financial help is provided. You can find the foundation on Facebook.

Do you have any advice for first time moms who are dealing with a sick child or a child facing multiple operations? Babies are resilient, and they grow into even stronger kids. I can’t believe everything that Stark has been through. he’s the strongest person I know. Small Town Kids Page 4

Special Needs

Small Town Kids is proud to partner with Juli, a long time special needs advocate, to bring a section tailored to our readers in the special needs community.

School will be starting before you know it! Many parents have no idea where to start with the special education process. Taking the first steps are the scariest ,but they are the most important steps in advocating for your child’s greatest education opportunities. If you feel your child might need special accommodations this coming school year, here is what you need to know.

Some acronyms you need to know when dealing with special needs children and our education system: IDEA {Individuals with Disabilities Education Act} Our nation’s special education law.

FAPE {Free Appropriate Public Education}

Every state must make available to all eligible children with disabilities.

IEP

{Individualized Education Program}

LRE

{Least Restrictive Environment} Children with disabilities are to be educated with children who do not have disabilities, to the maximum extent appropriate.

ARD

{Admission, Review, and Dismissal}

Step 1. Identifying the possibility of needing special education and related services This step can be prompted by parents or school educators. Parents are often the first to notice that their child’s learning, behavior, or development may be a cause for concern. If you worried about your child’s progress in school, and think he or she might need extra help from special education services, you may call, email, or write to your child’s teacher, the school’s principal, or the Director of Special Education in the school district. If the school agrees an evaluation is needed, they must evaluate the child at no cost to parents. Step 2. Evaluating your child Children ages 3-21 must have one or more of the 13 possible areas of suspected disability. IDEA lists different disability categories under which a child may be found eligible for special education and related services. These categories are: • • • • •

Autism Deafness Deaf-blindness Visual impairment, including blindness Emotional disturbance

• • • • •

Orthopedic impairment Other health impairment Specific learning disability Intellectual disability Hearing impairment

• • • •

Speech or language impairment Traumatic brain injury Developmental delay Multiple disabilities

Step 3. Eligibility is decided Based on your child’s evaluation results, a a team of individuals that includes key school staff will decide if your child is eligible for special education and related services. Under IDEA, you have the right to be part of any group that decides your child’s eligibility for special education and related services. Step 4. Eligibility approved Step 5. Schedule the IEP or ARD meeting The IEP is developed by a team of individuals that includes key school staff and faculty members as well as the child’s parents. The team meets, reviews the assessment information available concerning the child, and designs an educational program to address the child’s educational needs resulting from his or her disability. Essentially, the people who care most about your child and know he or she the best are getting together to make sure his or her education is exactly what they need based on the severity of their disability.

Small Town Kids Page 6

Step 6. IEP meeting is held, and the IEP is written Your child’s IEP must contain specific information listed within IDEA. This includes (but is not limited to): • the child’s present levels of academic achievement and functional performance. This means describing how the child is currently doing in school and how the child’s disability affects his or her involvement and progress in the general curriculum. • annual goals for the child, meaning what parents and the school team think he or she can reasonably accomplish in a year. • how (and if) the child is to participate in state and district-wide assessments, including specific modifications for testing the child will require. • the special education and related services to be provided to the child, including supplementary aids and services (such as a communication device) and changes to the program or supports for school personnel. • how much of the school day the child will be educated separately from nondisabled children or not participate in extracurricular or other nonacademic activities such as lunch or clubs • when services and modifications will begin, how often they will be provided, where they will be provided, and how long they will last. • how school personnel will measure the child’s progress toward the annual goals. Step 7. Execute the IEP Step 8. Progress is measured and reported to parents Step 9. Review the IEP

Y our baby’s heartbeat in a teddy bear!

Step 10. Reevaluate your child every three years

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Helpful websites to visit: Region 7 Education: www.esc7.net U.S. Department of Education: edu.gov Texas Education Agency (TEA): www.tea.texas.gov Partners Resource Network: partnerstx.org www.ser4kids.com www.wrightslaw.com

Understanding the process is half the battle. I hope this information empowers you to take those first steps. Good luck!

Juli

specialneeds@smalltownkidsmag.com

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www.smalltownkidsmag.com Page 7

local.Business When did Mommy & Me open?

Mommy and Me opened in July of 2007 on the idea that moms deserve to be able to buy great brands without breaking the bank. Through faith, support from family and friends, and word of mouth we grew. We started with a small, one room storefront with only 4 racks of clothes to a great retail location that has not only room for more clothing, but space for our larger items like toys and cribs. We opened the doors trusting that God would make it all work, and He has!

You are a consignment and resale shop, how does the consignment part work?

With consignment, you are bringing us clothing and toys that your kids no longer use and we sell them for you. You receive 40% of the selling price and we mail you a check each month from what has sold. If you do not want to wait, you can bring your items to us, we look through them, and buy them from you. You can have a check written to you or use the money as store credit to stock up on more items for your kids.

Do you sell any unused items?

We sell Stephen Joseph items, backpacks, lunchboxes, diaper bags, hair bows, and some of our clothes are new too. We also offer monogramming for items, and they do not have to be purchased from us. You can bring in your items and we can add a name or design to it for you.

You host Tent Sales. What are those?

Our Tent Sales are mainly for giving back. We sell clothes that we cannot use on our shelves for only $1.00. We have many sales throughout the year and are happy to be able to help families who might not be able to afford clothing otherwise.

What made you choose Tyler for your location?

I felt Tyler needed a great place to shop for gently used clothing and offer small town moms an opportunity to make some extra money. We have customers that come from all over East Texas to shop and bring items for resale.

What sizes do you carry?

We carry preemie thru kid’s size 12, both boys and girls.

www.mommyandmeconsignment.com www.facebook.com/mommyandmetyler Small Town Kids Page 8

What items do you carry? • • • • • •

clothing shoes toys bottles infant supplies bouncers

• • • • • •

walkers furniture summer toys diaper bags wall art so much more

Our inventory is constantly changing, so stopping by often is your best bet to find exactly what you want!

During July, August, & September--what items are you in need of most?

We are always in need of bigger items such as cribs, swings, pack-n-plays, and strollers. Any outdoor toys are great since everyone likes to hang out in the sunshine in East Texas. During this time we are also gearing up for the winter months, so bringing those cold weather items in during these months will beat the rush.

Are there any items that you do NOT accept? • stuffed animals • breast pumps • car seats

What are some name brands that can be found in your store? • • • • • •

Ralph Lauren Le Top Hannah Andersson BG Girls Gap Old Navy

• • • • • •

Gymboree Children’s Place Carter’s Converse Crocs so much more!

Look who’s having a BIRTHDAY! ........................ ............................................. JULY 1 - JULY 31 Aley Marie Dixon -8-July 4 Zachary Smalley -5- July 3 Aailyah Ishmael -5- July 15 Zane Ulysses Minter -3- July 17 Averly Max Barnes -2- July 30 Chandler Williams -2- July 22 Kyra Fancher -2- July 19

Lucy Crawford -2- July 10 Braysea Risinger -4- July 23 Kolton Larson -2- July 25 Alexa McNutt -9- July 28 Bowen Beard -2- July 30 Zalainey Arreguin -2- July 30

AUGUST 1 - AUGUST 31 Harrison Lee Smith -2- August 2 Gentry Sheets -3- August 3 Maxwell Vaughn -4- August 4 Eliza Hernandez -5- August 5 Parker Templteon -2- August 5 Brilee Hudnall -3- August 8 Carlos Lopez -8- August 10 Jonathan Arista -10- August 12 Brielee Carroll -2- August 20 Clara Cantu -3- August 20

Grace Crawford -10- August 22 Knox Williams -5- August 24 Sophia Torres -5- August 24 Marley Gonzalez -8- August 25 Wesley Gonzalez -8- August 25 Grayson Guyer -5- August 26 Natilyee Rodriguez -10- August 29 Cesar Lopez -3- August 30 Zane Matejka -11- August 31 Carter Alt -4- August 31

SEPTEMBER 1 - SEPTEMBER 30 Remmington Maxell -4- September 3 Tyler Dawn -3- September 3 Landin Wallance -7- September 5 Carter Holland -9- September 6 Kingston Gonzalez -3- September 10 Deacon Wirzberg -1- September 10 Brandon Rangel -8- Septeber 11 Isaac Cantu -5- September 12 Emma Lee Ford -2- September 14 Alena Eads -7- September 16

Victoria Aills -6- September 17 Mike Cantu -11- September 17 Khloe Morales -2- September 19 Benjamin Berry -6- September 21 Ronni Maxwell -2- September 26 Palmer Thompson -9- September 27 Emma Harvey -8- September 27 Tristyen Edward Ayub -3- September 27 Dianie Arreguin -5- September 28 Dylan Servin -7- September 30

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Yea it’s summer time! N o test l o o h c s s No alarm clocks No No homework or late-night projects

But that doesn’t mean it’s time for your kids to turn into couch potato, tv-watching zombies…. As an elementary school teacher, I know first-hand how the summer can tend to drain the brain of much of what was learned during the months of school. It’s always a good idea to continue the education even when the kids are out for a break. You may be thinking, “Hey, it’s summer, so let the kids chill!” I agree, kids should spend time relaxing and enjoying their summer but there are also ways to retain their valuable knowledge without it feeling like summer school.

Here are some tips for having fun while also learning along the way!

1 Create a Summer Bucket List Sit down with your kids and talk about what they want to do this summer for fun. While they’re discussing their ‘fun’ activities, you can be planning how you can add a little learning without them even knowing! Ideas can include places to go like the zoo, a splash pad, on a hiking or bike trail, a painting project, a museum trip, a favorite restaurant or store, a house project for their bedroom, and more! Depending on your kids’ ages, you can create goals for them like learning to ride without training wheels, tying their shoe laces, brushing their own ponytail, or creating their own matching outfits. The list can be limitless and whatever your kids can come up with. You can also throw in some math and create a budget for each of these activities excluding the ones that are too expensive and talk about reason why.

2 Read, Read, Read Reading is one of the most important ways to keep your child’s brain actively learning and growing, sometimes when they don’t even realize it. Vocabulary and fluency growth happens the most when a child reads for enjoyment, and even more when reading aloud to someone. Reading can be done anywhere – anytime. For early readers, you can practice reading like it’s a fun exercise together. Environmental reading is great for doing while you’re out and about, like road signs, at the grocery store and food labels; reading is everywhere! And of course for your stronger independent readers, designate a time every day for reading. Help them find a genre or series of books they enjoy. Before you know it, they’ll be reading way past your allotted time. And don’t be surprised that whenschool starts back up, their reading level has grown over the time ‘off ’ from school.

3 Cooking with Kids Cooking is such a wonderful and fun way to promote all kinds of math, science, language, literacy, and daily living skills. The recipes you decide to use depend on your kids’ ages. Maybe save a more difficult recipe for your older ones while the younger ones are having naptime. Following directions, liquid measurement, adding and subtracting fractions, understanding temperature points; the learning is abundant! Try finding a few children’s cookbooks for even more reading development.

4 Chores Teaching responsibility and organization doesn’t stop when the school bell rings for summer break! In my home, we use routine chores for each child to help keep the house clean. You can choose to create a chore chart to have displayed, which always minimizes the arguments. Summer chores (and year round) can include, taking out the trash, loading and unloading the dish washer, straightening their bedroom at the end of each day, feeding and caring for the pets, putting items back where they belong, folding and putting away their laundry, and doing some good yard work. After all, a little time learning to tidy up teaches responsibility, and a responsible student is a successful student! Small Town Kids Page 10

5 Board Games Be sure to introduce your child to a few new board games and card games over the summer. These teach strategy, a sense of fairness, playing by the rules, taking a turn, as well as all kinds of core concepts for learning. Some of our favorite games include Connect Four, Spoons, Spot It, Battleship (great for (x,y) axis), Uno, Checkers or Chess, Memory, Chutes and Ladders, and of course the classics like Candy Land and Go Fish!

6 Playing Outdoors Getting outside to play is a critical component to addressing the needs of the whole child – the whole learner. Playing outdoors offers many opportunities for exercise, imagination, and exploring your natural environment. You don’t want to structure every moment of your child’s summer but throwing in a scavenger hunt or a family walk in the park or a hike in the woods and talking about everything you see, is a great way to build memories, get a little exercise, and promote learning. Try to collect different rocks or even a few bugs! One of my favorite summertime activities is allowing my kids to stay up way past their bedtime and play outside until it’s dark and all they can see in the sky are the bright summer stars. Last summer, we downloaded an app on our tablets called the Starchart. There’s also Skyview: Explore the Universe. You’ll lie in the grass looking in the sky and become astronomers for the night!

View our digital issue online, anytime www.smalltownkidsmag.com

@smalltownkidsmag

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7 Plan a Vacation Filled with Learning The key with this summertime learning stuff is to do it in a way that the kids don’t even know they’re doing Math or Science or Reading, when they really are! Depending on your bucket list and budget that you created in Tip Number One, plan a vacation where you’ll have tons of opportunities to teach your kids valuable lessons outside of the classroom. Our family goes camping about three times a year and we almost always find ways to incorporate education while traveling. Whether it’s searching for seashells and fossils for Science, touring a museum or a battle site for History, or having the older kids read all of the historical markers that we see on our road trip, it’s super easy to learn while on vacation. Hiking is one of our favorite activities where we talk about all the different trees and the types of animals in the area as well as the people who may have once inhabited the region a long time ago. Ghost stories around the camp fire is also one of our best memories on vacation. A little creative writing turned to real life perhaps? And all three of our boys learned to ride without training wheels while we were on one of our camping trips, so physical education is included too! Summertime is such a great opportunity for parents to reconnect with their kids and enjoy the slower pace. Even though you may still be working your job every day, your kids are less busy and are more inclined to trying new things. Just getting away from the strict routine of early bedtime and tight after-school schedules can make these learning activities doable. Limit the scheduled commitments on your calendar and give your family the time together that you all deserve. Get to know your kids’ hidden talents and interests and help them learn and grow through real experiences. One of my favorite quotes by C.S. Lewis is, “Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God do you learn.” So this summer, get out there and learn with your kids. I promise, you’ll make valuable memories at the same time. nWendy Jackson

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Pregnancy Q&A Laura gives us a peek into her second pregnancy and new life as a mom of 2. Just add that to her career as a drill team instructor, teacher, and coach’s wife. She and her husband Morgan, have 2 beautiful daughters, Peyton (2) and Kennedi (3m)

Did you and Morgan know you wanted kids early on? Morgan and I always knew we wanted to have a family. We both come from very tight knit families and are close with our siblings. We always knew that if, God-willing, we were able to have children they could grow up to be best friends. Was this pregnancy different from your first? If so, how? Completely! I was sick well into my second trimester with my second daughter and I wasn’t sick at all with my first. I never really had any cravings with either one. Since I teach dance, I was much more active during my second pregnancy, which helped with the weight gain. Did you find out the sex of the baby before birth? Yes! I absolutely love my OBGYN, but he is very old-school. He only does one sonogram per pregnancy at 22 weeks. We waited until then with both of our daughters. We had a gender reveal party for the first baby since both Morgan and I couldn’t be at the sonogram together. The second time we were both able to be there and see our daughter! What does Peyton think of being a big sister? Peyton is finally coming around (6 weeks later) to actually understanding that Kennedi is her sister. She pats her on the head and says, “Sweet Ole Kennedi” (because that’s what my grandmother says), and says “Good Boy” since that is what she tells all the dogs in our life. Is this the age difference you wanted between your kids? My sister and I are three years apart which made us a freshman and senior in high school at the same time. I wanted my children to have more than one year together in high school. I felt that some of their most memorable times would be made in those years and I wanted them to share it. Hence, the decision to have them two years apart. *Photo courtesy of Twisted Rivers Photography

How does the reality of day to day motherhood compare to any expectations you had of being a mom before you gave birth? I never thought being a mom would be a “piece of cake” but I’m sure I never thought about how much time it would really take. Trying to get us all dressed and out the door ON TIME seems to take forever and always leaves us in a mad dash. I’m learning to give myself extra time, but it took us a while to figure out the process! How do you think you have changed since becoming a mom? I have learned to appreciate the small things, which sounds so cliche, but it’s true. I have learned the true meaning of patience, that my energy level is much higher than I think it is, and that I can love more than one person unconditionally. Tell us about your daughter’s name. Morgan and I are both history buffs. I love the history of JFK and Jackie Kennedy. When I think of Jackie Kennedy, I think of class and grace. I named my second daughter Kennedi #1 because I liked the name and #2 after Jackie O. How are you juggling working and being a mom? This seems to be the biggest struggle for me! My work hours change depending on the drill team “season”. I am constantly trying to find ways to do my job well but cut my works hours to be at home more. I’m learning as I go! Do you have any advice for first time moms? Don’t ever google your child’s symptoms- you will then become a doctor who diagnosed them with some chronic illness. Find a doctor that you completely trust and go with what he/she says! It makes it much easier. Secondly, and the most important, my grandmother always said “A happy momma is a happy baby,” and I live my life by it!

www.smalltownkidsmag.com Page 13

Small presents Town Kids The Child Care & Education Guide 2015

581 S. Dickinson Dr. Rusk, Texas 903-683-ZONE Monday - Friday 5:30AM - 5:30AM

Rachel Holsome- Owner/Director Our Promise to you: -To provide children with an environment that is nurturing, safe, and stimulating. -To foster unique abilites of each child. -To encourage growth both intellectually and socially.

Over 47 years of Excellence in Education Where every child is gifted

Stepping Stone offers an exemplary, unique nationally accredited early childhood Brain Development Program that focuses on Language, Math, and Music taught daily through: • Sign Language • Brain Gym {Licensed Instructor} • Spanish • Montessori Math {Certified Teacher} • Library with extensive resources • Music {Certified Teacher} for teachers and families Additional activities offered: Gymnastics, Dance, Computer, TOTS Basketball, Swimming, & Soccer Shots. Summer Adventure Camps for Pre-K-5th Grade.

Preschool: 6 weeks through Pre-K School Age Care: Pre-K through 5th Grade Monday-Friday 7AM-6PM

3105 University Blvd Tyler, Texas {903} 566-1851 Small Town Kids Page 14

SteppingStoneTyler.com

Gresham Heights Learning Academy

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A Home Away from Home for Children 6 weeks to Fifth Grade

Providing children with a caring and concerned atmosphere in which to expand, explore, and play for nearly 18 years. • Age Appropriate Curriculum • Tumblebus • PC Kidz • Summer Camps for School-Age • Texas Early Education • Field Trips Model Site

111 W. 5th Street Tyler, Texas 903-526-7505 Visit us online or Facebook www.TinyTownLearningCenter.com

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903-581-5141 Growing Stick Learning Center

Where your child is our most precious natural resource

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903-534-0601

Christ-centered Preschool & Child Care 903.939.9618 14186 HWY 110 SOUTH (Troup Hwy) Whitehouse, Texas 3 1/2 miles south of Loop 323 Schooler’s Program (ages 6-12) Pick-up from Whitehouse and Andy Woods $60/week “Word of Life Wednesdays” Bible Lesson with the Schoolers Director

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The Brook Hill School

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2101 Shiloh Road Tyler, TX 75703 (903) 561-1559 • • • • •

12 months-12 years Toddler (12-23 momths) Two & Three Year olds Pre-School (4-5 years) Before & After School Care Summer Camps (5-12 years)

We provide your children with an outstanding early development education to help prepare them for a lifetime of learning. Small Town Kids Page 16

Happy Hippo Daycare Applewood Academy FUMC School for Little Children Presbyterian Children’s Center Asbury House Child Enchrichment Center First Christian Church PREP School WEE Learn Center

Happy Hippoptamus Daycare Academy-Spring Hill

Noah’s Ark Learning Center Primary Colors Preschool Incredible Kids Childcare Southwood Academy

Tyler

Growing Sticks Learning Center Shiloh Road Learning Center Southern Oak Baptist Church-MDO Little Red School House First Christian Tyler-MDO USA Planet Kids Tyler Christian Pre-School Creative Kids Learning Center Green Acres BC Early Education Grace Early Education Center Oak Tree Academy Kidz R Life Tiny Town Gresham Heights Learning Academy

Jacksonville

Ivy League PreSchool Mrs. Karens Montessori School FUMC Pre-School Love & Learning Pre School Excel PreSchool

Methodist Readiness School Central Baptist-MDO Kids-N-Motion Kids Klub Charlotte’s Web Kid’s First

Rusk

Whitehouse

Henderson

Kids Zone East Side Christian Academy

New Generation Learning Center Tyler Metro Children’s Center Incredible Kids Childcare

Experienced & Expecting: Sharing stories of parenthood

Stark’s LittleY

hen we found out that we were having a boy there was a lot of excitement. It was just Chris and I in the ultrasound room with the echo technician. But quickly our happiness was somewhat subdued by the technician saying she had trouble seeing the baby’s heart correctly. Once my OB doctor came in and suggested we meet with a specialist from Baylor to get a second opinion, my uneasiness set in. We eventually found ourselves with a pediatric cardiologist who confirmed our worst nightmare. She gave me a box of tissues as she explained that our child would have a life threatening heart condition. He had a congenital heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. HLHS is a birth defect that affects normal blood flow through the heart. As the baby develops during pregnancy, the left side of the heart does not form correctly. She mentioned the need for three surgeries and a heart transplant in the future. She didn’t want to overwhelm us with too much information because she knew it was a lot to process. She said, “I need you to go home and deal with this so that when you come back, you’re ready to fight.” That’s exactly what we did. Those first days after diagnosis were pretty difficult. I felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness. I couldn’t help but wonder if it was my fault. Dr. Reenu Eapen insisted that there isn’t much understanding as to why heart defects happen, but that there is nothing I could have done. I didn’t believe that at the time, but I do now. We took a few days to be upset. It hurt to breathe. The uncertainty of the situation was terrifying. After time, we gathered ourselves and put all the details into an email and sent it out to our family and friends. That email became the beginning of a purpose we didn’t know we had. The response was amazing. So many people prayed for us and started prayer chains. Our baby boy, Stark, was born on June 8, 2012 at Baylor in Dallas and transported within hours to Children’s Medical Center. There they started IV’s and put him on life saving medication until his first open heart surgery at 5 days old. He spent about 2 weeks in the Cardiac ICU. Nearly a month after he was born we took our baby home with half a heart. His second surgery took place at four months old and went pretty smoothly. 2013 was a good year, it was nice to be able to enjoy our infant and not have any scheduled surgeries. Developmentally he was right on track with a normal infant. 2014 was a big year for us. Stark’s tricuspid valve started worsening and we decided to undergo his third surgery to replace his valve with a mechanical one. He recovered from his valve surgery well and was discharged about a month later. Several months after the third surgery, my husband and I decided to celebrate our five year anniversary. We had never left Stark for an entire weekend before, so it was a huge step for us. To prepare for the trip, we let his cardiologist know that his grandparents would be watching him, and exchanged contact information. We continually checked on him throughout the week. His grandmother reported that he was sneezing and had a cough, but no fever. No cause for alarm. My husband and I flew into Texas and picked Stark up the next day. Needless to say, he was very happy to see us! He was his normal sweet self, but it was obvious he didn’t feel well. Still, I decided just to watch him. His little face was puffy, but I thought, “Surely it’s just allergies.” Tuesday I noticed the swelling had moved to his hands and feet. We called his pediatrician but I remained hopeful it was nothing more than something seasonal. Stark was in my lap when Dr. Chaikin told us she was sending us to Children’s Medical Center in Dallas. I immediately started to cry. I’ll never forget my sweet baby putting his hand on my face and saying, “No cry momma.” It was touching. Even though he was sick, he was concerned for me. While we knew from the beginning he would need a transplant, we were shocked when we were told he was in complete heart failure. The doctors told us that a transplant was his only option and it was time to list. Looking back, everything we had been through up to that point was getting us ready for this. Small Town Kids Page 18

We packed up and drove to Dallas a few hours later. The cardiologist said first we would check his kidneys and liver. At this point I was still optimistic that this had nothing to do with his heart. They did the typical hospital work up: x-rays, labwork, and an echocardiogram. The next morning when the cardiology team made their rounds, we had our first discussion about transplant. The attending cardiologist said, “It’s time for a transplant.” My mind didn’t want to accept that statement. I just thought there would be more warning. I said, “You don’t think there’s anything else we can do?” She said, “I think if we could find a heart this weekend, we would take it.” I couldn’t believe it. I felt like I had been slammed against the wall. I couldn’t understand how we went from doing great to needing a heart transplant. It just didn’t make sense. It didn’t seem possible. How could we have missed the signs of heart failure? The next few days involved several tests. We had to get insurance approval before we could meet the transplant team. It was a huge transition and we had so little time to understand it all. Becoming a transplant patient means that you get a new cardiologist, new nurses, new social workers, everything. Our previous team was like family and we didn’t want to let them go. I didn’t want a new team. I didn’t want my son to need a new heart. We had never felt more helpless. The day we met our new team, we had a conference. It was the worst meeting of my life. Legally, they had to give us the statistics. They had to tell us how many transplants had been successful and the rates of death post transplant. These were all things we did not want to hear. The world was crashing down on us. The risks of transplant are daunting. One of the side effects of long term immunosuppresive therapy is cancer. The drugs can be so harsh to the system that some patients develop kidney failure and need a transplant for that. I was devastated. It seemed there was no hope. We didn’t know what to do. We just knew that we wanted our son to live. We just kept breathing and looking to Stark for strength. None of this fazed him. He continued to rock on. He was charming and sweet, he impressed all the nurses. This was his life, his normal, and he didn’t know anything different. We had a transplant chaplain come visit us. I sobbed as I told her I didn’t want my son to die. I didn’t know how to ask for such a gift as a heart. I was very conflicted.

Congenital Heart Defect’s (CHD) affect nearly 1% of about 40,000 births per year in the United States.

Y Y

In order for my son to live, there was another child out there that was going to die. No one can pray for that. I refused to. The chaplain offered me a box of tissues and said, “We know that accidents happen all the time,” she said. “There’s nothing that you can do to stop it. What we can pray for is in the event that an accident happens, someone makes the choice to donate. Pray for the choice.” From that moment, I began praying for our donor family. We prayed for them before they made the choice and have prayed for them every day since.

Of that 40,000The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that each year about 960 babies are born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

In other words, about 1 out of every 4,344 babies each year is born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

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www.smalltownkidsmag.com Page 19

Because his heart was performing so poorly, Stark was listed as a 1A which means he was grouped with the most urgent need for a transplant. Based on his compatibility, the doctors estimated a match anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months. We were sent home and attempted to live a normal life while we waited. Chris and I made arrangements for him to be watched by family while we were both at work. We checked in with our transplant team every week or two. On November 23, 2014, five weeks after being placed on the list, my phone rang at 1:02 A.M., it was our transplant coordinator, Kelly. She said,

“Salem, we have a heart for Stark.”

My response was, “Really?” She said “Yes, we have a heart for him.” I got off the phone and exclaimed, “Thank you God!” then jumped out of bed and woke Chris up. We packed our bags and started our trip back to Dallas. Waiting for surgery was tough. They initially told us 10 A.M., then 12 P.M,. we kept worrying that maybe the donor family decided not to donate, or that the heart wasn’t going to work. Because of patient privacy laws, the transplant team was not allowed to tell us anything about where the heart was coming from or what the circumstances surrounding the donor were. Around 2:30 that afternoon, we handed over our son to the OR team. He had been through three open heart surgeries in his short life, but none were anything like the one he was about to endure. It was the scariest time in my life. Kelly, our transplant coordinator, would call us every hour to keep us updated. We finally felt like we could breathe when they told us the new heart was in and beating. Around 10 P.M., over 8 hours after we sent him for surgery, we were able to see him. We were relieved, exhausted, and grateful that he made it through the surgery. During this process we have met some of the most amazing people and families. When I was pregnant with Stark, I met a young girl around 7 years old that had the same diagnosis. She was running around and playing, she was happy and completely normal. Seeing her gave me so much hope for my own child. It was the first time that I felt like, “We can do this.” Another time, right before I delivered, a couple came to our house with their new baby, George. He was born in March of 2012 also with HLHS. He was perfect. They let me hold him and ask as many questions as I wanted. It was comforting to hear the process from another parent’s perspective and to see that in spite of the odds, it was worth it to fight for the life of their child. Today, Stark is a normal toddler. Other than taking medications daily, you can find him getting into trouble like every other kid. He loves to climb and play with his big brother Corbin. Through all this we want to spread hope and education. Please have the conversation today. Right now. Don’t wait. That conversation could save someone’s life. That same conversation saved my son’s life.

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Small Town Kids Page 20

MYTH: I am not the right age for organ or tissue donation. TRUTH: Organs may be donated from birth to old age. There is no age limit for tissue donation. At the time of death, the appropriate medical professionals will determine whether organs are usable.

MYTH: Donor families incur costs related to donation. TRUTH: Donor families are never asked to pay for any expenses related to donation. The beauty of their life saving gift should never be blemished in such a way. There is a critical shortage of organs, tissues and eyes available for donation. There are more than 113,000 patients in the United States awaiting transplantationâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;more than 11,000 are Texans. Every 10 minutes, a new name is added to the national transplant waiting list.

Information and stastics from:

www.donatelifetexas.org Register today!

Last year, approximately 8,000 deceased donors made possible nearly 22,000 organ transplants. In addition, there were more than 6,000 transplants from living donors.

Every day, an average of 18 people die waiting for a life saving organ transplant. Registering to become an organ, eye and tissue donor authorizes your decision to be a donor. Smith: 40.66% County Stastics % of registered Organ Donors

Gregg: 35.92%

Rusk: 28.05%

Anderson: 25.53% Cherokee: 25.35%

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www.smalltownkidsmag.com Page 21

Birth Doulas: An Emotional Epidural There is a subset of the population that automatically knows and understands what a doula is and what a doula does, but for the vast majority of pregnant women and their partners, the word doula is as unfamiliar as its Greek origins. Doula, literally from Greek, means a woman servant or a woman who serves. More recently, that term has been adapted to mean a woman who is experienced and trained in the normal physiological process and the common medial measures applied to pregnancy and birth.

The Research

So, it’s great that doulas support families to feel better about their pregnancy and birth preparations, offer information for informed decision making, and provide physical support during birth by way of comfort measures, but let’s get down to brass tacks. What does the evidence say about douls? According to the research compiled by www.EvidenceBasedBirth.com, doulas providing continuous labor support results in • 31% decrease in the use of Pitocin (synthetic oxytocin, commonly used to induce or augment labor) • 9% decrease in the use of medications for pain relief What does a doula do? • 14% decrease in the risk of newborns being admitted to the A professional doula has committed herself to knowing NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) and understanding the finer points of the emotional, physical, • 28% decrease in the risk of cesarean section and psychological journey of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. The emphasis is on a whole model of care, because birth • 34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience, and a is more than just a physiological process; it is also a psycho• 2% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth logical and emotional transformation into motherhood. Women or their spouses often ask me , what a doula does Doulas are a form of pain relief (Hofmeyr, 1991). With the that is different than what the spouse is supposed to do, or if a doula is the same thing as a midwife. Doulas are non-med- continuous support during labor of a professionally trained birth doula, women are less likely to request pain medications. ical professional birth support, whereas a midwife offers the medical support that a doctor does, without the surgical com- Why is that? The simple answer is because they are receiving ponent. My 30second elevator speech usually goes something the specialized support they need and, therefore, are statistically likely to feel less pain with the support of a doula. like this… Doulas also benefit spouses by relieving the often overwhelming burden that is asked of them. Culturally, we ask “Doulas offer professional birth support to families through pregnancy, birth, and in the immediate weeks of the postpartum spouses to be completely emotionally available during birth, period, offering emotional, psychological, physical, and informa- to know how to touch a woman in birth, to know how to talk tional support to aid families in making informed decisions for to a woman in birth, to recall the information they learned in their individual birth experiences. Doulas are advocates to fam- a childbirth class or from books they read during pregnancy, ilies during a time in their lives that is very personal, important, to support her intuitively in a way that is not in his nature to do so, but also to reserve part of himself to be logical and clear and vulnerable.” headed for decision- making purposes, should an emergency arise during labor. That is a tall order, and honestly doesn’t do What a doula does not do. Beyond what doulas do is the subject of what doulas don’t the father justice. A doula is trained to be the support that both the laboring mother needs and also provide support that the do. Doulas do not offer to perform any of the medical tasks that your doctor, midwife, or nurse performs. Instead, a doula expectant father/partner needs. This freedom to not have to remember everything, or to seemingly know everything, and reviews with you what common procedures may be offered, questions you can ask your provider to fully understand what to have a live Cliffs Notes version of birth support to help his your medical choices are, additional evidence-based informa- wife is not a luxury but the best gift any family can receive for a better and healthier birth. tion and/or research, and then supports you in making the choice that you feel is best for you, your baby, and your family. Many times, that choice is the same medical procedure being Sources: www.EvidenceBasedBirth.com and Hofmeyr, G. J., V. C. Nikodem, et al. (1991). “Companionship to modify the clinical birth environment: effects offered, but occasionally, that choice is different, and that is on progress and perceptions of labour, and breastfeeding.” British journal of where it is invaluable to have the support of a birth profession- obstetrics and gynaecology 98(8): 756-764. al who stays up to date on the current research, supporting your right to make an informed choice, and offering tips for Contributed by: Katherine Stanglin how to better communicate with your provider to continue a CD(DONA), HCHI, HCHD supportive relationship for a healthy pregnancy and birth. A Ancient Hearts Birth Services doula does not take the place of your doctor, your midwife, Hypnobabies Childbirth Hypnosis Educator Hypno-Doula & Birth Doula your spouse, or any other valuable member of your team. Professional Birth Pool Rental Placenta Services

Small Town Kids Page 22

East Texas Family Guide Amusement/Entertainment

Birthday Parties/Supplies

Children’s Gifts/Toys

Splash Kingdom Family Waterpark 18814 Interstate 20 Canton, Texas 903-567-0044 www.splashkingdom.com Facebook: Splash Kingdom Waterpark

Bouncin’ Off the Wallz 125 Fm 346 E Tyler, Texas 903-707-2189 www.jumptyler.com Faebook: Bouncin’ off The Wallz

Bean Sprouts Baby Bedding & Boutique 6722 S. Broadway Ave Tyler, Texas 903-787-5855 www.beansproutsbabybeddingandboutique.com Facebook: Bean Sprouts Baby Bedding

Bouncin’ Off the Wallz 125 Fm 346 E Tyler, Texas 903-707-2189 www.jumptyler.com Faebook: Bouncin’ off The Wallz

Pottery Cafe 5380 Old Bullard Road Tyler, Texas 903-535-9393 www.potterycafetyler.com Facebook: Pottery Cafe

Mommy & Me Consignment 101 E. 9th Street Tyler, Texas 903-526-6130 www.mommyandmeconsignment.com Facebook: Mommy & Me Consignment

Pottery Cafe 5380 Old Bullard Road Tyler, Texas 903-535-9393 www.potterycafetyler.com Facebook: Pottery Cafe

Child Care Assistance

Just Imagine 2210 Three Lakes Parkway Tyler, Texas 903-787-7546 www.youjustimagine.com Facebook: Just Imagine

Baby Registry

Bean Sprouts Baby Bedding & Boutique 6722 S. Broadway Ave Tyler, Texas 903-787-5855 www.beansproutsbabybeddingandboutique.com Facebook: Bean Sprouts Baby Bedding Baby & Child Furniture

Bean Sprouts Baby Bedding & Boutique 6722 S. Broadway Ave Tyler, Texas 903-787-5855 www.beansproutsbabybeddingandboutique.com Facebook: Bean Sprouts Baby Bedding Mommy & Me Consignment 101 E. 9th Street Tyler, Texas 903-526-6130 www.mommyandmeconsignment.com Facebook: Mommy & Me Consignment

Workforce Solutions East Texas Athens 205 Murchison, Suite 101 903-677-6060 Longview 2430 High Street 903-234-9040 Marshall 4300 East End Blvd. 903-938-2220 Palestine 2800 S. Loop 256, Suite 18 903-723-6297 Tyler 4100 Troup Highway 903-526-1105 Children’s Clothing/Accessories

Consignment Sale

Just Between Friends-East Texas August 6-8 East Texas State Fairgrounds 2112 W. Front Street BLDG E www.easttexas.jbfsale.com Facebook: Just Between Friends of East Texas Custom Baby Bedding

Bean Sprouts Baby Bedding & Boutique 6722 S. Broadway Ave Tyler, Texas 903-787-5855 www.beansproutsbabybeddingandboutique.com Facebook: Bean Sprouts Baby Bedding Dental Care

Bullard Family Dentistry 125 Main Street Bullard, Texas 903-710-2309 www.bullardfamilydentist.com

www.smalltownkidsmag.com Page 23

Crestway Dental 208 Crestway Street Athens, Texas 903-675-3811 www.crestwayparkdental.com Donald Ritchie, DDS Pediatric Dentist 2301 S. Broadway, Ste B-10 Tyler, Texas 903-531-9000 www.donaldritchiedds.com Educational Programs

Piano Lessons with Carolyn Serving East Texas 501-681-7838 Kiddy Keys for ages 2-5 Piano Lesson for ages 6+ chamm13@att.net Embroidery/Monogramming

HeadMasters-Bullard 151 Highway 69 N, Suite 400 Brookshire’s Center Bullard, Texas 903-710-2226 www.headmasterstx.com Facebook: HeadMasters HeadMasters-Tyler 1400 WSW Loop 323 Loop & Kinsey Tyler, Texas 903-266-9192 www.headmasterstx.com Facebook: HeadMasters HeadMasters-Lindale 2808 S. Main Street Lindale, Texas 430-235-2017

Small Town Kids Page 24

Imaging/Ultrasound Centers

Summer Camps

Stork Vision of Tyler 410 S. Broadway Tyler, Texas 903-531-3555 www.storkvision.com Facebook: StorkVision Tyler

Pottery Cafe 5380 Old Bullard Road Tyler, Texas 903-535-9393 www.potterycafetyler.com Facebook: Pottery Cafe

Inflatable Rentals

Screen Printing

Bouncin’ Off the Wallz 125 Fm 346 E Tyler, Texas 903-707-2189 www.jumptyler.com Faebook: Bouncin’ off The Wallz

I Sign Shop 2034 North Jackson Street Jacksonville, Texas 903-586-1647 www.isignshop.com

Outdoor Play Sets

Beyond Backyards 15994 Old Jacksonville Hwy Tyler, Texas 903-561-3371 www.beyondbackyards.com Photographers

Angela Duncan Photography 100 Fenton Road Longview, Texas 832-350-3339 angelankduncan.com angelakayduncan@gmail.com Facebook: Angela Duncan Photography Piano Lessons

Wellness/Beauty/Health

Healthy Figures Day Spa F1015 Pruitt Place, Ste. 105 Tyler, Texas 903-534-0170 www.healthyfiguresweightloss.com Facebook: Healthy Figures Day Spa Healthy Figures Weight Loss 303 W. Loop 281, Ste. 120 Longview, Texas 903-663-6100 www.healthyfiguresweightloss.com Facebook: Healthy Figures Weight Loss and Treatment Center Healthy Figures Weight Loss 1015 Pruitt Place, Ste. 104 Tyler, Texas 903-534-0123 www.healthyfiguresweightloss.com

Piano Lessons with Carolyn Serving East Texas Facebook: Healthy Figures Weight Loss and Treatment 501-681-7838 Center Kiddy Keys for ages 2-5/ Piano Lesson for ages 6+ Zeid Women’s Health Center chamm13@att.net 109 Zeid Blvd. Specialty Toys Henderson, Texas 903-655-8851 Just Imagine www.zeidwhc.com 2210 Three Lakes Parkway Tyler, Texas 903-787-7546 www.youjustimagine.com Facebook: Just Imagine Sports

Soccer Shots-East Texas Serving East Texas & Shreveport 318.553.5002 soccershots.org

Zeid Women’s Health Center 705 E. Marshall Ave. Ste. 3000 Longview, Texas 903-315-2700 www.zeidwhc.com Zeid Women’s Health Center 4519 Troup Highway Tyler, Texas 903-533-0733 www.zeidwhc.com

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