HERE, BABIES GET THEIR START, AND FAMILIES ARE BORN.

from Eastern Shore Parents "Big Birthday Issue" (July 23)

FamilyCalendar

We haven’t just changed the experience of having a baby; we’ve transformed it, starting with a host of birthing options from the region’s only academic health system. From a traditional birthing experience, to a Gentle C-Section, to the region’s most advanced neonatal intensive care unit and maternal-fetal specialists, the experience you want is here.

Just as I predicted last month, our summer has started off with lots of “fun” household projects. Instead of running through the sprinklers as we did when we were kids, our water play has consisted of finding and digging up a buried sprinkler system to replace the heads and me learning how to use a pressure washer. Who knew how fun and gratifying those chores could be?! Playing in the sand was more like Brad teaching the girls and I how to spread and finish a concrete slab. And no, that was not fun. But we did cook out later that night Brad taught me how to grill on a charcoal grill for the first time, so that made up for it. One of the items on the summer “to-dos” that I am really dreading is cleaning out and organizing the attic. Just like he has his garage full of his “toys”, I have my attic full of mine, including Christmas decorations, keepsake boxes, and what could be considered an large amount of party decor. I just know he is going to fuss about my stash. I can’t help it though. I love a celebration and decorate for every birthday, whether we are having a party at the house or not. My mom did that for us and I am passing down the tradition.

My love of birthday celebrations gets me extra excited when we start putting together the July Birthday Party issue! This is where my inner party animal really gets to come out. Every year we find new and fun party resources to share with you. You can find all the resources we have put together in our Birthday Party Resource Guide. Need a place to have a party? You will find several options in the guide. Need entertainment, décor, cakes, or rentals? No problem! You will find all of that in the guide too. Whether your child dreams of being a pampered princess or riding the waves at a waterpark, you will find several ideas here.

We have also included some helpful feature articles on party planning in this month’s issue. Cheryl Maguire helps us plan fantastic, yet frugal, parties in her article, Secrets to Throwing an Epic Birthday Party on a Dime. As Lisa Nord Seplack shows us in Teach the Gift of Giving by Hosting a Charitable Birthday Party, the celebration does not have to include presents. She gives us several examples of charitable party ideas where the honoree is still celebrated with a fun party but the host and guests also give back to a charity of the host’s choice. You’ll even find ideas to incorporate the chosen charity into the party’s theme!

July is not only our annual “Birthday Party” issue but, as everyone knows, it is also our country’s birthday! Make sure you check out the Family Calendar to find area fireworks displays and other events to celebrate the 4th. Please keep all the men, women and families of our military, both past and present, in your thoughts as you celebrate. And to all those who serve or have served, we thank you for the sacrifice given by you and your family.

Enjoy your July, try not to work too hard on your “to-do” lists, and make sure to make some wonderful summer memories with your family and friends. May God Bless the USA!

lynn@easternshoreparents.com

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@easternshoreparents.com

Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@easternshoreparents.com

Research Editor Lucy Green

Contributing Writers

Kristi Bush, LSW Gabriele Jones

Cheryl Maguire

Dave Ramsey Kailyn Reinhart

Robert L. Rux, M.D. Lisa Nord Seplak Works of Wonder Therapy, LLC

Cover Photography Jenn Glies Photography www.jenngliesphotography.com

President Jason Watson jason@easternshoreparents.com

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