Mamatoga Spring 2013 by Jenny Witte

MAMATOGA Spring Issue Saratogaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First Parenting Magazine

The straughter family Creating a legacy of giving Volunteering as a family A CONVERSATION ABOUT autism 26 aCTS mamatoga family choice awards mom confessions 1 | MAMATOGA Spring 2013

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Letter from the Editor Community has been a driving force behind Mamatoga since day one. Part of the reason why I created Mamatoga was to find a way to bring people together to help celebrate our community, to help each other out, and to share ideas and stories. Saratoga Springs makes it easy to highlight the importance of community. Every day I’m inspired and amazed by the people that make up this great area, and this issue truly is a reflection of how incredible our community is. Starting with the Straughters who turned tragedy into a way to help other families, to Newmeadow School which has been helping families in our area for three decades, to ways to help give back as a family, the common thread throughout this magazine is our community and its interconnectedness. Benefits like the Straughters hold for Jake’s Help from Heaven are supported by some of the very same businesses you’ll read about in this issue. When organizations like the Adult and Senior Center of Saratoga and Franklin Community Center need volunteers or donations, they put a call out and people respond. In the calendar you’ll find plenty of opportunities to help give back and ways to celebrate this great area in which we live. From 5Ks to the Children’s Museum

Birthday Bash and the Family Night at SPAC for the Saratoga 150 Celebration, there are ways everyone can get involved. Getting children involved in the community is of course important as well. Children need to feel that they belong. Involving them in giving back can help them feel like they are making a positive difference and can teach them that their actions impact other families right in their own city. Studies show that a strong sense of community gives a child support, a sense of belonging, a strong sense of self, and a sense of connection. They feel emotionally and physically safe and valued. They develop social abilities and have a sense of sharing and caring for each other. As always, here in the Mamatoga community, this is a no judgment zone for all parents and caregivers. I fully respect all parents: working parents, stay at home parents, co-parents, single parents; we are all collectively in this (sometimes crazy) parenting boat together. Let me know what you want to see more of in this magazine. As an independent publisher, I can tailor my stories to what YOU want to see in this magazine and at Mamatoga.com. Together we can create a collective community for all of us to take part in. Email me any time at jenny@mamatoga.com. Thanks so much for reading this issue, I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed putting it together for you!

Working Together

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Canine Therapist

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FEATURES MAMATOGA Spring Issue Saratogaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First Parenting Magazine

Creating a Legacy of Giving 8 Volunteer as a Family 12 A Conversation About Autism 14 26 Acts 48

The straughter family Creating a legacy of giving Volunteering as a family A CONVERSATION ABOUT autism 26 aCTS mamatoga family choice awards Mom confessions 1 | MAMATOGA Spring 2013

Mamatoga Family Choice Awards 56 Mom Confessions 60 Cover photo by Kelli Lovdahl

TABLE Date Night Favorites Picky Eaters 52

PLAY Fun in the Snow 20 Stuff I Love 24 Adventures in Co-Parenting 26 Stuff to Do 34 Mamatoga Loves: Cantina Kids Fun Run Little Fish Big Fun 58 Mamatoga Staycation 62 Papatoga: Baby Wearing Dads 64

HEALTH Ask the Expert 17 Helping Our Children Move on From Tragedy

STYLE Mamatoga Design Challenge Mom Style Files 38 My Mom Style 42

SCHOOL Educator of the Year

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

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C O N T R I B U T O R S 6 | MAMATOGA Spring 2013

4 6

Ashley Dingeman - Ashley is the owner and writer of saratogafoodfanatic.com, a website

dedicated to anything and everything food related in Saratoga Springs, NY. A Saratoga Springs native, Ashley has grown up to see Saratoga transform into the beautiful and lively city we all know and love today. Her passion shows through her writing and she hopes to someday be the public’s go-to foodie for Saratoga restaurant reviews, news, events and beyond!

Kelli Lovdahl - Photographer Kelli has always enjoyed working with children and loves their happy and carefree nature. She decided that the perfect job would be a child photographer – combining her love for kids with her creative side. She is currently pursuing a BFA in Photography at the College of Saint Rose.

Julie Cox - Julie is a proud working mother to Jackson (10) and Declan (2) and new baby

Beckett. She spends her days teaching high school English here in Saratoga Springs and her nights cooking dinner, battling toddler bedtime, helping with math homework, and even attempting to crack open a good book now and then.

Katie Nemer - Katie is a Toga mama to Jackson (11), Zoe (2), Preston (newborn) and Cocoa

(the family lab). She and her husband, Josh, are huge fans of Saratoga and of Mamatoga magazine. Julie Cox is Jackson’s stepmom and Katie’s Co-author for their column, “Adventures in CoParenting”. Together they share their story about the many benefits, challenges, and humorous events that arise when sharing a child between two houses.

Robin Dalton - Robin grew up in New York City and worked as a producer for Twentieth

Century Fox before moving to Saratoga Springs and joining Roohan Realty. Mrs. Dalton lives in town with her husband, her sons John Matthew, 2, Charlie, 1 and baby Alice.

Jake Van Ness - Jake is a graphic designer and print specialist, with 12 years of experience, who

grew up in Saratoga Springs. His business Prepressology (www.prepressology.com) is responsible for the Mamatoga brand design and keeping the Mamatoga.com website running smoothly. Jake is the creative involved with the design and layout of Mamatoga magazine.

Theresa Kirchhoff - Theresa is a New York State Certified Counselor, but above all, a loving

wife and mommy. She grew up in Rotterdam and now resides in Saratoga with her husband David and their daughter Giana. She is now a proud stay-at-home mom and a part-time therapist to local adults.

www.Mamatoga.com

Creating a

Legacy of Giving “Tragedy should be utilized as a source of strength. No matter what sort of difficulties, how painful experience is, if we lose our hope, that’s our real disaster.” Dalai Lama XIV

n the late spring of 2012 Carolyn Huston was trying to find grants for iPads equipped with Proloquo2go, a picture-based communication app that is being used for people with autism for her 4 year old son James. She stumbled across the Jake’s Help From Heaven website and called and spoke to Heather Straughter, the organization’s co-founder. “She was wonderful and suggested that I include some of the stories I was sharing with her in my application.” Within a few months her application was approved and Heather and her family delivered her son’s iPad to their house in November. “The iPad arrived just before my son’s fourth birthday and at this point he was still non-verbal, due to autism, and due to his lack of ability to communicate he was getting aggressive. In the 3 short months that we have had his iPad, his aggressive behaviors have almost diminished, he is trying to sound out words that he hears being said on the iPad, and he can use his “words” on the proloquo2go app to communicate. This never would have happened without the Proloquo2go equipped i-pad that we received through Jake’s Help from Heaven.” Flash back to 2004, when Heather and her husband Brian were married and living in Boston. They welcomed two sons while living in Boston, Ethan and Jake, and moved to Saratoga Springs in 2006. They wanted to wait till they knew Jake, their youngest, was born healthy to move to Saratoga Springs, and they immediately loved Saratoga and knew it was a great place to raise a family. Jake spent his first 8 months of life trying hard to keep up with his older brother Ethan. He wasted no time in turning over,

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Heather and Jake commando crawling and blowing through all his milestones. Everything changed, however, in January of 2007, after Jake had his first seizure in the middle of the night. “Jake’s first seizure happened at 3am and was completely out of the blue,” said Heather. “When we put him down to bed that night (or in the 8 months prior) there was no indication at all that something was going to change.” His parents took him to the emergency room, where doctors realized they could not control his ongoing seizure and sent the family to Boston via ambulance. The paramedics continued to be concerned with his continuous seizure and they were redirected to a hospital in Springfield, MA. After four days in this hospital, it became even clearer that Jake’s condition was critical and he was med-flighted to Boston

Children’s Hospital- where he began his 117 day hospital stay. For the Straughters, life completely changed. “When we were finally discharged from Boston Children’s Hospital and able to return back to Saratoga Springs, life as we knew it was over,” said Heather. “Jake had lost all his milestones and was unable to even hold up his head. He was fed through a NG tube and needed a suction machine to help him keep his airways clear. We entered the world of early intervention, insurance and case workers. And both Brian and I realized quickly that if we didn’t advocate for Jake no one else would. We learned that we needed to push as hard as we could for therapies, education, medical approvals and pretty much everything.” Before Heather had children, she was a Special Education teacher in Boston and Brian was a principal at an inclusion school. “We totally relied on these skills to fight for Jake and quickly learned that no one else knew our son and could advocate for our son in quite the same way we could.” Jake endured countless tests, operations and procedures over the course of his short life. He worked hard to try and regain his strength and while many of the milestones never fully returned he made small improvements which gave his family and those who loved him immense hope. He regained ability to eat by mouth and take assisted steps using a lite gate. Although Jake had been ill since he was 8 months old, his death on December, 8, 2010 was completely unexpected for the family. “It was another instance where we learned the very difficult lesson that you just don’t know what might happen and it is important to really embrace life and make the most of it at all times. After he died, Brian and I really knew we had to somehow find a way to be a resource and share everything that we had learned through Jake – both as parents and as medical advocates” said Heather. Brian and Heather learned about fighting with insurance companies for medications and some non-traditional surgeries and about traveling for doctor visits. “We wanted to figure out how to share all this knowledge we had”, explained Heather. “The idea for the foundation was pretty much immediate following Jake’s death. We met with an

attorney within a month after his death and began the process of establishing as a 501c3. We became an official non-profit on March 17, 2011.” To Heather and her family, the foundation has been an incredible support. “Not only does it feel good to be able to help and support other families in ways that we know first hand make a difference but it has also impacted us in ways that we never anticipated. To meet other families and individuals that are still fighting the same fight we fought with Jake is really very profound for us. It is so personal and makes us feel so proud of everything we learned during Jake’s short stay with us. We continue to be amazed by how many families and individuals have medically complicated situations – while we have predominately helped children, we don’t want to be seen as just a support to kids. Jake’s issues were significant enough that we anticipated that he would always live with us and would always require therapies and support.”

www.Mamatoga.com

The foundation has also been important for their son, Ethan, who is now 8 years old. “Jake and Ethan were 15 months apart and Jake was such a huge part of our everyday life – so much of our life revolved around his routines and we all feel the loss so deeply. For Ethan, when he comes on deliveries with us, it helps him remember his time with Jake and feel connected to other kids.” When Heather and Brian were working on establishing the foundation, they knew they needed to have a fundraiser. “We decided to hold our first event (and subsequent events) around his birthday, May 4th. We also chose to hold a family event at Saratoga Strike Zone. While Jake was unable to walk or talk, we had often gone to the bowling alley as a family. He enjoyed watching us from his wheelchair and it was something we had always been able to do as a family. Our first event was held on May 1st, 2011 and we had an initial goal of raising $10,000. We were blown away by the support from the community and the event sold out weeks before the event and we raised $32,000. This past year we held the 2nd Annual Family Fundraiser which was held on May 6, 2012 and we raised over $51,000!” This year, the fundraiser will be held at Saratoga Strike Zone on April 28th from 11am-1pm.

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A sampling of recent purchases made possible by the fundraising efforts of Jake’s Help from Heaven include: •

An adaptive outdoor swing for a 10 year old girl in Berne. She has a severe neurological disorder, seizures and is non-mobile and non-verbal. The swing allows her to be outside with her two sibling and be safe. It also has therapeutic benefits.

•

A complete Tumble Forms seating system for a 5-year-old boy in Waterford. He suffered a severe sepsis infection when he was 4 that led to neurological devastation, limb amputations, stroke and other medical complications. This system allows him to be properly positioned and have a safe place to sit, eat and play.

•

A Stamina Magnetic exercise bike for an 11-year-old in Schenectady who suffers from seizures, cerebral palsy, autism and severe headaches. He has limited mobility and the ability to exercise safely at home will help him with strength and balance.

•

Hippo-therapy sessions for a 2-year-old girl from Watervliet. She suffers from Alternating Hemiplegia, a rare disorder that causes transient episodes of paralysis. Hippo-therapy is helping her gain mobility, strength and endurance.

•

An Emfit Movement Monitor for a 3-year-old boy in Germantown. He suffers from night-time tonic-clonic seizures that need medication to be stopped. This monitor would alert his family at the onset of a seizure.

•

Tumble Forms Pediatric Positioning system for a 17-month-old boy in Latham. He is suffering from hyperbilirubinemia, respiratory complications, decreased muscle tone and Chiari I Malformation. This system will be used daily to develop trunk strength, for safety while eating and to help regain lost skills.

“We have been so lucky to have received such support,” says Heather. “Since our inception we have funded $32,000 worth of applications and with each meeting the amount of grants requested and the amount asked for has been increased.” Jake’s help, and the strength and hope of his family, can truly be felt in this community. Special thanks to Heather, Brian and Ethan for sharing their story with Mamatoga. To read more about Jake’s Help from Heaven, and to get more information about their upcoming fundraiser and how to buy tickets, visit their website at www.jakeshelpfromheaven. com. M

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UNTEE L O V R Monthly Dinners: Local chefs come in and cook for 100 seniors; volunteers help prep, serve drinks and dinner and clean up. Piano players and musicians always needed. We did this with our 4 and 6 year old and they absolutely loved it, it’s definitely on our list to return to soon.

•

General program assistance in our art classes or just spending time with seniors playing pool, doing a puzzle, eating lunch…

•

Van drivers: driving our van (no special license needed) to regional outings such as lunches, plays, musical events, galleries….

•

Computer assistance: one on one help with computers.

•

Special talents: if you have a special talent be it art, music play piano…. We can always find a spot for that.

•

Newsletter folding: help fold and distribute our monthly newsletter.

•

Gardening in season

•

General maintenance and repair

FAMILY

•

5 Williams St. Saratoga Springs

Adult and Senior Center of Saratoga

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HELP

In general they can find projects and volunteer opportunities for anyone that wants to come help. Call Lois or Colleen at 5841621 for more information and to find something that fits with your family!

In the Spring of 2013, hundreds of community volunteers will come together to create a brand new playground project for the kids at Greenfield Elementary School. Sign up today and join the many others that will help to bring the vision to life. For more information check out their website at www.greenfieldplayground.com

S UP

Volunteer at the Cantina Kids Fun Run!

Camp TLC

Volunteer check-in is in the Saratogian Parking Lot. Your job is going to be to stand along the race route and keep the children on track! They want you to cheer and clap LOUDLY for the kids as they run by! All you have to do is wear a vest and hold a flag or a sponsor sign.

PO R T

Check-in time is 8:15 a.m. The race begins at 9:00 a.m. and they will need you until about 10:00 a.m.

From June 24th - 29th, they will be seeking volunteer counselors, activity leaders, administrative help, and kitchen support (help serve meals). For more information, please email cbaumis@jdaf.org or visit us at www.thecamptlc.org for more information on our program.

Franklin Community Center 10 Franklin St. Saratoga Springs

V I

A C B K E

Most volunteer opportunities for Franklin Community Center must take place on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. •

Would you like to get your kids involved? Try letting them push a kid-sized cart at the grocery store and give them a list of mostneeded items in the food pantry. They’ll feel great about filling their carts for a good cause. Then, see if you can drop it off at the Center with the kids so they can understand that there is this type of need in our community.

•

Hoping to do some outdoor spring cleaning? Schedule a time to stop by the center to help weed, trim and de thatch the lawn just in time for the nice weather. Outdoor projects are a HUGE help.

•

Have your kids paint rocks with words of kindness on them for FCC to place in their garden.

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Have your kids make kindness cards that offer mini-boosts in selfesteem that can be handed out to people having tough times.

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Find out when the Center has big events/projects/mailings coming up. Volunteers are always a instrumental when helping with labeling and sorting.

•

Consider collecting non-perishable food donations in lieu of gifts at your special occasion. To find out more about volunteering, email bo@franklincommunitycenter.org or call 587-9826.

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A Conversation About Autism by Margie Sheehan, Program Development Coordinator, Newmeadow

f you’re a parent, chances are you know something or have heard something about autism spectrum disorder. If autism hasn’t impacted your family directly, you probably have a friend, neighbor or co-worker who knows someone who has been affected. Perhaps your child goes to school with someone who has autism, or you’ve read a story in the news about a person with autism. Almost daily it seems there is a story in the newspaper, online or on television about someone affected by autism. And yet, with so much information out there, our understanding of autism can be quite limited. Although autism spectrum disorder is extremely prevalent in so many communities, affecting approximately 1 in 88 births today, the disorder remains in large part a somewhat mysterious and misunderstood diagnosis by many people.

While it is true that we don’t know what causes autism spectrum disorder, there are experts we can turn to right here in our community for answers and support. Newmeadow, an integrated preschool serving children with autism and other special needs, has been working to help prepare young children and their families for learning and life for over 30 years. Mamatoga sat down with Andrew F. McKenzie, Newmeadow’s Executive Director, and Jennifer Yanazzo, a Special Education Teacher, Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Director of Curriculum and Teaching at Newmeadow, to discuss this important topic and help us shed some light on autism spectrum disorder. 14 | MAMATOGA Spring 2013

What is the definition of autism spectrum disorder and how is it manifested? To answer this question, Jennifer Yanazzo directs us to the most current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV). According to the DSM-IV, autism spectrum disorder has three major hallmarks: qualitative impairment in social interaction, qualitative impairment in communication, and restricted, repetitive and stereotypical patterns of behavior, interests and activities. To meet DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for autism, children will display impairment in social interaction in at least two ways, impairment in communication in at least one way, and restricted, repetitive and stereotypical patterns of behavior, interests and activities in at least one way.

How is autism disorder treated?

spectrum

Jennifer

there

Yanazzo

says

are,

“hundreds of treatment options for autism around the world.” According to the Mayo Clinic, “treatment options for autism spectrum disorder can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral and communication therapies, speech therapy, family therapy, medication, dietary intervention and a host of other alternative therapies…” Jennifer says that when faced with choosing a treatment or program for your child with autism, “there are plenty of community resources available for you to contact and discuss your questions with, such as your local pediatrician, the County Health Department, your school district, and

organizations such as Autism Speaks and schools like Newmeadow.” Doing online research these days is easy and there are many community resources you can find right at your fingertips. As a parent himself, Andrew McKenzie recommends that asking a lot of questions is a good idea. Andrew says that getting answers to questions such as these can help you determine the most appropriate program or treatment for your child: • How successful has the program been for other children? • How are activities planned and organized? • Are there predictable daily schedules and routines? • How much individual attention will my child receive? • Is progress measured with data? • Will my child’s behavior be closely observed and recorded? • Will my child be given tasks and rewards that are personally motivating? • Is the environment designed to minimize distractions? • Will the program prepare me to continue the therapy at home? • What is the cost, time commitment, and location of the program? • How many children have gone on to placement in a regular school and how have they performed? • Do staff members have training and experience in working with children and adolescents with autism?

How does the Newmeadow program work? The Newmeadow mission is to “transform the lives of children, including those with autism and other special needs, and prepare them for learning and life through the application of the Bridges ABA applied behavior analysis program and the incorporation of self-contained and integrated classroom instruction and all related services. To ensure that every child becomes engaged in observation, learning and responding with an emphasis on language, communication, social and play skills and the development of independence.”

At Newmeadow, learning is built on the structure of applied behavior analysis (ABA) that extends to every classroom, program and child in the school. Jennifer Yanazzo explains that the Newmeadow program is all about, “intervention at the earliest age. We do Bridges ABA at Newmeadow, and the earliest possible intervention at the earliest possible age is part of that.” Jennifer encourages parents to listen to that “small voice” if they believe there may be an issue with their child’s development, even if they may be hearing that all is well from other people. Andrew agrees. “No one knows their child like a Mom or a Dad,” he says. “If you believe something needs to be checked out, get it done.” Jennifer explains that the Newmeadow program also has everything to do with environment. “ABA is the science of studying how we can arrange our environments to increase socially important behaviors in meaningful ways.” At Newmeadow, Jennifer says, “we remember that the environment is made up of everything that the child encounters. We prepare children for learning and life by recognizing that our Bridges ABA program is the right path, and we carry it throughout everything we do.”

What is the Newmeadow Bridges ABA program? At the core of Newmeadow’s services is the Bridges Applied Behavior Analysis ABA program directed by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. This one-of-a-kind, intensive program removes social and emotional barriers to educational success. The Bridges Center in the school was established in 1999 and Bridges techniques continue to evolve and are incorporated in the self-contained and integrated classes and all related services. Staff is expert in discrete trial training, behavior management, compiling and analyzing data, and social skills training

How can the Newmeadow program help my child? The Newmeadow program recognizes the importance of working with all aspects of each child’s development. The various areas of curriculum complement each other to form a total program which provides for optimal growth. Newmeadow creates an environment that fosters language, social, play and independent skills all within a www.Mamatoga.com

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warm, caring environment that celebrates and encourages both individuality and the importance of being part of a group. Jennifer says that many children, “come to Newmeadow with no eye contact, no language, very behavioral. We work toward milestones, the points at which you see the breakthroughs, such as eye contact, happening. Then we start on the next one. The program is very systematic. We start with eye contact because it is so social and communicative - it helps the child make the human connection and helps them to understand that there is a world outside of themselves. Eye contact helps them leave the world of autism and connect with the outer world. The process can be an uneasy transition but ultimately very rewarding for the child.” According to Jennifer and Andrew, the Newmeadow program experience is one of active and functional involvement. Establishing motivation through activities that are enjoyable to children provide an effective backdrop for learning functional skills. All segments of the school day provide an intensive focus on the development of communication, social and play skills and the development of independence within the context of a comprehensive applied behavior analysis program. The Newmeadow environment provides many opportunities for verbal, social and adaptive practice using specific ABA techniques. Behaviors that interfere with learning are redirected to appropriate, functional behavior. Attempts at success are praised throughout the school day. Through the use of language and the development of appropriate behavior, self-confidence and functionality are wellpromoted. Social development is integrated into all aspects of the day. Children are supported as they learn to play cooperatively, engage in conversation and initiate and often lead group activities. Sharing, turn-taking and concern for each other is continually encouraged. Andrew says that all children, regardless of ability, will benefit by attending the Newmeadow program. “I have seen children at all ability levels improve in our program. All of our Special Education teachers have Master’s degrees and we strive every day to help prepare the children for 16 | MAMATOGA Spring 2013

what they will encounter in the larger world when they leave Newmeadow.” Laura Thibeault’s son Aiden was diagnosed with PDDNOS when he was two years old. Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) is one of the five autism spectrum disorders (ASD). As a mom, her instinct told her something was a little “off ” so she decided to have him evaluated. “When I heard the diagnosis of autism I was shocked and sad and scared.” She immediately enrolled Aiden in Speech, Occupational and Social Inhome therapies. “Two times a week three different women would come into the home and work with Aiden for half an hour on each therapy. At times it was completely frustrating and invasive but the outcome was amazing. He was slowing returning from his own world, he wasn’t as frustrated, and he was initiating play with his siblings.” When Aiden turned three the family decided they would send him to Newmeadow School five days a week for four hours. “I toured the school and instantly fell in love with it. The bright colors, the organized cleanliness, the structure and most of all the amazing staff all put me at ease for sending my child every day. I can’t say enough about what the school has done for Aiden. He has eye contact now, he initiates play with his peers, he knows how to start a conversation with people and the list goes on and on. Right now they have a one hour program for him twice a week to help him get ready for kindergarten. One of our favorite programs is called Lunch Bunch where Aidan sits at a table with a few other kids just like you would in kindergarten and he has to be almost completely independent of the teachers help. He has to open his own juice and lunch and they encourage him to talk with his peers. I have to admit Kindergarten frightens me a little bit but I know Newmeadow is giving him the help he needs to be prepared. There are many resources out there for helping children but you have to initiate them.” To learn more, visit the Newmeadow website at www.newmeadow.org, watch the “Parent to Parent” testimonial video and get other information and community resource contacts.

Ask the Expert

What To Do If You Suspect Your Child May Have Autism Au tism Spectrum Disorder: If you suspect your child has autism spectrum disorder, it is important to seek a diagnosis as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical. “At Newmeadow, we get phone calls from parents who suspect something all the time,” says Jennifer Yanazzo, a Special Education Teacher, Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Director of Curriculum and Teaching at Newmeadow in Malta, New York. “Depending on the child’s age, parents are directed to call their local county health department or school district. The parents need to make an appointment and have the child evaluated. We can help with this at Newmeadow. Speech and language, social and play, self-help skills and cognitive skills are all evaluated. The evaluation will determine if the child qualifies for special education services, which may include speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy. If a child is approved for services, the parents are guided in choosing a provider. “It is suggested parents visit schools prior to enrolling their child. Parents can come to Newmeadow and take as much time as they like talking with us, visiting and touring. We feel confident children will make progress here and will be more prepared for life.” Below is some additional information for parents if you suspect your child may have autism spectrum disorder.

Request Autism Spectrum Disorder Screening Contact your county health department, school district or your child’s pediatrician and request autism spectrum disorder screening. Do not wait if you feel there may be an issue.

Find an Autism Support Group in Your Community Local autism support groups can help you pursue a diagnosis and learn more about autism. Support groups also provide a place for you to share your feelings with other people who have shared a similar experience.

Learn All You Can About Autism Spectrum Disorder There are many organizations in our community that can help provide you with information and resources. Start with your pediatrician, your county health department, local schools such as Newmeadow and national organizations like Autism Speaks and Autism Society of America. There is also a plethora of information online and at your local library. Always seek out credible, reliable sources.

Advocate for Your Child Your child needs you to help them with early diagnosis and intervention. Learning what you can and acting on the information you obtain will help you feel more informed and knowledgeable. Remain hopeful and know that there are lots of community resources at your disposal. The information for this column was provided by Newmeadow, an integrated preschool serving children with autism and other special needs with sites in Malta and Queensbury, New York. For more information, visit the Newmeadow website at www.newmeadow.org The Saratoga County Public Health Nursing Service (518) 584-7460. Contact them for information on Early Intervention Services. M

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by Ella and Kelly Morgan

y daughter, Ella is currently in fourth grade at Dorothy Nolan. She is very happy and has been very happy each year she has been at that school. Last year, however, was special. She had Mrs. Hughes in third grade. I remember third grade when I was growing up and I remember that we learned a lot of interesting things and we had a lot of fun, but Ella experienced so much more in her third grade experience. Mrs. Hughes greeted all of her students each day with the biggest smile and she has a laugh that you can hear two hallways away! She was very clear with her kids that she had high expectations of them. She wanted them to always do her best, but if they had trouble getting to their best, she was always prepared to help them along the way. Ella struggled with the idea of fitting in. Although she had and has many friends, Ella’s sensitivity would get the best of her and she would occasionally feel left out or that she wasn’t good enough. Mrs. Hughes had a special way of empowering Ella to speak her mind, venture out of her comfort zone and continue on a path that made her a stronger and more independent person. As all parents know, third grade comes with many academic challenges, one big one being the state exams.

Mrs. Hughes prepared the kids for “taking” the test. She made sure not to teach to the test, but these little people had never had to endure a test of this magnitude. There were many worried students (and parents) but Mrs. Hughes reminded us that this was not a life altering event. It was simply a test and it did not define who our kids were. When they were able to sit for the test for 3 consecutive days for 90 min, she shared how proud she was of them. Ella showed the pride when she came home. She didn’t worry about the test itself each night, she just said that she knew she could do it and that she was simply going to do the best she could, as Mrs. Hughes instructed. As the year came to a close, Ella was, of course, very emotional. She’s a very sensitive child, for sure, but she felt that a great year and a great experience was coming to an end. She knew she had to move on and she knew that fourth grade would be great, but she was having trouble closing the door on such an awesome year. Mrs. Hughes felt the same way. She was very emotional when saying goodbye. I know she is every year. She loves her job and she considers each class a part of her family. At Meet the Teacher Night in September, she told the parents that when the kids are with her at school, she will care for them just as if she would care for her own kids. She meant every word. M

MAMATOGA Educator of the Year Mrs. Rana Hughes

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FUN IN THE SNOW

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www.Mamatoga.com

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FUN IN THE SNOW

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Have kids. Have style. Have fun. www.mamatoga.com

Thank you for reading Mamatoga! Be sure to find more exclusive content, updated daily on Mamatoga.com . Including how to enter for spectacular giveaways, more stories and features on preschools, pediatricians, restaurants, summer camps, events and more.

Follow Mamatoga at:

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STUFF I LOVE 1

BEEP & BOOP is a simple, fun app from the StoryBots that turns learning good behavior into a game kids love. Beep is the good robot, and when your child does something good they get a beep. Boop is the not so good robot, and when your child misbehaves it’s boop time.Free in Apple iTunes.

Chalktrail brings kids the simple, timeless joy of riding a bike or scooter together with the creative expression of decorating the neighborhood streets and sidewalks with bright and colorful chalk. No bright lights, flashing screens, blaring noises, cords, batteries or internet connections. Just kids, wheels, chalk, fresh air and fun! Chalktrail doesn’t require any tools to install and can be put on a bike or scooter quickly and easily. $19.95, www.fatbraintoys.com

Makedo Dollhouses introduce children to the idea of using found materials as the building blocks for their creativity. The Find & Make Playhouse includes Makedo’s plastic Safe-saw for punching holes and cutting cardboard safely, Re-clips and Lock-hinges to connect materials together quickly and easily, gorgeous stickers for decorating, and easy to follow instructions for your child to create a dollhouse of their very own. $25, www.mymakedo.com

Does your little girl want their ears pierced but can’t handle the ouch factor just yet? Check out Poppy Drops, temporary tattoo earrings perfect for little ears. All of their earrings & tattoos are made from foodgrade, vegetable dyes – 100% safe for any age. They are easily applied anywhere on the skin, nails and even baby dolls! When you are ready for a new pair just swipe the skin with a little baby oil or rubbing alcohol to remove. Starting at $7.95, www.poppydrops.com

Olive Yew tiny rose gold initial necklace. Sean got me one of these delicate and simple little necklaces for Christmas, and I just love it. I’ve got an F, an L and a J on mine, and the letters also come in silver or gold. The necklace, which comes in a 15"-19" inch chain is easy to stack with other necklaces and goes with absolutely everything. Starting at $28 with one letter, additional letters are $6 each. www.oliveyew.com

One of my favorite gifts from the holidays this year was a custom family portrait from betsymade on Etsy. Ordering is super easy: just go to the betsymadeshop on etsy, send her a message with photos and details about what you’d like. She’ll create a custom listing for you and you’ll get your painting within 10 days! Pricing typically ranges from $35-85, depending on the size of the canvas and the number of people in the portrait. The price includes two characters for each size: 4x4 ($35), 6x6 ($45), and 8x10 ($55) and additional characters are each $10. www.etsy.com/shop/betsymadeshop

I fell in love with the So-Sew MiMi tooth fairy pillows the moment I saw them. Handmade by a local mom, they come in all kinds of cute designs for girls and boys. Superhero ones, rockstar ones, pretty pink bow bedecked ones and more. Plus, you can even have a custom designed one like the awesome R2D2 one she recently made for a customer. To order one simply email Jamie at mimiandemmy@yahoo.com or find her on facebook at www.facebook.com/so-sewmimi. These perfect little pouches are just $5 plus shipping, contact Jamie for custom prices as well.

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4 2

7 6 www.Mamatoga.com

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Adventures in Co-Parenting

by Katie Nemer and Julie Cox

o you work? It’s a question posed to all moms at one time or another. Often it is asked by a wellmeaning/insultingly nosy stranger who doesn’t have anything better to do. It seems as if the working mom versus stay-at-home mom debate is something people find greatly fascinating. So what if I do? So what if I don’t? Choosing a category seems to be something many people just automatically expect us to do. As Jackson’s mom and stepmom, we find ourselves in the interesting circumstance of being on both sides of the situation. Mom (Katie) stays at home with the kids and stepmom ( Julie) works. Through each other, we have found an appreciation for both lifestyles and have worked together to figure out how to use our strengths to benefit our big, crazy, blended family. It isn’t always easy though. For either of us.

Katie: It’s been almost three years since I resigned from my pharmaceutical sales career and decided to be an athome mom. It was a difficult decision for me. I wanted to be a hardworking role model for my kids and display my work ethic in front of them. I also really enjoyed the adult interaction every day, the professional environment and working alongside my dedicated and highly supportive coworkers. But at the end of the day, the decision came down to what was best for our individual family situation.

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And for us, it meant having mom home. Three kids later, I haven’t looked back for a second. Now having been on both sides of the momming spectrum, I can honestly say, I am still working. My still-working status that is reaffirmed to me every time my husband walks in the door at night and I hand the children over as there is literally sweat dripping down my backside from a day full of all kinds of fun (and craziness). Every morning I wake up, kiss my husband good morning, and stumble to the coffee pot where I take a deep breath hoping the scent alone will kick me into gear. With this minute burst of energy I begin my daily momming list: Child 1- feed and change. Child 2- feed, change, reason with about why we cannot wear the horsy shirt in winter because it’s short sleeved. Child 3- make school lunch, check backpack, gentle reminder to put books in backpack, feed breakfast, 2nd reminder to pack backpack, kiss goodbye, summon patience for the 3rd backpack reminder. If time - dress, wash and feed self. Kiss husband goodbye. Sit....deep breath...sip cold coffee. The day proceeds in basically the same manner. Someone needs to be fed, changed, cared for or tended to basically

every second. I am constantly on and there are no breaks. Throw in our playful, loving Labrador retriever and whamI have a full load of work ahead of me without stepping out the door. For example, just the other day I was basking in the glow of finally having everyone’s lunch made, I found myself with a brief moment of respite all to myself. Then I realized I couldn’t remember the last time I’d used the bathroom. I happily enjoyed the relief that this rare private moment afforded me, eagerly anticipating the delicious sandwich I’d just constructed for myself. Of course, at that very same moment, just as I was zipping up I heard the unmistakable jingling of the dog’s collar hitting the granite countertop as he took down my beautiful sandwich in one fell swoop. I know we made the right decision for our family, but I’m also happy that Jackson has a strong working stepmom in his life, too. I so love and appreciate having a teacher amongst us to assist with the up-to-date learning styles and difficulties that even fifth grade homework can present. Besides that, I am grateful that she is able to fulfill that ‘role model’ part that I was concerned about giving up when I decided to be home. Amid the frustrations, there are those reaffirming moments that always come just when I feel I’m going to completely lose it. My 2-year-old comes over for a hug and says, “I love you mommy.” Or my husband texts to ask how my day is going as a blissfully sweet reminder that someone out there is thinking about me. Or the baby smiles up at me for the first time. This is when I smile back at all of them and think, “OK, I can do this!” It’s madness some days, but it is inconceivably rewarding. And, it’s the most fun I’ve ever had in my entire life.

Julie: I used to be allergic to caffeine. It would make my heart race, my face flush, and my hands twitch. When I drank caffeine, for lack of a better way to describe it, I felt like I was dying. Then I had three kids in three years, through marriage and the good old-fashioned way, and boom. I now struggle to ascertain how I even functioned before discovering the joy, pleasure, and necessity of my new best friend and life partner, coffee. I’m a working mother – full-time high school English teacher, full-time mom, and full-time basketcase. And I’m damn proud of that. For me, working brings a sense of balance to my life. My hours spent grading research papers are balanced by my hours spent reading Clifford books. The times I spend barking at my students to make sure they do their homework are nicely equalized by supervising said homework at our own kitchen table. I run around our house, nursing the baby mid-run, calling my math-teacher-sister to remind me what the heck a polynomial is, throwing in loads of laundry, and setting up the seventeeth episode of Super Why because I now have completely stopped keeping track of how much TV my toddler watches. But you know what? I’d venture a guess that about five out of the seven days of the week I manage to take care of about 75% of everything I need to get done. And I’m pretty happy that that statistic. Are there times when I wish I could be home with my kids all day, every day? Yes, of course. Are there days when I cry after dropping them off at daycare and have the urge to whip the car around and scoop them up for just one more kiss? You bet. However, for me, staying home is simply not an option. Not just financially, although being able to help support my family is something in which I take great pride, but I truly feel that working makes me a better mother. I have the luxury of having a place to reflect on my parenting, interact with my wonderful colleagues, the majority of

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whom are also working parents, and most importantly, teach, which is something I feel gives my life purpose. Oh, all that and I can go on Pinterest every day during my lunch break.

that conversation is the person throwing out the judgments. Walk away and enjoy your beautiful homemade sandwich, because if you don’t, there’s a playful Labrador who would love to take if off your hands for you.

I’m so impressed with at-home moms like Katie. I do get We all know that at the end of the day every mom is a brief peeks at what stay-at-home life is like and it’s definitely “working” mom, whether she’s on the homefront or plugging not all picnics in the park and Sound of Music-esque sing- away at the office. Whatever category or categories you a-longs. While spending time at home on school breaks or put or suddenly find yourself in as a parent, in the end the maternity leave, I have had my mommy-butt handed to me focus, the purpose, the goal is to provide for and love these many times over. (Seriously, do all two-year-olds have the crazy kids of ours. They are the sprinkles on our cupcake, negotiation skills of a Wall Street lawyer and the bladder the hot fudge on our sundae, and the cream in our coffee. control of an octogenarian?) I appreciate and sometimes Mmmmm. Coffee. M envy the life of an at-home mom, but at the same time, I know that it’s just not for me. I am so lucky to have found a career that meshes so well with motherhood. The days are long and I’m not always able to complete everything on my never-ending to-do list. However, I do love spending my precious afternoons, evenings, and weekends snuggling and loving and playing with my children. Oh, and drinking coffee. I love doing that, too. At Certiﬁed Bikram Yoga, Barkan Flow, Forrest Yoga, any time. Warm/Hot Vinyasa, Yin Yoga, Yoga Sculpt & Kids Yoga

Our Conclusion:

There seems to be this running debate out there as to which is “better”- being at home or working. Fear not, we have the answer for all of you! The answer is.... no. Just no. There is no right or wrong; there is no “better.” We have both had spurts where we worked, and we both had spurts where we were home. We can honestly tell all of you that you have to do what is best for you and your family situation. Never let anyone tell you that your decision to work, or be home, is the wrong one. The only thing wrong with

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THE MAMAS THE TAPAS a giveaway from mamatoga favorite

Every parent can use a night out, either a special date night or a night out with friends

Mamatoga & Boca Bistro are giving away a $100 gift card to Boca Bistro to one lucky Mamatoga reader Check the website at www.mamatoga.com for details on how to enter and stay tuned for details on a special Mamas & Tapas night at Boca Bistro coming soon! Boca Bistro

384 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

518-682-2800

MAMATOGA

design challenge by Robin Dalton

he Mamatoga Design Challenge is back and this time we’ll be transforming my son’s room into the perfect nursery for our new baby girl. I’ve teamed up again with Silverwood Home and Gallery’s Chelsea Silver to find creative, budget friendly ways to create a soothing sanctuary for our new addition. RD: I gave interior designer Chelsea Silver the added challenge of trying to do a girl’s room without lots of screaming pink… I just envisioned something soft and sophisticated, without the obvious color choice.

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CS: I was totally on board with Robin’s preference to avoid all things hot pink. It has its place, but that one, simple direction really helped me to understand Robin’s expectations for the nursery. I found a lamp (at Target of all places) that I fell in love with. It’s feminine and sweet without being too precious (especially with the contemporary ceramic and wood base) and turned out to be the perfect jumping off point for our space. The butterfly and hydrangea graphic on the shade led us to the botanical theme and there are several great colors that we pulled from the shade that influenced the palette and accents around the room.

AFTER RD: I certainly had given Chelsea a lot to process. Between the time constraints and small space she had her hands full. CS: The biggest challenge the space presented was all the white. We had white walls, white carpet, white curtains... and two weeks to pull this together which between baby and toddler schedules, preschools and babysitters, didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t leave us with much. But it also is totally realisticwhat Mom has time to stop everything if she is thinking about redecorating? Also, on our budget, we had to be creative. Luckily, Robin had some of the big pieces already and was gifted a crib from a friend. RD: One of our biggest debates was where we wanted to spend and what pieces would be worth the investment. CS: Primarily, we decided to splurge on the artwork and the light fixture (even though the chandelier was a steal at $99 from Home Depot, it was still a big chunk of the budget). RD: We were also working with a small space, which initially I thought would make things easier, but with all the gear I ended up amassing with a newborn, I needed the space to be functional and not feel cramped.

Photography by Kelli Lovdahl

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GET THE LOOK butterfly mirror, Pottery Barn Kids, www.potterybarnkids.com $59 nest painting, by Gigi Begin, Silverwood Galleries $60

topiaries, www.janeonmain.com $28

wall letters, cheekee monkeez www.etsy.com $20

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butterfly lampshade, www.target.com $22.99

CS: If you want to open up a small space, the old adage is still go lighter and brighter. The walls and carpet were already light and neutral, but we changed the thick cotton drapes to pretty sheers and took the black-out shades down for the winter months. With the deceptively big windows, the room opened up. RD: With our limited budget, Chelsea spent a lot of time brainstorming on how to make a dramatic impact in the space.

Dr. Jim O’Keeffe

Dr. Kate O’Keeffe

and know how. She gave me exactly what I wanted-a beautiful room for our baby girl that she will love for years to come! M

in OB/GYN Dr. Noelle Nielsen

Dr. Kathryn Leopold

Dr. Patricia Snyder

Dr. Jennifer Bashant

Dr. Robert Francomano

Dr. Nelson Miller

Cheryl Marino FNP

Cynthia Engel NP

Call 518-793-4477 for further details.

CS: We came up with the idea of doing an accent wall and some homemade artwork. We chose a wide stripe to just give the wall behind the crib a little pop. Cribs tend to get lost on their anchor wall, especially since most parents are rightfully shy (I know we both are!) to hang anything large or heavy above it. Instead, what often happens is people choose a few small pieces of wall art that get swallowed by the expanse of the wall. Get creative- you can be bold without being big or breaking the bank. In this case I purchased the letters of the baby’s initials, blank canvases, and decorative flowers. With just a hot glue gun, I put together personalized wall art that reflects Robin’s direction of sophisticated and feminine touches.

Now Booking Appointments at: Greenwich Regional Medical Center 1134 State Rt 29, Greenwich, NY

Full Midwifery Service Jennifer Kittell, CNM • Tiana Larson, CNM Brittany Krotzer, CNM • Emily Williams, CNM

45 Hudson Ave., Glens Falls 12801 (518) 793-4477 6 Carpenter Ln., Saratoga Springs 12866 (518) 583-0020

www.womenscareny.com

RD: I am absolutely delighted with what Chelsea was able to accomplish. I never would have been able to come up with such a unique and fitting room for our baby girl without her expertise

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First Annual Saratoga Mom Prom from 7-11pm at McGregor Links Country Club. All proceeds will benefit Saratoga Hospital’s Breast Health Center located at Wilton Medical Arts. Ladies only, but you don’t need to be a Mom to join us!

27 april

12pm at Saratoga City Tavern St. Baldrick’s event. Please feel free to contact Becky Cook at beckycook43@yahoo.com or stop by the Saratoga City Tavern. Bald is Beautiful!

9 March

9am is the kLaVoy5k at the Saratoga Spa State Park, starts at the warming hut. Visit www.lnpresources. com for more info. All proceeds from this event go directly to The Center for Donation & Transplant - Donate Life

27 april

Children’s Museum Birthday Bash at Saratoga National. Come celebrate the Children’s Museum Birthday and help raise money for children’s programs. www. childrensmuseumatsaratoga.org for more information.

9 March

6:30pm Knights of Generous Hearts Gala to Benefit the Greenfield Playground at “Villeroy” located at 21 South Greenfield Road in Greenfield Center. Cost is a minimum $50 Donation per person to benefit the playground. Adults only.

2 March

3rd Annual Family Fundraiser for Jake’s Help from Heaven at Saratoga Strike Zone. Cost is $25 per person/ Children 3 and under are FREE. Register by April1st to receive an event t-shirt! www.jakeshelpfromheaven.com

28 april

4th annual Evening of Will Power at the National Museum of Dance. Check out www. www.bravewill. com for more info.

27 april

11:30am-1pm is a Superheroes Tea at Abigail’s Tea & Tiaras- a portion of sales will be donated to upcoming St. Baldrick’s Event March 9th. Let them turn your kiddos into Superheroes! Fun crafts, games, treats, tea & more! Cost is $25.

2 March

STUFF TO DO

Craft Night at Abigail’s Tea & Tiaras in Ballston Spa.(First Friday in Ballston Spa) Time: 6-8pm Cost: $15 per child Includes: pizza, treat, drink, crafts and fun!

1 March

ut to o l l Pu ur o y n put o ge! frid

GutterBowl Bash from 6-10pm at Saratoga Strike Zone. Join Saratoga Sponsor A Scholar for their annual fundraiser There will be a silent auction as well. Admission is $75.00. www.saratogasponsorascholar.org

8 JUNE

9am to 3pm 2013 Spring Kids Exchange Consignment Event at the Adirondack Sports Complex, 326 Sherman Avenue, Queensbury. Admission is free. Admission to the sale is free, but only cash is accepted for purchases.

4 may

SAVE THE DATE!

The Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum at Saratoga will be having their monthly Saratoga Making Connections: Autism Program on the following dates: March 15th, April 11th, May 9th, June 13th This FREE program is a great way to meet other families in the area, talk to specialists and enjoy a night out with your family! The program is designed for children ages 2-10 on the autism spectrum and their families.

12pm is Saratoga 150 Family Night at SPAC. Check out www. saratoga150.com for more information.

26 May

Saratoga Springs Horse Show. The show features hunters, jumpers, and equitation classes held in 3 different rings. Cost is $3 per person, kids under 12 are free.

3 may

The Saratoga 150 Floral Fete promenade down Broadway and exhibition of the carriages in Congress Park will be on Friday, Aug. 2, just prior to the old fashioned ice cream social in the park, and the carriages will be on display Sat. Aug. 3, the actual date of the 150th Anniversary.

9am is the Rock and Run 5K at SPAC

19 may

n Saratoga Food Fanatic DATE NIGHT FAVORITES by Ashley Dingeman

Date Night Favorites – A Restaurant For Every Mood For a girl who loves to cook, having a night off once a week for date night with my boyfriend has become a favorite tradition of mine. The hardest part, however, is deciding on the best/right place to eat in conjunction with my mood and appetite. With such a wide variety of restaurant options in the city of Saratoga Springs, there are definitely a few restaurants that stand out above the rest when it comes to having a romantic, sophisticated and fun date night. Here are my top three picks for date night dinner in Saratoga:

Mio Posto Nestled in the heart of Saratoga at 68 Putnam Street, Mio Posto was purchased by Danny and Patti Petrosino in April, 2012. Since then, they have transformed this space into what I believe to be the best restaurant in Saratoga Springs. Offering a generous variety of exquisite dinner options, this Italian American restaurant has quickly become a popular destination for anyone with working taste buds. With just enough room 8-10 tables, don’t let the size of this restaurant fool you. The truth is, every dish that Mio Posto serves up is almost magical, as they make it seem impossible to produce anything less than perfection. Always cooking with the freshest and local ingredients they can get their hands on, Danny Petrosino doesn’t mess around in the kitchen. If there is one meal I could recommend to order at Mio Posto, it would be the pan seared scallops with blood orange burro

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on a bed of lobster risotto. As if it isn’t enough that the scallops are paired with sweet, luscious lobster risotto, once the scallops hit your tongue, they melt into your mouth like butter. If you’re looking for an intimate, romantic setting in the convenience of downtown Saratoga, Mio Posto is exactly that. This restaurant should actually be referred to as the date night triple threat, because the atmosphere is perfect, the food is divine and the experience is everything you would hope for when dining out.

Panza’s Restaurant For my out of town pick, I’m taking you to Panza’s Restaurant on Saratoga Lake. Located at 510 Route 9P in Saratoga, Panza’s history in the area dates back as early as the late 1800’s when ‘Ma Panza’ and husband Joseph, traveled from Italy to Mechanicville, NY. While the Panza’s reputation was originally built around their skillfully prepared authentic Italian dishes, the present day restaurant is known for much more. Now owned and operated by fourth generation and great grandsons of the original owner, Anthony and Michael Panza have been putting their hearts and souls into this restaurant since they’ve taken ownership. With a focus on preserving their great grandmother’s legacy, they have incorporated new menu options that are both original and continental. If you want to stick to their Italian inspired pasta dishes, I’d suggest going with the Penne Pasta A’La Jillian, a mixture of sautéed broccoli, chicken, sausage and sundried tomatoes sprinkled with reggiano cheese. This dish packs flavor and authenticity, and the full size portion is enough to feed a small army. The grilled pork chop “Ma Panza” is another excellent option, served with housemade vinegar peppers and an applesauce that will dance in your mouth with flavor. What I really love about Panza’s is that the food is always prepared with passion and great attention to detail, the menu is well-priced and because it’s located on Saratoga Lake, it forces you to leave the hustle and bustle of downtown Saratoga every once in a while for a peaceful and relaxing dinner.

Hattie within this restaurant, while using the same recipes that indeed made Miss Hattie a household name. Named one of Food and Wine’s best fried chicken establishments in the U.S., it’s almost a crime to visit and not try the chicken. A personal favorite of mine is the mac and cheese, with chicken baked in as well as a piece of fried chicken on top. If it turns out that chicken isn’t your thing, the menu has a slice of southern loving for every appetite. Of all the restaurants in Saratoga Springs, Hattie’s is absolutely the most nostalgic, almost bringing you back to the mid 1900’s from the painted white brick walls to the red and green checkered table cloths. If you’re looking for a date night that’s laid back, casual and just plain fun, Hattie’s is the perfect choice. M

Imagine. Explore. Discover! The Beagle School is a preschool for 2, 3, and 4 years olds, located in Saratoga Springs, NY. We are now accepting applications for Fall 2013 and for our popular Summer Camp. Please call 587-7507 for more information, or visit us at www.beagleschool.com

Hattie’s Restaurant Specializing in Southern and Louisiana Cuisine, Hattie’s has been a local favorite since Hattie herself opened the restaurant in 1938. First located on Federal Street in Saratoga, Hattie later moved to its current location at 45 Phila Street in 1968. Present-day owner and Head Chef, Jasper Alexander has without question kept the spirit of

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PREP MOM

Mom Style Files

Natural Habitat: McGregor Links Country Club, The Pink Paddock, the Saratoga Springs Horse Show, Sperry’s for brunch, the summer Saratoga Hospital benefit, Turf Terrace, The Wishing Well after polo on Sundays, Silverwood Galleries.

Overheard during a Prep Mom conversation: www.giftsandmonograms.com

“I don’t think two is too young to start art tennis lesson lessons.” “Can I monogram that?” “Is it too early to order a Bloody Mary?” ry?”

Prep Mom Icon Lilly Pulitzer

www.kieljamespatrick.com 38 | MAMATOGA Spring 2013

www.tossdesigns.com www.rosebudsalve.com

www.ray-ban.com

www.masonpearson.com

www.honest.com

In the Prep Mom Diaper Bag: •

Rosebud Salve lip balm (one of three tins)

•

12866 Smathers & Branson keychain from Next Summer

•

Honest anchor print diapers

•

Rogue tennis ball

•

Mini Mason Pearson

•

Half empty Nantucket Nectar from Uncommon Grounds

•

Ray Bans

www.longchamp.com www.Mamatoga.com

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BOHO MOM

Mom Style Files

Natural Habitat: Getting wheatgrass shots at Four Seasons, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, Saratoga Beads, Mixtapes & Mixology at Max London’s on Friday night, Minky Mink, Piper Boutique, Hot Yoga Saratoga

Boho Mom Icon Jane Birkin

www.luciaboutique.com

Overheard during a Boho Mom conversation: www.scotch-soda.com 40 | MAMATOGA Spring 2013

“Is that local organic?” “Do you know when you’ll get more flax milk in?” “What do you know about unschooling?”

In the Boho Mom Diaper Bag: •

cloth diaper and wet bag

•

Burt’s Bees diaper balm

•

essential oil

•

Rescue Remedy spray

•

all natural fruit strips

•

natural wooden teether from Olive My Baby

www.stretchislandfruit.com

www.charliebanana.com

www.etsy.com

www.drugstore.com www.Mamatoga.com

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My Mom Style Erika Gough I moved from New York City to Saratoga Springs in 2005 and continued my career in advertising at FingerPaint Marketing before becoming a full-time mom. I met my husband, Matt, through a mutual friend. We hit it off after he sent an email out trying to get a group of people together for a happy hour event. I was the only one that showed up! We married in 2009 in Saratoga and welcomed our 18 month old son, Hudson in July 2011.

Q: What is your go-to outfit for weekdays? What are some of your favorite brands for your clothes?

A: My “go-to” outfit is typically jeans, riding boots/flats and a sweater. I’m the type of person that needs to get up and “get dressed “. I don’t typically wear leggings or yoga pants, but believe me, there are days that “comfy clothes” are my best friend! Some of my favorite brands are Seven for All Mankind jeans, Anthropologie, Banana Republic, Gap. And I do shop at H&M and Forever 21 for more “trendy” clothes.

What is your favorite outfit for parties or a night

out?

I always say you can’t go wrong with a great LBD but I do love a little sparkle. On a night out, you can almost always find me in skinny jeans (either dark, colored or printed) and a sparkly top. And ALWAYS in heels! As a stay at home Mom, I don’t get the daily opportunity to wear 42 | MAMATOGA Spring 2013

heels so on a night out, I’m always in them! My husband always says I don’t wear enough color so I try to add in a colorful scarf or necklace to round out my outfit so I don’t look too monochromatic.

Q: What is the most worn item in your closet? A: Definitely my riding boots. The heels are completely worn out! Even if I’m just hanging around the house with Hudson for the day, you can almost always find me in my riding boots. I don’t feel like I’m fully dressed without them on!

Q: What are your favorite brands for kids clothes? A: I love Gap Kids but I have recently found a lot of great items at H&M and Old Navy. To be completely honest, Hudson wears almost all hand-me-downs. I have 2 sisters and they have 3 boys between them. So almost all of Hudson’s clothes are from his cousins.

What is your favorite restaurant for family dinners? Favorite spot for a date night dinner?

A: For family dinners, we love either Cantina or Harvest and Hearth. They have great menu options and if we go early enough, other patrons don’t usually mind a toddler running around! For date nights, my husband and I gravitate towards Chianti, Sperry’s or tapas and drinks at Boca Bistro. I love a laid back atmosphere and those places usually are first on our list.

Q: What is your favorite local kids activity? A: This one is tough but I would have to say boating on Lake George. My husband and I have a boat up there and we started Hudson on the boat at just 1 week old. It is one of our favorite things to do and we are hoping it becomes one of Hudson’s too. On a typical weekday, you can find us walking the streets of Saratoga with our Golden Retriever, Porter. We love walking the neighborhoods and streets around town and exploring new areas.

Q: What are some of your favorite local shops? Q: What is your favorite Saratoga event? A: I love shopping at Violet’s, Piper Boutique and Miss A: One of the organizations dear to my heart is the Scarlett’s. If I’m looking for more of a summer outfit, I love Pink Paddock. I grew up in Connecticut and am truly a prep at heart! And I cannot resist walking by Silverwood without going in. I love their unique pieces for the home or gifts for friends. tank, J.Crew

Double H Ranch in Lake Luzerne, NY. It is a place where children with life threatening illnesses can go and enjoy camp. There are a couple of events that raise money to send the children to camp for free. I love going to the “Boogie off Broadway” and the “House Crawl” events each year.

bracelet, Piper Boutique necklace, Stella&Dot purse, Kate Spade

boots, Frye

flats, J.Crew

jeans, 7 for all mankind www.Mamatoga.com

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Q: What is your top must have kid product? Q: What is your top must have mom product? A: Ooh…there are so many. I would say Aden & Anais A: Definitely my Kate Spade diaper bag. It fits everything! blankets for swaddling and snuggling. I have had one in my diaper bag since Hudson was born and it is always nice to wrap him up in, place him on when changing him in public places or just placing it down for him to sit on. My second would be Aquaphor for those nail scratches that seem to appear on his face overnight. It literally clears them up within hours - and it’s also good for diaper rashes. For all the new moms, I would highly recommend the Rock and Play. My son Hudson was sleeping over 8 hours a night at 6 weeks old and over 12 hours by 10 weeks. It was an easy transition to the crib and I swear it was the reason why he is an unbelievable sleeper now at 18 months.

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There are lots of pockets and I can easily find what I’m looking for in a matter of seconds. I’m definitely a person who likes to carry around a big purse and the one I have goes with everything. I don’t leave home without it!

Q: What is your must have beauty product? A: Hmm…this one is hard. You most likely never find me without 2 things – lipstick and my nails polished! Growing up, my Mom always had her makeup and nails done. And I think that’s something that I’ve just picked up from her through the years. M

THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 4TH ANNUAL BIRTHDAY BASH

All proceeds from the evening XJMM CFOFl U 5IF $IJMESFO T .VTFVN BU 4BSBUPHB XIJDI is dedicated to creating an interactive community that inspires curiosity, sparks imagination and nurtures discovery.

Black & White Ball inspired by the great children’s classic “BLACK BEAUTY” March 9, 2013 6:30 pm – 11:00 pm Saratoga National Golf Club

The Children’s Museum at Saratoga 69 Caroline Street Saratoga Springs, NY

EVENT CHAIR Jenny Witte Saddle Up for an Elegant Evening, including: Open bar from 6:30 – 7:30, 1BTTFE IPST E PFVWSFT s &ODIBOUJOH 4JU %PXO %JOOFS Silent Auction

Reservations: $85 per person or $150 per couple Children’s Museum Membership Discount: $75 per person, $140 per couple Please RSVP by March 2, 2013 Call the Children’s Museum at 584-5540.

THANK YOU TO OUR MAJOR SPONSORS

Printing provided by Advantage Press Inc.

www.Mamatoga.com

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Helping Our Children Move On From Tragedy by Theresa Kirchhoff

he recent tragedies, such as Newtown, have left a mark on us… to say the least. We are overwhelmed with feelings of sadness, confusion, loss and anger… as well as hope, empathy, and perseverance. Choose to focus on the victims, the families, the heroes, and the incredible amount of love and care that is out there. For many of us, as we grieve, we must also help our children to come out of this as healthy and secure as possible. So how do we move on from something like this? Where do we begin? Speaking with your children. The key here is to ensure feelings of security. Remain calm, kids need their adults to act as if things are going to be okay. Adults shouldn’t sound anxious; this may give kids the feeling of their lives being “out of control.” Explain in a calm age-appropriate way, be honest but do not dwell or over explain. Be caring yet noticeably confident, focusing on reassurance and hope. Speak of hope as a certainty. Listen to them, let them talk but do not force. Acknowledge their feelings. Let them know it is okay to have the feelings they hold. For rare tragedies, it is okay to reassure our kids that “This almost never happens. We are doing our best to make sure it doesn’t happen again.” You can list things being done at school, community, within your family, to reassure them. Getting back into their normal routine as quickly as possible will help them to feel secure and a sense of normalcy. Things to keep in mind: • Watch your words… kids are literal. Using the word “sick” for example, may make the child worry about when someone they know gets sick. • It’s a small world to children, they may think they know a person or place they see on television. 46 | MAMATOGA Spring 2013

•

Be careful of your little audience while speaking about it to other adults. We need time to express our feelings too, but save it for when the little sponges aren’t around. “Magical Thinking” can occur in children where they believe they are somehow responsible for the incident. Make sure they know they didn’t do anything to cause the event.

Limit the media. Limit yourself, and keep your children away from the detailed news casts and media reports. There is a difference between staying informed to take action if needed, versus becoming consumed with the need to know everything immediately in detail. Too much is unnecessary, will drain you, and can be traumatic.

Let kids be kids. Kids grieve and show their grief in different ways from adults. Try different avenues for grieving and expression of feelings. Art, journaling, drawing, playing, telling stories, can all be healthy ways for children to work out their feelings. Make sure they know it’s okay to feel sad when they’re sad, angry when they feel angry, and to be happy when they feel happy. Let children have their right to have fun, the right to play. Again, they grieve differently from adults, playing and “moving on” is not a sign of insensitivity. The topic will come up again, on their end, and you’ll be there to give comforting answers. Some children may feel out of control or helpless when tragedies occur. Helping a child to feel in control and less helpless can be as simple as offering choices such as what to have for dinner or choosing the activity for family night. Making and sending cards is a great way for kids to feel they are contributing. For children affected directly... planting

a tree, flowers, or starting a garden in memory of the lost loved one may encourage healing. Very young children, like my preschooler, do not need to be informed of such tragedies. If your child has not been exposed to the media or discussion of the issue, there is no reason to inform them. They will be taught precautions such as Lock Down drills in schools; they do not need to know the details behind why we are “learning important ways to stay safe.” A safe plan for home is great as well. For children in their first experience with death, there are resources in medical offices, school guidance offices, and through Hospice that offer advice on how to talk to your child about death.

Behavioral changes. Some children will pretend it’s not happening. While children are incredibly resilient, it’s also important to notice if your child is shutting down. Suppressed emotion can lead to depression. It is important to be aware of any behavioral changes in your child. The behavior may not be noticeably aligned with the tragedy; it can be a random tummy ache or headache for example. Sleep issues, loss of appetite, regression to things such as thumb sucking, bedwetting, clinginess, and bedtime anxieties are all cause for concern. Also pay attention to defiance, changes in moodiness, aggression, and difficulty focusing. Help them with these issues sensitively, without feelings of shame. It is always a good idea to refer to a professional if you think your child may be struggling.

There can never be too many hugs. Extra support and reassurance is important for a long time after a tragedy. Give extra cuddles and refreshing story books to fill their minds with positive thoughts and images especially at bedtime when sensitivity to anxiety can be heightened. Add some more family fun nights, more ways to let them know they live in a safe home.

are many factors. It is important to understand that we as parents are role models to our children. They will learn from watching you handle conflict, for example, more than from what you tell them on handling conflict. Children learn how to love, care, respect one another, resolve issues, etc. from the influence around them. Not every kid gets a positive role model at home. The next level to our “front lines” is our school staff. Our valued teachers, school counselors, school psychologists, nurses, and other staff play a huge role in raising our children. This brings me to wonder about the influence we could have if only Character Education, social and emotional learning, was integrated as a regular subject from pre-K to grade 12. Moral reasoning, cognitive development, life skills education, violence prevention, ethical reasoning, conflict resolution, nonbullying, mediation… do they sound important when you take a step back and look at the big picture? Schools implement programs here and there, I remember doing so as a school counselor, but is it enough? Some kids never learn such important lifelong skills. What about psychological intervention? There can be warning signs at very young ages. Are all parents and school staff trained on how to detect possible signs? Psychological intervention should begin and travel with the child as tightly monitored as a learning disability through school and then bridged into community resources for life long care.

Take care of yourself. You are the foundation for your children. Take the time and attention you need for yourself. If you are not strong and stable, your family will not be. Extra counseling services are available at emergency services, schools, and places of worship during a time of tragedy. In closing, it can be an unpredictable world, but if we focus our children on all the negatives in hope to “prepare them,” we may only end up with fearful and skeptical children that do not look for the good that is all around them. Raise them with love for the world. M

Looking forward. Horrific events perpetrated by individuals leave us wondering why, how, where did it all come from? There

“Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let the pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place.” –Kurt Vonnegut www.Mamatoga.com

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26 ACTS

of Kindness

I put myself in the national bone marrow registry www.bethematch.org

Was the recipient of a Random Act of Kindness just now. The car in front of me bought me my coffee. So I bought coffee for the car behind me and gave the change to the kid at the window, who had to explain all the transactions taking place. Best part was my 11 year old was with me and got to witness it all. Pay it forward! #26Acts Bought the person’s groceries behind me at Hannaford. She was very appreciative and started to cry and said she will have to pay it forward. It really felt good to be able to do that. Gave my waitress 100% cash tip… she had 3 broken fingers taped together with scotch tape… she had been moving when the mishap occurred. still was as pleasant as the day is long. Hope it helps a bit! Just went through the Starbucks drive-thru and asked the cashier if I could pay for the car behind me... She said you won’t believe this but the car in front of you just paid for you! #26acts is spreading! At the Stewarts by the circle off exit 12 I saw a note and a full milk card for some lucky person to get a free half gallon. I left it for the next lucky person... just thought it was cute and a nice gesture... whomever did it... kudos. In the past weeks my seventh grade students have done 441 acts of kindess and are still going strong. Took the time to write a thank you note to a colleague I have never met for going the extra mile for others today.

48 | MAMATOGA Spring 2013

Kindness is seeing the Divine in other people- even those whom have done you wrong. Today I plan to forgive others. Today I signed up to volunteer at the local memory loss assisted living home..Also tipped the manicurist double. Let many a stressed shopper cut ahead of me today (and kept my road rage at bay). Helped a woman in the mall by bringing her walker to the cash so that she could just push a cart and have a place for her purchases. This has been the best day! Filled up on giving all day long, even if it was just a smile. Going out to drag in all of the garbage and recycling cans on our street back up to our neighbors’ houses. Was in CVS today when a boy (about age 12) was in front of me. He was buying mayo and it came to $5.46. He only had a 5 dollar bill so he was upset. I told him “don’t sweat it honey, I got the rest”. He was sweet and thanked me. I sent my kids’ teachers notes to let them know how much we love and appreciate all that they do. In my opinion, they are not ever thanked enough, and after this tragedy, I will make it a point to let them know how our family feels about them and the wonderful job they are doing.

Paid the Thruway Toll for the next three cars behind me

Yesterday a group of us did a “flash mob” at the Wilton mall play area. We showed up and cleaned the whole thing with Lysol wipes and then let the kids run wild. Perhaps we saved some littles from some sort of cooties. I’ve been delayed in the airport for 4 hrs and keep offering to watch people’s luggage so they can go to the restroom. It’s all I got today because I’m getting cranky. Expired parking meter, paid $ in hopes they can avoid getting a ticket. www.Mamatoga.com

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MAMATOGA loves Cantina Kids Fun Run! The Cantina Kids Fun Run event was founded in 2008 by Jeff & Heath Ames, owners of Cantina Restaurant, in order to benefit Saratoga Hospital’s Emergency Department. Jeff & Heath have a strong commitment to the cause. Their ten-year old daughter, Tessa, was born with a rare neurological disease called Dravet Syndrome, which causes prolonged seizures that are extremely difficult to control and are often life-threatening. This in turn, means Tessa has been a patient in the SH Emergency Department on many occasions. Over the last five years, a total of $127,500 has been raised for Emergency Services at Saratoga Hospital. This money is raised through corporate and individual sponsorships and runner registration fees.The first three years of the event, the money raised went to the building of Saratoga Hospital’s new Emergency Department. In 2011, with the end of the ED campaign, the decision was made to support Pediatric Emergency Care; specifically, staff education. 10% of patients treated at Saratoga Hospital Emergency Department are under 18. Whether it’s stitches, a broken arm, or something more serious, the community can depend on Saratoga Hospital to have all the tools necessary to provide parents with peace of mind that their child is getting the best care possible. In 2011, in response to the generous community support, the Emergency Department formed a pediatrics committee. The committee’s purpose is to aid in establishing a high standard of pediatric emergency care through on-going quality improvement, education, training, specialized equipment and personalized care.

50 | MAMATOGA Spring 2013

Using the donations from The Cantina Kids Fun Run, the following is a list of some of the committee’s accomplishments: • • • •

• • • • • • • • • • •

Purchased a Pediatric Simulation Manikin Held a Pediatric Skills Workshop, attended by over 40 Registered Nurses, technicians & pharmacists Developed pediatric bereavement resources Held an on-site CPEN (Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse) and EPNC (Emergency Nurse Core Course) Review Courses, to prepare nurses for national certification Developed a nursing staff competency in Pediatric Vital Signs Developed a pediatrics non-emergency equipment cart Developed a pediatric difficult airway cart Purchased a pediatric video laryngoscope for difficult airway management Purchased “Buzzy”, a pediatric pain distracter Purchased a child-sized training manikin & childsized intubation head Pediatric Skills Workshops PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) Instructor Course ENPC and CPEN Review course and certification New infant warmer with built in scale Purchased weight-based patient wrist bands to simplify emergency medication calculation and administration

The money raised in 2013 will be used for nursing staff education and training.

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www.Mamatoga.com

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PICK Y EATERS

ining out with children. Those simple words alone can strike fear in even the most confident parent out there. Some of us try the old “go early” route and try to get in and out before the real dinner crowd gets there, but there’s an even better time to go out to eat with kids AND at a decent restaurant, and that magical time is brunch. You can get a real meal, at a real restaurant that has some dishes you are actually interested to try, all at a nice family friendly time where no one is going to give you the stink eye for bringing your kids. Saratoga Springs has an abundance of fabulous brunch places with dishes that the whole family will love. The Picky Eaters have done a round-up of our favorite spots. Kid tested and Mamatoga Approved!

52 | MAMATOGA Spring 2013

Hattie’s during the day has a warm and inviting homey atmosphere that makes you want to curl up on your chair and stay for a while. With three little ones that usually isn’t something we get to do, but with a big plate of Hattie’s beignets dusted with powdered sugar the kids are sure to stay put for at least the amount of time it’ll take to eat your crab cakes Eggs Benedict. They are definitely a treat, but don’t pass up trying these French Quarter specialities. Best

described as a cross between a French pastry and an American doughnut these warm and sweet little golden squares are a family favorite. Hattie’s also has a great fresh fruit and yogurt dish perfect for little hands. Nice and simple, it’s a big bowl of fresh fruit cut up into bite sized pieces ready to dip in the vanilla yogurt in the middle. A nice healthy counter balance to the decadent beignets. Hattie’s has

high chairs and a kid friendly wait staff and a nice laid back atmosphere. You might walk past Max London’s on a Saturday or Sunday and think it isn’t kid friendly for brunch, but you’d be wrong. It might be a little more slick and sophisticated in a great way but it also has a great relaxed vibe and the bruch timing makes it more comfortable for kids. Finn’s favorite at Max’s is the breakfast pizza, with

bacon, fontina, house made mozzarella and a baked egg on top it has a crispy crust that is to die for. That pizza gets pulled apart by little hands every time we eat there and Finn just loves that it’s a pizza with an egg on it. Max’s can always be counted on for a big Belgian waffle piled high with fresh fruit and whipped cream, and Lev’s eyes get possibly as big as her appetite when that is set down in front of her. I love that Max’s uses local ingredients like

www.Mamatoga.com

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eggs from American Masala Farm and dairy from Battenkill Valley Creamery, and even though their dishes are always thoughtful and interesting they are also appealing to every age. Max’s has high chairs and plenty of room for families. Their music is always a favorite too, plus if you still have room after your breakfast pizza you can pop into Mrs. London’s right next door for a little sweet treat to top it all off.

comfort food. Egg sandwiches, blueberry pancakes, and poutine fries are all kid favorites. Their young and energetic waitstaff is very friendly, and they are always accommodating for highchairs and carseats and fitting families comfortably. It has a nice familiar buzz of a hometown pub and the last time we were there for brunch I counted no less than four other babies there at the same time.

The Local is definitely the most laid back of all the brunch places we like, and their menu is cozy, delicious

Sperry’s has been a longtime favorite in our family, and it is the brunch spot that Lev calls the “fancy place”. It’s a

54 | MAMATOGA Spring 2013

little more upscale, but no less family friendly than any of the other brunch spots. Kids get sat with a container full of crayons and can write all over the white paper tablecloth covers and their lemon ricotta pancakes are like little bites of delicately flavored heaven. Smaller than regular pancakes, they are Lev’s favorite breakfast of all time. Dusted with just enough powdered sugar to make them feel like they’re a treat, I’m always amazed by how much she eats when were are there. The Cinnamon Pecan French Toast is finished with an unbelievable

Banana Caramel Sauce and is a great dish for kids to split. The professional waitstaff is at the ready with highchairs and juice, and are very helpful to assist in splitting up dishes between three hungry kids.

Hattie’s - www.hattiesrestaurant.com

Iron Roost, the Mamatoga winner for best kid friendly restaurant, certainly lives up to that title. It’s relaxed format, order at the counter, find yourself a table, goes perfectly with the bright, casual atmosphere. There are tons of kids books for them to pick up and enjoy as well as a little corner complete with a kid sized table full of coloring books and crayons right in the sun filled window area. Right next to the coloring table is a little sofa and chairs so you can curl up with a cup of their organic tea and flip through a book of your own while the kiddos create masterpieces. As far as menu options, Levy of course went right for the Nutella waffle sandwich, which she proclaimed to be the “BEST SANDWICH EVER”. In fact all of our dishes were pretty spectacular, my southwestern style egg sandwich was on a nice thin waffle and might be my new favorite egg sandwich. Highchairs abound here too and this entire space is fully kid friendly. M

Sperry’s - www.sperrysrestaurant.com

Max London’s - www.maxlondons.com The Local - www.thelocalpubandteahouse.com

Iron Roost - www.ironroost.com

www.Mamatoga.com

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Congratulations to the Winners!

Have kids. Have style. Have fun. www.mamatoga.com

2013

MAMATOGA Family Choice Awards Winners

Thanks for voting 56 | MAMATOGA Spring 2013

Best Japanese Restaurant Sushi Thai Garden

Best Date Night Restaurant Sperry’s

Runner Up: Duo Modern Japanese Cuisine and Lounge

Runner Up: Max London’s

Best Women’s Clothing Shop

Best Saratoga Family Event The Family Night Series at SPAC Runner Up: SaratogaArtsFest

Piper Boutique Best Kids Birthday Party Spot & Rentals

Runner Up: Lucia Boutique

Saratoga Paint and Sip Studio Best Spot for a Beer

Runner Up: North Country Horses

It’s a tie!

Druthers and Henry Street Taproom Runner Up: The Local Pub and Teahouse

Best Spot for Cocktails Max London’s Restaurant and Bar

Best Hair Salon Runner Up: 9 Maple Ave

The Strand

Best Preschool Saratoga Independent School

Runner Up: Fresh & Co.

Runner Up: The Beagle School

Best Mexican Restaurant Cantina Runner Up: Mexican Connection

Best Kid Friendly Restaurant

Best Saratoga Kids Event

Iron Roost

Big Truck Day by the Children’s Museum at Saratoga

Runner Up: Circus Café

Runner Up: The Nutcracker Tea at the Hall of Springs

Best Pediatrician Community Care Pediatrics

Best Pizza Harvest and Hearth

Best Burger Comfort Kitchen

Runner Up: Pediatric Associates of Saratoga/ Glens Falls Pediatric Consultants

Runner Up: Mamma Mia’s

Runner Up: Henry Street Taproom www.Mamatoga.com

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little fish BIG FUN

aving a pet in the family can enrich everyone’s lives, and learning about the responsibilities of pet ownership can set a foundation for life. Looking after a pet teaches kids the responsibility of looking after someone else, regardless of their personal convenience. Kids learn to provide for a pet’s physical needs like food and cleaning, no matter what TV show is on, which level they are trying to achieve in their iPad games or who is on the phone, and in turn they learn to give their pet’s well-being precedence and by extension, the well-being of others. And since pets don’t necessarily follow a child’s preferred schedule, kids must learn to adhere to their pet’s needs and learn how to follow through on a commitment even when time conflicts come up.

Bringing a pet into the home should be a fun experience for everyone, but it can be tricky figuring out the best fit for your family. Maybe you’re worried the kids are too young to tackle the responsibility, maybe you aren’t sure you can handle the time commitment, or maybe someone in your family has allergies which rule out certain kinds of pets. 58 | MAMATOGA Spring 2013

A fun, allergy free way to start is star with a fish tank, and you can start off as slow as you want and build it according to your own commitment level and it is great even for very young children. Plus, besides being beautiful and a great way to start learning responsibility, aquariums can be an amazing hands on education tool that everyone in the family can enjoy and learn from. Aquariums are also commonly recommended by allergists as an option for children that suffer from asthma, allergies and upper respiratory issues. A tank creates a bit of humidity in a room so its great in the winter time when the air gets quite dry. A great tool for teaching water quality (not over feeding that will pollute tank), aquariums can also help kids learn about habitats and the importance of maintaining balance, learning about Sustainability and Environmental Issues, life cycles, and biology. Research also shows aquariums lower blood pressure and can have a calming effect on children.

Mamatoga has teamed up with Eddie’s Aquarium Centre to give away one tank to a local school to help kids learn all of the valuable lessons that caring for an aquarium can teach. Since 1975 Eddie’s has been a family run business that takes great pride in providing upstate NY and parts of New England with the best animals, accessories and advice anywhere. They cater to first time hobbyist as well as long time enthusiasts and their goal is to help you achieve success with the fascinating hobbies of aquarium and pond keeping. Located off of the Northway Exit 8 (just south of the Crescent Bridge) they are open Tuesday through Sunday. Eddie’s also offers educational presentations

to schools and store demonstrations and through the partnership with Mamatoga have already donated a tank to the Children’s Museum at Saratoga to add to their already rich learning environment. They are giving away a 10 gallon deep blue tank with a filter, hood with a light, heater, gravel, water conditioner plus $25 in “fish bucks” to help populate the tank! To enter, simply email Jenny at jenny@mamatoga. com telling her why YOUR child’s classroom should have their own aquarium. Stopping by Eddie’s to check out the tanks on your own? Mention Mamatoga and recieve 15% rebate on all set ups too! M

POOLS, CABANAS & WATER FEATURES DECKS & SCREEN ROOMS STONE PATIOS & WALLS OUTDOOR KITCHENS & FIREPLACES GARDEN DESIGN & so much more….

W W W. R E D B U D D E V E L O P M E N T. C O M residential landscape design · construction management 518.691.0428

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mOm CONFESSIONS rEAL mOmS DISH ON THEIR FUNNY lITTLE SECRETS Mamatoga is a community - a supportive, no judgment one. Everyone is welcome here regardless of parenting styles, political views, or whether you watch the Bachelor or not. One thing that we all have in common is what we call our “Mom Fails” or Mom Confessions, you know, when you screw up by accident, or let things slip because you’re exhausted, or stressed, or just don’t want to make another pot of macaroni and cheese. It happens to all of us, and it is all okay. And you know what? Most of the time the Mom Confessions are really hilarious and usually something that I have totally done myself.

“On nights when I’m extra tired, I’ll skip multiple pages in the story I’m reading to speed things up a bit. I know it won’t last too much longer now that my daughter is learning to read.” “I will pretend I didn’t smell the baby’s dirty diaper when my husband comes into the room just so I don’t have to change it, again.”

“The other day my four year old told me they love going to bank and the wine store because they both give out lollipops.” “I totally cheat at board games to be able to wrap them up quicker, the kids have no idea.” “ I l o v e a l l o f m y k i d s e q u a l l y, b u t r i g h t n o w m y o l d e s t i s j u s t t h e e a s i e s t o n e t o h a n d l e , a n d I l e t h e r g e t a w a y with a lot more.”

“I tell my kids the ice cream truck guy p l ay s t h e m u s i c w h e n h e ’s r u n o u t o f i c e c r e a m .” “I used to lie and say it was breastmilk in my baby’s bottle instead of formula because I was afraid other moms would be judgmental.” 60 | MAMATOGA Spring 2013

“I turn the volume all the way up on the baby monitor and then put it next to my husband’s bedside table. Then I put ear plugs in and a pillow over my head all the way over on my side of the bed. And then I always pretend to be shocked when he tells me he had to deal with anyone up in the middle of the night…”

“Our 18 month old son loves kitties but we already tell him that ‘daddy is allergic’ so there is no chance we will ever be getting one.” “I confess...that the only meat my toddler will eat is bacon, and every time I introduce a new food, I tell him it contains bacon - i.e. Bacon Soup, Bacon pie, Bacon omelet, etc... it worked for a while, but he’s starting to push back. I think he’s caught on. D’oh!”

“My son’s preschool last year was also an elementary school, and there was extra pressure about getting there on time so as not to disrupt the school. I was always running late, so one day I was determined to get my son to school on time. I got up at the crack of dawn and packed his snack bag, got his breakfast together, brushed his teeth, had my husband dress him with clothes I laid out while I got myself ready. I packed him in the car and drove off to school getting there 5 minutes early. I was so proud of myself ! Until I unbuckled him and realized he was in his underwear! Apparently I was so concerned with the timing I forgot to make sure he was dressed. So I headed to Target to get him a pair of pants and my brain registered that it was also pajama day….so we got pj’s. Now every time he wears them I’m reminded of the day that I actually made it to school on time. PS by the time I made it back to school I was 45 minutes late.”

“I tell my toddler that my double chocolate fudge ice cream is actually beet flavored, so he never asks me to share with him.” www.Mamatoga.com

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MAMATOGA

Staycation GIVEAWAY

by Robin Dalton What happens when a mother of two toddlers and a newborn gets 24 hours to herself... in other words, my Saratoga Staycation. I can’t imagine a mother in the world who can’t relate to needing a break. In my case, I had been at home with my boys, ages 1&2, and a newborn baby girl when my husband Matt recognized I was perilously close to losing my cool. His solution was for Mom to take a Staycation. 24 hours, all by myself, to reclaim my sanity. When the weekend rolled around I put the kids down for a nap and started to pack my bags and headed over to the Hampton Inn and Suites where I had booked a room. I had grand plans that quickly filled up my duffel bag with outfits for lounging, working out, going out, sleeping and more. I was already laughing as

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I walked out the door, weighed down with luggage and of course, my ubiquitous breast pump. Without a doubt, the best part of my Saratoga Staycation was the proximity of my home to my hotel. None of my precious 24 hours was squandered on travel and I was very comfortable knowing that if something happened with the kids, I was literally 5 minutes away. The staff at the Hampton Inn & Suites could not have been nicer or more accommodating, especially after hearing about ‘what brought me to Saratoga.’. My room was the perfect retreat, the bed was plush and welcoming, the view was gorgeous and the silence was…well, deafening. Unaccustomed to life without the sounds of chaos around me, I plopped down and flipped on the TV, delighted to

find I could order room service from nearby Jacob and Anthony’s. Lying in bed, eating a yummy Caesar salad while watching Bravo, I was already in heaven. My next stop was heading into town for a massage at Sanctuary Spa. The staff welcomed me with open arms and a deliciously comfortable bathrobe. I sipped cucumber water as I waited in their relaxation room for my treatment. My masseuse, Kayla, seemed perfectly in sync with my worn out, post partum body. When my massage was over, the tension from carrying, feeding and changing children that had built up in my back had melted away. Back at the Hampton Inn & Suites, I rediscovered what it was like to take a shower uninterrupted, followed by actually blow drying my hair as opposed to throwing it up in the usual wet ponytail. Then, actually meeting my husband out for dinner was unexpectedly exciting, as if we were back dating again. Two other couples joined us at Sperry’s Restaurant where we enjoyed a phenomenal dinner. We were enjoying our evening so much in fact, that after three and a half hours we realized we were the last people in the dining room. As our server let us linger over after dinner drinks and dessert, I started to remember evenings without a babysitter clocking time at home.

children is normal, that I was doing my best and that the tears should not outweigh the laughter. The next time it’s 5:30pm and you’ve got kids tugging on you for dinner, and find yourself wondering something like, ‘wait.. did I brush my teeth today?’, I hope you’ll join me and decide to claim your own Staycation. And if you need an extra nudge… Mamatoga has already planned one for you! All you need to do is enter our Saratoga Staycation giveaway! M Go to Mamatoga.com to enter the Staycation giveaway: • One night stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites • Massage at Sanctuary Spa Saratoga Springs • Dinner for Two at Sperry’s Restaurant

Carefree, I parted ways with my husband, as I headed back to the hotel alone, ready to jump into bed and sleep in total solitude. I woke up the next morning at 7am on the dot, ready to fill sippy cups, change diapers and start breakfast. Instead, I was able to indulge in the ultimate luxury, sleeping in. For the next few hours I nibbled on breakfast and eased into the silence, remembering how to be alone with my own thoughts again. When it was time to leave, I was shocked at how strangely accomplished I felt. I had managed to give myself the one thing I truly needed, time away. Being a parent can be so draining, that taking just a day away reminded me of my strength, capability and confidence in the job I was doing at home. It was just the clarity I needed to remember that the stress of raising small

www.Mamatoga.com

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P A P AT O G A

Baby Wearing Dads

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www.Mamatoga.com

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we all make mistakes just keep going we all think it sucks sometimes

all of us forget mittens, or snack, or that favorite toy, or to wash that special shirt for school that day

we we we we we

all all all all all

have bad days need a break screw up take shortcuts lose our cool

itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s okay, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a good mom, and you love them

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