Parenting NH July 2018

complimentary

july • 2018

Get ready for baby From teen to adult: Navigating the changes ahead Quirky outings for summer fun

new new size, size, new new look! look!

Congratulations Parenting NH on 25 Years!

Elliot Hospital’s Labor & Delivery, Maternity and Newborn Intensive Care Unit are Here to Give Your Baby a Healthy Start

Elliot continues to deliver more babies than any other NH hospital, with over 1,800 births each year.

We look forward to celebrating the birth of your baby with you!

Elliot Hospital / One Elliot Way / Manchester, NH 03103 / 603-669-5300 Elliot Health System is a non-profit organization serving your healthcare needs since 1890.

elliothospital.org

Practice time.

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Show time.

Show time.

College saving time.

College saving time.

The first step to helping their dreams come true is to make saving part of your routine.

The first step to helping their dreams come true is to make saving part of your routine.

The UNIQUE College Investing Plan account offers tax-deferred growth and some of the lowest fees and The UNIQUE College Investing Plan account offersInvestments tax-deferred 529 growth and some of theVisa lowest fees and Card, expenses in the industry.

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Rewards areVisa deposited directly into 1 which lets you earn unlimited 2% cash back on everyday purchases. Rewards are deposited directly into your 529 account to make sure your saving and spending are in perfect rhythm. your 529 account to make sure your saving and spending are in perfect rhythm.

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The redemption value is different if you choose to redeem your Points for other rewards such as travel options, merchandise, gift cards, and/or statement credit. Other restrictions The redemption value is different if you choose to redeem your Points for other rewards such as travel options, merchandise, gift cards, and/or statement credit. Other restrictions apply. Full details appear in the Program Rules new card customers receive with their card. Establishment or ownership of a Fidelity account or other relationship with Fidelity apply.

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The creditor and issuer of the Fidelity Investments 529 College Rewards® Visa Signature® Card is Elan Financial Services, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A., Inc. The and issuer of thepyramid Fidelitydesign Investments Collegeservice Rewards® Signature® The creditor Fidelity Investments and logo is a529 registered markVisa of FMR LLC. Card is Elan Financial Services, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A., Inc. The Fidelity Investments pyramid design is 900 a registered service markeld, of FMR LLC.© 2018 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. 790730.3.0 Fidelity Brokerage Servicesand LLC, Member NYSE,logo SIPC, Salem Street, Smithfi RI 02917.

Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC, 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917. © 2018 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. 790730.3.0 11

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER:

Sharron McCarthy, x5117 smccarthy@mcleancommunications.com EDITOR:

Melanie Hitchcock, x5157 editor@parentingnh.com GROUP advertising SALES director:

Kimberly Lencki, x5154 klencki@mcleancommunications.com CREATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR:

Jodie Hall, x5122 jhall@nhbr.com SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER:

Nancy Tichanuk, x5116 ntichanuk@mcleancommunications.com MARKETING REPRESENTATIVES:

Barbara Gallaher, x5156 bgallaher@parentingnh.com Debbie Birch, x5133 dbirch@parentingnh.com OFFICE MANAGER:

Mista McDonnell, x5114 mmcdonnell@nhbr.com EVENT & MARKETING MANAGER:

Emily Torres, x5125 etorres@mcleancommunications.com Business & Sales Coordinator:

Heather Rood, x5110 hrood@mcleancommunications.com DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST:

Morgen Connor, x5149 mconnor@mcleancommunications.com 150 Dow Street, Manchester, NH 03101 (603) 624-1442, fax (603) 624-1310 www.parentingnh.com Subscription: One year (12 issues) $15

©2018 McLean Communications, LLc Parenting New Hampshire Magazine® is published by McLean Communications, 150 Dow St., Manchester, NH 03101, (603) 624-1442. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publisher assumes no responsibility for any mistakes in advertisements or editorial. Statements/opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect or represent those of this publication or its officers. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, McLean Communications, LLC.: Parenting New Hampshire Magazine disclaims all responsibility for omission and errors.

2 www.parentingnh.com | July 2018

Contents

July departments

4 From the editor’s desk

6 The short list

8 I want that

38 Dad on board

39 Raising teens & tweens

40

features 10 March of Dimes on a mission

16 Cool gifts for mothers-to-be

21 Make your own baby food

House calls

24

42

Dinner tips for busy moms

44

26 What you need to know about milk banks

28 Pregnant? Get moving!

33 Quirky family fun destinations

Out & about Time out

keep in touch ParentingNH.com

facebook.com/ParentingNH

On the cover: Aubrey Martone, 1, of Manchester.

Photo taken at home on Thursday, June 14, by Kendal J. Bush Photography. Check out her work at www. kendaljbush.com

www.parentingnh.com

| July 2018 3

from the editor’s desk Welcome to the new ParentingNH

contributors • JULY

It’s been a big year for ParentingNH — including winning eight national awards and celebrating our 25th anniversary — and it culminates with re-launching the magazine this month.

I am excited we can finally reveal the new ParentingNH, which has been months in the making.

The first change is the most obvious. We have upgraded from a newspaper tabloid to a magazine format. And our new design features an updated, modern look with a new logo.

When I was hired on as the editor 10 years ago this month, my mission was to publish quality content written by local writers for NH parents and produced july • 2018 using the core principles of journalism. I wanted the magazine to tackle the tough issues and provide information and resources to our readers that they can’t find anywhere else.

In recent years we expanded our mission to reporting on issues affecting tweens and teens — the age when parenting often gets tougher.

From teen to In 2018, our mission has not changed, but we are Navigating th adult: changes aheae thrilled to upgrade the experience for our readers and add Quirky outin vertisers. It is the most substantial change the magazine summer fun gs for has undergone since it was created.

In addition to the cosmetic changes, we are also introducing a new monthly feature for parents — Time Out — to give parents ideas for fun things to do on a date night, girls’ night or night out with friends.

It takes a village to undergo such an ambitious endeavor and I’m grateful to our owner, Yankee Publishing and CEO Jamie Trowbridge, ParentingNH’s publisher, Sharron McCarthy, creative services director Jodie Hall, senior graphic designer Nancy Tichanuk, and our sales team — Kim Lencki, Barbara Gallaher and Debbie Birch, and digital media specialist Morgen Connor for their support and hard work in making this happen.

We hope you enjoy what you see. Always feel free to send along any suggestions or comments to me at editor@parentingnh.com.

And don’t miss …

Parenting NH’s Family Summer Fun Guide is available now. This full-color magazine is the ultimate resource for parents who are looking for things to do and places to go throughout New Hampshire with their families this summer. Whether you are planning a vacation, weekend getaway or day trip, you will find all the information you need in this comprehensive handbook.

Look for the Family Summer Fun Guide at ParentingNH ’s regular distribution spots and at Welcome Centers throughout the Granite State. complimenta

ry

Get ready for baby

new size, new look!

Melanie Hitchcock, Editor

4 www.parentingnh.com | July 2018

Bill Burke has been writing the awardwinning Dad on Board column since 2008, and is the author of the Mousejunkies book series. Bill is also the managing editor for custom publications for McLean Communications in Manchester.

Jacqueline Tourville is a freelance writer, children’s book author and longtime contributor to ParentingNH. Her specialty is discovering and writing about fun activities and events for families in New Hampshire.

Tracey Tucker, PNH’s Tweens and Teens columnist, is executive director of New Heights: Adventures for Teens and a licensed mental health counselor at Tradeport Counseling Associates in Portsmouth.

Pamme Boutselis is a writer, editor and higher-ed content director. She loves hearing and sharing stories and never takes the privilege of storytelling for granted. The mother of four now-grown children, she is a serial volunteer and believes if everyone contributed just a bit to their communities, what an incredible world this would be.

Follow her on Twitter at pammeb or at www.pammeboutselis.com.

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| July 2018

5

the short list

compiled by melanie Hitchcock

This month on www.parentingnh.com:

Celebrate the Fourth Don’t miss our web-exclusive list of the state’s best July Fourth celebrations, events and fireworks.And the fun doesn’t stop after July 4th. If you haven’t yet planned out what you’ll be doing with your kids, check out our online Guide to Summer in NH. You’ll find information on summer fairs and festivals, bike trails, free events and more.

Also, if you have not picked up a copy of ParentingNH’s 2018 Family Summer Fun Guide at a Welcome Center or at one of our regular distribution spots, you can view the digital edition online.

• July 4th celebrations, events and fireworks: www.parentingnh.com/fourthofjuly • Guide to Summer in New Hampshire, including the digital version of the Family Summer Fun Guide: www.parentingnh.com/summer

for even more fun ParentingNH.com

facebook.com/ParentingNH

6 www.parentingnh.com | July 2018

twitter.com/ParentingNH

2018 Letters About Literature NH winners announced The Center for the Book at the New Hampshire State Library has announced the state’s winners in the 2018 Letters About Literature competition. Stephanie Chambers of Alton, Brianna Leo of Milford and Julianna Kajka of Hampstead will each receive a $100 cash prize.

Additionally, their letters were sent on as entries to the national competition.

Letters About Literature is a reading and writing promotion program of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, which is coordinated in New Hampshire by the Center for the Book at the New Hampshire State Library. Students are asked to write to a favorite author — past or present — describing how that author’s work changed the reader’s view of the world. For more information and the full text of the winning entries, go to www.lal.nhbookcenter.org

Correction: In the article,“Fairy tales, faraway lands and real-life adventure” published in the June 2018 issue, the authors of Don’t Ask a Dinosaur should have been listed as Matt Forrest Esenwine and Deborah Bruss.

ParentingNH’s Top Teachers honored Enter our Young Writers Essay Contest and appear on our cover

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ParentingNH is hosting its fourth annual essay writing contest. If you are a Granite State kid who loves to write, we want to put the spotlight on you!

Winners will be chosen from three age groups: age 7 and younger; age 8-11, and age 12 and older. A winner from each of these age categories will have their essays published in the September issue of PNH. Additionally, an overall winner will be selected — their essay will also be published and they will be photographed for the cover of Parenting NH’s Back-to-School issue.

The essay topic is: What is your most prized possession? Tell us about it. Why is it important and meaningful to you? You can write about who gave it to you, describe what it is and what it looks like, where you keep it, and why you can’t live without it.

Winners will be contacted via email or phone on Thursday, Aug. 9; the photo needs to be taken

by Friday, Aug. 17, to make our print deadline.

Contest rules: Essays must be 100 to 300 words.

Submissions must be received via email or postal mail by Wednesday, Aug. 8, at 5 p.m. Email to editor@parentingnh.com with Writing Contest in the subject line; or mail to ParentingNH Magazine Editor, McLean Communications, 150 Dow St., Manchester, NH 03101.

All essays must include the child’s name, age, grade level, name of school they attend (or home school), parent’s name, address and phone and email. For more information, go to www.parentingnh.com. Children of Yankee Publishing Inc. or McLean Communications employees are not eligible.

Y CONT

On May 20, ParentingNH’s Top Teachers for 2017 were honored in an on-field ceremony held before the New Hampshire Fisher Cats game at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester. Thank you to the Fisher Cats for their hospitality and congratulations again to the teachers. Nominations for the 2018 Top Teachers contest will be collected in October; more information will be available later this summer.

From left, Lauren Asmega (Strafford School, Strafford); Gail Lewis (Auburn Village School, Auburn) Marilyn Byron (St. Joseph Regional Catholic School, Salem); Mary Guidoboni (World Academy, Nashua); and Lindsay Bliznik (Moultonborough Academy, Moultonboro). Not pictured: Shauna Webber (Smyth Road Elementary, Manchester); Kathleen Litch (St. Christopher School, Nashua) and Patricia Silvia (Strong Foundations Charter School, Pembroke)

Don’t toss your shoes Help the YMCA of Greater Nashua make an impact in Cusco, Peru.

Togetherhood of the YMCA of Greater Nashua is collecting new or gently used shoes through July 13, when they will be shipped to Peru to be given to Peruvians in need of a pair of shoes. One pair of shoes could make a difference in someone’s life.

Shoes should be closed-toe shoes, sneakers or sandals. Flip flops and high heel shoes cannot be accepted.The Y will be collecting shoes at the Merrimack YMCA (6 Henry Clay Drive) and Nashua YMCA (24 Stadium Drive) branches.

Please leave your donations in the boxes at the welcome center of the branches.

This project was suggested by YMCA member Sumeet Salvi, who will be going to Peru in August for two months for a medical internship.

For more information, call 881-7778. www.parentingnh.com

| July 2018 7

I want that

compiled by melanie Hitchcock

For stylish summer hair The Urbanhalo keeps hair out of your face without giving you a headache. Urbanhalo, with its super stretchy fabric, is stylish and functional.

The headband is great for exercise and to use as a hair accessory. Several styles for women, men and kids.

Available at www.urbanhalo. com; $15

No more fly-away umbrellas Mom Kathleen Pisano invented the Noblo – a beach umbrella anchor that prevents injuries from fly-away umbrellas. Families can enjoy a safe and relaxing day at the beach with this simpleto-use, compact product. Fill noblo with sand, Velcro to the beach umbrella to keep it anchored, and when you are done, just empty out the sand.

Available in blue or red at www.amazon.com; $20

8 www.parentingnh.com | July 2018

Snow cones at home Don’t wait for the ice cream truck to come around this summer when your kids are clamoring for a snow cone.

Break out Little Snowie 2 for the fluffiest, yummiest snow cones on the block. Little Snowie 2 is the fastest home ice shaver in the world. Fill an 8-ounce cup in five seconds or less. People travel to Hawaii for this quality of shaved ice, which you can now create at home.

Available at www.snowie.com; $199

Sand stays at the beach A day at the beach with the kids usually means leaving with sand-filled toys, towels, shoes, bag, and ultimately your car.

CGear tote bags make it easier to stop tracking sand into your car, hotel or home. After you are done at the beach, toss your gear inside and give it a good shake – the sand falls out of the bottom. Available in different styles and colors.

Available at www.cgear-sandfree.com; $29.99 and up

Switch it up You want sunglasses that will protect your child’s eyes, but they want sunglasses that are cool. With Switch sunglasses from Real Kid Shades, everyone is happy. Switch sunglasses are designed in an iconic style and change colors in the sun. They provide 100-percent UVA and UVB protection and have shatterproof polycarbonate lenses.

Four color-changing options in toddler and kid sizes.

Available at www.realkidshades.com; $14.95

New Selection of Area Rugs Starting under $200!!

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Visit our website for coupons & special offers!

www.parentingnh.com

| July 2018 9

On a m The March of Dimes works to improve the health of moms and babies

By Pamme Boutselis

I

n many ways, it had been a textbook-perfect pregnancy.

With 12 weeks to go, Jill Teeters and her husband, David Lamothe, were immersed in their daily activities, excitedly anticipating their baby’s birth.

But in October 2007, Jill started not feeling well.Within 24 hours,Teeters’ water broke and the Manchester couple’s son Aidan was born at 28 weeks, 5 days.

Weighing in at just 3 pounds, Aidan was in far better shape than many babies born so early.

“He came out kicking and screaming,”Teeters said.“He was actually big for his gestation.”

While he was still tiny enough that Lamothe’s wedding ring fit his son’s wrist as a bracelet, Aidan’s Apgar score was a nine and he suffered no long-term effects of his early birth.The family considers itself lucky in spite of a tough beginning.

Aidan Lamothe was only 3 pounds at birth and barely bigger than a Beanie Baby. Photo courtesy of Jill Teeters

10 www.parentingnh.com | July 2018

49 days Aidan spent seven weeks in NICU at Elliot Hospital in Manchester.Teeters and Lamothe were grateful to have such incredible care for their son so close by.

Teeters said,“Every moment a baby can stay in the womb is important.” But because their

son wasn’t able to stay longer, NICU did its best to replicate that quiet world.

“Those seven weeks were a roller coaster,” Teeters said.“Aidan was in his own little dimly lit room, because he was so little, like in utero but in an Isolette.”

The new mom would spend her days at the hospital, go home briefly to meet up with her husband after he got out of work, and together they’d go back to the NICU.Throughout those weeks, Aidan became bigger, stronger and finally on day 49, at just over seven pounds, they were able to bring their son home.

Beyond the dedicated health care staff, the family benefited from interaction with the March of Dimes (MoD), which partners with Elliot and the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth (CHaD) as well. It’s a connection they’ve never forgotten and in the years since Aidan’s birth, the family has maintained a close relationship through the local chapter of the organization.

That relationship continues to enrich their lives and benefits the nonprofit in many ways.

one baby at a time Aidan spent seven weeks in NICU. Photo courtesy of Jill Teeters

Full immersion Although they had been familiar with the March of Dimes’ initial mission related to polio, the experience with Aidan fully immersed Lamothe and Teeters in what the nonprofit was about.

Teeters became a board member, and served for the past six years on the board for the Boston/Manchester market. She was the community director for the New Hampshire chapter of MoD, and in 2014, the family was chosen as the National Ambassador Family for the nonprofit in support of Aidan’s role as the National Ambassador.

Together, they traveled the country, visiting corporate sponsors and public officials, reaching out to the public and encouraging everyone to participate in MoD’s primary fundraiser, March for Babies.

Team Aidan That event, the March for Babies, has become an integral part of the family’s life.They started

Team Aidan in 2008, raising $800 for the March of Dimes that year and marching every year since.To date,Team Aidan has raised more than $120,000 and grown to include family, friends, colleagues and others who marvel at Aidan’s story and want to support the mission of healthy moms and babies.

Sarah Littlefield of Manchester was working with Teeters at Southern New Hampshire University at the time of Aidan’s birth.“I didn’t have children at the time and witnessed her struggle from a distance, but that didn’t minimize it in my mind,’ she said. “As time passed, Jill and I worked more closely together at SNHU and became friends. Jill’s experience with the March of Dimes became more and more personal for me.”

As Teeters became involved with the March of Dimes, Littlefield wanted to support the organization that impacted Teeters and her family so greatly. She began donating money and participating in the March for Babies, along with the nonprofit’s Signature Chef’s Auction

Photo courtesy of Lauren Martone

a mission –

Catching Up on CarteR In March 2014, Lauren Martone of Manchester, six months pregnant, awoke to excruciating pain in her lower back.

Her obstetrician had seen her earlier that week for ongoing pain that was causing discomfort but it was nothing quite like what she was experiencing now. Little did she know that she was advancing into active labor requiring an emergency C-section for the birth of Carter, who wasn’t due until June 22.

Weighing in at 2 lbs. 7 oz., and just 13 inches long, Carter was brought to Lauren, tubes already in place, and inside of a gallon-size, zip-lock bag to provide extra warmth. Thus began months of special care for Carter, who was whisked soon thereafter to the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth (CHaD), with Lauren and her husband Chris on their way the following day after her hospital discharge. At CHaD, they would become close to their March of Dimes family care coordinator and the organization provided resources for the couple throughout their time there. In 2017, the Martones served as the March of Dimes mission family, with their story featured at the Signature Chef’s Auction in September 2017.

Since their initial story in Parenting New Hampshire in 2015, the Martones have grown to a family of four with the birth of Aubrey in May 2017 — this month’s cover girl. An OB/Gyn and a maternal fetal specialist monitored Martone through her pregnancy. While born preterm at 32 weeks, Aubrey is in good health today, as is Carter, who continues to do well.

www.parentingnh.com

| July 2018 11

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and other activities when she could.

She would in time have two sons. The oldest, Jacob, became friends with Aidan and they attended daycare and preschool together.“Jason has also participated in some of the March for Babies, raising money at school and walking with Aidan,” she said.

Aidan, of course, is a predominant part of the team.“His premature birth story is part of who he is,” Teeters said. Just 11 years old, he already has the poise and maturity to share his story— such as at a recent presentation at a LaBelle Winery event, and at other public activities. From toddlerhood, his mother recalls,Aidan would have a big smile on his face and thank people for helping the babies.This year, he hopes to raise $11,000, and at $10,000 currently, he’s well on his way toward his goal.

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Summer Camps – weekly and daily rates Classes for 18 months to 18 years.

All-day and half-day gymnastics Summer Camp is back at Gymnastics Villageand with ninja camps 4 years to 14Designed years old. half and full dayfor options (9am-3pm)! for boys and girls from 6 to 14, kids will participate in gymnastics rotations, fitness activities, Ninja Fall registration NOW OPEN Challenge courses, crafts, party andobstacle classes will games, fill quickly! apparatus like our inflatables, zip-line and more.

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Photo courtesy of Jill Teeters

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Aidan and his family have helped to raise more than $120,000 for March of Dimes.

More to be done The family’s experiences with the March of Dimes — benefiting from their mission and services as well as their work in supporting them — has allowed their family to connect with others in the area and beyond,Teeters said.“To have others to talk to, to see how others are dealing with obstacles,” she said.“The families are amazing, as are the staff here in New Hampshire.”

She gives major kudos to Michelle O’Malley, who leads the New Hampshire development team.“In the five years Michelle has been in New Hampshire, the connections she’s made and the relationships she’s forged have been incredible,”Teeters said.

Yet there’s still much to be done.

According to O’Malley, there are more than 12,400 babies born each year in New Hampshire and the work of the March of Dimes touches each one of them, whether they’re born healthy, prematurely, with a birth defect or other health complication.

She shared these New Hampshire statistics: • Over 1,000 babies are born preterm (less than 37 weeks’ gestation) • 377 babies are born with a birth defect • 69 babies die before reaching their first birthday • Prematurity and birth defects are the leading causes of infant mortality While many are acquainted with the March of Dimes, many don’t know much about its mission until they are in need of information or services.

“I feel there are pockets of people familiar with the March of Dimes in New Hampshire, and those numbers are growing thanks to the amazing volunteers we have on the ground,” O’Malley said.“Most people affiliate the March of Dimes with polio because President Franklin D. Roosevelt founded what is now the March of Dimes in 1938 — because he wanted to eradicate polio, which he suffered from.”

Its modern focus is in leading the fight for the health of all moms and babies, through advocacy, education and research.“March of Dimes is empowering families with programs, knowledge and tools to have healthier pregnancies,” O’Malley said.

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All locations are welcoming new patients.

Core Pediatric Dentistry, located at 5 Hampton Road in Exeter, provides dental care for infants, children, adolescents and children with special health care needs. For more information, call 603-773-4900.

corephysicians.org Like us on Facebook for news, healthy tips & medical information.

www.parentingnh.com

| July 2018

13

Funding for those programs is important, especially in terms of supporting research to ensure all babies are born healthy. In the case of Teeters, there had been nothing to indicate — beyond being what was considered an advanced pregnancy age at 37 — a potential preterm birth.“About 40 percent of babies are born preterm with no explanation,” she said.

“We walk to support important research of causes of preterm births.”

New Hampshire fundraisers There are just two fundraising events in New Hampshire: We March for Babies in the spring and the Signature Chefs Auction, which will be held Oct. 23 at the Manchester Country Club.

Through the walk, $200,000 was raised and the goal for the fall event is $100,000.

Those funds enable the March of Dimes to: • Support research toward solutions that ensure every baby is born healthy.

• Advocate for policies that prioritize the health of moms and babies.

• Provide resources and programs to help

14 www.parentingnh.com | July 2018

moms before, during and after pregnancy.

• Educate medical professionals on known solutions to improve the care that moms and babies receive.

• Unite local communities across the nation through events and collaboratives.

• Partner with organizations and companies committed to helping moms and their families In New Hampshire, MoD funds or supports: • NICU Family Support Specialist at CHaD in Lebanon • NICU Co-Branded Materials at Elliot Hospital in Manchester • Newborn Screening for every baby (27 of the 34 conditions on the federal Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP) are universally required by law or rule and fully implemented in New Hampshire. Newborn screening tests newborns for certain genetic, metabolic, hormonal and functional conditions that are not otherwise apparent at birth.

If diagnosed early, many of these conditions can be successfully managed

• Research and community grants providing better quality of care for substance-exposed newborns Volunteers are an important component of the fundraising equation. People don’t always know that they possess skills and talents that can make a difference. Littlefield is a good example of how someone can contribute the skills they use regularly in their work to benefit the nonprofit.

“In 2016 and 2017, I served on the leadership team for the Signature Chefs Auction as the culinary chair. My role was to find restaurants and chefs for the event and coordinate with them for participating in the events,” she said.

“This was a great way for me to get more involved and utilize my skills and experience as a project manager to give back to the March of Dimes and my community.”

For more information on the March of Dimes, go to www.marchofdimes.org.

Pamme Boutselis is a writer, editor and higher-ed content director. Follow her on Twitter at pammeb or at www.pammeboutselis.com.

PREPARE TODAY FOR A HEALTHY BIRTH! This is a list of actions you can take to help ensure a healthy pregnancy and birth.

Talk to your provider if you have any questions.

GET STARTED NOW. Take care of your physical and mental health throughout your pregnancy. Make healthy food and drink choices. Manage weight gain. Work on changing unhealthy habits. Stay active. Manage moods and emotions.

MAKE A PLAN. Download our birth plan packet at seacoastbabies.com to help you get started.

Create a labor tool kit (lotion, music, protein bars, tennis ball, mints, magazines) and decide who will be with you during labor.

Discuss these with your prenatal provider: Benefits of breastfeeding and skin-to-skin.

Choosing a pediatric provider for your baby.

What to expect at your delivery.

Address your fears and anxieties. Share your fears with your provider, a counselor, your partner or support person. Follow the “No Negative Stories Rule.�

LEARN ABOUT LABOR AND BIRTH. Take a childbirth education class. See our class schedule at wdhospital.com/childbirthed.

CONTACT THE WENTWORTH-DOUGLASS HOSPITAL WOMEN & CHILDREN'S CENTER for more info or visit our dedicated microsite at www.seacoastbabies.com. Our team will make you feel prepared, comfortable and confident throughout your experience.

Visit trusted online resources such as givingbirthwithconfidence.org; lamaze.org or ourmomentoftruth.com.

The Seacoast's leading birth center!

789 Central Avenue, Dover, NH 03820 (603) 742-5252 | wdhospital.com www.parentingnh.com | July 2018

15

Great gifts for moms a If you are looking for a baby shower present, or you are a mom or mom-to-be who wants to buy something special for the baby, here are a few suggestions from ParentingNH. compiled By Melanie hitchcock

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16 www.parentingnh.com | July 2018

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www.parentingnh.com

| July 2018 17

Advertisement

What is Newborn Screening?

By Jillian Ozmore, MS, LGC

N

ewborn screening is a public health program that is designed to identify babies with treatable medical conditions to prevent or lessen health problems.

Babies with these conditions often look healthy, but still have a serious disease. Early diagnosis through newborn screening allows treatment to be started as soon as possible, hopefully before complications develop.

Every state in the United States has a newborn screening program, including New Hampshire. Newborn screening in New Hampshire tests babies for several groups of medical disorders including metabolic conditions, endocrine conditions, hemoglobin conditions, congenital hearing loss, critical congenital heart disease and other genetic conditions that do not fall into the above groups.

Metabolic conditions are caused by problems with enzymes. Enzymes are special proteins in our body that help us process and break down food and chemicals. When the enzymes do not work, proteins that our body needs may not be made or toxic chemicals can build up. This can lead to serious medical problems including difficulties with growth, seizures, developmental delay and even in some cases death. Often with early diagnosis, metabolic conditions can be treated to avoid serious health problems. Medicine or changes in diet are often necessary for treatment.

When babies make too much or too little of certain hormones this is called an endocrine condition. Hormones are chemicals that control activities in our body. One example of an endocrine condition is congenital hypothyroidism. If a baby with congenital hypothyroidism is not treated with medication they can develop growth problems and developmental delays.

Hemoglobin is the part of the blood that carries oxygen to all parts of the body. Hemoglobin disorders, such as sickle cell anemia,

are also part of newborn screening. Sickle cell anemia is an inherited blood disorder characterized by chronic anemia and episodes of pain. Many treatments are available for hemoglobin disorders to help symptoms and prevent complications.

Critical congenital heart disease is another condition screened for in New Hampshire.

Sometimes a baby’s heart does not form normally which can affect how the heart is able to pump blood. Heart problems may not be found before a baby is born and sometimes they do not become a problem until after the baby is already home from the hospital. Critical congenital heart disease can be life threatening if is not treated so it is recommended that all babies are screened shortly after birth.

It is also recommended that newborn babies are screened for congenital hearing loss. There are many reasons that a baby may be born with hearing loss. Sometimes things happen during the pregnancy that affect a baby’s hearing and sometimes babies may have a birth defect that causes the ear to not form normally. Most commonly the hearing loss is caused by a genetic condition. Regardless of the cause without early identification and treatment, congenital hearing loss can cause delays in speech development.

Lastly there are other genetic disorders that are part of the newborn screening program that do not fit into the groups mentioned above. One example is cystic fibrosis, which is a disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system. Babies with this condition have problems gaining weight and chronic lung infections. Another example is a condition called severe combined immune deficiency or SCID. SCID is a condition that causes problems with a baby’s immune system. Both of these conditions can be life threatening without medical treatment.

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Genetic Counseling One Medical Center Drive Lebanon, NH 03756 (603) 629-8355

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Nashua Genetic Counseling 2300 Southwood Drive Nashua, NH 03063 629-8355

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Manchester Genetic Counseling 100 Hitchcock Way Manchester, NH 03104 (603) 629-8355

18 www.parentingnh.com | July 2018

Almost all of the newborn screening tests, except for the screening for congenital hearing loss and critical congenital heart disease, are performed with a blood test. A few drops of blood from the baby’s heel are placed onto a special filter paper. This is usually done when the baby is 24-48 hours old before they leave the hospital. The blood is then sent to the laboratory for testing.

The results from the newborn screening tests will be sent to your baby’s doctor. If your baby has a positive newborn screening test you will be contacted by your baby’s doctor or someone from the state newborn screening program and they will explain what you will need to do next. Newborn screening is not perfect, so not every child with a positive screening test will have the condition. Usually further screening and testing is needed after a positive screen to make a diagnosis.

It is important to remember that most of the conditions that are tested for as part of the newborn screening program are very rare. Most babies identified by newborn screening with one of these conditions do not have any other affected family members. Many of the conditions are carried by parents with no symptoms.

Newborn screening is performed on every baby so that babies who need treatment are found as soon as possible. Even though most babies are born without any of the conditions tested, if your baby has one of these rare conditions, newborn screening could save your baby’s life.

JiLLiaN OzMOre, MS, LGC is a Licensed Genetic Counselor for the Children’s Hospital at DartmouthHitchcock. She has particular interest in newborn screening and has served on the New Hampshire Newborn Screening Advisory Committee since 2007.

Ozmore offers services for both pediatric and adult patients at DartmouthHitchcock Manchester, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Nashua and DartmouthHitchcock Medical Center.

For more information visit CHaDkids.org/genetics.

www.parentingnh.com

| July 2018 19

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s new parents we all want our children to grow up happy, healthy and ready to face life’s challenges.

Onetoofgrow the first thingshealthy we do, s new parents we all want our children up happy, after counting those pudgy fingers and toes (and looking to and ready to face life’s challenges. One of the first things wesee do, if it is a boy or a girl!), is to feed our new child.

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20 www.parentingnh.com | July 2018

Made from scratch Creating your own baby food is less expensive, more nutritious

By Michelle Lahey

W

e all want what’s best for our babies, especially when it comes to what we feed them. But is making your baby’s food from scratch really worth the fuss?

“Homemade baby food tastes best because of the freshness of the ingredients,” said Eileen Behan, RDN, dietitian at Core Physicians in Exeter and Hampton, and author of “The Baby Food Bible: A Complete Guide to Feeding Your Child, from Infancy On.” “Homemade baby food is much less expensive, and the cook knows exactly what is in the food.”

Making your own baby food at home also provides a better nutritional value than the store-bought stuff.

Jarred baby foods are typically cooked at extremely high temperatures to kill off any bacteria to extend its shelf life, according to www.healthguidance.org. Unfortunately this process also eliminates a lot of the nutritional value. Opting for homemade over store-bought also allows moms and dads to feed their

babies a wider variety of foods, which hopefully will prevent picky palates from forming down the road.

In addition to the nutritional component,making your own baby food doesn’t require a ton of special equipment, either.

“A small food processor is perfect,and once the baby food stage is over it can be used to make bread crumbs, pesto, and to chop vegetables” Behan said.“Some families prefer to use a blender, hand-held immersion blender, or even a hand-held food grinder when traveling.”

The one potential drawback to making your own baby food?

Storage space. Homemade baby food does not have an extended shelf life because the ingredients are fresh and

www.parentingnh.com

| July 2018 21

For Children with a Natural Curiosity NOW ENROLLING FOR 2018-19

Make your own baby food Here are some simple starter recipes from Eileen Behan: Basic Baby Fruit • 1 c. cooked or ripe fruit, skin and seeds removed, if needed

Puree vegetables in a food processor, adding enough liquid until it reaches the consistency of mayonnaise.

• 1 tsp. liquid

Basic Baby Meat

Puree fruit in a food processor or food mill until it is the texture of applesauce.

• 1 c. cooked beef or chicken

Basic Baby Vegetable

Cut meat into small pieces. Remove any visible fat or tough pieces. Puree with enough liquid to reach desired consistency.

• 1 c. well-cooked vegetables, skin and seeds removed, if needed • 4-6 t. homemade unsalted broth, formula, breast milk, or water

• ¼ c. water or homemade unsalted broth

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perishable,so anything prepared needs to be stored in the fridge.If you don’t have the space, or would prefer to make bigger batches without the waste, there’s a trick for that, too.

“When I make batches, I start with two to three recipe sets and make them all at once. It usually only takes me about 30 minutes to cook and prep,” said Heather Soldner, a Portsmouth-based writer and contributor for the Seacoast Moms Blog.

“I start with cooked ingredients, blend them up, and then pour them into ice cube trays for setting. Once they’re frozen, I pop them out and dump them into labeled freezer bags. Two cubes of pureed food is usually an appropriate amount, so when feeding time rolls around you have about six meals already prepped in just one freezer bag.”

Having a few kitchen staples on hand can make the process that much easier. Behan recommends versatile fruits and vegetables such as bananas, pears, avocados, and cooked carrots, as well as infant cereal, like oatmeal or barley. A favorite flavor combination for Soldner’s three kids is banana, blueberries and sweet potato.

“For some reason, that combination is really flavorful and filling,” Soldner said.

When all else fails, having even just this one pantry staple at the ready can make it easy to whip up some homemade food for baby.

“Applesauce… It is a great addition to any recipe and helps to thicken up a mix if you’ve made your puree too runny,” Soldner said. “Also, if you’re running low on food, you can always add a spoonful of baby cereal to the applesauce and voila! Now you have apple oatmeal.”

Writer Michelle Lahey loves a good IPA, but not as an ingredient in baby food.

22 www.parentingnh.com | July 2018

Advertisement

Transitions in Early Childhood

By Samantha Wingate

I

magine suddenly being uprooted from your job, and the next day being put in a new building with a new group of co-workers and different expectations from your previous setting. How would you react? Would you immediately be able to jump right in and learn your new responsibilities or would you need time to get your bearings and make sense of what just happened? Now imagine only knowing some of the language being spoken to you or not being able to convey your feelings and emotions. That sounds terrifying, right?

If that sounds unsettling for you as an adult, imagine if you were only two or three years old. You just started being able to use the language (or maybe your second language) and you are being put into a new situation with other small people that you are supposed to be with all day… and they want your toys! Children being introduced into a child care or preschool setting have to learn to cope with a multitude of changes all at once: being separated from their parents, finding comfort and taking direction from unfamiliar adults, getting their needs met, being surrounded by a group of new children, an unfamiliar setting, a new routine – and that’s just to name a few!

Good early childhood educators understand this process, as they see it every day and are trained on how to make transitions easier. They see some children jump right in to a new setting and thrive, and conversely, they see others that are apprehensive or just flat-out cannot handle that many changes at once. The key to a successful start in school is in the preparation. Children at all levels, even the most fearless, need and crave to know what is happening to them. Proper transitioning from one activity or setting to the next helps children feel some measure of control. Just as an adult would flourish with warning before a major change is going to take effect, children can surprise you with how adaptable they can be when transitioned in the right way.

At World Academy, we intentionally have students come for an observation hour to help determine how a new child’s transition into our center may go. This allows the new student to adapt and move into his/her new setting, meet new friends and teachers, and explore at a slower pace to help establish trust. Our teachers are able to support families through the transition into care by helping with tips that are personal to what may help lessen their child’s anxieties based on the observation time. The start of school at any age is an anxious beginning, but when facilitated by well-trained educators, both new students and parents can feel at ease knowing that all of their experiences are going to be individualized to meet everyone’s needs.

138 Spit Brook Road, Nashua, NH (603) 888-1982 • worldacademynh.com

SamanTha WInGaTE, Director of Admissions, joined World Academy in 2011. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration / Marketing from the University of New Hampshire.

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| July 2018 23

Dealing with the dinner dilemma Yes, it’s possible for you to eat together as a family at home during the week

By Michelle Lahey

I

t’s hard to find time to get a good, hot meal on the table at the end of the day for everyone to enjoy. How do those perfectly put together parents do it? The secret is they don’t.

But with a little planning ahead – and some key kitchen tools – eating together as a family can become a reality during the week.

“I love getting creative in the kitchen, but don’t always have the time or energy to do so,” said Jennifer McCoy, blogger at From the Family (www.fromthefamilywithlove.com)and mom of two boys.“But when I do, I always double the recipe so I can throw a backup in the freezer for a quick weeknight meal.”

A large variety of foods can be tucked away in the freezer for future dinners, such as meatballs, enchiladas, casseroles and soups, to name a few. Don’t have a ton of freezer space? Prepping fresh ingredients at the start of the week can help bring together a weeknight dinner in no time, too.

“Washing and chopping produce is a huge time-saver for me,” said Angela Paris, blogger at Juggling Act Mama (www.jugglingactmama. com) and mom of two.

“For instance, I use onions almost daily, so mincing up a couple and putting them in a container means when I want to assemble my recipe, I just need to measure them out and keep moving.”

Prepping ingredients ahead of time might sound like a chore, but preparing even a few vegetables and proteins can save a lot of time

24 www.parentingnh.com | July 2018

for at least a few dinners throughout the week. Organizing prepped food in clear – or even labeled – containers makes it even easier to grab items as needed. And, if all else fails, at least you’ll have healthy snacks ready for the kids while you try to get a meal on the table.

“Dinner prep time is crazy with my boys under my feet telling me how hungry they are and how they can’t possibly wait another minute to eat,” McCoy said.“So, I’ve gotten in the habit of putting a plate of fresh veggies on the counter so they can munch while I prep. Mama gets a moment to finish dinner and the boys are indeed so hungry that they will happily down a serving of veggies.”

Another time saver? You don’t even have to go into the grocery store. Grocery delivery and curbside pick-up options – such as Hannaford To Go and Peapod by Stop & Shop – are just a few options that make getting the ingredients you need that much easier.

“I use delivery services to save time and money,” Paris said.“Getting monthly deliveries for staples I use all the time is a must for busy moms….Nothing ‘falls’ into my cart and I don’t have to drag the kids through the store.”

Certain tools and appliances right in your own kitchen can make dinner prep a little bit easier, too.

“My slow cooker, along with my electric stand mixer, are the workhorses of my kitchen. I use them every week, sometimes daily,” Paris said.“Even in the summer, the slow cooker is perfect for making shredded chicken or pork for tacos.”

Now that you’re armed with meal prep ideas, ways to easily shop for groceries, and kitchen tools that can make a world of difference, what the heck are you going to cook? “[When] it’s summer, I don’t want to fuss with the stove or loads of dishes,” Paris said.“I have a great big wooden cutting board and I load it up with all kinds of nibbles like carrot sticks, cucumbers slices, cheese, crackers, pepperoni or salami, dried fruit, bagel chips, apple slices – whatever I happen to have on hand.Then I serve it with peanut butter, ranch dressing and roasted garlic hummus for dipping. It’s healthy, it’s easy, and it’s delicious!”

In the McCoy household, family dinner one night a week is reserved for something a little extra special – but still simple to whip up.

“My family loves breakfast, but since mornings are so crazy we never have a chance to enjoy a sit down around the table,” McCoy said.“So instead, we make it a point to weekly have what we call breakfast supper. It really is quick and easy and a dinner that comes together within 30 minutes.”

With a few easy-to-manage tricks up your sleeve, you really can enjoy a family dinner after a busy weekday. Now your only challenge is to convince everyone to leave their cell phones in the other room while you eat.

It’s here!

FROM

Don’t miss our award-winning Family Summer Fun Guide. This full-color magazine is the ultimate resource for parents looking for things to do and places to go in New Hampshire. Whether planning a day trip or your family’s vacation, this guide will ensure you never run out of ideas for summer fun in the Granite State!

Michelle Lahey is a food writer who was born and raised in New Hampshire. She also blogs about food at www.ahoppymedium.blogspot.com.

Roasted Garlic Hummus Courtesy of the Juggling Act Mama (www.jugglingactmama.com) • 1 head garlic • 2 T. olive oil • 15 oz. can chickpeas — drained (reserve the liquid) • Juice from 1/2 lemon • 1 T. Tahini optional • 1/4 tsp. of ground cumin • Salt & pepper to taste • 2 T. Olive oil • 2-3 T. of reserved chickpea liquid • Roasted garlic cloves (instructions below) • Chives and pinch of red pepper flakes for garnish For the roasted garlic: Preheat oven to 400 degrees and cut off about 1/4 inch of the top of the garlic to expose garlic. (It’s ok if you aren’t able to cut off every clove.)

Place head of garlic on top of a sheet of foil and drizzle olive oil over the garlic.

Wrap in foil and bake for about 40 minutes. Allow to cool completely before handling. Carefully remove skin and discard. Keep roasted cloves for the hummus.

For the hummus: In a food processor, combine chickpeas, lemon juice, salt, pepper, tahini, cumin and pulse for a couple of minutes.

Scrape down the sides and bottom of food processor Pulse again for another minute and scrape down the sides again.

Available at hundreds of locations throughout New Hampshire, as well as the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport and NH Welcome Centers in Hooksett (North and South), Lebanon, North Conway, Salem and Seabrook.

Add olive oil and all the cloves of garlic. Pulse again in the food processor until smooth and creamy and add additional olive oil as needed.

Serve in a dish and drizzle with extra olive oil. Garnish with red pepper flakes and chopped chives.

www.parentingnh.com

| July 2018 25

) milk The (breast of human ofkindness human kindness

Donated milk is an option for moms who have difficulties breastfeeding

By Melanie Plenda

S

ometimes a mother’s milk doesn’t come in as planned or doesn’t come in at the volume the new baby needs.

“There’s lots of reasons for it,” said Nora Fortin, head of the Women’s & Children’s Service Line/Seacoast Family Care Services at Portsmouth Regional Hospital.

“But medically breast milk is the best way to feed the baby, whether the baby is actively being fed from the breast or with bottled breast milk.

Which is why when a baby does need some supplemental breast milk, Portsmouth Regional, along with about nine other hospitals in the state, offer new

26 www.parentingnh.com | July 2018

moms the option of using frozen, donated human breast milk.The hospital buys milk from the Mothers’ Milk Bank of New England that has been screened, pasteurized and packaged.

As of May, Portsmouth Regional became the fourth hospital in New Hampshire to take the extra step of becoming a human breast milk depot, which is a place where mothers, who have already been screened and cleared by MMBNE, can drop off their excess, frozen breast milk.

The depots, which in New Hampshire also include Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, Memorial Hospital in North Conway, and Nini Bambini in Bedford, sends all the milk they collect to the Mothers’ Milk Bank of New England “We opened our milk depot in August,”

said Linda “Mindy” Glasschroeder, clinical leader of the Women and Children’s Health Unit at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene.“We’ve had four moms utilize it. …

These are basically moms who are cutting back on breastfeeding or some just make an abundance; they are great producers and their freezers are full.We have one mom who has donated more than 2,000 ounces in the last year.”

To become a donor, mothers have to go through the MMBNE.That process begins with a 15-minute phone screening, said Naomi Bar-Yam, executive director of Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast and president of Human Milk Banking Association of North America.

“That serves two purposes really,” Bar-Yam said.“It gives us a baseline if are

dited, with the milk bank picking up all of the expenses, Bar-Yam said.

The donating mom can then drop her milk off at a depot, or the milk bank will send her a cooler box in which she can put her frozen milk and send it directly to the milk bank.

When the milk comes into the bank, it’s logged into the system and placed in a freezer until it’s time for it to be pasteurized.

When frozen, it is placed in a refrigerator overnight to thaw. The next day, the milk of between three and five moms is mixed together.

That milk is poured into bottles and pasteurized using the Holder Method.

“The Holder Method of pasteurization … It’s the best method we have found to get rid of all the bad stuff while holding onto as much of the good stuff as we can,” Bar-Yam said.

The freeze/thaw cycle and the pasteurization cycle do compromise the milk some, Bar-Yam said. Macronutrients, such as fat, carbohydrates and protein, tend to be stable during pasteurization, she said. But other elements such as the protective and brain growth factors, as well as some of the micronutrients, are somewhat compromised.

“We always rather have mothers feeding her own baby getting it from mom straight from the breast,” she said.“If she has to pump it’s definitely better than getting milk that’s been frozen and pasteurized. But under the circumstances that mom doesn’t have that milk, then this is the best that we can do.”

Those circumstances often include pre-

mature babies, whose mothers usually don’t have milk yet to feed them or cases where the baby’s digestive system is too sensitive for formula, Fortin said. But it also includes women who may be diabetic, whose babies require a lot of milk to keep their blood sugar up; someone who’s had a C-section, whose milk is slow to come in; or even women who want their babies to have breast milk, but they just don’t want to breast feed, Glasschroeder said.

Bar-Yam said while most of their milk goes to hospitals, they do send milk to outpatients at home with a prescription.

“Unfortunately, insurance rarely covers this,” Bar-Yam said.“That’s sort of on the radar screen, but it is a challenge. We encourage anyone who needs outpatient milk to call their insurance company.”

The milk sold directly to moms is about $4 per ounce. On average, a newborn drinks between one to three ounces every two to three hours, and that increases steadily within the first month.

“By the time the baby is home, that becomes costly,” Bar-Yam said.“We often get families calling us because mom just got home from the hospital and her milk supply isn’t fully in yet, and we send them what we like to call bridge milk. So we send them a few bottles until their milk supply comes in. And then hopefully we never hear from you again, because you don’t need us anymore.”

Melanie Plenda is a mom and longtime contributor to ParentingNH.

courtesy Photos

there any really big red flags that we won’t be able to take her milk.The other purpose of the screening is for us to get to know each other …because this is a very personal gift and it’s a very personal relationship.”

Part of the screening questions — which are based largely on the model for blood donation — include asking a mom what medications she is taking. There is a list of acceptable medications and ones that will preclude a mother from donating.There is also a question about foreign travel, among other things.

Once a woman clears the first screening, she is sent a packet of consent forms and a five-page medical history form to fill out.The consents, Bar-Yam said, allow the milk bank to contact the woman’s doctor and her child’s pediatrician, so each can attest to the health of the donating mom and her baby.

Then she is sent a blood kit.The mom sends the sample to the milk bank where they test her for HIV, HTLV (human T-lymphotropic virus), Hepatitis B and C and syphilis, as these are diseases that can transfer to a baby via breast milk.

The pasteurization process kills these pathogens, Bar-Yam said, but they screen first to not take any unnecessary chances.

“Once the blood tests come back, which is almost always negative, and we review and everything is fine, then she can donate,” BarYam said.

The whole screening process takes about two to three weeks, although it can be expe-

www.parentingnh.com

| July 2018 27

Pregnant? Get moving!

P

reparing for baby is about more than painting the nursery. To help ensure a healthy pregnancy, an easier delivery and a quicker recovery, those in the health care and fitness fields recommend that expectant moms embark on a regular exercise program.

Here is some advice for moms-to-be from local experts on working out while pregnant.Whether you are a beginner or athlete, there is a program for you.

The health care provider Laura Williams, a certified nurse-midwife with Partners for Women’s Health in Exeter, said the benefits of exercising during pregnancy are significant.

“When women are in good physical shape during pregnancy, their muscles are strong, their heart is strong, and they have more physical reserves to help them get through labor.Women may not realize it but if they are in good cardiovascular health, they pass that benefit on to their babies,” she said.

“In addition, exercising during pregnancy can also help women avoid excess weight gain, and then lose pregnancy weight faster once the baby is born.”

Once upon a time, pregnant women were deemed “in a delicate condition,” and exercise was limited.The picture has since changed.Williams said health care providers now allow most women to continue with whatever fitness routine they already enjoy.

“If you have an exercise program you like, and it’s not too extreme then keep on doing what you are doing,” she said.“The exceptions are contact sports or sports where you might make hard contact with the ground, like downhill skiing, horseback riding, and so on. But running, tennis, aerobics, dance – these are all fine for at least the first two trimesters, unless there are special conditions associated with your pregnancy.”

Williams does caution that pregnant women can be more at risk for muscle pulls, as their joints become looser, and she also urges elite athletes to

28 www.parentingnh.com | July 2018

be vigilant about their weight.

“We see a number of elite athletes, and because they work out at such a high level, we need to make sure they continue to gain weight, but that is easily monitored.”

Williams recommends that any prenatal fitness program includes exercises that get your heart rate up, get your blood pumping, and make your muscles strong.These types of exercises will yield the most benefits during pregnancy, delivery and recovery.

“Throughout pregnancy, women need to listen to their bodies, and that may mean slowing things down,” she said.“If you feel light-headed or dehydrated or anything hurts, then stop what you’re doing.

Rest, get some fluids, and re-evaluate your fitness program.You may also want to talk to your provider about how to best modify your workouts to avoid future issues. Never try to ‘push through it’ when you’re pregnant.”

Williams said that in the first trimester, many women suffer from extreme fatigue and nausea, so they may not feel like exercising. However, exercise may make them feel better.

“We recommend 30 minutes of exercise per day, five days a week,” she said.“But if you are just not up to it, then try to get it in the next day. Also, by second trimester, most women are feeling much better, so regular fitness becomes easier.”

For women seeking recommendations for a fitness program,Williams suggests walking, swimming and pre-natal yoga as excellent choices.

The fitness pro Fitness professional Joy Southworth of Body Design by Joy in Gilford saw a need for prenatal fitness programs early on.

“I created a DVD series called ‘Body by Trimester’ in 2012 and it sold more than 13,000 copies worldwide,” she said.“There was clearly a need.Women wanted healthy pregnancies and recoveries but didn’t know where to start.”

A lifelong athlete, Southworth wanted to stay in

Prenatal exercise keeps you healthy and can aid in delivery and recovery

By Crystal Ward Kent

shape while pregnant but was surprised to find there were no fitness programs tailored to expectant women.

After extensive research, she developed her own program.

“I think the expectant moms love my DVD series because it is broken down by trimester and led by a trainer who is also expecting.Working out with a pregnant trainer is inspiring and helps them to believe in their own capabilities.”

A certified personal trainer and certified pre/post-natal exercise specialist, Southworth emphasizes that the benefits of being fit while pregnant are extensive.

“It builds muscle tone, improves balance, stability, and cardiovascular health. It also boosts self-esteem and builds positive body image, which is not to be underestimated as women are often overwhelmed by all the changes to their bodies during pregnancy. And, the endorphins released make you feel good.

Exercise raises your energy levels and your stamina, and all of these benefits aid you through delivery and afterwards.”

Southworth notes there are certain key fitness elements to focus on for each trimester.

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| July 2018 29

“Your first trimester is all about keeping your energy up and fighting nausea, which the exercise will help with.”

During the second trimester, as the baby bump grows, women need to be aware of how their bodies are changing.“Your center of gravity is shifting so workouts during this phase focus on balance and stability,” she said.“We also work on core strength through breathing exercises. I incorporate breathing exercises into my workouts throughout pregnancy because they help keep you calm and boost energy, but they can also be used to improve your core when traditional core strengthening exercises can no longer be done.”

In the third trimester, Southworth works on strengthening the body overall and preparing for labor.

“At this point, most of a woman’s weight is in front, so the back is compensating for that fact. During this time, it’s important to stretch those low back muscles and keep them loose but strong.

We also do exercises that help prepare the body for delivery.”

Southworth stressed that it is important to get approval from your health care provider before beginning any exercise program.

The yoga expert People often think of yoga as only an exercise for flexible people, but it is becoming a go-to exercise for pregnant women, and one that doctors are recommending.

“Prenatal yoga is growing incredibly fast,” said Megan Morris, a veteran yoga trainer and designer of the prenatal yoga teacher training program at ChildLight Yoga in Dover.

“It’s popular not only with experienced yoga fans but also with women who have never done yoga.We get beginners in our

30 www.parentingnh.com | July 2018

studio all the time who have been referred by their doctors.”

One reason for the interest is the multiple benefits that prenatal yoga provides.“Yoga is great conditioning for labor and delivery because it builds strength and flexibility; it also helps ease the discomforts, aches and fatigue caused by pregnancy, and the breathing techniques can be used during pregnancy and in labor.”

Morris said yoga also helps moms-to-be cope in more spiritual ways.

“It helps women feel more confident and comfortable in their bodies and more accepting of the changes that are taking place.

The breathing exercises really help pregnant women to reduce stress, both during pregnancy and during those early, crazy months as new moms when the hormones are raging and the baby is needing lots of attention.Yoga teaches focus and how to surrender control, which can be very helpful to women during this time.”

Classes typically focus on strengthening the areas of the body that feel the greatest impact during pregnancy and delivery, such as the back and quadriceps, and postpartum, such as the arms and shoulders that get a workout as moms carry their babies.“We also work on strengthening and stretching every part of the body, as well as on poses that open the hips and pelvis in preparation for delivery,” Morris said.

A signature aspect of yoga is the use of breath combined with exercise. Morris said this is very useful for pregnant women.

“Breath is very important.We try to match poses with breathing, and we also teach women a range of breathing exercises for different situations. In general, women learn inhaling techniques that help them feel energized, and exhaling techniques that help the body become calm. Many of these same techniques can be used during labor.”

Meditation is also taught during prenatal yoga, and is helpful for coping with the challenges of pregnancy and post-delivery life.

Crystal Ward Kent is a freelance writer who has written for numerous local and regional magazines. She owns Kent Creative in Dover, a creative services agency.

Caring for the children, families and communities of New Hampshire.

At Dartmouth-Hitchcock, our commitment is, and has always been, to the health of our patients, their families and communities across New Hampshire. As the home of Childrenʼs Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, New Hampshireʼs only comprehensive, full-service childrenʼs hospital, we deeply understand the critical role we play in the health of the residents of New Hampshire. In addition to childrenʼs health, Dartmouth-Hitchcock is the stateʼs only Level 1 Trauma Center and one of only 49 designated comprehensive cancer centers in the nation. When it comes to providing world-class quality care right here at home, our commitment will never change.

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Take a walk on the weird side Spend the day at one of these quirky family fun spots

By Jacqueline Tourville

I

f you’ve hiked Mount Monadnock, splashed in the waves at Hampton Beach and wandered through New Hampshire’s many outlet stores and malls, maybe you are looking for something a little different, something offbeat.

spot where a small band of English settlers founded Pannaway Plantation in 1623, the first European settlement in New Hampshire, only three years after the Pilgrims landed in Plymouth.

Elsewhere in the Seacoast area, don’t miss the Woodman Museum in DoTake your family off the beaten path this ver. It’s an eclectic — and a bit eccentric summer to these curious places in New — natural history museum founded in Hampshire that your kids love.

1916 with the mission to “Engage minds.

Get started on your quest for quirk at Ignite curiosity. Provoke thought.”And that Odiorne State Park in Rye. From the it does with a surprising assortment of park’s rocky beach, views stretch all the displays from the natural world, including way to the Isles of Shoals, a small chain of the famous four-legged chicken and 10low-lying offshore islands. Before glaciers foot tall polar bear. Add this place to your carved the coastline here during the last Ice list for rainy day fun. www.woodmanmuAge, Odiorne’s tree-covered land stretched all seum.org Photo courtesy of Jimmy Gutierrez for NHPR the way to these far-off islands. Look closely Marvel at what could be America’s during very low tide and you might be lucky enough to catch a oldest manmade construction at America’s Stonehenge. glimpse of Odiorne’s Sunken Forest, a grove of petrified tree Located on the outskirts of Salem, the estimated 4,000-year-old roots that are over 11,000 years old. www.nhstateparks.org archaeological site is a majestic maze full of rocky chambers Other Odiorne oddities include the remains of Fort Dearand ancient ceremonial meeting places.Who built these and born, a U.S. military lookout built during World War II.The fort’s why? No one knows for certain, but your family can have fun long-abandoned bunkers are still here for exploration and for a guessing as you explore. Elsewhere on the grounds kids can dig thoughtful family discussion about why this spot was so importfor gemstones they can keep. www.stonehengeusa.com ant during a war that took place in Europe and Asia.

You already know the internet loves cats, but apparently so And speaking of Europe, if you follow the park’s shoreline does Manchester. If you find yourself doing some urban explowalking paths you will end up at a large stone that marks the ration in the Queen City this summer, don’t miss “Cat Alley,” a www.parentingnh.com

| July 2018 33

Bringing You Nearer to Nature

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narrow alleyway covered in cat murals.This public art project can be found next to Lala’s Hungarian Pastries at 836 Elm St., formally known as Dean’s Court.The project was inspired by the nickname given to it long ago as a favorite place for the city’s stray cats to strut — and sometimes fight.

In Hudson you can take your kids for an off-the-beaten path nature hike at Benson’s Park, a pleasant tract of woods, pasture and ponds that was once home to Benson’s Wild Animal Farm, one of New Hampshire’s most popular tourist destinations years ago. Remnants of the former park remain and are fun to explore.What other hike will take your kids to an oversized shoe (of “The Old Woman and the Shoe” fame) and a gorilla cage that you can climb inside? The park’s oversized playground is a bonus stop before and after your walk.

For some spine-chilling summer fun, check out what’s considered New Hampshire’s most famous haunted place: the Madame Sherri Forest in Chesterfield.The forest is named for the eccentric Madame Antoinette Sherri, a costume designer for the Ziegfield Follies, who built her country “castle” in the woods here a century ago.The mansion was destroyed by fire in 1962, leaving behind only the central hall’s grand stone staircase. It is said that the spirit of Madame Sherri still roams the grounds of the forest that was her home.Your best chance for having a close encounter of the ghostly kind? Fellow ghost hunters say visit the staircase, only a short walk from the trailhead on Gulf Road, and call out her name. www.chesterfieldoutdoors.com Fun Spot at Weirs Beach in Laconia holds the current Guinness World Record holder for largest arcade in the world, but the real reason why it’s worth saving up your quarters for a trip here is Fun Spot’s Arcade Museum.

The museum is filled with old-time favorites, from pinball to Pac Man that you can still play. Consider this your chance to show your kids that video game fun really did exist before 3-D virtual reality. www.funspotnh.com If your kids have ever wondered how we communicated before the days of smartphones, take them to the Telephone Museum in Warner to trace

www.parentingnh.com

| July 2018 35

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Summer fun ideas Go to www.parentingnh.com and click on the Things to Do tab.

don’t forget to check out our daily events calendar, too.

www.parentingnh.com 36 www.parentingnh.com | July 2018

the history of the phone from its Alexander Graham Bell origins all the way up to the present day. Filled with exhibits and artifacts, it’s nostalgic fun to show kids a little slice of pre-iPhone life. www.nhtelephonemuseum.org Do you have a sweet tooth? Head to Littleton.The cute little White Mountains town is home to Chutter’s General Store, a quaint oldtime New England country store that has the unusual claim to fame of holding the Guinness World Record for the longest candy counter in the entire world at 112 feet. www.chutters.com You don’t have to climb a peak to experience the natural majesty of the White Mountains. In Franconia Notch State Park, one of the most eye-popping sights is the Basin, a large glacial pothole carved into the Pemigewasset River some 25,000 years ago and gradually smoothed and widened by the swirling river waters ever since.The almost perfectly circular pool is 30 feet across and 15 feet deep. Henry David Thoreau on his first trip to the White Mountains proclaimed the pothole to be “perhaps the most remarkable curiosity of its kind in New England.” www.nhstateparks.org Jacqueline Tourville is a longtime contributor to ParentingNH.

www.parentingnh.com

| July 2018 37

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dad on board Waiting for the insurrection So far, so good on the teenage rebellion front

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The first thing that crossed my mind the day my daughter was born was something along the lines of “this has not been a typical Monday morning.” But maybe the 23rd thing to cross my mind was this: “Someday this little girl is going to be a teenager.”

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According to legend, the typical teenage girl can be a handful. I have heard tales of eye-rolling and stomping off in a huff and being generally disagreeable. And while my daughter will be 16 soon, we have yet to experience any of these things.

Still, I have to figure the rebellion is coming.

Her mom and I are lucky – she’s not the kind of kid who acts like that.

At the same time, I’m not naïve enough to utter the phrase, “not my kid.”

Saying that would curse us and ensure the huff/roll/stomp. Even writing this column is tempting the fates. Up to this point, though, the fates must be rather disappointed.

And that’s my point: we ask her to mow the lawn – she mows the lawn.

We ask her to take the dog out – she takes the dog out. We all have our tasks around the house, and when it comes time for my daughter to do her part, she just does it.

I asked her once: “Why do you do everything you’re asked without objection?”

“Would it change anything if I didn’t?” she asked.

I assured her it wouldn’t.

She shrugged, I appreciated yet another example of how reasonable she was, and we moved on. I’m starting to wonder if we should’ve named her ‘Pragmattia.’

My own teen rebellion never amounted to much. The scariest thing I ever did was listen to Iron Maiden and attempt to grow my hair long. I think the hair thing was a lot more frightening than the crazy album covers.

It was the 1980s and all my friends were growing their hair long. My hair doesn’t grow long, it grows up. In the end it was more Bozo than Nikki Sixx.

I checked with my wife about her rebellious phase. Turns out she didn’t really have one, either. She asked her mom to drive her to Allston Beat to buy a pair of Doc Marten boots – which, in the mid-to-late 1980s, was a telltale sign of someone who was safely and mildly nonconformist. But since her mother drove, I’m not sure that counts as rebellion. It’s probably closer to a favor.

Plus, now our daughter wears those exact boots, so I think the edginess has worn off those once-defiant air-flow soles.

Maybe we’ll be lucky. My daughter is a great kid – funny, smart, kind, thoughtful, and a whole bunch of other nice words. At this point I guess you’re thinking, “Shut up, Dad on Board. We don’t want to hear about your perfect kid.”

Alas, she is not perfect. She has this thing about not putting the dishes in the dishwasher that I’m convinced will one day send my wife over the edge. And truth be told once in a while her eyes will roll ever so slightly. But if that’s the extent of her flaws, I’d say we’re OK. Bill Burke is a writer who wonders what good deeds he did in a previous life to end up living in southern New Hampshire with his wife and a very agreeable teenage daughter. He is also managing editor of custom publications at McLean Communications.

raising teens & tweens transitioning From teen to adult How to navigate the changes ahead

BY Tracey Tucker

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The transition from age 17 to 18 can feel empowering for kids… and somewhat frightening for their parents.

For kids turning 18, the idea of their parent telling them what to do anymore seems long gone. It is the age of independence and exploration — the age when they can vote, join the military, get a tattoo and start making their own decisions.

For many this is also the time when kids pull away from their parents and begin to define who they are away from their parent’s rules and expectations. The new “adult” begins a journey of defining their values and morals, as well as what brings them happiness, who they will spend time with and how they will work through the various issues we face as adults.

This change can create conflict and strain between parent and child.

For parents who are still supporting their children, the idea that their kids can make decisions on their own can make communication challenging. Because they are dealing with feelings of loss around their child’s inevitable departure, parents can struggle with how to negotiate the relationship.

So how can parents move into a new relationship once this time has come? The more parents communicate with their budding adult, the more both can talk through what is important to them.

Parent and child can develop a level of respect and empathy for each other so each feels heard and understood. Giving kids more freedom and control over their schedule is a way for them to learn skills and coping strategies for dealing with new challenges. Setting up rules and expectations, as a form of communication, is a way to help kids understand their parent’s need to know if they are safe.

Talk to your kids about how to communicate if things change during their time away — not as a way to monitor everything that they do, but instead as a form of checking in to help parents begin to let go of the control. Parents should tell their kids that they trust them and be mindful of picking battles. Make scenarios like drunk driving or unsafe places be where you agree to have a truthful, transparent conversation.

As adults, our children want to be respected and communicated with in a way that makes them feel valued. A message encased in respect and love will be more effective than a message encased in anger and punishment.

Finally, it is important that parents know that their new adults will fail.

Our job is to walk behind our children and pick them up when they fall rather than hold their hand tighter to make sure they never fall. The learning curve for beginning adults is steep and having parents they can talk to and rely on to help them through the rough times is the best gift you can give them.

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Tracey Tucker is Executive Director of New Heights: Adventures for Teens and a licensed mental health counselor at Tradeport Counseling Associates in Portsmouth.

www.parentingnh.com

| July 2018 39

house calls

Preschool • Pre-Kindergarten

ting Accep tions Preschool • Pre-Kindergarten a r t Regis

How to prevent tick-borne illnesses Covering up, using repellEnt and checking yourself for ticks is key

Directors/Teachers: Monique Medeiros, B.E.S. & Darcie Sylvia, M.Ed.M.Ed. Monique Medeiros, B.E.S. & Darcie Gonsalves Sylvia, Monique Medeiros, B.E.S. & Darcie Gonsalves Sylvia, M.Ed.

The MeetingPlace/across Place/across The Black NH The Meeting fromfrom The Black ForestForest/Amherst, /Amherst, NH

673-3022 • www.littleeinsteins.us 673-3022 • www.littleeinsteins.us

Paul’s Reptile Circus We will Connect Reptiles with Kids...

Featuring your choice of 9 Reptiles such as water dragon, cornsnake, box turtle, desert kingsnake.

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Get ready for baby From teen to adult: Navigating the changes ahead

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new size, new look!

We’ve got all your super summer fun!

Favorite shows, great games & boatloads of do-it-yourself projects.

nhpbs.org On-air & online. Anytime.

40 www.parentingnh.com | July 2018

BY Dr. Antonia Altomare Deer ticks, also known as Ixodes scapularis, carry more than Lyme disease. There are at least four infections one can get from a deer tick bite: Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis and Powassan disease.

Symptoms of Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis and Babesiosis are very similar and include fever, headaches, body aches, and sometimes a skin rash. Powassan disease is more distinct as it can cause meningitis and encephalitis, which causes fevers, headache, weakness, confusion, loss of coordination, speech difficulties and seizures.

Preventing tick bites is the primary way to prevent tick-borne infections. There are several preventive steps you can take. When you go outside, be as covered as possible with long sleeves and pants. Using insect repellent containing DEET can greatly reduce the risk of getting a tick bite. Avoid wooded and bushy areas with high grass and walk in the center of trails. You could also wear clothing that has been treated with permethrin (a plant-based insecticide that works on contact).

What if there’s a tick on you? First, it’s important to do regular tick checks when you come in from outside — scan your body for ticks and take a shower to make sure you wash away ticks that haven’t latched on yet.

How to remove an attached tick, according to the CDC: 1. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.

2. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick; this can cause parts of the tick’s mouth to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, remove the tick’s mouth with clean tweezers. If you are unable to remove the mouth easily with tweezers, leave it alone and let the skin heal. Contact your doctor if there are any signs of infection.

3. After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water.

4. Dispose of a live tick by submersing it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag and/or container, wrapping it tightly in tape or flushing it down the toilet. Never crush a tick with your fingers.

After any tick exposure, you should monitor for symptoms of an infection. If you develop any of the symptoms listed above within several weeks of removing a tick, call your doctor and be sure to tell them about your recent tick bite.

If you don’t recall having been bit by a tick, but you notice that you have symptoms consistent with any of the tick-borne diseases, you should call your doctor. There is treatment available for Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis and Babesiosis.

For more information about tick-borne diseases, go to the Centers for Disease and Control website: www.cdc.gov.

Dr. Antonia Altomare, DO, MPH, is the hospital epidemiologist at DartmouthHitchcock.

Sponsored BY

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| July 2018 41

compiled by melanie Hitchcock

courtesy photo

out & about

Mr. Aaron album release party 8 SUNDAY CONCORD – Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 South Main St. Mr.Aaron is back with a new album, and in a big way.

Join Mr.Aaron and band for the release of his second album,“Maximum.” Mr.Aaron takes you on an exciting, silly, musical journey. The band will play songs from the new album, and of course your Mr.Aaron favorites and kids’ classics. This is your first chance to get a copy of your kids’ new favorite CD. 3:30 p.m. Tickets: $7.

(603) 225-1111; www.ccanh.com

Newfound Lake guided paddle 6 FRIDAY HEBRON – Newfound Audubon Center, 290 North Shore Road. Choose from a canoe, single/double kayak, or paddleboard as we travel along the route of the newly created water trail. Visiting as many stops as time allows and learning more about the geology and ecology of Newfound Lake. Pre-registration required. Children encouraged with adult supervision. Cost: $30 members/$35 non-members. 2 to 4 p.m. www. nhaudubon.org

Tales of NH family storytime 10 TUESDAY CONCORD – New Hampshire Historical Society, 30 Park St. Sharing stories about the Granite State is a great way to bring families together in a weekly story hour highlighting New Hampshire children’s book authors. Each week features a story written or illustrated by a New Hampshire author, with a visit to the exhibition Discovering New Hampshire and time for games or arts and crafts. The Tales of New Hampshire family storytime is every Tuesday at 10 a.m. through Aug. 21. Free. www.nhhistory.org

42 www.parentingnh.com | July 2018

Tolba & the Earthdiver 19 THURSDAY

Hillsborough Balloon Fest & Fair 12-15 THURSDAYSUNDAY HILLSBOROUGH – Grimes Field, 24 Preston St. This event offers something for everyone – carnival rides, entertainment, activities for kids, lawn tractor pulls, 5k road race, an enormous variety of food, and of course, the hot air balloons. The Saturday fireworks spectacular is one of the premier fireworks displays in New Hampshire. The balloons launch Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. (weather-permitting). Don’t miss the exciting Balloon Night Glow on Friday night. The Hillsborough Hometown Parade is Sunday. For schedule, go to balloonfestival. com. Free admission; $10 parking fee.www. balloonfestival.com

MANCHESTER – UNH Manchester, 88 Commercial St. Tolba the Turtle and his muskrat friend Moskwas work together to build the earth.Can Moskwas bring enough mud from the bottom of the ocean? Find out at this production for very young audiences of an Abenaki story about the creation of the world.

This performance is presented by UNH’s The Little Red Wagon, the longest running nonprofit, children’s theatre tour in the United States. Seating is limited; events are 45 minutes to an hour. RSVP is requested. Free. 10 a.m. www. cola.unh.edu/theatre-dance/ program/little-red-wagon

Booked for Summer story hour

crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Tickets: $14, children (ages 12 and under) $11. Friday at 7 p.m.; Saturday at 11 a.m. 668-5588; www.palacetheatre.org

25 WEDNESDAY

20 FRIDAY

Elf The Musical Jr. 20-21 FRIDAYSATURDAY MANCHESTER – Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St. Palace Youth Theatre Summer Camps presents Elf The Musical Jr. Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly

MANCHESTER – Amoskeag Fishways, 4 Fletcher St. Books can be a wonderful window into the natural world. In association with the Manchester School District’s summer reading initiative, “Booked for Summer,” the Amoskeag Fishways presents a fun, relaxed hour of river-related stories. Children are encouraged to bring their favorite fish toy, or share some of ours for interactive play. Registration required. Free.

11 a.m. to noon. 626-FISH; www. amoskeagfishways.org

Christmas in July for the Critters

Veggie Hunt MEREDITH – Moulton Farm, 18 Quarry Road. The farm is hosting a veggie hunt to help children age 5 to 9 get excited about eating vegetables and learn how they grow. With their parents or grandparents accompanying them, the children go into the fields with a member of the farm’s staff to learn about how each vegetable grows before beginning their search. The children bring home the vegetables they find during the vegetable hunt and cost of the vegetables is included in the event fee.

Fee: $12 for first child in a family group; $10 for each additional child; free for parents or grandparents accompanying children.

10 a.m. www.moultonfarm.com

28 SATURDAY

Jack and the Beanstalk 21-22 SATURDAYSUNDAY PORTSMOUTH – Seacoast Repertory Theatre, 125 Bow St. Jack lives a very ordinary life. Wakes up, milks the cows, does his chores, and goes to bed to do it all again the next day. But when his mother falls ill, he must find a way to help her. This is where Jack’s life starts to become less ordinary, and much more extraordinary. He trades his cow for some magic beans that grow into a giant beanstalk, reaching up into the clouds. Tickets: $10. Shows at 10 a.m. each day.

433-4472; www. seacoastrep.org

HOLDERNESS – Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, 23 Science Center Road. It’s a special day all about the animals. Learn how staff provides a rich and stimulating environment for the animal ambassadors through enrichment activities. Throughout the day, Up Close to Animals presentations will focus on enrichment techniques and special interactive demonstrations will be held at multiple animal exhibits. Admission: Adults, $20; youth ages 3-15, $15; children 2 and under/members, free. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 968-7194; www.nhnature.org

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| July 2018 43

time out Editor’s note: This is the first month for our new Time Out column, which focuses on things parents can do with their partners and friends when they are taking a “time out” from their children.

Grown-up adventures by train, boat or bus by melanie Hitchcock

G

oing out to eat with the kids anywhere can be an adventure. But how about having a real culinary adventure your next night out without the kids? New Hampshire offers interesting culinary adventures, and at these destinations the journey continues after you arrive.

C’mon ride the train: All aboard the dining car! Enjoy lunch or dinner, and a scenic ride, courtesy of Conway Scenic Railroad.

You can choose from three excursions — one takes you on a first-class, five-hour tour through Crawford Notch with a layover at Crawford Station.You’ll want to book your babysitter and reserve your spot in advance as the tours are popular.

You’re on a boat: Grab your dancing shoes and head to the Lakes Region. Cruise NH offers dinner cruises throughout July and

38 Norcross Circle • North Conway www.conwayscenic.com/dining Reserve your seat on one of three dining excursions ranging from 55 minutes to five hours.

Tickets: $37.50 to $102. Dinner and lunch service available.

Mount Washington Cruises 211 Lakeside Ave. • Laconia www.cruisenh.com

The schedule of dinner cruises and tickets are available online.

Tickets range from $40-$59 depending on the date and theme you choose. Buffet dinner.

August several nights a week. Fridays highlight a musical genre and Saturdays feature fun themes like 80s Wave or Great Gatsby. Grab a beverage and enjoy the live entertainment or the spectacular view.

Have beer, will travel: Sampling beers is more fun when you don’t have to draw straws to decide who the designated driver is. Take a seat on Granite State Growler Tours’ beer bus, and relax as you make your way around to local breweries.You’ll get personal tours from the brewers. Some breweries have a pub where you can grab a snack or you can chow down on homemade pretzels available on the bus.

44 www.parentingnh.com | July 2018

Conway Scenic Railroad

Granite State Growler Tours

45 Lafayette Road, #212 • North Hampton www.nhbeerbus.com Granite State Growler Tours has several tour options for day or evening. Tickets are $60 and tastings are included in the ticket price. If you find a new favorite, grab a growler. Bus seats 14, but if you have seven people you can arrange for a private tour.

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2018

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