EVERYONE NEEDS BEAUTY AS WELL AS BREAD, PLACES TO PLAY IN AND PRAY IN, WHERE NATURE MAY HEAL AND GIVE STRENGTH TO BODY AND SOUL ALIKE - JOHN MUIR -
This year has been uncertain, but it has reminded us that we all need nature. Lauritzen Gardens is here for your family, now and in the years to come. Explore our 100 acres and discover the wonders of nature together. LAURITZENGARDENS.ORG · 100 BANCROFT STREET · OMAHA, NE · (402) 346-4002 0000130260-01
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When children are your everything, Anything can be. At Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, science and heart lead us to even greater pediatric breakthroughs. We provide the very best in pediatric specialty care, advance pediatric research, educate tomorrow’s experts and advocate for children, families and entire communities – to improve the future of medicine, and the life of every child. To find a physician for your child, call 1.800.833.3100 or visit ChildrensOmaha.org.
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May 2020
KILEY CRUSE
CONTENTS
REAL MOMS + ADVICE
BUTTON CRAFTS
5 Editor’s Column 7 Momaha Bookshelf 12 Crib to Big Kid Bed 13 In-Home ‘She Shed’ 15 Surprise Baby
8 Animal 9 Ring 9 Bookmark 11 Monogram
momaha where moms connect
assistant editor MARJIE DUCEY marjie.ducey@owh.com 402-444-1034
VOLUME 11 . ISSUE 5 . MAY 2020
copy editors
editor in chief
SHELLEY LARSEN PA M R I C H T E R
CHRIS CHRISTEN chris.christen@owh.com 402-444-1094
creative director + designer KILEY CRUSE cruse@owh.com 402-444-1375
momaha.com editor ASHLEE COFFEY ashlee.coffey@owh.com 402-444-1075
content contributor LY N N K I R K L E
cover photo KILEY CRUSE
account manager BRETT SNEAD brett.snead@owh.com 402-444-1425
account executive DEBORAH FERNSELL deborah.fernsell@owh.com 402-444-1209
account executive M A R I LY N M A R T I N marilyn.martin@owh.com 402-444-1405
Momaha Magazine is a monthly publication of the Omaha World-Herald, 1314 Douglas St., Suite 700, Omaha, NE 68102. Momaha is a registered trademark, and all content is copyright 2020 by the Omaha World-Herald. All rights reserved. The opinions and perspectives published herein are those of the authors and should not be construed as those of Momaha Magazine.
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Explore animated talking picture books, chapter books, videos, non-fiction titles, graphic novels, playlists, and books in French and Spanish.
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Save the date! Summer Reading Program Kickoff Parties May 29 & 30 0000130292-01
Support for families in Nebraska formed through adoption and guardianship.
888.667.2399 RightTurnNE.org A collaboration between Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska and Nebraska Children’s Home Society.
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May 2020
MOMAHA.COM EDITOR ASHLEE COFFEY Wife to Kevin Coffey, deputy editor omaha.com and music critic for the Omaha World-Herald. Mom to Sam and Elliott. Follow her on Twitter: @AshleeCoffeyOWH
A DAY FOR EXTRA-SPECIAL HUGS
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appy May! This is one of my favorite months — for many reasons. First, flowers are blooming and things are really coming back to life. I love spending time in my garden and teaching my kids about the plants, flowers and insects we see. Second, May brings a chance to celebrate a really important person in my life. My mom. I think we can all agree that moms rock. Where would we be without them? Moms are some of the most selfless people on the Earth and their love for their kids knows no boundaries. I
wouldn’t be who I am today without the love and support of my mom. And, I won’t lie, it’s also a chance to get pampered a little bit myself. Last year I was surprised with flowers and a beautiful handdrawn card from my two sons. I was showered with hugs, kisses and “Happy Mother’s Day” wishes all day long. I can’t wait to see what they have in store for me this year. So here’s hoping all moms feel a little extra love on Mother’s Day. Though, let’s be honest, moms — those amazing superheroes — deserve extra love every single day of the year.
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Further Your Child’s Walk
with calming reads the whole family can enjoy. Stop by the bookstore today to check out our extensive selection of children’s daily devotionals.
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6905 S. 84th St. La Vista, NE 68128 | 402.592.4866 | DivineTruthChristian.com 6
May 2020
MOMAHA BOOKSHELF ASHLEE COFFEY
Hot off the presses Cheese making, breastfeeding and a murder investigation
“BEDTIME CLASSICS”
by Penguin Young Reads This new board book tells classic tales like “A Little Princess” by Frances Hodgson Burnett and “The Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum. The stories are simplified for younger audiences and the artwork by Carly Gledhill reflects a vibrant, trendy palette and style. Ages 0+
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“SAY CHEESE! A KID’S GUIDE TO CHEESE MAKING”
by Ricki Carroll and Sarah Carroll Written by the owners of New England Cheesemaking Supply Company in western Massachusetts, this book features instructions for 10 different cheeses — cream cheese, mozzarella and feta included — kids can make at home. It also includes fun ways to eat said cheese. Ages 8-12
“ADVENTURES FROM OUTER SPACE: HOUSTON’S FIRST ADVENTURE”
by Julie A. Roccaforte This book — from Omaha illustrator and author Julie A. Roccaforte — is the first in a new children’s series about a curious dog who meets new friends as he journeys to learn about the universe and its inner workings. Ages 7+
“PREMEDITATED MYRTLE”
by Elizabeth C. Bunce Myrtle Hardcastle isn’t like the other 12-year-old girls in 1893 England. She has her father’s knack for the law, her mother’s love of science and the desire to prevent a botched murder investigation. The first book in a series, this mystery shows brave Myrtle investigating the murder of her neighbor. Ages 10+
“BOOBIES ARE FOR BABIES”
by Kelsey Shaw New moms will enjoy the brutally honest look at breastfeeding. Told from the view of baby, it touches on lactation consultants, midnight pumping sessions and the realization that formula is OK. The illustrations are fun and bright, and the rhymes are extremely clever.
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TREETOP VILLAGE AT ARBOR DAY FARM TREE ADVENTURE
Spend a day in the trees. You’ll treasure the memories. Three acres up in the trees, 11 treehouses, all connected with elevated bridges and walkways. This one-of-a-kind, fun-for-all-ages adventure will spark imagination and joyful laughter in everyone. It’ll be the perfect excursion after a spring spent close to home! Start planning at arbordayfarm.org. Go online or call to get the latest information about open attractions, hours, and activities.
2611 Arbor Avenue | Nebraska City, NE 402-873-8717 0000130266-01
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BUTTON ART - NO SEWING REQUIRED! R aise your hand if you love button crafts. We keep it simple with a monogram letter project.
STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Kiley Cruse
WHAT YOU NEED
• Frame (we used an old frame and painted it black) • Paint for frame (optional) • Colored or decorative scrapbook paper as large as the frame • Cardboard the size of the frame opening • Flat cardboard letter or 3D letter • Craft buttons • Spray adhesive • Hot glue gun and glue sticks (or permanent craft adhesive)
WHAT YOU DO 1. Paint frame, if desired. 2. Trim paper to fit frame. Using spray adhesive, glue decorative scrapbook paper to cardboard as your background. Insert in frame with no glass. 3. Optional: paint monogram letter. If you are using one color for the entire project, the monotone will help hide gaps when you start covering the letter with buttons. If using multiple colors of buttons, you might paint the letter the color of your background. 4. Once paint is dry, glue letter to background paper with hot glue gun. 5. Use hot glue gun to cover letter in buttons, overlapping on second layer to fill in gaps. Be careful not to burn your fingertips on the glue as you position your buttons. 6. Your art is ready to hang! Note: This project is best-suited for middle school students and older with good dexterity for handling a hot glue gun and permanent craft adhesive.
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Crib-to-bed challenge STORY + PHOTOGRAPHY Ashlee Coffey
Now that brothers are bunking together, Mom gets an art room
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his past January, we decided to move our 3-year-old out of his crib and into a shared room with his 6-year-old brother, Sam. It wasn’t easy, but it was time. Being potty trained, Elliott needed to be able to easily get out of bed and go to the bathroom. He had also started asking about sleeping in Sam’s room. So with the New Year, we decided to give it a go. Before taking his crib down, we had Elliott stay in the bottom bunk of Sam’s bunk bed. We had no idea how the night would go, but I assumed it would be fine. I was wrong. Elliott relished his first night away from the confines of his jail cell — I mean crib. He got up no less than 20 times to “go to the bathroom.” After we’d gone to bed, we heard the pitter-patter of his little feet wandering the house. I lost count of the times my husband and I got up that night to march him back to bed. The next morning felt akin to those mornings with a newborn. Thankfully it was a Saturday so we could sleep in a bit. This behavior lasted a couple of weeks. We stayed strong in our resolve to march him back to bed every single time. We even started issuing consequences. Each time he got up, we took a plush buddy from his bed, which he did not like. Months later, he still gets up occasionally. I don’t think he’s as interested in exploring the house at night as he used to be. But now he’s moved on to bugging his brother and climbing up the ladder of Sam’s bed to steal his socks. Your guess is as good as mine as to why he does that. It is pretty funny until we’re frantically looking for Sam’s sock the next morning while trying to get out the door to school and work. We’re doing better, too. Let me tell you, moving your baby out of a crib and into a big-kid bed isn’t easy. I was heartbroken when we took the crib apart and stored it in the basement. Tears streamed down
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May 2020
my face because I don’t know whether it’ll get to be used again. That crib has been a staple in our house since 2013. It’s always
been occupied, save the couple of months after Sam moved out and Elliott was born in 2016. But one thing that’s helped is turning Elliott’s nursery into my own room; my “she shed,” if you will. It’s now my art studio. I’ve added a draft table and set up and organized all of my art supplies. I added a couch, which coverts to a bed for guests. It’s such a welcoming space and a nice escape after a hard day or I just need a break from my mom responsibilities. But it’s also a great place for family craft activities. And it’s really funny when Elliott pauses to look around and say, “This used to be my room!”
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An extra bedroom becomes a mother-daughter sewing room.
IN-HOME SHE SHED Extra bedroom is a chance for Mom to claim a space of her own STORY Chris Christen PHOTOGRAPHY Interiors Joan and Associates
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f you find yourself with a bonus room after a child has graduated to a big-kid bed — or a college dorm — seize the opportunity to turn it into a space that speaks to you. “And by that we mean a space that truly inspires you and brings you joy,” says Ali Circo, Allied Member ASID with Interiors Joan and Associates. “Create a room that allows you the space and tools to do what you love doing most.” Her tips for that indoor she-shed you deserve: • Start by listing things that bring you happiness: colors, scents, textures, music, flowers, animals, etc. Something on the list is bound to inspire a decorating theme.
A meditation room.
• Visualize your happy place. What does it need? For crafting, you might want built-in shelving or storage for your supplies. If the room is for sewing,
maybe you need a large table to lay out fabrics. For reading, maybe you need ultra-comfortable upholstery pieces for sitting and lounging and excellent lighting. If you’re going from a bedroom to a laundry room, you might swap the carpet for tile. • Don’t be afraid to use the space for something unconventional, like a prayer room, a yoga studio or a meditation area. • Keep the style of the room consistent with your whole house for continuity, but don’t be afraid to personalize it with your favorite things. “This is not a public space, but rather a space just for you and your hobbies,” Circo says. “It’s all about making a space that enriches your life.”
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A COSMIC DO-OVER After four kids were almost grown, ‘oops’ baby brings joy for parents at the chance to do it again STORY Lynn Kirkle
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ack in 2014, I had two kids in college, a junior in high school and youngest in middle school. We had been happily rolling along as a family of six until I found myself suddenly devouring entire boxes of macaroni and cheese for breakfast. “Oh, no,” I thought. My appetite, which could rival a college freshman, could only mean one thing. I was pregnant. My initial response was a tiny freak out. I mean, we love kids, but things had changed for us. We’d graduated from car seats, bottles and 2 a.m. feedings. We were autonomous human beings again. How were we supposed to go back? But as I said to my husband, “I can’t believe we have to do it all again,” he corrected me. He said, “I can’t believe we get to do it all again.”
And those words changed everything. He was right. How were we lucky enough to get another go at having a baby? It suddenly felt like we’d been granted this incredible cosmic do-over. We gathered all the kids together in the kitchen — those who still lived at home and those who didn’t — and gave them the good news. After finally convincing them it wasn’t a joke, the two who no longer resided with us were thrilled. What could be better than an adorable baby sister who they could see at their convenience? Talk about a perfect situation. The two boys who still lived at home were excited, as well, but they had shell-shocked expressions on their faces. They looked like they’d been told they’d won a prize but would only receive it after being kicked in the See Surprise: Page 16
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Lynn Kirkle, center, with her children. From left are Joe, Cassidy, Kate, Lynn, Tyler and Matt. Continued from Page 16
face by a donkey. Something akin to that was the vibe I was catching from them. Four years later, Matt can still remember exactly what school his basketball team was playing the following night because he was incredibly worried our shocking news would destroy his focus. How dare we jeopardize Millard South’s season with our baby gossip, right? The “oops” baby arrived in 2015, and everything about her life to date has been entirely unique to that of her siblings. At 3 weeks old, she was traveling with the family to her brother’s out-of-state basketball tournaments instead of being snuggled up in her bassinet all day. The kid was lugged from game to game in that 10,000-pound baby carrier and passed from parent to parent if she got remotely fussy. Her baby years were like the side car attached to our family’s pre-existing life — and they were ridiculously fun, even if completely unorthodox. Toddlerhood has been a different experience with this munchkin, as well. I’m quicker to laugh at the madness — probably because I know just how fleeting those moments are. I still might grit my teeth when I have to convince my crying preschooler that she can’t wear her swimsuit and rain boots when it’s -20 degrees outside and there’s a foot of snow on the ground. But it passes in an instant and then I’m cracking up. Another bonus: I’ve had a panel of backseat parents at my disposal this time — aka my other kids. Together they’re a team of underage experts who are more than willing to share their unsolicited parenting advice: “You can’t let her have that.” “You’re not going to pick her up?” “I’d tell her no if it were me.” So much sage advice from the jobless humans who leave their peanut-butter-covered knives in the sink and their dirty socks on the living room floor on a regular basis. (I am really so, so lucky.) Everything about our life has changed since the oops baby came along. She’s been the cherry on top of our established family sundae, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. *** Lynn Kirkle is an author and lives in Omaha with her husband and five kids. She writes twice a month for momaha.com, and can be found at www.lynnpainter.com or on Twitter @LAPainter.
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