October 2016

The Twin Issue FREE

October 2016

*Northwest Health Physicians’ Specialty Hospital is owned, in part, by physicians.

*Expires 7/31/16

The

Family Kimberly Enderle Editor-in-Chief editor@peekaboonwa.com | 479-957-0532

Jonathon Enderle Creative Director jon@peekaboonwa.com | 479-586-3890

Kim and Jonathon with Ava, Grant and Holden Enderle.

Photo by Main Street Studios

contributing writer/Editor Frances Wilson

Addi McNeel Associate Editor

Columnist

Distribution/ Circulation Joyce Whitaker Judy Evans Marcedalia Salinas

Jeremy Whitaker Michelle Dodson

Peekaboo Publications

Ben Lacy Dad’s View

Columnist

PO Box 1036 Bentonville, Arkansas 72712 Please send inquiries to: editor@peekaboonwa.com or call 479-957-0532 www.peekaboonwa.com Peekaboo may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Views expressed herein are those of the authors and advertisers, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the magazine.

Peekaboo Northwest Arkansas accepts writing contributions

Veronica Zucca Story Design

Jennifer Cristofaro Events

inside

oc tobe r 2 0 1 6 20

I See You

by: Meagan Ruffing

26

The Dragons & SPD

BY: Chelsea Whitehouse

32

16

Survivor

22

NUK® Outtakes

by: Holly Brown

New Breast Cancer Treatment Option at the Northwest Health System

34

Beacon Preparatory Academy: A Shining Light

48

Meet the Holstein Family BY: Haley Rolstein

52

Dad’s View WITH BEN LACY

56

36

Two in Heaven... and Two on Earth

50

It’s Twins! by: Andi Brown

Your Guide to the Mumps by: Dr. Susan Averitt & Staci Graber, APN

58

Northwest Arkansas is Rocking!

by: Dusty & Michelle Hurst

by: Jenni Cox

60

Twice the Love

by: Courtney Ashely

on the cover 62

Kobe: Our Make-a-Wish Trip

66

Children’s Therapy Team

by: Misty Johnson-Alexandria

Cover Sponsored by: Northwest Health System www.northwesthealth.com

10 October 2016

Marlie Rose and Cooper Elizabeth, 4.

Daughters of Jesse and Courtney Ashley of Rogers

Photo by: Jessica Ritchie Photography www.jessicaritchiephotography.com

HAPPY SMILES!

Healthy Kids!

TREAT YOUR CHILD WITH A HEALTHY SMILE!

Call now to schedule an appointment!

Springdale (479) 756-6377 | Rogers (479) 631-6377

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from the editor A look ahead: If you have a story to share, or an idea for a story, email editor@peekaboonwa.com and be a part of the Peekaboo family! Next month is our annual spotlight on Adoption.

December: Holiday Gift Guide and Events.

Photo by: Ever After Portraiture

Writer’s block is a real thing. To be perfectly honest, I have it right now. I have started and restarted this letter from the editor 20 times. Each time I had something I wanted to share - some prolific tale or inspiring call to action - and with each start came a long hold on the delete button.

Each of the words I had planned to share were wiped away much faster than they had appeared.

The good thing about being an adult and being an adult who works for yourself (double positive) is that there is no one standing over me while my writer’s block works its way out. No one is judging me, critiquing me, telling me that I need to get this done or I won’t get a good grade, or that I need to make it perfect and then hurry and get ready for bed because it is lights out in 10 minutes.

Unfortunately, I have my own inner dialogue doing that for me. I am quite good at stressing myself out all on my own. I call it a talent--others might encourage me to see a therapist about it.

With school in full swing, I have found myself using my outer voice as my children’s non-stop commentator, from the time I pick them up from school to the time they go to bed. There are so few hours in the day and so many activities and assignments and tests to study for. Then, there is the recommended time for reading to your child, listening to your child read, hearing about their day, answering questions without limits to how many can be asked, refilling water cups, getting bedtime snacks, and rebrushing teeth after that second bed time snack.

As a result, I find myself engaging in a neverending stream of “Do your homework; study for your test; write your summary; no, you can’t go play until your homework is done; no,

14 October 2016

you can’t eat that until you eat this; why didn’t you study a little more for the test last week? Hurry up, slow down, why did you spill that? The list is long, and just typing it makes my fingers hurt, so I can only imagine what it is doing to their little ears.

“The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice. - Peggy O’Mara This quote has always resonated with me, but it wasn’t until recently that it started terrifying me.

Am I pushing my own anxieties onto my kids?

When they close their eyes at night, what words are circling in their heads? I hope they are ones of encouragement and love and affirmation, but I worry that they are being overwhelmed by my (good-intentioned) criticism. I want to push them to be their best self--but am I pushing what I think should be their best self, instead?

The idea that the things we say to our kids each day are forming the core of who they will be as adults is a bit scary. I am not always successful at it, but I try to stop and think before I speak to my kids, especially if I am upset or my patience is on its last leg. Why should my kids get an angry slew of words that could haunt them forever, just because I am having a bad day, or bad moment?

In the same vein, I also want my children’s inner voice to be one that keeps them safe and tells them to do the right thing, even when it isn’t the easiest thing to do. That is why it isn’t just what you say that shapes this voice, it is what you do and the example you set.

So, stop before you speak, breathe before you react, and help fill your little one’s brains and hearts with an inner voice that will guide them today into tomorrow, and become a positive inner voice even when they are all grown up themselves.

Survivor breast cancer

Holly Brown

E

very day in our country, 635 women are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Every single hour, another 26 American mothers, friends, wives and daughters are faced with that terrifying news, and they join the courageous ranks of their fellow 2.8 million sisters, as survivors and fighters.

I had always felt deep compassion and sympathy for these brave women, but never thought about what being diagnosed with cancer all really meant, in its grim totality – until all that changed late last summer, when I became one of them.

Tuesday, August 4, 2015, seems like such a blur in my memory, though I somehow remember so many details of the day--especially everything that happened starting at 3:00PM. At that moment, when the radiologist actually said the words, “I think it’s cancer,” I can still remember the fear, the anxiety, and every confused, terrified thought that ran through my head.

That day was the beginning of the longest year of my life... a year full of deep anger and genuine happiness, total doubt and complete peace. Here is a glimpse of my story and a few of the details of the day I truly became aware of this precious gift of life, and started living.

Six months previous to my appointment in August, I’d felt a small lump in my chest. It didn’t feel like much, and seemed to have multiple easy explanations to ease my mind. I kept feeling it, however, and, after several people recommended that I get it checked out, I scheduled an appointment

16 October 2016

for an ultrasound on the first Tuesday afternoon in August.

Kayce, my incredible husband, wanted to cancel everything he had scheduled to accompany me to my appointment, but I confidently assured him that all he would be doing was sitting in a waiting room. After all, I was certain that I wouldn’t be getting any results that day. BOY, did I end up being wrong.

Once I arrived to my appointment, the nurse called my name, took me back to a dressing room and handed me a strange-looking top. It looked-and was sized--more like a painting smock that you give to children than a covering for an adult.

It had a hole for my head, and was completely open on both sides. Now, as women, we have all experienced the not-terribly-private “napkin” they ask you to wear during your annual gynecologist visit, but we definitely don’t have to leave the exam room with it on. No big deal, normally,

but apparently it was business as usual to prance patients around the office in that delightful attire.

If I remember correctly, my smock theme was unicorns. Lovely.

If you’re not sure of what having a mammogram actually entails--holy moly, what an experience. I went in to the exam room, and the sweet older lady doing my scan placed a small sticky marker on my “spot” while I stood in front of the contraption.

My left breast--not the one in question--was easy peasy. Just a squish up and down, a squish sideto-side, squish at an angle this way and squish at an angle that way. The right side however... several very specific, not altogether pleasant words came to my mind every time she lowered that plastic plate down, sideways, and at an angle. Then, because the machine wasn’t enough, she had to use this little knob and squish the plates a little more! The right side was super uncomfortable for me because my spot, dense and hard, didn’t move or squash easily.

After finishing the mammogram, I was taken back to my special dressing room, prancing around once again for everyone to see on the way. She had me sit in a chair where, inexplicably, I had a perfect view of other women coming in and out of their room wearing the same fabulous attire. I was right... no matter how you work it, side boobs for all to see! I sat there for about 15 minutes before she came and got me, and immediately took me back to the ultrasound room. Right before I walked into the ultrasound room, she asked “Who came with you today?” That question put me on high alert, and the look on her face was one that you NEVER want to see from a health care provider… I just knew something wasn’t right. I climbed up and laid on that table for about 10 minutes, waiting and praying. I asked God to, if it really was something, just make it something that wouldn’t take me away from my boys and Kayce. I knew I could get through anything--chemo treatments, cut my boobs off fifty times, whatever--I just wanted to see my grandchildren one day!

A different, younger ultrasound technician entered the room. She was super sweet, but got right down to business, using warm jelly to keep the ultrasound moving around all over the spot on my right breast. She took more pictures of that one little area than was taken at my wedding! She then

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placed that little wand down onto my armpit and I suddenly wished fervently that I’d allowed Kayce to come with me. This couldn’t be good... she was checking out my lymph nodes, which must mean that there was something suspicious on that little screen. After she was done, she told me that she’d run get the radiologist, who would do an additional scan and then go over the results.

The radiologist entered the room, introduced herself, and went to town on my boob. After she was finished, she wiped me down and had me sit up, saying, “Well, Holly, there are some concerning areas on both your scans. We see some calcifications on your mammogram and a rather large mass on your ultrasound.” (“It’s now a mass...”

I thought to myself, panic growing, “my spot isn’t a ‘spot’ anymore, it’s a mass!”)

“Let’s get you set up for a biopsy as soon as possible,” she continued, “to see what exactly is going on.” Not one to let that vagueness fly, I asked her directly what she thought this was. “I think it’s cancer,” she said. “This is exactly how cancer presents itself. We just need to find out what kind of cancer it is, and how aggressive it is.”

I must have looked like a deer in headlights, trying to hold it together and act like a rational human being. The rest of my appointment was a blur, but I did manage to schedule my biopsy for the following morning at 9AM. In fact, I managed to get into my car and call Kayce before I completely broke down. My husband is the love of my life, my better half, my everything--the one person I can be my complete self with and know without a shadow of doubt he will love me unconditionally. Kayce answered the phone in his usual chipper voice, and asked how bad the boob smashing had been.

I managed to get out that it hadn’t gone very well, and that I had actually gotten results back already... and I really started to ugly cry. I choked out that the radiologist was sure I had cancer, and that we had to go back the next day. Kayce, in true Kayce form, told me simply how much he loves me, that I’m his life, I’m his everything.

When I got home, Kayce was waiting for me in the driveway. He held me, and we cried as he told me how much he loved me. I had to pull myself together so I could walk into a house of four

young boys (ages 5, 8, 9, and 13 at the time) and act like everything was perfect. The rest of the evening consisted of dinner, showers, bedtime prayers, and tucking the boys in with extra snuggles and kisses… fighting back tears every single second. Love, I found, is a weapon in a soul’s battle against cancer. My boys and my husband were my rock and my inspiration through it all. Of course, when I eventually had to tell the boys, it was one of the most difficult things I’d ever had to do. My sweet, yet defiant 5-year-old took it the hardest at first, saying, “NO, Momma, you are not going to get sick! NO, you are not allowed to get sick, I don’t want you to get sick!” as he crawled behind the couch, refusing to come out for a while.

That night, my son Ben asked if he could say our evening prayer. His sweet heart had one prayer, for his momma, that Jesus would take this cancer away from me. Holding back tears, I explained to him that, regardless of whatever happens, my love for him will always remain, and that together as a family, with Jesus beside us, we will fight this and win! Walking down the stairs, though, the tears started to flow, and my heart was burdened with the thought of what I would miss out on while going through chemo. How in the world could

we make ends meet--financially and emotionally-and not allow this horrible disease to affect our children anymore than it had to?

Of course, cancer always takes more than we want it to--including innocence and hours of pain and fear. Because of that, I made a decision early on to take every single day as it came, and remind myself that no single day lasted longer than 24 hours, so, regardless of the amount of pain I was feeling or the joy I was experiencing, it was all temporary. I needed to live every hour of life as if it was my last.

The pain was the easy part--it meant I was alive and receiving life-saving medicine. The most difficult part was experiencing the joy. Every giggle from my children, every slow dance in the kitchen with my husband, every late night conversation with my sister; I was experiencing joy like never before. I was feeling emotions that I never realized existed.

I found myself questioning why it took cancer to make me stop and feel all these emotions. Why did it take 38 years to really start living? All of a sudden, I was no longer numb.

My journey, my story… it isn’t that much different from a lot of other survivors. Since that day of diagnosis, I have had too many surgeries to count; six rounds of harsh chemo that caused me to lose my hair, put me into a post-menopausal state, and pumped me full of steroids; 17 rounds of Herceptin infusions; and multiple breast MRI’s, PET scans, ultrasounds and mammograms. Every step along this difficult path, though, I have had an amazing support system and been given new lenses by God to view life through. He provided me with grace when I needed it, limitless vulnerability at my weakest point, strength to focus on the important things in life and the foresight let go of the few things that weren’t necessary. My thankfulness for my life over the past year is evident. Cancer has permanently changed me and, just like with anything in life, easy or difficult, I get the choice of waking up every single day and decide how I will allow my experiences to affect me and every person I touch. I am thankful for my life, my journey, and my future.

www.peekaboonwa.com

19

The Story Behind the Book

I See You by: Meagan Ruffing

Excerpt taken from Chapter 14, “The Beauty Inside” I see Dylan. The real him peeks out from time to time and oh, when he does, I savor every moment. When I see him help a little girl who’s just fallen on the ground to get up and find the items of her backpack strewn about, I see him. When I overhear him telling his baby sister that he loves her, I see him. When I find him opening the back door to let his dog Charlie inside, I know that he cares for his pet.

Through all of the bad, there is good. It’s like God is shining a light through all of the cracks just so that I can see my son. It’s like He’s telling me, as lovingly as He can, “Do you see him? Do you see this beautiful gift I have given you? Go get it. Go get him. And tell him how much he means to you.

Don’t let his behavior mask who I have made him to be. Go and tell him that he is loved more than he will ever know.

Go and hold him, even when he pulls back, because he will remember the mom who tried and not the mom who yelled.

Don’t be afraid to look him in the eyes and tell him you’re proud of him. Take it. Take every chance and every moment I give you to pour endless amounts of love and wisdom and training into that precious little boy. He was mine before he was yours, and I have given him to you only for a short while.

Love him as I have loved you.”

This is one of my favorite parts that I wrote in my new book, I See You. It is the perfect snapshot of how I feel most every day. Each day is a struggle. A struggle not just for Dylan, but for me and his dad.

For his sisters Hannah and Elinor. It’s rare that you will see all five of us out together, enjoying a meal or taking in the beautifully warm surroundings of fall. It’s just too much sometimes. We never know if he will be compliant Dylan or out-of-control Dylan.

20 October 2016

I wrote this book because I felt overwhelmed. I still do feel overwhelmed from time to time, but writing my thoughts down meant that they were a reality and I could be honest with the world about what our family was going through. There was a season in my life when I could not sleep.

It was as if God was trying to tell me something every time I put my head on my pillow. I felt drawn to write in the middle of the night and through the night until the morning light. Three days later, this book was written in its entirety. I felt like a huge weight had been lifted from me and I could breathe again. And thankfully, I could sleep through the night again.

Going through all of my old journal entries, and rereading dozens of doctors’ notes, therapy notes, and occupational therapy handouts, reminded me of just how far our family had come. There are no more days of wondering what is going on with Dylan. There are no more outbursts from me as his mother saying, “How can I help him?” I know how to help him.

I told my husband the other day, I know Dylan like the back of my hand. I know Dylan better than he knows himself. I know his quirks. I know his mannerisms.

I know when he’s tired, when he’s hungry, when he’s anxious.

I know when he’s feeling left out, confused, or not himself. I know when he’s feeling hurt and

scared. I also know when life just feels overwhelming to him, and that’s my cue as his mom to swoop in and provide him with the tools necessary to help him work through his moment.

Our lives are still different from day to day, but they are a million times better knowing that there are ways to help Dylan. I’ve learned that taking care of myself is just as important, which is why I started my website, www. meaganruffing.com, where you can go and read about our ups and downs. I talk about things that help us--things that might help you, too. I give encouragement in my monthly (sometimes weekly) email blasts that include parenting tips and tricks, and real life examples of what might help you and other families who are experiencing something overwhelming.

It can be lonely. This parenting thing is tough. It’s even harder when you have a child who doesn’t quite fit in the box that you had pre-made for him. It gets even lonelier when you receive a diagnosis--or several for that matter. I wanted to create a safe place for moms to go where they could be themselves...

Where they could reach out for help and not feel judged.

I wanted to share my story so that other women would know that they are exactly the mom that God designed them to be, and to encourage them to really believe that.

Parenting journalist, author, and speaker, Meagan Ruffing enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. Her articles can be seen in regional parenting publications all over the United States and in Canada. “I See You” is available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes & Noble.com, Booksamillion.com, and meaganruffing.com.

Check Meagan’s website for current speaking events and daily encouragement.

Every family picture posted on social media, or framed and hanging in the hallway, has a story behind it - a “real” story. A picture is worth a thousand words, but the outtakes are worth even more!

! s e k a OU i i

Sometimes Finding that Perfect Pose is a bit Tricky

The Geels Family Photo by Lazer Lee Photography

Camdyn And Korbin Stewart Photo by Lazer Lee Photography

For your next photo shoot, keep baby calm with the new NUK® Airflow Orthodontic Pacifier

NUK® Magic 360 10 Ounce Cup keeps kids’ picture day clothes mess-free. Magically drink from any edge, like a regular cup, without the worries of spills or messes. Great for transitioning to an adult cup.100% leak-proof and spill-proof, guaranteed! NUK® is the only cup that uses WOW technology, which means less parts and won’t leak.

Perfect for your little one during teething. The multiple textures soothes baby’s sore gums.

NUK® Cool Critters Washcloth Teether

www.nuk-usa.com Available at

Tommy and Steven Kenyon

Connor Clark 4th Grade

Sometimes you get an outtake becuase...

You don’t want to be hit by a baseball ...

NUK® Bottle with Perfect Fit™ Nipple provides a natural way to bottle feed your growing baby. 9 out of 10 babies accept, based on research among NUK® users.

or wear a chicken suit...

NUK® Disney Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse 5-oz Learner Cup, Silicone Spout, BPA-Free Spill-proof, soft spout is designed to be gentle on gums and no spills mean no messes on picture day clothes.

or get eaten by a tiger.

If you would like to be a part of the November Outtakes, email editor@peekaboonwa.com with the final shot, the fun outtake, and photographer’s name.

Have great shots on your camera or phone? We want to see those, too!

The

by: Chelsea Whitehouse

A

Dragons and SPD

fter many months of wishing and hoping,​ plenty of ​planning​,​ and ​numerous ​medical visits​,​my husband and I were finally able to surprise our 9​-​year​-​old and our big​extended​ family with a positive pregnancy test! Little did we know, our much hoped-for little one would actually be TWO little ones--we were expecting twins! They were to be one boy and one girl, quickly and conjointly nicknamed “The Dragons” from our first ultrasound on.

The morning after Christmas, 36 weeks into my pregnancy, my labor started. Within hours, Waylon Luke and Mackenzie Leigh were brought into our world, making our little family of three a big family of five in just minutes! Overall, our twins were healthy, but we struggled through temperature regulation, feeding issues, reflux, and the infamous colic over the next couple of months... all of which we attributed to their small size, early delivery and lack of development. We endured many months of doctor visits, and altered our diets constantly trying to figure out what was causing to colic, but in the end our pediatrician couldn’t give us any

26 October 2016

answers. They advised us that the kids would likely just grow out of it, and that “If they aren’t getting better by a year, we’ll look into it.” I believed our doctor, because Mackenzie seemed to be getting better, but I still felt worried about Waylon, who was still inconsolable many times during the evenings. His colic would get better, then worse, then better again, and back and forth.

Around their first birthdays, we started noticing that our twins were struggling with everyday activities like getting in and out of the car seat, being strapped in to the stroller and visiting family and friends. Mackenzie would get very upset if her hands were dirty, or if we tried to take her outside without shoes on. She was clingy and clumsy, and seemed to fall a lot when the ground levels would change. She was also very sensitive to heat. They were both struggling with learning to talk, and had what seemed to be a severe form of stranger anxiety. In fact, both babies were scared to death of elderly people, anyone new, or anyone with glasses. Every time we would visit the doctor’s office, they would both scream and flail their arms and legs around from our first step inside until we left and got back in the car. Then, once safe inside, they would both take a big breath and stop crying completely. I knew that children are generally afraid of new people and different situations, but this was something else.

Waylon still struggled much more than Mackenzie.

He would have meltdowns that varied from a high pitch scream, to what looked like a 3-yearold’s temper tantrum. He would flail on the floor, screaming for attention, or he would want to be held, but dove out of your arms when you held him. At 13 months, I didn’t feel like he was old enough to understand that type of cause and effect or think that way. Waylon couldn’t seem to

stay still, either, and would run what seemed like 100 miles an hour all day until he crashed, and would sleep for hours until we woke him. He would scream like he was in pain anytime we went into an elevator, small store or office, but would be okay in Walmart or Target. When a meltdown would start, Waylon would close his eyes, flail and scream in pain, and it seemed as if he couldn’t hear me. It was like he had two different channels: one, where he was having an outburst, super rambunctious, and throwing toys, slamming cabinets, jumping off the back of the couch, or sitting in the floor yelling just to hear himself; or he was doing nothing, either asleep or zoned out. Throughout all of this, our pediatrician kept telling me that this behavior was all normal, and that both of my kids would would grow out of it.

When they were 14 months old, I had finally had it, and started calling daily and taking Waylon in for every little thing. Finally, the pediatrician gave me a referral for a speech evaluation. We met with an amazing speech therapist in Rogers, who noticed immediately what I had been seeing for months. She asked so many accurate questions that it seemed like she was inside my mind, and with us every day during our daily struggles. “Does he make loud noises for no reason?” she asked,

“Scream high pitch just to hear himself?” “Does she act like the grass is hurting her? And hate to be dirty?” “Does he struggle and alligator roll like that every time you change his diaper? ” “Does she seem anxious in new situations?” Every question was spot on. I was amazed.

After spending only 15 minutes with Waylon and Mackenzie, she told me she believed they were having problems processing sensory input. She then referred us to an Occupational Therapist and a Physical Therapist. We spent the next month in evaluations and testing for both babies.

Every therapist or specialist I met would ask questions, and pointed out things confirming

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Sensory Processing Disorder is a person’s daily life when sensory signals

what I had thought I was imagining or exaggerating. Every therapist, nurse, and specialist we have seen have all said the same thing: “You did the right thing for you and your kids by following your gut.” The first time we saw the Occupational Therapist was the first time in a year I remembered fully relaxing. She was so good with Waylon, and knew exactly how to interact and play with him without making him uncomfortable. She explained to us what the other therapist meant by ‘sensory processing problems,’ and said that, in her opinion, Waylon had severe enough problems processing the sensory input he was receiving that she wanted to treat him for Sensory Processing Disorder, or SPD. During our first session, the Occupational Therapist performed the ‘Wilbarger brushing technique’ on Waylon. It was like magic, and changed his entire daily struggle for the next few months. Though the kids grew out of that particular technique, the information and assistance that I received from their therapists, plus all the research I did at home, has made a world of difference.

Sensory Processing Disorder is a neurological condition that can disrupt a person’s daily life when sensory signals don’t get organized appropriately.

Meaning, when the nervous system receives a message from one of their senses, like touch, it isn’t processed correctly, causing a neurological “traffic jam” that prevents certain parts of the brain from receiving the information needed correctly. This causes a person challenged with SPD who is performing everyday tasks to show motor clumsiness, behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, school failure, feeding problems, and harm or pain.

From what we have learned, there are two main types of children with SPD: a seeker/understimulated child, or an avoider/over-stimulated child. Waylon is a “seeker,” meaning that his body isn’t getting enough stimulation, so he goes looking for it. His body is in constant need of input, and isn’t satisfied with typical input. Thus, he has an outburst if he can’t find a way to get it. It’s kind of like when a child has been cooped up inside for too long, and needs to get outside to run some energy off--but with Waylon, it’s like he is never able to run off the energy. Mackenzie most likely

neurological condition that can disrupt a don’t get organized appropriately.

is an “avoider,” where she could have a meltdown because she is getting way too much stimulation, and her nervous system is overloaded. Their outbursts look the same, but their conditions are handled a little differently. As far as helping Mackenzie and Waylon deal with their SPD, their occupational therapy aims basically to make them uncomfortable in a controlled, safe setting. Then, their therapist helps them work through the situation, so that the next time they’re put in that kind of situation, it’s less stressful.

We now believe that the twins’ colic was actually their way of telling us something was off--that their bodies were truly struggling to process their surroundings. Our twins have benefited so much, in just a year and a half, from both therapy and implementation of a ‘sensory diet.’ We used to have daily struggles, but our incidents have become less and less frequent over time. Of course, sometimes Waylon just can’t wear his left sock or his right shoe, and sometimes someone looks at him too long and he growls like a dinosaur. Sometimes Mackenzie has to have her hands washed after each bite of eating something slimy, or we have to cover her car seat because it’s too hot in January. Waylon still needs to wear his compression vest once a week--even three times in one day if he needs it. Occasionally, the way for him to get through all the stimulation in Walmart is to lay down on the cold floor and cry for a few minutes. We take so many of our days hour by hour, but, overall, the good outweighs the hard.

The long hours of doctor visits, testing, therapy, and trips to the Children’s Hospital have been worth it. Waylon has learned to let us know when he needs more input, and Mackenzie is becoming more tolerant of her surroundings and, miracle of miracles, is even getting to where she enjoys getting a little messy!

My number one piece of advice for any parents that see these kind of symptoms in their kids would be: follow your gut, and get them checked out. Also, for everyone, keep in mind when you see a child struggling at the store, or a parent giving into a whiny request, that those children might not be as spoiled as you think. Sometimes, parents just have to choose their battles, and what they did was best for their baby. For us, every step forward is celebrated in our house, and we keep in mind always that “Our dragons aren’t giving us a hard time... they are having a hard time.”​

Woodland Research Northwest 609 W. Dyke Rd. | Rogers, AR 72758 www.woodlandintlresearchgrp.com

Northwest Health System

New Breast Cancer Treatment Option Now Available in NWA

F

our breast cancer patients in Northwest Arkansas were the first to be treated using a new approach for breast cancer radiation therapy in recent months, significantly shortening their treatment time from four weeks to five days.

“This technology is new to this area,” Christopher Menendez, MD, FACS breast surgeon says. “It is not a replacement for traditional radiation therapy.

However, for a certain type of patient in the early stages of breast cancer, it is an option that can shorten the time for treatment.”

The treatment follows the removal of a cancerous lump called a lumpectomy.

Following the lumpectomy, the closed applicator is inserted into the lumpectomy cavity through a single incision or as a post-operative procedure.

Once the applicator is placed in the cavity, the device is expanded, conforming to the walls of the cavity. With the close proximity of the catheters to the targeted tissue, the radiation dose in each catheter can be modified to protect healthy tissues and organs such as skin, lung and heart. Typically, treatment is twice a day for five days. The catheter is then removed from the patient’s breast.

“By delivering the radiation precisely where it is needed most, the approach minimizes exposure to healthy tissue, decreasing toxicity and lowering the risk of cosmetic side effects for the patient,” Menendez explains. “This type of radiation therapy is ideal for patients with early stage breast cancers.

Studies have shown that the results from this form of treatment are comparable to traditional wholebreast irradiation.”

32 October 2016

Dr. Menendez points out that this option is not appropriate for every breast cancer patient. Careful consideration is taken to determine eligibility for each patient, and coordination with his office and the radiation oncology team is very important.

But for those who are candidates, this option offers an alternative regimen that can dramatically reduce the time for treatment and allow patients to get back to their lives faster.

All four of Dr. Menendez’s patients are doing well post treatment. Mary Suntken is one of his patients.

“I had a great experience with the treatment, and I’m very happy to complete my radiation therapy in less than one week,” Suntken says. “I’m glad Dr. Menendez and Highlands Oncology offers this as an option.”

Menendez explains that he was introduced to this technology while doing his residency in Dallas.

“It is exciting to offer this alternative to my patients here in Northwest Arkansas who are candidates because their course of treatment is so dramatically reduced,” He says.

Locally, Dr. Menendez inserts the catheters in his patients in his office. The patient then visits Highlands Oncology (HOG) for the radiation uploads twice a day for five days.

For more information, call 479-876-8028 or visit www.nwabreastcare.com

LEADING THE WAY IN EARLY CHILDHOOD

Est. 2016

Infant through Pre-K & After School Program

At Beacon Preparatory Academy, our mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for universal competitiveness by cultivating and promoting educational excellence. Our goal is to enable every child with the right tools to build a foundation for success.

We also believe the most important beginning of a child’s life starts with the love and security given by loving parents. Although we can’t take the place of a parent, we are committed to providing a loving environment and early education experience for your child while they are in our school.

Beacon Preparatory Academy takes great pride in the fact that collectively, management and partners bring over 75 years of experience to service the Bentonville area.

For more information on

Education Excellence Guarantee, or to schedule

a facility tour and learn about our Pre-Enrollment Benefits, visit us at: www.beaconprep. net or email us at info@ beaconprep.net

What Sets Us Apart

Our facility is designed to grow with your child until they are ready to go to kindergarten. We have a 15,000 square foot facility with 10 classrooms designed for transitions as your child develops in age and educational growth.

Once your child is in the Pre-K wing (older twos and up) they will begin to participate in our rotation concept. This concept was developed by Mrs. Rosalia in 2004 for the Bearfoot Lodge Schools in Texas. Our innovative rotation concept will include Math/Science, Phonological awareness, PE/ Music, Spanish/Art and the Technology room. The Technology room will be their favorite, hands-down. We have Little Scholar Tablets, an educational tablet for children featuring reading, math, spelling, science, logic, geography, creativity and more! We have all-in-one computers where the children are introduced to Tech Basics, featuring an amazing 65-inch interactive smart board that provides endless learning opportunities for your children.

At Beacon Preparatory Academy, we empower our students and teachers for success by implementing a strong curriculum from infancy to Pre-K. From the first day of enrollment to the day they embark onto their big school adventure, your child will be continuously learning with the same educational goals and milestones as they transition developmentally. Our Proprietary Curriculum along with the High Reach Curriculum enables your child’s teachers to excel by using their individual teaching styles to implement and prepare lesson plans and activities.

The focus of our curriculum is enhanced by our “Guided Compass Learning” – another Top of Class program with 25 years of success that ensures every student is exposed to the highest quality learning.

“Camp Buccaneer” is an unrivaled after school, summer and holiday program for children, from kindergarten through 12 years of age. We also have an indoor area that promotes gross motor development through the multi-activity sports court area and interactive rock climbing wall Our natural playground design is the largest exclusive pre-school playground in the area. It includes a garden that will be planted and tended by students from beginning to end. This enables our students to have a first-hand

www.beaconprep.net educational foundation found nowhere else. Our specifically constructed outdoor play areas focus on interaction with nature. With the unique playground equipment, we also recognize the importance and value of playing with water, mud, and digging--things that make children happier.

Our unique building design helps to relieve stress, minimize separation anxiety and promote learning and creativity. We have a state-ofthe-art security system, with motion activation for indoor and outdoor security and onsite surveillance monitoring to ensure your child’s safety and protection is our priority at all times. Every classroom has private access coded entry doors and media service capabilities.

Our Proprietary Learning Concepts in partnership with High Reach • Allows for your child’s interests to be taken into daily learning by allowing children to explore and develop individualized steps for learning.

• Allows your child to learn through many different methods and types of learning interactions, so that the brain creates multiple connections for memory and application • Will help your child learn many subjects including: literacy, math, science, creativity, problem-solving and independence.

• Allows families to be connected with their child’s learning by applying what is learned in class to the community around them • Enables your child to learn and grow in a fun and interactive way so they will want to come to school and tell you all about their days!

meet our staff Rosalia Williams - Owner/Operator of Beacon Preparatory Academy Getting to Know Mrs. Rosalia: Mrs. Rosalia has always had a passion for early childhood education. From early beginnings as a preschool teacher for one of the largest corporate-owned day cares, Mrs. Rosalia made it a personal goal to always ensure that every child received the best.

After only one year with the company, Mrs. Rosalia was promoted as Director of a school that was in critical need of TLC and had very low enrollment. Mrs. Rosalia became completely invested in revamping the school, training new staff and involving the community to rebuild success and confidence. Most importantly, Mrs. Rosalia made sure that the curriculum was being implemented and that every child had the opportunity to advance in their own educational growth.

Within one year the school was thriving, running at capacity, and students were excited to learn.

From that point on it became her personal mission to go into schools that were not performing to the company’s expectations and help management become successful, as well as implement a strong curriculum for the children. In 1994, she was vital part in the introduction of Whistle Stop Station Private School, one of the first theme concept schools in Texas. She assisted in the opening and running of 3 more schools within the next 5 years. Rosalia supervised Whistle Stop Private schools as area manager before joining Bearfoot Lodge Private School in 2004, where she remained until July of 2016.

Wendy Rhodes - Director and Owner/Operator of Beacon Preparatory Academy Getting to Know Mrs. Wendy: Mrs. Wendy is a devoted wife of 16 years to her best friend and love of her life, and also has the privilege of being a mother to two sons: Memphis (15) whom she calls the “heart and soul” of the family, and Phoenix (9) who is the “light and joy” of their lives.

Mrs. Wendy has taught children ages 6weeks to 12 years while working at Whistle Stop Station Private School, in Texas. Some of Mrs. Wendy’s daily responsibilities while working in childcare included: staff training, diverse teaching at all age groups, curriculum development, communication with parents, and overseeing daily schedules. Additionally, 5 out of the 10 years with Whistle Stop, her main job was to prepare students for kindergarten.

After taking some time to have a family, Mrs. Wendy went on to work as an Executive Assistant for the CEO, CFO and Vice President of an oil company in During Ms. Wendy’s last 1.5 years with the company, she became the sole employee of the company due to bankruptcy. She adopted the responsibilities independently, including accounting tasks, and solely executed actions, which had required a 10-person team under the supervision of the US Trustee’s Office.

Her 10 years of personal teaching experience, knowledge of time management and the ability to lead and motivate staff were the primary reasons she was elected for this position as Director of Beacon Preparatory Academy.

Alex Kilgo - Assistant Director of Beacon Preparatory Academy Getting to Know Ms. Alex: Ms. Alex was born and raised in Texas and came to Arkansas for college in 2008. She worked as a summer coordinator for a gym program for three years, coordinating daily schedule, safety training, healthy cooking classes, physical education classes, and daily operations needs. She played high school golf and went to state two years in a row as the elected Varsity Captain.

She graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education with minors in ESL and Special Education from the University of Arkansas.

Ms. Alex has worked as a pre-school teacher for the last 4 years. Some of her responsibilities besides teaching Jr. Kindergarten were coordinating special educational programs and supervising the after school program.

Two in Heaven...

And Two on Earth by: Dusty and Michelle Hurst

O

ur story entails so much – from infertility, to loss, to, ultimately… happiness.

No couple wants to face infertility, but that was where we found ourselves in 2013 after trying to get pregnant for several months with no success.

We had multiple tests and procedures performed, before ultimately trying in-vitro fertilization (IVF) in May 2014. It was through this process that we were given our four children: two in Heaven and two here with us.

In June 2014, we learned that we were having twins and were absolutely thrilled. We had always joked about how twins would be so much fun, and secretly hoped for that result from our fertility treatments. So, when that was the result, we could not have been happier. Everything in the pregnancy seemed to be going well. We had a few scares, but nothing significant until a routine doctor appointment when I was 22 weeks pregnant showed that I was essentially in labor. I was dilated to a four and was having steady contractions, but I didn’t realize that that was what was happening at the time. I was quickly admitted to the hospital and administered medicine to try to stop the contractions. Ultimately, those measures were futile, as I delivered our precious twins a few hours later. Chandler Charles was born first, at 3:06 p.m.

He weighed 1 pound 5 ounces, and was 11 1/2 inches long. He was tough and even scored a seven on his APGAR test. Four minutes later, his sister, Paisley Joan arrived. She weighed 14 ounces and was 10 ½ inches long. Just like her brother, she also was a fighter and scored a six on her APGAR test.

I’m not sure if the doctors believed they would survive birth, but they did. They were intubated, and began their short fight. Both babies were strong, and tried hard, but babies born at 22 weeks have less than a 10 percent chance of survival. It was just too early. Paisley passed away on October 21, with her brother following a few hours later on October 22.

Those were the worst three days of our lives. We had faced the loss of grandparents and our own fathers, but nothing compares to the loss of your child, or children in our case. We lived in a fog. It felt like an accomplishment to leave our house to go the mailbox and pick up our mail. Our entire

world crashed when our babies passed away. We struggled with our faith, and didn’t know how we would move forward.

We decided we wanted to do something to help prevent this from happening to other parents, and so began our involvement with the March of Dimes by participating in the March for Babies in April 2015. As parents of infant loss, one of our biggest fears is that our babies will not be remembered, so we wanted to do something in memory of our children. It seemed a natural fit that we would become involved with an organization that researches ways to help prevent premature birth.

We wanted to find a way to help keep Chandler and Paisley’s memory alive and help make sure their little lives mean as much as possible.

Eventually, we were ready to try again for more children and moved forward with fertility treatments once again. From our first IVF cycle,

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ we had three frozen embryos. In May 2015, we been in our situation, we made the decision to seek transferred our first frozen embryo, but sadly, that care from an MFM at St. Luke’s in Kansas City. transfer ended in an early miscarriage, also referred to as a chemical pregnancy. After that, we were left The MFM whose care we sought was very experienced with a with a very tough decision. Our As parents of infant loss, one of our relatively new procedure. two remaining embryos were biggest fears is that our babies will not be They used an Arabin frozen together, and either had which is a ring to be transferred together, or one remembered, so we wanted to do something pessary, around the cervix, to help discarded, which, for us, was not in memory of our children. shift weight off the cervix even a consideration. We were It seemed a natural fit that we would in order to help prevent scared to death of transferring two embryos again. What if both become involved with an organization it from shortening. This procedure has been done that researches ways to help prevent took and my body did the same in Europe for several thing? The guilt I carry from premature birth. years, but is still new going into labor with Chandler and Paisley still haunts me to this day, and I will to the U.S. My local OB was very supportive of always blame myself for their passing away. How me seeking treatment in Kansas City, and so, beginning at 15 weeks, we made bi-weekly trips to could I do that again?

Kansas City for care. I was seen on the off weeks We consulted with our OB, Dr. Hix at Parkhill, as by my local OB, and things went very smoothly well as our fertility doctor, and both gave the advice throughout most of my pregnancy. Both doctors that they would move forward with transferring were very pleased and felt the pessary was doing the two remaining embryos rather than starting what it was meant to do. all over and coming back for those embryos later.

Turn the page ...

We spent a lot of time praying about the decision and weighed all options before ultimately deciding we would transfer our two remaining embryos. It was one of the scariest things we have ever done, but we felt that it was the right decision for us. A few weeks later, we learned that we were expecting twins.

To be honest, when we learned we were expecting twins again, I broke down and cried. I still remember it so vividly. Our doctor played a heartbeat for us. I breathed a sigh of relief, and Dusty said, “Praise God… I assume only one?” To which the doctor replied, “Well… no.” I cried and cried and remember nothing of the appointment from that point on. I was scared to death and knew we couldn’t lose more babies.

After the shock wore off, we began to research prevention of premature birth and treatment for incompetent cervix in twin pregnancies, though we did not know definitively what caused the loss of Chandler and Paisley. Sadly, we had a very hard time finding much information. We called multiple maternal fetal medicine (MFM) doctors (high risk OBs) and time after time, were told that for twins, there was not much to be done but to wait and see because a cerclage (a stitch to close the cervix) was not recommended in twin pregnancies. After further research and gaining information from women that we met through social media who had

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

At 30 weeks, after leaving work early, I felt pain and increased pressure, which led to an ER visit.

I was given antenatal corticosteroids, or steroids, for the development of the babies’ lungs, which is a treatment that is a direct result of research and awareness by the March of Dimes. I was having contractions, which could be stopped by medicine, but these signs of pre-term labor forced me to go on bedrest for the remainder of my pregnancy.

It was only the day before that my OB and I discussed reducing my work hours from over 50 each week to a lesser load. It was very challenging going from working 50+ hour weeks as a CPA to being at home every single day, but an adjustment that was well worth it if it meant keeping the babies in longer!

At 34 ½ weeks, we made one last trip to Kansas City to have the pessary removed, and then, just a few days later, Kanon Rockford and Remington Ann made their appearance at 34 weeks and six days.

Though they still came earlier than we had hoped, they were doing great, and benefited from the steroid injections they had received a few weeks earlier. Kanon and Remi spent 14 days in the NICU. Being NICU parents is tough, and, though this time was entirely different than our previous NICU experience, it was not without its emotional challenges.

It was very hard to be back in the exact place where Chandler and Paisley had passed away. We thank God for the amazing nurses that we had during our time at the Willow Creek NICU, both with Chandler and Paisley, and with Kanon and Remington. It was so surreal to be back there, and be cared for by some of the very same nurses that

had cared for us during the worst days of our life, while this time experiencing the greatest joy we ever had. NICU nurses can truly make or break your NICU stay, and we cannot thank our NICU team more. They understood the feelings and emotions we were experiencing, and were so very empathetic towards us. They allowed us to hold and care for our babies, and, for the first time, experience the joys of parenthood, instead of the sorrows of losing our children.

We learned how to care for our babies from our amazing NICU nurses. It wasn’t without its challenges, as learning to change a diaper with several leads on your baby isn’t something parents typically deal with--but, at the same time, it was absolutely incredible to be there and know our babies were going to be just fine. We spent every minute we could in the NICU for those 14 days, and the day we got to bring our babies home was one of the most joyful and amazing days we could ever imagine.

While having Kanon and Remington at home with us is beyond anything we ever imagined and has helped us heal and brought so much joy to our lives, it is still bittersweet. We miss our Chandler and Paisley every single day, and often times comment about how we should have four babies running around. Our friends still help keep Chandler and Paisley’s memory alive by posting pictures of pink and blue #ChandlerandPaisleyskies to social media whenever they see skies we like to say the babies have painted.

We have been chosen to be the Mission Family for the 2016 March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction, and this opportunity means so much to us. As I said above, becoming involved in the March of Dimes became a passion for us after having Chandler and Paisley and, even more so, with the NICU stay that Kanon and Remington had. This has provided us an avenue to tell our story, and if it helps just one couple going through something similar, then we are so very thankful.

About March of Dimes March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health.

For more than 75 years, moms and babies have benefited from March of Dimes research, education, vaccines and breakthroughs.

For the latest resources and health information, visit our websites: marchofdimes.org and nacersano.org.

Out&About

Fall Events in Northwest Arkansas

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Crystal Bridges Youth and Family Programs 600 Museum Way Bentonville crystalbridges.org Sunday, October 2 12 - 5 p.m.

“Family Day: The Big Draw” Celebrate the art of drawing with your family! Explore fun and unexpected ways to “make your mark” around the Museum with music and more at our fourth annual Big Draw Family Sunday. Expect WAY more than just crayons and paper!Free, no registration required.

October 8, 10 a.m. 11:30 p.m.

“Discover the Grounds: Creepy Crawlers” Discover the native crawlers here in the Ozarks, and how being creepy can actually be a good thing! We’ll discuss the characteristics that make arthropods unique, where to find them, and how to avoid danger when exploring these oftenmisunderstood members of our community. Free, no registration required.

October 12 1 - 2:15 p.m.

Member Fall Picnic at (For 3 to 5 with an adult.)

Experience art with all of your senses! Make art

that creates sound, has yummy scents, and feels fantastic! $30/3 sessions ($24 for Members), register online or by calling Guest Services.

October 13, 11:30 - 2 p.m.

“Preschool Playdate: Music” Make beautiful music at Preschool Playdate! Create art projects that make sound, and enjoy story time and creative play inspired by our permanent collection. Preschool Playdate begins with an 11:30 a.m. performance in the Great Hall.

Free, no registration required.

October 15, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

“Young Artists Class: Wild About Art” (For ages 5 to 10) Join us on a gallery safari to find bears, dogs, horses, and more animals throughout our permanent collection. Back in the studio, you’ll use Model Magic, paint, and other materials to create your own animal artworks. $45/3 Sessions ($36 for Members), register online or by calling Guest Services.

October 22, 7 - 10 p.m.

“Teen Night: Fright at the Museum” High school students from all over Northwest Arkansas are invited to attend our annual Halloween-themed Teen Night, featuring live music, a costume contest, and artmaking. This year, inspired by the exhibition The Art of American Dance, expect LOTS of dancing. Ballet Arkansas dancers will be on hand to teach you new party moves! Free, no registration required.

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The Museum of Native American History Presents A 3 Day Weekend with 5 Special Events. Featuring: Art, Music, Farm to Table Dining and Storytelling Museum of Native American History - Bentonville October 7, 8 and 9 The Art of Native American Jewelry Show and Sale ( Friday, Saturday & Sunday) Children’s Storytime with Miss Sarah on October 8 at 10am.

The Native Music Experience- A Concert with John Two Hawks on October 8 at 5:30pm Downtown Bentonville, Inc. Presents Farm To Table Native Fall Harvest October 9 4pm-6pm

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Homegrown Festival Saturday, October 8 10-5pm Twin Springs Park Siloam Springs The Homegrown Festival showcases locally handmade goods, curated vintage, food trucks, and live music.

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Fall Festival at Hobbs State Park October 2 1-4 p.m.

Hobbs State Park, Rogers Step back in time at the Historic Van Winkle Site for this family fun event. Witness a saw miller, flint knapper, Civil War surgeon, blacksmither, and more! Free admission.

A House In Mourning

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Walnut Farm Fall Family Days

Rogers Histroical Museum October 1, 2016 - November 6, 2016 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

October 22nd 10-2pm 4208 E Central Ave. Bentonville

Take a guided tour of the 1895 Hawkins House in mourning. Learn the mourning customs from the turn-of-the-century.

Pumpkin Patch, Hay Bale Maze, Cake Walk and much more. Please join us for a fabulous fall festival benefiting Walnut Farm Montessori School. We will have a large variety of activities for the kids, along with a pumpkin patch!

We will be holding a raffle with 25 amazing prizes, in honor of our 25th Anniversary!

We will also have delicious lunch and snack options available on site from Arkansas BBQ and Mary’s Little Sweets. tinyurl.com/fallfamilydays

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First Friday- Fall Fest Downtown Bentonville October 7th 12-8pm On the first Friday of every month, Bentonville Square is transformed into a themed community block party with live music, outstanding food, and family friendly activities.

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Ghouly Giggles

The Rodeo of the Ozarks Arts & Craft Fair

October 28 6:30 to 8:30 Little Giggles, Bentonville

Parson’s Stadium, Springdale 3 day event offering indoor and outdoor vendors with a wide array of products. Join us October 13th-15th, 2016 for a festival full of unique handmade items, holiday gifts, edible treats, and so much more!

Toddler Friendly ‘Haunted’ House. Food, candy, games, crafts, costume contests, and more!

Come dressed in your best costume or spookiest costume and win fun prizes, adults too! Admission is $15/ child, Adults are free!

Out&About

Fall Events in Northwest Arkansas

2016 Zombie Epidemic Modern Mission, 3484 E. Joyce Blvd., Fayetteville, 7-11p, Oct. 14-15, 21-22, 28-29

Space is extremely limited. Please reserve your tickets in advance.

Take advantage of our advanced tactical equipment as the zombie battle unit (ZBU) and Vulture teams engage in 4 fierce missions.

Resources are badly needed for both teams in this wasteland. Oh and did we mention Zombies on the battlefield?

Must be at least 12 years old.

Price: $25.00 per person .......................................

Trunk or Treat event Octobery 28th 5-9pm Arvest Ballpark

Wear your costumes & bring your trick-ortreat bags & join the fun! FREE admission, character appearances from Spotlight Characters, bounce house & inflatable obstacle course from 16:9 Entertainment LLC & much more. This is a drop-in event from 5-9. Please reserve your FREE tickets so they will have enough candy for everyone! (one ticket per person in your group, not counting infants) www.eventbrite.com/e/macaroni-kidcommunity-trunk-or-treat-arvest-ballparktickets-27692710643 Rogers

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Library story times:

Bentonville Public Library: bentonvillelibrary.org Fayetteville Public Library: faylib.org Springdale Public Library: springdalelibrary.org Rogers Public Library: rogerspubliclibrary.org Siloam Springs Library: siloamsprings.com

Banshee Manor AtLokomotion Family Fun Center, Fayetteville October 28th -31st 7:00pm - 12:00am $10 per soul

And for the little ones: Banshee Fun Tour (no scares) $5 per person (accompanied by adult) .......................................

CRESCENT GHOST TOUR Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs Through October 31

The haunted hotel where some guests checked out…but never left.

Tour America’s Most Haunted Hotel. Ghost Tours are intended for ages 8 and up. For families with younger children we recommend taking the 7pm ghost tour, which has been designed in a more family friendly manner. .......................................

Trick-or-Treating on the Square At the Farmer’s Market, Bentonville Square, 7:30a-1p, Oct. 29 Goblin Parade, Downtown Rogers, 3:30-5:30p, Oct. 31 Trick-or-Treating on the Square, Fayetteville Square, 3-5p, Oct. 31 .......................................

A Clean Sweep- Make your own Mini Broom Saturday, October 15 10-11am Shiloh Museum - 118 W. Johnson St. Springdale

A Clean Sweep: See how brooms were made as we make brooms from the broom corn grown in our garden. Make your own mini broom.FREE .......................................

Trunk or Treat

First Baptist Church, Rogers fbcrogers.org October 31st 6-8pm Costume contest, candy, games, food and inflatables.

42 October 2016

&Corn Mazes

Pumpkin Patches McGarrah Farms Pick your own pumpkins in the field or a variety of pre-picked pumpkins to choose from. Children’s Mule Train Ride, Tall Grass Maze ,complimentary tractor pulled hay rides, a picnic area, and a hay stacks to play on. They also schedule group functions, birthdays, and school field trips!

Bullwick Farms Pumpkin Patch Pumpkin Patch and Petting Zoo Lots of family fun activities including a corn pit, bouncy house, zorb land ball, picking your own pumpkins and a hilltop hayride. So come on out to enjoy our farm. We’ll treat you like family!

www.mcgarrahfarms.com

www.bullwickfarms.com

Ozark Corn Maze

Legacy Pumpkin Patch

Come get lost with us! Fall family fun. 7.5-acre corn maze (farm scene), 4-acre pumpkin patch, petting zoo, corn cannon, cow train, hay maze, kids’ play area, covered picnic tables, pony rides and helicopter rides (only on certain weekends - watch website and Facebook for dates!).

12880 Hwy 112 Cave Springs

www.ozarkcornmaze.com

Farmland Adventures Giant corn maze, a mini maze, a kid’s play area, pony rides, a petting farm, wagon rides, a pumpkin patch, pig races and campfires.

5355 Parsons Road Springdale (479) 799- 5033

www.farmlandadventures.com Exerter Corn Maze

Corn Maze, Pumpkin Jumps, Zip Line, Pumpkin Cannon, Cowtrain, Lil Kernels Raceway, Petting Zoo, Corn Cannons, The Shootout Shack, Free Campfire Areas, Hayride, Zombie Paintball, The Harvest of Terror, the Haunted Barn and more.

State Hwy MM, Exeter, MO (417) 846-3959

www.exetercornmaze.com

We have over 5 acres of unique and beautiful pumpkins to choose from. We also have corn stalks and gourds. We can help you design your own Fall display. Playhouse village, - hang clothes on the line, dig in the “garden” and more! Corn box, hay rides, hay play and more. We also host birthday parties on the farm! Please contact us for more details.

www.legacypumpkins.com

Annabelle’s Fun Farm Annabelle’s Fun Farm is Northeast Oklahoma Premier family fall destination!

Come enjoy a day of fun at the farm. Take a hayride to the pumpkin patch and pick your own pumpkin from the field. Ride the Annabelle Express mini train, navigate your way through the giant corn maze, mine for gemstones, feed the farm animals, and try your hand at the New 3/D Paint Ball Barn!

www.annabellesfunfarm.com

Riverside Haunt Attractions Lost Corn Maze. Improvised Zombie Shoot and Haunted Warehouse.

haunts.riverside-entertainment.com

Out&About

Fall Events in Northwest Arkansas

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5K and Family Fun Walk D.E.B. Project October 15 Grace Point Church BENTONVILLE www.debproject.com

DEB Project H2O (Help 2 Others) 5k run and walk. This event will help raise money for children in need in NW Arkansas and bring awareness of Foster Care/Children in need in our community.

The event will be held on Saturday, October 15, at Grace Point Church, 1201 NE McCollum Drive, Bentonville. The event will kick off at 7 a.m. with a 5k followed by the family fun walk at 8:30 a.m. ........................................

Haunted Night on the Battlefield Prairie Grove Battlefield Battlefield Park Saturday, October 29 7:00 - 9:30pm

This event will include a self-guided tour of informational booths and a historical scene around the Borden House area.

This park is on the land of an actual Civil War battle and has many Civil War era buildings. Visitors will find stations that focus on different aspects of the history of the battle,

some folklore and findings we’ve uncovered during our research, as well as local paranormal investigator booths. You can still take a walk around the park trail... if you dare. Free kettle corn and hot cider will be served. A formal presentation of the battle by park staff will be at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. $2 Adults, $1 Child (3-12). www. arkansasstateparks.com .......................................

Fayetteville Literacy Festival True Lit October 17 - 27 Fayettevill Public Library

Visiting authors, workshops, presentations, publishing tips and much more! .......................................

Treats at the Tracks Family Carnival Oct. 28 - 6:30pm Arkansas Missouri Railroad SPRINGDALE

This event will provide a fun, safe place for families to come trick-ortreat on the Train, enjoy carnival games and hay rides, listen to live music and more. There will also be a haunted train for the older kids. Admission is $5 and kids 2 and under are free. Money raised benefits House of Hope Rescue Mission in Springdale.*The train will be stationary; this is not a train ride.Admission is $5.00 (Kids 2yrs and under are Free). .......................................

Call the Hogs The Dickson Street Parade and Homecoming Pep Rally see

the Arkansas Spirit Squads, Razorback Marching Band, Homecoming Court, Greek Floats and more. .......................................

Little Sprouts FinaleCostume Parade Botanical Gardens Wednesday, October 26 10:15-10:45

Little Sprouts is a weekly event at the Botanical Gardens with a fun learning activity for kids each week from May though October.

Each week we sing songs, read a story & do crafts. Themes are designed to coincide with the seasons and plants at the gardens.

This one is the finale for the season and it’s a costume parade through the garden! Bring a bag or bucket for trick-or-treat! .......................................

Halloween Bash at the Princess Party Palace October 22 5pm PrincessPartyPalaceNWA.com Fayetteville

Spooktacular photo booth Fun games such as Snow White’s Apple Toss, Haunted Witch’s’ hate ring toss, and Halloween Bingo, Cinderella’s Pumpkin Craft, Popcorn Bar full of your favorite candy toppings, Cookie Decorating, Glitter Tattoos, Halloween story, Monster Mash! .......................................

Puppets in the Park

Hosted by The Art Experience October 22 9am-6pm Wilson park

www.davidadams.com

100 West Center, Ste 101 Fayetteville 479-444-7778

46 October 2016

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Meet the

Holstein Family

Story by: Haley Holstein • Photo credit: Sixth + Burnside Photography lmost five years ago, Rex and I felt pulled of Children and Family Services does not to grow our family in a non-traditional get involved unless there is abuse, neglect or way. We felted called to adopt a child. Our abandonment. The children are always the friends suggested numerous countries in victims. which to inquire. It seemed the farther away, the more positive comments were given. A set of twin boys was our longest lasting However, we both felt strongly that we should placement. Although we worked towards help a local child. Maybe my background in reunification for more than a year, we did so education was what sparked it, or maybe it knowing we would be the concurrent plan for was just something I can’t quite explain. The DCFS. Foster care is a world that usually lacks more we discussed adopting from the state, the permanence. So many children face multiple comments we received were not as positive or moves while in care, and we wanted to avoid supportive. Regardless, Rex and I began the that for as many children as we could that we fostered. Even though the twins were young state’s application process in 2011. when we picked them up, we were their third We started the process blindly. Thank goodness home, third set of parents and another instant for Google! One early search connected me to a transition. faith-based nonprofit, The CALL, in Arkansas.

The Benton County affiliate was fairly new in We are so happy to have our sons and to have NWA. However, Ann Meythaler, the County followed this path for growing our family. Are Coordinator, answered many questions over they perfect? No, but they are God’s children the phone and guided us through the first and deserving of a forever family. I cannot steps. We trained in May 2012 and our hearts imagine our life without them. The twins keep changed. That summer we decided to become us on our toes, usually in opposite directions, foster parents instead. During our 1,000 days of and we are so very thankful for our sons. Their fostering, we helped three children in the area story is not as easy as our older children’s. We don’t know all the details of their birth or the and several foster homes with respite. early months. That’s not important, looking My heart is so heavy with the stigma attached back now. What is important is that Braxton to foster care... Specifically that the child is and Hayden have a place forever in our hearts, somehow at fault. Arkansas’ DHS Division in our family and in our home.

A

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www.thecallinarkansas.org

www.peekaboonwa.com

49

i It’s twins! by: Andi brown

Life was, and seemingly always would be, all business and not a ton of play for my husband and me. Honestly, Randy and I never really planned, thought, or even talked about having a family together. We truly enjoyed our lives together, and didn’t think we’d want to have it any other way. We had been married for 10 years, continuously operating businesses around NWA, when one day I felt a little off. I ignored it for about two weeks before deciding that I might need to get checked out. Little did I know that that little “check up” would turn out to be the shock of my life. The doctor promptly informed me that I was pregnant, crowing, “Congratulations! You’re having a baby!” I felt everything from shock and amazement to worry and wonder as I left the doctor’s office, forever changed.

When I shared the news with an equally surprised Randy, we, ever the planners and doers, set about talking about what kind of family we wanted to have. We together decided that we wanted our new bundle of joy to be a little girl in our heart of hearts--but, of course, we would be happy with whatever God blessed us with. We really wanted to share the moment of finding out the gender of our new baby with our family and closest friends, so we hosted a ‘gender reveal party.’ We had close to 35 guests attend, all patiently waiting downstairs to hear whether this was a new baby girl or a boy.

Meanwhile, Randy, my mom, and I were upstairs with the two nurses that own ‘Baby Faces and More.’ I was nervous from the get-go, mostly because I was about to see my baby for the first time, but also because, since my Grandma Micki was a twin, my chances were pretty high

50 October 2016

for having twins myself. When the nurses put their machine on my tummy, they immediately pulled it right back off. My mom,yelled, “IT’S TWINS!” and all I could say was, “...huh.” One of the nurses looked at me and said, “Yeah, girl!

You have two babies in there!” “Huh...” was my wordy and eloquent reply. Randy, definitely on my level in that moment, could only reply with a nervous laugh. Deciding to go with it, I immediately decided that, if this was my future, I wanted a girl AND a boy. Why not?

After all that commotion, we still hadn’t found out the sex of the babies yet. We all went downstairs with our guests to watch a video of the ultrasound together. My mom announced to the room that we were definitely having two babies, and everyone was fairly shocked, though a few said that they knew I was having two little ones all along. Waiting on the verdict while watching the video seemed to take forever, though we did have some excellent entertainment while we waited, watching the babies play, blow bubbles, and move. Finally, our answer was typed on the screen: “BABY A... Boy.” Everyone cheered, then quieted to read “BABY B... Girl!” and then we all just cried. The Brown household was never the same after that! On April 6, 2012, Ayden and Emerie made their grand entrances, with as much drama as they could muster. Ayden weighed 5.5 lbs, while Emerie weighed 4.3 lbs.

Needless to say, our lives are now “Play, Play, Play with a side of business...” and we wouldn’t want it any other way! We are so excited to take the kids to see the world. They’ve already been to some exciting places, with their favorites being Disneyworld and Legoland. Every day is an adventure with our two beautiful kids, who blessed the Brown house almost five years ago.

Dad’s View

with Ben

Dad On, Dad Off A

long time ago in a state far, far away (okay, Texas) I used to be a below-average golfer. Today, I’m beyond terrible, but that’s another story for another day. Just a word of caution – if you see me on the course, there isn’t a spot where you are “in the clear...” kind of like if an asteroid hits the Earth-there isn’t a minimum safe distance.

But, I’m already off track. I only mention my golf career because I was watching the PGA Championship earlier this year, and saw Jason Day do something that just boggled my mind.

Quick background: Jason Day is an Australian golfer who is one of the new, young guns of the PGA (Professional Golfers Association to you bowlers out there). He’s stupid-good and could easily beat me playing blind-folded, left-handed, on his knees while giving me 5 strokes a side. Jason Day is also father to a 4-year-old son and a 1-yearold daughter.

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Mr. Day was among the leaders at this year’s PGA Championship. Again, if you aren’t into golf, let me explain the PGA Championship: In the world of golf, there are four big tournaments, and the PGA Championship is one of them. It is like the Super Bowl for golf; however, in golf they get to have four Super Bowls per year (those Scots knew what they were doing!). Jason finished the last hole by making a very long putt, and it looked like he might win, or at least tie. He gave a huge fist pump and slammed his caddy’s hand with a vicious, wrist-breaking high five. Jason was on fire, emotionally pumped, ready to battle and completely in the zone. As he stomped off the green with his chest puffed out, his son ran up to him. You could tell from the child’s facial expression he was desperate to see his pops, craved his father’s attention and did not know nor care about what was going on – he just wanted his dad. Jason immediately slowed his pace, knelt down, picked his son up and began calmly and lovingly speaking to him.

Folks, to me, that is amazing. He was able to adjust his demeanor by180 degrees in a split second. Sure, he can hit a golf ball from Johnson to Jonesboro, but this was even more impressive. As a working dad, there is no way I could do this. Put my kids directly in front of me seconds after I walk out of a Walmart/Vendor Negotiation Cage Match and I’d roll over them like a ton of tanks. If I tried that sort of quick behavioral switch, it would be akin to revving a Ferrari up to 150 mph and then throwing it into reverse. Bad things man… bad things.

But Jason reminded me of an important lesson. You don’t have the option to be “dad on, dad off.” Once you are a dad, you are always a dad. Every day. Every night. 24 hours, seven days a week.

That’s not always so easy, especially when you’re new to the whole ‘dad’ thing. There’s not really an orientation time or grace period. One day you aren’t; the next you are. Example: Upon learning that my wife was expecting our first child, I wasn’t sure how to act, so I became her own personal

Terminator. I always walked in front of her and cleared anything in her path – be it animal, vegetable or mineral, man, woman or child – to make sure nothing got within 10 feet of her and my unborn child. Somebody should have seriously smacked some sense into me, but at that time my nerves were so amped that it probably wouldn’t have been a good idea.

Fast forward to the third child, and I remember kicking back and having a coffee with the doctor outside of my wife’s delivery room as she screamed “GET THIS THING OUT OF ME NOW.” We chuckled a bit and decided we better send the anesthesiologist in first. But, once again, I’m off track.

You see fellas, in good times and in bad, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, in the boardroom or on the ball field, once you are a dad, you are always a dad. Doesn’t matter if you are a drummer or a doctor, a farmer or a pharmacist, a golfer or a geologist – once you are a father, that is your full-time job. Is it tougher than being a rocket scientist? Absolutely! Is it more fulfilling than winning the lottery? For sure! Is it better than being James Bond? ...Probably.

www.peekaboonwa.com

55

Your Guide to The Mumps

by: Dr. Susan Averitt and Staci Graber, APN Best start pediatric

As I am writing this article, there is an outbreak of mumps in the Springdale area with more than ninety cases under investigation.

Mumps is generally very rare in the United States.

Most cases are brought to the U.S. via international travel. This is the first significant outbreak I have experienced in my sixteen years as a pediatrician.

It serves as a reminder of the importance of immunization. We cannot assume that our children are not at risk because the diseases are rare. If we become complacent regarding immunization, we will see a resurgence of diseases thought to be nearly eliminated.

Mumps is a contagious virus spread by airborne particles, such as when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Possible symptoms of the virus include fever, swollen glands below the ears or jaw on one or both sides, headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite, and tiredness. Possible symptoms of These symptoms may last the virus include fever, for 7-10 days. In many swollen glands below children mumps can be the ears or jaw on one mild, but rarely infection or both sides, headache, can cause serious or muscle aches, loss of lasting problems such appetite, and tiredness. as meningitis, deafness, These symptoms may inflammation of the last for 7-10 days. brain, swelling of the testicles in older boys and swelling of the ovaries or breasts in older girls.

The infected person is contagious before swollen glands appear and for five days afterward. The time between exposure and illness is 12-25 days.

The best way to protect against the mumps is

to receive the recommended doses of MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccine. Vaccination against mumps is only available in the U.S. in this combination. Two doses of MMR vaccine carry an 88% likelihood of being protected from mumps.

Although it is still possible to get mumps when fully immunized, it is more likely to have a milder case because of being vaccinated.

Children receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine at age twelve months. The second dose is routinely given at age four. Children who are older than four who have not been vaccinated need one dose of MMR followed by a second dose at least four weeks later. A second dose for children between one and four can be administered early in certain conditions. This might be when there is a case of mumps at the child’s daycare or when a child lives in crowded conditions. Adults born before 1957 are considered to be immune to mumps and do not need the vaccine. Children under the age of one are relatively protected from mumps by transfer of maternal antibodies during pregnancy. These antibodies decrease significantly after age 6 months.

Other ways to prevent against the spread of mumps (and other viruses) include frequent handwashing, covering your mouth when sneezing or coughing, and staying home with any fever over 100.4 until fever has resolved for at least 24 hrs. The Health Department is maintaining a count of infected individuals and updating recommendations as new cases come to light. If there are mumps cases in schools during an outbreak, unimmunized children will be required to receive the MMR vaccine immediately or stay out of school for 26 days. For more information, please contact your primary care provider or local health department.

by: Jenni Cox

Northwest Arkansas is WHAT is Bentonville ROCKS?

Rocking!

Bentonville Rocks is an ongoing community scavenger hunt and art project. Once you get involved, you find, share, and hide beautiful painted rocks around the community. It’s easy and fun to participate. When you find a Bentonville ROCKS rock, you upload a picture of the rock, along with a short description of where you found it, to the Facebook group so we can all enjoy the find. Then, you re-hide for the next person to find! Hints for new locations are always appreciated.

WHEN? Bentonville ROCKS began when I was inspired by my friend Jennifer Helvey’s creation of the Bella Vista ROCKS group in early July. I knew this would be a great project for Bentonville, so, I grabbed a bucket of rocks, started painting, and launched the BR Facebook group on July 15th. I added about 40 of my local friends--chiefly those who I thought would enjoy this kind

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of activity--to the group Then, I hid the rocks I’d created around town, uploading pictures and hints to their location in the process.

Amazingly, about a week after starting the group, we were already up to 198 members.

That Thursday, I wrote a post encouraging people to share the group with local friends

and family, in hopes that we would reach 250 members by Sunday. I was blown away by the response, as there were over 1,000 members by Saturday! My excitement quickly turned to panic when I started thinking about all of the rocks I would need to paint to keep up with the demand.

Thankfully, it wasn’t long before people started getting involved themselves.

Individuals hosting painting parties with their friends and neighbors, organizations like Girl Scouts and 4H started painting together, and, once school started back up, teachers were getting their classes in on the fun. Today, it’s very rare that I see a rock that I painted show up on the group page anymore, and that makes me so happy.

More rock painters = more happy rock hunters, after all!

Why?

The main purpose behind BR is to spread joy, art, and fun in our community, one rock at a time. My absolute favorite part of Bentonville ROCKS is seeing all of the smiling faces of the happy rock hunters. Of course, many of our rock painters get even more joy out of seeing people finding the rocks they painted themselves, so posting pictures for all to see is a very important part of the process.

Bentonville ROCKS FAQs:

You can also find additional information on our website www.arppaintedrocks.com/bentonville.

1. WHAT KIND OF PAINT DO YOU USE? Any basic acrylic craft paint will work. Paint pens and Sharpies are a great option for more detailed work.

You can help protect your artwork from the elements by applying some type of spray or painted-on sealer.

2. WHERE IS A GOOD PLACE TO START LOOKING? People are posting hints to hiding locations all the time, but some of the ‘hot spots’ are the Bentonville square, Crystal Bridges trails, the public library, and city parks.

3. WHERE CAN I HIDE THE ROCKS? Anywhere!

Just be respectful of local businesses, keep the safety of fellow rock hunters in mind, and stay away from areas that need to be mowed.

4. DO I HAVE TO PAINT MY OWN ROCKS TO PARTICIPATE? Not at all! Just join in the fun by posting pictures of the ones you find, and hide them again for the next person.

5. CAN I KEEP THE ROCKS I FIND? Well... the main intent of the group is to be an ongoing scavenger hunt for the community. But, if you come across a rock that makes you extra happy, then post a picture of it, with a note telling the 7. ARE THERE OTHER rock maker that you just can’t bear to part with it. C O M M U N I T I E S Then, paint some of your own rocks to replace PARTICIPATING? Yes! Be sure to check out and join the one you are keeping! other local Facebook groups.

6. WHAT CAN I PUT ON THE ROCKS? Bentonville ROCKS Let you imagination run wild! The messages Bella Vista Ar. ROCKS and images just need to remain family-friendly #rogers rocks and have the intent of bringing joy to someone’s Centerton ROCKS day. As stated, please make sure to always Siloam Springs ROCKS include the Facebook symbol and “Bentonville Fayetteville ROCKS (Arkansas) ROCKS”, so people will be directed to this Pea Ridge ROCKS group. That way, we can all enjoy their finds.

Gentry ROCKS Springdale ROCKS

Warning: Painting and hunting rocks can be highly addictive!

WHO?

I think almost every town in Northwest Arkansas is now participating through their own group on Facebook. Each was inspired by another town to start their group. A few weeks after the Bentonville group started, I was contacted by Ken McLary from the Rogers group. (#rogersrocks) He wanted to create a website that would help connect all of the communities So, thanks to him ,we now have the “Arkansas Painted Rocks Community – Spreading joy, one rock at a time,” found at arpaintedrocks.com. The site shows hot hunting spots in each community, as well as links to each of the individual Facebook group pages.

The administrators from each group have now connected with each other, and are working together to keep a consistent message going with the groups. We hope to be able to channel our popularity into something positive, by both bringing awareness to and possibly hosting some fundraising events for local charities in the near future.

HOW?

There are 3 ways you can get involved with Bentonville ROCKS. 1. Join the Facebook group “Bentonville ROCKS,” then hunt for rocks around town.

Post pics when you find them, and hide them for the next person to find. Hints to hiding locations are always much appreciated!

2. Join in the fun, and paint some rocks of your own to hide. Make sure to add the Facebook symbol to the rock, and write “Bentonville ROCKS” somewhere on the rock.

That way, people will be directed to the group page so we can all enjoy their finds.

3. Tell everyone you know, so that they can join in the fun as well.

Definitely watch the Facebook pages for community painting events, as well.

S Twice Love S S S the

miscarriage.” This occurs when a fetus dies, but the mother’s body doesn’t recognize the pregnancy loss. Not only were we devastated, but we couldn’t believe the irony of getting pregnant so effortlessly with our son, and then waiting responsibly to try again—only to lose the baby. We told ourselves that God must have other plans… boy, did He ever!

by: Courtney Ashley photos by: Jessica Ritchie Photography “They’re adorable!”

“Are they real twins?”

“Fraternal or identical?”

“How do you tell them apart?”

“Better you than me!”

Being a mother to twin girls, you can expect to hear it all. Twins ignite a fascination that I never knew existed. When our twins, Marlie and Cooper, were younger, these very inquisitive—and often insensitive— comments were made daily.

My standard response has always been, “You do the best you can with what you have.”

Most people think having twins seems like all giggles and fun: matching dresses, adorable photo shoots, two first smiles, two first steps, two of everything. In truth, it’s the most exhausting, exhilarating, and exciting thrill-ride of parenting.

And you do a lot of explaining and educating along the way, because people are just naturally curious about our family life.

It’s a journey that my husband, Jesse, and I certainly never anticipated. We got pregnant very unexpectedly with our first child, Benson. I was only 20 years old and a junior in my undergrad Psychology program. We purposefully waited until I completed grad school five years later to add to our little family of three. After only one month of trying to conceive, I was pregnant. We were overjoyed! The following weeks were a blur of doctor’s appointments, anticipation, and then profound sadness.

I experienced what 60 October 2016

was called a “missed

A few months later on New Year’s Eve, feeling the familiar symptoms, I took a home pregnancy test.

Positive! The first weeks of pregnancy were full of both joy and terror. We went into our 8-week ultrasound nervously, not allowing ourselves to get our hopes up. As our OB moved the ultrasound over to the left and then the right and zoomed in, I remember asking if the baby was alive. It was in this moment our lives changed forever. She said, “Actually, there are two babies in there… with healthy heart beats.”

At this point, I thought my husband might faint.

We went home to process this news, call our family members, and ponder how we would afford so suddenly becoming a family of five. Two daycare bills, two more mouths to feed, double the diapers, and where would they sleep in our 1200 squarefoot house? We slowly ironed out the details and learned to take it day by day and breathe. Some people never get one healthy child, we told ourselves, but we were getting two babies at once.

Fast-forward to the 16-week ultrasound. We’d been eager to learn the gender of our two blessings.

But early that morning, fate unfortunately dealt us more sadness. We received a phone call that Jesse’s father, his best friend, had died. Our hearts were broken, and I just wanted to cancel the appointment. Jesse, however, insisted we go. We needed something positive to focus on, amid our grieving. And, to our surprise, we learned we’d be having fraternal girls. The anatomy scan was perfect, and we left feeling that God truly had a plan for our family.

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I completed graduate school in May, and had the entire summer to spend growing these two little girls inside me. My goal was to make it to 37 weeks. I faithfully guzzled Ensure to help me grow

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big, healthy girls. Every Friday, I visited Labor and Delivery and wore a heart monitor to watch the babies. So far, so good…

thankfully. The twins are in preschool, Benson is in the fourth grade, and I’m now living my career dream working in private practice at Fresh Roots Family Counseling. This will definitely be the last baby in the Ashley clan.

For us, four children is the right number, and Benson has resigned himself to being outnumbered by three little sisters. He is an attentive and protective big brother.

At my 35th week and doctor appointment, my OB sent me upstairs to start the labor process. I felt terrified to have “preemie” babies and to have my first-ever surgery: a C-section. But, on August 9, 2012, our two healthy baby girls arrived with no complications. Marlie Rose came at 9:26 p.m. weighing 5 pounds and 9 ounces, and Cooper Elizabeth at 9:27 p.m. weighing 5 pounds and 8 ounces. We spent two days in the hospital and avoided a NICU stay. It felt like two miracles sent straight from Heaven! The days to follow were a blur of extreme soreness, complete exhaustion, and sincere gratitude.

Every day is beautiful with our big family. Well, parts of every day are beautiful, at least. We have the many ups and downs you’d expect in a family of five (soon to be six!). The girls love each other unconditionally and rely on one another often.

They have shared the same bedroom since they were 12 weeks old. They’ve never even taken baths alone! When one is sick and absent from school, the other cries for her. It’s always fun to watch them interact with one another except when they’re biting or pulling each other’s hair. Jesse often comments on how reliant they are on one another, despite being so different.

It was quite a juggling act at our house. Benson started kindergarten the week we brought the girls home from the hospital. Learning our new schedule of feeding, diaper changing, and the school car-rider line was an adventure to say the least. Jesse and I adjusted to getting scarcely any sleep. Just as I was beginning to master the routine, I started a new one in October—I began a new job as a child therapist at Ozark Guidance Center.

Marlie loves soccer and anything that involves jumping. She is our little clown, making silly faces and keeping others laughing. She is also our wild child. Just two weeks ago we made a trip to the doctor for stitches on her chin. She wants to be just like her big brother and is constantly following him around, trying to kick a ball, shoot a ball, or throw a ball. She loves her daddy and runs to him when he walks in the door from work.

On Halloween, we moved into a new house and hired a nanny to come for the two days a week that I was working outside the home. We called this stage of our life “survival mode”: Working at a new job, keeping three small children alive and a marriage intact and getting my body and mental health back in shape with running. I even traded for a mom vehicle, the much dreaded mini-van!

The days passed quickly. The following August, for the girls’ first birthday, we sent out birthday invitations that simply read, “We survived an entire year!”

Cooper is very sensitive and likes to be in charge.

Last week she told me she was sad because Marlie looked at her the wrong way. She’s our girly-girl.

Cooper loves dancing to music and playing dressup. Her favorite accessory is a headband.

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Four years later, life has certainly changed. We survived the toddler and diaper stages and have now moved onto the preschool years.. I’ve put away my running shoes since July, and traded in the van for yet another larger vehicle in anticipation of our last addition to the family expected on September 16th. It’s another girl—but just one this time,

Life with twin girls really does make everything a bit sweeter. Their bright faces bring smiles to everyone they meet—including strangers. Even the ones asking those probing questions, like “Are they real twins?” (meaning, were they conceived naturally or with the help of fertility aids).

Sometimes I look back on these four years and feel like a rockstar; other days, I live in the moment and feel like a hot mess. We take it day by day in our home, but we never take for granted the health of our kiddos and ourselves. I feel so incredibly blessed to be living this life. Like I always say, “You do the best you can with what you have”— and what we have is twice the love and the best three kiddos!

Our

Kobe

trip

story by: Misty Johnson-Alexandria

W

hen my oldest, Micah, was about 2 years old, I took him to the doctor for some gallstone issues – little did I know that the doctor would be diagnosing me, instead! Needless to say, I was completely shocked to discover that I was pregnant with fraternal, boygirl twins. Kobe and Jordan, the wonderful kiddos who would be my twins, were a total surprise, and have been an incredible blessing through all the curves life has thrown our way.

Kobe, my boy twin, had some trouble at first with nursing and thriving, so we stayed for almost two extra weeks in the hospital to fully recover. Once we got home, I had to add extra calories to his bottle to help him develop. Jordan, on the other hand, has been like a little grown-up once she was born; bright-eyed and active, so much so that she seemed months older than Kobe. Of course, she’s always been a go-getter since day one. The doctors told me that, while she was in the womb, she used to kick over into Kobe’s sack a lot, and rest her feet on him. During my c-section, Jordan demonstrated a lot of impatience, as she tried to pop right out with the first incision, bouncing around like a fish out of water! Once we were all home and together, our family seemed to be on its merry way, growing happily and falling in love with each other.

When Kobe was about 10, however, I began to have concerns about his extremely large lower leg muscles, specifically his calves. Additionally, he had trouble standing up when sitting on the floor.

Later, we found out that this is a beginning sign for muscular dystrophy patients, but, at the time, we weren’t sure what to make of it. He had always been

62 October 2016

delayed a little behind Jordan’s milestones, but we had always felt that he was simply the ‘smaller twin.’ I found comfort in everyone’s comments of “Well… boys always are a little later than girls in developing,” but I definitely kept a close eye on Kobe.

In 2006, after weighing multiple options, our family finally took the long journey to the Children’s Hospital in Little Rock so that Kobe could take multiple tests. We hoped the results would tell us why he was weak, but had that well-defined and enlarged musculature. All we got from the doctors, however, was a prescription for some medication that might help his symptoms. We dutifully followed their orders, and decided to chalk up his symptoms, again, to him being the “smaller twin.”

I plugged along for six months, still watching Kobe closely, hoping for the best. I was a busy single mother with four kids, trying to get through nursing school. Eventually, I accompanied Kobe to a follow-up appointment with his neurologist in Lowell to what I thought was a medication checkup appointment.

The doctor walked in, a concerned look on his face, and asked if anyone had discussed Kobe’s recent laboratory results with me. I shook my head, thinking, “This can’t be good...” and he said, “Ms. Johnson, Kobe has a form of Muscular Dystrophy called Duchenne.” I nodded as if I understood what he meant, and he proceeded to tell me that my son’s disease is extremely aggressive, so much so that most patients do not live into their young adulthood. He walked out to get the nurse, and I stared out his huge glass window in shock. How could this be happening? As soon as I was able to leave, I drove straight to my church to speak with

my pastors, who were able to calm me and pray with Kobe and I. For the next few years, nothing catastrophic happened, other than Kobe’s ability to walk decreased more and more. When leaving school one day, Kobe’s therapist, who has dealt with other Duchenne’s patients over many years of being a physical therapist, stopped me in the parking lot.

He gave me the best advice any parent of a child with Duchenne’s could have ever received at that point. He said, “Do everything you can imagine with Kobe before he loses his ability to walk. Most kids his age go into junior high in a wheelchair.”

Of course, I cried and cried, then pulled myself together so that I could be there for Kobe. I asked him what kind of fun things he’d always wanted to do, and he began telling me various things that I knew I could make happen. He went on to say, though, that he would “love to see the ocean, make some sandcastles, and maybe have a dolphin in our back yard!” We laughed at that, and went on about our night.

One night not long after our discussion, I recall coming home and being hit with a feeling I can’t explain. It was like this idea, but more like an overwhelming urgency, came to me to refer Kobe to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The feeling was so strong that I had tears come, unbidden, to my

eyes as I lay on my bed with my laptop. I searched how to sign up, and began to pour out my heart to these perfect strangers about Kobe. I wanted him to receive a wish – a very special wish – while he was still walking and able to fully enjoy it.

A couple of days later, someone from Make-A-Wish called me and set up an interview for Kobe. We attended the interview, and Kobe was able to illustrate three things he wished he could have. Again, he illustrated himself making sandcastles, visiting the ocean, and seeing a dolphin. Some months later, we met with another representative and they informed me that they wanted to send Kobe on a cruise and allow him to swim with dolphins, but it was all a secret to Kobe! I began to have financial concerns on how we would save enough money for Turn the page ...

Kobe

us to go, not realizing at the time that the MakeA-Wish Foundation includes the family’s expenses on wish trips.

Soon after, we went to Kobe’s “wish reveal” party at a local dentist in Rogers. It was so hard to act normal on the way there, while Kobe thought he was just getting his teeth cleaned! As we walked in the office, everyone yelled, “SURPRISE!” “Kobe,” I said, “you are going on a cruise to Jamaica to swim with dolphins!” His immediate response was throwing both hands in the air with excitement in disbelief and yelling out, “Thank you, Jesus.”

To my surprise, the representative informed us that every part of the trip was covered, and that financial provisions had already been made. With tears streaming down my face, I thanked them. I could hardly believe that they were allowing us all – myself and all four of my beautiful children – to go enjoy this moment with Kobe.

Kobe and our family was blessed with a cruise to Jamaica, Key West and the Cayman Islands. We had more fun and special memories than anyone could ever imagine! I was able to capture some priceless photos of Kobe, his twin sister and his two other siblings playing in the ocean for the first time, making sandcastles in Jamaica, and swimming with a dolphin in the Cayman Islands – everything Kobe had talked about. Kobe still talks about the trip even to this day. We made such great family memories and I’m so happy that we were given the opportunity to do so. Almost four years after our trip, Kobe no longer could stand on his own and had to begin using a wheelchair.

He now has a power chair that allows him greater independence, which is important for a 16-yearold. We take one day at a time.

Of course, some days are harder than others. Last year, Jordan wrote an essay about Kobe. When I read it, it gave me new insight into how torn she feels, since she is healthy, and he has Duchenne’s.

The essay described how difficult it is for her to know that there is a chance he may not live long and that she feels almost like it’s a dreadful countdown the older he gets. She is loving and supportive, and the two of them have a special bond of love that is precious beyond words. After all, as far as personalities go, Kobe and Jordan are very similar. They both have a similar drive to do well in academics, and are very sweet and loving individuals, especially toward each other. Oddly enough, they lost the same teeth at the same time while growing up, despite not being identical!

Kobe is excellent at drawing and artistic things, as well as being mechanically inclined, and has an enormous collection of Rubix cubes that he loves to solve. Jordan is naturally very athletic, and has played sports for years competitively. They seem to complete each other, and our family, and imagining any of us apart is devastating. Many times I get tearful when putting Kobe to bed, thinking about losing him, but he always tells me the same thing: “Momma, I am happy and I have a good life.” I truly believe one of the reasons he is able to say things like that is because of the unconditional love and support he has been given the past ten years from faithful friends and family, along with this opportunity he was given to have his wish come true!

A

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e m o r d n y S n w o D ’s It !

Awareness Month

Members of our Children’s Therapy TEAM community (TEAM kids with Down Syndrome, their parents, siblings and therapists) recently gathered for fellowship and fun. We also got to spend time with a big, fuzzy dog... TEAM’s very own Sunny!

Sunny loves kids, big hugs, high fives, nose tickles and smiles.

www.childrenstherapyteam.com

“Sunny helps us embrac e the predictably, unpredict able beauty of life!”

A Few of Our

Favorite Things...

The Busy Mom’s Guide to Creativity

www.linkouture.com/busy-moms-guide-tocreativity-workbook

Kleynimals

For the moms who do everything and more for their kids, and can’t seem to find a moment to themselves any more, this book is for you. For the moms who used to explore creative pursuits before children and enjoyed doing so, but can’t seem to stay focused long enough or spark back up creativity after hours of daily chores, this book is for you.

When a new baby is born, I make it my personal mission to find that gift that will be loved for years to come, even becomeing a keepsake. That is why I love Kleynimals. Eli the Elephant, Gus the Giraffe, and Leo the Lion give kids the chance to play with metal keys without the hazards of lead contamination, sharp edges, or the daily grime that come with the keys in the bottom of your diaper bag.

The Busy Mom’s Guide to Creativity not only explains how to fit time into your busy schedule for self-care, it also provides inspiration and several activities to get you started. In order to be the best mom you can be, it is important to take care of yourself and enjoy your day-to-day life without the stress of, “Am I getting enough done?” The Busy Mom’s Guide to Creativity helps you create the life you want, while being an even better mom and without any “mom guilt” of taking some time for yourself. We personally love the inspirational quotes throughout the book from other moms!

www.kleynimals.com

Noshkins

www.noshkins.com . www.etsy.com/shop/noshkins Noshkins play food is perfect for toddlers who like to occassionally throw their toys up in the air – these felt toys won’t hurt on the way down! They’re soft, fun, colorful and eco-friendly. The felt is made from recycled plastic bottles.

Your child will love using his or her imagination to craft up new recipes. These toys are all hand-made, and some are even completely sewn by hand, so you know a lot of love and labor was put into each piece, making it special, unique and one-of-a-kind! These Montessori toys are so versatile – try using them as decoration for your kid’s next birthday!

70 October 2016

Bookroo

www.bookroo.com Foster your child’s love of reading by building their own personal library full of unique children’s books! Bookroo is a children’s book subscription service that sends your child new books in the mail every month.

Curiosity Packs

www.curiositypack.com Curiosity packs are a great way to get your child to fall in love with learning! There are multiple packs to choose from, such as the Travel Pack, which not only keeps kids preoccupied on long plane or car trips, but also allows them to learn social studies skills as they reflect on and explore the places that they are on their way to visit.

The Feelings Pack teaches kids different strategies to help them calm down when they’re feeling anxious or angry. It also teaches them how to be mindful and empathetic towards others. Some items included are finger puppets with various emotions, a feelings poster and activity books.

The Letters Pack and Numbers Pack help teach children math skills and spelling while they complete fun activities!

A subscription plan is also available so that a new pack can be dropped off every season for a year, or you could try out the personalized lesson plan, where Creativity Pack founder and experienced educator, Lily Jones, discusses your child’s strengths, challenges and interests, and then creates a lesson plan specifically for them. She will also include an activity pack specifically catered to the child’s needs and interests.

We love that the lesson plans are available for children between the ages of 0 to 18!

These books are often unique and not easily found in bookstores or online. Not only will they be excited to open their box of books each month, every book is wrapped like a present for your child which makes them look forward to opening the gift and revealing new titles and fantastic stories.

We love that they have monthly, seasonal, or semi-annual subscription options, so that you can choose what is best for your budget. Also, if you happen to get a book that you already own, you can take a photo of yourself giving the book to a friend instead and Bookroo will send you $5 off your next subscription. Bookroo is the perfect way to keep your child interested in reading and learning!

STUDIO HURLEY

www.joreyhurley.com I love to decorate. I also love to use items that are unique, special, and have a story behind them.

My new go to includes products from Studio Hurley. In fact, I recently got Holden a pillow with a custom printed image that includes his favorite thing in the world - frogs and it is his favorite piece for his room.

Jorey Hurley is an author, illustrator, and artist. She finds inspiration in the beauty of everyday life and her art shows that.

My youngest could read her book “Nest” 100 times a day and loves that it is simple to read but full of life through its illustrations.

Her prints are perfect for every room and fit every personality.

Northwest Health System

New Name, Same Great Health System Siloam Springs Regional Hospital Expands Affiliation with Northwest Health

N

orthwest Health System changed its name to Northwest Health and announced the addition of Siloam Springs Regional Hospital, making Northwest Health one of the largest health networks in the state.

“Siloam Springs Regional Hospital and the other hospitals in Northwest Health have worked together closely for years to serve the health needs of Northwest Arkansas,” says Sharif Omar, CEO, Northwest Health. “Today we formalize our relationship by welcoming Siloam Springs to the Northwest Health network and expand access to quality care for the Siloam Springs community.”

Northwest Health is now a five hospital system that includes Northwest Medical Center – Bentonville, Northwest Medical Center – Springdale, Northwest Medical Center – Willow Creek Women’s Hospital, Siloam Springs Regional Hospital and Northwest Health Physicians’ Specialty Hospital. Under the new brand, Northwest Health will launch a shared website and social media presence this fall to help patients easily locate the care and services they need.

Together, our system has 487 beds, and a combined active medical staff of more than 540 physicians and 2,200 employees who together to provide quality healthcare for our region. Collectively, Northwest Health hospitals had more than 18,000 inpatient admissions, 90,000 emergency room visits and 4,200 deliveries in 2015. All hospitals remain affiliated with Community Health Systems.

“Our hospitals share a commitment to provide access to services and continuity of care for our patients. Aligning together will support all of our efforts to deliver safe, quality patient care while positioning our network for long-term success and strength,” says Patrick Kerrwood, CEO, Siloam Springs Regional Hospital. “Our mission remains

72 October 2016

the same and what we do on a day-to-day level – caring for the people who live in our community – won’t change. Being part of Northwest Health will only strengthen what we can offer our patients.”

Siloam Springs Regional Hospital will continue to operate with local leadership and make decisions about the services, physicians and resources available to the Siloam Springs community. There is no change in ownership, so there will be no impact on employee’s tenure, benefits, reporting structure or medical staff privileges. A distinct and dedicated Board of Trustees will continue to exist for Siloam Springs Regional Hospital.

About Northwest Health Northwest Health is one of the largest health networks in Northwest Arkansas with five hospitals: Medical Center – Bentonville, Northwest Medical Center – Springdale, Northwest Medical Center – Willow Creek Women’s Hospital, Siloam Springs Regional Hospital and Northwest Health Physicians’ Specialty Hospital. The system has 487 beds, a combined active medical staff of more than 540 physicians and 2,200 employees working together to provide quality healthcare for the region. Collectively, Northwest Health hospitals had more than 18,000 inpatient admissions, 90,000 emergency room visits and 4,200 deliveries in 2015. Physicians Specialty Hospital is owned in part by physicians.

www.siloamwomenscenter.com

Kyle Thompson, DO, FACOG

Chad Hill, MD, FACOG

Natalie Eiland, DO

Siloam Springs Women’s Center Board Certified OB - GYN Specialists Serving Siloam Springs Regional Hospital

Focusing On: • Comprehensive OB Care & Delivery • Gynecological and Laparoscopic Surgery • Female Incontinence • Pelvic Pain • Pelvic Reconstruction • Minimally Invasive Outpatient Hysterectomy • In-Office Surgical Sterilization

Now Accepting New Patients Mary Williams, Nurse Practitioner Commercial Insurance • Medicare • Oklahoma, Arkansas & Missouri Medicaid

603-2 N. Progress Avenue, Suite 100, Siloam Springs 479.524.9312 Hours: Monday - Friday 8am to 5pm

At a

Glance

EDUCATION/TRAINING The New School (Pg. 25) thenewschool.org (479) 521-7037 Primrose School of Rogers (Pg. 79) (479) 876-8176 Super Science (Pg. 63) (479) 444-0303 www.super-sci.com Trike Theatre (Pg. 21) (479) 464-5084 www.triketheatre.org

ARTS and MUSIC Crystal Bridges (Pg. 15) (479) 418-5700 crystalbridges.org Trike Theatre (Pg. 21) (479) 464-5084 triketheatre.org

BANKS First Security (Pg. 47) www.fsbank.com; www.onlyinark.com

CHILDCARE/NANNY SERVICES ABC Happy Kids Learning Academy (Pg. 73) (479) 202-5691 abchappykids.com Better Beginnings (Pg. 74) (800) 445-3316 arbetterbeginnings.com Mary’s Little Lambs Preschool (Pg. 49) (479) 273-1011

CHURCH FBC Rogers (Pg. 65) fbcrogers.org The Call (Pg. 55)

CLOTHING Oh Baby Boutique (Pg. 43) (479) 254-2911 www.ohbabynwa.com Peekaboo Apparel (Pg. 29) www.peekaboo-apparel.com

DENTIST My Village Ped Dentistry and Orthodontics myvillagesmiles.com (Pg. 73) Pediatric Dental Associates and Orthodontics (479) 582-0600 (Pg. 41) Smile Shoppe Pediatric Dentistry (Pg. 12) (479) 631-6377 Rogers

DERMATOLOGY / SKIN CARE Advanced Dermatology / Skin Care Center (479) 268-3555 (Pg. 33) NWA Center for Plastic Surgery (Pg. 2) (479) 571-3100 nwacenterforplasticsurgery.com

76 October 2016

FAMILY FUN / ENTERTAINMENT Bullwick Farms (Pg. 55) Crystal Bridges (Pg. 15) (479) 418-5700 Exeter Corn Maze (Pg. 37) (417) 846-3959 Farmland Adventures (Pg. 45) FarmlandAdventures.com Fast Lane Entertainment (Pg. 30) (479) 659-0999 www.fastlanebowl.com Fayetteville Public Library (Pg. 33) faylib.org Little Gym (Pg.57) (479) 636-5566 McGarrah Farms (Pg. 51) McGarrahFarms.com Ozark Corn Maze (Pg. 24) (479) 644-1036 Princess Party Palace NWA (Pg. 66) princesspartypalacenwa.com Siloam Springs Hospital (Pg. 13) Starlight Skatium (Pg. 49) (479) 444-STAR Super Science (Pg. 63) (479) 444-0303 www.super-sci.com

FITNESS/SPORTS ATA (Pg. 4) Bentonville: (479) 273-1212 Fayetteville: (479) 443-5425

FOOD / DRINK TCBY (Pg. 3) (479) 636-8229 (TCBY)

HEALTH AND WELLNESS Northwest Primary Care (Pg. 8-9) nw-physicians.com Tate HealthCare (Pg. 64, 77) (479) 271-6511 www.tatehealthcare.com

HOUSE/YARD Natural State Treehouses (Pg. 39) (479) 387-0701

To advertise and become a part of the Peekaboo Family email: editor@peekaboonwa.com

JEWELRY AND GIFTS David Adams (Pg. 45) davidadams.com (479) 444-7778 Oh Baby Boutique (Pg. 43) (479) 254-2911 www.ohbabynwa.com

LEARNING CENTER Mary’s Little Lamb Preschool (Pg. 49) (479) 273-1011 The Elizabeth Richardson Center (Pg. 53) (479) 443-4420 (Fayetteville)

MARTIAL ARTS ATA (Pg. 4) Bentonville: (479) 273-1212 Fayetteville: (479) 443-5425

OPTOMETRIST Pediatric Vision Development Center (Pg. 52) nwavisiontherapy.com (479) 795-1411

PEDIATRICIAN Bentonville Pediatric Clinic (Pg. 46) (479) 273-5437 Best Start Pediatric Clinic (Pg. 17) (479) 575-9359 Friendship Pediatric Services (Pg. 67) (479) 524-2458 Siloam Springs Living Tree Pediatrics (Pg. 54) (479) 282-2966

PHOTOGRAPHY Main Street Studios (Pg. 7) mainstreetstudios.us

PLASTIC SURGEON NWA Center for Plastic Surgery (Pg. 2) (479) 571-3100 www.nwacenterforplasticsurgery.com

PRESCHOOL/ PRE-K ABC Happy Kids Learning Academy (Pg. 73) (479) 621-6126 www.abchappykids.com Friendship Pediatric Services (Pg. 67) Lowell: (479) 770-0744 Siloam Springs: (479) 524-2465 West Fork: (479) 839-3359 Mary’s Little Lambs Preschool (Pg.49) (479) 273-1011 The New School (Pg. 25) thenewschool.org

REAL ESTATE The Duley Group (Pg. 27) (479) 616-HOME duleygroup.com

RELAY SERVICE Arkansas Relay (Pg. 11) arkansasrelay.com

THERAPY ABC Happy Kids Learning Academy (Pg. 73) (479) 621-6126 www.abchappykids.com Children’s Therapy T.E.A.M (Pg. 68-9) www.childrenstherapyteam.com The Elizabeth Richardson Center (Pg. 53) (479) 443-4420 (Fayetteville) Friendship Pediatric Services (Pg. 67) Lowell: (479) 770-0744 Siloam Springs: (479) 524-2465 West Fork: (479) 839-3359 Woodland Research Northwest (Pg. 31) woodlandintlresearchgrp.com

WOMEN’S HEALTH Northwest Breast Imaging Center (Pg. 5) (479) 757-4135 Parkhill Clinic for Women (Pg. 19) (479) 521-4433 parkhillclinic.com Siloam Springs Women’s Center (Pg. 75) (479) 524-9312 siloamwomenscenter.com Women’s Health Associates (Pg. 78) (479) 876-8111