Behind the Scenes with Social Media Sensations

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH LOCAL SOCIAL MEDIA SENSATIONS: Matt & Abby Howard

AT JUST 23 AND 24 YEARS OLD, Abby and Matt Howard have become social media sensations with over 4.7 million TikTok followers, 2.34 million YouTube subscribers, and 15,000 followers on Instagram. The couple met in the 8th grade and after dating long-distance all throughout high school, eventually married during their sophomore year in college. It wasn’t until the pandemic hit, when both found themselves out of a job, that they began dabbling into the TikTok world and soon went viral with their videos. “We were super frugal in college and had saved up money so we didn’t have to jump ship immediately into another job,” said Abby.

“Our TikTok just took off and it was totally unexpected.” In addition to TikTok, Matt and Abby were vlogging frequently on their YouTube channel, slowly growing their presence and gaining subscribers. “We made weekly YouTube videos for a year—that really helped us learn perseverance,” said Matt. “It was like we were working a part-time job getting paid nothing and just hoping it would work.” The couple documented everything from their day-to-day life, Abby’s pregnancy journey, and even took viewers alongside the birth of their son, Griffin, in July 2022. Now, they have successfully turned their social media platforms into a source of income, earning a stream of revenue through

Youtube, Tik Tok, Instagram reels, and various brand and merchandise deals. “When we started to make money doing brand deals, we were freaking out,” said Matt.

“It’s almost like we have a reality TV show only we’re doing all the roles of making a show.”

Recently, they hired on the help of a video editor and agent and said they plan to continue building out their business as they grow.

“It’s like doing an 80 hour a week job,” said Matt. “We’re constantly making new videos and putting so much thought and work into the production to tell a story.”

Viewers can witness the ins and outs as Matt and Abby show honest and real inside looks into their lives as new parents with topics like: Driving 12 hours with a newborn, a day in the life with a newborn, first time leaving their baby, being a single dad for 36 hours, and more.

“We want the focus to be us and how we are handling parenting rather than just focusing all on Griffin,” said Abby.

While their son makes regular appearances in the videos, Matt and Abby agreed that they both strive to create genuine content but still keep parts of their life private.

“We never want to sacrifice our relationship or our family for this,” said Abby. “That was one of my biggest concerns going into this. Through constant conversation and always prioritizing us and our family is how we keep doing this.”

Although both parenthood and their social media business have had their stressors, the couple said they couldn’t be happier with where life has taken them.

“If you would have told me this would be our life three years ago, I would have laughed,” said Matt. “We used to dream about one day working together and now we get to and it’s the best thing ever.”

Having a Baby?A Financial To-Do List for Expectant Parents

By Rachel Galvez

FROM THE MOMENT you find out your baby is on the way, your to-do list starts growing. You’ll need a crib, a baby monitor, and lots of diapers. But, between painting the nursery and baby-proofing your home, don’t forget to map out a financial plan to reduce spending-related stress while you’re on parental leave – and beyond.

Here are seven essential financial to-dos to help prepare for your new arrival.

1. Get the details on available leave.

Find out about your parental leave options as soon as possible. Many employers offer paid or partially paid leave, but it’s not required in most states. Overall, the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides 12 weeks of unpaid leave if your employer has 50+ employees and you’ve worked there for at least a year. Start by asking your employer: • Do I qualify for any paid parental leave? Short-term disability benefits? • Can paid vacation, sick, or personal time be used? • How much time can I take off? How long will my current position be secured?

2. Dig into coverage details.

The average cost of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care for Americans with health insurance is $18,865. Average out-of-pocket costs are $3,000.1 Review your health insurance to find out what is and isn’t covered. Based on your birth plan, calculate potential out-of-pocket expenses, including your policy’s deductible. And look for unexpected benefits. For example, many insurance companies will rent you a pump for breastfeeding, saving you the expense of purchasing one.

3. Estimate your expenses.

Track your current spending and project how it will change. Identify essential expenses, like rent and debt payments, and opportunities to cut back during unpaid leave, such as commuting costs or eating out. Most importantly, do some research to estimate new expenses after your baby’s arrival. For example, babies need up to 12 diapers a day, which adds up to an average cost of $936 per year if you choose to use disposable diapers.2

4. Make a new budget.

If you don’t already have a budget, now’s the time to create one. Allocate monthly spending, including funds to cover unplanned or

emergency expenses. Since you’re likely to have reduced income during your leave, calculate how much, if any, you’ll need to pull from savings.

5. Build up your savings.

Start saving a little extra each month as soon as – or even before – you learn your baby is on the way. Set a weekly savings goal and then forgo a couple of fancy coffee drinks or cut back on eating out in order to reach it. Make saving a habit by opening a dedicated parental leave or baby expenses savings account and setting up automatic deposits.

6. Make the most out of baby gifts.

Chances are, your family and friends want to share in your baby joy. Don’t be afraid to include big-ticket items like strollers, car seats, or cribs on your baby registry list. And be practical. Add plenty of diapers, wipes, and formula to the list. If these types of staples aren’t a registry option, ask for gift cards that you can use for necessities down the road. Plus, many baby registry sites offer welcome kits with samples and coupons worth as much as $100.

7. Look forward financially.

Once your baby is born, there are a few important financial steps to take. While your health insurance will cover birth-related expenses, you’ll need to add your child to your plan within 30 days of birth or adoption to continue coverage. Check with your employer about other benefits that offer dependent coverage, such as dental, vision, and life insurance. And it’s never too early to start building a solid financial foundation for your child by opening an account to start saving for their future education and other long-term goals.

Welcoming a new baby is not just life-changing; it also transforms your budget and spending. A little advance planning can help you reduce financial stress so you can focus on enjoying the milestone moments.

1 Health Costs Associated with Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Postpartum Care, Peterson-

Kaiser Family Foundation Health System Tracker, July 2022. 2 How Much Does It Cost to Raise a Baby?, Healthline, July 2021.

Rachel Galvez is the Marketing Partnerships Manager at Arizona Financial Credit Union. A mom of two, Rachel is committed to empowering families with the information they need to make smart financial decisions now and set their children on the path to financial success in the future. We believe education begins at birth and continues every day through love and connection. Serving infants from 6 weeks to 4 years old in our ECE program and Kindergarten through 2nd grade in our Elementary School. Students can enjoy our pigs and goats that roams free on our 2½ acre campus. We recognize and respect the uniqueness and potential of each child, tailoring our program to their needs and interests. YOU BELONG HERE!

Enrolling Now!

13111 N. 94th Dr. • 623.248.5448 Bridget@journeyschool.com JourneySchoolOfPeoria.com

How to Prepare Siblings for Changes When a New Baby Arrives

By Rodrigo Mendoza, Licensed and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA)

WHEN A CHILD meets a new sibling their environment changes quickly. Some of these changes can make their lives unpredictable, as the presence of a newborn can impact the family in many ways.

Older siblings are used to receiving constant predictable attention from their family for two to three years before becoming older siblings (Baydar et al., 1997) and it could potentially cease to be the case as the baby becomes the center of attention.

What types of behaviors are common from an older child when a new baby arrives?

You may notice your child clinging more towards you, avoiding the newborn’s presence, or presenting negative language (“I do not like him”). If these conditions persist with lack of parental attention, they could develop into some aggressive behaviors towards the baby.

It is often the case that a child’s aggression towards others draws negative attention (e.g., reprimand). As a result, aggression towards the baby could be used to gain access to your attention (e.g., reprimand).

Another behavioral change, commonly defined as “behavioral regression”, is the tendency for some children to regress to previous developmental stages. Older siblings could request for the same treatment the younger siblings receive (e.g., nursing, diaper changes, wants to be spoon-fed, etc.) These behaviors may be presented temporarily as they adjust to the environmental changes.

What can parents do to help prepare other siblings for the arrival of a new baby?

• Schedule individual time alone with older siblings. It is important to establish the routine of allotted time before the baby’s birth.

Distribute these moments with family members. Individualized social interactions (reinforcement) could make the transition manageable for older siblings. In general, it’s helpful to show extra affection or even use more kind words towards the older siblings. • Set reminders for yourself. Maternal exhaustion while taking care of the newborn could change the way you interact with the older siblings. It is advisable to prepare for these eventualities. One potential method can be a strategically placed message (post note, refrigerator magnet, etc.) serving as a reminder to smile and show excitement when interacting with older siblings. • Avoid negotiations and make a plan. Maladaptive behaviors may be presented during the transition period. You should try to avoid the trap

of negotiating with the older siblings as these negotiations can lead to reinforcement access (e.g., attention). Entering a logical argument or providing alternative reinforcement (e.g., preferred activity) while they are presenting maladaptive behaviors can make the situation more complex in the future. Instead, have a plan in place. For example, in anticipation of the child entering the room while mom is nursing, prepare the area in advance so the older sibling can be present and snuggle next to mom during the activity. • Distribute responsibilities. Bedtime routines are another facet of the older siblings’ lives that may be interrupted. For example, as mom is busy with a fussy newborn at 2 a.m., other children may require her attention. Parents should prepare for this eventuality. They can devise a way to distribute the responsibilities. This can include defining family members’ roles under these and other scenarios. • Involve older children. Children love to play make believe, so you could use this prefered activity to introduce future changes (newborn) and prepare older siblings (teaching) by including changes in their routine while modeling appropriate behaviors. With older children, parents can make them part of the team by assigning them things to do (picking up toys, putting away baby clothes, etc.). They can also be involved in decorating the baby’s room or helping with toy selection.

How can parents work with a child who displays signs of jealousy or aggression towards a new baby?

Let’s say an older sibling takes away the newborn’s pacifier and as a result the newborn is agitated. This behavior may be a way to get access to your attention (e.g., reprimand). Hence, you should refrain from making a big deal of the incident. Rather, take care of the baby and ignore the older child’s behavior. Later, as soon as an appropriate time has passed (1-5 min), you can provide attention for any appropriate behavior presented by the older sibling, for example “great work [cleaning up].”

Behavioral changes, during the adjustment period may be temporary if you follow these suggestions, provide the most attention to appropriate (positive) behaviors rather than inappropriate (negative) behaviors, and take time to prepare your family before the new baby’s arrival.

References

Baydar, N., Hyle, P., & Brooks-Gunn, J. (1997). A longitudinal study of the effects of the birth of a sibling during preschool and early grade school years. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 59, 957–965. http:// dx.doi.org/10.2307/353795

Rodrigo Mendoza holds a Bachelor of Science in University Studies from Brigham Young University and a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis from ASU. Currently, he is completing the PHD ABA program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. He is a Licensed and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) who sees behaviorism as a movement to change the world’s verbal community. Through his work, he encourages other analysts to maintain behaviorism’s purity as a natural science. He is the Program Director of the ABA Department at T.E.A.M. 4 Kids Pediatric Therapy. Rodrigo’s applied research interests include video modeling, identifying variables controlling orienting as an operant behavioral class, eye-face gaze, motivating operations, and complex verbal repertoires.

We care for your family like our own.

Get all your health care needs under one roof.

We offer routine medical checkups and emergency care as well as specialty services like pediatrics, gastrointestinal, cardiology, and more.

We’ve served the Phoenix area for more than 140 years and are passionate about providing fair and equitable access to health care.

Book your appointment today! Valleywisehealth.org

Take A Tour Around The World!

• Ostrich and Boer Goats from Africa • Miniature Donkeys from the Mediterranean • Fallow Deer from Europe • Miniature Goats from Nigeria • Pekin Ducks from China • Sheep from St. Croix • Rainbow Lorikeets from Australia • Cownose Stingrays from Florida • Bunnies, Parakeets, Diving Ducks & more!

520-466-3658 • 17599 E Peak Ln, Picacho

roostercogburn.com

Banner Health: Women and Infant Services By Monique Seleen

HAVING A BABY is a special experience and choosing your maternity care team as well as where you will deliver are both important steps in the journey.

To ensure you feel comfortable, informed, and safe while you prepare to welcome your baby into the world, it can be helpful to know what to expect and what options are available to you before you deliver.

Laura Snow, Associate Vice President of Women, Infant and Pediatric Services, offers insight into the many services Banner Health provides throughout pregnancy, delivery, postpartum and more.

Each year, Banner Health’s maternity teams deliver more than 30,000 babies at their various hospital locations and are currently expanding the Women and Infant Services at both Banner Gateway and Banner Desert Medical Centers to meet the growing needs of these areas.

“Banner is a leader in the women’s health space and the largest provider of maternity services in the market,” said Snow. “With 10 labor and delivery programs across the market, we are able to care for everything from high touch to high tech.”

Whether you are looking for a more natural birth, seeking pain management options during labor, or needing a cesarean, Banner Health offers a variety of specialized programs to ensure mothers and babies have the best birthing experience possible.

In addition to regular maternity suites, Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center in the west Valley has four natural birthing suites for patients looking to achieve a natural birth experience.

The natural birthing suites are designed to feel a little homier and less like a clinical setting, while still having medical equipment readily available if needed.

“Many women view it as a natural process and we provide that with the safety of being in a hospital environment,” said Snow.

If achieving a vaginal birth after a cesarean (VBAC) is one of your goals, Banner Del E. Webb and their team of midwives are supportive of trying to make that happen.

High-risk pregnancies and premature babies will receive top-notch neonatal care by providers at Banner Desert, Banner Thunderbird, and Banner University Medical Centers.

“We have OBGYNs specializing in maternal fetal medicine, caring for the most complicated pregnancies and serious clinical conditions that might complicate their pregnancy,” Snow said. “These facilities can take care of the most premature babies, and we have internal relationships between the other medical centers where we’re able to facilitate any transfer process as quickly as possible.”

All facilities strive to support the mother and baby in multiple ways by providing a variety of birthing modalities such as peanut balls and portable tubs, offering aromatherapy options, welcoming birthing doulas, and offering lactation and breastfeeding support when needed.

Leading up to the delivery, Banner Health has many prenatal education courses for patients planning to deliver with a Banner facility. With both in-person and virtual options, you can find courses on helpful topics such as preparing for childbirth, breastfeeding basics, a class specifically for new dads, and OB facility tours.

During your hospital stay, you can expect to receive careful watch over you and your baby for any potential complications.

“We continue to monitor moms for high blood pressure and hemorrhaging,” said Snow. “Healthy newborns will stay with mom for the duration of their stay, but if a baby does need extra care, we have level two neonatal care available at all facilities.”

Care doesn’t end once you are discharged. You can find a variety of pediatric providers through Banner Health to continue caring for your new bundle of joy.

“We have a great seamless connection between the laboring process, postpartum care, and pediatric programs,” said Snow. “We want to be there to support families every step of the way.”

Keeping Your Skincare Regimen Safe During Pregnancy

By Dr. Brooke Jeffy

ADD DOUBLE CHECKING your skincare regimen to the list of things to do when you find out you are pregnant! While the majority of over-the-counter skincare products will be safe to use during pregnancy, there are a few ingredients that should be avoided.

Breakouts

There is no way to predict how the skin will react during pregnancy. Sometimes it causes or worsens acne; sometimes skin gets clear. Do not be afraid to treat acne with products as long as they are safe during pregnancy. Untreated acne can cause scarring if it’s severe and can negatively affect mental health. Consider seeing your dermatologist for acne that is painful or leaving marks on the skin. • Use products with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, hypochlorous acid, colloidal sulfur, azelaic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid or mandelic acid. • Avoid both over the counter and prescription retinoids. Over-thecounter ingredients in this category to look out for are retinol and retinyl palmitate. Differin gel, an over-the-counter acne product containing the retinoid adapalene, should also be avoided.

Maintaining Healthy Skin

If you have been dedicated to a regimen to keep your skin healthy and beautiful, you don’t have to give that up but you may need to alter your products. • Use Vitamin C or bakuchiol containing products for antioxidant protection, beneficial effects on collagen, and to help with brown spots. • Continue to use sunscreen daily. Look for sunscreens that contain titanium dioxide and zinc. These are safe for use during pregnancy because they are not absorbed through the skin. • Avoid anti-aging products that contain retinoids such as retinol and retinyl palmitate. • Avoid lightning products that contain hydroquinone.

Dry & Itchy Skin

Dry skin is incredibly common during pregnancy due to hormone changes. Pregnancy can also trigger eczema. • Use cream type moisturizers containing ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, coconut oil, shea butter or cocoa butter • Use colloidal oatmeal, calamine lotion or topical benadryl to help with itch. Over the counter hydrocortisone is considered safe in pregnancy but should be used sparingly. • Avoid fragrance containing products which can irritate dry skin.

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are a very common consequence of pregnancy due to the stretching and expanding of the skin to accommodate baby. From a dermatology perspective, there is no consensus on an effective ingredient to be used for prevention but we can certainly understand the desire to try! • Use creams containing nut butters (cocoa, shea or jojoba), vitamins

A and E, hyaluronic acid, oils (coconut, argan or rosehip), aloe vera, or peptides. • Avoid essential oils that are controversial during pregnancy just to be safe. Avoid tea tree, rosemary, fennel, clary sage, marjoram, tarragon, caraway, cinnamon, thuja, mogwort, birch, wintergreen, basil, camphor, hyssop, aniseed, sage, tansy, wormwood, parsley seed or leaf and pennyroyal. • Avoid formaldehyde, formaldehyde releasers and phthalates

If you have any doubt about the products you are using during pregnancy, be sure to check with your dermatologist or OB/GYN.

Dr. Brooke Jeffy is a board-certified dermatologist that has been practicing in North Scottsdale for nine years. She practices dermatology differently by combining medical dermatology, lifestyle approaches and skincare to create skin health for her patients. Her favorite condition to treat is acne and she loves teaching tweens and teens how to care for their skin. Dr. Jeffy is also the founder of btwn skincare, a product line and educational resource for tweens and teens to help them get started with healthy skin and wellness habits. To learn more or schedule an appointment, go to www.brookejeffymd. com. For tween/teen skincare tips IG @brookejeffymd

Finding Your Glow Pregnancy Coaching from Glow Midwifery

By Monique Seleen

HAVE YOU EVER walked out of your prenatal appointment with a million unanswered questions only to be handed a pamphlet? Or perhaps you’ve given birth before but this time around are hoping for a different experience—one where you feel educated and prepared instead of overwhelmed and confused.

Knowing how much of a difference patient education can make during prenatal care is what led Mallorie Resendez Bassetti, Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), to begin offering pregnancy coaching sessions to women throughout the state of Arizona.

After deciding to take a sabbatical from “catching babies” to focus on her family, Mallorie recently turned Glow Midwifery, her midwifery practice in Gilbert, to offer virtual services while she spends time at home with her five young children.

Mallorie said she wanted a way to feel like she was still impacting pregnant women even though she’s not assisting with births right now and came up with the idea to offer virtual pregnancy coaching.

“Patient education has been really important to me in practice. It’s something I see lacking in most medical care but especially prenatal care,” said Mallorie. “I’m doing this for the women who don’t feel like they’re getting the information they need from their regular OB visits.”

The virtual pregnancy coaching sessions are educational opportunities covering a variety of pregnancy topics from the early stages, all the way through the third trimester, and there’s even a session to help prepare for postpartum.

With over seven years of midwifery experience, Mallorie has counseled thousands of pregnant women and stays up-to-date on the latest research.

“There aren’t a lot of ways to get medical information while you’re pregnant other than talking to your doctor who doesn’t have time to talk to you,” said Mallorie. “We can talk about some of these topics that everyone else shies away from.”

Topics include how to choose a birth provider, advanced maternal age, placenta previa, vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, creating a birth plan, and more.

Sessions are 30 or 45 minutes long, depending on the topic, and start at $60.

“Think of it as a mix between a class and a chat with your best friend, if your best friend was a midwife,” said Mallorie.

Through the pregnancy coaching sessions, Mallorie says she hopes women not only feel like their questions are being answered, but that they feel empowered and informed.

“They’ll have more information and I hope that information will give them confidence to make the best decisions for themselves.”

To find out more or to schedule a pregnancy coaching session visit glowmw.com/pregnancy-coaching

Monique Seleen and her newborn son, Carter, with Midwife Mallorie Resendez Bassetti, when she was attending births.

Gynecological Telehealth Services

Glow Midwifery also offers a variety of telehealth services, providing both convenience and privacy for busy moms.

“Most things can be done through telehealth,”said Mallorie. “I’ve seen stay-at-home moms who don’t want to lug all their kids to an appointment, women on a break from work doing an appointment in their car, or others who are working from home and need to be seen. It’s just making life easier for everyone when it can be done virtually.”

Telehealth services include:

• Birth Control • Breast Issues • Miscarriage Care • Period Issues • Urinary Tract Infections • Preconception Counseling

For more information visit glowmw.com/services

Top: Cherry Blossom Doula Marlene loving on a sweet babe while preparing a meal for a weary momma. Above: Birth recovery stew and congees prepared by a Doula. Photos courtesy of Cherry Blossom Doula Services.

Postpartum Doulas What They Do and How They Can Help Your Family

By Monique Seleen

I DID NOT PREPARE myself for postpartum. Maybe it’s because I was a first-time mom and went into it all a little naively or perhaps I had a tougher-than-usual postpartum experience.

Either way, I felt like I was drowning trying to take care of myself, figure out this new little human, and keep up with every day essentials: sleeping, showering, eating, and the piles of laundry.

At one point during a check-in with my midwife, I expressed how overwhelmed I felt while tears streamed down my face. She asked how much help I had and then suggested I look into hiring a postpartum doula.

I knew about doulas (my mom got her doula certification while I was pregnant and was my doula during birth) but I didn’t know much about postpartum doula services. Too exhausted to research and find out more, I never ended up hiring one, but looking back, I see how helpful it might have been.

If you’re like me and don’t know much about what postpartum

doulas can do, or if you’ve had a rough postpartum experience and want to make things smoother the next time around, you might discover a postpartum doula could be a lifesaver.

We chatted with Jennifer Magnano, Postpartum Director at Cherry Blossom Doulas, to learn more about postpartum doulas and the many services they offer.

What are postpartum doulas? How do their services differ from a nanny or in-home nurse?

We care for the whole family. That means providing emotional and social support for mom, mom’s partner, and any siblings present. We’ll cook, do light cleaning, and even offer holistic healing and mindfulness practices.

Why might a family/new mom consider hiring a postpartum doula?

If they don’t have someone for a really close support system—a family member or friend—that they’d want to come over and help, that’s what a postpartum doula is for. We offer unbiased support and are a judgment free zone. We’re not there to tell you what to do, we’ll offer guidance, but we’re there more for what they need.

Can you tell me what a typical day-in-the-life with a postpartum doula might look like?

We’ll come in and assess what the situation looks like—if mom hasn’t slept, had a meal, showered, we’ll see what is needed. It might look like us offering to hold the baby so mom can shower, making breakfast, lunch or dinner, hanging out with a sibling, cleaning bottles or pumping parts, folding laundry, offering lactation support. We just kind of take a feel for the environment. We also try to emotionally support dads, allowing them to express how things are going and try to fill any gaps.

How long do postpartum doulas work with a family?

On average six to eight weeks. We have some families we help through the first 12 weeks. We have a bunch of packaged visits and those can be customized to fit what works best for each family.

What are the expected costs? Are there options for families who may be interested but can’t afford it?

Packages range from $350 - $1950, with add-on and customization options available for additional costs. We do offer scholarships. There’s a form to fill out where you’ll let us know the circumstances—if you’re under a certain income level, or if you’ve had a loss or are expecting a loss.

At the end of the day, postpartum doulas are there to offer support and help make the postpartum days a little lighter for everyone. Throughout her years in postpartum work, Jennifer said the most rewarding part has been watching families grow together during that time.

“I love seeing families thrive,” she said. “We walk in a lot of the times and mom is crying, dad is unsure what’s normal, then to see the progression since we’re with them an extended period of time. We get to see who these families become and that’s just the best.”

The Toy Library of Arizona

By Monique Seleen

AS A FIRST TIME MOM, I’m realizing just how much “stuff” these tiny human beings use. Between a swing, bouncer, high chair, pack’n’play, jumper, teethers, and toys, I feel like my whole house has been taken over by my 8-month-old.

Does this sound familiar to you? Maybe your house is exploding with toddler toys, some that have been abandoned and collecting dust because your child is bored or out growing it.

Maybe you find yourself constantly buying new things in hopes that it will occupy your kids for a few precious minutes so you can sip your coffee in peace.

This was the case for Gilbert mom of two (with a third on the way), Payton Allen, who finally reached her limit with toy clutter.

“I wanted my kids to have exposure to all the fun toys,” said Payton. “But it became a vicious cycle; they got bored, so I bought new toys, then they were playing and quiet, but after a few days they got bored again.”

Set out to make a change, Payton began researching various toy libraries throughout the country, intrigued at the thought of renting toys instead of buying them.

After extensive research and collaborating with a toy library in Wyoming to understand the ins and outs of the business, Payton began the process to start The Toy Library of Arizona—building a website from scratch, figuring out how to book keep, obtaining a business license, and more.

The Toy Library of Arizona officially launched in July 2022 after a few months of pilot testing and has been steadily growing ever since.

How it Works

Think of it kind of like a book library. You obtain a membership and have access to a toy catalog of over 260 toys.

Each toy is assigned a point based on its value, but no toy exceeds four points, even if it’s worth more. This allows families the ability to always rent at least two toys at a time.

Toys can be checked out for up to two weeks but can be exchanged sooner if your child is growing bored with it. After the two weeks, simply make a new reservation and check out new toys. Payton will bag all the toys for you and they’ll be ready for pick-up in Gilbert. Current pick-up days are on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Once toys are returned, they undergo a strict cleaning procedure using a non-toxic hospital grade cleaner that sanitizes and disinfects.

“My desire is for people to feel like they’re receiving a new toy,” said Payton.

The Benefits of Renting Toys

Save money. Toys are expensive and kids’ developmental needs and interests are constantly changing which means they can outgrow toys easily. “Families are spending an astronomical amount of money on toys,” said Payton. “Toys are expensive so this allows you to try them out without buying them and see if your kids like them and want to play with them.”

The Allen Family of Gilbert. Riggs (18 months), Payton, Trever, and Rory (3).

Keep kids interested. There’s something exciting about playing with something new. By renting toys, kids get to explore that new toy they’ve been wanting while also improving the quality of their play. “There’s so much research on toy rotation—having fewer toys keeps them engaged,” said Payton.

Access to quality, carefully selected toys. Good quality toys that focus on exploration and learning can be pricey. Through renting, your child can have access to these types of toys without the high costs. “You won’t find a ton of battery operated toys,” said Payton. “I really want them to facilitate development and play. I keep my eyes on award-winning, sustainable, durable, and long-lasting toys to add to our catalog.”

The Toy Library has a variety of toys geared for kids from newborn all the way through age eight.

“We have everything from games and puzzles, Lovevery, pretend play, figurines, water toys and more,” said Payton. “I wanted to hit all those ‘hot items’ but also feature educational toys focusing on literacy, numbers and counting, and STEM toys. There’s a little bit of everything minus the toys that just don’t benefit kids.”

As the Toy Library of Arizona looks to the future, Payton said she hopes to not only grow its presence and toy selection, but to have a brick and mortar building.

“I would love to someday have a space where kids can play and then toys can be taken home, like a library,” she said. “I also plan to do some pop up play locations where I can bring some of the popular toys and provide a space where parents can bring their kids.”

While The Toy Library of Arizona is currently based in the East Valley, Payton said another goal is to eventually expand pick up locations to serve other parts of the Valley. For more information visit thetoylibraryaz.com

Building a foundation for academic success.

Now accepting applications Apply today.

info@buildingblocksscottsdale.com BuildingBlocksScottsdale.com

12001 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale | 480.364.1398

Favorite Baby Items

Kate with Maverick in the LilleBaby CarryOn Airflow Baby Carrier. Inset: Kate and Maverick using the Kyte Ring Sling.

1. Copper Pearl 5-in-1 Baby Covers: Stretchy multiuse covers are perfect for breastfeeding, carseat covers, shopping cart, and more! $26.95 at copperpearl.com 7. Fast Table Chair: Great for travel or when you’re out and about! Works great on almost every table without a lip–even picnic tables! Holds up to 37 lbs. $79 at inglesina.us

2. Kyte Baby Soft Bamboo Baby Towels : Super soft, oversized, and quick

drying! Hooded Bath Towel, $35. 5-Pack Washcloth, $16 at kytebaby.com

3. Tubby Todd Bath Co.: Gentle and safe ingredients and subtle scents.

Everything from bubble bath to lotion for baby’s bath time. Newborn Gift

Set, $112 at tubbytodd.com

4. Lalabu Dad Shirt: Holds babies up to 15 lbs. $30 at shop.lalabu.com

5. Puj Baby Tub: Fits in the sink, cradles newborns, and has magnets to store on the side of the washer, or hang it to dry. $44.99 at puj.com

6. Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair: Very stable, has a 5 point harness, foot rest, and grows with baby (from baby insert to a booster seat). $299 at stokke.com/usa 8. Lou Lou and Co Ultimate Newborn Bundle (Hat or Headband): Soft

material, built in footies, and generously sized to maximize wearing ability. $78 at loulouandcompany.com

9. Baby Carriers:

• Ring Sling: Tucks away nicely, has pockets and easy for breastfeeding. For babies newborn-35 lbs. Favorites are: Wild Bird (wildbird.co), Kyte Baby (kytebaby.com), and Nalakai (nalakai.com). • The Lalabu Kerier: For babies between 13 – 25 lbs. Soft yet keeps its stability and form. $129 at shop.lalabu.com • The Happy Baby Original: Easy to use and store. Has an option to back carry. Holds up to 45 lbs. $155 at happybabycarriers.com • Lillebaby CarryOn Airflow: Comfortable straps, back support, sunshade, and breathable. Holds up to 45 lbs. Insert for newborns. $149 at lillebaby.com

Editor’s Picks:

1. SoundSpa Sound Machine: Compact and

portable with six sounds, and battery operated/ wall plug-in. $23.99 at homedics.com 5. Ergo Baby 360 Carrier: Grows with baby.

Easy to adjust and super quick to strap on. $139 at ergobaby.com

2. Hatch Rest Sound Machine: Has a phone

app and can be used as a night light. Also has feature that signals an acceptable time to wake up. $69.99 – $89.99 at hatch.co 6. Baby Brezza Formula Mixing Pitcher:

Quiet motorized pitcher mixes formula automatically at the press of a button. $21.99 at babybrezza.com

3. Keekaroo Peanut Changer: Wipeable

changing pad. $139 at keekaroo.com

4. Love to Dream Swaddle Up: Convenient

double zipper for diaper changes. $32.99 at lovetodream.com 7. WiHoo Mini Stroller Fan: A must in the

AZ summer heat. Easily attaches to many items: stroller, car seat, or hospital bed during labor. $27.99 at amazon.com or $32.43 at walmart.com

Hand-picked by Kate Baby Shower Gift Ideas

Mom-to-be doesn’t have a registry? Or maybe you need something extra to tuck in the gift bag? Here are some unique and adorable ideas to keep in mind for your next baby shower!

1. Muslin Swaddles

With lots of cute designs, Little Unicorn offers generously sized muslin swaddles which are great for car seat covers, nursing covers, blankets, and more. My little ones have all loved these blankets and we have lots in rotation even into toddlerhood! littleunicorn.com/collections/lu-swaddles

2. Wood Milestone Signs

Those first few weeks and months fly by! So make sure new parents have an easy way to document the baby’s first year. Plus–they’re cute enough to reuse for future babies! We didn’t start using these until baby #3 and I wish I had these photos with all the kids. cadenlane.com/products/hs-duo-script

3. Lovey

These adorable loveys make a great gift and while they might not be used right off the bat they’ll become a cherished toy in no time. None of my babies have used pacifiers but they all loved to snuggle their loveys–especially when tired or sick. These are some of our favorites. Pro tip: buy two, in case one is lost or in the wash! etsy.com or littlesleepies.com/collections/lovies

4. Sogg.E. Bear Teething Ring

This sweet bear is pulling double duty! Not only is it a great teething toy, but it also soaks up drool! Plus, as a bonus–it’s small enough for the diaper bag. This little bear has been a lifesaver during the first year! We loved to get it wet and put it in the freezer for extra comfort for sore gums. etsy.com

5. New Parent Decision Coin

Bring a little humor to those first few weeks with this token. It’s easy to customize and new parents can flip it to decide who handles the next blow out! etsy.com

6. Education Savings Fund

One of the best gifts my parents have gifted my own kids is an education savings fund. They deposit sums of money at birth (when the social security number is given), birthdays, and Christmas. You can find out more about it at AZ529.gov. If you’re close with the parents-to-be this might be an incredible gift to consider. It might seem like an ‘boring’ gift but in actuality you’re giving the gift of the future. But feel free to add one of the cute gifts above as well!

Kinsa: QuickCare Smart Thermometer.

Editor’s Picks

Honest: Me Time for Momma Daily Indulgence Gift Set.

7. Baby Books

For my baby shower, I asked that people bring a book instead of a card to help me grow a mini baby library. Guests signed the inside of the book and it’s always such a sweet sentiment to see before reading it to the baby. Aside from board books, some of my favorites have been the Indestructibles. They are chew proof, rip proof, non-toxic, and 100% washable. workman.com/brands/indestructibles

8. Small Self-Care Items for the New Parents

I remember opening up some of my baby shower gifts and in addition to something off my registry for the baby, a few people included some small self-care items for my husband and me. I thought it was so thoughtful. These could be things such as hand cream, face sheet masks, a magazine (a copy of RAK would be so fitting!), bubble bath, or lip balm.

9. Medicines and Ointments

My husband is a nurse and a few of his coworkers threw him a baby shower. Leave it to the nurses to gift us things like baby Tylenol, a thermometer, nose saline, and diaper rash cream. But I wasn’t complaining– these made for very practical gifts and definitely things we would use.

10. Other Gift Ideas

You can also consider the gift of house cleaning services, meal delivery, or gift cards! Gifts that definitely won’t go unused or unappreciated.

Locally Owned Mommy & Me Shops

Kins & Kay: Mommy & Me Wrap Dress and Baby Girl Swaddle Blanket & Headband Set.

Kins & Kay

This Tucson-owned company was started by a mom of three who discovered her passion and creative outlet of sewing after having kids.

From maternity robes, swaddles, and family-matching ensembles, Kins & Kay offers a wide-variety of mix and match apparel for everyone in the family and even has an array of gender neutral options.

Shop their matching Christmas pajama sets with festive prints sure to get you in the holiday spirit! It’s also perfect for finding Mommy and Me matching robes and swaddles for those precious newborn photos. kinsandkay.com

Zoolikins

Zoolikins is a mother owned and operated children’s boutique in Old Town Scottsdale offering a selection of carefully curated products including toys, books, clothing, teething items, and more.

Beyond the products it sells, Zoolikins also strives to offer a sense of support and community. The team of moms is always happy to let you in on products they swear by or to be a place of refuge when you just need to get out of the house with your little one.

Open Monday – Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 7118 E. 5th Ave. Scottsdale AZ, 85251 or shop online at zoolikins.com

Maternity Must-Haves from a seasoned mom (of almost 4)!

By Kate Reed

Pink Blush: Grey Boat Neck Bubble Sleeve Maternity Sweater & Blue Distressed Cuffed Maternity Jeans

Maternity to babywearing winter coat

1. Sub Zero 3 in 1 Winter Maternity Parka

Since I’m new to winter weather in Northern Arizona I decided to look into a recommended brand, Seraphine, for a new coat. Great for freezing temperatures and works for maternity, baby wearing, and beyond! $385 at seraphine.com

2. Maternity Clothes

My favorite maternity clothes come from Pink Blush Maternity and this winter I’m rocking oversized sweaters and comfortable jeans. I also love the jogger sets for chilly days around the house. pinkblushmaternity.com 3. Snoogle Body Pillow

Once your belly begins to expand, you might find it’s difficult to sleep. Much to my husband’s dismay-this huge pillow is a life saver and allows me to comfortably rest at night. Also a Snoogle Jr. Child Pillow is available. $69.99 at leachco.com

Belly Butter

4. Earth Mama Belly Butter

Even though I’m not terribly concerned with stretch marks I don’t enjoy the stretching sensation that leaves my belly mildly itchy. I make sure to use a lotion after I shower to keep it hydrated. I love these ones from Earth Mama Organics! $21.99 at earthmamaorganics.com

Hydration

5. Joey’z Fruit Infuser Water Pitcher

If you aren’t a fan of plain water (like me!) then you might love the Fruit Infuser Water Pitcher. Fill it with your favorite fruits and allow it to infuse. Drink this all day and you won’t mind the water! Don’t forget to add some electrolytes during the day to maximize hydration. $19.89 at amazon.com or walmart.com

Labor and postpartum

Every delivery is different but after a few babies (in a hospital, birth center, and next: home birth!) I know what I love to have on hand for labor. Here’s what I have ready for my 4th boy due this March.

6. Labor-Less Delivery Essential Oil

This oil is great for soothing nausea, headaches, fatigue, and anxiety of childbirth. Although sometimes during childbirth I can’t stand the smell of any essential oils, I’ve ordered this one for the next delivery just in case! $16.95 at edensgarden.com

7. Take Care Down: Postpartum Recovery Kit

After delivery you’re going to need a little extra support…down there. Go ahead and order some perineal spray and sitz bath to soothe the pain. $37.97 at earthmamaorganics.com

8. AfterEase Postpartum Cramp Tincture

Those after-birth cramps are no joke! And they get worse with each birth. With number four’s due date approaching I’m dreading those painful cramps when nursing. Sometimes these pains can be worse than contractions during labor! Don’t be surprised if it catches you off guard. I used this tincture with my last birth and plan on having it on hand again! $19,99 at wishgardenherbs.com

9. Mommas Tata Tasties Bakery

These calorie-dense breastfeeding cookies and brownies are excellent for lactation because of their special ingredients. I love to buy a big batch and freeze them. They’re locally made and offer unique, seasonal flavors! facebook.commommastatatasties

Editor’s Picks

1. Easy slip-on shoes

Once my belly got in the way, it was so hard to bend down and tie or buckle shoes. I loved Kizik shoes and bought multiple pairs. They market themselves as “The easiest shoes you’ll ever put on. No tying, no heel crushing, and no hands necessary” and I absolutely found it to be true. But any good slip-on shoe will help! kizik.com

2. Papaya Enzymes

I had terrible acid reflux during the second half of my pregnancy–something I had never experienced before. My midwife recommended papaya enzymes–they’re similar to Tums but in my opinion, they taste a little better and are more of a natural alternative. They can also be taken in conjunction with other antacids which was a lifesaver for me to have multiple options when it got really bad. Of course, check with your provider before taking them. $6.79 at walgreens.com

3. Prenatal Massage

Ok, so this isn’t an “item” but it is a must-have in my opinion! You usually have to be out of the first trimester to get a prenatal massage (talk with your OB to make sure you’re safe to get one) but if you’re given the all clear, do yourself a favor and find a good place to get a massage! It’s important your massage therapist really understands how to safely give a massage when you’re pregnant, so be sure to ask how they will position you during the massage and if they have special pillows for you to lay on during it. I loved Ryken Wellness (locations in Gilbert and Chandler) for my prenatal massages.

The Nest Prep Providing Nourishing Meals for Postpartum Parents

By Monique Seleen

PARENTHOOD IS EXHAUSTING. Whether it’s your first or your fifth, there’s a lot that goes into adapting to your new way of life.

When my husband and I were in the thick of those newborn days with our son, we relied on take out, delivery, or the graciousness of my mom to feed us when we were too tired to think about cooking.

While I did prepare a few freezer meals ahead of time, they were eaten up quickly and I didn’t have it in me to make more when I was recovering from childbirth.

That’s exactly what led Phoenix mom of three, Madelyn Ellis, to start The Nest Prep—a meal service company for new and expectant parents meant to take the stress out of prepping and cooking meals by doing it all for you and delivering them right to your doorstep.

The idea for The Nest Prep has been years in the making. Madelyn first thought of it while pregnant with her first daughter, but got busy with her job, the new baby, and life in general.

It wasn’t until 2021 when pregnant with her third and getting ready to make a bunch of freezer meals to prepare for the birth, that Madelyn revisited the idea again.

“My good friend was also pregnant at the time and she hated meal prepping so I told her I would love to do it for her,” Madelyn said. “That made me wonder if the name—The Nest Prep—that I had thought of years ago was still available.”

Fortunately, it was and Madelyn secured the name on social media and as a website domain, and spent the next year slowly building the bones of the business.

“I spent time developing the website and trying to learn about social media marketing,” she said. “There’s been a huge learning curve trying to figure it all out.”

After over a year of perfecting the menu, building a website, designing labels, trying out different container options, and more, Madelyn officially launched The Nest Prep on August 8, 2022, leaving her nutritionist job in the local school district to pursue the business fulltime.

Customers can find a variety of menu options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even dessert! Suitable for all different likes, dietary restrictions and preferences, The Nest Prep offers dishes such as oatmeal bakes, muffins, burritos, pasta dishes, enchiladas, burger patties, soups, energy bites, and even edible cookie dough.

“It’s really just about providing good food for people,” said Madelyn. “The focus is not about getting your body back or losing weight but honoring what your body has done and the journey that you’re on and taking that burden of meal prepping and planning away from new moms.”

With a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and concentrations in both dietetics and foodservice management, a child nutrition certification, and years of nutrition management, Madelyn strives to not only create exceptional flavor profiles but said she especially likes to take into consideration the nutritional needs of moms.

“Anybody can have it, but it really is focused on postpartum moms,” she said. “I try to focus on essentials for breastfeeding moms too, being mindful of lactation-boosting ingredients to add in when possible, and incorporating lots of fruits and vegetables for both nutrition and energy.”

The Nest Prep also offers gifting options so you can give the gift of meals to an expectant family.

“I hope that people feel like it takes some of that decision-making off their plate but I also hope that they feel that someone really cares about the phase of life that they’re in and wants to help,” said Madelyn. “It’s so important to be able to take care of the new mom and if I can lend to that and be a part of that village in any way, I feel really grateful.” To find out more, or to place an order, visit thenestprep.com