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MOMS of Alabama BABYMOON DESTINATIONS BABYPALOOZA GUIDE
SUMMER 2017 PRICE $2.95
www.albabymag.com
From pregnant with multiples to needing multiple hands, WE’RE WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. Having multiples comes with multiple blessings. But the pregnancy comes with multiple concerns too. That’s why UAB has a full staff of Nationally-Ranked Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists. Providing you with comprehensive care throughout your pregnancy—even if it’s one that comes with additional risks. With immediate access to specialists, sub-specialists, and the only Level IV NICU in Alabama, you can rest assured that you’re in good hands. Which is good, because when your hands are that full, you’re going to need all the rest you can get. And we’ll be with you every step of the way.
uabmedicine.org/women
baby alabama
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S U M M E R 2 017
contents
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EDITOR AT LARGE LaTanya Bayles ART DIRECTOR Amy Heise Murphree CONTRIBUTORS Kim Hildenbrand Megan Ratliff Robin Raven PHOTOGRAPHY Jennifer Hagler Angela Karen Tiffany Roach Meredith Rowlen
features 16 Moms of Alabama 18 Wyndy 22 The Paisley Pea 26 The Flower Child Project
departments
PROJECT MANAGERS Holland Bayles Mexia Hall
08 News & Notes 12 Partner’s in Kids Health: Babysitting 101 14 Momma Love: Birthwell Partners 36 Family Travel: Babymoons
INTERN Aja Mills
in every issue
GRANDPARENTS TO PRECIOUS, CINNAMON & THE GOOSE Cecil & Francine
06 Editor’s Letter 42 Event Picks
Lifestages Publishing Inc., Copyright 2004-2017. Lifestages Publishing Inc. publishes Alabama Baby & Child quarterly. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Publisher assumes no liability for unsolicited art, photographs, manuscripts, or other material. Disclaimer: Statements and opinions expressed in Alabama
Cameron Strouss expecting her first child. Bio on page 17. Photography by Angela Karen
Baby & Child are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Lifestages Publishing Inc. Information provided should not be interpreted as medical instructions; editorial content is not intended as medical advice. Consult appropriate healthcare professionals prior to taking any action. Although great care has been taken in compiling and checking the information given in this publication to ensure accuracy, the authors, Lifestages Publishing Inc., and its servants or agents shall not be responsible or in any way liable for the continued currency of the information or for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in this magazine, whether arising from negligence
contact us LifeStages Media t. (205) 440-2229 www.albabymag.com www.babypaloozatour.com
or otherwise or for any consequences arising therefrom. The appearance of an ad in Alabama Baby & Child does not constitute an endorsement of that product or service.
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MEET
AFFORDABLE DENTAL INSURANCE FROM BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF ALABAMA GIVES HER A LOT TO SMILE ABOUT.
Suzanne knows the importance of maintaining a healthy smile. That’s why she and her family chose Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. Everyone is guaranteed coverage and all dental plans include: • Routine exams • Cleanings • X-rays DENTAL COVERAGE STARTS AT $21 A MONTH.
To enroll, call 1-877-534-6302 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or visit AlabamaBlue.com/GreatSmile.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
What does Excellence in daycare look like? Picture taken at CCS, Pelham
Caring and Nurturing
Clean and Safe facilities
Staff
A Loving Christian Based Environment
Academic Approach
TOUR TODAY AND SEE WHY PARENTS ARE CHOOSING
®
Daily Bible and
Fun
Character Development
Excellence IN DAYCARE!
BIRMINGHAM - HUNTSVILLE AREA LOCATIONS FA M I LY
FAVO R I
TE
2016
W W W. C C S L I O N . C O M What does excellence in daycare look like.indd 1
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Editor’s Letter
From the
Editor ALABAMA BABY & CHILD 2.0 Have you downloaded the APP or checked out the website lately? We understand that you want information at your fingertips and we have loaded all of our guides and directories so that you may have the content you want on demand. From birthday party ideas and locations to local classes and activities for toddlers we’ve got it. We also have a team of real moms eager to connect with you. Find out all about the moms behind The Mom Trust on page 16 and throughout the magazine. And most importantly make sure to save the date for Babypalooza on Saturday, August 12 at the BJCC South Hall. We will all be there eager to meet you face-to-face.
See you at Babypalooza, Cecilia Pearson
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Look forward to counting all those fingers and toes. Grandview Medical Center is one of the first hospitals to receive the Blue Distinction Center for Maternity Care designation by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama.
Whether you’re going to be a first-time parent or you’re adding to your family, you have so much to look forward to with the birth of your child. At Grandview Medical Center, we’re here to help -- from finding an OB/GYN, to prenatal tours and classes, to the day you meet your new bundle of joy.
Inside our beautiful, new women’s center you’ll find a staff focused on the whole family. We encourage special mom and baby time and offer open visiting hours to allow siblings and other family members to be part of the family bonding experience. And should the need arise, our private NICU suites are designed for parents to stay right in the room with their little one.
3690 Grandview Parkway • Birmingham , AL 35243 • 205-971-1000 To find a physician, call 1-844-GMC-DOCS
www.GrandviewHealth.com
Blue Distinction Centers (BDC) met overall quality measures for patient safety and outcomes, developed with input from the medical community. A Local Blue Plan may require additional criteria for facilities located in its own service area; for details, contact your Local Blue Plan. Blue Distinction Centers+ (BDC+) also met cost measures that address consumers’need for affordable healthcare. Each facility’s cost of care is evaluated using data from its Local Blue Plan. Facilities in CA, ID, NY, PA, and WA may lie in two Local Blue Plans’areas, resulting in two evaluations for cost of care; and their own Local Blue Plans decide whether one or both cost of care evaluation(s) must meet BDC+ national criteria. National criteria for BDC and BDC+ are displayed on www.bcbs.com. Individual outcomes may vary. For details on a provider’s in-network status or your own policy’s coverage, contact your Local Blue Plan and ask your provider before making an appointment. Neither Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association nor any Blue Plans are responsible for non-covered charges or other losses or damages resulting from Blue Distinction or other provider finder information or care received from Blue Distinction or other providers.
News & Notes
Hot Off the C O M P I L E D BY K I M H I L D E N B R A N D
Press
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ALABAMA PRISON BIRTH PROJECT PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR EXPECTANT PARENTS For mothers who are facing the added challenge of being incarcerated while expecting a baby, the Alabama Prison Birth Project (APBP) is making life better. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation’s mission is to improve the health of newborns birthed by women in custody while strengthening maternal bonds and maternal self-efficacy. The organization currently offers a variety of services for expectant mothers. For improved maternal nutrition, they provide healthy meals featuring fruits, vegetables, proteins, Omega-3s, and calcium. They also facilitate a learning and support group once a month at at Julia Tutwiler Prison For Women in Wetumpka. Expectant moms can learn about and discuss subjects such as healthy eating, healthy birth practices, and stress reduction. The APBP also stocks the prison library with pregnancy and parenting books and offers moms a notebook for journaling. In the future, the APBP anticipates expanding the program to
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hands-on birth doula support as well as a mother’s milk initiative courtesy of a donation of five hospital-grade breast pumps from the Mother’s Milk Bank of Alabama. When women give birth behind bars, they are separated from their babies shortly after birth, which impacts bonding and breastfeeding time. These women deal with stress and anxiety and are at greater risk for physical and mental health concerns, which in turn can impact fetal health.
The ABPB cites the positive results of similar programs in other states: These have resulted in decreases in caesarean rate and postpartum depression. They’ve also prompted improved health of mothers and babies and increased bonding time. Among the other benefits, these outcomes cut the maternity and childcare costs for taxpayers. To learn more or donate to the Alabama Prison Birth Project, visit www.prisonbirth.org.
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NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK AND COLORING BOOK CAPTURE THE MAGIC OF BIRMINGHAM When Ashley Chesnut visited cities in the South, such as Nashville and Greenville, she noticed children’s books and city coloring books that sparked excitement about the cities’ downtown areas. So she decided to generate that brand of excitement for Birmingham’s downtown. She teamed up with illustrator Abby Little to create two books: a children’s book titled “Down in the Ham: A Child’s Guide to Downtown Birmingham” and a coloring book called “Color the Ham: A Down in the Ham Coloring Book.” The books capture the magic of the Magic City by offering a tour of downtown Birmingham and sharing information about the city’s rich history. A portion of the proceeds from “Down in the Ham” will benefit WorkFaith Birmingham—a nonprofit organization that assists unemployed adults in obtaining and keeping jobs. Their goal is twofold: inspire families to visit downtown as well as give back to the people who live in Birmingham. You can purchase copies of “Down in the Ham” and “Color the Ham” from Briarwood Bookstore and on Amazon. Ashley and Abby will also sell copies at Ross Bridge Farmers Market and The Market at Pepper Place. To learn more, follow Down in the Ham on social media (@downintheham) or visit the blog (downintheham.com).
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LOCAL AUTHOR AND MOM PENS A BOOK THAT TEACHES KIDS ABOUT GOD Nichelle Kline has always loved writing. But in 2015 when a family friend told her she would make a good Christian writer, she recalls, “the light bulb went off.” Her creation? “Ari VS the World: Putting God First”—a children’s book that teaches children how to put God first and become a “Superhero for Christ” in their own communities like Ari. “I wrote ‘Ari Vs The World’ with the intention of it being a series of books that will help teach kids spiritual values and principles that they desperately need to know,” Nichelle says, “especially in these times.” Nichelle and her husband Melvin Vance have two children Arianna, age 7, and Melvin III, age 2. Before becoming a stay-at-home-mom, she worked as a library assistant for the Birmingham Public Library (central branch) for 12 years. The book is available online at Barnesand Noble.com and Amazon.com.
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THEY FOUGHT THE LAW, AND THEY WON! HOUSE BILL 315 ESTABLISHED TO LICENSE AND REGULATE THE PRACTICE OF MIDWIFERY PASSES IN ALABAMA Since 1976, it has been a misdemeanor for midwives to practice in Alabama, with one exception: nurse midwives, who are allowed to deliver babies in hospitals in collaboration with a physician’s practice. After 13 years of lobbying by numerous organizations and individuals, the House overwhelmingly passed a bill sponsored by Ken Johnson, RMoulton that will let certified professional midwives holding certification from the Institute for Credentialing Excellence practice in Alabama. Though the bill has passed, change is not instantaneous: It takes three months to become law, and at that point, the task of establishing the Board of Midwifery will begin. Once the board is complete, Certified Professional Midwives are free to serve families in Alabama. It may take an additional 12 to 18 months for the process to be complete. If you want to learn more about midwifery in Alabama visit the Alabama Birth Coalition at alabamabirthcoalition.org or the Alabama Midwives Alliance at alabamamidwivesalliance.org.
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Children’s Health
Babysitting 101
AS PARENTS YOU LOOK FOR BABYSITTERS WHO ARE DEPENDABLE AND RESPONSIBLE, WHO HAVE A SPECIAL INTEREST IN YOUNG CHILDREN, AND WHO ARE SAFETY CONSCIOUS AND MATURE.
How do you know if your neighborhood babysitter is prepared to take care of children? One way is to encourage them to take a course in babysitting. A babysitting course will provide teens with the knowledge and confidence they will need to be a qualified babysitter. You can learn more about 12
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babysitting courses by contacting Children’s of Alabama, American Red Cross office, the YMCA or other community organization. Before you leave your child with a babysitter make sure they know these three things: 1. HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU
Make sure they have the right phone numbers and contact information at the start of every job. It also helps to get a backup number, like the number
of a restaurant the parents will be at, just in case their cell phone battery dies or there’s no signal. 2. WHERE TO FIND MEDICAL INFORMATION AND SUPPLIES (AND HOW TO USE THEM)
Put together a file with information like health issues, allergies, prescription medications, etc. It’s a good idea to keep a first aid kit so items like alcohol wipes, Band-aids, and antibacterial cream are in the same place. Make sure the babysitter knows where the first aid kit is, what’s in there, and how to use it. If you want your sitter to give your child medicine, make sure to show them how. 3. KEEPING YOUR CHILDREN SAFE
Kids love to explore, and they can get into trouble fast. In fact, accidents are one of the leading reasons children end up in a doctor’s office or emergency room. That’s why supervision is key. Remind your babysitter to never leave young kids unattended, especially around water, heaters, appliances, and other hazards. And keep the medications well out of the reach of kids. Also show your babysitter where you keep safety and emergency equipment, like fire extinguishers, flashlights, and batteries. Emergencies are about more than having the right equipment, though: the babysitter will need to know what to do, including when and how to use things like fire extinguishers. For more information on this, or other health and safety topics, please visit our website at www. childrensal.org.
Even though their judgment isn’t always amazing,
their healthcare is. Healthcare as amazing as their potential CONGRATULATIONS TO
Dr. Dan Carter
To sign up for the Partners in Kids Health Newsletter and for more information on this or other health and safety topics, visit www.childrensal.org.
2016 Best Pediatrician Winner (#1) Greenvale Pediatrics, Hoover
and Dr. Toren Anderson
2016 Best Pediatrician Winner (#2) Greenvale Pediatrics, Hoover 1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org
Partners in
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Momma Love
Birthwell Partners BY M E G H A N R AT L I F F
Dalia Abrams
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WHEN I WAS PREGNANT WITH MY FIRST CHILD and wanting to have an unmedicated birth a friend of mine directed me to Dalia Abrams and her natural childbirth classes. My husband and I went to the first class not knowing what to expect. There we encountered, Dalia, a petite woman with dark curly hair and tie-dyed flowy pants. We would quickly learn she was the embodiment of Shakespeare quote, “Though she be but little, she is fierce!” Dalia is fierce, especially when it comes to empowering women. After she experienced how empowered her first child’s birth made her feel she knew she wanted to help other women have that same positive birth experience. Dalia began teaching naturally minded childbirth classes and providing breastfeeding education in 1998. Once her oldest child could drive, she started attending births as a birth doula. After becoming certi-
fied as a birth doula, Dalia continued her education to become a certified doula trainer. She now offers her doula and education services through Birthwise Birmingham, doula co-op operating in the greater Birmingham area. In 2011, Dalia and Susan Petrus co-founded Birthwell Partners. Birthwell is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that actively seeks to fill the gap in care for low-resource and teen mothers in Alabama. Birthwell Partners provides low-cost and free doula services to women who would otherwise be unable to afford doula assistance. When asked about how Birthwell operates Dalia states, “we train doulas, providing needbased scholarship assistance for the entire training and certification process, to increase diversity (economic and racial diversity) of
doulas in our area. Since founding, we have held 13 doula workshops and trained 175 people. We match volunteer doulas with low-resource families who can’t afford the cost of a doula (which is $400-$900 in Birmingham), charging whatever the family can afford, and often providing services for free.� Insurance plans and Medicaid does not cover doula services. While multiple factors affect the infant mortality rate in Alabama, poverty is among one of the top offenders. For mothers and families who live in low-resource areas the kind of support that Birthwell offers can save lives. To learn more about Birthwell Partners visit their www.birthwellpartners.org or follow them on social media at @ BirthWellPartners.
MEGHAN RATLIFF is a mother of three beautiful children and a postpartum doula. Follow her at www.mommalovegham.com and on social media at @mommalovebham
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Moms
OF ALABAMA P H OTO G R A P H Y BY A N G E L A K A R E N
OUR TAGLINE FOR BABYPALOOZA AND FOR THE MAGAZINE IS THAT “NO ONE PARENTS ALONE”.
Our goal is to offer new and expectant parents a community where they feel safe and can ask questions and share stories. Because of that mission we are introducing a part of the community called The Mom Trust. A diverse group of awesome women who want to use their gifts and talents to help other women and children. Moms, sisters, wives, and friends -- all experts sharing information and resources to help you. Our goal is to create conversations in which you are the main participant. Meet the Mom Trust. In the photo above starting in the bottom row left to right: Kendra Lyas, owner of the Paisley Pea; Annie Damsky, owner of Villager Yoga, Madison Clecker, Fitness Expert with Madison’s Mommas, Cameron Strouss, Herbalist, and owner of Deep Roots Apotheké. 16
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On the top row: Meghan Ratliff, owner of Momma Love Postpartum Services, Emily Forsythe, owner of Dixie Fresh, Meredith Rowlen, Pregnancy, Baby, and Family Photographer, and Tiffany Parker, HR Executive. Not pictured are Michelle Chandler, Interior Designer, Kim Hildenbrand, Writer and Bryson Kessler, owner of The Swanky Stork. Everyday on the Alabama Baby & Child website there is a new blog post from one of the moms you can trust (#momtrust) on everything from breastfeeding to nutrition, to recipes, and fun things to do with your toddler. On the website go to “Mom Trust” and learn about each of these women and follow links to their individual business Facebook pages. If you’re interested in joining as a blogger or coming to one of our community lunches to share your ideas just email us at momtrust@albabymag. com
Cameron Strouss
moms of alabama
Cameron is an herbalist, medicine maker, wildcrafter, and teacher dedicated to educating and empowering people in reclaiming their health through herbal medicine and whole foods. She offers consulations through her practice, Deep Roots Apothke which has locations in Birmingham and Calera. She is expecting her first child.
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Parenting Hacks
A Babysitting CURE Services BY K I M H I L D E N B R A N D
WHO YOU GONNA CALL? IT’S DATE NIGHT, YOU HAVE A LATE MEETING, OR MAYBE YOU JUST WANT TO RUN AN ERRAND WITHOUT THE KIDS. OR PERHAPS YOU GOT A NEW JOB, OR YOUR WORK SCHEDULE CHANGED, AND YOU NEED TO FIND A REGULAR BABYSITTER TO FILL IN THE GAPS. NEVER FEAR: THESE LOCALLY AVAILABLE BABYSITTING APPS AND SERVICES MAKE IT EASY TO HIRE A TRUSTWORTHY CAREGIVER.
For many parents, trying to find a great babysitter is no simple task. But with today’s technology, it’s getting a whole lot easier. Recent years have seen the launch of apps dedicated to connecting parents with caregivers. Though the details of each app differ, the premises are similar: Parents download the app, browse the pre-vetted applicants, and reach out to prospective sitters or nannies to secure childcare. 18
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MEET WYNDY
As working parents of two young daughters, Birmingham couple Ginger and Tommy Mayfield were very familiar with the challenges associated with hiring reliable babysitters—from finding them in the first place to sending endless texts back and forth to book them. But instead of complaining, they took action. “We wanted to leverage the power of modern
technology to radically simplify the entire process for both parents and college sitters,” Tommy explains. The result? The Mayfields launched Wyndy: a new app that connects parents in greater Birmingham to babysitters who attend Samford University, Birmingham-Southern College, or the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The name was Ginger’s idea—a nod to Wendy Darling from Peter Pan, whom to many is the ultimate sitter. Parents simply download the Wyndy app, post a babysitting job, and receive responses from qualified babysitters, or “Wyndys,” as they are dubbed. All the sitters are undergraduate or graduate students at the approved schools and have undergone a background check and enrollment verification. Parents can find, book, and pay the sitters through
Wyndy
the app—meaning no more endless text messages or dashing to the ATM after an evening out. The app officially launched in late March, but already the compliments from satisfied parents are flowing in. “This was the only time in 9 years that I didn’t have to clean up after the babysitter,” wrote one satisfied parent. “She made French toast with my son, cleaned up and unloaded the dishwasher. I nearly fainted.” Another client referred to the Wyndy app as “life changing.” For Tommy and Ginger, it’s clear that their idea was a good one. “We’re continuing to grow our user base in Birmingham and are planning to expand to additional cities and campuses soon,” Tommy says. “We believe that in the next two to five years, parents and college sitters across the Southeast and the U.S. are going to abandon the current methods of finding and booking babysitting jobs and turn to modern technology to connect—and we hope to position Wyndy to be that technology.”
C O N T A C T: (205) 378-9484 W E B S I T E : wyndy.com P R I C E : Free to download and doesn’t cost anything until you book a caregiver. At that point, you pay a 14 percent
service fee on each transaction. The fee is based on the hourly rate, length of the job, and bonus you choose to pay.
T H E D E T A I L S : Parents download the app (available on OS or Android), post a babysitting job, and receive responses from interested
“Wyndys”—approved babysitters who attend Samford University, Birmingham-Southern College, or the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Finding, booking, and paying sitters all occurs within the app.
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Other Babysitting Services SITTERCITY C O N T A C T: (866) 205-5625 W E B S I T E : www.sittercity.com P R I C E : A basic account is free. A premium account is free for the first month and costs $35 for each subsequent month,
$70 for 3 months, or $140 for 12 months.
T H E D E T A I L S : At SitterCity, you post your desired babysitting gig and caregivers apply if it fits their experience and availability.
The service includes the ability to run background checks, review detailed profiles, and read references and parent reviews.
URBANSITTER C O N T A C T: support@urbansitter.com W E B S I T E : www.urbansitter.com P R I C E : Get a free basic membership, a 1-month no-commitment Access Pass for $34.95, a Monthly Membership for $19.95 per
month, or an Annual Membership for $99.95.
T H E D E T A I L S : Find babysitters in your community based on factors like reviews, experience, background check, and pay rate, as well as
availability. Book jobs instantly on-demand and pay sitters with just a click. UrbanSitter is new to the Birmingham area but growing quickly.
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KENDRA LYAS,
T he Paisley Pea BY R O B I N R AV E N
P H OTO G R A P H Y BY J E N N I F E R H AG L E R
“As a child, I loved watching my grandmother use her old Singer sewing machine, and I fell in love with sewing. She was a mother of nine, and she made clothing for not only her children but for others in the community,� marvels Kendra Lyas.
Kendra Lyas
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i
IT’S THE EARLY INFLUENCE OF HER GRANDMOTHER THAT NURTURED KENDRA’S PASSION FOR SEWING, FABRICS, AND ALL THINGS EARTHY.
This ultimately led to her creation of the Paisley Pea, a vintage-inspired baby and maternity collection. Her company makes handcrafted bibs, burp cloths, blankets, and delivery gowns using cotton fabrics with soft chenille backing. After a 12-year career in pharmaceutical sales, Kendra quit her job five years ago to stay home with her two children. From there, her sewing hobby turned into something much bigger. She hired a local sewing team, and they produced baby products in Birmingham for a few years. She explains, “Everything started organically, and we have received tremendous support from retailers in the Magic City and abroad. We listen to our customers and design products based on their needs.” Their first retailer was St. Vincent’s Birmingham Monogram Maternity Boutique. While carrying Kendra’s baby line, the boutique saw an unmet need in the community, and it requested that she design a birthing gown using her fabrics. Kendra listened and created a gown that allows expectant moms to “look and feel beautiful on delivery day.” There’s no need for moms-to-be to settle for whatever is offered at the hospital when she could add this special touch to the important day. Kendra explains, “The Paisley Pea Delivery Gown is a stylish alterna-
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tive to the standard hospital gown featuring designer fabric, sturdy shoulder snaps for easy nursing, convenient IV and epidural access, full coverage in the back with snaps, and a swanky sash to match trim color. It doubles as a nursing gown that can be worn at home throughout baby’s first year.” The Paisley Pea offers a unique service for families. The website allows moms to choose their fabrics. You can simply click on a fabric swatch on the website, and you are then given the option to order a bib, burp cloth, or blanket in any of the fabrics. Mothers can customize products for their baby, or someone can choose a group of baby shower gifts to wow a mom-to-be with stylish products that match or complement each other. “Our baby collection is constructed with vintage quality, and they are heirlooms that can be passed down from generation to generation. It is hard to find bibs and burps that are not thin and mass produced overseas,” says Kendra, who is proud of the fact that all Paisley Pea items are made in the USA. The company started with just five local retailers in the Mountain Brook, Homewood, and Vestavia Hills areas, and it has grown into a corporation whose products are now sold in over 80 retail stores nationwide. When asked what she has learned along the way
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with her business, Kendra quotes Acts 20:35b: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Just as her grandmother used to make clothes for children in need, Kendra longed to give back to the community, so she made sure that the Paisley Pea also functions as a ministry. The functionality of the company goes well with the way she gives back. The beautiful bibs are designed for feeding, and the blankets are created to provide comfort to little ones. Likewise, the foundation feeds and comforts “little peas,” as she affectionately refers to babies and children. Kendra partners with local churches to give back to the community. With every purchase, she gives a portion of proceeds to help feed hungry children in Alabama and around the world. When Kendra is not working hard to make Paisley Pea an important part of the community, she enjoys playing piano. She spends a lot of time with her husband of 14 years and her two children. She also explores other cultures, enjoys time in nature and loves entertaining her family and friends. Customers can order directly from www.thepaisleypea.com, visit one of their 80 retailers by clicking the “find a store” tab on the website or call the shop directly at 1-844-PAISLEY.
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The
Flower Child
a
Project BY R O B I N R AV E N
P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y T I F FA N Y R O A C H
dler
Michelle Chan
ABOUT A MONTH AFTER MICHELLE CHANDLER AND HER HUSBAND MOVED TO BIRMINGHAM FROM CALIFORNIA IN EARLY 2015,
their then-18-month-old daughter Phoebe was treated at Children’s Hospital for croup. Terrified to see her daughter having a hard time breathing, Michelle got a glimpse of what it was like to see one’s child sick in the hospital. Michelle then started to consider what life must be like for a child who is in and out of hospitals battling cancer or some other serious illness. She says, “As a mother, I immediately realized it could so easily be me or my child, and I felt called to do something for these families. I am an interior designer, and so it was my gut instinct that I would design bedrooms for sick children who
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would be spending a lot of time at home in their beds recovering.” She decided to use her talents to give back and bring joy during a time when ill children and their families need it most. The Flower Child Project was born as a charity to allow Michelle to design dream bedrooms for children who are fighting serious illnesses. Prior to starting the Flower Child Project, Michelle worked at interior design firms. While the design process is the same, she realized that starting a non-profit organization in a completely new city where she wasn’t well-connected in the local design industry was certainly a challenge. However, she persevered. She started telling friends what she wanted to do, and she eagerly shared her vision for the project with those who were open to listen. As it developed, the Flower Child Project received a lot of support. Michelle started social media pages to help spread the word, and it worked. Through word of mouth, she started getting local news interviews. From there, she reached out to local design vendors and professionals in the
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industry. “Before I knew it, I had a team of people who were eager and ready to help with whatever I needed,” Michelle muses. The first child that Michelle helped through the organization was a special little girl named Clara Bragg. We told Clara’s story in the Winter 2017 issue of Alabama Baby & Child. Clara has a neurological condition called Late Infantile GM1 Gangliosidosis Michelle was introduced to the Bragg Family through a mutual friend. She explains, “I will never forget sitting down and talking with Jenny, Clara’s mom, for the first time. I was fighting tears the whole time listening to her story. Her love for her children and her strength as a mother was so inspiring. I was in awe of her courage. They are such a beautiful family, and I am so blessed to now call them friends.” Michelle started Clara’s bedroom by getting to know the family. She learned about their needs, their style, and how they live life within their home. Clara’s parents are minimalists, so she wanted to keep that style in Clara’s room. Because of her
condition, Clara doesn’t walk, but she can scoot and move around so her room needed to be safe. “They wanted an open space that was girly and colorful without being overdone,” Michelle says, “Clara loves it. Jenny sent me a picture of Clara sleeping in her bed that first night, and my heart just melted!” She continues, “There is something so special about creating a space for a child. Kids are so free-spirited and authentic, and they have boundless creativity. That’s what a flower child is to me. A child with an effortless love for life. So, to create a beautiful place for a child to regain their health is the most amazing feeling. Seeing them smile and excited to be in their new room is everything! It makes me so proud to be a designer.” Michelle also explains that the Flower Child Project opened her eyes to how much people want to help and give a part of themselves to something that will make a difference. She observes, “Even the smallest act of kindness sets off a ripple effect that we may not ever know how far it goes. The way complete strangers reached out to me and gave up their time and resourc-
Resources
es to make this project happen, it was unbelievable.” “My vision for Flower Child Project is that there are very few, if any, restrictions on the bedrooms that I design. That means funding is critical to have custom bedrooms designed and installed with quality finishes in a short timeframe. I am currently in need of sponsors who would like to help fund the next bedroom project.” Michelle is now working on building the foundation of Flower Child Project. She’s seeking the next child to design a dream bedroom for and hope to start that project early this fall. Michelle does residential and hospitality interior design services at Harper James Design. That’s not all for this busy mom and designer. She is designing an exclusive pillow collection that will go towards funding Flower Child Project and other children’s charities. The limited collection is available on the Flower Child website. You can also follow Michelle’s design tips for nurseries and kids’ rooms on the Alabama Baby & Child blog.
for Clara’s Room
Custom Bed
Area Rug
Art Print
FRANCIS BRYANT CONSTRUCTION
AT HOME FURNISHINGS
BANQUET ATELIER AND WORKSHOP
5101 Cyrus Circle
2921 18th Street South
banquetworkshop.com
Birmingham, AL 35242
Birmingham, AL 35209
(205) 802-7700
(205) 879-3510
Wallpaper
francisbryant.com
athome-furnishings.com
CHASING PAPER chasingpaper.com
Shiplap, Paint and Install
Bedding
IRON CITY RENOVATIONS
THE LAND OF NOD
(205) 568-3045
(800) 933-9904
www.facebook.com
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/ironcityrenovations Storage Baskets SERENA AND LILY (866) 597-2742 serenaandlily.com
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Parents Are Reading
Mommy,
Where Are You?
A BIRMINGHAM OB/GYN AND AUTHOR PUBLISHES A CHILDREN’S BOOK TO HELP WORKING MOMS EXPLAIN TO THEIR CHILDREN WHERE THEY ARE.
For working moms, life is a delicate balancing act between maintaining a career and caring for children. One innovative OB/GYN and mother decided to channel her own experiences in a way that benefits others—by writing children’s books. “During residency, when I came home from an 80hour work week delivering babies and caring for women, I was absolutely exhausted,” recalls Tera Howard, M.D.,
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author of the book and obstetrician and gynecologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Women and Infants Center. “I wanted to read to my then-2year-old, but I literally couldn’t keep my eyes open. I constantly wondered if there were short, educational and inspirational books that I could read to my child.” To fill the need, Howard penned a book called “Mommy, What’s That?”, which teaches youngsters about body parts and shows them how to use each part positively. Now, Howard’s newest book directly addresses the
topic of working moms. “Mommy, Where Are You?” chronicles discussions between children and working mothers: Kids ask moms where they are during the day, and the mothers share inspiring answers. The message for children is that moms are making a difference in other people’s lives while at work. The message for moms is that it’s okay to be away from your children, to pursue your passions, and to serve as role models in encouraging children to pursue their passions. “The message in the book is important not only to
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Parents Are Reading working mothers but all mothers,” Howard says. “It’s okay to pursue your passions, and you should.” The book, which is illustrated by Howard’s high school friend Addy McNew, showcases a number of diverse careers. For Howard, her book is a true labor of love that she hopes will inspire other mothers. “My mother was a working mother,” Howard says. “I am a working mother. I am surrounded by working mothers. We all know what it feels like to be away from our children for our work, and frequently that feeling is guilt or sadness or longing. In some small way, I hope my book helps to replace that guilt with feelings of hope and inspiration.” WHERE TO BUY
“Mommy, Where Are You?” and “Mommy, What’s That?” are available at Barnes and Noble and at Amazon.com. Howard plans to continue to expand up on the series, creating more inspiring and educational children’s books that are short yet impactful. “It is important to me that the books be short,” Howard says, “because a mother’s most precious commodity is time.”
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“The message in the book is important not only to working mothers, but to all mothers. It’s okay to pursue your passions, and you should.”
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Family Travel
Babymoon
Destinations Get away from it all before the arrival of your baby at these two very different but equally intriguing destinations.
BY R O B I N R AV E N
A BABYMOON CAN CELEBRATE THE BOND YOU HAVE AS A COUPLE BEFORE TAKING ON YOUR NEW ROLES AS MOM AND DAD, AND IT CAN ALSO GIVE YOU A WELL-DESERVED BREAK.
While a honeymoon happens immediately after a wedding, the babymoon occurs before the baby is born. Before you officially transition into full parenthood mode with your little bundle of bliss in your arms, the babymoon allows you to revel in the company of your partner and enjoy visiting destinations that you might not visit again for a while. So, savor time alone with your spouse and get away from it all with a babymoon to one of these locales.
FAMILY TRAVEL SPONSOR
Find more family-friendly travel tips and destinations from The Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport at AlBabyMag.com/Travel.
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family travel
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah may be the oldest city in Georgia, but it is a dynamic, modern destination for a babymoon. Inexpensive flights from Birmingham to Savannah with only a stop on the way make it very accessible. While in Savannah, soak up the natural beauty of Forsyth Park with its picture-perfect fountain, which makes a great backdrop for a babymoon couple selfie. Explore Savannah’s rich history with visits to the Bonaventure Cemetery, the Fort Pulaski National Monument, the Wormsloe State Historic Sites, Fort
McAllister State Historic Park, Tybee Island Light Station and Museum, and the Savannah Victorian Historic District. Fuel up before you get cravings at area restaurants like The Grey, which is worth visiting for its beautiful locale within a gorgeous former Greyhound bus station. Pick up stuff to munch on at Parker’s Market Urban Gourmet. The Ballastone, a historic inn was built as a prominent Savannah mansion in 1838, is ideally situated in the historic district. It’s in walking distance to museums and parks, and it offers perks like a garden courtyard, Turkish robes for guests, gourmet breakfasts, premier mattresses and bedding, and complimentary snacks and treats. This inn offers a special babymoon package. The Ballastone offers a package that includes an hourlong prenatal massage, two commemorative cups, chocolate-covered strawberries, a romantic rose petal turndown service, and a gift certificate to your choice of a few local restaurants.
Resort Details THE BALLASTONE
14 E Oglethorpe Avenue Savannah, GA 31401 (912) 236-1484 ballastone.com 36 ALBabyMag.com
family travel
New York, New York
A babymoon spent in New York City is the ultimate urban excursion. You can get a flight straight to New York’s LaGuardia Airport from Birmingham. Once there, you may want to start by taking in the beauty of the city at observatories like Top of the Rock, the Empire State Building, or One World Observatory. NYC has world class museums, so be sure to visit the well-known ones like the Metropolitan Museum of Art as well as some of the more hidden gems. The Studio Museum in Harlem, the Rubin Museum of Art, the Jewish Museum, the New York City Fire Museum, the Museum at Eldridge Street are some of the dozens of incredible museums in the city. Take a leisurely Circle Line cruise for breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty, the skyline, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Pier 54. Stroll through South Street Seaport. There’s natural beauty in the city, too, thanks to Central Park, where you can enjoy a picnic or relax by the Alice in Wonderland statue seen in many films set in the city. The W Hotels in Manhattan provide romantic accommodations for a babymoon. With five locations, you can stay in Times Square, Union Square, downtown, midtown, or in Hoboken. For a special babymoon that’s just about 30 miles outside the city and a short ride on the Long Island Railroad, stay at Oheka Castle. It was featured at the start of Citizen Kane and also as the setting for
Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space” music video. Go to Penn Station and take the LIRR Huntington Line to Cold Spring Harbor Station to arrive at the castle, and you can ride into Manhattan each day. Oheka Castle offers a babymoon package called the Last Night of Sleep. This getaway for expectant parents includes a stay in one of the deluxe Whitney rooms, a three-course dinner for two, in-room massages for both parents-to-be, breakfast, a mansion tour, and a book keepsake. You can add extras like flowers, chocolates, and limo service.
Resort Details OHEKA CASTLE
135 W Gate Drive • Huntington, New York, NY 11743 (631) 659-1400 • oheka.com ALBabyMag.com 37
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HERE the good times roll in with the waves.
www.spectrumresorts.com 844-329-9787
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family calendar
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“BACK-TO-SCHOOL” TAX FREE HOLIDAY JULY 21- 23, 2017
This event marks Alabama’s 12th annual cel-
ebration where school supplies and other re-
lated items such as clothing, electronics, and sports equipment are sold free of the state’s
4% tax. This holiday presents the perfect opportunity for parents to finish up their back to
school shopping list before the new semester begins.
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FAIRYTALE BALL AUGUST 26
BIRMINGHAM MARRIOTT GRANDVIEW
5:30 - 8:30 PM
Children and adults can dance the night
away with fairy tale characters like Cinderella and Robin Hood; enjoy magi-
cians, jugglers and other entertainment at the 10th annual fundraising gala, pre-
sented by the Junior Board of Childcare Resources. The black tie optional event
will feature live music, a dance floor, hor
d’oeuvres, cocktails for grown-ups, a
candy “bar” for children, and a silent auction. Individual and family ticket packages available. Details at CCR-bhm.org
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EARTHY BIRTHY FAIR AND EXPO SEPTEMBER 10 LEVITE JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER 2:00 - 5:00 PM
Created as a fundraiser for the non-profit, Birthwell Partners the Earthy Birthy Fair and Family Wellness Expo
showcases local businesses that cater to health-conscious moms and families. Vendors include Doulas, Midwives, Le Leche League, Babywearing International, Mother’s Milk Bank of AL, Villager Yoga, local holistic health and chiropractic care providers, birth photographers, natural handmade toys, baby wraps and more. For more details follow them on social media at @earthybirthy
n a c l u V s e n u T After Oct 1st
Oct 15th
Oct 29th
Presented by Regions Bank Kids Zone hosted by Alabama Baby & Child Magazine
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DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS FOLLOW YOUR HEART SEPTEMBER 22 - 24, 2017 LEGACY ARENA AT BJCC • BIRMINGHAM, AL Disney on Ice Follow Your Heart is an underwater adventure featuring characters from Finding Dory and Inside Out. It’s a treasure trove of stories including over 60 characters including Olaf, Buzz Lightyear, and Mickey Mouse. Children will love the excitement and athleticism inspiring everyone to dream big! Tickets are on sale at the BJCC box office and Ticketmaster.com.
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For hundreds more family-friendly events download the APP or visit AlBabyMag.com
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Baby Announcement PHOTOGRAPHER:: MEREDITH ROWLEN
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Elizabeth Jane Long
Baby DATE
June 14, 2017 TIME
3:39pm PARENTS
Dustin & Leann Long
Baby
SIBLING
Charles Russell Long, Age 6 GRANDPARENTS
Dr. & Mrs. Russell Hamblen of McMinnville, TN
Baby
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Long of Greenback, TN
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Post your baby announcements on the Alabama Baby & Child magazine website. Each issue we will randomly choose one to also appear in the magazine.
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Charles and “Eliza”
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With the big things? The little things? The tough things? Your everything.
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Monogram Maternity
We know that providing the right birth experience for you and your family starts with listening and understanding your unique needs. And we do that with more conversation and more back and forth through St. Vincent’s Monogram Maternity. St. Vincent’s, which is a part of Ascension, offers a wide range of resources to enhance your birth experience, including your very own birth designer specially trained to support you on this journey to motherhood.
To find a physician, call 205-939-7878.
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#WhereBabiesComeFrom stvhs.com/MonogramMaternity