Momaha Magazine - March 2016

momaha.com

VOLUME 7 路 ISSUE 3

MARCH 2016

GET ORGANIZED

Room relocation buys you space.

TWEEN DREAM PLUS

d egg Poache family our dishes y evour. will d

Sixth-grader rules bedroom redo.

RAPTOR WOODLAND REFUGE opening Spring 2016

Fourteen custom mews, spread over a half-acre development, will house up to 17 different raptor species. Over 120 feet of elevated boardwalk will guide visitors to treehouse cabins 30 feet above the forest floor to view the birds of prey in the forest canopy. Each visit is its own unique adventure, its own story, its own memory to share.

fontenelleforest.org

EXPERIENCE A FIRST AT YMCA SUMMER DAY CAMP

Check out Summer Day Camp!

Summer Day Camp Open House - Saturday, March 5 10:00am-12:00pm at all 9 metro YMCA locations!

Preschool Camps • Summer Day Camp • Mini Camps • Specialty Camps Teen Camps • YMCA Camp Platte • Counselor-in-Training Program

DISCOVER A FIRST FRIENDSHIP Jr. Storm ChasersTM T-Ball • Coach Pitch Register now through April 30

FUNDAMENTAL DIVISION

RECREATIONAL DIVISION

Will teach your child the rules and fundamentals of the game without competitive pressure.

Participants will have one game and one practice per week. Players will focus on fundamentals and new skill development.

Kindergarten-6th grade

3-4 years • Kindergarten-8th grade

YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA • www.metroymca.org 1

We are celebrating our 15th Anniversary season!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for exciting updates throughout the year and for more information regarding our spring sessions.

Nebraska Dance Spring Session March 12th - April 23rd NEBRASKA DANCE Facebook: Nebraska Dance Instagram: nebraska_dance

11426 Davenport St, Omaha For more information, visit nebraskadance.com or call 402.895.0646

Are GMO Foods Really Safe?

What are the Differences between Organic and Non-Organic Foods?

When do Farmers use Antibiotics, and Why?

Don’t Fear your Food.

Farmer Farm m rs of o fe er an a imp mpor o taantt per ersp spec sp ecttive ec tive ve on fo food od od.

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Free Newborn Expo with Boys Town Pediatrics

Saturday, March 26, 2016 10:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m.

Boys Town Medical Clinics 14040 Boys Town Hospital Road

®

(139th & Pacific, on Boys Town Campus) • Meet our Pediatricians • Newborn Seminars • Pampering Services

• Gift Bags • Desserts • Prizes

Grand Prize!

boystownpediatrics.org

Newborn Photography Session

3

Camps include: Open Weekly camps run from Jump, Dodgeball, Laser June 6 - July 29 Open to Kids 6-12 yrs old Maze, Dunk City, Duel $100/Child Climbing Wall and Siblings are an much more! additional $75 each 8am - Noon

momaha where moms connect VOLUME 7 . ISSUE 3 . MARCH 2016 editor in chief CHRIS CHRISTEN chris.christen@owh.com 402-444-1094

creative director + designer HEIDI THoRSoN hthorson@owh.com 402-444-1351

assistant editor kIm CaRpENTER kim.carpenter@owh.com 402-444-1416

CAMPS FORMING NOW! CALL OR REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.DEFYGRAVITYUSA.COM

10421 PORTAL RD * (402) 934-3394

momaha.com editor aSHlEE CoffEy ashlee.coffey@owh.com 402-444-1075

production coordinator paT R I C I a “ m U R p H y ” B E N o I T

content contributors E R I N fa I R C H I l D DEv HaNUmaRa kURT a. kEElER amy TokoS SaNDRa WENDEl kRISTI WIlSoN H E aT H E R W I N k E l

account manager CaRRIE kENTCH carrie.kentch@owh.com 402-444-1448

account executive G ay l I D D E l l gay.liddell@owh.com 402-444-1489

account executive E m I ly m a R T I N emily.martin@owh.com 402-444-1411

account executive C aT H l E E N va N H a U E R cathleen.vanhauer@owh.com 402-444-1209

U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Swimming • June 26-July 3, 2016 • CenturyLink Center Omaha

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Momaha Magazine is a monthly publication of the news division of the Omaha World-Herald, 1314 Douglas St., Suite 700, Omaha, NE 68102. Momaha is a registered trademark, and all content is copyright 2016 by the Omaha WorldHerald. All rights reserved. The opinions and perspectives published herein are those of the authors and should not be construed as those of Momaha Magazine or its publisher.

Concerned with your child’s progress report?

CONTENTS

Organizational Skills

Anxiety

Emotional Control

Sensory Issues

Attention & Focus

Academic Struggles

Contact today for long term solutions! classes and private sessions available

Ruth Murray 402.339.0992 www.movementsolutions.us

Real MoMs + advice

6 Momaha.com Editor 8 On Our Radar 10 Test-Taking Anxiety 20 Be Well: Advice for a Better Life

diY coRNeR

16 Mudroom Makeover 18 Homemade Cleaners

ReciPes

22 Egg Poaching 101 23 Ramen & Poached Egg 23 Poached Egg & Avocado Toast 23 Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Poached Egg 24 Mushroom & Spinach Hash with Poached Egg

oN the coveR TWEEN DREAM PhotogRaPhY Kurt A. Keeler

Bedroom makeover lets sixth-grader’s personality shine. Story, Page 12. Plus tips on creating the perfect transitional space, Page 14.

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MoMAhA.coM editor // AShlee coffey Wife to Kevin Coffey, music critic for the Omaha World-Herald.

Mom to Sam. Native of Plattsmouth, Nebraska.

Follow her on Twitter: @ashleecoffeyowH

A

h, March. You are most welcome here! Your arrival means we’re that much closer to spring – one of the greatest seasons in my opinion. I love all of the new life that starts to spring up all over the place.

Speaking of new life…I have news: I’m pregnant!

My husband and I found out in December. We told family at Christmas. We told Facebook and the momaha.com community in late

January. Now, I’m telling you.

My husband and I are excited to welcome Baby No. 2, who is due in August. Sam is excited to be a big brother!

It hasn’t been an easy pregnancy so far, and I’m already full of stories.

I’ll obviously be writing a lot about the joys and pains (why does no one tell you about the pains?) during this pregnancy, and I’m excited for all you moms (and dads) to join me on this journey.

Now that my morning sickness has finally subsided, I’m looking forward to getting back to my normal routine. And the arrival of spring means one thing in my house: spring cleaning. I’m eager to try the homemade cleansers on page 18.

Also in this issue you’ll find plenty of “Homespiration” in bedroom, mudroom and laundry redos.

Happy cleaning and happy spring!

Get SociAl Facebook /momahacom TwiTTer @momaha_owh PinTeresT /momahaowh

1/2 off first month for new and returning students!

Concerts For Performers • Lessons For Beginners 13270 Millard Ave. | Omaha | 68137

402.691.8875

omaha.schoolofrock.com school of rock omaha

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@SORomaha

Spring Season Registration is Open!

Join us for our 5th Annual Spring Lacrosse Season. We welcome boys and girls age 2-15 that are new and experienced. www.OmahaLaxClub.com Season April 3rd through May 22nd .

Teams form Mid- March.

Also check our website for upcoming Summer Camps.

EASTER

EVENTS AT THE GARDEN EASTER EXTRAVAGANZA

Saturday, March 26 | 9 a.m. to noon Exciting egg hunt and photos with the Easter Bunny

EASTER BRUNCH

Sunday, March 27 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. * Reservation Reservations ns or pre-registration are required

100 Bancroft Street | Omaha (402) 346-4002

www.lauritzengardens.org

Feb 26 - Mar 13 Fridays at 7 pm Saturdays at 2 pm & 5 pm Sundays at 2 pm

When a colossal storm dumps a mountain of plastic trash onto their shoreline home a young brother and sister are left alone to find their missing parents home, fe for themselves. The boy and girl set out on the open sea where they and fend encou encounter one gargantuan monster after another, but nothing is as terrifying as when they shipwreck upon the monster they unknowingly created themselves, G The Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Utilizing grand scale puppetry and original live music, Elena Araoz and team have created a theatrical spectacle unlike an anything your family has ever seen.

y Created b z o ra A Elena

Show Sponsored By:

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On OUR RADAR // ERin FAiRchilD Erin Fairchild is a 20-something lifestyle blogger living in Omaha.

Follow her latest posts at herheartlandsoul.com

SHaRE a STORY

THINGS TO TRY THIS MONTH

TREaT YOURSELF

DO IT YOURSELF

Kick off the month with a little luck of the Irish. The Leprechaun Magnet Craft Kit from Oriental Trading STaND OUT Company comes with Add some glitter to your family’s everything you need Easter baskets with Spritz’s to make shamrock Fashion Glitter Easter Eggs. magnets St. Patrick Available at Target, these eggs himself would approve. are sure to be a hit with your mini fashionista and will stand out for little ones who are new to Easter egg hunting.

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While loading everyone’s Easter baskets with candy, pick up a little something for yourself.

Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Brownie tastes just like Ghirardelli’s decadent brownies, but in a travel-friendly, bitesize package. Plus, dark chocolate is healthy, right?

If you’re looking for a beautifully illustrated book to add to your library, check out the classic Caldecott Honor winner “Marshmallow” by Clare Turlay Newberry. It tells the tale of baby bunny Marshmallow as he is adopted and moves into his new home with tabby cat Oliver. Although Oliver initially doesn’t want to share his family’s attention, everything works out well in the end.

GO FOR GOLD

We spotted this gold S’well bottle at the end of a rainbow of color options available at Pulp Paperie & Gifts in Omaha. Made of double-walled stainless steel, the bottle keeps your drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12.

It’s BPA free, nontoxic and nonleaching.

It’s also light, easy to carry and super cute!

THE BEST PLACE FOR KIDS.

Lawson, age 8 Clubfeet

Visit ChildrensOmaha.org for more information on how we can help your child.

For a pediatrician, family physician or pediatric specialist, call 1.800.833.3100.

9

Tame exam apprehension with these doctor-approved strategies text Kim Carpenter

U

pset stomach and headache. This time of year, it’s easy to dismiss such symptoms as the flu. But if your child has more than the norm, he or she might be suffering from something else: test-taking anxiety. With Nebraska State Accountability (NeSA) tests in full swing, many students experience the kind of performance anxiety typically associated with adults.

It’s not uncommon, according to Loren Conaway, a pediatric

SignS and SymptomS

Even though anxiety might be the cause, the physical illnesses surrounding testtaking are very real.

“It’s not ‘all in their head.’ Anxiety is an internalizing disorder that creates actual symptoms,” Conaway said.

These include headaches, nausea, stomach difficulties, such as diarrhea or needing to use the restroom frequently, sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, rapid heart rate and feeling faint.

Sleep problems, such as difficulty falling asleep, waking up during the night or early awakening, can also occur.

“Lots of times, you’ll see those difficulties on a Sunday night as school is starting back up, especially if the child has a test that week. You want to look at the timing of physical symptoms and see if they’re chronic,” said Conaway, whose patients usually are referred by pediatricians who have ruled out medical problems.

Additionally, children might get angry, make frequent trips to the nurse’s office, come home in the middle of the day because they don’t feel well or try to avoid school altogether.

“It’s difficult to sort out, because those kids really don’t feel well physically,”

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psychologist with Children’s Behavioral Health. She has seen test-taking anxiety increase during the past six years as testing has become more prevalent in elementary, middle and high schools. “Anytime there’s a situation in which performance counts or there’s perceived pressure regarding the outcome of that performance, you can get anxiety,” she said. “And the more we focus on tests and test our kids, the more we’re shaping that anxiety.”

Conaway said. “Parents struggle with whether or not they should send their child to school.”

tackling anxiety

If you suspect your child is suffering from test-taking anxiety, discuss concerns with teachers and counselors.

“They can be very helpful in terms of assisting parents to decide whether to seek additional treatment,” Conaway said.

“Maintaining contact with the school will also help you know if your child has learning issues.”

It’s critical to talk with your child.

“One of the things I always stress is not to dismiss your child’s worries or to tell him not to worry,” Conaway said. “We all worry, and it’s important to talk to a child to determine what his or her worry is so you can help manage it.”

Parents can do this by ensuring kids have good nutrition, get enough sleep and exercise, and avoid over-scheduling.

Relaxation methods are also useful tools.

Conaway recommends downloading free apps that help kids practice deep breathing, relaxation and visualization.

“That’s an important component. Most kids from middle school on have technology

with them, and there are tons of free apps they can get on phones and tablets to help them. Search with them to find one they like,” Conaway said.

Rational thinking is another major way to alleviate test-taking anxiety.

“It’s helpful for kids worrying about the NeSA to understand that it’s not an evaluation of them. It’s an evaluation of the system. Help them understand that it’s okay to make mistakes, and that the goal is not to be perfect. In the end, it comes down to paying attention to your child.

Look at what that child is worried about and help them reframe it in a positive way,” Conaway said.

When in doubt, seek professional help.

“Anytime a parent sees anxiety interfering with daily functioning, that would be a time to seek assistance.” she said.

Recommended ReSouRceS “Freeing Your Child From Anxiety”

by Tamar Chansky WorryWiseKids.org Anxiety Disorder Association of America – adaa.org

Find Your Pediatric

Health Care Home South Omaha 4920 S. 30th St. (402) 734-4110 West Omaha 4101 S. 120th St. (402) 505-3907

Bellevue 2207 Georgia Avenue (402) 502-8855 Teen & Young Adult Health Center 4310 S. 24th St. (402) 502-8880

Northwest Omaha 4229 N. 90th St. (402) 401-6000 Cass Family Medicine 122 S. 6th St. Plattsmouth (402) 296-2345

AGES: 5-14

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BiG And BOld

Room redo reflects style, function and loads of personality

“i wanted blue and green, because i thought those colors work together, and i love to draw with them,” Piper said.

Raquel had the energetic colors custom blended at diamond Vogel.

TEXT Kim Carpenter PHOTOGRAPHY Kurt A. Keeler

I

t took three years of planning and an argument about a bed, but Piper Bourke couldn’t be happier with her new room - courtesy of her parents and a family road trip to IKEA. The timing was right. As the 11-year-old was gearing up for her final year at Dundee Elementary School, mom Raquel Ahlvers knew a reconfigure was in order. The first thing to go was a light pink girlie wall paint in favor of colors as bright, bold and dynamic as the sixth-grader herself.

Since space was a challenge – the room is only 10-feetby-10-feet, and Piper shares it with Chubster the Hamster and Coco, an elusive blue fish - they jettisoned a full bed that consumed most of the floor plan, opting instead for a simple twin.

That bed was a source of contention. Raquel spotted one she thought was perfect, but during a road trip to IKEA in Kansas City, Piper fell in love with a sleek, contemporary daybed that was radically different from what her mom had envisioned. In typical tween fashion, she asserted her independence by lobbying hard for it - even enlisting her dad to plead her case.

“Taking kids to IKEA when you’re redoing a room is the worst thing you can do!” laughed Raquel, “But her dad said, ‘It is her room.’”

Piper won the day.

For finishing touches, the parents added a desk and chair. “There was no place for her to do homework,” said Raquel, “And she needed it.”

Locking horns over beds aside, mom is happy with the redo and pleased that it reflects her daughter’s vibrant personality. “This is her room. It’s her place to go.”

RiCH COlOR

The white furniture keeps the room light and airy, while the geometric pattern picks up the rich wall colors.

Piper Bourke, 11, and Chubster the Hamster

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A BiT Of BlinG

Every tween girl should have a sparkle, as evidenced in the disco ball that casts shadows at night. Crystal orbs on curtain rods found at lowe’s create additional luster.

BRiGHT liGHT

The room might be small, but it has plenty of light, thanks to five big windows. Raquel scored the drapes on sale at JC Penney.

TWO-in-OnE

Gone is an antique bed that took up most of the wall in favor of the Hemnes daybed from iKEA. it functions as both bed and sofa – perfect for hanging out with friends.

STORAGE SOluTiOn

What the PAX iKEA wardrobe lacks in width, it makes up for in height. it easily accommodates Piper’s various collections, including sentimental objects and the “dork diaries” book series.

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Tips for transitioning tween space teXt Kim Carpenter

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our child is growing up. His or her room should, too.

While it might be hard to let go of dinosaur bedding and fairy lamps, redecorating a bedroom during the tween years represents an important milestone. It’s about growing up and asserting a sense of self. For that reason, said Kris Patton, an interior designer with Interiors Joan and Associates in Omaha, parents should invest in space that honors that process.

“Make it flexible so kids can transition throughout their teen years,” she said, “but also make it feel permanent. It’s where they retreat when they need their own time, and it should reflect them as well as help them grow.”

Provide ownershiP

Color as Core

FoCus on FabriC

Redecorating a room is a rite of passage.

Children should get a say – even if you don’t agree to every whim. “You steer the process, but asking what they want gives them a sense of control. Tweens are establishing their identities.”

“Kids this age tend to like colors brighter and bolder. It’s their way of saying, ‘This is who I am.’ Listen to what color your child wants on their wall, but then talk about it. That’s a big one for me. You don’t want to put up a color that vibrates and makes kids nervous in their space.” If a child picks out a bright orange, for example, tone it down to achieve a more calming atmosphere.

Once you’ve picked a palette, enhance it with bedding, window treatments and textured rugs.

“Typically, go for a solid color for a bedspread or a duvet and then add splashes of color in the pillowcases.

When they get tired of it, you can change it easily.”

Patton is seeing more structured, geometric patterns for boys, and organic, softer ones for girls. Trending are fabrics with metallic accents, chevrons and shag rugs.

Color trend ForeCast Grays and blues with pops of orange and red for boys, and grays and teals for girls.

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PHOTO: TOm Kessler, COUrTesY OF INTerIOrs JOAN AND AssOCIATes

stay subtle Though kids’ rooms often feature specific motifs – such as cars or ballerinas – tween spaces should be more sophisticated.

Patton recommends taking a nuanced approach when showcasing personal interests. “Highlight what’s important to them, but avoid overkill. If your child is interested in horses, use that, but in a grownup manner. Their personality will still pop.”

Go For Gravitas To give your tween’s room a true sense of place, add elements that communicate permanence. Add glitz via a crystal chandelier. Throw out posters and put up real art. “A nice piece of artwork is better than a poster.

It lends importance to the space and says their room is as important as every other space in the house.”

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Re-envisioning space brings bliss to busy mom TEXT Kim Carpenter PHOTOGRAPHY Kurt A. Keeler

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in the house,” Heather Mahowald said with a deep sigh and a smile. You might think she was talking about a bathroom – the kind with a luxurious Jacuzzi where a mother of four can catch some rare solo time.

Not this mom. While raising two daughters and two sons, ages 1, 3, 5 and 7, she’s also a major in the Air Force Reserve. Organization comes with her professional territory. That’s why her new laundry room ranks as her favorite space, followed in close second place by a recently added mudroom.

“I was getting angry with the disorganization multiple times a week,” Heather said of her decision to remodel.

“The laundry room was a huge issue. It wasn’t big enough for folding, so there were always clothes in the living room.

I was convinced I needed to move into a bigger house.

Then it hit me. We didn’t need to move. We needed to utilize the space better.”

To accomplish this, Heather and her husband, Eric, enlisted the help of Amy Tokos, a certified professional organizer and owner of Freshly Organized. Together they devised a two-phase plan. First they would convert open loft space on the home’s second floor into a room for the family’s youngest child. Then they would move the laundry room upstairs into a former nursery. The reconfiguration cleared the way for a mudroom off the garage.

Using existing rooms in new ways streamlined Heather’s home and taught her a valuable lesson. “If you’re feeling squished in your house, there’s a lot you can do to change the utilization of space. I am so happy we didn’t move. This feels like a nice home with great space. My stress level is way down.”

MUDROOM

LAUNDRY ROOM

“I’m not an ‘Everything Spotless Mom.’ I have a very lived-in house and a realistic view of what a house should look like with four kids.”

the eAse Of pROxiMitY having the laundry room next to bedrooms and a bathroom means dirty clothes go directly into a hamper.

hANgiNg AND stAckiNg heather swapped drying racks for hooks. “this is my lazy way of hanging shirts to dry,” she said. extra shelves work for sheets and blankets.

ROOM fOR sORtiNg the laundry room now includes spaces for six laundry baskets – one for each member of the household. An 8-foot counter makes sorting and folding on laundry day a snap, too.

“It was important for me to get the stuff off kitchen counters and have a place for the kids’ things,” said Heather, whose dad, a carpenter, acted as general contractor and met all her specifications with military-style precision.

sMALL cOUNteR, big Use Minimal counter space provides a drop zone for heather’s purse and incoming mail. it’s also home to a small charging station for electronics.

sOARiNg stORAge cabinet space provides room for “seasonal switcheroos.” swimsuits and snow pants can be tucked away and then rotated with the seasons. cubbies above the hooks provide easy access to stored items.

beNch stRAtegY “i am short,” the homeowner said, so she made sure the bench was deep enough to stand on for easy access to cupboard storage. cubbies underneath provide ample space for shoes.

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Homemade housekeeping that’s easy COMPILED BY Kim Carpenter ILLUSTRATIONS Heidi Thorson

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can’t pronounce. We use inexpensive household basics like baking soda and vinegar to create simple cleaning recipes

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soap scum

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Mix together ½ teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon clear dishwashing liquid, 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar and 2 cups water in a spray bottle. Spray onto surface and wipe clean with soft cloth or paper towel.

O URE P LISH

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Blend ¾ cup mineral, canola or olive oil with ¼ cup white distilled vinegar and 2-3 drops essential oil such as lemon, orange or grapefruit in a mason jar or other container with a lid. Apply to wood with soft cloth.

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es Mix together 1½ cups plain washing soda, 1½ cups baking soda and ½ cup Epsom salt.

Use 2 tablespoons per wash cycle. Store detergent in an airtight container.

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Gently clean c lot

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di Mix 3 teaspoons white distilled vinegar with 1 gallon warm water and 2-3 drops of essential oil in a bucket. (We love lemon, orange and grapefruit.)

Dampen cloth with solution and wipe floors clean.

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ALL-PURPOS

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Add ½ cup white distilled vinegar to ½ tablespoon clear dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle. Mist cleaning solution onto surface, let sit a few minutes and wipe clean with sponge.

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bonus: they’re super inexpensive to make.

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& streaks

Mix 1 cup warm water, 1 cup distilled white vinegar and ½ teaspoon clear dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle. Spray onto glass and wipe dry with a soft cloth or crumpled newspaper.

that will keep your home spic, span and spotless. Added

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Say no to harsh chemicals and farewell to ingredients you

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LEANER

OUR MISSION We focus the efforts of many to help our neighbors stand strong – by addressing basic needs, and fostering success in the classroom and the workplace.

Learn more at unitedwaymidlands.org

FITNESS ADVICE YOU CAN FOLLOW.

2201 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-342-8232

HEALTHYKOHLSKIDS.COM

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Advice for A better life 2 Convenient Loc Locations: tio :

402-932-2922 180th & Dodge 402-991-0696 192nd & Pacific

www.smallmiraclechildcare.com

coMPiled by Sandra Wendel

WHAt’S oN YoUr KitcHeN coUNter? Scientists studied 200 kitchens in Syracuse, New York, and found that when breakfast cereal was kept on the counter, women weighed 20 pounds more than in households where it was not left out. The study also found that when soft drinks were on the counter, women weighed an average of 24 to 26 pounds more, but when fruit was out, women weighed 13 pounds less. Cornell University, Health Education and Behavior breAKtiMe. Most people take breaks during their workdays. Coffee breaks. Lunch breaks. Short chats with coworkers. Maybe late afternoon walks around the building. But are they taking breaks that boost energy, concentration and motivation? Researchers have found that more frequent breaks help employees recharge. The best time to take a break is midmorning. Do something you like on your break, even if it’s work-related. Baylor University, Journal of Applied Psychology KNoW YoUr HiStorY. A complete family medical history can help you understand your risks for certain diseases and improve the likelihood that your doctors will be able to make an accurate diagnosis if needed. Online tools are available to help compile, update and share a medical history, including templates from the National Society of Genetic Counselors at nsgc.org. Yale University School of Medicine Perfect PAciNG. A varied walking speed could burn up to 20 percent more calories than maintaining a steady pace.

Stopping and starting can account for up to 8 percent of energy expended during a walk, so you might walk in a curve or do other quirky steps to change the pace. Ohio State University, Biology Letters doN’t blAMe tHe dAY cAre. Do kids get sick because they’re in day care settings? Contrary to what many parents believe, those coughs and runny noses may come home from other places, too. The spread of germs also occurs in grocery stores (wipe down those carts), churches, libraries, shared play spaces, restaurants and on public transportation. American Academy of Pediatrics Sandra Wendel is a veteran health journalist and book editor living in the Omaha metro area. She is a frequent contributor to World-Herald publications.

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Meet Award-Winning Author

Tobias Wolff

Saturday, April 2 at Benson Branch for A Novel Affaire,

the Omaha Public Library Foundation’s Motherhood is lonely. Baby fair changes that – at least for one day TEXT Kristi Wilson, Momaha.com Blogger

A

s I am clutching my newborn to my breast and holding the barf bucket for my 4-year-old and trying to soothe both, I almost get a case of the crazy giggles. You know the feeling, when you either have to giggle or cry. I texted my husband as I was rinsing the bucket and got back, “Today, your life sucks more than mine.”

And this is life as a mom. Blowouts, crying bouts, barf buckets, exhaustion. Oh, the exhaustion! Day after day, we plug away, trying to do right by our families. Trying to figure out how to breastfeed, how to get more sleep, how to not giggle when our toddler pronounces “fork,” well, you know. Trying to not feel alone in our daily frustrations and raise these tiny creatures to be good, smart, productive human beings.

I have five of my own. And as a stay-at-home mama, I started dreaming about an event that would help moms like me not only survive the daily trials – but also learn to enjoy them. Motherhood in America is lonely. There is no village to help us out, unless you search. So I decided to bring the village to moms citywide.

Baby Love, Omaha’s Only Baby Fair, is one day a year when vendors and professionals come together to make parenthood easier for you. Learn how to calm a fussy newborn or massage an achy tummy. Empower yourself to keep your child safe through CPR classes and car seat demos, and tips for childproofing your home.

Come for the fun, too! Come for a picture of your belly bump, a candid portrait of your kids, a swag bag filled with coupons and gift cards if you’re an expectant mom, and a full-body massage. All for free (with paid admission).

Annual Fundraiser

Patron Tickets: $100 General Admission Tickets: $60 For 30 years, the Omaha Public Library Foundation has raised funds and advocated for Omaha Public Library.

To purchase tickets or for more information:

foundation@omahalibrary.org or (402) 444-4589

Quality, Safe & Loving Care

IF YOU GO BaBy Love essentiaLs What: A daylong baby fair with programs, entertainment and vendor displays (Momah.com will be there!) aimed at parents, grandparents, caregivers and others.

When: Sunday, April 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Baxter Arena, Aksarben Village admission: $8 in advance; $12 at the door. Children ages 12 and younger, free. omahababylove.com

Early Childhood Educa on Center

3549 Fontenelle Boulevard 4939 South 118th Street 402-451-0787

www.nchs.org 21

Leave eggs Benedict behind with these five recipes RECIPES + STYLING Heather Winkel PHOTOGRAPHY Dev Hanumara

Poached eggs aren’t just a brunch favorite.

These days, it’s hard to find a dish any time of day that isn’t topped with this light and fluffy style of egg. Never poached an egg before? No problem! Just follow these simple steps.

Egg Poaching 101 1. In a 2-quart saucepan, heat

3 inches of water to boiling; reduce to gentle simmer. Add 1 tablespoon vinegar to water.

2. Break one cold egg into a small measuring cup. Holding cup close to water’s surface, carefully pour egg into water. Repeat with remainder of eggs called for in a recipe. 3. Cook uncovered about 3½ minutes or until yolk is slightly runny. Remove egg with slotted spoon. 4. Serve immediately.

TIP: You can poach multiple eggs.

Just make sure your saucepan is big enough to keep eggs from touching. Add 30 seconds cooking time for each additional egg. Drain eggs on paper towel to remove excess liquid before transferring to plate.

Great for PTA / PTO Meetings & Teacher Conferences!

Delivered & Set-Up At No Extra Charge

BREAKFAST EGG STRATTA OR HAM SCRAMBLE

Also Includes: Fresh Fruit, Mini Cinnamon Rolls, and Mini Muffins 20ppl - $150 40ppl - $275 80ppl - $499

Serving for

LUNCH PICK 2

20 / 40 / 80

Soup

Casserole

People

Sandwich

Salad

• Chicken Noodle • Chicken & Cheese •Turkey on Wheat • Strawberry berry Chicken • Garden Vegetable • Italian Mostaccioli • Ham on White • Calii Greek cken • French Onion • Chicken Broccoli • Chicken Salad • Chicken Rice Croissant BLT

20ppl - $159 40ppl - $299

80ppl - $549

kb OPEN ALL DAY EVERYDAY 6AM - 8PM | Conveniently located off I-680 & Center - Rockbrook Village | 402.393.0252 | gardencaferockbrook.com 22

Ramen and poached eggs Servings: 4

HOW TO MAKE IT: 1. Heat 2-quarts chicken stock to simmering; add 2 tablespoons soy sauce.

2. Add 2 packages Ramen noodles (discard flavoring), 1 can bamboo shoots, 4 baby bok choy, sliced and 3 cups mushrooms, sliced.

Cook until tender. 3. Divide into four serving bowls and top each serving with poached egg.

4. Garnish with sea salt, pepper and 1 shallot, diced.

poached egg and avocado toast Servings: 1

HOW TO MAKE IT: 1. Poach 2 eggs. 2. Meanwhile, toast 2 slices sourdough bread and top with ½ avocado, mashed. 3. Top each toast slice with a poached egg.

4. Season with sea salt, pepper and Parmesan cheese to taste; garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.

Roasted BRussels spRouts With poached egg Servings: 2

HOW TO MAKE IT: 1. Wash 1 pound Brussels sprouts in cold water; slice thinly or shred. 2. Put Brussels sprouts in 1-quart zip-top bag; add olive oil, sea salt, pepper and bacon, cooked and chopped to taste. Close bag and shake to coat Brussels sprouts. 3. Transfer Brussels sprouts to cookie sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Shake the pan from time to time to brown evenly.

4. Meanwhile, poach two eggs. 5. Remove Brussels sprouts from oven, plate individual portions and top each with a poached egg. Finish with sea salt and pepper.

.

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MushrooM and HOW TO MAKE IT: spinach hash With 1. Prepare 1 package instant mashed potatoes according to package poached egg directions (or make your own from scratch). 2. SautĂŠe 2-3 cups spinach

Servings: 2 leaves, roughly chopped and 2 shallots, diced in 2 tablespoons olive oil. Mix into mashed potatoes. 3. SautĂŠe 2 cups mushrooms, sliced and 1 shallot, diced with butter in another pan. 4. Line bottom of a bowl with potatoes; top with poached egg and mushrooms. 5. Season to taste with sea salt and pepper, garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.

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WE ARE READY FOR YOU TO EXPERIENCE CREIGHTON PREP.

Nothing will give you a better idea of what it’s like to attend Creighton Prep than spending the day with one of our students. When you shadow at Prep, you can experience the school day from start to finish, meet our students and teachers, and envision yourself here.

8TH GRADE SHADOW APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE THROUGH DECEMBER 4TH.

CALL 402.393.1190 TODAY TO SCHEDULE.

WE ARE PREP. 7400 Western Ave. Omaha, NE 68114-1878 | www.CreightonPrep.org

Brownell-Talbot

Kindergarten Preview

BT

Friday, March 4 8-9:30am

Find out what makes us unique: • Project work • Differentiated instruction for Writing, Reading, Math • Specialized teachers for Art, French, Spanish, Music, Library, Technology, Science, PE • Points of Pride character development • Chapel • Guidance curriculum • PE Swimming, Swim Team Register at brownell.edu/preview or call 402.556.3772 to hold your place!

400 N Happy Hollow Blvd Omaha NE 68132 402.556.3772 brownell.edu

Nebraska’s only private, preschool through grade 12, independent, coeducational, college preparatory, day school.

It’s happening here.

“The small class sizes help to ensure that teachers are able to identify strengths and weaknesses in each of our children and then successfully meet their academic and social emotional needs. We feel the strong relationships fostered between the teachers and our children is helping to lay the groundwork for them to excel later in life.”

- Katie, mother of three Brownell-Talbot students