RAK magazine February 2018

raisingarizonakids.com FEBRUARY 2019

PREGNANCY & BABIES ISSUE Help with FUSSY BABIES Top Baby Names WHAT’S IN YOUR DIAPER BAG? Must-haves from local moms

SEX AFTER KIDS

Jacqueline Simmons of Scottsdale and Scarlett (8 months) at Modern Milk in Scottsdale.

Visit OdySea in the Desert

FEBRUARY

Attractions, Dining, Shopping, and Events

Calendar of Events

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Monster Fish An Exhibition from National Geographic at OdySea Aquarium®

MONSTER FISH at OdySea Aquarium

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MOVIES IN THE DESERT at OdySea in the Desert

KID-FRIENDLY FOOD OPTIONS

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OdySea Fine Art Exhibition Presented by Scottsdale Artist League Sat, Feb 2nd | 9am-4pm Movies in the Desert Featuring: Tangled Sat, Feb 9th | 5pm Artisan Market Sat, Feb 9th & 23rd | 10am-2pm The Birdman “FREE Flight Show” Feb 16th-19th | 10:30am, 1pm, 3pm

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9500 E Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85256

RaisingARIZONAKids.com FEBRUARY 2019

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February 2019

CONTENTS

24 FEATURES 10

Pregnancy and Babies

This special section looks at birth and babies, from popular must-have baby products to hypnobirthing to help for fussy babies from Southwest Human Development’s Birth to Five helpline.

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Sex after kids: The truth

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“Be patient. Keep trying.” writes Maggie Zehring. “You’ll find your way back to each other.”

22

Mud maniacs

Lisa Van Loo of Raising Outdoor Kids explains why her family loves messy, muddy obstacle course races. Here’s why — and how to participate.

DEPARTMENTS 4

dialogue

The baby stage

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azgrown

• How to make “mummified” flowers • What’s wrong with worksheets?

• H.O.P.E. program educates kids about cancer • It takes a village to support other moms • Early Childhood Legislative Day • Mom Made Market comes to Scottsdale

22

family time!

• Top February events • Around Arizona • Onstage family performances • Chocolate festivals

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first person It only gets better

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20 COVER PHOTO SHOOT: Jacqueline Simmons

of Scottsdale and Scarlett (8 months) at Modern Milk in Scottsdale. Photos by Rick D’Elia.

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F REE

RAK Zoo Move & Groove Ad.ai

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RaisingARIZONAKids.com FEBRUARY 2019

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dialogue Kara and Sofia at 6 days old.

February 2019 | Vol 29 | No 10 Publisher Karen Davis Barr Editor Kara G. Morrison Calendar Editor Liz Petroff Copy Editor Debra Citron Contributors Margaret Beardsley, Sari Custer, Mary Anne Duggan, Lisa Van Loo, Carrie Wheeler, Maggie Zehring Art Director Michèlle-Renée Adams Cover Photography Rick D’Elia Operations Manager Tina Gerami-Bynum

The baby stage “IT GOES SO FAST.” I think those are the first words you hear, after “Congratulations,” on becoming a parent. And boy do those words ring true. My daughter is still little — only 6 — yet I’ve already forgotten more than I remember about her early months.

I vividly remember being tired on a whole new level. I remember that shower time felt like a luxury, and that dry shampoo became a staple.

I remember my husband and I being terrified to take our newborn out of the house, and that I didn’t really get my sea legs until my best friend (an expert mom of three) flew in to help. Ali had us going out to lunch, taking Sofie to her first baby photo session and simply re-entering the world — with a giant stroller and what felt like a 20-pound diaper bag.

Most newborn nights involved long drives, because she rested better in a car seat (but always woke up when the wheels stopped).

A few weeks in, I panicked about how I was going to leave her and resume a regular work schedule when I couldn’t even figure out how to shower. I took unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act, and was again a bit surprised at getting a bill for my health benefits.

And I’ll forever remember ugly crying when touring the daycare where my baby would be spending some of her her most vulnerable and fragile days — without me.

Our birth and babies section nudged many

of us at RAK to look back. We all vividly recall our children’s births — but none more than Kate Reed, who has a 4-month-old, and shares her experience delivering him at a local birth center. We also explored topics from hypnobirthing to diaper bag must-haves and tips from Southwest Human Development’s Birth to 5 Helpline, which can be a godsend to parents trying to calm a fussy baby.

More moms share brave, honest thoughts in these pages: Writer Carrie Wheeler remembers her son’s early infant stage felt isolating and boring, until he flashed a real smile. And Maggie Zehring explores truths in “Sex after Kids,” noting how terrified she was at her sixweek doctor’s appointment after first giving birth. She offers real ways parents can feel like a couple again.

Wherever you are in your parenting journey, we’re glad to be with you. Next month, we print our summer camps issue. Please come visit our 16th annual Camp Fair AZ on Saturday, March 2 at Ability 360 Sports & Fitness Center, 5031 E. Washington St. in Phoenix.

Sales & Media Consultants Shannon Cornall, Kate Reed

Contact Us: editorial@RAKmagazine.com familytime@RAKmagazine.com advertising@RAKmagazine.com subscriptions@RAKmagazine.com 5229 N. Seventh Ave. #102 Phoenix, AZ 85013-1974 P: 480–991–KIDS (5437) F: 480–991–5460 raisingarizonakids.com

in partnership with

Follow us! @RAKmagazine RAKmagazine RAKmagazine RAKmagazine RAKmagazine

R aising Arizona Kids magazine (ISSN 1051-4295) was created to connect Valley families to local resources and share real-life stories about the challenges and joys of raising children. Copy­right © 2019 by R aising A rizona K ids, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

Subscription price is $12 for one year or $18 for two years. Back issues are $6 per copy. The Post Office will not automatically forward in the event of a move. Make address changes on our website or

Kara G. Morrison, Editor kara@RAKmagazine.com

mail changes to our office. Original, locally generated articles, illustrations and photographs are welcome.

Guide­lines are avail­able at raisingarizonakids.com.

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FEBRUARY 2019 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

ISTOCK

az grown crafts

Sari on Science: How to make

“MUMMIFIED” FLOWERS

By Sari Custer

VALENTINE’S DAY brings about an explosion of hearts, candy and flowers. Did you know the oldest naturally preserved flower was found encased in amber, dating back 100 million years ago — well before humans were around? Flowers also have been found intact in 4,000-year-old Egyptian tombs! So what makes it possible for living things like flowers to be preserved? Let’s try this experiment to see what happens.

Supplies: • Three or more fresh flowers (roses and carnations work well, but any flower will do) • Vase • Water • Heavy books (such as a dictionary or old phone book). Note: The pages may wrinkle, so don’t use a precious book.

• Printer paper • Brick or large rocks • String • Scissors Directions: 1. Divide your flowers into three equal groups.

2. Put the first bunch in a vase filled with water.

3. Tie the second bunch and with a string around the bottom of the stems, tightly enough that they stay together. Hang these flowers upside down in a ventilated space.

4. Trim the final bunch of flowers to fit inside the heavy book. Place one flower between two pieces of paper, and place it between the pages of the book. If your book is large enough, you should be able to put multiple flowers in the same book.

5. Close the book and weigh it down with a brick, large rocks or other books. This is called “pressing” flowers.

6. Do not disturb your flowers for at least one week, and do not change the water in the vase.

7. Make observations about all your flowers at the end of the week.

8. Wait another week to make a final observation.

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What’s happening?

After about a week, you will probably see your fresh flowers in the vase begin to rot and grow mold (particularly closest to the water), while the other two flower samples have not.

With the hanging and pressed samples, you are removing the water from the plants — one by air drying and one by wicking the water away with paper. The lack of water makes it difficult for microorganisms to grow and start breaking down the plants. Removing water, known as desiccation, is a natural form of mummification.

What are some other ways you could remove the water? How long do you think your flowers will last?

You can also try coating some fresh flowers in wax to see how long they last compared to your dried flowers.

To learn more about plant, animal and even human mummies, visit “Mummies of the World: The Exhibition,” opening Feb. 10 at Arizona Science Center.

Sari Custer is a lifelong science junkie, Chief Curiosity Officer at Arizona Science Center and mom to daughter Carson (4).

Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @SariOnScience.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com FEBRUARY 2019

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az grown education

WHAT’S WRONG WITH

WORKSHEETS?

RAWPIXEL

Hands-on play beats rote learning

By Mary Anne Duggan

IF KINDERGARTEN REALLY is “the new first grade” as some people say, then it should be no surprise that worksheets have made their way into pre-K and kindergarten classrooms.

Sometimes called “dittos,” worksheets are two-dimensional paper-pencil activities that eventually find their way to refrigerators across the country, often affixed with star stickers.

Worksheet nostalgia is a thing, and often parents are tickled when their little one brings home the first 8½-by-11-inch evidence of brilliance. But how young is too young for worksheets? Research on cognitive development can help parents and teachers evaluate their effectiveness with the under-7 set.

What worksheets do — and don’t do The main purpose of worksheets is to provide practice on a skill that has already been taught in class. For example, after a teacher demonstrates how to form the letter D, students might trace a series of Ds. Repetition of basic skills is a technique backed up by cognitive research.

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FEBRUARY 2019 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Worksheets also focus on finishing tasks, which may help some children build selfregulation skills. Teachers may choose to use worksheets during the early years to keep kids on the same page — literally. Assigning a worksheet can help bring order to a classroom, and anyone who has been a teacher can understand this occasional need.

It’s what worksheets don’t do that causes alarm for teachers and parents who support developmentally appropriate instruction. First of all, children in pre-K and kindergarten are said to be in the “concrete operational developmental stage.” In this stage, children benefit from real-life, experiences as opposed to those that are more abstract. Having their senses activated through a variety of modes — visual, auditory and kinesthetic — helps children’s brains build enriched neural networks.

Another concern about worksheets is they don’t actually “teach” anything. Students will either bring down the pencil already knowing how to do the task (and perhaps feeling bored)

or not having a clue (leading to frustration).

Teaching is most effective when it involves a slight stretch in what students are already able to do. Worksheets generally miss the mark in this regard by being too easy or too difficult.

Danielle Gonzalez, director of Bright Horizons Family Center in Chandler, says standard worksheets are not allowed at her center.

“Worksheets teach children to simply memorize things,” says Gonzalez, adding that the same can be said for flash cards. Gonzalez stresses the importance of learning skills and then being able to apply that learning in different situations during play.

Play-based learning is the main alternative to worksheet learning. Whereas worksheets focus on a single correct answer, play allows for divergent thinking — generating a range of possibilities and selecting a course of action.

Play also is language-rich and builds higher-order thinking skills such as analysis (“What could make this car go faster?”), synthesis (“Let’s make a library!”) and

evaluation (“Which block tower is the sturdiest?”), which are usually missing in worksheets. Finally, worksheets generally don’t encourage collaborative skills, which is an important part of the curriculum in the early years.

Why hands-on play is better Anything from a worksheet can be taught more effectively through play-based learning.

In the vein of the popular “Eat This, Not That” dietary nutrition books, here are some more “cognitively nutritious” activities that offer alternatives to worksheets: • Hunt for objects. Rather than matching items on a worksheet to a letter of the alphabet, go on a word hunt, gathering actual objects that begin with the letter. In doing so, students use their own agency to find the items, and lots of language flows in the process. This moves the child from passive to active learner.

• Start a post office. Instead of tracing letters and words on paper, have students address envelopes to each other and set up a mock post office. If there is a certain “letter of the week,” find that letter in various students’ names and provide extra practice on that letter.

• Create a store. Rather than solving addition problems by circling numbers, actually do the math with concrete objects in play. Create a store that uses something like blocks or stickers as a monetary system. This makes math more meaningful.

Proponents of frequent worksheet use in early childhood classrooms note that some children really like them (and some parents do, too). However, just because children are able to complete worksheets in the early years doesn’t mean this should be a staple in their school experience.

After all, time spent on worksheets is time taken away from other more enriching learning opportunities.

Mary Anne Duggan, PhD, is a psychology lecturer at Arizona State University and a former kindergarten teacher. Reach her at mary.duggan@asu.edu

H.O.P.E PROGRAM

helps educate classmates about childhood cancer

By Kara G. Morrison Photo courtesy of Children’s Cancer Network CANCER ISN’T CONTAGIOUS. It turns out a lot of kids — and more than a few adults — don’t understand this. So Children’s Cancer Network stepped in with its H.O.P.E. program — delivering a message of science, empathy and compassion in schools.

“It is mind-boggling the [number] of children and adults who think that you can catch cancer,” says Sharon Wozny, a 30-year Mesa school teacher who is now a program specialist at Children’s Cancer Network in Chandler.

H.O.P.E. stands for Honoring Our Peers Everyday. Wozny helped hone the program and visits K-12 schools across the state, sharing basic facts about cancer and helping children understand they have nothing to fear from peers fighting the disease.

So far, the program has reached 7,000 Arizona kids, encouraging them to be H.O.P.E. ambassadors and show respect and acceptance to cancer fighters and all their peers. Children’s Cancer Network started the program in 2016 with a $30,000 grant from Fiesta Bowl Charities.

The main thing Wozny wants to impart is that fighting cancer doesn’t change who you are.

She says it’s common for kids undergoing treatment to deal with bullying because their hair fell out or because they look different. She also helps kids understand fighting cancer can be a long process — treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a common blood cancer, takes up to four years — and that kids fighting cancer have compromised immune systems, which means they can’t fight off a common cold or the flu.

While still rare, pediatric cancer is now the leading cause of death by disease past infancy among children in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute. It’s estimated more than 15,000 children and adolescents (ages 19 and younger) were diagnosed with cancer in 2018. There are also more than 429,000 survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer living in the United States. Wozny says parents of a cancer fighter often request the H.O.P.E. presentations, but anyone can do so.

“Our world needs so much more empathy,” she says. “It’s an amazing program … and our feedback has been tremendous, so we’re very, very proud of it.”

H.O.P.E. school visits To schedule a H.O.P.E. presentation, contact Sharon Wozny at Children’s Cancer Network: 480-398-1564. The 30- to 50-minute classroom talk or school assembly presentations are age-appropriate and free to schools. Children’s Cancer Network also hosts its 9th annual Run to Fight Children’s Cancer (a fundraiser supporting programs like H.O.P.E) on Saturday, March 16. Learn more at runtofightcancer.com and childrenscancernetwork.org

RaisingARIZONAKids.com FEBRUARY 2019

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az grown parenting

VILLAGE FRIENDS It can take a village to support other moms

AS A FULL-TIME working mom, I often felt left out or disconnected during my kids’ school years. So when I read columnist Liz Pryor’s take on “village friends,” I was fascinated. Pryor is one of those no-nonsense writers who reminds you to look at the bigger picture, and she isn’t afraid to share lessons learned the hard way.

Pryor, who lives in Los Angeles, calls the circle of “school mom” friends you make your “village friends.” An author, former “Good Morning America” lifeadvice expert and magazine contributor, Pryor cautions the village offers both comfort and land mines.

Often “village friends” are not permanent, says Pryor. Navigating these relationships can be great fun, but it also can get sticky.

Pryor suggests taking your time building these friendships. “As the village begins, it’s so seductive. You are dying for commiseration and commonality for all the things we go through,” she told me.

“Suddenly, we have someone who has the same age kids with the same teacher.”

Jumping into mom friendships is a bit like moving too fast with a new boyfriend, Pryor says. The relationships are magnified because there are several people involved — two moms and at least two kids — making it extremely difficult for everyone if the kids

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(or the moms) have a falling out.

Pryor admits she earned her wisdom at the school of hard knocks.

“I’m a single mom of three whose life has not been so easy — married, divorced, full custody,” she explains. “And I think the experiences I’ve had have led me to helping guide women. I don’t come [at this] above readers. I am them.”

In her own village, Pryor once decided it was her job to call out a mom who was trash-talking another child. To this day, she doesn’t think she should or could have held her tongue, but she admits she hadn’t thought about the consequences for her 12-year-old daughter.

“It felt very empowering, and I felt it was the right thing to say,” she explains. “I’m not saying you shouldn’t have the courage, I’m saying in the village there might be consequences, not for you but for your kids.”

Her daughter was excluded from a party invitation and didn’t understand the reason behind it. Pryor explained the situation to her daughter, who was proud of her mom, but still sad about the snub and being excluded from a gathering of friends.

When asked how to manage the “village” when your child has a conflict with another child, Pryor cautions against picking up the phone too quickly.

“It’s our job to help our child guide

[himself or herself] through difficulty.

After age 10, my greatest advice is to not get personally involved and call parents; it’s to help our kids navigate,” she says.

“Of course, if it’s something completely horrific that happens, that is different. My job [in the long term] is to teach my kids to navigate people, so when I didn’t have to get involved, I didn’t.”

Pryor says there is great potential in the “village” for both stay-at-home and working moms to come together and support one another. Working moms are not always “there for the drop-offs, pickups, lunch trips and field trips. In turn, I think the stay-athome moms have internal ideas about the working moms, and it’s easy for a working mom to feel judged,” she says.

Potential conflicts aside, Pryor says the village can be an incredibly supportive place.

“I saw the village make everyday life and the difficulty of raising children palatable,” she explains. “It really does bring joy and connection and a sense of a communication to the world outside.”

Margaret Beardsley of Phoenix is a staff writer and former television-news executive producer. She is the mother of two adult children.

RAW PIXEL

By Margaret Beardsley

EARLY CHILDHOOD CHAMPIONS to meet with state lawmakers EARLY CHILDHOOD CHAMPIONS are invited to the third annual Early Childhood Legislative Day on Thursday, Feb. 21. The Arizona Early Childhood Alliance hosts this coffee and breakfast in the Rose Garden at the Arizona State Capitol, 1700 W. Washington St., Phoenix. Visit with legislators and join discussions about early childhood development, healthy babies and children, third grade literacy, economic development and strong communities. Breakfast starts at 8 a.m. The event is free to attend, but registration is required at azeca.org

MOM MADE MARKET comes to Scottsdale

ISTOCK

MOM MADE MARKET, a shopping extravaganza that gives moms a platform to share their businesses, comes to Chaparral High School, 6935 E. Gold Dust Ave., in Scottsdale, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 9-10.

Admission is $5 for adults, free for ages 12 and younger. Kids can enjoy activities including princess meet-and-greets, balloon figurines and face painting.

The Mom Made Market, which also hosts events in California, Oregon and Hawaii, is expected to draw 150 vendors — selling art, accessories, clothing, homegoods and children’s products — and food trucks. The market’s main goal is to support mompreneurs, giving them a platform to sell their goods and services, and to network and have fun. themommademarket.com

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DARIA AMOSEEVA

It’s magical meeting your baby for the first time and watching him or her develop. But preparing to be a parent is not a small task. In our annual pregnancy and birth guide, we offer tips on diaper bag must-haves, explore options like hynobirthing to prepare for childbirth, provide resources for soothing fussy babies and much more.

Pregnancy & Babies

WHAT’S IN YOUR DIAPER BAG? We asked local moms about their favorite must-haves for babies. From unisex diaper backpacks to fancy wipes, here are some of the products moms are loving: ➊ Fawn Design diaper bag. The trend in diaper bags is sleek, unisex backpacks with plenty of interior pockets that hold diapers, wipes, clothing changes (for mom and baby) and even snacks. The Fawn Design bags boast soft faux leather, and the biggest bag is $169.99. Similar styles are everywhere right now, and the backpacks make it much easier to carry all your baby must-haves without neck and shoulder pain. fawndesign.com

➋ WubbaNub. These adorable binkies with a (washable) stuffed animal attached help keep baby’s pacifier in place. There are more than a dozen animal design options: puppies and kittens, a giraffe, elephants, dragons and more. The only downside is that your babe will grow attached! Find them locally at KidStop in Scottsdale. $15.99. kidstoptoys.com

➌ Water Wipes. Water Wipes are 99.9 percent water with a drop of fruit extract, making them great for sensitive baby skin. Find them most places baby wipes are sold. $3.99 for 60 or $42.99 for 720. waterwipes.com

➍ Boogie Wipes. We can’t explain why these moist grape-scented saline wipes ($3.99 for 30) make it sooo much easier to wipe runny and/or stuffy little noses.

They just do. boogiewipes.com

➎ CJs Butter Quick Stick. This twist-up, mess-free diaper ointment stick makes diaper changes a little easier. The shea-butter formula comes in several scents or unscented. $13. cjsbutter.us

More mom-recommended must-haves for baby: ➏ Ubbi Diaper Pail. Offered as a an alternative to diaper cans that require expensive refill bags, these diaper pails are made of powder-coated steel for maximum odor control. $69.99 to $89.99. ubbiworld.com

➐ Little Book of You. If you don’t know where you’ll find the time to fill out a handwritten baby book, never fear. Little Book of You offers a charming, completely personalized book you can create online by typing in a few details of your child’s birth. $49.95. littlebookofyou.com

➑ Personalized Baby Block. A great, affordable baby gift, this engraved two-inch maple wood cube records baby’s birthday — time, location, weight, length, etc. — and makes a great keepsake. $19.50. 317-996-2124 or craftefamily.com

RaisingARIZONAKids.com FEBRUARY 2019

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Pregnancy & Babies

New law means MORE FUNDING to help curb maternal deaths

DIMARIK

WOMEN IN THE U.S. are more likely to die from childbirth or pregnancy-related causes than other women in the developed world, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The good news is that the CDC just received more federal funding to address the problem.

The national Preventing Maternal Deaths Act was signed into law in late December, which means more resources will go toward determining why about 700 women die each year as a result of pregnancy or delivery complications. Current research suggests that half of these deaths are preventable, the CDC notes, and racial disparities persist. The risk of pregnancy-related deaths is three to four times higher for black women than for white women.

A recent series by ProPublica and NPR called “Lost Mothers” (propublica.org and npr.org) explored the trend, including the fact that maternal deaths declined in other wealthy nations in recent years while they rose in the U.S. The news organizations found one bright spot: California has lowered its maternal death rate with fixes that include “crash carts” in hospital labor and delivery wards specifically for obstetrical hemorrhaging.

Liam and Emma are most popular baby names in Arizona

4th Trimester Arizona conference

EMMA IS THE top name for girls, and Liam is the top name for boys for the third year in a row, the Arizona Department of Health Services announced in late December. The preliminary list of top baby names comes from birth certificates submitted to the ADHS Bureau of Vital Records. An official count of the year’s top baby names will be verified and posted online at azhealth.gov this month.

THE NONPROFIT 4TH Trimester Arizona hosts its annual conference on Saturday, March 9 at the i.d.e.a. Museum in downtown Mesa.

The conference provides sessions on a wide range of topics moms and families face after baby arrives.

Sessions include calming a fussy infant, pediatric massage, meditation, mom’s body after baby and much more. Parents, parentsto-be, grandparents, support people and professionals are welcome to attend. Conference tickets are $15-$25; free to WIC and AHCCCS participants. 4thtrimesteraz.org

Top 25 most popular names for girls and boys in Arizona: GIRLS: Emma Olivia Mia Isabella Sophia

Mila Camila Charlotte Amelia Emily

Luna Ava Evelyn Victoria Harper

Abigail Penelope Elizabeth Sofia Aria

Scarlett Avery Ella Layla Ximena

Daniel Mateo Alexander Julian Elijah

Ethan James Michael Mason Jacob

Logan Santiago David Adrian Angel

Aiden Jayden Ezra Isaac Anthony

Liam Noah Sebastian Oliver Benjamin

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Pregnancy & Babies

Q&A:

CHOOSING A BIRTH CENTER

By Kara G. Morrison | Photos by Laura Liz Photography

WHEN KATE REED, a sales and media consultant at R aising A rizona K ids, delivered her son Grayson on Oct. 4, she surprised all of us with beautiful pictures of her son as we were heading into work. She and her husband chose to deliver at a birth center, so we asked Kate why she made that choice, and how her experience differed from the hospital birth of her son Jackson, now 6.

You had your first son in a hospital, but chose a birth center for your second. Why? Top: Kate meets baby Grayson. Middle: Kate, Grayson, Trent and Jackson (6). Bottom: Trent and student midwife Eyndie Ooley weigh baby Grayson.

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If we’re being honest, cost was the primary reason. We would have owed double the amount to deliver (naturally — no C-section, emergencies or epidural) in a hospital.

However, once we had our first appointment at

the birth center, we realized that regardless of insurance/cost this was the right move for us.

I had a lot of apprehension about delivering in the hospital again because my first [delivery] didn’t go as I envisioned it would. I was in labor when I showed up at the hospital with Jackson, but not dilated [much]. They gave me Pitocin, and I had a bad reaction to an epidural. It made the labor long and painful.

I was also concerned [hospital staff] wouldn’t be able to help me manage my pain, and I’d end up requesting an epidural because it’s right there. At the birth center, my midwife was there the entire time to help me through it, which made the birth enjoyable, actually.

How did you make your decision — what research did you do? I didn’t have a lot of

Pregnancy & Babies

time to do research, because I was over 36 weeks when we [chose the birth center] and I delivered at 38 weeks! I spent an entire day getting feedback, reading reviews, deciding if we were crazy to do this, and of course calling my mom. Then I called The Birth Nest at Catlin Court in Glendale (azbirthnest. com), which happened to be the closest birth center to us. I spoke with the midwife and immediately felt at ease. They offer all the [newborn] medical tests and have an obstetrician on staff for emergencies and medical needs.

center specified no twin births, no highrisk moms and no complications with the placenta. They do allow VBACs (vaginal birth after C-section), which is important to a lot of moms! They told us if there had been a delivery complication requiring a hospital, they would call an ambulance and I’d be taken to the closest hospital and they would stay with us through the delivery. If there was more time, we could drive ourselves to our hospital of choice.

Your birth wasn’t completely uneventful, though! Our birth was a little “exciting,” and I really think if we had been in the hospital they might have pushed for a C-section “just in case.” I had back labor because Gray’s hand was up next to his face, and they used counter-pressure to relieve the pain. They also remained so calm when his heart rate was dipping during contractions, when the cord was around his neck, and when I was bleeding quite a bit and they couldn’t stop it right away.

I was able to focus on getting him out; they focused on getting him out safely.

What else was different about the birth center? It’s a relaxing atmosphere and a better laboring experience, because it feels more like a home. There’s no overnight stay!

You can go home four hours after birth, or stay longer if you want. We showed up at around 4:30 a.m., delivered at 8:33 a.m. and left about 12:30 p.m. The midwife comes to you after the birth — the first two visits to check on mom and baby are at home, which means we didn’t have to take our new baby out into a doctor’s office!

ISTOCK

You’re a young, healthy mom, and there were no complications during your prenatal care. What conditions would have sent you to a hospital? This birth

HYPNOBIRTHING

It’s the newest labor and delivery buzzword

By RAK Staff HYPNOBIRTHING is all the rage right now, especially since celebrities including the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, revealed she birthed all three of her babies using the method.

“It’s been around for 27 years now, and I would say the popularity has really started to grow in the last four to five years,” says Tara Lowther, a hypnobirthing certified childbirth educator (organichypnobirthing.com), who teaches classes at St. Luke’s and Mountain Vista hospitals in Tempe.

Hypnobirthing is a type of self-hypnosis “that helps a mom go further into a state of relaxation . . . to ease the mind to stop stress hormones,” Lowther explains. Learning it typically requires five two-and-a-half-hour classes taken with your birth partner. Much like Lamaze, the classes prepare moms and partners for all aspects of the birth process.

Hypnobirthing is ultimately meant to remove the fear associated with childbirth and put moms in a positive state that no longer triggers fight-or-flight hormones. Hypnobirthing experts point to better outcomes for moms who use it, including shorter labor and fewer C-sections.

Lowther describes the pain management portion of hypnobirthing as intense meditation.

“There’s no going under. I don’t make you ‘bwak’ like a chicken,” she says, laughing. “A lot of hypnobirthing is based on neuroscience and how the brain controls the body and what’s going on chemically and hormonally.”

She points to YouTube videos of hypnobirthing moms and says these women almost look like they’re “sleeping through labor” because they’re so relaxed.

Lowther says the biggest misconception is that only moms who want a natural birth are taking the classes. She says it works for all types of birth plans, and stresses the meditation skills and teachings about positivity can help with the stresses of life and parenting.

“I love this method, because it works for any type of birth experience. Stress relief is good for everyone,” says Lowther, who used hypnobirthing herself to birth three of her four kids.

“The relaxation practice is good for mom’s health and baby’s health.”

RaisingARIZONAKids.com FEBRUARY 2019

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Pregnancy & Babies

Local helpline offers tips for SOOTHING

FUSSY BABIES

By RAK Staff

THE FUSSY BABY PROGRAM, part of Southwest Human Development’s Birth to Five Helpline, provides support for parents who are concerned about their baby’s temperament or behavior during the first year of life.

Parents who call the FREE helpline at 1-877-705-KIDS (5437) find a sympathetic ear and learn ways to soothe, care for and enjoy their babies. We asked Alison Steier, Ph.D., clinical director of mental health services at Southwest Human Development, how the Fussy Baby program can help struggling parents.

How do you know if your baby is fussier than normal? All babies cry. Their cries are designed to draw their parents closer so they can help them. As parents, we ask ourselves: Could my baby be hungry?

Does my baby need a diaper change?

Could my baby be sleepy?

Does my baby need more of my attention?

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We match our response to our best understanding of what our baby’s cries are communicating. We try something else if our first guess doesn’t do the trick.

But some babies do cry more than others.

Estimates are that one in five babies cries excessively and can be especially difficult to soothe. These babies may also have trouble feeding or sleeping. Caring for a fussy baby can be exhausting and frustrating and can take its toll on our confidence.

What are some reasons a baby may be inconsolable? It is common for parents to persistently search for answers. Unfortunately, the reasons often remain unknown. Excessive crying occurs in babies with all kinds of characteristics: boys and girls, first-born or any other birth order, premature babies and fullterm babies, breastfed and formula-fed babies.

Some babies may be sensitive to dairy (cow’s milk protein) or intolerant of their

formula. Some babies have reflux and show more distress during feedings. It is always important to consult with your pediatrician and to collaborate by offering your own observations, particularly when you notice patterns in the baby’s crying.

Your baby may fit the definition of colic, which is crying that occurs for about three hours a day, at least three days a week, for more than three consecutive weeks. The good news about true colic is that it is time limited and tends to resolve itself by about 3 months of age.

One of the challenges with colic is that we really do not know what causes it, which sets many families on a path of pursuing remedies advised by family, friends, physicians, the internet and a host of others sources. Research on a range of frequently sought interventions has been disappointing. Infant massage, probiotics, herbal supplements, chiropractic adjustments, sugary water, nonprescription solutions containing sodium bicarbonate, dill

Pregnancy & Babies

seed oil, fennel oil and ginger (“gripe water”) have not offered reliable relief for babies who are crying relentlessly. The possible side effects of some of these strategies have not been well studied.

What, then, can parents do? No one strategy is likely to be successful every day or for every bout of crying, but two principles are of paramount importance.

First, try to be calm. Calm is contagious. So is distress. When parents can find a settled place within themselves, it helps a struggling baby. To bring calm, you have to feel calm, so strategies that you have learned — such as slow, conscious breathing, softly singing or humming, picturing a peaceful scene and so on — will be very helpful.

Remember, too, that if you feel close to the end of your rope, it is perfectly fine — even very important — to set the baby down in a safe place and take time to regain your steadiness.

If another adult is available, trade off caring for the baby. This is the time to be your own best friend and to give yourself positive messages and encouragement, rather than criticism. Anyone would feel stressed in the circumstance of a screaming baby who cannot be comforted.

Second, watch for subtle responses. When babies are crying and not easily soothed, parents tend to try many different approaches in a rapidfire way rather than sticking with one method long enough to see if it helps, even just a little.

Changes in breathing, longer intervals between crying and a more relaxed body are all signs that can be hard to notice in the heat of the moment but suggest that what you are doing is working, even if the crying has not stopped altogether.

Tells us more about the Birth to Five Helpline.

The free Birth to Five Helpline is available to anyone who has questions or concerns about young children — parents, grandparents, caregivers and medical professionals. Common topics include challenging behaviors, potty training, child development, sleep issues, colic or fussiness, feeding and nutrition and overall parenting concerns.

Bilingual and compassionate early-childhood specialists will answer your questions from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday. You can also download the Birth to Five Helpline app in the iTunes App Store or on Google Play, so when you’re ready, you can one-click call, text or email a question to Helpline professionals.

Learn more about Southwest Human Development at swhd.org.

Does your baby have a

BIRTHMARK? Monitor it early

By RAK Staff IF A BIRTHMARK develops on your newborn, experts now recommend consulting quickly with your pediatrician. While most birthmarks go away on their own, early identification and monitoring is essential, the American Academy of Pediatrics now says, to allow for timely treatment that can prevent any medical complications or permanent disfigurement.

Infantile hemangiomas — the common, bright red or bruise-like birthmarks that appear shortly after a baby is born — are typically harmless and start to go away on their own.

Hemangiomas vary in size, appearance and placement, and they are universally benign (non-cancerous). But some hemangiomas — particularly those on the face or those that are very large — need treatment early to prevent them from interfering with body functions or causing permanent scars.

Infantile hemangiomas typically appear within a month of birth and go through a period of rapid growth when a baby is 5 to 7 weeks old, followed by a more gradual fading and flattening. Roughly 4-5 percent of all infants get them, although they are more common in Caucasians, girls, twins and preterm or low-birth-weight babies, according to the AAP. There are several types of birthmarks. Superficial hemangiomas, or “strawberry marks,” can resemble the surface of berries. They typically begin as small white, pink or red areas on the skin that quickly change into brighter red, raised lesions. Deep hemangiomas have a smooth surface and form under the skin. They may have a bluish tint and resemble bruises.

Some cause the skin to look swollen. Combination hemangiomas are a mix of superficial and deep growths.

When infantile hemangiomas become noticeable by 4 weeks of age, they may look like tiny bumps or scratches. If you think your baby might have a hemangioma, contact your pediatrician right away. According to the AAP, the best “window of opportunity” to be evaluated and start treatment, if needed, is about 1 month of age.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com FEBRUARY 2019

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Arizona Breastfeeding Center 8400 S. Kyrene Road, Suite 126, Tempe 480-442-8491 • azbreastfeeds.com Our team of expert International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) provide one-on-one consultations, classes and support groups to solve breastfeeding issues and guide you on your parenting journey. Join us at our FREE Milk Mamas group, the first Tuesday of each month from 10-11:30 a.m. for snacks, community and laughter, or make an appointment and start making breastfeeding easier today!

Weekend and evening appointments available.

Arizona Breastfeeding Medicine & Wellness 7730 E. Greenway Road, Suite 101, Scottsdale 480-508-0861 • bfmedaz.com Free breastfeeding support groups, prenatal education, breastfeeding management specializing in laser tongue- and lip-tie procedures. Plus: weight check, breast assessment and infant oral exam. Personalized written care plan and follow-up correspondence. Dr. Cara, FNP-BC and all of our amazing International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) look forward to meeting you!

Oh Baby Consulting 3324 E. Ray Road, Suite 398, Higley Pointe 480-339-9398 • ohbabyconsulting.com Oh Baby Consulting offers personalized sleep solutions to exhausted families nationwide. Whether you’re looking for prenatal education on newborn sleep or gentle strategies to help your little one sleep all night long, Oh Baby is here for you. Sleep solutions are tailored according to developmental stage, familial values and comfort level. Parenting is hard enough when we’re well rested! You have too much to accomplish to spend another minute exhausted because your little one isn’t sleeping well.

Jesika DiCampli, NMD, CPM 16601 N. 40th St., Suite 110, Phoenix 602-368-9211 • drdicampli.com Preconception planning. Labor support and advocacy. Prenatal, post partum, well woman and baby care. Naturopathic midwifery care.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com FEBRUARY 2019

19

SEX AFTER KIDS:

THE TRUTH (Be realistic, be patient and keep trying)

By Maggie Zehring | Photo by George Rudy

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Pregnancy & Babies

MY

HUSBAND NICK AND I both wish we’d been more realistic about what to expect after having kids.

We knew sleep would probably be hard to come by, but expectations for our sex life as parents were naive at best. Sex wasn’t something we thought would change all that much.

Wow, were we wrong. If you’re a new parent, just know you’re not alone, and that there are ways to bring affection back to the bedroom.

This is an honest article about a happily married couple — not a perfectly married couple. Like anyone else who has committed their life to a partner, we struggle with real and not-always-romantic issues.

For example, when I was pregnant with my first son, I had to wear a nose plug to be able to make out with my husband. My sensitivity to smell was next level. (I couldn’t make this up!) With things this bad, you can imagine how quickly I shut down any further efforts. For the second half of my pregnancy, sex was not an option.

Fast forward to us cradling our eldest as a newborn, and things get sillier. If you read my Google search history in the weeks following my son’s birth, you’d find serious fears I had about sex after having a baby.

No joke — I thought about changing my six-week checkup (when your doctor typically gives the “all clear” for sexual activity) to 12 weeks. I was terrified. How in the heck was I supposed to not only do the deed, but actually enjoy it?

Well, we did, and we learned a lot. We now have three kids, and I feel like it is my duty to demystify the common obstacles parents face after having kids.

Yes, life changes. The second you become a parent — no matter how that child came into your family — it all changes. It’s like a new, gray line between who you are as a spouse/partner and an individual gets further muddied. I distinctly remember having to catch myself to avoid calling Nick “Dad.” It takes time to get used to the new roles and feel like a couple again. Here are a few tips that helped us.

Give each other some time to adjust. Feeling like you and your spouse are on the same page emotionally can sometimes feel like trying to have a conversation at a rock concert. You’re both trying, but things are just getting lost in the music. I’m not a therapist, but I’m 99 percent sure this is normal. You and your spouse have just undergone the biggest changes you will experience in your lives, and you are both experiencing it totally differently. No matter how similar you are or how great you are at communicating, you’re two different people. The emotional disconnect is real.

Remind each other of your life as a couple. Acknowledge yourself and your spouse outside of your roles as parents. This can be as simple as saying your spouse’s name in your morning greeting or after brushing your teeth at night. Reminisce over photos of the two of you before kids. Have favorite old songs at the ready when you want to be intimate.

need for conversation. Ladies, sometimes words can get in the way of reconnecting. Just close your eyes, lean in and take a breath. Gentlemen, quiet your mind. The fewer expectations you have, the more likely you are to relax and feel at ease (and maybe playful).

Plan time for intimacy. Lack of sleep makes it hard to get in the mood to be intimate. Whether you have a day at the office or a sink full of dishes waiting for you the next morning, it can be hard to justify having sex and being close to your spouse when your body craves extra rest.

Prioritizing sleep and sex requires strategizing. Experiment with different schedules. Try the morning before the kids wake or at night after the kids are in bed, or even try setting an alarm for 2 a.m. Ladies, if you’re nursing, I recommend timing your playtime after a feeding. If that’s unrealistic, wear a bra and don’t take it off. Gentlemen, I highly recommend never turning down your wife. It’s going to take a lot of planning for her to be both physically and emotionally ready (showered, emptied breasts, not despairing over her changed body, etc.).

Ask your doctor about physical therapy and vaginal estrogen. If you gave birth vaginally or are breastfeeding, you know that things downstairs are not the same. If you pushed your sweet cherub out of your lady bits, it’s likely things might still be a bit stretched.

Believe it or not, there are physical therapy routines that can help repair the damage labor and delivery can do to your abdominal wall and pelvic floor. Most insurance companies pay for a few sessions of physical therapy. If yours doesn’t, I highly recommend paying out of pocket for one or two sessions so a physical therapist can recommend pelvic-floor exercises and other tips for recovery.

If you’re breastfeeding, know that this might be the driest you will ever be in your entire life. You might also struggle with increased sensitivity from the amount of time you spend nursing, rocking and just plain holding your kid. Being over-touched is a real thing. Recognize the changes you’ve made to love this child and take a breath.

That said, I’d run to your doctor and ask for samples of vaginal estrogen cream. My nurse practitioner couldn’t say enough about how much it helps new moms, and in my experience it was a game changer.

Vaginal estrogen helps stimulate your natural production of hormones that are responsible for moisturizing your lady parts. I’d argue that it also helps take the edge off the fluctuating hormones.

Keep trying. Maintaining anything important in life is hard work.

Add new humans and changing hormones, and it’s bound to be challenging. Sex is wonderful, and always worth it. It’s just hard to remember that when you have little ones. Be patient. Keep trying. You’ll find your way back to each other.

Maggie Zehring of Scottsdale juggles her writing and social media skills with being a mom to rambunctious young boys.

Shower together or cuddle — clothing optional. The key here is to be close to one another without any pressure to do anything. Just find a sensual way to be together without the expectation of sex and the

RaisingARIZONAKids.com FEBRUARY 2019

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RAISING OUTDOOR KIDS

Mud maniacs Obstacle course races offer family fitness and fun

By Lisa Van Loo | Photos by Ron Abelar

On

a normal day, kids are asked dozens of times to act and look a certain way: Tuck in their shirts, fix their hair, clean the chocolate-milk mustaches off their faces and use a towel — not their shorts — to wipe their hands. They’re instructed to avoid tempting puddles, find detours around mud and to “be careful.”

Mud runs throw all of that out the window. Obstacle course races — like those hosted by Spartan and Terrain — are more than just races for kids. They’re absolute liberation.

That’s not an exaggeration. We’ve made a habit of registering our crew for the kid versions of any obstacle course race, known as OCR, that we participate in ourselves. And they love every gritty, muddy, grimy minute of them.

At OCRs, they get to break the rules. They jump over walls, test their physical abilities and — in an era of participation trophies — only take home medals if they actually cross the finish line.

They also like that every course is different and that they have no idea what is waiting for them. Sometimes it’s a slide, a mud-lined drainage tunnel, a Tarzan-style rope swing or a million stairs, like those featured in the challenging Spartan Stadium race.

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While the adult versions of these OCR competitions do require some training to prepare for the challenges (think: carrying a five-gallon bucket of rocks or army-crawling through mud under barbed wire), the kid versions are totally accessible. Our kids range in age from 5 to 12, and they have been running OCRs for the last year and a half without issue.

Our kids are sporty, but they never train for the races. We have them wear clothes they could part with in case the mud stains. They grab their mud sneakers from the garage and wait for their start time.

Why do we love it? Because we can hear them self-talk their way through tough spots, we can see their pride when they finish first in their heat and advance to a winner’s round, and we can witness them realizing what their bodies and minds are capable of accomplishing.

It doesn’t hurt that when our start time comes, we have a mighty cheering section eager to see what challenges await them once they’re old enough to brave the full course.

If your kids want to give it a go, here are a few of our favorites. Entry fees can be steep when the whole family is participating. Book early to take advantage of discounts.

Terrain Race (MUD RATING: LIGHT).

If mud runs could be cute, Terrain would earn that title, if only for its monkey medal.

Held Feb. 23 at Rawhide Western Town in Chandler (and again on April 6 at Old Tucson Studios), Terrain Race starts competitors in a group-sized tub of chilly water, so everyone gets wet before running through the starting gate.

Kids obstacles include walls and desert crawls. terrainrace.com

Spartan Race Rugged Maniac (MUD RATING: HEAVY).

This one sounds scarier than it is, but it does not include a designated kids race. Participants must be at least 12 years old. (Other OCR races typically include a kids race open to kids as young as 5). That said, Rugged Maniac is entirely doable. Held April 6 at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, the atmosphere is fun, the course is incredibly muddy, and it includes obstacles such as a massive teeter-totter that participants have to run up and down, and a warped wall that leads to a double-wide water slide. ruggedmaniac.com

Monster Mudda (MUD RATING: INSANE).

Held in Payson each June, this is hands-down one of our favorites. Although it means an early alarm clock on a summer Saturday to accommodate the two-hour drive, the day is well worth the road trip. The kids course includes a mud pit, a water slide and log fences they have to clear. The adult course, open to ages 12 and older, includes a quicksand-like mud pit accessed by a 10-foot jump from a drainage pipe, and ends with a gladiator-style gauntlet where spectators cheer from the surrounding bleachers. We’ve all done it twice, and we can’t get enough of it. paysonrimcountry.com/mudda

(MUD RATING: MODERATE).

This race is held every February at the Fort McDowell Rodeo Grounds east of Fountain Hills. This year, it’s Feb. 9-10. The kids course is offered in half-mile, one-mile and two-mile options, and obstacles include sandbag carries, jumping over walls and crawling through tunnels. Kids receive headbands as race bibs, T-shirts for finishing and a medal at the finish line. spartan.com Far left: Nolan Abelar (5) runs through a mud pit on the kids course at the Terrain Race. Left: Lulu Nicita (8) enters a mud-lined drainage pipe. Above: From left: Riley Abelar (10), Lulu Nicita (8), Dominic Nicita (9) and Josie Nicita (11), flexing their muscles after completing their first Spartan Kids race. Below: Lulu Nicita (8) climbs out of a mud pit on the kids course at the Monster Mudda race in Payson.

Tips for obstacle course races with kids ❱ BRING DRY CLOTHES. Most races have a hose-off and changing area. ❱ PACK FLIP-FLIPS. No one wants to put sneakers back on after the race. ❱ CLEAR SPACE ON YOUR PHONE FOR PHOTOS. You’ll want to take a bunch of photos, including “before” and “after” shots. ❱ BRING PROTEIN-RICH SNACKS. The wait between kids and adult races can be lengthy. Snacks (our go-tos include jerky, protein bars and PB&J) can help. ❱ ENJOY THE MUDDY, MESSY MOMENTS. Help your kids share their pride and find a good place to hang the medals they earn. ❱ PLAN AHEAD. Visit mudrunguide.com to find upcoming obstacle course races in Arizona and across the country.

Lisa Van Loo is a Gilbert freelance journalist. Ron Abelar is an avid outdoorsman and photographer.

Together, they are parenting five children. Follow them on Instagram @RaisingOutdoorKids

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family time!

Chinese Cultural and Cuisine Festival (Feb. 8-10) at Margaret T. Hance Park.

TOP FEBRUARY EVENTS

By Liz Petroff

We love February in Phoenix. The weather is warming up to be perfect for outdoor hikes and family festivals. February brings the start of Cactus League Spring Training games, Chinese New Year celebrations, Scottsdale’s Parada del Sol, a Renaissance Festival and celebrations of science and chocolate. Here’s what you won’t want to miss: NOTE: Because last-minute schedule changes can occur, please confirm dates and times on event websites.

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FEB. 2 Motoring Through Time & Heritage Festival. This free family event features classic cars, cultural crafts and demonstrations, live music and food trucks. Free. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Heritage Square, 113 N. Sixth St., Phoenix. 602-262-5070 or heritagesquarephx.org

FEB. 2, 9, 16, 23 AZ SciTech Festival ASU Open Door. ASU Open Door is a signature event of the Arizona SciTech Festival. Adults and children of all ages are invited to visit four ASU campuses to see why ASU is hailed for innovation. Explore laboratories, living collections, museums and classrooms; talk to ASU students, faculty and staff and participate in hundreds of hands-on activities. 1-5 p.m. Free; advance registration required. azscitech.com

FEB. 8-10 Chinese Cultural and Cuisine Festival. It’s the Year of the Boar. Celebrate the sights, sounds and tastes of China during this three-day festival featuring dragon and lion dances, martial-arts demonstrations and musical performances. Shop artisan booths and taste authentic Chinese cuisine. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Free.

Margaret T. Hance Park East, 1202 N. Third St., Phoenix. phoenixchineseweek.org

FEB. 8-MARCH 31

PARADA DEL SOL

Lego Movie Days. Legoland Discovery Center Arizona hosts the ultimate celebration of “The Lego Movie 2.” Join Emmet, Wyldstyle and the gang daily at this play center with exclusive building activities, character experiences and interactive photo opportunities. $19.95 tickets online; free for ages 2 and younger. Legoland Discovery Center Arizona, 5000 Arizona Mills Circle, Tempe. legolanddiscoverycenter.com/arizona

Scottsdale Parada del Sol Parade and Trail’s End Festival (Feb. 9) in Old Town Scottsdale.

FEB. 9

I.D.E.A. MUSEUM

PHOENIX CHINESE WEEK

CulturePOP. The cities of Avondale and Goodyear host this pop-up street fest that’s a celebration of arts and culture. Festivities include live entertainment, carnival rides, street performers, cultural demonstrations and kids activities, plus food, beer and wine from around the world. Before the street fest, the day starts with a Black History Month Celebration, a Splash of Color 5K Run and 5:30 p.m. Naturalization Ceremony. Free. 6-10 p.m.

Estrella Mountain Community College, 3000 N. Dysart Road, Avondale. azculturepop.org

Junkyard Jungle (Feb. 8-May 26) at i.d.e.a. Museum

FEB. 8-MAY 26 Junkyard Jungle. Trash becomes treasured artwork at the i.d.e.a. Museum in Mesa. The new exhibition features art and hands-on activities that teach about the environment, recycling and conservation of natural resources. Kids can make collages of wild beasts and butterflies. They can pretend to be biologists, entomologists, zoologists and ecologists and explore a black-light rainforest or make videos about recycled artwork. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to noon Sunday; closed Monday. $9; free for babies younger than 1. 150 W. Pepper Place, Mesa. 480-644-2468 or ideamuseum.org

D-backs Fan Fest. The Arizona Diamondbacks’ 15th annual tribute to fans includes meet-and-greets with players, coaches and broadcasters. Activities include batting cages, inflatables, face painting and Wiffle ball, plus an Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation yard sale. Autographs and photo sessions available. Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Free. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. 602-462-3378 or dbacks.com/fanfest Scottsdale Parada del Sol Parade and Trail’s End Festival. Enjoy one of the world’s largest horse-drawn parades, boasting more than 100 entries — including floats, bands and individual riders. The 10 a.m. parade starts at Drinkwater Boulevard and Scottsdale Road and heads south to Brown Avenue and Indian School Road.

The free Trail’s End Festival from noon to 4 p.m. in Old Town Scottsdale offers live music, food and a Kids Area with games and pony rides. scottsdaleparade.com Sprouts Mesa-PHX Marathon. Run through residential neighborhoods and historic districts, past the Arizona Museum of Natural History and the Fitch baseball fields. Children can participate in a free 1K kids run. This marathon, half marathon and 10K is a Boston Marathon qualifying race. 6:30 a.m.; 11:30 a.m. kids run. $25$110. Bus pick up for runners: Mesa Riverview, N. Dobson Road and Loop 202. thephoenixmarathon.com Touch-A-Truck. Camp Patrick hosts its second annual Touch-A-Truck event. Sit in the driver’s seat of a fire engine, climb into the cockpit of a helicopter or hold on tight to the steering wheel of a tractor or cement truck.

Plus: bounce houses, face painting and food. All proceeds help send children with spina bifida to Camp Patrick at no cost. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. $5 per person; $20 per family. North Phoenix Baptist Church, 5757 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. camppatrick.com

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TOP FEBRUARY EVENTS continued FEB. 9-MARCH 31 Arizona Renaissance Festival. Huzzah! Travel back to the 16th century at the annual Renaissance Festival and Artisan Marketplace east of Apache Junction. See knights joust and explore the nonstop pageantry that fills a 30-acre village nestled in the shadows of the Superstition Mountains. Live entertainment, food and artisan shops. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday and President’s Day (Feb. 18). $28; $18 for ages 5-12; free for ages 4 and younger. Discounted tickets online and at Fry’s Food stores. 520-463-2700 or arizona.renfestinfo.com

FEB. 10

World Championship Hoop Dance Contest (Feb. 9-10) at Heard Museum.

FEB. 9-10 Glendale Chocolate Affaire. Chocolate takes center stage at this delectable annual celebration.

Taste chocolates from dozens of vendors and enjoy live entertainment, activities and factory tours of Cerreta Candy Co. Nearby restaurants offer special menus. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Free. Murphy Park, 58th and Glendale avenues. glendaleaz.com

Wild Arizona at the Phoenix Zoo. Celebrate 107 years of Arizona statehood and the state’s amazing native species. Enjoy 20-minute animal lectures at the top of each hour; educational activities on desert plants, reptiles and vultures; a bird-scoping station on the Arizona Trail, DJ Jason, a mechanical bull, Western-theme inflatables, paper doll crafts, cactus ringtoss game, face-painting and more. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $24.95; $16.95 for ages 3-13; free for ages 2 and younger; $2 online discounts. 602-286-3800 or phoenixzoo.org

Mummies of the World (Feb. 10-Sept. 2) at Arizona Science Center.

World Championship Hoop Dance Contest. Experience the sport and culture of hoop dancing as 70 top Native American hoop dancers from the United States and Canada (including children, some younger than 5) compete. Frybread and other Native American foods for sale. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $18; $7.50 for ages 4-12; free for ages 3 and younger. Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-252-8840 or heard.org/hoop VNSA Used Book Sale. A bookworm’s dream. The Volunteer Nonprofit Service Association hosts its annual two-day sale to support Valley charities. Hundreds of used books and media are for sale at significantly reduced prices. All items half-price on Sunday. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m Sunday. Free admission. Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell, Phoenix.

602-265-6805 or vnsabooksale.org

FEB. 9-17 Architects of Air: Albesila. A monumental inflatable public-art installation is coming to Mesa’s Pioneer Park. Designed by British artist Alan Parkinson, Albesila is an immersive labyrinth of color and light. Families can walk inside what appears to be a work of stained-glass art. Noon to 9 p.m (30-minute sessions). $7; free for children under age 2. Pioneer Park, 526 E. Main St., Mesa. 480-644-6500 or mesaartscenter.com/air

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FEBRUARY 2019 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER

HEARD MUSEUM

Discount Tire Free Family Sunday at the Phoenix Art Museum.

Enjoy free general admission and discounted special-exhibition admission from noon to 5 p.m. Includes hands-on art activities, scavenger hunts, live performances, storytimes, free tours and a chance to make art with a featured local Valley artist 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-257-1880 or phxart.org

FEB. 10-SEPT. 2 Mummies of the World. A new blockbuster exhibit comes to the Arizona Science Center this month. See 40 human and animal mummies and 85 rare artifacts. Coming from Hungary, the exhibit offers a look at life in ancient Egypt, South America and Europe. Multimedia stations take visitors on a 4,500-year journey to explore the mummies’ histories and origins.

Tickets are $7.95-$11.95 plus general admission: $18; $13 for ages 3-17; free for ages 2 and younger. 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix. 602-7162000 or azscience.org/mummies

Desert Botanical Garden celebrates 80 years (Feb. 16) at Desert Botanical Garden.

FEB. 22 Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show: Free Family Fun Night. Enjoy a free family fun night at the 65th annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show.

Horse owners from around the world compete in the 10-day show.

This year’s event includes many free family activities: an ice cream social, the chance to “meet” an Arabian horse, a dog costume class, ceramic pony painting, art contests, behind-the-scenes barn tours and demonstrations. Fee-based activities include pony and camel rides and admission to a petting zoo. Times vary Feb. 14-24. $10 per day; free for ages 12 and younger. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road. scottsdaleshow.com

DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN

FEB. 22-23

FEB. 16 Desert Botanical Garden celebrates 80 years. To celebrate its eighth decade, the Desert Botanical Garden hosts a community celebration with $8 admission. Festivities include cake for all, hands-on activities, geocaching and more. The garden welcomes nearly half a million visitors each year from around the world. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix.

480-941-1225 or dbg.org Southwest Maker Fest. This collaborative one-day festival and community of makers hopes to connect the community and encourage creativity. A signature event of the Arizona SciTech Festival, it offers interactive exhibits, workshops and demonstrations to inspire both kids and adults to make innovative new products, art, food, clothing and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Mesa. southwestmakerfest.com

Tempe Empty Bowls. Purchase a $10 handmade bowl, and Whole Foods Market Tempe will provide a simple meal of soup and bread (symbolic of the caloric intake that sustains many around the world for an entire day). You can also buy bowls, mugs, necklaces, platters and vases made by local artists and students. Proceeds benefit United Food Bank and Tempe Community Action Agency. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Tempe’s 6th Street Park on Friday and Tempe Library Complex at Rural Road and Southern Avenue on Saturday. tempeemptybowls.org

FEB. 23-24 PHX Vegan Food Festival. Taste delicious creations, shop products and enjoy wellness items (household products to fashion accessories) from more than 100 vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants, food trucks and vendors. Plus cooking demonstrations and a kids zone. $25 per day; $40 weekend pass. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. Third St., Phoenix. phxveganfest.com

FEB. 23-MARCH 27

PBS Kids Day. Families are invited to downtown Phoenix for activities, storytime and fun. Create a book at Storybook Village with friends from Super Why, meet first responders with Daniel Tiger and Katerina Kittycat, create instruments to join Pinkalicious and Peterrific’s band, explore the sea with Splash and Bubbles and enjoy healthy snacks with Cookie Monster. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; online registration required. Civic Space Park, 424 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. azpbs.org

Cactus League Spring Training. With 10 facilities hosting 15 Major League Baseball teams in metro Phoenix, there are plenty of opportunities for fans to catch a Cactus League Spring Training game daily through March. Game times and ticket prices vary. Even earlier this month, fans can watch pitchers and catchers and team practices. See team schedules, tickets and stadium information at cactusleague.com

FEB. 16-17

FEB. 24

Street Eats Food Truck Festival. Yes, it’s a food fest, but so much more. There’s a dad jokes contest, live music, cooking demos, eating contests, dress-like-your-favorite-food contest, inflatables and games. $12-$15; free for ages 12 and younger. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. streeteatsaz.com

PJ Masks Live: Save the Day. Disney Jr.’s PJ Masks fly into Comerica Theatre. Preschoolers and fans of all ages will enjoy this live performance by tiny superheroes Catboy, Owlett and Gekko, who go into the night to save the day, defeating villains. 2 p.m. $35-$55. Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix. pjmaskslive.com

FEB. 17, 24 Sunday A’Fair. Grab your picnic basket and enjoy free outdoor concerts by top Arizona musicians in Scottsdale Civic Center Park. Plus an arts-and-crafts market, kids activities and free docent-led tours of park sculptures. Noon to 4 p.m. Free. 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale. scottsdaleperformingarts.org

Calendar Editor Liz Petroff of Phoenix is the mother of Jack (10) and Lucy (9). Send event info to familytime@RAKmagazine.com.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com FEBRUARY 2019

27

family time! around arizona visit the junior education area. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m Thursday- Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. $13; free for ages 14 and younger with paying adult. Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave., Tucson. 520-322-5773 or tgms.org

WICKENBURG CHAMBER

Happy Birthday, Arizona! (Feb. 16-17). Celebrate Arizona’s 107th birthday at Old Tucson Studios. Arizona residents get buy-one-get-one-free admission.

Enjoy living history presentations, Old West entertainment (gunfight shows and saloon musicals) and film history tours.

Plus carousel rides, antique car rides and train rides. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $19.95; $10.95 ages 4-11; Old Tucson Studios, 201 S. Kinney Road, Tucson. 520-8830100 or oldtucson.com

Gold Rush Days and Senior Pro Rodeo (Feb. 8-10) in Wickenburg.

APACHE JUNCTION

FLAGSTAFF

Lost Dutchman Marathon (Feb. 17).

Run for Gold at this annual scenic run at the base of the Superstition Mountains.

Options include a half marathon, 10K, 8K trail run and 2-mile fun run/walk.

7 a.m. $20-$110. Prospector Park, 3015 N. Idaho Road, Apache Junction. lostdutchmanmarathon.org

Teacher Appreciation Day at Arizona Snowbowl (Feb. 18). Teachers can buy $45 lift tickets and $2.50 beers today while enjoying the slopes. This season, kids ages 10 and younger can also get free season passes. 9300 N. Snowbowl Road, Flagstaff. 928-779-1951 or snowbowl.ski

CASA GRANDE Wuertz Farm Gourd Festival (Feb. 8-10). It’s the annual “Running of the Gourds” in Casa Grande. This Arizona Gourd Society festival features 100 gourd artists and vendors, games, mini “gourdster” races, musicians and food.

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. $10; free for children.

Pinal County Fairgrounds, 512 S. Eleven Mile Corner Road, Casa Grande. 520723-4432 or wuertzfarm.com

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SEDONA RunSedona (Feb. 2). Walk, run or skip your way to a medal in Red Rock Country.

This scenic race attracts athletes from around the world to enjoy Sedona’s red rocks up close. 5K, 10K and half marathon. 6 a.m. Registration prices vary. 928-204-1123 or visitsedona.com

WICKENBURG shorts, documentaries, animation and foreign and student films. Showtimes vary. Ticket packages begin at $130.

Harkins Sedona Six Theatres, 2081 W. Highway 89A, Sedona. 928-282-1177 or sedonafilmfestival.org

TUBAC Tubac Festival of the Arts (Feb. 6-10).

This 60th annual festival draws hundreds of participating artists and musicians from around the country. Watch artists weave, paint, hammer, build and create.

Food available from food trucks and local restaurants. Free; $8 parking. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 520-398-2704 or tubacaz.com

TUCSON International Film Festival (Feb. 23-March 3). Movies rock at the annual Sedona Film Festival that features more than 160 films. Celebrate the best independent films from around the world:

FEBRUARY 2019 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

La Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo (Feb. 16-24). Western heritage meets extreme sports when cowboys and cowgirls come to Tucson for this annual event, billed as one of the top 25 professional rodeos in North America.

Barrel racing, steer wrestling, team roping competitions, a parade and barn dances (for adults). Gates open at 11 a.m. daily. $16-$70. Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. Sixth Ave., Tucson. 800-9645662 or tucsonrodeo.com

Gem and Mineral Show (Feb. 14-17).

The Tucson Gem and Mineral Show is one of the largest, oldest and most prestigious in the world. See displays, earn door prizes, take seminars and

Gold Rush Days and Senior Pro Rodeo (Feb. 8-10). Enjoy three days of Western fun in Wickenburg. It’s a weekend dedicated the town’s gold mining pioneers with carnival rides, arts and crafts, a Gold Rush parade, food and more. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; 2 p.m. rodeo Saturday-Sunday. $15. Everett Bowman Rodeo Grounds, 935 Constellation Road, Wickenburg. 928684-5479 or wickenburgchamber.com

YUMA Two Rivers Renaissance Faire Pirate & Faerie Festival (Feb. 1-3). Step into another time and observe merchants and craftsmen at work, visit the queen in her court and experience the excitement of fire dancers, jugglers, musicians and knights jousting. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Sunday, 10 a.m to 10 p.m. Saturday. $5-$10. Yuma County Fairgrounds, 2520 E. 32nd St., Yuma. 928-257-2056 or tworiversfaire.com

Pick the perfect summer camp at

2019

Meet with staff from local summer day camps and overnight camps around Arizona and across the country. Programs for preschoolers thorough teens!

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9am - 1pm Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center 5031 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85034

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Contact us: events@RAKmagazine.com

RaisingARIZONAKids.com FEBRUARY 2019

29

family time! onstage

ASU GAMMAGE

Disney’s Aladdin (Jan. 31-Feb. 17) at ASU Gammage.

And In This Corner: Cassius Clay — The Making of Muhammad Ali (Jan. 27-March 3) at Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center.

APPEARANCES/LECTURES

MUSIC

Wild Kingdom’s Peter Gros (Feb. 8).

One of the last pioneers of television wildlife programs, Peter Gros helped bring the natural world into American living rooms.

He shares stories of being charged, clawed, kicked, bitten and gnawed by the wild animals he dedicated his life to protecting.

7:30 p.m. $24-$39. Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 4132 E. Pecos Rd., Gilbert.

480-279-7190 or higleycenter.org

Side-by-Side Concert (Feb. 6). The Phoenix Youth Symphony and Phoenix Symphony join together for a concert featuring winners of the 2019 Young Musicians Competition. 6:30 p.m.

Free. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. phoenixyouthsymphony.org

National Geographic Live: Standing at the Water’s Edge (Feb. 20).

Photographer Cristina Mittermeier is a Mexican-born marine biologist and photographer specializing in the conservation of oceans and indigenous cultures. She shares her work on the balance between human well-being and healthy ecosystems. 7:30 p.m. $27-$41.

Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa.

480-644-6560 or mesaartscenter.com

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CHILDSPLAY

NOTE: Events are listed by type, then by date order.

PUPPETS Sugar Plum Lake (Jan. 30-Feb. 3). Special guest artist Marionette Ballet Theater presents beautiful string puppets on a magical journey through a mythological fairyland. Set to classical music with no dialogue, this show is for all ages. 10 a.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $8-$12.

Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. 602-262-2050 or azpuppets.org

FEBRUARY 2019 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Hotel Saguaro (Feb. 6-24). Meet Sammy Saguaro, his wise Grandpa and all their desert-dwelling friends.

Families will learn all about this amazing cactus and its importance in the Sonoran Desert. 10 a.m. WednesdaySaturday, 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $8-$12. Reservations recommended.

Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. 602-262-2050 or azpuppets.org

THEATER And In This Corner: Cassius Clay — The Making of Muhammad Ali (Jan. 27-March 3). This co-production of Childsplay and Black Theatre Troupe looks at the life of Cassius Clay before he became Muhammad Ali — one of the world’s greatest boxers and a civil rights advocate.

See Cassius, a 12-year old boy navigating friendship and family, and learning to fight for himself and his community in the segregated South of the 1950s. This show

chocolate festivals family time! is recommended for ages 9 and up. 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m Sunday. $20-$25.

Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, 1333 E. Washington St., Phoenix. 480921-5700 or childsplayaz.org Disney’s Aladdin (Jan. 31-Feb. 17).

ASU Gammage presents the Broadway musical about streetwise Aladdin, a magical Genie and Princess Jasmine, who rebels against her father’s efforts to marry her off. 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. $45-$105. ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe.

480-965-3434 or asugammage.com You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Feb. 7-10). Christian Youth Theatre stages this musical based on Charles M. Schulz’s “Peanuts” comic strip.

Enjoy a day in the life of Charlie Brown with Snoopy, Lucy and the rest of the “Peanuts” gang. 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Thursday, 7 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7 p.m.

Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $15-$20. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa. 480644-6560 or mesaartscenter.com The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (Feb. 8-24). Valley Youth Theatre stages Kate DiCamillo’s tale of the vain and selfish china rabbit named Edward Tulane and his adoring owner Abilene. One day, he is lost at sea, which begins his long journey of self-discovery.

7 p.m. Friday, noon and 3 p.m. SaturdaySunday. $20. 525 N. First St., Phoenix.

602-253-8188 or vyt.com The Princess and the Pea (Feb. 9 and 16). Arizona Broadway Theatre for young audiences presents the story of a prince who journeys around the world searching in vain for a worthy princess. Then, a mystery girl appears. 10 a.m. $15-$18.

Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria. 623-776-8400 or azbroadway.org Singin’ in the Rain (Feb. 14-March 30). Enjoy singing, tap-dancing and powerhouse performances. 7 p.m. opening night, then 7 p.m. WednesdayThursday, 3 and 7:30 p.m. FridaySaturday. $20-$45. Hale Centre Theatre,

50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert. 480-497-0277 or haletheatrearizona.com Two Trains Running (Feb. 14-Mar. 3).

Arizona Theatre Company performs the late playwright August Wilson’s seventh story, set during the rising tide of the civil rights movement. Memphis Lee’s Pittsburgh Hill District diner is slated to be demolished as urban planning eats away at his beloved neighborhood. The play explores a time of extraordinary change and the ordinary people who get left behind. Best for tweens/teens.

Showtimes at 2, 7 and 7:30 p.m. $25$75. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. 602-252-8497 or arizonatheatre.org Urinetown the Musical (Feb.1524). After a 20-year drought has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets, a single malevolent company is charging admission for use of the public facilities. Greasepaint Youtheatre in Scottsdale tackles this satire of the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, bureaucracy, corporate mismanagement, municipal politics and musical theater itself. 7 p.m. FridaySaturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $17. Greasepaint Theater, 7020 E. Second St., Scottsdale.

480-949-7529 or greasepaint.org 13 (Feb. 22-Mar. 10). Spotlight Youth Theatre performs this musical about the challenge of finding one’s place in the pecking order of teenage life. Evan Goldman is plopped into a sleepy Indiana town following his parents divorce. Can he situate himself on a comfortable link of the food chain, or will he dangle at the end with the outcasts? Recommended for ages 12 and up. 7 p.m. FridaySaturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $15. 10620 N. 43rd Ave., Glendale. 602-843-8318 spotlightyouththeatre.org PJ Masks Live: Save the Day (Feb. 24). Disney Jr.’s PJ Masks fly into Comerica Theatre. Preschoolers and fans of all ages will enjoy this live performance by tiny superheroes Catboy, Owlett and Gekko, who go into the night to save the day, defeating villains. 2 p.m. $35-$55.

Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix. pjmaskslive.com

Art of Chocolate A’Faire (Feb. 1-3). “It’s All About Romance” at this year’s annual Gilbert festival, featuring artisan chocolates and confections, gift vendors and live entertainment, including soulful singer-songwriter Darius Lux. This year’s featured chocolatier is The San Francisco Chocolate Factory, known for fresh-dipped fruits. 10 a.m to 5 p.m. Free. The Great Lawn at Gilbert Town Hall, 50 E. Civic Center Drive, Gilbert. carefreeazfestivals.com Bisbee Chocolate Tasting (Feb. 9). Help support the Friends of the Copper Queen Library at this annual fundraiser. Chocolates are donated by local bakers and candy makers, including high school culinary arts students. The tasting coincides with “Second Saturday” for Bisbee After Five, so you can shop and eat at local restaurants.

6-9 p.m. $15. Central School Project, 43 Howell St., Bisbee. bisbeechocolatetasting.com Glendale Chocolate Affaire (Feb. 9-10). Chocolate takes center stage at this delectable annual celebration. Taste chocolates from dozens of vendors and enjoy live entertainment, activities and factory tours of Cerreta Candy Co. Nearby restaurants offer special menus.

10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Free. Murphy Park, 58th and Glendale avenues. glendaleaz.com Flagstaff Chocolate Walk (Feb. 10). A chocolate-tasting adventure in downtown Flagstaff! Get a stamp for your chocolate passport at each tasting location and collect points to win a grand prize. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. $5-$8; free for ages 5 and younger. Flagstaff Visitor Center, 1 E. Route 66, Flagstaff. 928-213-2951 or flagstaffarizona.org Chocolate Lovers Special (Feb. 14-16). Chocolate lovers will find delights on the Verde Canyon Railroad. The special train ride boasts tasty chocolate pastries, cakes and more. Dip fruit, pretzels or marshmallows into free-flowing chocolate fountains while enjoying the beautiful Verde Canyon scenery. 1 p.m. departure. $129. Verde Canyon Train Depot, 300 N. Broadway, Clarkdale. 928-639-0010 or verdecanyonrr.com

RaisingARIZONAKids.com FEBRUARY 2019

31

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FEBRUARY 2019 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

I’VE READ ACCOUNTS of new moms brimming with love for their newborns from moment one. But when I had my son seven years ago, I wasn’t one of them. Of course I loved him, but I also had moments where I’d look at my little boy, nestled in his bassinet, and wonder, “Who is this stranger sleeping in my room?”

My nipples were on fire, my crotch was throbbing (and not in a good way). My milk supply was low, and while it felt like I had something to do every second of the day, I found caring for an infant so, so … boring.

My life existed according to an online feeding app: Feed every three hours, “play,” nap. Repeat. Repeat.

During feeding times, I’d zone out to backto-back episodes of crime dramas while he ate at a snail’s pace. During his awake times, I’d sit in front of his Baby Bjorn chair and chat to him or sing the few songs I knew by heart — to a blank face.

Napping was a battle of wills, which I routinely lost. Forty-five minutes of rocking might yield a 25-minute nap. I tried signing up for multiple moms groups, to no avail. A Phoenix moms group for creatives rejected me for reasons never disclosed, and another Phoenix branch declared I lived on the wrong

side of the 51.

Every blip in his sleeping schedule was cause for alarm. My husband and I would consult the internet for any clue about the disruptions we were experiencing. We’d panic: “Could this be our new normal?!!!”

Despite the setbacks, I eventually got into a rhythm. I found some lactation meetings, met friends for lunch, attended some “baby and me” events at the library. I got a handle on my key essentials for the diaper bag and became proficient at changing in public spaces. I found a few friends with kids I could talk to about all the minutiae of infant care that is of zero interest to the rest of the population.

Then my baby started smiling, reacting, inquiring.

Fast forward seven years. My son is imaginative, hilarious, a little mischievous, sometimes frustrating. Every day with him is challenging, interesting and so, so … not boring.

Carrie Wheeler is a Phoenix freelance writer and mom to Wilson (7). She wrote “Choosing a school: Where to start” for the 2019 Schools, etc. issue of Raising Arizona Kids magazine.

2019

HERE’S WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO! Programming developed and led by college professors or an experienced coaching staff Hands-on activities focused on a specific area of interest Real-world insight from local partnering businesses Socials to meet current students and future Lopes Sports tournaments and skills development in the brand-new Canyon Activity Center And so much more!

Grand Canyon University

CAMP OPPORTUNITIES Summer Institute Camps: Over 20 program-specific overnight camps, hosted by the GCU colleges for high school students in grades 10 - 12 ThunderVision STEM Experience: Interactive and hands-on day STEM camps for students in grades 6 - 9 Summer Science Camp: Science exploration day camps, hosted by the GCU Learning Lounge® for students in grades 2 - 5 Lopes Sports Camps: Athletic camps taught by our very own coaches and players available in basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball and golf for all ages and skill levels

hosts a variety of summer academic and athletic day and overnight camps for students of all ages.

Don’t miss these great opportunities to visit GCU!

Register today at gcu.edu/RAK Space is limited!

Per NCAA rules, all sport camps and clinics conducted by Grand Canyon University are open to any and all entrants and enrollment is only limited based on age, grade level, gender, or number restrictions as specified by each camp. GCU, while reserving its lawful rights in light of its Christian mission, is committed to maintaining an academic environment that is free from unlawful discrimination.

Further detail on GCU’s Non-Discrimination policies can be found at gcu.edu/titleIX. ©2019 Grand Canyon University 18GCU0143