Mamatoga 2012

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Letter from the Editor Hi Mamatogians!

Owner/Publisher Chad Beatty Editorial/Co-Creator Jenny Witte General Manager Robin Mitchell Creative Director Tiffany Garland Editor Daniel Schechtman Art Director Katy Holland Project Director Chris Bushee Advertising Chris Bushee, Jim Daley, Cindy Durfey Graphic Designer Eric Havens Writers Zoe Alexander, Elizabeth Baird, Lois Celeste, Julie Cox, Robin Dalton, Tisha Graham, Nicole Messier, Katie Nemer, Laura Thibeault, Tom Thibeault Photographers Ashley Brown Photography Tracey Buyce Photography MarkBolles.com Deborah Neary Published by Saratoga TODAY Newspaper Five Case Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 tel: (518) 581-2480 fax: (518) 581-2487 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com Mamatoga is brought to you by Saratoga TODAY Newspaper, Saratoga Publishing, LLC. Saratoga Publishing shall make every effort to avoid errors and omissions but disclaims any responsibility should they occur. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent of the publisher.

Copyright (c) 2012, Saratoga TODAY Newspaper

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Welcome to our Back to School issue. Back to School can be an emotional time for kids and for parents. On the one hand you might be jumping for joy that they are FINALLY going back to school after a long summer and on the other hand there might be tears and anxiety, from both you and your little one. You might actually be feeling both of those sides of the spectrum like I am. We had such a fun summer together as a family and I’m sad that Finn seems to be growing up so fast, but I also can’t wait to get back into our school routine. Whether it’s sending your oldest off to preschool for the first time or to college, back to school time is just another one of those new challenges that can shake up your day to day routine just when you thought you had this parenting thing down.

Part of the difficulty for me is wanting to do more at school, but not having the time. Being a work-from-home mom and having two younger kids at home getting to be the class parent isn’t always doable. This inevitably leads to the always present “Mom Guilt”. You can’t make it to be the “Secret Reader”, and your snack is store bought instead of homemade. Maybe you don’t have time to make dinosaur shaped sandwiches and maybe you forgot to send in the show and tell or the special snack for the party you forgot about. You know what? Give yourself a huge break. I’m beyond grateful that there are moms who have the time to help out in the classroom, and that’s what it’s all about. All of us, as parents, helping out where we can. Supporting each other and our kids should be a community thing, not a competition to see who can do more. We all have our certain level of time and commitment, but as long as we are making sure they’re eating healthy food, getting enough sleep and getting that homework done we are getting our jobs done as parents, even if you can’t make it to the Science Fair. xoxo Jenny Mamatoga.com

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Back to School with MAMATOGA! Contents 10 26

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Home:

The Mamatoga Interview: Tab Orthwein Playroom Makeover Adventures in Co-Parenting

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Market to Lunchbox Chefs at Home

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Papatoga Halloween Calendar of Events

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The Moms Behind Name Bubbles

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Top Tips for New Moms

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Internet Safety Back to School Pictures Top Apps Top Ten Products Zoe’s Picks Bittersweet

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Living with Allergies Healthy Living

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Table: Play:

Work:

Baby:

50 On the Cover

Mamtoga Jenny and her kids: Finn, Lev and Jack at Congress Park Cover photo by: Ashley Brown Photography

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School:

Check-Ups:

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Getting to know…

CONTRIBUTORS Zoe Alexander My name is Zoe Alexander. I am a 7th grader at Maple Avenue Middle School and am 12 years old. Some of my favorite things to wear are scarves and sweaters. I like all styles and a lot of different colors, my favorites this year are grey and light aqua blue. I also just got my ears pierced and I love earrings! My 2 favorite pairs are pearl drop earrings that were my Mom’s and my new gold hoops. My Mom loves fashion…so I’m learning from her…I’m starting to fit into some of her shoes and we can share sweaters and accessories. We help each other decide what looks good together…I can’t wait until I can fit into some of her gowns!

Tisha Graham

Tisha Graham has lived in Saratoga Springs with her husband and five children for the last 20 years. She is a Certified Professional Midwife, a Certified Childbirth Educator, a Certified Doula, and a Certified Lactation Counselor.

Tisha has been supporting families through pregnancy, birth and postpartum for the past 26 years. She considers herself lucky to have worked with so many local families and looks forward to working with many more.

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Elizabeth Baird Elizabeth Baird is a speech and language pathologist who is an adjunct instructor and Clinical Supervisor at the College of Saint Rose. She has 14 years of experience working with feeding, videofluoroscopy, speech/language evaluations and treatment. She has worked in acute, sub-acute, home care, NICU, PICU, ICU and nursing home settings in Vermont, Brooklyn, Westchester County and upstate NY.

Nicole Messier

Nicole Messier lives in Saratoga Springs with her two children, Ella, 5 and Luca, 6 months. She is an award-winning public relations and social media professional and speaks nationally on the topics of IT, social media and media relations. Even outside the office, Nicole is passionate about her children using technology, but doing so safely. Her easy tips can help kids enjoy innovation with some piece of mind for parents.

Lois Celeste I've been in not for profit management for 15 years, including the development of the Domestic Violence Advocacy Program, various projects for Unity House, and most recently the Executive Director of the Saratoga Senior Center.

I've lived in Saratoga for 25 years and one of my greatest accomplishments is being a mom of 4 children, 3 boys and a daughter.

Katie Nemer

My name is Katie Nemer. I am a toga mama to Jackson (10), Zoe (2) and Cocoa (the family labrador). My husband Josh and I are also very excited to be expecting a baby boy this December. I'm a huge fan of Saratoga, and therefore also of Mamatoga. Julie is Jackson's stepmom and my co-parent and co-author for our column, Adventures in Co-Parenting.

Together we wanted to share our story about the many benefits and challenges that arise with sharing a child between two houses.

Julie Cox My name is Julie Cox and I am a proud working mother to Jackson (10) and Declan (2) and a new addition due at the beginning of October. I spend my days teaching high school English here in Saratoga Springs. I think this piece is so important to Mamatoga readers who are in similar situations so they can know that it is possible to have a functional and healthy relationship with their co-parent. It's so much fun to write it together with Katie since we each bring a unique and important perspective to our story.

Robin Dalton Robin grew up in New York City and graduated from Cornell University in 2002.

She worked as a producer for 20th Century Fox before moving to Saratoga Springs and joining Roohan Realty.

Robin is very involved in the local community serving on the Foundation Board of Saratoga Hospital, as well as fundraising for Saratoga Sponsor a Scholar and Yaddo. She is also a contributing writer with Mamatoga Magazine, an avid marathon runner and Ironman triathlete.

Laura & Tom Thibeault

Laura Thibeault is the coowner of Adirondack Appliance with her husband Tom. Laura grew up in Wisconsin before moving to CA and eventually NY. She enjoys cooking, baking, spending time with family and the family dog Luna.

Tom Thibeault is the fourth generation owner of Adirondack Appliance in Saratoga.

Tom and his wife Laura have four year old triplets. Tom graduated Berkshire School in 1997 before attending college. He is an appliance geek who enjoys hunting, cooking, spending time with his family and being outside.

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MAMATOGA Tab Orthwein

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Photos by MarkBolles.com

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passion for horses and a love of reading has led Saratoga Springs mom of three, Tab Orthwein, to the polo fields and a local community reading project, one that is perfect for the whole family.

Tab grew up in Chester, Vt., where her life-long love of horses began at an early age. As soon as she was strong enough to carry a bucket full of water, her parents promised they would get her a horse of her own – a feat she finally accomplished during the summer of third grade.

Attracted to Skidmore College because of its fantastic riding program, she came to Saratoga and met her husband, Will, at the Skidmore barns.

Tab’s first experience playing polo was at Skidmore. In the fall of her freshman year, she tried out for the JV/Beginner arena polo team, and it didn’t take long before she was hooked on the sport. Tab started playing outdoor polo at Saratoga Polo in the mid-90s with her husband, whose family boasts a long lineage of polo players. Will grew up playing polo with his father, brother, grandfather, uncles and cousins, and it has been a wonderful bonding experience for the Orthweins.

Tab and Will stayed in Saratoga after graduating and now have three children: Owen (who will be 12 in August), Oliver (age 9) and Vivian (age 7). They have a herd of horses (ages 2-32), an awesome family dog named Arch, three barn cats named Alfalfa, Mook, and Lilly, and three noisy donkeys – Donkey-ote (named by Tab), and Max and Ruby (yes, named by the kids after the TV show).

Her love for reading goes as far back as her love for horses. “I’ve always been a reader,” said Tab. “As a child, I read the complete ‘Little House on the Prairie’ series, every ‘Black Stallion’

and other horsey book I could get my hands on.

‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,’ ‘Charlotte’s Web,’ and classic fairy tales were also some of my favorites (I made my dad read ‘Rumplestiltskin’ to me so many times that he nicknamed me after the book!) and so much more!”

Tab became involved with Saratogta Reads! in 2004, the first year of the program. “I was at home with two children and was feeling the need for a project – something new that was not directly related to parenting,” said Tab. “One day, I read in the Skidmore News that Phyllis Roth, an English professor, and Marie Glotzbach, the wife of Skidmore’s president, were starting a community reading project. I spontaneously picked up the phone and called Phyllis and said, ‘I don’t know if you remember me but...’

Those where the fateful words that got me started with Saratoga Reads!”

Tab’s love of reading, paired with her ability to organize large projects made her the perfect fit for Saratoga Reads! “I was part of the committee that ran the organization the first few years, and eventually I became the chair of the board,” said Tab. “Creating a strong sense of community through a shared reading experience is really satisfying. And encouraging families to read together through the junior companion titles Saratoga Reads! suggests adds a new level that broadens the experience greatly. The power of reading is immense, and I really enjoy inspiring others to pick up a book to learn, escape and enjoy!”

As a parent, Tab has made it a priority to share her love of reading with all three of her children.

“My husband and I have read aloud to them daily since they were born and they all still love to be read to, as well as to read on their own,” said Tab.

“Creating a strong

sense of community through a shared reading experience is really satisfying...

The power of reading is immense, and I really enjoy inspiring others to pick up a book to learn, escape and enjoy!”

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Riding, reading and raising a family – it isn’t always easy to fit everything in. “It’s a little easier now that all three of our children are in school” Tab said. “In order to make time for myself, I’ve stayed up a lot of late nights, gotten up a lot of early mornings, hired many hours of babysitters and relied on the support of my husband, my sister Mieka, who lives nearby in Greenfield, as well as many others who help with the horses and

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work on the farm.”

Knowing when to take time for herself has made Tab a better mother and wife. “I feel strongly that I am a better mother (and spouse) when I have outlets for myself,” she said. “Riding is a terrific escape for me. When I am on a horse or on the polo field, my head is clear and I am focused only on the task at hand. It’s refreshing, and I go back to managing my family’s schedule and needs with

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greater patience and energy.”

While riding clears Tab’s head, Saratoga Reads! provides her with the “opportunity to exercise my professional and intellectual skills, and to meet more people in our community,” she said. “I find it satisfying and energizing on a whole different level.”

Even after a head-clearing ride, Tab knows all too well how the mom-brain can “short-circuit”

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from time to time. “Perhaps the biggest challenge is simply showing up at the right place at the right time with the right kids and right equipment!” she said. “I have been known, on occasion, to show up on the wrong day for a meeting or for a tennis lesson for myself with no racquet in the car. Becoming a dedicated user of the iPhone calendar and setting reminder alerts for everything has helped out a lot.”

Tab and her family have taken full advantage of living in Saratoga Springs, and Tab loves being able to live in a small community that offers many cultural opportunities usually found in more urban areas. “We love walking and picnicking at SPAC, and we look forward to the NYC Ballet, Philadelphia Orchestra and other concerts at SPAC each year. We also like walking and biking on the Spring Run Trail in town and heading to the Saratoga Farmers’ Market.”

Photo Provided

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• Saratoga Reads! focuses its yearly activity on a single book, chosen by the community, through an initial nomination process and final election—that is rich enough to inspire invigorating dialogue and extensive programming.

ds! rea

SARATOGA • The book selection process is a widely publicized invitation to the greater Saratoga public to suggest a suitable book.

• A selection advisory committee then carefully reviews the nominated texts to present a ba lot to the community for a public vote during the month of October.

• The winning title is announced in early November.

• Once the year’s winning book is announced, a wealth of community activity begins in celebration of the book and its broader themes.

• Throughout the winter and spring, activities targeting readers of all ages and levels are planned by Saratoga Reads! and a variety of community partners.

• All events are free of charge.

• Each year the Saratoga Reads! Junior Advisory Group compiles a list of Junior Companion Books to complement themes of the year’s winning book for adults.

• The addition of companion titles allows readers of all ages to participate in this community wide project that is working toward building a stronger sense of community page by page.

• Be sure to check the Saratoga Reads! online events calendar for events targeting junior readers throughout the season.

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Allergies

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Living with

Story by Elizabeth Baird

eing the mother of four children is busy. Being the mother of four, with three of them having multiple food allergies, raises the bar just a little bit more. Eating out at a restaurant is a challenge.

There is no such thing as “let’s just grab a bite to eat while we are out.” There is also some guilt about my oldest daughter, who has no food allergies. Am I limiting her experiences because of their various needs?

The term “food allergy” can be very misleading.

Most people think of an allergy as sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, etc. Not food allergies. Food allergies involve swelling, hives, vomiting, difficulty breathing, lowering of the heart rate and potentially death. A better term is anaphylaxis related to exposure to an offending food.

I remember the time I first heard that word – anaphylaxis. It was after I gave my twin boys a cracker with a small amount of peanut butter. I sat them carefully next to each other in their high chairs. Mind you, this was after a discussion with our pediatrician, who felt confident there should be no issue. My oldest, after all, had no food allergies, and we have no family history of food allergies. There they were, my twin boys, who always were doing things together – having a reaction to the peanut butter-side by side. I was scared beyond words.

After this experience, I learned about anaphylaxis and how to read food labels. I was also trained in how to use and carry epi-pens. Epi-pens are spring-loaded needles that contain epinephrine. This is the medication that needs to be injected into the thigh in order to

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treat an anaphylactic reaction. Of course, any time an epi-pen is used on an individual, the person should be brought immediately to the emergency room for observation and potentially a second dose. One dose of epinephrine does not always work.

I asked questions of my doctors and I read as much information as I could when I was pregnant with my fourth child. Do I eat nuts? Do I avoid them? Please don’t let this baby be allergic as well. What I quickly found out is that this particular food allergy is still quite a medical mystery, and no one quite had an answer for me. I nursed my children to try and help prevent all of this. However, the first time that I mixed milk-based formula with his baby cereal, I saw it – the swelling, the wheezing and the vomiting. My son was anaphylactic to milk! I soon learned that he would have to avoid eggs, milk, and peanuts. Again, after re-learning to shop, cook and bake, we have settled on our new-normal.

When we are home, things run fairly smoothly.

However, out in the “real world,” I am terrified. It makes leaving them off at preschool or putting them on the school bus that much more heart wrenching. Other individuals that don’t deal with food allergies on a daily basis do not know not to share their snack with my children. A well-meaning adult or peer may try to give a dangerous food to my child without knowing the harm it may cause. Education about food allergy is essential, because there is no known cure at this time.

My children are learning to read food labels themselves and we are all healthier for it.

In the past year, I have formed a food allergy support group for parents and caregivers of those with lifethreatening food allergies. Saratoga Families with Food Allergies meets once a month. You can find us on our Facebook page, or email us at saratogafamilieswithallergies@gmail.com. We will be participating as a team in the Albany Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. This walk raises funds for educating the public, lobbying for legislation related to food allergy, and, of course, funds for researching a cure. All are welcome to join us for the walk and donations are appreciated.

According to Dr. Kemp Bundy, who is the medical advisor for Saratoga Families with Food Allergies, “Food Mamatoga.com

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allergy incidence is on the rise. It is now estimated that roughly six to eight percent of children will develop a food allergy. The common eight foods account for the vast majority of reactions. These foods include cow’s milk, soy, wheat, egg, fish, shellfish, peanuts and tree nuts. Not all reactions to foods are allergic, and it is important to sit down with a specialist, specifically an allergist, to help differentiate a food intolerance from a food allergy – the latter being an acute immune system reaction that can be potentially life threatening. The key to food allergy is identifying the relevant food allergen, avoiding it, and having an appropriate action plan and medicines in place should there be an accidental exposure. Rapid recognition of a food allergy reaction can be critical. While food desensitization or a “cure” is actively being researched, it is still at least a few years away on the horizon. Until that time, patients and their families can avail themselves of some fantastic educational material that are available to those with food allergies.”

Dr. Bundy is the Chief of Allergy at Ellis Hospital and currently work for CapitalCare. He sees patients in both Clifton Park and Schenectady. He can be reached at (518) 724-1060.

Top Ten Tips for Parents just finding out that their child may have a food allergy: 1. Ask your pediatrician about a pediatric allergist/specialist in your area.

2. Draw up an emergency action plan that your child’s school and caregivers can have a copy of. Your allergist can be very helpful with this. An emergency action plan should include emergency phone numbers, what medications to give when, how much medication to administer and when to call 911.

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Templates for these can also be found online.

3. Make a cheat sheet of ingredients/foods that should be eliminated. Make many copies and give to those caring for your child and post in your home. FAAN has terrific information on how to read labels for certain foods that must be avoided. Milk, for example, can be hidden in many foods.

4. Purchase a medical bracelet. There are some really cute kids’ ones at American Medical ID or Allergymates.

5. Go to your regular grocery stores by yourself with no time limit and no real list. This way, you can take your time and get to know ingredients and brands that are safe for your child.

6. Join a local support group such as Saratoga Families with Food Allergies (saratogafamilieswithallergies@gmail.com).

7. Become a member of Food Allergy Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN). Be careful of what you read online.

FAAN is a reliable source of information for everyone involved in the care of your child.

8. Make a kit of emergency medications (i.e.: epipens, Benadryl and inhalers) that you will carry yourself or hand-off to a care giver. Be sure to include emergency numbers and your emergency action plan. I love to find ones that I can switch from a diaper bag to a beach bag to my purse easily. Remember, those epipens need to remain at a certain temperature and cannot sit in a hot car.

9. Purchase a stylish, small lunch bag or cooler to carry your child’s alternate foods and snacks.

10. If you child is old enough, include them in reading ingredient labels. This helps to teach them independence and awareness of their allergy. It is also a great time for a nutrition lesson.

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NAME

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Photos by MarkBolles.com

Bubbles

hen Saratoga Springs mom Michelle Brandriss had to start labeling her son’s belongings for daycare, she decided to forgo the Sharpie and masking tape route and designed her own line of personalized labels. She came up with a great name and logo, but it took a little push to make Michelle decide to leave her job and forge out on her own.

Her son, Cooper, was 18-months-old, and Michelle was leaving to catch a flight for a focus group. She was scheduled to be gone for four days when Cooper became very sick with a high fever and double ear infection.

“I just wanted to stay home,” said Michelle.

“I had developed the name and logo months earlier but was too nervous to leave my job.

On that day, in that moment, I knew I was ready.”

Another serendipitous moment occurred when Michelle met Lauren Rose at North Country From left to right: Michelle Academy, the local daycare where both moms took their kids. Lauren couldn’t help but notice the cute personalized labels on all of Cooper’s things.

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Michelle shared with her that she had an idea for a business, launching a kids’ name label company with higher quality and more style and flair than what was currently available on the market. Name Bubbles was born, and everyone in their little mom’s circle started using them. Lauren joined Michelle a year ago to head up Business Development and Marketing.

“It’s really wonderful to work for a brand and CEO - that I respect and whose products I trust and use every day,” said Lauren.

Delivering a highquality, stylish product backed by great customer service has always been Michelle’s priority and what she believes will continue to make Name Bubbles relevant for busy parents.

“I’ve been testing and using Name Bubbles for years,” said Michelle.

“They’ve grown up with my son, from his baby bottles at daycare to his snow boots and mittens at elementary school. To me, Name Bubbles are Brandriss and Lauren Rose a Brandriss household must-have that saves us time and money. My husband found two of Cooper’s items in the lost-and-found box before the

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end of Kindergarten; his laundry labels were in both items, making it easy for David to know that they were ours. They really are made to last and help make any parent’s life a little easier.”

Made to stay on through the dishwasher and the laundry, these labels can be put on anything from snowboards to backpacks to shoes and lunchboxes.

Being busy moms, Michelle and Lauren know firsthand how challenging it can be to balance home life and work life. Just like all of us, there are times when Michelle isn’t able to balance the business and her family as much as she would like.

“There are evenings where I have to microwave a meal or throw a spontaneous out-to-eat night in during the week, but my husband and I are both big believers of the ‘Family Dinner.’ We always read before bed and try to find time for a board game one or two nights during the week,” said Michelle.

Setting time aside on the weekends just for family time is something Michelle has really embraced.

“I’ve been very good at allowing the weekends to be set aside for my family. If I have to run an errand or stop into work for a couple of hours, there is always something fun planned for my son and our time together.

There is flexibility; I don’t have someone telling me that I have to jump on a plane with short notice or that I have to stay late for a meeting or project.”

Lauren knows that it takes a shift in your mindset to achieve a sense of balance.

“There was a point a couple years back where I had no choice but to let go of trying to do it all,” she said. “I look back now and see just how silly I was being. It’s just not possible to give 100 percent to two things, so I had to accept that. On a moment-to-moment basis, I strive to bring all I have to each aspect of my life. Some days I fall short at home, while other days I don’t finish what I set out to do at work. It’s a day-to-day trade-off that requires that I don’t take myself too seriously. Since there’s no way to know what each day will bring, I’m ready to adapt, adjust and accommodate on the fly.”

She added, “I also find support and inspiration from the women around me. Having girlfriends, mentors and role models has become so much more important to me since I’ve become a mom. These women get me in ways no one else does. I’m lucky enough to be surrounded locally by some amazing, talented women,

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many of whom are in the same situation: working, mothering, partnering, housekeeping, volunteering, contributing, etc.”

Now in its third year, Name Bubbles has really started to take on a life and personality of its own. As more employees join the company and more and more customers continue to return, more people are contributing to the brand. Michelle is really excited about the way Name Bubbles is growing and evolving.

“The employees understand that every child’s label order is unique and chosen by someone who loves

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them. In many cases, it is for a newborn baby and could be the first personalized gift the child will receive.

We want our customers to love their labels and know that they were made with care.”

Another way the brand has grown is by adding a charitable arm to the company. Always a personal goal for Michelle, she wanted to be able to select one nonprofit a year that the company could give special attention to and hopefully make a bigger, more positive impact. Through the end of 2012, Name Bubbles will be offering exclusive school-themed labels in honor of

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Reading Is Fundamental (RIF). This is the second year of their Giving Program, and Name Bubbles has made a minimum $10,000 commitment to the organization and will be raising awareness to their customers and Facebook friends through the end of the year.

Michelle is passionate about the work that RIF is doing.

“I love their work and how it helps empower children’s futures by motivating them to read and by working with their parents and community members to make reading a fun part of their life.”

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Market to Lunchbox:

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Making a Healthy Lunch for Back to School

Photos Provided

aving a healthy lunch for your children is more important than you think. A healthy school lunch can help increase your child's concentration and focus in the classroom.

A well-balanced lunch can also ensure that your child has plenty of energy for the second half of their school day. Teaching kids the difference between what is healthy and what isn’t will not only help them perform better in school, but also help them to make smart choices about healthy food in the future.

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Want some fantastic healthy ideas to pack in your kid’s lunchbox? Look no further than our very own Saratoga Farmers’ Market! That’s where you can find organic eggs, cheese, meats, fruits, vegetables, peanut butter, yogurt, milk and much more. All the produce at the market is fresh and locally produced at farms right in our area. We took a trip to the market to pick up lunchbox provisions to guarantee a fresh, healthy lunch that is also kid-friendly!

Our first stop was to pick up whole milk Greek

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Laura’s Top Tips for Bento

yogurt from the Argyle Cheese Farmer. This yogurt now comes in handy, one-serving sized containers that are perfect for school lunches. The little, one-serving yogurts come with honey or strawberry-rhubarb jam on the bottom that the kids just love mixing together. Another thrifty tip: Buy a larger container of yogurt and reuse the little container. You can mix in your own jam or honey also available at the market.

Farm fresh eggs are a great way to get kids eating more protein. Make hard boiled eggs more appealing with a carrot beak and sesame seed eyes Bento box-style and watch the kids will eat them up!

Produce abounds at the market. We picked up some peppers to slice up, which are the perfect size for little hands, as well as some cucumber. Buy some apples fresh off the orchard to tuck into lunches, and fresh baked bread from Rock Hill Bakehouse as well as locally, fresh made peanut butter from Saratoga Peanut Butter Co.

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Style

LUNCHES

By Laura Thibeault

Bento is a Japanese style lunch that is packed in reusable containers. Using reusable containers is good for the environment by cutting down on waste and also saves you money on sandwich bags. Break out of the sandwich rut and use your imagination with Bento lunches!

1. Invest in good Bento boxes and aluminum water bottles.

Make sure you’re buying BPA-free products if you’re going the plastic bottle route.

2. If you want to get your kids to try new foods, try putting it on a stick! Skewer some fruit and vegetables for a healthy shish kebab.

Adding cheese and tomato makes an even tastier skewer.

3. Buy some fun non-food items to throw into the lunch to help bring a smile to your child’s face.

Stickers and little handwritten notes are a fun and easy way to surprise them at lunchtime.

4. Buy some cookie cutters and use them to cut shapes out of pretty much anything: cucumbers, apples, sandwiches, cheese and even hard boiled eggs.

5. Remember you can save money and time by tucking in some leftovers!

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Beyond Baby Proofing:

Securing a Safe Home for Social Media

Story by Nicole Messier Photo by Ashley Brown Photography

hile at work, my husband noticed our 5-yearold was at home with the iPad, taking pictures and making videos, which were then autosyncing to our iPhones. Simultaneously, I noticed she had purchased applications, as evident from charges on our checking account. We even noticed she was posting on his Facebook page – and worse, doing it correctly!

I didn’t know whether to be upset or impressed. Working the iPad is one thing, but navigating apps and using social media automation was a whole new realm I wasn’t prepared for yet.

Today’s digital and online world may make parents feel like they need to go from securing their electrical sockets and kitchen cabinets, to finding ways to keep our kids safe with the Internet and its associated technologies.

Each year, the barrier to entry for kids gaining access to the Internet and social media becomes younger and younger.

In a recent study released from AVG, an Internet security conference, nearly one out of every five kids (19 percent) around the world aged 2-5 is able to operate a

Photo by Ashley Brown

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smartphone application. Compare that to the number that can tie their own shoelaces – just nine percent – and you see how the development of tech skills are quickly outpacing basic life skills.

Sites like Facebook no longer have age restrictions and mobile applications and websites have flimsy “Terms and Conditions” at best for suggesting age restrictions. Limiting what our children interact with and when is solely up to the parent.

Monitoring what our children see is tough when we aren’t there with them 24/7. But there are some techniques to making your home and family safe in this arena.

User Accounts and Parent Blocking

Smartphones and tablets are convenient, but they come with limitations on setting up multiple user accounts.

One simple thing parents can do to avoid access to inappropriate material online is to limit a child’s interaction with the Internet to a computer.

I recommend setting up a “kids” account, and going through the preferences on your web browser to limit

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what types of sites they can view. More importantly, you can set bookmarks and house rules for which sites they are allowed to visit. Limit the time spent online for recreational use and have the family computer in plain, adult view – I recommend a small desk in the TV room or off of the kitchen.

All Internet browsers today have tutorials to set up parent blocking preferences and can walk you through their recommended safety tips for kids using the browsers.

Passwords, Passwords, Passwords

Most tablets and smartphones come with a locking and password mechanism that requires a 4-6-digit PIN code to enter. While this may be an annoyance to the parent, it ensures kids cannot just pick up any mobile device and start to access the web or app stores.

Home computers and web-enabled televisions are the same beasts. Setting passwords on banking accounts, email accounts and important files help reduce a child’s curiosity and access to purchasing materials online without your knowledge or permission.

Keep your passwords a secret and refresh them vigilantly every 90 days.

Finally, Educate and Communicate It might be difficult to imagine sitting down with a 5year-old and discussing Internet safety, but now you have to.

Be open with children early on about the Internet and technology that could be harmful. What that harmful content is and how we want to limit accessibility to it needs the same kind of restrictions we set on junk food.

As the years go on, the Internet will be managing nearly every facet of our lives, from the phones we talk on to the cars we drive to the everyday home appliance.

Teaching our kids how to be safe and smart now will help them later.

Make Rules for Social Media Like You Do Dating

Just like everything else, we set limits with our kids, and you need to include social media when setting these limits. While we can’t always prevent what our kids do while they aren’t with us, while they’re young it is important to set limits about when they are allowed to have email, Facebook and instant messaging. Additionally, buy phones with limited Internet access, if any at all, until it is absolutely necessary.

Maintenance on Home Systems

Aside from refreshing your passwords every 30-90 days, review your Internet search history and clear your caches frequently. This ensures that you are reviewing what your children are searching for and helps to keep them away from what you are searching for.

Keeping virus and security software up to date is important too. This helps protect the technology investments that you’ve made in your home and keeps your kids from indirectly downloading something harmful to your data.

Many security programs will give reports about sites accessed that are potentially harmful and can help set many of these Internet parameters up for you in a few easy steps. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Playroom Makeovers

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M

Story by Robin Dalton Photos Provided

y husband and I moved into our Victorian home in downtown Saratoga Springs exactly one week before our first son was due. Two years have passed since that day and we now have two little boys running around with seemingly countless toys, books and puzzles. We turned the dining room of our home into a dedicated playroom to try to concentrate the explosion of plastic downstairs. For some time, it was quite functional. As the infant toys and gear became less necessary, it was apparent the room needed a bit of a facelift to accommodate our very active 1 and 2-year-olds. Knowing that every stage in our children’s lives is going to require somewhat different play spaces, we didn’t want to commit a huge amount of money to the room. So we decided to team up with Chelsea Silver, co-owner of Silverwood Gallery, and launch the $500 Mamatoga Magazine Playroom Makeover.

Before

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Chelsea was up for the challenge and came over to do an initial assessment of the space. Her first order of business was to survey our home to see if there was anything we already had that would be a good fit for the playroom. It was a great initial step as she almost instantly spotted a small couch to swap out our big armchairs for.

Next, Chelsea went over the budget to isolate where we would get the most impact for the least amount of money in our shopping. Our top priorities included a rug, curtains and a project for the wall that could serve as a focal point for the room.

Our shopping trip commenced with my first ever visit to Marshall’s Home Goods and filling up about three shopping carts worth of stuff in mere minutes. Thankfully, Chelsea was able to intervene and started identifying favorite items with a common color scheme that we could run with.

We took home several pieces and settled on a practical sisal rug ($50), great accent pillows for

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the couch ($75) and an adorable yellow table ($35).

Next, we focused on what we could replace the large mirror on the wall. After looking for some children’s artwork and various decals, we realized the most cost-effective solution for such a large space would be to paint a mural. We printed out an image we thought would work and headed downtown to Soave Affaire to pick up supplies.

Several hours later, our mural was born for under $40. We also threw in personal touches, like pictures of the boys to make the piece even more unique. After the mural was complete, we took the large mirror, painted the frame white and now use it as a focal point in our living room.

To address the issue of storage, we picked up some adorable Three Sprouts toy bins that are available at Next Summer and G. Wilikers ($40), which are somehow both soft enough for little ones to play with, but sturdy enough to hold quite a bit.

Chelsea was also looking for something unique to fill in some of the empty ceiling space with and came across a precious transportation mobile from G. Wilikers ($40).

Our last stop was to Target for curtains and curtain rods to bring more color and warmth into the space ($100).

With Chelsea’s expertise, a little creativity and only $500, we now feel like we have an entirely new room. When the boys came downstairs and saw it for the first time the look on their faces said it all and they’ve been playing happily ever since.

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After

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2

Back School

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en indergart K : n a rd Jo Allie: 4th Leah: 3rd rd :3 AlecMagazine Mamatoga |31

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PAPATOGA PAGE: One on One Time

Story by Tom Thiebeault Photos Provided

s a small business owner and father of triplets it can sometimes be a juggling act to find quality time to spend with each one of my kids. Individual attention time is important though, and I love taking my kids out, it is as fun for me as it is for them! There are tons of great options right here in Saratoga to make a special date.

Saratoga Strike Zone:

Saratoga Strike Zone is our absolute favorite year round daddy date spot.

With bowling, ballocity, bumper cars, and the best arcade in town it is hours of endless affordable entertainment! Don’t worry about little ones not being able to bowl, they have special ramps and automated bumpers so younger kids can get in on the action. They also have great food and you can eat right at your lane, a full service fun spot for families.

Fishing:

Just minutes from downtown Saratoga are some fantastic outdoor activities and our family favorite is fishing! Whether it’s in the Kayderosserass creek , Saratoga lake, or a little pond we find on a hike, fishing is an amazing bonding opportunity with your child. Just head over to: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/fishing.html to find out how to get a license and see local maps of DEC sponsored fishing spots.

Playgrounds and Parks:

You can make a day just hopping from playground to playground, or exploring many of the awesome nature trails we have in the area, or pack a picnic lunch and head to Congress Park right in the middle of the city. My kids love the carousel, the huge open spaces, the statues, and of course the ducks!

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Geocaching:

Geocaching is another great activity you can do all over town. Geocaching is an outdoor recreational activity in which the participants use a GPS receiver or mobile device and other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers, called "geocaches". Looking for them is like a real life treasure hunt and the kids are hooked. We have placed our own geocaches all over Saratoga and the surrounding area and you can find treasures to hunt for yourself by checking out www.geocaching.com. They even have a convenient iPhone app that shows you your nearest caches, the difficulty level, and you can even look for kid specific caches that are more likely to have fun kids toys as the “treasure”.

Dinner Dates:

In our family every Daddy Date ends with a stop at one of Saratoga’s many great restaurants. As a food enthusiast it is important to me to expose my children to all sorts of cuisine and Saratoga is a phenomenal place to do just that! We head to Max London’s for pizzas and Mrs. London’s pastries. Another favorite is The Wishing Well, which has an award winning kids menu. Bob Lee, owner of the Wishing Well goes out of his way to make your little one feel welcome. Comfort Kitchen has the best tater tots on the planet earth, and Elizabeth’s Table has a great new kids men. The big plate of cotton candy at Circus Café is always a big hit after a great day out. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Newborn Must-Have Tips

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Story by Erica, mom to Fae, 18 months old

hen I first realized I was pregnant, there was a lot going through my mind, things I would need, this I wanted, and things other people told me I needed. It was all so overwhelming, but now thinking back to that crazy time, I realized that the most important things I needed were the simple things.

1. A breast pump 2. Swaddlers 3. The Happiest Baby on the Block book 4. Boppy 5. Lots and lots of burp cloths 6. Bottles & backup formula

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Photo by Tracey Buyce

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Tried True & Tips from the Teachers

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of Saratoga Springs School District

• Summer bedtimes usually differ significantly from school-year bedtimes. While you may be tempted to soak up every last minute of summer vacation, try to get your kids into the routine of going to bed and waking up earlier about a week before school actually starts so they aren’t little zombies their first few days of class.

• You’ve heard it before: a good breakfast goes a long way! A hungry kid can’t learn because all he can focus on is his grumbling tummy.

• Lunch is extremely important, too! Pack a healthy, protein-filled lunch for your child to get them through the notoriously “sleepier” second half of their day •In general, kids like routines. Just like we do in our classrooms, be sure to set your precedents and routines from day-one. Designate the homework spot and the time to do it, and stick to it as much as possible every day.

• Do what you need to do to make sure homework gets done. There’s never enough time to reinforce what we teach in the classroom, so homework is an extremely important step of the learning process.

• Need to make sure the homework gets done? Try hiding the power cord to the video game system, or withhold the internet password until everything is done and checked by you.

• There’s a thin line between being an “involved parent” and becoming a “helicopter parent.” By all means, help to keep them organized, check their planners and look over their homework. However, let them do their own work so they can be proud of it, and gently guide them to correct their mistakes.

• Whether your child is starting their first day of kindergarten or senior year of high school, keep an openline of communication with his or her teachers. If there’s something that a teacher should know in order to teach your child better, don’t hesitate to tell them right away. Email is an excellent mode of correspondence for most of teachers, as they spend most of their day in front of the classroom, and returning phone calls expediently can be difficult.

• Don’t over-extend your child. Sometimes students, even the young ones, are so busy that they are too exhausted to make it through the day. Focus on one or two activities that your child really loves.

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Adventures in Co-Parenting

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Story by Julie Cox & Kate McNeary Photos Provided

hen you first meet Jackson, he seems just like your average 10-year-old. His daily concerns revolve around remembering his library book and wondering if mom packed a snack in his lunch. What you don't see is the very well-orchestrated co-parenting coordination between two women going on behind the scenes to keep everything in this young man’s life running smoothly.

All of this is done without the use of legal correspondence, attorneys or mediation of any kind.

We are Katie (the mom) and Julie (the stepmom), and our story is one of good old-fashioned cooperation. But our relationship doesn’t end once we’ve done the weekly “drop-off.”

We have celebrated at each other’s weddings, made each other our "in case of emergency” calls, and are in the midst of our second simultaneous pregnancies. Naturally, we get a plethora of different reactions to our situation.

After three years of adapting our unique parenting styles, we are thrilled to talk openly and honestly here about the challenges and successes that come with sharing a child, and the surprising friendship that has evolved and bonded us together in our mission to be the best mothers we can be.

What are some of the different reactions you’ve gotten to the fact that you get along so well?

Katie: Most people think it’s amazing and especially so nice for Jackson. The focus is completely on him, and not on us. Sadly, I have gotten comments from a few people Katie Nemer such as, “That’s kind of weird.” I think it’s just because it’s so uncommon, so people don’t know how to react when you tell them you are friends with your child’s stepmom.

Julie: Generally, people are extremely positive, but some are a little surprised. One of the most interesting reactions I have received is other women assuming I am threatened by Katie. This type of thinking that we are “supposed” to be in competition rather than working together to raise a child is ridiculous. I can’t imagine anything more detrimental than adopting that kind of thinking.

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What are some of the more awkward situations co-parenting has presented you?

Katie: The fact that Jackson looks more like his stepmom than like me has presented some awkwardness. People sometimes see us out all together and assume they are the cute blond-haired family and I am the Italian nanny.

Julie: This is more of an awkward situation we hope never comes to fruition. Two years ago, Katie and I were pregnant at the same time, so within six months, Jackson got a little brother at our house and a little sister at his mom’s house. Even before they were born, the joke amongst friends and family was that the two babies will grow up to fall madly in love and get married, despite the fact that they share a brother. We have tried to combat this by referring to them as cousins…but we know that it’s a very real, fairly creepy, and borderline disturbing possibility.

What do you think are the most important things to remember when and Julie Cox you are a co-parent?

Katie: Compromise, trust and respect. Also, communication is very important, not just doing it, but learning how to do it in a respectful way that is focused on the kids and the kids only.

Julie: I didn’t realize this until I had my son, but I think it’s important for those on the step-parent side to realize how difficult it must be to let someone else parent your child. I try to empathize with Katie as much as I can, especially when stickier situations arise. I think about how would I feel if the situation were reversed, and that has become my key to coparenting.

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When did you go from co-parents to friends?

Katie: Soon after they moved up to Saratoga, Julie took Jackson school-supply shopping. At first, I was annoyed that I didn’t get to take him since it has been a kind of a motherson tradition. Then I had a flashback and realized that I had forgotten something almost every year and was forced to race out and get it. I had a choice to make. She was either going to be the woman who buys the wrong brand of crayons, or my ally to help me see that Jackson has everything he needs. It was a turning point for me. Today, it seems that Julie always instinctively knows when I need help and she always has my back. It’s definitely a very cool, be it a very different friendship.

Julie: For me, there was a specific phone call that rocketed us from co-parents to friends. “Julie, I think I might, maybe, could possibly be in labor right now.” I distractedly strapped my baby into his car seat, forgot him, ran back in the house to get him, and rushed over to what turned out to be a very inlabor-Katie, deeply entrenched in the process of convincing herself that she was not about to have a baby. My instinct to rush over to her was the same I would have for any of my long-time girlfriends. There wasn’t a second’s hesitation or thought that, hey, maybe this is a little strange. When your girlfriend calls that she’s going into labor, you drop everything, run to her, and get ready to catch.

What are the most difficult things about co-parenting?

Katie: I never liked sharing my fruit snacks at the cafeteria table in elementary school. Sharing your child is beyond extremely difficult. This is your baby, your world, and letting someone else spend so much time with him is very daunting at first. But if you stay open minded and positive, I have found that it can have many benefits, too.

Julie: Scheduling can be very difficult. We have monthly dates to figure out Jackson’s calendar, sometimes down to the hour. There are often conflicts, and at times our scheduling sessions sound a bit like a used car negotiation – Ok, you can have him this whole weekend, but then we need him these three days in a row. I’ll even throw in next Friday for good measure.

Any kind of parenting comes with its fair share of high and low points. The added pressure of having to parent along with someone can be extremely difficult, yet extremely rewarding. We look forward to sharing more of our journey in Mamatoga’s Adventures in Co-parenting.

What are the best things about co-parenting?

Katie: There are often times when parents are presented with a really important decision to make for the child. In our situation, I always have a second opinion readily available. And it’s not just one I find from some random mommy know-it-all online; it's one that really counts. Jackson’s four parents always consult each other with major decisions and we are pretty sure we’ve gotten things right so far...we hope.

Julie: We get to share everything – including responsibilities. As any parent knows, kids are busy and they cost a heck of a lot of money! We get to split all of Jackson’s costs, not to mention all of the tasks such as dropping-off, picking-up, class projects, school shopping, toenail clipping, birthday party planning, and doctor’s appointments. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Top Apps

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for Kids K-12

How Rocket Learned to Read $4.99 Engage your little ones and get them interested in reading with the help of the How Rocket Learned to Read iPad app.

Little readers can tap words on the pages to listen to the correct pronunciation or touch characters to bring them to life. abc PocketPhonics $2.99 This app feels like a private tutoring session for early readers with emphasis on letter sounds and writing. Preschool-Kindergarten.

Montessori Numbers $2.99 This app allows children to manipulate and experiment with objects as they learn their numbers, place values, quantities and other important math concepts, for children ages 3-7.

Jungle Coins $2.99 Teach kids currency at varying levels such as finding coins, counting money, comparing coins and correct change. Kindergarten-Grade 4 Sums Stacker $0.99 is a sneaky educational app masquerading as a fun game for kids. A great, fun way to improve math fluency without boring drills. It’s a surprisingly different experience working with word numbers (one, two, three, or uno, dos, tres) than with cardinal numerals. 1st-3rd grade.

Stack the States $0.99 A geography quiz game in which users are asked trivia questions (e.g. What state's capital is Austin?) about U.S. states. When responding correctly, users drop the state onto the bottom of the screen, attempting to stack the states beyond a line about a third of the way up. When the line is reached, users are awarded a state as a prize. Grades 1-5.

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Pearl Diver Free Kids learn the number line while diving for pearls amidst shipwrecks and sunken ruins. Perfect for grades 3-8 and other fun-loving seafarers. Kids learn how to understand numbers, ways of representing numbers, and number systems as well as develop ways to understand and represent commonly used fractions.

Presidents vs. Aliens $0.99 The title alone may be enough to grab the interest of any middle schooler, but Presidents vs.

Aliens also has solid educational value.

Created by the developer of the award-winning Stack the States app for younger kids, Presidents vs. Aliens challenges kids to learn historical facts to help U.S. commanders-in-chief trounce a team of alien invaders. The app comes with 44 educational flash cards to help players brush up on their presidential knowledge.

The Chemical Touch $0.99 Older kids can explore the properties of the elements, the standard amino acids, and the nucleobases with The Chemical Touch. A touch sensitive periodic table and chemical information companion, it provides a wealth of information right at your fingertips. Recolor the periodic table by selecting properties other than Atomic Mass to visually investigate periodic trends. Having exhausted the built-in information, the internet button opens the Wikipedia page for the selected element, amino acid, or nucleobase.

History Maps of the World Free Grades 412 This app brings hundreds of historical maps into the palm of your hand, giving the lay cartographer a hoard of global charts, spanning centuries and continents, that map-makers of yore could only dream of.

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Top Products

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Perfect for kids learning how to tell time, the Onaroo Teach Me Time Talking Alarm Clock and Night-Light is your child's bedside alarm clock and time-teaching tool. It also works as a dual color nightlight! amazon.com

LunchSkins Reusable Sandwich and Snack Bags are long lasting with durable double-stitched seams and can be used to replace hundreds of single-use plastic baggies. Besides having great designs to choose from, the reusable bags are dishwasher-safe, certified food-safe, quick-drying, grease-proof, moisture-proof, lead-free, bpa-free, and phthalate-free. Amazon.com I love this peanut butter and jelly pouch for lunch money on the go. Each sandwich half makes a roomy zippered pouch-open it up to see the peanut butter n' jelly halves, which stick together with a magnetic closure. Fredflare.com Got a dinosaur loving little guy?

Check out this Aqua Spiketus Rex Backpack! The perfect size for a preschooler, this cool backpack also comes in a full size!

Babesta.com Mimoco, the Boston-based company known for their fun and cool series of collectible Mimobot USB flash drives, has released a limited edition vintage Batman memory stick inspired by the superhero’s debut in Detective Comics back in 1939 and comes in four different sizes: 2GB, 4GB, 8GB and 16GB. mimoco.com

Photo by MarkBolles.com

Name Bubbles personalized waterproof labels are the perfect way to personally identify lunch items, school uniforms, sports equipment, clothing, and any other items that can

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for Back to School

sometimes go missing between home and school. With Name Bubbles you’ll always know which item belongs to whom; plus, they’re easy to customize. And don’t forget, Name Bubbles are a great tool for helping keep kids with food allergies safe. Namebubbles.com Water bobbles are as cute as they are functional. They use a charcoal filter that is equivalent to 300 water bottles that won't go to landfills! BPA Free, FDA Approved and Made in the USA, Water Bobbles are refillable, reusable and can be recycled. Amazon.com Love all that artwork from school but don’t have room for it all? Artkive the app is simple to use and signing up is a painless process. Once you’re in, you add one or more children into the app and tell it what grade they’re in at school, then you’re ready to upload the art. You can snap a photo directly or use one from your iPhone’s library. When you’re happy with the image you can assign it to a child, give it a title and add some comments. By default it will add today’s date but you can override it if you want or set it to blank. When you’re done, the app will upload the image and text to the cloud. Artkive.com LockerLookz lets kids glam their lockers just how they want! Attached with magnets, not adhesives, LockerLookz are reusable and moveable and easy to install.

Designed to be mixed and matched to create your own custom look, these are a fun and easy way for kids to express their own style!

These awesome Converse inspired pencil pouches will kick up the fun in great vibrant colors. Coolpencilcase.com

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Private School

Alternatives

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St. Clement’s

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r o f s k c i * P n s o ’ i e h Zo o School Fas t k c a B

nue e v A e l p a M er at d a r g h t 7 vorite a a f m a y I m . r f e o d e n som lexa e A r e a o e r Z e is H e . s old r a My nam e y 2 1 m a ol and Middle Scho to school * ck picks for ba

tied Crepe Shirt, at waist *

White Tank f Abercromb rom ie and Fitch, Gray Cardigan, J eans and Flats * Pandora Bracelet, my Mom’s silver rings and tree ring from Silverado * 46 | Mamatoga Magazine

rf, a c S n e e r G , r White Sweate e bag from ing r F d n a s g g U ry * e l d d a S a g o t Sara

Beige Sh e from Viol l . et’s and Stel a and neck ’s lace made by Godfathe r* Mamatoga.com

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A

Why Does Your Child

Need A Vision Examination?

Story by Susan Halstead, ABOC, FNAO

ccording to the Better Vision Institute, one in four children who entered kindergarten last September has an undiagnosed vision problem. As many as 200,000 infants born each year are at risk for serious eye and vision problems. Of the more than 74 million children in the United States, less than 14 percent have ever had a vision examination.

These are startling statistics for a nation that places so much emphasis on children and healthcare. Why is this happening and more importantly, what is is being done to change it?

Early intervention is critical to successful and cost effective treatment. Despite the present system of preschool vision screening, there exists a lack of understanding of the importance of professional eye and vision assessments. Seen early enough these children could be identified at an age when the care necessary to correct the problems is still feasible. Parents should be encouraged to go beyond the routine pediatric and school nurse screenings instead of believing that these brief screenings actually replace a comprehensive visual examination as performed by an eye care professional.

For example, although your child’s pediatrician will routinely examine the inside of your child’s mouth for any obvious signs of dental problems, both parents and pediatricians know that this does not replace the need for a comprehensive dental examination. As a direct result of The American Dental Association and pediatricians working together to promote routine preventative dental care, today’s children are growing up cavity-free and with healthier teeth and gums!

The American Optometric Association is hoping to copy their success by working in conjunction with schools and pediatricians to get a similar message out to parents regarding their children’s vision systems and the importance of regular visits to the eye doctor. Screenings do not replace comprehensive vision exams.

Hence the introduction, by the AOA of the program “InfantSee” which offers no-cost vision 48 | Mamatoga Magazine

examinations to infants from ages six to twelve months by participating optometrists. The information gathered at the examination is then provided to the child’s pediatrician so that they can work as a team to stay on top of your child’s visual needs.

Optometrists have also been asked to make their expertise readily available to pediatric offices and schools in their communities. By serving as a resource and providing in office trainings and informational brochures to pass along to parents, they can explain and reinforce the need for vision examinations by an eye care professional in conjunction with the screenings. This is an exciting combination of forces that has the potential to make a tremendous positive impact on our children, their futures as well as ours!

Currently, many children who are at risk of developing these vision system problems are not being identified at an early age, when their problems may be treatable. It is estimated that fourpercent of the four million infants born in 2006, will develop strabismus (eye turn or lazy eye).

Another three-percent will suffer from amblyopia (unexplained vision loss in one eye). This equates to as many as 100,000 children per year! The need for change becomes obvious.

So what is an appropriate schedule for your child to be on when it comes to your child’s eye care?

At birth: Your baby’s eyes should be examined for general eye health and signs of congenital eye problems. Although these problems are rare, early diagnosis and treatment are critical.

At six months: Your baby should be seen by an eye care professional who is experienced in working with infants for a thorough eye exam.

Vision system and eye health problems often respond better to treatment during the growth and development period of their visual system.

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At three years old: Your child should receive a comprehensive exam by an eye care professional. If there are teaming and tracking issues or immature visual system development, the optometrist can prescribe activities to ensure that your child is on-track visually prior to starting preschool.

Prior to entering kindergarten: The exam will ensure that your child is ready to handle the visual stress associated with close-up work.

Elementary school years: An annual examination is extremely important to ensure that your student is not disadvantaged in today’s highly competitive and demanding school environment. It has long been know that vision changes often accompany growth-spurts. School and pediatric screenings are designed to detect possible visual problems but should not take the place of a thorough examination by an eye doctor.

• Covering one eye or squinting • Sensitivity to light • Headaches or dizziness • Word reversals • Writing uphill or downhill • Skipping lines when reading • Performing below potential By ensuring that your children are free of vision problems, you’ll give them the best opportunity to succeed. It is a small investment to make toward a lifetime of achievement and success!

Susan Halstead is a nationally and NYS Licensed Optician at Family Vision Care Center located at 205 Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs. Susan can be reached for comments or questions via email at Susan@FamilyVisionCareCenter.com or visit the office “web-sight” www.FamilyVisionCareCenter.com for additional information.

Finally, if you are noticing any symptoms in your child at times other than the above suggested schedule, don’t wait! Schedule them for an evaluation.

Most often, it is the parents who notice their child’s eyestrain symptoms.

Other signs or symptoms to watch for: • Jerking, erratic eye movements or lack of fixation ability • Avoidance of near vision activities (i.e. doesn’t like to read) • Holding objects too close or sitting too close to TV • Using their finger as a guide while reading • Rubbing or excessive blinking saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Chefs

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Photos by MarkBolles.com

at Home

eth and Jasper Alexander know a thing or two about juggling busy work and family life.

As the chefs and owners of Hattie’s Chicken Shack in Saratoga Springs they keep things jumping, but take the time to sit down as a family for dinner as much as they can. Beth chatted with Mamatoga about what it’s like for the chef and family at home and shared one of her their favorite recipes.

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r house? s a famlike at you e m ti together a r n e n w o in d d l t si a ic p ftovers try to What's a ty onsists of le zy, but we c ra it c it r, b e a m is sum e kids Dinnertime nging as th During the . lle le a h ib c ss o re p o h as r, it's a bit m ily as muc ng the yea ri u stages.

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What are y our children 's favorite family meals ?

Charlie wou ld eat past a every night and w e've switche d him to whole whea t pasta. Zoe likes makeyour-own ta co night a nd loves good cheese s and fruit. Ja sper and I both love st eamed clam s or mussels with he rbs and cru sty bread and cheese . It was the fir st meal he ever made for me!

Do you r childre n like to My chil cook w dren lo ith you? ve help are bot ing in th h great e kitche herb pic n and t kers! hey

rs? ve more icky eate would ha p f y e n h a c e a v f a ching no Do you h oe is bran at childre Z th . y k k in ic th p at th You would foie gras ey are bo th d t ie u tr b n s, e v alate what he gs, she e refined p new thin ie sticks to rl g a in h y C tr . d g rin out an in the sp y Tavern rc e m ra G knows.

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How have you manage to balance your work at Hattie's with raising children?

That's a tough one. We have a grea t support system of family and friends. We couldn't manage it all without our parents and our good neighbors! I also have a huge sup port system at Hattie's. A lot of my staff members have kids and it is so nice to be able to vent to eac h other and bounce ideas off each other.

nts? g pare in k r o or and w of hum r other e fo s n e e s ic v a ing Zoe any ad ar. Maintain ar driv c e v e a h h t d in ct with Do you good calen y time conne m o e t s u e I a k! tim t and Keep y as a ulti-tas lk a lo d a m t a t o t e c e so W n ow so and going. in Sche learn h t s is a n l h o o s w o s t et le I also w sch s or jus to ball out ho t topic ortant. d n p a in t f r im o d 's p t joy the her an bout im ing and tha nd en a a s ’ n it e r r e y child 're talk wheth id, we ggle m d u n r s o o t said ime have t always s. oment quiet m

come the s. My house has be s? ay pe ci lid re ho e ily th m fa nd ur ve arou e of yo all the fixings. I lo elaborate meals Can you share on Thanksgiving and t. I love planning r ule fo sso e pe m ci ca n is re ve y pe gi ci rke have rent tu My favorite re d utensils that they I research a diffe , an ar ls w ye y bo l er w g in Ev bo rv y e. se us the grav n-law’s family holiday ho ar we even used her's and mother-i ye ot e m y on m ... of ng l hi al yt g er usin s to incorporate ev entertaining and d interesting way fin to ve lo I s. ar over the ye set up! in a candy bar I

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Cassoulet ala Alexander SERVES 6 – 8 Ingredients:

• 1 lb. dried great northern beans

• 10 tbsp. duck fat or olive oil • 16 cloves garlic, smashed

• 2 onions, chopped

• 2 carrots, chopped • 2 large ham hocks

• 1 lb. pork shoulder, cut into 1"cubes

• 1⁄2 lb. pancetta, cubed • 4 sprigs oregano

Directions:

1. Soak beans in a 4-quart bowl in 7 1⁄2 cups water overnight. Heat 2 tablespoons duck fat in a 6-quart pot over medium-high heat. Add half the garlic, onions, and carrots and cook until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Add ham hocks along with beans and their water and boil. Reduce heat and simmer beans until tender, about 1 1⁄2 hours.

2. Transfer ham hocks to a plate and let cool. Pull off meat and discard skin, bone, and gristle. Chop meat and add to beans. Set aside.

3. Heat 2 tablespoons duck fat in a 5-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add pork and brown for 8 minutes. Add pancetta and cook for 5 minutes.

Add remaining garlic, onions, and carrots; cook until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Tie together oregano, thyme, and bay leaves with twine; add to pan with tomatoes; cook until liquid thickens, 8–10 minutes. Add wine and reduce by half. Add broth; boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, uncovered, until liquid has thickened, about 1 hour. Discard herbs and set Dutch oven aside.

4. Meanwhile, sear duck legs in 2 tablespoons duck fat in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat for 8 minutes and transfer to a plate. Next, brown sausages in the fat for about 8 minutes. Cut sausages into 1⁄2" slices. Pull duck meat off bones. Discard fat and bones. Stir duck and sausages into pork stew 5. Heat oven to 300˚. Mix beans and pork stew in a 4-quart earthenware casserole. Cover with bread crumbs; drizzle with remaining duck fat. Bake, uncovered, for 3 hours. Raise oven temperature to 500˚ and cook cassoulet until crust is golden, for about 5 minutes.

• 4 sprigs thyme • 3 bay leaves

• 1 cup whole peeled canned tomatoes • 1 cup white wine

• 2 cups chicken broth • 4 confit duck legs (optional)

• 1 lb. pork sausages

• 2 cups bread crumbs

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Midwifery

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Story by Tisha Graham Photos by Deborah Neary

Exploring Options

ptions for giving birth at home have increased considerably in the Capital Region with the opening of Family Life Midwifery, PLLC, the only homebirth midwifery practice with an office here in Saratoga Springs. We also have two office locations in Albany. Our goal is to help individuals and couples foster the critical thinking skills necessary with which to make informed decisions about healthcare during the childbearing years and beyond. We do this by offering individualized midwifery and doula care, by conducting classes and workshops that include a unique and fresh approach to childbirth preparation, breastfeeding preparation and support, mother-to-mother groups, playgroups, infant massage, pre-natal yoga, father’s/partner’s nights, water birth class and much more. Pregnancy and birth are a most magical time in a woman’s life. Not only a woman’s body, but her heart, mind and spirit are growing and changing. We consider ourselves honored to be with families as they experience this profound transformation.

Women choose to birth at home with qualified midwives for various reasons. Among them is the individualized care and personalized support they receive during prenatal visits, continuous monitoring and support for a normal and natural approach for labor and birth, immediate care of their newborn, and vigilant visitations during the first week postpartum and for the six weeks that follow. Mothers who plan homebirth with qualified midwives experience lower rates of induction, medication, anesthesia, cesarean section, operative vaginal delivery, episiotomy and infection. Babies have lower incidences of prematurity, low birth weight and resuscitation, and breastfeed longer and with more success. The Midwifery Model of Care has been well documented and established as the best model of care with the best outcomes for the large majority of low-risk healthy pregnant women. Homebirth has been studied and scrutinized and is statistically as safe as giving birth in a hospital, with higher levels of client satisfaction reported.

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Is homebirth for everyone?

No. A rather small percentage of the population of pregnant women in the United States choose homebirth (under 4 percent). We at Family Life Midwifery, PLLC work closely with every woman to ensure her pregnancy remains low-risk and healthy through extensive prenatal appointments, which typically last 60 to 90 minutes.

Having a homebirth requires a level of responsibility on the part of the woman and her partner to maintain optimal physical and emotional health and wellbeing. In so doing, families feel more empowered about their health.

We help women prepare for the hard work of labor and natural birth. Surrounded by supportive people of her own choosing in a comfortable and familiar environment, a woman may feel remarkably less inhibited in expressing her natural and individual responses to labor.

The ability to move around without restriction, the option for eating and drinking in labor and a less time-driven focus on the wide range of what constitutes a normal labor are all advantages that women seek when choosing birth at home.

What is the first step in finding a homebirth provider?

Whatever place of birth a woman and her partner consider, we highly suggest shopping around for the best fit: personably, philosophically, emotionally and geographically. Family Life Midwifery, PLLC offers a free consultation that lasts over an hour and we provide a packet of information about our homebirth services, our childbirth education classes and other support groups, and our professional labor support/doula services. We believe that every woman seeking support for natural birth deserves a doula, and every woman desiring a homebirth deserves well-qualified homebirth midwifery services. In addition to homebirth services with Family Life Midwifery, PLLC, the Family Life Center offers doula support services. We do, however, encourage women to find the doula best for them by visiting the Doula Network of the Capital Region’s website: www.thedoulanetwork.org.

Are midwives qualified for homebirth and licensed in New York?

Midwives licensed by New York State are recognized as qualified planned homebirth providers. Licensed Midwives in New York (LMs) are independent, primary care providers who practice primary health care for women and newborns in hospitals, birth centers and home settings. They are eligible for hospital privileges, they have prescriptive privileges, they have full access to diagnostic and laboratory services, and they can bill insurance companies for their care. Betsy Mercogliano, saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

owner of Family Life Midwifery, PLLC and longtime director of the Albany-based Family Life Center is a Licensed Midwife (LM) in New York, a nationally recognized Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) as well as a nationally recognized Certified Professional Midwife (CPM), a doula and a childbirth educator. Her assistant, Tisha Graham, is a nationally recognized Certified Professional Midwife (CPM), a licensed midwife in Vermont (LM), a Certified Doula, a Certified Childbirth Educator and a Certified Lactation Counselor. Together they provide a wide array of services to pregnant women and their families here in Saratoga Springs and throughout the Capital District. We welcome any inquiries about our services and would look forward to arranging a consultation in our Saratoga Springs office to see how we can best meet your needs throughout your childbearing years.

Family Life Midwifery, PLLC Family Life Center 69 Van Dam Street, Saratoga Springs, NY (518) 465-0241 Betsy Mercogliano, LM, CNM, CPM, CCE, CD (518) 449-5759 Tisha Graham, CPM, CCE, ICD, CLC (518) 584-6619

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Halloween

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Misadventures in Homemade Costumes

Story by Jenny Witte Photos Provided

efore the first leaf even falls in autumn, my kids are already thinking about Halloween and what costumes they want to wear. Wait, scratch that, they are already thinking about what costumes they’ll want on November 1st. I usually like to wait before making the decision though, because they’ll inevitably change their minds about forty times before settling on a costume. We live in fear that THE costume of choice will be sold out, which would be an actual Halloween nightmare.

A few years ago, when I still had the majority of the say

56 | Mamatoga Magazine

in what the kids wore for Halloween, I dressed Finn up as Max from “Where the Wild Things Are.” He didn’t have a particular affinity for Max, or the book, but I thought it would be adorable and even commissioned someone vastly more qualified than myself to create it for me on Etsy.

My sewing skills leave much to be desired, so Etsy was the perfect place to find a handmade costume. As the kids get older, they have very specific ideas of what they want to be for Halloween, namely Spiderman and anything princess. So, my handmade ideas sort of fell by the

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wayside since nothing handmade could compete with Spiderman-with-built-in-muscles or the Snow White costumes they had in the store. This past year was another year that I lost out to the store, I tried to steer my daughter towards a more creative, handmade fairy costume but she fell in love with a pretty pink one in the store and that was that.

Nevertheless, I’ve still been searching the internet in the hopes of finding some awesome homemade costumes in case next year they want to give that a try. Personally, I have some very cherished and vivid memories of my own homemade costumes growing up.

When I was in second grade, I wore a homemade costume that is permanently etched in my memory. I was Charlie Chaplin. Now, some of you readers might be going, “Charlie who?” but I think most of you will at least have an idea that he was a silent film actor who was best known for his role in The Tramp (or maybe for marrying an 18 year old when he was 54, either way). His preference for much younger women aside, he was a beloved slapstick actor and is considered an icon with his cane and little mustache. For a second grader in the 80 s, especially a girl, I wouldn’t have called him an icon. Jem maybe, or Rainbow Brite, but Charlie Chaplin wasn’t exactly on my radar.

My mother had other ideas though. The memory of how the idea even came up or how she convinced me to go along with it is still hazy, but there I was walking into school, wearing a small black suit, a curly black wig and mustache complete with a black derby hat and a bamboo cane. A cane! The puzzled looks from my friends came instantly and at first I was confident explaining who I was. As the day wore on, I was less and less enthused about being a silent film actor from the 20 s, especially since the only people who liked my costume were elderly teachers.

By the time our Halloween parade around the school came along, my feelings were captured perfectly in a photograph taken by my mom as I slumped past. I was frowning, pulling the derby over my itchy wig, dragging my cane behind me. Looking back on it now, I know why she pushed to have me dress up as Charlie Chaplin. It was actually an original and pretty hilarious costume for a second grade girl. I know she had fun putting it together and thought I would enjoy it as well. I have the same feelings now as a parent, wanting to dress my daughter up as Madeline or Eloise, searching online for hours looking for the perfect, most authentic way to put the costume together, only to have my hopes dashed by an overpriced, overly manufactured pink fairy costume in a saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

plastic envelope.

When it all comes down to the big day though, homemade or store bought, all that matters is the pure joy they get when they slip those costumes on. It’s a magical time for kids and a great way for grown ups to relive that greatest of all childhood pastimes. Who knows, maybe I’ll break out the Charlie Chaplin wig this year for myself.

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MAMATOGA

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ks pic

Family Friendly Events in the Saratoga Area September 20- 23, 2012

Adirondack Balloon Festival www.AdirondackBalloonFest.org

September 29 & 30

Native American Festival www.SaratogaNativeFestival.com

Starting October 5

Mohu Fest Nearly 150 regional arts and cultural organizations coordinated several hundred events. www.MohuFest.com

October 6

Meet Abigail!

Abigail’s Tea and Tiaras 90 Front Street, Ballston Spa Enjoy an elegant tea with her as they celebrate her birthday! Call (518) 885-6080 for a reservation.

October 6 & 7

Gore Mountain Harvest Fest www.GoreMountain.com • (518) 251-2411

October 7

Family Fall Day www.GrantCottage.org • (518) 584-4353

October 7

10th Annual “The Way We Were” Car Show www.Ballston.org • (518) 885-2772

October 8

Live Reptiles…

Children’s Museum at Saratoga • 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

What are they, why do they have scales, where are they in the food chain? Find out the answers to all this and more during this up close and personal program! www.ChildrensMuseumatSaratoga.org

October 12

Katrina Trask Consignment Sale www.ktnurseryschool.org

October 13

Autumn Festival and Open House The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs • 62 York Ave 11 a.m. - 3 p.m Rain or Shine 58 | Mamatoga Magazine

Sheep shearing, cider pressing, weaving, butter making, live music, face painting, pumpkin carving, storytelling, and more! www.WaldorfSaratoga.org

October 14

JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes Skidmore College www.jdrf.org • (518) 477-CURE

October 14

34th Annual Carrot Festival Congregation Agudat Achim 2117 Union Street, Schenectady, NY 12309 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Delicious food, fun activities for children, vendors galore, a mini health fair, a farmer’s market with locally grown produce, plants and flowers, and more! Music & entertainment throughout the day. For more information: (518) 393-9211

October 20

Great Pumpkin Challenge Fun Run for kids under 12 (518) 587-0723

October 20

Witch's Ball Abigail’s Tea and Tiaras • 90 Front St., Ballston Spa Wear your finest witch clothing but don't worry about a hat, you’ll be making one! Call (518) 885-6080 for a reservation. www.AbigailsTeaTiaras.com

October 27 & 28

Head of the Fish Regatta 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

More than 1,600 racing shells will take to Fish Creek for the annual Head of the Fish Regatta, the 2nd largest in the country, hosted by the Saratoga Rowing Association on Fish Creek at Saratoga Lake. www.SaratogaRowing.com

October 27

Military Appreciation Weekend Ellms Family Farms • 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Join us on the farm and thank our armed services!

Active or not, bring your ID and save $2.00 for each family member. Special games and vendors will be on hand for this special weekend. www.EllmsFarms.com Mamatoga.com

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October 27

Saratoga’s Fall Fest 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Rain or Shine (518) 587-8635 • www.SaratogaDowntown.com

October 28

2nd Annual Halloween Party / 5th Anniversary Party!

Tiny Tots Indoor Play Café 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

(518) 348-1050 • www.TinyTotsTeaRoom.com

October 31

Zombiefie-Me Halloween Party Saratoga Springs Public Library • Free admission 3 p.m. - 7 p.m Come to the Teen Room for some Halloween eats and an ongoing zombie makeup workshop / demonstration! Open to grades 6-12. No registration necessary. www.sspl.org

October 31

Halloween Tea Party Abigail’s Tea and Tiaras • 90 Front St., Ballston Spa 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Pre-school boys & girls… come in costume! Call (518) 885-6080 for a reservation. www.AbigailsTeaTiaras.com

November 3

Horses and Harvest Fall “Fun Raiser” Druthers • 381 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 4 p.m - 8 p.m.

Join Honorary Chairperson, Julie Johnson as she helps to raise awareness and funds for Camp TLC… Live music, telecasting of the races, fall beers and specialty drinks, and of course, a chance to celebrate the success of Camp 2012! Adults only please. harvestandhorses.eventbrite.com

November 10

Holiday Reindeer Open House Saratoga Springs Public Library • 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Meet & greet Bob and Wendy Smith's live reindeer!

Listen to author Bruce Hiscock read from his book "The Big Caribou Herd," show slides of his Alaskan travels, draw reindeer, and make reindeer antlers. No registration needed. www.sspl.org saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

November 15

Green Homes - Healthy Families Saratoga Springs Public Library • 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Michelle Przedwiecki, a Realtor and Doula in Saratoga Springs, is a Renovation Specialist holding the GREEN designation. She will review nursery furnishings, baby clothes, toys, feeding, etc., and offer advice on how to create a healthy home or work by enhancing healthy and eco-friendly aspects. www.sspl.org

November 28

Tree Lighting For more information: SaratogaDowntown.com

Starting Wednesday, November 28…

Festival of Trees and Family Activities with Santa!

For more information: www.SaratogaFestivalofTrees.com

November 29

Victorian Streetwalk www.SaratogaDowntown.com

November 19

The Nutcracker Tea Presented by SPAC's Action Council • 11 a.m.

A holiday tradition… complete with Northeast Ballet's rendition of The Nutcracker, Christmas cookies and hot cocoa. Go to www.SPAC.org for tickets.

December 1

Schuylerville’s Dutch Christmas www.SchuylervilleChamber.org

December 7

Ballston Spa’s Holiday Parade www.Ballston.org

December 15

The Gingerbread Tea Abigail’s Tea and Tiaras • 90 Front Street, Ballston Spa. 11:30 a.m. & 4 p.m.

Call (518) 885-6080 for a reservation www.AbigailsTeaTiaras.com

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Bittersweet

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Story by Lois Celeste Photo Provided

A Mom Looks Back

t’s back to school time for many of us and whether kindergarten, middle school, high school or college, each stage evokes the same bittersweet feelings. Remembering putting each of my children on the bus for the very first time still brings tears to my eyes. They are still such babies but as a parent you are so very proud and excited for their journey into school years to begin.

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But it goes so fast and before you know it you are sitting at their high school graduation.

Crying again, yet so proud and again excited for the men they are becoming. Yet in your heart, soul and mind they are still your babies.

How quickly the years go by. We get older, our children grow up but nothing really changes. We are still their moms, with the same feelings in our gut no matter what age or stage our kids are at. That bittersweet feeling is still there.

And then your babies, or young men, leave you and not just for 7 hours this time but for 7 months or more. And once again, you cry, a lot! So proud you think your heart is going to explode out of your chest, and excited of all their accomplishments, who they have become, the colleges they got accepted into and how happy they are to begin their next stage.

That ride home from dropping them off at their dorm is so very long. You wanted to set up their rooms up so they have everything they could possibly need. But they don’t “need” you as much anymore, or not the same way, but they so excited for their new life and as a mom so are you. When they tell you not to call every day or “mom I’m 19, you don’t have to baby me” it’s again bittersweet.

Rips your heart out but proud of what you have created, nurtured, supported and helped develop. And you know it’s time to let go, but how do you do that as a mom when it’s what helped define your life for so long?

Years fly by. My 8th grader doesn’t understand when I tell her she’s growing up too fast, because to her she can’t wait to grow up and get to the next stage. I beg her to slow down, stay my little girl, as she laughs and thinks I’m a little crazy. I tell her she will be leaving me soon; again she thinks I’m a little crazy because, “mom, I’m only in in 8th grade”. I’m not wishing those years away, but know the reality now of just how quickly middle school is over, high school flies by, suddenly they are sophomores in college or working full time jobs. But forever we are moms and they are our babies. Bittersweet! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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