The Parenting Picayune
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Join Our Mailing List June 2009
In This Issue
Boost Your Child's Metabolism
The Nature Deficit Disorder
Romance & Parenting
Her Story: 40 and Pregnant
Not Your Mother's Etiquette: Making Etiquette Fun For Kids
Keep It Simple Sweetie: Tips To Simplify Your Summer
Review: lil squirts Memory Books
Tip of the Month: Pony Rides
VOTE!
Parents' Pick Awards 2009
Featured Resources
Sundays At Storyland
Storyland

nolaParent is hosting a series of FREE events every Sunday in June from 1:00-4:00pm at City Park's Storyland Castle.

June7: Clowns, face painting & balloon sculpting by Party Peeple

June 14: Performances by students from NORD/Crescent City Lights Youth Theatre & special appearances from players from the New Orleans Jesters Soccer Team

June 21: Performances by students from the Anthony Bean Community Theatre and Acting School

June 28: Storytelling by Mama Olayeela

Thank you to our local resources who have generously donated their time and talent!
 
* Admission to Storyland not included

Brooke Cheley Klebe
Even nolaParents Need an Occasional Wife
(or Two)
Let's Get Together!

nolaParent Meets The Occasional Wife

Thursday, June 4, 2009
6:00pm - 8:00pm
The Occasional Wife Store
4306 Magazine Street
CHEFS FOR CHEF
Mat Murphy Benefit

www.murphyquads.com
Exec Chef Matt Murphy

WHO: NOLA Chefs & Hospitality Community

WHAT: Food & Wine Tasting, Entertainment, Silent Auction

WHEN: June 14 (4-8pm)

WHERE: The Ritz Grand Ballroom

WHY: Mat is battling an invasive group A strep, toxic shock syndrome and DIC (a rare, life-threatening condition). Funds will go towards hospital and childcare.

TICKETS: $65
RSVP: 670-2828
SILENT AUCTION DONATIONS: 670-2821
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Mackie_topRECIPES KIDS LOVE: Healthy and Fun Foods to Boost Your Child's Metabolism
Mackie ShilstoneBy Mackie Shilstone
Author, Body Plan for Kids

Too many children are carrying an unhealthy amount of weight these days. Estimates place the number of American children and adolescents considered to be overweight or obese at roughly 25 million, or about one-third of the total number for those age groups. Much of this problem can be traced to unhealthy eating habits. Continue reading...
EPIDEMIC OF "NDD" (NATURE DEFICIT DISORDER)
Brooke Cheley KlebeBrooke_topBy Brooke Cheley Klebe
Local Mom and Program Director for Cheley Colorado Camps

For generations children grew up outside. They walked to school, they rode their bikes around the neighborhood, they splashed around in creeks, they ran barefoot in the grass, they climbed trees, they collected bugs, played in the dirt and ran outside in the rain! Childhood was characterized by innocence, imagination, energy, wonder and laughter. Gosh, that sounds like camp. And the thought of being cooped up inside all day long was unfathomable and torturous. It was punishment.  Continue reading...
Romance_topROMANCE & PARENTING
Debbie Regan of The Parenting Center at Children's HospitalBy Debbie Regan, RNC, IBCLC
The Parenting Center At Children's Hospital

Children learn valuable lessons about relationships by observing their own parents' behavior and interactions.  Children may not discuss what they are observing, but they are forming their own conclusions about how men and women relate to each other. This prepares for their future intimate relationships. Preserving romance as parents is challenging and often put on the back burner, but research shows it is as important for the couple as well as the children.  Continue reading...
Pregnant_topSHOW AND TELL: PREGNANT AT 40
Photo of Cherie GauthierBy Cherie Gauthier
Local Mom, New Orleans

Maddie was born two days before my 41st birthday. A pregnancy at forty is different, especially a first pregnancy. Getting pregnant in the first place is its own challenge; being pregnant was an adventure.  Continue reading...
LaMiskey_topNOT YOUR MOTHER'S ETIQUETTE: Making Etiquette Fun For Kids
LaMiskey DillonBy LaMiskey Dillon
Etiquette & Success Academy

All of us know that manners are crucial to the success of an adult.  The way we interact says a lot about us.  If we are rude and unrelenting, people may think we are selfish.  If we are friendly and compassionate, others enjoy being around us.  As you know, children are no different.  Continue reading...
TOW_topKEEP IT SIMPLE SWEETIE: Tips To Simplify
Your Summer
The Occasional WifeBy Kay Morrison
The Occasional Wife

It's Summertime and the living is easy.  Or is it?  We look forward to summer all year long, and when it gets here the simplicity of the season seems to get lost.   Continue reading...
squirts_topREVIEW:  lil squirts Memory Books
lil squirtsBy Witney Arch
nolaParent.com

Every parent wants to remember important milestones in their children's lives. We often use a baby book as a creative way to document memories such as the first visit to the doctor, first tooth, first steps, first words and much more. Two local moms, Kim Brignac Burgau and Renee Radelat Hemel, have found a way to document these milestones in a way that pays homage to this unique city we call home.  Continue reading...
 
Want to be reviewed?  We are combing the city for the latest and greatest projects and services. Got one nolaParents would love or need to know about? We'd be happy to review it and report back to the nolaParent community. Email us at info@nolaParent.com (Subject line: Review).
Mirella_topTIP OF THE MONTH: Ditch the Ducks and Hop on a Pony!
Mirella Reilly and Little OnesBy Mirella Reilly
nolaParent.com

Have you ever walked or driven over to Aububon Park to find yourself at a loose end? The zoo is closing soon and you've already feed the ducks to the point where they are turning their noses up at your bread and swimming away. It's too far to walk the children to playground and you're not going to play "catch, chase the ball, throw, catch" one more minute. Here's the perfect solution: wander over to Cascade Stables to find wonderful, helpful people who will take your little ones (under six) on a pony ride (twice around the ring) for just $5.  Continue reading...
FEATURED ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
Adults
WYES Private Beer Sampling at NOLA Brewing Co.  NOLA Brewing Co. (6/5)
WYES International Beer Tasting  Lakefront Arena (6/6) 

Kids
Reading To Rover  New Orleans Public Library - Rosa Keller Branch (6/11)
Children's Tea Westin Hotel (6/20)

Arts & Entertainment
Ogden After Hours  Ogden Musuem of Southern Art (6/4, 6/11, 6/18, 6/25)
Thursdays at Twilight  City Park (6/4, 6/11, 6/18, 6/25)
WYES Art Auction  Watch LIVE on WYES (6/12-6/14 and 6/19-6/21) 
WYES Travel Auction  Watch LIVE on WYES (6/18)
Musical Production: Wanna Play?  NORD Ty Tracy Theatre in Gallier Hall (6/19-6/28)


Community
St. Claude/St. Roch Revitalization Project
(New Orleans Healing Center (6/13)

Festivals

Louisiana Cajun Zydeco Festival ("Vieux To Do")  French Market (6/13-6/14)

Fundraisers
Chefs for Chef Mat Murphy Benefit  Ritz-Carlton New Orleans (6/14)

Special Events
Insectarium One-Year Celebration  Audubon Insectarium (6/13, 6/14)
Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Circus  New Orleans Arena (6/25-6/28) 

Professional Team Sports
New Orleans Jesters Soccer Team Pan American Stadium in City Park (6/6, 6/20, 6/25, 6/27)
 
View Full Activities Calendar on nolaParent.com.

Submit your event.


If you would like your events featured in The Parenting Picayune, we invite you to list your business.  It's FREE for the first 3 months so you've nothing to lose! Support the parenting community that supports you.  LIST YOUR BUSINESS.
QUESTION OF THE MONTH
What's The Best Parenting Advice You've Ever Received?

This month's winner: Emily Palit

 
Palit FamilyThe best parenting advice I got was to remember "this too shall pass." At the time, I thought nothing of it, but I quickly found it useful. Trying to remember what it's like to have more than two hours of sleep at a time and think you'll never sleep again? Tell yourself, "this too shall pass." Feeling like your child will be teething forever? This too shall pass. Wondering if your darling baby will ever learn to drink from a sippy cup? This too shall pass. Most recently for me, I was asking everyone I knew how they handled potty training. I felt like we'd be in diapers forever. But guess what? This too has passed.

I struggle with patience and wanting everything to have an answer. But sometimes the best thing to do is sit back, stop worrying and analyzing, and enjoy the moment. Even if you are falling asleep in your cup of coffee or reading a book for the 15th time to your tiny person on the potty.  
 
Emily Palit originally hails from Texas but you would never know it. She loves all things New Orleans and cherishes all that this city has to offer. Emily and her husband, Tapash, have 3 year old twin girls, Maya and Phoebe.
 
Next Month: What is your favorite family day trip destination?
Submit your answers to info@nolaparent.com (Subject line: Question of the Month). We will highlight some of our favorites in next month's issue of The Parenting Picayune and on nolaParent.com.
List your business on nolaparent.com
COMMUNITY PARTNERS

The Parenting Center at Children's Hospital  WYES    South Coast SolarCity Park
Encouraging your child to eat right is one of the keys to an effective weight loss plan for them. In my new book, Mackie Shilstone's Body Plan for Kids, I devote an entire chapter to recipes parents can follow to prepare healthy meals for their children (and themselves as well). With the help of Julie Fortenberry, LDN, RD, Sports and Lifestyle Nutritionist for East Jefferson General Hospital's Fitness Principle with Mackie Shilstone, I compiled about two dozen recipes that can get you started on cooking healthy for your children and yourself. These recipes encompass all three meals, plus healthy snacks for in between meals. Over the next few months I will be listing some of these recipes, beginning with breakfast.

Here we go, for starters:

BERRY GOOD MUFFINS

1 cup whole-grain flour
1 cup quick-cooking oatmeal
1 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup fresh blueberries, washed
1 egg
1 cup skim or 1 percent milk
¼ cup canola oil
Nonstick spray or paper liners

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. In a large bowl mix together the flour, oatmeal, salt, and baking powder. Gently fold in the blueberries.

In another bowl, break the egg and use a fork to beat it just a little bit. Then add the milk and canola oil, and mix. When well combined, add this mixture to the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Using a mixing spoon, mix about 25 or 30 times. Don't mix too much! Your muffin mixture should be lumpy, not smooth.

Next, line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or spray with nonstick spray. Spoon in the muffin mix. Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds of the way up. Bake for about 20 minutes. When the muffins are finished baking, remove them from the muffin tin and cool them on a wire rack. Eat and enjoy. (Yield: 12 muffins)

EYE-OPENING BREAKFAST BURRITOS

2 whole-wheat tortillas
Nonstick cooking spray
1 red pepper, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
½ onion, chopped
2 whole eggs and 4 egg whites, lightly beaten
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ cup salsa

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Place tortillas directly on rack in oven. Spray a frying pan with cooking spray. Sautee the peppers and onions over medium-low heat until tender. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, and cayenne pepper. Then add the egg mixture to the pan.

Cook until eggs reach desired consistency, stirring occasionally to keep eggs from sticking. Divide mixture onto warm tortillas, roll up tortillas, and top with salsa. (Yield: 2 burritos)

And, for a refreshing beverage with which to enjoy your healthy breakfast, try this:

FRUIT SMOOTHIE

Ice cubes
1 cup skim or 1 percent milk
1/3 cup low-fat cottage cheese
2/3 cup frozen strawberries or any other fruit of choice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Put all the ingredients into a blender. Place the lid on and blend for 45 to 60 seconds until smooth. Pour smoothie into a glass and enjoy.

Keep in mind that all of these recipes will take a bit of time to prepare in the morning. Allow yourself at least 20-30 extra minutes to do this so you can still get the kids off to school on time.

For more healthy recipes and to purchase my new book, visit my website, www.BodyPlanForKids.com.

Brooke_bottomEpidemic of "NDD" (Nature Deficit Disorder) continued...

My father used to always tell us about "the good ol' days" of walking 5 miles to and from school, up hill both ways and in the snow. As a parent in today's world, the thought of my children walking around our neighborhood scares me. And for good reason. We are constantly being reminded of the exactly how unsafe our world is.  Whether it's local crime reports or the media, we as parents feel the need to be in constant contact with our children and know where they are at all times. Kids just aren't free to explore their world anymore.  As a result, according to a study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, our children are averaging 5 ½ hours a day of television/monitor viewing. As for communication, it's all about cell phones, Facebook and texting. Long gone are the days of walking home from school and communicating face-to-face with their friends. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that 22 million of the world's children under the age of five are already considered obese. There is no question that we are seeing the effects of a NATURE-DEFICIT DISORDER EPIDEMIC.

National Parks around the country, Including Rocky Mountain National Park, are seeing a decline in visitors. One of the reasons for this is that the parents of today's child might not have been introduced to the National Park experience when they were young so they don't provide it for their children. Who will be the stewards of the environment for the next generation? Who is going to care enough to see that the water and air are clean?

Richard Louv's observations in the Last Child in the Woods on what he calls
"Nature Deficit Disorder"(NDD) states the case for action. Most of us who care about our natural heritage are concerned that children today aren't developing the values that would compel them to preserve and protect our heritage, let alone find out who they are as human beings. There is a Children in Nature Network (a movement to reconnect children and nature) that is working on saving this valuable piece of childhood.

My great-grandfather, Frank Cheley, understood the influence nature has on the development of the whole child.  And in 1921, he founded Cheley Colorado Camps. He had the vision to know how important it is for each of us to connect with our outdoor environment and created a place where we can truly connect with who we are in that environment.

Brooke Cheley Klebe is part of the fourth generation of camp leadership and the Staffing Coordinator and Program Director for Cheley. She works from New Orleans where she lives with husband, Kurt and their daughters, Ellie (3) and Kate (15 mos). Brooke graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in Communications. As a former competitor in freestyle skiing, an Ironman triathlete and a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School in Patagonia, Brooke brings a wealth of knowledge to the backcountry program of Cheley. Brooke was a camper for nine summers and on staff as a counselor for three years before joining the year round team. She is a devoted, fun mom and treasures the camp experience.

Useful links:
Cheley Colorado Camps:  www.cheley.com
Kaiser Family Foundation: Kids & Media @ The New Millennium
Center for Disease Control: Childhood Overweight and Obesity
Richard Louv, recipient of the 2008 Audubon Medal and Author of the National Best Seller, Last Child in the Woods
Children in Nature Network:  www.childrenandnature.org


Romance_bottomRomance & Parenting continued...

Points of Emphasis:
  1. Children need to observe their parents show physical affection for each other with hugs and kisses.  Even these small exchanges provide children with a sense of comfort and allow them to see that intimacy is a normal part of a healthy relationship.

  2. Go on dates and plan the details - spontaneous dates rarely happen. Keep "date" conversation light and fun (no discussion about the children, bills, house repairs, etc. - nothing kills romance faster!).

  3. For various reasons some dates may have to happen at home.  Setting a kitchen table for two with candlelight, a nice meal (even pizza will do) and music may have to substitute for a night out, but it can be just as romantic.

  4. Parents' romantic gestures such as cooking something special, bringing flowers, making a card or giving a back rub teaches their children that it's safe to express your love for someone you care about.

  5. Parents should strive for private time at the end of every day. Bedtime for young children should be consistent and early enough to allow for some "adult only" time.

  6. Children watch how their parents handle conflict, disagreements and difficult situations - they are learning how married people act in the best and worst of times.
For more information on this and other parenting topics, call The Parenting Center at Children's Hospital 504-896-9591.

Debbie Regan, RNC, IBCLC is the Assistant Director of The Parenting Center At Children's Hospital.  She has been a registered nurse since 1983 and an international board certified lactation consultant since 1990. As a clinical nurse and nurse educator, she has worked with new mothers and babies for over 24 years. She teaches the Growing Up Class for adolescent girls, CPR, Breastfeeding & Working and other classes for families with children. She facilitates the weekly Snuggles and Struggles Support Group for new parents and Breastfeeding Support Group. In addition, she provides breastfeeding support for Children's Hospital and nursing mothers in the community. She is a member of the Greater New Orleans Breastfeeding Awareness Coalition and president of the Louisiana Lactation Consultant Association. Debbie is the mother of one daughter and three sons.
 
Pregnant_bottomHER STORY: PREGNANT AT 40 continued...


Doctors are a lot more cautious and monitor older moms-to-be a lot more. All that testing almost guarantees they'll find something to worry about. For me, every time one concern dissolved, another arose. Gestational diabetes, placenta previa, preeclampsia... I learned a lot of new medical terms. I learned a lot about testing, too, and suggest that all moms, especially those considered high risk, get educated about the testing and ask a lot of questions. Some tests can be a scary false positive and you'll worry for weeks (or months) about the outcome. I went to NYC for a special early test, known as CVS, and knew that Maddie was fine, but the triple screen showed positive for Downs. I had a bit of a panic attack (not so good for mom or baby) but due to the earlier, more accurate CVS test, I knew the results were wrong. Know what tests you might want, learn the risks, and think about how you'll handle positive or negative results.
 
Older expectant mothers tend eat right, exercise and listen to all the medical advice. I was no exception. I counted calories and protein and calcium and did the exercises and took all the classes (child birth, breastfeeding, infant CPR... there's a class for everyone). As an older mom, I try to carry over the great nutrition now that Maddie is here. Staying active and eating right aren't just for me, I do those for her (and because I want to see her grow up).
 
Maddie's extended family members are older, too. Some of her cousins have kids older than her! It's really motivated us to create a circle of friends as a support system for us and to help my daughter develop friendships. We know she will be an only child and with no close cousins, we hope to find friends who can fill that role. 
 
We've really planned for Maddie in case something does happen to us.  All parents should create a will, pick a guardian, make financial plans, but as older parents, it's really important to plan for the future. Most of my mommy friends are still thinking about the present, but my husband and I are planning for a child in college AND our retirement.
 
Everyone says a child keeps you young, and it really is true.  It's also made me see a whole new world. I've learned so much more about music and our city. And I've learned that I am really too old to crawl around the tunnels of the Monkey Room! 
 
I love being Maddie's mom. It's all I ever thought and more.  And that special club just for moms? It really does exist. New moms can bond at storytime and find a friendship just because of their kids. I have all these new - and mostly much younger - friends. Not only do they help me learn to be a great mom, they help me figure out if the hot flashes and hair loss are just post-pregnancy symptoms or early menopause.

Words of Wisdom
  1. If you think you're having trouble conceiving, your first stop needs to be your ob/gyn for a basic health check and assessment. Your doctor may refer you to a fertility specialist, or you can contact one on your own. If you are an "older mom" (35 and older) and you do not think your doctor is being aggressive enough, change doctors, get a second opinion or seek out a fertility specialist.  Time is not your friend and every month counts.

  2. If you are considering assisted reproductive technology, be prepared for intensive testing and treatments - for both partners.  And, be prepared for the costs. Insurance will not cover most of the procedures and very expensive medicines. 

  3. Over 35 moms-to-be are considered "high risk" so you will likely be referred to a specialist to help your ob/gyn oversee your pregnancy. The good news: you get to see a lot more ultrasound pictures of your baby. The bad news: with all those pictures and experts, be ready for them to find something wrong... hello, bed rest! 
Local Resources
  1. The Fertility Institute has success rates rivaling anywhere world wide.  (I love Dr. Sartor, but other friends feel the same about other doctors at the Institute.) They also hosts group sessions so you can meet and talk to other couples facing the same issues.

  2. Ochsner Hospital also has a fertility program with pretty good success rates.

  3. East Jefferson Women & Child Clinic

  4. Oschner's Maternal Fetal Specialist Team and Fetal Therapy Team

  5. Perinatology clinic at Touro

  6. Maternal Fetal Medicine Clinic at St. Tammany Parish Hospital
Books/Websites/Online Support
Don't let all the information and resources overwhelm you (then again, if you waited 40 years for this, research away!).

Cherie Gauthier is a local New Orleans mom, born and raised in Jefferson Parish. After college in Boston, Cherie returned to Louisiana and spent several years working in politics and government. She and her husband, Kevin Lirette, have an 18 month old daughter, Maddie, and share Kevin's two boys, Nick (13) and Michael (23). Cherie has worked as a political and fundraising consultant and has planned and produced many special events.  She is now using those skills as organizer of a fairly large mommy group.

LaMiskey_bottomNOT YOUR MOTHER'S ETIQUETTE: Making Etiquette Fun For Kids  continued...
Adults have to endure boring workshops and seminars while children can't possibly learn the same way.  The attention span of a child is a fraction of ours.  So we have to devise ways to make learning these skills fun, participative and exciting.  But how can something so dreaded be fun?  By using the following tips you can enhance etiquette lessons for your child:
 
1)      Create a game to teach a principal.
2)      Role play not just the correct way, but the wrong way to do things.
 
Creating a game is easy.  For example, let's take the lesson of tact.  Tact is the ability focus on the positive aspects of a situation regardless of how negative it may seem.  Have your child draw a self-portrait in 2 minutes.  Collect the drawing and then take time to comment on all of the good things about the drawing despite how indecipherable the drawing may be.  No negative comments are allowed!
 
Role playing is an effective and fun way to learn etiquette principals.  Role playing the wrong way of the etiquette principal is much more fun!  For example, dining etiquette can become pretty boring if you use the traditional way of teaching.  Have your child role play as if he/she is the parent.  Let him/her teach you the proper way to eat.  Exaggerate your movements and make a mess!  You will be showing your child how not to dine while also showing him/her that is it not appealing to eat like an animal. 
 
Etiquette and social skills contribute greatly to a child's self-image.  If the child is constantly being corrected instead of praised for his/her good manners a negative self-image can grow into a much larger problem.  Nurture your child's growth by instilling etiquette principals as a regular part of your day.  And, don't forget to have some fun!

 
LaMiskey Dillon is the founder of Etiquette & Success Academy here in New Orleans.  She has built her business on the passion to have all people treated respectfully and fairly.  She enjoys making etiquette fun while instructing children. She uses etiquette principals in her work with Café Reconcile as a mentor to young adults.  Though working with children is her passion, she is also a soft skills trainer and enjoys helping adults tackle the realm of etiquette and social skills to enhance their business and personal relationships.  As a New Orleans native she is adamant on fostering personal growth in both the youth and adults of her city by creating an impact on how we think and conduct business.  She offers a wide-range of courses in etiquette, social and life skills.  To read more about her programs, visit www.EtiquetteSA.com
 
TOW_bottomKEEP IT SIMPLE SWEETIE: Tips To Simplify Your Summer  continued...
Here are some famous quotes on why simple is simply better:
 
"Out of clutter, find simplicity. From discord find harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity."
- Albert Einstein
 
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."
-Leonardo da Vinci

"Keep It Simple Sweetie"
- Unknown

I wish I would have known who said "Keep It Simple Sweetie", it could not be said better! This summer make the choice to simplify.
 
What can you do to "Keep It Simple Sweetie:"
  • For your space - Declutter by taking 5 items you don't use or love to your local donation spot each week
  • For your family- Begin family dinners by creating a rotation of 9 simple family loved meals. These can include sandwiches, crock pot meals, or breakfast for dinner. Include your family in preparing these too!
  • For your routines- This can be the start of something truly life changing! If the task can be accomplished in 3 minutes or less, make the commitment to "just do it!" This includes the dishes in the sink, going through your mail, or folding clothes and putting them away.
  • For yourself- Choose to eliminate one obligation and add 15 minutes of "serenity" time to your week. (I say move this one to the top of the list!)

Choose simplicity this summer. Committing to take just one small initial step will help you to feel how simplifying can make a real difference in your life. With this choice you are beginning your journey to spending time, effort and money on what is really important to you and your family!

 
Kay Morrison is one of the founders of The Occasional Wife. Depending upon your specific needs, The Occasional Wife will significantly simplify your daily routines and special event activities.
By prioritizing tedious tasks, handling them in an appropriate manner, and organizing and streamlining work and personal environments, we make your life and special occasions stress-free and enjoyable. The Occasional Wife efficiently and effectively removes clutter, organizes spaces, cares for and manages your errands, tasks and other daily responsibilities, and plans and coordinates your complex social functions. Visit www.theoccasionalwife.com for more information!
 
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squirts_bottomReview: lil squirts Memory Books  continued...
By Witney Arch, nolaParent
 
After the birth of her first son, Kim was searching for a baby book to fit her lifestyle. She soon realized that there were no memory books catering to babies born and raised in New Orleans. Kim contacted her friend of 15 years, Renee, and soon their visions of a unique New Orleans baby book became a reality. Their company, lil squirts, was formed a year ago and has grown steadily. Both of these moms have other full time jobs as well. Kim is a physical therapist at West Jefferson Medical Center and Renee is a teacher at McGehee's Little Gate Nursery School.
 
Each of the lil squirts memory books are a work of art. The handmade covers are unique and beautiful. But just wait until you look inside! The whimsical drawings, courtesy of their friend, Emily Patron, are combined with fun trivia facts that make you want to fill out the pages for your sweet little baby. It doesn't seem like such a chore as compared to other generic baby books. Where else can you document your baby's first Mardi Gras, first streetcar ride, first Saints game, first sno-ball or your baby's first trip to Jazz Fest?
 
In addition to the standard pages that come with every NOLA Baby Book, you can also purchase pages for events and activities that are special to your family. They also take special requests for pages dedicated to religious holidays and same sex families. If you are looking for more of a family scrapbook, check out the NOLA Family Books.
 
When asked about the challenges in starting a new business, both Kim and Renee admit they find it hard to juggle the demands of working a full time job and raising their children in addition to starting a new company. "We work during naptimes and late at night. Some nights we don't even realize how late we are up until we look at the clock," said Renee. "I'm on my maternity leave right now from my other job but I'm still working," said Kim, as her 9 week old newborn son, Oliver, slept in his stroller.
 
Where can you find these fantastic NOLA Baby Books? Check out the Local Lagniappe section on nolaParent.com. You can get a 10% discount on all online orders! You can also purchase the books on www.lilsquirts.net, at local art markets, and at the following stores; Angelique Baby, Gentry, Little Miss Muffin, The Baby's Room, Lulu Belle's and Baby Bump Maternity. Be sure to check their website for some new pages that will be coming out soon.
 
My favorite page in the lil squirts memory books...the Evacuation Page.  Ahhhh, New Orleans. Proud to call it home.
 
Kim Brignac Burgau is a Physical Therapist at West Jefferson Medical Center. She and her husband, Aaron, are both native New Orleanians. They live Uptown with their two sons, Noah (2) and Oliver (10 weeks).
 
Renee Radelat Hemel
is a teacher at Louise S. McGehee's School Little Gate. She and her husband, Jason, were born and raised in New Orleans. They live in Mid-City with their son Jacques (8 months). 

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Mirella_bottomTIP OF THE MONTH: Ditch the Ducks and Hop on a Pony!  continued...
When we did it, late one Sunday afternoon, it brought a smile to the end of the day and we snapped away some photos as our little girls were walked around the ring on the cutest pony called "Ginger".  It's fun, it's easy and it's relatively inexpensive. All you have to do is show up and they supply the helmet! If you have a little more time, the folks at the stables are happy to let you watch the lessons going on or feed the many beautiful horses that live there. They also do Pony Parties at $250 for two hours and proper lessons (30 min for a $35 private lesson and $30 for a 45 min group lesson). But next time we need to perk up an afternoon, I'm going over there again; this time with a bag of carrots, a few apples and a lettuce so when my children have had a munch or two we can share the rest with our new equine friends.

Pony Up at
Cascade Stables!  Just remember, the 'barn' is closed on Mondays.

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