Giggle Magazine Feb/March 2012

PUBLISHER ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

ART DIRECTOR DIRECTOR OF PR & MARKETING

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

COPY EDITOR

FOOD CONTRIBUTOR

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

CONTRIBUTING

Nicole Irving

Alison Walker

Leslie Vega

Allen Haynes

Mark Archer

Dana Kamp

Jennifer Cordova

Wendy Eckhardt, Chris Wilson, Helen Kornblum, Dana Kamp, Kelsey McNiel, Allen Haynes, Allyson Fox, Tara Massagee, Janet Groene, Daniel Griffin, Kelly Goede

Verve Studio, Elise Kersey Photography, Shandon Smith with Lifeprints Photography, Laurel Housden Photography

Sarah Faulkner, Taylor Dixon, Paul Flagg, Lauren Gaddy, Elle Greene

Darlene Edwards, Heather Pumeno

Mission Statement

Giggle Magazine is a modern and refreshing magazine for the families and communities of Alachua County, Florida. With our sole purpose of keeping families and communities connected, Giggle Magazine will keep readers intrigued, informed and inspired, with up to date information and heartwarming stories.

Irving Publications, LLC reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising. Irving Publications, LLC is not responsible for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. Nothing that appears in Giggle Magazine may be reproduced in any way, without written permission. Opinions expressed by Giggle Magazine writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinion. Giggle Magazine will consider all never before published outside editorial submissions. Irving Publications, LLC reserves the right to edit and/ or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates.

irvingpublications

Giggle Magazine is registered trademark property of Irving Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. Giggle Magazine is published by Irving Publications, LLC. © 2012

Letter from thePublisher

So, I have to be honest. I put a little more of myself in this issue than in other issues. My love of the March of Dimes, all things polka dots, true love and twins ruled this issue. From cover to cover, it has to be the most fun and the brightest issue yet.

I am proud to sit on the board of the March of Dimes North Central Florida Division. This year, Giggle Magazine is so excited to be an active sponsor of the 2012 March for Babies, as well as having another amazing team. We have pledged to double our goal for babies. As a mom of three boys (all were born via c-section and went straight to the NICU), I know that babies need every fighting chance. “It is our mission to help all babies be born healthy and happy.” If you would like to join our team…please let us know!

What better way to celebrate healthy babies than by a birthday party! Truth be told, I have always been in love with twins. I am not sure why...maybe it is the amazing bond they have or the similarities and unique differences they showcase. I have always wanted twins, and my friends who know me best can attest to this. The closest I got was my “Irish twin” boys, born 17 months apart. However, our dear

cover! Meet our cover models Brooke + Bryce

Birthday | May 21, 2010

Born at 37 weeks and 4 days, both weighing 6 pounds, 13 ounces.

Who is older? | Brooke, by one minute.

Big Brothers | Stewart, Wes, Kent, Evan and Erik

Brooke's favorite things | Baby dolls, Dora, ice cream and Daddy

Bryce's favorite things | Trains, Diego, bananas and Mommy

friend and Giggle Associate Publisher did have fraternal twins almost two years ago. Two little bundles of cuteness! WOW! So, in honor of my love of twins, I am excited to present our “Polka Dot Birthday for Two.” A huge thank you to Lauren McKinsey, Verve Studio, Dina Saga-Rumley, and of course our adorable set of twins for helping us.

* Stay tuned...we will be doing more twins, triplets and multiples specials in Giggle Magazine! What can I say… I am obsessed!

You can’t go into February without feeling love in the air. We captured the true love stories of some wonderful Gainesville parents. We wanted to hear how they celebrated their love after having their children. And what better way to celebrate love than with chocolate and vacations! Our piece on the benefits of chocolate will make you want to head over to the nearest candy store to stock up in the name of “good health.” Our travel feature on seven romantic vacations for parents will have you calling your travel agent today. Love is in the air!

Between polka dots, twins, chocolate and love, it is no wonder this issue is one of my favorites! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Giggle Magazine is a proud sponsor of this year's March of Dimes' March for Babies. We also have our very own March for Babies team. We would love to have YOU or your family join us! Please go to our website at www.gigglemag.com to see how you can be a part of our team. Please help us make sure every baby is born happy and healthy!

Photos by Verve Studio

Photo by Lifeprints Photography

A few of my favorite things...

Saturday, March 24th

Family Teams are the Backbone for

the March for Babies

BY ALLEN HAYNES

The 2012 March of Dimes Foundation’s March for Babies is Saturday, March 24.

One great way to get involved is by joining or founding a family team. Family teams are made up of friends and family members to honor or remember the babies and children who have touched their lives, according to www. marchforbabies.org, the event’s website.

Each team represents a family’s story and journey through the stress of premature birth, said Elaine Almond, Alachua County’s top family team fundraiser in 2011. Her team, “Ryan and Almond’s Joy,” raised more than $8,500 in 2011 and hope to raise $9,000 this year.

Family teams are what make the March for Babies more than a charity drive. They are the continual inspiration for the charity, because they are reminders of the importance of preventing premature birth.

Although there have been great strides in valuable research

that has prevented countless premature births, they still happen at an alarming rate.

Florida averages more than 4,450 births per week, 615 of which are premature, according to the March of Dimes Foundation. That averages to a premature birth rate of 13.8 percent, which is above the 2011 national average of 12.2 percent, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to the March of Dimes, 70 percent of birth defects can be prevented or cured, which is one reason why the foundation has set a goal for a national premature birth rate of 9.6 percent by 2020.

By joining or creating your own family team, you have the opportunity to share your story both with your community and with other families that have had similar experiences.

Find out more information about joining or starting your own family team at www.marchforbabies.org/familyteams.

Photo courtesy of March of Dimes

keeping babies happy and healthy!

The March of Dimes' mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. The money raised by March for Babies funds important research and programs that help babies begin healthy lives. Join Giggle Magazine, along with our family and friends, as we support the March of Dimes and their efforts to raise awareness and funds.

local little miracles

There were 138 registered family teams in Alachua County in 2011.

Alachua County family teams raised more than $56,000 in 2011. The goal for 2012 is $75,000.

Alachua County raised more money than all Florida communities (except Miami and Ft. Lauderdale).

Donations help provide comfort and support to families coping with the stress.

Donations help provide information and support to families whose babies were born too soon or sick.

Donations support community programs that help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies.

Photos courtesy of March of Dimes, baby photos by Lifeprints Photography

update!

BY DAN GRIFFIN

how are they doing?

April, Danielle, Amanda, Julie, Stephanie and Joslyn have officially taken the first steps toward changing the rest of their lives. First, the initial evaluation was extremely thorough as we evaluated their current state of nutrition, behavioral patterns and fitness level. We performed their initial Physio-Graph body composition measurement to discover their pounds of body fat, pounds of lean body mass (muscle), hydration levels and basal metabolic rate (resting metabolic rate). Then, armed with all of this valuable information, we set unique goals for each participant. The one thing they all have in common is that they want to make a change –and change they will!

After developing a realistic and sustainable plan encompassing proper nutrition, physical training and mental conditioning, we hit the supermarket for a tour. Since weight loss is a goal of each participant, we focused on foods that give us more “bang for the buck” – foods that are high in nutritional value, but lower in overall caloric value.

We began the physical training component by measuring their competency in a few foundational movements and by recording how long it took them to run a mile. Our participants are training for one hour, three times per week. They will soon be doing things they never thought possible.

We asked a few of the ladies to give us their thoughts on the challenges that face them over the next 14 weeks… here is what they shared with us.

The workouts are hard, but I am so full of energy now. My children have even noticed. Food temptations are all around...at the mall, while I am driving down the street, in my own cupboards, etc. I am enjoying healthy foods. Even my children have been eating healthier. I am planning on losing about 35 pounds in these 14 weeks. I know I have already lost some because when I work out, my pants slip down and I am constantly pulling them up. It feels wonderful to be doing right by my body now.

C.

"I am so thankful to be a part of this challenge.

"

-Joslyn

Photo by Footstone Photography

I lost seven pounds in the first week and let me tell you…seeing that lower number on the scale put a HUGE smile on my face! It is so wonderful to be doing this alongside six beautiful ladies, too. We are each other’s biggest cheerleaders and motivators. When we want a hot fudge sundae, all we have to do is tell each other what we’re thinking and we get slapped back into reality. Food is definitely the hardest challenge for me. I am still craving cheesy pizza or homemade bread, but now that we’ve been “eating clean” for a couple of weeks, I can see those cravings diminishing a little. I can tell you this: no sundae is worth losing focus on my goal to lose weight, gain energy and take back control of my life. -Julie W.

We are only two weeks into the process, but I can already tell a difference! By following Dan’s nutrition advice and workouts I have already lost over five pounds! I have more energy and I am sleeping so well at night! I am trying to focus on all the fresh, healthy food I am supposed to eat and not on the coffee creamer, cheese and Diet Coke I am not consuming. Those have been the hardest things to give up, but it is all well worth it! My family is supporting me 100% and reminding me every day to eat healthy, as well as joining me in exercising outside of my Sweat Life training. I can’t wait for the changes in us all over the next 12 weeks! Thanks Giggle Magazine & Sweat Life! -April T.

If you would like to become one of our Big Weight Loss Challenge sponsors, please contact Nicole at nicole@irvingpublications.com.

"It’s two weeks into the program and I’m already seeing huge changes!"

"I am so excited to have been chosen to be one of the BWLC girls this year!

"

Top photos by Lifeprints Photography, Portraits by Laurel Housden Photography

polka dot birthday

for two!

A fun perfectcelebrationpolka-dot for twins!

There is not a more fantastic party to plan than the one in honor of your precious little one. We take our party planning to the next level with our adorable Polka Dot Party for Two. What better way to celebrate the birthday of twins than with polka dots, balloons, lemonade, homemade play dough and never-ending treats!

We hope that you can take our inspiration and create your very own personalized birthday celebration for your little one. From our DIY projects to our free printables, you will find it to be a breeze to provide a little extra cuteness for your next party!

There is no better way to celebrate than with friends, food and fun! Enjoy!

PHOTOS BY VERVE STUDIO  STATIONERY BY LAUREN MCKINSEY DESIGNS Tutu can be found at Miracles Maternity & Children's Boutique

make it yourself!

party printables! confetti!

You’ll need: circle hole punch and card stock paper

Here’s how:

Using a hole punch (which can be found in all shapes and sizes at craft stores or ordered online), punch out circles using colored card stock that coordinates with the colors of your special event. Spread your homemade confetti to decorate tables.

Find your FREE Birthday Hershey's Kiss stickers at laurenmckinsey.com/giggle-birthday-kisses.

Balloons & polka dot bags from www.shopsweetlulu.com Cookies by goosiegirlcards.blogspot.com

party hats

You’ll need: card stock paper, scissors, glue, pom poms, glitter paint and tissue fringe

Here’s how: Using a heavy cardstock (which can be found at craft stores), cut one side of the paper into a semi circle shape leaving one end straight. Fold into a cone shape and glue or tape to hold the form. Decorate with tissue fringe, pom poms, glitter paint or other fun decorations.

Pom Pom Toppers:

You’ll need: yarn, scissors, object to wrap yarn around like Post- it notes or large serving fork

Here’s how: To make the pom pom topper for your party hat, wrap yarn around an object that is approximately the size of a sticky note. After wrapping the yarn around the object several times {about 50 times}, cut a small piece of yarn and string it under the grouping of twine and tie into a knot. Pull the yarn off the paper and tighten the knot as tight as you can, making a second knot to reinforce the yarn. With your scissors, cut through all the loops on both sides and then fluff as needed.

Photos by Verve Studio

family spotlight

Completely. Perfectly. Differently Abled: Ty's Story

BY KELLY GOEDE

Photos by Lifeprints Photography

“This is Ty. He was born with only one hand. That’s how God made him. He can do everything you can do.” That’s how the explanation goes and has gone for the past five years that our oldest son has been on Earth.

You see, six years ago, when we were expecting our second baby, an ultrasound revealed that “it” was a “he” and that his left arm stopped a little below the elbow. Doctors could not give us a definite answer to why this happened, but it seemed that he was a typical healthy baby--minus his left hand. And so after we spent the rest of the ultrasound day grieving the loss of a “normal” life for our son, we woke up the next morning determined to raise him as we would any other child of ours. We felt that God was entrusting to us someone who would require some extra grace and nurturing, but someone who would also bless us and those around him beyond measure. And he has done just that.

Ty Christian fit nicely into our little family. His sister Lillianna, who is 20 months older, became his best friend and partner-in-crime. She provided a hedge of protection for him and was his “official” spokesperson when the questions would come on the playground, at the grocery store and at her preschool. At one time I had a running tally of how many times one of us had been asked about Ty’s arm. When it approached 100 and he was only a year old, I stopped counting. These days, if he is only asked once a day I feel lucky.

When Ty was born, we were thrust into the world of amputees and limb differences, learning official names for things--like that Ty is a “congenital unilateral belowelbow amputee”--and that a large support network exists for families just like ours. Every year we attend “Hand Camp” at Camp Crystal Lake, where around 50 families with kids who have an upper limb difference converge and spend a weekend watching the amazing things their kids can do. This year Ty played golf, shot a bow and arrow, and climbed the 50 foot tower...with one hand. Hand Camp also provides a forum for parents and siblings to fellowship with kindred spirits, as we swap stories, encourage each other, and empathize. And overwhelmingly, one word pops up repeatedly to describe kids like Ty - resilient.

The other 363 days of the year when we aren’t at camp, we see Ty’s resiliency shining through every area of his life. Several years ago we visited the Shriner’s Hospital in Tampa for Ty to be fitted for a prosthetic arm. At the time, we wanted to offer every possible option to help him adjust to the world. As it turned out, the new arm was cumbersome and he enjoyed using it as a bludgeon more than a “helper hand.” He abandoned it after a week.

"This year Ty played golf, shot a bow and arrow, and climbed the 50 foot tower... with one hand."

We attempted another prosthetic when he was four, this time using Florida Gator fabric and a hand he could open and close. It only lasted one day. Turns out it slowed him down. He has produced his own procedures for any task that would normally require two hands. When using scissors he holds the paper with his “nubby” (his name for his left arm) in the crook of his elbow and is able to turn the paper and cut beautifully. This had previously been a concern of mine, prior to him starting kindergarten this year. As with most of my concerns about Ty, this one was unfounded. We laugh now as we look back on our worries over sports and other “boy” stuff. Ty’s first word was “ball” and he has been involved with one since then. He has played tee ball, flag football, golf, and soccer and has held his own in each. I admit I tear up on occasion when I watch him play. He is full of joy, on and off the field.

Many people ask us about Ty and how we handle things. As with anything in life that is different than you expected, we have had our ups and downs. Ty has heard more and had to process more in his five years than many kids who are years older. Our greatest desire for him is to be proud of who God made him to be. This is ever challenging when someone laughs at him or says his arm is “stupid.” We remind him that even though he may hear a thousand people ask him

about it, each one is encountering him for the first time and he should answer them with respect, even if they have shown him none.

Now, sometimes respect takes the form of a tall tale-like when he told some little girls he had been bitten by a shark. I figure he will have many more chances to tell the whole truth and if a shark story gives him a sense of satisfaction, then so be it. We also pray he sees the humor of it all and uses it to his advantage. I can imagine some gory Halloween costumes as he gets older.

Amazingly, Ty’s limb difference does not define him. Unless confronted with a question or a new task he hasn’t mastered, he lives life as a typical five-year-old boy. His arm is “normal” to him. He has an affinity for Legos and can dismantle and reassemble the tiniest components. I wish my husband or I could take credit for teaching him how, but as with most things, he just figures out whatever is in front of him. When someone says that I have a disabled child, I have to think a moment about which one they might be referring to. Hand Camp reminds him that he is “differently abled.” Our family is grateful for the blessing that Ty’s arm has been, as experience is the best teacher. Where else could we learn so poignantly about compassion and perseverance? b

"Our family is grateful for the blessing that Ty's arm has been, as experience is the best teacher."

SUMMER CAMP

BY ALLYSON FOX AND ALISON WALKER

It’s that time of year again! It’s time to start considering the many summer camp options for your children. There are so many options to choose from – day camps, week-long camps, theme camps and even sleepaway camps! You may not be quite ready to take the duffle bags out of the garage, but it’s not too early to start preparing.

If you and your child have chosen to try sleepaway camp for the first time this year you may feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. This is normal, but there are ways to make this transition smooth, easy and fun.

Stay positive!

If parents stay positive, their child will be pumped up for summer camp, says Cyndi Wisner, an education and membership services manager for the American Camp Association Southeast. “I think it’s important to let [your children] know you’re excited for them,” Wisner said. “If parents are excited, kids will be excited.” In the days leading up to camp it is important to talk about it in a positive light. Discuss with your child how much fun he or she is going to have and the many activities the camp offers.

Talk about homesickness.

It’s okay to talk with your child about being homesick. Leaving home for a long period of time is a transition, and your child may be anxious. Wisner recommends reminding your child if he or she gets homesick to think about how you will be waiting on the last day of camp, ready to hear all the amazing details. As in many aspects of life, parents should be the number one cheerleader for their children experiencing something new and the biggest supporter when those children need a little extra encouragement.

Remember separation can be good. Camp is a great way for children to learn how to be independent. But, while they will make new friends and experience new activities, parents may miss them at home.

If you’re worried about missing your children, talk to the camp director and find out the camp’s policy on ways to communicate with your children. You may be able to send an email or write letters, Wisner says.

Include your child in the packing process. Wisner recommends having your child involved in the entire packing process so he or she will know where everything is when arriving at camp. Use a camp checklist to make the process go smoothly. Following a checklist will also help eliminate over packing.

Pack a little something that reminds them of home.

Include an item in your child’s suitcase that he or she can look to when needed. For example, send your child with a picture of the family. It’s important that your child is comforted, Wisner says. Consider sending your child with a short letter that he or she can open every day while away from home.

Leave valuables at home.

Wisner recommends all valuables, including earrings, bracelets and electronics, be left at home. If you would be upset about losing an item or you think it might distract your child from the camp experience, it is usually best to keep it at home.

Every camp may not be right for every child. With a little research and planning, parents can find a camp that suits their child’s needs best. It may not be the closest, cheapest or even the one an older sibling attended in years prior. The benefits of attending the right camp, and properly preparing yourself and your child, will leave each camper with a lifetime of memories! b

Everything you need to know about preparing for...

Coach on Board!

Your children are more than half way through the school year now. How are they doing? Some children struggle with school because they have Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), with or without hyperactivity (ADHD). Children with these and other learning disabilities often benefit from coaching techniques. In truth, everyone can benefit from coaching because it helps us organize thoughts into actions. If you are willing to try out for the coaching team, consider the following approaches for your playbook.

Use your

child’s learning style.

Your child’s learning preferences may not match yours, which can cause frustration on both sides when you try to motivate him to do homework. Visual learners do best with written instructions, reminder signs, index cards or the computer for review. Seeing the work reinforces their understanding. If you find yourself saying, “Did you hear what I just said?” during a homework session, don’t be surprised if your visual learner didn’t “get it.”

Auditory learners process instructions and information through their ears. Ask this child to repeat instructions to make sure she grasps it. A digital voice recorder (DVR) or the recording feature on a cell phone might help auditory learners memorize notes.

Kinesthetic learners are hands-on students who need to move and participate in the lesson or activity. They can dance or jump rope to memorize information or may like working on homework with music playing. Kinesthetic learners often enjoy experiential environments and lab work.

Create routines and structure.

Write it, say it, or sing it, but create the routines that your child can follow to organize his day. Document morning, afternoon, evening and bedtime schedules so all family members can feel comfortable in their activities. Review the family calendar frequently to highlight appropriate study and play times. An analog clock lets your child see how time passes as he works.

Review and reward the effort.

Make a realistic plan with your child to organize how, when and where she will do her homework. Help her divide the work into small steps, support her efforts to complete the steps and reward her progress. Accomplishment does not come easily to all children, so recognizing effort boosts motivation and builds on success. If some results are disappointing, ask your child to suggest changes that might improve the outcome next time.

Good coaches rely on positive psychology to boost performance. If you sidestep temptations to nag or be judgmental, your child will rise to the occasion in response to your upbeat outlook. You won’t need a whistle to get his attention if you create opportunities to sing his praises for his schoolwork. b

Professional organizer Helen Kornblum helps us find easy ways to keep our busy family lives organized.

the parent buzz!

BY WENDY ECKHARDT

TATTLING!: "Hey! I'm telling Mom!" We hear it almost every day and it drives us all crazy! Tattling is something that we have all done at one point in our lives. Yet, as adults, we have learned when we should tell someone else and when we should deal with problems ourselves. The question is-how do we teach our kids?

HERE ARE SOME OF OUR READERS’ ANSWERS TO HOW THEY DEAL WITH TATTLING AND SOME SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO CURB THE TATTLETALES IN YOUR HOUSE:

bee cause we all need a little help from our friends!

 what the experts suggest

Brainstorm together to try and solve the problem. Ask "What should I do next?" and help by suggesting ideas like asking the friend to take turns or telling the friend how they are feeling. Role playing with your child shows them they are able to solve some problems without you.

• Teach your child what tattling is and when to tattle and then explain, instruct and practice!

• Teach your child through role playing.

• Avoid lectures and quick irrational decisions.

• Praise your child when they have told you a tattle at the appropriate time. It is important for your child to know they can come to you.

Step Method:

1. Check out the situation.

2. Don't feed into the tattle.

3. Increase the cost of tattling (have the child do something creative when tattling, i.e.: write it down or draw a picture).

4. Explore alternatives.

5. Assess and come up with solutions together.

REAL PARENT ADVICE

"A tattle box, so they can vent their frustration in private."

- Jessica M.

"I talk a lot about the difference between tattling and getting help. You get help when you are being hurt, or if someone is bothering you and you try to solve the problem (using words, ignoring, etc.) but it doesn't work and you need help."

-Jennifer T.

"I used to read a book to the kids (“Armadillo Tattletale”) and then talk about what a tattletale is and what needs to be told. I would give real life examples and they would tell me if it was a tattle and then they would come up with some."

-Alyson H.

"If it is something dangerous, I go and intervene. If it is a simple tattle, I tell them to go and work it out."

- Jennifer H.

"I try to stop it and try to explain, especially to my younger child, that it is okay to tattle if someone is going to get hurt or do something wrong. But, if someone is just doing something they don't like, I tell them I don't want to hear it."

-Anne A.

"What I normally tell my sons is to work it out or I will work it out; and if I work it out, they will not like it as much as their own solution."

-Kimberly T.

“I want my daughters to tell if someone has hurt them because I don't tolerate that. But, if they are just nagging, I have them work it out between themselves. However, if it's outside the home or involves other adults or children, I don't discourage the children from telling me so I can know what is going on and help them. If there are children at my house playing, I want them to tell me so I can be sure our house rules are being followed and that they are safe."

-Amanda

M.

"I ask my child how they think they should handle it or how they think it should be handled and come up with a solution together."

-Betty

B.

"For me, it's a process. Short of an immediate response, it's a discussion with the child and sometimes it can even be a written plan."

-Ron K.

Great books

to read with your child:

“Don't Squeal Unless It’s a Big Deal” offers easy guidelines so kids know when telling is appropriate and when it is merely squealing.

Author: Jeanie Franz Ransom

“Tattlin' Madeline” is a book designed to teach young children the difference between tattling and reporting.

Author: Carol Cummings, PhD.

“Armadillo Tattletale” teaches a lesson in just how fast stretching the truth is likely to cause one humongous mess, teaching children a basic lesson in thoughtfulness and respect.

Author: Helen Ketteman

Do you have other solutions? Share them along with your other questions at Facebook.com/giggle magazine

Children’s Dental Health Month:

Healthy Teeth = Happy Kids = Happy Parents

BY DR. ALISSA DRAGSTEDT, DMD

One of the best gifts parents can give their children is for them to be cavity-free for life. Tooth decay is a preventable disease. Empowering parents and children with proper tools and knowledge to maintain healthy mouths is paramount to preventing tooth decay. Wouldn’t it be great to visit the dentist every six months and always hear the words, “Great job...you have no cavities”? Here are three recommendations that will help you and your child get started on a healthy dental path for life.

• Proper daily oral hygiene

Teeth are best kept clean by brushing at least once in the morning and once at night, as well as flossing at least one time per day. Teeth need to be kept clean as soon as they first appear in your baby’s mouth, which usually occurs around 6 months of age. It is important for parents to brush and floss for their children until the age of 8 or 9, as children generally do not have the proper dexterity to do a thorough selfcleaning job before this age. A team approach works best. Children can brush and floss first and then parents can brush and floss after them, offering words of encouragement!

• A non-cavity causing diet

Decay-causing bacteria ingest sugar, and their by-product is an acid that pulls minerals out of the tooth. This is the first process of cavity formation. Any food or drink with sugar is potentially a problem; this includes juices, soda, sport drinks, infant formula and sweetened milk. Another common form of sugar that is often overlooked is cooked starch—the white flour that is in crackers, cereal, chips, cheese puffs and junk foods in general. The more frequently sugar is ingested, the higher the susceptibility of tooth decay. We recommend that children drink only water in between meals so that their teeth are not bathed in sugar all day long. Give your child whatever you feel is right and healthy, and be sure to clean their gums and teeth afterward!

• Regular check-ups with your dentist starting at age 1

A thorough, professional cleaning is recommended every six months starting at age 1. Some deposits on teeth can only be removed with professional instruments. A dental health professional will review your child’s oral health development, check for any cavities or other pathology and assist in optimizing oral hygiene. At the routine check-up, a dentist will recommend x-rays to make sure there are not cavities between your child’s teeth, as these areas cannot be seen without x-rays. After the professional cleaning, your health care professional will perform fluoride therapy, which can re-mineralize areas that may be in the first phases of cavity formation and actually even reverse the process!

Working together as a team, children, their parents and dental health professionals can strive to establish an optimal environment for children to be cavity-free for life. b

hygiene.

diet. check up.

Dr. Alissa Dragstedt, DMD, is a pediatric dentist at Kids Only Dental Place. She is board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association.

Smile Buddy

This on-the-go kids oral care kit comes complete with toothbrush, paste, flossers, timer and stickers. Sealed in an adorable reusable case. www.me4kidz.com

dental awareness month are you

dental ready?

Hippo Toothbrush Holder

Keep your little one's toothbrush clean and in a safe spot until next brush time!

Publix grocery stores

Zapi UV Toothbrush Sanitizer

Cute, bright and fun, these toothbrush sanitizers kill 99% of germs. www.violight.com

CrayolaGUM Toothbrush

This fun toothbrush will light up for 60 seconds to make sure they get those pearly whites clean. Suction cup bottom helps to keep toothbrush off dirty surfaces. CVS drugstores

A Valentine's Day with{date!} your daughter

BY CHRIS WILSON

Valentine’s Day can be a rough holiday for parents and children alike. Whether a child is going on a first date or is left feeling brokenhearted, there is nothing really easy about Valentine’s Day. That’s why the daddy-daughter date (or mother-son date) can be the perfect cure for the Valentine blues. Plan something fun, different or exciting to make the day more special for the whole family.

Whether your daughter is in kindergarten or a licensed-driving teen, there is no doubt that she loves spending time with her dad. There is also probably a good chance that the dad and daughter don’t get to spend much quality time enjoying each other’s company.

Here are some suggestions to foster love on Valentine’s Day:

9 THE GREAT OUTDOORS: One of the benefits of living in Florida is that we don’t have to shovel our way out of the driveway during the winter. If the weather is right, try an outdoor date. A long hike or a fishing adventure in one of the beautiful state parks in our area, such as O’Leno or San Felasco, is a great way to enjoy nature and have time for meaningful conversation. There are also plenty of beaches nearby that offer quality time to talk on the drive and fun in the sun and sand. Even a neighborhood bike-riding adventure can provide the fun.

9 DINNER AND A MOVIE: It may sound corny and played, but there is a reason it is so tried and true. Enjoy chatting at your daughter’s favorite restaurant and then take her to see a fun or action-packed movie. If neither of you feels like going out, pizza and a movie at home is just as much fun.

9 THAT’S EDU-TAINMENT: There are plenty of “dates” that can double as education and entertainment. Take in a museum that neither of you has ever visited. Sometimes children are tight-lipped about what they’re learning in school or what they want to do in the future, and this date is a great way to start that dialogue. Just make sure you choose something that your daughter will enjoy, whether she’s into art, sports, science or basket-weaving.

9 REVISIT A MEMORY: Is there a specific time, place or event that your daughter reminisces about frequently? While dad can’t re-create the past exactly as it was, it can be fun to revisit the place where it happened. Sit in the seats where you took her to her first Gator game or eat at the burger joint where you used to buy her milkshakes on the weekend. Your daughter may wonder why you’re bringing a family photo album to a restaurant, but a walk down memory lane is a great way to reconnect.

9 SHOPPING EXCURSION: Not many dads have the shop-til-you-drop attitude, but that’s not an excuse when it comes to doing something your daughter might love. A trip to your daughter’s favorite store can test Dad’s patience, but it’s a great way to share in something she loves.

9 TAKE TWO: The best thing to do that both father and daughter can enjoy almost equally is doing two things. Dad chooses what he wants to do–give your daughter a golf lesson at the driving range or teach her how to use basic home improvement tools to build a birdhouse. Daughter also gets to choose what she would like to share with Dad. Just make sure to do Dad’s plan first, so that she can look forward to doing something she loves afterward.

The most important thing is to share the love with your daughter (or son) on Valentine’s Day because these years do not last long. Don’t forget that flowers and candy never hurt anyone’s feelings either. Happy Valentine’s Day! b

for dads. by dads.

these years do not last long!

steps to keeping the romancee alive after baby is born

BY NATACHA V. BEIM

It took nine months of careful planning and preparation for you to meet your baby and just one minute to fall in love. Having a child is undeniably one of the greatest joys life brings, but it’s also an adjustment.

For couples it means learning to parent, share their home and even their bedroom in the first few months of parenthood.

There are more books to read, laundry and chores to do, and there is much less time. Baby needs constant attention. Nights are busy with multiple feedings and mornings start early, very early.

So how do couples adjust to these new demands and still find time to nurture their own bond – sans baby?

Below are five simple steps you and your spouse can take to keep the romance alive after you have a child.

 Make a date and stick to it. Chances are your schedules were busy before baby was born. Now you’re taking turns working, napping, cleaning, feeding and caring for your little one. This means time spent as a couple is sacrificed. By setting a date to spend some quality time with your partner, you’re instilling a habit, which will have great benefits for you, your partner and your child. This may start as a simple coffee date down the street on Saturdays, in between feedings, when your babysitter or relative can stop by. Eventually when you’re able to leave your child for a couple hours, your date can evolve into dinner

or a movie. If you can’t leave your children, plan for a special dinner once a week after they go to bed. Set a beautiful table and take turns cooking for each other or together. The idea is to make alone time with your partner a regular occurrence, one that is prioritized and doesn’t get bumped aside.

 Take a romantic stroll during your child’s nap.

Turn your child’s naptime into a romantic walk for you and your partner. The fresh air is good for your child while he is sleeping in the stroller, and you and your partner can enjoy a scenic stroll while having an opportunity to talk. Children sleep much better outdoors, and this can buy you up to two hours with your partner. Make sure the setting is natural so your child is not disturbed by high traffic noises or the lights and sounds of a busy mall.

 Show your affection, “just because.” Remember when you used to call each other just to say, “Hi”? That doesn’t need to stop. Nor do the love notes or text messages or showing your love, just because. Experiment with doing something loving for your partner once a week. This could be leaving a love note on the bathroom mirror or hiding a favorite treat in your spouse’s coat pocket. These acts of love and kindness don’t take a lot of effort or time, but they do show your partner you love him and you care.

"Really listen without judgment when your partner is talking..."

 Give your partner the day off. Okay, so a whole day may be out of the question, but surely you can give your partner an afternoon to spend time with his friends or even just to have a nap, while you take care of the baby. If your partner is home and you can tell he’s run down, offer to run him a warm bubble bath and surprise him with champagne and strawberries or a new book. These acts of service show your partner that you consider his time and needs important. More likely than not, he will return the favor.

 Take five minutes to connect each day.

It’s easy to lose track of what’s going on in your partner’s world outside of the home when your child is born. Conversations and attention tend to revolve around your children and not your spouse. Take at least five minutes each day to ask your spouse about his day and have him ask about yours. Make a habit of doing this at a time when you can give each other your undivided attention. Really listen without judgment when your partner is talking and try to put yourself in his shoes. You’ll be surprised at how a little empathy can go a long way in keeping you both connected. b

Natacha V. Beim is a writer, speaker, teacher, parenting expert and founder of Core Education & Fine Arts Junior Kindergarten schools (www.cefa.ca). You can reach her at www.natachabeim.com.

BY JANET GROENE

It’s just the two of you, traveling alone as you rekindle your romance for a special occasion or no reason at all. Picture cuddling at the ship’s rail as you watch the northern lights streak the night sky. Envision a balcony breakfast overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea, a pool-side cabana massage for two, a luxury suite near the Eiffel Tower.

Here’s a wish list of romantic getaways near and far, splurge and pinch-penny.

• PLAZA ATHENEE HOTEL, PARIS. Few world cities are more romantic than the City of Lights. This iconic hotel, with window boxes spilling scarlet geraniums, has long been known for love trysts. Mata Hari, the seductive World War I spy, was captured in her suite here.

Dine splendidly in the hotel or explore surrounding streets to find restaurants in all price ranges. Have treatments in the hotel spa. Stroll along the Seine. Shop for designer goods along the avenue Montaigne. Get five-star luxury at rates (paid in

7

romantic couple getaways!

Tea for two and travel too!

Euros) from about $1,200 nightly. A travel agent can assemble a seamless package that includes air, hotel and transfers. Visit www.Plaza-Athenee-Paris.com for more information.

• HOLLAND AMERICA’S MAASDAM cruises three routes out of Fort Lauderdale in winter. Choose one itinerary or combine two to see a dozen or more Caribbean ports of call. Take a premium verandah suite or book a cheaper cabin and have more money to spend in duty-free shops. Medium-size luxury liners like Maasdam are addictive. Many passengers are on their third or thirtieth cruise with this HAL ship or her sisters.

Holland America is known for superb cuisine, friendly Indonesian staff, spiffy European officers, smart shore excursions and on-board activities from cooking lessons to glitzy stage shows. In summer the ship cruises Montreal-Boston-Montreal via the St. Lawrence, Quebec City, Nova Scotia and Maine. A cruise-savvy travel agent can put together the cruise, port parking, travel insurance and advance reservations for spa, shore excursions and dining. Rates are from $449 per person, double occupancy. For more information, visit www.HollandAmerica.com.

Continued on page 41

Continued from page 38

• CRUISE NORWAY on board a sleek Hurtigruten (fast route) ship. It’s said that this year’s aurora borealis is the most spectacular in 50 years. Food is abundant, varied and beautifully presented. Spacious cabins are comfortable, but don’t expect a private hot tub or Broadway shows. These are working ships, where part of the fun is stopping at remote villages to watch as mail, cargo and local folks come and go.

Some shore excursions and a variety of itineraries are available. Prices start at about $1,200 per person per week. For more information, visit www.NorwegianCoastalCruises.com.

• GO CAJUN in southwestern Louisiana, where the pretty little city of Lake Charles has an eye-popping, 28-story Las Vegasstyle resort. L’Auberge has room service, restaurants ranging from the city-size buffet to a steak house and a lounge with live entertainment. Splurge by booking the penthouse suite. Play the 18-hole championship golf course and shop in exclusive boutiques. The city has small but excellent museums, including one housing an enormous collection of Mardi Gras costumes.

Drive the Creole Nature Trail. At the Cameron Prairie Visitor Center, life-size animated figures “gonna tol’ you ‘bout” Cajun culture. The region is home to the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge, Rockefeller Refuge and LaCassine National Wildlife Refuge. See a wealth of wildlife from big wading birds to raptors, alligators and coyotes. Tight budget? Camp in Sam Houston Jones State Park and drive the Boudin Trail to sample local sausages made on site.

• NEAPOLITAN SUNSHINE is closer than you think. Naples, Florida has long been known for ritzy hotels and A-list tourists. For romance, consider the intimate Inn on Fifth. You will swoon over the gorgeous lobby of the 87-room inn. Your suite will have a Juliet balcony, coffee maker, pillow-top bed and waffle weave robes. Woo your way through days of spa, art galleries and the fine restaurants and boutiques of swank 5th Avenue.

Walk to sandy Gulf of Mexico beaches. The hotel has a rooftop hot tub, swimming pool and a deck for sun bathing. Play tennis across the street or have the concierge book a tee time, sport fishing trip or spa treatment. Visit www.InnOnFifth.com for more information.

• MONTREAL IN WINTER. When you check into a plush downtown hotel such as the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth or Loews Hotel Vogue, the tastes and tempo of Paris are just footsteps away. Networks of warm passageways connect subways, department stores and scores of romantic French restaurants. Until it’s time to go skiing or bundle up for one of the many outdoor festivals, you don’t have to go outdoors.

See art and history museums and the Montreal Biodome, where four totally different eco-systems are filled with wildlife typical of each habitat. Americans need a passport and Canadian funds are available at international departure airports. Thanks to favorable exchange rates, prices are right. For more information, visit www.Tourisme-Montreal.org.

• EL CONVENTO, SAN JUAN has the exotic look and feel of old Spain, yet no passport is needed. This 300-year-old former nunnery is in charming Old San Juan, a neighborhood laced with narrow cobblestone streets. Puerto Rico is an American island rimmed with white sand beaches and clear, Caribbean waters. Pleasures range from museums, shopping and exploring “out on the island” to hiking El Junque rain forest.

El Convento’s accommodations are regal. Baths are polished marble. Modern electronics provide music, television and the Internet. Rooms have coffee makers stocked with famous local Alto Grande coffee; refrigerators are supplied with chilled water. The hotel has three restaurants and a world of other dining options is found within walking distance. You can also walk to the Pablo Casals Museum, the Cathedral with Ponce De Leon's crypt, ancient forts and the National Gallery, housing works by Puerto Rican artists. Check out www.ElConventor.com for more information. b

About the Author

Janet Groene is a professional travel writer based in Live Oak. She holds a gold award for travel writing from Parenting Publications ofAmerica.

• NORWAY •

• OLD SAN JUAN •

Photos provided by Janet Groene

keeping the love alive after children

our love story

Kyle + Dianne Robinson

Children: Ryland (2) and Reese (1)

First date: Busch Gardens, Tampa, Fla.

Occupations: Kyle is the healthcare construction manager for Charles Perry Partners, Inc. Dianne is a senior clinical specialist for Medtronic Neuromodulation.

Last date: Dinner and drinks at Bonefish. Bang Bang Shrimp! Her best quality (according to Kyle): Am I allowed to say her curves? His best quality (according to Dianne): His sense of humor.

Most romantic gesture: Dianne has a gift for capturing memories. She made me a scrapbook starting from our high school years until now that I will cherish until I’m old and gray. Kyle is very romantic despite his manly ways. We always joke that he is much more romantic than I am. He surprises me with flowers, thoughtful cards and fun things like scavenger hunts for gifts.

BestValentine's Day gift given or received: Dianne gives me the nicest cards on Valentine’s Day. They tell a lot of lies about how great I am. But the best Valentine's would be the year that Kyle proposed to me. I won't go into details, but it is what every little girl dreams of!

Our Dream Date: Tiki bar and reggae music on a tropical island overlooking the ocean, laughing the night away.

"Dianne megivesthe nicest cards on Valentine's Day. They tell a lot of lies about how great I am."

Niaz + Christy Siddiqui

Children: Zeina (2) and baby boy due in March!

First date:Dinner at Chili’s in Auburn, Ala., while in school (it's all he could afford!).

Last date: O!O! Tapas and Tinis on Christy's birthday (Dec. 13).

Occupations: Both are pharmacists. Her best quality (according to Niaz): Her patience.

His best quality (according to Christy): His kind heart.

Most romantic gesture: Spending all day in the kitchen with a cookbook putting together a gorgeous meal (we love cooking for each other).

Best Valentine's Day gift given or received: Our daughter was born three days after Valentine’s Day – a healthy baby is the greatest gift of all!

Our Dream Date: A 10-course gourmet meal served beachside with wine pairings with each course.

"We love cooking for each other."

Four Things You May Not Have Known About This Season's Sweet Treat

BY KELSEY MCNIEL

It’s going to come in heart-shaped boxes, drizzled over strawberries and maybe even with a little treat hidden inside. Chocolate could be the official sponsor of a good Valentine’s Day, so it’s high time you found out the nitty gritty. Here are four things you likely didn’t know about the wonder bean

 Chocolate milk is just as good as white milk.

Chocolate milk may not be your first choice, but it’s probably your child’s. And researchers now say that’s okay. The increased sugar in flavored milk is insignificant in the face of the overall vitamins and other key ingredients kids are gulping down, states a report written by two pediatricians in the April 2007 American Academy of Pediatrics' AAP News. And since nearly 70 percent of kids in school cafeterias prefer the browner variety, a thumbs up for chocolate milk is much needed reassurance for many parents and school nutritionists.

chocolate! big yum perk

the late Albert Kligman proved that acne is not affected by chocolate consumption. However, regardless of health benefits or no chance of zits, doctors still advise that chocolate should be eaten in moderation. Its high calorie count doesn’t make it a good substitute for fruit. However, the best kinds to give to a health-conscious loved one are those devoid of nougat or caramel.

 Milk chocolate and dark chocolate do the same damage.

Dark chocolate is often lauded for its health benefits from high levels of flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties. One study from 1998, when chocolate’s benefits were first being illuminated, suggested moderate chocolate eaters live longer than people who don’t consume the sweet concoction. But while many of these studies focus on dark chocolate, it is irrelevant which type you prefer when on a diet: both milk and dark chocolate contain the same number of calories. The dark variety, however, does have more antioxidants – nearly eight times as many as strawberries!

 Consume with (skin conscious) cares to the wind.

Enjoy your sweetie’s treat this season with no fear of break-outs. That old wives’ tale of chocolate causing acne has long been proven wrong. An experiment performed by

 Chocolate can help prevent cancer. Lowered blood pressure, fewer clogged arteries and weight loss have all been attributed to the consumption of dark chocolate, and now this little brown bean may also help prevent cancer. Some argue that dark chocolate contains catechins, antioxidants that fight cancer, in amounts more than three times of that found in tea. These catechins have been known to slow the growth of artificially induced cancer in experiments. Other studies, such as one conducted by the Linus Pauling Institute in 2007, have found that a human body actually treats flavonoids, the antioxidants in dark chocolate, as foreign objects and produces enzymes to fight them off, thereby also strengthening the immune system and fighting cancerous cells as well.

Saddle up with the sweets this February – and don’t be afraid to add chocolate to that list. Just be sure to lean toward the darker varieties and steer clear of fatty fillings, like nougat or caramel. Opt for a local variety sold at local chocolate shops or hit the grocery store to find Michel Cluizel’s Noir de Cacao, which has been selected as the best dark chocolate in numerous international taste tests. b

lovely Strawberry Recipes

BY JENNIFER CORDOVA

With the bounty of strawberries soon to come our way, here are some fabulous recipes to spread the sweetness around! Start with a delicious strawberry sauce, perfect for everything from pancakes and waffles to cheesecake and ice cream. Easily doubled, this is the perfect dessert topper to keep in the freezer, ready to defrost at a moment’s notice, and a great way to preserve the season’s bounty. This delightful sauce provides the foundation for the next two crowd pleasers - strawberry cream cheese and strawberry gelatin! These two easy, everyday favorites are absolutely bursting with fresh flavor and are sure to bring some sunshine into your home.

Strawberry Sauce

Makes 1 1/2 cups

1 lb. strawberries, cleaned and quartered

1/3 c. sugar

1/4 c. honey

2 tbsp. lemon juice

1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

1 tsp. lemon zest

valentine treats!

Strawberry Cream Cheese

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1/4 c. strawberry sauce

Cut the cream cheese into 1” cubes and put in a food processor. Add the sauce and process until smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. Spoon into a bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.

Strawberry Gelatin

Serves 4

1/2 c. water

1 envelope unflavored gelatin

1 1/4 c. smooth strawberry sauce

Combine the strawberries, sugar, honey, lemon juice and nutmeg in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then lower the heat to keep it at a rolling simmer until the strawberries are softened (about 5 minutes).

Stir in the vanilla and lemon zest, then take the pan off the heat. Let cool slightly, then pour the mixture into a food processor. Process briefly for a more textured sauce or for a smooth sauce, process longer. Pour through a sieve.

In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the water and let sit for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, heat the sauce over medium heat.

Take the pan off the heat and whisk in the water and gelatin, combining thoroughly. Divide into four small ramekins and refrigerate until set, approximately 4-6 hours. Serve plain or topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with toasted flaked almonds or crumbled cookies.

living in gainesville

A QUICK Q & A WITH OUR FEATURED LOCAL FAMILY, THE REINHARTS.

• Why we love living in Gainesville: Besides all the fun activities that surround the University of Florida, we love the home feeling of the small town. We love being outside and enjoying the beautiful weather and all of the pretty oak trees. Most of our spare time is spent outside playing in our yard, grilling with friends and listening to music on our back porch. It is also nice that you can go on short day trips to larger cities for shopping and other activities that our smaller town doesn’t offer.

• We rarely leave home without: Our children! We are a very close family. When I was pregnant we told everyone that having children was not going to change our active lifestyle. People laughed. We have stuck to our word. We very rarely ever leave our children at home; we take them everywhere! From the time they were born they were flying on planes, going to listen to live music and eating out several times a week. We love being with them and enjoy sharing experiences with them.

the Reinhart family

• Favorite vacation spot: We travel a lot and the one place we love going to is Turks and Caicos. It is such an easy trip for the kids. We love fishing, snorkeling and playing on the beach. It has the most beautiful water! We also love the kindness of the local people and the amazing food that it offers.

• Favorite weekend activity: That would have to be a home Florida football game. Paul and I have been going to the games since we were dating and now it has become a family affair. Rex was 5 months and Brody was 5 weeks old when they went to their first game. They have only missed one since!

• Our pets: We have a yellow lab, Lucy, and two horses, Chocolate and Scooter.

• Favorite picnic spot: our back yard.

• Favorite meal: Rex loves Napolitano’s chicken wings and Brody loves La Fiesta tacos.

• Favorite website: Besides clothing websites, I love Facebook. I love watching all of my friend’s children grow up through pictures. I am not the best at keeping in touch with friends that have moved away and Facebook has made it so much easier.

Paul, Minde, Rex (4) & Brody (2)

life the gainesville way

"We love being outside and enjoying the beautiful weather..."

Photos by Elise Kersey Photography

• Favorite TV show: We really don’t watch much TV. We listen to a lot of music, really every kind.

• Favorite date night: We don’t have date nights very often but when we do, we love going to one of the locallyowned restaurants for good food and a few drinks.

• What makes my kids laugh: The one thing that always makes my kids laugh is when I start dancing. They think it is funny at first, then they jump in and before you know it our whole family is dancing the night away.

• Must have item: We can’t leave the house without FOOD! My boys (including Paul) are very big eaters. Being stuck in traffic when they get hungry is something I will never let happen again.

• Favorite family tradition: We have a couple family traditions, but the one that is my favorite right now is bringing my 86-year-old grandmother, Will, into town from Jacksonville for all the home football games. She gives each of my boys a dozen donut holes from her favorite donut shop as soon as she sees them. The morning of the game they jump into bed with her and eat their donuts together. It is truly amazing that they are able to have such a special relationship with her… GO GATORS!

• Something that we would want our children to have that we didn’t have growing up: Paul’s father passed away when he was very young. Watching Paul with our boys is the most beautiful experience I could ever imagine. He is such a loving father and will do anything in the world to make them smile and let them know each day how special they are to us.

• Favorite day trip: St. Augustine. We love being around the ocean!

• Three words that describe our family: happy, fun & blessed!

"We very rarely ever leave our children at home; we take them everywhere!"

life savers 5

BY DANA KAMP

Soyou gave in and allowed Santa to bring the Xbox 360 this year. You put off having a game system as long as you could, but when you realized the games are as much fun for parents as they are for kiddos, you softened. The fact that you play the games standing up and moving your body, as opposed to lounging on the couch and only moving your thumbs, does help the argument for modern gaming. What doesn’t help is the realization that you are still spending quality family time in front of a TV screen. Whether it’s a game system or “Yo Gabba Gabba!” keeping everyone in front of the tube, now is a great time to take a break and engage your little ones in fun activities away from the television.

• Sidewalk Chalk Fun

A favorite in our house! Colored chalk is inexpensive (the local dollar store usually stocks it) and there is endless fun with it! Aside from the tried-and-true hopscotch game, you can draw race tracks, playhouses and family portraits. We even practice math facts and weekly spelling words. Writing a chalk note for Daddy to see when he pulls in the driveway is always a hit!

• Get in the Kitchen

Hands-on cooking activities can be fun and helpful! Whether it’s baking a special treat, preparing dinner or packing tomorrow’s lunches, there’s something everyone can do. Even the smallest hands can stir and sprinkle. An added reward is that they get to gobble up their finished product!

• Build Something

Pull out the Legos, blocks, track pieces, playing cards or even empty cups and boxes. Clear a space on the floor or a table to give them plenty of room for building. Let their creative minds go to work and see what they can create.

• Make Believe

Bring out the container of old Halloween costumes. Grab last year’s recital tutus and baseball uniforms. Add some of Mommy’s and Daddy’s shoes, hats and jewelry. They can dress up and role-play or put on a play or fashion show. Either way they’re having fun, being imaginative and actively playing, not just watching.

• Family Game Night

Choose a night when there are no extra-curricular activities going on and the whole family is home. Pop some popcorn or make a favorite family treat. Take turns choosing a board game (or a made-up game) and enjoy each other’s company! b

Youngmakinggirls a big difference

BY TARA MASSAGEE

It started in 1912

with a group of 19 young women who decided to make a difference in their community and in their own lives. It is now celebrating its centennial birthday.

For 100 years, the Girl Scouts of the United States of America has been mentoring and empowering the lives of young women all across the United States and throughout other countries, Nancy White, the director of communications for Girl Scouts of Gateway Council, said.

“It’s time tested and has been proven,” she said of the organization being able to keep going after so many years.

According to the Girl Scouts website, Juliette Gordon

Low organized the first Girl Scout troop on March 12, 1912. What began with 19 girls has now grown into an organization with over 2.3 million active girl members, 50 million alumnae and more than 880,000 adult volunteers spreading across 92 countries.

The first Girl Scouts troops were started in order to bring girls out of isolated home environments and into community service by hiking, playing sports, going on camping trips, learning to use the stars to tell time and studying first aid.

Because of the changing times, the Girl Scouts has had to evolve to keep pace. Therefore, girls still learn all the same skills as the original Scouts did, but they also devote time to science, technology, engineering and math because “it helps fuel girls’ interests in pursuing careers in these fields,” as stated on the Girl Scouts website.

Also, the Girl Scouts focus on three keys to help young women develop leadership skills, White said. The three keys are discover, connect and take action.

Lynnette Magrill, a leader with the Daisy troop 868 in Gainesville, further described the three keys as discovering and learning ideas through activities at meeting or outings, connecting with other girls, and taking action in the community by putting into practice what they have learned.

“We teach them how to become leaders,” she said.

This is Magrill’s first year as a Girl Scout leader but she has also been a Cub Scout leader for her sons. Magrill leads the Daisy one category which is made up of 5-to-6-year-olds.

“Those are the babies of Girl Scouting,” she said.

After graduating from the Daisy level, a member can become a Brownie, Junior, Cadet, Senior and then an Ambassador. Each level is broken up by a Scout’s grade level. A Scout will remain at each level for two years with the exception of Cadet, which is three years long.

Once a Girl Scout turns 18, they are considered an Ambassador and can also become a volunteer or leader. White said troop leaders are asked to make a one year commitment to the troop so that there is a “dedicated team of adults working with

The Girl Scouts Celebrate Their 100th Anniversary

Photos by Elise Kersey Photography

Juliette Gordon Low presents the "Founder's Banner" annually to the troop that best upholds the Girl Scout ideals. The Savannah, Ga., photo was published in "The American Girl" in October, 1925, for the founder's birthday message. Black & White PhotosJuliette Gordon Low Birthplace and Girl Scout National Historic Preservation Center

Continued from page 54

the girls.” Although the Girl Scouts does not allow men to be troop leaders, dads can get involved too by becoming volunteers.

While in the Girl Scouts, girls will learn how to become role models and learn values of honesty, fairness, responsibility, courageousness and how to maintain self esteem, Magrill said.

White said Scouts also learn teamwork and how to cooperate with other girls.

“We teach them who they are, where they come from and where they are going to go,” she said. “We are trying to empower the girls.”

Another goal of the Girl Scouts is to teach the members how to be independent. As an example, Magrill lets the members of her troop decide and vote on what they want to do. But, her troops are also very young and therefore have to have a lot of guidance, she said. Once the girls get older they start to take over their own meetings and decide when, where and how they are going to do what they voted on.

Not only do the Girl Scouts teach each other and themselves how to be better citizens, they also try to help out in the community by participating in numerous charity events.

“You can be little but you can make a big difference,” is a motto Magrill said she tells her troops.

Magrill’s troop tries to make a difference by helping out local organizations. During the Christmas season the troop gathers teddy bears to donate to children at Peaceful Paths. The troop also hosts drives to collect food for the needy and items that can be given to the local animal shelter.

In February, the troop will be hosting a “Hats Off for Cancer” event at O2B Kids Midtown where hats can be donated and will be given to pediatric cancer patients. For each event, the troop’s goal is to collect at least 100 items to coordinate with the 100th anniversary theme of the Girl Scouts, but they do not want to just stop at 100. If more can be collected, that is even better, she said.

Later, in March, the annual Girl Scout cookie drive will take place. This is the time when you will see local troops setting up booths in front of businesses selling cookies to the public.

How to get involved with the Girl Scouts

Magrill says the first step would be the child having “an interest to have a lot of fun.” The second step would be to contact the Gateway Council in Gainesville at 352-3763004. The Council will give the child an application to complete and will also find her a group in her area. Enrollment for the Girl Scouts is ongoing but both Magrill and White agree it is better to join a troop in the beginning of the school year because of all the new friends that the

Fun Girl Scout Facts!

2. Today there are 3.2 million Girl Scouts—2.3 million girl members and 880,000 adult members working primarily as volunteers.

3. Girls at home and abroad participate in troops and groups in more than 92 countries through USA Girl Scouts Overseas, and more than 100 local Girl Scout councils offer girls the opportunity for membership across the United States.

4. Through its membership in the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), Girl Scouts of the USA is part of a worldwide family of 10 million girls and adults in 145 countries.

5. More than 50 million American women enjoyed Girl Scouting during their childhood—and that number continues to grow as Girl Scouts of the USA continues to inspire, challenge and empower girls everywhere.

Source: www.girlscouts.org

Photos by Elise Kersey Photography

1. Founder Juliette Gordon Low organized the first Girl Scout Troop on March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Georgia.

C-section recovery fact and fiction

BY VIVYNNE MARTINDALE

Pregnancy is a joyous time in the lives of most women. Although pregnancy is sometimes tiring and even a bit scary, most women eagerly anticipate the arrival of their newborn. Women happily prepare a birth plan and talk with their obstetrician or midwife about their thoughts regarding labor and delivery. It is rare for that discussion to include concerns or questions about a cesarean section (c-section); however, rising c-section rates suggest that every woman should at least consider the possibility of facing a c-section recovery.

Although the majority of women (more than 60 percent of them) continue to have an uncomplicated pregnancy and childbirth experience, it is clear that cesarean sections are more common today. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, one in three American women delivered her baby by c-section in 2010. By 2007 the c-section rate in the United States rose to 32 percent, where it remains today. Knowing the facts about c-section recovery can make every woman more comfortable and confident during her birthing experience.

Dr. Joseph Iobst, of All About Women, Obstetrics and Gynecology, says that new mothers with c-sections are often concerned that they will be bedridden or not be able to bond with or breastfeed the baby. “In reality most new mothers who undergo a c-section will be out of bed the next day or sooner and will be interacting with their newborn immediately.” He adds

that “though they will have to minimize their activity and exercise secondary to the healing of their incision” they are usually able to breastfeed and walk around within a few hours.

New mothers with c-sections also worry about picking up their newborn due to pain in the incision site. And they are concerned about the effects of pain medication on their newborn. Most of these concerns can be eased with some planning and discussion with the doctor. In fact, says Dr. Iobst, “There are new medications available for incision pain that are administered directly to the incision site. This allows new moms to minimize the amount of pain medication they take orally.”

“We encourage our new moms with c-sections to pick up their infants, breastfeed and bond with their babies immediately,” says Dr. Agrios of All About Women, Obstetrics and Gynecology. “We just counsel them in the best way to do that.” Concerns about the destruction of muscles around the incision site are also addressed by Dr. Agrios. “We explain to our patients that under most circumstances no muscles are cut but only stretched.” The mother will be sore but she will recover quickly.

Every mother-to-be hopes that she will have an easy, uncomplicated labor and

giggle tips!

delivery. However, if a woman does undergo a c-section she will still be able to experience all the joys that come with the birth of new baby. And in reality, all new moms have questions about the recovery process. “Whether she experiences an uncomplicated delivery or one that requires more direct intervention by myself or one of our midwives, I like to tell my patients that no question or concern is too small or too big to discuss.” The best way to enjoy that new baby is to separate fact from fiction by communicating with the experts throughout the pregnancy and the recovery process.

• Pack dresses or loose clothing to wear home from the hospital.

• Ask for help and do not overdo it.

• Move slowly!

•Arrange to have help with caring for older children.

• Rest as much as you can. Your body needs it.

• Listen to your body and call your doctor if you have any questions.

• Remember that everyone's recovery is different. Try not to compare with others.

* I promise you will not split in two, even though you might feel that way.*

who were

Poison Prevention In Your Home

BY DANA KAMP

It may be hard to believe, but more than 90 percent of the calls made to Poison Control are for poisonings that occur in the home. Even more startling is the fact that more than half of the incidents involve children under the age of 6. Our home is the place we feel our children are the safest, yet these facts provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency make us stop and think about potential dangers in and around our own home. March 18-24, 2012, is National Poison Prevention Week. We encourage you to use our guide and create a safer home for you and your family.

tips for safety

Bedroom

Bathroom

Medications and vitamins should be in the original bottles with child-safety lids. Mold and mildew cleaners and toilet sanitizers should be in a locked cabinet. Keep hair and nail products in a drawer or cabinet out of children’s reach.

Perfume and fragrance oils aren’t what we typically think of as poisons, but they can be just that. Get down to your child’s level and make sure that these pretty, eye-catching items aren’t within your child’s curious reach.

 Garage

We tend to store many potential poisons in the garage, so be diligent about child-safety lids, high shelving and locked cabinets when it comes to these items: paints, glues, insect repellant, roach baits, weed killer, auto care products such as washer fluid, antifreeze and oil, rat baits, swimming pool chemicals, and gasoline. Don’t forget about pet care products such as flea and tick shampoos/ powders, medications and supplements.

 Laundry Room

Keep detergents, fabric softeners, stain removers and bleach in their original containers. Store in a locked cabinet, or at the very least, on the highest shelf in the room.

Store cleaning products in a locked cabinet, out of children’s reach. This includes sanitizers, disinfectants, oven cleaners, dishwashing liquids or powders, drain cleaners and room sprays.

giggle

Post Poison Control on an emergency phone list in your kitchen or near your home telephone, as well as in your cell phone’s contact list.

1-800-222-1222

boost 'em for safety!

BY BECKER HOLLAND

Automobile accidents are the leading cause of death for children ages 3 to 14, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Forty-seven states, concerned about the safety of their children, have enacted booster seat legislation. Florida is not one of them and our law requiring child restraints in vehicles is one of the most lenient in the country. Because parents often look to the state’s child restraint laws for advice on the best way to keep their kids safe, thousands of children between the ages of 4 and 8 are at risk when traveling on Florida’s roads.

Current Florida law only requires the use of a seat belt when children reach the age of 4. “Because seat belts are designed for adults, they do not fit children properly and cut across a child’s neck and abdomen,” warns Sergeant Joe Raulerson of the Gainesville Police Department’s Traffic Safety Team. “Children between the ages of 4 and 8 are still too small to fit into an adult seatbelt. The booster seat gives them the 3-to-4-inch lift they need to position the seatbelt safely across their chest, shoulders and hips.”

In an accident, an ill-fitting seat belt can cause a broken neck, paralysis, head and brain injuries, and injury to internal organs in the chest and abdomen. In fact, a child restrained by a seat belt alone is four times more likely to sustain injuries to the head and neck and three times more likely to experience abdominal injuries. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the NHTSA, using a booster seat increases your child’s chances of surviving an accident injury-free by almost 60 percent.

When should you move your child to a belt-positioning booster seat? The AAP and NHTSA recommend transitioning your child from a forward-facing child safety seat when they reach the height and weight limits of the seat. The owner’s guide or seat label will have that information; the limits usually fall within the measurements of an average 4-year-old.

You should always position the booster seat in the back seat of your vehicle and use it in conjunction with your vehicle’s lap-shoulder belt. In fact, the AAP and the NHTSA recommend that all children under age 13 ride in the back seat of a vehicle. The shoulder belt should lie across the middle of the chest and shoulder, not the neck or face. The lap belt should fit low and snug on the hips and upper thighs, not across the belly. Most children will need to remain in a booster set until they reach 4-feet-9inches tall and weigh between 80 and 100 pounds. Many children will be between the ages of 8 and 12 when they meet these requirements.

• local support•

Junior Leagues around the state of Florida have been working for over a decade to enact booster seat legislation without success. “Consequently, we have made the decision to include booster seat education in all of our community based programs,” said Sherry Houston, president of the Jr. League of Gainesville. “Our commitment is always to the safety of the children in our community, and we are on a mission to give the children of Alachua County a boost!”

You can make booster seat use attractive to your children and ensure their safety by following a few simple tips:

• Visit www.research.chop.edu/programs/ carseat/4to8.php and www.safekids.org for more information about booster seats that will help you pick the best one for your vehicle.

• Once you have determined the best model for your vehicle, allow your child to help pick out the booster seat. Make sure to choose one that is comfortable. Teach him to buckle himself in.

• Allow your child to decorate the booster seats with stickers, to make it more personal.

• Check the label to make sure the booster seat meets federal motor vehicle safety standards.

• Tell your children that booster seats are for “big kids” and will allow them to see out of the windows more easily when riding in the car.

Continued

from page

• Explain that booster seats will keep them safe if they are ever in an accident.

• Follow the manufacturer’s instruction for installing the booster seat.

As a parent, you can help!

• Make sure that your children ages 4 through 8 are properly restrained in a belt-positioning booster seat.

• Talk to other parents about this important safety measure.

• Always wear your own seatbelt when in an automobile. Your children will notice and develop a lifelong habit of seatbelt use.

• For more information about the Child Safety Devices in Motor Vehicle Bills currently moving through the House and Senate (HB 151 and SB 196), visit www.myflorida.gov.

For more information on the proper use of booster seats, visit the following websites:

www.research.chop.edu/programs/carseat/ www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/CPS www.safekids.org

Becker Holland serves on the State Public Affairs Committee for the Jr. League of Gainesville.

dangers of going

BY KELSEY MCNIEL

Create time limits, destination restraints and off zones.

Every parent knows kids respond to boundaries, but the less tangible, digital variety can be a bit trickier than telling them the stove is off limits. Experts suggest having multidimensional rules that become less strict based on a child’s demonstrated responsibility, age and behavior.

“You’re not going to be the most popular mom on the block, but I really do believe that this is critical. Parents have to set rules about the amount of time students spend interacting with a screen,” said Kim Walsh-Childers, a journalism professor and media researcher at the University of Florida, and a mom of two teenagers. “I totally understand wanting your teenager to have a cell phone, because it gives them the option to communicate with you or the police. I am just not convinced that every 15-year-old needs to have a smart phone. Most kids don’t have that level of self-control when they’re 13, 14 and 15 years old.”

The average 8-to-18-year-old spends about 7.3 hours per day watching television or movies, playing video games or playing online – and that adds up to a full-time job. Don’t hesitate to limit the amount of screen time a kid receives and also varying that limit based on the gadget. In addition, remember to speak frankly with your children about what websites are off-limits, then decide whether they have the maturity to keep away or if parental controls are essential. Finally, having known ‘off zones’ is a great way to protect your child’s off-screen time. Establishing a family charging station where all cell phones are deposited each night before dinner and before bed is a great way to make it an unquestionable, easy-to-follow rule. It keeps the table-talk engaging and the wee hours filled with sleep, not texting.

tech savvy tweens

The package is ripped apart and all the children have retreated to some corner of the house to enjoy that new gadget. Fingers a’clickin’ can mean a happy tween, but it can also mean access to everything the World Wide Web has to offer and decision-making opportunities a 12-year-old isn’t equipped to conquer. With smart phones, iPod touches and iPads at the top of the wish list, it’s important for parents to know how to venture into a new era of connectivity, with younger and younger kids each year.

Set rules that you enforce and follow.

It might be hard to put that cell phone down, but any teenager who sees their parent texting under the dinner table is going to take note – and follow the lead.

“If (parents are) going to provide that device, they’re going to have to set a good example, set rules and follow those rules themselves, which is even more of a challenge for a lot of us,” said Walsh-Childers, who has been a professor at UF for more than 20 years. “Be with the people that you’re with; if the parent doesn’t do it that way, the child’s not going to do it that way.”

Know what they’re workin’ with.

Being knowledgeable about how social networking sites work, what each gadget is capable of and how to engage certain parental controls are all important skills to have when handing over the keys to the digital gateway. Walsh-Childers was excited to give her 15-year-old son an iPod touch last year, but had to quickly adapt when she discovered all it could do.

“Do research: I didn’t realize his iPod touch had wireless access. As long as he’s got his iPod with him and he’s in our house, he has access anywhere he goes,” she said. “When he should and shouldn’t be doing anything with the iPod has become much more of an issue.”

Discuss, discuss and discuss some more.

Open communication between you and your tween is vital. Talk about scenarios involving everything from cyberbullying and inappropriate photos to what to do if the device is stolen. Allow your children to demonstrate their maturity and responsibility by telling you how they would react, and reassure them that you’re happy to help with any dilemma. Most importantly, Walsh-Childers suggests remembering your role as a parent. “Even really smart kids don’t have the judgment at that age to really use all of their devices responsibly.” b

Rules of The Road for teen drivers

BY KELSEY MCNIEL

When your teen gets a driver's license, it's important to set some rules of the road beyond the relevant driving laws. By clearly defining your expectations before you hand over the car keys, you'll reduce the risk of frustrating conflicts, costly crashes and other problems. What's more, you'll feel more confident about your teen's safety.

The rules you establish may cover a wide range of factors such as seatbelts, passengers, curfews, and dealing with distractions like cell phones. Try to involve your teen in the process of creating the rules and consequences.

Topics to consider include:

 Distractions

It's wise to prohibit multitasking while behind the wheel, whether it's text messaging, making phone calls, or operating a GPS or MP3 player. Give your teen alternatives to these bad habits, like pulling into a parking lot to answer and make calls and plotting directions before leaving for an unfamiliar place. And be sure to set a good example in the way you handle distractions while driving.

 Passengers

Many states restrict the number or ages of passengers that teens can have when they first get their license. Learn the rules in your state and consider adding others based on your child's driving experience, temperament, and the driving situations likely to occur.

You might want to start by prohibiting your teen from driving with peers, then loosening the restriction as your teen gains experience and comfort. But remember: the more teen passengers in the car, the greater the crash risk.

 Nighttime Driving

Ease teens into driving after dark. While many states' provisional licenses don't require teens to be home until midnight, you might want to set an earlier curfew, then extend it as you see fit. Driving at night is even more dangerous for new drivers.

 Speeding

Make sure that your teen driver understands the consequences of speeding — how it can lead to potential deadly crashes, costly tickets, demerit points associated with tickets, and revoked driving privileges. Consider making your young driver responsible for paying speeding tickets and any insurance rate hikes they cause.

 Seatbelts

Studies show that teens are the least likely age group to wear safety belts, so it's imperative that you stress the importance of wearing them. Make buckling up a rule for your teen and all passengers. Nearly every state fines drivers and passengers for not wearing seatbelts, sometimes as much as $200!

 Drinking and Driving

Teens should understand that driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol — or getting in the car with someone who is —

Continued from page 72

can be a fatal mistake. Encourage teens to call for a ride — regardless of the time or whether they're somewhere off-limits — and promise to withhold punishment and questions.

 Schoolwork and Other Responsibilities

Consider whether you want to make driving privileges contingent on maintaining a certain GPA or other responsibilities, like doing chores.

 Maintenance

Teach your teen basic car maintenance that will keep the car safe and prevent breakdowns, such as:

• checking the fuel level.

• maintaining proper tire pressure - check monthly; visually inspect tires each time vehicle is driven.

• checking fluids (oil, brake, power steering, windshield washer).

• oil change every 3,000 miles or as recommended in owner’s manual.

• keeping windows clean (inside and out) and mirrors.

• review tasks like reading a tire gauge and checking oil — first demonstrating, then supervising as your teen does it. Keep a notebook in the glove compartment to keep track of when oils, fluids and air pressure are checked.

 Weather Conditions

Set ground rules with your teen about which conditions are okay to drive in and which aren't. Explain that if he or she is driving and a strong storm starts, it makes sense to pull off the roadway and wait it out — even if curfew is compromised because of bad weather. Safety always comes first.

Consider putting the rules in writing by creating a Driver Agreement that clearly states the rules and the consequences for not following them. This eliminates gray areas and stresses that you take the rules seriously and your teen should too.

And from time to time, get in the passenger seat while your teen drives. This will give you a sense of how comfortable he or she is behind the wheel — and how comfortable you are handing over the keys. Creating rules for the road now can help build a foundation for safe driving that your teen will have forever. b

Reviewed by: Kurt E. Gray, MSM

Date reviewed: January 2011

© 1995-2011. The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission.

face

simple home made

beauty treatments

BY DANA KAMP

Pampering ourselves is often put on the back burner for one reason or another. Busy schedules and tight budgets can keep us from taking the time for any kind of beauty treatment or “me time.” We can change that! By using foods and items already in your pantry or fridge, you’re saving money, using healthy, natural ingredients and you can do these treatments while the kiddos are sleeping.

natural

homemade beauty

hair

Avocado—Scoop out the flesh of the avocado (and save it for one of our other treatments) and gently rub the inner peel on your clean skin for a refreshing mask. Leave on for 20-30 minutes and rinse with warm water.

Lemon juice—Just a drop of lemon juice on blemishes can help with inflammation and healing. We found applying it at night and leaving it on overnight allowed it to work best. Avoid exfoliating your skin just prior to applying the lemon juice to prevent irritation.

Honey, yogurt and avocado—Stir these ingredients together (we used 1 tablespoon of honey, half of a peeled avocado and ¼ cup of yogurt) and generously apply to your face. Relax for 10-20 minutes, rinse with cool water and enjoy smooth, moisturized skin.

Milk—Soak cotton balls in cold milk and rest the cotton balls on your eyes to reduce puffiness.

Avocado slices—Another soothing treatment for puffy eyes is fresh avocado. Simply relax for a few minutes with the slices on your eyelids and beneath your eyes.

Olive oil—Smear a small amount of olive oil onto lips before bed for a moisturizing overnight balm.

giggle tip!

Olive oil—Simply dab a small amount on your fingertips and apply to the ends of your hair to heal split ends. Feel free to add a drop of your favorite essential oil before applying if you don’t care for the smell of olive oil.

Banana—Puree a banana (add a tablespoon of olive oil for added moisture if you choose) and spread onto your hair. Leave in for 20-25 minutes, then wash and condition your hair as usual. This is a great treatment for dry or damaged hair.

please use caution

and your best judgment when applying fruits, vegetables and oils to your skin or hair.

If you have any known allergies please consult your doctor before making your own treatments.

nails

Olive oil—Use a cotton swab to apply olive oil to cuticles for a moisturizing treatment.

Lemon juice—Soak nails in a small bowl of lemon juice for five minutes to whiten yellow nails.

it natural body care

Lemon juice, olive oil and sugar Mix these ingredients (add a little of each until a sugar scrub consistency is achieved) and rub onto rough spots such as heels, ankles, elbows and knees. Rinse with warm water.

Strawberries—Smash fresh strawberries to make a luscious, exfoliating body scrub. Apply using your hands, a washcloth or loofah and rinse with warm water.

Calendar of Events

February 17-18

Dance Alive Presents Carmina

Burana

7:30 p.m.

Phillips Performing Arts Center

February 18

5 Points of Life Kids Marathon

9 a.m. / FREE www.fivepointsoflife.com

February 24-25

Winter Fine Art Fair at Tioga Town Center FREE

Tioga Town Center

FEBRUARY

February 3

Family Team Kickoff for the March of Dimes

6:30-7:30 p.m. Free babysitting and food! Sun Country Sports Center 333 S.W. 140th Terrace

February 3-4

Dudley Farm Plow Days

10 a.m.-2 p.m. (352)472-1142

February 5-6

Hoggetowne Medieval Faire

www.gvlculturalaffairs.org

February 11

Beauty & Body Expo

10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Fine Arts Hall at Santa Fe College www.thebeautyandbodyexpo.com

February 14

Happy Valentine’s Day!

February 14

Stroll Down Lover’s Lane

6-10 p.m.

Haile Village Center

www.strolldownloverslane.com

February 25-26

Haile Village Mardi Gras

5-11 p.m. / FREE Haile Village Center

MARCH

March 2-6

Alachua County Youth Fair and Livestock Show FREE

Alachua County Fairgrounds

March 3

Overnight at the Museum

7 p.m.-9 a.m. the following morning Florida Museum of Natural History

March 3-4

Where the Sidewalk Ends Youth Arts Festival

9 a.m.-3 p.m. / FREE Thornebrook Village

March 7

Giggle Magazine’s 3rd Annual Casting Call for Cuties

3-6 p.m. / $5 donation per child

Benefiting the March of Dimes

Miracles Maternity & Children’s Boutique www.gigglemag.com

March 17

Community Fest

10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Alachua County Fairgrounds

www.GainesvilleCommunityFest.com

March 24

March for Babies

Westwood Middle School

www.marchforbabies.org

March 25

Celebrate the Child and VPK Round-Up

2-4 p.m. / FREE Tower Road Library

March 25

Puttin’ on the Ritz

6-10:30 p.m.

Benefiting the Children’s Home Society of Florida

Fine Arts Hall at Santa Fe College

www.chsfl.org

February

March

Over 1,000 listings for kids’ activities around Alachua County