A Place To Grow Childcare

In the interest of full disclosure, I have to say that I have a special place in my heart for today's "Working Girl." You see, when Sweet R was born in 2009, I had to do the agonizing chore that so many new parents must face....selecting a person or place to take care of your most precious accomplishment when you head back to work. Not fun.... We decided that we wanted someone to come into our own home to care for our bundle and so the interviews began....and kept going and going...until we found "her."

Both my husband and I have professional backgrounds that include conducting LOTS of interviews and we both agreed that it was not so much about the answers that were given, but about how the candidate made us feel. In this case, who could we possibly trust as we would ourselves. When Maggie came into our home, after many luke-warm-at-best other interviews, we knew we had our match. The way she cared for and interacted with our daughter...having spent a grand total of only a few minutes with her...left us with no doubts. Thankfully, she liked us too and for the next almost 2 years, Maggie was a part of our family....and still is.

After the birth of her second beautiful baby boy, and our move to Arizona, Maggie decided to make the leap into business ownership and I have to say, I am so very proud of her!!! And I want you all to know about her as well.....

Without further ado, I am honored to introduce you all Miss Maggie....

Tell us about your business...

"We are a small in-home daycare where the primary focus is on play. I feel that through a variety of activities and interacting with others, children can grow in all areas of development. We put more emphasis on sharing, using kind words to express feelings and opinions, and working with others than "main stream" academics. All children will learn math, writing, science, etc. in their own time, but I strongly believe that being properly socialized and obtaining the ability to work well with peers will help them succeed in all areas of life."

 

 What did you do in your past life...before you launched your business?

"Before opening my own daycare, I worked as a full-time nanny. And I loved it! I enjoyed being apart of the family, watching "my kids" grow and getting to play a major role in their development."

 

What made you decide to take the leap into being a business owner?

"I decided to open my own daycare because I couldn't stand the thought of leaving my kids to go care for someone else's anymore. Yet I still wanted to make a difference in the lives of young children."

 

 What has been your greatest professional success to date?

"Opening the business and having it be successful enough to live a comfortable life has been the greatest success by far! I am not the type of person to jump into something that has such an unpredictable outcome. But its been worth the risk!"

 

 How about the biggest "lesson learned"?

"I am learning daily. When working with children you have to constantly be flexible and willing to change when change is needed. Finding a schedule that works on a daily basis was a trial and error at first, but now have found a routine that works for all ages!"

 What is next on the horizon for your business?

"As the demand for childcare increases, my goal is to open a daycare location that is out of my home and that will be used specifically for childcare."

 

 Where can we find you when you are not being Super Business Owner Woman??

"When I am not working, I spend most of my time out on adventures with my family. Since I am home all day during the week, I like to spend as little time at home on the weekends :)"

 

 If we were to run into you at a cocktail party, what would be your "party trick"?

"Karaoke. Get me warmed up and I can't resist a good belting out 80's song!"

When someone asks you to tell a joke, what is your "go-to" one-liner?

"I have the worst sense of humor and never get jokes! Seriously!"

 

 If you could go back in time, what would you tell your 18 year-old self?

"Be patient and enjoy life. Don't rush to grow up cause there are blessings beyond your wildest dreams waiting ahead for you!"

Inspired? Want to learn more?

Visit "A Place To Grow" at

https://www.facebook.com/aplacetogrowchilcare

 

RECIPE: A Feast For Baby

Today, I am so excited to share with you a recipe that I found that will make you feel better about feeding your baby mush....because, let's face it, sometimes mush isn't all that fun. But as anyone who has made their own baby food knows, the options are infinite and it really is up to YOU what you give your little ones to fill their tiny tummies! 

The recipe I am sharing today is aptly named because it is jam packed with yumminess, good nutrition, pretty colors, and most importantly, flavor.....HEALTHY flavor!!!

You will want to whip this one up for sure!

A Feast For Baby

Mama Chef Extraordinaire: Caitlin at www.healthytippingpoint.com

 

When to Introduce: Because there are quite a few ingredients in this recipe, you may want to wait until about 9 months or so to introduce....although there are no highly allergenic ingredients, you will want to be sure baby has tried most of these isolated before combining into one meal.

 

Why we Love It:  This meal has the perfect trifecta of complete nutrition....protein from the beans, vitamins and minerals from the veggies and fat from the oil! Check, check and CHECK!

 

Ingredients: 

1 can white kidney beans

1 can red kidney beans

1/4 cup chopped carrots

1/2 cup chopped broccoli

6 cherry tomatoes

1 handful raw baby spinach

Dash of garlic powder (or you could use curry powder)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup water

 

Directions: 

1. In colander, rinse the beans to remove excess salt and sauce.

2. On the stove top, lightly boil carrots and broccoli for five minutes, until soft.

3. In a food processor or blender, combine all ingredients under smooth. 

4. Scoop into pouch when baby is ready to eat.  Store remainder in fridge for up to three days or put in freezer in individual portions to keep longer.

 

Servings: 

Somewhere between a lot and a LOT.....but never worry mamas, you can freeze for up to 3 months in sealed portion containers! That's right rockstar mama....you are PREPARED! 

Felicity Birth Services

Since starting my journey with this business/blog, I have had the opportunity to learn about so many fascinating aspects of the pregnancy/childbirth/newborn world. In the past, my frame of reference in this arena was pretty narrow....I admit it. In reality, there are so many options out there for mothers and mothers-to-be and it really is about exploring all of the options out there and choosing what makes sense for YOU. No right...no wrong....no judgement from others about what is best.

Today, it is my pleasure to introduce you all to another Working Girl who is bringing the beauty of childbirth options to local mamas here in the Phoenix area. Her passion for what she does is evident and the mamas who she has accompanied through the journey of childbirth are so very fortunate to have the chance to have her in their life....

Without further ado, I welcome Cheyanne of Felicity Birth Services.....

Tell us about your business...

"I am a licensed home birth midwife in Phoenix Arizona. I offer complete prenatal, birth and postpartum care with a holistic and individualized approach. I can perform or order any tests desired and understand basic newborn care as well."

What did you do in your past life...before you launched your business?

"I have loved horses ever since I was a little girl and as young women I owned horses and rode them all the time. I am the oldest of 9 children and I spent a lot of time with my family. We camped, adventured and enjoyed the great outdoors. I married my wonderful husband."

 

What made you decide to take the leap into being a business owner?

"Though there are some midwives who are in a partnership, many have a solo practice so that is what I anticipated when I began my apprenticeship. Owning my own business and working for myself is a part of being a midwife and part of the reason I wanted to become a home birth midwife."

What has been your greatest professional success to date?

"Well, I would say being a mother but, other than lots of side jobs, this is my first professional success. :)"

How about the biggest "lesson learned"?

"My biggest lesson learned is how much I need and value the support of those who love me as well as those who have gone before me in this profession. Midwifery is a calling not just a job."

 What is next on the horizon for your business?

"Owning a home where I can have a home office! I can't wait to walk next door for 'work' and then walk back 'home' to take care of my family."

Where can we find you when you are not being Super Business Owner Woman??

"Spending time with my husband and two little girls. We travel, hike, swim, garden, take care of our little urban farm, cook, bake, work-out, read. Ok, lots of things!"

 If you could go back in time, what would you tell your 18 year-old self?

"Listen more, talk less"

Inspired? Want to learn more?

Visit Felicity Birth Services at:

http://www.felicitybirthservices.com/

Fabulous Four!!

(This post was originally published on 7/8/13 on www.westvalleymomsblog.com)

They say that as your children get older, you appreciate each and every stage in it’s own unique way. Obviously, the newborn stage is glorious for the pure awe you have of that little creature that curls so perfectly into your arms and the sheer pride you have in yourself for producing such a perfect being. The infant months are spent hanging on every “first” your little love has….first smile, first roll, first crawl…..you get the picture. At one, you are celebrating the fact that you have managed to keep your tiny human happy, healthy, and alive for 12 whole months – go you!! Although, chances are, you cannot imagine your family without them.

And then, two comes along…..the dreaded “terrible twos.” You have heard about them for as long as you can remember and as that 2nd birthday approached, you cringed with each whimper, cry, or tantrum, thinking, “Is this it? Have we arrived at the terrible two’s?”  (Trust me, my youngest turns two next month….I am on high alert for sure) Now, I know I can’t speak for all mamas out there, but I can certainly speak from my own experience when I say, that with my oldest, Sweet R, two was definitely challenging….but mainly because this is the year she found her voice. She not only learned how to tell me what she wanted, but also learned to tell me, very loudly, what she didn’t want. And although it had its moments, I think I spent more time rejoicing in her newly acquired skills that year, than finding ways to deter them.

But then came three….oh three. No one warns you about this one, but for us, it was a doozie. Not only was her voice loud and clear, but she also discovered the elements of sass, whining, and total devastation at the slightest change in plans. Yikes…. Sufficient to say, we honed our discipline skills, our patience skills, and our just-try-to-keep-sane-at-any-cost skills. We muddled through and took  more photos of her dress-up shenanigans, her silly faces, and her joyful moments that we can count…but I will admit, it took a concentrated effort to focus on the good some days.

But then, like magic, we turned a corner. She turned 4 on May 12th of this year and it was as though a fog had lifted. Now, don’t get me wrong, we still have “those days”, but I will scream from the rooftops, that 4 is my new favorite age!!! Her interest and curiosity in everything around her is inspiring to me (even despite the constant flow of questions). The conversations we have about our day when I tuck her into bed at night melt my heart. The care and affection she shows toward her baby brother warms my soul on a daily basis. She is funny…and I mean REALLY funny. Her personality and sense of humor has taken flight and I feel as though I am getting a glimpse into the person she will be 20 years from now….and I like it. I am proud of it. Four, has made me feel as though I have done a good job as a mama so far….at three, I had some doubts.

So, yes, I LOVE Four!!! It is indeed fabulous!!! So hang in there mamas who are muddling through the two’s and three’s….it get’s better real soon. And when it does, it is Oh So Good!!!

A shift of the wind...

On days like today, I am once again reminded just how fleeting the time can be.

As most have heard by now, right here in my own backyard, just about 75 miles from my own home,  we lost 19 brave firefighters last night. At the hands of Mother Nature, their lives were taken and the lives of their loved ones will never be the same. Sure, the career itself has its inherent risks, but that surely does not dull the pain that must certainly be felt when that phone call comes.

Patience has never been my strong suite. As I watched my 4 year old daughter today, painstakingly writing a Happy 4th of July card to her grandfather, I felt my self growing impatient. I wanted to take the pencil from her and help her write the words she so desperately wanted to write on her own. And sadly, 24 hours ago, I may have done just that....seems shameful to admit. But this afternoon, it was different.

These moments, the ones that can seem so mundane and so ordinary, are the ones that would be most missed. These glimpses into my everyday world and the moments that I spend with my little ones as they discover their capabilities in this world....they are irreplaceable. And try as I might to preserve them at just the size and deliciousness that they are....these days are fleeting. For 19 families, they have disappeared far too quickly.

To those families, as well as my own, I vow to be more patient. To not long for anything to move more quickly than it should. Time is simply too precious to wish away.

This post is not intended to be a "downer"....although on a dark day like today, it may be easy to confuse. Rather it is an affirmation to myself, and all of you, to do your best to settle in to your everyday moments. They may not all be thoroughly enjoyable and packed with eternal bliss, but they are merely moments. They may be munday, but they are never to be repeated, no matter how routine they may be. Each is tinged with individuality and unique beauty.  And, as we have been reminded once more today, those moments can become mere memories with a simple shift of the winds.

So, take a metaphorical photograph of your "world" today....and then hug each of those creatures in it, just a little bit tighter and a whole lot longer. The moments, they may be fleeting, but the love....now that is enduring.