23, May-Jun 2010
Transcription
23, May-Jun 2010
Issue 23 — 85+ members & GROWING! Our moms were asked . . . Do you have any awesome tips to promote organization and efficiency in your homes? Here is what they had to say—— say—— • If you have a two-story house, set up a changing station on each floor if you have the room. Use hardly used space as a baby supply closet. • Sort laundry as it is taken off and spray stains when you undress your kids. Saves a lot of time not having to find them later on. • Don’t bother putting away the clothes that your kids wear most often. Just keep them folded in a basket in their room. MAY 5th May/June 2010 6:30pm, MMM Dinner Meeting Ruby Tuesday, Dewitt 9th Happy Mother’s Day 11th 1pm, Play Date at Rosamond Gifford Zoo coordinated by Jamie P 31st Memorial Day JUNE • Plan at least 3 meals a week and try to do the prep work on Sunday. Chop the veggies, assemble the casserole so it’s all set for the week. 2nd 6:30pm, MMM Dinner Meeting Ruby Tuesday, Dewitt • Use paper plates for take out food. 19th • For two nights each week, take turns with your husband/ partner cooking meals. Gives you each a break from the kids and the time spent alone in the kitchen can be very therapeutic. Make sure to make enough for leftovers, then you have four meals!! 5pm-9pm, CNY Fertility Client Appreciation Rosamond Gifford Zoo RSVP here http://cnyfertility.com/zoo2010 20th Happy Father’s Day • Use the one in one out rule-as soon as you get a new toy or game, donate or throw out an older one. • Find 100 things—when your have 10 or 15 minutes free go through your house and find 100 things that you can throw away (broken crayons, Happy Meal toys, expired food and medicine, old make up). It adds up quickly and you will really feel like you have accomplished something. • Use over the door mesh shoe organizers to hold little toys and baby items. Closet-maid Cubicles are great for bigger toys, books and extra clothes storage. • Lower your standards- does the shower really need to be scrubbed clean once a week? Every other week works fine. • Keep a magnetic notepad on your fridge and jot down things that you are low on or out of so you don’t have to waste time figuring out what you need when you are headed to the store. • OHIO, Only Handle It Once– immediately throw away, shred or recycle what mail you can. Put the bills where they need to go. TWIN BOYS: Jackson Courter, 4lbs 11oz and Henry Evert, 5lbs 3oz born on April 6, 2010 to Casey & James Frazee. TWIN BOYS: Alexander, 5lbs 11oz, and Colin, 5lbs, born on April 1, 2010 to Aimee & Fritz Block and big sister Alaina. TWIN GIRLS: Kasey, 8lbs 11oz, and Kaylee, 6lbs 1oz, born on March 29, 2010 to Karen & Joseph Sebastion and proud siblings Jonathon, Jamie, Kristina & Jared. TWIN BOYS: Kevin Christopher, 5lbs 2oz and Brendan Patrick, 4lbs 13oz born on March 15, 2010 to Kristen & Daniel Smith and big brother and sister Peter & Molly. Executive Board PRESIDENT Kelly Carter [email protected] (315) 308-0277 VICE PRESIDENT Mary Wood TREASURER Tracy Blumer RECORDING SECRETARY Leslie Petty CORRESPONDING SECRETARY Cyndi Rizzo Committees LIBRARIAN Amanda Fosberg CHILDREN’S LIBRARIAN Susan Hayes Renee Gurley MEMBERSHIP Mary Wood Mercedes Genei BIG SISTERS Meghan Leonardis NEWSLETTER Tracy Blumer Leslie Petty Mary Wood PUBLICITY Cyndi Rizzo Sharon Bush MEETING PROGRAMS Maureen Bennett Lisa Vona PLAYGROUPS Krista Selig Susan Hayes PREEMIE CLOSET Melissa Sainsbury HISTORIAN Leslie Petty STATE REPRESENTATIVE Kelly Carter NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE Mercedes Genei 2 MULTITUDES, May/June 2010 Kelly Carter Mom to 5 year old twin girls & MMM founder and president Fair Does Not Always Mean Equal “It’s not fair” is a phrase that we hear quite often from our five year old twin daughters these days. If one gets or does something, the other thinks she needs exactly the same thing at exactly the same time. Even if one gets praise, the other one is crushed if she does not get the same positive reinforcement. Multiples are the same age, and often at the same stage. They face milestones simultaneously. They equate fairness with equality. However, fairness and equality are not always synonymous. This is not a concept that is easy to instill with two kids the same age. As babies, we seemed to force everything to be the same. We had to keep them on the same schedule, right? When one woke, we woke the other. When one ate, the other ate. When one was burped, we burped the other. Even now, we track turns: who gets to push the elevator button first, who gets to sit behind mom in the car, who gets to pick the bedtime story. Our well intended efforts seem to have created unreasonable expectations. Clearly (to us anyway), Ashley and Brooke are individuals with differences that need to be acknowledged while still supporting their status as multiples. As an infant, Ashley was more “high maintenance” and Brooke was more “laid back” as we had labeled them. Today, the roles have pretty much reversed. Ashley is eager to please and learn, Brooke is less interested, but just as intelligent. We talk about fairness, jealousy and reasonable expectations about twin equality. We are encouraging them to recognize one another’s differences and rejoice in their individuality. Being ‘fair’ means that everyone gets what they need when they need it. By showing them that the treatment that is right for one person is not always right for another, we are teaching empathy and social tolerance. Life is not always fair, but mom and dad will try to be. Embrace the joy in doing what is right for each child, and encourage a generous spirit. The next time we feel that twinge of parental guilt over not treating out multiples the same, remember that fairness and equality are not always synonymous and they shouldn’t be. We are doing our children a lifelong favor by differentiating between the two. Check out these Family Friendly Vacation Ideas!!!! Great Wolf Lodge www.greatwolf.com 12 locations Nationwide. We have moms that have visited the ones in Niagara Falls, Williamsburg and the Poconos. They are fun, family friendly indoor water parks with activities for children of all ages. Everything you need is all in one location-lodging, food and entertainment. Check out the Cub Care Pajama party where the kids can play supervised and adults can have some free time to themselves in the evening. Ocean City, New Jersey www.oceancitychamber.com More than one of our moms suggested this location. It is a dry community to there are no bars so it is very family friendly. It is about a 5-6 hour drive from Syracuse. There are many rental properties available, a 2-3 mile boardwalk, a great park in the middle of town, mini-golf and a huge amusement park. Outer Banks, North Carolina www.outerbanks.org Beautiful beaches, great aquarium, Wright Brothers National Memorial Park, Currituck Beach Lighthouse. Huge availability of rental properties. Enchanted Forest Water Safari, Old Forge, NY www.watersafari.com Great day trip or overnight. A lot for children to do. Disney Cruises www.disneycruise.disneygo.com Food, shows. children’s programs, service...everything is outstanding according to our mom’s that have been on a Disney Cruise. Endless opportunities to meet and greet the Disney characters. Photographers are everywhere to take family pictures. Cape Cod, Massachusetts www.capecodtravel.com There is plenty to do in this area in all weather conditions and at all price points. You can tour the Cape Cod Chips Factory, walk the National Seashore, view area lighthouses, visit the ZooAquarium and the Museum of Natural History. Check out Cuffy’s for wonderful, inexpensive souvenirs and visit family friendly Captain Parkers Pub in West Yarmouth for great New England clam chow-dah!!! Baltimore, Maryland www.aqua.org A 5-6 hour drive from Syracuse. In the Inner Harbor area you can visit the fantastic National Aquarium explore old ships and submarines, and “Little Italy”. The National Park at Ft. McHenry is fun for the kids to run around and explore and learn a thing or two about our nation’s history and the origination of the National Anthem. The Inn at East Hill farm, New Hampshire www.east-hill-farm.com Stay at a working farm! Collect eggs fro breakfast, milk the cows and feed the animals. Swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, water skiing, hay and sleigh rides. Crafts, campfires and games. Open year round. Hershey, PA www.hersheypa.com About a 4 hour drive from Syracuse. Amusement park with rides for all ages, a water park, a zoo and lotsa chocolate. Admission for the park but you can visit Chocolate World for free and take the Hershey “factory” tour. Many other chocolate related attractions within the town of Hershey too. ADULT HOLIDAY PARTY Contact: Cyndi Rizzo & Jodi Hayes BIG SISTERS Contact: Megan Leonardis We offer a "Big Sister" to paid MMM members that are pregnant and/or are new moms of multiples during the first 3 months after giving birth. We pair you up with a member that has multiples like you have (or will have). The idea is for the big sister to check in with her little sister often— to offer support, advice, help, etc. as needed. Then she reports to the group at each meeting on how her "little sister" is doing. The little sister can also contact her big sister as needed. Please contact Megan to get hooked up with a "big sister" today! If your multiples are over a year old and are interested in becoming a “big sister” contact Megan today! CHILDREN'S HOLIDAY PARTY Contact: Krista Selig & Jodi Hayes CHILDREN’S LIBRARIAN Contact: Susan Hayes We are now collecting books for our children’s lending library. We are looking for books that are gently used or new, and pertain to useful or enriching topics like potty training, multiples, multiculturalism, special needs or growing families, to name a few! CHRISTMAS FAMILY '10 Contact: Jen Harte & Leslie Petty CNY FERTILITY ZOO EVENT: Contact: Leslie Petty, Mary Wood & Tracy Blumer The CNY Fertility Zoo Party for client appreciation is scheduled for Saturday, June 19th from 5-9pm. Please RSVP here http://cnyfertility.com/zoo2010 COOKBOOK FUNDRAISER Contact: Mary Wood, Heather Hayes, Leslie Petty, Christine Coomes, Lori McIntyre & Donna Refici As a club fundraiser we have published a cookbook with our own 150 recipes. We ask that each member sell or buy 2; they make great gifts. For more ordering information please go to www.multiplemomsmingle.com/ cookbook.html CROUSE NICU DONATIONS Contact: Kelly Somerlot HISTORIAN Contact: Leslie Petty Leslie is gathering photos for the clubs scrapbook. If you have a photo to share, please give it to Leslie. Any "old" club photos or group photos would be great. LIBRARIAN Contact: Amanda Fosberg Please contact Amanda if you are interested in donating or checking out any books, videos or magazines from our library. We have many things to choose from that may be helpful to you. MARCH OF DIMES WALK OCT '10 Contact: Lori McIntyre We just received a wonderful plaque for our achievements at last year's walk. Last year we raised over $1200 and I'm sure we can beat that in the Fall! This year's walk is in October; more info to come as it gets closer. (Continued on page 6) MULTITUDES, May/June 2010 3 MaryAnne Abernethy mom to 3 year old boy & 11 month old girl triplets, co-winner of our annual Mother’s Day photo contest How did you feel when you found out you were having multiples? We found out we were having triplets at the 7 week sono and I just remember my husband was sitting with our son and he was having a hard time seeing the sono and when I saw the three little circles I said to Luanne "Do you see what I see?" and Luanne said "Depends on what you see?" I said "Three?" and she said yep! My husband then says..."We need a minivan and a bigger house!" We looked at each other and knew it was just meant to be! We never "freaked" out! We were just feeling so blessed to be parents again! On the way home I said to him "Just think...4 years ago we never thought we would be parents, and now we are going to be parents of 4!" We knew we were about to take the most amazing journey! When did you join MMM? How has MMM helped you? I joined in January of 2009. I wanted to make sure my pregnancy was healthy and kept saying that I would join as my New Year's Resolution! MMM has been amazing! It has helped me in so many ways that it is hard to list them all! The main thing that I would say about this group is that I have met an amazing group of women who are an amazing support system. The discussions and the advice are priceless! No one judges and there is always someone there lending a helping hand or words of advice! We are connected by our children, but we are truly connected as mothers who love their children! What was your pregnancy like? My pregnancy was amazing!! I took each day as it came and embraced my growing belly!! I had horrible heartburn! (Thanks Molly! She had all the hair!) LOL! I had carpal tunnel starting about 3 months into my pregnancy. I had it with my son so I knew what to expect. Other than those two things, it was a pretty good 9 months! 4 MULTITUDES, May/June 2010 How long did you carry your babies and what were their weights? I carried my babies 36 weeks and 3 days! Erin Elizabeth weighed 6lbs 9oz, Molly Anne weighed 6lbs and Riley Marie weighed 5lbs 15oz! How did you manage those first few months? The first few months are a blur!! I know that I was keeping with the schedule from the hospital and that really seemed to work! They were good sleepers at the beginning and were on a 3 hour feeding schedule. I nursed them until 4 months so I really needed to stick to that schedule. My parents were a huge help and so was my son! He was Mommy's little helper! My husband would come home at lunch time and would let me get a little shut eye or a shower! Shower became my thing that I needed each day! I always felt like a new woman after a long or even a quick shower! How did your older son react to the addition of 3 baby sisters? My son was amazing! He really took everything in stride! He has always been laid back and pretty even tempered. People would say to me, how did he handle having 3 babies coming home, and I would say, he didn't know any different. I never brought home one baby, so he thought that bringing 3 babies home was "normal"! He loves his little sisters and often calls them his babies!! What do you think is the best thing about having multiples? You know that is a funny question because sometimes I don't think of them as multiples because they are all so different. I guess that I love that they have each other and always will. There is no hoping for siblings...they got them! They are sisters and that is a special thing to be! I have four beautiful children and I couldn't be more happy! Donna Refici mom to 4 year old triplets, co-winner of our annual Mother’s Day photo contest Are you planning on sending your multiples to kindergarten this fall? That is the question for me this year...honestly, I do NOT know. Here’s what I do know, I am registering them for elementary school, they will go for the screening, then we have until July to decide. I am concerned because they are 4 years old, they will turn 5 in late November. I know that they are awesome kids in every way, they even went to Pre-K this year and did GREAT!!! Their teachers say that ALL of them know their stuff and they are incredible kids! Which makes me feel good to hear it from teachers, instead of family and friends, that way we get unbiased opinions as well. I am mainly worried because they will be the “young” kids in their class. We always said that we’d wait, so they’d have an advantage, they’d be more mature. I have talked with family, friends, teachers, doctors and counselors about this HUGE decision for my children. Of course it ends up being my decision. If only my OB doctors would have let me deliver them 11 days later, then I would not have to make this decision. It would have already been made for me, as December 1st is the cut off date. Stay tuned for the final decision. What are the challenges of raising 4 year old triplets? My kids are angels, no issues here...sure, sure. I would say “listening” is our biggest issue because everything stems from whether or not they actually listen. I do not like to repeat myself several times, to each one of them. It’s hard and tiring because they know what they need to do and when to do it. I know it’s hard for any kid, at any age to listen and do what they are told or asked. It takes time, patience and a lot of hearing yourself talk. What have you found most rewarding about raising triplets? EVERYTHING!!! Being a triplet mother is my proudest accomplishment! I would not change a thing in my life because I have them. No matter what I may face, I know I am never alone. I will ALWAYS have my babies to pull me through and remind me who I am and who I want to be, their mother. How do you deal with the questions about your triplets when you are out in public? Now that my triplet children are older, most of the time people do not ask if they are triplets. Usually they think my sons are twins and my daughter is just younger. So I do not get the looks, comments and bold questions like I use to. We still get a lot of attention though. Most of the time, people want to just talk to us because as one lady told me... “they are just so good, adorable and happy kids!” That made me feel like I was doing things right. My kids are my world and it’s nice to hear that every now and then. When did you join MMM? At the very first meeting at The Retreat. It was over 4 years ago, when my “babies” were only 4+ months old. MULTITUDES, May/June 2010 5 (Continued from page 3) MEMBERSHIP/DIRECTORY Contact: Mary Wood & Mercedes Genei If you are a new member, please download and complete a registration form under the files section of the member’s only Yahoo groups site or under membership on our website multiplemomsmingle.com. You can send Mary a photo of your kids or family if you'd like one included in the MMM directory that gets updated every other month. Multiple Moms Mingling at Turning Stone Lodge & Casino NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE Contact: Mercedes Genei NEWSLETTER Contact: Leslie Petty & Mary Wood PLAYGROUPS & ZOO TRIPS Contact: Krista Selig & Susan Hayes Playgroups are being formed throughout the year. Please contact Krista and/or Susan if you'd like to schedule a play date at your home or even a park. Playgroups are forming for summer vacation, if people would like to host if they have a pool or nice backyard that would be great...although a rain date would be helpful in case of inclement weather! Please check the MMM Calendar for other upcoming play dates. PREEMIE CLOSET Contact: Melissa Sainsbury Our preemie closet is full and available. Contact Melissa if you need to borrow it. PUBLICITY Contact: Cyndi Rizzo & Sharon Bush We have ads for our meetings in the Penny Saver and Family Times. Special events are advertised too. SILENT AUCTION '10 contact: Cyndi Rizzo STATE REPRESENTATIVE Contact: Kelly Carter The winning date on the Marie Simmons Scholarship Calendar was August 23rd. One winner was awarded $500. Our club won 3rd place in the newsletter contest for large clubs. SUMMER FAMILY PICNIC Contact: Krista Selig & Nancy McDaniel Save the date, this year's summer family picnic is August 1st, 10am at Santaro Park. ● Big Sisters (contact Meghan Leonardis) ● CNY Fertility Zoo Event ● Summer Family Picnic ‘10 ● Silent Auction '10 ● Christmas Family '10 ● Children's Holiday Party '10 ● Adult Holiday Party '10 Consider your own talents and interests, as well as how much time you will be able to invest. If your children are over 1 year of age, we ask you to join a committee and help support our organization. Please email Christine Coomes to volunteer. 6 MULTITUDES, May/June 2010 Several mommies enjoyed a wonderful night away at the Turning Stone Lodge and Casino. They enjoyed dinner, great conversation, trips to the spa, hot tub and danced the night away at Lava. Multiple Moms to be... Lisa Salisbury Expecting Twins, May '10 Amy Hall Expecting Twins June '10 Jamie Lynn Waller Expecting Twins, July '10 Barbara Allott Expecting Twins, Sept '10 Rebecca Kelsey, Kelsey Expecting Triplets, Oct '10 Multiple Mommy Expecting One More! Stephanie Johnson Expecting a singleton Oct ‘10 Mark your Calendars!!! The 5th Annual Multiple Moms Mingle Summer Family Picnic will be held on Sunday, August 1, 2010 from10am-2pm at Santaro Park in the Town of Onondaga. You and your kids can see free select G or PG movies at participating Regal Theatres all summer long. The movies will start at 10:00am every Tuesday and Wednesday during the Regal Free Family Film Festival. Tickets and seating are firstcome, first-served and are limited to theatre capacity, so be sure to get there early! Check this website for movies playing at other area theaters... http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/ familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx Carousel Mall Stadium 06/29-06/30 Pirates Who Don't Do Anything (G) Where The Wild Things Are (PG) 07/06-07/07 07/13-07/14 07/20-07/21 07/27-07/28 08/03-08/04 08/10-08/11 08/17-08/18 08/24-08/25 Doogal (G) Hoodwinked (PG) Charlotte's Web (G) Spirit: Stallion Of The Cimarron (G) Rugrats The Movie (G) Kung Fu Panda (PG) Wallace and Gromit (G) Night At The Museum II (PG) ARCTIC TALE (G) Alvin And The Chipmunks Squeakquel (PG) Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (G) Bee Movie (PG) Polar Express (G) Harry Potter: Half Blood Prince (PG) Kit Kittredge: American Girl (G) Shorts (PG) KIDS EAT FREE! Many restaurants in the Syracuse area offer kids eat free night or kids eat cheap. Some restrictions apply (i.e. age of child or you are required to purchase an adult entree) however still a good deal especially when feeding multiple mouths. Please call the restaurant before attending as promotions can change. Most deals were found at www.kidsmealdeals.com. Quaker Steak & Lube -http://www.quakersteak&lube.com Mondays 5-10pm, 1 child (age 10 & under) free with adult entree 3535 Walters Rd., Syracuse 315.451.9464 Spaghetti Warehouse -http://www.meatballs.com Mondays, Kids meals are $1.99 with adult entree 689 N Clinton, Syracuse 315.475.1807 Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill -http://www.smokeybones.com Mondays 5pm-7pm, Kids eat free with adult entree 4036 State Route 31, Liverpool 315.652.7824 Papa Gallo -http://www.papagallorestaurant.com Monday—Thursday lunch & dinner, kids free with adult entree 205 Genesee Street, Fayetteville 315.632.4789 IHOP -http://www.ihop.com Mondays 4-10pm, kids 12 & under 4002 West Genesee Street 315.488.3160 4603 E. Genesee St, 315.446.0915 Denny's Restaurant -http://www.dennys.com Tuesdays & Thursdays 4-10pm, Kids 10 & under 6591 Thompson Rd, Syracuse 315.437.901 moms to Welcome NEW s Mingle! Multiple Mom se tt • Jecenia Bre sey • Rebecca Kel ry • Lisa S alisbu rton • Karen Ath e chneid • Katherin e S ith • Kristen S m ott • Barbara All E H ERE! • YOUR NAM ! & G RO WING 87 m em ber s Ponderosa -http://www.ponderosasteakhouses.com Tuesdays 4-close, 2 Kids 12 & under with adult purchase 3713 Brewerton Road, North Syracuse 315.455.115 Tully's Good Times -http://www.tullysgoodtimes.com Wednesdays, Kids 10 & under pay what they weigh Fairmount, 3355 W. Genesee Street 315.488.9322 Tully's Erie Blvd, 2943 Erie Blvd. East 315.449.9339 Tully's North Syracuse, 7838 Brewerton Road 315.452.5656 Tully's Liverpool, 311 7th North Street 315.451.6766 Johnny Angel's -http://www.johnnyangels.biz Wednesdays, kids eat free with adult entree 22 Jordan Street, Skaneateles 315.685.0100 Zebbs -http://www.zebbs.com Sundays, Kids 10 & under 2803 Brewerton Road, Mattydale 315.455.5131 MULTITUDES, May/June 2010 7 CHILDREN— 1st 6th 7th 8th 11th Gabriella Pauline's 4th Birthday Dominick & Tyler Pauline's 1st Birthday Kennedy Bennett's 16th Birthday Maggie & Michael Rich's 4th Birthday Claire & Ryan Sainsbury's 2nd Birthday Ryan & Avery Stoffregen's 3rd Birthday Matthew LaCombe's 3rd Birthday Alannah Murphy's 4th Birthday 12th Paul Sacco's 6th Birthday 16th Kaitlin Petrocci's 15th Birthday 18th Collin & Abrielle Zeman's 2nd Birthday 20th Erin, Molly & Riley Abernethy's 1st Birthday 22nd Caitlin & Thomas Somerlot's 2nd Birthday 23rd Aidan & Andrew Murphy's 1st Birthday 27th Rachel Waller's 2nd Birthday MOMS— 10th Kimberly Rouselle's Birthday 13th Melissa Sainsbury's Birthday 18th Donna Refici's Birthday Mercedes Genei's Birthday 22nd Rebecca Stock's Birthday CHILDREN— 2nd Taylor Petrocci's 13th Birthday 4th Anthony & Nicholas Prince's 3rd Birthday Braedon Smith's 4th Birthday 6th Trevor & Gavin Selig's 5th Birthday 10th Haleigh & Madelyn Sawyer's 1st Birthday 17th Natalie DiGennaro's 2nd Birthday 28th Keagan & Logan Hayes’ 5th Birthday 29th Christopher & Emma Petrocci's 1st Birthday MOMS— 5th Maura White's Birthday 10th Lisa Vona's Birthday 17th Rebecca Chase's Birthday 21st Sharon Bush's Birthday Multitudes, Multiple Moms Mingle newsletter, happily accepts suggestions, tips, articles and information for publication from members... although we do hold editorial rights. ;) We did our best to get all of the information correct and up-to-date. If you notice something that is incorrect or was left out, please let us know. A special thank you to Dr. Robert Kiltz, CNYFC, for his kindness and generosity with the printing of the Multitudes newsletter. Please submit information and materials to Leslie Petty or Mary Wood by the 10th of the month prior to publication. 8 MULTITUDES, May/June 2010