WNCParent September 2009

When women have babies, nature is prettymuch in charge of factors such as the lengthof labor, the position of the baby and even themother’s pain threshold during contractions— a factor that cannot be predicted based onany previous encounter with pain.

What women can have control of is wherethey give birth and myriad other componentsof the birthing experience. Water birth orstirrups? The whole family in the room orjust dad? Midwife or family doctor? Jazz or

Mission HospitalMission is the largest of the facilities,

serving both low-risk and high-riskchildbirth needs, and works with pa-tients to tailor individual birthing ex-periences.

“We’re extremely proud of our wholeteam in Women’s Services at Mission,and the fact that we participate in morethan 4,000 births a year,” said Dr. Kellett

Letson, Women’s Service line leader.“Please talk about your birthing

choices in advance with your health careprovider, and we will do all we can tohonor them,” he said. “We want yourbirth to be a safe and pleasant experi-ence for mother, baby and family.”

◆ Families are given one room forlabor, birth and recovery.

◆ All rooms have a homelike décor,are equipped with emergency equip-

Catering toFrom big tubs

to massages toslippers, WNC

hospitals pamper women in labor

By Barbara Blake ◆ Staff writer

BLAKE MADDEN PHOTO SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT Sara and Erik Siegrist, of Asheville, are pictured at Mission Hospital with Dr. Melissa Brooks, right,and labor and delivery nurse, Brooke Beasley, left. Less than an hour later, the Siegrists’ daughterAbigail Rose arrived, at 11:50 am. Aug. 17.

10 W N C P A R E N T | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 9

ment and each has a tub.◆ Mothers are welcome to choose the

family and friends (three or fewer) theywish to be with them.

◆ There are designated women’soperating rooms on the unit for cesareanbirths.

◆ Midwives with privileges to prac-tice at Mission are on staff.

◆ Anesthesia services for epiduralsare available on site 24/7.

◆ Natural childbirth is honored andsupported, and doulas (lay birth supportpeople) are welcomed.

◆ Four rooms with built-in large tubsfor water labor are an option as avail-able.

◆ Babies stay with mothers unless thenewborn has special medical needs.

◆ Mission has the region’s designatedLevel III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit,directly accessible from labor and deliv-ery by its own elevator.

◆ After recovery, the family moves tothe Mother-Baby unit, with homelikerooms where baby and parents stay to-gether. Each has a daybed for family anda deep bathtub for moms.

◆ Special free programs and tours areavailable for big brothers and sisters. Forchildren ages 3-8, call The Health Ad-venture, 254-6373, ext. 316. For childrenolder than 8, call Mission at 213-2222,option 2. For general information, visitmissionhospitals.org.

momLed Zeppelin?

The birthing centers at the three ma-jor hospitals in Buncombe and Hen-derson counties offer a variety of amen-ities for mothers-to-be and those theychoose to have with them during laborand delivery, from spa tubs to flat-screentelevisions, doulas to board-certifiedspecialists.

Here’s a look at the services availableat Mission Hospital in Asheville, andPark Ridge and Pardee hospitals in Hen-derson County.

Continues on Page 12

W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L A C E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T 1 1


Park Ridge Hospital

Park Ridge opened its new 18,000-square-foot addition called The BabyPlace in June, with 15 patient rooms andseveral unique offerings on the unit.

“The Baby Place at Park Ridge offers aunique and memorable experience forthe entire family at a time when they arecelebrating a very important addition,”said Jennifer Perez, business develop-ment representative at the hospital. “Webelieve very strongly that the birthingprocess should be a personal and cher-ished experience, and The Baby Placeoffers this and so much more.”

◆ Spacious private rooms with sooth-ing color palates and large bathrooms.Each has a pull-out sofa.

◆ Hotel-like amenities for moms,including a soft robe and slippers, all-natural bath products as a welcome gift,

massage services for mom, dad and baby,and a spa tub available for laboring andfor aromatherapy relaxation treatmentsfollowing birth.

◆ A dedicated C-section suite withoperating room and recovery room.

◆ Two board-certified pediatric hos-pitalists (physicians that specialize in thehospital environment and only see pa-tients while they are at the hospital) andtwo board-certified pediatricians on

staff, as well as all board-certified OB/GYN specialists.

◆ A family C-section “viewing room,”where grandparents, siblings and closefamily friends can be a part of the birth-ing experience. At the physician’s dis-cretion, a nurse will open the blindsseparating the viewing room from theoperating room, allowing the family towitness the birth of the baby.

◆ The “Get Well Network” is a state-of-the-art system offered on 42-inch flatscreen televisions in each patient room.It includes Internet access, first-runmovies, video games, educational videoson topics like breast-feeding, relaxationvideos and direct contact with hospitaldepartments like food service.

◆ Childbirth classes and supportgroups.

Visit parkridgebabies.com for infor-mation and to read blogs and forums.Call 681-BABY to schedule a tour or signup for classes.

WNC hospitals pile on amenities to cater to momsContinued from Page 11

PHOTO SPECIAL TO WNC PARENTA view of one of the spa tub rooms at The BabyPlace at Park Ridge Hospital in Hendersonville.

Pardee Hospital

The Pardee Women & Children’sCenter offers a full range of services,from a variety of pre-birth educationclasses to water labor and childbirth.

“At Pardee Hospital, we pride our-selves on the family-centered atmos-phere and personal touch we provide toour patients,” said Rebecca Sparks, R.N.,co-director of the center.

“We have some of the most qualifiednurses in the region working at our cen-ter with national obstetrics/maternity/lactation certification,” she said. “Wework closely with our board-certifiedOB/GYNs, family practice physiciansand nurse-midwives to provide the high-est quality care to mothers and theirbabies.”

◆ Family centered birthing in singlebirthing rooms, where patients stay fromlabor through recovery.

◆ Centralized fetal monitoring andwireless fetal monitoring that allowsmoms to walk in the hallways or in theirroom while they are receiving medica-tion to induce labor.

◆ A Level II special carenursery.

◆ Complimentary in-room postpartum massagewith aromatherapy by acertified massage therapist.

◆ Certified lactationconsultants available beforeand after delivery, includingfollow-up consultationsafter discharge and a breast-feeding hotline.

◆ Comprehensive nurse-midwife service with Par-dee Nurse-Midwifery of-fering labor support andcontinuous call coverage.

◆ Birthing options suchas Birth Center rooms,where moms can choosewater labor, water birth,natural pain relief measuresand support for naturalbirth, or traditional laborrooms with epidural, fetal telemetrymonitoring and one-to-one nursing care.

◆ Education classes, including Child-birth 101, Art of Breastfeeding, Infant

Care, Prime Time with a Physician andsibling tours.

For more, call 866-790-9355 or visitpardeehospital.org.

PHOTO SPECIAL TO WNC PARENTVictoria Fleury, certfied nurse midwife at Pardee Hospital in Hen-dersonville, checks on a mom-to-be’s progress during labor.



OK, Dad, you’ve downloaded thepictures, e-mailed all the cousins, calledthe in-laws and laid in the entire list ofsupplies from the back of the Dr. Spockbook. Now what?

For some new dads, finding ways tobond with their baby can be a challenge.For the past nine months, they havepretty much been on the sidelines, andnow comes the transition from benchwarmer to co-captain. But with a fewhints, any dad can bond with a new baby.

Be part of the routineOne of the best ways for dads to feel

more at home with a new baby is tojump right into the routine from thebeginning.

When it comes to being a father,Briggs Sherwood has been there, donethat and has the pictures. With four sonsranging in age from 13-37, plus two step-sons, he’s been around the block a fewtimes and has some advice for new dads.

“Caring for your baby comes natu-rally,” he said. Give mom a break in theTLC department by giving baths, bottlesand diaper changes. With each of mykids, I had more successive bondingexperiences.”

“Scotty is pretty awesome when itcomes to helping with the baby,” saidHeather Brown, of West Asheville, abouther husband. The Browns have a 3-month-old daughter, Lynnzie. “After I’vebeen with the baby all day, he prettymuch takes over when he gets home. Hegives her a bath, changes her, puts on her

Bondingcan beeasy forfathers

By Rick McDanielWNC Parent contributor


pajamas and reads toher. It’s great.”

Read to your babyPediatricians, child

psychologists and edu-cators all recommendreading to your child,even newborns. It getsthe baby used to hear-ing your voice andsnuggling with you.Not really that into Dr.Seuss? No worries —the sports page will donicely, too. Just as longas you take time tohold the baby and readfor at least 30 minutes.Try this every nightand your baby will loveyou for it. And whoknows — he or shemight grow up to be afamous sportswritersome day.

Bottle feedingFeeding time can be

a little confusing fordads. Junior isn’t readyfor cheeseburgers ornachos, and naturedidn’t equip you with the factory feedingoption package. But if mom pumps oruses formula, giving your baby a bottle isone of the best ways to bond. You get thebest of everything — snuggling, feeding,eye contact and talking to baby.

Time for a changeAll right, guys, you can do this.

Changing a diaper is nowhere near ashard as an oil change on a ’73 PlymouthDuster, and there’s no filter to scrapeyour knuckles on either. Just man up anddive right in.

PlaytimeGet down on the floor and play — it’s

good for you and your baby. Play peek-a-boo with the blanket, tickle the belly,make funny faces — just be creative. Youcan even lie on your back and play by

lifting baby in the air. He or she will loveit, and those baby bench presses are alsoa great substitute for those gym visitsyou’re missing. Save this one for olderbabies, after they are old enough to sup-port the weight of their heads.

Keep in touchBabies are very much into touching

and skin-to-skin contact. Take your shirtoff and let your baby rest on your chest.He or she will get used to your feel,smell and voice.

Other ways for dad to bond:◆ Give your baby a sponge bath (or

later, a tub bath).◆ Get your baby dressed.◆ Rock your baby.◆ Sing your baby lullabies and songs.Rick McDaniel is a freelance writer.

E-mail him at [email protected].

PHOTO SPECIAL TO WNC PARENTOne of the best ways for dads to bond with their new baby is to jumpright in from the beginning.


It has been two decades since theguidelines for weight gain during preg-nancy have been analyzed, so The In-stitute of Medicine’s Committee to Re-examine Pregnancy Weight Guidelineshas taken it upon itself to issue a newreport on this important subject.

One of the Institute’s findings un-derscores what many women alreadyknow: “Women today are heavier; a grea-ter percentage of them are enteringpregnancy overweight or obese, andmany are gaining too much weight dur-ing pregnancy,” which can cause seriousrisk to the mother and or baby. When theinitial report was written 20 years ago,about 40 percent of women of child-bearing age were overweight. Today thatnumber has moved to 60 percent, in-

cluding one in five pregnant womenconsidered obese by today’s standards.

The Institute also found that Amer-ican women who are having babies are,in general, older than their peers of 20years ago, and they are having moremultiple births.

The committee found that factors thataffect pregnancy start before conceptionand continue through the first year afterdelivery. The amount of nutrition thebaby receives in utero will affect thatchild’s later chances of becoming over-weight or obese and therefore suscep-tible to high-risk diseases.

Guidelines for weight gain are nowbased on the World Health Organiza-tions’ body mass index categories. Thenew guidelines include a specific narrowrange of recommended gain for obesewomen.

The guidelines call for a pregnancy

weight gain of:◆ 28-40 pounds for underweight

women,◆ 25-35 pounds for women of normal

weight,◆ 15-25 pounds for overweight women

and◆ 11-20 pounds for obese women.Women who are pregnant with twins

are given the following guidelines:◆ With a normal BMI, 37-54 pounds◆ Overweight, 31-50 pounds◆ Obese, 25-42 poundsUnsure how to interpret the new

guidelines for yourself? Bring this articlewith you to discuss the next time youvisit your OB/GYN. And make sure youknow your BMI.

Nagle is author of “But I Don’t FeelToo Old to Be a Mommy” (HCI, $12.95).Write her at [email protected].

parenting in a nutshell

Pregnancy weight guidelines revisitedBy Doreen NagleGannett News Service


Diapers may seem like a boring babyshower gift, but they’re at the top of thewish list for most moms-to-be. A simpledinner ready to put on the table mightnot seem like a big deal to you, but whenit’s delivered to a new mother with afussy baby, it’s better than a four-starrestaurant. And those precious outfitsthat get all the oohs and ahs at the show-er? Not much good if they’re size 0-3.

Most new moms and moms-to-be aregrateful for whatever gifts they receivebefore and after their babies are born.But to get some tips on the best andnot-so-great gifts to give, we asked three

women who’ve recently given birth totell us about their favorite gifts and theirnot-so-faves.

Here are the thoughts of Kelly Sparks,mother of 8-month-old Marley; JennyBeckwith, mother of 4-month-old Jax-son; and Melissa Sweeterman, mother ofJulia, born on July 13.

10 great shower gifts1. Boppy pillow“By far, my most useful gift has been

my Boppy (a special pillow used to posi-tion baby while feeding, sitting or play-ing),” Sweeterman said. “I use it everyday and night at all hours, and it reallyhelps you feel more secure holding anewborn at those 3:30-5 a.m. feedings

Best gifts for baby– and mom

PHOTO SPECIAL TO WNC PARENTMelissa Sweeterman cuddles with baby Julia athome in Hendersonville.

By Barbara BlakeStaff writer


when you’re ex-hausted. And theeasy-to-changeslip covers are anaffordable, ex-tremely usefulgift as well.”

2. Diapers“Diapers were great, and it

was a good way to know whatbrands we liked over others,”Sparks said.

“And if you want to go amore cute route than just abox, they now have ‘diapercakes,’ three tiers of diapersdecorated to use as a greatcenterpiece as a shower,”Sweeterman added. “I usedmine as a decoration in thenursery until I needed them.

3. Rattles“Little rattles

and toys that I havenow found out areteethers have beenof great use aswell,” Sparks said.

4. Snap N’ Go stroller“One of the best gifts I

could have gotten was a SnapN’ Go stroller — basicallyjust a stroller frame so thatyou can take the car seat outof the car and just pop it ontothe frame,” Beckwith said.“This saves you from dealingwith a bulky travel systemand you can get in and out ofstores in a breeze.”

5. Sleep positioner“I got an amazing sleep

positioner that makes yournewborn stay on her backduring sleep, and has an in-cline to help prevent chokingif they were to spit up duringthe night,” Sweeterman said.“That really gave me peace ofmind during those few hoursI was ableto catchsomesleep.

6. Giftcards

“Giftcards are

great shower gifts,”Sparks said.“They’re not im-personal — they’refantastic. And whenthe baby arrives,you have a whole

list of things that youhad no idea you needed orwanted, and that’s when theyreally come in handy.”

“Even though a gift cardwon’t get as many oohs andaaahs as a really cute outfitwill, the mom will be so ap-preciative,” Beckwith said.“Just remember that there area lot of things that are reallyexpensive that no one will gether, and a gift card can gotoward that. I know that’s

how I bought myridiculously expen-sive breast pumpthat I couldn’t livewithout.”

7. Swaddles“Swaddles are

wonderful,” Beckwith said.“While they give you a verygood lesson in swaddling atthe hospital, your baby tendsto get much more activewhen you get home, and thereceiving blankets just don’tcut it. The swaddles withVelcro and the Miracle Blan-ket have been our lifesavers.And that isn’t something youmind having too many ofsince one is always in thelaundry.”

8. Clothes: Big sizes and thosewith snaps

“Clothes are always good,especially larger sizes, and ifyou don’t want to think aheadabout seasons, short sleeveOnesies always work,” Sparkssaid.

Sweet-ermanagreed, say-ing Julia got“the mostadorableclothes, butI quickly

realized that anything withsnaps for easy diaper accessis the way to go for mom andbaby.”

“It’s unfortunate, but hon-estly Julia is going to be leftwith a lot of beautiful dressesfor 0-3 months that she’llnever wear. Maybe giftingsome older baby cloth-ing right off the bat willbe my plan next time Igo to a shower as Imust admit, I’m guiltyof going for the cuterather than the practi-cal myself,” she said.

Beckwith suggested buy-ing 6-9 months or 12-monthclothes.

“The mom will really likehaving some clothes that thebaby can grow into,” she said.“Just keep in mind what theseason will be when you arebuying for that age.”

9. Books and frames “Books are great

because you cannever have too manyof them,” Beckwithsaid. “And pictureframes are great,since you tend to

PHOTO BY STEVE DIXONJenny Beckwith and her baby son, Jaxson, demonstrate the Snap N’ Gostroller she received as a baby shower gift.


take a million pictures.”10. Follow the registry“You can never go wrong with the

registry,” Beckwith said.

5 gifts for the new mom1. Basket of medicine“A thoughtful friend who knew I was a

first-time mom put together an adorablemedical gift basket for me,” Sweetermansaid. “It had baby Tylenol, Mylicon, aneasy-to-use thermometer you run acrossthe forehead, saline nasal spray, Vaseline,a baby grooming kit and instructions forinfant CPR. Thank goodness for the helpof all the experienced moms out therethat got me started off right.”

2. A bit of bubbly“One of the coolest gifts I got was a

bottle of Champagne,” Beckwith said. “Itwas really thoughtful, and something Icould look forward to having a glass ofafter I had the baby.”

3. Food“My brother-in-law grocery shopped

for us and cooked one night, and it wasamazing, and my dad also brought usfood a lot,” Sparks said. “You just haveno clue how tired you will be, and howmuch you just can’t get accomplished.”

“Once the baby was here, all the peo-ple who brought food over were com-plete lifesavers,” Beckwith said. “Youjust don’t have time to do anything, sothat was so appreciated.”

4. Photography gift certificatesIn addition to picture frames, Beck-

with said, “gift certificates for places toget professional pictures taken would bea really great gift for a new mom.”

5. PamperingCollectively, the new moms gave high

fives to the following suggestions: A dayat the spa, coupons for free babysitting,

restaurant gift cards,coupons for some-

one to fold laun-dry once a week,chocolate in anyform, bubble bath,a magazine sub-scription and anoffer of a preparedmeal to be deliv-ered once a weekfor six weeks.

W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L A C E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T 1

c o n t e n t s

P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802 828-232-5845 I www.wncmom.com

PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHERRandy Hammer

WNC PARENT EDITORNancy Sluder

[email protected]

FEATURES EDITORBruce Steele

[email protected]

STAFF WRITERBarbara Blake

[email protected]

ADVERTISINGMiranda Weerheim - 232-5980

[email protected]

Lisa Field - [email protected]

WNC PARENT DESIGNERKatie Wadington

[email protected]

LETTERS TO THE EDITORSubmit in writing via

P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802-2090 CALENDAR CONTENT

Submit in writing via P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802-2090

or e-mail [email protected] SUBMISSION DEADLINES

Advertising deadline for the October issue is Sept. 15Calendar items are due by Sept. 16

In every issue

This month’s features

On the cover

When I went into labor with my twins, itwas my first time going through the birthingprocess, which can be a little scary. Havingalready seen the accommodations at PardeeHostital in Hendersonville and knowing Iwould be in one room to give birth and stayin that same room afterward was comfort-ing. Knowing what lies ahead can help staveoff some fears. See our story on Page 10about three of our local birthing centers tosee what your options are for giving birth.

Learning the do’s and don’ts of eating while expecting andnursing can make for a healthier pregnancy and baby. Find outsome tips in our story on Page 4.

Whether you are pregnant now, thinking about it in the fu-ture, or have a new baby, we hope the information in this issuehelps with some of the questions new parents have about ba-bies and pregnancy.

Knowing what’s aheadmakes for easier delivery

Nancy Sluder, Editor

2 Breast-feeding boostLearn the myriad benefits ofnursing.What to eat?Pregnant women need topay attention to their diets.Find out what’s best to eat— and avoid.Teaching totsYour baby’s education startsat birth, and it doesn’trequire toys.Ready for a siblingStart preparing older chil-dren before baby arrives.BirthplacesThe area’s three majorhospitals offer a host ofamenities for mothers-to-beand their families.Get dad involvedFathers don’t need to sit byand watch mom take care ofbaby.Best shower giftsNew moms tell us the bestgifts they received.The name gameThinking of names? We list2008’s most popular ones.

Spice up lunchGet new, kid-tested ideas forpacking a school lunch.

Parenting in a Nutshell ..................16Kids’ Voices.................................20Show & Tell.............................22-23Librarian’s Picks...........................24Divorced Families .........................30Video Games ...............................32Kids and Sports ...........................33WNCmom.com..................................34Growing Together..........................38Story times .................................39Puzzles...................................40-41Calendar ................................42-55

Photo special toWNC Parent.

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Being a big brother or big sister has many rewards — and the occasional downside. We asked kids atthe YMCA Summer Camp program on Beaverdam Road to tell us the best and worst parts about hav-ing a little sister or brother. Here’s what they told staff writer Barbara Blake.

Ben Wallace, 5“The best thing is

playing with toys andplaying games with(3-year-old brotherJulian). I teach himstuff. And sometimeshe’s nice. But sometimes he (is) mean tome, and he hits me sometimes. But that’sreally all the bad stuff.”

Jada Silver, 7“The worst part is

that sometimes (3-year-old sister) is aback stabber andmakes me do thingsfor her, and some-times she’s a littleobnoxious — same thing for my (2-year-old) brother. But I’m just thankful that Ihave (siblings), to have someone to berelated to, and to have them all the timeby my side.”

Will Joerling, 8“The best part of

being a big brother isyou get to do morestuff because you’reolder. And when youcan’t play with any-body else, she’s (4-year-old Tess) alwaysaround to play with. And when she’s notfeeling good I can always help her out —we do stuff together. The worst is whenthey don’t get their way, and they kickand cry and all that stuff.”

Paige Bradford, 10

“Sometimes we(6-year-old sister)have fights over TVand stuff, and some-times she gets on mynerves because shetalks a lot when I’m doing homework.But we share and stuff pretty much allthe time, and everything works out.”

Karis Hudgins, 4“Sometimes I like

playing with (1 1/2-year-old Piper) if she’shappy. But sometimesshe hits me and bitesme. Biting is the big-gest problem.”

Joey Gantt, 5“My mom’s having

a baby, and his nameis Jackson. He mightlike my baby toysfrom when I was ababy. I think I canteach him a few things. But my mom willdo most of the work.

America Vera, 10“My little brother is

7, and we play andshare stuff, and whenI’m sad I can talk tohim. But sometimeshe gets into fightswith me. He screams at me like he knowseverything, even when I know I’m right.”

Elyssa Cram, 11

“I guess little sis-ters are OK. They tendto yell all the time,usually when theydon’t get their way.You have to share aroom, so it’s hard to keep it clean, andshe won’t sleep with the light off. But thegood part is I get to stay up an hour long-er than she does.”

Sadie Cole, 7“My baby sister is 7

months old, and I’mlooking forward totaking care of her andbabysitting. She’s notreally too much funyet, but she’s starting to crawl and she’skind of trying to pronounce some words.The only bad part is all the screamingand crying when you put her down tobed.”

Taylor Sprouse, 10“The good part

about a little (5-year-old) brother is there’salways somebody toplay with, and alwayssomebody to scare.Sometimes he’ll try to boss me around orhe’ll fight over a toy that I bought withmy own money. But he’s really prettycool. He’s fun to wrestle with, and wehave more fun than fights.”

kids’ voices

Brotherly (and sisterly) love



Abigail Holland, 4, has her great-grandfatherJay Griffin wear the hat and medal she receivedfrom playing T-ball. Both live in Fletcher. Sub-mitted by Martha Holland.

Kandyce, 4, and Brady Crisp, 2, of Bryson City,watch the waves come in at the beach. Sub-mitted by their mom, Liana Crisp.

Seth Holloway, 18 months, relaxes on his first visit to the Gulf of Mexico during a trip in July toPanama City Beach, Fla. He is the son of James and Hansi Holloway, of Dawsonville, Ga., and An-drews. He is the grandson of Kenneth and Pamela Carman, of Andrews, who submitted the photo.


We welcome photos of family, neigh-borhood, school, church and other socialactivities involving children. Send yourhigh-resolution photos, along with abrief description of the event, andnames, ages and hometowns of everyonepictured. Don’t forget your name andcontact information.

Send to Katie Wadington at [email protected] or WNC ParentPhotos, P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC28802.

SEND US YOURPHOTOS

Emily Navia, 3, checks out a butterfly at theWNC Nature Center. Submitted by my her par-ents, Sonia and Wladimir Navia, of Leicester.

Riley Hall, 2, hides in the garden her class grewat the Valley Child Development Center inSwannanoa. Submitted by Mac McElwee,teacher in the Waddler Toddler class there.


Pop-ups, unusualinsets, sound bytes andglittery applicationshave their place in theworld of children’sbooks. Certainly these characteristicsadd interest and lure readers. Once in awhile though, it is refreshing to comeacross a new book that stands out simplybecause of its subject matter, accessiblewriting and stellar illustrations. “Life-Size Zoo” by Teruyuki Komiya is such abook. Brimming with fascinating factsand first-rate photography, “Life-SizeZoo” takes the reader on tour of a zoo,introducing animals, habits and habitats.

Komiya features animals in some ofJapan’s foremost zoos. The photograph

for each animal shows theanimal’s size as it is in real life.That means that while read-ers can see some animalsfrom head to toe, they mustcontent themselves withseeing only portions ofother animals. It is easy toput a life-size photographof a meerkat in a book,not so for a panda. Whatthe reader sees, then, is apanda’s head and shoulders, azebra’s muzzle, a tiger’s face.

The photos’ austere white back-ground, in combination with the well-reproduced images seems to magnifydetails that might otherwise be over-looked: toenails, eyebrows, and the pat-terns and textures of fur. Every wrinkle,ear hair and whisker is apparent.

Information on each animal is con-

tained in adjacent sidebars. Theauthor includes the animal’sgender, age, scientific name,

personal name and facts withwow-factor. Written in a breezy,

informal tone, some commentsdraw readers’ attention to linger

on the animal’s face: “Can you seethat the anteater has small, round

eyes? They have poor eyesight.”Also, it is a fact that the rhinoceros’

“horns are actually made of a bundleof hair, but they have little hair on the

rest of their bodies.” Other commentshave to do with the animal’s diet, sleep-ing habits or “bathroom” habits.

With its brief, informative text andphotography of remarkable clarity, “Life-Size Zoo” offers readers the next bestthing to going on an actual safari.

Look for it in the Buncombe CountyPublic Libraries.

librarian’s pick

‘Life-Size Zoo’ takes readers on a tourBy Jennifer PrinceWNC Parentcolumnist


You can look for lots of Williams andEmmas in your toddler’s class when heor she starts preschool in a couple ofyears.

Those were the two most popularnames given to babies in North Carolinain 2008, according to the Social SecurityAdministration.

On the girl’s side, Emma is a changefrom 2007, when Madison was the topname in the Tar Heel State.

William isn’t nearly as popular na-tionally. It ranks only No. 8 on the list offavorite boy names across the U.S.; Jacobis No. 1.

In fact, Jacob has been the top name

in the nation for 10 years running. It isthe first year Emma has topped the list.Emily had enjoyed a 12-year reign as thefavored moniker for baby girls until lastyear.

For more on baby names, visit socialsecurity.gov, where you can searchfor a name’s popularity over the yearsand a list of top baby names for eachyear since 1880.

Emma, Jacob take top name spotsMOSTPOPULARBOY NAMESIN US IN20081. Jacob2. Michael3. Ethan4. Joshua5. Daniel6. Alexander7. Anthony8. William9. Christopher10. Matthew

MOSTPOPULARGIRL NAMESIN US IN20081. Emma2. Isabella3. Emily4. Madison5. Ava6. Olivia7. Sophia8. Abigail9. Elizabeth10. Chloe

MOSTPOPULARBOY NAMESIN NC IN20081. William2. Joshua3. Jacob4. Christopher5. Ethan6. Michael7. James8. Jayden9. Noah10. David

MOSTPOPULARGIRL NAMESIN NC IN20081. Emma2. Madison3. Ava4. Emily5. Abigail6. Olivia7. Addison8. Elizabeth9. Isabella10. Hannah

Most popular girl namechanges in US in 2008

By Katie WadingtonStaff writer


I read the term “accidental home-schooler” on the Time4Learning Website the day we took our daughter out ofpublic school. Yup. That’s us. Acciden-tally home-schooling. We didn’t “goquietly into that good night” of home-schooling. Our arrival at the decision tohome-school was more like a car acci-dent, a crash and burn, rollover decision.

Our child was not happy in publicschool. She is a creative, energetic, in-telligent and kind person. She reallytried to make it work — but it just didn’t.For so many reasons, sending our childoff to school was not the right path for

our family. Most of the feelings we haveabout the environment we want ourchildren to live in, and the way we wantthem to learn, did not mesh with theenvironment or thinking we found in thepublic schools.

If you find yourselves, like we did,with a child who is no longer his or her-self — crying, angry or just becomingsomeone you don’t recognize — and youare considering home-schooling, knowthat you are not alone. A recent article inUSA Today said more people, particular-ly parents of girls, are taking their chil-dren out of public school and choosingto educate them at home. The world is acomplicated place, and the decisions wehave to make as parents about education

are much more complex that those ourparents faced 20 or 30 years ago.

I wish I could tell you that taking yourchild out of public school is an instantsolution. It isn’t. And, I wish I hadknown then some of the wonderfullyexperienced home-educating parents Iknow now. We went it alone for the firstseveral months, and it was painful.

There is a word for the months imme-diately following leaving the publicschool routine and beginning home-schooling: de-schooling. Most homeeducation books will tell you that youshould be prepared to allow your childone month for every year she attendedpublic school. This is the estimated timeit takes for them to rediscover who theyare. I can tell you that it took longer thanthat for our child.

It took almost a full six months forher to regain her confidence and steadyfooting and relax. Don’t stress. The firstseveral months are tough. It’s an ad-justment for the whole family to spendso much time together, especially if youhaven’t done so in a while.

Take a deep breath and give your-selves time to settle in. Don’t try to makeyour child sit down and do page afterpage of workbooks because you’re afraidhe’s falling behind. Behind what? You arefree. You are free to collaborate withyour child to make the learning journeyone that is both enriching and fun.

Truth is, what I’ve learned over thelast year is that I am just the facilitator.Kids learn despite, not because of, yourbest laid lesson plans. Now that I am aveteran, I realize that home education, asall education, is a process. It is not aboutthe destination. It is about the conversa-tion along the way.

Nicole McKeon is a home-schoolingmom who lives in Asheville. Contact herwith your ideas at [email protected].

home-schooling scene

The ‘accidental home-schooler’: Don’t expect it to be an easy process

By Nicole McKeonWNC Parent columnist





Perhaps the most im-portant benefit these daysto nursing is that it is free.

“Mothers and babiescome fully equipped andno assembly is required,”said Susan Mooney, a lead-er with La Leche League.“In these tough economictimes, this is extremelyimportant.”

Breast milk is also na-ture’s ideal food for devel-oping both baby’s brainand body. “It contains theright amount of fats, mi-crominerals and othernutrients needed for hu-man growth and develop-ment,” Mooney said.

Holly Mason, RN, BSN,breast-feeding educatorand specialist with theWomen’s Wellness andEducation Center in Ashe-ville, added, “babies whoare breast-fed have health-ier immune systems because they havethe benefit of antibodies that mothersmake in their milk to fight the specificgerms in baby’s environment.”

There is research indicating that ba-bies who were not breast-fed have ahigher incidence of being overweight bykindergarten.

Benefits for the mother“Mothers who breast-feed have lower

rates of breast cancers, endometriancancers, ovarian cancers, osteoporosis,and postpartum hemorrhage,” Masonsaid.

Mooney added that moms whobreast-feed return to their pre-preg-nancy weight faster than mothers whodo not.

And the bonding that takes placebetween a mother and child is enhanced

by the hormones released during feed-ing, Mason said. “The emotional connec-tion formed during this time is verystrong, as Mother Nature intended.”

A good startThough there are no “nursing rules,”

Mooney and La Leche do suggest breast-feeding right away.

“There is a natural trigger which goesoff when baby is brought to the breastsoon after birth,” she said. “There aretimes when this cannot happen. Forexample, if a baby is sick or is born tooearly. However, good hospitals and careproviders realize how important humanmilk is to human babies and they try toget mother and baby together as soon aspossible.”

Mooney cautioned that nursing,though natural, may not always be easy

and reiterates the La Leche idea of“nurse early and often.”

WeaningThe American Academy of Pediatrics

has recommended that women nurseexclusively for the first six months andfor at least the next 18 months or for aslong as possible. Mooney says that in-stead of placing an artificial timeline onnursing such as six months, womenshould consider nursing their baby untilthey outgrow the need.

“You should nurse as long as is mu-tually satisfying to your family,” Mooneysaid.

La Leche recommends that a motherwean “gradually and with love.” “Abruptweaning is usually not in the best in-terest of mother and baby,” said Mooney.

Benefits of nursing

PHOTO SPECIAL TO WNC PARENTThere are many benefits to breast-feeding, but in these increasingly tough economic times, perhaps the most impor-tant one is it’s free.

By Lockie HunterWNC Parent contributor


There are a lot ofthings that are notfun about divorce.Uncertainty aboutwhat the futureholds, undergoingthe “discovery proc-ess” of the opposing attorney or findingout that some of your so-called “friends”are not friends at all are a few examples.Yet, I think the worst experience of di-vorce is what I call “family withdrawal.”

It is that first weekend or day thatyour children leave to be with your for-mer spouse for whatever time has beenallotted. It is that time that you realizethat you may miss your child’s first dayat school or the loss of his first tooth. Ormaybe, it is your belief that child-bear-ing options are now over along withyour dream of how family life was sup-posed to be.

OK, now take a deep breath. I promiseyou I am not trying to recruit more par-ticipants for the mental health business.I just know all this hurts and that it is allthe more important to have hope thatyou have options, whatever your situ-ation may be. Let’s look at a few:

◆ If you need a short term family“fix,” consider volunteering. Churchesand other religious organizations areoften in need of people willing to helpout with their various child care pro-grams. County sports programs, likesoccer and little league, need coachesand assistant coaches. Single parents in

divorced families

Find ways tofill the needto connectwith a childBy Trip WoodardWNC Parentcolumnist


your neighborhood may love to knowyou are available for babysitting.

If you are up for a longer term com-mitment, consider checking into BigBrothers Big Sisters. Look into hosting aforeign student in your home for aschool year. Single parents are consid-ered as viable options for both theseprograms, so don’t count yourself out.

Both state and private agencies are indesperate need of foster care parents.Yes, you can expect to be checked outfor home life stability and a criminalbackground, but you will not be discrim-inated against for being a single parent.After approval, you will be required totake training and you may then specifyyour particular interests in fosteringsuch as the age range of the child, respitecare versus longer term care or evenfoster-to-adopt options. In return, therecruiting agency will provide you withneeded personal and some financialsupport.

You could adopt. This option can becostly and I don’tadvise people todo this unlessthey are reallysold on the ideaas a good fit forthem. Foster-to-adopt programscan offer a solidexperience tofigure out if thisavenue is rightfor you.

Keep in mindthat as timepasses and yourcynical view ofthe opposite sex

begins to erode, that it is an increasedpossibility that your next relationshipwill land you into a step family. On thesurface of things, this may seem to havesolved your “family withdrawal” painsby gaining an “instant family,” but this isnot necessarily true. Far from it! But,step families are a topic for another arti-cle.

Trip Woodard is a licensed family andmarriage therapist and a clinical memberof the N.C. Association of Marriage andFamily Therapists. Contact him at 606-8607.

‘Family withdraw-al’ is that firstweekend or daythat your childrenleave to be withyour formerspouse. It is thattime that you real-ize that you maymiss your child’sfirst day at schoolor the loss of hisfirst tooth.


If the popular “Wii Sports” gamesthat shipped with your Wii are no longergiving you enough of a challenge, Nin-tendo has released an update with “WiiSports Resort.”

The long-awaited sequel continuesthe gaming-for-everyone theme with afresh set of easy-to-play games, but addssome nuance. It also offers more thantwice as many sports games as “WiiSports.” New to this version are archery,wakeboarding, Frisbee, swordplay, bas-ketball, table tennis, jet skiing, cycling,canoeing, skydiving and airplane flying.It also has more in-depth golf and bowl-ing options than those found in “WiiSports.”

The nuance comes from Nintendo’snew Wii MotionPlus. “Wii Sports Re-

sort” comes bundled with this controlleradd-on that snaps onto the Wii remote,boosting the responsiveness of the mo-tion-sensitive controller. With the Mo-tionPlus, it is now possible to put spinon a bowling ball and to “slice” a tabletennis shot.

Each of the sports is immediatelyavailable as either a solo or multiplayergame, and most can be played by up tofour people. For some games, like Fris-bee, basketball, cycling, table tennis andbowling, after you have played the stan-dard game, you unlock exciting varia-tions. For example, in bowling, you can

unlock “100-Pin,” where the goal is toknock down 100 pins instead of 10.

With “Wii Sports Resort,” Nintendohas done a brilliant job of distillingsports games down to their fun essence.For example, in the Frisbee game, youstart by mimicking the motion of throw-ing a Frisbee by playing catch with acute little animated dog. Then you moveto throwing the Frisbee to pop largeballoons, and eventually to my review-ers’ favorite: “Frisbee Golf.”

“Wii Sports Resort” is the perfectparty game. It fosters fun group inter-action and doesn’t intimidate players.Everyone from kindergartners to seniorsand every age in between will enjoyplaying these games.

Gudmundsen is the editor of Comput-ing With Kids magazine (Computing-WithKids.com). Contact her [email protected].

video games

‘Wii Sports Resort’ ramps up family funBy Jinny GudmundsenGannett News Service

‘WII SPORTS RESORT’Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)Best for: 5 and olderFrom Nintendo, WiiSportsResort.com,$49.99 for Nintendo Wii.


It’s “pet peeve” time. Come on, give itto me! Let’s hear all those things that“bug” you the most, or things that driveyou crazy about youth sports. I will getus started (in random order).

1. I think it is too funny when adultsare asked to join in the game to play andjust have fun with their young kids andthen to watch some parents go all out towin and dominate.

2. Parents who force their kids tospecialize in one sport at a too early ageare a big no-no for me.

3. How about those parents who getmore excited than the kids about win-ning a little league game?

4. What about all those personal sta-tistics that a dad keeps for his son, and/or cheers only for his son?

5. I am not a fan of kids calling coach-es, teachers or adults by their firstnames. Mr. Steve, or Coach Dan, orTeacher Julie just doesn’t sit well.

6. Parents who stick around andwatch every second of every practice,and then come out on the floor and in-struct their child with extra personalattention in front of the coach and all theother kids is bad news.

7. Parents who come running out onthe field every time their child fallsdown and cries can be added to my list.

8. What about those kids who getmore playing time at the junior or highschool level because their parents donat-ed lots of money to the sports budget?

9. I always feel so sad for those kidswhose parents put so much emphasis onperformance. These kids learn that theiracceptance is based on what they dorather than who they are.

Write to Tom Kuyper at [email protected].

kids and sports

Time to ventabout kids’athletics

By Tom KuyperGannett News Service


From theWNCmom.comphoto galleries

Anna and Matiganat Charleston,posted by Carrie.

ARE YOU A MEMBER OFWNCMOM.COM?Join in the conversation with other parents,share photos and more.

Posted by Crystal.


Quickdinner

Wasabi-crusted beef withmashed potatoes3/4 pound russet potatoes2 teaspoons vegetable oil2/3 cup wasabi-coated dried peas (fromAsian snack-foods section)2 beef tenderloin steaks, about 7 ounceseach1 tablespoon butter2 tablespoons milk (any type)

Peel potatoes and cut into medium chunks. Putin a medium saucepan, add cold water tocover, and bring to a boil over high heat. Re-duce heat to medium-high and simmer untilfork-tender, 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, heat oilin a large skillet over medium heat (not too hotor wasabi coating will burn). Put wasabi peas ina zip-top bag and use something heavy to finelycrush them. Dump crumbs onto a plate. Setaside about 2 tablespoons crumbs for thepotatoes. Press steaks, one at a time, intoremaining crumbs and make crumbs stick.Place steaks on hot, oiled skillet and cook 5-6minutes each side for medium doneness. Drainpotatoes and return to pot, off heat. Add butterand milk; mash until smooth. Stir in reservedcrushed wasabi peas.

Serves 2. Prep time: 30 minutes. Total time: 30minutes.

Source: Gannett News Service


School has started, and back to the classroom means back tothe lunchroom, too. But not every kid will be toting a cafeteriatray.

Whether for economic, health or environmental reasons,more people today are choosing packed lunches. When itcomes to kids, lunch time calls for a little creativity.

For a few kid-tested tips, we challenged students at Kiss ZCook cooking school in Carmel, Ind., and Kiss Z Cook chefDwight Simmons to create a few new takes on classic lunch-box favorites.

Simmons and his crew came up with several easy-to-fixoptions that go way beyond bologna and a bag of chips.

To show the kids how it’s done, Simmons took a tried-and-true favorite — pepperoni pizza — and tweaked it for a morehealthful and packable lunch.

Nine-year-old Kiss Z Cook student Liam Pierson has plentyof lunch-making experience.

“I make my own lunch,” he says. “I just do what I like andwhat my mom says is OK.”

Here are a few kid-tested recipes for easy-to-make lunch-box options.

Add some lunchbox creativityBy Jolene KetzenbergerGannett News Service Taco dogs

1 package all-beef hot dogs1 package 10-inch whole-wheat tortillas1/2 head iceberg lettuce,shredded (save remaininghalf for another use)8 ounces cheddar cheese,shreddedHot sauce, to taste

Cook the hot dogs by lininga microwave-safe plate witha piece of paper towel;place hot dogs on plate andcover with another piece of paper towel. Cook in the microwave on high for50 seconds.To assemble, place a tortilla on a clean workspace, and top with 1 ounceshredded cheddar; add lettuce, then place one cooked dog on top. Drizzlewith hot sauce and carefully roll into a cylinder. Repeat with remaining hotdogs. Serves 8.


Pepperoni pizza melts4 slices thin sand-wich bread (Englishmuffins can also beused)Olive oil, as needed1 tablespoon driedbasil1 large tomato, endstrimmed, then cutinto 4 slices8 ounces shreddedmozzarella3 ounces slicedpepperoni

Place bread on aplate large enoughto hold 4 slices.Drizzle each slicevery lightly with oliveoil. Divide the basilevenly among the slices of bread and top each slice with a slice of tomato.Top each tomato with 2 ounces of mozzarella and 4 slices of pepperoni.Microwave for 1 minute 15 seconds or until cheese melts. Allow to coolbefore packing in plastic bags for lunches. Serves 4.

Asian pasta salad with chicken3 cups spiral pasta3 tablespoons dark sesame oil4 cloves garlic, minced1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced1 orange bell pepper, diced1 cup snow peas2 tablespoons flour1/2 cup chicken stock1/3 cup honey1 tablespoon sugar1/4 cup soy sauce2 chicken breasts from a rotisserie chicken1/2 cup cucumber, diced

Boil 6 cups water; add pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 to 11minutes. Drain and set aside.Heat sesame oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic andginger, and saute just until soft. Add bell pepper and snow peas, andsauté for 3 to 4 minutes.Sprinkle mixture with flour and stir until flour is thoroughly combined. Addchicken stock, honey, sugar and soy sauce. Simmer until sauce thickens.Meanwhile, shred cooked chicken. Add chicken and pasta to sauce andvegetable mixture; toss to coat. Can be served hot or cold. Serves 4 to 6.


Visitors to my houseprobably think I don’thave a lot of kitchengadgets. They soonfind out that I really just have an aver-sion to cluttered counters.

In fact, I love gadgets. Want to grindsome flax seed, freeze homemade icecream in 20 minutes or process somejam? I can do that. But you won’t seehow unless you open the cabinets.

The same used to be true for the restof my house, but I think I am, as they say,working for the stuff instead of having itwork for me. I clean out home-schoolingsupplies, only to have more come in forthe new school year. Toys and booksbreed in the night, leaving their progenyall over the house.

In everything, I try to reuse or repur-pose to avoid the need for more but theprogress on that front is slower than Iwould like.

Really, the clutter extends beyond myfour walls. In less than five minutes, Ican get to three grocery stores, fourdrugstores and 11 restaurants. I counted.Many days I am thankful for and spoiledby the ease of access, but more often Ifind myself asking my husband to find usa little house in the big woods — butwith high-speed Internet access andguaranteed FedEx delivery. (Just think ofwhat Ma Ingalls could have done with astand mixer. It boggles the mind.)

The struggle to simplify didn’t start atmy house, but I feel it whenever I try tolive and buy intentionally. I find myselfputting a lot of things back on the storeshelves these days as I think more criti-cally about my own consumerism. Do Ineed that next thing? Probably not. I can

use what I have, make it myself or justmove on. Doing so is not only environ-mentally and financially responsible, itsaves me the trouble of donating thatmust-have thing in six months when it’sin the way. And it has the great by-prod-uct of modeling that responsibility formy children.

Quilters — who seem to have a pen-chant for the best of their foremothers’ways — have a saying, “Use it up. Wear itout. Make it do or do without.”

I’ve decided I can de-clutter now,while the items are still in my shoppingcart, or later, when they are in my house.If I choose wisely, maybe I won’t have somuch to pack when I finally make it tothe prairie.

Chris Worthy is an attorney who tookdown her single to be a stay-at-homemom. Contact her at [email protected].

growing together

Strive for the simple life and ‘do without’By Chris WorthyWNC Parentcolumnist


Buncombe County Public LibrariesFor more information visit buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/Library/default.aspMother Goose Time (ages 4-18 months)11 a.m. Mondays: West Asheville10:30 a.m. Tuesdays: Fairview11 a.m. Wednesdays: Swannanoa, Weaverville11 a.m. Thursdays: OakleyToddler Time (ages 18-36 months)10 a.m. Wednesdays: North Asheville10:30 a.m. Wednesdays: Fairview, Skyland/SouthBuncombe11 a.m. Wednesdays: West Asheville10 a.m. Thursdays: Swannanoa10:30 a.m. Thursdays: Black Mountain, Enka-Candler11 a.m. Thursdays: Weaverville (first Thursday only)Story time (ages 3-5)11:15 a.m. Tuesdays: Weaverville10 a.m. Wednesdays: Oakley10:30 a.m. Wednesdays: Black Mountain, Enka-Candler, Leicester11 a.m. Wednesdays: East Asheville, North Asheville10:30 a.m. Thursdays: Fairview, Skyland/SouthBuncombe11 a.m. Thursdays: Swannanoa, West Asheville11 a.m. Saturdays: East AshevilleSchool-age story time (ages 5-7)3:15 p.m. Thursdays: North AshevilleFamily story time11:15 a.m. Tuesdays: WeavervilleStorylineCall 251-5437 for a story anytime.

Henderson County Public LibraryFor more information, visit henderson.lib.nc.us.Bouncing Babies (ages 0-18 months)11:15 a.m. Tuesdays: Etowah11 a.m. Wednesdays: Main Library11:15 a.m. Wednesdays: FletcherToddler time (ages 18 months-3 years)10 a.m. Tuesdays: Etowah10 a.m. Wednesdays: Fletcher10:30 a.m. Wednesdays: Main LibraryPreschool story time (ages 3-5)10:30 a.m. Tuesdays: Main Library, Etowah10:30 a.m. Wednesdays: Fletcher10:30 a.m. Thursdays: Main LibraryFamily story time (all ages)10 a.m. Mondays: Edneyville10 a.m. Thursdays: Green River10:30 a.m. Saturdays: Main LibraryStories Alive10:30 a.m. Saturdays: Main Library4 o’clock Craft Club4 p.m. Thursdays: Main Library

Barnes & NobleAsheville Mall, 3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville, 296-7335Story time: 11 a.m. Mondays (toddlers) and 2 p.m.Saturdays (young readers).American Girl Club: 4 p.m. third Saturday.Magic Tree House Club: 4 p.m. fourth Sunday.

AREA STORY TIMES


Support groups

The Western North Carolina areaoffers many resources, from La Lechemeetings to ongoing breast-feedingclasses to a community warm line (aphone line dedicated to nursing ques-tions).

Prenatal breast-feeding classes buildconfidence and help women know whatto expect. At the Women’s Wellness andEducation Center, they are offeredmonthly. Pregnant women and theirpartners are both encouraged to comeand learn about how they will feed andcomfort their newborn.

“The class is fun, and filled with visu-al tools to help couples remember thehallmarks of a good latch, the signs thatthings are going well and the signs thathelp is needed,” said Mason.

The Breastfeeding Center at Missionprovides an extensive line of nursingbras, pump rental and sales for workingmoms and advice on juggling going backto work. La Leche offers monthly meet-ings with other moms, conferences,workshops and a lending library.

BREAST-FEEDING SUPPORTLa Leche League of AshevilleMeets the second Monday of each month at 10 a.m., First Congregational Church, 20 Oak St.,Asheville. Contact a leader: Susan (628-4438) Falan (683-1999) or Tamara (505-1379). Alsomeets the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m., Awakening Heart Chiropractic, 260 MerrimonAve., Suite 101, Asheville. Contact Jen (713-3707) or Yvette (254-5591).La Leche League of BrevardMeets at 4 p.m. the last Thursday of each month (except November and December), UnitarianUniversalist Congregation, South Broad and Varsity streets. Call Cheri at 243-0464.La Leche League of HendersonvilleMeets the second Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m., Unitarian Universalist Fellowship ofHendersonville, 2021 Kanuga Road. Contact a leader for current meeting information. Visitlllofnc.org or call Katie (808-1490), M.C. (693-9899) or Andrea (676-6047).WNC Breastfeeding Center at Mission◆ Breastfeeding Basics: Taught by a certified lactation educator, this class provides basic infor-mation for preparing to breast-feed. This is a one-time class, 2 1/2 hours. Cost: $20. Call 213-2222.◆ Beyond Breastfeeding Basics: This two-hour class, taught by a certified lactation educator,covers breast-feeding during the first year, pumping and storing milk and weaning. Cost: $15. AtMission Hospital or the Wellness Resource Center at Reuter YMCA, Asheville. Call 213-2222.◆ Warm Line: 213-1103The Women’s Wellness and Education CenterBreast-feeding classes offered monthly, 6-9 p.m. on Wednesdays. Upcoming dates are: Sept. 9,Oct. 7, Nov. 4 and Dec. 2. Cost is $25. At 24 Arlington St., Asheville. Call 505-7505 or visitAshevilleWomensWellness.com.


Word search: Ice cream flavors

almondbananablueberrybutter pecancherrycinnamoncookie doughhazelnutmaple walnutneopolitanpeachpistachiopumpkinrocky roadstrawberryvanilla

Kids page Coloring

Maze

Connect the dots


Across1. What a garden bedshould do to vegetables6. Ostrich-like bird9. One thousandth of akilogram13. Prefix for "between"14. Where yoga’s done15. Space explorationmission16. Express contempt17. Anger18. Cowboy movie19. Homemade plantfood21. Blue or green bins’use23. ___ Lanka24. Strategic boardgame25. Pine covering28. Withered30. Non-stick35. Most frequentcomplaint about com-post piles37. Flower holder39. Donald Duck’sgirlfriend40. Famous song by"The Kinks"41. Make corrections43. Cuzco valley empire44. Bottomless pit46. Done to a road47. Not counterfeit48. Advice on shampoo bottle50. Fictional city-dwelling crocodile52. DNA transmitter53. Gapes wide open55. Shack or shanty57. Cow emission that creates greenhouse gas61. Popular homemade cleaning ingredient65. Kitchen tear-jerker66. A solution of sodium hydroxide68. Accepted or habitual practice69. Shrek and Fiona, e.g.70. "Game, ___, match!"71. Provided with clues72. Stepped73. Owns74. World of the dead

Down1. Reduced Instruction Set Computer2. The A in A.D.3. Individual unit4. Oozes5. They’re frowned upon in America’s pastime6. What most cars do with pollutants7. Sea in Spain8. Embryo cradles9. Between black and white10. Officer training program11. Cain’s unfortunate brother12. Frenchman’s mother15. Marked by smallpox20. A strainer

22. New York time24. Seals again25. *A renewable energy26. Acrobat maker27. A growth on a mucous membrane29. It’s in multi-level parking garages31. Socially responsible type of trade32. Inside a jacket33. Ancient Italic language34. African antelope36. Tear down38. One turns green with it?42. New _____, India45. American Indian people of Yucatan49. With hole in ozone layer, would-be sun-lovers fear

it51. Harem guardian54. Natives of Wales56. Electric motor inventor Nikola57. Type of point or question58. Short for engineer59. Beginner60. Tilled the garden61. VA patients62. Cheap trinket63. "A Death in the Family" author64. Cincinnati ballplayers67. Affirmative response

Solutions on Page 56

puzzles for parents


Starts in SeptemberSpanish classesChiquitin Bilingual Academy is a bilingual programoffering weekly, 45-minute classes for children ages1-3 and their caregivers. Learn a new set of Englishand Spanish vocabulary in each class while singingsongs, playing games, dancing and reading. Classesare held in North Asheville and start the first week ofSeptember. Cost is $125 for 12 classes. Register inadvance. Scholarships available. Call 581-4463,e-mail [email protected] or visit chiquitin.info formore information or to register.

Clogging classesChildren ages 3 and older can learn to clog with TheAsheville Clogging Company. Beginner through ad-vanced classes offered at Hahn’s Gymnastics, 18Legend Drive, Arden. For more information, visitashevillecloggingcompany.com or e-mail [email protected] or call 329-3856.

Science clubsThe Colburn Earth Science Museum is registeringchildren for its Junior Rockhounds and ScienceSisters clubs. The groups each meet once a month inthe museum from 4-4:45 p.m., September-May. Costis $45 for museum members and $60 for non-members. For details or to register, call 254-7162 orstop by the museum in the lower level of Pack Place.◆ Junior Rockhounds Club is for children ages 6-10who are interested in rocks and minerals. Learnabout minerals with games and crafts. There are twoRockhounds sessions: the third Tuesday and thirdWednesday of the month.◆ Science Sisters is only for girls in third to fifthgrades. It meets the second Thursday of each monthto learn more about women in science. Each meetingfeatures a different scientist explaining her careerand leading the girls in a hands-on experiment.

Sept. 1Free Kindermusik sessionSing, move, listen and play at this free session ofKindermusik for parents and children, ages newbornto 7. At Asheville Arts Center’s North location, un-derneath Atlanta Bread Co. on Merrimon Avenue,and South location, on Summit Avenue off Hen-dersonville Road north of Long Shoals. Reservationsrequested. Call 253-4000.

calendar of events

Thingsto do


Sept. 1 and 8Childbirth 101A two-session class for expectant parents coveringthe labor and delivery process, relaxation, breathingpatterns, birth options, positioning and comfortmeasures. Bring two pillows and a blanket. TwoTuesdays, Sept. 1 and 8, 6:30-9 p.m. Cost is $90, orfree with Medicaid. Registration required. At PardeeHealth Education Center in Blue Ridge Mall, FourSeasons Boulevard, Hendersonville. Call 692-4600.

Sept. 2Skyland Library KnittersA casual knitting group for knitters of all skill levels at6 p.m. at the Skyland/South Buncombe Library, 260Overlook Road. Call 250-6488.

Swannanoa Library KnittersA casual knitting group for knitters of all skill levelsmeets at 5 p.m. at the Swannanoa Library, 101 W.Charleston St. Call 250-6486.

Sept. 3Preschool Play DateThe Health Adventure’s Preschool Play Date seriesprovides children ages 3-6 with a safe venue to playand a chance for parents and caregivers to socialize.It includes hands-on take-away activities led by aneducator from the museum for children ages 3-6.Free for members or with museum admission. Runs10:30-11:30 a.m. every first Thursday of the month.No registration in required. Call 254-6373 or visitthehealthadventure.org.

Soccer registration deadlineRegister for Asheville-Buncombe Youth Soccer Asso-ciation’s U5 and U6 divisions by Sept. 3. Deadlinefor U7 and older was June 25; those players canregister with a $10 late fee. Visit abysa.org.

Sept. 3 and 10Parenting Sensitive ChildrenA free monthly session led by parenting authorMaureen Healy on how to effectively parent the highlycreative, sensitive and intelligent child. At 6:30 p.m.Sept. 3 at Earth Fare in West Asheville and Sept. 10at Earth Fare in South Asheville. For more informa-tion, visit growinghappykids.com.

Sept. 4Weaverville Library Teen Advisory GroupThe Weaverville Library Teen Advisory Group willbegin meeting the first Friday of each month at 4p.m. Speak out about what you want from the library.Snacks and drinks. Talk about Fall Open Mic Nightand Teen Writer’s Circle. At 41 N. Main St. Call 250-6482.

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Sept. 4-7N.C. Apple FestivalStreet fair, arts and crafts, entertainment, children’sactivities, parade, food and more on Main Street indowntown Hendersonville. Kiddie Carnival and TeenChallenge within the festival is in the Wachoviaparking lot, Main and Barnwell streets, and runs 10a.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 5-6 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 7.For more information, visit ncapplefestival.org.◆ Pancakes With The King: The Kiwanis Club ofHendersonville will kick off the festival with a pan-cake breakfast 7-10 a.m. Sept. 4 at First BaptistChurch, at Fourth Avenue and Church Street. Enjoypancakes, grits, cooked apple slices, and drinks.Cost is $6 per person. An Elvis Presley impersonatorwill make a guest appearance at the breakfast.Tickets may be purchased at the door, at the VisitorsCenter, or from any Kiwanis member. For informationcall 693-1515.

Sept. 5AshevilleMommies Birthday BashAshevilleMommies celebrates its first birthday with abash at the Asheville Arts Center, 308 MerrimonAve., Asheville, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Free food andgames, raffles and more. For details, contact

[email protected]. Open to the public.

Meet Cosmo the DogAuthor Suzanne Kline and Cosmo, star of a new bookseries, will read their first book and meet fans, with abook signing to follow. Free. All ages welcome. At 1p.m. at Spellbound Children’s Bookshop, 19 Wall St.,downtown Asheville. Call 232-2228.

YMCA parents night outThe YMCA in downtown Asheville offers a parentsnight out for children ages 2-12. Activities includeswimming, arts and crafts, inflatable obstacle course,snacks and a movie. Register online or in person (atleast 24 hours before scheduled program). Offered

6-10 p.m. the first Saturday and 6:30-9:30 p.m. thethird Friday of each month. Friday cost is $12 formembers ($24 nonmembers); Saturday cost is $15for members ($30 for nonmembers), with $2 siblingdiscounts for everyone. For information or to register,call 210-5622 or visit ymcawnc.org.

Sept. 6Lexington Avenue Arts and Fun FestivalThree blocks of Lexington Avenue showcase local art,food, street performers, music and more. Runs 11a.m.-10 p.m. Free. Visit arts2people.org/laaff.html.

Ends Sept. 6‘Arthur’ at The Health AdventureAn exhibit based on Marc Brown’s popular books andthe Emmy award-winning PBS show. Arthur promotesreading, handling emotions that kids face every day,creative problem solving, being a good friend, con-necting to your family, appreciating what makes us alldifferent and having fun. At The Health Adventure, 2S. Pack Place, Asheville. For more information, visitthehealthadventure.org or call 254-6373.

Sept. 7Labor Day

PHOTO BY STEPHEN MILLER Rylee Becher, right, and his brother Ethan eatapples at the North Carolina Apple Festival inHendersonville. This year’s event is Sept. 4-7.

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Continued from Page 43


Ends Sept. 7Beauty of Butterflies exhibitCome face to face with native butterflies and mothsat the WNC Nature Center’s butterfly exhibit. TheNature Center is at 75 Gashes Creek Road. Call298-5600 or visit wildwnc.org.

Sept. 8Art Museum home-school programProgram for students in first to fifth grades thatmeets 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. the second Tuesday of themonth. Tour Asheville Art Museum and participate ina hands-on activity. Cost is $4. To register, call253-3227, ext. 121 or 122, or e-mail [email protected]. For information, visit ashevilleart.org.

Sept. 9Breast-feeding and Calming aFussy Baby classClass that teaches tips and tricks to feed, calm andsoothe a baby meets 6-9 p.m. at The Women’sWellness and Education Center, 24 Arlington St.,Asheville. Cost is $25. For information, call Holly at250-0226 or visit AshevilleWomensWellness.com.

Holistic Parenting ForumThe Holistic Parenting Forum is a free group that

meets monthly to provide an opportunity for a diversecommunity of parents committed to natural living togather. The group provides support, education andresources. All meetings take place 6-8 p.m. thesecond Wednesday of each month at Earth Fare inWest Asheville. Children welcome. For details, call230-4850 or e-mail [email protected].

Origami Folding FrenzyLearn new folds, share favorites, and meet felloworigami enthusiasts. All levels welcome. Paper is

available at the museum store or bring your own.Cost is museum admission. From 4-5 p.m. thesecond Wednesday of the month at The HealthAdventure, 2 S. Pack Place. Call 254-6373 or visitthehealthadventure.org.

Sept. 10Knitty Gritty Knitting NightA casual knitting group for knitters of all skill levelsmeets at 6:30 p.m. at the East Asheville Library, 902Tunnel Road. Call 250-4738.

Sept. 11-13Book saleFriends of Henderson County Public Library hosts itsannual book sale at 1940 Spartanburg Highway.Books in more than 50 categories, CDs, DVDs,videotapes, books on tape, vinyl records and more.Members-only sale is 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 11. Publicsale is 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 12 and 1-5 p.m. Sept.13 (10 percent off prices). For information, visitHenderson.lib.nc.us/hcpl_friends.html.

Sept. 11-20N.C. Mountain State FairExhibits, contests, rides, food and more at the fair atWestern North Carolina Agricultural Center, off Airport

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PHOTO BY JOHN COUTLAKIS The Mountain State Fair is Sept. 11-20 at theWNC Ag Center in Fletcher.


Road in Fletcher. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 forchildren ages 6-12 and seniors 65 and older, withadvance purchase discounts. Visit mountainfair.org.

Sept. 11Free movie nightSee “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” atBicentennial Park in Sylva at 9 p.m., weather permit-ting. Light refreshments available for purchase. Formore information, call 586-2155 or 800-962-1911.

Parents Night OutDrop the kids off at Fired Up! for an evening ofpottery painting and fun. For children ages 5-12.They will paint a bisque piece, have pizza and playgames. Cost is $25 per child, reservations required.Fired Up! is at 26 Wall St., Asheville. Call 253-8181.

Sept. 12Asheville Citizen-TimesHalf-Marathon and 5KThe Asheville Citizen-Times celebrates the 10thanniversary of its Half-Marathon and 5K. For informa-tion and to register, visit CITIZEN-TIMES.com/race.

Carolina Mountain Literary FestivalCelebrate literacy with storytelling, crafts and work-shops from 9 a.m.-4:15 p.m. in Burnsville. ArtsMatters and Penland School of Crafts will offerhands-on children’s art activities, 9 a.m.-noon atFirst Baptist Church. From 1:15-2:15 p.m. at theYancey County Courthouse, author Karen Miller willshare strategies for making any child a book lover.Kids can meet Miller at 2:30 p.m. in a kids-onlysession. Karen wants kids ages 8-12 to be an editorfor selected chapters of her upcoming book “Bogey-man 101.” And hear stories from Daniel Barron at thecourthouse at 3:30 p.m. For more information aboutthe festival, visit CMLitfest.com.

Charity golf tournamentHelp North Asheville Christian School’s scholarshipprogram by golfing at 8 a.m. at Broadmoor Golf Linksin Fletcher. Cost is $125 per golfer, with awards andgiveaways. Call 645-8053 for more information.

Conscious Discipline workshopWorkshop for parents, teachers and caregivers. Learnhow to resolve conflict through loving communicationled by Mindy Becker of Auntie M’s Grow With Us(growwithusmiami.com). Runs 10 a.m.-4 p.m. atOdyssey Community School, 90 Zillicoa St., Asheville.Cost is $125 per person, $225 per couple; $25 perperson fee to reserve a spot. Register by calling Julieat 216-2123 or e-mail [email protected].

Family Fun EventAnointed Word Church in Arden hosts games, crafts,a puppet show and Bible message, face painting andmore, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Kate’s Park in Fletcher (nextto the Fletcher Library on Hendersonville Road). Freehot dogs noon-12:45 p.m. Free. All ages welcome.All children must be accompanied by an adult. Kate’sPark does not allow pets. For more information, callRebecca at 242-8781.

Historic Tea PartyThe Smith-McDowell House Museum hosts a HistoricTea Party for boys and girls ages 7 and older. Theparty will feature a Civil War theme. Enjoy treats fromthe era. Dress code is casual. Cost is $25 for adultsand $20 for children. Starts at 11 a.m. A secondparty at 3 p.m. may be added. For reservations, call253-9231. Smith-McDowell House is at 283 VictoriaRoad, on the campus of Asheville-Buncombe Tech-nical Community College.

Kidfest at Grandfather MountainVisit Grandfather Mountain and enjoy hikes, crafts,storytelling and more. For information, visit grandfather.com or call 800-468-7325.

Odyssey Community School open house and pool partyCome for a swim, meet the directors, and tour Odys-sey’s campus from 1-5 p.m. Odyssey CommunitySchool, 90 Zillicoa St., Asheville. For more informa-tion, call 259-3654 or visit odysseycommunity.org.

WNC Guatemala Group picnicThe WNC Guatemala Group is a network of more than30 families in the region who have adopted childrenfrom Guatemala. The group hosts an annual gettogether. New families are welcome. This year’s picnicwill be 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the pavilion in Lake LouisePark, Weaverville. Family games, food and fun are onthe program including Spanish kid’s songs led byMorgen Yeakley, hula hoop contests, piñatas, field

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PHOTO BY STEPHEN MILLER Benjamin Wagner joins his mother Carrie forthe finish of the Asheville Citizen-Times HalfMarathon. This year’s race is Sept. 12.


games, Guatemala trivia and more. Open to thepublic. Meats, beverages and place settings areprovided. Families are asked to bring a dish to passand a $10 donation is requested. For more informa-tion, call 514-2160.

Your Health Matters health fairS.O.S. Mission and St. Paul’s Church sponsor ahealth fair from 8 a.m.-noon. The W.O.W. Bus fromPark Ridge Hospital will provide free screenings. Childcare provided. At 32 Rosscraggon Road, Asheville.Call Ramona Hovey at 684-0591 or e-mail [email protected].

Sept. 13Book Making WorkshopLearn how to make four books from one paper groc-ery bag at 1 p.m. at Spellbound Children’s Booksh-op, 19 Wall St. Free, but call ahead. All materialsprovided. For ages 5 and older. Call 232-2228 orvisit spellboundchildrensbookshop.com.

Organic FestCelebrate everything organic from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. onBattery Park Avenue in downtown Asheville. Includeslive music, organic food, vendors, arts and crafts,kids garden parade and more. For information, visitorganicfest.org or call 253-2267.

Tao of Parenting workshopAn innovative workshop to deepen and refine skills

on how to parent a highly intelligent, creative andsensitive child. The program will be led by MaureenHealy and offered at Horse Farm, Equinection inGreen Mountain. For information, visit growinghappykids.com or call 505-0383.

Starts Sept. 13Parenting classAnointed Word Church in Arden will start a four-weekparenting class taught by Bishop Darrell Ellis from9-10 a.m. Child care will be provided. Please callPastor Barry at 242-0810 to register for the class nolater than Sept. 12.

Sept. 14Food allergy groupCOCOA—Caring for Children with food Allergies—is afree group for parents of food-allergic children. Itmeets at 6:45 p.m. in the deli seating area of theSouth Asheville Earth Fare on Hendersonville Road.For more information, e-mail Kristie at [email protected].

Nature Journaling 101Keeping a nature journal helps kids of all ages take amore objective look at their surroundings. Home-schooled participants in Chimney Rock Park’s pro-gram will create their own journals and develop thefirst entry while in the park by putting their senses tothe test. Runs 10:30 a.m.-noon. Cost is $14 perstudent, $11.50 for parents ($7 for students and free

for Annual Passholder parents). Visit chimneyrock-park.com. Call 800-277-9611 to register.

Sept. 14-17Super Sale consignment drop-offThe Junior Women’s Club of Hendersonville will hostits 18th annual Fall Super Sale on Sept. 19-20 at theNational Guard Armory on Spartanburg Highway inEast Flat Rock. Drop-off is 8-11 a.m. and 3-7 p.m.Sept. 14-16 and 8-11 a.m. Sept. 17. For details, visitjwchendersonville.org.

Sept. 15Bilingual Bedtime Story TimeAll ages are welcome at the Weaverville Library’smonthly Bilingual Bedtime Story Time. Read stories,learn rhymes and sing songs that incorporate bothEnglish and Spanish languages. At 6:30 p.m. at 41N. Main St. Call 250-6482.

Breast-feeding classLearn the art of breast-feeding. Class covers breast-feeding basics to help give moms a good start. From6:30-7:30 p.m. at Pardee Health Education Center inBlue Ridge Mall, Four Seasons Boulevard, Hen-dersonville. Call 692-4600. Class is free; registrationis not required.

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Skate park fundraiser meetingThe Waynesville Parks and Recreation Departmentwill host a fundraiser meeting for the new skate parkat 5:30 p.m. at Waynesville Recreation Center. Opento all ages. The new skate park will be at the oldhorse ring on Vance Street in Waynesville. For infor-mation call 456-2030 or e-mail [email protected].

Sept. 16Skyland Library KnittersA casual knitting group for knitters of all skill levels at3 p.m. at the Skyland/South Buncombe Library, 260Overlook Road. Call 250-6488.

Starts Sept. 16Empowered Birthing childbirtheducation classesFour interactive classes focus on natural childbirth,positions for comfort and hands-on massage tech-niques for labor. VBACs welcome. Tips for breast-feeding and soothing a fussy baby are incorporated.Classes run 6-9 p.m. Wednesdays at Women’sWellness and Education Center, 24 Arlington St. Costis $175 for the series. Taught by Laura Beagle, LMBT,and Trish Beckman, CNM. For more information or toregister, call 231-9227 or visit ashevillewomenswell-ness.com.

Sept. 17Twilight JamboreeJoin East Asheville Library, 902 Tunnel Road, forbedtime stories, songs and fun at 6:30 p.m. All ageswelcome; ideal for ages 3-6. Call 250-4738.

Sept. 17–Oct. 22Spanish for KidsAn enjoyable and effective way to learn Spanish byexposing children ages 3-5 to the language sounds.Classes offered 4:15-5 p.m. Thursdays for six weeksat the North Asheville Library. Call Mónica at 335-2021 or e-mail [email protected] for moreinformation.

Sept. 18Rosh HashanahRosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year holiday, beginsat sundown.

YMCA parents night outThe YMCA in downtown Asheville offers a parentsnight out for children ages 2-12. Activities includeswimming, arts and crafts, inflatable obstacle course,snacks and a movie. Register online or in person (atleast 24 hours before scheduled program). Offered6-10 p.m. the first Saturday and 6:30-9:30 p.m. thethird Friday of each month. Friday cost is $12 formembers ($24 nonmembers); Saturday cost is $15

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for members ($30 for nonmembers), with $2 siblingdiscounts. Call 210-5622 or visit ymcawnc.org.

Sept. 19Domo Day for teensJoin the teens of the East Asheville Library for anafternoon of Japanese art and pop culture. Bring yourfavorite manga to share (or come to learn whatmanga is), and learn about origami, sushi and othercool things from our friends on the other side of theworld. For middle and high school students, ages11-18. Runs 3-4:30 p.m. The library is at 902 TunnelRoad. Call 250-4738.

Girl Scout Day at GrandfatherMountainGirl Scouts are invited tolearn more about natureand the Blue Ridge Moun-tains at Grandfather Moun-tain’s 39th annual GirlScout Day, from 9 a.m.-3p.m. Scouts and troopleaders are admitted freewith proof of membership.Visit grandfather.com.

The Lord’s Acre potluckThe Lord’s Acre Community Garden will be holding itssecond Square Dance and Potluck Fundraiser 5-10:30 p.m. at Hickory Nut Gap Farm. The Lord’s Acreis a community faith garden in Fairview to answer theneed for fresh, organic produce for local food banks.The event will include square dancing, a potluckdinner, tours of Sherrill’s Inn, pony rides and more.Bring a dish to share; drinks will be provided. Sug-gested donation is $10 a person or $20 a family.Visit thelordsacre.org or e-mail [email protected] volunteer at the garden, call Nicole McKeon at628-2329.

WNC Run/Walk for AutismA 5K competitive race, 5K run/walk and one-mile funrun/walk at Carrier Park. Starts at 9 a.m. Proceedsbenefit the Autism Society of North Carolina. Kids 6and younger can participate in any of the events forfree if accompanied by a parent/guardian registeredin the event. For information, call 800-442-2762 orvisit autismsociety-nc.org/.

Weaverville’s Art in Autumn festivalThe third-annual arts and crafts festival runs 10a.m.-5 p.m. on Main Street in Weaverville. Enjoy art,live music, food and more.

Sept. 19-20Book saleFriends of Henderson County Public Library offersbooks half price or less at its annual book sale at1940 Spartanburg Highway. Sale is 10 a.m.-5 p.m.Sept. 19 and 1-5 p.m. Sept. 20. Clearance day ($4per bag) is 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 26. For information,visit Henderson.lib.nc.us/hcpl_friends.html.

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Everything changes when a woman ispregnant or breast-feeding, including thefoods she should and shouldn’t eat —both for her own comfort and her baby’shealth.

While some foods will always behealthy and nutritious, others that arenormally at the top of the nutrition listmight suddenly become the enemy —such as cruciferous vegetables like broc-coli and cabbage that can make momgassy and pass the discomfort onto hernewborn through her milk.

A universal no-no for pregnant wom-en is alcohol, health experts say. Thatmeans none. Zero. Not even asmall glass of wine.

“In terms of the last-ing impact on yourbaby, it is even moredangerous thancocaine, and it ispermanent,” saidMission Hospitalspokesman MerrellGregory. “It is nowknown that evenbabies who do nothave the full effects ofFetal Alcohol Syndrome

may still be affected. No liquor, includ-ing wine, is safe, and no amount is safe.”

To help unravel the mysteries of goodand bad food choices, we asked the fol-lowing experts for some tips: MarianneReinert, an international board certifiedlactation consultant at Mission Hospital;Sharon Carter, nutrition program assis-tant with the N.C. Cooperative Exten-sion; and Laura Tolle, clinical nutritioneducator at Mission Hospital.

Great foods for pregnant women“Water — at least 8-10 cups each day

— can prevent pre-term labor and con-stipation,” Tolle said. “Fruits and vegeta-bles contain vitamins (folic acid) andminerals (calcium) for mommy and

baby’s health, and these foods alsocontain fiber, which is so impor-

tant in pregnancy,” she said.Reinert recommends tak-

ing a good food from each ofthe food groups, especiallymixed greens like spinachand different types of darkleaf lettuce.

“Low-fat yogurt is greatbecause it has protein and

calcium,” Reinert said. “A fruitpacked with nutrients, especially

A and C, is cantaloupe, and it’s rela-

tively low in calories.”Tolle said protein can be found in

beans, like lentils and soybeans, whichalso have fiber, potassium, magnesiumand folic acid.

“Fish, especially oily fish, containomega-3 fatty acids, which help in braindevelopment,” she said. “But limit high-mercury fish such as tilefish, swordfish,shark and king mackerel. And if youdon’t eat fish, you can also get omega-3fatty acids in walnuts, ground flax seedand canola oil.”

Foods pregnant women should avoid

Tolle says stay away from soft cheeseslike blue, feta, brie and soft Mexicancheeses because of possible food borneillness such as listeria. “The same fordeli and processed meats, because oflisteria, high sodium content and ni-trates,” she said.

Carter’s no-no list includes raw orundercooked meat, poultry and fish likeraw oysters, and raw vegetable sprouts.“And stay away from raw or under-cooked eggs, such asin cookie dough,”she said.

Reinert says tohold off on sweetrolls or dough-nuts, which con-tain little nutri-tion for the caloricvalue. Same with ice-berg lettuce.

“And stay away from high-mercuryfishes like swordfish and albacore tuna,which is a little deeper-water fish andtends to feed more on fish that can ac-cumulate mercury,” she said.

They all agree that soda — both sug-ary and artificially sweetened, should bestrictly limited.

Great foods for breast-feeding moms

“In grains, oatmeal is one of the greatfoods,” Reinert said. “In Hispanic cul-tures, they make a special oatmeal everymorning and they believe that helps themilk.”

All kinds of fruits and vegetables aregood, unless they don’t agree with mom.

Goodfood,bad

foodWatching what you eat is keywhen pregnant and nursing

By Barbara BlakeStaff writer


Heritage WeekendA two-day celebration of traditional craft, music,dancing and storytelling at the Folk Art Center,Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Enjoy livemusic and clogging. The 29th annual World Gee HawWhimmy Diddle competition is 2-3 p.m. Sept. 19.Runs 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. For information, call298-7928 or visit southernhighlandguild.org.

Junior Women’s Club Super SaleThe Junior Women’s Club of Hendersonville will hostits 18th annual Fall Super Sale Sept. 19-20 at theNational Guard Armory on Spartanburg Highway inEast Flat Rock. Sale hours are 9-4 p.m. Sept. 19 and1-3 p.m. Sept. 20. Items are half price on secondday. Consignor presale is 7-8 p.m. Sept. 18. Fordetails, visit jwchendersonville.org or call 698-1618.

Sept. 20Becky Stone as Rosa Parks at the Fairview LibraryCome to the Fairview Library at 2 p.m. to watchactress Becky Stone bring to life Rosa Parks, one ofthe most important figures of the American civil rightsmovement. Appropriate for school-age children.Sponsored by the Friends of the Fairview Library.Free. Call 250-6484. The library is at 1 Taylor Road.

Run for the Horses 5K Run, FunWalk and Dog ParadeThe third-annual Run for the Horses 5K Run and1-Mile Fun Walk and Dog Parade is at 2 p.m. startingat the Buncombe County Health Department parkinglot at 25 Woodfin St., across from the YMCA. Therace has expanded this year to include a whimsicaldog parade along with the one-mile fun walk. Pro-ceeds benefit Hope for Horses, a nonprofit organiza-tion providing rehabilitation and adoption services tothe community for neglected, abused and unwantedhorses. For details, visit hopeforhorses.org/events.

Sept. 21Grandparent classPark Ridge Hospital’s Baby Place offers a class onhow grandparents can help parents, how childbirthhas changed, gift ideas, safety and a tour of the OBunit. At 7 p.m. Cost is $25. Held in the Duke Roomat the hospital. Call Sheri Gregg at 681-BABY forinformation or to register.

Mommy and Me luncheonThe Baby Place at Park Ridge Hospital in Henderson-ville welcomes new moms to its Mommy and Meluncheon, noon-1 p.m. the third Monday of eachmonth. Bring your new baby, visit with other newmoms and enjoy a short presentation. This luncheonis in the hospital’s Private Dining Room, ground floorby the café. Please call 681-2229 to RSVP.

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PHOTO SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT Corbin Gates readies for the World Gee HawWhimmy Diddle contest at Heritage Weekend atthe Folk Art Center, which is Sept. 19-20.



Starts Sept. 21SAT prep classRegistration is open for the SAT prep class offered byUNC Asheville’s Professional Education Programs.Classes meet 6-9 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays atUNCA for three consecutive weeks. Cost is $275.Contact Nancy Williams at 250-2353 or [email protected] or visit unca.edu/distedu/ce.

Sept. 22BirthNetwork of WNCA nonprofit advocacy for mother-friendly maternitycare offers a free discussion on birth options andinfant CPR from 7-8 p.m. at Pardee Education Cen-ter, Blue Ridge Mall, 1800 Four Seasons Blvd, Hen-dersonville. For more information, e-mail [email protected].

Black Mountain Library KnittersA causal knitting group for knitters of all skill levels at7 p.m. at Black Mountain Library, 105 Dougherty St.Call 250-4756.

Pardee parenting classesClasses at Pardee Health Education Center in BlueRidge Mall, Four Seasons Boulevard, Hendersonville.Call 692-4600 for information. Classes are free.Registration is not required.◆ Infant care class: Learn the basics of infant care,6:30-8 p.m.

◆ Prime-time with a pediatrician: Learn from alocal pediatrician what to expect with a newborn inyour home, 8-9 p.m.

Secret Agent 23 SkidooVisit The Hop at 6 p.m. to hear the music of SecretAgent 23 Skidoo. The Hop Ice Cream Shop is at 640Merrimon Ave., Asheville.

Sept. 22-Oct. 27After-School Art AdventureA six-week session at Asheville Art Museum forstudents in sixth to eighth grades. Students explore arange of media from drawing to sculpture to createone-of-a-kind works of art. Runs 4-5:30 p.m. Tues-days. Cost is $60. To register, call 253-3227, ext.121 or 122, or e-mail [email protected]. Forinformation, visit ashevilleart.org.

Sept. 24Labor support forumsLearn how to support a woman in labor so thateveryone in the room is prepared. Each month, thePeaceful Beginning forum follows a specific article.All are invited to attend who support women in labor:family members and friends about to attend a birth,labor and delivery nurses, doulas, midwives, socialworkers. There is no charge (donations are welcometo help pay for the space). At 7 p.m. at AshevilleWomen’s Wellness Center, 24 Arlington St. For moreinformation, visit peacefulbeginning.org.

Sept. 25Family movie nightEnjoy a family movie, popcorn and drinks for free at7 p.m. at Cummings Memorial United MethodistChurch, 3 Banner Farm Road, Horse Shoe. Callahead for movie being shown, 891-9413.

Opens Sept. 25Eliada’s Castle in the Corn MazeVenture through a 10-acre maze, Castle in the Corn,at Eliada through Oct. 31. The maze is open 4-9 p.m.Fridays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays and noon-8 p.m.Sundays. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for childrenyounger than 12 and free for children younger than 5.The maze is looking for volunteers. Work a three-hourshift and receive two free maze admission tickets.Visit castleinthecorn.com for information.

‘Grossology’The Health Adventure’s new traveling exhibit exploresall the gross stuff adults don’t like to talk about inpolite company. “Grossology: The (Impolite) Scienceof the Human Body” is a science-in-disguise exhibi-tion where kids get the answers to many of the slimy,oozy, crusty, stinky questions they absolutely love toask about the human body. At The Health Adventure,2 S. Pack Place, downtown Asheville. For moreinformation, visit thehealthadventure.org.

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Sept. 25-27Flat Rock Music FestivalEnjoy music and camping at Camp Ton-A-Wandah forthe three-day 14th annual Flat Rock Music Festival.Children’s entertainers include N8 the Great, MelanieMacNeil with Asheville Hoops, Randall Thompsonwith Mountain Circus Arts, Frank Bloom with Thun-derdrums, Scary Stories and Marshmallow Roastswith Leslie and Vickie, and Becky the Balloon Lady.Other activities this year include an expanded KidsVillage with a Kids Vending Market, face painting andhair wraps by Jenny and Katie, and the Kids Paradeon Saturday afternoon. Festival-goers receive a freecamping pass with the purchase of a three day ticket.Children 10 and younger are free. For ticket informa-tion, visit flatrockmusicfestival.com.

Sept. 26Book saleFriends of Henderson County Public Library offersbooks for $4 per bag on clearance day at its annualbook sale at 1940 Spartanburg Highway. Runs 10a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 26. For information, visit Hen-derson.lib.nc.us/hcpl_friends.html.

Family Fun DayAn event designed for persons with disabilities andtheir families, featuring entertainment, family activi-ties, music, inflatables, games, food and more. Freeand open to the public. From 11 a.m.-3 p.m. atCarrier Park on Amboy Road. To volunteer, contactAmy Richards at [email protected].

Garden Science InvestigationLearn why plants are important at Garden ScienceInvestigation, a program for kids ages 5-11 at theBotanical Gardens at Asheville. Kids will learn howplants are a valuable source of food, medicine anddyes. Class will talk about seed dispersal, use amicroscope to view plant parts and use plant leavesand flowers to make Boo Boo Goo. Cost is $7. Runs9:30-11:30 a.m. To register, call 252-5190. For moreinformation, visit ashevillebotanicalgardens.org.

Michaelmas Fall FestivalAsheville Waldorf Initiative hosts its second annualfall festival from 4-6:30 p.m. at Groce MethodistChurch, 954 Tunnel Road in East Asheville. Activitiesinclude puppet show, children’s crafts, apple ciderpress, canned goods “harvest” for food bank andcommunity potluck social. First puppet show begins4:15 and potluck begins at 5:30. Cost is $5 perfamily activity. Potluck social is free. All welcome. Formore information, contact Elizabeth at 296-8323 [email protected] or visit AshevilleWaldorf.org.

Mother & Son Rodeo Round-UpFletcher Parks and Recreation hosts the fourth an-nual Mother & Son Rodeo Round-Up, 4-6 p.m. at theSteelcase Shelter at Fletcher Community Park. Theafternoon will include games/contests, live music byThe Rhinehart Family, snacks, hay rides, scarecrowbuilding and more. Tickets are $15 ($5 for additionalchild) for residents and $18 ($7 for additional child)for nonresidents and must be purchased ahead of

time at Fletcher Town Hall. For more information,contact Cheyenne Youell at 687-0751 [email protected].

N.C. Symphony auditionsThe North Carolina Symphony is holding auditions forits North Carolina Symphony Young All-Stars, anexclusive new chamber orchestra for advanced highschool musicians, led by Music Director Grant Llewel-lyn in partnership with the Triangle’s PhilharmonicAssociation and its Music Director Hugh Partridge.North Carolina high school students ages 14-19 canaudition at Meymandi Concert Hall at downtownRaleigh’s Progress Energy Center for the PerformingArts. Audition requirements, application and furtherdetails can be found at ncsymphony.org/education.

Storytelling around the CampfireHistoric Johnson Farm hosts its fourth-annual story-telling event from 7-9 p.m., featuring six seasonedstorytellers. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Please bringchairs and flashlights. Please no pets, coolers,alcohol or tobacco. Children can roast marshmal-

lows. Hot dog supper and beverages will be availablefor purchase. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 forstudents K-12. Preschoolers free. The farm is at3346 Haywood Road, Hendersonville. For informa-tion, cal 891-6585 or visit historicjohnsonfarm.org.

Sept. 26-27Children’s Clothing ExchangeBuy gently used clothing — newborn to juniors —shoes, toys, books, games and baby equipment atChildren’s Clothing Exchange. Sale runs 8 a.m.-4p.m. Sept. 26 and 12:30-3 p.m. Sept. 27 at theNational Guard Armory on Shelburne Road (just offBrevard Road). Items are 40 percent off on Sunday. Aportion of the proceeds and all donations go toABCCM. For more information, call Kristie at 667-0703 or e-mail [email protected].

calendar of events MOMS GROUPSA sampling of support groups for moms in WNC.Biltmore Baptist MOPS: MOPS is a place designed specifically for mothers of children frominfancy to kindergarten. Experience authentic community, mothering support, personal growthand spiritual hope. MOPS of Biltmore Baptist Church welcomes and invites any and all mothersto attend. Meetings are 9:30-11:30 a.m. the first, third and fifth Wednesday of each month atBiltmore Baptist Church, 35 Clayton Road, Arden. For more information, call 687-1111, [email protected] or visit mopsofbbc.com.La Leche League of Asheville: Pregnant moms, babies and toddlers welcome at all meetings.Monday morning group meets at 10 a.m. the second Monday of the month at First Congrega-tional Church on Oak Street. Contact a leader: Susan at 628-4438, Falan at 683-1999 orTamara at 505-1379. Monday evening group meets at 7 p.m. the third Monday of the month atAwakening Heart on Merrimon Avenue. Contact a leader: Jen at 713-3707 or Yvette at 254-5591.La Leche League of Hendersonville: Offers information and support for pregnant or breast-feeding women. Meets at 10 a.m. the second Wednesday of the month at Unitarian UniversalistFellowship of Hendersonville, 2021 Kanuga Road. Babies and toddlers are welcome. For moreinformation, contact a leader: Andrea 676-6047, Katie 808-1490, or MC 693-9899.Mom2mom: Christian moms group meets at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 8 at St. Paul’s Church, 1095Hendersonville Road, South Asheville. Moms with any age children are welcome. For informa-tion, call 388-3598.Mommy and Me: Park Ridge Hospital offers a support group for moms at 10 a.m. the secondWednesday of each month. At Lelia Patterson Center, Fletcher. Contact Amy Roach at 253-2804or Angie Collins at (231) 838-4853 for more information.Moms with Multiples: Group for moms with multiples meets 7 p.m. the first Thursday of eachmonth at the Women’s Resource Center on Doctors Drive, behind Mission Hospital. Meetings arean opportunity to share experiences and offer support in a social setting. For information, call444-AMOM or visit ashevillemom.com.Montreat MOPS: Join other moms for fun, laughter and friendship. Group meets the first Tues-day of each month, 6:30-8 p.m., fourth floor of the Henry Building at Geneva Place in Montreat.Free child care is available. Call 669-8012, ext. 4001, to reserve a spot.North Asheville MOPS: Meets 9:30-11:30 a.m. the first Monday of each month (Septembermeeting will be Sept. 14 because of Labor Day) at Maranatha Baptist Church, 1040 Lower FlatCreek Road, Weaverville. For information, contact Jennifer Warner at 423-6180 or Liban Morrisat [email protected].




Sept. 27Monarch butterfly presentationThe Orchard at Altapass offers its annual monarchbutterfly presentation with naturalist Elizabeth Hunterdescribing the fall migration of monarch butterflies tothe overwintering grounds in the mountains of centralMexico. The orchard is at Milepost 328 on the BlueRidge Parkway. For information, visit altapassorchard-.com.

Spellbound story timeChildren ages 3-6 can join in a story time at Spell-bound Children’s Bookshop featuring stories andactivities about conservation and recycling, withspecial guest Alexandra from Asheville Greenworks.Free. At 19 Wall St. Call 232-2228 or visit spell-boundchildrensbookshop.com.

Yom KippurYom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, begins atsundown.

Sept. 29Electro-pollution presentationIf you have headaches, hot ears, high stress or lowenergy, your cell phone and computer could be theculprit. This presentation is designed to inform youabout the growing problem of electro-pollution. Learnsolutions that effectively counteract this toxin’s effecton plants, pets and peoples’ well-being. At 7 p.m. atEarth Fare in West Asheville. For more information,contact Beth Hockman at 299-9844 or [email protected].

Leicester Library Knitters andCrochetersA knitting and crocheting group for people of all skilllevels at 6:30 p.m. at Leicester Library, 1561 Alexan-der Road. Call 250-6480.

Sept. 30Breast-feeding classLearn the basics of breast-feeding through ParkRidge Hospital’s Baby Place. Class is at 7 p.m. in theDuke Room at the hospital, 100 Hospital Drive,Hendersonville. Cost is $25. For information or toregister, call Sheri Gregg at 681-2229.

Oct. 1YWCA Black & White GalaThe YWCA of Asheville’s fifth annual Black & WhiteGala will be at 7 p.m. at The Orange Peel, 101 Bilt-more Ave. The evening will include silent and liveauctions, food from local restaurants and dancemusic by Westsound. All event proceeds will go tosupport the programs of the YWCA of Asheville.Tickets are $40 each or two for $75. Festive blackand white attire is encouraged. To reserve tickets, callTami Ruckman 254-7206, ext. 206, or visit ywcao-fasheville.org.

calendar of events



Starts Oct. 2The Great Pumpkin Patch ExpressJoin the Peanuts gang and ride on the Great SmokyMountains Railroad. Meet Charlie Brown, Lucy andSnoopy. Children will get to pick out a pumpkin. Enjoyhayrides, live music, storytelling, hay bale maze,bounce house and more. Departs at 3 p.m. Fridaysand 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundaysin October. Tickets are $53 for adults, $31 for chil-dren 2 and older. For reservations and information,call 800-872-4681 or visit gsmr.com.

Oct. 3Mill Around the Village FestivalThe third-annual Swannanoa festival includes chil-dren’s events, music, crafts, food, Beacon Mill his-tory, trolley tours and more. This year includes a 5Kand one-mile run.

Through Oct. 15KidPower ENERGIZE!Park Ridge Hospital offers a free, multidisciplinarycommunity outreach program that is designed for theprevention and treatment of childhood obesity andType 2 diabetes. During the 12-week, 36-sessionprogram, participants and their families are givencomprehensive nutrition education, instruction inbehavior modification and exercise training by a staffof medical specialists. Now accepting physicianreferrals, which are required. Call Ellen Seagle at650-6960 for more information.

OngoingNIA classesCummings Memorial United Methodist Church offersclasses in NIA: The Joy of Movement at 5:30 p.m.Wednesdays. Cost is $8 per class; first class is free.The church is at 3 Banner Farm Road, Horse Shoe.Call 891-9433 for information.

Trinity Presbyterian ChurchMothers Morning OutThe Mothers Morning Out program is enrolling chil-dren ages 6 weeks to 6 years old for care/preschoolfor the school year (September-May). Offered 9a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays.Classes start Sept. 8. Learning, dance, music andmore. Registration fee and forms are necessary tohold the spot. Call Tina Robinson at 299-3433, ext.308, or visit trinityasheville.com.

YWCA swim lessonsLearn to swim at the YWCA of Asheville. Red Crosscertified swim lessons are now in session and can bejoined at any point in the session. Current sessionruns through Sept. 27. Classes are offered for ba-bies, preschoolers, youth, teens and adults. Call254-7206, ext. 110, for more information or sign upat the YWCA, 185 S. French Broad Ave. Visit ywcaofasheville.org.

Kindermusik registrationMake a musical play date every week. Fall programregistration is open now. Four curriculums promote

creativity, listening skills, self-esteem, problemsolving, vision and focus, language and literacy,hand-eye coordination, emotional and social skills,balance and coordination — all the while providing ajoyful introduction to music. Classes for newbornsthrough 7-year-olds. Call Lora Scott (Biltmore Vil-lage), 649-2320, allsoulscathedral.org/music-choirs/kindermusik; Beth Magill (downtown Ashe-ville), 298-9350, magills.net; Yvette Odell (North andSouth Asheville), 253-4000, ashevilleartscenter.com;Debra Huff (Madison County), 206-3145 or 689-1128; Sonja Gorsline (Brevard), 883-8538.

Park Ridge Hospital’s Baby Placechildbirth classesChoose from weekly Wednesday night classes for sixweeks or a one-day class, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. the firstMonday of the month. Held in the Duke Room at ParkRidge Hospital, 100 Hospital Drive, Hendersonville.Cost is $90 total for the series. Start at any point in

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the class cycle. Please call Sheri Gregg at 681-2229for information or to register.

Women’s Wellness and EducationCenter classesAll classes are at the Women’s Wellness and Educa-tion Center, 24 Arlington St., Asheville. For informa-tion, call 505-7505 or visit ashevillewomenswell-ness.com.◆ Mamatime mother baby classes: Mamatime is afacilitated group of 10 moms and 10 babies whomeet weekly for support and community. The group isopen to all in a safe, nonjudgmental space to exploreearly parenting skills. Cost $100-150 sliding fee.Meets noon-2 p.m. Tuesdays. Call Shelley at 582-4653 for more information and to register.◆ Prenatal yoga classes are available 10-11:30a.m. Mondays and 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursdays. Cost is$10 per class, $45 for five-class series.

calendar of events


Solutions to puzzles on Page 41


“We don’t tell mom to avoid onions orbroccoli unless it disagrees with her,”Reinert said. “And even then, she doesn’thave to avoid them, just eat them insmaller amounts at one time.”

Legumes, especially chickpeas, aregreat, she said. “Put them in salads, havethem as hummus. Chickpeas are one ofthe legumes that is not as well adver-tised and known, but it’s so good andone of the legumes that’s easier to di-gest.”

Carter recommends fruits like apples,vegetables like spinach, whole grainbreads and cereal, and low-fat dairyproducts.

And nursing moms should even in-dulge in a chocolate treat on occasion,Reinert said.

Food nursing moms should avoidAs in pregnancy, stay away from high-

mercury fish, Carter says. “And avoid‘extras’ in foods that would add sugarand fat to your diet, such as soft drinks,desserts, biscuits and fried foods,” sheadded.

She reiterated that nursing momsshould be cautious about alcohol. “Anyalcohol that is in a mother’s bloodstreamcan pass into her breast milk within30-90 minutes of consumption,” she said.

Reinert advises having no more thanone soda per day, both diet and sugary.

“Eat fruits, but in normal helpings,”she said. “If momwas to eat, say,three or fourplums at one sit-ting, and later inthe day eat awhole bowl ofstrawberries, she’soverloading. Al-ways think interms of moder-ation; even goodfruits can be alittle hard onbaby’s digestion.”

MORE INFORMATIONLearn more about nutrition during preg-nancy and breast-feeding at kellymom.com.


During the first year, your baby’sbrain is developing at warp speed, set-ting the neurological stage for lifelonglearning. But take heart: When it comesto boosting your baby’s brainpower,you’re probably already doing it.

What a baby needs most during thefirst year of life is to have consistent,reliable caregivers, says Dr. MelissaThingvoll, a developmental-behavioralpediatrician at Asheville’s Mission Hos-pital and mother of 22-month-old twins.“Feeling safe sets the foundation to ex-plore the world and develop skills.”

“Stick to a schedule — kids feel morecomfortable (and learn better) whenthey know what’s coming,” she said.

And good nutrition keeps baby’s brainhealthy, both before and after birth. Con-sider breast-feeding, experts advise.

Talk it upTalking, interacting and playing accel-

erate brain development, says Thingvoll.But don’t lapse into “goo goo” talk,

advises Carole Kurtines-Becker, Ph.D.,assistant professor of education andBirth-Kindergarten program coordinatorat UNC Asheville. Talk in conversationmode and narrate what’s going on, shesays, so baby will learn intonation andrelate words to things and actions — aprecursor to reading.

Alternate your pitch, use a sing-songvoice and respond to baby’s nonverbalcommunication like gestures, soundsand facial expressions, says Kathryn

Burleson, Ph.D., a psychology professorat Warren Wilson College who teachesinfant/child development courses.

Expose baby to multiple languages —evidence suggests lifelong cognitivebenefits, she adds.

Read and singAt six months or earlier, read to your

child every day, says Thingvoll.Create positive experiences with

books by talking about what you’re read-ing, exploring the characters or storylineby singing songs about the book, andbuilding memory of the story by re-ferring to it later, Burleson adds. Bookswith simple images, repetition and con-trasting colors are best.

To your baby, your voice is the mostbeautiful one around, says Molly Rouse

PHOTO SPECIAL TO WNC PARENTOne of the best toys for baby is a set of blocks, which integrate math and language skills.

Babysmarts

Simple ways to teach during a child’s first yearBy Pam J. HechtWNC Parent contributor


of Asheville, a post-partum doula whoseson is 2 1/2.

Musical diversity builds strong neuralpathways, says Beth Magill, AshevilleKindermusik educator. “Music is a lan-guage all its own, with sounds and si-lence and emotion.”

“To a baby, it’s not just music,” Rousesays. “It’s comfort and meaning.”

Ditch the fancy toys“Don’t break the bank on toys — there

are 8 billion toys out there and no partic-ular ones that baby must have,” saysThingvoll. “The most important toy isyou.”

One of the best toys is a set of blocks,which integrate math and languageskills, says Kurtines-Becker.

Toys that require stacking, snappingor building in convergent (one way to doit) or divergent (different ways to do it)forms help foster creative thinking, prob-lem solving and motor skills, she adds.Baby-safe household items like cups,pots and pans provide a variety of newtextures, sizes and weights. An exersauc-er or jumper gives a different perspec-

tive for babies who aren’t yet sitting up.

Turn off the tubeRegular TV exposure wires a baby’s

brain differently, says Kurtines-Becker,so avoid excessive viewing and whenwatching, be there to discuss content.

While Baby Einstein and other videosgeared toward infants may be better thanwhat’s on TV, they’re not as beneficial asquality time with caregivers, Burlesonsays. (The American Academy of Pediat-rics recommends no television for thoseyounger than 2.)

Color their world“Stimulate with a lively, colorful sur-

rounding,” says Kurtines-Becker. “Pho-tographs and pictures prompt discus-sion.”

And take your play outside.A park trail is a good place to explore

different tactile surfaces, says Kate Don-aldson, of Asheville, whose daughter is 1.

Just relax“Many parents feel they always need

to entertain a baby, but it’s important togive opportunities to play and exploreindependently,” says Thingvoll. “Ifthey’re frustrated with a toy, let them tryto figure it out on their own first – that’show they learn.”

Infants can easily become over-stim-ulated, says Burleson. Keep it light andbe patient. Recognize signs of fatiguelike fussing or turning away — baby’sbrain needs time to process information.

When it comes to development,there’s a wide range of normalcy, and“there’s no one right way to do things,”says Thingvoll. “If your child is happyand healthy and you have a connection,you’re doing it right.”

Pam J. Hecht is a freelance writer andeditor based in Asheville. E-mail her [email protected].

ONLINE RESOURCESzerotothree.orgbabycenter.combabyweekly.com (weekly e-mails trackingyour baby’s development)


been playing with them to get ready for their new sibling. TheCharlotte mom — who is having her baby at Mission — alsobrought the boys with her for ultrasounds and lets them feelthe baby kick.

Sibling classThe Health Adventure offers parents another way to pre-

pare children for a sibling with the “My Mom’s Having a Baby”class. The museum has collaborated with Mission Hospital for25 years on the program.

Peggy Tobin, a pediatric nurse practitioner and Health Ad-venture volunteer who conducts the class twice a month, saidthe goal is “to help prepare kids for an easier transition withhaving a new baby in the house.”

As part of the class, kids see fetal models to learn how thebaby has been growing inside mommy, make a toy for the babyand tour Mission’s maternity unit.

Tobin has been involved with the program for six years and

There’s plenty to do before a new baby’s arrival.Painting the nursery and washing baby clothes are easy

tasks to complete. Preparing a child for the arrival of a siblingis a bit more complicated.

Tara McDaris, of Weaverville, has been reading books andtalking about the baby with her son Logan, who is 5.

Logan will be starting school around the time the baby ar-rives, which has her concerned. But her most pressing worry?“The big thing is trying to juggle two instead of one,” she said.

Chandra Holcombe, of Asheville, is also worried about “whoto put attention on” when her new baby arrives. But she saidshe hopes the age difference between the baby and 7-year-olddaughter Aviana will be helpful “because I’ve had so muchtime to focus on her.”

Preparation is keyDr. Mark Jackson, a pediatrician at Mountain Area Pediat-

rics in Asheville, says children benefit by getting involved inpreparing for a new sibling.

He suggested trying the following:◆ Role playing before baby arrives.◆ Help get baby’s room together.◆ Have play dates with other families with infants to help

normalize the experience.◆ Give the child a doll to play with and take care of before

and after baby’s arrival. He suggested parents tell the child thedoll is his or hers to take care of at the same time mommy ordaddy tend to the baby.

“No matter how much preparation parents have given, ex-pect and predict regression,” Jackson said. Parents and caregiv-ers may see slips in potty training, more clingy behavior andmore childish behaviors once a new baby arrives at home.

Tips from momsArea moms have taken those suggestions to heart and have

found other ways to get children excited about a new sibling.Anna Groome brought home her third child last month. To

help her son Davis and daughter Lillian get ready this summer,the Arden mom had the kids build a teddy bear at the mall forbaby Evan. Davis, 4 1/2, and Lillian, 19 months, each tucked afabric heart inside before the bear was sewn up.

Prentice Hardin said she got baby dolls for sons Wildt, 4 1/2,and Paite, 3 1/2, to help them with toilet training, and they’ve

PHOTO BY ERIN BRETHAUER Anna Groome spends time with son, Davis, 4, before the birth of his babybrother. Groome also has a daughter, Lillian, 19 months.

Getting kids readyfor a new baby

By Katie WadingtonStaff writer

says that while parents don’t ask a lot ofquestions, she “always gets interestingcomments” from the children.

At a recent class, 3-year-old MaiaTsomides listened as Tobin describedthe mother-baby unit. “Is it special?”Maia asked of the place where her mom,Jean Van’t Hul, of Asheville, will givebirth. Tobin assured her it was.

Seek adviceAhead of her younger son’s birth,

Groome said she got advice from hermother, who has three children.

“My mom … tells me when the thirdone comes it’s a little easier because youknow what to expect,” she says. “But atthe same time you have to get used tobalancing each of them and what theirneeds are.” Or, more simply, she said,“When the third one comes you just lovethem and throw ’em in the mix.”

‘MY MOM’S HAVING A BABY’The Health Adventure offers a free programto help children prepare for a sibling’sarrival. The class is offered 4-5 p.m. thesecond and fourth Mondays of the month atMission Hospital. Visit thehealthadventure-.org. To register, call 254-6373, ext. 316.

PHOTO BY BILL SANDERS The Health Adventure runs a program withMission Hospital called "My Mom’s Having aBaby" to get children ready for a new sibling.Jean Van’t Hul brought daughter Maia Tso-mides, 3, to the class.


WNCParent September 2009

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