7 Tips For Successful Family Photos

Family photos are very important to my husband and I.  We make sure to set aside the time and money each year so we can fill our walls with our beautiful kiddos and have memories to look back on for years to come.

I want to see the changes in each of us as the years pass, I want to remember the way Emmalyn and Owen would play together and the joy on their faces when they would look at each other.  I want to be able to look back to the time we could hold all three in our arms, before they get too big and too cool for us to cuddle.  I want to always remember the way Elizabeth would only snuggle her mama, and the way Owen looked at his dad with such admiration.  

Even though family photos are very important to me, it doesn’t mean they aren’t stressful sometimes. I am after all getting three kids, 1 husband, and myself together for pictures I want to hang all over my home. The stress for perfection is sometimes overwhelming.  Over the years I’ve found a lot of tricks to help us take the stress away so we can enjoy the experience. I’m happy to pass along my tips to you so you can have stress free family photos.

We’ve taken a lot of different types of photos from documentary to lifestyle to posed shots.  You can check out my list of Favorite Columbus Photographers to find one that fits your style.  

Call in the Experts! No need to stress over haircuts or the silly way those bangs are growing in when you consult the experts.  In our family the guys go to Royal Rhino Club - Barbershop & Lounge  for the perfect cut with the most amazing barbers and the girls go to Charles Penzones.  We do this about a week before photos and we all end up very happy with the end result.  If you’ve never been to Royal Rhino Club, I highly recommend it. We’ve tried a lot of places for great cuts for my guys and have never found any place better than Royal Rhino.  

Coordinate Outfits But No Need To Match - This is a big one! The days of jeans on bottoms and white tops are behind us (thankfully)! Let your kiddos pick out their own clothes, they will feel more confident and happy in clothes they pick out which makes for a happier experience for everyone.  You can coordinate your outfits so they are in the same color family but don’t stress over it.  I love to shop at Carter’s and Cub Shrub for our young ones and for myself I love The Gemma Shop. 

Bring Bribes! I always bring M&M’s because they are easy, mess free, and chocolate. It really meets all the requirements for a bribe.  I know it probably sounds better to call it a reward but let’s keep it real. I’m not above bribing my kids to get one great family photo.  (Note: I truly only ask for ONE family photo where we are all smiling at the camera, the rest I’m happy for candid shots. Just give me one good one for the Christmas Card please)

Start with Full Bellies! This is a big one! Don’t start family photos before you’ve had a good meal.  The kids will be much happier and will smile for the camera a lot easier if you feed them first?  Running short on time? Run through Chick-fil-A on your way - just make sure they aren’t in their photo outfits. You can easily change a kiddo in the car right before photos.  

Stay On Schedule! Nothing is worse during family photos than a tired kid, no amount of bribes can help here.  If you really want “Golden Hour Photos” - make sure you adjust naptime so your kiddo is okay with staying up past bedtime.  If you can though, stick to your normal schedule and plan photos around you. If your photographer can’t make that work, no hard feelings, it just may mean you need a new photographer.  

Pick A Great Photographer! You don’t want to spend $$$ on a photographer who can’t get your kid to smile, or someone who isn’t your style. It’s okay to be selective and make sure you’ve found the best fit for you.  We are so lucky in Columbus to have so many great photographers.  I have a whole list of my favorites, hopefully you will find one that you love from this list.  

Let It Go! So much easier said than done. Mamas I feel you - we want these photos, we want the one good one for the family Christmas Card.  It's easy to get stressed out. A few years ago I decided to let go of my expectations and see what happened.  The end result? We ended up with much better photos because everyone was happy and the pressure was off. The photo below is from a moment during photos this year when my son was too overwhelmed. I sat with him, we talked, and he asked if he could have a few photos with just me.  We did what he asked and then he went back to family photos - I was able to pause and give him what he needed and it really helped.  It was great that we had an amazing photographer who was also happy to put the needs of my kids above everything else. 

One more thing - make sure you get a photo of just you and your spouse.  The love the two of you share should be documented often! 

All photos were taken by Natalie from White Elm Photography who we adore!! 

Zoombezi Bay | 614 Mom | Summer 2017

A few weeks ago my husband and I took our two oldest kids to Zoombezi Bay for an adventure that was all about them.  The last few months we haven’t been exploring as much, and when we’re home we have many times that we have to play quietly or go in a different room so the baby can (finally) sleep.  The kids have been so good to their little sister, and as far as children go have been really selfless, so we wanted to treat them to a special day for being so good. They didn’t know this going in but we knew that this was a day of “Yes!” I was so excited to take them and just give in to every single thing they wanted.  We don’t do this often because I enjoy packing lunches and having healthy food on hand for them but today was a special day and I was ready to leave our packed lunches and rules at home.  

We hired a sitter through Juggle, a local babysitting app, for our baby girl because I wanted someone I could really count on and trust.  I was able to speak to one of the owners and I told her I wanted someone who was really confident with an infant.  Our baby girl doesn’t stay with sitters very often and even a family member made me come get her early because they couldn’t calm her after I left, so I needed the best.  My phone was going to be in a locker for a good portion of our time away and not having an immediate form of communication with the sitter was something I really struggled with, but I checked my phone every 1.5 hours which worked out okay because it was about the same time the kids wanted to snack.  I was really pleased with our experience with Juggle and would recommend their services.

Zoombezi Bay was a ton of fun! We spent a lot of our time in the wave pool, hearing those giggles made my heart so happy.  Emmalyn and Owen were so happy jumping around in the water, on such a nice day. We definitely got a locker for the day ($15 for the day) and I’m glad we did, the lockers are operated by pin numbers so no need to carry around a key or anything like we used to do.

Our Favorite Spots

 

Baboon Lagoon is designed for the kids but our whole family had a blast in this space.  Between the numerous slides, the climbing net, and the 1,000 gallon bucket that tips over every 30 minutes, there was fun for everyone. My husband and I felt comfortable allowing our kids to safely explore on their own a bit as long as we could see them, and they loved the freedom.  Off to the side is a tiny pool, that’s not very deep where my son and I played sharks...the giggles.  Oh how I wish I could go back to that moment with him.  

 The Lazy River - There is nothing lazy about this river but it was fun nonetheless.  We tried to teach our kids about the simple pleasures of relaxing in an inner tube as it takes you calmly along but they wanted no part in that.  We had to give our tubes to other people and try to chase our kids through the water. Have you ever tried to run in water?  I also found it very crowded which meant if my kid got too close to a group of people in tubes before I could get too close he was getting bumped around (which did happen) and I had to quickly grab him.  It was a fun spot but we had to be on our toes at all times.  

 Overall we had an amazing time at Zoombezi Bay and can’t wait to go back next summer.  We will probably get the Gold Pass next summer for each member of our family, as it includes a membership to Zoombezi Bay and the Zoo, plus all of the rides in Jungle Jack’s Landing.  

 

See you in 2018, Zoombezi Bay & thanks again Juggle!

The New AMC Theatre | Easton | 614 Mom

My husband and I were recently invited to check out the newly renovated AMC Theatres at Easton and to say we were impressed would be an understatement.  To give you an idea of our experience, I should first tell you that my husband loves going to the movie theatre, he would happily go weekly, while I would rather wait until it comes out on Netflix.  It has nothing to do with the theater - it's a very traditional "It's not you, it's me" kind of thing.  I like to get comfy during a movie, eat a ton of snacks, and relax...you can say I'm a comfort snob. I've never had that experience at the theatre, until recently.  AMC has made a movie goer out of me and my husband couldn't be more excited. 

We didn't really know what to expect going in, but we did notice one small change in ordering our tickets online - we had to pick our seats ahead of time.  This was great for us because my husband loves to sit in the center of the middle row and well...so do a lot of people so we have to get there very early to get the seats he likes.  This changed all of that, we were able to reserve specific seats from the comfort of our couch the morning of (can you tell I really value comfort)?  :-) and then just head over to the theatre in time for the movie.  

My need to leave for a ton of snacks is now a thing of the past because with AMC, I just hit a button and a super nice employee comes to me and takes my order just like at a restaurant.  I did time everything so from the time we ordered our drinks and dinner it took 10 minutes to get our drinks, and 20 minutes for our food which I would say is reasonable due to the amount and size of theaters.  We also ordered dessert and that took about 15 minutes - which again, I find very reasonable.  

Now let's talk about the food - I ordered the cheese quesadilla which came with tortilla chips and dip and my husband ordered a burger.  You guys - it's hard to make a delicious quesadilla, because it's such a basic item, but somehow they accomplished this task, and I now crave this quesadilla weekly.  Let's hope it's the exact same thing next time I go in.  My husband isn't a foodie so he didn't elaborate on the burger other than to say it was good and he would order it again.  Dessert was another story - my husband went on and on about the milkshake we ordered. It came with a full ice cream sandwich as a garnish on top.  Amazing. 

Of course, I have to mention the seats. When we first sat down I thought they were comfortable because they were plush leather seats - easy to get comfortable in.  At some point I figured out this little button next to me would allow me to put my feet up and lean back a little.  YOU GUYS!!! Being able to put my feet up is all I need. It's literally all I need to get comfy.  I was happy, so so happy!! 

The new renovations are a total game changer for us, we have made AMC Easton our movie theater of choice and much to my husband's surprise I have agreed to see more movies with him...at the theater. AMC you changed date night and made movie dates a comfortable, enjoyable experience, and we are both so excited about the changes.  Thank you! 

Want to check it out yourself?  You can buy your super comfy seats here.  You won't regret it! :-) 

The Perfect Day Date | Adventure Park | ZipZone

This post is sponsored by ZipZone but all thoughts, opinions, and experiences are my own. 

I really enjoying getting out of my comfort zone and trying new things, exploring in new ways, and challenging myself.  This weekend we did all of those things and more at the new ZipZone Adventure Park right here in Columbus.

It wasn't what I expected at all, I thought we would just fly through it, I mean we love ziplining so this should be easy, right? Not quite.  We started off on what the guide described as the "easy" trail - well I got two steps in, and walked back convinced I couldn't do it.  Tears. Mainly tears of embarrassment as there were guides all around offering encouragement, my husband who was already all the way across now coming back to sit with me,  and a line of other people waiting to go.  So I stopped, I took a step back and watched everyone from the starting point.  I wasn't going to give up, I just needed a minute.  This was weird for me, but I knew what I needed. I needed to watch for a moment, see how the different elements worked with other people on them, before I tried them myself.  In life, I find that sometimes taking a moment and evaluating the situation so I can make careful and calculated moves helps immensely, and this situation was no different. 

When I was ready I got up, hooked myself up to the yellow course, I was going to start small and move forward as I felt comfortable, and took off.  Cody, a guide who believed in me and promised to stay with me for the first few elements on the ground offering encouragement was there, my husband behind me this time, and a harness that was not going to let me down, and I was ready to go.  The first two elements were a challenge because I was getting used to it but after that I felt my confidence skyrocket and I was ready to go.  We finished the yellow course and moved up to the green trail - there were a few elements that challenged me  but that's exactly what you want out of this experience.  You want to be challenged, you want to try something new, if it were easy it wouldn't be as much fun. 

I want to give a huge shout out to Cody who stayed with me for the first few elements to encourage me. It was so comforting knowing that I had him within earshot to ask questions, or save me if I started to dangle (which I didn't). :-) Thank you Cody! 

I finished two courses and watched my husband on the Blue course, which is the most challenging,and then we headed home.  I left really proud of myself, it may have taken me a little longer than others but I finished not one but two courses.  So how does this all work? 

When you arrive you get checked in, sign your waivers, and head out to get your harness.  Once everyone is there for your time slot they start a safety training and then you head out to the course.  You're on your own. There is a large tree house like platform that you walk up to, and pick your course.  They have yellow (easiest), green (easy), another green, and blue, in about a week or so black which is supposed to be amazing.  You can go at your own pace, explore however you'd like. Do as many courses as you can fit into your two hours.  I asked a lot about the training of the guides during my down time while watching my husband on the blue course and learned so many fun facts, like the guides have timed runs on the different elements so they can get to someone in need ASAP.  That was really comforting to me, they also have a cool little device that can get you down in the middle of a course should you need it.  

When I was scared for the first 5 minutes, I looked at my husband and told him that if our kids were there I would want them to see my conquer my fear. I did conquer my fear and I was able to tell my daughter all about it when we got home and she thought it was amazing and was so proud of her mama.  If you're looking for a new challenge I would highly recommend this.  It was a really cool experience and I would go back in a second. 

Ready to rock it!  

So so pretty!!  

Killin' It ;) 

Blue Course! Riley said this one was the hardest element for him.  

Cody - the best guide in the whole place!  

We did it!! 

Saturdays are for Baseball

One day we woke up and our baby boy was a T-Ball playing little boy with his adorable baseball pants and green baseball glove. Our Saturday mornings went from cartoons and snuggles to cheering him on from the sidelines as he smiles at us, always so proud of himself. He plays in the dirt a lot and has to be reminded to pay attention and get "baseball ready", he drops his glove as he eagerly runs towards the ball in hopes of being the first one to it, and he runs to give me kisses in the middle of his game but he is so happy when he's playing and learning. He melts me, every single day.

You guys know me, you know that I do my research and really try to find the best places for my kids and signing Owen up for baseball was no different.  I really wanted a program that focused on the fun. Of course, I wanted him to learn about baseball but I wanted a program that was both educational and fun.  

Every Saturday morning we arrive at Woodside Green park in Gahanna and Owen joins his team on the practice field and after a little bit of time they head to the field where they play their game.  I can't even explain how much pride we have watching our little guy on the field.  

The coaches really help make the program as amazing as it is. They have so much patience, the best personalities and skill. Oh and did I mention patience? :) I've seen so many little guys on the team playing in the dirt, throwing baseball helmets, but the entire time the coaches are positive and excited about baseball and it shows. 

The coaches and staff with @i9_sports (East Columbus) are top notch. I am confident that this is the correct league for him and for our whole family. I am already planning on signing Owen up next year as well and we will  be signing up through the I9 Columbus East Program. 

614 Moms Pool Party | Goldfish Swim School | 614 Mom

A few months ago I created a special moms group for fellow moms in the Central Ohio area.  614 Moms is a city wide group, for moms with kids of all ages, from all over Columbus. I love all of the moms in Columbus and I want to meet every single one of you.   When creating 614 Moms it was important to me  to create a space that welcomes moms from all over the city, embraces our differences, and celebrates our individuality.  It has always been very important to me, to not just plan fun events but to create a community of Columbus moms - 614 Moms. 

I carefully planned fun events, play dates, moms night out, and more throughout the year and a few are currently being planned (Mom Prom!!) but one thing I knew we had to do was get in the water at Goldfish Swim School. I spoke with Lisa, the owner, and together we put together a fabulous event for 614 Moms and some of my favorite fellow mom bloggers.  

We started the event out with a water safety presentation and a visit from Bubbles, followed by a little over an hour of swimming, and then some treats from Nothing Bundt Cakes and Too Good Eats.  It really warmed my heart seeing so many families having so much fun together, meeting new families, making friends, and the kids embracing each other as if they'd known each other for years.  These are the moments that I am reminded why I created 614 Mom and reinforces my desire to grow.  I went home with a full heart and lots of new friends and memories. 

 Enjoy some of the pictures! Interested in joining us?  You can sign up here! We would LOVE to have you! We have lots of fun events all year.

The SNAP Food Challenge | Part Two | 614 Mom

Grocery store trip:

Everyone said that I should I plan my meals out so I know exactly what to buy on my limited budget. But I hate planning, and dislike feeling like I can’t buy things on a whim, so I went to the grocery store with no plan whatsoever. I did not go to my usual grocery store, because I knew that my 90$ would not be stretched very far. I went to the grocery store that is known for cost savings while still being healthy.

The store was an entirely different experience. First, you needed a quarter to get a cart. All the carts were chained together and you must deposit a quarter to free your cart from the bunch. A bit unsettling, and kind of made me feel like a criminal. Once my cart was free, I entered the store. Much to my surprise, I was not in the produce section, where so many other grocery stores have you enter. I entered in the chocolate, cookies, and alcohol aisle. As if that’s what this store was trying to sell the most. I’m glad I was kid free, because I know my boys would have wanted to spend all our money before leaving hearth of the entrance.

Besides the appearance of the store, my shopping behavior was much different. Everything I put in my cart, I had to ask myself, is this necessary to feed my family? I looked at the price, comparing different brands, calculating price per oz/number. Quickly I realized I was not buying any brands that I typically purchase. I tried to read the labels, not wanting to cut cost for poor quality ingredients. There were some things I had to buy regardless of price-milk for my sons, ketchup and ranch so they would eat, and food for lunches for them at school (chicken nuggets and mac n cheese).

I tried my best to buy lots of fresh fruits and veggies; which I did. However, instead of buying what we liked best and a variety, I had to buy based upon what was on sale. Luckily, mangoes were on sale at 39 cents each, so I bought 5 of those. Zucchini was another thing on sale, so I bought 10! (probably will never want to eat another Zucchini again), 10 pounds of potatoes (they did not come in a smaller bag), 5 onions, 1lb of bruised apples and another pound of pears. I splurged for my kids and bought strawberries and baby carrots. The one thing that I could not afford, much to my husband’s dismay, is organic food. First, they only had a few organic options, second, it was at least double the cost and could not justify running out of food for organic produce. 

Finally rounded out my purchases with protein. I realized after I got home that I bought hot dogs, brats, and sausages; apparently, I was really into the linked foods. These were the cheapest that my family would eat, but overall very salty and fatty and probably not great to have 3 times in 5 days. I could not afford to purchase fish (which we usually eat once a week), and chicken breasts (I could afford thighs, but we don’t like thighs).

When I was done, my bill was 72$. However, this did not include milk, which we already had at home and I was going to apply to the bill, increasing the bill by about another 10$. And then I wanted a few extra dollars in case we needed something during the week.

My shopping experience was very eye-opening. First I was surprised that I could get so much food for so little, compared to how much we typically spend on food. However, I know I sacrificed brand names (is this a sacrifice?), organic labeling, and diversity to stretch the dollar. Second, I had to buy much more in bulk, especially for the kids’ lunches. I usually by individually packaged meals, but that was much more expensive. I think this will mean more prep time, which I will need to plan for during my already crammed schedule. Lastly, I spent 2 times the amount of time in the store than normal, analyzing each individual purchase I made. I did not make any luxury purchases, which means no chocolate or seltzer water this week!

The thing that touched me more than anything during my shopping experience was the structural violence that shoppers experienced at the store. First off having to unlock a cart with money is intimidating, and gives an uneasy feeling. And then, showcasing unhealthy food-cookies and chocolate and alcohol, sets shoppers up for failures, as studies show that buyers purchase more of what they see first in the store.  Furthermore, much of the produce was overripe, bruised, or floppy. The grocery stores I typically frequent in a wealthier neighborhood, would not sell that poor of quality for the sake of hurting their brand. I wonder if the store’s lack of concern for the customers’ opinion, unconsciously feels demoralizing? All things that I will want to keep in mind next time I discuss a family’s access to food in my clinic.

Halfway Done:

Halfway done! Only 2 more days. I feel ashamed that I am counting down to when I can go back to eating whatever I want, whenever I want. So far everyone has been full and still eating “healthy”, but has taken much more effort than normal and is mildly annoying. Some examples of meals below:

1.       Breakfast: My husband and I- bran cereal flakes, my kids generic of frosted mini wheats. Also mangoes and strawberries for the kids, and my husband and I ate apples and pears.

2.       Lunches: Salads with sautéed zucchini and onions with heated up frozen chicken nuggets with ranch dressing or leftovers for my husband and I. The kids had chicken nuggets, mac n cheese, or leftover pasta always with a side of fruit- either grapes, apples, strawberries, or mangoes.  

3.       Dinners: Pasta and red sauce with sautéed zucchini and onions, pizza kit with added cheese and veggies on top with more sautéed zucchini, pork tenderloin with asparagus (this was our “extravagant” meal).

COMPLETION!

My family completed the SNAP Food Challenge! I will never look at food and purchasing food the same way. We just finished with dinner last night and I am currently enjoying snack of pretzel chips while writing this entry.

I was never hungry during the SNAP Food Challenge, but I also was often not satisfied. I viewed food as a necessity to survive instead of object that provides pleasure or fulfillment. I realized that so much of our day is centered around eating and drinking, and it plays an integral role in fostering relationships. Whether it is going out for a meal with friends or family, giving joy to your children by offering a chocolate treat, exploring new tastes or following an old family recipe, food is the often the key ingredient in creating happy memories.

On a budget of 4.50$ per person per day food only provides sustenance, arguably maybe not only that. During this week, my family was unable to ask a family over for dinner last minute, when we typically would, because I did not have enough food/money to feed additional people. I did not have any chocolate to give my son to eat on the back porch during a thunderstorm, which has been our tradition to squelch fears.  I had to pre-plan my kid’s lunches and snacks, preparing food at night after the kids were in bed during which I usually spend time with my husband. All things that weakened relationships. Which is not a bid deal, when the challenge is completed in a weeks’ time, but becomes a burden when food insecurity is your daily reality.

Honestly, I did not fully experience the limitations of being dependent on SNAP. I have money beyond food stamps to purchase diapers, my children’s medications, toilet paper, and other needs. My entire SNAP budget went to food, which is unrealistic. I could provide healthy and fulfilling meals to my family with some inconvenience using the full 4.50$ per person per day; however, it was tight, and any additional monetary burdens would have caused me to fail to reach that goal. I also had a car, so I could go to a select grocery store, instead of limitations to what is available at the closest bodega or minimart. I am also very educated, and understand nutritionally needs and the importance of healthy eating. I have support from my husband and am not trying to raise my children alone as a single working mother. There are so many more struggles and stressors that studies show low income families disproportionately must endure, and the financial aspect of food insecurity is only one part.

What can we do to help? The purpose of taking the challenge for me was to provide better and more empathetic care to my patients. The reason I am blogging about it is try help others understand the plight of food insecurity. Once we understand, we then have the knowledge and empathy to fight for these marginalized persons. In the current political climate where funding for our public safety nets are being cut, we must remind our elected officials on the importance of mitigating food insecurity with SNAP.

Jennifer Mrozek, MD, is a pediatric resident at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Not sure what The SNAP Challenge is? Read Part One. 

The SNAP Food Challenge | Part One | 614 Mom

I'm really happy to have Dr. Jennifer Mrozek as our guest blogger today! Jennifer Mrozek, MD, is a pediatric resident at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Mrozek recently took the SNAP Food Challenge, I will let her explain what that means and her experience but make sure you come back tomorrow to read about her grocery trip, completing the challenge, and all of her thoughts on feeding her family on $4.40 per person each day.    

Decision to take the SNAP Challenge:

Like all moms, I want to serve my kiddos the best and most nutritious foods. I will buy berries, mangoes, and other fresh fruit and veggies regardless of season or price. In addition, we buy organic. My children are never ever wanting for food. Yes, they will say, “Mom, I’m starving.” But I know I will quickly remedy the situation and that they are just a bit overdramatic.  I have snacks in my purse, in the diaper bag, and in the car I have an “emergency snack container” (and I mean the I’m hungry emergencies and not real ones).  We have food everywhere. And it’s healthy food. We are blessed.

As a pediatrician, I see children at our clinic that are truly starving. It breaks my heart, when asking a child during their wellness check about what they ate for breakfast and they say nothing. I then ask if they are hungry now, and they shake their head yes. Handing them a small bag of goldfish brings about a smile that tugs on your heart strings. Discussing with parents about food security, I find many depend on food stamps or WIC. But these parents say it is often not enough. They may have to choose between food and medicine or diapers or other necessities. Many parents are busy working multiple low paying jobs that span all hours of the day and night and do not have the time to prepare healthy meals on a very low budget. They are stuck going to a fast food restaurant and serving meals off the dollar or kids menu, healthy or not. And sometimes, too often, their kids go hungry.

As a mom and pediatrician, I cannot imagine having to watch your kids go hungry or to not eat until contentment. And knowing that you cannot buy the food that will allow your kids to grow and develop to their fullest potential must feel like a parenting failure.

I believe that it is unjust to judge someone until you walked in their shoes. So, I’ve decided that I will attempt to wear the food insecure shoes to better understand and empathize with my patients and to bring more awareness to food insecurity. My family and I are going to take the SNAP challenge. What is the SNAP challenge? Well, it is where you live off 4.50$ per person per day for all food and drink. You cannot use anything in your house that you have previously purchased. You cannot buy your food from places where you need a membership. And my own additional challenge that I’m adding in, is that I will not compromise my children’s nutrition.

I will keep track of my budget, report what I bought and for how much. I’ll also record the prep time, cook time, knowing that time is also a limiting factor. I’ll try to follow nutritional guidelines and create well-balanced meals. I will feed my family of 4 (my husband, 2 boys (1 and 3), and myself) for a week on the SNAP assistance budget. This will be about 90$ total budget. I will write about my journey for you all to enjoy.

First however, I want to provide some data and evidence that shows how pervasive food insecurity is in America and why should we care. And also, quickly provide some basic education about SNAP and poverty for those who are not aware of the program.

What does Food Insecurity look like in the United States?

According to the USDA, they use food insecurity in varying degrees to help tease out hunger in the USA. See the definitions below:

Food Security:

High food security (old label=Food security): no reported indications of food-access problems or limitations.

Marginal food security (old label=Food security): one or two reported indications—typically of anxiety over food sufficiency or shortage of food in the house. Little or no indication of changes in diets or food intake.

Food Insecurity:

Low food security (old label=Food insecurity without hunger): reports of reduced quality, variety, or desirability of diet. Little or no indication of reduced food intake.

Very low food security (old label=Food insecurity with hunger): Reports of multiple indications of disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake.

The most recent data collected by the USDA was in 2015, which showed that 12.7 percent (15.8 million) of U.S. households were food insecure at some point during the year. Food-insecure households include those with low food security and very low food security. 7.7 percent (9.5 million) of U.S. households had low food security in 2015. 5.0 percent (6.3 million) of U.S. households had very low food security at some time during 2015.

My feelings, as a pediatrician and mom, is that children that fall into the low and very low food security overall health is negatively affected. Data shows that unhealthy, unbalanced meals also lead to difficulties for children.  Difficulties in the classroom, with development, and psychological wellbeing.  I am not OK with children or anyone, being negatively affected due to food insecurity. My goal of the SNAP challenge and this blog is to raise awareness of child hunger.

What is SNAP?

SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that is funded through the federal government through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). It is the largest hunger prevention safety net in the country and is sometimes referred to as food stamps.  In 2015, which is the most recent data, 45.8 million individuals received SNAP. Qualification depends on income (net income of 100% of the poverty line or below that’s based on family size), creating diverse group of beneficiaries. 32% of people that participate in SNAP have jobs, although that statistic includes children who make up many of the beneficiaries.

I was curious to see how little I had to make to qualify for SNAP.  For my family of 4, our gross income needed to be 2,633$ or less per month (which is 130% of the poverty line). Then to calculate your net income, you subtract deductions for various things, such as dependents, excessive medical costs for elderly, having children. For a family of 4, the net income would need to be less than 2,025$ per month. 

How is the Poverty Line determined?

Since SNAP qualifications is based upon the poverty line, I wanted to understand how it is determined who the United States labels “impoverished.” The poverty threshold is determined yearly, but is based upon an arbitrary figure of three times the cost of a minimum food diet in 1963 that is adjusted for inflation. Then that number is further adjusted for family size, age of household members, and composition. Family is determined by those living together related by marriage, birth, or adoption. In 2015, 13.5 % of US citizens were living in poverty, equaling 43.1 million people. Some critiques of the poverty threshold is that it does not reflect modern expenses and resources, has a very strict definition of family, does not vary based upon geographic location and cost of living, and does not take into account medical and other unavoidable expenses.

Dear Monday | July | 614 Mom

Dear Monday, 

It's crazy how fast the weeks have been flying by.  It seems like every Monday, I'm reminded that soon school will start and while I'm excited to see my two oldest kiddos off making new friends and enjoying school, I'm sad because time is just moving so fast.

This is our last summer before my oldest starts all day school, for years it's been half days and now she will go until after 3 pm.  I'm trying to soak up every moment while also balancing a teething baby.  I have so much guilt about this summer but I'm trying - really trying to do it all and I think at the end of the day, as long as I'm giving it my best, that's all I can do.  I have done a lot of research and it's nice to know that I am not alone, lots of moms with multiple children go through similar stages and it passes.  Even though I will miss my big kids, I'm looking forward to some quiet one on one time with my baby girl, and of course picking my big kids up and hearing all about their days.  

We are finding our new normal, and I've been somewhat drowning in keeping up with the kids, work, the house.  It's been hard.  I decided to admit defeat and call in the professionals.  I found a cleaning company that I am now obsessed with.    My baby girl who is 4 months old loves to be held, I am lucky if I'm able to set her down long enough to take a shower, let alone mop the floors or do the dishes. Pam and Kayla came into our home and turned it into our home again and I am so thankful.  If you are looking for a cleaning company - I highly recommend them. We laughed, joked around, and by the time they left I had made a few new friends and had a super clean home.  It was awesome. Call RealWorld Cleaning NOW and get on their schedule. You will not regret it. 

What I'm reading this week: Big Girl Pants: A Woman's Guide to Strutting toward the Life She Craves   - I didn't get to finish this last week, but it's SO good.  Highly recommend.  

What I'm watching: I don't think I will have much time for TV this week - but we recently added HBO so I'm sure I will find something good.  

Who I'm listening to: Georgica Pond

A New Adventure: We are hoping to take Little Adventures Cbus idea and head to the Peach farm for some yummy local peaches. 

New food we're trying: I'm making homemade salsa this week, as well as baby food for Elizabeth.  She will be trying sweet potatoes for the first time! 

This weeks goal: I am hoping to get Elizabeth on a better sleep schedule, so I can spend more time with my older two kiddos. 

Something I'm researching: I want to get the older two kiddos a tablet for Christmas - my daughter is really into coding and I want to give her the opportunity to explore this.   We will be getting them both a tablet because I just don't want to hear the fighting.  So I'm currently researching the best one for what we want/need. 

COSI | Little Kidspace® | 614 Mom

I have a list of what I like to call "The Columbus Staples", on that list are the spots in Columbus that you can count on everyday. You are always guaranteed a good time and Columbus wouldn't be the same without them.  On that list is one of our favorite places ever - COSI.  My kids are obsessed with COSI, they would happily go every single day if our schedule allowed. From the little kidspace® to the Planetarium and everything in between, my kids are always happy when we're there.  

Right now one of our favorite places in COSI is the little kidspace®. The little kidspace® allows my kids a safe space to explore using dramatic play, water play, and so much more. They even have a safe section for the tiny babies, against the window, near the yellow COSI truck.  This space is specifically for younger children, older siblings (2nd grade-age 11 are welcome in the adjoining room, BigKid Lab). Safety is extremely important with COSI, so be ready to check in when you get there, you will be given a piece of paper with the amount of kids you have with you, and you must have that upon exiting.  

We always start out in the farm-to-table area, where my kids pretend to go to the farmers market, make dinner, milk a cow, and everything else their little imaginations dream up.  We then head to the art room, throw on a smock and start creating.  Of course, what's a trip to little kidspace® without splashing in the water? PRO TIP: They do have rain jackets there for you to throw on - but just in case, they also have a free dryer for your use if you or your little one get wet.  

Once you're done exploring that area, you can finally head to the other half of little kidspace®, where The Clinic is located.  There they can fly a helicopter, drive an ambulance, examine X-Rays, and so much more.  I somehow always need a really invasive surgery after being seen at The Clinic, anyone else out there with Silly-itis? I've had it for years and it's only ever discovered at The Clinic by Dr. E and Dr. O. 

Luckily, COSI knows what we need as parents to make sure our little ones who are playing so hard can stay well taken care of without having to leave little kidspace®. They have provided a space to snack and have some down time complete with tables, chairs, and vending machines, a calm and quiet nursing room with toys for older siblings, and restrooms large enough to bring the stroller in without getting stuck. 

This space was seriously a game changer for me when I became a stay at home mom and I don't think we will ever give up our membership.  Have you been to little kidspace®?  What's your favorite part, or your child's favorite part?