My daughter, Rachel, was interviewed recently by TeenLink Magazine, part of the Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel. The article appeared today. Unfortunately the online story does not include the photo that appears in the print edition (but here it is). The article is about Rachel’s musical involvement in the creation of the The Travel Adventures of Lilly P Badilly and her role with marketing. Check it out here!
Thank you to everyone who flooded us with positive feedback about the story!
Smart Poodle has a lot of librarian friends! Claire Crawford from Geneseo Public Library in Geneseo, IL shared a good find. With all the recent cutbacks, Claire wanted other librarians who are looking for jobs to know about Indeed.com. It is an easy-to-use, comprehensive job searching site for all professions. Check it out, even if you are not a librarian!
Thank you, Claire!
A love of reading starts at birth. And your home environment will dictate how often your child will choose to read. Here are some suggestions:
During a routine prenatal ultrasound, Daphne and Chris Christensen, from Norwalk Iowa, were told that their unborn child had a bi-lateral cleft lip and palate, a birth defect of the nose, lip and palate (roof of his mouth). Having a perfectly healthy son born 2 years earlier, this was obviously a shock. The rate of infants born with a cleft lip and/or palate in the United States, is about 1 in every 600 births, according to the Cleft Palate Foundation. This makes the cleft the most common birth defect in the USA. The cause is believed to include both genetic and environmental factors.
The Christensens’ story runs the gamut of every emotion imaginable – sadness, fear, guilt, hope, triumph and pure joy. Below is an interview with Daphne that will give you great insight into their son, Dylan’s story including the creation of Dylan’s Smile, the extraordinary charitable organization that Daphne and Chris started to help other families who face similar challenges.
What did you and your husband do to prepare for Dylan’s birth once you were informed about his cleft lip and palate?
I was 19 weeks pregnant when we first learned of Dylan’s cleft lip. At that time we thought it was just one side of the lip. Toward the end of my pregnancy, it was confirmed that it was both sides of his lip (bilateral cleft lip, one side complete and one side incomplete. Complete means the cleft went all the way up into his nose.) We also got a view on ultrasound that showed the cleft palate – many times this isn’t diagnosed until delivery.
Not many people know, but at the same time Dylan’s cleft was discovered there was also concern that he would be born with a fatal kidney disease. Distracted by this possibility, the cleft diagnosis was the least of our concerns. When Dylan was born, he did NOT have a kidney disease! At that point, a cleft lip and palate seemed so very minor in comparison.
Before Dylan, did you know anyone who had this type of birth defect?
Yes, I had a friend who had a baby just months before who had an incomplete cleft lip. Other than that, I had to think back to my childhood to a boy I knew who had cleft lip.
Other than the baby’s doctors where did you go for support after your son was born?
The Internet. I think that freaked me out more. Actually, I became really withdrawn during the second half of my pregnancy; it’s like I went into “protect mode” before Dylan was even born. I was busy preparing myself emotionally and being strong for my family. I never felt pity or asked “Why me?” I was and always will be very proud to be the mother of a child with a birth defect. My husband and I were ready to accept whatever challenges came our way.
How old was your older son when Dylan was born, and did he understand the situation with his baby brother?
Tucker was a dream big brother (he was two years old when Dylan was born). He never even realized anything was different about Dylan! When people would comment or ask about Dylan’s mouth and nose and the special mouthpiece he wore, Tucker would seem confused by the questions and curiosity. In fact, after Dylan’s first surgery he no longer had to wear his special mouthpiece. Tucker was terribly worried about where it was and when we would be putting it back in!
Did you experience strangers staring at your son, asking questions or making comments? And how did you handle this?
It broke our hearts to have people stare. I was so thankful for the people who were polite and brave enough to ask a question, and genuinely wanted to learn about Dylan’s condition. I’ll never forget the incredible sadness I felt when a volunteer from the hospital brought flowers into my room shortly after Dylan was born. On her way to his bassinet she asked if she could see my baby. I could tell from the look on her face, that she was startled and before I could even respond, she hurried out of the room.
My mom (Grandma Mary) and I took Tucker and Dylan to the Iowa State Fair the summer Dylan was born. He was only a couple of months old. An elderly woman came bolting from the crowded sidewalk, peered into the stroller and proclaimed “that baby’s got a hair lip!” I was mortified. Most people don’t know the old wives tale about a “hare lip” (it’s a very degrading, ill-used term); it has nothing to do with “a scar, thin like a strand of hair.” Rather it’s centered around a belief of pregnancy cursed by a black rabbit, or hare.
For the most part, people are very kind and good-hearted. I appreciate questions and being able to educate people. These few isolated incidents were hurtful and remain fresh in my heart. These examples demonstrate why our work through Dylan’s Smile is so important.
How many surgeries (and what type) did Dylan have to correct his cleft lip and palate?
Dylan has had three major surgeries to repair his lip, nose and palate. He has had several other minor procedures to correct issues with his ears (ear tubes, for example).
What physical challenges do children with facial birth defects like this experience?
Many times children born with cleft lip and palate have speech problems. Many children NOT born with a cleft lip or palate also have speech problems, so this has been easy for us to accept. Thankfully Dylan’s speech is wonderful – in fact, ahead of his age. Other issues can include trouble eating (milk and food can come up through the nose, or babies can intake too much air making their tummies uncomfortable), failure to thrive because of the troubles eating and other issues that vary depending on the severity of the condition and other syndromes that may be involved. Cleft lip and palate on their own are a blessing, in my eyes. Often times a cleft found in utero is the sign of much bigger problems.
I cannot imagine what that must have been like waiting for Dylan to come out of surgery each time. What was the recovery like for him?
The waiting was angst-filled, no doubt. However, we were in the hands of a very capable, skilled medical team. Recovery for Dylan was very smooth. I think I was more anxious about the process than he ever was. He had to wear arm restraints to keep his elbows from bending – the goal was to keep toys and fingers out of his mouth, away from his fresh surgical site. We had
to modify his feeding methods (using a syringe v. a bottle). All of these aspects were very manageable, and Dylan very easy-going.
Can you tell us about your organization, Dylan’s Smile? And how and when did you come up with the idea?
Dylan’s Smile is somewhat of a selfish endeavor for me. It provides an outlet for the energy, compassion and love I feel for children undergoing similar treatment paths as Dylan. I love to provide families with a glimmer of hope and children with a little extra comfort. Our main program of Dylan’s Smile is called “Beary Brave.” We raise money to give Gund® teddy bears to children as they prepare for their first surgery. I knew before Dylan was born that I would do something with this experience as a parent and the emotions that surround it.
Is this what you do full time?
By day, I am a fulltime marketing professional in the medical field. I work on efforts for Dylan’s Smile in the evenings and on the weekends, primarily.
Is it true that you won a guitar from the rock band Kiss? Do tell us about it!
As a member of the American Marketing Association, I am afforded many fabulous opportunities for professional growth and development. I never knew how much one meeting in particular would mean for me and the organization (Dylan’s Smile) that was once just a dream. In March of 2007, I attended a lunch meeting where the speaker was raffling off an electric guitar signed by Paul Stanley of KISS. I won the guitar! I knew I wouldn’t have a need for the guitar, and my wheels started turning immediately. After lunch, I thanked the speaker and asked him if it would be ok if I conducted an eBay auction to raise money for the start-up fees for a nonprofit organization. Our local newspaper picked up the story and the rest is history! The guitar sold, and we were able to build our momentum from that point. Later I even learned that Paul Stanley was born with a facial defect. Talk about a coincidence.
What have you accomplished so far through Dylan’s Smile?
When I think about accomplishments, several smiles and family testimonials come to mind. Success for our organization means one more family has learned they are not alone. Through Beary Brave, our teddy bear program, we have touched many children and their families and “wrapped our arms around them.” even from miles – and countries – away.
What are your goals for the future of your organization?
Someday, I would like to have a scholarship program through Dylan’s Smile and be able to offer financial support for children and youth (from elementary to middle to high school) to help realize a special dream of his or hers – whether it is to participate in a summer sports program, music or art camp, whatever it is that builds on a dream or potential talent.
For now we maintain our vision of making the surgery process a little less scary.
What can others do who want to help your cause?
We are so grateful for those who share their resources! Monetary donations may be made through our secure website at www.dylanssmile.com. For more information on giving, please email daphne@dylanssmile.com. Thank you! We are also grateful for donations of new children’s books, games or puzzles (for various ages) which help the recovery process!
I have seen the photos of Dylan now on your website. He is a beautiful boy! How is he doing?
Dylan is a normal little boy. He does everything that other kids his age do and fortunately has not faced ongoing challenges with eating, growing, speech or any other developmental factor. Time will tell how his teeth and mouth continue to develop. After orthodontics, the next phase of surgical treatments will be discussed. More than likely, he will need bone grafting to modify his gum line. He is four now, and more curious about his surgeries as a baby and not at all shy to show people the two scars that form an inverted “V”from his nose to his top lip.
Looking back on your entire experience, how would you sum it all up?
Truly, it’s been an amazing adventure full of love, humility and grace. So many families are dealing with illness or disease or a defect that is beyond surgical repair. Our hearts go to them as we work to – at the very least – raise awareness of birth defects of the skull and face.
What advice would you give to a couple who has just found out their unborn or newborn baby has a cleft birth defect?
Surround yourself with knowledge, and try not to let the worry and anxiety of this day cast a shadow over tomorrow. Each phase in the journey is temporary. Whatever challenges are in the present won’t last forever. In the back of my mind I hear the words, “Lucky me, my heart is full!”
Thank you, Daphne, for telling us your incredible story. It mustn’t be easy to recount those challenging years. Your generosity in sharing Dylan’s life with others is sure to help so many other parents who experience similar situations. You have shown us that there is always hope and help, and that happy endings are not just for story books!
During the days when I was a travel writer, my head used to throb from an overflow of facts. Due to the deadlines I had, I would sit for hours at my desk and on the floor combing through brochures, travel guides and encyclopedias just to find that one fact or definition I was desperately looking for. I trained myself to speed read at an incredibly fast rate so I could find what I was looking for.
Now with the Smart Poodle Geography Program, Ask Lilly Badilly All About the World, I’m at it again. We have been receiving the most interesting questions! And many are challenging to answer. But I enjoy the process thoroughly. There’s nothing more exciting than finding the answer to a complicated question. During the process of looking for information, it is impossible not to absorb other facts I am not even looking for. It is all so fascinating, that I cannot stop reading and then find myslef branching off into new territory. There’s so much to know about our own country, never mind the rest of the world. And if you really want to surprise yourself, do some research on your own city and state. Unless you are already an historian, I guarantee you’ll be surprised about what you didn’t know about where you live.
I hope you are telling the kids in your life about Ask Lilly Badilly. Thank, if you already have. Keep those great questions coming!
Smart Poodle Publishing enjoys sharing library news from around the nation with readers . . .
CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENT
Presents…
All are welcomed! This production is best appreciated for grades 4 and higher!
One of the most celebrated leaders of the last century, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is brought to life in this powerful and accessible production. Beginning with an overview of the Civil Rights Movement in America, the play soon shifts to explore the work, trials and tribulations of this heroic and empowering figure. In dedicating his life to justice and equal rights, Dr. King became the youngest person to ever win the Nobel Prize for Peace, was named the Time Magazine Man of the Year for 1963 and brought about dramatic shifts in the American way of life through peaceful ways–without being a bully or fighting back!
WHEN: February 5, 2009
TIME: 6:00 pm
WHERE: Colleton County Memorial Library
For more information, please contact the children’s librarian at (843) 549 – 5621, ext. 4
I’ve discovered a fantastic website and just had to share it with you. It’s www.wanderingeducators.com. What a fresh idea this is, as it is unique amongst the countless travel sites out there. Basically the site is a conglomerate of editors who are educators that travel the world. Since Smart Poodle Publishing is so totally into geography education, this is right up our alley!
Editors may be teachers, professors, homeschoolers, students, life learners and administrators who are “wandering educators.” They write informative articles for the website and share spectacular photos of their journeys. You’ve got to click on the Photo Galleries under the Navigation heading and just dream about these far away places. I’m getting ideas about Lilly Badilly’s future adventures just by looking at these incredible pictures. And in case you are miserably freezing at home, you’re sure to get warmed up when you look at photos of the earth’s sunny places.
There are travel journals from all over the globe, funny essays involving distant places, info about intercultural education, tips on places to stay when you travel, the best of guide books and so much more! These entries start dialogues with readers with similar backgrounds or an interest in travel, and they stir up engaging comments. On this site you’ll also find book reviews and discounts offers on all sorts of products travelers need.
The innovative site was created by husband and wife team, Jessie Voigts and Ed Forteau. I had the pleasure of speaking to Jessie over the phone. She’s creative, brilliant and has a fabulous sense of humor! Not only does she want to share the world with her readers, but she is always seeking to learn more herself. We could have talked for hours. Jessie has a PhD in International Education, and husband, Ed, has degrees in Engineering.
Since one of their passions is traveling, they decided to create The Wandering Educator together so they could work on a family project. One of their goals was to make sure their six year old daughter, Lillie, could learn firsthand all about the world. What better way is there to do that than to host a website like this? With a name like Lillie (i.e. Lilly Badilly!) she’s got to be worldly and smart! She’s only 6 and is already a reporter. Halleluiah! Here’s one little girl who will not be lacking in geography knowledge!
Little Lillie, the Worldly Reporter
Jessie explained,
“We’ve had so much fun running our site. Although it is a challenge to find new and interesting content – different from other travel sites, of which there are many! I have met so many incredible people. I love hearing the back story of why people are passionate about their work – whether it is a book, travel, website, adventure tours, places to stay, events, or the place where they live. I feel fortunate to have been extended many invitations to visit, all over the world! And each place I learn about is so intriguing that my top ten travel list is constantly changing. I’ve learned that if someone is truly interested and committed to exploring the world, then their cup will overflow with good people, places, food, and experiences.“
The Wandering Educators Family: Jessie, Ed and Lillie
When I asked her about her vision for this website Jessie said,
“ I hope that readers of WanderingEducators will be inspired – to travel, read and explore the world around them. Travel doesn’t have to be across the world – it can be across town, as well. We’re having such fun with our site. All three of us, including our 6-year old daughter, sit down and talk every week about where we want to go next, write about next, read next. I hope that our love of the world and intercultural learning comes across to our readers. It is contagious!”
So check out www.wanderingeducators.com today, and start planning your next travel adventure. You’ll be glad you did.
We attended the South Florida Fair this weekend in West Palm Beach and had a blast! In addition to the usual rides, there is a craft exhibit, shops, a toy train exhibit, livestock, horses, chickens, petting zoo, pig races, Yesteryear Village and a whole lot more! This is a great place to take the kids for the day! The Fair runs through February 1, 2009.
Model Trains
Poultry Competition
Rabbit Competition
Baby Llama at the Petting Zoo
Agricultural Exhibit
Blue Ribbon Giant Cassava (Yuca)
Today was truly a remarkable and most memorable day. Just watching that vast sea of optimistic people united for the same purpose on the Mall in DC was overwhelming. It does not matter whether you are a Democrat, a Republican, African American, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, male, female, young or old, straight or gay, struggling financial, middle class or affluent, you have a new President. You have new hope for a better tomorrow.
Today is an inauguration for new leadership and for a fresh start for every one of us. I am proud that we have elected our first African American President. But the future of our great country should not be about color or gender or heritage. It should be about competence, honesty, compassion and the vision to restore the American Dream.
If you have never read the Constitution of the USA, get to it! Read all the amendments too. The brilliance of our founding fathers from 2 centuries ago will restore complete faith in our system and remind you what true freedom means. It is what America is all about. As soon as your children are old enough to understand the basic principals, encourage them to read it as well.
Today our children saw that a man (who was once a student like they are, who did not come from a privileged background, who against all odds did something extraordinary) realize his dream. He accomplished this with pure persistence, hard work and determination and the intelligence and charm to rally the support of billions of people around the globe.
Isn’t that a lesson for us all?
At one time or another, most of us have been guilty of enjoying national holidays as a day off from work without thinking about what that holiday actually means. Tomorrow is Martin Luther King Day, and I’ve bee thinking about King’s life and his message for the world. For starters, his “I Have a Dream” speech is posted on the door to my office. If you’ve never read that speech in its entirety, tomorrow is the day to do it. It is, without a doubt, one of the best speeches ever written.
So what should you tell your children about MLK Day? Here are 12 facts to help you out. I pulled them from the Nobel Prize website:
If your children are old enough they may be interested in researching some of the many speeches King gave in his short life. I’m sure that Dr. King would be proud to know that Barack Obama’s Inauguration will take place on the day after his namesake national holiday. Some dreams do become reality.
