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Why We’ve Bought 825 Boxes of Girl Scout Cookies

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By – Rosalind Prather, Co-Owner of Trusting Connections Nanny Agency

It was a day in early January 2016 that I came across an article about the Girl Scouts Cookies program being the largest “girl-led entrepreneurship program in the world.” Caroline and I were in our fifth year of business and I started reminiscing about our journey as young, female business owners. 

While our agency was still relatively new it felt like we had made it.  We had just opened our second location in Southlake, as two tiny fish in the massive ocean that is the DFW Metroplex. And we were making it happen. We were steadily growing year after year, had begun hiring office staff to help with day-to-day operations and we were giving ourselves a decent paycheck. We were 24 when our agency began with our first location in Tucson and looking back it seems hard to believe that we thought we could pull this off. Truth be told, we had only dreamed up the idea of one small agency. But fate held a much larger objective for our venture – one we still probably haven’t fully realized. 

TC best babysitting service - best year!

And as I thought about this article and the girls that had shown up on my doorstep all dressed up in their uniforms or the girls standing outside of grocery stores mustering up the courage to ask if I wanted any cookies…I realized that these little girls and I had something in common. Despite the odds against us as young women entrepreneurs, we were boldly stepping forward with a dream of turning our passions into profits. I knew in that moment that as women business owners, we had an obligation to do our part to inspire and support the next generation of lady leaders. It occurred to me that the reason Caroline and I had the courage to start our business was because of other women (like my own mom) paving the way, who made us believe that it was even possible. And so it was then, that Caroline and I made a promise to buy cookies from every Girl Scout who came to our office. 

We wanted to make it educational for the girls, so asked that they come with a sales pitch. It wasn’t just about supporting their cookie sales although that was a big piece of it. We are proud to say that as of today, this event has generated about $8,250 for the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona – approx. 1,650 boxes of cookies sold (with the help of other women business’ owners participation the last two years.) Our intention was to also give the girls the experience of meeting a relatively young female entrepreneur and to hopefully inspire the girls to dream about their own possibility of business ownership one day. That first year, the girls also walked away with a bookmark that read, “She believed she could so she did.”

They came in droves, Some with signs. Some with songs. And all with stories. That first year girls were spilling out into the lobby and waiting for a chance to speak to Caroline and I. We felt totally honored. And we quickly realized that this offer to buy cookies and inspire girls did something much more than we ever expected. It inspired us. 

We met a girl who had reached her own cookie box selling goal and gave away some of her extra points to another girl in her troop to help her reach her goal. If only grown up women could more consistently show one another the same support and lift each other up. 

We met a girl who had sold thousands of boxes tirelessly going door to door and even made her own business cards. 

We met a Girl Scout in middle school who had aspirations of starting a babysitting business with her best friend. She was the same age Caroline and I were when we became best friends and we offered to take her and her friend out to lunch to talk business and told them that maybe they might be our competitors some day. 

We asked one little girl, about 6 years old who had sold quite a few boxes of girl scout cookies, what her best sales technique was. She paused and thought really hard about it before responding definitively and proudly. Her answer? “Begging.” We laughed. 

We met a girl who did her entire pitch in sign language. 

We met a girl who was trying to get boxes donated to the military in honor of her dad who was deployed.

We met troops who had done amazing things with their money, using it to support local charities and causes. Proof that even the littlest people can make a big difference.  

One of our favorite moments this year was with an incredible young lady who started a charity project and is sewing pouches that attach to walkers for seniors. She shared with us that she is just donating them and we asked her if she had thought about selling them because we were so impressed with how beautiful they were! Because it wasn’t something she had considered, we talked to her about the cost of materials, the amount of time she spent completing one piece, the value of her time, etc. After doing some number crunching with her, we asked her what she thought a fair price would be. She decided $15 was reasonable and then we asked if we could buy the sample she brought in to show us. She was so surprised! What an honor it is to be this amazing inventors’ first customers! 

This event has become a beloved annual tradition and one that my business partner and I agree is our favorite event of the year. This was the fifth year that Caroline and I have made that same promise to Girl Scouts and while it’s changing and growing (this year we had three other women business owners who joined us and made the same pledge and we’ve had to move the event to the Girl Scouts offices since ours was no longer big enough to hold the crowds)… the spirit of the event has remained the same. It’s a celebration of the accomplishments and powerful potential of girls and young women. The leaders. The fearless dreamers. We wholeheartedly agree with the Girl Scouts of America’s belief that girls can change the world. 

And just like Caroline and I didn’t know the full capacity of what we were destined to accomplish when we first started out, we hope that the girls who attend our event walk away feeling like they, too, can achieve incredible things. They already are. 

Reliable Tucson, DFW, and Phoenix Sitters For Back-Up Sick Care

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New Season, Old and New Symptoms

While we are saying goodbye to winter as we welcome spring, a common cold, the seasonal flu, and springtime allergies are staying put for the time being. And according to Healthline, the flu activity will last until late April and for some areas, may extend till May.

If you are a parent who is seeking some back-up sick care, let Trusting Connections assist in connecting you with a qualified and experienced sitter.

Our team of professional and reliable Tucson, DFW, and Phoenix sitters can provide safe childcare for your family, anytime, any day.

What is normal for newborns?

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Should I worry?

Since newborns do not come with their own set of instruction manuals, how are parents supposed to know what is and is not normal? There is so much information available at the touch of your fingers and everyone has their own opinion. HOW do you know WHAT or WHO to believe?

Newborns are mysterious little beings and make parents worry over little things.  There is no rhyme or reason for why they do what they do at times.  The fact that you worry is proof enough that you love your child and only want what is best for them. Trust that instinct.

Below are a few facts that you may notice about your newborn.  Try not to worry.  Not all babies will have all OR any of these because every baby is different. They are all pretty normal findings.  When in doubt, ask your pediatrician.

Newborns may lose 5-10% of their birth weight in the first few days, this is mainly due to loss of extra fluid accumulated by mom and baby nearing delivery.  (Your child’s doctor will be monitoring this closely).

Newborns heads may be mis-shaped from before or during delivery.  They typically reshape by the end of the first week

Newborns have 2 soft spots: one on the top of their head (anterior-closes between 12-24 mo) and one in the back (posterior-closes between 2-3 mo), normal handling of the head will not cause any issues with them.

Some newborns may look cross-eyed; their eye muscles are still weak after birth

Newborn girls may look like they are menstruating (withdrawal from your hormones)

Newborn boys may have erections (typically, during diaper changes, as long as it goes down quickly, it is normal)

Girl and boy newborns breast buds and genitalia may be swollen (withdrawal from your hormones)

Newborns may have swollen or puffy eyelids or you may notice red on the whites of their eyes (this is due to pressure from delivery) should go away within a couple days

Both boys and girls can lactate (withdrawal of hormones again!)

Newborns hands and feet may appear bluish (acrocyanosis-blood is shunted to the more vital organs).  May see this when they are cold or coming out of a bath.  Warm them up and re check.  As long as lips and tongue are pink, there is no cause for concern.

Some newborns may have little white bumps called milia on their face around their nose & chin primarily (obstruction of oil or sebaceous glands). Do NOT pop or squeeze them, they will go away in a few weeks!

Some newborns may be covered in thin, fine hair called lanugo. Most commonly found on shoulders, ears, back and above buttocks.  It will eventually fall out.

You may discover a cream cheese like substance in newborn folds, under arms, behind knees and ears and in genitalia, feel free to rub it in. It helped protect their skin while inside utero.

Some newborns may have peeling skin, especially their feet. This is because they have been in fluid for months. Their skin does not require any treatment, it will eventually go away.

Some babies get a red newborn rash.  It looks like little tiny raised bug bites but rest assured it is a common rash.  Again, no treatment necessary and it will go away on its own.

Most newborns breathe faster than adults do, sometimes twice as fast.  They are also tummy breathers.

Newborns have a pronounced startle (Moro) reflex where arms and legs shoot out when they are startled and then come back to the body.

Hiccups, very common.  They do not hurt the baby and will go away.

Most newborns do not produce noticeable tears until a couple weeks old.

The umbilical cord or stump is like a scab. It does not hurt them! It will dry out, shrivel up, turn black and then fall off anywhere between 1-2 weeks typically. Keep the area dry and clean.  You can give them a bath once it falls off.

Jaundice is very common in babies (baby’s skin and the whites of their eyes turn yellow).  It usually peaks around days 3-5 and then goes away. The hospital staff and pediatrician will be watching your baby closely for this.

Sneezing and coughing do NOT necessarily mean that the baby has a cold. It is a reflex to help remove irritants out of their throat or nose.

Newborns sleep a lot, eat a lot, pee and poop a lot and some cry a lot, this is all normal behavior. 

Babies LOVE to be held and cuddled, it gives them a sense of safety and security. Do not worry, you CANNOT spoil a newborn!

I hope learning some of these insights will help you understand your newborn better. Follow your instincts and if you are concerned, talk with your child’s pediatrician. 

If you are looking for a knowledgeable, experienced professional who can help YOU sort out all the “what ifs” and create the parenting philosophy you want, give Colleen a call today at 520-440-8446!



Parenting Tips/Tricks

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Rekindle Your Love - Hire A Date Night Sitter

Parents, we know how tough parenthood can get, and somewhere along the way, you and your significant other lost that spark that was once so strong, so alive, so intense. Yep, the honeymoon phase. The time where you get showered with gifts, flowers, and spontaneous weekend trips – the time where date nights was something simple to schedule.

Now, it’s hard to even get a little time to yourself let alone with each other. Parenthood is a great journey, a priceless one indeed, but don’t forget the partner and companion that is traveling the journey with you. Start to rekindle your love by taking the first step- scheduling a very over-due, much-needed, and well-deserved date night.

Rekindle Your Love: A Solution

Let Trusting Connections Nanny Agency help you find that spark again. Through our Flex Services, parents can be at ease knowing they have a reputable agency that can provide safe, reliable, and trustworthy childcare. As members of our agency, parents can utilize our experienced, knowledgable, fully-screened, and agency-employed nannies and sitters 24/7, 365 days year. So go ahead and schedule a surprise date night next Friday, make reservations at that five-star restaurant you both have been dying to try, or purchase those concert tickets you’ve been looking at all month.

More Than Just A Date Night Sitter

Our date night sitters are not your typical babysitters. Our sitters can offer and create an engaging experience for your children through educational activities that will help them thrive. But wait, what are the kids going to eat? Didn’t get the chance to fold the last load of laundry yet? Our date night sitters can take care of that. Our sitter services range from meal prepping, light housekeeping, tutoring, transportation, and so much more.

Valentine’s Day is next week, and it couldn’t be a better time to relight your love for one another, and it doesn’t have to stop there. Start incorporating date nights into your weekly calendar and prioritize it like it’s the big project presentation you’ve been working on. Take time to sit down, talk and re-connect. Doing this may not only help spice up your love life, but it can also help remind you that the parenthood journey you both are on should be appreciated, respected, and above all – fun.

If you are in need of a sitter, contact Trusting Connections today!

Fair trade, local commerce

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A few months ago we were shocked with the news about the death of a woman cyclist who was run over by a vehicle driven by a driverless car in Tempe, Arizona. Without a doubt we consider this case an example to be analyzed.

High-end technology has allowed for important social achievements for humanity. From the smallest, but no less important, contributions the development of technology in the field of commerce has revolutionized our consumption. Today with a single click we can have access to products from the other side of the world, something that was unconceivable in the past. The interesting thing is that this same click allows us to have access to other basic products that we recently bought from local stores, from our neighbors.

What’s hidden behind the comfort of a click is a huge matter. It means to put aside the construction of strong communities and lets us believe that we have lots more things to buy when in fact the offer is limited to what companies want us to buy putting special sales and unbelievable prices that will make grave implications to producers that have to sale their products at low prices. 

Prefold Cloth Diapers

In another article, Diapers, Amazon and your local economy, environmental educator Charles Swanson made us question the implications of buying arugula at a reduced price online. Distributors go to impossible lengths to offer the best price, but in the end the one paying utility is the producer.

What can we do?

In the face of this situation, what can we do? First of all, be aware of our type of consumption. Is it really necessary to order everything online? Think about it.

It’s not a matter of fashion, local commerce has always existed and adds great value to our local and national economy. Entrepreneurship is part of our national culture, it’s what’s made our economy prosper.

According to a research by American Express OPEN Small Business Saturday Consumer Pulse Study, 93% of Americans believe it’s important to support small businesses that contribute to a community’s economy. This same study refers to the fact that 73% of survey respondents consciously buy in local businesses to prevent them from closing.

Why shop in local businesses?

Local businesses give identity to a community, they build strong relations based on reliability and commitment within networks.

They break with homogeneity. Local commerce comes from the fact that although there’s competition, their product is unique and has value to add to the community. Their products and services are designed to benefit others.

Prefold Cloth Diapers

Also, the money generated from local commerce stays within the community and in turn it generates employment for people of the same place whose salary is often higher than in the big chains.

An important aspect is sustainability. A product that comes from another part of the world and goes through an convoluted logistic network will generate environmental impacts unlike a product distributed locally.

Local commerce doesn’t set prices so everybody can have equal sales, thus eliminating unfair competition, local commerce buys and sells at a fair price.

Come In, We’re Local

At Sun Sprout we are proud of being a part of the Tucson and Phoenix local commerce network, we are a family business created to offer a useful and environmentally positive service.

We are interested in our community. We are an active part of it and throughout these five years of service we have made great friendships and important allies to strengthen our business.

At Sun Sprout we are a part of the Local First Arizona business network, a citizen initiative that helps create stronger bonds between local businesses which allows us to consolidate the economy of our region. Thanks to Local First Arizona we know that when you make a 100 dollar purchase at a local store at least 43 of those dollars will stay local whereas if you make a purchase at a big chain or nonlocal establishment only 13 dollars will remain circulating inside our economy.

We invite you to learn more about local businesses in your community and take a look at this video Local First Arizona has to offer.

Thanks for being part of our Sun Sprout family.

Your Pelvic Floor and More: The Benefits of Physical Therapy in the Childbearing Years

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Part II:  Postpartum Care

Some people think urinary incontinence is to be expected after having a baby.  Sneeze and pee, right?  Here the doctors at Body Central Physical Therapy discuss why this doesn’t have to be your new “normal” and how physical therapy can help with a plethora of issues after baby arrives:

Why is it important to see a physical therapist after baby is born?

Birthing causes trauma to tissues just like any other injury or surgery.  Many times, after a birth (either vaginal or cesarean), muscles, ligaments, pelvic alignment, and tissues can be irritated or in a state of dysfunction.  Without assistance of pelvic floor therapy, these lingering dysfunctions will continue years after birth.  Leaking urine when jumping or sneezing, while common, is not normal for a postpartum body and it generally means there is an underlying issue with the coordination and/or strength of the pelvic floor muscles.  There are also the potential added challenges of scarring, tissue asymmetry, pelvic alignment, and posturing dysfunctions.  These all can be assessed after birth which allow the new mother to rehabilitate her body in order to strengthen and stabilize the pelvis to reduce long lasting effects or complaints.

What kind of issues do women have after birth with which a physical therapist is trained to help?

Postpartum care can include a myriad of diagnoses.  All can be assessed through physical therapy and properly assigned exercises to improve mobility and function and to relieve pain.

  • Coccydynia is inflammation of the tailbone caused by relaxin’s effect on the pelvic floor muscles or by the baby passing through the birth canal.
  • Diastasis Recti is a fairly common condition of pregnancy and postpartum in which the right and left halves of Rectus Abdominis muscle spread apart which can lead to lower back pain, incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and even painful intercourse.
  • Incontinence (both fecal and urinary), frequent urination, nocturia (excessive voiding at night), and fecal urgency can all be caused by pregnancy and birth, whether vaginal or cesarean.
  • Dyspareunia (painful intercourse) can be caused by hormone imbalance or lingering pelvic floor issues. Cesarean birth and vacuum assisted birth both make this issue it twice as likely to occur.
  • Sciatica and Back, Hip, or Pelvic Pain may linger after birth or be caused by the work of birth.

Dr. Melissa uses physiotape to treat Diastasis Recti.

Exercises are demonstrated in the office and then sent home for continued work on healing Diastasis Recti.

Are there any “must-do’s” for healing from which all women can benefit?

Although there is no “one-size-fits-all” treatment because every woman is different, most women can benefit from transverse abdominus strengthening along with pelvic floor conditioning.   Gentle stretching to relieve achiness caused by breastfeeding, holding a new baby, or lugging around a carseat is beneficial.  Resting whenever possible and using relaxation techniques are wonderful for tuning back in with yourself and your body, which is often lost when constantly caring for a newborn.  Call Body Central Physical Therapy today and let them “mother the new mother” in this critical fourth trimester.

Many thanks to Doctors Maria, Madeleine, and Sarah for their contributions to this article and Doctor Melissa and Client Jessica for allowing me to tag along and see first hand the wonderful work the team of Pelvic Floor Specialists at Body Central can do!

Visit one of Body Central’s five pelvic floor physical therapists at four locations in Tucson and Oro Valley.

http://www.bodycentralpt.net/

Call 520-345-4002 To Make an Appointment Today!

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