Welcome

As moms, we are so passionate about our children, aren’t we? So passionate that we start to love things that we never thought we’d love.

For me, it’s dogs and soccer, and I’m on my way to liking skiing and pools.

On our Facebook page, many of you shared the things your kids have gotten you to love: driving, horses, frogs, tap dancing, Disneyworld and princesses, iCarly, bananas, dinosaurs, hermit crabs, and even, kids themselves!

Children so naturally gravitate towards what they love while we moms sometimes forget that there are hobbies and activities that we like too.

baystateparent’s February issue talks about some of these passions with articles on sports, romance, tea, baking, trains, women’s health, helping others, traveling, and chocolate.

Learning about some of your different passions has been fascinating.

For instance, did you know: • that the tea in your cabinet may not really be tea at all? (I learned that I’ve never really had a true cup of tea or connected with tea in terms of its benefits for my health, relationships, stress levels, and spirit)? • that cookie bakers are some of the most meticulous, artistic, happy, and generous people around? (See some of the best to give to your valentine on page 32 ). • that red wine and dark chocolate have the same amount of antioxidants as blueberries, black tea, pinto beans, raisins, and strawberries (too bad they weren’t equal in calories and fat as well!)? • that Massachusetts has some very cool train restaurants for your little engineers including the Steaming Tender in Palmer and the Cape Cod Railway’s family supper trains? • that Massachusetts’ photographers are helping parents to grieve their stillborn babies, or babies who only live a short time? And they do this completely free of charge. A must-read on page 38. • that a significant sign of having a heart attack in women is jaw pain? • that women’s ice hockey rocks! Out of 20 women on this year’s Olympic team, two of them are from Massachusetts (Fitchburg and Danvers)? Go Team USA!

With so much to love in this month’s issue, it’s been a pleasure to put together (not to mention the thrill of talking and visiting with Olympic medalist and Massachusetts mom of three, Nancy Kerrigan, and taking a call from a New Moon werewolf…now that was an interesting day!)

baystateparent has also brought on two great women, both moms, who bring experience, warmth, and style to our magazine. Welcome account executives, Catherine Belanger from Westborough and Anne Bridge from Arlington.

We also celebrate our photographer, Steven King of the Holden Landmark Corporation. He’s returned safely to his sons and fiance (and us!) from his tour of duty in Iraq as a Navy Reservist and Mass Communications Specialist. (See his latest photography in our tea story on page 30).

We’re excited for you to meet so many of our new advertisers this month (there are a lot of new ads with info to help you in your important job as parent). We’re also here to help you get a jump on your summer plans so inside you’ll find camp options.

Lastly, whether you make a big deal about Valentine’s Day or not, we hope you’ll take some time to include the ones you love in some of those forgotten loves of yours (remember reading, sewing, skiing, exercising, cooking, drawing, shopping?).

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Carrie Wattu, editor editor@baystateparent.com