KC Baby Magazine Spring 2012

FREE spring 2012 KCParent.com serving kansas city since 2002

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS 2002-2012

RAISE A

10 ncy pregna

SUfoPodEs R

GREEN

BABY

ALSO, DON’T MISS... support moms need morning sickness tiny helpers

surviving

separation anxiety

kcparent.com spring 2012

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healthcare you can trust.

Sallie L. Veenstra, MD Barbara S. Trites, MD Lisa B. Fletcher, MD Deann E. DeWitt, MD Allison C. Henschel, MD Sarah J. Gladstone, MD Bryan L. Phillips, MD Daniel E. Gershon, DO Veronica Manka, MD Jeffrey P. Yannette, MD Jennifer M. Sauer, MD Cynthia M. Dean, DO Kelly R. Fritz, C-PNP Julie Kirkpatrick, C-PNP Camille Lucitto, C-PNP Heather Williams, C-PNP Cindy Fieser, C-PNP Sarah Dedrick, C-PNP Angela Stott, C-PNP

LEE’S SUMMIT Lee’s Summit Physicians 1425 N.W. Blue Parkway Lee’s Summit, Missouri 816.524.5600 Raintree Pediatrics

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Scheduled appointments Mon - Fri 10-12 pm & 1-4 pm Free Prenatal Consults Mon - Fri 10-12 pm & 1-4 pm

LSPhysicians.com • Raintree-Pediatrics.com • BlueSpringsPediatric.com kcparent.com 2 spring 2012

SPRING 2012 CONTENTS

15 in every issue

for the expectant mom

12 Our Baby Story

10 The Home Stretch

Adoption angels

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19 1-2 years 8 Raise a Green Baby

12 Our Baby Story

11 Blog Bits

15 Morning Sickness

13 What’s New

18 Media Mix

24 Calendar of Events

18 Media Mix

20 10 Pregnancy Super Foods

30 Product Recalls

24 Calendar of Events

birth - 1 year

two years & beyond

13 What’s New for KC Moms?

Great new products you’ll love!

Terrific titles for parents & tots

KC’s ONLY baby & toddler calendar

28 Resale & Consignment Shopping

Put a little $$ back in your pocket!

30 Product Recalls

Because safety comes first!

6 Dry All Night

12 Our Baby Story

11 Blog Bits

13 What’s New

16 Baby’s First Field Guide

14 Tiny Helpers

19 Crawling

24 Calendar of Events

22 Seeking Support

30 Product Recalls

on the cover Raise a Green Baby Surviving Separation Anxiety Tiny Helpers Morning Sickness 10 Pregnancy Super Foods Support Moms Need

8 11 14 15 20 22

FREE spring 2012 KCParent.com serving kansas city since 2002

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS 2002-2012

RAISE A

10 ncy pregna

R SUfooPE ds

GREEN

BABY

ALSO, DON’T MISS... support moms need morning sickness tiny helpers

surviving

separation anxiety

kcparent.com spring 2012

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kcparent.com spring 2012

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editor’s letter

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It’s everything you loved about the old site and much more!

New and improved calendar - 20x faster and 10x MORE EVENTS! Great NEW giveaways including a $250 Baby Jogger City Mini Single Stroller.

All the LATEST on Family Fun in KC with insider tips PLUS Kids Eat Free!

hen I had my older, Tori, I was working full time as an elementary school teacher and continued to do so for the next two years. My circle of friends consisted of college friends still living in the area and my work colleagues.

As my role of mom increased and my role of teacher decreased, I found my circle of friends dwindling. And once I was staying at home full time, I really felt as if I had lost the majority of my friends. There were many times I felt a bit lonely and as if I didn’t have a solid circle of friends to turn to. I think many new moms can relate to this feeling.

Luckily, I became involved in a couple of groups that provided me with mom friends that were in the same stage of life as was I. First, I joined Parents as Teachers and was connected with a play group. To this day, one of the moms from the play group is a very dear friend, and her daughter and Tori are “BFFs.” I also met a good friend through story time at our local library. As a matter of fact, it was this friend who introduced me to the elementary school my girls attend.

New moms can often feel isolated or lonely. Becoming a parent is a major life transition that brings many life changes.

Sara Wright offers some great tips for making friends in her “Seeking Support” article on pg. 22.

KC Parents, help is here! When choosing the right place to deliver your baby, our all-new online Labor & Delivery Guide makes it super easy to see all of the options available to you. Be sure to head over to the ALL-NEW KCParent.com and click on “Guides.” You’ll find a Geo-based guide with maps, descriptions, video and so much more!

Enjoy the spring weather with your little ones!

ALL NEW Geo-based Labor & Delivery Guide.

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kcparent.com spring 2012

Margaret Sarver, Editor

SPRING 2012

Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com Art Director Lauren Goldman Lauren@KCParent.com Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Lynn Hawkins Advertising@KCParent.com Electronic Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Proofreader Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com Local Contributing Writers Amy Corlew, Kansas City Jennifer Duxbury, Belton Tisha Foley, Belton Marisa Frymire, Overland Park Lauren Greenlee, Olathe Julie Hubble, Leawood Kristina Light, Kansas City Emily McIntyre, Kansas City Victoria Pressley, Leavenworth Sara Wright, Kansas City Melanie Yunger, Shawnee

100% LOCAL

Our cover kid is Camden from Prairie Village.

Cover photo and select interior photos by Antisdel’s photography. Antisdels.com

Business Office 11936 W. 119th #335 Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax Find us on Facebook: Facebook.com/KansasCityParent Follow us on Twitter: @KCParent Member of

Kansas City Baby is published four times per year: Spring (March 15 - June 15), Summer (June 15 - September 15), Fall (September 15 December 15), and Winter (December 15 - March 15). It is distributed free of charge throughout the Kansas City area. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission.

Kansas City Baby is not responsible for statements made by advertisers or writers. All photography and letters sent to Kansas City Baby will be treated unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially.

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REDEFINING NEONATOLOGY ONE CHILD AT A TIME

With the area’s only Level IIIc Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics offers the very highest level of neonatal care. And it’s all backed by the expertise of more than 600 pediatric specialists, surgeons and researchers. As the only hospital in the region providing ECMO and the leader in nitric oxide research and therapies, we’re helping more critically ill newborns go on to live healthy, active lives. Learn more at facebook.com/ChildrensMercy.

One of the “Best Children’s Hospitals” in all 10 specialties ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

kcparent.com spring 2012

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baby dry all night

contain those midnight diaper leaks

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or some parents, midnight changes and bed stripping is a nightly ritual. It was for us.

Six out of seven nights, we’d have a pre-dawn diaper explosion with a sleepy sobbing boy, soaked sheets and sodden PJ’s – not to mention our wet clothes. That gets old fast!

I asked around. One mom from play group swears by Huggies Overnites, another by Pampers Baby Dry, another by Luvs. One friend suggested switching to cloth, and another introduced me to diaper doublers. As is always the case, what works for one family won’t necessarily work for the next. So here are some trouble-shooting ideas to help you contain your tot’s nighttime leaks.

Disposable Diapers We asked KCParent.com’s Facebook Fans, did your baby stay dry all night…

Most of the time. Every once in a while we’d have a nighttime diaper leak.

50%

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kcparent.com spring 2012

Never.

We Always. had to We didn’t change ever have sheets on issues. a daily basis!

35%

15%

Disposable diapers consist of two sheets of nonwoven fabric with an absorbent pad sandwiched between. Typically, the pad contains chemical crystals that can absorb up to 800 times their weight in liquid and hold it in gel form. Fit, absorbency and leakage control will vary from brand to brand and between the types each brand produces.

The problem is that those special overnight types are more expensive than the regular ones, and you may need to test several different types before you crown a winner.

Tricks and Tips Try diaper doublers. They are absorbent pads you stick inside the diaper at night.

Try a pull-up (or swim diaper) over the diaper. The soft elastic sides slide easily over the diaper to hold it in place and provide extra padding. Again, these are more costly than regular diapers but work better than laying a second diaper.

Try jumping up one size up at night. The actual diaper isn’t that much bigger, but the absorbency core will be. Go too big, though, and the diaper may sag—and a loose fit guarantees leaks.

Toddlers: When your child can hold it during the day, nighttime wetting can be especially frustrating. Here are some facts: They may sleep too soundly to sense when their bladders are full. • Boys develop more slowly than girls. • Most kids gain control by 3 years old. • About 15 percent of 5-year-olds wet the bed at night. • It could be caused by nightmares. • It’s an accident.

Cloth Diapers The basic types are flats, fitted, pockets, prefolds and all-in-one. Then you need to layer in inserts, doublers (aka soakers) and covers that you can buy in a variety of materials, including wool, cotton, hemp, bamboo and microfiber. The list of pros and cons for each type is too lengthy to discuss here. If your chosen daytime diaper with one or two inserts isn’t getting the job done, try the following.

Tricks and Tips The general consensus is that wool covers and hemp doublers with your chosen diaper (regardless of brand—expensive or cheap) and its insert will nearly always do the job.

Microfiber inserts don’t seem to last as long as hemp or bamboo. When hemp and bamboo lose their softness, a cloth diaper-safe fabric softener will solve that.

If your little love wakes when she feels wet, try adding a fleece liner or test out a fleecelined diaper.

Special Beginnings Early Learning Center

PT or FT schedule now open at 6:00 am

M-F 6 am to 6 pm

Infants to 12 years

Got Milk For young babies, life revolves around milk – you could probably set your watch by their feeding schedule. As those milkaholics grow and start to eat solid food and sleep for longer periods at night, you can play with their nighttime feeding schedules.

Limit drinks at night: How long your baby can sleep at night without a refill will depend on her age. Just make sure she drinks enough during the day. Try water instead of milk at night.

Avoid late-night feeds: Milk is the fastest way to douse a late-night wake-up scream fest, but your wee one will be more likely to need to pee. Perhaps teething, not hunger, is the problem.

Check out Dry All Night: The Picture Book Technique That Stops Bedwetting, by Alison Mack.

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Victoria Pressley is a full-time writer and stay-at-home mom living in Leavenworth.

kcparent.com spring 2012

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green

basics for baby

y

I wanted to bring our daughter home to the best environment I could provide for her, and making our home green just made sense to us.

Ways to Encourage Your Toddler to Be Green Make a game out of sorting the recyclables by teaching shapes, textures and materials.

Start a tradition by planting a tree every Earth Day. Save used milk jugs, cardboard boxes, cans and glass jars for future art projects.

Donate toys and clothes to friends or a charity; let your toddler help by picking out or packing up unused items.

Teach your child to color/draw on both sides of the paper.

Explain to your toddler why it’s important to take your own reusable bags to the store.

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kcparent.com spring 2012

here seems to be a lot of buzz about going green these days, whether it’s in efforts to better the environment or protect ourselves from the excessive chemicals and pesticides that surround us daily. Green is a hot topic. While it may seem hip and trendy to eat all organic, use reusable bags or make your own household cleaners, it’s become a way of life for many.

Being eco-friendly is not all about saving the planet; it’s also about creating a safe and healthy life for you and your children. “I wanted to bring our new daughter home to the best environment I could provide for her, and making our home green just made sense to us,” says David Arning, Lee’s Summit, MO. If you are considering the eco way, no better time to start than with a new addition to the family. Here are a few steps to creating a greener home.

Breastfeed If Possible Breast or bottle will always be a huge decision for mothers, but if a greener lifestyle is what you are after, breastfeeding is the answer. There is no denying the fact that a mother’s breast milk is packed full of essential vitamins and nutrients for her baby and is perfectly formatted by nature without additives or packaging. Breastfeeding has less impact on the environment, is free and healthier for Baby and Mom. While breastfeeding, try switching over to reusable breast pads. They are more cost efficient and will produce less waste. “I used organic washable breast pads while nursing my son, and not only was it easier on my wallet but softer for my sore nipples,” says Tiffany Brice, Raymore, MO. If you are not able to breastfeed for long or are unable to at all, try an allorganic formula, such as Earth’s Best, Similac Organic or Nature’s One.

Wash It or Toss It? Did you know that your little one could use up to 6,000 diapers from birth to being potty trained, and it takes 400-500 years for one diaper to decompose? And while decomposable diapers are made out of plant-based materials, they are not always in decomposable conditions. On the other hand, if you use reusable diapers, you have to consider the water and energy being used to wash them.

Amy Waganer from Liberty, MO, says,

USA Baby Fall 11 KCB Proof “My husband and I would fill a bucket up of hot soapy water and place the soiled diapers in there. When it was full or I was doing a load of laundry, we’d wash them. It helped a lot because I didn’t feel like I had to run the washer every time there was a dirty diaper.”

Reusable diapers have only 53 percent of the ecological footprint of disposable diapers; cloth diapers seem to be the best option not only for those who are concerned about the environment but for their wallets as well. When selecting a reusable diaper brand, consider the material it is made out of. Look for diapers that are made from ecofriendly material such as hemp, bamboo or organic cotton.

Clean Green A mother can find herself sterilizing and sanitizing her surroundings just as much as she is diapering and feeding her baby. Many typical household cleaners that you buy at your local grocery stores are filled with harsh chemicals that are toxic to breathe and damaging to household possessions. These chemicals can have great impacts on babies’ lives because they do so much of their growing and learning early in life. Green products can be a little pricey, but there are all-natural non-toxic products that most people already have in their homes, such as salt, vinegar and baking soda.

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Play Time Is Green Time Let’s get back to the basics with babies’ toys and introduce wooden or cotton-filled plush toys. Try to make their playtime favorites as natural as possible, because everything is entering their mouths at this age. As baby gets older, buy secondhand toys from Craigslist, consignment shops or garage sales.

“I don’t think I have one new toy in our house right now. Everything was given to us by friends or bought on Craigslist,” says Courtney Beck, Olathe, KS. When it’s time to clean your toys, simply dump them into a vinegar and warm water solution instead of using bleach.

If you decide to raise an eco-friendly baby, you’ll not only make life healthier but also reduce your impact on the environment.

An added benefit? If you start off on a green foot, chances are good that your little one will continue to walk in your green footprints.

Jennifer Duxbury is a freelance writer and Belton resident who has committed to making her home as green as possible! kcparent.com spring 2012

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the home stretch

When you’re packing your hospital bags, there will be things you can’t put in until the last minute. But that’s going to be a crazy, intense minute, and it’s not likely you’ll remember every item that you need to take with you. So now is a good time to start a list for you or your support person to run over just before leaving. Here are some ideas.

List The Last-Minute chargers, Cell phones & arger ch & r compute us player) Ipod (music pl and ger/batteries Camera, char y card or em m y pt m film or new/e kers, cheese, crac Snacks—juice, rs ola ba fruit, nuts, gran eup bag, Toiletries, mak d toothpaste toothbrush an se to s, if you choo Gifts for nurse bring them

M

y swollen feet, as I write this article, are propped on a chair opposite me. I try not to look at them because I no longer have ankles.

Last night, I was up for a bathroom run every 45 minutes! And getting into or out of my truck has become an event that needs planning, as has shaving my legs, putting on my shoes and bending forward for any purpose.

Sound familiar? Welcome to the limbo land of the last few weeks of pregnancy. Having nurtured your baby through the tumultuous first trimester, into the (comparatively) easy second and the increasingly impactful third, you’ve reached the great 37-week milestone: your little one can survive on its own outside your womb!

Suddenly, the objective of pregnancy changes. No longer are you concerned with keeping the baby in residence in your body—now, any time, you will enter labor and usher him or her into the great world. And, if you’re like me and many other increasingly pregnant women, that moment can’t come soon enough!

Of course, there’s the rub. Unless you’re being induced or undergoing a C-section, you have no control over when the baby arrives. The suspense can be grueling. Each ache and pain has a possible second meaning. Disappointment blooms over muscle spasms, cervical pressure from baby’s head and Braxton-Hicks contractions that lead nowhere. Waiting is hard!

And every day seems to bring new levels of discomfort.

It’s tempting to fret, to feel helpless and to ride the emotional roller coaster high into hope and low into despair. But there are things you can do to ready yourself for the joyful ordeal that lies ahead.

Practical Preparation

This is the time to catch up on details: freeze meals, pack hospital bags, re-read literature on birth and new parenthood, put a waterproof sheet on the bed in case your water breaks and catch up on laundry. Just make sure you don’t overdo. Rest often, whenever you feel tired—which leads to the next important step in preparation:

Physical Preparation

From all I hear, giving birth to a child is perhaps the most physically demanding (and rewarding) challenge we’ll ever face. So one of the best things you can do to prepare is to relax!

Pause whenever you need to. Put your feet up, literally. Take naps and warm baths. Let your body fulfill the natural cycle of rest and exertion. It’s important that you have all your resources when you begin labor. Which leads to the third point:

Emotional Preparation

You may not feel able to prepare adequately for the emotional impact of childbirth, but now is the perfect time to give yourself space, journal thoughts and feelings, meditate and enjoy reading books or watching movies. Now it is essential for you and your partner to really focus on each other, discuss your emotions over the upcoming change in your lives and to enjoy the ability to go on a date without a babysitter. This is a wonderful period to connect with friends, go to coffee shops alone to read and walk slowly through a museum.

This time of waiting can be a gift, full of surprises and meaningful interactions with yourself, your waiting little one and others. With patience and grace, you can actually enjoy it—or at least certain parts of it.

Good luck!

Emily McIntyre lives in Kansas City and has traded the home stretch for snuggling with her brand new daughter.

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kcparent.com spring 2012

blog bits

Expecting a baby?

Surviving Separation Anxiety

Child Care Limited Pediatrics

M

y son has always had a big smile from ear to ear plastered on his face. He’s been the happy, smiley kid who would go easily to everyone who wanted to hold him....until these last couple of months. Recently, he has changed his tune in a BIG way, letting everyone know that he wants no one else to hold him but Mommy.

This has presented some challenges without a doubt, and it’s leaving my husband and me wondering how we survive this stage with him.

It has been challenging with relatives, family functions, doctor’s visits and nursery at church. Whenever someone (friend or relative) walks into the house, my son erupts into tears and screams. I recently went to the doctor for a bad cold, and the second the doctor walked into the room, my son screamed as if he had just received a shot—and he screamed this way for the ENTIRE VISIT! It’s no different when I have to take him to his doctor; he practically stops breathing he cries so hard. And if you think I can drop him off in the nursery in our church.....forget it! He grabs onto me like a koala bear at the slightest attempt to hand him off to anyone and cries once we enter the doors of the hallway leading to his room.

What’s a mom to do?

I decided that I had to try a different strategy than what I had been doing.

Handing him off to people so that I could leave was not working in the least bit! It was creating more stress and anxiety for everyone it seemed. So I knew I had to change my game plan.

I recently attended a play group with some moms that I don’t see very often.

When we arrived at the private host home, there must have been 12 kids present. I set my son down at a toy and walked away to put my diaper bag and jacket down. Much to my surprise, he never once seemed to even look for me, let alone appear concerned or frightened. He played so well for a long period of time before even noticing I was still in the room. It seemed that setting him down at a toy he was interested in playing with was the key, rather than handing him off to a person.

Marisa Frymire lives in Overland Park.

She and other moms (and dads) blog daily at KCParent.com. Join the conversation today!

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It’s everything you loved about the old site and much, much more!

• New and improved calendar - 20x faster and 10x MORE EVENTS! • Great NEW giveaways including a $250 Baby Jogger City Mini Single Stroller.

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• All the LATEST on Family Fun in KC with insider tips PLUS Kids Eat Free!

• ALL NEW Geo-based Party, Camp & Education Guides — search EASILY by category & location.

It’s faster, fresher, and better than ever! kcparent.com spring 2012

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baby story

ADOPTION ANGELS

T

Through mounds of paperwork, background checks, classes, waiting and lots of prayer, we became parents.

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kcparent.com spring 2012

his past fall, we were honored and humbled to receive a 2011 Angels in Adoption™ Award, for which we were nominated by U.S. Senator Roy Blunt. The award is given out each year to people from around the country who have made a difference in the lives of children. We traveled to Washington, D.C., in October to receive our award. During our stay, we spoke with senators and representatives at the Capitol to promote the issues of adoption and foster care, visited monuments and historical sites with our family and attended the Angels gala at the Reagan Center.

As adoptive parents, our journey to parenthood was different from that of biological parents. Through mounds of paperwork, background checks, classes, waiting and lots of prayer, we became parents. We adopted Gabriel (“Gabe”) when he was 4 ½ months old.

Since birth, he had been in a foster home. He faced real and potential health complications, including cocaine exposure. We chose to adopt Gabe anyway, knowing that he needed a home and God has a plan for him. Today, Gabe is a thriving, active 7-year-old, exceeding all the doctors’ expectations! Though we were told he may have learning disabilities, he is excelling in the first grade. Gabe is a miracle from God. Only 13 months after we welcomed Gabe into our home, we got an unexpected phone call from the adoption agency telling us that his birth mother had delivered a baby girl and wanted her to be with Gabriel. Of course, we were thrilled, and three days later, we brought Amaya—another miracle—home. Now 5 years old, Amaya is in kindergarten and full of spunk.

We’ve never met Gabe and Amaya’s birth mother (though we’ve sent correspondence and pictures to her), but our appreciation toward her cannot be measured. She chose to give these children life, regardless of her circumstances, and placed them in a loving home. For that, we are forever grateful.

In addition to these successful adoption stories, we have also ventured down the adoption path on a couple of occasions only to learn that the birth mothers had chosen to parent the children. This came as difficult news, but we continued to trust God, both for our lives and the lives of those children. Still, we faced the question of whether we should consider adoption again, despite the roller-coaster nature of it all.

The answer for us was yes. In late 2009, a friend contacted us about her young niece who was pregnant and considering placing her child for adoption. The young lady then called us, expressed a desire to place her soon-to-be-born-baby in a loving home, and asked if we would adopt the child. We agreed. When we got the phone call that Eliana had been born, we were overjoyed! Ready for our next adventure, we hopped on a flight on a snowy January day from Kansas City to Reno. We arrived just in time to meet Eliana—our third miracle—in her first full day, at 23 hours old! We also met both birth mother and father, who made a loving, mature decision to give Eliana a family that they were unable at that point to provide. Working through interstate adoption issues, we stayed in Reno for 18 days. Once cleared, we took Eliana home, where Gabe and Amaya welcomed her with open arms into our “forever family.”

A happy girl and nearly 2 years old, Eliana enjoys playing with her older siblings, toddling around bumping into walls and talking up a storm in her own language.

Sometimes risk and uncertainty keep us from attempting things outside our comfort zones, but the reward of doing what is right and loving is worth it. We hope that our adoption story will encourage others to consider stepping out in a big way to invest in the lives of children through adoption and foster care. No, it won’t be easy.Yes, you may face uncertainty, struggles and heartache.Yet every child deserves a loving home. An adoptive, forever family is born in the heart—let it begin in yours. The kids will be blessed, no doubt. But take it from us—it is you, the adoptive parent, who really will feel blessed.

Amy Corlew lives in Kansas City with her family.

what’s new

Protect Baby’s Knees When Crawling It’s a wobbly world, and our babies need all the help they can get. Crawlings, the maker of baby accessories, has developed darling knee pads designed to help protect our kids from the time they start to crawl, walk, then run though the big wide world! They are perfect for indoor use and can also be used in the rough and tumble world of the great outdoors. Made of premium cotton, EVA foam and spandex, the knee pad is soft, stretchable and breathable, designed to move and grow with the child. Crawlings.com

You Won’t Mind If Baby Put These Keys in Her Mouth Babies LOVE Mommy and Daddy’s keys, but we hate to let them suck on them or play with them! The amount of germs and chemicals that coat keys is endless. Introducing Kleynimals, a non-toxic, eco-friendly stainless steel set of decorative keys that satisfy baby’s desire to play with metal keys, without risking lead contamination, injury from sharp edges or ingestion of the germs that cover our keys. Kleynimals.com

Stroller for Spring Outings in KC Open the box and happily discover there’s no assembly required! This lightweight stroller is less than 11 pounds and folds in four quick steps. It’s compact enough to fit neatly into its included backpack, allowing parents to wear it hands-free when it’s not in use. Best of all, most airlines accept the compact bundle as a carry-on. The Backpack Stroller can carry up to 45 pounds and sports a retractable hood for shade. QuickSmartGo.com

Bath Time Just Got Easier (and Cuter!)

The Blooming Bath is a foam-filled, flower petal-shaped mat for the sink made of plush, cuddly, yet durable and easily washable, materials. It’s quick-drying, conforms to almost any sink and creates a safe, soft and supportive pouch that your precious little one will enjoy—guaranteed. Blooming Bath’s plush materials cradle your baby unlike any other baby bathtub can. It can be used in the sink or in an existing tub to make bath time easy and fun for everyone. www.BloomingBath.com

Diaper Pail Does It All The Ubbi diaper pail is a new diaper pail that has it all: odor-resistance, no need for a special bag, eco-friendly, simple and attractive. It’s constructed of powder-coated steel, which makes it easy to clean and odor-resistant. It’s as easy as 1-2-3 to load and change. To load, place any kitchen trash bag in the bag holder and fold over edges. To use, slide the door open, drop the diaper in and slide the door back closed. To empty, lift both top lid and bag holder, tie bag shut and dispose. It really is that simple! UbbiWorld.com

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TINY HELPERS

Involving even your youngest child in chores and tasks around the house is setting a great foundation for good habits in the future.

Here are a few ideas for including your toddler around the house.

Laundry: An Endless Call for Little Helpers

My 3-year-old loves to help with this task! Young children can carry or drag the hampers down the hallway to the laundry room. To help your child learn how to separate clothes into different piles, laminate colors of construction paper for your loads of laundry (whites, reds, darks, etc.) and place them on the floor. Your child can pile up the clothes that match with that color.

Kids can place dirty clothes in the laundry basket and push it down to the laundry room. Once you’ve put in the soap and turned on the water, have your little one hand you the clothes to put in the washer.

MOMMY, CAN I HELP?

Areas for even your youngest to help with: Sort loads of laundry Set the table Fold laundry Dust Empty the dishwasher Make beds Pick up toys Care for family pet

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After the magic of washing and drying happens, the real work begins for our helpers. Have them pull out the clean clothes from the dryer into the basket, then carry the basket to the designated “folding area.”

Demonstrate how to fold a washcloth, pair up socks, lay out underwear nicely in a pile, fold the baby’s bibs and stack the folded clothes into piles.

Dinnertime

Even if you don’t know what you’re fixing for dinner at 5:00, you know you’ll eat something.

With this in mind, enlist your “littles” for some table setting. Glasses, napkins, silverware, condiments and other items that will be needed during the meal can all be retrieved by young children while you’re chopping onions and flouring chicken. My daughter often helps tear up lettuce for salad, which is a great task for working on fine motor skills and finger strength for handwriting practice.

Once the meal is over, teach children to carry in their own plates and cups to the sink. Ask them to put away items that they can reach, as well as help you by placing items in the dishwasher as you rinse the food off in the sink.

Making the Bed

Your child can assist you in pulling up the sheets, putting pillows and any stuffed animal friends on the bed and folding blankets. It may look a bit wrinkly, but little ones will never learn how to do it until they try.

The Dishwasher

While you take care of the plates and glasses, your toddler can assist with emptying the silverware. Remove the knives, but let your child handle the forks and spoons herself. This is a great task for sorting items, which is a very ageappropriate skill your child should be working on. In addition, she can gather up any kid plates and cups for you to put away in the cabinets.

Dusting, Wiping and Scrubbing

While you may not want to send your toddler off with a can of Pledge, a damp washcloth will do just fine.

Teach him how to wipe the dust off of furniture, hand him his washcloth and send him on his way. Once the dusting is complete, little ones can help scrub sinks and clean mirrors (I recommend they wear a pair of cleaning gloves).

You can spray the 409 while they scrub and wipe it down. The mirrors need cleaning, too, so spray a small section and let your toddler do the wiping.

The Family Pet

At 3 years old, my daughter bears much responsibility when it comes to our miniature schnauzer. She feeds him twice a day, we assist her with the water bowls when he needs some, she stands at the back door calling for him to come in from outside and she puts him in his kennel when we’re leaving (and gets him out when we arrive back home).

Toys

We do our kids a huge disservice when we pick up their messes. Even my 16-month-old is capable of helping in his own way with putting toys away.

Before moving on to the next activity, ask children to pick up some toys. Set a timer or play a song, indicating the length of time the children are to spend cleaning up. This will help you keep the clutter under control while at the same time teaching them responsibility.

Marisa Frymire loves the enthusiasm demonstrated by the “tiny helpers” in her family.

MORNING r all day (o SICKNESS sickness!)

Drinking ginger tea, taking B6 vitamins (50 mg) daily and wearing sea bands are natural measures that have been found to provide relief.

P

regnancy comes with a few perks. The proverbial “glow” that comes from with child. Closer parking. An ability to blame our unsightly midsection issues on being the “baby bump.” But nothing puts a damper on the excitement of pregnancy like morning sickness. Whether you are generally queasy or just can’t keep anything down, morning sickness can strike at any time within a pregnancy, making its name something of a cruel joke.

If you experience morning sickness, you are not alone. More than half of all pregnant women experience it, making it one of the most common concerns during pregnancy.

Symptoms vary from sensitivity to smells to vomiting. Morning sickness is especially known for rearing its ugly head during the first trimester and leaving soon after, though some moms continue to experience symptoms throughout the entire pregnancy, only obtaining relief after delivery.

While morning sickness is not harmful to you or your baby, it is important to keep your health care provider informed so that she or he can assess what the best measures of care are for you throughout your pregnancy. If you experience excessive vomiting, weight loss or dehydration, seek immediate help, as this may be a rare but more serious condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum.

The general nausea experienced in the first trimester is usually attributed to an excess amount of hormones circulating in a mother’s body. Some health care providers even consider morning sickness the sign of a healthy pregnancy, because they believe it indicates the placenta is developing well. Why some women get sick and others do not is somewhat of a medical mystery. Many old wives’ tales have circulated over the years to answer this very question.

For instance, extreme nausea is an indicator that you are carrying a girl. No doubt, other wives’ tales regarding pregnancy predictions come to mind: if you carry low, it must be a boy. If you have an insatiable appetite, you may be carrying multiples. If you have heartburn, your little one will have a lot of hair. While these suspicions have yet to be proven by medical data, the link between extreme nausea and carrying girls has now become more fact than fiction. According to a 2008 University of Washington study, pregnant women surveyed who were most sick (those requiring hospitalization for more than three days for nausea and dehydration) had an 80 percent chance of giving birth to a girl.

For many pregnant women, gender prediction is of secondary concern. The primary objective is simply a matter of making it to the end of each nauseating day. Midwife Suzanne Ryan suggests that pregnant women carry a bag of almonds with them at all times. Simply consuming a few handfuls every two hours can be an easy way to ensure that there aren’t peaks and valleys in the body’s glucose levels. Also, drinking ginger tea, taking B6 vitamins (50mg) daily and wearing sea bands are natural measures that have been found to provide relief. In extreme cases, some physicians may prescribe Zofran , a drug used for reducing nausea in cancer and radiation patients.

Some creativity may be required in handling day-to-day activities if you find yourself in the throes of morning sickness. It’s important to know your limits and ask for help. Eat small meals frequently throughout the day. Avoid odors and smells that trigger nausea. And perhaps most importantly, put baby booties in a place where you can easily see them in the “throne room” to remind yourself of the treasure awaiting you beyond this season.

Lauren Greenlee is thankful that morning sickness was but a brief part of her pregnancies. She and her family reside in Olathe.

kcparent.com spring 2012

15

baby’s first

Life is full of firsts: first car, first date, first day of school. But many of the most special firsts are celebrated in the first years of life.

field guide

first

indoor playdate

to kansas city first smiles

Say Cheese!

Antisdel’s Photography (Antisdels.com) has been photographing KC’s cutest kids for KC Baby Magazine covers for years! Call 913.837.2737 to book an appointment to capture all those great giggles and grins.

Keep those smiles healthy with a visit to a pediatric dentist. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that babies visit the dentist by the first birthday.

Parents are able to hold their little one during the exam and get great tips on the teething process and care of baby’s teeth. These local dentists offer top-notch kid-friendly care and customer service: Jenkins & LeBlanc with four Metro locations (KidSmileKC.com) Dr. Hemberger, specializing in pediatric dentistry in Overland Park, KS (HembergerPediatricDental.com) Dr. Michael Kemmling of Shawnee, KS (CapstoneDentistry.com) Dr. Matthew Hillman of Smiles Dentistry for Kids (SmilesDentistry4Kids.com).

Your child is guaranteed to receive extra TLC at his first checkup.

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first prints handprints & foot Counting tiny fingers and toes over and again is a new mom’s tradition. Before long, you’ll be finding tiny fingerprints on every surface of your home and, every experienced grandmother will tell you, those days fly by quickly. Capture the memory of your baby’s delicate features on a ceramic piece of your choice at Paint, Glaze, and Fire (12683 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS, 913.661.2529).

This paint-your-own-pottery studio offers an array of pieces, every color of paint in the rainbow and a creative staff ready to help you fashion the perfect keepsake. Ceramic Café (9425 Mission Rd., Leawood, 913.383.0222) also offers paint-your-own-pottery and has a great offer for new parents. Stop by and they’ll put your baby’s foot print on a ceramic tile at no charge.

These adventures are perfect for getting the wiggles out and making new friends for Mom and Baby: KidScape at the Johnson County Museum (6305 Lackman, Shawnee, KS, 913.715.2550, JoCoMuseum. org) is a FREE hands-on child-sized city perfect for young children. On select Wednesdays, the museum offers Pop ‘n Play with activities designed especially for 9-month- to 3-year-olds. Little Monkey Bizness (12219 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., Shawnee, KS, 913.631.7000) is a play area with soft toys, jungle gyms and inflatables perfect for toddlers and infants.

first leswssonim Little ones love to play in water. You can enroll your child in age-appropriate swimming lessons at your local YMCA (KansasCityYMCA.org), where parentchild classes are offered for the youngest swimmers. A perfect introduction to pools and water fun.

first

cultural experience

Cultivate that love for art at an early age with a visit to the stroller-friendly Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (Nelson-Atkins.org), where admission is always free. For added fun, check KCParent. com for a Nelson-Atkins Scavenger Hunt the kids will love! When the sun is shining, head outside and visit the Kansas City Zoo (KansasCityZoo.org), where the tigers are enjoying a brand new exhibit this year, and Nikita, Kansas City’s resident polar bear, loves to dive and swim to the delight of kids. Be sure to enjoy a carousel, train, boat or sky safari ride while you’re there! Or, head to the Overland Park Arboretum (OPKansas.org) to see the brand new train garden that features an actual caboose, renovated boxcar and running trains.

kc kids’

first dining experience

Kansas City is the barbecue capital of America, so it’s only natural that local kids enjoy the best at an early age. Every local has a favorite, from Fiorella’s Jack Stack Bar-B-Q (JackStackBBQ. com) to Arthur Bryant’s (ArthurBryantsBBQ.com) to Gate’s (GatesBBQ.com). Pick your fave and pack the camera… fingerlickin’ lip-smackin’ very-first barbecue makes for some super cute pix!

Another place to make some kid-friendly memories is one of Kansas City’s landmark restaurants, Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant, with three Metro locations (FritzsKC.com). At this favorite eatery, model trains deliver food right to your table, and children receive their own engineer caps! Or, treat your tyke with a shared Skyscraper—a gigantic shake or ice cream soda—at Winstead’s (WinsteadsSteakburger.com).

first birthday If you’re looking for the perfect decorations and gifts for your child’s first birthday, U.S. Toy (2008 W. 103rd Ter., Leawood, 913.642.8247) has one of the best selections for party themes in the Metro and a wide selection of educational toys as well! Big Day Boutique (Great Mall, 20213 W. 151st St., Olathe, 913.961.7302) is your one-stop shop for custom clothing for the special day. You’ll find hair accessories, tutus and boutique outfits for your little one. And of course, what is a party without cake? GiGi’s Cupcakes (6780 W. 135th St., Overland Park, 913.814.3883) will prepare gorgeous gourmet cupcakes to perfectly fit your theme.

first

merry-go-round & roller coaster Your junior daredevil will love a day of play at Zonkers Indoor Amusement Park at the Great Mall (Zonkers.com, 913.393.3535).

Zonkers is a delightful indoor amusement park for young children with a snake roller coaster, carousel, train, kiddie rides and inflatables. When the sun is shining, take the family to Worlds of Fun (WorldsOfFun.com), where your child will enjoy tyke-sized fun meeting the Peanuts gang and enjoying rides in Planet Snoopy, a themed section of the park with more than 20 rides and activities for young children.

first

baby b book clu

Kansas City’s local libraries and bookstores offer story time sessions for infants, toddlers and preschoolers throughout the week, and you’ll find a complete schedule on the calendar at KCParent.com. Infant story time is a great chance to introduce a love of books and make friends.

Toddlers love watching the puppet shows, learning new songs, making crafts and playing with fun finger rhymes. Best of all, local story time is always free or cheap!

Kristina Light is excited to be planning “first” memories and celebrations for her youngest daughter, Lucy.

Baby’s first year is full of so much growth and learning!

Visit KCParent.com and read “Baby’s First Year Milestones” to see what to expect during baby’s first year. kcparent.com spring 2012

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media mix

27

The Newest Titles for the Newest Families

years of

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The Land of Sometimes (Audio CD by Nova Sales, UK.) This new title will be a huge hit for fans of all things British. With just one look at the cover, the magical journey begins. Twins Alfie and Elsie travel to an enchanted land where four seasons pass in one day. The music covers a tremendous range of styles, from Irish folk music to jazz, reggae and disco and is a fine example of the power of storytelling.

Meat S ISNo FOR SIBLfor Me! S ING thankf

FUN WITH help! re

The Monster Within: The Hidden Side of Motherhood

by Barbara Almond (University of California Press).

Uncertainty over having a child, pregnancy fears or doubting your parenting skills are subjects that are taboo in the race to parenting perfection. Almond opens up this conversation with a beautiful and gentle book that examines the emotional turmoil of having a child. It is a call to put down those shiny expectations and strive toward a healthier balance of honesty and support.

getting tweens to open up decoding your child’s learning style

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Children Make Terrible Pets (DVD by Weston Woods). Winner of the 2012 Andrew Carnegie Medal for excellence in children’s videos. Lucy, a young bear, brings home a little boy from the forest. “Can I keep him?” Against her mother’s wishes, Lucy quickly learns the troubles of taking care of the little boy. Hilarious, full of energy and adapting the trademark look of Peter Brown to animation, this title is a keeper.

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Check out our newest magazine, KC Going Places. It showcases the best in family fun all around KC, plus it features a digital edition! Go to KCParent.com and click on KC Going Places to access it.

Spring Is Here/My Friends/Bus Stops Board Book Boxed Set by Taro Gomi (Chronicle). A wonderful gift for an Easter basket, this set contains three classic books from artist Gomi of Doodles fame. Perfect for little hands, these stories show the world as only the creative Gomi sees it.

The Good Stuff Guide. A blog started

by Heidi Farmer and Sarah Farthing, this website also has a Facebook and Twitter presence. Like following a friend’s Pinterest board, the guide provides great ideas for moms, kids and the home. With posts of their favorite things, helpful articles on parenting and cleaning and lots of giveaways, you won’t want to miss it! TheGoodStuffGuide.com Julie Hubble loves spring flowers in Leawood.

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BABY ON THE MOVE the world of the crawler

I

n the first few months of your baby’s life, you can lay him on his favorite blankie on the floor, dash into the other room for a glass of water and come back to your sweet little cherub in the exact same spot.

But then sometime after the 6-month mark, your tot realizes that those arms and legs are good for something. The next thing you know, he’s crawling at lightning speed around the house.

Crawling typically begins between 8 and 11 months of age, according to Dr. Robert Stein of Child Care Limited in Kansas City, MO. All babies are unique, however, and the age at which they begin crawling varies, as does their method of mobility.

For instance, my daughter was a “roller” for many months, “army crawled” for a few more months, crawled on all fours for a mere week or so and then took off walking. My son, however, went from sitting to traditional crawling, which he did for several months before he tentatively took his first steps.

Other babies scoot on their bottoms to get where they’re going, and some skip crawling altogether, going straight to pulling up and standing.

HOW CRAWLING DEVELOPS

Soon after your baby begins sitting without support (around 6 months), her arm, leg and back muscles will become strong enough to hold her up when she gets on her hands and knees. She will learn how to move from a sitting position to being on all fours, undoubtedly taking a few face plants in the beginning.

Rocking back and forth on all fours is usually the next step, often paired with a “why can’t I get this thing going?” facial expression. Imagine the frustration of being in the driver’s seat and not being able to find the gas pedal.

Fortunately for your baby, she’ll soon realize that she can use her hands and knees to propel herself forward. This often happens around 9 or 10 months. As she gains strength and confidence, she’ll learn how to transition from a crawling position back to a sitting position, not an easy feat for a little one.

WHAT YOU CAN DO Parents can help their baby learn to crawl by giving him plenty of tummy time. Put him on his tummy on the floor for a few minutes several times a day, and place interesting toys just beyond his reach to encourage mobility.

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests using pillows, cushions and boxes to create obstacle courses for your baby to navigate. Be vigilant when doing this; if your baby gets trapped under a box or pillow, he’ll be in danger of smothering.

SAFETY PROOFING A crawling baby likes to explore, which can potentially lead to danger. Take time to safety-proof your home. Get down at baby’s-eye view and ask yourself questions. What’s within reach? What looks tempting?

Cords, wires and houseplants are big hazards for babies on the move, cautions Dr. Stein.

Use cordless window coverings when possible, or use shorteners or wind-ups to keep the cords out of baby’s reach. Also, lock up cleaning supplies and medications, install stairway gates, buy electrical outlet covers and make sure small objects are off the floor and out of reach.

Many variable factors influence mobility, according to Dr. Stein, and he recommends making an appointment with your baby’s pediatrician if you have questions or concerns about your baby’s development.

Tisha Foley and her family live in Belton. Her children are 8 and 4 and still enjoy crawling when they play babies. kcparent.com spring 2012

19

10 pregnancy

SUPER foods

Eating healthy for pregnancy and beyond

M

oms usually know best, especially when it comes to food. If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times: “Eat your vegetables!” I never really understood the importance of eating my vegetables until I was well in adulthood and taking a health promotions class in graduate school. The truth is that fruits and vegetables can actually save your life. And what better life to save than your unborn child’s?

Eating healthy during pregnancy and beyond is vital to your baby’s health.

Even the slightest deficiencies during pregnancy may have lasting effects on your unborn child. The concept that birth defects may be the result of vitamin deficiencies is becoming more and more accepted. The best and most efficient way to gain the necessary vitamins and minerals is to eat a healthy, whole foods, plant-based diet.

Whole foods, plant-based diet. This is a newer phrase that you may have already heard, but if not, get ready to hear it more. The phrase describes food in its natural state, without being processed, packaged or stripped of its natural ingredients. For example, a real pineapple is the whole food (which, most recently, I found at Aldi’s for $0.99), compared to a can of pineapple that is packaged in sugar water and processed with chemicals so that it will have a long shelf life. When fruits, vegetables or whole grains are in their natural state, they are packed full of micro-nutrients called antioxidants and phytonutrients. The antioxidants and phytonutrients work synergistically to form and repair DNA. DNA is the blueprint of our body that guides and instructs all cells in their formation and functions.

Examples of antioxidants are vitamins C and E and beta-carotene. Most of us know the importance of these antioxidants. They do have positive effects on our bodies when eaten or taken in isolation, but they are much more effective when eaten in combination—much like a basketball team works better when all five players are on the court, not just the best shooter. Examples of phytonutrients are lutein, probiotics and zeanxanthin. Just like antioxidants, they work well when eaten in conjunction with other antioxidants and phytonutrients. In fact, some scientists would suggest they work even better.

The phrase “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” isn’t far from the truth.

There are hundreds—if not thousands—of antioxidants and phytonutrients (some that aren’t even named yet) in one apple. Even though one apple has only 7 mg of vitamin C, we receive much more for our immune system from one apple than if we took 1,500 mg of vitamin C in a tablet. Because of this synergy found in certain foods, they have been denoted “super foods.” The following is a list of super foods for pregnant and breastfeeding moms.

Citrus Fruits Examples: Oranges and kiwi. You can get your entire days’ worth of vitamin C in one orange, as well as folic acid and fiber. Folic acid is important in preventing neural tube defects in the unborn child. Kiwi contains about 70 mg of vitamin C, more than an orange. It also contains more potassium than a banana and is one of the few fruits that has vitamin E, all helping to improve eyesight, lower cancer risks and improve heart health.

Kale Hands down, kale is a super food. It has 10 times the daily value of vitamin K and three times the daily value of vitamin A… not to mention the hundreds of phytonutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin.

Oats Oats are a wonderful way to have a moving experience! They are a great way to get soluble fiber (about 3 grams per serving). By increasing your soluble fiber intake, you could drop your cholesterol by 5 percent. Steer clear of the packaged oatmeal that is loaded with chemicals and sugars and opt for quick-cooking or steel cut oats, which are best.

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Berries Examples of berries would be raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and cranberries. Berries pack a powerful punch in a small package by delivering antioxidants and phytonutrients in a low-calorie, high-fiber container. Blueberries and raspberries lead the pack.

Raspberries are the main source of ellagitannins, an antioxidant that may have anti-cancer effects.

Spinach/green leafy vegetables

Beans

These are excellent sources of vitamins K and E, iron and calcium. All help with bone strength and growth.

Examples of super beans are black, red, kidney and northern.

Beans are loaded with insoluble fiber, which fills you up and helps rid your body of waste. They are a great source of lowfat protein, carbohydrates, magnesium and potassium.

Edamame is also a wonderful bean due to the high levels of omega-3 fatty acids.

Nuts Examples: walnuts, pistachios and almonds. Almonds in particular have 37 percent of your daily value for vitamin E and deliver some calcium, fiber, folate and flavonoids. They also help to lower cholesterol. Walnuts are full of alpha-linolenic acid, a plant-based omega-3 that helps boost brain function and memory.

One serving of walnuts provides 2.5 grams of omega-3s.

Not only nuts are super foods, but nut butters as well. That’s right, don’t forget about peanut butter. It is an excellent source of quick protein and a cheap way to get the many benefits from tree nuts, like improving cholesterol and lowering the risk of heart disease.

Tomato/Watermelon Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which reduces your risk for heart disease, ovarian and cervical cancers. Watermelon, just one cup, has twice the lycopene found in a serving of tomatoes.

Quinoa

Broccoli/Cauliflower/Cabbage Cruciferous vegetables and diets high in them are linked to lower rates of cancer. They are excellent sources of vitamins C and K, while delivering a lot of fiber and detoxifying sulfur compounds. Red cabbage is high in anthocyanins, which keep your brain (and your baby’s brain) sharp.

This is one of the best whole grains you can buy. It is high in protein, fiber and a great source of iron. It also provides zinc, vitamin E and selenium, which helps control weight, heart disease and diabetes.

Other great whole grains include barley, buckwheat and whole wheat.

The best advice for a whole foods, plant-based diet is variety. The key concept is to incorporate many foods from this list into your diet, as well as other varieties of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Finally, if you can leave out the junk, you will find more money in your wallet!

Melanie Yunger is a local mother of two and nurse practitioner who enjoys a variety of whole foods.

Kids Camps in KC

Visit our ALL-NEW KCParent.com Labor & Delivery Guide. It’s super easy to search this new Geo-based guide with maps, descriptions, video and much more! Visit KCParent.com and click on “Guides.”

2246 W. 134th St. Overland Park, KS 66221 Atchison (1) Belton (3)

913-550-1254

Gardner (2) Kansas City (31) Kearney (1) Leawood (12) Merriam (2)

7631 E. 104th St. Kansas City, MO. 64112

Mission (5)

816-233-0124

Lee’s Summit (15)

Overland Park (38) Parkville (8) Cass (17) Jackson (54)

13276 Walnut St. Lee’s Summit, MO. 64112 816-904-1675

kcparent.com spring 2012

21

seeking

support

Wanted: Much-Needed Support System for New KC Mom New mom in Kansas City area is in search of new BFF’s for long-term support as she takes on the responsibility of raising a bright, curious and seemingly over-energetic child. Must be available on an ‘as-needed’ basis for the next 18+ years. Applicants should be trustworthy, compassionate and insightful, have own transportation, at least two years of parental experience and an unlimited (minutes and text) cell phone plan.

Other requirements: Must have read the entire “What to Expect” series and be able to provide the CliffsNotes version on demand; needs to have attempted ‘Teach Your Baby to Read’ and can advise if that really does work; and ideally will have proof of well-adjusted child in advanced-learning programs.

Must be available nights, weekends and some holidays.

If you think you are the right person for this job, please email me at About2LoseSanity@NewMom.com.

E The first step is to be proactive and start the hunt on your own.

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very new mom, at some point or another, will find herself in dire need of a trusted confidant to share similar experiences, be a reliable sounding board and maybe just share some laughs as they go through the ups and downs of parenting.

In fact, a lot of research has been done around the positive influence that a strong social support system can have on our health. A Stanford University study showed women with breast cancer who took part in social activities suffered much less pain and went on to live twice as long as those with less exposure on the social front.

In addition, a similar study conducted at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, showed that people with a dependable network of friends and relatives were in a better position to deal with stress. It went on to detail how friends not only come in handy during adverse situations, but also chip in with material aid and information, in addition to the much-needed emotional support so very important for overcoming stress situations.

Having an active circle of friends has other benefits as well. For instance, you’re more likely to take better care of yourself, and friends can help boost self-esteem.

Now, I don’t know about you, but as a working mother who is fairly new to the area, I can only wish that finding that support system were as easy as publishing a help-wanted ad in the local newspaper.

Of course, I do have some close family members whose occasional parenting advice I value. But for various reasons, none of them meet the criteria listed above. For instance, as great as my own parents were in raising me and as helpful as they continued to be on advice on what to do when my daughter was teething (don’t waste money on teething rings, because in the end she’ll really just prefer a cold wash-cloth), things have continued to evolve since they had kids. (For instance, my mother was actually told to put me on my stomach at bedtime.

Gasp!)

And, although, I have had a good circle of friends whom I met in college and through work, I’ve found it’s a bit tough to talk parenting with a majority of them, as many are in a completely different stage of life. As a result, I have recently found myself in dire need of a circle of friends/pediatricians/therapists/yoga instructors who recently have gone through the child-rearing experience and could lend an ear.

how is a busy mom to find such a social circle?

So the question remains: How is a busy mom to find such a social circle? Well, if you’re like me and have finally given up hope that your mommy soul mate might just come knocking on your front door in need of some home-made, organic baby food, the first step is to be proactive and start the hunt on your own.

Step one: Surround yourself with potential BMFS (Best Moms for Support).

Go to places you would likely find your new BMFS, where you are surrounded by women with similar interests, values and/or hobbies. For instance, the hospital where I delivered my daughter holds breastfeeding support groups throughout the week, which is a great place to start.

Or, if that isn’t an option, maybe Gymboree or a Mommy and Me yoga class is another option to find a surplus of potentials!

The second step is to strike up a conversation. However, be careful not to come off as too stark raving mad. Unfortunately, this is where I tend to lose a number of good candidates. While a good encounter may entail casual banter over how you prefer the sign for drink much more than the sign for milk, a much less productive encounter could include your anxiously listing symptoms your baby has exhibited and the fact that you are absolutely convinced she has caught hand, foot and mouth disease—although the doctor ‘claims’ it’s just a slight rash from your husband’s beard.

IMAGINE YOUR CHILD ON THE COVER OF OUR MAGAZINE!

Finally, exchange numbers or demonstrate a mutual need to stay in touch. Again, this is a bit tricky for some of us to do naturally. A good and equally beneficial way to introduce the topic of a follow-up meeting would be to offer to show her how to make her daughter’s hair accessories at home, and in exchange, ask for help posting photos of them on Pinterest. The not-so-smooth attempt might be, “Oh no, my daughter isn’t talking yet either. Well, she says a few words like Mom, Dad and Uh-oh, but if you give me your number, I promise to call you every time I feel the need to talk to someone who has more than a three-word vocabulary.”

Remember that although this may seem a bit uncomfortable initially, finding a close friend or two who can offer support, advice and the occasional ‘you’re a whole lot of crazy or get over yourself’ observations is very important.

So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and start building a circle of mommy friends. Or if all else fails, send us a version of your “Help Wanted” ad, and we’ll publish the best ones on the KC Parent FB page.

Sara Wright writes from her home in Kansas City, MO, and does not actually respond to the above email address!

Submit one recent photo (taken within the last four months) with only the child you’re entering in the photo — not a photo with siblings. If you enter multiple children, please send an individual photo of each child with a separate entry form and fee for each child. Cost is $25 per child.

A large portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Forest Avenue Women’s and Children’s Shelter in Kansas City.

DEADLINE IS JUNE 1 LOOK! FREE Oct 2011 KCParent.com 26 years of connecting with kansas city families

HURRY!

First 250 entries will receive 2 FREE tickets to the Kansas City Zoo!

ENTER AT KCPARENT.COM

fun! fallhayrides pumpkins crafts

too sick for daycare? | easy costumes | local autism resources

2011 COVER KIDS

all three 2012 winners will be photographed together on one cover

kcparent.com spring 2012

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free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224 March 20 FREE Family Sessions at Kaleidoscope Children choose from the wide variety of art materials in this FREE art experience. 816.274.8300 Family Night 4:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Enjoy indoor play especially for little ones on Tuesdays & Fridays. $6/ child, $4/crawler. 913.631.7000 March 21 JoHo Storyteller 10:00, Johnson County Museum.

Jump through “Spring Puddles” with Jo Ho today! FREE. 913.715.2552 Story Time 10:00, Barnes & Noble (Oak Park Mall).

Weekly Wed story time for preschoolers. FREE. 913.492.8187 Disney on Ice: Treasure Trove Thru March 25, Sprint Center. Disney on Ice sets the golden standard with its newest skating spectacular. 816.949.7050

CALENDAR spring family events 2012

March 15 Diary of a Worm, a Spider and a Fly Thru April 14, Theatre for Young America. This funny play promotes recycling, eco-consciousness and tolerance.

816.460.2083 Rapunzel: The Puppet Show Thru April 4, Paul Mesner Puppets. Come see a veggie wonderful love story about two avid gardeners. PaulMesnerPuppets.org If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Thru March 16, Tall Grass Theatre. Based on the best-selling books, this play will have your children laughing.

TheTallGrassTheatreCompany.com March 16 Animal Tales & Trails Thru May 6, Crown Center. Learn about animals in a fun and interactive exhibit for young children. 816.274.8444 Toddler Town 10:00, Sermon Center. Indoor playground in the gym for children 5 and under. $1/child.

816.325.7370 Story Time Tumble 10:30, KCKPL - Turner Community Library. Little ones enjoy stories, finger plays, songs and tumbling activities every Friday. 913.596.1404 March 17 Blue Springs World’s Shortest St Patrick’s Day Parade 9:00, Main Street, Blue Springs, MO. The parade is considered to be one of the shortest and smallest in the country.

Little Bit of Luck: Leprechaun Stories 11:00, Blue Springs South Library. Join us for this fun and magical puppet show from Stone Lion Puppet Company. Reg at 816.229.3571.

39th Annual KC Irish Parade 11:00, Downtown KCMO. Kansas City’s largest single-day civic event. Irish floats, bands, families and others celebrate.

KCIrishParade.com 29th Annual St Patrick’s Day Parade Noon, Leavenworth, KS. The great “green” parade in Downtown Leavenworth! VisitLeavenworthKS.com Lawrence’s St Patrick’s Day Parade 1:00, Lawrence KS. Old-fashioned parade, donating more than $579,621 to children’s charities over the years.

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LawrenceStPatricksDayParade.com Lexington’s St Patrick’s Day Celebration 1:00, Lexington, MO. Enjoy the two-day celebration. Irish music, dance, food, parade at 3:00, and more.

LexingtonStPatsParade.org March 18 Singing Frogs & Early Blooms Hike 1:00, Powell Gardens. Explore the 3.25-mile nature trail as spring begins to emerge. 816.697.2600 March 19 Toddler Takeover 10:00, KC North Community Center.

Every Mon, Wed & Fri, bring your little ones and let them run and play in the gym. $1/session. 816.784.6100 Moms FREE Monday 10:00, Paradise Park. Moms are

March 22 Open Play Tue & Thu, 9:30, Irene French Comm Ctr. Enjoy Step 2 climbers, Little Tykes toys and more. $2/ child. 913.322.5550 Bumper Bowling at Mission Bowl Every Thu, 10:00, Mission Bowl. Bowling, shoe rental, bumpers for preschoolers & a small soft drink for $3/person.

913.432.7000 Toddler Story Time Every Thu, 10:00, KCKPL - West Wyandotte Library. Toddler Time encourages lots of movement and the exploration of sound and rhythm.

913.596.5800 March 23 The Doo Dads Concert 6:00, The Record Bar. It’s a dance party! Bring the whole family, enjoy great food and have a blast! Kids FREE, $5/adults.

TheDooDads.com KC Home Show & Flower, Lawn & Garden Show Thru March 25, Bartle Hall. Homeowners, get inspiration for spring home and garden projects.

FREE Family Fun Night: Winnie the Pooh 5:00, Sylvester Powell. Activities include the movie Winnie the Pooh, swimming, arts & crafts, indoor playground.

SylvesterPowell.com March 24 Park Place Diva Dash 5K 8:30, Park Place (Leawood).

This great all-women’s 5K benefits Girls on the Run of Johnson County. Register at SportKC.org

Animal Tales and Trails at Crown Center thru May 6

A Puppet Carnivale 10:30, Liberty City Park. StoneLion’s Puppet Carnivale of wonder and delight with interactive art for the planet, music and games. FREE! StoneLionPuppets.org Zoo Tales and International Migratory Bird Day 10:00, KC Zoo. Learn about different birds’ migration through hands-on activities. 816.513.5723 The Snow Queen Puppet Show 11:00 & 2:00, Puppetry Arts Institute. The story follows Gerda on her journey to save her friend Kay from the Snow Queen.

816.833.9777 KC’s Passport to Adventure Kickoff Noon, Bass Pro (Independence). Visit booths, see live animals and participate in hands-on activities. FREE! 913.764.7759 March 25 Art Show 11:00, Vesper Hall (Blue Springs). Over 100 entries including photography, drawing, sculptures and more. 816.228.0137 March 26 Stroller Time 9:00, Harris Park Community Center.

Bring your stroller and kiddos to work off the spring chills. Toddlers welcome! Preregistration is a must.

816.969.1540 Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Community Center. Every Mon & Wed, Children are invited to run, ride and play while making new friends! $1/day. 913.541.0209 March 27 FREE Open Play 8:00, Parkside Coffeehouse at Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Indoor playground and toys for children and coffee house for caregivers. Open daily.

913.393.3000 Preschool Story Time Every Tue, 10:30, MCPL – Boardwalk Branch. Unique story times involving a variety of tried & true activities for ages 3-5 years. FREE! MyMCPL.org Book Club Every Tue, 11:00, Pottery Barn Kids (Plaza).

There will be singing, crafts and, of course, a few of your favorite books. FREE! 816.561.8140 March 28 Pop ‘n Play 9:00, Johnson County Museum. Activities designed especially for your 9-month- to 3-year-olds. $1/child, members FREE. 913.715.2552, Tiny Tot Skate 9:30, Skate City Kansas. Every Wed, bring your little one out to the rink! $5/child (skates, snack & drink). 913.888.6668 Stories for Ones 9:30, KC Public Library (Waldo).

Every Wed, bring your 1-year-old to a story time geared toward this age group. FREE! 816.701.3486 Story Time 10:00, Barnes & Noble (Town Center). Free story time for little ones every Wed. 913.491.4535 March 29 Treasured Stories by Eric Carle 9:45 & Noon, JCCC Carlsen Center. Mermaid Theater’s much-anticipated new production features three tales by Eric Carle.

913.469.4445 Every Child Ready to Read 7:00, Riverside Branch Library. Participants will learn how to develop early literacy skills. Birth to age 5. FREE. 816.741.6288 Sleeping Beauty Thru March 31, Indian Creek Community Church. The magic, splendor and music of Sleeping Beauty comes to life. 913.254.4444 March 30 Baby Time Every Fri, 9:30, KCKPL - West Wyandotte Library. Babies’ (ages 6 to 23 months) first introduction to a public story time. 913.596.5800 March 31 Egg Hunt Train Rides 9:00, 11:00, 2:00 & 4:00, Midland Railway. Enjoy train ride and egg hunt with Easter Bunny! Tickets $7-$14. 913.721.1211 Free Zoo Admission Day 9:30, KC Zoo. Admission to the zoo today is FREE for Jackson and Clay County residents ONLY. 816.513.5723

Mother Nature Reads 10:00, Lakeside Nature Ctr. Hear a story, learn cool facts about the animal of the month and make something to take home. FREE! LakesideNatureCenter.org Northland Ethnic Festival 11:00, Park Hill South High School. Stage shows, displays and crafts by dozens of ethnic and cultural groups. FREE! 816.270.2141 Puppet Carnivale! 11:00, Westport Roanoke Community Center. StoneLion’s latest escapade features a half dozen mini puppet shows in one place! FREE! 816.221.5351 Easter Egg Hunt 11:00, Antioch Community Church.

Two hunting areas for different ages. Free pictures with the Easter Bunny and much, much more! FREE! 816.452.7833 Ollie’s Egg Hunt 11:00, Paradise Park. Join Ollie for a hopping good time while we hunt for eggs in the Outdoor Adventure Garden. 816.246.5224 Easter Bunny Weekends thru April 7, Noon, Crown Center. Professional photos for a fee, or bring your own camera. 816.274.8444 Special Needs Parents’ Night Out 5:30, Legacy Christian Church. Enjoy a free, monthly Parents’ Night Out for families with special needs. Register at 913.962.5271.

April 1 Opening Day at the Farmstead 9:00, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. Almost 200 animals and birds of prey, old-time fishing pond, pony rides and more.

913.897.2360 April 2 Toddler Takeover 10:00, KC North Community Center.

Every Mon, Wed & Fri, bring your little ones and let them run and play in the gym. $1/session. 816.784.6100 April 3 Coffee Playground 10:00, Overland Park First Assembly of God. Every Tue, the coffee shop is open. Kids 5 and under enjoy inflatables, balls and toys. FREE. Family Night 4:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Enjoy indoor play especially for little ones on Tue & Fri. $6/child, $4/ crawler. 913.631.7000 April 4 Open Play Area First Wed of month, 9:30, Stanley Presbyterian Church. Toys in the fellowship hall, but feel free to bring ride-on toys from home. 913.681.8180 Stories for Ones 9:30, KC Public Library - Waldo.

Every Wed, bring your 1-year-old to a story time geared toward this age group. FREE! 816.701.3486

Play Group 10:00, Turner Community Library. Little ones have fun listening to stories, joining in finger plays, songs, crafts and group play activities.

913.596.1404

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April 5 Open Play 9:30, Irene French Comm Ctr. Enjoy Step 2 climbers, Little Tykes toys and more every Tue & Thu. $2/child. 913.322.5550 Toddler Story Time Every Thu, 10:00, KCKPL - West Wyandotte Library. ToddlerTime encourages lots of movement and the exploration of sound and rhythm.

913.596.5800 April 6 Playwear Event Today and tomorrow, Children’s Orchard (Olathe and Indep). All playwear with pink tickets is just $1.00! ChildOrch.com Narnia: The Musical Thru April 8, Kauffman Center.

This stage version based on the first and most famous of the Narnia chronicles. 816.994.7222 Story Time Tumble 10:30, KCKPL - Turner Community Library. Little ones enjoy stories, finger plays, songs and tumbling activities every Friday. 913.596.1404 April 7 Egg Hunt Train Rides 9:00, 11:00, 2:00 & 4:00, Midland Railway. Enjoy train ride and egg hunt with Easter Bunny! Tickets $7-$14. 913.721.1211 Easter Egg Hunt 10:30, Meadowmere Park. The Easter Bunny hops into town to lead the hunt for treats and a photo opportunity with your child. FREE. Grandview.org Bunny Eggstravaganza 10:00, Sylvester Powell Community Center. Egg hunts for all ages, clowns, balloon artists and a visit from two very special bunnies!! FREE! SylvesterPowell.com Downtown Bunny Hop 10:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Kids are invited to join the Easter Bunny in a parade from store to store where they’ll receive free candy.

816.246.6598 April 9 Moms FREE Monday 10:00, Paradise Park. Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224 April 10 James and the Giant Peach Thru May 18, Coterie

Enrolling Early Childhood

Curriculum includes specialized instruction in art, library, movement, music and Spanish.

C a l l us today!

816 - 277-0306

kcparent.com spring 2012

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Theatre. James and his insect buddies work together on the most extraordinary journey they could ever imagine.

816.474.6552 Preschool Story Time Every Tue, 10:30, Boardwalk Branch MCPL. Unique story times involving a variety of tried & true activities for ages 3-5 years. FREE! MyMCPL.org

ENTER TO WIN!

April 11 Tiny Tot Skate 9:30, Skate City Kansas. Every Wed, bring your little one out to the rink! $5/child (skates, snack, & drink). 913.888.6668 Story Time Every Wed, 10:00, Barnes & Noble (Town Center). Free story time for little ones. 913.491.4535

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April 12 Preschool Story Time Every Thu, 10:00, KCKPL - West Wyandotte Library. Story time is for preschoolers ages 3-6 and lasts approximately 45 minutes. 913.596.5800 Family Library Time 4:30, Gladstone Mid-Continent Public Library. Caregivers and their children ages 2 to 10 can do a hands-on educational activity. FREE! MyMCPL.org April 13 Beth Moore: Living Proof LIVE! Thru April 14, Music Hall. Beth Moore’s life-transforming Bible study challenges and inspires women of every age, everywhere.

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$250 PRIZE

KCB OneUSA luckyBaby winnerFall will 11 receive a Baby Jogger City Mini Stroller (in crimson)!

April 14 It’s Raining Money Thru April 22, Children’s Orchard (Olathe and Indep). Spend $30 and receive $10 in store credit! ChildOrch.com WOF Opening Day 10:00, Worlds of Fun. More than 40 rides for all ages, including Planet Snoopy with fun attractions and shows for little ones. 816.454.4545 Spring Baby Animal Shower 10:00, Mahaffie Farm.

Celebrate the birth of several new animals this spring.

Proof 913.971.8600 Wings of Love’s Awesome Birds Noon & 2:00, Crown Center. Delight in the playful antics of tropical birds and the FREE Animal Tales & Trails exhibit. CrownCenter.com April 16 Weekday Spring Choirs Thru April 20, 10:30-3:00, Crown Center. Local choirs will entertain Crown Center visitors each weekday. 816.274.8444, CrownCenter.com

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April 17 FREE Open Play 8:00, Parkside Coffeehouse at Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Indoor playground and toys for children and coffeehouse for caregivers. Open daily.

913.393.3000 Preschool Story Time Every Tue, 10:00, Grandview Branch MCPL. Literacy-rich books and stories are shared to build pre-reading skills. For ages 3-5 years.

FREE! MyMCPL.org

April 21 Flights of Fancy Kite Festival 10:00, MCC-Longview.

Dazzling mega kite displays by the Kansas City Kite Club, “a definite” on your spring calendar. FREE! MCCFlightsOfFancy.org Mother Nature Reads 10:00, Lakeside Nature Ctr. Hear a story, learn cool facts about the animal of the month and make something to take home. FREE. LakesideNatureCenter.org Coyote Sings Puppet Show 11:00, Puppetry Arts Institute. Native American story in which the crazy buffoon, Coyote, tries desperately to learn a song.

816.833.9777 April 22 Jim Cosgrove Live! 2:30, Kauffman Center. Dubbed as the “Jimmy Buffet for kids,” Cosgrove performs songs from his award-winning CDs. 816.994.7222 April 24 Book Club Every Tue, 11:00, Pottery Barn Kids (Plaza).

There will be singing, crafts and, of course, a few of your favorite books. FREE! 816.561.8140 Pinocchio Commedia Thru May 19, Theatre for Young America. The traditional Italian tale of Pinocchio performed with masks, stock characters and music.

816.460.2083 April 25 Pop ‘n Play 9:00, Johnson County Museum. Activities designed especially for your 9-month- to 3-year-olds. $1/child, members FREE. 913.715.2552 Gym for Me Every Mon & Wed, 9:00, Lenexa Community Center. Children are invited to run, ride and play while making new friends! $1/day. 913.541.0209 Toddler Story Time Every Wed, 9:30, Boardwalk Branch MCPL. Enjoy stories, music and movement. For ages 18-36 months. FREE! MyMCPL.org April 26 Spring Choir 10:30-3:00, Crown Center. Local choirs entertain visitors each weekday thru April 27.

Explore Nature 10:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center.

Enjoy a free visit to the nature center to see live animals and exhibits. 816.228.2766 April 27 Baby Time Every Fri, 9:30, KCKPL - West Wyandotte Library. Baby’s (ages 6 to 23 months) first introduction to a public story time. 913.596.5800 April 28 Mildale Farm Community Days 9:00, Mildale Farm.

Arts and craft activities, catch-and-release fishing, picnics, family fun and more. FREE! 913.831.3355 Earth Day & Arbor Day 11:00, Gardner Greenway Corridor. Group cleanup, free barbecue, tree planting, drawing for free trees and prizes!

GardnerKansas.gov/earthday

adorn your nest

The Nursery

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April 29 Visit the Nature Center 9:00, Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary. See live animal exhibits and enjoy nature this winter. 816.781.8598 May 1 Family Night 4:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Enjoy indoor play especially for little ones on Tue & Fri. $6/child, $4/ crawler. 913.631.7000 May 2 Open Play Area First Wed of month, 9:30, Stanley Presbyterian Church. Toys in the fellowship hall, but feel free to bring ride-on toys from home. 913.681.8180 Play Group 10:00, Turner Community Library. Little ones have fun listening to stories, joining in finger plays, songs, crafts and group play activities. 913.596.1404

7275 W 105th Street ✻ Overland Park, KS 66212 913.962.1503 ✻ usababyks.com

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kcparent.com spring 2012

Friends and Family Night at Paradise Park May 16

Every Wed, bring your 1-year-old to a story time geared toward this age group. FREE. 816.701.3486 Story Time 10:00, Barnes & Noble (Oak Park Mall).

Weekly Wed story time for preschoolers. FREE. 913.492.8187 Friends and Family Night 4:00, Paradise Park. With a special invite or as a Facebook fan, receive discounts or free attractions on this exclusive night.

Paradise-Park.com May 17 Bumper Bowling at Mission Bowl Every Thu, 10:00, Mission Bowl. Bowling, shoe rental, bumpers for preschoolers & a small soft drink for $3/person.

913.432.7000 May 18 Baby Time Every Fri, 9:30, KCKPL - West Wyandotte Library. Baby’s (ages 6 to 23 months) first introduction to a public story time. 913.596.5800 May 19 Explore Nature 10:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center.

Enjoy a free visit to the nature center to see live animals and exhibits. 816.228.2766 May 20 Visit the Nature Center 9:00, Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary. See live animal exhibits and enjoy nature this spring. 816.781.8598

May 3 Toddler Story Time Every Thu, 10:00, KCKPL - West Wyandotte Library. ToddlerTime encourages lots of movement and the exploration of sound and rhythm.

913.596.5800 May 4 Art Annual Thru May 6, 63rd St & Brookside. First art show of the year. Children’s activities on Sat & Sun. BrooksideKC.org The Heart Gallery: Through Our Children’s Eyes Thru May 20, Crown Center. The gallery consists of dozens of photos of children waiting for adoptive homes.

816.274.8444 May 5 Kids Fishing Derby 8:30, Lake Jacomo. Introduce your kids (2-15) to the sport of fishing at this fun-filled family event. FREE! 816.229.8980 Sheep Shearing Day 9:00, Missouri Town 1855. Artisans demonstrate these time-honored tasks and share their knowledge with our guests. 816.503.4860 Farmstead Pet Pals 11:00, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. Activities include dog safety, police dogs, agility, herding and rescued bird demonstrations.

913.897.2360 Special Needs Parents’ Night Out 5:30, Legacy Christian Church. Enjoy a free monthly Parents’ Night Out for families with special needs. Register at 913.962.5271.

May 6 Train Rides 10:00, KC Northern Railroad. 50-cent rides on the 16-gauge railroad from the first weekend in May until the last weekend in Sept. 816.436.0576 May 7 Toddler Takeover 10:00, KC North Community Center.

Every Mon, Wed & Fri, bring your little ones and let them run and play in the gym. $1/session. 816.784.6100 Mom..It’s All About You! 10:00, Paradise Park. Register to win FREE annuals at your home for a year--over a $500 value! 816.246.5224 May 8 Coffee Playground Every Tue, 10:00, Overland Park First Assembly of God. The coffee shop is open, and kids 5 and under enjoy inflatables, balls and toys. FREE.

OverlandParkMOPS.blogspot.com FREE Family Sessions at Kaleidoscope Children choose from the wide variety of art materials in this FREE art experience. 816.274.8300

May 21 Open Play Explorer Room 9:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Free indoor play facility with tunnels. Open daily. Call for hours. 913.895.6350

May 9 Tiny Tot Skate Every Wed, 9:30, Skate City Kansas.

Bring your little one out to the rink! $5/child (skates, snack, & drink). 913.888.6668 Story Time Every Wed, 10:00, Barnes & Noble (Town Center). Free story time for little ones. 913.491.4535

May 22 Preschool Story Time Every Tue, 10:30, Boardwalk Branch MCPL. Unique story times involving tried & true activities for ages 3-5 years. FREE! MyMCPL.org

May 10 Preschool Story Time Every Thu, 10:00, KCKPL - West Wyandotte Library. Story time is for preschoolers ages 3-6 and lasts approximately 45 minutes. 913.596.5800 May 11 Toddler Takeover 10:00, NKC Community Center.

Bring your little ones to run and play in the gym. $1.

816.784.6100

JUST WHAT YOU WANT

THE BEST WEEKEND PLANNER FOR FAMILY FUN IN KC!

May 12 Mother’s Day Event 10:00, Children’s Orchard (Olathe and Indep). It’s a BIG, one day only event. Take 25% off regularly priced resale clothing. ChildOrch.com Train Rides 10:00, KC Northern Railroad. 50-cent rides on the 16-gauge railroad from the first weekend in May until the last weekend in Sept. 816.436.0576 May 13 Mother’s Day at the Zoo 10:00, KC Zoo. FREE admission and giveaway for moms on their special day.

Explore the Zoo and see what animals are moms too.

KansasCityZoo.org May 14 Open Play Explorer Room 9:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Free indoor play facility with tunnels. Open daily. Call for hours. 913.895.6350 May 15 Baby Story Time 9:15, Lee’s Summit Branch MCPL. Join in for fun interaction and lots of repetition. Reg req’d. 816.524.0567 May 16 Stories for Ones 9:30, KC Public Library - Waldo.

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Explore Nature at George Owens Nature Park on May 25 and June 10

May 24 Open Play Every Tue & Thu, 9:30, Irene French Comm Ctr. Enjoy Step 2 climbers, Little Tykes toys and more. $2/child. 913.322.5550 May 25 Explore Nature 8:30, George Owens Nature Park.

Experience the beauty of spring at the nature park; open year round with forest, lakes, hiking trails and wildlife.

816.325.7115 May 26 Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice™ Thru Sept 9, Crown Center. Encounter realistic, fully touchable dinosaurs, including a Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops.

FREE! 816.274.8444 Swim Beaches Opening Day Thru Sept 3, Longview Lake & Blue Springs Lake. Splash into summer at the most popular beaches in KC. 816.503.4876 May 29 Preschool Story Time 10:00, Grandview Branch MCPL. Every Tue, literacy-rich books and stories are shared to build pre-reading skills. For ages 3-5 years.

FREE. MyMCPL.org

May 23 Story Time 11:00, Barnes & Noble (Independence).

Weekly Wed children’s story time featuring children’s picture books suitable for children up to age 8.

816.795.9878 Music in the Park 6:00, Howard Station Park. Free Friday night concerts featuring a variety of musical genres from Memorial Day to Labor Day. 816.246.6598

Thru June 3, Kauffman Center. Best tunes from Disney’s most popular films and cartoons. KCSymphony.org Story Time Tumble Every Fri, 10:30, KCKPL - Turner Community Library. Little ones enjoy stories, finger plays, songs and tumbling activities. 913.596.1404 Music in the Park 6:00, Howard Station Park. Free Friday night concerts featuring a variety of musical genres from Memorial Day to Labor Day. 816.246.6598 June 2 Children’s Day & National Trails Day 9:00, Missouri Town 1855. Fun-filled activities include a pie eating contest, candle dipping and more. JacksonGov.org Fill a Bag for $5 10:00, Children’s Orchard (Olathe and Indep). Grab a bag and stuff it as full as you can with selected items and pay $5 for all of it! ChildOrch.com Mother Nature Reads 10:00, Lakeside Nature Ctr. Hear a story, learn cool facts about the animal of the month and make something to take home. FREE. LakesideNatureCenter.org June 3 Train Rides 10:00, KC Northern Railroad. 50-cent rides on the 16-gauge railroad from the first weekend in May until the last weekend in Sept. 816.436.0576

May 30 Toddler Story Time Every Wed, 9:30, Boardwalk Branch MCPL. Enjoy stories, music and movement. For ages 18-36 months. FREE! MyMCPL.org

June 4 Moms FREE Monday 10:00, Paradise Park. Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224

June 1 Downtown Days...Streets Alive! Thru June 3, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Family-friendly festival featuring live entertainment, crafts, a carnival, BBQ contest, etc.

DowntownLS.org Disney in Concert: Magical Music from the Movies

June 5 Preschool Story Time Every Tue, 10:00, Grandview Branch MCPL. Literacy-rich books and stories are shared to build pre-reading skills. For ages 3-5 years.

FREE. MyMCPL.org Book Club Every Tue, 11:00, Pottery Barn Kids (Plaza).

• Day, evening and weekend appointments.

resale & consignment I-29

• All packages come with CD and DVD of your entire session.

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9205 West 75th Overland Park, KS • 913.563.7875www.bellyimage.com • www.bellyimage.com

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There will be singing, crafts and, of course, a few of your favorite books. FREE. 816.561.8140 June 6 Open Play Area First Wed of month, 9:30, Stanley Presbyterian Church. Toys in the fellowship hall, but feel free to bring ride-on toys from home. 913.681.8180 Play Group 10:00, Turner Community Library. Little ones have fun listening to stories, joining in finger plays, songs, crafts and group play activities. 913.596.1404 The Stinky Cheese Man: The Puppet Show Thru July 1, Paul Mesner Puppets. The story contains zany versions of classic tales with fabulous humor.

PaulMesnerPuppets.org June 7 Preschool Story Time Every Thu, 10:00, KCKPL - West Wyandotte Library. Story time is for preschoolers ages 3-6 and lasts approximately 45 minutes. 913.596.5800 Explore Nature 10:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center.

Enjoy a free visit to the nature center to see live animals and exhibits. 816.228.2766 June 8 FREE Open Play 8:00, Parkside Coffeehouse at Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Indoor playground and toys for children and coffeehouse for caregivers. Open daily.

913.393.3000 Strotherfest 9:00, Paradise Park. Activities, games, attractions, entertainment, food vendors and live music.

816.246.5224 Music in the Park 6:00, Howard Station Park. Free Friday night concerts featuring a variety of musical genres from Memorial Day to Labor Day. 816.246.6598 June 9 Flag Day 9:00, Fort Osage. Celebrate Flag Day with us

and learn about “Old Glory.” 816.503.4860 Happy Birthday, Leavenworth & Kansas! 10:00, Historic Downtown Leavenworth. Birthday celebration with merchants. 913.682.3924 Farmstead Dairy Day 11:00, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. There will be programs, games and other activities about nutrition and healthy lifestyles.

913.897.2360

The Stinky Cheese Man by Paul Mesner Puppets thru July 1

June 10 Explore Nature 8:30, George Owens Nature Park.

Experience the beauty of spring at the nature park; open year round with forest, lakes, hiking trails and wildlife.

816.325.7115 June 11 Father’s Day at Paradise Park 9:00, Paradise Park.

Register to win $250 gift certificate to Miller Lawn and Landscape! 816.246.5224Bottom of Form Midtown Playgroup 10:00, Westport Roanoke Comm Ctr. Every Mon, Wed & Fri, children play with other youth their ages in an indoor playground setting. $1.50/child.

KCMO.org June 12 The Adventures of Pippi Longstocking Thru June 30, Theatre for Young America. Pippi is a high-spirited, warm-hearted incarnation of every child’s dream.

TYA.org June 13 Toddler Story Time Every Wed, 9:30, Boardwalk Branch MCPL. Enjoy stories, music and movement. For ages 18-36 months. FREE. MyMCPL.org Story Time 11:00, Barnes & Noble (Independence).

Weekly Wed children’s story time featuring children’s picture books suitable for children up to age 8.

816.795.9878

Photo credit: GetTheUmbrella.com

Mine costs less!

December 17-24 April 6th-7th December 17-24 SPIRIT OF

PLAYWEAR EVENT SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS SALE

Two days your choice, Enjoy 30%ONLY, off regularly priced CHRISTMAS SALE resale toys, clothing &pink equipment. allEnjoy playwear with tickets 30% off regularly priced Offers cannot be combined with any other promotion/discounts. just $1.00&each!* resaleare toys, clothing equipment.

Offers cannot be combined with any other promotion/discounts.

January 14 April 14th-22nd

January BABY $1.0014 SALE IT’S RAINING MONEY All regularly priced infant clothing Spend $30 on more, and BABY $1.00 SALE (NB-12 months) is $1 each for items

All regularly priced infantcredit.* clothing receive a $10 store $4.99 or lessmonths) during this ONE DAY only!

(NB-12 is $1 eachanyfor items Store creditcannot has no cash value, only be Offers be combined withmay other redeemed is not validonly! on promotion/discounts. $4.99 or for lessmerchandise, during this and ONE DAY daybeofcombined receipt.with any other Offers cannot promotion/discounts.

1 Children’s Orchard 11933 Strang Line Rd. • Olathe, KS 913.780.6600 2 About Nine Months 9205 W. 75th St. • Overland Park, KS 913.563.7875 3 Children’s Orchard 4201 S. Noland Rd. • Independence, MO 816.373.4585 Maternity clothing available.

January 21 May 12th

REASON TOmore SHOP Why pay anywhere else? ® CHILDREN’S ORCHARD At Children’s Orchard get up to 80% off

#23

retail on top quality, gently used clothing, toys, and equipment.

MINE COSTS LESS!

January 21 SPRING BIG MOTHER’S DAY EVENT SPRING BIGonly BRAND EVENT It’s a BIG, ONE DAY You’ll nd the highest quality big name BRAND EVENT event!

Takeat25% off regularly Spring fashions the lowest prices! Shop

You’ll nd the highest quality big name 1/21 for BESTclothing.* selection. priced resale Spring fashions at the lowest prices! Shop 1/21 for BEST selection.

March 3 June 2nd

3FOR $5 SPRING HOLIDAY FILL AMarch BAG Grab a bag, thenHOLIDAY stuff, pack, jam, SPRING DRESS-UP EVENT cram it as full as you can with All the best looks for Spring holidays at DRESS-UP EVENT selected resale clothing — and just your favorite prices. Shop 3/3 for All thepay best $5 looks Spring at forforALL of holidays it!*

BEST selection!

Why pay more anywhere else? At Children’s Orchard® getyour upfavorite prices. Shop 3/3 for to 80% off retail on top quality, gently used clothing, toys, andBEST selection! equipment. *Offer cannot be combined with any other sale,

Inventory changes daily so shop often for the best deals!

coupon, or discount.

kcparent.com spring 2012

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product recalls: visit the consumer product safety commission on the web at CPSC.gov

Carter’s Outfits The outfits are being recalled because the snaps can detach from the fabric of the garment, posing a choking hazard to infants and young children. Sold at mass retailers from November 2010 through August 2011 for about $4 to $9. Contact Weeplay at 888.226.2200 for replacement outfit.

Know It All Girls’ Shoe KEDS® shoes are being recalled because the ornamental stars on the heel of the shoe can loosen, posing a laceration hazard.

Sold at various retailers from June through October 2011 for about $23. Contact Collective Brands to receive a gift card for $30 redeemable at Stride Rite stores or StrideRite.com.

Magnetic Sketch Board Battat has recalled the boards because the magnetic tip of the drawing pen can dislodge from the pen, posing a choking hazard to children. Sold at Target stores from March 2010 to March 2011 for about $16.

Contact Battat at 866.665.5524 to receive a free replacement sketch board.

ANTILOP High Chairs The chairs, manufactured by IKEA, have been recalled due to the high chair’s restraint buckle opening unexpectedly, posing a fall hazard to the child. The chairs were sold at IKEA stores nationwide from August 2006 through January 2010 for about $20. Contact IKEA at 866.966.4532 for a free replacement seat restraint.

Children’s Travel Cases The Metoo Target has recalled the cases because the surface coating on the travel cases contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Sold at Target stores and Target.com from April through August 2011 for approximately $21. Stop using and return to any Target store for a full refund.

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Children’s Slippers Family Dollar is recalling the slippers due to the animals’ eyes detaching from the slippers, posing a choking hazard to young children. Sold from September through October 2011 for about $5. Consumers should take the slippers away from children and return them to any Family Dollar store for a full refund.

Colorful Hearts Teddy Bears The bears are being recalled by Build-ABear because the teddy bear’s eyes could loosen and fall out, posing a choking hazard to children. Sold at Build-A-Bear stores and online from April through December 2011 for about $18. Return to any Build-A-Bear store to receive a coupon for any available stuffed animal.

Bicycle Helmets The helmets are being recalled because product testing demonstrated that these helmets do not comply with CPSC safety standards for impact resistance. Consumers could suffer impact head injuries in a fall.

Stop using and contact Triple Eight toll free at 888.548.8518 for a full refund.

Bumbleride Strollers The strollers have been recalled due to the front wheel’s breaking at the axle hub, causing the stroller to tip and posing a fall hazard. Sold at Buy Buy Baby and other stores between January 2009 and January 2012. Contact Bumbleride at 800.530.3930 for a free front wheel retrofit kit.

Did you know? KCParent.com has up-to-the-minute product recalls via an RSS Feed.

Find the latest news to keep your children safe.

kcparent.com spring 2012

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Kansas City Zoo

NEW Sumatran Tiger Exhibit Renovations Opening Spring 2012

Affordable Family Fun Purchase Your 2012 Friends of the Zoo (FOTZ) Membership Today!

2012 FOTZ Memberships Include: FREE Zoo admission through March 31, 2013 Discounts at Zoo gift shops and ed-ZOO-cation and much more!

Open Daily 816.513.5800 kansascityzoo.org 32

kcparent.com spring 2012

The Kansas City Zoo is a private non-profit operated in agreement with the Kansas City, MO Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.