KC Baby Magazine Fall 2017

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MATERNI T Y YE A R S

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G A Z I NE MA

1 5 & CE

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maternity

OCTOBER- DECEMBER 2017 | KCPARENT.COM

everything pregnancy! s

MORNING SICKNESS

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LABOR & DELIVERY

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HIGH-RISK NEEDS

+ LIFE AFTER A NICU STAY

Look for Letters Everywhere

Have Fun with Books

Notice Print All Around You

Six Skills by Six Years

Take Time to Rhyme

Tell Stories About Everything

Talk, Talk, Talk

6 by 6 Ready to Read emphasizes the six early literacy skills parents and caregivers can help children develop before the age of six.

Learn more at jocolibrary.org/birth-to-six

Library

Kimberly Matthews, M.D., Ana Martinez, M.D., Leah Ridgway, M.D., Reagan Wittek, M.D., Evelina Swartzman, M.D., Amy Giedt, M.D.,

We are dedicated to providing the same level of outstanding care, we expect ourselves.

As the areas leading all-female OB/GYN practice,

we pride ourselves on providing quality personal and professional care to our patients. We have two convenient locations in

the Kansas City area.

For more information, visit www.WomensHealthKC.com.

To schedule an appointment, call 913.677.3113.

Dentistry That Will Make Kids

Board Certified Pediatric Dentists

Now Welcoming New Patients!

www.kidsmilekc.com

Smile • Prompt, friendly care • Professional dental cleanings • Fun, interactive environment • Specialized dentistry just for kids!

(913) 764-5600 Olathe (913) 387-3500 Overland Park (913) 745-2500 Shawnee (913) 378-9610 Prairie Village (913) 299-3300 Kansas City kcparent.com october-december 2017

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baby&

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everything pregnancy OCT- DEC 2017

IN EVERY ISSUE SUPPORTING A HIGH-RISK PREGNANCY, PG. 12

Craft Corner

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Nesting Nuggets

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Calendar of Events 31 Belly Laughs 34

YOUR PREGNANCY 8 Morning Sickness

YOUR BABY 10 Calm a Fussy Baby

YOUR TODDLER 7 Sensory Bottles

12 Support High-Risk Pregnancy

14 Life After the NICU

24 Learn Through Play

16 Labor & Delivery Guide

31 Play Dates

28 Colors of Fall

26 Family Fave Winners

32 Parents Night Out

30 Pumpkin Patches

32 Date Night 34 Belly Laughs

Our cover features Elyse from Overland Park. Cover and select interior photos by KiaBondurant.com

baby

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MATERNI T Y YE A R S

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G A Z I NE MA

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maternity

OCTOBER- DECEMBER 2017 | KCPARENT.COM

everything pregnancy!

kcparent.com october-december 2017

LABOR & DELIVERY

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Morning Sickness 8 High-Risk Needs 12 Life After NICU Stay 14 Labor & Delivery 16

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ON THE COVER

MORNING SICKNESS HIGH-RISK NEEDS

+ LIFE AFTER A NICU STAY

look again!

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When I became a new mom 3 years ago, I was shocked to learn about the chemical junk in our baby care products. So I decided to make it my goal to protect my sweet little boy from those harmful, synthetic chemicals. With over a year of research and education, I am now a local natural wellness educator and distributor with Young Living Essential Oils. My goal is to educate, encourage and empower families to ditch their household toxic chemicals and begin living lives of wellness, purpose and abundance!

Send a text to 913-952-4208 NOW to learn more about the natural lifestyle.

ALICIA UHL YL.AliciaUhl@gmail.com myyl.com/aliciauhl

913-952-4208

kcparent.com october-december 2017

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baby&

editor’sletter

maternity

M

y younger was a crier. Although never officially diagnosed with colic, she cried. A lot. As in every waking hour in which she wasn’t eating. There was one other way to get her to stop crying.

In our kitchen, the floor creaked in front of our pantry. If you held her up above your head and rocked back and forth to make the floor creak, she would stop momentarily.

But because I don’t have super arm strength, this would only keep her quiet for a few minutes. I have a very vivid memory of the first day she was quiet for 30 minutes. It was a breakthrough! To look at her today, you’d never guess she was a crier. She’s an almostteenager with a super sweet disposition. As a mom who has been there, I know having a baby that cries all the time is hard. Really, really hard. Olathe mom Lauren Greenlee has some tips on pg. 10.

In this issue, we put special focus on everything pregnancy. Find tips on dealing with morning sickness, helping a mom with a high-risk pregnancy and a list of pregnancy symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored. In the middle of the magazine, you’ll find the Labor & Delivery Guide with lots of great info on local hospitals to assist you in choosing the best place for you to deliver your bundle of joy. Jump online for our digital guide that includes videos, photos, and much more!

The leaves are changing into brilliant colors, and the days are a bit crisper. Kristina Light has put together some fun outings for little ones that explore the vibrant colors of the season. Have fun getting out and exploring with your kiddos!

ALL NEW LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE! Check out the ALL NEW Labor & Delivery Guide on pages 16-23 to help you choose the best place to deliver your bundle of joy.

Head online for more photos, video and more! KCParent.com

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kcparent.com october-december 2017

Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com Art Director Kim Tappan Tappan Design Kim@KCParent.com Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Advertising@KCParent.com Digital Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com

LOCAL Local Contributing Writers CONTENT Kim Antisdel, Liberty Lauren Greenlee, Olathe Megan Kapple, Kansas City Kristina Light, Kansas City Sarah Lyons, Olathe Kerrie McLoughlin, Overland Park Business Office 11936 W. 119th #335 Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax

Enjoy all fall has to offer, KC! Facebook.com/KansasCityParent Pinterest.com/KCParent @KCParent

Member of

Margaret Sarver, Editor KC Baby & Maternity is published four times per year: Winter (JanMarch), Spring (April-June), Summer (July-Sept) and Fall (Oct-Dec).

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. KC Baby & Maternity is not responsible for statements made by advertisers or writers. All photography and letters sent to KC Baby & Maternity will be treated unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of KC Baby & Maternity.

craftcorner

These little bottles are perfect for small hands to hold and explore different shapes, colors and textures.

F

sensory bottles

or an easy and free toy that will keep your baby occupied, try making a sensory bottle! These little bottles are perfect for small hands to hold and explore different shapes, colors and textures. Older children will love helping find different trinkets to put in the sensory bottle too!

Materials Needed: • Small water bottles • Small trinkets (beads, ribbon, glitter, pom-poms, sequins, etc.)

• Super Glue or hot glue Step One: Find small trinkets that are different shapes and colors.

Step Two: Fill the bottle with water and add the trinkets.

Step Three: Attach the lid using super glue or hot glue.

Megan Kapple is a blogger from Kansas City, MO, where she lives with her husband and four children. She loves anything DIY and crafty and blogs about her adventures at HomemadeGinger.com.

Pom-Pom Garland

Mini Animal Canvases

Yarn-Wrapped Mobile

For TONS more great craft projects, log onto KCParent.com!

kcparent.com october-december 2017

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nestingnuggets

Sick and Tired :

a guide to fighting through morning sickness The good news is morning sickness is temporary, and many women stop exhibiting symptoms after the 12- to 14-week mark.

S

ometimes getting to the baby finish line is tougher than it needs to be because of a pesky little side effect called morning sickness that, according to the American Pregnancy Association, affects nearly 50 percent of pregnant women. You can thank a rush of hormones, a growing placenta and the fact that you’re growing a human person as the main culprits.

More important than the reasons, though, are some tips to fight through it.

eat, eat, eat As a pregnant woman, you'll find the days of downing one meal and getting too busy to eat later are gone. Your tummy needs constant attention. Keep little snacks handy at all times, preferably ones high in protein. Keep a bag of almonds in your car, a protein bar in your purse and a sleeve of crackers at your desk at work. Also, plan on eating something the minute you wake up. Sometimes

prenatal vitamins can cause queasiness, so having a solid breakfast will prevent it from getting out of control. You will find combatting morning sickness takes a little bit of forethought, which is great practice for when your little one arrives!

hydrate Okay, it’s obvious, but it’s easy to forget. You need water. Just plain old healthy water. Stay away from sugary drinks like soda (though ginger ale may help quell nausea), and get your glasses of water in. Toss in a little lemon to add flavor. If you really love bubbles, consider trying a flavored seltzer water like La Croix. The various flavors can help keep things interesting and encourage you to drink more. A hydrated body is much less likely to experience nausea.

rest Pregnancy is not a time to push yourself. Though by name the feeling of being sick occurs in the morning, every

woman experiences morning sickness differently and at varying times. Take a little nap if you can to combat that danger zone. If you work and napping isn’t an option, consider taking a sick day and staying home on days when your nausea is particularly bad. Some days will be worse than others, and just as when you have the flu, trying to push through will make it worse. Get some z’s and come back to work when you’re feeling better.

figure out the triggers Many women find that particular smells or tastes cause their morning sickness to kick into overdrive. If you find suddenly the smell of hamburger irritates you, do what you can to stay away from it. Even if it’s your husband’s favorite meal, trust that he would much rather eat chicken tonight than have you feel ill all evening. Also realize that not every pregnancy is created equal. What bothered you with your first baby might

Trouble sleeping? Visit KCParent.com for pregnancy sleep tips.

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kcparent.com october-december 2017

be completely fine for you with your second. Keep a journal of what you’ve eaten throughout the day so you can go back and find what foods or drinks are causing nausea to flare up.

keep moving Even though you might be exhausted from eating a meal, don’t lie down immediately afterward. All of that food is just going to want to come back up.

Take a small walk to get your mind off of impending doom and distract yourself as much as possible. Morning sickness is temporary, and many times you can fight through it if you can keep your mind occupied.

wait it out The good news is morning sickness is temporary, and many women stop exhibiting symptoms after the 12- to 14-week mark. With that said, the weeks where you are experiencing morning sickness are no joke. Feeling like you’re

going to be sick (or actually getting sick) isn’t a pleasant experience, and some women can start to lose a significant amount of weight because of it. If you can’t get your tummy under control, talk to your doctor. Medication can be prescribed to help keep the vomiting at bay. Just know the baby your body is working on takes a toll on you, and like many other symptoms with pregnancy, this too shall pass.

Kim Antisdel is a freelance writer and interior design sales rep for KC and surrounding areas. She lives in Liberty with her husband, stepdaughters and infant son.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

Parent’s Night Out

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Located near I-35 and Shawnee Mission Parkway

Located near I-35 and Shawnee Mission Parkway

Signs you’re a morning sickness preventer pro Stay fresh – Your handbag has mints, a mini toothbrush and gum at the ready.

Not very pretty, but effective – You’ve ditched your ego and have anti-nausea wrist bands on at all times during the day.

Why don’t they make them in fashionable colors?

We’re in this together – You’ve given all your work colleagues a list of foods that are not allowed to be re-heated during the work day without major consequences. Fish?

Don’t even think about it, Carl.

Special Beginnings EARLY LEARNING CENTER Quality Christian early care and education for over 25 years!

LENEXA Infants-School Age 10216 Pflumm Rd. 913.894.0131 School Age Care & Summer Camp Kindergarten thru 6th Grade Lenexa Location

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OLATHE Infants-Pre-K 14169 Murlen Rd. 913.393.2223 OVERLAND PARK Infants-Pre-K 8205 W. 108th Terr.

913.378.1075

specialbeginningsonline.com kcparent.com october-december 2017

9

calming a fussy baby

have car wrecks and other accidents. And babies aren’t off the hook either. The risk of SIDS or suffocation increase when a wiped out mom or dad falls asleep with a newborn in arms. In fact, according to HappyBaby.com, baby fussiness, combined with parental fatigue, can produce complications that ring to the tune of over one billion dollars a year (now that’s something to cry about!).

The good news? Parents can take some simple steps to help soothe a fussy newborn.

Pediatrician Harvey Karp developed a system he deemed the Five S’s after observing the techniques employed by the !Kung, an indigenous African tribe that was renowned for calming their babies in under a minute. The key to their magic? Imitating the sounds, movements and constrictions of the womb. Karp’s findings were then developed into a book and subsequent documentary, both aptly titled The Happiest Baby on the Block.

Within each, Dr. Karp explains that most methods parents employ are good starts but it’s the combination of them all that produces peace and calm.

THE FIVE S’s INCLUDE: Swaddling. Being wrapped in a

Being wrapped in a lightweight blanket may make your baby look like a human burrito but it serves a deep purpose.

10 october-december 2017 kcparent.com

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here’s no way around it: Babies cry.

And while a cry signals parents to come to aid, nothing can be more frustrating than trying to soothe an irritable infant when you don’t know why he’s crying in the first place. Typically, moms and dads are encouraged to keep their heads held high and persevere. But that’s no easy feat!

A fussy baby is not the only unhappy member of the family. Endless newborn cries take their toll on the whole family and can cause depression, obesity and marital conflict. No wonder that exhausted and highly stressed parents are more prone to

lightweight blanket may make your baby look like a human burrito but it serves a deep purpose. That snug fit gives Baby the sensation of still being closely packaged, as in utero, and prevents hands and arms from flailing around. A correct swaddle is snug—with the arms placed straight by the sides—but loose around the hips to prevent hip dysplasia. Use a large square blanket and be careful to avoid covering Baby’s face or allowing him to overheat.

Swaddling is the most effective of the five methods employed but isn’t to be used all day.

Side Position. While babies should be placed on their backs to sleep in their cribs, this position is the worst for soothing fussiness. Turn Baby on his side, stomach or over your shoulder and watch him calm instantly.

The good news? Parents can take some simple steps to help soothe a fussy newborn.

Shushing. The sound of blood flow in utero is louder than a vacuum cleaner.

Babies feel right at home with white noise.

Shushing in Baby’s ear works for a time, but consider investing in a sound machine or a white noise app for long-term use.

Swinging. Life in the womb is always hopping—really! Babies grow accustomed to constant movement, and stillness is an unwelcome sensation upon birth. Gentle rocking motions may keep an already calm baby relaxed, but it takes quick, little motions to soothe an inconsolable infant.

While supporting the head and neck, keep movements tight and compact, no more than one inch apart. Hands need a rest?

Use a vibrating baby seat, swing, or put Baby in the car seat and go for a ride.

Sucking. Suckling is the piece de resistance of soothing. Most babies instantly relax when they suck, whether it be on a finger, Mother’s breast or pacifier.

FUSSINESS OR COLIC?

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE

Colic is defined by crying that lasts up to three hours a day, as many as three times a week, typically up until the third month. As famed pediatrician Dr. William Sears says, “If you wonder whether or not you have a colicky baby—you don’t!” Colic has no known cause and is not determined by parents’ ability (nor is it prophetic as to what temperament the baby will have when he grows up). If your baby has a case of the chronic grumpies, first consult with your pediatrician to rule out any underlying issues. If all checks out well, take heart that you’re not doing anything wrong. If the screams have you at your wit’s end, allow yourself to take a break (either by calling in reinforcements to watch your newborn or by setting him in his crib while you allow yourself a few minutes in another room to catch your breath).

On the rare occasion, crying is a symptom of a much deeper issue. Most commonly, the issue is related to gut health (of both the baby and mother, if nursing), gas or feeding troubles. If you are nursing, try an elimination diet of common triggers—dairy, caffeine, onions or spicy food—to deduce whether an allergy or aversion is at play. Consult with a lactation specialist to ensure that Baby is latching on properly, as well as eating enough.

Lauren Greenlee’s first baby had extreme colic, which paved the way for her subsequent babies who were only moderately fussy. She writes—and wrangles her brood of boys—from her Olathe home.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

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11

supporting a mom during

high-risk pregnancy

"By assisting with the basic needs of the family, like cooking, cleaning, errands and being a sounding board for her concerns and fears, you will relieve some of the stress so Mom can focus on her health and that of her growing child."

M

y first three pregnancies were easy.

I felt great, barely had morning sickness, remained active and was able to maintain all my pre-pregnancy activities. Then I experienced a triplet pregnancy. Everything I knew about pregnancy went out the window when I found out at 21 weeks I was expecting not one, but three babies. My head spun as the doctor told me my first goal was to make it three more weeks, which is considered viability: 24 weeks gestation and when a child will have a chance of survival outside the womb. For weeks after receiving the news, I barely slept but read every book and blog I could find on triplets, high order multiples pregnancy and prematurity.

The information was overwhelming and terrifying. Once I came out of shock, I realized I had to move forward with a new normal for the health of my babies. Thankfully, I received a lot of support from my friends and family.

listen A high-risk pregnancy is stressful. Mom is usually worried about the health of the baby,

12 october-december 2017 kcparent.com

or babies, as well as herself. She also may be concerned about her other household or work-related responsibilities, which she may not be able to keep up on because of bed rest or the physical limitations of pregnancy.

Having someone to talk with can be very therapeutic. When you visit, listen attentively and offer support. A short email or text shows you care while leaving it in her hands to respond when it’s most convenient.

visit Many moms with a high-risk pregnancy are put on bed rest at home or in the hospital.

While resting in bed may sound like a nice vacation for a busy mom, it is extremely boring and typically gives Mom too much time for worrying. “One of my friends would visit and ask what needed to be done.” says Robin Wahrenbrock, Lee’s Summit. Bed rest is very lonely and a visitor really can brighten Mom’s day. Offer to deliver fast food or homemade meals to her, especially if she is in the hospital.

A care package with movies, magazines and treats is also nice when stuck in bed.

help with the older kids Mom may feel like she is letting down her older kids because she cannot be her usual self. Show support by offering to pick up the kids, even if it’s just for a couple hours.

Driving the kids to school or activities is also a big help. Keeping the kids in their regularly scheduled activities helps lessen the anxiety they feel with the changes at home.

stop by the store Offer to pick up a few things the family needs if you will be out running errands.

Many grocery stores now offer drivethrough pickup. Have the family order and pay for groceries online, then you pick them up and deliver them. Offering to help put them away is appreciated. If Mom is allowed to ride in a wheelchair during her outings, offer to drive her to the store and assist as she tries to get her shopping done.

provide a meal Providing meals for the family during a highrisk pregnancy is a huge help. The family, including Mom, needs to eat three meals a day. Bring easy-to-heat-up casseroles and

freezer meals or stock the pantry with quickfix meals and snacks. Also consider simpleto-prepare food for lunch and breakfast. Try setting up a meal train for other friends and family to bring meals as well.

help around the house When faced with the question of “How can I help?” a mom often finds it difficult to come up with an exact answer. Things you can consider just doing include sweeping the floor, folding loads of laundry, vacuuming or doing dishes. Even a little bit of tidying up can make a big difference. Consider hiring a cleaning service for the family until Mom is back on her feet.

checkups A high-risk pregnancy usually warrants extra checkups. “I looked forward to the weekly scans,” says Loretta Jones, mom of triplets from Kansas City, MO. “I only made it to 27 weeks, which was incredibly scary, but I felt better because I had just been at the doctor two days before.” Having weekly checkups and ultrasounds is common for high-risk pregnancies, and it can really put

a mom’s mind at ease when she is given a thumbs-up for the day. You can help by offering to drive her to those appointments or watch her older children.

During a high-risk pregnancy, Mom often feels overwhelmed with the things she is missing because of bed rest, including time with her spouse and other children, her work and normal daily responsibilities.

Combined with the worrying about the baby’s health and hers, this time of waiting is extremely stressful. By assisting with the basic needs of the family, like cooking, cleaning, errands and being a sounding board for her concerns and fears, you will relieve some of the stress so Mom can focus on her health and that of her growing child.

Olathe mom Sarah Lyons spent five weeks on bed rest during her high-risk triplet pregnancy. Even though it was a difficult time, she knows it was worth it to let the babies continue to grow before their birth six weeks premature.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

The starting point for a healthy smile.

Starting Point Dental offers both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics in one location.

Our dental services are provided by specialists who received additional training after dental school. By offering these specialties together, we can give busy families convenience and comprehensive care.

Locations:

Overland Park 14465 Metcalf Ave Overland Park KS 66223 913-553-2492

Legends 10940 Parallel Pkwy Kansas City KS 66109 913-948-8688

StartingPointDental.com Owner John P. Roth DDS and family Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry Specialist in Orthodontics

kcparent.com october-december 2017

13

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life after

ou’d think that once a family got home with their neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) baby, they would be home free, right? After all, their baby isn’t hooked up to multiple monitors, doesn’t have IVs sticking out of every part of his body, and the parents don’t have to travel to and from the hospital every day anymore. So why do the parents still seem so stressed out? Read on to find out about some of their special challenges and how to take care of these special parents and babies.

Depending on how long Baby was in the NICU and how much care was involved, he may still require special care when he comes home—and parents are now 100 percent responsible for providing it. This may involve dealing with oxygen equipment, feeding tubes, medicines and more. Parents might have to plan intricately any outings, and they may get cabin fever. The mother is dealing with healing and hormones from giving birth, and now she has more stressors, like how to keep track of all the post-NICU instructions, as well as dealing with everything at home. Other stressors include older children, chores, meals, visitors, follow-up medical visits, how to pay all the medical bills, the possibility of returning to work, etc.

Parents of NICU babies have come close to experiencing the death of a child, one of the most difficult things a person can go through, so being sensitive to that fact can go a long way with them. Dr. Kristie McNealy, mother of a preemie, shared on her blog KristieMcNealy.com, “In between and long after our respiratory issues improved, there were other x-rays, scans and procedures to deal with, development to monitor, and sensory issues to help her deal with. There seemed like there was always something to worry about, and that was something people on the outside of our family didn’t understand very well. After all, she looked healthy, and people didn’t get much past evaluating her in terms of how well she had caught up in growth before determining that I was both overprotective and at least a little neurotic.”

Regarding the sensitivity of mothers specifically, Dr. Shawn Willson, director of Women’s Mental Health at Overland Park Regional Medical Center and CEO of the Purple Door, says, “Having your child in the NICU is nothing less than terrifying.

Parents are thrown into a state of ‘survival,’ which pushes the gas pedal for adrenaline…This adrenaline usually continues in about 35 percent of the parents once they leave the NICU but often goes unappreciated. This continued adrenaline impairs the parent and is referenced clinically as a diagnosis of acute stress disorder (two days to four weeks) or post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (greater than three months).” If a mother finds herself experiencing this, seeking professional help is imperative.

Jennifer G. shares her personal experience that she hopes will help friends and family members of NICU parents try to understand:

14 october-december 2017 kcparent.com

“When our son was born 10 weeks early…we were beyond scared. He was our first child, so we had no benchmark to compare to the situation at hand. More importantly, none of our family or friends had a benchmark for a premature child versus a ‘normal child,’ so they just didn’t understand our new reality. Most people felt we were constantly overreacting to simple things like hand washing, covering coughs or asking people not to bring their young children to the hospital or our house when we got home. That never stopped me from standing my ground though, because those same people did not sit in a large NICU with 10 tiny baby beds, where newborns were tied to hundreds of wires, monitors, breathing apparatus and more. They did not rock their baby as they listened to the monitor down the way screech a warning, then be shuffled out of the unit while the nurses dealt with a child who would not see the start of another day.”

Jennifer also shares something she likes to call “support fatigue.” “Everyone is quick to come to your aid, to bring meals, to call and check on you, etc., but when your issue lasts longer than a funeral and typical ‘mourning period’ (about a week) or birth and ‘adjustment period’ (again, about one week), it’s easy to be forgotten. It’s not that anyone has stopped loving you and your family, but their priorities have to be with their own family. Their own life has to go on.”

If you’d like to help these NICU families, keep the help, comfort meals and other forms of support coming as much as you can.

Just as when the baby was in the NICU, keep the care calendar (CareCalendar.org) active and make sure as many people as possible know about it. Offer to watch the baby while the parents run out for a cup of coffee. Expect them to give you many instructions for Baby’s care; just don’t expect them to be gone long!

Treat a new NICU mom very carefully. We all know having a baby takes a toll on life, sleep, body, mind and more, so having been through a NICU experience is like post-childbirth on Red Bull! Don’t be offended if the parents ask you to not visit yet or to wash your hands right after coming into the home. They have just been through a life-changing experience and certainly don’t want to return to the NICU because someone with a cold gave it to their baby. A listening ear is helpful at this point as well and can go a long way toward relieving some of the parents’ stress (yes, dads get stressed, too; they just tend to internalize it).

the nicu

Kerrie McLoughlin is the mom of five kids (one, a NICU baby) and the author of The Tater Tot Casserole Cookbook. Catch up with her at TheKerrieShow.com.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

Are You Ready to

Grow A Reader?

As your baby’s first teacher, you can make the difference in the future of his or her academic success by singing songs, listening to music, most importantly reading books every day.

Mid-Continent Public Library's new Grow A Reader program offers many free resources.

Storytimes for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, online resources including video storybooks, and, of course, countless books are available at each of our branches to help your child start building successful reading skills.

Access Early Literacy

Our librarians are standing by to help! Visit growareader.org/KCBaby to learn more.

Should I consume my placenta?

This question is on the rise with more and more pregnant women.

So, why are so many women interested in consuming their placenta?

“ 96 percent of the women said they had a ‘positive’ or ‘very positive’ experience consuming their placenta, and 98 percent said they would do it again.”

Dr. Daniel Benyshek and graduate student Sharon Young, UNLV in Las Vegas, NV

Placenta Encapsulation KC www.PlacentaKC.com

913.782.3174

Because science has shown that it can help with postpartum depression, lactation and energy. The placenta is loaded with vitamins, minerals and nutrients. The placenta contains high amounts of iron, B6 and B12, as well as estrogen and progesterone. These are all very important during the postpartum recovery.

At Placenta Encapsulation KC we believe every mother and baby should have the best baby-moon as possible. That is where we come in; we will discreetly process your placenta into capsules for easy, non-tasting ingestion.

We offer pickup and delivery services, we follow all the FDA guidelines, work with your birthplace, and we have a separate processing facility.

Hundreds of women have encapsulated their placenta with us and have sworn that it has helped with their postpartum recovery. You only get one chance to do this and to have it done correctly. Contact us to find out more information and to book encapsulation with a trusted, certified Placenta Encapsulation Specialist. kcparent.com october-december 2017

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KC BABY & MATERNITY'S

LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE

Check out our even more comprehensive Virtual Labor & Delivery Guide at KCParent.com. Our interactive online guide has images, complete descriptions, video, social media links, and much more. Search hospitals by: • LOCATION • NICU LEVEL • CLASSES OFFERED • MIDWIFERY

VIRTUAL LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE AT KCPARENT.COM

CENTERPOINT MEDICAL CENTER 19600 E. 39th St. S. Independence, MO 64057 Nearly 8,000 babies have been born at Centerpoint Medical Center since its opening in 2007. The most advanced, family-centered care is available, backed by HCA Midwest Health’s technology and expertise, and includes nine private, spacious labor-delivery rooms, private postpartum rooms, dedicated lactation consultants, electronic infant security system, easily identifiable staff members and robust communication for Baby’s safety and security, a Level III NICU and more. The facility also offers a webcam to check on Baby if you must leave the hospital.

816.698.7300 CenterpointMedical.com/service/ labor-and-delivery

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LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE | Special Section LAWRENCE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL 325 Maine St. Lawrence, KS 66044 With one-to-one nursing care, comfortable patient suites and a Level II nursery supported by neonatologists, the Cindy Murray Family Birthing Center at Lawrence Memorial Hospital is the smart choice for your unique birthing experience.

Our physicians, certified nurse midwives, nurses and lactation specialists provide personalized care during your pregnancy, delivery and beyond. From prenatal care and childbirth preparation to breastfeeding, postpartum fitness and parent support groups—we want to keep you and your family healthy for life.

785.505.5000 LMH.org

LIBERTY HOSPITAL 2525 Glenn Hendren Dr. Liberty, MO 64068 The Liberty Hospital Birthing Center provides warm, personal care in a comfortable setting.

Our highly qualified obstetric and neonatal nurses take care of you and your newborn in a state-of-the-art medical facility.

Online childbirth education is available, in addition to classes on campus. The e-classes are an option for parents who cannot attend conventional prenatal classes or would like home-based education. We have neonatal nurse practitioners on site 24/7 who collaborate with a Children’s Mercy neonatologist.

816.792.7222 LibertyHospital.org/baby

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LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE | Special Section MENORAH MEDICAL CENTER 5721 W. 119th St. Overland Park, KS 66209 The progressive Family Birthing Center at Menorah Medical Center is a nurturing, secure and relaxing environment, backed

by HCA Midwest Health’s technology and expertise, and includes single-room maternity care, spacious suites where you can labor, give birth, recover and remain throughout your stay. We provide doctors specializing in every aspect of mother-baby care, experienced nurses and support staff dedicated to caring for moms and newborns, as well as a Level II NICU for babies who need advanced, 24/7 care and more.

1.877.769.6636 MenorahMedicalCenter.com/ service/labor-and-delivery

OLATHE MEDICAL CENTER 20333 W. 151st St. Olathe, KS 66061 The new four-story Birth Place blends the care you’ve grown to trust at Olathe Medical Center with an impressive facility you’ll immediately love. Our new obstetrics wing with a Level II neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) features secure, webcam-enabled nurseries, an advanced NICU where you can stay overnight with your baby in the same room and luxury suites with queen beds.

The NICU is staffed with RNs specially trained in the care of high-risk infants, neonatal nurse practitioners and board-certified neonatologists.

913.791.4200 OlatheHealth.org/birthplace

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LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE | Special Section OVERLAND PARK REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER 10500 Quivira Rd. Overland Park, KS 66215 At Overland Park Regional Medical Center, you’ll be provided the most advanced care backed by HCA Midwest Health’s advanced technology and expertise, along with spacious birthing suites with body pillows, flat-screen TVs and private bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs for relaxation during labor.

We offer highly trained nurses and a board-certified obstetrician available 24/7 and the region’s most comprehensive certified nurse-midwife program, most advanced Level III NICU and the region’s only dedicated antepartum unit for high-risk pregnancies at the New Maternal Fetal Health Center.

913.541.5058 OPRMC.com/service/labor-delivery

PROVIDENCE MEDICAL CENTER 8929 Parallel Pkwy.

Kansas City, KS 66112 Providence Medical Center has a long history of caring for Wyandotte County’s newest residents. The hospital’s maternity staff is experienced and concerned with every aspect of helping new families with the best start possible in life. The Providence maternity program provides personal medical care in an atmosphere that is comfortable and compassionate.

It features Labor-Delivery-Recovery Rooms (LDRs), high-tech fetal monitoring, an outstanding medical team, comprehensive and personalized education and support, and security to ensure a safe environment for patients and their families.

913.596.4000 ProvidenceKC.com kcparent.com october-december 2017

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LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE | Special Section RESEARCH MEDICAL CENTER 2316 E. Meyer Blvd.

Kansas City, MO 64132 Research Medical Center has everything you need to feel confident and comfortable before, during and after giving birth— backed by HCA Midwest Health’s technology and resources— including modern, comfortable birthing and recovery suites, doctors specializing in every aspect of mother-baby care, experienced nurses and support staff dedicated to caring for moms and newborns, a Level III NICU for babies who need advanced care 24/7, the region’s most comprehensive certified nurse-midwife program, surgical suites dedicated to women’s services and more.

816.276.3206 ResearchMedicalCenter.com/ service/labor-and-delivery

SAINT LUKE’S EAST HOSPITAL 100 NE St. Lukes Blvd.

Lee's Summit, MO 64086 The Maternity Center at Saint Luke’s East Hospital combines all the comforts of home with the most advanced medical technology to ensure a special, comfortable and safe birthing experience. Rooming-in for parents, special rooms designed for twins, as well as a separate entrance and waiting area just for maternity families are part of our family-centered care. Our Level IIIa neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) ensures even the tiniest patients are well cared for. Moms may participate in our cord blood donation and breast milk donation programs.

816.347.5000 SaintLukesKC.org

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LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE | Special Section SAINT LUKE’S HOSPITAL OF KANSAS CITY 4401 Wornall Rd. Kansas City, MO 64111 Expecting moms enjoy spacious labor and birthing suites and a comfortable environment located conveniently near the Plaza. Our private rooms, special amenities for visitors and focus on Baby first are part of familycentered care. Doctors, nurses and lactation consultants offer support and personal attention, and skilled neonatologists and a Level IIIb neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) care for our tiniest patients. Moms may participate in our cord blood donation and breast milk donation programs.

816.932.2000 SaintLukesKC.org

SAINT LUKE’S NORTH HOSPITAL – BARRY ROAD 5830 NW Barry Rd. Kansas City, MO 64154 Saint Luke’s North Hospital offers expecting moms and families the comforts of home with private birthing suites that allow moms to labor, deliver and recover in the same room. Our family-centered care offers amenities for parents, support persons and siblings, and neonatologists on-site provide higher levels of care for babies who need extra assistance. Moms may participate in our cord blood donation and breast milk donation programs. Our skilled physicians, nurses and lactation specialists offer a special birth experience for families in the Northland.

816.891.6000 SaintLukesKC.org

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LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE | Special Section SAINT LUKE’S SOUTH HOSPITAL 12300 Metcalf Ave. Overland Park, KS 66213 Saint Luke’s South Hospital’s spacious birthing suites offer a comfortable place for moms to labor, deliver and remain throughout their entire stay.

Families are encouraged to focus their first days on bonding, while they feel at home with our amenities for parents, support persons and siblings. Skilled doctors, nurses and lactation specialists offer a caring and personalized birthing experience in a family-centered environment, supported by a Level IIIa neonatal intensive care unit. Moms may participate in our cord blood donation and breast milk donation programs.

913.317.7000 SaintLukesKC.org

SHAWNEE MISSION HEALTH BIRTH CENTER 9100 W. 74th St. Merriam, KS 66204 More families choose the Shawnee Mission Birth Center to deliver their babies each year, not because of the delivery rooms or amenities, but because of the outstanding doctors and dedicated nursing staff who ensure you are comfortable, both physically and emotionally, during your stay. From lowintervention births to the Level III NICU staffed in partnership with Children’s Mercy, the Birth Center takes every step to ensure a safe, personalized birth experience.

913.676.2000 ShawneeMission.org/BirthCenter

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LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE | Special Section UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS HEALTH SYSTEM 3901 Rainbow Blvd.

Kansas City, KS 66160 The University of Kansas Health System is the North American leader in the most proven safety delivery program in the world.

This has led to significantly fewer C-sections, high rates of vaginal births after C-sections, and zero to minuscule birth injury rates. If there are problems with the pregnancy, our nationally-recognized high-risk pregnancy experts are ready for complicated birth issues. New spa-like suites provide comfort and advanced medicine for moms and babies. A midwife is also available for patients.

913.588.6200 KansasHealthSystem.com

Check out our Interactive

Virtual Labor & Delivery Guide at KCParent.com where users can find comprehensive information on hospitals including descriptions, images, videos, social media links, and much more!

kcparent.com october-december 2017

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toddlers: learning through

play

Looking for great places in KC to take a toddler to play? Log onto KCParent.com and find tons of toddler hot spots all around town!

“P

lay is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood,” said Fred Rogers, of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood fame.

I am three toddlers into this motherhood journey and can attest that children come into this world needing to learn pretty much everything. They must learn how to eat, sit, stand, walk, talk, wave, stack, color, jump, open a book and so on. Playing is the natural way in which young ones learn and, as Albert Einstein said, “Play is the highest form of research.”

Children are curious like little kitties and naturally want to know about their world and how it works. According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, “The impulse to play comes from a natural desire to understand the world. This play impulse is as strong as your child’s desire for food or sleep.” Based on

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my extensive Wild Kratts observations, this drive is like wolves’ learning how to hunt and be part of their pack by playing as pups.

Our babies are learning how to interact with their family and friends and how to mimic adults in daily life.

“At our core, Parents as Teachers believes that children’s main work is play.

A child’s brain is forming and making connections at a rapid pace. Play allows children to be little scientists, discovering and experimenting with the world. Play benefits every area of development,” says Michelle Kelley, coordinator at Blue Valley Parents as Teachers. “Cognitively, when provided a safe place to explore, children are able to learn about cause and effect, problem solving, concepts such as gravity, balance, sequencing and more. Open play allows children to increase their persistence, attention span and memory, all skills important for school readiness. Through pretend play, children learn to use symbolic

thinking. When they are pretending a block is a phone, they are exercising the same part of the brain that will later learn a number stands for a quantity or a letter sound. Physically, play allows children to be active and use their bodies. Playgrounds provide opportunities to build muscle while climbing, coordination while balancing and awareness of how their bodies move in space. If a playground is not convenient, set up an obstacle course at home. Use pillows to climb over, a large box to climb through, tape off circles to jump to…be creative!”

As a mom to three, I am well aware of the plethora of toys out there claiming to be educational. The reality is kids will learn with basically anything they are given, whether it’s the top-rated coding caterpillar or a rubber spatula and items in the recycling bin. Traditional and open-ended toys allow children to utilize and exercise their imaginations. For example, my daughter was given the Fisher-Price Little

Snoopy toy when she was around 3 years old. That simple pull-along toy has been well loved by her and her two little brothers as they continue to walk it around and care for the puppy while their siblings pretend to be puppies along with the toy. My children all have also enjoyed playing with a cheap squirt bottle of water or dry pasta with some containers and scoops.

“Children love a partner in their play.

Getting on the floor and joining the child in play is encouraged and offers language and social benefits while strengthening the parent-child relationship,” Kelley says.

Now some parents genuinely enjoy playing pretend, but not all of us. I have learned I prefer playing outside with my children or reading to them. It also helps me to schedule an outing each day to make sure we have a time set aside to play. Heading out to a park, your local library, the Johnson County Museum or Wonderscope Children’s Museum for a couple of hours of playtime can be a great way for you and your children to spend time together and for them to experience interacting with other children.

• Swap a bin of toys with a friend for

how high you can get that tower of blocks! (#parentsplaytimechallenge anyone?) Your children will enjoy seeing you having fun and being happy while taking a break from the stressors of adult life.

“Kids learn to share, what their interests are, how to be a friend, how much of something they can hold or manage and work their imagination through play,” says Meredith Barreth, Overland Park mother of three and preschool teacher at Sonshine School in Overland Park. “With all the screens these days, I feel it is more important than ever to encourage play. I think rotating toys helps keep things fresh or having a friend over helps.”

So let your kids be kids and simply play. Give them time, space and be their playmate. After all, who’s to argue with Einstein and Mr. Rogers?

babyhood by caring for her favorite stuffed monkey. Add some entertainment for yourself and try challenging your spouse or friends via social media by seeing just

Stephanie Loux is the wife of Mike and proud mother of Layla, 7, Mason, 5, and Slade, 2, and attempts to write from her home when it’s quiet. You can check out more of her writing at LettersFromTheLouxs.blogspot.com.

It’s important to find out what you like to play and that your toddler can associate playing with that particular toy or game with you. My children love playing “Mamagator/ Dadagator,” which has somehow become our family’s version of tag. You may not be the top chef in plastic food but perhaps you enjoy reminiscing about your toddler’s

Playtime Ideas:

• Act out stories as you read together.

• Have a dance party to her music class CD or a toddler radio station on Pandora.

• Set out a tub of toys he hasn’t seen

in a while in the middle of the room for him to find in the morning. the day.

KCParent.com is your one stop for tons of pregnancy and baby articles.

Also, check out the calendar of events for

KCParent.com, changed daily

TONS of great activities for little ones all over KC!

kcparent.com october-december 2017

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KC PARENT FAMILY

2017 WINNER

family faves

After tabulating thousands of votes, we are pleased to announce the business that has been chosen as a KC Parent Family Favorite 2017! Winners are listed in alphabetical order. There are multiple winners in each category.

MEDICAL CATEGORIES: Favorite OB/GYN Practice: Heartland Women’s Healthcare Women’s Center at Lee’s Summit Medical ​Women’s Clinic of Johnson County

Favorite Pediatrician Practice: Leawood Pediatrics Lee’s Summit Physicians Group

Favorite Dental Practice: Fales Pediatric Dentistry Jenkins & LeBlanc

Favorite Orthodontist: Fry Orthodontics Starting Point Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

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Favorite Place to Have a Baby: Olathe Medical Center Shawnee Mission Medical Center

KANSAS CITY AREA ATTRACTIONS: Favorite Animal Attractions: Deanna Rose Farmstead Kansas City Zoo

F​ avorite Garden and/or Nature Center: Kauffman Gardens Overland Park Arboretum Powell Gardens

FAVORITES 2017 Favorite Museum: National Museum of Toys and Miniatures National World War I Museum and Memorial Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Favorite Live Show: The Coterie JCCC Performing Arts Series Mesner Puppet Theater

Favorite Sports Family Experience: Kansas City Royals T-Bones

Favorite Festivals & Fairs: Old Settlers Days Oktoberfest (Downtown Lee’s Summit) Old Shawnee Days

Favorite FREE Attraction: Crown Center Seasonal Exhibits Mahaffie Summer Family Nights Money Museum

Best-Kept Secret: Warko Observatory at UMKC Rooftop Park above Cosentino’s Union Station KC Rail Experience

Favorite NEW Place in KC: KC Streetcar Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center

Favorite Outdoor Family Destination: Kansas City Zoo Legends Outlets Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun

Favorite Indoor Family Destination: Legoland Discovery Center/Sea Life Aquarium Paradise Park Science City

Favorite Place to Have a Birthday Party: Paradise Park Urban Air

PROGRAMS & CLASSES: Favorite Dance: The Culture House KC Ballet School Miller Marley

Favorite Gymnastics: 360 Gymnastics Elite Gymnastics Integrity Gymnastics

Favorite Drama/Theater: Christian Youth Theatre ​The Coterie The Culture House

FAMILY DINING: Favorite Pizza Place: Fun House Pizza Pizza Ranch Pizza Shoppe

Favorite Kid-Friendly Restaurant: Fritz’s SPIN! Pizza T-Rex Cafe

Favorite Ice Cream Freezing Moo Sylas and Maddy’s Westport Ice Cream Bakery

kcparent.com october-december 2017

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an autumn

Rainbow of fun

A

utumn leaves crackle. Vibrant colors glow. Laughing children race to select pumpkins, and crisp air calls for snuggling with a favorite blanket. Celebrate the season with your little one with favorite fall traditions inspired by autumn colors.

Barn Red A favorite autumn day trip is a visit to the Louisburg Cider Mill (14730 Hwy. 68, 913.837.5202, LouisburgCiderMill.com). The classic red cider mill barn is a perfect backdrop for fall photos, and the entire outing is a memorable fall tradition. The delicious aroma of freshly made cider greets you from your first step onto the property. Visitors watch as fresh cider is made from scratch at the cider mill daily. From start to finish: The apples are washed, pressed and processed, and finally bottled and made available for purchase.

Inside the gift shop, visitors can view fresh apple cider donuts being made—be sure to enjoy a warm one before you leave!

Tip: Call ahead and verify they are making cider in the morning and that you will be there in time.

Sunflower Yellow Visit 40 acres of sunflower fields at Grinter Farms (24154 Stillwell Rd., Lawrence, KS, Facebook. com/GrinterFarms) for amazing photo ops. This spectacular autumn experience offers breathtaking views of acres upon acres of gorgeous

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golden yellow sunflowers. Typically, the flowers bloom early September through early October. Stop by Sunflower General (14755 243rd St., Lawrence, KS), where you can purchase locally made goods and enjoy treats from the bakery.

Tip: There are no restrooms, so plan ahead. Please do not litter. Follow the farm’s Facebook page for hours, special instructions and updates before you head out: Facebook.com/GrinterFarms.

Pumpkin Orange Pumpkin patches are fall amusement parks offering fun-filled attractions for the entire family!

With pumpkin cannons, pony rides, pumpkin chomping dinosaurs, creative play areas, jumping pillows, corn cribs, train rides, corn mazes, zip lines, forts, petting zoos, tipis, inflatables and, of course, hayrides to pick the perfect pumpkin, a visit to the local pumpkin patch is a fall bucket list must! The Kansas City area offers so many great patches for picking the best big orange pumpkin.

To choose the perfect patch, visit the Pumpkin Patch Guide on KCParent.com.

Tip: You’ll find coupons and more pumpkin ideas on KCParent.com

Apple Green & Candy Apple Red Nestled on the bluffs overlooking the Mighty Mo is one of the largest u-pick apple orchards in the area. Schweizer Orchards (S. Hwy. 169 & FF, St. Joseph, MO, 816.232.3999, SchweizerOrchards.com) is so popular that visitors come from across the Midwest on annual trips for apple picking!

The orchard features beautiful green and red apples of every favorite variety: Early Jonathan, Jonathan, Jonagold, Gala, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Fuji, Honey Crisp and Winesap apples. Apple picking typically begins mid-August and runs through October, but always call ahead for hours.

Tip: Many great places to pick apples are within an hour’s drive of Kansas City. Schweizer is the largest orchard and one of the prettiest, but there are many others as well. Visit KCParent.com for a complete apple picking guide.

Maple Brown, Deep Red & Burnt Orange Colorful autumn leaves captivate young children.

You’ll find many scenic trails to enjoy across the metro, from paved (perfect for strollers) to woodchip to simple clearings in the woods. A terrific resource is the book Hiking Kansas City by William Eddy and Richard Ballentine. Eddy and Ballentine provide detailed descriptions of each trail, maps and photos. Some of our autumn favorites for great colors and family photos in every quadrant: South—Overland Park Arboretum, Central—Longview Lake Trails, West—Antioch Park, East— Burr Oak Woods Nature Center and North—Parkville Nature Sanctuary.

Tip: Don’t forget the classic autumn rituals of jumping in piles of leaves and making crayon rubbings to decorate the fridge!

Jack-O’-Lantern Orange The vibrant glowing orange of a jack-o’-lantern is magical, and Powell Gardens offers one of the best places to experience it at Glow: A Jack-O’-Lantern Festival, Oct. 20-21 (1609 NW US Hwy. 50, Kingsville, MO, 816.697.2600, PowellGardens.org). This spooktacular annual festival features a 1-mile path of 750 expertly carved jack-o’lanterns in classic, natural, character and whimsical designs. Several giant jack-o’-lantern sculptures line the path too. The weekend also offers fall hayrides, hands-on activities and food and beverage vendors. New this year: a carnivorous plant display, Kids Corral and an “AfterGlow” event for adults.

Tip: Bring your smallest stroller for this outing. The festival is popular, and small umbrella strollers are easier for navigating a crowd.

Golden Hay The Kansas City Zoo (6800 Zoo Dr., Kansas City, MO, KansasCityZoo.org) is decorated every October with fun and spooky (not too scary for the little ones) decorations, including decorated hay bales and straw stalks. Hoots and Howls at the Zoo is a favorite October event with fun activities and entertainment, including hayrides, pedal tractors, a hay bale maze and costumed characters. You even can watch the animals participate in the fun by smashing pumpkins! In late October, attend Boo at the Zoo, with entertainment and activities, including pedal tractor rides, spooky crafts and hayrides. Little ones can trick-or-treat at stations located throughout the zoo.

Tip: You may bring your own picnic and water bottles to the zoo.

Autumn is Kristina Light’s favorite season for family fun! She can be found playing in the leaves with her girls, decorating pumpkins, enjoying cider donuts and celebrating at local festivals all season long!

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kc pumpkin patches Carolyn’s Country Cousins Bring the entire family to our 50-acre U-pick pumpkin patch and farm. Open every day 10:00am-7:00pm September 16th through October 31st. Families love taking an oldfashioned hayride to the field to pick their own pumpkins and riding our new Country Carousel! Weekends feature Uncle Lester’s pig races, live entertainment and great food. For more information visit us at www.CarolynsCountryCousins.com and follow us on Facebook.

Johnson Farms At Johnson Farms, you’ll be in the country, but close to home. Take a wagon ride out to the pumpkin or vegetable patch and pick-your-own from right off the vine.

Experience our giant jumping pillow, tunnel maze or 20 acre corn maze, all INCLUDED in your admission. Delicious food and friendly animals each time you visit! Plenty of parking and outdoor fun for all ages. www.JohnsonFarms.net. 816.331.1067 @johnsonfarmsMO

Louisburg Cider Mill and Country Store Store hours 8:00-6:00 (Mon-Sat), 9:00-6:00 (Sun). Ciderfest: Sept. 23-24 & Sept. 30Oct. 1; live music, food and craft booths.

Watch as fresh cider is pressed and enjoy the delicious cider donuts! Fall family fun will be happening until October 31st. Enjoy the 10-acre Corn Maze, huge Pumpkin Patch, farm animals, children’s play area, jump pillow and more! 913.837.5202. www.LouisburgCiderMill.com

Shuck’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch Three mazes located within one, with different levels of difficulty. Barrel train ride, corn crib-it’s a large sandbox only it’s filled with corn. Hay mountains, tractor-pulled hayrides, laser tag, concessions and field trips. ShucksMaze.com

KC Parent is giving away 50 FAMILY 4-PACKS to all of your favorite pumpkin patches!

PLUS find our geo-based ONLINE PUMPKIN PATCH GUIDE. All the details are at KCParent.com.

Open Sept.16-Oct. 31 10:00am-7:00pm 7 days a week

Fabulous Fun on the Farm!!

• Company Outings & Birthday Parties • New – Country Carouse l

• Old-fashioned pig races , entertainment & music on weekends • Little Bud’s Railroad: Kansas City’s only farm train • Old-fashioned tractor wagon rides • Pumpkin donuts, homemade fudge and fresh kettle corn • Traditional farm animals • Rocks and mining • 60 acres of pumpkins

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kcparent.com october-december 2017

Bring in this ad & receive $1 off single admission.

Cannot be combined with other offers.

>> FALL 2017 CALENDAR

Visit the KCParent.com calendar for over 1,000 more events!

playdates WEEKLY

TUESDAY

FRIDAY

Readers: These events typically occur every week, but there may be exceptions.

Please call ahead to verify times.

Toddle Time Tue & Wed, 9:00-11:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Tunnels, games, puzzles...lots for your little one to play and learn. $1-2/child. 913.895.6390, OPKansas.org

DAILY

Preschool Indoor Playground

Junior Jaunts Third Friday of the month, 10:15-11:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Bring your baby in a stroller or carrier for an adult-focused, yet infantfriendly, mini museum tour. Free.

Nelson-Atkins.org

Open Jump Daily, Urban Air in Overland Park. Urban Air Overland Park is an attractive solution to a common problem: needing one place to entertain kids of every age.

UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

Indoor Playtime Jump City in Belton.

Jump City offers bouncing, sliding and jumping fun for kids 12 years old and younger. With wall-to-wall inflatables, a variety of arcade games and full concession options. JumpCityKC.com.

Story Time Visit MyMCPL.org or JoCoLibrary.org to find a complete list of story times for all ages, every day of the week!

MONDAY Moms FREE Monday 9:30-8:00, Paradise Park. Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224, Paradise-Park.com

Toddle Time Mon & Thu, 10:00-Noon,

9:30 -11:30, Irene B French Community Center. Drive a favorite Little Tikes vehicle, jump in the bouncy house or play in the pretend kitchen. $2.

913.322.5550

Paint Me a Story Alternating Fridays, 10:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire. Paint a ceramic piece, listen to a story and enjoy a snack. $15/child. 913.661.2529, PaintGlazeAndFire.net

Tots on Tuesday Third Tue of each month, 10:00-11:00 or 11:00-Noon (choose a session), Kemper Museum.

Dress up, play color-matching games, try on crazy hats and read stories with a trendy twist. 816.753.5784, KemperArt.org

Family Night 6:30, Kansas City Public Library Plaza Branch (4801 Main St).

Free weekly programs include concerts, puppet shows, theater, magicians and more. KCLibrary.org

Creative Story Time Tue & Fri, 10:30, Ceramic Cafe. Read a book, paint a ceramic item that goes along with the story and finish with a snack.

CeramicCafeKC.com

WEDNESDAY What’s for Dinner? Wed & Sat, 3:00, Burr Oak Woods. The captive amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast every Wednesday and Saturday.

The snakes will be fed every other Friday. MDC.mo.gov

Bonner Springs Community Center Gym. Large assortment of toys for little ones to play on in the gym. $2. BonnerSprings.org

THURSDAY

Play at Community Center Mon,

Nature Story Time 10:00 & 11:00,

Wed & Fri mornings, Westport Roanoke Community Center & KC North Center.

Bring little ones and let them run and play in the gym. Cost: $1/session. 816.784.6100, KCParks.org

George Owens Nature Park. Children are invited to participate in a nature focused story time and craft. 816.325.7115.

GeorgeOwensNaturePark.org

SATURDAY First Saturday Roller Roo & Second Saturday Disney Skate 10:00-Noon, Skate City (Overland Park). Early bird skating is just $5.25/skater; $2 skate rental. 913.888.6668, SkateCityKansas.com

Weekend Family Activities 1:00-4:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (4525 Oak St, Kansas City). Art activities led by museum guides. Nelson-Atkins.org

Home Depot Kids Workshops Alternating Saturdays, Home Depot stores across the metro. Free workshops for children where kids build wooden projects to keep.

Workshops.HomeDepot.com

kcparent.com october-december 2017

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>> FALL 2017 CALENDAR

Visit KCParent.com and search “Favorite Dates” for even more ideas!

parents night out

Illusionist Rick Thomas Mummies Thru Nov. 27, Union Station, UnionStation.org/Mummies.

Come face to face with the largest exhibition of real mummies and related artifacts ever assembled.

The exhibit provides a window into the lives of ancient people from every region of the world, offering unprecedented insights into past cultures and civilizations.

John Cleese Live Oct. 4, Yardley Hall, JCCC.eud/theseries. Screening of Monty Python and the Holy Grail on the big screen, followed by a live and unforgettable evening of converstation and audience Q & A with comedy legend John Cleese.

wood smoke and flickering firelight of each brazier create a unique ambiance unlike anything else in Kansas City.

Fences Oct. 13-Nov. 10, Copaken Stage, KCRep.org. The winner of the 1987 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play that same year, Fences is set in 1950s Pittsburgh against the backdrop of a rapidly changing America. Powerful and poetic, Fences is a true American classic.

Waterfire Oct. 7, Country Club Plaza, CountryClubPlaza.com. WaterFire has many components, however the focal point is the installation of braziers in Brush Creek. The fragrance of aromatic

Create the Night Gala Oct. 14, NelsonAtkins Museum of Art, Nelson-Atkins.org.

This signature fundraising event features

kcparent.com october-december 2017

Haunted & Historic Spaces Tour: Downtown Lee’s Summit Oct. 21, Downtown Lee’s Summit, DowntownLS. org. Take a peek at just a few of the places in Downtown Lee’s Summit where you’ll hear about their history and ghost stories. Start the tour with a wine reception and end with chills!

Brew at the Zoo & Wine too Oct. 14, KansasCityZoo.org. Enjoy an evening of live music and samplings from a variety of local breweries and wineries. There will also be food trucks on site to tame the roar in your belly! Event raises funds for rhino conservation.

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fabulous entertainment, food and cocktails as the gala transforms the Nelson-Atkins galleries into a one-of-akind experience for our patrons.

Barn Dinner Oct. 29, Powell Gardens, PowellGardens.org. A delicious outdoor dining experience, designed and prepared by Chef Carmen Cabia of El Tenedor. Each chef utilizes seasonal ingredients from the Heartland Harvest Garden to explore local flavors and learn more about the unique ingredients that make up their meal.

Into the Woods Nov. 2-19, MTH at Crown Center, MusicalTheaterHeritage.com/ portfolios/into-the-woods. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Into the Woods is widely considered one of the greatest musicals ever written. This Stephen Sondheim masterpiece takes everyone’s favorite storybook characters to “happily ever after” and beyond.

A Christmas Carol Nov. 17- Dec. 24, Spencer Theatre, KCRep.org. Complete with lively musical numbers, ornate costumes and dashing stagecraft, Dickens’ classic tale of hope and redemption continues to remind us what’s really worth celebrating–at the holidays, or any time! A Kansas City holiday tradition!

Legoland Discovery Center Adult Night

Christmas Movie Parties Select nights,

Nov. 9 & Dec. 14, Legoland Discovery Center, KansasCity.LegolandDiscovery Center.com/tickets/adult-night. Once a month, big kids take over Legoland Discovery Center for a special bricktastic evening. Every event is a unique experience with a different theme, where Lego fans can get involved in cool games and contests that will challenge even the most seasoned builder!

Alamo Drafthouse, Drafthouse.com/ kansas-city. Throughout the month of December, enjoy classic Christmas films on the big screen with a one-ofa-kind movie party courtesy of Alamo Drafthouse Theater. At a movie party series, you can quote along with your favorite lines, sing along with songs and there are props provided for an interactive experience.

Illusionist Rick Thomas Nov. 12, Yardley Hall, JCCC.edu/theseries. Rick Thomas is the most intriguing and innovative illusionist with a style unlike any other magical entertainer. Thomas brings his mastery of special effects and the art of magic to an extraordinary new level.

Handel’s Messiah Dec. 8-10, Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center, KCSymphony.org. The impeccable acoustics of Helzberg Hall, together with your Kansas City Symphony and Chorus, make this the Messiah performance of the season! With nearly

200 musicians and inspired special guest vocalists on stage, Messiah is sure to impress.

A Night of Painting Visit a paint-yourown canvas shop at various locations (search “Creative Canvas Shops” on KCParent.com for a complete guide).

BYOB painting classes and studios have popped up around town, offering the perfect chance to get those creative juices flowing and do something out of the ordinary!

Escape! A fun trend in entertainment is a game where you and your partner (or small group) collaborate a break out from an interactive escape room while cracking codes and solving puzzles.

Visit KCParent.com for a coupon to Tick Tock Escape Games.

Comedy City Friday & Saturday evenings, Comedy City, ComedyCity.cc.

Enjoy live improv comedy shows created with suggestions from the audience, making for laugh-out-loud sketches.

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bellylaughs

Whenever my son, 5, asks how I did something— “Mommy magic,” I reply.

– Audra

We asked KC Parent’s 53,000+ Facebook fans:

What clever/funny fibs have you told your children?

Lindsay: I told my kids if they didn’t behave in the car, when we went through the drive-thru they would receive a Sad Meal instead of a Happy Meal.

Lucinda: I left the clock at “spring forward” for an extra week after it was supposed to “fall back.” Kids went to bed an hour early, and I got an extra hour in the evenings.

Katie: My daughter thinks Chuck E. Cheese is only open for birthday parties.

Kourtney: When my daughter asked for ice cream we gave her yogurt. She was shocked at a birthday party when she was about 5!

Marjorie: When I’m extremely tired of hearing and answering “why” questions from my nearly 4-year-old son, I tell him that my mouth is broken and I can’t talk anymore.

Timothy: Cranberry juice is “red pop.” So the only “pop” they knew was cranberry juice. Too bad they learned the facts of “pop” from classmates.

Jamie: That the finely chopped spinach in all of their meals was actually a spice. I even showed them a jar of dried parsley.

Audra: Whenever my son, 5, asks how I did something— “Mommy magic,” I reply.

Christina: When the very loud and obnoxious toy ran out of batteries, I told my son it was broken.

Mary: I told my kids they only get 10,000 words to speak each month. When they are extra chatty I tell them, “Careful, you’re close to 9,000!”

Tina: When I have a food I don’t want to share with my kids, I tell them it’s spicy.

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kcparent.com october-december 2017

Explore

Kansas City Zoo

Hoots & Howls Sponsored by Ford

Weekends in October:

October 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 21 & 22

Boo at the Zoo Sponsored by Ford

October 28 & 29

Great Pumpkin Smash November 4 & 5

Always a New Adventure!

Open Year Round Check online for more Zoomazing experiences!

kansascityzoo.org | 816.595.1234 | Open Daily The Kansas City Zoo, a private, non-profit organization is operated in agreement with the Kansas City, MO Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, partially funded by the Zoological District in Jackson and Clay Counties in MO, and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

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