KC Baby Winter 2015

& Where you find family, you will find us.

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maternity

the

everything

is delivering by c-section cheating childbirth? one local mom’s story

pregnancy issue

do’s and don’ts for expectant moms tips for choosing the

perfect name

hola, bebe!

the benefits of teaching your child a second language

prenatal vitamins:

you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers!

kcparent.com jan-march 2015

1

physicians

lee’s

summit

group

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

Lee’s Summit Physicians 1425 N.W. Blue Parkway Lee’s Summit, Missouri 816.524.5600 LSPhysicians.com Raintree Pediatrics 995 SW 34th St. Lee’s Summit, Missouri 816.525.4700 Raintree-Pediatrics.com

We offer pediatric walk-in urgent care seven days a week, medical advice by phone, after-hours on-call physicians and online scheduling!

Daniel E. Gershon, DO Veronica Manka, MD Jeffrey P. Yannette, MD Jennifer M. Sauer, MD Cynthia M. Dean, DO Ashley Campbell, DO Danielle Leivian, MD Robin Dawson, MD Anne Parkin-Cohen, MD Lauren Lee, C-PNP Kelly R. Fritz, C-PNP

Blue Springs Pediatrics 1600 NW South Outer Road Blue Springs, Missouri 816.554.6520 BlueSpringsPediatric.com

Julie Kirkpatrick, C-PNP Camille Lucitto, C-PNP Sarah Dedrick, C-PNP Angela Stott, C-PNP Kimberly McNerney, C-PNP Tiffany Vitt, C-PNP

Urgent Care Blue Parkway Office Mon-Thur, 8:00 am-7:00 pm Friday, 8:00 am-4:00 pm Sat-Sun, 8:00-11:00 am Blue Springs & Raintree Mon-Fri, 8:00-11:00 am Scheduled appointments Mon-Fri, 10 am-12 pm & 1-4 pm Free Prenatal Consults Mon-Fri, 10 am-12 pm & 1-4 pm

trust.

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WE WELCOME YOU AND YOUR BABY TO OUR WARM, CARING ENVIRONMENT WHERE A LIFETIME OF HEALTHY SMILES BEGINS

Dentistry for infants, children, teens and all those with special needs

• Comprehensive pediatric dental care focused on prevention • Individualized developmental education and home care instruction for your child (The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first dental visit by the first birthday.)

Dr. John T. Fales, Jr.

13496 S. Arapaho Drive • Olathe, KS 66062 913.782.2207

www.KIDZDENTIST.com

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baby&

maternity

everything pregnancy issue JAN-MARCH 2015 IN EVERY ISSUE 14 20 22 30 34

Nesting Nuggets Our Baby Story Real Mom Reviews Calendar of Events Belly Laughs

MEMORY MAKERS PG. 28

Noah?

John?

Helen?

Sophia?

YOUR PREGNANCY 7 DIY Mobile

YOUR BABY 8 Hola, Bebe!

YOUR TODDLER 16 Making Mom Friends

10 Take Back Your Pregnancy

19 Rockabye Baby

23 Preschool at Home

12 Name Game

26 Family Faves

24 Preparing for Sibling

14 Prenatal Vitamins

28 Memory Makers

30 Play Dates

18 Pregnancy Sleep 20 C-Sections 22 Real Mom Reviews

Our cover features Jackie from Lenexa. Cover and select interior photos by KiaBondurant.com

& Where you find family, you will find us.

ON THE COVER Hola, Bebe!

Pregnancy Do’s and Don’ts The Name Game Prenatal Vitamins C-Sections

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8 10 12 14 20

FREE Jan-Mar 2015 KCParent.com Since 2002

maternity

the

everything

is delivering by c-section cheating childbirth? one local mom’s story

pregnancy issue

do’s and don’ts for

expectant moms tips for choosing the

perfect name

hola, bebe!

the benefits of teaching your child a second language

prenatal vitamins:

you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers!

kcparent.com jan-march 2015

1

Parks Children’s dentistry

A family centered approach to children’s dentistry n

At Parks Children’s Dentistry we treat your child with the same kindness and compassion which we would treat our own children.

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Parents and children meet with Dr. Parks at every visit to discuss each child’s unique needs, focusing on education and preventive care.

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Conveniently located off I-435 at Roe Avenue in the Foxhill Medical Building.

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Welcoming infants, children, teens and those with special needs.

4601 W 109th St #217, Overland Park, KS 66211 (913) 491-5044

Meet Dr. Conrad Parks and his family

parkschildrensdentistry.com

kcparent.com jan-march 2015

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baby&

editor’sletter

maternity

Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com

M

y husband is a big Elvis fan. For years he joked about naming his first son Elvis. Or so I thought. When I was pregnant with my older and it came time to discuss names for our impending arrival, he announced, “Well, we already have a name for a boy.” We did? Did I miss this discussion? Turns out he wasn’t kidding about naming his son Elvis. Oh. My. Luckily, I managed to remain calm and level-headed. We decided not to discuss names until we learned Baby’s gender. Turned out we were having a girl.

Crisis averted. Armed with the name info as I went into my second pregnancy, we went the same route of not discussing until we knew gender. Another girl. No Elvis for this family.

With Elvis out of the running, we went the route of making a list of all the names we liked and decided to wait until Baby arrived to settle on a name. We have a Victoria (Tori) and Allison (Ally), and the names fit each girl perfectly. How did you come up with your baby’s name?

There are so many ways to go about it and things to consider.

Check out Sara Keenan’s article on pg. 12 for tips on choosing the best name for your bundle of joy. I chuckled at her bio at the end of the article—be sure to read it.

This is our “Everything Pregnancy” issue, and we’ve got you covered with so many articles on some of the many topics important to expecting parents. We also have loads of great info for those with babies and toddlers around the house. Cabin fever can settle in during the winter months, so be sure to check out the “Play Dates” sections for great ideas to keep little ones busy.

Stay warm during these cold winter months, Kansas City!

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 Ted Massing Marla Westrup Advertising@KCParent.com Electronic 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 Contributing Writers Jennifer Bosse, Kansas City Tisha Foley, Belton Lauren Greenlee, Olathe Jessica Heine, Olathe Christa Melnyk Hines, Olathe Karen Johnson, Olathe Megan Kapple, Kansas City Sara Keenan, Kansas City Kristina Light, Kansas City Stephanie Loux, Olathe Julie McKinley, Lee’s Summit

LOCAL CONTENT

Business Office 11936 W. 119th #335 Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax

Facebook.com/KansasCityParent Pinterest.com/KCParent @KCParent

Member of

Margaret Sarver, Editor

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Kansas City Baby is published four times per year: Winter (JanMarch), Spring (April-June), Summer (July-Sept) and Fall (OctDec). 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.

DIY yarn wrapped mobile

T

his DIY mobile can be tailored for a boy or girl and can match any nursery dÊcor. Just find some small stuffed cloth ornaments that fit your nursery theme, grab some coordinating yarn and ribbon, along with a few other supplies, and you are on your way to creating an adorable addition to your baby’s room.

Materials Needed:

Small stuffed ornaments Large embroidery hoop Yarn Ribbon Hot glue

Step 1: Separate the embroidery hoops and, using hot glue, attach one end of the yarn to the inside of the inner piece of the embroidery hoop. Begin wrapping the yarn, very tightly, around the hoop until fully covered. Glue in place to secure.

Step 2: Attach ribbon at various lengths to the tops of the ornaments with hot glue. You also can hand sew the ribbon, if desired. Loop and glue the ribbons over the embroidery hoop, spacing them evenly.

Step 3: Loop three more ribbons around the embroidery hoop, adjusting the lengths until the hoop hangs evenly. Tie together. Attach one more long ribbon to the three that are tied together to hang from the ceiling.

Step 4: Once your ribbon is at the desired length, use thumbtacks to attach it to the ceiling or loop it around a ceiling hook.

Megan Kapple is a blogger from Kansas City, MO, where she lives with her husband and three young daughters.

She loves anything DIY and crafty and blogs about her adventures at HomemadeGinger.com.

kcparent.com jan-march 2015

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HOLA BEBE “Learning a second language is good childhood mind medicine.”

– Susan S. Lang, The Cornell Chronicle

D

id you know that in other modernized nations like ours, the norm is raising children bilingual? Children around the world are growing up fluent in two, three or more languages while most American children are raised learning English only. Thankfully, parents and educators throughout the United States have begun to realize the endless benefits of bilingualism, and the trend is growing to expose young children to a second language.

Often when people hear of “learning a language,” they think of the linguistic process. In actuality, learning another language does far more for the brain than just acquiring new linguistic skills.

Second language acquisition provides different ways of interpreting the world, enhances creativity and improves cognitive abilities and critical thinking skills. This effect on the brain is proven in test scores across the board. Students who know more than one language tend to score higher in both verbal and math sections on standardized tests.

When should we begin exposing our children to a second language? Three years old is the best age for a child in a singlelanguage household to begin learning another. The 3-year-old child’s brain has an endless capacity for absorbing knowledge, yet her language skills are not fully developed. Introducing the second language at this age makes sense so she can enhance her skills in both languages simultaneously. (In fact, research has shown that second language acquisition actually improves English skills in children, as they must differentiate between the two languages.)

Following a few guidelines will help promote success in teaching your child a second language. First of all, children must have

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continued and prolonged exposure to the language if it’s truly going to imprint on their brains. Also, introduce the language to your child via several different mediums. Your youngster will benefit greatly if he hears, sings and sees the new language in books and video.

Playing with a native speaker is also incredibly helpful for your child. Children are very astute at communicating with others in play and will gain a great deal of knowledge through this experience. Finally, children should have an appreciation for the culture around a language. Teach your child some history surrounding the language. Talk about food, fashion and sports from the culture where the language is spoken. Expose your child to some colloquialisms or slang terms to help true fluency and comprehension.

If you would like assistance, endless resources are available to parents and teachers to aid in teaching a second language.

The easiest place to start is your public library. Here are a few recommendations:

• The Little Pim series teaches languages such as Chinese, Spanish, Italian, French and Arabic to toddlers and preschoolers.

• 52 Weeks of Family French: Bite-Sized Weekly Lessons Designed to

Get You and Your Family Speaking French Today by Eileen McAree (also available in 52 Weeks of Family Italian, German and Spanish)

• 7 Steps to Raising a Bilingual Child by Naomi Steiner, MD, and Steven Parker, MD

If you are willing and able to invest in this process financially, consider an after school program or summer camp built around the teaching of a second language. Another option is to purchase Rosetta Stone, which is the most renowned at-home language teaching program available.

And finally, an effective way to teach your kids a second language—by far the most expensive but definitely the most memorable approach—is to visit a foreign nation. True language

immersion is the fastest way to become fluent in another language, and the only way to fully immerse oneself is to travel to another nation and live among its people.

Karen Johnson is a former high school English teacher turned stay-at-home mom. She lives in Olathe with her three children, ages 5, 3 and 1. Follow her adventures at 2stCenturySAHM.blogspot.com.

Quiz: True or False? language will hinder his speaking skills and cause him speech delays.

2. Second language acquisition is more of a cognitive than a linguistic experience.

3. It will be too confusing for young children to play with others who speak the

second language they are learning.

Students should only hear the new language from an experienced teacher.

4. It is important to expose children to the language they are learning via a variety of mediums, such as written text, oral speaking, music and video.

Answers: 1. False

1. Teaching a baby more than one

2. True

3. False

4. True

Is teaching baby sign language worth it?

Log onto KCParent.com to learn the benefits of signing.

8781 n. platte purchase drive kansas city, mo 64155 tel 816.587.3200 fax 816.587.7644 www.pediatriccarenorth.com

Susan L. Storm MD Laurie D. Riddell MD Ermalyn Kubart MD Stephanie A Marx MD Kathyrn Hauptmann MD Melissa J. Beard MD Stephanie R. Bays DO Heather J. Malone MD Kathleen Ballenger PNP

Susan L. Storm MD Laurie D. Riddell MD Ermalyn Kubart MD Stephanie A Marx MD Kathyrn Hauptmann MD Melissa J. Beard MD Stephanie R. Bays DO Heather J. Malone MD Kathleen Ballenger PNP

TOMLIN ACADEMY PRESCHOOL

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816-785-7878 Located inside of Holmeswood Baptist Church 9700 Holmes Road

www.tomlinacademy.info

kcparent.com jan-march 2015

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There are some things that aren’t okay during pregnancy.

Visit KCParent.com and read “Is It Safe?” to find out what is and isn’t safe while expecting.

take back your pregnancy W

hen I was newly pregnant, more than 11 years ago, I was over-the-top giddy—for about a week. Then I went to the doctor. And I bought a few pregnancy books. And I scoured pregnancy websites. A few weeks later, we announced our news to family and friends.

Everywhere I turned, I was inundated with do’s and don’ts, advice (some unsolicited) and personal stories. Suddenly, my giddiness was replaced with stress, fear, what if ’s and an overwhelming amount of information, much of it contradictory.

Could I drink a cup of coffee each morning, or must I avoid it like the plague? Was I gaining weight too quickly? What about the couple of glasses of wine I had early on, before I found out I was expecting—no biggie or detrimental to our developing baby?

With all the do’s and don’ts coming at me from every direction, I began to feel more like a science experiment than a woman embarking on the wonderful journey of motherhood.

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Fast-forward a decade, and the wealth of information for moms-to-be has exploded, thanks to websites, apps, blogs and more. To add to the onslaught, statistics from the latest medical research seem to hit the news daily, often disputing earlier findings.

Gladstone mom Stacy Taylor knows firsthand about the confusion pregnant women can face. Expecting her second child, she says, “I can’t seem to keep up with what I can and can’t eat.

Last year it was okay; this year it’s not. Now with gestational diabetes, they’ve restricted my diet even more, and I have food allergies.”

No question about it, information can be a powerful tool for a healthy, successful pregnancy and birth, but how much is too much? And how do you weed out the garbage and focus on the important stuff?

who to listen to: your doctor: Kimberly Matthews, MD, OB/GYN with

Shawnee Mission Medical Center, says, “Most offices provide newly pregnant patients with an information booklet that has concise but important information regarding the pregnancy.

This is the best place to start when trying to figure out the most important do’s and don’ts. In addition, asking your provider at visits is another good way.”

your body: That inner, nagging voice, the one that tells you, “Hmmm…something feels off; I should call my doc,” or “Hey, I feel so much better when I take a short walk after dinner,”—yeah that voice—is one to listen to. It’s usually right. And if not, well, it’s better to make an unnecessary trip to the doc than to ignore a sign that something could be wrong.

a regular email/app: Signing up for a regular update from a reputable source that tells you what’s happening to your body and baby is fine. With my two pregnancies, I received weekly emails from BabyCenter.com (before there was “an app for that”). I found the info straightforward and informative. I could read about the developmental milestones of my baby for that week, pick up tips on how to take care of myself and learn what to expect at my next appointment. Just don’t sign up for multiple apps or one that focuses on everything that can possibly go wrong; you likely have enough stress in your life as it is. a current pregnancy book: Having a book

that you can thumb through on your lunch hour, before bed or whenever you have a minor question is handy. “Current” is the keyword here: You want up-to-date information about your developing baby’s stages. Use the book as a guide, but don’t turn to it for every maternity decision or answer. Your doctor is still your best, most accurate resource during this time.

who to tune out: Okay, “tune out” is a little harsh, but there is such a thing as too much information, and from unreliable sources.

mom, mother-in-law, grandma, great-aunt edna, etc.: They probably mean well, but

because of continuous research from medical experts, pregnancy info changes faster than a Kardashian changes clothes. Just because your granny smoked a pack a day during her pregnancies and HER kids turned out fine doesn’t mean it’s okay for you to do the same.

(Extreme example, but you get the point.)

the internet: Dr. Matthews advises, “Be careful what you read on the Internet. If you do like to look things up on the Internet, ACOG.org (American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) is a great resource. Their website has accurate patient information to frequently asked questions.”

As my children’s pediatrician once told me when I was certain my daughter had some awful disease (it was a run-of-the-mill virus): “Google is your friend, until it comes to your health.” The info you find on the Internet could be erroneous, outdated or scare the living daylights out of you. After all, many of us have incorrectly diagnosed ourselves with cancer after Googling various symptoms.

strangers on the elevator: Or in aisle 5 of the grocery store or in a restaurant bathroom … anyone spouting unsolicited advice. Resist the urge to say something sarcastic: “Why, thank you for the words of wisdom, Miss Know-It-All. I’m not sure how I’ll birth this baby without you by my side.” Instead, force a smile, muster up a thank you and walk away, erasing the conversation from memory.

Tisha Foley remembers standing in the baby store years ago and feeling completely overwhelmed by all the choices of bottles. She and her family live in Belton.

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

pregnancy do’s and don’ts you might not hear as often: • Do have regular date nights with your

• Don’t stress over the little things. Your baby

• Do put down the pregnancy book and pick

• Don’t try to be Superwoman during

• Do maintain a sense of humor; pregnancy

• Don’t plan out the next 18 years. In fact,

significant other. up a fun novel.

can be funny at times!

won’t care what color his nursery walls are. pregnancy—or afterward, for that matter. don’t plan anything…your baby has her own plans.

kcparent.com jan-march 2015

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Noah?

John?

? a i h p o S

What if you and your spouse can’t agree on a name? Read one mom’s tips for finding a name both parents will like at KCParent.com.

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kcparent.com jan-march 2015

Name

the game: choosing the perfect name for baby

Helen?

A

mong the many decisions you will make during your pregnancy lies one that will affect your child for his or her entire life. A baby’s name will be with him forever. No pressure, right? Choosing a name for your baby isn’t easy, so here are some tips that will help you to pick the perfect name to last a lifetime.

Consider the Source. Baby name books can be helpful, but there are many other places you can look for names for your child. Think about names in your favorite book or movie characters, historical figures, Kansas City Royals players or old teachers and friends. Look at the list of popular baby names on the Social Security website, not only for recent years but for past years, too. You may find an old name that it’s time to bring back. Check out websites like BabyNameWizard. com or Nameberry.com where you can research names, find a name’s meaning, locate similar names or get suggestions based on various factors you input.

What’s Your Type? Early on it is a good idea to decide on what type of name you are interested in. Are you a traditionalist or do you want something more modern? Do you want a popular name or something unique? Do religious names interest you? Do you want something with a natural nickname? Are family names important or to be avoided?

Narrowing it down to a certain type of name can help you in your search, as you will easily eliminate names that don’t fit in with your vision.

Family Matters. Look at all the branches of both of your family trees for inspiration. You may not want to name your baby after you or your parents, but your great-great-grandmother might have had the perfect name. Honoring your ancestors can make a baby’s name even more special. If you really want to honor a family member but you aren’t in love with the name, consider it as a middle name!

Testing, 1..2..3... Once you have a short list, say the names out loud over and over again. Say them with your last name. Say them with your names. Say them with a variety of middle names. Say them with your other children’s names and write them down. This will help you not only make sure the names sound good, but it also may help you decide which one is THE name. Call the baby by each name on your list for a few days at a time and see which one sounds right to you. Sometimes

the name you thought you’d love just doesn’t feel right when you say it out loud. Also, make sure your baby’s initials don’t spell something unpleasant!

To Tell or Not to Tell. Some couples choose to share their chosen baby name with everyone…even monogramming the name on the nursery items before the baby is born. Some keep it a secret from the world. You have to choose what works best for you, but a rule of thumb is that if you don’t want someone’s opinion on the name, don’t share it. Many people feel that they have a say in the baby’s name before the baby is born, so unless you really want your great aunt’s opinion about that name you love so much, keep it to yourself.

At First Sight. Though you may have your baby’s name picked out ahead of time, there is nothing wrong with waiting until you meet your little bundle of joy before making the final decision. Sometimes a name you thought was perfect just doesn’t seem right when you see that little face. Sometimes a name you ruled out for one reason or another will become perfect with that first glance at your baby. Keep an open mind!

In the end, follow local mom Janell Tarpey’s advice: “Find something you love, something that will grow with them. And try not to let the opinions of others bother you.”

Sara Keenan lives in Brookside with her husband and two children. She saved herself some grief by saying potential baby names aloud when she almost named her daughter Ella. Her older son’s name is Sam. Say it aloud: “Sam and Ella.” Yes, she almost named her kids after a food-borne illness. (They settled on Annie instead).

Top Five Baby Names in 2013 According to the Social Security Administration: GIRLS

BOYS

1. Sophia 2. Emma 3. Olivia 4. Isabella 5. Ava

1. Noah 2. Liam 3. Jacob 4. Mason 5. William

Top Five Baby Names in 1914 GIRLS

BOYS

1. Mary

1. John

2. Helen 3. Dorothy 4. Margaret 5. Ruth

2. William 3. James 4. Robert 5. Joseph

New Insights from Expectant Parents (StatePoint)

T

here are a lot of items parents don’t necessarily know they will need before their new bundle of joy arrives. Preparing for Baby is exciting, but the pregnancy journey also can be overwhelming. Mom is expected to tackle big to-do’s before the baby comes— including making a baby registry.

It’s not always clear what to include on the registry. How many diapers and wipes will Baby need in that first year?

Nearly half of moms don’t realize that, on average, they

will change 2,200 diapers in Baby’s first year, according to a new survey conducted

by Huggies Little Snugglers Diapers, which focus on offering outstanding skin care with a gentle absorbing liner.

Even with countless resources available online, nearly 80 percent of moms report their friends are a primary influence on their baby registry choices.

When Baby comes, you want to be as best prepared as possible—so remember to add essentials like diapers and wipes to your baby registry.

kcparent.com jan-march 2015

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nestingnuggets

PRENATAL VITAMINS

Q&A

There’s a lot to think about when it comes to preparing for a baby, but did you know that your body is one of the most crucial elements of that? You’ll probably hear a lot about what you shouldn’t do—no smoking, drinking or Jacuzzis—but what about what you should do?

It’s important to eat well and maintain regular physical activity. Just don’t forget about the vitamins.

Whether you’re trying to conceive or in the last weeks of your pregnancy, prenatal vitamins should be an integral part of your wellness routine. With all of the information floating around online and in health forums, it’s easy to get confused and overwhelmed.

Here’s a helpful Q & A to get you started!

Q: What are prenatal vitamins?

A: Pregnancy.about.com says, “A prenatal vitamin is a multivitamin that is designed with pregnancy and breastfeeding in mind. The amount of vitamins and minerals in these supplements are safe and appropriate when trying to conceive, during pregnancy and postpartum while you are breastfeeding.”

Q: Why should I take a prenatal vitamin?

A: These vitamins, in conjunction with a good diet, help maintain a healthy pregnancy and support the baby’s growing needs. One example of this is the amount of folic acid in prenatal vitamins. The higher quantities reduce the percentage of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

Q: When do I need to begin taking prenatal vitamins?

A: According to FitPregnancy.com, the best time to begin taking prenatal vitamins is approximately three months before you begin trying to get pregnant.

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R X

Q: How do I get them?

A: They can be obtained from most stores, online and by prescription from your doctor.

Q: Which prenatal vitamin should I take?

A: Prenatal vitamins come in pill and liquid form. It’s best to speak with your doctor about your specific diet and health needs to determine which type is best for you.

Q: Do prenatal vitamins have side effects?

A: According to LiveStrong.com, some side effects are bowel problems, such as constipation or diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, headaches, changes in the color of your urine ranging from bright yellow to greenish, and a metallic taste in your mouth. These are just a few of the more commonly reported side effects.

Also note that you may not experience any side effects. When I was taking prenatal vitamins, I only experienced nausea if I took it on an empty stomach.

Q: Is there anything I can do to prevent some of the side effects?

A: Having a light snack prior to taking your vitamin or taking it before bed can help prevent nausea and vomiting. Drinking plenty of water, eating a diet rich in fiber and maintaining physical activity will help fight bowel problems and headaches.

“Whether you’re trying to conceive or in the last weeks of your pregnancy, prenatal vitamins should be an integral part of your wellness routine.”

Q: Are all prenatal vitamins created equal?

A: According to FitPregnancy.com, not all prenatal vitamins are the same.

“Prescription vitamins are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, but they’re not required to contain certain nutrients.

There are many different formulations available, with different concentrations of each nutrient. Some have a little of everything; others contain only a handful of nutrients.” Many over-the-counter vitamins are just as good as prescription vitamins, so weigh the pros and cons and do your research about which type is best for you.

Q: Should I continue to take prenatal vitamins after I deliver?

A: Yes, according to AmericanPregnancy. org. “Your body has an increased need for nutrients during lactation. Eating well-balanced nutritional meals along with continuing to take your prenatal multivitamin after delivery ensures that you get enough of the essential nutrients you need. This affects the nutritional content of your breast milk and supports the health of both you and your baby,” says the site. Getting enough vitamins, minerals and nutrients also can affect your mental postpartum health. “Studies link low levels of nutrients with increased postpartum mood issues. Research suggests that multivitamin/mineral supplementation can help maintain healthy mood and mental health in postpartum women,” says AmericanPregnancy.org.

Jennifer Bosse lives in Kansas City with her husband and two children.

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

In addition to taking prenatal vitamins, expectant moms can do many other things to help take care of baby. Visit KCParent,com and read about 10 super foods to eat while pregnant.

kcparent.com jan-march 2015

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baths and playtime may be fine for a while.

However, injecting your calendar with activities throughout the week will energize you, give you something to look forward to and help you feel connected to the world outside your home.

Not sure where to begin? Check with your local library and bookstore for story hours and seek out “Mommy and Me” groups, which run the gamut from physical activities to musical education.

If you work full time, talk to other working moms about meeting up at the park or an indoor play area for a Saturday morning play date.

A making mom friends “Seek out people who energize you and look for opportunities that inspire you.”

s you feather your nest, don’t forget to give your social life a little love, too. Connecting with a community of women who can relate to the challenges of new motherhood will help you feel more supported and less stressed. Thankfully, Kansas City offers plenty of options.

Join a mothers group. Moms groups come in a variety of sizes, philosophies and commitment levels. Look for a group that fits your personality, lifestyle and parenting approach. Visit as a guest. Ask the membership director questions like:

• How often does the group meet?

• Does the group schedule mom-only events?

• I f mom-only activities are scheduled during the day, is childcare provided?

•W hat types of play groups and activities does the group plan?

•H ow does the group support members?

(For example, educational speakers?

Babysitting co-ops?)

Check Meetup.com. Can’t find a group that resonates with you? Search MeetUp. com for small, local moms groups in your neighborhood—or start your own group.

Schedule activities. Losing yourself in the daily rotation of feedings, naps,

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Click into social media. Still in your jammies at 3:30 in the afternoon after walking the floor all night with your colicky baby? During the toughest times of parenthood, we can find comfort knowing others can relate, and we aren’t alone.

Christine, a mom of three, says Facebook helps her feel more supported. “Especially when other moms share their ‘real’ moments about being a mom. I think, ‘Hey, I’m not so crazy after all—I’ve done that, too!’”

Thanks to social media like Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and mommy blogs, you can complement your offline groups with online friends and click into the land of the living anytime. No shower required!

Get active. Schedule time for an exercise class when your spouse is home or join a gym that offers quality childcare. You’ll feel mentally refreshed, more patient and more optimistic in general. And the more you go, the more you’ll get to know the other participants, which will help make you more accountable to meet your fitness goals.

why support matters • Time spent with friends can boost a woman’s oxytocin levels, a natural hormone that decreases stress and anxiety.

• Mothers believe they are more optimistic and resilient in the face of life’s daily stresses and occasional crises when surrounded by a community of support.

Source: 2010 Barna Group study commissioned by Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) International

If a fitness center isn’t in the budget, form a walking club with a few friends.

Meet a few times a week to walk around a park, the neighborhood or a mall. As your child grows older and less patient sitting in a stroller, promise time during or at the end of the walk for him to play at a park or indoor play area.

Pursue your interests. Life with a new baby can be as gratifying as it is overwhelming. But constantly putting yourself last and abandoning your interests can lead to unhealthy feelings of resentment. Negotiate time with your spouse to pursue your hobbies and other passions. Invite friends to join you, whether for a gardening or cooking class, a book club or another activity.

Create a calendar. Take your schedule as seriously as you do your family’s. Make appointments with yourself, including fitness classes, walks with friends, moms nights out or a solo trip to that intriguing boutique down the street. Sometimes a sick child will throw a last-minute wrench in your plans, but isn’t flexibility one of the first

lessons moms learn? When necessary, communicate your appointments with your spouse so he isn’t caught unaware.

Seek balance. Stretching yourself in too many directions is just as harmful as functioning in isolation. Strive to balance your needs with your family’s needs.

“I recognize that I can only fulfill so much in one day, and maybe I have fulfilled my purpose for that day by spending time with a friend instead,” says Angie, a mom of two. “I think recognizing what the stressors are is the first step, then rationalizing if they are worth the anxiety and energy.”

Seek out people who energize you and look for opportunities that inspire you. In no time, you’ll find yourself in the thick of a buzzing, supportive community.

Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines and her family reside in Olathe. She is the author of Confidently Connected: A Mom’s Guide to a Satisfying Social Life and the facilitator of the Facebook group “Confidently Connected Moms.”

find your tribe Mothers of Preschoolers Find local chapters at MOPS.org.

Johnson County Mothers & More JoCoMothersAndMore.org MOMS Club Find local chapters at MomsClub.org.

KC Mocha Moms Support group for moms of color, MochaMoms.org Moms Meetup.com Kansas City Moms.Meetup.com/cities/us/mo/kansas_city/ Northland Mothers of Multiples KCNorthlandMoms.com KC Metro Crunchy Mamas Connect on Facebook.

Mom Meet Mom MomMeetMom.com, website that connects moms to other local moms

Parent’s Night Out at Let’s Grow Child Care Monday-Friday 4:30 p.m. - 12:00 mid.

Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 mid.

Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

913-262-2261 Located near I-35 and Shawnee Mission Parkway

Welcome to Baby and Child Associates We are a pediatric practice that is located in Kansas City. We currently take infants, children and adolescents up to age 18. Our goal is to give you solid medical advice and treatment in a compassionate and professional way.

Our office consists of 4 doctors, all of who are accepting new patients.

Baby and Child Associates clinic provides physicals, immunizations and other pediatric services.

We look forward to meeting you!

From left to right: Jane Pennington, MD, F.a.a.P., Krista nelson-Cox, MD, F.a.a.P., Warren Jackson, MD, robert rhodes II, MD

Phone: 816-523-0066 Fax: 816-523-0034 hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM After hours calls are taken by nurse

6601 rockhill road suite 105 Kansas City, Mo 64131 We are located in the Research Medical Center Brookside Campus above the Emergency Room (ER).

We are happy to announce, that we take all insurances including all Medicaid.

If you are currently uninsured, we will work out a plan with you. kcparent.com jan-march 2015

17

pregnant-zzzz: getting the sleep you need when you’re expecting

P

regnant women are often told to “sleep now, while you can”—but sleeping during pregnancy is easier said than done.

Just ask Emily Waggoner, who was surprised to find herself sleepless while pregnant with her daughter, Sarah, now 3.

“Before pregnancy, I would get in bed, fall asleep easily and wake eight hours later,” says Waggoner. That changed around her sixth week of pregnancy, when she started waking multiple times every night. “I was sleepy at work and desperate for uninterrupted sleep.”

Waggoner isn’t alone: Nearly 8 out of 10 pregnant women experience sleep troubles. “The high progesterone in early pregnancy contributes to fatigue, but it also disturbs sleep-wake patterns, so women feel sleepy but they may not be able to sleep well,” says Mary L. Rosser, M.D., Ph.D., an obstetrician and gynecologist with Montefiore Medical Center in New York City.

And sleeping well during pregnancy isn’t just about comfort; a mom’s sleep can affect the health and outcome of her pregnancy.

According to a new study, disrupted sleep during pregnancy is linked to preterm births. To help keep you healthy and rested while you’re with child, here are the top pregnancy-related sleep woes, and how to start getting the sleep you need.

potty party Pregnancy increases the workload of the kidneys, which results in one of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy: more frequent urination. Often, these frequent bathroom breaks continue around the clock, interrupting sleep just as newly-pregnant women are feeling more fatigued. “Getting up at night to use the bathroom is one of the most common sleep complaints during pregnancy,” says Dr. Rosser.

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for better sleep: Waggoner started experiencing nighttime bathroom trips early in her first trimester. “Eventually, I learned to make it to the bathroom without fully waking up, and that made it easier to get back to sleep,” she says. If nature is calling too frequently at night, Dr. Rosser recommends eliminating caffeine and limiting liquid intake after 6:00 in the evening.

burning love Pregnancy hormones relax the esophagus, so gastric acids can creep up. The resulting heartburn is a nightly trial for many pregnant women, according to obstetrician David E. Zepeda, M.D., of Texas Children’s Hospital. Deborah Flandé of Houston suffered from nighttime heartburn with both of her pregnancies.

“I had acid reflux all the way through my pregnancies—the third trimester was the worst,” says Flandé.

for better sleep: To put the brakes on acid indigestion, avoid acidic foods like chocolate, coffee and tomato sauces, especially late in the day. “In general, you want to avoid large meals in the evening if you’re having trouble with heartburn,” says Dr. Rosser. “Eat earlier in the day: Have a large breakfast and lunch, and a lighter dinner.”

Sleeping with the upper body elevated—even in a recliner—also can help keep heartburn at bay.

left awake Pregnant women are usually told to sleep on their left side to avoid placing pressure on vital organs and arteries. But for women who aren’t used to sleeping in this position, discomfort and worry

can hinder sleep. “Many women are very concerned about sleeping in the correct position, and the stress can make sleep difficult,” Dr. Zepeda says.

for better sleep: While sleeping on the left side is preferred, women don’t need to feel chained to their left side during the night. “In truth, if a woman sleeps on a soft surface, she doesn’t need to be overly concerned about occasionally rolling to her back or right side during sleep. If blood flow is compromised during sleep, the mother will automatically wake up,” says Dr. Zepeda, who notes that in 30 years of practice, he’s delivered more than 8,000 babies and never seen a problem stemming from a mother’s sleeping position.

legs in motion A quarter of pregnant women experience restless legs syndrome, or RLS. Because most of these women didn’t experience RLS before pregnancy, they may not recognize the condition, which causes a creepy-crawly sensation in the extremities (which can include the arms) and a strong urge to move at night. RLS can become worse with each subsequent pregnancy, says Dr. Rosser.

for better sleep: While the cause of RLS is unknown, research has shown that the condition can be related to deficiencies in certain key nutrients, including iron, folate and magnesium. “We know that the vitamins and minerals involved in bone growth and contraction play a role in symptoms of RLS,” Dr. Rosser says.

Women should have their physician check their levels of ferritin (stored iron) and continue taking their prenatal supplement daily.

Regular exercise and a warm bath before bed also can help keep legs at peace during the night.

stress less Sleep problems can peak during the third trimester, as physical discomfort increases, along with worries about the approaching delivery and imminent parenthood. “Around week 26 or 27, women start to get stressed about the birth, and this can affect their sleep,” Dr. Rosser says.

for better sleep Often, it’s a fear of the unknown that keeps moms-to-be awake, Dr. Rosser says, so taking a childbirth class can help, especially a group class where moms-to-be can meet other expectant parents.

“Anything moms can do to set their minds at ease can help them sleep,” she says.

After a fitful first trimester, Waggoner accepted “her new normal” and started allowing more time for sleep: 10 hours per night instead of eight. “I was a rested, thriving woman again by my second trimester. And it was great training for motherhood.”

Malia Jacobson is an award-winning health and parenting journalist and mom of three. Her latest book is Sleep Tight, Every Night: Helping Toddlers and Preschoolers Sleep Well Without Tears, Tricks, or Tirades.

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

Speaking of sleep, here are some great tunes for bedtime...

Rockabye Baby Lullabies for little ones

Looking for some sweet inspiration to help Baby drift off to dreamland? Look no further than these lullaby albums, sure to soothe everyone to sleep—Mom and Dad included!

Return to Pooh Corner Footloose might have made Kenny Loggins a household name, but the well-known singer/songwriter has a knack for writing much-loved children’s songs, too.

In 1976, Loggins recorded his original tune House at Pooh Corner, a song he penned in high school about moving on to the next season of life. Ironically, Loggins would not leave Pooh far behind. Nearly two decades later, he recorded a full-length lullaby album aptly titled Return to Pooh Corner, in which he puts his own spin on traditional classic lullabies. Follow-up album More Songs from Pooh Corner is every bit its predecessor’s equal with classics like “Baby Mine” and “Inch Worm.”

Sleep Sound in Jesus: Gentle Lullabies This album has managed to usher babies to sleep since it was produced in 1989. A quarter century later it continues to do the same with a new generation of little listeners. Christian songwriter Michael Card weaves themes of hope, peace and joy into lyrics carried delicately on the back of its intricate folk instrumentation. A classic sure to delight all who listen.

Rockabye Baby! What makes a lullaby a lullaby? Is a song marked only a true lullaby if it’s been sung through the ages, or can a lullaby be any song capable of soothing its listener to sleep? Rockabye Baby albums contend that the latter may be the case, offering a line of records featuring artists you might find to be the least likely lullaby musicians on the market. That’s right, Coldplay, U2, Metallica and Led Zeppelin fans can introduce the next generation to their favorite bands’ classic hits, all performed in a slow and gentle instrumental fashion guaranteed to help little ones fall asleep. An excellent gift idea for any classic rock loving parents-to-be!

Jewel: Lullaby When artist Jewel went about the task of developing an album of lullabies, she aspired to create music she described as “not just for children, but for adults.” In doing so, she took her savvy songwriting skills to the next level, penning lyrics as hauntingly beautiful as their melodies. Young and old alike will relish gentle renditions of classics like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” as well as original ballads like “Sweet Dreams.” Jewel’s angelic soprano voice and these collections of songs prove to be a match made in heaven.

Olathe mom Lauren Greenlee sings lullabies over her three children each night and writes when they are asleep. kcparent.com jan-march 2015

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ourbabystory

cheating

i h c

h t r i b d l

My first birth experience gives me some credibility for the Delivery Club, but it’s my second that makes me feel like I cheated.

i

have two children that I carried to term, but I have never had a vaginal birth. I didn’t even get to push at all with either of them.

Now this may sound like some sort of dream delivery, but it often makes me feel like I missed out on the “Delivery Club”—as odd as that may sound. When moms get together, you’re pretty much guaranteed to hear some birth stories. It’s quite the momentous occasion! My first birth experience gives me some credibility for the Delivery Club, but it’s my second that makes me feel like I cheated.

For my first birthing experience, I was induced three weeks prior to my due date because my daughter had stopped growing. I then labored for 26 hours and was just getting ready to push when her heart rate dropped. I was rushed to the operating room for an emergency C-section. It was scary, and I was not prepared for the possibility of having a C-section. I had taken all the prerequisite new parent baby classes, including Lamaze, and had only glanced over the C-section pages in What to Expect When You’re Expecting.

Luckily, I had my wonderful husband and an amazing friend that happened to be a nurse in the OR with me.

My daughter was born at a whopping 5.8 pounds, and the best part was being able to hold her on my ride back to my hospital room. Because her birth was an emergency situation, I never questioned this birthing experience.

It’s my son’s birth that makes me feel like I cheated. Because I had a previous C-section, I was pretty sure I was at least going to try for a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) with my second.

I ultimately decided the week he was due to go ahead and schedule a repeat C-section unless he naturally came on his own. I was not confident in this decision because it felt like too much of a responsibility to pick out his birthdate. I already had to pick out his name! I struggled with what felt like “playing God” for his birth.

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Even as I was getting prepared for surgery I was crying and called my doctor to see whether there was anything else I could do. He told me I could go home if I wanted to wait. I was still unsure, and it was not a pleasant experience. So why did I go through with it? Well, that’s another part of my mommy guilt. I feel selfish, but I was trying to make the best decision for myself and my family.

We had recently moved to the area from Iowa and had a 19-month-old at home. Both sets of grandparents were planning on coming and had already scheduled their allotted time off from work.

I knew that I would need as much help as I could get with two under 2, especially if I had to have a repeat C-section regardless of waiting for nature to take its course. I feared my mom would be here a week before the birth, and then she wouldn’t be here to help out when I actually needed her. If I ended up with another C-section, then I wouldn’t be able to pick up my older, and avoiding stairs in our split-level home would be altogether impossible. So I elected to have a repeat C-section on a convenient date.

Obviously, the most important part was delivering a healthy baby boy, and I was fortunate to recover pretty easily from both of my surgeries. This nagging question of “what if?” remains. What if I hadn’t gone through with it? What would his birth have been like?

Did I make the wrong decision?

My son is now 2 ½, and I have come to peace about my decision but still feel like I have missed out on the Vaginal Birthing Award.

Maybe it’s because of the fantasy birth I had envisioned from watching all those episodes of A Baby Story on TLC or just the comparative and competitive nature of parenting. It’s also probably part of proving myself to myself. Proving that I am strong enough and for some reason or another I want to share in the global pain of childbirth.

Here are seven tips from an experienced C-section mom:

1 2 3 4

5

Don’t chug a bunch of Gatorade upon arriving to your room after surgery. You will get sick.

Discuss your doctor’s protocol on when you can hold your baby. My first experience was wonderful, but I wasn’t able to hold my second for more than an hour.

You will have a scar. Initially, your wound will look much scarier than any friend’s healed-up scar. I had dissolvable sutures for my first and what looked like copy paper staples holding me together for my second, but had a similar healed scar with both.

You will stay in the hospital longer. My first experience felt like a mini vacation with room service and help caring for our sweet baby for five days.

She wouldn’t eat, so we had to stay longer. Please stay at the hospital as long as they will let you. I came home too early with my second because I felt like I should come home to see my daughter and my family that was in town.

It will hurt to move. I slept on the couch with my second baby when I first came home and remember having to roll out of bed for a very long while each time the baby wanted to nurse.

6

It will take time to completely heal and to not be sore. Stay on top of your pain medications and refill them as often as you can. Don’t try to be Super Mom.

7

You will feel better but you will always have your scar. It will diminish in time but is a helpful tool telling your kids where babies come from!

Stephanie Loux writes from Olathe and is blessed to mother Layla, 4, and Mason, 2.

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

Whether having a C-section or vaginal birth, labor can be scary. Log onto KCParent.com to read “Myths and Misconceptions” regarding labor and childbirth to help calm your fears.

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realmomreviews my favorites, and these are definitely on my list of go-to baby shower gifts. $9.99, Ulubulu.com

also easily transitions to an everyday carry-all or purse.

Available in three sizes.

Simple. Practical. Beautiful.

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INGRID & ISABEL MATERNITY ACTIVEWEAR Sporting a baby bump doesn’t have to mean giving up the activities you love, though you might need a wardrobe update if you’re maintaining your gym membership. The Active Line from Ingrid & Isabel provides lower back support and comfort for growing bellies, while allowing Mom to remain stylish and comfortable!

Bonus: The workout gear is great for getting back in shape after pregnancy, too!

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YOUR BEST PREGNANCY

BY DENISE JAGROO & JILL HOEFS Your girlfriends aren’t kidding when they tell you that pregnancy comes with aches and pains— some in places you’d never dream! This book focuses on the causes of typical pregnancy woes and gives ideas to prevent and treat the issues before they cause you to despair!

Includes information on common ailments, like back and shoulder pain, bladder issues, night cramps, sciatica, swelling and varicose veins. $19.95, DemosHealth.com

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CLEVACUSHION 10-IN-1 ULTIMATE SUPPORT PILLOW I found that once I had two kids, the baby gear had literally overtaken my house.

This 10-in-1 pillow can be used as a feeding support, bouncer head support or highchair or stroller insert. Plus, it’s perfect for playtime, tummy time and a variety of other Baby and Mama needs. $75, Amazon.com

FEARFUL FRANNIE BY STEPHANIE DULIN

ULUBULU BABY BIBS Babies are messy— especially when they begin eating solids! These adorable bibs from Ulubulu feature a built-in crumb catcher and an adjustable neck closure—plus they’re dishwasher safe! The tiger and the owl designs are

her bike. She eventually learns that it’s best to give new things a try—because you never know, you just might like it! This is a great read for young kids who experience trepidation over new things (much like my own toddlers).

More info at FranniesOnline.com

CARRY YOUR STUFF IN STYLE This roomy bag features a pleated top that keeps bulk to a minimum, yet opens wide for easy access. Made by a local mom, this makes a perfect diaper bag, it

Local author Stephanie Dulin tells a tale in this children’s story about Frannie, a little girl who is afraid of everything. Frannie is fearful of jumping off the diving board, eating new foods, sliding on the playground and even riding

BOUNCER BALANCE SOFT

BY BABYBJÖRN This sleek bouncer features an ergonomic design that helps Baby stay properly positioned with back and head support. Its operation is controlled by Baby’s natural movement—no batteries required! It can even be converted to a toddler chair once Baby is on the move. The best feature is that it folds practically flat—so easy for storage or even just transporting to Grandma’s house! $200, Amazon.com Julie McKinley is a stay-athome mom of a 3-yearold son and 2-year-old daughter. Keeping up with her kids is a full-time job, so she is always on the lookout for innovative baby products that make life a little easier!

In between snuggles and diaper changes, she blogs at DirectorJewels.com.

Homeschool preschool Homeschool preschool for us looks just like life before preschool. We play lots and just have fun with learning.

“Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.”

– Malcolm X

F

rom the time our babies are born, we spend time teaching them to sit up, crawl, walk, wave, say their names and so much more. Then they get a little older, and it’s time for preschool. Sending your child to preschool at age 3 can be a great thing, but it is not the only option.

Choosing to homeschool preschool is a great alternative and can be very attainable. Before making this decision, consider these things: Schedule: What would work best for you, your child and your family? Are you a full-time, work-out-of-the-house person? If so, then a Monday through Friday program may not work the best. Does your child lose attention quickly, making short bursts of activity mixed with free play best? When it comes to schedule, there are no rules.

Spend 20 minutes every morning, one hour every evening, lunch time twice a week or one longer session every Saturday morning.

Or break it up into 10-minute sessions whenever the time presents itself to you.

Listen to your child and follow his cues.

When to start: There is no right or wrong time to start teaching your child. Many people may start at 18-24 months teaching the alphabet, while others may wait for their child to show interest in wanting to learn. Children begin kindergarten at all different levels. “For us, preschool is just a natural continuation of how parents teach their children from the time they are born.

We choose what to teach based on three things: what they know, what interests them and what they need to know,” Patty Brewer, Merriam, says. “Homeschool preschool for us looks just like life before preschool. We play lots and just have fun with learning.”

Where to begin: While it may sound too basic, read. Reading to a child is the most important thing that any caregiver can do.

Reading is the starting block for just about anything in life. Traditional preschools work on letter recognition, counting 1-20, writing and recognizing the child’s name and understanding basic concepts, such as weather and days of the week.

What to stock: There is no right or wrong, because every child learns differently. “We have workbooks that Jack can do for fun.

He loves educational computer programs, and we have a cabinet full of art supplies for painting, coloring and drawing,” says Kelly Schwatken, who kept her 3-year-old home to do preschool.

“My children learn best through doing and experiencing, not listening to someone talking about something. So we look for ways to incorporate letters and numbers into play. We look for experiences all around that will spark wonder,” Brewer says. A trip to the zoo or Deanna Rose becomes a science lesson, a math lesson and a letter lesson. We name animals, talk about what they need, count animals in pens and look at letters on the animal signs. For us, workbooks, desks and tons of structure just don’t work”.

Knowing your child and that homeschooling is not for everyone are important, too. “Just because we chose to keep Jack home doesn’t necessarily mean we will with our next kiddos. It depends

on their personality, skills and needs,” Schwatken says. “We want to do whatever is best for each child, and we realize that their needs may be different.”

Fun ways

to promote learning: Walks – A cheap, easy way to talk about surroundings. Each season offers a different discussion.

Zoo/Deanna Rose– Discuss animals, animal sounds and natural habitat.

In the kitchen – Use cookie cutters in Jello or sugar cookies to work on number and letter recognition. Fine motor skills are tested when measuring ingredients, large motor skills with stirring. Basic science unfolds when a liquid turns to a solid, etc.

Eating a meal out – Teaches social skills and manners.

Grocery shopping – Talk about simple meal prep, food groups and math. Look at prices on the shelf and find the highest and lowest.

Coloring – Make pictures and practice writing a child’s name before mailing the picture to family.

Snack time – Work on counting and organizing by color or shape.

Garden (small or large) – Every few days water the plants and check on progress.

Olathe mom Jessica Heine spends her days with her two young children and continually looks for learning opportunities. kcparent.com jan-march 2015

23

5

tips to prepare big sibs for

baby’s arrival

The arrival of a new baby is a special occasion for the entire family and that includes older siblings!

By helping them prepare and participate, you can create a positive and smooth transition for your family.

Tip #1: Listen, Then Talk As you talk about the arrival of a new baby, allow your child to ask lots of questions, then answer them honestly. As you talk, listen to your child carefully. Is she concerned about her role in the family?

Does she have fears or worries? Be sure to reassure her and continue your already established loving habits and traditions. If she is not worried, don’t plant seeds!

As you start to prepare, include your child in the conversation. He can help select decorations for a nursery, an outfit for the hospital and, in some families, siblings are even included in the naming process!

Tip #2: Teach Them to be Independent Start to teach independence and encourage “grown up” behavior as your helper and part of the family team. Begin to give future big sibs small responsibilities throughout your pregnancy to help prepare for the arrival of the baby.

Begin to include them in chores: This builds esteem, and knowing that they are needed and integral to the family’s success (you are

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relying on their help, and that makes them feel good!) and that they’re learning more, they become truly more helpful!

• Purchase a handheld broom and dustpan and let them sweep up crumbs from the kitchen floor.

• Teach them to put away their own folded laundry as they are able. Toddlers can put folded socks in a sock drawer; preschoolers are able to put away small stacks of folded clothes.

• Enlist help in setting the table or preparing meals. Young children can help tear lettuce to make a salad, stir pasta salads and line muffin tins.

• Teach them to make their beds. Be sure to make the process as simple as possible (minimal pillows, stuffed toys, etc.).

Teach independence: Are you doing things for your child that he can do for himself, simply because you want to be sure it is “done right” or quickly? It’s worth the investment of time to teach him to be independent where he can.

• Teach children to choose outfits appropriate for weather and occasion and dress themselves. Start with laying outfits out the night before.

• If you permit snacks throughout the day, create a spot in the pantry with accessible healthy snacks and keep filled sippy cups on a bottom shelf in the fridge.

• Allow for free time when they can play as they please and be imaginative.

• Plan to include them in tasks to help with the baby: retrieving diapers and wipes, selecting outfits, picking up toys, etc.

Tip #3: Read Good Books About Big Siblings You’ll find a variety of big sibling books available for sale and at local libraries. Our favorite big sibling titles were:

• I’m a Big Sister/Brother by Joanna Cole. This book is a great introduction for young children expecting a new baby sibling. Reassuring older siblings that they are special and that the new baby will bring wonderful new changes to the family.

• How to Be a Baby by Me, the Big Sister by Sally Lloyd-Jones and Sue Heap. This is a humorous picture book to enjoy. Big Sister teaches Baby all of the important things in life.

Tip #4: Take Your Child on a Date Spending one-on-one time with each child is one of the most treasured gifts any parent has to offer!

Story time before bed, cuddles, crafts and games are all great ways to bond, and these regular rituals should continue after Baby arrives. However, most families find that the first few months are a big adjustment, and finding one-on-one time can be hard for sleep-deprived parents. Before the baby arrives, set aside a few opportunities to take your child out for a special one-on-one date with each parent.

Tip #5: Make Memories on the Big Day Include big sibling in the big day and make plans to make it special for them!

• Order sibling t-shirts from CafePress.com (you’ll fi nd a variety of designs and styles).

• Before the big day, take your child shopping to select a gift for the baby from the big sibling. This may be a favorite toy, blanket or outfit.

• Plan fun things for them to enjoy while you’re at the hospital. Purchase gift cards for ice cream or a favorite attraction that they may enjoy with grandparents or aunts and uncles.

Kristina Light is thankful for her daughters who make great big, little and middle sisters!

For a list of great ideas for parent/tot dates, head to KCparent.com!

2014 WINNER

family faves Thanks, Kansas City, for voting us Favorite OB/GYN Practice!

Women’s Health Associates 9119 West 74th Street, Suite 300 Shawnee Mission, KS 66204 And 5401 College Boulevard, Suite 100 Leawood, KS 66211 (913) 677-3113 http://www.womenshealthkc.com kcparent.com jan-march 2015

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4 1 0 2 s Winners

e v a F y l i m a F

Kansas City’s Family Favorite Medical Services Favorite MO Dental Practice Michael P. Berry Dentistry Pediatric Dental Specialists Shoal Creek Pediatric Dentistry

After tabulating 60,000+ votes, we are pleased to announce the businesses readers have chosen as

Favorite KS Orthodontic Practice

KC Parent Family Favorites 2014!

Winners are listed in alphabetical order; there are three winners in each category.

Favorite OB/GYN Practice Kansas City ObGyn KC Women’s Clinic Women’s Health Associates

Favorite Pediatric Practice Johnson County Pediatrics Leawood Pediatrics Lee’s Summit Physicians Group

Favorite Family Practice College Park Family Care Leawood Family Care Shawnee Mission Primary Care

2014 WINNER

Fry Orthodontics Hannah Orthodontics Oltjen Orthodontics

Favorite MO Orthodontic Practice Braces by Dr. Hansen Burleson Orthodontics Kurt Kavanaugh Orthodontics

Favorite Allergy Center Allergy and Asthma Specialists of KC College Park Family Care Kansas City Allergy & Asthma

Favorite Place to Have a Baby Menorah Medical Center Shawnee Mission Medical Center Saint Luke’s Health System

family faves

Favorite ER Facility

Favorite KS Dental Practice Fales Pediatric Dentistry Jenkins & LeBlanc Smiles Dentistry for Kids

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Children’s Mercy Shawnee Mission Medical Urgent Care Saint Luke’s Health System

Favorite Medical Staff Bulleigh Orthodontics Children’s Mercy ​Leawood Pediatrics

Kansas City’s Family Favorite attractions Favorite Free Attraction Kaleidoscope Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Union Station

Favorite Animal Attraction

Best-Kept Secret in KS

Deanna Rose Farmstead Kansas City Zoo Sea Life Aquarium

Black Hoof Park Overland Park Farmers Market Wild West Days at Mahaffie

Favorite Garden & Nature Center

Favorite Martial Arts Studio Amerikick Tiger Rock

Best-Kept Secret in MO

Deanna Rose Farmstead Overland Park Arboretum Powell Gardens

Powell Gardens Festival of Butterflies Shatto Dairy Farm Union Station Model Train Exhibit

Favorite Museum

Favorite Night Out for Parents

Favorite Gymnastics Center

AMC Fork & Screen KCP&L District Starlight Theatre

360 Gymnastics Elite Gymnastics Emerald City

Favorite Place to Burn Energy

Favorite Drama Studio

National WWI Museum at Liberty Memorial Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Science City

Black Bob Bay Monkey Bizness Sky Zone

Favorite Outdoor Family Destination Favorite Fair/Festival American Royal Missouri State Fair Old Settlers Days

Favorite Live Show The Coterie KC Repertory Theatre Starlight Theatre

Favorite Sports Family Experience KC Chiefs KC Royals Sporting KC

Kansas City Zoo Shawnee Mission Park Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun

Favorite Dance Studio The Culture House KC Ballet School Miller Marley

Christian Youth Theatre The Culture House Greenleaf Music & Art

Favorite Music Studio Music House REW Music School of Rock

Favorite Indoor Venue Crown Center Legoland Discovery Center Paradise Park

Favorite Birthday Venue Paint, Glaze & Fire Paradise Park Sea Life Aquarium

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Y

Memory Makers: A

our new bundle of joy is here, and each day he is growing, giggling and changing as he experiences the world anew. Whether you are a traditional scrapbooker, digital scrapbooker, Instagrammer, or simply love sharing photos on social media and via texts to out-of-town relatives and friends, here are a few of our favorite first photo ops:

Baby’s First Art Project: Tiny Fingers & Toes 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 Ceramics Café (9425 Mission Rd., Leawood, 913.383.0222), a paint-your-ownpottery shop with a great offer for new parents.

Stop by and they’ll put your baby’s footprint on a ceramic tile at no charge. Paint, Glaze, and Fire (12683 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS, 913.661.2529), another paint-your-own-pottery studio, offers an array of pieces, paint every color of the rainbow and a creative staff ready to help you fashion the perfect keepsake. Best Photo Op: Snap a shot of paint covered toes (with the help of a staff member).

Baby’s First Visit to the Zoo: Amazing Animals The Kansas City Zoo (6800 Zoo Dr., Kansas City, MO,

816.513.5800, KansasCityZoo.org) is open year-round. In fact, winter is one of the best times to visit, as the animals are especially playful, and the zoo isn’t crowded. The indoor exhibits at the Helzberg Penguin Plaza, Polar Bear Passage, Tropics and Discovery Barn are great on chilly days. Our favorite photo ops with little ones are their smiles as they delight in watching Nikita and Berlin, the polar bears, swim and play right before their eyes. Another fun spot is up the hill where the penguins reside. Your little one will enjoy watching dozens of penguins swim and play in their arctic exhibit. Weather permitting, enjoy a ride on the carousel or train for more fun and fabulous photos. Best Photo Op: Let’s be honest, your first visit to the zoo will warrant enough photos to fill a scrapbook, but we especially love train, carousel and giggly, funny animal poses.

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Kansas CityWinter Scrapbook Baby’s Day of Play: Creativity and Fun Enjoying your first playdate is a rite of passage. The metropolitan area features a lot of fun play areas where you’ll make great memories and enjoy super fun photo ops.

Paradise Park (1021 NE Colbern Rd., Lee’s Summit, MO,

816.246.5224, Paradise-Park.com) features a 38,000-squarefoot indoor and outdoor Family Entertainment Center and Children’s Edutainment Center. The indoor Children’s Edutainment Center features hands-on exhibits for younger children, with theme-based play that is often messy, but always creative and educational! Babies and toddlers will enjoy the ball pit, face painting, a water table, creating a masterpiece in the art center or (for preschoolers) cooking up a delicious treat in the kitchen. Best Photo Op: Face paint! The face painting station is every little one’s favorite, and the photos are great for lots of laughs.

Baby’s First Snow Day: A Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop (1200 Kansas City Rd., Olathe,

KS, Mahaffie.org) offers horse-drawn sleigh rides on snowy winter weekends. Be certain to call ahead at 913.971.5111 to verify (this is a weather dependent activity). They provide blankets, but be sure to bundle up for this fun family outing.

Best Photo Op: Ask one of the volunteers to snap a photo of your family aboard the sleigh with snow in the background.

Baby’s First Visit with Fairytale Characters: The Magic of Childhood

Another one of our favorite venues is Little Monkey Bizness (12219 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., Shawnee, KS, 913.631.7000, MonkeyBizness.com), an indoor play facility with soft play, tunnels and Little Tykes toys for your tots, and a great art room to make art projects. Parents may sit in the snack bar area overlooking the play area and visit or work using free Wi-Fi. The facility is kept clean and sanitary by staff, it is well supervised, and the toys and play equipment are ideal for little ones! Best Photo Op: Capture your child playing in the tunnels and moon bounces, a great chance to snap big smiles and giggles.

Kristina Light’s girls enjoyed all of these outings as infants, and they are some of her favorite early memories.

Crown Center (2500 Grand, Kansas City, MO, 816.274.8444, CrownCenter.com) offers wonderful FREE exhibits for children with both fun hands-on play areas, and beautiful backdrops for great photo ops (Tip: weekdays are best for smaller crowds). In February, enjoy the new Fairytale Village Exhibit (Feb. 7-May 3). Children will visit their favorite storybook characters in vivid magical settings. The Snow Queen, Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and more are part of the fun. Best Photo Op: Any picture with a favorite character.

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WINTER 2015 CALENDAR

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

playdates WEEKLY

Daily KidScape Mon-Sat, 10:00-4:30, Johnson County Museum. Handson exhibit immerses young children in a colorful, exciting environment.

913.715.2552

Sunday Story Time for Preschoolers Second Sunday of the month, 1:30, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Free drop-in; no tickets required.

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

Toddler Takevoer Mon, Wed, & Fri These events typically occur every week, but there may be exceptions. Please remember that events are subject to change, and many facilities close on federal holidays, during inclement weather or when school is closed. Always call ahead to verify times.

Tip: Visit KCParent.com/Going-Places/ for even more ideas!

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mornings, KC North Community Center.

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

816.784.6100, KCParks.org

Power Hour 1:00-3:00, Little Monkey Bizness.

Special $5 admission 1:00-3:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays.

913.631.7000

WINTER 2015 CALENDAR

did you know?

Kansas City averages 18.8” of snowfall. Bundle up and head out for a day of play or find a great park to explore in the cold at KCParent.com

Tuesday

Wednesday

FREE Open Play Tue-Thu, 8:00-8:00; Fri,

Pop ‘n Play Alternating Wednesdays,

8:00-4:00; Sat-Sun, 9:00-Noon; Parkside Coffeehouse (Cedar Ridge Christian Church). Indoor playground and toys for children and coffeehouse. 913.393.3000

9:00-11:00, Johnson County Museum.

Activities designed especially for your 9-month- to 3-year-olds. Fee: $1/child; members free. 913.715.2552,

WalkerTime 10:00-1:00, West Wyandotte

Friday Toddler 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

Coffee Playground 10:00-1:00, First Pixie Skate 9:30-11:00, Skate City. Bring your little one out to the rink! $5/child.

913.888.6668

Baby Bounce Story Time 9:30 and Tots on Tuesday Third Tuesday of each month, 11:00, Kemper Museum. Explore bright colors and bold patterns. Dress up, play color-matching games, try on crazy hats and read stories with a trendy twist. 816.753.5784

Creative Story Time 11:00, Ceramic Café. Paint pottery and enjoy a story. $9.50/child. 913.383.0222

Thursday George Owens Nature Park.

Children are invited to participate in a nature focused story time and craft. 816.325.7115

Matt Ross Community Center. Tunnels, games, puzzles… lots for your little one to play and learn. $1-2/child. 913.895.6390

Assembly of God (Overland Park).

Coffee shop for moms and inflatables, balls and toys for kids under 5. Free.

OverlandParkMOPS.com

Bizness. Special $5 admission 1:00-3:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays. 913.631.7000

Nature Story Time 10:00 & 11:00,

Toddler Time Tue & Wed, 9:00-11:00,

Library. Walkers (12-23 mos) will enjoy movement activities along with interactive rhymes, songs and short books followed by play time.

913.596.5800

Power Hour 1:00-3:00, Little Monkey

10:30, Plaza Branch. Bring your infant (newborn to 18 months) for a fun story time every Wednesday. 816.701.3481

Babytime Story Time 10:00-10:30, West Wyandotte Library. A program specifically for newborns through pre-walkers with parent or caregiver.

Enjoy songs, books and finger plays.

913.596.5800

Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Café. Paint pottery and enjoy a story. $9.50/child. 913.383.0222 Paint Me a Story Alternating Fridays, 10:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire.

Paint a ceramic piece, listen to story and enjoy a snack. $15/child.

913.661.2529 Story Time 11:00, Reader’s World (Lee’s Summit). Free stories, craft and more! Story time is ideal for ages 2-6, but everyone is invited!

816.246.7323 Family Fun Night 4:00-9:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Admission is only $6 for kids to climb and bounce the evening away. 913.631.7000 kcparent.com jan-march 2015

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WINTER 2015 CALENDAR

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

parents night out

Underground showing at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts March 6 & 7.

Thirsty Palette 11958 Roe Ave., Overland Park, KS, 913.669.0501. Paint-your-ownmasterpiece shops have come into vogue. Thirsty Palette is one of our favorites, offering a variety of local, classic and fun paintings to select. See calendar at ThirstyPalette.com.

Dream Dinners Schedule a night at Dream Dinners where they provide everything you need to assemble great dinners to enjoy at home.

Assemble your own freezer meals at Dream Dinners in about an hour.

DreamDinners.com

Ice Skating Take a spin on the ice at one of our two favorite outdoor rinks: The Ice at Park Place (11565 Ash St.,

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Leawood KS, DestinationParkPlace. com/happenings/ice) or Crown Center Ice Terrace (2500 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO, CrownCenter.com).

The Plains Indians: Artists of Earth & Sky Exhibit thru Jan. 11, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. This groundbreaking exhibition will unite the Plains Indian masterworks found in European and North American collections, from precontact to contemporary, ranging from a 2,000-year-old human effigy stone pipe to 18th-century painted robes to a 2011 beaded adaptation of designer shoes. Nelson-Atkins.org

An Illiad Jan.23- Feb. 15, KC Repertory Theatre. This retelling of Homer’s epic

poem illuminates an ancient classic by taking a harrowing look at the human cost of war. Featuring KC Rep resident director Kyle Hatley in a starring role, and directed by producing director Jerry Genochio.

Obie Award winners Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare (HBO’s True Blood) have created a spellbinding work of theater spanning three millennia. KCRep.com

Winter Jam Jan. 25, Sprint Center.

Reigning as the world’s top first quarter tour for four consecutive years, NewSong’s Winter Jam Tour Spectacular returns to Sprint Center on Sunday, Jan. 25. GRAMMYnominated, platinum-selling rockers

Skillet will return to the famed Winter Jam stage to headline the blockbuster tour’s 20th year. SprintCenter.com

Be swept up in the beauty, power and passion of never-before-seen creations out on the edge! KCBallet.org

Tango Buenos Aires Jan. 29, Yardley

John Mellencamp Feb. 14, Midland Theater. John Mellencamp’s career in music has spanned more than 35 years, during which time he transitioned from pre-fab pop idol to one of the most highly regarded mature songwriters of a generation. Mellencamp fell in love with music at an early age and was fronting a soul band in his native Indiana by the time he was 14. He went on to release 26 albums with domestic sales exceeding 40 million units. MidlandKC.com

Hall. Electrifying athleticism and sensual, graceful moves are all part of an intertwining classic story. Heartache, revenge and pulsating desire will make you realize the artistry behind this troupe is pure passion. Tango Buenos Aires has become one of Argentina’s great cultural exports, known throughout the Americas, Europe and the Far East as the most authentic and uncompromising representative of the tango. JCCC.edu/performing-arts-series

New Moves Feb. 6-14, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. New Moves is a chance for audiences to see the next big choreographers before they are considered the next big choreographers. The performance is a very up close and visceral experience for audience and dancers alike. Come see our Kansas City Ballet artists and emerging choreographers together discover bold new ways of expression.

Underground March 6 & 7, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Storling Dance Theater presents the moving story of the Underground Railroad. Enjoy a night out that brings together some of the most skilled and passionate dancers in the country. CultureHouse.com Cherish the Ladies March 21, Yardley Hall. The most successful and sought-after Irish-American group in

Celtic music has jigged its way into music halls all over the world—to perform with the likes of James Taylor, Joan Baez, the Boston Pops Symphony— and into the hearts of thousands of fans.

The girls continue to blaze forward and enchant audiences worldwide. They’ll be joined by dancers and a beefed-up band! JCCC.edu/performing-arts-series

kansas city’s #1

fall/winter 201415

kcgoingplaces.com

500+

Ways to explor e KaNsas CIty

spectacul ar views cool peng uin advent ures savoring loc al wines free fun for all age s tastiest BB Q in KC

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For TONS more places to visit all over KC, along with insider tips to be in the know before you do, pick up a copy of

psst...

KC Going Places.

Sat., January 10 BABY BUCK SALE

All regularly priced infant clothing (NB-12 months) is $1 each for items $3.99 or less during this ONE DAY only!

we’re busy whipping up a juicy new issue for

*Cannot be combined with any other coupon, offer, discount. See store for details.

“A Retail Store and More”

spring the labor and delivery issue

attraction guide

Sat., February 7 KICK-OFF TO SPRING SAVINGS

Get 50% off your purchase of $30 or more back in a Store Credit* for your next visit. *Cannot be combined with any other coupon, offer, discount. See store for details.

“A Retail Store and More”

At Children’s Orchard we buy, sell and recycle top-quality, gently used kids stuff for a fraction of the original cost. So if green is your color do something your kids thank you for: Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. And leave them a gently used planet.

Call your neighborhood store for details.

OLATHE • 11933 Strang Line Rd. • 913-780-6600 INDEPENDENCE • 4201 S. Noland Rd. • 816-373-4585 KCMO • 6242 N. Chatham Ave. • 816-505-4400 LEE’S SUMMIT • 1551 NE Douglas St. • 816-524-7303 BLUE SPRINGS • 1722 S. 7 HWY. • 816-224-0887

Sat., February 21 SPRING HOLIDAY DRESS-UP EVENT

All the best looks for Spring holidays at your favorite prices.

Shop February 21st for best selection!

“A Retail Store and More”

*Offer cannot be combined with any other sale, coupon, or discount.

kcparent.com jan-march 2015

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bellylaughs

“When I went to the grocery store and bought five kinds of ice cream.”

– Judy

We asked KC Parent’s 17,500+ Facebook Fans:

Complete the sentence: I knew I was pregnant when...

Amanda: I cried during an old Hallmark commercial. Not a single tear and a sniffle kind of cry. A sobbing, shoulder shaking cry. To be fair, it was a really, really touching commercial!

Nikole: When my husband asked me why I was mad at him for everything he had done for the last week, including yelling at him for using too much toothpaste (the smell of mint).

Debbi: When I took a pregnancy test two hours after finding out we were going to adopt our second newborn in less than 11 months!

Alycia: When I started checking the fridge to see if that was where I put my phone.

Judy: When I went to the grocery store and bought five kinds of ice cream.

Heather: When I fell asleep while playing on the floor with my 18-month-old. Surrounded by train tracks and trains. In the middle of the playroom. I was just going to “lay my head down for a minute.” When I woke up, I decided I should probably take a pregnancy test.

Cris: When the button popped off my pants!

Melana: Brushing my teeth in the morning made me sick. It is a fine line between getting my mouth clean and gagging myself when I’m pregnant.

Angela: When I was standing at the fridge with door wide open, crying because I didn’t know what I wanted to eat!

Anita: I took a bite of yogurt and immediately ran to the kitchen sink.

Kylie: I knew I was pregnant when no matter how much I slept, it wasn’t ever enough.

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Associated Women’s Care Physicians, P.C.

Since founding Associated Women’s Care Physicians in 1968, our practice has been providing excellent obstetric and gynecologic care to Eastern Jackson County. Our providers are well trained in the management of women’s health, including: • Normal & high risk pregnancies • Vaginal birth after cesarean section • Infertility • Robotic Surgery

Lee’s Summit Office 816.246.7200

• Non-invasive & minimally invasive surgery • Contraceptive management • Hormone Therapy • 3D 4D Ultrasound

Blue Springs Office 816.228.4400

www.awcpobgyn.com

Dentistry That Will Make Kids

Board Certified Pediatric Dentists

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

kcparent.com jan-march 2015

35

EXPLORE KANSAS

CITY ZOO

Visit penguins and polar bears year round with a 2015 Friends of the Zoo annual membership.

Check On li for Zoo-am ne azin Education g al Experienc es!

kansascit y

zoo.org

• FOTZ Members get FREE admission • DISCOUNTS on food and beverage purchases • FREE or reduced admission at over 150 other zoos and aquariums • DISCOUNTS on merchandise, education programs, events and parties!

• FOTZ-only events, quarterly newsletters and monthly coupons • Your contribution may be tax deductible

2015 FOTZ Memberships NOW AVAILABLE

OPEN

YEAR ROUND

It’s affordable family fun for animal lovers of all ages!

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kcparent.com jan-march 2015

OPEN DAILY kansascityzoo.org 816.595.1234

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.