KC Baby Magazine Summer 2015

baby

&

Where you find family, you will find us.

the

everything pregnancy issue _

FREE July-Sept 2015 KCParent.com Since 2002

maternity

financial planning

for new parents

map out your

pregnancy month by month

top 10 things KC moms Googled from the delivery room

life through the

eyes of a toddler

Mistakes new moms make

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

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kcparent.com july-sept 2015

Parks Children’s dentistry

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Routine cleanings with registered dental hygienists and at every visit parents meet with Dr. Parks to discuss each child’s unique needs, focusing on education and preventive care.

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baby&

maternity

the everything pregnancy issue JULY-SEPT 2015 IN EVERY ISSUE Baby Bytes Our Baby Story Nesting Nuggets Real Mom Reviews Calendar of Events Belly Laughs

MISTAKES NEW MOMS MAKE, PG. 20

YOUR BABY

YOUR TODDLER

7 Nursery Craft

14 Diaper Rash

16 Life Through Toddler’s Eyes

8 Eat This, Feel Better

15 Bath Time

26 Camping With Tots

10 Map Out Your Pregnancy

20 Mistakes New Moms Make

28 Summer Story Adventures

12 Top Things Googled from Delivery Room

24 Financial Planning

30 Play Dates

YOUR PREGNANCY

18 Infertility 22 Complete?

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

25 Real Mom Reviews

baby&

Where you find family, you will find us.

32 Date Night

ON THE COVER Map Out Pregnancy Top Things Googled from Delivery Room Life Through Toddler’s Eyes Mistakes New Moms Make Financial Planning

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kcparent.com july-sept 2015

12 18 20 25 30 34

10 12 16 20 24

the

everything pregnancy issue

_

FREE July-Sept 2015 KCParent.com Since 2002

maternity

financial planning

for new parents

map out your

pregnancy month by month

top 10 things KC moms Googled from the delivery room

life through the

eyes of a toddler

Mistakes new moms make

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 july-sept 2015

5

baby&

editor’sletter

maternity

T

he answer: 3,642. The question: How many times did I check my firstborn during the first month to see whether she was still breathing? I didn’t actually keep track, but if I had, it would have been something close to that number.

I made myself crazy checking and double, triple, quadruple checking to make sure everything was okay and that she was still breathing. Almost as soon as I left the room from a quick check, I’d be back again. What about you? In addition to my zealous over checking, my other new mom mistakes compose a long list. (Who am I kidding—I am still making mistakes as an “experienced” mom!) Overland Park mom Julie Collett takes a look at common new mom mistakes on pg. 20. I’m always glad to read articles that let me know I am not alone!

In addition to being somewhat of a hot mess after Baby was born, I was, let’s say, a little anxious during my pregnancies.

Because we know this can be a stressful time, we dedicate one issue of KC Baby & Maternity to all things pregnancy. In this issue you’ll find a month-by-month map of things you might expect during pregnancy, a look at how certain foods can help you feel better while pregnant and a fun article on the top things KC moms have Googled from the delivery room. I know you’ll find some info that will be useful to you during this nine-month journey.

If you read our sister publication, KC Parent, you know that I am a big fan of summer. It’s here, and I am in my glory! I hope you get out and enjoy it with your little ones. Our Play Dates section has terrific ideas on outings perfect for the toddler set, and you can find TONS more events on our online calendar at KCParent.com.

Happy summer!

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kcparent.com july-sept 2015

Margaret Sarver, Editor

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 Ted Massing 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 Matt and Cheri Appling, Kansas City Melissa Bellach, Overland Park Jamie Bosse, Overland Park LOCAL Julie Collett, Overland Park CONTENT Lauren Greenlee, Olathe Jessica Heine, Olathe Rebecca Ishum, Kansas City Megan Kapple, Kansas City Kristina Light, Kansas City Stephanie Loux, Olathe Sarah Lyons, Olathe Julie McKinley, Lee’s Summit 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

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.

mini ani mal c anv a ses

Make a colorful and playful collage of artwork for your baby’s nursery using canvases and plastic animals.

This funky and adorable DIY decor can be customized to coordinate with any color scheme.

Both boys and girls alike will love mini animal canvases adorning their nursery walls.

Materials: Plastic animals

step one

|

Begin by cutting your animals. To cut them in half, a heat knife works best, but you also can do it with a sharp utility knife.

5x5-inch canvases

|

Heat knife or utility knife

step two

Paint your animals and canvases with acrylic paint. The animals may require about three coats, and the canvases need about two coats.

To make this step go faster, use a hair dryer in between coats to reduce drying time! This is where you can get fun and creative: Use boyish colors, light pastels for girls or even neons. Anything goes!

|

Super glue

|

Acrylic paint

step three

Once everything is dry, use a small bead of super glue to attach the animals to the center of the canvases. Hang and enjoy!

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 july-sept 2015

7

eat this feel better

Instead of eating three large meals in a day, try five to six smaller ones to prevent your stomach’s filling too much.

p

regnancy is a beautiful, blissful and wonderful experience. Except when it’s not. Morning sickness that lasts all day, back pain and heartburn can turn this miraculous nine months into something a little less enjoyable. Pregnancy is something most of us only experience a couple of times in our lifetimes, so why not enjoy it as much as we can? Here are some natural, home remedies that can help alleviate some adverse symptoms of pregnancy and make the whole experience more enjoyable.

Nausea: Morning sickness (all day sickness for many) is a very common side effect of pregnancy. Oftentimes this is one of the first symptoms to appear, and for many moms-to-be it disappears after the first trimester. AmericanPregnancy.org recommends waking 30-60 minutes before you normally rise so you can start your day

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kcparent.com july-sept 2015

slowly, taking time to get something into your stomach before getting out of bed.

Keeping a stash of crackers or dry cereal by the bed can help keep nausea at bay.

During the day, eat frequent, small meals to avoid getting too full or too hungry.

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.

You doctor also can prescribe medications to reduce the nausea and vomiting, however, many women prefer to try natural remedies to reduce or eliminate these symptoms before reaching for the medication. Ginger, peppermint and vitamin B6 are all commonly used remedies.

Ginger is common in Chinese medicine and most often used in tea or candy. Peppermint tea or mints also have been shown to help some women. If smells are not bothering you, peppermint essential oil also may help (BabyCentre.co.uk).

Sleeplessness: While medications are always an option, most pregnant women prefer to stay away, as the meds can cross the placenta and affect the baby.

Luckily, many natural remedies may help even the most uncomfortable pregnant woman receive some much needed sleep.

Relaxation, yoga, a warm bath and extra pillows are great options, and there are some nutritional options as well. Drinking milk before bed may relax the body and bring on sleep. Foods high in carbohydrates, bread or crackers, also can promote sleep, while a snack high in protein, like nuts, beans or meat, can keep the blood sugar up and could help prevent bad dreams, headaches and hot flashes (WebMD.com).

Heartburn: At some point during pregnancy, many women experience heartburn because progesterone, a hormone

that relaxes muscles in pregnancy, relaxes the stomach and decreases the body’s ability to reduce heartburn. While heartburn is a common symptom of pregnancy, there are many ways to relieve the discomfort.

Instead of eating three large meals in a day, try five to six smaller ones to prevent your stomach’s filling too much. After meals, stay upright, sit or stand and don’t do anything that requires you to bend over or sit down. If

this doesn’t help, keep your head and upper chest elevated at night. Many women find spicy and greasy food to be a trigger, but for others, fat, caffeine, chocolate, citrus and many other things can cause discomfort. If you find yourself suffering from heartburn, keep a diary and take note of what triggers you (Health.com).

Pregnancy brings about changes in a woman’s body, both positive and negative.

Some resolve with time or a few daily changes; others only Baby’s arrival can alleviate. Know that you will return to “normal” after Baby arrives and enjoy this time of pregnancy—40 weeks go by quickly!

Jessica Heine is a labor and delivery nurse.

She lives in Olathe with her family.

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

Old wives’ tales are fun to read, but scientific evidence does not support any of these claims:

• Heartburn means the baby will have hair.

• If the baby’s heart rate is under 140 beats per minutes, you’re having a little boy. Anything higher is a girl.

• If you are carrying your baby high, it’s a girl.

Carrying low means a boy. Similar legends suggest that if you are carrying out front it’s a boy and if you expand horizontally, it’s a girl.

• Drinking eight glasses of water a day keeps the amniotic fluid clean for the baby.

• Did the dad-to-be gain weight? If so, you’re having a girl.

• If you prefer to sleep on your left side, you are having a boy.

• If a toddler boy (yours or someone else’s) is showing interest in your belly, you are having a girl.

• Craving sweets? That means it’s a girl. Salty cravings mean you should start stocking up on blue.

For a list of pregnancy super foods, visit KCParent.com.

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9

map out your pregnancy From cravings and swollen feet to morning sickness and crazy dreams, pregnancy brings its fair share of challenges.

t

he 40 weeks leading up to the arrival of your baby are filled with exciting milestones, as well as changes in your body, your family and your life. “At first, it didn’t feel real,” Kelly Gadett, Gladstone mom, says. “As the months passed, I suddenly looked back and realized my whole life looked different since I found out I was expecting!”

From cravings and swollen feet to morning sickness and crazy dreams, pregnancy brings its fair share of challenges. But there is no reason to navigate the next nine months on your own! Here is a breakdown of what to expect in your very own pregnancy road map.

Month Two – What Smells?

As you enter month two, it’s all about the food. Craving pickles and ice cream? Feeling a midnight desire for French fries and donuts? This is all completely normal. In addition to your cravings, your sense of smell will become heightened. This can contribute to your cravings when you smell something delicious, but it also may add to any nausea you are feeling if you smell something less than appetizing.

Month Three – Feelings.

Month One – Sick and Tired.

Oh joy! You are expecting! Now that you have shared the happy news, you may notice that your days are getting a bit shorter. This is likely because the first month of pregnancy brings on fatigue. Don’t be surprised if you are ready for bed by 6:00 in the evening. For many moms, this is also the point when morning sickness begins!

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“I would go from laughing out loud to crying about 20 times a day,” says Jessica Franks, Overland Park mom. Month three brings on a surge of emotions of all kinds. Your body is going through a large boost in hormone levels, and as it adjusts, you may feel a bit shaky and unsure. If you need a break, you will have lots of opportunities for a little alone time.

During month three, you will also notice an increase in the number of times you need to use the bathroom—day and night!

Month Four – Fashion for Mom. Time to go shopping! You are now entering the second trimester and what is known as the “honeymoon” period of pregnancy.

Likely, you have renewed energy and your morning sickness is a thing of the past.

Also by month four, many women have a noticeable bump and are ready for maternity clothes. While putting on pants with an elastic waistband may seem like a fashion faux pas, veteran moms promise this is a moment you will enjoy. “Wearing maternity pants is wonderful. It is like you can finally relax and enjoy your clothing, rather than worrying about how everything is getting too tight!” says Kimberly Shane, Overland Park mom.

Month Five – Starving and Stuffed.

By month five, your growing baby is starting to take up prime real estate.

“I felt so hungry, but I would get full in just minutes because there wasn’t much room for my stomach to stretch anymore,” says Megan Thomas, Kansas City, MO, mom.

Month Six – Heartburn.

Month six is the time to break out the Tums.

Heartburn is common, and some women experience it all day long. If heartburn is excessive, talk to your doctor about what medications might help.

Month Seven – Up All Night.

Many moms say that month seven is when your body starts preparing you for life with Baby. In addition to being up many times at night to go to the bathroom, you may start having difficulty sleeping. Some moms report having wild dreams, while others say it is just being uncomfortable that makes sleep tricky. “The pregnancy pillow was a real savior for me,” says Courtney Winter, Kansas City, KS, mom.

“I had so much on my mind and would just toss and turn. The pillow helped me get some much needed rest.”

Melissa Bellach is a freelance writer, journalist and mom of two living in Overland Park.

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

Month Eight – Starving and Stuffed Part II. Baby is almost ready to make an appearance! During the last two months, Baby is gaining weight and preparing for the outside world. This means you are gaining weight as well, and your appetite will be kicking into high gear. However, as baby grows, there will be less room for food in your stomach. Be ready to eat small meals often!

Month Nine – READY. No matter how easy or blissful your pregnancy has been, there comes a point when you are ready for Baby to arrive. You want to meet your new addition and get on to the next phase of parenthood. If your pregnancy hasn’t been easy, you are ready for the discomfort, frequent bathroom trips and crazy cravings to be behind you.

During the ninth month, many women experience some forms of early labor. This could be Braxton Hicks contractions or false labor. Be sure to talk to your OB/GYN if you have concerns or questions about determining when actual labor is starting!

moments along the way While some parts of pregnancy most moms would be happy to skip over, other moments Metro moms wouldn’t trade for the world. Here are a list of their favorite moments by trimester!

First Trimester:

Second Trimester:

Third Trimester:

1. Seeing the positive pregnancy test.

2. Telling your partner.

3. Sharing the news with family and friends.

4. Having the first ultrasound.

5. Hearing baby’s heartbeat.

1. Working through your to-do list.

2. Creating a registry.

3. Watching your bump grow.

4. Finding out Baby’s gender.

5. Having the 20-week ultrasound.

1. Enjoying a baby shower.

2. Putting the finishing touches on the nursery.

3. Taking a babymoon.

4. Going on the hospital tour.

5. Meeting Baby face to face!

kcparent.com july-sept 2015

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babybytes

Top 10 Things d from the Delivery Room 1.

How long will my labor last?

This is the most frequently asked question and it comes with a series of sub-questions. How long does an induction take? How long will it be before pain medication kicks in? How long will I have to push? While it’s said that the average first-time mom labors for about eight hours, no two births are identical (meaning there is no way to truly determine how long your labor will be until it’s actually taken place). Your best bet? Arm yourself with information about the stages of labor so you can better assess where you are in the journey (and rest assured that it will end!).

2.

Have I started... and is this normal?

C

ongratulations! You’ve got your go-bags packed, a childbirth class behind you and a birth plan devised.

But if you’re anything like most pregnant women, you may still find yourself researching up until the moment you meet your little one face to face. Save yourself the hassle by reading up now so you can devote your energies to what really matters during labor. Here are the 10 most common questions Googled from the delivery room.

What do labor and delivery nurses want to tell you? Find out at KCParent.com.

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If labor began like it did in the movies, not only would you know when it truly started but everyone around you would too, as you would spontaneously begin to grunt and groan in agony, declaring “The baby’s coming!” Reality is far from the movies, however, and two little words that don’t receive much thought beforehand (can you say “mucus plug”?) become a subject of much inquiry. What should it look like? Has it already passed?

Has your water actually broken? If you have any concerns, forgo the web info and consult your doctor or midwife to get her advice.

3.

Inductions 101 Induction medications such as Pitocin and Cirvidil and a Foley bulb likely received a brief overview in your birthing class. However, it’s likely you mentally checked out if you weren’t planning on induction. In the event you find yourself being induced, you will have plenty of questions that can be researched while you wait (and since it’s more than likely you will be in the delivery room before going into labor, you may feel that’s actually a good time to get the 411, stat!).

4.

Epidural info

itself, complications that can arise and recovery—all to best prepare for a muchchanged birth experience.

6.

What’s going on down there?

Labor can be incredibly painful, but one of the most surprising locations for intense discomfort can be found just south of the birth canal, within the rectal area. Rest assured it is normal to be sore there throughout recovery because of all the extreme pressure and strain that comes from labor and delivery. To your credit, you’ve earned bragging rights when mentioning you worked your rear end off to bring Baby into the world!

Whether you plan on using pain medication or not, there are several intricacies you would be wise to know, such as how epidurals are inserted, how long they last, what they feel like and when during labor you should ask for one. Epidurals can be something of a hot topic because some women desire to avoid them and then, in the heat of contractions, change their minds. In any event, doing your own personal research on epidurals before labor can provide greater peace of mind, whether or not you have one.

The ring of fire? Sure, you’ve heard stories about it. But chattering teeth, loose bowels and the urge to throw up? Where was this bit of information when you needed it? If anything feels out of the ordinary, consult your doctor to confirm things are alright, but rest assured there are a multitude of labor sensations that can occur that are all perfectly normal, albeit unpleasant.

5.

8.

7.

I think I feel sick

C-section outcomes

Episiotomies or tearing?

If you were already scheduled for a c-section, then you were likely asked a myriad of questions by your doctor and had some time to prepare, but a mom may feel blindsided if her labor necessitates one and it wasn’t part of her original birth plan. Parents preparing for an unexpected c-section most commonly Googled information about the surgery

No one likes the prospect of tearing or cutting in their nether regions, but giving way to fear helps no one. Put down the phone, relax and refuse to allow worstcase scenarios to enter your head. Instead, focus your attention on delivering a healthy baby. And remember, if you do end up tearing or requiring an episiotomy, many a mama has been there, done that

and lived to tell the tale. Your OB will help you, and recovery should only last a few weeks.

9.

Music and entertainment When Overland Park mom Emily Beecher showed up for her scheduled c-section during March Madness, she found herself with some spare time in pre-op. “I filled out my NCAA bracket right there while I was waiting!” she says. For others, the only thing of interest is starting a playlist of relaxing music or signing into Netflix.

Using the internet as a means to entertain and distract has become the modern day replacement for a focal point during labor.

10.

Recovery

What comes next? Many moms put so much time and effort into preparing for labor and delivery they feel lacking in information about what to expect afterward. You can brush up on postpartum basics online, but ultimately it’s best to have a personalized plan developed by your OB or midwife based on the type of delivery you had.

Lauren Greenlee’s lightning fast labors left no time to do any additional research during them! She cares for her three young boys and writes from her Olathe home.

DON’T FORGET! Don’t fall victim to a dying phone battery at the hospital! Include your phone’s charger in your bag!

kcparent.com july-sept 2015

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A

s parents we do everything in our power to avoid an uncomfortable and painful rash for our little ones, but realistically, even the most diligent parent has to deal with diaper rash sometime in the first few years of parenthood. Knowing the common culprits of rashes and how to treat them will help keep Baby happy and rash-free.

Common Culprits of Diaper Rash Culprit #1: Infrequent Diaper Changes We have the best intentions when it comes to changing our babies, but sometimes things happen and that wet diaper stays on a little too long, causing red, sore, irritated skin. Even the most absorbent diaper can allow wetness to touch the skin, which can leave Baby’s bottom red and irritated.

Culprit #2: Yeast Infection The diaper area is warm and moist, making it easy for infections, like yeast, to grow and flourish. Yeast passes through the child’s digestive system and eventually lands in the diaper next to the warm damp skin. This can result in a rash in the folds of the skin (BabyCenter.com). Regular diaper creams won’t improve this type of rash. It’s best to speak to your doctor about treatment, which may include an antifungal cream.

Culprit #3: Allergies or Sensitivities It is possible your baby is sensitive to the brand of diapers or wipes you are using.

Your child also could have an allergy to a new food that is causing loose stools, which in turn cause added irritation and wetness in the diaper area. With some trial and error you may be able to narrow down the cause of the discomfort and help your child’s rash improve greatly with a few small changes.

Treat and Prevent Diaper Rash Clean and dry: Make sure Baby is clean and dry before putting on a new diaper.

Remember to pat Baby dry rather than rub, which will further irritate skin.

do away with Diaper Rash Read the label: Use a diaper cream with zinc oxide or petroleum jelly on the ingredient list (WebMD.com). Apply a protective layer of cream to help prevent future rash.

Go green: Cloth diapers made with natural fabrics are gentler than disposable diapers, which may contain chemicals that can irritate Baby.

Air dry: Let Baby go diaper free. When weather allows, spend some time outside sans diaper. The fresh air will help Baby heal faster.

Try homemade: Making homemade wipes or diaper cream allows you to decide what ingredients touch your baby’s skin and avoid any harsh ingredients store-bought products may contain.

A gentler clean: Use mild, alcohol-free wipes or try using a squirt bottle of water to gently clean baby.

Healthy belly: Probiotics can help prevent yeast infections. Check with your pediatrician to see whether he can recommend a probiotic

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that is safe for your child. “Some research has shown that consuming probiotics... can positively affect your child’s balance of bacteria.” (Parents.com)

Try something new: Experiment with a new brand of diaper or wipes, change your cloth diaper detergent, make sure your baby has a proper fitting diaper, take note of any reactions to new foods and remember every baby is different. What works for one child may not be a good fit for another child.

Chances are your baby will develop a diaper rash at least once before potty training is complete, but with these tips, Baby should be comfortable and rash-free in no time.

Sarah Lyons writes from her home in Olathe.

(Family Features)

f

rom bath time to bedtime, favorite rituals bring parents and children closer together. These small acts provide a sense of security to little ones and serve as family bonding time. However, many parents do not realize these everyday moments can be more impactful than they seem.

A recent Johnson’s Global Bath Time Report found that 84 percent of parents say bath time is some of the best quality time they get with their child, yet many parents still underestimate its power and benefits. In fact, more than half of parents (58 percent) say bath time is not extremely important to their child’s brain development. Emerging and foundational science reveals bath time’s importance, indicating that multisensory experiences such as bathing can be critical to Baby’s happy, healthy development.

During the first three years of life, 85 percent of Baby’s brain is formed. Researchers have found that during the formative first years of life every interaction—every moment—is an opportunity to help shape Baby’s developing brain.

Be a rock star for the night. Play music and sing songs during bath time, which can stimulate parts of the brain responsible for memory. Did you know that playing certain types of music stimulates parts of the brain responsible for visual imagery?

the bathtub

A multisensory playground to nurture Baby’s development Bath time is more than cleansing; it’s a ritual that allows parents to unlock the full power of Baby’s senses with opportunities to use smell, touch, sight and sound. Make bath time mean more with these fun ideas: Don’t leave out the bubbles. Playing with bubbles can help babies develop handeye coordination and discover objects exist even when they can’t be seen.

Give a language lesson in the tub.

Talk back and forth with Baby during this time. It can help with language development.

Link smell with happy memories.

Pleasant smells, like those from a fragranced bath product, can create long lasting memories for Baby when paired with the loving interaction of a parent.

Another big part of the after-bath routine is massage, and research shows that babies who receive routine touch and massage are more likely to make eye contact and have an overall positive expression.

Remember to think of the bath time routine as more than a simple task—it fosters development and a sense of wellbeing for a baby and parents alike.

Should I consume my placenta?

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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 july-sept 2015

15

life through the

p

art of being a parent is also being a teacher. Your kids look up to you, mimic you and want to be like you. But have you ever stopped to think about how things must look in their little worlds? We were all kids once, but many of us have forgotten about the curiosity, wonder and giant messes that we embraced at that age. On a day with little patience left in the tank, maybe looking at things from their perspective will help.

What we see: Dangerous bungee cords with hooks.

What they see: Stretchy strings that connect things.

I’ll admit to thinking of bungee cords as adult tools, but with proper supervision, they can become fun learning tools for kids. Jamie Trubiroha, Olathe, says, “My kids love them. How they stretch, hook chairs together, make chains—they even had a pulley rigged on the swing set. Guitar strings on the fence, limbo, bucket carriers, etc….I have had to overcome that they can hurt themselves and just let them explore outdoors with them. Bungee cords suddenly become the stuff of scientists!”

What we see: Food.

What they see: Objects in their environment.

It’s very common to hear a parent say to a child, “Don’t play with your food.” However, in a toddler’s eyes, it really isn’t food. It’s the gateway to a new land full of exciting animals and vehicles. Laura Enders, Kansas City, says, “My son loves playing with his food. It becomes trains, animals and other interesting objects. If it’s a train, he runs it along his plate or the table making train noises, singing Thomas songs and happily

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30 years... years, ForFor29

eyes of a toddler

What we see: Empty toilet paper rolls meaning that we need to go to the store.

What they see: Hours and hours of play, all credited to a few toilet paper rolls!

Toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls and other pieces of cardboard are free and in abundance. Laura Enders, Kansas City, says, “The cardboard tubes from toilet paper rolls and paper towels are magic. They go from being a telescope, to a tunnel for cars and trains, to a slide for tiny toys and beyond.” Cardboard boxes also fall in this category. Big blank canvases can be just the

What they see: A lifeguard stand.

My kids do this too. They find random pieces of furniture and move them to create new buildings and towers. Michelle Johnson, Lee’s Summit, recalls, “When I was still teaching preschool out of our home, I had gone to the bathroom and come back to the room to find 2-and-a-half-year-old Demetrius sitting in a chair on top of a table.

I said, ‘Demetrius, you need to get down, please. Buddy, that is not safe!’ His response was, in an incredibly sad voice, ‘Mommy, it is safe! I’m watching the kids so they are safe!’ He was being a lifeguard.” In spite of her son’s rather high vantage point, Johnson caught a glimpse of his resourcefulness and the caring heart that he has for others.

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Perhaps the thing that stands out the most when looking at life through the eyes of toddlers is the simple joy and wonder that follow them everywhere they go. The list of things they play with doesn’t need to be elaborate or expensive to keep them entertained and content. Rather, the ability to see potential in everyday things and use them to recreate what they see adults doing is what gets them excited. Maybe as parents we need to take a break from being the teacher every now and then and let our kids teach us.

Rebecca Ishum lives in South KC with her husband, Sean, and 3-year-old quadruplets.

Every day, she is faced with the choice of whether to force things through her worldview or let her kids explore life on their terms.

Read more at ABeautifulRuckus.com.

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We have all had this happen. Poop everywhere. Why poop is so exciting to toddlers, we will never know. Fallon Collene, Olathe, says, “My boys used to explore the contents of their diapers and use it as an art medium for the walls! They learned that while it made for beautiful artwork, it made Mom VERY angry….

We had to start duct taping their diapers on, and that’s when they learned about teamwork, because they would help each other remove the tape.” Most of us would prefer that another art medium is explored, but creativity and teamwork are good qualities for a pair of motivated toddlers to learn. Still, no one will fault a parent for redirecting to finger paints.

What we see: Furniture that should really remain on the floor.

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proclaiming that it’s a train. The best is when he held up a chunk of sauerkraut and confidently stated, ‘It’s a sea horse!’” Have you wondered how your child perceives his environment? A plate of food might be the key you need to understand him better.

we’ve been bringing where you find together families family, youCity will in Kansas

kcparent.com july-sept 2015

17

ourbabystory

I

learning from five years of

infertility Want to share your baby story?

We’d love to hear it! Email a summary to Editor@KCParent.com for the KC Baby & Maternity staff to review.

18

kcparent.com july-sept 2015

n the gray light of a dreary Tuesday morning, the city started to awaken.

Mothers stood in darkened kitchens, placing plastic-wrapped sandwiches into brown paper bags while children dressed themselves for school. Dads ensured backpacks were packed and umbrellas were ready by the door. Infants yelped for sleepdeprived parents. Dads changed diapers while moms warmed bottles. Teenagers hit the snooze button for a third time while preschoolers watched cartoons and ate buttered toast on TV trays. Hugs and kisses were exchanged. Temperatures were taken.

Buses were caught. Ties were straightened.

Everywhere across the city, families greeted the new day with a frenzy of activity.

Everywhere, that is, except for one place.

In the quiet darkness of the hospital room, the monotonous beeping of the heart monitor kept time.

The silent dripping of the fluid bags delivered medication. The constant puffing of the leg cuffs kept leg veins circulating.

This is where our attempts to start our family had led us.

After four years of wasted efforts and tearful nights, we had finally decided to take on in-vitro fertilization. The doctors had successfully taken more than 20 eggs from Cheri’s ovaries, but now she was suffering from ovarian hyperstimulation. Her abdomen filled with fluid that needed to be drained with a siphon, while the rest of her body ached from dehydration.

It was there in that hospital room that we finally came to realize and accept a few things about this whole baby-making thing.

We Were Not Alone That Day Although we spent the early months of our infertility journey in isolation and Cheri’s complications were extraordinary, we were hardly alone. In fact, once we

started looking for others in the same boat, we realized that we did not need to look far.

Two years after we began our journey, we sat in a conference room at Penn Valley Community College with 200 other people. They were there for the second annual Family Planning Conference, put on by the Kansas City Infertility Awareness Foundation. The foundation has since grown beyond that single annual event and touches hundreds of couples, just in the Kansas City metro, who believe they are suffering alone.

Even in that lonely hospital room, we knew that we were not alone, that we had not suffered the most or persevered the longest for our child.

many reasons there are for all of us to never have been born.

Along the way, none of our treatment, even the most invasive and expensive, ever supplanted the miraculous nature of life.

Our treatment could only replicate what happens naturally inside the body. And none of it ever provided a guarantee. We could never make a sperm fertilize an egg. We could never force an embryo to grow. And we could not guarantee that a little embryo would implant in the uterus. And that is just the first few days of life!

The big moment was when we were given a photograph of our baby, just five days after he had been conceived through in-vitro fertilization. We knew that photo may be the

There is nothing like a journey shared together to unite two people. When the journey becomes a struggle, the bond becomes stronger. And when the struggle becomes a crisis, it feels like the bonds can never be broken.

Infertility Is Not a Woman’s Issue Popular perceptions have almost always put the burden of fertility on women, and that has not changed for much of human history. Only in the 20th century was it even acknowledged that men could actually be infertile at all!

Contrary to all of this, infertility is not an issue for women to bear alone. Fertility or infertility does not speak to a woman’s value as a woman. It does not matter if the medical issue lies with the woman or the man. It is a human issue that husbands and wives bear together. It did not matter that it was Cheri lying in the hospital bed.

Infertility was our burden to carry.

Life Is a Miracle People say that babies are miracles, but perhaps we have become a bit flippant with that word “miracle.”

Infertility provided a wonderful, intimate window into just what it takes to make a miracle. We got a glimpse into just how much the odds are stacked against us, how

Our “Punishment” Becomes a Privilege Five years after we decided we were “ready” to have a child, we finally received our son. But a funny thing had happened to us. We came to a place where we were okay with whatever outcome we would receive, because we could no longer imagine our marriage without this journey. Infertility had been a crisis that we had walked through together. Like many other life events, it revealed the hidden cracks in our relationship. Infertility invited us to work on strengthening the communication, the intimacy, the perseverance in our relationship.

There is nothing like a journey shared together to unite two people. When the journey becomes a struggle, the bond becomes stronger. And when the struggle becomes a crisis, it feels like the bonds can never be broken. The “punishment” of infertility became a privilege, a burden we knew most couples would not have, but we had been able to see through.

only time we ever got to see our child, but we saw this thing that, for millions of years, had never been seen—human life at its most naked and vulnerable.

We Are Not in Control Most of what defines “growing up” is a process of asserting more control over our lives and environments. From the time we first learn the word “no” as 2-year-olds, to making plans for college, careers and marriage, we come to believe that we are in charge of our destinies.

And then we made “plans” to have children. We felt that we were “prepared” and that sense of control was revealed to be an illusion. However, this was not an illusion we mourned. It was a fantastic revelation.

Yes, we even started to feel sorry for couples whose children came easily to them, who showed up as “planned.” But we suspected that if their idea of control over their lives was still intact, their children might have something to say about that in a year or two.

Matt and Cheri Appling are the authors of Plus or Minus: Keeping Your Life, Faith and Love Together Through Infertility, a collaboration between themselves and other Kansas City couples to bring encouragement to readers in a season of infertility or miscarriage. Plus or Minus, from Moody Publishers, is available on Amazon.com and other retailers. kcparent.com july-sept 2015

19

nestingnuggets

every mistake is an opportunity to learn and evolve as a mother.

a

mistakes new moms make

fter our son was born, I made a classic new mom “mistake” when we had our first pediatrician visit at a mere 5 days old. He wee’d as I was getting him dressed, soaking his outfit. Feeling totally prepared, I whipped out a diaper and wipes, only to discover I hadn’t a single change of clothes for his naked little body. Sheepishly I borrowed an ENORMOUS onesie from the doctor’s office…otherwise he would’ve been wearing a toga fashioned from his burp cloth! This was the first I remember of many “mistakes” to come as a new parent. Rest assured you’re not alone when it comes to these new mom missteps.

Not resting/recovering properly Josie Werkowitch, fitness instructor and mom of two, shares, “The number one

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thing I see—and actually did after my first pregnancy—is jumping into hardcore, high intensity exercises before rehabilitating the body. Most women are not ready to do a plank, go running or do other demanding exercises. Just like someone goes through a rehab program after an injury, a postpartum body requires rebuilding. Slow down, go for a walk and enjoy this time while the baby is still little. It goes too fast.”

Similarly, Sarah Darby, certified nurse midwife and mom of three, says, “In a world of social media, moms today are under more pressure to ‘have it all together.’ Births are announced instantly with photos of moms wearing cute clothes, makeup and having their hair done. To keep up with this image, moms sacrifice their resting time and often exert themselves in ways that may delay healing.”

Trying to fit it all in No, I’m not referring to getting back into your pre-pregnancy clothes! I am, however, talking about being able to “do it all.” With the picture perfect blog and Pinterest-worthy world we live in, moms often feel they have to be Superwoman in order to fit it all in, especially when it comes to maintaining a house. Little people can have very demanding needs, so give yourself some grace! Alyssa, mom of 1-year-old twins and a 4-year-old, says, “I thought I’d be able to keep my house neat most of the time. I have to let it go or it will drive me crazy. A friend once told me, ‘You shouldn’t have a clean, perfect house when you have children. I’d worry there was something wrong with you if you did.’ I remind myself of that when it starts to get to me. I’d rather spend time with my kids than constantly maintaining my house.”

Not finding the humor First time mom Rae Ann says, “We were headed to dinner with friends and intended to feed expressed milk from a bottle before we went into the restaurant.

Before leaving home, I grabbed the bottle and what I thought was a nipple and lid already assembled. When we went to feed her, there was no nipple on the bottle—just a lid! Needless to say, we made our way to the nearest Wal-Mart and were late to dinner. Whoops!”

Kristin, a Gardner mom of three, says, “I always had the baby bag packed with EVERYTHING imaginable, even things we never used at home but for some reason might find a sudden use for on the road.

Finally, after not the first or second time, but the third time I got peed on, I decided to unload some of the crazy, useless things and pack an extra shirt for myself!”

Ashley Walburn, mom of four boys and owner of hOMe holistic sums things up:

“We all make mistakes, every single day. Mothering is an experiment. We try something and if it feels right, we keep doing it...otherwise, we change it.

When we take care of ourselves, we feel like ourselves and can respond to our babies and be guided by our instincts.

When mothers read everything and parent from an information overload, they often regret their decisions, as they are someone else’s wisdom instead of their own. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn and evolve as a mother. When we make a ‘mistake’ and grow from it, it allows our children to do the same.”

We asked KCParent.com readers, confession time! What new mom mistake are you guilty of committing?

12% 38%

Julie Collett writes from Overland Park where she continues to learn from the many mistakes she makes with her three children, ages 4, 2 and 1…even though she’s not a “new mom” anymore!

50%

Forgetting to pack extra wipes/diapers/ outfit in the diaper bag.

Not asking for help when needed.

Buying WAY too many clothes, diapers, bibs, etc.

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21

complete?

v

–

W

e are pretty sure our family is complete after our third baby is done cooking. My husband was pretty certain we were done with two, and I had to convince him for a third. But how do you know that you are done having children? I love babies and would love to continue, but as my husband likes to remind me, “Liking babies is not a good reason to create more people.” Don’t get me wrong, I love my children at all ages and stages, but babies hold a special place in my heart, and it definitely saddens me to think about having our last baby. I don’t think I was prepared for this phase of my life to be over already.

This is a big decision that each family decides to make or, in some cases, intentionally decides not to make. With any family, there are many factors in family planning. Faith can definitely be an issue, as well as any health issues. Family finances, your spouse’s and/or extended family’s opinions, and the gender of your children can play a large role in this decision as well.

Health wise, a woman’s fertility begins to decrease at age 32 years, and the decline accelerates after 37 years, according to TheAmericanCollegeofObstetriciansandGynecology.org. The overall health of the parents-to-be is a definite contributing factor in creating and caring for a new life for the next 18 years. Mothers

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who have experienced any trauma from past births or multiple C-sections may be advised not to have any more children due to increased risk to the mother and the future baby’s overall health.

Raising children is not the cheapest thing to accomplish either.

With more children comes more financial responsibility. Your own sibling dynamic can help shape how you view family as well. If you grew up with one sibling yet your spouse grew up with four, there is bound to be a difference in how many children you expected your own family to have. Extended family may think so too. In our case, we both grew up with one sibling, so to have three children is not the norm. Add the fact that we already have the token girl and boy—why in the world would we have another? Everyone, strangers included, presumed we were done having babies because of this subtle gender rule, but I understand. If we would have had two of the same gender first, it probably would have made the decision to have a third more reasonable. That being said, the assumption of “trying for that girl or boy” is a little tired. Many couples are content with the cards they’ve been dealt. Both genders are treasures after all.

As children grow, they gain more independence, which leaves more room for parents to focus on their own dreams and goals

i don’t think i was prepared for that phase of my life to be over already.

+ + ? apart from parenting. Adding a new baby after some time off from the babyhood stage usually means setting your interests on the back burner for a while. As much fun as it is to look forward to a new season of life with more independent kids and more personal free time, I think I will always experience “the ache” Sarah Bessey describes in her article at SarahBessey.com.

I’m sure we’ve all been there (and probably innocently asked) the over-asked and usually unsolicited question of “Are you going to have any more children?” It can be an innocent enough question to make small talk with, but we should all be reminded of some unspoken sensitive matters. Perhaps the couple is experiencing heartbreaking miscarriages or infertility issues, or had an extremely colicky or sick baby the first time around and is reluctant to relive that experience. As a mother, I’m generally interested in whether and how other mothers know. I want to know how others know.

Abby Vanden Hull, Olathe mother of two, responds, “I can’t imagine knowing. After having one child in high school and giving her up for adoption, I know that there are many children out there who need a home, so after we stop having biological children, then we are hoping to adopt to give other kids a home.” Overland Park mother of two Amy Seibert adds, “My husband and I have always

agreed on two biological children. It’s just been the best choice for us, so it was easy to know after our second that we were done. That being said, I would love to adopt a child from the foster care system should our situation allow for that when we become ready. There are so many awesome kids in this world looking to be a part of a family!”

A few other local moms do feel more closure to their decision to move past the babyhood season. They shed light on some unofficial “tests” that can help with your own decision. When asked how she knew she was done having babies, Jennifer Farrell, Overland Park mother of two, simply says, “When I turned 40.” Jennifer Gentry, Overland Park mother of three, says, “Well, I can’t say I am for sure I know our family is done but think the reason I believe we are is I can snuggle a brand new baby and love on him without immediately wanting that for myself! And I get excited about putting some baby stuff away instead of feeling sad when I do!”

“After two children, I felt like I would always wonder, ‘what if?’ had we not had a third. Now that the third baby is here, I absolutely feel closure and that our family is complete. I know that I couldn’t be the mom I want to be if I added more to this already crazy life. I am enjoying my last baby moments and looking forward to leaving the baby stage behind while doing things that were once difficult when I had a baby’s schedule to follow. I am also enjoying getting rid of the baby items once we outgrow them. Done, done, done! Wahoo!” comments Julie Keller, Olathe mother of three.

Heather Foil, Overland Park mother of three, says, “For me I was asking Dan for another baby within 30 minutes of having Dane, and my husband wanted to know what kind of drugs I was on. I continued to ask and ask. And then one day I was overwhelmed and I felt God was speaking to me that three was enough, two of my own and my stepson. And ever since, I knew it would be Foil Family of Five and we were okay with that.”

These little “tests” have been evident in my journey toward this decision as well. After our second baby became a toddler, volunteering in our church nursery was not enjoyable because I still had that longing for my own baby in my arms. Someday I hope to return to happily holding babies without that yearning for my own.

Another test that I am currently facing is the “Great Baby Purge.” I know it’s probably a matter of time or just sucking it up and doing it, but parting with all the baby clothes and gear we’ve used over the last five years is still sad for me. I would love the extra storage gained but that is committing to the decision to move past this stage.

For now I will focus on new goals for our family and for myself and count my many blessings. I will try to be present in the now and focus on contentment. But who really knows? Crazy things happen.

Miracles happen. Adoptions and fostering happen. And maybe, just maybe, after this new blessing emerges, I will simply know.

Stephanie Loux writes from her home in Olathe and is anxiously awaiting her third baby to add to big siblings Layla, 4, and Mason, 3.

kcparent.com july-sept 2015

23

congratulations!

You will be welcoming a little bundle of joy into your household! A million things are running through your mind: What will he look like?

What will we name him? How will our lives be different? I can’t answer any of these questions for you, but here are a few financial planning topics to keep on your radar:

insurance: Now that someone depends on you for his full financial and emotional support, you need to make sure he is protected in case you are no longer around.

The idea behind life insurance at this stage is to replace your income and allow your family members to maintain their standard of living. You’ll need to consider the cost of final expenses, like burial and funeral costs, paying off your mortgage and other debts and pre-funding goals like paying for education expenses. Also, if you don’t have disability insurance, now’s the time to explore your options. If you are sick or injured and cannot work, how will you replace your income? Many employers offer disability policies for their employees for a small contribution per paycheck. You also could obtain coverage through an independent agent.

You have a lot of big expenses to plan for on the front end. You’ll need to equip your house with new furniture like a crib, changing table, rocking chair and maybe a dresser for the baby’s clothing. You also will need a car seat (which likely comes with multiple attachments) and possibly other items like a stroller, bouncer seat, swing and high chair. Make a list of all of the more expensive baby items that you need and want. Is there anything you can borrow from someone else? Check the selection at local consignment shops. Split large purchases up among the months you have remaining in your pregnancy, so your cash flow doesn’t take a big hit all at once.

You will receive a lot of great gifts from friends and family, but in my experience, these gifts tend to be blankets, cute outfits and toys, not the expensive items on your registry. For items you will be purchasing on a regular basis (diapers, wipes, formula, baby food), look into “subscribe and save” options on sites like Amazon Prime. Items will be delivered straight to your doorstep, saving you a trip to the store, and these merchants usually give a discount for recurring orders.

and then there were three….

financial planning concerns for new parents

estate planning: This part is pretty straightforward. If you don’t have a will, you need one. If you are incapacitated or no longer around, whom would you want to take care of your little one? Naming a guardian is one of the most important aspects of your estate plan when you have minor dependents. That is one thing you do not want to leave up to the court system to decide.

budget items: The things you spend money on are likely to change dramatically.

Eating at nice restaurants, nights out with the guys or girls and elaborate vacations may be replaced with diapers, daycare and college fund contributions. The money you used to spend on nice purses, shoes and outfits will now go to diaper bags, car seat accessories and outfits for someone whose size changes on a monthly basis.

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education planning: Have you ever heard the saying “A dollar today is worth more than a dollar tomorrow”? If you want to foot the bill for your child’s college education, the sooner you start planning, the better. When your child is an infant, you have the time value of money on your side. The older he gets, the less time these funds have to grow. Get in the habit now of putting away a certain amount every month to help pay for this goal. Encourage grandparents, friends and family to contribute to this fund for holidays and birthday gifts instead of adding to the piles of toys you are already accumulating.

welcome to parenthood!

Jamie Bosse, CFP®, RFC, is a financial planner at KHC Wealth Management. Jamie loves to write, travel, barbecue, watch the Kansas State Wildcats win football games and spend time with her husband, son and pet corgi.

realmomreviews chamomile and ylang ylang that help relax my kids even at the start of the bedtime routine!

From $6, Walmart.com

Don Quixote – A BabyLit Spanish Primer Babylit consistently offers unique ways to engage the youngest readers in learning through classic literature. Their latest release features bold, jewel-toned illustrations and many Spanish words to add to Baby’s vocabulary. There are some you may expect— man, horse, friend—and a few that are surprising— armor, windmills and goat!

My kids ask to read Babylit titles all the time. $9.99, BabyLit.com

regimen that he put together for his wife during her pregnancy. You’ll find the top 10 foods to boost fertility, recipes to help with morning sickness and more in this title! $18.95, Amazon.com

Baby’s Handprint in a Tin I wish someone had gifted me this kit when my kids were newborns! This round tin contains all the supplies needed to make an impression of Baby’s hand in soft air-hardening clay (included). It makes a great baby shower gift, because as much as most parents would love to have one of these, who’s really going to be running out to the craft store with a new baby to gather supplies? $29.99, Seedling.com

Bumbo Multi Seat The ultimate three-stage seat, this new version of the Bumbo can be used as soon as Baby can sit without help, and it grows right along with him until toddlerhood! Features a three-point harness and can be used as a floor seat or for feeding. The tray can be stored on the back of the seat—which is awesome, because my previous high chair tray never really had a good storage spot! $49, Target.com

Mommy’s Bliss Sweet Slumber Bath Products My kids react to bath products that contain chemicals, so I am always on the lookout for more natural options.

The Mommy’s Bliss line is a current favorite in our home. They offer a threestep product solution to make bedtime as easy as possible and are parabenand sulfate-free. I love the soothing lavender,

little cough or sniffle. Kids Relief offers options for allergies, teething, cough and cold, colic and more— and because they are homeopathic, they won’t interact with medication if you do make the decision to reach for the ibuprofen.

From $10, Amazon.com

Clean & Lean Pregnancy Guide

by James Duigan James Duigan is a fitness guru, trainer and owner of the elite health club Bodyism, and he’s also now a dad! This book features the nutrition, fitness and well-being pregnancy

Kids Relief Homeopathic Remedies While I do keep a stash of fever reducers and other medicines in our home, I’m not the mom to rush straight to those at every

Nourish by Belibea Maternity/Nursing Bra After nursing babies for more than four years of my life, let me tell you that a quality bra is a MUST. This new design combines the best of traditional maternity bras with improved fit, as well as provides the option to wear while nursing or pumping (hands-free!).

And—bonus—it’s actually really comfortable. $49.95, Belibea.com

Julie McKinley is a stay-athome mom of a 4-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.

kcparent.com july-sept 2015

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Where the Wild Things Are : Camping with Babies and Toddlers 26

kcparent.com july-sept 2015

n the summer, campgrounds are crawling (sometimes literally) with babies, toddlers and young families.

But many new parents may hesitate to head into the wild, as they wonder whether camping with a tot will be safe, enjoyable or worth the hassle.

Don’t abandon your dreams of an alfresco vacation quite yet—camping with a baby may be easier than you think.

“Camping is easiest when they’re small and portable. You just put them in a carrier and go!” says Sandra Kimmet, a mom of three. But whether you pack your new baby and related gear in the family car for an outdoor adventure this summer—or sit it out for a few seasons—depends on your level of experience with both camping and parenting.

“New parents may not be ready to take their newborn to the grocery store, much less to the outback,” says Dr. Michelle Terry, M.D., a pediatrician with Seattle Children’s Hospital. But veteran parents, particularly those with camping experience, may have no problems executing a quick campground or backpacking getaway. Here’s how to plan a memorable camping trip with your new plus-one.

Stay Warm

Nighttime temperatures at state and national parks can dip into the 40s, even at the height of summer. Because babies lose heat more quickly than older children and adults, your little one will need some help staying cozy at night.

“Below 50 degrees, or 60 degrees in wet, windy weather, body temperature can drop if babies are wearing inadequate clothing,” says Dr. Terry. Keep babies and young

Packing List : Essentials for Camping with a Baby 4 Baby carrier 4 Play yard or portable bassinet 4 Warm clothing, socks and hat for sleeping 4 Rain gear 4 Sun hat 4 Diapers, wipes and changing pad 4 Safety pins (to keep inquisitive toddlers from opening the tent door at night)

4 Garbage bags 4 Hand sanitizer 4 Simple toys 4 Feeding supplies 4 Flashlights and extra batteries 4 Insect repellent (for babies older than two months) 4 Camera with extra battery

toddlers warm at night with several layers of clothing (preferably fleece or wool), thick socks and a hat for sleeping. In especially chilly climes, be watchful for cool, clammy skin, which indicates that a baby needs an extra layer or two. Early symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, cold, pale or blue-gray skin and decreased alertness.

the tent zippers together. “The bottom line is that babies and toddlers need constant supervision, Dr. Terry says. “Accidents happen when everyone is watching the baby and no one is watching the baby, all at the same time.”

Stay Safe

Stay Busy

Surrounded by lush greenery and towering trees, many campsites look idyllic—but they’re home to plenty of hazards for very young campers. Before pitching your tent, inspect the campground for sharp rocks, matches, sharp sticks, knives or garbage left by previous campers. “Be on the lookout for potential choking hazards. Debris could easily make its way into curious hands or mouths,” Dr. Terry advises.

Watch out for plants that could irritate (hello, poison ivy) or sicken children, like St. John’s wort, poppies or philodendron.

High altitude is another concern—don’t take babies under six months old above 2,500 feet too rapidly. “It will be cold, and the baby may have trouble breathing,” Dr. Terry says.

Use a portable play yard to safely contain a little one while you start a campfire or cook dinner, and keep active little ones safely inside the tent at night by safety-pinning

Don’t plan on sticking around the campsite; a bored toddler is bound to develop an unsafe fascination with the fire pit or garbage bag. When camping with little ones, staying active keeps everyone cheerful and—added bonus—helps tire kids out for bedtime. Dad Brian Mark has camped with his kids, Lola, 4, and Aksel, 2, since they were babies. “Walk them around as much as possible,” he says. “Take kids to look for firewood, and let toddlers collect smooth rocks or bundles of sticks.”

The good news: Kids under 2 don’t need much stimulation to stay happy. Most will be thrilled to simply wander the campground (with Mom or Dad close at hand), admiring the scenery and making friends with other campers. Comb local beaches, visit landmarks and don’t be afraid to drive to the nearest town for a meal or a cup of hot cocoa or coffee—a camping trip with a baby is not the time to rough it, notes Dr. Terry. More adventurous families can check in with the ranger’s station for a map of local hiking trails.

Stay Happy

When camping with tots, don’t sweat the small stuff, advises Georgiann Derieg, a mom of seven. “When we camp, I dress kids in clothes destined for the Goodwill pile so I don’t need to worry about dirt, stains or rips.”

The outcome of your trip may be determined before you leave the driveway.

Often, the difference between a great tip and a forgettable one is what you pack. Tricycles, baby carriers, simple toys, trash bags, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, extra diapers, flashlights and batteries are must-haves. (Derieg keeps extra flashlights around the tent and one under her pillow at night to handle middle-of-the-night parenting duties.)

“Don’t forget to bring a portable play pen, a standing seat or a back carrier so that babies can check things out safely,” says Dr. Terry. And, of course, pack your fullycharged camera, so decades from now you can pull out pictures that prove your child was camping before he could walk.

Malia Jacobson is an award-winning health and parenting journalist and mom of three. kcparent.com july-sept 2015

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bringing summer reading to life for little ones Tip: Search “Bibliophile” on KCParent.com for a guide to the best children’s bookstores in the area!

O

ne of the best gifts a parent can give a child is a lifelong love for books. Reading to infants, toddlers and preschoolers not only helps them develop the building blocks for reading, but also opens their imagination to new worlds.

This summer, add to the fun of favorite books with great outings.

Burr Oak Woods Nature Center

The Frog & Toad book series by Arnold Lobel is a popular early reading series enjoyed by generations of children. The simple stories capture the essence of friendship and fun. Celebrate the classic story this summer with these fun outings:

A Year with Frog & Toad , showing June 16-Aug. 20 at the Coterie (TheCoterie.org).

The childhood favorite comes to life this summer on Coterie’s stage in a funny new

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Coterie Theatre musical. This Tony-nominated production tells the tale of friendship. The much-loved happy-go-lucky Frog and the sullen Toad experience a full year of fun with charming jazzy songs reminiscent of the 1920s. This is a delightful new musical for the entire family, and Coterie promises to bring its own brand of creativity and charm to the stage.

(1401 NW Park Rd., Blue Springs, MO, 816.228.3766) is home to many frogs, toads and other native Missouri animals.

The nature center offers great hands-on exhibits for young children to learn more about animals and their natural habitats.

They even offer pond life classes through the summer for children to discover more about frogs and toads. To learn more about amphibians native to the areas, visit MDC. MO.gov/discover-nature/common-plantsand-animals/amphibians-and-reptiles/ toads-and-frogs.

The Rainbow Fish book series by Marcus Pfister is a must for a toddler’s book collection. The colorful stories teach the value of friendship, sharing and caring about others

with vibrant under-the-sea colors and illustrations. Embark on an underwaterinspired excursion with these outings: Meet sea animals face to face at Sea Life Aquarium (2475 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 816.471.4386, VisitSeaLife.com/ Kansas-City/), a favorite local attraction taking guests under the sea on a 2- to 3-hour journey from the fresh waters of the Missouri River, into the mighty Mississippi River, then out into the warm, blue, coralstrewn waters of the Caribbean Sea, ending in the deep, dark abyss of the Atlantic Ocean. Come nose to nose with sharks and enjoy astonishingly close views of everything from starfish and sea horses to graceful rays. A favorite is the tropical ocean tank with a walk-through underwater tunnel.

The Kansas City Northern Railroad (KCNRR.com) offers open air train rides on a half mile of track for just 50 cents on weekends through September! The trains include one of the original Kansas City Zoo trains, a Manhattan Zoo train and a New York Zoo train. A highlight of the ride is a trip through the tunnel.

Kansas City Zoo Train (KansasCityZoo.

Powell Gardens Powell Gardens (1609 NW U.S. Hwy. 50, Kingsville, MO, 816.697.2600, PowellGardens.org/butterfly) is showcasing the “Nature Connects 2” this summer with giant Lego sculptures throughout the gardens, including a giant monarch! With acres of gardens to explore, this is always a great summer outing. You’ll see many butterflies when you visit, but the prime time to see the most in the region is the annual Festival of Butterflies (July 31-Aug. 2 and Aug. 7-9, 9:00-6:00 each day).

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead (13800 Switzer Rd., Overland Park, KS, 913.897.2360, OPKansas.org; FREE Mon.Thu., $2/each Fri.-Sun.) is home to a variety of animals, but one of our favorite features is the butterfly garden, which includes wonderful “photo ops” for the kids who want to look like a butterfly or caterpillar.

Cabela’s Bass Pro Shops (BassPro.com) in Independence and Olathe and Cabela’s (Cabelas.com) in Kansas City, KS, feature large fish tanks displaying native fish and turtles. Children love seeing the aquatic creatures up close and personal.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

by Eric Carle delights children as you read it over and over again. Carle’s illustrations are imaginative and captivating for toddlers.

See real caterpillars and butterflies on these outings:

The Little Engine That Could by Watty

Piper is a classic tale of perseverance and confidence. What a confidence boost to young children to “think they can, think they can, think they can!” Take a ride on the rails at these local attractions:

The Belton, Grandview and Kansas City Railroad Co. (BeltonRailroad.org) is a short line passenger railroad and demonstration museum. The BG&KC offers excursions running south from Belton on a 5-mile, 45-minute round-trip. Special events include hot dog, ice cream and pumpkin train rides.

org). The zoo features an open air large scale train. A highlight of the ride is a trip through the tunnel. Tip: Buy a gold or platinum FOTZ membership and enjoy free rides all year!

Kansas City Zoo Train Midland Railway (Midland-Ry.org) in Baldwin City, KS, operates excursion trains on a line originally constructed in 1867. Train rides feature a more than 20-mile round-trip from Baldwin City via “Norwood, KS” to Ottawa Junction, KS, traveling through scenic Eastern Kansas farmland and woods via vintage railway equipment. The Midland features special events: Easter egg hunt train, day out with Thomas the Train, Maple Leaf Festival, Halloween trains and rides with Santa.

Trains deliver your lunch at Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant (FritzsKC.com)! This casual restaurant is one your children will not forget! Model trains travel around the perimeter of the restaurant delivering burgers and fries to your table. Little engineers love the train decor and delight in the novelty.

Kristina Light, a self-confessed library-aholic, loves to share books with her daughters, and adding a field trip to the reading adventure makes it even sweeter!

kcparent.com july-sept 2015

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

SUMMER 2015 CALENDAR

playdates WEEKLY

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

Pay-for-Play Mon-Fri, 10:00-5:00, Rainbow Play Systems (Olathe).

Enjoy indoor play on Rainbow’s play equipment. $4/child. 913.780.6500

KidScape Mon-Sat, 10:00-4:30, Johnson County Museum. Hands-on exhibit immerses young children in a colorful, exciting environment. 913.715.2552 Power Hour 1:00-3:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Special $5 admission from 1:00 to 3:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays.

913.631.7000

Toddler Takeover Mon, Wed & Fri 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

Tuesday Readers – 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!

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

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

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SUMMER 2015 CALENDAR

did you know?

Kansas City has many FREE spraygrounds (water playgrounds) where kids can run and play through sprinklers and sprays on a safe surface. Visit KCParent.com to find a complete list of local spraygrounds.

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead

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

Story Time for Babies 9:30-10:00,

Story Time for Babies 9:15-9:45, Lee’s

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

913.888.6668

Bumper Bowling 10:00, Mission Bowl ‘n

9:00-8:00, Free admission at the farmstead Monday thru Thursday, and it is open late on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Enjoy live farm animals and outdoor fun.

913.895.6390

Summit Branch MCPL. Designed to instill a foundation for early literacy through play and one-on-one interaction.

MyMCPL.org/events

Pay-to-Play 10:00-6:00, Backyard

Specialists. Plan a play date with 17 play sets to enjoy, picnic tables and fun for little ones. $2/child.

Tots on Tuesday Third Tue 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

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

Baby Bounce Story Time 9:30, Plaza Branch. Bring your infant (newborn to 18 months) for a fun story time every Wednesday. 816.701.3481 Story Time 10:00, Barnes & Noble (Town Center). Free story time for little ones.

913.491.4535

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

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

Café. Paint pottery and enjoy a story. $9.50/child. 913.383.0222

Pop ‘n Play Alternating Wednesdays, 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,

Pay-to-Play 10:00-5:00, Backyard Specialists. Plan a play date with 17 play sets to enjoy, picnic tables and fun for little ones. $2/child.

Nature Story Time 10:00 & 11:00,

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

816.325.7115

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead

Friday

Popsicles in the Park 6:30-8:00,

Wednesday

Olathe. Moms and tots enjoy bowling.

Cost: $3/ea includes one game, shoes and small drink. 913.432.7000

9:00-8:00. Free admission at the farmstead Monday thru Thursday, and open late on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Enjoy live farm animals and outdoor fun.

913.895.6390

Creative Story Time 11:00, Ceramic

Independence Parks & Rec. FREE live performances and Popsicles. A new park and performer each week; see ci.Independence.mo.us/calendar for information.

Boardwalk Branch MCPL. Designed to instill a foundation for early literacy through play and one-on-one interaction. MyMCPL.org/events

Thursday Story Time for Babies 9:15-10:00, Liberty

Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Café. Paint pottery and enjoy a story. $9.50/child. 913.383.0222

Branch MCPL. Designed to instill a foundation for early literacy through play and one-on-one interaction.

MyMCPL.org/events

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 for Babies 9:30-10:00, Raytown Branch MCPL. Designed to build early literacy through play and oneon-one interaction. MyMCPL.org/events

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 july-sept 2015

31

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

SUMMER 2015 CALENDAR

parents night out

Wichita Grand Opera Turandot, Aug. 30 at Yardley Hall

FREE Summer Movies Wednesdays at 7:00, Yardley Hall, JCCC.edu/ performing-arts-series/. June 17: Funny Lady; June 24: Kismet; July 8: Out of Africa; July 15, Hunt for Red October.

No tickets or reservations required.

Free Music Performances Saturdays & Sundays, Stone Pillar Vineyard & Winery, StonePillarVineyard.com. Bring a picnic, sample wines and enjoy free live music and the beauty of the vineyards at Stone Pillar.

First Fridays in the Crossroads First Friday of every month, Crossroads Arts District, KCCrossroads.org/first-fridays/.

Enjoy the city’s liveliest and most popular event. Arts organizations, galleries, studios and a wide variety of local

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businesses feature regional and national artists, as well as live entertainment starting at 5:00. Best explored on foot, the First Friday tradition continues to grow with up to 10,000 attendees. Most make it an evening, with dinner and drinks from a colorful array of restaurants and entertainment venues.

King Lear June 6-July 5, Shakespeare in the Park, Southmoreland Park, KCShakes.org. This summer, the festival produces King Lear, with John Rensenhouse in the title role.

Performances for the deaf and hearing challenged will be Tuesday, June 23, and Sunday, June 28. The show plays Tuesday-Sunday evenings; gates open for seating at 6:00 and showtime is 8:00 nightly. Enjoy a pre-

show Shakespearean festival and performances. Bring a picnic and blanket. This year’s production is the second time Shakespeare in the Park has presented this epic tragedy; the first was in 2000, the company’s eighth season.

Ferran Adrià: Notes on Creativity Exhibit thru Aug. 2, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Nelson-Atkins.org.

Spanish master chef Ferran Adrià consistently employs visualization and drawing as tools in the formation of his innovative cookery and overall creativity. “Notes on Creativity” is the first major art exhibition for Ferran Adrià, emphasizing the role of drawing, language and symbol in his quest for new gustatory experiences.

Ethnic Enrichment Festival Aug. 21-23, Swope Park, KCParks.org. Friday: 6:0010:00; Saturday: Noon-10:00; Sunday: Noon-6:00. Admission: $3/adults, free/12 & under. Free parking. Feel the world beat in the heart of America. This event is one of the largest festivals of its kind in the nation and features more than 60 different cultures selling their native foods and crafts and performing ethnic music and dances.

Cirque Éloize’s ninth creation, iD is a blend of circus acts and urban dance.

The scene is set in the heart of a city, in a public space where people seek refuge, shed their anonymity, forge an identity and express individuality. Fifteen performers from 13 disciplines create iD’s entertaining and resolutely urban universe.

unforgettable experiences from their 300 feet of elevation change—almost unheard of in the state of Kansas! From the highest point at the park you enter the 65-foot tower where you can see for miles. Enjoy views of downtown Kansas City, the flowing Kansas River and Lawrence on your zip line adventure.

A Night of Painting Visit a paint-your-

Aug. 30, 3:00, Yardley Hall (JCCC), JCCC.edu/theseries. Turnandot, Puccini’s final opera, is set in China’s Imperial City and tells the legendary tale of an icy princess who declares her suitors must answer three riddles to win her hand, but the penalty for failure is death. The tenor’s heart-stopping aria, “Nessun dorma”, was made famous by Luciano Pavarotti and became one of the most successful pop crossover hits ever. Preshow talk at 2:00.

Don Giovanni Sept. 26-Oct. 4, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, KCOpera.org. Snap-brim fedoras, trench coats and dimly lit speakeasies set the stage for legendary libertine Don Giovanni and his comic sidekick Leporello. Seville has been replaced by the mean streets of the big city as dark shadows hide mistaken identities while intrigue and revenge abound.

Mozart’s music is evocative and glorious as the Don romances and then discards his conquests. He finally meets his end at the cold hand of destiny in this beautifully reimagined masterpiece.

Cirque Eloize iD Sept. 8-13, Starlight

Zip Line at Adventure Zip KC

Theatre, KCStarlight.com. Director Jeannot Painchaud presents a show crackling with daring and modernity.

12829 Loring Rd., Bonner Springs, KS, 913.302.8881, AdventureZipKC.com.

The brand new 143-acre facility offers

Wichita Grand Opera Turandot

own canvas shop at various locations (search “Creative Canvas Shops” on KCParent.com for a complete guide).

BYOB painting classes and studios have been popping up around town offering the perfect chance to get those creative juices flowing and do something out of the ordinary! Check shop calendars for a variety of canvas paintings and select an evening to learn how to complete your own masterpiece.

ComedyCity Friday & Saturday evenings, ComedyCity, ComedyCity. cc. Enjoy live improv comedy shows created with suggestions from the audience, making for laugh-out-loud sketches.

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Fri-Sun, July 31 - Aug. 2 TAX FREE WEEKEND

Shop and save your state’s sales taxes Fri thru Sun.* Includes our Olathe, KS store TOO!

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MO state sales tax holiday rules apply.

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Sat, August 8 DENIM DAY

Shop early for your best selection of jeans, jackets, bibs. All Denim at Children’s Orchard resale prices.*

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2-Day BACK TO SCHOOL SALE

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Buy 2 get 1 free on regular priced resale clothing. Free items must be equal to or less than purchased items.*

Sat, September 12 HALLOWEEN THRILLER

Our selection of costumes is thrilling & wait ‘til you see our low prices!*

LEE’S SUMMIT • 1551 NE Douglas St. • 816-524-7303 BLUE SPRINGS • 1722 S. 7 HWY. • 816-224-0887

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

kcparent.com july-sept 2015

33

bellylaughs

“Cooking breakfast lunch and dinner!”

– Amy

We asked KC Parent’s 17,800+ Facebook Fans:

Fess, up! What parenting responsibility would you secretly like to pawn off?

Kerri: Potty training or laundry, but probably laundry since it lasts longer... Well, our potty training is taking forEVer, so it might last the same amount.

Beth: Teaching a teenager to drive!! Cleaning up human waste is not nearly as scary as putting your life and theirs in their hands!

Megan: Waking up all night long.

Crystal: Cleaning up after the kids.

Shilo: Laundry and all floor care. Sweeping, mopping and vacuuming just aren’t my thing.

Rose: Someone please teach my child and others that body language can also express disrespect...eye rolling, throwing hands up and walking away!

Ashley: High school math homework and teaching to drive are ranked at the top of my list!

Amy: Cooking breakfast, lunch and dinner!

Nubia: Taking her to school! God, let me sleep in!

Samantha: Getting up early.

Margaret: Teaching the birds and the bees business.

Elizabeth: Playing Barbies with my daughter!

Jenny: Bath time! It’s always a struggle, and I end up soaked.

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kcparent.com july-sept 2015

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

KCParent.com, changed daily

Also, check out the calendar of events for TONS of great activities for little ones all over KC!

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

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK kcparent.com july-sept 2015

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L EXP

ORE

KANSAS CITY ZOO Watch Polar

Bears Flip and

Splash at Polar Bear Passage,

New

Orangutan Canopy

N OW O P E N !

Penguins Waddle and dive at

Helzberg Penguin Plaza and much, much more!

OPEN DAILY

2015 FOTZ Memberships NOW AVAILABLE!

Always a New Adventure! 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.