KC Baby Winter 2013

FREE Jan-March 2013 KCParent.com serving kansas city since 2002

everything

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cravings kansas city

real

mom reviews

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ways to share: “I’m expecting!”

look!

We’ve given KC Baby Magazine a facelift — enjoy its new sleek, modern look with a huge focus on expectant MOMS! kcparent.com jan-march 2013

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physicians

lee’s

summit

group

Lee’s Summit Physicians 1425 N.W. Blue Parkway Lee’s Summit, Missouri 816.524.5600 LSPhysicians.com Raintree Pediatrics 821 SW Lemans Lane New address effective Feb. 1 995 SW 34th St. Lee’s Summit, Missouri 816.525.4700 Raintree-Pediatrics.com Sallie L. Veenstra, MD

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

Barbara S. Trites, MD Lisa B. Fletcher, MD Deann E. DeWitt, MD Allison C. Henschel, MD Sarah J. Gladstone, MD Bryan L. Phillips, MD

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

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Sat-Sun 8-11 am (Weekend hours available at Blue Parkway office) Scheduled appointments Mon - Fri 10-12 pm & 1-4 pm Free Prenatal Consults Mon - Fri 10-12 pm & 1-4 pm kcparent.com

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jan-march 2013

Cindy Fieser, C-PNP Sarah Dedrick, C-PNP

trust.

Angela Stott, C-PNP

healthcare you can

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NEW & IMPROVED CALENDAR, PG. 26

pregnancy issue JAN-MARCH 2013

IN EVERY ISSUE 7 8 12 19 20 26 30

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

YOUR BABY

YOUR TODDLER

7 Old Wives’ Tales

14 Baby Signs

10 Confessions

8 Mobile Apps

18 After Baby Body

19 Real Mom Reviews

12 Is It Safe?

19 Real Mom Reviews

24 Winter Fun

16 Nurture Your Pregnancy

28 Parents’ Night Out

26 Playdates

YOUR PREGNANCY

19 Real Mom Reviews 20 Our Baby Story 22 1st Trimester Quiz

FREE Jan-March 2013 KCParent.com serving kansas city since 2002

23 Sharing the News 29 Pregnancy Resources 30 Food Cravings

everything

pregnancy

ON THE COVER Real Mom Reviews Share You’re Expecting Food Cravings

19 23 30

issue

the scoop on odd food

cravings kansas city

real

mom reviews

fun

ways to share: “I’m expecting!”

look!

We’ve given KC Baby Magazine a facelift — enjoy it’s new sleek, modern look with a huge focus on expectant MOMS! kcparent.com jan-march 2013

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1

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

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Information You Need to Protect Your Family Missouri’s new Immunization web site has all the information you need.

 Child Care / Preschool Requirements  Information for Parents, Guardians and Adults

 Immunization Schedules  School Requirements  Vaccines for Children Provider Locator  Vaccine Safety

For their sake. For your sake.

VACCINATE

health.mo.gov/immunizations Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services  Bureau of Immunization Assessment and Assurance  800.219.3224 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPOYER Services provided on a nondiscriminataory basis.

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editor’sletter JAN-MARCH 2013

Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com Art Director Lauren Goldman Lauren@KCParent.com Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Lynn Hawkins Advertising@KCParent.com

P

Win it!

Three lucky winners will win a $100 gift certificate to Your Baby Store.

Head to KCParent.com and click GIVEAWAYS. Hurry and enter today!

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kcparent.com jan-march 2013

regnancy. Is there really anything else like it? It’s an almost surreal nine months. From all of the changes your body goes through to the end result, no other experience compares. Whether you are sick for nine straight months or have a by-the-book pregnancy, being pregnant is certainly an important time in a woman’s life.

As you know, we’ve been celebrating the 10th anniversary of KC Baby throughout this past year. As we enter our 11th year, we’re making some exciting changes to the ONLY local magazine in the market for pregnant and new moms. Beginning with this issue, you’ll see significant changes to KC Baby. Not only has the magazine been redesigned for a sleeker, more modern look, but the editorial focus is shifting more towards the pregnant mom.

We’ve dubbed this issue the “Pregnancy Issue” and have everything for all of our pregnant readers. From an article on creative ways to share the news that you are expecting to a 1st trimester quiz and the best apps for pregnant moms, this issue offers info you’ll want to hold onto for the entire nine months.

You parents of babies and toddlers, never fear! We haven’t forgotten you: You’ll find articles dealing with these age groups, along with a redesigned calendar that will keep you and your little ones busy every day of the week.

We’ve had a lot of fun putting together this “debut” issue for you and hope you enjoy it as much as we have. As always, I’d love to hear your feedback on our new look, along with any suggestions you have for stories or topics you’d like us to cover on the pages of KC Baby.

Enjoy snuggling up with loved ones on these cold winter days, KC!

Margaret Sarver, Editor

Electronic Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Proofreader Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com Local Contributing Writers Julie Blanner, Leawood Jenny Chiles, Kansas City Jennifer Duxbury, Olathe Tisha Foley, Belton Lauren Greenlee, Olathe Sylvia Hall, Kansas City Stacey Hatton, Overland Park Brenda Hill, Overland Park Rebecca Ishum, Kansas City Kristina Light, Kansas City Hallie Sawyer, Overland Park

100% LOCAL

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

Kansas City Baby is published four times per year: 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.

OLD WIVES’ TALES...FACT OR FICTION?

T

here’s just something about pregnancy that brings out the old wives’ tales... all the little old tips, tricks and “sure signs” of what is happening from friends, family, acquaintances and even strangers... I thought it’d be fun to make a list and see how many turned out to be true and how many were false.

ALL NEW! FIND THE NEW PREGNANT MOM BLOGS AT KCPARENT.COM.

BY LOCAL PREGNANT MOMS, FOR LOCAL PREGNANT MOMS. JOIN THE CONVERSATION TODAY!

1) The Chinese Gender Prediction Chart. Apparently, if you calculate your age and due date, you can know the gender of the child in advance. For us? 3 out of 4 wrong.

2) Once you’re full term and have experienced the signs of labor, try the following to speed up or induce labor: • walking • spicy food • intimacy • nesting • exercise • watching stressful television or reading intense books Result: 4 out of 4 completely wrong (for the above items). Two children born

blogbits

five days after due date, one born 12 days after due date, and the fourth child two days early (big surprise—and we did nothing to try to make this happen)... all MORE than ready for weeks prior in all physical ways except actually arriving.

3) Ginger and peppermint are cures for morning sickness. Result: The smell of both make my stomach sick... haven’t gotten far enough to actually taste.

4) When you’re pregnant, you’ll have weird dreams. Result: I really haven’t, but my husband has had MANY weird dreams.

He calls them “empathy dreams.”

5) Morning sickness only lasts through the first trimester. Result: 4 for 4 of being sick all the way through and shortly after childbirth.

Soooo.... am I just an anomaly, or are all these old wives’ tales simply fiction? What have you learned from your experience?

Kansas City mom Kristina Light and other parents blog daily at KCParent.com.

Join the conversation today!

kcparent.com jan-march 2013

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babybytes

mobile apps for the

EXPECTANT mom

For expectant moms with a little one on the way, staying organized can be a challenge. On top of the symptoms and health considerations, there are doctor’s appointments to remember, supplies to buy, classes to take and arrangements to make. It’s also exciting to check in occasionally to see how your baby is developing and note when important milestones are reached. Here are a few helpful apps to ensure a smooth nine months for expectant moms and dads:

Fitness: Sculpt My Pregnancy ($3.99 on Apple) provides users with safe daily stretch and exercise recommendations to help moms stay active and prioritize physical fitness and healthy weight gain during pregnancy.

Baby Names: Long gone are the days of flipping through a baby name book!

Navigating choices has never been easier with apps like Baby Names (free on Android) and Baby Name Finder by SureBaby (free on Apple). Both apps feature databases with thousands of name options to explore, including the origin and meaning of each name.

Save your favorites to review later as decision time nears.

Pregnancy Trackers: My Pregnancy Today by Baby Center (free on Apple or Android) is a robust tracking app with weekly tips for parents and daily updates on how your little one is growing, as well as preparation checklists and a nutrition guide. Baby Center also offers an iPad app called Birth Class, a free labor and delivery course that parents can watch from the comfort of home. Pregnancy Tracker

by WhatToExpect.com (free on Apple) shares intel from the best-selling book right on your device.

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kcparent.com jan-march 2013

Organizers: Sprout ($3.99 on Apple) is a top-rated pregnancy app with not only a progress tracker, but also an organizer function that allows users to seamlessly input doctor’s appointments and other important engagements occurring over the 9-month stretch. The developer, Med ART Studios, also offers several apps that will come in handy once the baby arrives, including Baby Feeding Tracker ($2.99 on Apple) and Baby Diaper Tracker ($1.99 on Apple).

Time Contractions: One of the biggest questions for expectant moms is “ How will I know I’m in labor and when should I notify my doctor?”

Contraction Monitor Free (free on Apple) or Pregnancy Contraction Timer (free on Android) makes it easy for parents to use their device like a stopwatch to record contractions. The apps keep records of each contraction to show labor progress, which is helpful information to share with your doctor when the big day arrives.

Overland Park mom Brenda Hill knows a thing or two about apps in her role as Public Relations Manager, Kansas/ Missouri Region, for Verizon Wireless.

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If i’m playing with my kids, the bathrooms aren’t clean.

If I’m cleaning my bathrooms, my kids are eating processed food three times a day.

If I’m baking muffins and bagels for my family, my kids are entertaining themselves with VeggieTales.

TERRIBLE TWOS OR TERRIFIC TWOS? FIND OUT AT KCPARENT.COM.

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kcparent.com jan-march 2013

WEARY TODDLER MAMA

I

am one very weary toddler mama these days. I find myself struggling with an increasing level of discouragement that feeds off of the overwhelmed feelings that I daily try to push away. Don’t get me wrong, being a mama is everything I ever wanted to do. I wouldn’t trade it for the moon, but I did not sign up for this version of motherhood.

With toddler quadruplets running circles around me, repeatedly pulling books off of the shelf, throwing all of their unwanted food on the floor and generally being far too curious for their own good, many times, it feels like I’m in a losing battle.

Honestly, I just don’t feel like I’m cutting it in the mama department.

There is an impression that is given off in blogs, on Facebook and on the ever-addicting, always perfect Pinterest website. An impression of the perfect, pulled-together wife and mother.

Good grief. How do those wellmanicured mamas manage to raise kids,

run a house, keep a husband happy, work AND come up with those adorable, timeconsuming projects? It just about drives me insane, because I can’t do all of that.

Nothing and no one is ever clean (because inevitably, someone poops as soon as I start a project). When I do finally have a minute to relax once the kids are in bed for the evening, I have these amazing ideas and projects staring back at me from my computer screen.

I should start a garden to save us money.

I really should learn to sew so that I can make adorable pillowcase dresses for my girls.

I really, really should learn how to cook elaborate, whole foods-based meals that my family will love and, of course, use coupons to keep our grocery bill at $10 a week.

I really, really, really should start a learning curriculum with my children so that by the age of 2 they know the entire alphabet, can count to 20, make all of the animal noises, identify their shapes and colors and read three-letter words.

Yeah. Right.

Right now, I’m overwhelmed with life and all I should be doing and being. I find myself all too often quietly comparing myself to all of the successful mamas who manage to do everything while raising spectacular, smart, well-rounded children filled with homemade memories.

Where the heck does that leave me and my intense little group of toddlers?

As a quad mom, I’ve had people use words such as “impressed,” “amazing” or “super mom” when talking to me. They ask, “How do you do it all?” Those phrases always throw me off because I don’t do it all and barely manage to make it through the day. I do not have life all together over

Rebecca Ishum is a stay-at-homemom and blogger at ABeautifulRuckus.com where she chronicles the ups and downs of multiples, motherhood and marriage. It isn’t all pretty, but it’s a wonderful adventure!

Rebecca, her husband, Sean, and their toddler quadruplets live in Kansas City.

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...RIGHT BEFORE I TAKE A PICTURE OF A PROJECT, I SPEND 15 MINUTES PILING ALL THE RANDOM OBJECTS ON MY TABLE INTO ONE HEAP ON THE END. THEN I TAKE ABOUT 10 PHOTOS MAKING SURE MY PILE IS JUST OUT OF THE CAMERA FRAME AND DELETING ANY THAT SHOW CRUMBS. YOU KNOW, THE CRUMBS FROM DINNER TWO NIGHTS AGO.

here. Not even close.

But the truth is that many people keep in touch with me through social media, and many more only know me through my blog and FaceBook page. If someone is simply looking at us from the outside in, I do kind of look like I’ve got this figured out. Do you know why?

Because right before I take a picture of a project, I spend 15 minutes piling all the random objects on my table into one heap on the end. Then I take about 10 photos making sure my pile is just out of the camera frame and deleting any that show crumbs. You know, the crumbs from dinner two nights ago.

Right before a visitor comes over, I panic and either ask Sean to go wipe down the bathroom or I do. Oh, and sweep the stairs. And fold the kids’ pajamas that are still strewn all over the living room. And wipe down those pesky counters! I even try to change out of the gym shorts and t-shirts that have become my daily uniform and slap some makeup on my face.

When I feel like I just don’t cut it, I try to remind myself that all of those amazing mamas online only let me see what they want me to see....just like I only let people see what I want them to see.

Don’t believe a word (or picture) of it!

Those projects are awesome and certainly worth it! But I think that my kids will still have memories, even if I don’t make them pillowcase dresses or cook eggs on a hot sidewalk with them.

(Seriously, who wants to be outside if it’s really hot enough to cook an egg?!)

As I sit here and realize that toddlerhood is a whole other ballgame, I realize that I just simply do not have what it takes to mother them. My patience does have a limit, as does my energy. All I can do is choose to do the things that I feel benefit my family the most, and let the others slide. And in those moments when I feel tiny, unproductive, clueless and completely overrun by children (literally!), it would serve me well to remember that God knows what my children need even when I can’t be there to physically meet that need myself.

kcparent.com jan-march 2013

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nestingnuggets

during pregnancy: is it safe to...

The majority of pregnant women worry about something harming their baby in utero. What should I stay away from? Is this safe for my baby? Here are a few answers to the frequent questions asked by moms around Kansas City.

{paint} OMG! THINK YOU MAY BE PREGNANT? VISIT KCPARENT.COM TO SEE WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE COMING DAYS.

Jennifer O’Hara, pediatric nurse and mom, said her OB/GYN gave her “brochures that said not to paint, but I know many other women who paint every room in the house with Latex when they are in the nesting phase and they are okay.” However, it is recommended to avoid exposure to oil-based and lead paints. If you have someone else paint for you, keep the house well ventilated and don’t return until the air is clear.

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kcparent.com jan-march 2013

{smoke} As soon as a woman discovers she is pregnant, she should quit smoking. The risks to the fetus are preterm deliveries, miscarriages, low birth weight and poor lung function. Smoking cessation tips are available at LungUSA.org. According to the American Lung Association, “Do not allow smoking around your baby.

Secondhand smoke is especially harmful to young children, particularly those whose lungs are still developing.”

{use insect spray} It is toxic and isn’t good for anyone to inhale directly. You should wait twice the amount of recommended time before entering your house after fumigation.

Removing pests without sprays, by using traps or outdoor powders, is preferable.

{highlight your hair} {drink caffeine} The American Pregnancy Association (APA) states, “Moderate levels of caffeine have not been found to have a negative effect on pregnancy.

Avoiding caffeine is your safest course of action.” You should discuss amounts with your health care provider.

{use cleaning supplies} Proper ventilation is key. If you start to feel nauseous or light headed, or a headache starts, you need to leave the area and breathe in fresh air until you feel better. O’Hara says she was advised “to not be in confined spaces with bleach. Also, it’s dangerous for anyone to be around bleach combined with ammonia.” Baking soda and vinegar can be healthy substitutes.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says hair dyes are “probably safe to use during pregnancy” since minimal dye is absorbed through the skin. However, some providers ask pregnant women not to use permanent hair color.

{change the cat’s litter box} Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection found in some cat feces. Pregnant women shouldn’t change litter boxes and must be cautious working in outdoor gardens where cats may have left “surprises.” Toxoplasmosis in pregnant moms can be passed onto the fetus.

{consume alcohol} “Alcohol crosses the placenta to your baby. When you drink alcohol, so does your baby. There is no safe amount of alcohol to consume while you are pregnant,” recommends the APA.

{be in a hot tub} According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AGOG), becoming overheated in a hot tub is not recommended during pregnancy. The mother can pass out and overheating slows down uterine blood flow, stressing the baby.

If you are worried whether something will harm your baby, always lean to the “better safe than sorry” side. So until someone invents a magic eight ball that gives you the correct answers, it’s up to you and your medical provider to decide what’s best for you and baby.

Stacey Hatton, RN, is an Overland Park freelance writer and mother of two.

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Sign language can reduce frustration for both parents and babies by reducing tantrums and creating a bond between a parent and a child.

signing with b a I

t’s bedtime for your 9-month-old, and as you lay him down and kiss him good night, the crying begins. So does the process of elimination. Is it too dark, too cold/hot? Is he thirsty, afraid of something, missing his favorite blanket? This scenario is familiar to all parents and most likely has happened more than once. Could you imagine being able to take some of the guesswork out of parenting or being able to understand your baby’s needs instantly?

Baby sign language is a great way to open the communication and help bridge the gap with your preverbal baby. Think of signing with your baby as a sneak peak into his mind.

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b y BENEFITS OF SIGNING “The benefits of using sign language can be huge! It allows babies to communicate earlier, building vocabulary and comprehension skills,” Marci Inzer, a KC-area master Signing Time instructor, says. “Sign language can reduce frustration for both parents and babies by reducing tantrums and creating a bond between a parent and a child.”

BONDING Research also has found that parents who sign with their babies have a greater parental bond. The main key to signing is having fun. Tell stories, read books, use

flashcards, watch DVDs and sing songs using signs. You two will feel closer to one another when you are able to know what your child wants or is thinking, and Baby can understand you as well.

REDUCES FUSSINESS One of the main reasons for fussiness is babies’ inability to express their wants and needs to you verbally. They become angry, and the only way to get your attention is to cry. You are left wondering whether they are crying out in pain, from hunger or from being wet or tired. When you sign with your child, she will be able to give you one simple gesture letting you know what she wants.

DEVELOPMENT Teaching your child sign language will pave the road to successful and early development, and it equips tots with a powerful educational tool of early communication. “I always heard that if I taught my son how to sign that it would impair his speech development, but it did just the opposite. It turns out that he speaks more clearly than any other 2-year-

old I know,” says Meghan Bishop, Lee’s Summit. Sign language does not delay speech; it enhances the early development of speech. “Research has shown that ‘typical’ children who learn to sign as babies may have higher IQ scores, tend to be better adjusted socially, tend to read at an earlier age and it actually encourages verbal communication,” Inzer says.

GETTING STARTED You can introduce sign language as early as 6 months or as soon as your infant is making consistent eye contact with you and can focus on your hand motions.

A good way to tell whether your child is ready for sign language is if Baby is using general motions himself, such as “hi” and “bye.”

The keys to success in teaching your baby to sign are repetition and timing.

There are three times when you should perform the sign: before, during and after the event you are trying to communicate.

Remember to repeat, repeat and repeat.

Be mindful that your baby will sometimes come up with her own version of the sign because her fine motor skills

haven’t developed yet. Don’t dismiss what your baby is attempting to sign just because it’s not exactly the proper way.

Make sure you are signing where Baby can see you. You may have to adjust yourself so he gets a front row seat to the show, so to speak. If Baby is distracted, do not force the issue but try again when his attention is back on you.

Start out small with just a few signs, such as mommy, daddy, milk, all done or more. Sign consistently while using the item or pointing things out to Baby. “It amazed me how quickly our 7-month-old picked up sign language. We started out with “more” and “all done,” incorporating the signs every chance we could,” says Amy Vespa from Peculiar. ” If signing is consistent from the time you start, generally your child will be able to use her first sign within two months—which means a new window into your child’s mind!

Jennifer Duxbury is a SAHM from Olathe who enjoyed peeking into her toddler’s mind with sign language, which made the world a more pleasant place!

Basic Starter Signs: Mom • Dad • Milk • All done • More • Diaper

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NURTURE YOUR PREGNANCY get plenty of rest

Jolinda Mierny, Gardner, sums up how she nurtured her pregnancy: “Rest, rest and more rest!”

Elevated progesterone and a body working in overdrive make pregnant women drowsy at best and often downright exhausted, particularly during the first trimester.

Thankfully, energy levels tend to pick up during the second trimester, but getting plenty of rest is still important. Power naps and a good night’s sleep are best friends for a mom-to-be. Unfortunately, a growing belly and a baby who wants to party in the womb all night often make sleep elusive.

A warm bath before bed, breathing exercises and extra pillows to support your body may help.

Rest all you can now, because in a few months, that bundle of joy will keep you on your toes!

eat healthy

Veggies and calcium: good. Raw fish and alcohol: bad. You probably know you should eat healthy during pregnancy, but understanding which nutrients are especially important, and why, empowers you to make the best choices possible for

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you and your baby. Talk to your doctor for advice on which foods should have a starring role in your pregnancy diet.

Sometimes circumstances dictate our food choices during pregnancy. Mary Becker, Kansas City, MO, was diagnosed with gestational diabetes during her third pregnancy.

“I decided the last thing I wanted to do was to compromise my baby’s health, so I stuck to the diet religiously. I had to go through Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s with very limited carbs and no sweet desserts. There was no greater reward for following the diet than having a healthy baby boy!”

take prenatal vitamins

No matter how well a woman eats, most doctors agree that pregnant women need prenatal vitamins for an extra boost and to fill in any nutritional gaps.

Why prenatal rather than a regular multivitamin? Prenatal vitamins provide many vitamins and minerals, but folic acid, iron and calcium are especially important for moms-to-be and their growing babies.

Talk to your doctor about which prenatal vitamin she recommends. If your vitamin pill makes you nauseous, she may be able to recommend a chewable or liquid form.

educate yourself

Education equals power, and a woman with power has the ability to make informed decisions for herself and her baby.

Read all the pregnancy books you can and sign up for weekly newsletters through BabyCenter.com or other parenting/pregnancy websites. You can track the baby’s progress week to week, and as Mierny says, “It’s so much fun to visualize all the changes that are going on in that little oven!”

Visit the maternity ward and ask lots of questions. Familiarize yourself with birthing options, interview midwives, talk to new moms, attend birthing classes…whatever it takes for you to feel knowledgeable and informed about the journey you are on.

exercise

Belton mom Amber Hartenbower shares her favorite way to nurture herself when she was pregnant: “Walking! Walking was the best thing for my crazy, aching joints, not to mention all of the other benefits. Physical activity is absolutely one of the best things you can do for yourself and the baby.”

Talk to your doctor about your exercise plan, but generally, moderate physical activity is recommended during pregnancies that are not high risk.

have “me time”

“I don’t have time for ME!” you’re shrieking right now.

I hear you. Your to-do list is a mile long. But do you suppose you’ll have time for yourself those first few months after baby arrives?

That’s why you need to pamper yourself now. Have a pedicure, relax with a good book, engage in some retail therapy, whatever helps you escape for a bit.

No more excuses! Take some time for yourself while you still can.

your mental health care go to the doctor regularly Regular prenatal care, starting as soon as you even suspect you are pregnant, can help keep you and your baby healthy. According to the federal Office on Women’s Health, babies of mothers who do not get prenatal care are three times more likely to have a low birth weight and five times more likely to die than those born to mothers who do get care.

Doctors can diagnose and treat health problems early when they see their patients on a regular basis. They can also give advice on how to give unborn babies a healthy start and answer any questions you may have.

talk to other moms

Achy joints? Nausea? Constipation?

Trouble sleeping? Somebody, somewhere, knows exactly what you’re going through.

Millions of other women have “been there, done that.”

Having a support group is helpful whether your pregnancy is smooth sailing or you have to deal with complications.

Whether you choose your mom, sister, neighbor, coworkers, a group of girlfriends you’ve known since college, social networking sites or chat rooms, reach out to others during this exciting–and sometimes frightening–time in your life.

While pregnancy is an exciting time, it also can be a bit overwhelming. Those few months are full of worries, what-ifs and things to do. The resulting stress can weaken your immune system, disrupt sleep and cause a host of physical symptoms, such as headaches and high blood pressure.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, voice your feelings to family and friends. Ask for help in completing projects and don’t be afraid to delegate responsibilities.

Raymore mom Bonnie Lesmeister, a licensed massage therapist, recommends prenatal massage not only to reduce stress but also to help with the “fun changes your tissue and muscles go through.”

nurture your relationship

Newsflash: not every moment of your life has to revolve around the pregnancy.

Couples often spend nine months focusing on baby this, baby that, and their relationship sometimes suffers, adding stress to the pregnancy.

Go on regular date nights with your honey and forbid “baby talk” for at least part of the time. You can even mix business with pleasure: after a doctor’s visit, stop by a favorite restaurant, or cap off a shopping trip at the baby store with a movie. You can even plan a romantic getaway.

Above all, maintain communication, a key to a healthy relationship.

Tisha Foley nurtured her pregnancy with daily walks, good nutrition and power naps on the couch.

As always, consult with your doctor on any health concerns.

VISIT OUR ALL-NEW KCPARENT.COM LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE It’s super easy to search this new Geobased guide with maps, descriptions, video and much more!

Visit KCParent.com and click on “Guides.”

Kids Camps in KC

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

913-550-1254

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

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

Mission (5)

816-233-0124

Lee’s Summit (15)

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

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

Where your search starts and ends Click into Kansas City’s most comprehensive lists of businesses and services that matter most to moms and dads.

Search by location through Google Maps plus see photos, videos and more.

Visit KCParent.com/Guides kcparent.com jan-march 2013

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DRESSING YOUR POST BABY BODY

WE ASKED KCPARENT.COM READERS, BE HONEST! HOW LONG DID YOU WEAR MATERNITY/ STRETCHY CLOTHING AFTER YOU HAD YOUR BABY?

57%

3-6 months

29%

Y

ou just had a baby. 3 weeks ago. 3 months ago. 3 years ago?!

Whichever, whatever. You recently had a baby. Your body has undergone a tremendous feat, and although we all know it was so worth it, that notion doesn’t help you get dressed each morning (or afternoon). Before you get caught in the yoga pant revolution, check out these five figure-slimming tips to help you look and feel your best.

Um, I still am (and my baby is now in elementary school…)

14%

12 months

WEAR A LONG CAMISOLE ONE SIZE TOO SMALL. I call these prized gems fat suckers. An essential for any wardrobe, they’re more comfortable than wearing Spanx but offer similar benefits. Be sure the camisole is long enough that it won’t ride up and show any skin, and tight enough that you wouldn’t actually wear it out in public as a tank top. To maximize the benefits of this trick, both of these rules must hold true.

Camisoles hide what you don’t want to show — similar to camouflage!

GO TAILORED. When you’re feeling self-conscious about your midsection, it’s best to avoid clingy jersey fabric. Instead, try wearing tailored tops, which are more forgiving. Cotton blouses with darting are great, and you can easily add a belt if you want to create an even more dramatic silhouette. Also, now is the perfect time to trade that fleece zip-up for a jacket. A well-fitted jacket is a great fashion investment that you can wear again and again, and it will flatter you every time.

BLACK IS SLIMMING...

LEARN TO TAKE A COMPLIMENT.

But so are navy, plum and dark brown.

We all know that wearing black makes us feel thinner, but did you know other dark colors have the same benefit? Navy is especially flattering on blondes, while plum looks great with darker hair and skin tones. When using this slimming trick, play up your look with colorful accessories.

Color mixing, matching and blocking are all very on-trend, so have fun.

If someone says, “You look great!”, just smile and say thank you. Period. It’s an indication of style and class. Please, for the sake of all things good and holy, do not point to your stomach saying, “I still have lots of belly fat to lose.” Silence your inner critic and try not to be so hard on yourself.

Others will follow your lead!

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BEWARE OF “MUFFIN TOP.” In case you’ve been living under a rock, fat hanging over the side of one’s pants is called a muffin top…and it’s not pretty. A muffin top simply means your pants are too tight. That means you’ll need to resist the temptation to squeeze into your prepregnancy pants before they truly fit again.

That being said, elastic waist maternity pants can also be tricky for your postpregnant body. What you used to wear under a big tight belly bump is now being worn right along your problematic midsection. That’s right! I am telling you that stretchy maternity pants might actually give you a muffin top, too! If you don’t want to invest in pants for an in-between phase, try wearing your pre-pregnancy jeans with an elastic hair tie fastening your pants.

Sylvia C. Hall lives in Roeland Park with her husband and two young children. She is a personal stylist. Learn more about Sylvia C. Styling at Sylvia-C.com

realmomreviews

old navy maternity yoga pants. Maternity pants and I didn’t have a good working relationship the first two go-arounds. Regardless of the type of panel, it seemed the pants would never stay in place and inevitably were either too tight or too big. Thankfully, in my third pregnancy I discovered these babies—and there has been no turning back! These are my go-to, perfect-fit-no-matter-what-size-Iam pants. burt’s bees bath wash. There’s nothing sweeter than

that “fresh baby” smell, especially when it’s enhanced by the familiar scent of traditional baby wash. However, after reading several articles that connected phthalates, a compound used in conventional soaps, with baby boy reproductive complications, it was enough for me to seek a natural baby wash and this one delivers!

boppy pillow I’m always a fan of items that can serve double duty and, boy, does this one deliver! My Boppy got a workout before Baby even made his debut, serving as a pregnancy sleep pillow and, after delivery, as a perfect seat. It served its intended purposes as a feeding and infant support pillow thereafter.

moby wrap. There’s a learning curve to putting this on,

but once you get the hang of it, this is a life saver! The Moby can be worn in multiple positions (front, back, side and with baby outward-facing or forward-facing), and because the stretchy fabric distributes the weight evenly on your body, it’s by far the most comfortable carrier on the market.

fisher price rainforest jumperoo. Why purchase a jumper and an exersaucer individually when you can get both in an all-in-one device? This multi-tasking product has three height adjustment settings to grow with your baby, an interactive table with colorful toys, lights, music, nature sounds and a spinning seat that let’s your little one take in the world around him.

bob revolution stroller I can’t claim to be an expert on much, but let’s just say I know a thing or two about strollers (we’ve gone through seven!). A Bob costs a serious chunk of change, but for good reason. With shocks better than our family car, turn-on-a-dime maneuverability and a dual width that still fits through standard doorways, it was well worth the investment.

Lauren Greenlee has figured out her favorite baby products through much trial and error. Five years and two (almost three) children later, these items are faithful companions during her babies’ first year. She writes from her home in Olathe.

there are lots of baby products out there, but these are a few we just think are great! kcparent.com jan-march 2013

19

babystory

{ visit our new labor & delivery guide at KCParent.com }

pregnancy our

stories

In honor of our new look and focus, we thought it would be fun to take a look at pregnancy 11 years ago and pregnancy today. While so much has changed, the end result has stayed the same. See if you can relate to the moms below.

then

THE 2002 STORY OF MY PREGNANCY: MARGARET SARVER My pregnancy was by the book (and when I say book, I’m referring to What to Expect When You’re Expecting). That book was my trusted friend for nine months, and I referred to it often to find out what might be coming or whether something I was experiencing was normal. I also had a copy of Your Pregnancy,Week by Week on my nightstand that I read daily.

At 20 weeks, I had an ultrasound at the doctor’s office (I did want to know the baby’s gender. My husband and I had a name issue that we had to solve, and the baby’s gender was a major factor in that discussion). That was the only ultrasound we had; 3D imaging wasn’t as readily available or considered as safe as it is today. I kind of wish it had been—it would have been fun to see my girls in more detail in the womb.

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As my due date grew close, the hospital gave us a pager for my husband to carry with him. That way I would be able to contact him if I went into labor when he wasn’t around. And, back in the day, we weren’t used to carrying around devices like a pager, so I was none too happy when he lost it on the golf course. Luckily, we found it and didn’t end up needing it. I went into labor at 10:00 at night while he was home.

Once home with baby, I had her sleep from day one in her crib. I had a lot of fun choosing bedding for the crib and settled on a star design. In her crib I had a bumper and mobile, along with cute sheets with tiny pastel stars.

As I’ve reminisced on my pregnancy “back then,” I find it amazing to see how many things have changed in the past 11 years!

DO YOU HAVE A PREGNANCY STORY YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE? EMAIL MARGARET@KCPARENT.COM!

more then & now...

CAR SEATS

2002 Children should face the rear of the vehicle until they are at least 1 year of age and weigh at least 20 pounds.

2012 All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car safety seat (CSS) until they are 2 years of age or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the manufacturer of their CSS. AAP

CRIBS

2002 Drop side cribs readily available and found in many nurseries.

now

THE 2012 STORY OF MY PREGNANCY: JENNY CHILES Half-way point—20 weeks down and 20 to go! Other than being tired and hungry (all the time!) things are going well. I couldn’t live without the My Pregnancy Today app from Baby Center. It gives me updates and advice every day, and I love the nutrition guide that helps me to eat healthy. Along with the app, I love all the pregnant mom blogs I follow—it’s so helpful to know that other people are going through the same things I am.

I just had an ultrasound at the doctor’s office and am excited to learn that we’re having a boy! I can’t wait to see my little man closer up when we have the 3D ultrasound in a few weeks. I heard that you can get the best photos around 28 weeks, so we’re waiting until then.

Now that I know Baby’s gender, I can get to work on the nursery. I saw some darling ideas on Pinterest for the walls and am hoping to find sheets that will match. No bumper pad or mobiles in our crib; it’s best for baby to not have anything extra in the crib.

Even though this is my first pregnancy, I’m glad to be going through it during this time with so much info readily available to me at my fingertips. I look forward to meeting my little guy in the near future!

2012 Beginning in 2011, new rules, which apply to full-size and non full-size cribs, prohibit the manufacture or sale of traditional drop side rail cribs Did you know? All hotels and daycares had to get rid of drop side cribs by 1228-12. CPSC

way back when...

Flash back to 1962, when the book Pregnancy and Childbirth by Alan F. Guttmacher was published, and you’ll see that things were not only different, but some oF our moms and grandmothers may have done things

simply unthinkable by today’s standards. Here

are a few shocking quotes that remind us how much times have changed: There is no logical reason to prohibit the moderate use of alcohol during pregnancy to the patient who enjoys and tolerates it.

(To help with constipation) Unhurried visit to the bathroom at the same hour each day: Smoking a cigarette while on such an excursion might help.

A total weight gain of twenty pounds is ideal...

The pregnant woman ought to control weight within normal bounds for vanity’s sake alone.

2012 Top Baby Names Girls’ Names 1. Emma 2. Olivia 3. Sophia 4. Ava 5. Isabella 6. Mia 7. Ella 8. Emily 9. Lily 10. Chloe Boys’ Names 1. Liam 2. Ethan 3. Noah 4. Mason 5. Jacob 6. Jack 7. Aiden 8. Jackson 9. Logan 10. Lucas 2002 Top Baby Names Girls’ Names 1. Emily 2. Madison 3. Hailey 4. Kaitlyn 5. Hannah 6. Sarah 7. Brianna 8. Ashley 9. Alexis 10. Abigail Boys’ Names 1. Jacob 2. Michael 3. Matthew 4. Joshua 5. Nicholas 6. Christopher 7. Joseph 8. Ethan 9. Andrew 10. Daniel

kcparent.com jan-march 2013

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what’s your pregnancy IQ? Test your pregnancy IQ with our first trimester quiz. Find out how much you know (or don’t) about the first 12 weeks of gestation.

1. Morning sickness only happens in the morning. T or F? False. Nausea experienced from pregnancy has nothing to do with what time of day it is. It partially stems from the dramatic increase in estrogen and progesterone levels, which can mess with your digestive system. Also, certain foods and smells that previously didn’t affect you can now trigger nausea. Experts recommend you eat small and frequent meals that are low in fat and easy to digest to ward off the queasies.

2. How much folic acid is recommended for newly pregnant mothers? a. 400 mcg b. 800 mcg c. 1,000 mcg a. Experts recommend 400 mcg daily, starting even a month before the child is conceived and throughout the first trimester. Folic acid helps reduce and prevent neural tube defects, as well as others such as cleft palate, cleft lip and certain heart defects. Folate is imperative to the proper growth and development of DNA, providing for the rapid growth of a healthy placenta and your developing baby.

3. Your baby’s heart begins beating at what age after conception? a. 8 weeks b. 6 weeks c. 4 weeks c. After just four weeks, the neural tube along the baby’s back closes and the heart is pumping blood. Small buds are also formed by this time,

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which will soon become the baby’s arms and legs.

• improve self-image (and the most important of all) • get your body back quicker after childbirth.

4. At the end of the first trimester, your baby weighs as much as: a. a plum (6 ounces) b. two grapes (1/2 ounce) c. a grapefruit (10 ounces) b. Your baby only weighs around 1/2 ounce at the end of your first trimester, which is the same weight as two medium-sized grapes. However, the baby’s length is about 2 to 2-1/2 inches, which is closer to the size of a plum.

5. You should avoid exercise during the first trimester. T or F? False, but there are some guidelines you should pay attention to. First of all, if you were a regular exerciser prior to conceiving and don’t have a complicated pregnancy, you should be okay to continue. However, check with your healthcare provider about your fitness routine to make sure you aren’t putting yourself or your baby at risk. For example, raising your core temperature over 102˚ F for more than 10 minutes can be dangerous in the first trimester when your baby’s organs are developing. Also, because your joints are becoming more flexible, you may be more prone to injury during exercise that normally wouldn’t affect you.

Actually, doctors recommend exercise throughout the entire pregnancy because it helps: • boost energy • encourage restful sleep • reduce stress and lift spirits

6. Which foods should you avoid eating during pregnancy? a. deli meats b. raw sushi c. albacore tuna d. bleu cheese e. all of the above e. Unfortunately, all of these foods should be avoided due to the risk of listeria and high levels of mercury.

Pregnant women are 20 times more at risk to contract listeria from eating precooked meats, and the effects on the newborn are very serious. Listeria comes from contaminated meats from improper handling or bacteria already present in the meat. Albacore tuna, along with other large predatory fish like swordfish, tilefish, king mackerel and shark, tend to have large amounts of mercury, which can affect the baby’s growing brain and nervous system.

Experts recommend you eat up to 12 ounces of fish a week (other than the ones mentioned above), with salmon being the best choice because of its high levels of omega-3s.

Regardless of your score, you can stay up to date on the latest pregnancy information at BabyCenter.com.

Hallie Sawyer is a freelance writer in Overland Park who managed to have three healthy babies who now own all of her brain cells.

As always, consult with your doctor on any health concerns.

creative ways to say...

“I’m pregnant!”

Ideas from Pinterest for Sharing the News: Colored cake pops Sonogram guessing game Gender reveal party Fortune cookies Bow or beau?

VISIT KCPARENT.COM FOR A LIST OF GREAT BABYMOONS YOU AND YOUR SPOUSE CAN ENJOY BEFORE BABY ARRIVES.

I

t’s the moment you’ve been waiting for! After getting a positive result on the pregnancy test comes the fun task of announcing the news to the world.

The first person you’ll share with is your husband. Do you call and tell him? Send him a photograph of the test or wait until he’s home and surprise him? Erin Volante of Lenexa bought her husband a t-shirt for Father’s Day that said “I make adorable babies” and a onesie that said “adorable baby.”

Once he knows, you can decide when and how to tell family and friends. You may immediately reveal your big news or wait until after the first trimester. Announcing a pregnancy or revealing a gender used to mean a simple phone call or dinner. Today, moms-to-be looking to be unique have been sharing their news in a number of memorable ways. We have had a lot of fun announcing our bundles of joy.

When we found out we were expecting our first daughter, Adalyn, I created a simple game of hangman to surprise the grandparents-to-be. It was fun yet so simple. We wanted to incorporate Adalyn into our second pregnancy announcement, so I created a pennant for her to carry during a photo session at Shawnee Mission Park. She proudly waved the flag in anticipation of a baby brother or sister. We later revealed that she was having a baby sister by having my in-laws take a photo of our feet with a tiny little pair of ballet flats for baby. It was just an iPhone photo in the parking lot of

J. Alexander’s, but it became a Pinterest sensation. And when we found we were having yet another baby, I couldn’t resist photographing the girls playing in their kitchen. I wrapped a ribbon around a toy hamburger bun and attached the anticipated arrival date for a play on the saying “bun in the oven.” The photo series was fun to share but will also document the happy news for our family. It was easy to execute because I was just capturing the girls doing what they do best—playing.

Photographs are always a great way to share news with out-of-town family, but I wanted mine to work just a little bit harder. I had a recent family photo printed onto a puzzle and added the words “and then there were 5.” Greg and Katie Ernzen asked their daughter, Gracie, to open a box at Thanksgiving. Out poured blue balloons revealing that she was going to have a baby brother. Jeremy and Beth Bennett of Lee’s Summit also had their daughters open a box of balloons, but had their reveal captured by a photographer to share with family and friends.

Social media has influenced how we share our news. It allows us to quickly and efficiently spread the word. Whether your friends and family are near or far, it’s fun to include them in the excitement!

Entertaining expert, designer, blogger and mother of two, Julie Blanner of Leawood shares inspirations and tips for entertaining, home, events and family. kcparent.com jan-march 2013

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ward off winter worries with

winter fun

Picture perfect snowmen, fires in the fireplace, stacks of books and warm bowls of soup on cold winter days seem the stuff of myths when you are home with little ones. Sticky fingers, strewn toys and crankiness can soon take over, especially if winter worries keep us home with cabin fever setting in. So, how can you create great memories while warding off germs, staying safe in the snow and beating cabin fever?

ICKY GERMS ARE LURKING EVERYWHERE!

Before children, you may have been OCD about germs, and now you worry that you’re over-protective. Then one day at a fast food indoor play place, you watch as children with runny noses and sticky fingers seemingly lick everything in sight. You determine that you’ll stay home and close to the disinfectant at least until your child graduates… from college. While the idea may be appealing, it isn’t practical. Toddlers and preschoolers need a chance to get out and burn off energy, especially in the winter when outdoor play is limited. So, what is a mom to do?

OUT & ABOUT: Local indoor attractions

LITTLE MONKEY BIZNESS

know how important it is to keep facilities clean and safe for little ones, and two of our local favorites take the job seriously! Paradise Park (Paradise-Park.com) in Lee’s Summit is open year-round with many great attractions, but the Children’s Edutainment Center is our fave for little ones! Moms receive free admission on Mom’s Mondays with the purchase of a child’s admission to the Children’s Edutainment Center, a handson learning facility where the staff works round-the-clock to keep things clean. The facility offers water play, soft play, a miniature village including a grocery store, bank and pizza shop, educational programs, and a tunnel and ball pit that are faithfully sanitized every week and feature a system where kids place balls into the sanitizing system and watch as they are cleaned and cycled back into the ball pit right before their eyes! Little Monkey Bizness (MonkeyBizness.com) in Shawnee is one of the cleanest indoor play places in the Metro! Inside you’ll find an indoor play land adored by kids. They’ll enjoy climbing in tunnels, jumping on inflatables, creating art and playing with Little Tykes toys. The Monkey Bizness team cleans and sanitize the equipment nightly with Odo-Ban, 409 and Simple Green, making it a top pick for Metro moms.

AT HOME:

Teach your child the importance of good hygiene with fun games for hand washing and bath time. Encourage your child to sing “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” or the “Alphabet Song” as he washes his hands (allowing for 20 seconds of thorough scrubbing). Bath time is often a battle when young children are apprehensive about water. Make it fun as you play a fun CD in the background, like Splish Splash from Sesame Street, and offer toys to add to the fun. Plastic measuring cups, a sieve, spoons and cups from the kitchen cupboards do the trick.

For extra special fun, dim the lights and toss some glow sticks into the tub (make sure the glow sticks are intact for safety). Little ones will be in awe at the magical effect!

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BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE

The Kansas City 100-year average is 20.1 inches of snow during a typical snow season, October to April, according to KSHB.com.

While we’re almost certain to have at least some snow, we’re not certain when it will come or whether it will stick! If you’re craving a little snow, or maybe if you’ve had too much, you can make the most of the winter wonderland.

OUT & ABOUT: The Kansas City Zoo

(KansasCityZoo.org) is open year-round, and our favorite North Pole pal, Nikita, the polar bear, lives in a fantastic exhibit with an indoor viewing area perfect for a winter’s day. Pack a picnic and head to the zoo to watch Nikita play. The Tropics, Discovery Barn and other indoor exhibits are great fun in the winter when the animals are more playful and the zoo is less crowded! If it is super snowy, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop (Mahaffie.org) in Olathe offers horse-drawn sleigh rides on Saturdays (snow required) for a fun outing and photo op.

They provide blankets, and the Heritage Center is heated.

MAHAFFIE STAGECOACH STOP

AT HOME: It may be difficult for little ones to build

snowmen, but they can enjoy painting snow if you fill a squirt bottle with water and a few drops of food coloring. Spray the snow and voila! An outdoor masterpiece. For a lunch treat, cut tortillas as you would paper snowflakes and sprinkle with cheese, then melt in the oven. Delicious!

PAUL MESNER PUPPETS

TALKING TO YOURSELF AND OTHER SYMPTOMS OF CABIN FEVER

Do you find you’re starting to talk to yourself, or maybe the kids are? Can’t quit? That’s okay… pretend like it’s on purpose! That’s right. We’re talking puppets.

OUT & ABOUT: Kansas City boasts many

fabulous local puppeteers all offering great shows with toddlers and preschoolers in mind. Paul Mesner Puppets (PaulMesnerPuppets.org), StoneLion Puppets (StoneLionPuppets.org), Piccadilly Puppets (Piccadilly-Puppets. com), Puppetry Arts Institute (Hazell.org) and Priscilla Howe (PriscillaHowe.com) are some of our favorites. Check their schedules to find a show near you.

AT HOME: You’ll find lots of inspiration to make

your own puppets on Pinterest.com, using everything from paper plates and socks to sacks and toilet paper tubes. Not too crafty? U.S. Toy (USToy.com) in Leawood sells an extensive collection of puppets to start your own puppet theater cast.

Create stories, tell familiar tales or check out puppet books at your local library for inspiration. See store coupon on pg. 15!

Kristina Light, mother of four, is nearly reformed of her OCD history but is still squeamish at the thought of rogue chicken nuggets eaten off fast food floors.

Needing more inspiration? KC Parent is here to beat cabin fever right alongside you! Follow Kansas City Parent Magazine on Facebook, subscribe to our FREE weekly eNewsletter on KCParent.com and check the KCParent.com calendar for frequent updates for the best in local outings and ideas for kids of all ages!

Photo credit: GetTheUmbrella.com

kcparent.com jan-march 2013

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WINTER 2013 CALENDAR

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

playdates WEEKLY

MONDAY

FREE Open Play 8:00, Parkside Coffeehouse (Cedar Ridge Christian Church).

Indoor playground and toys for children and coffeehouse. Open daily.

913.393.3000 Moms FREE Monday 10:00, Paradise Park.

Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224 KidScape 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Hands-on exhibit immerses young children in a colorful, exciting environment. Open Daily. 913.715.2552 Story Time for Toddlers 10:00, Blue Springs South Library. Every Monday, stories, music and movement are all part of toddler story times. MyMCPL.org Midtown Play Group 10:00, Westport Roanoke Comm Ctr. Indoor playground for children 5 and under and their caregiver. $1.50/child. KCMO.org Toddler Town 10:00, Sermon Comm Ctr. $1/child. Parents and children visit indoor playground and participate in educational activities. 816.325.7370

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.

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Story Time for Toddlers 10:00, Red Bridge Library. Every Monday, stories, music and movement are all part of toddler story times. MyMCPL.org Toddler Takeover KC North Community Center. Bring your little ones and let them run and play in the gym. Cost: $1/session.

816.784.6100

WINTER 2013 CALENDAR

did you know?

You can take a lunch and have an indoor picnic at the KC Zoo in the Nikita viewing space. It is a great wintertime activity, and little ones can watch Nikita swim and play while they munch!

TUESDAY

Toddle Time Tue & Wed, 9:00-11:00, Matt Ross Community Center. $1-2/child. Tunnels, games, puzzles . . . lots for your little one to play & learn. 913.895.6390 Open Play Tue & Thu, 9:30, Irene French Comm Ctr. Enjoy Step 2 climbers, Little Tykes toys, and more. $2.50/child.

913.322.5550 Open Gym 9:30, Sylvester Powell Community Center, $2/child, parents free.

Punch card available for $18 (10% discount). 913.722.8200 Coffee Playground 10:00, OPKS 1st Assembly of God. Every Tuesday, the coffee shop is open. Kids 5 and under enjoy inflatables, balls and toys. FREE. OverlandParkMOPS.blogspot.com

WEDNESDAY

Pop ‘n Play Alternating Wednesdays, 9:00, Johnson County Museum. Activities designed especially for your 9-month- to 3-year-olds. Fee: $1/child, members FREE. 913.715.2552 Toddle Time Tue & Wed, 9:00-11:00, Matt Ross Community Center. $1-2/child. Tunnels, games, puzzles . . . lots for your little one to play & learn. 913.895.6390 Baby Time 9:30, West Wyandotte Library.

Story time for infants ages 6 to 23 months and their parent or caregiver, with songs, action rhymes and finger plays.

KCKPL.lib.ks.us Tiny Tot Skate 9:30, Skate City. Bring your little one out to the rink! $5/child.

913.888.6668

THURSDAY

Preschool Bowl 10:00, Mission Bowl (Mission). Bowling, shoes and a small drink for only $5! 5 and under. 913.432.7000 Toddler Story Time 10:00, West Wyandotte Library. Each story time includes stories, songs, finger plays and a simple craft. KCKPL.lib.ks.us FitMom & Baby 10:30, Summit Fair. Every Thursday, bring your baby with you to work out for FREE. SummitFairShopping.com Family Fun Night 4:00-8:00, Monkey Bizness (Olathe). Every Thursday night admission is only $5 for kids to climb and bounce the evening away. 913.780.2500

FRIDAY

Toddler Story Time 10:00, Louisburg Library. Families with little ones are encouraged to drop in every Tuesday for stories, songs and activities. FREE. 913.837.2217

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

Tuesday Morning Story Time 10:30, KCKPL - South Library. Children are invited to join us for an hour of stories, crafts, music and other fun activities! KCKPL.lib.ks.us

Toddler Town 10:00, Sermon Comm Ctr. $1/child. Parents and children visit indoor playground and participate in educational activities. 816.325.7370

Midtown Play Group 10:00, Westport Roanoke Comm Ctr. Indoor playground for children 5 and under and their caregiver. $1.50/child. KCMO.org

Story Time for Toddlers 11:00, Lee’s Summit Library. Every Tuesday, stories, music and movement are all part of toddler story times. MyMCPL.org

Story Time 10:00, Barnes & Noble (Town Center). Free story time for little ones every Wednesday. 913.491.4535

Story Time 10:30, Shawnee Books & Toys.

Free stories, craft and a snack! Story time is ideal for ages 2-6, but everyone is invited! 913.962.1428

Family Night Tue & Fri, 4:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Enjoy indoor play especially for little ones. $6/child; $4/crawler.

913.631.7000

Midtown Play Group 10:00, Westport Roanoke Comm Ctr. Indoor playground for children 5 and under and their caregiver. $1.50/child. KCMO.org

Toddler Town 10:00, Sermon Comm Ctr. $1/child. Parents and children visit indoor playground and participate in educational activities. 816.325.7370

Friday Play Group 10:30, Turner Community Library. Little ones have fun listening to stories and joining in songs and crafts.

KCKPL.lib.ks.us kcparent.com jan-march 2013

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WINTER 2013 CALENDAR

parents’ night out two-for-one tuesdays Thru March, Crown Center Ice Terrace, CrownCenter.com. It’s a winter tradition to take a spin on the ice at Crown Center.

Bring the camera and lace up those skates for a fun night out!

Wine Bottle Decorating Walk-in project at Ceramic Café, 9425 Mission Rd., Leawood, KS, CeramicCafeKC.com. Make a cheese plate out of a recycled wine bottle. You can even add an etched design for added flare!

Third Friday Art Walk Englewood Arts District, Sterling Ave. & Winner Rd., Independence, MO, EnglewoodStation.com. Art galleries, live music, food and street performers.

The Hound of the Baskervilles Jan. 11- Feb. 24, American Heartland Theatre, AHTKC.com. A wildly funny adaptation of the classic Sir Arthur Conan Doyle story of mystery and suspense.

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Kiss & Tail Feb. 2, Kansas City Zoo, 6800 Zoo Dr., Kansas City, MO, KansasCityZoo.org. Kiss & Tail is an adults-only warm-up for Valentine’s Day. $25/FOTZ member; includes the entertainment and Magill’s presentation, 2 drink tickets and heavy appetizers; $35/Non-member.

Chinese New Year Feb. 8, 5:00-9:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Nelson-Atkins.org.

Celebrate the Year of the Snake and the opening of “Journey through Mountains and Rivers: Chinese Land- scape Ancient and Modern” with performances and activities throughout the museum!

Murder Mystery Dinner Lifeless in Seattle Feb. 15 & 16, Holyfield Winery, 18807 158th St., Basehor, KS, HolyfieldWinery.com. Upstage Productions presents a night of non-stop fun shows that are “to die for”! Reservations required; $40/ea. 913.724.9463 Broadway’s Next H!T Musical March 8, Yardley Hall, JCCC.edu. A spontaneous evening of music, humor and laughter ... every song is fresh … every scene is new … every night is different.

It’s all improvised, and it’s all funny.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream March 15-24, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, KCBallet.org. William Whitener’s ballet about the transforming power of love is based on William Shakespeare’s popular comedy.

WINTER 2013 CALENDAR

th December 17-24 nd July 16 JulySat., 16 th -- July July1222 22 nd OF 22 nd July SPIRIT 16 thJanuary - July

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SALE AllCHRISTMAS regularly priced infant clothing (NBEnjoy 30% off regularly 12 months) is $1 each for itemspriced $4.99 or resale toys, equipment. less duringclothing this ONE&DAY only!

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pregnancy resources Many area hospitals offer classes for expecting moms. All classes require preregistration.

Visit the KCParent.com Labor & Delivery Guide for a list of classes at each hospital. The guide is searchable by classes, geography and more. Check it out today!

Leave them with a gently used planet.

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VISIT OUR ALL-NEW KCPARENT.COM LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE It’s super easy to search this new Geobased guide with maps, descriptions, video and much more!

Visit KCParent.com and click on “Guides.”

Now Enrolling

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A safe and nurturing environment for your child.

Balanced Learning

®

System

Integrated character development program sessment

Balanced Student As

Primrose School of Overland Park

12100 W. 135th St, Overland Park, KS 66221

913.400.2435

Kids Camps in KC

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

913-550-1254

PrimroseOverlandPark.com Facebook.com/PrimroseSchoolofOverlandPark Visit our website or Facebook page for Parent Information Meetings

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

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

Mission (5)

816-233-0124

Lee’s Summit (15)

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

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

Educational Child Care for Infants through Private Pre-Kindergarten and After School Each Primrose School is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools and The Leader in Educational Child Care are trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2012 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved.

kcparent.com jan-march 2013

29

bellylaughs

We asked KC Parent’s 7,800+ Facebook Fans:

what odd foods or crazy combinations did you crave while pregnant?

“I craved chili with marshmallows. I also craved...

Misty G: Pepperoni and barbecue sauce on white bread

DIRT!

Rhonda V: Seasoned salt out of the palm of my hand and barbecue sauce on crackers

I judged my mom for craving it while carrying me, and now I know.”

- Jennifer G.

Alexsis S: Biscuits and gravy with mustard Kimberly R: Buttered tortillas dipped in soy sauce Janet S: Early in my pregnancy, I ate coleslaw for a week!

Korinne A: Sonic onion rings with mustard and a Krispy Kreme chocolate iced doughnut—all together.

Debi T: KFC mashed potatoes and gravy...at least three times a day.

Shyla S: Cold tuna helper dipped in barbecue sauce Catherine K: I probably had five or six Route 44 cups full of Sonic ice every day and 7-11 Spicy Bite hot dogs with onions.

Keelie S: With one kid, it was garlic stuffed green olives. With another, it was Carlos O’Kelly’s chips and salsa—no other brand would do.

Lynn M: Pizza Pringles dipped in cottage cheese...I actually still like that one.

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kcparent.com jan-march 2013

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

kcparent.com jan-march 2013

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KANSAS CITY ZOO HELZBERG

Penguin Plaza Opening late 2013!

2013 FOTZ MEMBERSHIPS Available November 1st!

OPEN DAILY | 816.513.5800 | kansascityzoo.org 32

TIGER TERRACE

Now Open!

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.

kcparent.com jan-march 2013