Editor's Letter Winter 2014

Do your kids have a lovey or security item? I had one as a child—a stuffed cat I affectionately  called “Kitty.” I slept with Kitty every night until she was so frayed and worn that her stuffing was falling out. Mom kept Kitty for me, and I now have her in a shoebox. Every time I come across that box with Kitty, it brings a smile to my face.

Each of my girls has a lovey, too. My older, Tori, has Ralphie. He’s a stuffed dog that she received for her first birthday. I don’t know why, but she latched onto him, and he was her constant companion for years. I have photos of picnics with Ralphie, visits to the playground with Ralphie, and Ralphie even had his own Halloween costume for several years. My younger, Ally, has a blanket named Fifi, that originally belonged to my sister. My dad used it to cover Ally at naptime on a visit to their home, and Fifi has been with us ever since. Fifi has also had his (her?) share of adventures. As happens with anything you take with you everywhere you go, both Ralphie and Fifi went missing. Losing a lovey is such a stressful time for both kids and parents, but I am happy to report that each time Ralphie and Fifi were lost, they were soon found. Kansas City mom Jennifer Bosse offers great tips on how to deal with lost loveys.

In this issue of KC Baby you’ll not only find great articles and tips for dealing with toddlers, but tons of great advice for pregnant moms. We’ve got you covered from what to do when your water breaks to how much weight is safe to gain during pregnancy to how to nurture your need for nesting.

Stay warm during these cold months, Kansas City!