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Children’s Mercy NICU and Fetal Health Center
I am fortunate both of my pregnancies and deliveries with my girls went, for the most part, smoothly. Many parents in Kansas City aren’t as fortunate and may find themselves in need of critical care for their infant. That can be a scary situation. Luckily, we have Children’s Mercy, not only to help when Baby is born with issues needing attention, but also for when issues are known prior to Baby’s birth. Did you know Children’s Mercy delivers babies? I had no idea but recently learned about that program and also got to take a tour of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Children’s Mercy is the area’s only Level IV NICU, which means they are able to provide the highest level, most acute care to the tiniest of patients. With 80 beds, they have the capacity to care for many kiddos. On my tour, each and every bed was taken. Clearly, all those beds are so needed! Other highlights of the program include:
Having 400 pediatric medical and surgical subspecialists on staff to diagnose and care for your baby, including 25 neonatologists with a wide variety of clinical and research interests.
The transport program is one of the most advanced in the region, with one twin-propeller plane, one helicopter and nine ambulances. I’ve ridden in one of the ambulances (to tour, not with a patient), and it’s very impressive. Each and every part of the ambulance is designed with kids in mind.
Families receive support from social workers, nutrition specialists, a lactation team, respiratory technicians and pharmacists-such important services. My younger brother spent a lot of time in the ICU/hospital as a young child in the early 1970s. As a child, I never was allowed to visit him in the hospital. My heart warmed when I saw all of the siblings in the NICU at Children’s Mercy. They have special playrooms and toys for the brothers and sisters to help them feel a part of it all, which is so important!
Often, it isn’t until a Baby is born that doctors discover the infant needs critical care. But, in some cases, doctors can determine in utero that Baby will need care right after delivery. In order to get these babies care immediately and to eliminate the time Baby spends away from Mom, the Fetal Heath Center provides special care delivery. Mothers and newborns receive the most advanced care, including direct access to specialized neonatal services. The rooms are set up so mothers and family members can stay close to their newborns, even as intensive services are being administered. During my tour, I learned that one year, Children’s Mercy delivered the first baby of the New Year. Press and public alike were confounded, as many didn’t realize Children’s Mercy even offered this service!
While I wish nothing but healthy pregnancies and smooth deliveries for all moms, I know that isn’t possible. How lucky we are to have Children’s Mercy to take care of our babies!
For more information on the NICU at Children’s Mercy or the Fetal Health Center, visit ChildrensMercy.org.
Learning about Presidents in Kansas City
Originally set aside as a day to honor Washington and Lincoln, Presidents Day is now a day to remember and honor all U.S. presidents. Celebrate the presidency locally with these outings:
Living Abe Lincoln Feb. 8, 6:30, Mid-Continent Public Library (Antioch Branch). Few Americans have had a more profound effect on American society than our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. Actor Larry Greer portrays Lincoln sharing riveting accounts of his life and times. Registration required. MyMCPL.org
Pancakes with the Presidents on Feb. 25 at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop. Eat pancakes and make crafts with George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Pre-reg at Mahaffie.org.
The Man from Missouri: Visit these sites to learn more about President Harry S. Truman:
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum (500 W. US Hwy. 24, Independence, MO, TrumanLibrary.org) The presidential library depicts the history of the Truman administration. A restored Oval Office, Truman automobiles and hands-on exhibits fascinate visitors of all ages. Permanent museum attractions include “Harry S. Truman: The Presidential Years,” an exhibit featuring two decision theaters, audio and video programs and artifacts to engage visitors in the issues and events surrounding the Truman presidency.
Truman Courtroom & Office (112 W. Lexington Ave., Independence, MO, JCHS.org). The Truman Courthouse has a history that dates back to before Independence’s most famous (and only) U.S. president served as the presiding judge of Jackson County. Available for guided tours Monday through Saturday at 11:00 and 2:00.
Truman Home (219 N. Delaware St., Independence, MO, NPS.gov/hstr/index.htm) Tour the home where President and Mrs. Truman lived, see the famous apple green kitchen, simple furnishings and artifacts.
Kansas Likes Ike: Visit these sites to learn more about President Dwight D. Eisenhower:
Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum (200 SE 4th St., Abilene, KS, Eisenhower.archives.gov) The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Eisenhower Museum include a visitor center, Dwight D. Eisenhower’s boyhood home, the Place of Meditation and the library and museum, all in a park-like setting.
Review: The Nativity by Mesner Puppet Theater
This holiday season, I had the joy of taking my daughters to see Mesner Puppet Theater’s production of The Nativity. We’ve long been fans of Mesner Puppet productions, but this was our first time to see The Nativity (ugh for stomach bugs and conflicts in the past). Of all the Mesner productions we’ve seen, this was hands down our absolute favorite!
2016 Schedule – Buy Tickets here:
- Friday, December 02, 2016 10:00am
- Friday, December 02, 2016 07:00pm
- Saturday, December 03, 2016 02:00pm
- Saturday, December 03, 2016 05:00pm
- Sunday, December 04, 2016 03:00pm
The Nativity is a show unlike any other. Set at the magnificent Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral, a masterpiece built in the heart of downtown in 1935, the show is sacred, majestic, and sincere in its telling of the Christ child’s birth.
Children were in awe as giant 7-ft tall puppets fill the auditorium. The show immerses the audience in the story as puppets enter down the aisles. The walk, gallop, trot, and, in the case of the angels, fly overhead. The puppets were custom built by the Mesner team and they are truly a work of art, reminiscent of old European puppets in style, the combination of papier mache, fabric, and puppetry makes for a spectacular show.
Children delight in “shaking hands” with puppet sheep, laugh at the funny noises of giant puppet camels, and were in awe as a flight of angels sang of the newborn king for the shepherds. I was in awe as the auditorium was filled with the names from the genealogy of Christ showing his lineage from Abraham, to David, to Mary and Joseph.
Accompanied by live musicians and storytellers, the tale unfolds as characters including Mary, Joseph, King Herod, the magi, shepherds, the angel Gabriel and more present the story of Jesus’ birth.
With a magnificent setting in the historic Cathedral surrounded by stained glass windows and beautiful stone and ironwork, the setting could not be more fitting for the sacred story. And, as the story of Jesus’ birth is to remind us, the finale presents a beautiful image and reminder that He came to save the world and teach us to love one another. And that, is what Christmas is all about.
Your family will not want to miss this terrific holiday production of The Nativity.
Thank you Fans
Super Soups in Kansas City
We love a nice bowl of soup on a cold winter’s day, and January just happens to be National Soup Month! Treat your family to delicious soups from Kansas City’s own eateries where local chefs know how to create tasty, nutritious and filling soups for every palate! Tip: Most of the restaurants below change their soup offerings frequently with new choices throughout the week.
Happy Gillis
549 Gillis St., Kansas City, MO, 816.471.3663, www.HappyGillis.com
Happy Gillis, in Old Columbus Park, was founded by Todd Schulte who started his culinary career the soup business. His expertise at creating delicious recipes with healthy all natural ingredients makes Happy Gillis and his next door business Uncommon Stock (a soup-to-go company also owned by Schulte) absolute musts on a KC soup tour.
- Most Popular Soups: White bean soup and tomato soup are both super popular among reviewers, but truly at Happy Gillis, where the soup changes seasonally, you can’t go wrong!
- Great for Kids Because… Happy Gillis is committed to using all natural healthy ingredients, and they offer a super fun vintage atmosphere with white paper and crayons on the tables.
Eden Alley
707 W. 47th St., Kansas City, MO, 816.561.5415, www.EdenAlley.com
These folks change their specials one to two times a week to keep things fresh and interesting and use environmentally mindful practices, making it a favorite for health conscious and earth conscious diners.
- Most Popular Soups: Tomato bisque (gluten+soy free) and smoky black bean (vegan/gluten+soy free).
- Great for Kids Because… Eden Alley offers one of the most extensive kids’ menus in Kansas City and a great play area for kids to enjoy.
Best Regards Bakery & Café
6759 W. 119th St., Overland Park, 913.782.1505, www.MakeThemSmile.com
At Best Regards Bakery & Café, everything is made from scratch. In addition to great soups, the grilled cheese is something that has everyone talking.
- Most Popular Soups: It’s hard to choose a favorite, but the San Marzano tomato basil soup & oven roasted potato soup are two that top the list. And, you can’t go wrong with classic Chicken Noodle Soup with homemade noodles!
- Great for Kids Because… BRB&C uses healthy ingredients and the finest products they can find. They use no corn syrup, no preservatives, no artificial flavors and as little salt and sugar as possible.
Big Biscuit
Featuring 12 area locations www.BigBiscuitRestaurant.com: The Big Biscuit started in Independence in 2000, adding more locations over the years. They live up to their “big” name with famously large portions. The neighborhood diner-style restaurant offers friendly service in a cozy atmosphere and homestyle cooking.
- Most Popular Soups: Potato soup and pinto bean soup
- Great for Kids Because… The Big Biscuit offers a terrific family atmosphere where guests of all ages will find something on the menu to enjoy, whether it is soup and a sandwich or breakfast all day long.