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babykentucky

  • "Children seldom misquote you- they most often repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said" -Mae Maloo
  • The answer is- nutrition. A nutritious diet of the purest & most natural foods directly benefits your health & your baby's dev
  • Question of the day- Of all factors affecting pregnancy outcomes, what is most important & easiest to modify?
  • Want to put your business in front of Lexington moms-to-be? Baby in the Bluegrass 2010-11 coming this August! ads@babyinthebluegrass.com
  • Thanks to @babiesonline and @hudsoncradle for the RT's!
2
Mar

My baby has Spina What?

Posted by: admin
in Births, Parenting, Pregnancy, Ultrasound

Baby in the Bluegrass Guest Blogger Sue-Minton shares her experiences as a mother of a child with special needs, and discusses resources she found to be valuable.

Alex at birth

Alex at birth

As I was in labor with my 2nd child, a daughter, the doctors informed me that the baby had Spina Bifida.  My reaction was “Spina what?”  I had never heard of Spina Bifida, and had no clue that at the time research had shown 1 in every 500 KY births had been affected by some level of Spina Bifida; 1 in every 1000 births nationally!  Wow, why did KY have so many more than the National statistic and why had I never heard of this birth defect?  Now we are at the National average.  Then to learn that taking a certain amount of Folic Acid daily before I became pregnant could have cut the chances of my daughter being affected with this by 70%!  No one ever informed me about the importance of Folic Acid and pregnancy planning.  I am sure you are asking yourself what in the world is Spina Bifida. Well, there are several different types of Spina Bifida, and I will explain the one I know best called Myelomeningocele. In my terms it is where the covering of the spinal chord fails to close causing damage to the baby’s nerves.   This leads to many other complications and the amount of complications can depend on the level on the back where the chord failed to close.

First Time Standing

The first time Alex stood at Cardinal Hill Hospital

Lets move on to talk about my daughter.  She is now soon to be 14 going on 20!  I look back over the last 14 years and can’t believe everything she has endured mentally & physically.  We have had 12 surgeries to date and many hospital and doctor visits.  Her level of Spina Bifida is L-4 on her spine (which is lower down the back).  The lower the level – the lower her paralysis is on her body.  Along with her partial paralysis from the knees down, her bowel and bladder will not function properly, she has water on her brain and has a shunt placed to maintain this level, plus she has behavioral, social and learning deficits!  We were told at birth that she would most likely be confined to a wheel chair and lack independence, along with other textbook information.  The one thing I can say I know about Spina Bifida is that each case is not textbook.  It affects everyone differently in one way or another.  We became very proactive starting her in outpatient therapy at Cardinal Hill at 6 months.  She stayed there until age 5 where she learned how to talk, walk, write and even ride a bike!  Wow, what an amazing job her angels at Cardinal Hill Preschool did for her.  During her stint there we had many hospitalizations and surgeries, and most of the time my husband and I worked full-time.  We have been VERY fortunate to work with employers who were very flexible and understanding with us throughout her entire life.

First Tiny Wheelchair

Alex in her first tiny wheelchair.

We have many struggles that can change over night.  They can be physical and they can be mental.  We have had struggles with schools/teachers not allowing us to be an active part of her education, and not understanding that she is not just physically disabled; she also has learning, behavioral and social challenges.  Our family deals with struggles because of the care our daughter requires.  On top of all of it she is a teenager!  That in itself comes with a totally different set of issues.

Win-O-lympics

Alex participating in the win-o-lympics

Things that I have found helpful is finding support with other parents of children with special needs or groups/organizations.  When your child is in school take an advocate (which can be anyone) with you when it is time to discuss your child’s Educational Plan.  If you are going to a doctor that you are not comfortable with, find another one.  There are many specialist in Louisville, Lexington and Cincinnati – all within an easy drive.  Prayer helps ease your mind and keeps hope present in your heart.  Laughter and not taking life too serious is a major plus. We try to find humor in everything.  There have been times when there was no laughter available, however it does return.  Therapy for the parents can be very beneficial.  Healthy children can be a strain on a marriage, and children with special needs can triple that strain.  We are so lucky to have the great resources in Lexington such as Shriners Hospital and Cardinal Hill.

I continue to ask myself how God could trust me to properly take care for such an amazing child with so many needs.   I then tell myself that God’s humorous response to me is “you ain’t seen nothing yet; there is still so much more to come!”  Again, my sense of humor has been my salvation.

14 going on 25

Alex today at summer camp.

Special thanks to Sue-Minton and her family for sharing their experiences with us. For more information on Spina Bifida, please visit www.sbaa.org.

Comments
15
Feb

Ask, and you shall receive!

Posted by: admin
in Births, Free stuff, Fun, Parenting, Pregnancy, Shopping

We are so excited to announce that the 2010 edition of Baby in the Bluegrass will be delivered this August!

From the beginning, it has been our goal to be the primary resource in Central Kentucky for pregnancy and newborn-related information. You requested less narrative and more resources from our next endeavor and that is exactly what you’re going to get! The 2010 edition will feature an updated, more extensive listing of mom-related resources in Central Kentucky, “Been there, done that” Mom & Dad-stories, as well as other parenting tips and information.

Online, please continue to visit www.babyinthebluegrass.com and connect directly with other local parents-to-be through our community boards. Also, don’t forget to check out our calendar with listings of all local classes, and sign up for our e-newsletter “Pregnant Pause” – which will feature lots of prizes in the coming months!

If you are a business owner, we invite you to participate by advertising with us! Download a copy of our rate card by 2010_rate card_web. Or email ads@babyinthebluegrass.com so someone from our team can contact you and discuss further this exciting and unique opportunity! Our last edition featured Nursery Time, Baby’s Room, St. Joe East, Baby Belly, Lexington Aesthetics, Portrait Shoppe, Pediatric & Adolescent Associates, P.S.C., and Essence Images just to name a few.  Do you want to get your business directly in front of EVERY mom in Central Kentucky who will have a baby this year? Contact us today!

Stay warm and be safe everyone!

The Baby in the Bluegrass Team

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5
Feb

High Tech Moms

Posted by: Jackie
in Entertainment, Free stuff, Fun, Newborn, Parenting, Pregnancy

The iPhone really has changed the way we do things. If you have an iPhone, be sure you check out these cool apps… and be sure to leave a comment if you have your own suggestions.

Great Apps for New Moms

Baby Log ($4.99): Records diaper changes, feedings, naps, and bathing and can be exported to an Excel spreadsheet. What a dream this would have been with my jaundiced newborn.

Things ($9.99): A smart organization tool that helps you manage your to-do list, notes, projects and more.

Food Additives ($3.99): Find information about 450+ food additives that might be unsafe to you or your child’s health, ranked by risk factors. This one would probably just freak me out.

Expecting ($4.99): This app not only tracks your due date and OB appointments, but gives you tips and helpful facts relevant to each week of your pregnancy, plus a checklist and contraction timer for the big day. Wow! This would be good for expectant dad’s.

Baby Names ($4.99): Let’s you search, research and share potential baby names and then create, edit and reorder your favorites list.

Great iPhone Apps for Little Kids

Scribble (FREE): Lets kids (or parents) draw with their finger right on the screen and then shake to erase, like an etch-a-sketch. My friend’s twins love this game.

Bubbles (FREE): Make and play with bubbles. This sounds perfect for distracting toddlers. Also look for the Bubble Wrap app, and pop to your heart’s content.

Preschool Adventure ($0.99): Super cute games like space shapes, farm sounds and animal matching.

Super Monkey Ball ($9.99): I’m horrible at this game on XBox, but maybe I would improve by practicing with the iPhone version.

Flashmath ($0.99): Quick math problems with multiple difficulty settings from Kindergarten through 5th Grade.

Comments
5
Nov

Finding a Church After Children

Posted by: Jackie
in Entertainment, Fun, Parenting, Shopping

My husband and I always said we’d find a church once we had children. That turned into once we had children in school, and we church shopped for years before finding a place to call home.

If this sounds like you, I encourage you to stop by Southern Acres Christian Church on Harvard Drive in Lexington. Last Sunday was the launch of KidStuf in the new state of the art family theatre. It is a funny, engaging 45-minute program for families. It’s actually Christianity 101, so it’s perfect for adults who are looking for the fundamentals and kids who easily get bored. My boys, 8 and 5, left saying that church was so fun last weekend.

I’m so proud of my little church on Harvard Drive. I hope you’ll stop by one Sunday to see what the fuss is about. KidStuf is at 10:15 a.m., with worship services at 9 and 11:15. Look for me if you do come… I’ll be the one with the big, goofy grin.

Southern Acres Christian Church, Sundays at 10:15 a.m.

Southern Acres Christian Church, Sundays at 10:15 a.m.

Comments
21
Oct

Expecting Great Things features Kim Alexis – Supermodel & Mom

Posted by: Michelle
in Beauty, Births, Entertainment, Free stuff, Fun, Girl Time, Pregnancy, Shopping

Kim Alexis

Expecting Great Things – featuring Supermodel, Mom & Author Kim Alexis

Sunday, Nov. 8, 2p-4pm – Marriott Griffin Gate Resort

Expect Great Fashion, Gift Bags, Prizes & Information

Maternity Fashion Show

Fabulous fashions provided by:

destination maternity, MOTHERHOOD Maternity, a pea in the pod maternity

FREE to public but space is limited.

To register, please CLICK HERE.


Comments
8
Sep

Free Gift from Central Baptist!

Posted by: Michelle
in Free stuff, Pregnancy

Central Baptist Hospital is giving away free Pregnancy Journal & Organizers! Sign up today to get your copy!

Comments
25
Aug

Stop by IHOP for Free Meals

Posted by: Michelle
in Food, Fun

Great start to school season! IHOP is offering free meals! Kids 12 & under eat free everyday from 4pm-10pm. This offer is valid until September 13, 2009.

Fun Fact: IHOP serves more than 700 million pancakes per year! That’s a lot of syrup!

Comments
28
Jul

Child Drowning Prevention

Posted by: Jackie
in Dads, Parenting

Child Drowning Prevention video

Summers at the pool with young children can be anything but relaxing. My 4 year old has finally learned to swim well enough that I trust him to play in the shallow end while I relax on a float or a chair. Meanwhile, my husband has the “Nemo’s Dad” syndrome with the boys around water because of a near-drowning experience from his childhood. I’m convinced that if I had a pool in the backyard, I would seek out infant swimming lessons–along the line of this video. If you haven’t seen it yet, prepare to be amazed. I would love to know if there is anyone teaching this type of swim safety in Central Kentucky.

Comments
22
Jun

Free Meals, Discounts & So Forth for Kids In Lexington….

Posted by: Michelle
in Entertainment, Food, Fun, Shopping

Here are some great money-saving tips for those who have kids in Lexington!

Mondays:

Chick-Fil-A, Family Nights, HAMBURG, 5p-7p, (2nd/4th Mondays of the month) kids eat FREE. Cow mascot & crafts are available. Free Ice Dream with toppings  website

Smashing Tomato – kids eat for $1.99  website

Tuesdays:

Baskin Robbins, $1 scoop night, 6p-10pm  website

Beef O Brady’s, kids 12 & under, eat FREE, 4p-8p. Kids activities available  website

Bellacino’s, kids 10 & under, eat FREE, 5p-8p  website

Chick-Fil-A, Family Nights, TURFLAND, 5p-7p, kids eat FREE. Cow mascot & crafts are available. Free Ice Dream with toppings  website

Denny’s, 4p-10p. Kids eat FREE with purchase of adult entree  website

Fazoli’s, kids eat for $0.99, 5p-8p  website

Tony Roma’s, kids eat FREE  website

Zaxby’s, kids eat FREE 5p-9p  website

Wednesdays:

Moe’s, kids eat FREE with purchase of adult meal, 4p-close  website

Buffalo Wild Wings, kids eat for $0.99  website

Thursdays:

EL Chico Cafe, kids 12 & under eat for $0.99, all day  website

Saturdays:

Captain D’s, 11a-2pm, 2 kids meals FREE with purchase of adult meal  website

Denny’s, 4p-10p. Kids eat FREE with purchase of adult entree  website

Steak n Shake, kids eat FREE  website

Sundays:

Steak n Shake, kids eat FREE  website

Everyday:

IHOP – Kids 12 & Under FREE – EVERYDAY! 4p-10pm website

Golden Corral – 3 & under free eat everyday  website

Culver’s – kids get FREE scoop of ice cream, with purchase of kids meal  website

Comments
16
Jun

Make a Wish – 2009 Walk for Wishes

Posted by: Michelle
in Fun

Come join one of Kentucky’s most picturesque venues, Keeneland Race Course, as they celebrate another year of making wishes come true! Participants will enjoy a magnificent view of Keeneland’s 147 acres of rolling hills, historic grandstands and white horse barns while gathering with family and friends to help raise funds to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Join us for a magical day complete with the walk, 5k walk/run, Kid’s Fun Runs, refreshments, prizes, and fun for all ages!

Register Here

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  • Ask, and you shall receive!
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  • Finding a Church After Children
  • Expecting Great Things features Kim Alexis – Supermodel & Mom

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recent entries

  • My baby has Spina What?
  • Ask, and you shall receive!
  • High Tech Moms
  • Finding a Church After Children
  • Expecting Great Things features Kim Alexis – Supermodel & Mom
  • Free Gift from Central Baptist!
  • Stop by IHOP for Free Meals
  • Child Drowning Prevention
  • Free Meals, Discounts & So Forth for Kids In Lexington….
  • Make a Wish – 2009 Walk for Wishes

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