A Grand Rapids eye doctor, Jeff Kenyon, participates in a program called InfantSEE, which provides FREE well-baby eye exams for infants 6-12 months old.  Dr. Kenyon has been specially trained to work with infants and children.  You can find him practicing at West Michigan Eye Care Associates on East Paris Ave SE, by Lake Drive.

From the InfantSEE website, "The American Optometric Association encourages parents to include a trip to the optometrist in the list of well-baby check-ups. Assessments at six to twelve months of age can determine healthy development of vision. Early detection of eye conditions is the best way to ensure your child has healthy vision for successful development—now and in the future."

Additionally, if your kids are over 12 months, Dr. Kenyon has specail offer for Grand Rapids Kids users:
Mention the GR Kid's website and receive 10% off a complete pair of children's glasses!

Not so long ago you would have found me standing before a group of 28 juniors performing chemistry demonstrations and explaining the finer details of molecules and chemical reactions.  Yes, I was a high school chemistry teacher.  For 10 years.  And then circumstances beyond my control, the economy, to name just one, had me bid farewell to that position.

I remember my colleagues and wish them well right now, as summer vacation quickly approaches.  The students are antsy.  The classrooms can get stuffy and sometimes smelly with all of those teenage bodies packed inside.  These teachers don't get a whole lot of "thank-you's" from their students or their parents.  Not like at an elementary school, at least.

No matter what age your child, be sure to let your teachers know that you appreciate the job that they do.  A hand-written card can make a teacher smile for a week!  And if you think that teachers get the summers off, don't let them know that :).

Grand Rapids Kids just keeps getting better and better!  Now you can win great prizes while you check out local events!

This week we're featuring a package of (4) General Admission tickets to the Grand Rapids Public Museum!  One winner will be chosen based on the rules below.

For those of you who haven't yet discovered the Grand Rapids Museum, this is a great opportunity to explore a local gem.  I can't believe it took me 10 years of Grand Rapids life to check it out...I was thrilled with the neat exhibits and my kids (both under 5) had a great time, too! 

How to enter:
Write a blog post with the answer to one of these questions:
(1) "What do you like best about the Public Museum?"
(2) If you've never been to the Public Museum, visit their website and write about "What interests you most?'


This contest is open until 9 am on Tuesday, June 9.  Winners will be posted on the Grand Rapids Kids website and in the weekly e-newsletter.  Good luck!  And look for more Great Give-Aways in June!

Well, it can get kind of lonely facing the computer screen.  I want to hear from you!  Tell me what Grand Rapids Kids has meant to you, how you have used it, what you love, what you want to see, where you heard about it, how you've shared Grand Rapids Kids, etc.  I want to know...and the best blog comment may be rewarded!

Sunday afternoon fun!  Our family finally made it down to see the Dinosaur exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, which has been extended through June 14.

Both kids had a great time, even though Ethan was a little scared of the dinosaurs until he saw that they were really robots.  That's a testament to how life-like the creatures looked.  We stayed away from the movie screen, which featured a graphic portrayal of one dinosaur being preyed upon by several others.  I think this specific display would especially appeal to boys 7 and up.

Probably the favorite activity in the Dinosaur exhibit was the archeological "dig" where kids use two inch wide paint brushes to brush away rice from the fossils that lurk below.  We also had fun pushing buttons to operate the mechanical dinosaur, playing computer games, and making dinosaur art.

My husband and I were shocked to learn that brontosaurus is an obsolete term that has been replaced by Apatosaurus.  I'm not going to tell you why...you'll just have to visit the museum to find out.

After spending over an hour in the exhibit, we headed down to the main level for carousel rides.  What a treat!  I appreciate the extensive work done to restore the carousel to its former glory.  The kids had a fabulous time as well.

We did not get to see the planetarium show because we had to break for Norah's afternoon nap.  I would love to hear your opinion of the planetarium show that accompanies the Dinosaur exhibit.  Is it worth it?  What age range do you recommend?

You'll want to plan to make it down to the Dinosaur Exhibit if you haven't done it yet.

One great way to save your family money is to head to the Dinosaur Discovery Days that are held in the evenings. 

Here are the details:

$10 Discovery Night package ticket price.

June 8-12 from 5-9 pm.

On these nights, entry is $10 per person for Museum admission, special exhibit admission, a planetarium show, carousel rides and a pizza meal.

Along with moving, roaring dinosaurs, the exhibit includes several interactive stations - including a Magic Tree House, large 3D floor puzzles, a cozy reading corner, a puppet theater and a dinosaur dig box, where kids ages 1-12 can make believe.

Enjoy!  Remember to tell them that you found out about it on Grand Rapids Kids

Sears Auto Center at Woodland and Rivertown Malls
I've used Sears for new tires, tire repairs, tire rotations, and oil changes.  The nice thing is that they are located at the mall and you can take your kids over to the play area, out to eat, get their photos taken, to see a movie, or just walk around. 

The service I have gotten is good and the technicians call my cell when the car is done so I can go back and pick it up.

The only negative experience I had was when a bolt broke and they didn't have a replacement on hand.  Four hours later, we were on our way.  That could have happened anywhere, though, and if you have to be stranded with kids, better at the mall than a mechanic's waiting room.

Woodland Mall
3099-28TH ST
GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49512
(616)285-4128

Rivertown Crossings
3980 RIVERTOWN PKWY SW
GRANDVILLE, MI 49418
(616)538-5576

Tomorrow you can stop by an Arby's in the greater Grand Rapids area and buy a soft drink...you will then be presented with a FREE Roast Burger.  This offer is valid all day Wednesday at participating Arby locations.  Enjoy!

My husband was working late one night last week.  We were running out of milk and bread, so I knew I needed to go grocery shopping.  I should have just stuck to the essentials, but I hate to make two trips.  Thus, I loaded up the kids and my list and we set out for a post-supper shopping trip.

To make the trip more bearable I thought I'd spring for one of those TV grocery carts.  These are the same carts that I have passed by for years because I didn't want to set a precedent with my kids.  So I explained to my son that this was a special one-time treat and I slid my dollar into the machine. 

Getting the cart out wasn't too bad, but getting the kids into the cart was the start of my hassles.  First, there is only one steering wheel...of course they both wanted to drive!  Then, the buckles had tabs that were half broken off and wouldn't work properly.  My daughter kept reaching over to the other side of cart, proving that there really isn't enough room in one of those carts for a 5 and 2 year old together.  Our passes up and down the aisle were accompanied by many changes in seating arrangements.

Additionally, as I wheeled through the store I had to be creative about how I loaded the cart...there just wasn't that much room.  Finally, exhausted by the trip, I was ready to check out.  At this point I had to wheel my TV cart back to the entrance to get another regular cart because you're not allowed to take the TV cart outside.

Luckily, my cashier was talking to an old acquaintance-customer, so I got to listen in on a lot of catch-up while holding a writhing 2-year old and keeping her from the candy display.  We did finally manage to checkout, and I kept my cool through the whole thing, even while walking out to our van in the cold rain.

Maybe on a different trip the TV cart wouldn't have been such a big deal.  It was supposed to make my mom-job easier, though, and it just didn't measure up.  Next time we'll skip the TV cart and go straight to Sandy the Pony. 

Special Ice Cream Edition...Yum!
The warmer weather makes many thoughts turn to ice cream.  And while yes, you may buy a container for much less in the store, or already have a favorite spot, I thought it would be fun to share our favorite spots.  Who knows, you might discover another favorite.

Here are some places you like to frequent:
Karen...There is one on Union and Michigan.Moxies, just a fun little seating area out side.. We ride our bikes there.

Sarah voted for...Trailside Treats in Belmont - along the White Pine Trail. There's also a place in downtown Comstock across from Lydell Park.

Melissa said you should go to Sundaes At The Cottage, 6868 Cascade Rd SE, and then walk across the road to Tassell Park and enjoy the view of the Thornapple river.

Sarah, Jessica, Jill, and Michelle want you to know about Jersey Junction, East Grand Rapids, and that you can walk to Reeds Lake!

Lynne told us about the place on Whitneyville Road and 68th is awesome! Much cheaper than Sundaes at the Cottage. BUT it is on the end of a gas station. It never feels like it though.

Brittany reports that Scoopers is set to open in Ada by the bike shop sometime this spring, the sign says....

Jen & Michelle reminds you to visit Rockies and Custard by the Dam in Rockford!  There are beautiful pathways all around and lots of great shopping!

Christine says that she really like Mairlyn's in Ada, the people are nice, local business, not outrageously priced. They have a nice patio, but you can't really walk anywhere.

Emily found a place that she thinks is called Balls Ice Cream in Lowell. Cute and always lots of happy customers there.

I'm sure there are more great cone stops out there.  Share your find in the comment section and help make it a sweeter summer for Grand Rapids Kids!

Looking back almost 5 years, I know I suffered from postpartum depression.  In addition to the shock of being a parent the first time, my son was jaundiced and required special care, had difficulty nursing and sleeping, had acid reflux, and would cry for hours on end.  I had way more than the baby blues, but a combination of pride and ignorance kept me from getting help.  I was blessed that I eventually came out of it, but my heart forever breaks for the parents out there experiencing similar things.

Happily there is now a program serving the Grand Rapids area called MomsBloom.

They will help with most things related to a newborn.  I say to you, if you are feeling overwhelmed, sad, or anything out of sorts with your newborn, it does not hurt to contact someone and let them know what you are going through.  You are not a bad person, a failure, or anything like that!

When you reach out you will be a more well-adjusted person for it, and ultimately, a better parent.  Isn't that what we all want for our kids...to be the best parents we can for them?

And if you're worried about cost, MomsBloom is free.

In-Home Services:

Nonjudgmental support and companionship
Promotion of parent-infant bonding
Emotional and physical recovery from birth
Newborn care
Meal preparation and light household tasks
Connection to community resources
Infant feeding support
Care for siblings
Parent education
Soothing and coping skills