I have heard a million commercials and seen a billion bus stops that have mentioned that the new
Lurie Children's Hospital opens June 9th (props to their pr folks for a clear, concise and simple message).
If I asked my three year-old when the new Lurie Children's Hospital opens, he would likely tell you "June 9th." These people really did their job.
I wanted to quickly post about the new hospital --- just to make sure that you all know that it opens on . .. . . . . all together now . . .
JUNE 9th. But also wanted to acknowledge that Chicago-area families are so flipping lucky to have this amazing resource right in our backyard. In my view, this resource is literally one of the very best things about raising kids in Chicago.
Now, we are a generally healthy little family (thank goodness, knocking on wood). However, I have needed the services of the talented and kind folks at Children's Memorial many, many times. A short list:
- A consult to determine whether my tongue-tied first-born needed surgery
- Numerous blood tests for subsequent jaundice babies
- Outpatient surgery for Brendan to have his adenoids removed and ear tubes placed
- Emergency room visits for middle-of-the-night ear infections
- Routine blood test for Colin's food allergies
- A bloody, frantic emergency room visit to have Colin's head stitched up after a nasty fall
- God only knows what is next.
And we are a pretty healthy family (I swear). I have been grateful to the expertise of the staff at this hospital many, many times. I know that many other families (facing far more dire circumstances) feel the same way. I feel better knowing that this resource is here when I need it (because we will certainly need them again).
I missed the opportunity to attend the press tour a couple of weeks ago because I had a kid home sick from school (although I once again swear that we are a generally healthy family). However, my doctor friends who have seen the space say that it is totally mind-blowing.
Please take a minute to read on so you are in-the-know about the fabulous new Lurie Children's Hospital (here's is hoping that you don't need it -- but you will be glad that it is there if you do)...
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By Caitlin Giles,
May 24, 2012 at 10:17 pm
I am lucky to live in Wicker Park, one of the best shopping neighborhoods in the city. Of course, I don't really have a ton of time to browse boutiques and I usually have three kids (and six grubby, curious hands) with me so we don't tend to do a lot of shopping together in the 'ol neighborhood.
BUT from time to time I need a new baby present or a gift for a kiddo's birthday party and I have fantastic local options. I used to frequent Grow Modern Kids for eco-conscious baby gifts and gear (until it shuttered last fall). Happily,
Sprout San Francisco is going to be opening its doors on April 21 in the same space at 1943 W. Division...
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By Caitlin Giles,
April 12, 2012 at 8:27 pm
I am not a vegan and I am not raising my kids as vegans. But the whole concept intrigues me. On the one hand, we definitely are limiting animal protein in our diet and eating more vegetable and grain based meals. On the other hand, I am not sure that I want to live a life without cheese.
Even though we are definitely bacon-eaters at our house, I was interested in the idea of raising vegan kids and all of the issues that may arise (mostly in social settings). For example, what does a vegan kid do when the baseball team goes out for pizza or at a classmate's birthday party when everyone is digging into a conventional cake and ice cream...
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By Caitlin Giles,
March 31, 2012 at 3:40 pm
School lunches and childhood nutrition are hot topics right now -- as they should be. This is one of those issues that has been overlooked for a long time and is now finally getting the attention it deserves. If you are free for lunch (a really delicious lunch) tomorrow, there is a way for you to do your part in supporting the healthy school lunch crusade.
On Wednesday, February 29, Michael Kornick from
MK (one of my favorite Chicago restaurants) will be hosting a
Lunch Break for Schools fundraiser to raise money to support the Chefs Move to Schools program’s efforts to encourage healthier eating by kids – including eating more vegetables. Inspired by the recent news of the updated
White House recommended school lunch menu and the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, the fundraising event will raise funds to promote healthy eating habits and proper nutrition amongst children...
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By Caitlin Giles,
February 28, 2012 at 1:56 pm
If you could quickly and effectively cure your child’s ear infection, moodiness, or frequent colds with food instead of drugs, which option would you choose? In WHAT’S EATING YOUR CHILD? leading nutritionist Kelly Dorfman empowers parents to become Nutrition Detectives by revealing simple ways to uncover the clues behind a child’s health problems and find...
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By Caitlin Giles,
June 19, 2011 at 9:59 pm
I don’t know why I’ve never taken a Stroller Strides class before. I am their target audience. I have three kids. I own at least 10 different strollers (albeit in various states of disrepair). I exercise from time to time. Seems like a perfect fit, right? Well, until a few weeks ago, I had never...
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By Caitlin Giles,
April 8, 2011 at 11:06 pm
Next time you take the kiddos to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, you should definitely pack your lunches and take advantage of the new permanent exhibit called Nature’s LunchBox, sponsored by Dominick’s. This formerly bland and boring lunchroom space is now a vibrant, interactive learning space. Nature’s LunchBox illustrates the life cycle of food —...
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By Caitlin Giles,
September 2, 2010 at 11:55 am
A young artist hard at work at the Lillstreet Art Center. Looking for something fun for the whole family to do this weekend? I’ve got an idea or two for you. Family Farmed Expo. This is an event that has a little bit for everyone in the family. The Family Farmed Expo takes places from...
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By Caitlin Giles,
March 9, 2010 at 1:55 pm
You may have noticed that I have been posting a lot about issues surrounding food and kids recently. While I am at it, I thought that I would mention another important event coming up this weekend. Children of all ages are encouraged to attend Green City Market and Slow Food Chicago’s “Kids Write to Eat”...
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By Caitlin Giles,
February 24, 2010 at 8:48 pm
One brave teacher has had it with the food served to Illinois school kids and she has decided to do something about it. Since the beginning of January 2010, an anonymous teacher has been eating the school lunch every day. On her blog Fed Up with School Lunch, she posts a photograph and shares her...
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By Caitlin Giles,
February 20, 2010 at 12:26 pm
