• RAISING STL KIDS, TOGETHER •

8.3.26

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If you've been reading this newsletter for a while, you probably know my journey into motherhood didn't exactly go according to plan. My rainbow baby arrived a month early via an unplanned C-section. Breastfeeding, for us, required triple-feeding and six weeks in a clinic. It taught me something I've found to be true ever since: parenting is full of contradictions.

Before your baby is even born, you're handed a list of all the things you're "supposed" to do. (A list that, as a recovering perfectionist, I took very seriously.) Have skin-to-skin immediately. Breastfeed if you can. Bond during those first precious hours. Sleep when the baby sleeps.

And then life happens. A complicated delivery. A premature birth. A trip to the NICU. A postpartum web of issues. Suddenly, the advice you've spent months internalizing isn't even possible.

One of the hardest parts of becoming a parent is realizing the picture you've been handed doesn't always match the reality you're living. Sometimes, the path begins not with the choices you hoped to make, but with the circumstances you never expected.

This week’s story isn't just about a new wing at Cardinal Glennon. It's about asking whether we can make those first days a little less impossible for families facing the unexpected. We can't prevent every difficult birth story–but we can build systems that better support the families living them.

🕺 Beat the back-to-school blues: Join us August 7 for our next St. Louis Family Playdate at Metro Theater Company. We'll be dancing the afternoon away at a kid-friendly Back-to-School Rave, connecting with other families, and collecting donations for Operation Shower.

📚 Mark your calendars: Our next St. Louis Kids Book Club is August 13 at the Clark Family Branch. Come for the free storytime, and stay for the also free hands-on activities.

🤔 Question? Have an idea you'd love to see us cover? Reply to this email to let me know!

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THINGS TO DO

Top family-friendly events this week in St. Louis

From superhero meet-and-greets and starry skies to barnyard tours and live theater, these are the best family-friendly events happening around St. Louis this week.

Read More »

Scenic spots to see sunflowers »

Public pools, splash pads, & water parks »

Indoor play places »

SPONSORED There’s so much to see and do at the Saint Louis Zoo – catch a Sea Lion Show, greet the giraffes and discover the new Sloth Atrium! Plan your visit!

A MESSAGE FROM UNION STATION ST. LOUIS

The ultimate way to close out summer happens at St. Louis Union Station!

Summer Spins at St. Louis Union Station happens on select Saturdays! Enjoy unlimited attraction rides and mini golf, a tasty treat, a family-friendly DJ, and unforgettable views—all for $45. The perfect family outing, date night, or weekend adventure. August 8 and 22 from 4:30–7:30 p.m.

Get Your Tickets »

TOGETHER FROM THE START

New Cardinal Glennon center will keep more moms and babies together after high-risk births

A first-of-its-kind center coming to St. Louis aims to change one of the hardest parts of a complicated delivery: separating mothers and newborns. When the new Cardinal Glennon hospital opens, families facing high-risk pregnancies will be able to receive specialized care under one roof, helping more moms and babies stay together during those critical first days.

💙 A regional first. The integrated maternal and newborn center will combine labor and delivery, fetal care, maternal specialists, and a Level IV NICU in one location.

👶 Designed for bonding. A new couplet-care model will allow some mothers and babies requiring intensive care to recover in the same room whenever it's medically appropriate.

🏥 Opening in 2027. The new Cardinal Glennon hospital is expected to open in late 2027, with the maternal-newborn center welcoming patients in early 2028.

Read More »

Lou's Clues: Playing Doctor 🩺🏥

Can you diagnose these clues? This week's Lou's Clues celebrates the St. Louis hospitals and healthcare organizations that help keep local families healthy. Work together to decode the emojis—and no calling in Dr. Google! 

Lou’s Clues is the weekly emoji puzzle game that turns St. Louis into one big family guessing adventure! 🧩✨

Play Now »

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Ronald McDonald House St. Louis: Supporting families every step of the way

Ronald McDonald House St. Louis offers families of seriously ill children a welcoming place to call home, along with the support and resources they need throughout their child's medical journey. Support families today.

SPONSORED CONTENT

The right school fit can make all the difference...

Consider Christian education that offers individualized support and evidence-based instruction from exceptional teachers for students in early childhood through grade 12 with mild to moderate learning needs. LASE Specialized Education.

Time Out 🤪

You’re killing me, smalls.

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