Seeking Advice/suggestions for the Move to KC

I take my kids to www.SmilesDentistry4Kids.com located at
14700 Metcalf Avenue
Suite 110
Overland Park, KS 66223
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We live in Lenexa so it's a 15-20 minute drive, but is so worth it! They love kids and you can tell! I hope this helps!! Good Luck moving!!

i live out in the country, so i don't frequent that area of town, i just wanted to say ... welcome to you and your family. i'm sure you'll find everything you need (probably within a mile of your new home!) that is a wonderful part of town. again, welcome home!

Welcome to the 'hood! I think you'll like it here! I, too, live right down the street. Your kids are a lot younger than ours, so I won't make any suggestions. But if you ever can't find a store, a product, a restaurant, anything, feel free to shoot me a question. I'm pretty new here myself, and I remember how frustrating it could be to need something and not know EXACTLY where to get it - like I used to in my old community.

Hi N. -
I moved recently from Bella Palazzo to a house about 10 minutes west, and I miss that location - you will be in a great spot! It looks like you're getting a lot of great advice - here are a few of my suggestions.
Just north of you at 135th & Metcalf you have Hen House on the right (best grocery store in town) and Latte Land on the left (great coffee w/ a DRIVE THRU).
On the SE corner of 143rd and Metcalf is Pippinos for great pizza and Tanners if you want some quick bar/grill food. It is non-smoking & they have a room off to the side so you can take you kids in there w/out feeling guilty.
OB/GYN - Women's Care at St. Luke's South on Metcalf, ###-###-####. They have 4 amazing Nurse Midwives or Dr. Gaslightwala - she's young, great personality,like visting a friend when you go to the doctor
PED - Preferred Pediatrics, Dr. Miller, ###-###-####...older man, LOVES kids, giggles a lot. Brand new office west of 151st & I-35
HAIR - Lacey Broyles, Bellez Design Studios, ###-###-#### - great cuts & color and very affordable compared to other ppl in town.
KIDDOS - My son is too young, but my daycare provider sends her 2 older boys (4 1/2 & 3) to preschool through Colonial Presbyterian Church in Overland Park and really likes it. Her 4 yr old has been reading for a couple of months now, so they must be doing something right!
Best of luck to you with your move. My sister moved from here to central FL almost 10 yrs ago and still misses home - hopefully you will love it here as much as the rest of us!

Someone earlier mentioned Kindermusik. I am actually a licensed Kindermusik educator in Olathe (the neighboring suburb). Kindermusik is a great way to meet other moms with kiddos the same age as yours. You can check out my site if at www.musicalfootsteps.com

We have classes running year round.
L. M Beckman

Welcome to Overland Park. I actually just moved from Olathe (the neighboring city) and actually live at 146th and Metcalf so right up the street. There are lots to do. My son (3 1/2) attends the preschool up the street (it takes me less than 5 min to get there).

I have a family Dr that I see every so often. He's at College Park Family Care Center at College and Quivira - Dr. Curry. Now, my Ob/Gyn is who I see a litte more regularly. Dr. Arroyo. He's at the Kansas City Women's Clinic at I435 and Quivira. I LOVE HIM!!! ###-###-####. I've seen him ever since I moved here in 1999 and will NOT change.

You can email me if you would like more info.
____@____.com

Hi N.!

I had to write back b/c I moved from Tampa to here 6 years ago! It is a wonderful area to live, the weather it crazy but each season is beautiful in it's own way!!

Deanna Rose Farmstead at 135th and Swizter (Olathe) is a wonderful (FREE) place to take the kids, also very good for taking family pictures b/c the landscaping is so pretty.

The Great Mall at I35 and 151st (Olathe) is also a good place especially on a rainny day. It is one level, full circle, great for walking, one big enclosed play area in the food court and then another play area inbetween Carter's and Burlington Coat factory.

We go to Midwest Family Care with Dr. Davis and Randy Eaton. They have been wonderful over the years and they listen to my concerns with the boys. Mur-len just past 127th. (Olathe)

Life Chiropractic - Dr Fred Clarke - Best chiropractor I have ever been to!! He has done wonders for my entire family! Especially me, I used to could not walk to the mail box from past injuries now I can take my children on several mile walks:o)
13849 S Murlen Rd Ste. E
Olathe, KS 66062
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We attend church at Lenexa church of Christ in Lenexa. We have found that they stick as close to the Bible as they know how, it's a wonderful group!
7845 Cottonwood
Lenexa, KS 66216
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Please feel free to write back with any questions even if it's just directions:o) I used to live in Olathe, now I'm around Metcalf and 75th on Overland Park. So we go all over the place for different things.

Welcome Home!

S.

Welcome...I'll be quick. I have two the same age.

Free and fun:
Deanna Rose. My boy asks for it by name almost daily.
Kaleidescope is fun but maybe a little old for your clan. But it is at Crown Ctr which is fun to just visit...fountains, shops, etc.

I would hook up at the local Gymboree. Lots of fun and a great way to meet other SAHMoms.

OB/GYN - I LOVE Women's Care at 120-something and Metcalf. I have been going there for years and had both babies with them. Awesome! Dr. Carriker is my dr but I have met and liked them all.

Best of luck.
J.

Hi N.,

Welcome, in advance, to KC! I've lived here my entire life and love it. And 143rd and Metcalf is a great area. As a matter of fact there is a little "after hours" pediatric clinic right there. As far as Gyn or peds docs I'm sure you will get a lot of suggestions, (my kids are older).
There is an amazing little freebie magazine you can find everywhere called KC Parent. There are different features every month but also baby guides and school guides and camp suggestions. Some of it is on their website www.kcparent.com.

You are also very close to Deana Rose Farmstead. It was started and named after a police officer killed in the line of duty many years ago. I think it's still free to get in, maybe some of the other posters can correct me if not. But kids can see different animals, there are a few activities and it's a very family friendly place for a picnic.

Welcome again!

Lori K

I, too, live at 143rd and Metcalf. My kids are in elementary and middle school, but I can give you advice based on our experiences. There are a couple of daycares that are highly praised here and my daughter attended both. They are different, depending on what you're looking for. The first is with Lord of Life church on 135th Street just east of Mission Road. This is probably 2-3 miles from your place. I personally know several of the teachers there (they are moms of some of my kids' friends) and they are GREAT! They love these little guys and my daughter really liked going there. There is also Small Beginnings Montessori at 158th & Metcalf. ###-###-#### I LOVE Montessori (if it is TRUE Montessori). This school seems to use SOME of the Montessori principles, but not all of them. This may be an option for you if you later, when you're ready to get your oldest some prep for "K".

You will find Blue Valley schools are among the top in the country. I actually split my family up (my husband lives and works in TX and only is home every other weekend) because I don't want to leave the kids' current schools. The education they are receiving is FABULOUS and we've got lots of past experience in other areas of the country to compare it to!

As for pediatricians, I HIGHLY recommend Pediatric Partners. ###-###-####. They are not the closest ones, but they are very good and came highly recommended by our previous Pediatrician in the DC area.

Eye Dr... Dr. Stephen Lile. He's ###-###-####. He's with Discover Vision at 11705 Roe. I have trouble with my eyes and he's 'right on' in working with them. I'm very happy.

GYN - Dr. Henry Bishop. He's really great! He's with Kansas City Women's Clinic. They have 2 offices. 1 is at 123rd & Metcalf. ###-###-#### is one of their numbers. Make sure you're talking to the METCALF or St. Luke's South office, not the Quivira office...

While I like my dentist very much, he's very expensive and I'm going to make a move so I won't make that recommendation.

If you need a vet, I actually go to Camelot Court at 119th & Roe because I had a dog who was VERY ill when we moved back here, but I have been told that Lionsgate Veterinary at 143rd and Metcalf by Pippino's Pizza (which, by the way, is the BEST pizza around) is good, thorough, and reasonable. I also understand that they don't recommend a slew of procedures just to rack up your bill.

I'm not so 'up' on playgroups, etc. I know there are MANY around. Lionsgate (the neighborhood group near your home) has lots of these going on all the time but I'm not sure how these moms found each other. My kids were beyond playgroups when we moved here. Try through preschool/daycare or church.

Church of the Resurrection (COR) is a GREAT church. (137th & Nall) It's HUGE, but I think you'd be surprised about how you feel if you attend. There are TONS of small group opportunities, including many that will certainly interest you trying to meet other moms and be in playgroups, etc. There are groups for people suffering with depression, in job transition, divorced, widowed, financial struggles, prayer groups, a zillion bible studies, women's groups, LOTS of youth activities, and MANY more. I know there is one that meets in the mornings that is moms getting together and talking about how to be great moms. Suspect it would be a great place for playgroup discussion! Don't be intimidated by the size of the church. It's AMAZING! (you should visit it early on!) They also have a preschool there, as well and I know they used to have waiting lists for some age groups in it. ###-###-####.

So, did I miss much? Welcome to the area! You will LOVE it! We lived here, left for 12 years and CAME BACK because this is such a great place to raise a family. Good luck!

Hey!

Just putting out a reccomendation for a good OBGYN in the area. It is Womens Healthcare Group. It is located in the Overland Park Regional Medical Center Building. They have several doctors in the office and several different midwives that are great as well. Personally I have seen Dr. Margaret Estrin, Midwife Julie Gorenc, and Midwife Kathy Melton (she is who just recently delivered my 1st son). All of which are great. They are located at the corner of 4-35 and Quivira. Incase you want the #, it is ###-###-####. I have been going there for approx 5 years and have had NO complaints! I rarely have much of a wait either for appointments!
Hope this helps.

Also, FYI , a good dentist in that area is Dr. Farrah Zaery and Dr. Smileys Office which is at approximately 121st and Metcalf in Overland Park. Ph # is ###-###-####

D.
Need anything else, just holler.... ____@____.com

Hi N.!

Welcome to KS. I know it will be a big change from Florida but we do have our own brand of beauty around here :). I love my pediatrician, Dr. Tara Grimaldi (I am a pediatric RN and met her while she was doing her residency). She is at the Dr's building at Olathe Medical Center which is at 151st and Hwy 35. They have a sick room and well room for kids, they always seem to be able to fit us in if we have an issue come up, and the other two docs in her practice (Drs Monson and Crifasi) are excellant. If you plan on having any more kiddos, Overland Park Regional has an amazing Labor & Delivery unit. A great place to find out about all the kids activities in the KC area is http://www.kcbaby.com, and check out "Ongoing Calender". Feel free to message me if there is anything else I can help with!

Hi N.,
I hope you don't mind, I'm alittle older than you but I am a mom of 7 and so I know quite a bit about things to suggest and recommend. I also live very close and have kids that could babysit/be helpers for you during this busy time. I also have a good friend who recently moved here from the same area if you get lonely for "home talk" . Ha... Anyway, I know lots of dr.s, dentists, etc. My weak areas of knowledge would be more with the preschool activities but I do know afew. When are you moving? If you want to send me a list of info you'd like I will give you my email. This is such a great area and you will be so close and convenient to so much. My email is ____@____.com and I will be happy to help you connect with as much as I can to make this easy for you. Happy Moving! M.

Welcome to KC! I love a place called Deanna rose located on just south of 135th st. on Antioch. It is a farm/ petting zoo that had multiple activites including a park and barn and lots of farm animals. It is free but they offer crafts and other activities for a small fee. If I think of anything else I'll let you know. C.

College Park Family Care Center is a great place for your doctors. They have several offices around the area and you can choose the one closest to you. There are several doctors in the practice as well as specialists, peds, doctors on call, and acute care.

Things to do in the area. There are several nice parks and make sure you check out the Deanna Rose petting farm on 135th and Switzer. It is great for the family especially with little kids as it isn't huge and they can walk around and won't get too tired of walking. It doesn't cost anything to get in but you want to take plenty of quarters to feed the goats and there are other activities that cost money like hay rides, pony rides, feed a bottle to a baby goat, fishing, mining, and a concession stand. I think you can do all the activities for 10.00 if you want to do them all. We usually pick one thing to do each trip as we go several times a year. I enjoy going and walking around. There is a nice big park there with a big playground across the parking lot from the zoo and a few smaller playgrounds in the zoo that are great for toddlers and preschool ages.

AS for playgroups and things to do with your little ones, there are probably other Mom's on here that are involved with those. I do know there are several Mother's Day Out programs in the area. I have seen several churches with them on their signs. Get involved with your parents as teachers group. You can call your local school district to get the information. They usually have fun nights and activities for babies-preschool age and you can get to know other Mom's through those groups.

We are very involved in our church so haven't needed to find anything else to do for fun. We also have season passports for World's of Fun amusement park and Ocean's of Fun water park so we go there often in the summer.

Welcome to Kansas City and hope you enjoy living here.

Welcome! I grew up in Overland Park and have lived in the KC area my whole life. It's a great place, and Overland Park is a really nice place to live. The area you're moving to is mostly new, it's really been booming the last few years. Check out www.meetup.com, there are a few different mommy groups in KC.

Deanna Rose is awesome, the kids will love it. We also have Gymboree classes here and Kindermusic too. We also have the Zoo, Nelson Atkins museum, Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun, and tons more.

Check out www.kansascity.com, www.visitkc.com, www.opkansas.org, www.jocogov.org, and www.kansas.gov.

Hi N.!
I can give ya some advice for a Gyno, and this depends if your insurance is accepted by the Dr's group. It is there in Overland Park. It's next to Overland Park Regional. It's in the Medical Plaza just right next door to it. I might spell his name wrong so bear with me. It is James Marible or Mirable. There are Doctors and also housewives. I currently see a housewife. She is very nice and easy to talk to. When I first went to her, my very first time, I was VERY nervous. I broke down and cried and she took the time to talk me through what she was going to do. She is very understanding. Hope this helps! Good luck with the move!

Wow, coming from Tampa--that's going to be a big change. However, we love both areas, so we hope you will, too. I have a family physician at College & Quivira who is AMAZING. I used to have a GYN and Ped, but switched to Dr. Rahto and will never go back to multiple specialists, unless there's a specific reason for it. Dr. Rahto is relatively young, the father of 5 (I think), and very understanding. Plus, he's given me the most comfortable annual exams I've ever had, so that's a big plus for me.

Kids' activities: I second Deanna Rose Farmstead (http://opkansas.org/_Vis/Farmstead/index.cfm), and my son also enjoys Monkey Bizness (one of those bounce-house places) and Zonkers (an indoor amusement park), both at the Great Mall of the Great Plains, 151st & I-35. The public libraries here are also great about kids' activities, and I know the Ernie Miller Nature Center in Olathe does a lot of activities for kids, too. We have an amazing park system in Johnson County, so there are lots of wonderful playgrounds, trails, and so on. There's also a mom's group in Johnson County that arranges playgroups, "field trips," and such activities. They started charging for it right about the time I lost a job, so I quit, but it was wonderful for a while. I seem to remember it was Johnson County Moms on Yahoo Groups--anyone else know?

Oh, and although it's a little bit of a drive for you, the new Matt Ross Community Center at 80th & Metcalf is wonderful. There's an indoor play pool (zero-entry, with a lazy river, kid's turtle slide, and fountains), a lap pool, a kids' care area for parents who want to exercise, and a tunnel town. It's $140 for a family of 4 for a 3-month membership, and it's been a life-saver on cold winter or stormy spring days. http://opkansas.org/_Res/Parks_and_Recreation/Places/Comm...

Hope this helps--and I hope the move goes well and you enjoy your new home!