Lifestyle

Meet Parker! She was born 3 years ago with a very rare (and only recently diagnosed) genetic condition called HIST1H1E Syndrome. Since the day she was born, Parker’s family has embraced this strong, smiley, happy girl and adjusted to their “new normal.” Parker’s mom, Kimberly, shares the importance of mourning the loss of not having a “typical” child, and then embracing the incredible and often unexpected joy this child can provide on a daily basis. Kim has an incredible support system with friends and family and of course sun reflexology is always a nice escape (even if only for 20 minutes). Kim has learned from her amazing little girl that no matter what life throws you, to never, ever give up! Kim is a Financial Advisor at UBS and since Parker’s birth she has turned her focus to helping families think through and prepare for the financial implications of their lives with a child with special needs. She has also recently launched a foundation called the Parker Avery Initiative to fund research for children with this same syndrome since so much is still so unknown. For anyone who knows Kim, she is kind, open, a go-getter and a true inspiration.

Rudy’s luxurious transportation services are perfect for all your family vacation travel needs. Rudy’s car service will help you get to any tri-state area airports or your exact destination. Their top-of-the-line vehicles are equipped with carseats by request and their professional chauffeurs make them the smart choice for your family! Spring break and Summer vacations are coming up, book today. Mention Local Moms for 10% off your first ride!

Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital is excited to announce the summer debut of a health
education video series for parents, “Pediatric Minute”.  Learn more!

On Autism Awareness Day, we would like to celebrate another amazing child with special needs in our community – and the family who supports and loves him. Meet Theo – an amazing 9 year old boy on the Autism Spectrum. As his mom Amy so poignantly shares: “If you’ve met one person with Autism, you’ve met one person with Autism.” Every child – and family’s journey is different, but Theo’s boundless energy (with all it’s joys and challenges), his sweet demeanor, and his curiosity make him incredibly special and someone his parents and siblings learn from on a daily basis. Though life may be less predictable, the Falkenstein family is along for the ride, and what an incredible one it has been.

Do Toddlers Get Concussions? Over 500,000 chidden visit the emergency department every year due to traumatic brain injury. Thankfully, most injuries are mild. As a parent or caregiver, it is important to know what signs and symptoms suggest more serious and require a visit to the emergency department.

Let's face it, we don't have the time to be unhealthy.We all have a lot on our plates – caring for kids, homes, pets, spouses, & possibly parents – all while managing career aspirations and self-care.  We have to be efficient, organized, and "on" at all times....

For those who don’t know (we didn’t!), 3/21 happens to be Down Syndrome Awareness Day. 321… 3 copies of the 21st chromosome that make up Down Syndrome. In honor of this day, we want to highlight Halle, an incredible 5 year old girl born with Down syndrome who after several years at Stepping Stones will be attending KHS for Kindergarten next fall! For those who know Halle, she is a firecracker, whose spirit and energy could make anyone’s day. Thank you to her incredible mom, Caroline, for sharing their story, and for reminding us that what’s really surprising about being different sometimes are the similarities…the many ways in which we aren’t different at all.

You’ve probably been hearing a lot about CBD—aka Cannabidiol, or one of the chemical compounds found in the Cannabis Sativa plant with health benefits including reduced anxiety, depression, pain and insomnia—without the psychotropic effects associated with smoking marijuana. Recently, we heard about The Press Pause Project, a line of CBD rich products made for and by women. See what we learned!