Who Knew Lunch in a Hospital Could Be So Fun?!?

Today started like any other this week.  I brought Kenzie to summer camp and we headed back home to clean and play.  I had been planning on attending a luncheon at St. Louis Children’s Hospital but, due to some childcare issues, I had to send that dreaded “sorry I can’t come” email.  Shortly after, I received an email in response saying that my kids were welcome to come along and play in the Sibling Playroom while I attended the blogger luncheon.  Woo hoo!

So, I packed up some bag lunches for the kids and we piled in the car for the trip to the hospital.  I heard on the way how I was supposed to take Johnny to the zoo (you pass St. Louis Zoo on the way) and why there was  a bridge to nowhere over us (the St. Louis Science Center has a walkway over the highway).  Finally, we made it.  We were able to park on the best level ever according to Joley… the elephant level… or level 3 for those who don’t speak in animals.

The kids were so excited about all there was to see at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.  From the moment you enter the parking garage, you are greeted with different animals and signs.  My favorite are the various speed limit signs that tell you not to exceed 3.14… MPH or other cute variations on the same.  Each level is also, as I mentioned, an animal and a number.  Once inside the elevator, you are greeted with the sound of a child’s voice announcing your floor.  Once inside, the hospital is filled with bright colors and many other visually-stimulating decor.

The Sibling Playroom, of which I knew nothing about until today, was so cute.  The kids had much to do and didn’t even say goodbye to me when I left because they were ready to see what was in store for them.  I was escorted to the blogger luncheon where I saw some of my favorite ladies (Robyn and Danyelle) and I learned more about the hospital and its mission.  I was so impressed with this facility before (did I mention that I actually would like to work there?) but am even more so after today.  Lee Fetter, President of Children’s Hospital told us a few things that I wanted to share with you all…

1.  St. Louis Children’s Hospital is everything for everyone.  There are very few problems/diagnoses that they are not familiar with.  They serve children from all over the world because of that.

2.  They do not turn any child away.  No matter what the circumstance, St. Louis Children’s Hospital will work with the family to get that child the care they need and deserve.

3.  They are often a last hope for families.  They take that very seriously and are happy to be a place of hope for those that may not have felt that before.

Children’s Hospital has a long history and is an amazing place.  The nurses, doctors, and other staff are friendly and caring.  They deserve to be recognized for all they do and I am honored that they invited me today to talk about their social media initiatives and I can’t wait to share more with you about what is coming up with St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

As far as my kids go, Johnny was very happy when I picked him up and would have been fine staying there and playing all day.  Joley, on the other hand, was missing her mommy and didn’t have such a great time.  My take on the Sibling Playroom?  Amazing… it is just an amazing place for the siblings of those that are patients in the hospital so they can get their own time away.

Thanks to St. Louis Children’s Hospital for having me as a guest today and for working it out with my kids.  I appreciate it!