Birmingham Parent October 2018 issue

THE PREMIER PARENTING MAGAZINE FOR CENTRAL ALABAMA — NOW IN OUR 15TH YEAR OF PUBLISHING

OCTOBER 2018

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS FOR TODDLERS

FREE

BABY BOOK FALL 2018 SPECIAL DELIVERY How to Decide Where to Give Birth

THE IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP for Your Child Creating a

BIRTH PLAN PUMPKIN PATCHES & FALL EVENTS GUIDE PAGE 51

Basics of

BREASTFEEDING

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Alabama School of Mathematics and Science

Free Tuition, Room, and Board

Visit ASMS.NET to Apply Now Alabama 9th & 10th Graders are Eligible to Apply

Alabama’s Public High School Educating Alabama’s Future Leaders since 1989

Come find out if ASMS is right for you by attending a statewide informational meeting and visiting our campus for ASMS Day on Saturday, November 10 or Saturday, December 1.

Register for the meeting you plan to attend as well as ASMS Day at www.asms.net.

ASMS Informational Meetings ALBERTVILLE Thursday, Oct. 11, 6:00 PM Albertville High School

FLORENCE Wednesday, Oct. 17, 6:00 PM University of North Alabama

MONTEVALLO Monday, Oct. 8, 6:00 PM Montevallo University

ALEXANDER CITY Tuesday, Oct. 23, 6:00 PM Central Alabama Community College

GREENVILLE Thursday, Oct. 4, 6:00 PM Beeland Park Community Center

MONTGOMERY Thursday, Oct. 18, 6:00 PM Alabama Association of School Boards

ANNISTON/OXFORD Wednesday, Oct. 24, 6:00 PM Oxford Civic Center

HAMILTON Thursday, Oct. 18, 6:00 PM Bevill State Community College

ROANOKE Thursday, Oct. 18, 6:00 PM Roanoke Public Library

ATMORE Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, 6:00 PM Coastal Alabama Community College

HUNTSVILLE Monday, Oct. 22, 6:00 PM University of Alabama in Huntsville

SELMA Tuesday, Oct. 2, 6:00 PM Wallace Community College

AUBURN Thursday, Oct. 11, 5:30 PM (Central) Auburn University

JASPER Thursday, Oct. 25, 6:00 PM Bevill State Community College

THOMASVILLE Thursday, Oct. 11, 6:00 PM Coastal Alabama Community College

BIRMINGHAM Tuesday, Oct. 23, 6:00 PM University of Alabama at Birmingham

LIVINGSTON Tuesday, Oct. 9, 6:00 PM University of West Alabama

TROY Thursday, Oct. 18, 6:00 PM Troy University

BOAZ Wednesday, Oct. 10, 6:00 PM Snead State

MOBILE-OPTION 1 Thursday, Oct. 4, 6:00 PM ASMS Campus

TUSCALOOSA Wednesday, Oct. 24, 6:00 PM University of Alabama

ENTERPRISE Tuesday, Oct. 23, 6:00 PM Dauphin Jr. High School

MOBILE-OPTION 2 Thursday, Oct. 25, 6:00 PM ASMS Campus

Register for an ASMS Informational Meeting at www.asms.net.

AL AB AMA SCHOOL OF M ATH AND SCIENC E • 1255 DAUPH IN S TREET • M OB IL E, AL AB AM A 3 6 6 0 4 • 2 5 1 . 4 4 1 . 2 1 0 0 • W WW. AS M S .N E T

ed note P.O. Box 326 (add 800 Hwy. 52 E. for pkg) Helena, AL 35080 205-624-2405 205-624-2515 FAX www.birminghamparent.com

editorial PUBLISHERS David & Carol Evans EDITOR Carol Muse Evans ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lori Chandler Pruitt CALENDAR Lori Chandler Pruitt

HAPPY FALL!

By now we’re knee-deep in fall activities, and Birmingham Parent is your go-to source for pumpkin patches and fall festivals. Don’t miss all the fun. Check out our calendar starting on page 49 and our Pumpkin Patch Guide on page 51. Be sure to tune in to our social media pages as we have absolutely TONS of great giveaways this month!

In addition, we’ve added another baby-focused issue to Birmingham Parent’s lineup throughout the year, and you’re holding it now. Our publication is all about babies all year – we take your child from cradle to college – but this issue is especially focused on baby. Combining Halloween and babies, don’t miss “Halloween Safety Tips for Toddlers” by Sarah Lyons on page 10. Our popular Baby & Me Directory 2018 part two begins on page 10, and we take a look at “Creating a Birth Plan” on page 16.

“The Basics of Breastfeeding” is addressed beginning on page 18, and we’ll help you decide where to deliver starting on page 20.

I had the privilege of writing “The Importance of Sleep for Your Child,” starting on page 24. My kids are grown now, but I had one good sleeper (my first) and one who didn’t want to sleep (baby number 2)!

I can vouch for the importance of helping your child sleep with a sleep schedule, and our experts have some great ideas, suggestions and facts to back up all that they share.

Don’t miss November’s issue, when we look at private schools, adoption and much more for the holidays.

Carol Muse Evans publisher/editor carol@birminghamparent.com

ABOUT THE EDITORS: Carol Muse Evans is the publisher/editor/owner of Birmingham Parent magazine, a publication she and her husband David began in 2004. The Birmingham, Alabama-based parenting publication attracts more than 60,000 readers monthly in a four-county area and receives 10,000 hits per month on its website. The magazine has a 20,000+ print circulation, plus several thousand in readership of the digital edition online. It is the only independently audited free publication in our area. Evans is an award-winning writer and editor who has also has written for several other publications as a freelance writer since the late 80s. She is a graduate of Auburn University in journalism and is a graduate of Scottsboro High School. She is married with two grown children and lives in Alabaster. She is a member of the National Federation of Press Women, Alabama Media Professionals and Southeastern Advertisers and Publishers Association (SAPA).

Evans also serves on the board of directors of Childcare Resources.

Lori Chandler Pruitt is associate editor of Birmingham Parent, where she is responsible for the calendar and editorial editing. She also is a freelancer for Business Alabama magazine and has written/edited for several other publications. This award-winning writer and editor is a graduate of the University of Alabama in news/editorial and Hueytown High School. She is married with two children.

4 | birminghamparent | october 2018

CONTRIBUTORS Dr. Vivian Friedman, Sarah Lyons, Paige Townley, Erin Chase, Tiffani Hill-Patterson, Charles Ghigna, Sean Dietrich, Melanie B. Holliman, Emily Reed, Dr. Daniel Avery

sales SR. MARKETING CONSULTANT Kayla Fricks MARKETING CONSULTANT Natalie Julian WEB & SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Bethany Adams Hunley

art & production ART DIRECTOR Hilary Moreno DISTRIBUTION T&P Deliveries LEGAL COUNSEL Balch & Bingham LLP

BIRMINGHAM PARENT IS A PUBLICATION OF EVANS PUBLISHING, LLC. Publishers: Carol Muse Evans, David K. Evans Sr. Birmingham Parent (EIN200694149) is published monthly by Evans Publishing LLC. www.birminghamparent.com or editor@birminghamparent. com. Birmingham Parent is © 2018 by Evans Publishing LLC. Family Connections Media ©2018 by Evans Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Editorial submissions are welcome. For back issues, please send a self-addressed 10” x 13” envelope with $4 for postage and handling.

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contents babybook

SPECIAL DELIVERY:

Deciding Where to Give Birth Deciding on the best place to deliver your baby can be one of the most important decisions to make prior to going into labor. Many hospitals

20 our focus

our features

BABY BOOK 2018 HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS for Toddlers.......................................10

38

which allow parents to make the best decisions regarding where to deliver.

our regulars EDITOR’S NOTE Happy Fall!!..........................................4 PARENTING with Dr. Friedman...............................7

BABY & ME DIRECTORY..............12

SHORT STUFF.................................. 8

Creating a BIRTH PLAN................16

DINING WITHOUT WHINING Slow Cooker Lemon & Dill Salmon......................30

The Basics of BREASTFEEDING...........................18 DECIDING WHERE TO GIVE BIRTH...............................20 THE IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP for Your Child................................... 24

ORTHODONTICS: All About Appliances.....................32

Chatting With Child’sPlay: Tummy Time..................................... 27

Birmingham Teen: Part Two, Teen Drivers..................36

27

offer hospital tours and birth classes,

DESTINATION GUIDE: Great Wolf Lodge............................38

ASK THE ATTORNEY Why Do I Need a Trustee for My Minor Child?........................ 42 ASK THE SPECIALIST Keeping Your Child’s Hands Safe When Playing Sports............44 SEAN OF THE SOUTH Old Times..........................................46

Parenting People: Grace Klein Community................ 43

CALENDAR OF EVENTS..............49

Our Pumpkin Patch & Fall Festival Guide...................... 51

POETRY PARTY My Porch............................................54

ON THE COVER: Hunter, Age 6 months, of West Blocton, Alabama, is ready for Halloween! (Don’t try this with your child at home!), Photo by Christy Pierce Photography, www.christypiercephotographyllc.com.

6 | birminghamparent | october 2018

PAR E N TI N G

Parenting with Dr. Friedman

Q:

My wife and I divorced a few months ago. I didn’t want the divorce but after months in negotiations and six months of actual divorce I have come to accept it

and have moved on. The problem is that we continue to interact around issues pertaining to our three children. My ex-wife picks an argument at every encounter. How do I get her to just be indifferent towards me rather than so constantly angry?

Some divorced spouses continue to fight because the arguing ex-spouse has a need to win. Instead of viewing divorce as a game in which everyone loses (you can’t take one hundred percent, divide it in half and have anyone come out feeling like a winner), the angry spouse tries to come out on top.

Some spouses continue to fight as a means to remain engaged. Just as children will sometimes prefer negative attention to no attention at all, a divorcing spouse can behave this way too. The opposite of love is not hate. It is indifference.

By engaging in a hate relationship, the angry spouse maintains emotional contact.

The best method for dealing with an angry and argumentative ex-spouse is to not engage at all. Exchange the children for visitation in a public place, or if the children are old enough, let them go out to the car while you remain in the house. If you are the one picking up the children for a visit, call from a cell phone when you arrive and have the children come outside to meet you. Limit the contact.

Time tends to heal for many people. If you can refrain from contact for the first month or even the first year, your ex-spouse might settle into her own divorced life and let go of

her past. Until that time, communicate with an angry ex-spouse only via email so that you can reflect upon what you say before you send it. An ex-spouse’s angry communications will have less impact on you without volume and voice inflection.

Do your best to leave the children out of the conflict. When you hear them say words that have obviously come from an angry ex-spouse, don’t automatically respond to the specific topic. Instead of bad-mouthing the source, help your children through the stress by saying, “When mommies and daddies get divorced they often have angry feelings. Sometimes they say mean things about each other that aren’t really true. The important thing to remember is that both parents love you and you don’t have to choose between your parents.”

Stick to the structure of the divorce decree.

While some flexibility may benefit the children, constant swaps and changes create more negotiation and contact. Some of the changes may be designed to draw you into conversation, which, in turn, leads to arguing. This stress benefits no one. Both you and your children will be upset by it. When you are angry with your ex-wife, you may be short-tempered with your children.

Don’t alter the rules for your children just to make your ex-wife mad. Try to cooperate on child rearing. The children benefit from being on a consistent schedule in both homes. If mom puts the children to bed at 8:30, try to do the same at your house except for special occasions.

Focus on what is good for your children.

Vivian K. Friedman, Ph.D. is a child and family psychologist at UAB, Department of Psychiatry. Send questions for response in this column to Viviankf@gmail.com. No personal replies are sent.

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S H O RT STU FF It’s Never Too Early to Check Your Child’s Vision It’s never too early to get your child’s vision tested. Here are some tips from UAB School of Optometry and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences physicians: When should children get their first eye exam?

“Babies must have a vision screening by a health care professional soon after they are born, which must include an evaluation of the ‘red reflex’ of the eyes, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology,” says Marcela Frazier, O.D., associate professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. “If an eye problem is suspected, then a comprehensive eye exam that includes the use of eye drops to dilate the pupil should be scheduled immediately. Children with developmental delays should also have a comprehensive eye exam, even if the vision screening is normal.”

Improving Life for the Overweight Child Childhood obesity has tripled in the last 30 years. Studies show that nearly 15 percent of American children ages 2 to 19 are considered overweight, and 16 percent are considered obese.

Dr. Sondra Parmer, an Alabama Extension specialist in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAPEd), said obesity can affect a child’s life in many ways.

“Obesity in childhood has been linked to risk factors for cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and also type 2 diabetes,” Parmer says. “Obese children also can suffer from low self-esteem and are sometimes targets of bullying.”

Parmer explained that obesity is a complex issue and there is no magic cure. However, there are behaviors that can improve healthy weight outcomes. These include: Eat a healthy diet, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean proteins.

●

Limit sugar-sweetened beverages, sodium and fat.

●

Watch portion sizes.

●

How does a dilated eye exam differ from a vision screening?

“Vision screenings are good for detecting eye and visual conditions that may require further testing,” says Katherine Weise, O.D., School of Optometry professor. “A dilated eye exam allows for a more comprehensive look at the health of the eye. It also allows the eye doctor to determine the best glasses prescription for the child, if needed. The drops make it difficult for the child to see up close for a while and create a sensitivity to light. However, more accurate information is obtained from eye doctors who use dilating drops to examine the eyes of children.”

What are signs that my child may have blurred or improper vision?

Frazier warns that children do not typically complain about their vision, and Weise says there are many signs parents and teachers should look for when it comes to children. “Squinting indicates a potential need for glasses, and covering an eye while reading indicates a potential difficulty in getting the eyes to work together efficiently,” Weise says. “Complaints of eyestrain, intermittent blur or double vision, frequent headaches during the school week, or skipping lines and words when reading may indicate a problem coordinating the eyes and tracking properly while reading.”

●

Weise adds that a white light reflecting from one of the pupils can indicate an eye turn or something more serious. Parents or pediatricians who discover this should seek an eye doctor immediately.

Courtesy of Alabama Extension Service

Courtesy of UAB

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The Birmingham Museum of Art officially repatriated a stolen work of art to the nation of India in a formal ceremony that took place in New York City recently.

Dr. Graham Boettcher, R. Hugh Daniel Director of the Birmingham Museum of Art, represented the BMA at the ceremony which was hosted by the Consulate General of India in New York, and attended

by Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty. The BMA returned a stone sculpture of the Hindu deity, Shiva, nearly three years after it was discovered that the work was stolen out of India as a part of a $100 million international smuggling racket organized by art dealer Subhash Kapoor.

“The Birmingham Museum of Art follows a strict code of ethics to ensure that objects acquired for our collection are not among those stolen from protected sites of religious and/or cultural significance,” says Boettcher. “As soon as we learned of the unlawful provenance of this sculpture, we set out to return it to the nation and people of India. It is unquestionably the right thing to do and we are happy to know this important cultural treasure will soon be in its rightful home.”

Kapoor was extradited to India to face charges for selling looted art to several well-respected museums and galleries using falsified paperwork.

Children’s of Alabama Opens Pediatric Clinical and Therapy Services on Lakeshore Foundation Campus

Photo provided courtesy of BMA

BMA Returns Stolen Art

Lingodhbhavamurti (Shiva Manifesting within the Linga of Flames). Origin: Tamil Nadu, South India.

Date: Chola dynasty (300 BC-AD 1279), About 1150.

Description: A large linga-shaped carving that is splitting open to reveal Shiva inside. Brahma (Goose) and Vishnu (Boar) are posed above and below. Credit line: Collection of the Art Fund, Inc. at the Birmingham Museum of Art; Purchase with funds provided by the Estate of Eivor and Alston Callahan.

Accession number: AFI.10.2008

A new Children’s of Alabama clinic opened last month on the Lakeshore Foundation campus in Homewood.

The clinic is the first of its kind in Alabama, and will serve children and adolescents with acute onset or chronically disabling conditions who can benefit from the combination of a medically-based model of care and community-based healthy living and transitional services.

Children’s of Alabama provides specialized medical care for ill and injured children, offering inpatient and outpatient services throughout central Alabama.

Children’s is the third largest pediatric medical facility in the U.S. Lakeshore Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides opportunity for people with a physical disability or chronic health condition to be active and independent through physical activity, research and advocacy and policy.

Tickets Start at $15!

Restrictions, exclusions and additional charges may apply. Subject to availability.

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babybook

Halloween Safety Tips for Toddlers

By Sarah Lyons

Pumpkins, costumes, and candy. Halloween is a fun time of year for kids of all ages, but as you gear up for your baby or toddler’s first Halloween, keep these safety tips in mind to keep everyone happy and ready for trick-or-treating.

Pumpkins When your family sits down to do the pumpkin carving, never allow kids to handle sharp objects. The carving should be done by adults only. Traditionally, jack-o-lanterns were lit with candles. Consider using an LED light or glow stick to light your pumpkins on Halloween to keep both your own children and visiting trick-or-treaters safe. If you do use a candle, keep the pumpkin out of reach of curious little ones.

Costumes When choosing a Halloween costume for your little one, pick something that is both comfortable and weather appropriate. Also choose bright colors for better visibility while out and about on Halloween evening. If you are a parent of a walker, pick a costume that is a comfortable length and will not cause baby to trip and fall. Masks limit visibility and are uncomfortable for babies. Face paint may be a better option.

10 | birminghamparent | october 2018

Trick-or-treat When you venture out to do some trick-ortreating, have your child carry a flashlight or wear a glow stick. Always travel with an adult and stay together. Consider using a stroller, wagon, or harness to contain your child or hold hands at all times as you walk. Use care to stay on sidewalks and only cross at street corners and crosswalks. It is best to visit homes where you know the residents, but if you do go to strangers’ homes, only approach if the porch light is on.

Consider attending a fall festival or trunk-o-treat instead of going door to door in a neighborhood.

Typically these activities are well lit and offer a safer option for little ones and their families.

Candy Most Halloween candy will be a choking hazard for small kids. Hard candy, taffy, suckers, small toys, and popcorn all present a choking hazard for babies. Carefully sort through the treat bag when you get home and remove anything unsafe. Discard any homemade items unless they were received

from a trusted source. Soft chocolates and crackers are usually okay for older babies to try. Make sure to thoroughly clean their teeth after their treats. Some charities like Operation Gratitude or Ronald McDonald House will accept donated Halloween candy and send to soldiers overseas in care packages More Halloween tips Remember to be flexible when it comes to babies and holiday expectations. Many people enjoy putting up spooky decorations or wearing creepy costumes. These things can seem realistic to a small child and can be frightening. If they become scared, cut the night short and go home. Keep it simple on your first (or second) Halloween. Go out early and only visit a few houses of friends and family you know. There will be many more years to come as your child grows and matures when you will enjoy all the Halloween festivities.

Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer.

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baby&me DIRECTORY 2018 UAB MEDICAL WEST FREE STANDING EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT 5300 Medford Dr. Hoover, Alabama 35244 205-820-8416 www.medicalwesthospital.org Open 24/7 and located near Sprouts off Highway 150 in Hoover. It is a state-of-the-art facility with 10 rooms including two trauma rooms, CT, X-Ray, Ultrasound, EKG, laboratory and room for expansion.

Great Shops and Services When You Need Them for You and Your New Bundle of Joy!

HEALTH AND WELLNESS ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH www.alabamapublichealth.gov Promotes, protects and improves the health of individuals and communities of Alabama.

BROOKWOOD BAPTIST HEALTH Four locations in Central Alabama www.BBHob.com • Brookwood Baptist Medical Center 2010 Brookwood Medical Center Dr. Birmingham, AL 35209 • Princeton Baptist Medical Center 701 Princeton Ave. S.W. Birmingham, AL 35211 • Shelby Baptist Medical Center 1000 First St. N. Alabaster, AL 35007 • Walker Baptist Medical Center 3400 Hwy. 78 E. Jasper, AL 35501 With four hospitals delivering throughout central Alabama, access to an entire network of specialists, and countless ways to customize your experience, Brookwood Baptist Health is a community of care dedicated to making your new beginning a happy one.

12 | birminghamparent | october 2018

CHILDREN’S OF ALABAMA 1600 Seventh Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 205-638-9100 www.childrensal.org Children’s of Alabama has provided specialized medical care for ill and injured children since 1911, offering inpatient, outpatient, and primary care services throughout Alabama.

DAY EYE CENTER 2122 Old Montgomery Hwy. Pelham, AL 35124 205-987-2308 www.dayeyecenter.com Seeing Clearly Starts Here.

Now accepting Blue Cross, Davis, Superior, Spectera, Met Life, All Kids, Cogna, Tri Care, Avesis and many other insurance plans.

GRANDVIEW MEDICAL GROUP OB/GYN 3686 Grandview Pkwy. Suite 320 Birmingham, AL 35243 205-971-5499 www.grandviewmedicalgroup.com Our board certified OB/GYNs are passionate about helping women achieve their goals and offer care that is compassionate and personal.

GRANDVIEW MEDICAL CENTER Women’s and Children’s Center 3690 Grandview Pkwy.

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205-971-6349 www.grandviewhealth.com Whether becoming a new parent or adding to your family - our dedicated team at the new Grandview Medical Center will make your experience memorable.

SMALL STEPS PEDIATRICS ​Dr. ​Shameza Boyd St. Vincent’s East Professional Bldg.

52 Medical Park Dr. E., Suite 201 Birmingham, AL 35235 2​05-868-3486​ www.smallstepspediatrics.com ​Providing exceptional health care and compassionate service to the families we serve. ​W​e offer a full range of pediatric care including prenatal visits for expecting parents, well–child check–ups, immunizations and sick appointments.

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UAB WOMEN AND INFANTS CENTER 1700 Sixth Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 205-934-3411 www.uabmedicine.org A world-class healthcare facility dedicated to the care of women & infants. From inpatient surgical care to routine outpatient office visits, the UAB Women and Infants Center provides complete care for mother and baby.

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Are your child’s doctors and pediatric healthcare professionals exceptional?

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Testimonials and nominations must be submitted by local moms or dads of real patients.

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babybook

Creating a Birth Plan The birth of a baby is one of the most exciting and important life events that a woman will have. Each birth is unique, just as each mother is different.

Families will have specific preferences they would like to be part of their big day. Creating a birth plan is a great way to make sure the doctor, parents, extended family, and medical staff are on the same page. According to Stacey Cook, a registered nurse at Saint Luke’s South Birth and Women’s Center in Overland Park, KS, “a birth plan helps you feel prepared and gives you a sense of control. It also gives your doctor and nurses a clear picture of your wishes for the birth of your baby.”

In order to start your birth plan, ask yourself the following questions and discuss them with your partner: 16 | birminghamparent | october 2018

A birth plan helps you feel prepared and gives you a sense of control. It also gives your doctor and nurses a clear picture of your wishes for the birth of your baby.

By Sarah Lyons

• Do you want to deliver in a hospital, in a birthing center, or in your home?

• Do you have any medical history that the nurses should be aware of, such as group B strep, Rh incompatibility, gestational diabetes, or drug allergies?

• Do you plan to breastfeed or bottle feed?

Would you like to incorporate skin to skin immediately after birth?

• Do you plan to use medication during labor? What other pain management techniques would you like to try?

Shower, bath, exercise ball, music, focal points, massage, or different positions?

Does the birthing facility offer these options?

• Do you want a delayed cord clamping if possible? Do you want to save the cord blood? Does your partner wish to cut the cord?

• Who will be present? Just your partner?

Will you have a doula? What about grandparents, friends, aunts and uncles, or older siblings?

• What preferences do you have for infant care? When to feed? Where to sleep?

Will you offer a pacifier?

• Will baby receive standard medications and vaccines?

• If you need a cesarean section, do you have any preferences?

Once you have answered these questions, you have most likely determined what you would or would not like to have happen during your birthing experience. Armed with this information, you can start to create your birth plan. Here are some tips:

Family Favorite

2018

Discuss with your doctor. Talk with your doctor about what a typical birth looks like for her. Your doctor has attended medical school and has likely delivered hundreds of babies so they may be able to give you an idea of how things will go and what you can expect. If your plan differs greatly from the doctor’s plan, discuss this and come up with a plan that works for both of you. Having this discussion in advance can eliminate frustration during the birthing process.

Visit the hospital. Most hospitals offer tours of the birthing facility. These often include spending time in an empty room to get acquainted with the space and help you decide on any other preferences you may want in your birth plan. Ask the hospital staff if pain management items like exercise balls, jacuzzi tubs, or massage are available. Also ask if the baby will stay in a nursery or in the room with you. What will you prefer?

Start early. It can take some time to get your birth plan together, so it is best to start on it early so you can feel confident it is ready when baby arrives. Even if this is not your first baby, you will still want to have a birth plan in place because you will have new nurses assisting with your delivery. Make sure your plan is easy to read and highlights the most important aspects that you wish for during the birth of your child.

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With your plan in place, you will feel more prepared for the big day.

“The best tip to remember is that a birth plan is simply that. A plan.

It’s important to realize that many things can go differently than you thought and you can change your mind on what you previously wanted. A safe and healthy mom and baby is the ultimate goal for you and your health care providers,” says Cook.

Sarah Lyons is a wife and mother of six.

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babybook

The Basics of Breastfeeding:

WHAT TO EXPECT

By Paige Townley

Breastfeeding. It’s something that some mothers make look so easy, and something other mothers struggle with from day one.

Despite it being very natural, breastfeeding doesn’t really seem so natural when you’re in the moment and trying to manage it for the very first time. Whether you have immediate success or struggle through problem after problem, there is a lot to learn on the topic to help master it. Here we talk to lactation experts to get the information all moms need to know before nursing.

Newborns Don’t Eat Much One aspect of breastfeeding that is often overlooked or just completely misunderstood is the size of a newborn’s stomach, Davis adds.

A newborn’s stomach is around the size of a cherry or large marble. “Most people have no idea what the true size of a newborn’s stomach is,” Davis says. “It’s important for moms to understand that so that she doesn’t get discouraged early on and give up. People’s perceptions on this are often way off. They think babies need more than they actually need.”

Labor Impacts Breastfeeding A mother’s milk supply can be delayed by things that happen during the birth process, notes Marcia Davis, IBCLC, a birth navigator at Princeton Baptist Medical Center. For example, Davis explains, inducing labor can delay a mother’s milk from coming in, and so can having a C-section. “More and more mothers-to-be are turning to unmedicated childbirth and allowing for their child to be born whenever nature decides,” she says.

“That certainly works best when it comes to breastfeeding.”

Pay Attention to Feeding Cues It’s important for mothers to respond to baby’s hunger cues (such as licking, smacking or putting their hands to their mouth) by offering the breast. To help learn those cues, says Heidi Powell, IBCLC, owner and founder of Central Alabama Lactation Services, it’s best to avoid using pacifiers or formula supplements (unless medically indicated) until breastfeeding is well established. “Breastfeeding functions on the principles of supply and demand,” she says.

“That means the more you breastfeed a baby when he or she is hungry, the more milk you will make.”

18 | birminghamparent | october 2018

Common Issues Some of the most common issues mothers experience when breastfeeding include problems with baby latching, nipple pain, under supply or over supply of milk, clogged milk ducts and mastitis. A common misconception is that breastfeeding should hurt, and the reality is that it shouldn’t. While tenderness can arise in the first few days, especially for first time moms, it should be mild and subside after the first 10 to 15 seconds after baby has latched, Powell explains. “Bruises, blisters or bleeding from nipples, as well as ‘pinched’ nipples need to be addressed immediately by a lactation consultant,” she says. “Not only can they cause issues such as low milk supply and breast infections, but they can also signal inadequate intake at the breast by baby. So seek help early if you are having pain or supply issues. Sometimes a few tweaks in technique, positioning our routine can keep a molehill from turning into a mountain.”

Tongue-Tie Sometimes these common problems are actually caused by tongue-tie, which happens when the band of tissue that connects the

bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short or tight. In this situation, the baby’s tongue range of motion A newborn’s stomach is greatly restricted, and it is around the size of can seriously interfere with a cherry or large breastfeeding. marble.

Some of the most common symptoms of tongue-tie include a shallow latch, the baby sliding on and off the nipple, the baby getting frustrated while nursing, poor weight gain, acid reflux, colic, a clicking or smacking noise and even spitting up often.

When a child has tongue-tie, mothers can often experience flattened, blanched or bleeding nipples, pain, poor milk supply and even mastitis, notes Dr. Richard Baxter, DMD, MS of the Alabama Tongue-Tie Center. Baxter says that approximately 20 percent of newborns potentially suffer from tongue-tie, which can actually easily be fixed with surgery. “The procedure can be performed with a laser, and a full release takes just about five to 10 seconds,” Baxter says. “Typically, mothers notice an immediate difference in nursing right the same day with a deeper latch and less pain.”

Don’t Take Shortcuts When it comes to boosting milk supply, a mother shouldn’t take shortcuts (like trying certain foods or herbal remedies) unless she is doing something to consistently increase the demand for the milk supply (such as nursing more, pumping more, or hand expressing more).

“A general rule of thumb for the early months is that it takes eight to 10 breast emptyings (nursing or pumping) to maintain a milk supply and 10 to 14 emptyings to build a supply,” Powell says. “A lactation consultant can help navigate the path to making more milk, as well as offer tips and tricks to build a supply and save time.” And if trying to build a milk supply, be patient.

Often it takes three to five days to see the reward, Powell adds.

Don’t Fall for the Food Myths There are many food myths about a mother having to really restrict her diet and give up lots of foods while breastfeeding.

That’s actually not true, notes Davis. “Mom doesn’t have to give up all the foods she likes,” she says. “She also doesn’t have to drink excessive amounts of water. And mothers actually don’t have to completely give up caffeine. It should be restricted because it acts as a diuretic and can affect the milk supply because it can lead to dehydration.”

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Prep Early When a new mother takes baby home from the hospital, life gets real. There are numerous appointments and distractions that will require mom’s attention in those first few weeks, so trying to figure out the do’s and don’t’s of breastfeeding at that point is just too difficult. That’s why soon-to-be moms should learn as much as possible about nursing as possible prior to baby’s arrival.

“I honestly believe that 95 percent of breastfeeding is education,” Powell says. “If you know all about it ahead of time, it makes it so much easier. There are prenatal classes, books and websites are great ways to learn, as well as attending local breastfeeding support groups before delivery.”

Paige Townley is a Birmingham-based freelance writer. birminghamparent.com | 19

babybook

SPECIAL DELIVERY:

Deciding Where to Give Birth

By Emily Reed

Deciding on the best place to deliver your baby can be one of the most important decisions to make prior to going into labor. Many hospitals offer hospital tours and birth classes, which allow parents to make the best decisions regarding where to deliver.

“It is very important to be as prepared as possible and as educated because labor and delivery is an unpredictable journey,” says Courtney M. Dodd with Women’s Services at Brookwood Baptist Health. “The most common question I hear is, ‘what amenities do we offer?’ Most expectant parents like to know what special treats they can look forward to getting before they deliver, and while they are at the hospital.”

Dodd says most women have established a relationship with their obstetrician prior to pregnancy, which alleviates a lot of the decision regarding where a woman will deliver her baby.

“While at their annual appointment with their OBGYN, it is a great time to talk with their provider and have pre-conception counseling. It would be great for parents to start out their pregnancy experience at the hospital where they plan to deliver. Most women, with a normal pregnancy, will see their OBGYN for their first appointment around eight weeks pregnant,” Dodd says.

Sandy King, a registered nurse and birth designer with St. Vincent’s Health System in Birmingham, says it is also good for parents to spend time at the hospital or birthing center where they are considering delivering the baby.

“It is good to set up interviews with a few OB/GYNS to ensure you find the right physician to support you in the wishes you have for your experience,” King says. “Attend early pregnancy programs to evaluate your fit with the hospital continued on page 22

20 | birminghamparent | october 2018

From choosing a doctor to choosing a stroller, WE’RE WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. The journey through pregnancy can be an emotional time. One filled with excitement, uncertainty and anticipation. And UAB Women & Infants Services is here to help with everything you might need along the way. Offering extraordinary care by an experienced team of physicians, nurse practitioners and staff, and the only Level IV NICU in Alabama, we’re committed to handling everything you expect and anything you don’t. Matching our skills to your needs.

And being with you every step of the way.

uabmedicine.org/women birminghamparent.com | 21

babybook

you are choosing and get to know the nursing staff prior to committing to a hospital to ensure you feel comfortable with them, as they will be part of your birth story for the rest of your life.”

King says early prenatal care is important, so it is best to decide where to deliver within the first few weeks of pregnancy.

Dr. Frances Burgan, an obstetrics and gynecology specialist with UAB, says it is important for women giving birth to make sure they feel safe and comfortable in the environment where they plan to deliver. She also suggests as it gets closer to the delivery to ask friends for advice about their birth experiences, tour multiple places and trust your instincts.

While many moms might have questions specific to her pregnancy when deciding where to deliver, Dr. Emily Mills, an obstetrician with Grandview Medical Group OBGYN, says the patient should think about what is most important to her.

“She might want to consider asking if the hospital has 24-hour, in-house anesthesia, which helps facilitate fast, and safe epidural placement, and would be needed for unplanned cesareans,” Mills says. “Some moms will want to ask about support for women choosing not to have an epidural. Looking for a staffed NICU also increases the chance that baby will be well taken care of if unexpected complications occur.

“Women desiring to breastfeed will also want to look for hospitals that offer lactation consultants or specially trained nursing staff,” Mills adds. “Other things to consider include whether a mom wants immediate skin-to-skin or postpartum rooming in for baby.”

22 | birminghamparent | october 2018

Some of the most common questions Mills receives from women looking to deliver at Grandview Medical Center centers around epidurals and breastfeeding.

“Many people also want to know who and how many family members may be present for the birth of their little one,” Mills says. “The best place to deliver is the place where mom and baby have the best chance of a healthy and safe delivery, as well as a peaceful and supportive environment for the first days of bonding. Touring facilities and asking friends about their experiences will help you identify a place that is right for you.”

Amenities and Classes St. Vincent’s offers a monthly event called “Beautiful Beginnings” for couples who are considering having a baby or who might be interested in learning more about the hospital’s maternity services.

The event is the first Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. and guests are invited to join the group for dinner, while being introduced to the healthcare team, which could include an OBGYN, pediatrician, labor and delivery nurse, lactation specialist, birth designer, and an educator from the hospital’s childbirth education department.

“They (the parents) will be invited to ask questions and mingle with the team,” King says. “They are given a tour of the birth suites and an overview of all of our support services offered to families who choose to deliver at St. Vincent’s Birmingham.”

Those wishing to participate in the Beautiful Beginnings classes are encouraged to RSVP by calling 205-212-6667. Other amenities offered at St. Vincent’s Birmingham include birth design, which is offered at about 34-36 weeks of pregnancy to help moms think through their hospital experience. A birth designer is available to support moms throughout the remainder of her pregnancy, and are available to answer questions. The birth designer also stops by to check in with the mom after she delivers, and can be contacted even after the mother goes home. St. Vincent’s also has a Baby Cafe, which provides breastfeeding support to new moms and their babies.

Certified Lactation Consultants are present at the Baby Cafe to provide professional support, as well as other moms. In addition, certified lactation consultants are also available to meet with moms as needed, after delivery. For information, visit stvhs.com/monogrammaternity.

Grandview Medical Center provides many classes, including “The Gift of Motherhood,” “Breastfeeding, a Great Start,” “Infant CPR,” “Daddy Boot Camp,” and hospital tours, which provide an idea of the layout, policies and information to help make it a positive experience for those delivering at the hospital. Classes at Grandview are available to anyone interested, and not just those planning to deliver at Grandview. For more information, contact 844-462-3627.

UAB Women and Infants Center provides many prenatal classes including baby basics, breastfeeding, breathing and relaxation, infant CPR and a new life refresher course. There also are classes for siblings who are welcoming a new addition to the family. For more information, visit uabmedicine.org/women/classes.

Brookwood Baptist Health offers a variety of prenatal education classes and program to help parents, siblings and even grandparents feel prepared, according to Amy Ferguson, marketing manager with the hospital. “From breastfeeding to unmedicated childbirth to infant CPR and more, our classes are designed to help make this beginning a happy one,” Ferguson says. “We even offer private (and free) birth navigator appointments, where mom and her support person can meet one-on-one to discuss her labor options and birth preferences for the big day.” To sign up for a birth navigator session or any of the hospital’s prenatal classes, visit ichooseb.com.

Note: All area hospitals were contacted for this story. Not all responded by deadline.

Emily Reed is a freelance journalist residing in Alabaster. She is currently a stay-at-homemom to her two children, Tobias and Lucy.

Every story has a beginning.

When you’re pregnant, you learn a lot about what to expect.

But no matter what, you know that having your baby is only the beginning of the story. With four hospitals delivering throughout central Alabama, access to an entire network of specialists, and countless ways to customize your experience, Brookwood Baptist Health is a community of care dedicated to making your new beginning a happy one.

Find your happy beginning with us at BrookwoodBaptistHealth.com/OB birminghamparent.com | 23

babybook

The Importance of Sleep for your Child

By Carol Muse Evans

We’ve all been there – having a child who cannot sleep, and being a sleep-deprived parent as a result. Nothing about it is good, and in fact, it can be quite bad. It can affect the whole family, even the child’s siblings.

24 | birminghamparent | october 2018

“Sleep is crucial to the health and wellness for everyone from our first day of life and throughout adulthood,” according to Rachel Ashcraft, OTR/L, of Child’sPlay Therapy Center.

“Quality and the right quantity of sleep are necessary for growth, memory, emotional regulation, attention, mental and physical health.”

Elizabeth Luke, MD, FAAP, of Children’s of Alabama, adds, “A good sleep schedule sets up a child for success and overall health. “A healthy sleep schedule is very important…health benefits include building a strong immune system and helps overall optimal health.”

“It’s common for parents of young children to have sleep deprivation or problematic sleep behaviors in the night, but when it begins to interfere with your health and wellness, and your sleep deprivation becomes unbearable, you should check in with your child’s pediatrician,” says Tonja Bizor, a certified sleep sense consultant and owner of Tonja B’s Sleep Consulting. It’s bad for the child and the parent.

Sleep needs vary across the lifespan and vary between individuals and families. Every child and family is different. The following are general guidelines. As always, ask your pediatrician if you have questions about what’s right for your child, Ashcroft says.

HOW MUCH SLEEP? Month 1-2 The child will more than likely be setting the sleep schedule in months 1-2, Bizor, Ashcraft and Luke say. The job of those first two months is for bonding and establishing to the child that their parent(s) are here to meet their needs. “Newborns can have 3 to 5 night wakings each night, Bizor adds. In the first two months, babies will sleep 20-22 hours a day, Luke says.

Month 2-4 The amount of time a child sleeps changes from as early as two months, Ashcraft says, to 4 months to one year, Luke says. Do not get discouraged or worry if your friend’s 3 month old is sleeping through the night and yours still wakes every few hours, Ashcraft adds. During this time, you may be able to start encouraging a sleep schedule for your child. A sleep schedule does not mean to leave a child to cry for hours but you can start working towards trying to keep them awake during “wake” times and encouraging a sleep routine.

Months 4- 12 The American Academy of Pediatrics has listed recommendations for ages 4 months through adolescence. Children 4-12 months should sleep 12-16 hours per every 24 hours (including naps). Every child will be different how long they can go between nighttime feedings but this is the age that longer sleeping periods during the night should start to develop. Predictable routines will mean a lot to your baby during this time and will become especially important as he/she grows, Ashcraft says.

But if your child won’t sleep regularly, or on a schedule, what can you do?

HOW TO ENCOURAGE SLEEP “One way to encourage a good sleep environment is to ‘recreate the womb’,” Luke explains. Use the child’s bedroom for sleep only. Make sure it is dark and consider white noise. Be sure the child sleeps on his back, with a breathable blanket.

Schedule time to rock, sing lullabies, give a bottle or nurse, and begin brushing teeth (once those adorable baby teeth start growing in!), Ashcraft says. This will also be a time to learn your child’s “sleep personality.” Keep a sleep journal and notice if they seem to sleep better

The important thing is to do the same routine, the same way, in the same place, at around the same time each night so that the child recognizes it as a constant routine and will have the expectation that going to bed/sleep is next. with certain lighting, temperature, pj fabric, sleep swaddle options or sounds, Ashcraft says.

“Choose activities that you and your child enjoy, such as singing, reading books and extra snuggles and kisses,” Bizor adds. “A good bedtime routine should be no longer than 30 minutes in length (unless you have multiple children, then the time can increase to 45 minutes).

“I always recommend a bath, as this can be the key to getting your child to relax,” Bizor says.

“The important thing is to do the same routine, the same way, in the same place, at around the same time each night so that the child recognizes it as a constant routine and will have the expectation that going to bed/sleep is next.”

Luke also reminds that you should not put a baby to bed with a bottle, though a pacifier is fine. “There should be no bottles in the bed.

The stuff that collects on their emerging teeth is very bad for dental hygiene later,” Luke says.

Also nursing babies tend to feed a bit more, Luke adds, and it helps relax baby. However, try to keep them awake to get a full feeding, she says, so that they can get maximum sleep.

WHEN TO TALK TO THE PEDIATRICIAN If in doubt about any sleep behavior, all the experts say be sure to talk to your doctor.

Medical conditions such as reflux, sensory processing needs and other things can impact sleep, Ashcraft says. continued on page 26

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www.tonjabsleepconsulting.com birminghamparent.com | 25

babybook Be sure to ask your doctor if any of these is occurring, according to the experts: • Your child is overly fussy, takes a long time to be soothed or cannot remain calm after being set down.

Health Starts Early.

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www.smallstepspediatrics.com

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Visit bundlesdiaperbank.org and signup for a recurring monthly donation to BLESS A LOCAL FAMILY

• If your child can only sleep in an upright position, such as being held or in a bouncer.

• If your child has a hard history such as prenatal drug exposure or neglect.

• If your child was born premature.

• If your child used to sleep through the night, but stopped.

• Your child has never slept through the night after age 12 months and after trying a bedtime routine.

AFTER BABYHOOD Luke says the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine suggests the following sleep amounts: Ages 3-5: 10-13 hours a day Ages 6-12: 9 hours a day

Businesses, local organizations & individuals all welcome!

205-607-2112 www.bundlesdiaperbank.org info@bundlesdiaperbank.org

Teens: 8-10 hours a day Of course, this can vary from child to child and other circumstances. Learn more at www.aap.org and choose “Childhood Sleep Guidelines.”

Carol Muse Evans is publisher and editor of Birmingham Parent.

♥

♥♥

Every Child Deserves a Chance to Play

RESOURCES

Come out on October 13th for Birmingham Parent Day & play ball with us!

FREE Admission!

9 a.m. - 4:30 a.m.

The Moody Miracle League is a league for special needs players. Visit our website at www.moodymiracleleague.com 26 | birminghamparent | october 2018

For more helpful information regarding establishing healthy sleep habits for the whole family, check out these sites: www.tonjabsleepconsulting.com www.aota.org/~/media/Corporate/Files/AboutOT/ consumers/Youth/BedroomRoutineTipSheet.pdf https://www.childsplaytherapycenter.com/

CH AT T I N G W I T H C H I L D'S PL AY sponsored by

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Tummy Time As a parent of a newborn, you will frequently read how important it is for babies to have “tummy time.” In this position, babies will build up arm, neck and back strength, develop hand-eye coordination, and improve sensory/body awareness.

Additionally, tummy time will help prevent the development of flat spots on the head (plagiocephaly) and tightening of the neck muscles on one side (positional torticollis).

Babies should start tummy time the day they come home from the hospital. It is recommended that they receive three to five minutes, two to three times a day and gradually increase to a total of one hour per day by the age of 4 months.

If your baby does not like tummy time, you may try various positions to acclimate them. One of my favorites is tummy to tummy. For this technique, either sit up or lie flat on your back and lay the baby on your chest. You may also lay them over your lap or put them in the “football hold” over your forearm.

When they are over your lap or arm, they may enjoy a gentle bounce or sway.

Once they are able to tolerate lying on the floor, it is important to try to make the activity enjoyable. You may achieve this with play and by using toys or tummy time mats. When your baby is not on their tummy, it also important to avoid prolonged time (more than 30 minutes at a time when awake) in baby carriers, bouncers, car seats, swings, etc. as these limit movement and can delay development.

The most important tip is play WITH your baby. You can sing songs, talk to them, and play with toys together. If you have concerns about your baby’s development, call Child’sPlay today for a free screening!

• Occupational Therapy • Physical Therapy • Speech Therapy • Focal Point for ADD/ADHD • Reading Therapy • Counseling Services • Feeding/Nutrition Therapy • Integrated Listening • Interactive Metronome Chelsea: 205-618-8095 | Hoover: 205-978-9939

www.ChildsPlayTherapyCenter.com “Like” us on facebook! birminghamparent.com | 27

UAB Women & Infants Services The Fourth Trimester: Bladder, Bowel and Vaginal Symptoms to Watch for after Giving Birth A woman’s anatomy changes with pregnancy and after a vaginal or cesarean delivery, so it is not uncommon to develop vaginal and bladder symptoms during the “fourth trimester” – the 12 weeks following childbirth. According to Holly E. Richter, PhD, MD, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a urogynecologist at UAB Medicine, you should talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following: Urinary leakage: Known as stress or urgency incontinence, this may occur with coughing or laughing or create a strong urge to urinate. Your doctor can teach you pelvic muscle exercises to help alleviate these problems.

Constipation: Childbirth can affect the muscles that control your bowels. Relaxation techniques, certain exercises, or dietary changes can get you back on track.

Bowel leakage: Tearing of the sphincter muscle or damage to other pelvic muscles and/or nerves can reduce bowel control. Exercises, biofeedback therapy, dietary changes, medications, and surgery are options to discuss.

UAB Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery offers the full spectrum of care for pelvic floor dysfunction including urinary and fecal incontinence, and is the only NAFC center of excellence in the southeastern United States.

Alicia C. Ballard, MD David R. Ellington, MD Isuzu Meyer, MD

Grandview Medical Center Whether you are about to be a new parent or adding to your family, you have much to look forward to with the birth of your child.

At Grandview Medical Center, we want your experience to be memorable. From helping you find an OB/GYN to the day you meet your new bundle of joy, we’re with you each and every step of the way. To prepare for the arrival, we also offer a variety of prenatal classes including hospital tours, infant CPR, breastfeeding and Daddy Boot Camp.

Inside our beautiful, new women’s center you will find the staff focused on mother/family bonding with the baby.

Every effort is made to keep the baby and mom together and our open visiting hours allow siblings and other family members to be part of the experience. And should the need arise, our private NICU suites are designed for parents to stay right in the room with their little one.

Your well-being, and your newborn’s, is our top priority.

And you can be confident that at Grandview Medical Center, we are dedicated to giving your baby a wonderful welcome to the world.

For more information, visit www.grandviewhealth.com.

Holly E. Richter, PhD, MD R. Edward Varner, MD, MS Danielle Hays, CRNP

uabmedicine.org

Angelica Rohner Pediatric Dentistry Dr​. Angelica Rohner is ​​ a specialist in the field of Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry.

What’s so special? Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry, dedicated to the oral health of children, ranging from infants to teens.

Dr.​Rohner and​her highly trained staff work hard to make each child’s dental visit fun and exciting, resulting in a great attitude toward dentistry and, ultimately, oral health. On a daily basis we hear our patients say, “I love the dentist!”

We take pride in great clinical and conversational experiences with our patients. We realize that taking care of our patient’s guardian is equally important. Our office works with you to schedule appointments that work best for your child and their schedule. Our convenient location makes a trip to the dentist easy. We also supply text, email and/or phone confirmations and communication pathways.

It is an honor for our patient’s parents to trust us with the well being of their children. This is never taken lightly and is evident in the time that the doctor takes to speak with each parent at every dental visit. Let Dr. Rohner and her dental team take care of you​and your child.

205-870-0892 www.drrohner.com

28 | birminghamparent | october 2018

ADVERTISE HERE in APRIL 2019 205-624-2405 info@birminghamparent.com

A concussion

is an injury caused by a blow to the head in which the brain moves rapidly and may collide with the inside of the skull.

Even a minor fall or collision may be of concern, so be alert to symptoms such as headaches, unsteadiness, confusion or other types of abnormal behavior.

Any athlete with a suspected concussion: n.....Should be IMMEDIATELY

REMOVED FROM PLAY/ACTIVITY n.....Should be evaluated right away

by a doctor/healthcare professional n.... Should not be left alone n.....Should not drive a motor vehicle

www.ChildrensAL.org/concussion

KNOW what to do in case of suspected concussion In case of medical emergency, call 911 or go directly to your local ER

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D IN IN G W I T H O U T WH I N I N G

HOU

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IT W W

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DI

N NI G H I NI

5 Dollar Dinners with Erin Chase

SLOW COOKER LEMON & DILL SALMON Yield – 4 servings Preparation Time – 10 minutes Cooking Time – 1 hour on high INGREDIENTS 1 lb. salmon fillet, cut into 4 meal size portions

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Salt and pepper

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Juice from 2 lemons

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2 sprigs fresh dill, finely chopped

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Fresh veggies, as side dish

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1 cup brown rice, as side dish

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DIRECTIONS Place a large piece of parchment paper into the base of the slow cooker. The parchment paper is to make it easier to lift the salmon out of the slow cooker after it cooks.

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Place the 4 salmon fillets flat on the parchment paper. Sprinkle each with a little salt and pepper over the top. Drizzle lemon juice over the salmon pieces. Place fresh chopped dill sprigs directly on salmon.

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Set on high and cook for 1 hour.

●

Cook rice, as directed.

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Prepare veggies, as needed.

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Once salmon is cooked, carefully lift the parchment paper and salmon out of the slow cooker onto a shallow serving dish.

Remove skin before serving.

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Serve Slow Cooker Lemon & Dill Salmon with rice and veggies.

●

Erin Chase is the home chef behind www.5dollardinners.com and author of The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook series. She lives with her husband, four boys and one furry boy in San Antonio, Texas.

A DV ERTISE HER E NE X T MON TH!

A tasty option for any budget!

Only $299/month. Ad size: 6.7” wide x 1.9” high

Call 205-985-7700 today for more information

30 | birminghamparent | october 2018

S AY G

R O SUMME T E Y B D OO

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BA M A A L A O T LO A N D H E L DV E N T U R E ’S 1 ST !

A SPL A SH FA L L F E ST I VA L A N N UA L

JOIN US ON WEEKENDS IN OCTOBER as we will be open from 12 PM – 6 PM each Saturday and Sunday. 2018 and 2019 season passes are valid for admission every day. While the waterpark section of the park will not be open, all amusement attractions will be available to enjoy.

WHEN SEC NDS COUNT

DON'T SPEND THEM IN A WAITING ROOM. 99% patient satisfaction average wait time less than 30 minutes

Each weekend will also feature its own special entertainment: October 6th & 7th: Car Show

In addition to the amusement park rides, extra attractions include: Spider Safari Kody’s Korn Maze Farmer Tim’s Hayride The Singing Pumpkins Pumpkin Art Scavenger Hunt Kids Hay Bale Maze

October 13th & 14th: Arts and Crafts Fair October 20th & 21st: Local Musicians October 27th & 28th: Pirates High Dive Show

For tickets & information visit:

www.alabamasplash.com/tickets-passes/

FREESTANDING EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT The Medical West Freestanding Emergency Department (FED) is located off of Highway 150 in Hoover next to Sprouts. This 24,342 square foot facility is open 24/7 and consists of 10 exam rooms including: two trauma rooms, CT, X-ray, ultrasound, EKG, laboratory and room for expansion.

5300 Medford Drive • Hoover, AL 35244 • (205) 820-8416 medicalwesthospital.org In Case of Emergency, Dial 9-1-1 birminghamparent.com | 31

ORTHO D ONTI C S M O NTH

ALL ABOUT APPLIANCES:

Photo courtesy of PT Orthodontics

Retainers are used to “hold” your teeth in their current position, preventing them from losing their ideal positioning.

Unlike braces, they are not intended to actively push your teeth.

A Chat with Dr. John Phillips of PT Orthodontics Wearing braces is a multi-year process for most people, but many are surprised to find out other treatments also are necessary, such as wearing a retainer after the braces come off.

In fact, there are a number of new treatment options out there like Invisalign (clear braces – see below), but the tried and true retainer many of us remember still exists.

According to the American Association of Orthodontists (www.aaoinfo.org) both types of retainers hold teeth in their new positions after “active” orthodontic treatment is completed. This allows newly formed bone to harden around the teeth. Wearing retainers as instructed is the key to maintaining the success of orthodontic treatment, the AAO website says. Patients may be advised to wear retainers full-time for the first six months after “active” treatment ends, with subsequent wear time reduced to night-time only. When not in the mouth, removable retainers should be kept in the case provided by the orthodontist.

Local orthodontist Dr. John Phillips of PT Orthodontics fills us in on some of the appliances and options that are available. continued on page 34

32 | birminghamparent | october 2018

DENTISTRY FOR

CHILDREN & SPECIAL NEEDS PERSONS

Dr. Tabitha Jarman Gatrey, DMD

4823 Promenade Pkwy., Suite 101 Bessemer, AL 35022 p 205-230-9000 f 205-230-0188

www.psmilesal.com

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ORTHO D ONTI C S M O NTH Q. What type of “appliances” can a person wearing braces expect to wear?

A. While wearing braces or Invisalign elastics (rubber bands) are often used to help move teeth and correct bites. Once you’ve completed treatment and the braces come off, you’ll be amazed by how great your teeth look and we want to keep it that way!

Your teeth and gums will still allow some movement, and although it will occur much more slowly, this movement can cause your teeth to shift out of alignment. Retainers are used to “hold” your teeth in their current position, preventing them from losing their ideal positioning. Unlike braces, they are not intended to actively push your teeth.

Q. How should patients care for these appliances?

A. Just like braces and Invisalign, retainers need to be cleaned regularly. This is easily done by using a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the plastic body and wires.

Q. Are there extra charges for these appliances? How do they work with traditional braces, if they do?

A. At PT Orthodontics when you get braces or Invisalign, your first set of retainers is included! There are no hidden or extra

charges for these when you have your braces removed. Be sure to check with your orthodontist.

Q. Are there any other removable items you’d like to talk about, such as Invisalign?

A. Invisalign is becoming an extremely popular choice for both adults and teens who would like the look of invisible aligners. Invisalign allows you to eat your favorite foods, easily brush and floss, and is removable during sports or while playing a musical instrument. Invisalign is easy to clean, just brush with a regular toothbrush. Invisalign and traditional braces are very similar in price.

Q. Are there no-no’s when using these items? What about sports, dance, cheering and other extracurricular activities?

A. There really aren’t any “no-no’s” regarding extracurricular activities when wearing braces or Invisalign. We do encourage the wearing of a mouth guard during contact sports.

Compiled by Carol Evans, publisher of Birmingham Parent.

OCTOBER IS NATIONAL ORTHODONTIC HEALTH MONTH

PT O RT H O D O N T IC S At PT Orthodontics we know that a smile can change a life! We have been providing affordable, state-of-the-art orthodontic care since 1990. We have eleven convenient locations in Hoover, Homewood/Mountain Brook, Cahaba Heights, Greystone, Leeds, Pell City, Oxford, Hueytown, Gardendale, Jasper & Tuscaloosa.

Our doctors work together to help you achieve a beautiful, confident smile that will make

lasting first impressions. We believe that you deserve the best; that is why our commitment to the highest quality sets us apart.

At our office, you’re more than a number – you’re part of our dental family. We create personalized, individual treatment plans for each patient so that we deliver only the best results.

We have a Choose Your Own Payment Plan program that lets you work out the down payment

and monthly payment that fits within your budget! We offer a full range of braces to meet your individual needs and desires, including metal braces, clear ceramic braces and Invisalign clear aligners. Our initial consultations are free of charge because we want to make a beautiful smile easy and affordable! Call us today at 205-979-9480 to schedule an appointment or visit www.PTortho.com.

www.PTortho.com

M C CA L L A O RTH OD ON T IC S & P E D IAT RIC DENTISTRY McCalla Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, the office of Olga M. Sanchez-Hernandez, D.M.D., M.S., M.S., is committed to promoting optimal oral health by providing high quality dental care for infants, children, adolescents, and persons with special healthcare needs in a friendly, comfortable environment.

We also strive to deliver the highest level of orthodontic care by providing customized

treatment plans for children and adults that address individual needs and concerns, while utilizing the latest technological advancements.

Our team of skilled, experienced professionals is dedicated to providing each patient with the compassionate care they deserve. Our staff is especially trained to provide exceptional customer service.

At McCalla Orthodontics

34 | birminghamparent | october 2018

& Pediatric Dentistry, we are combining orthodontic care and pediatric dentistry so that all of your family’s needs are met under one roof. We appreciate your interest in our services.

Please contact us at 205-4778004 or mccalla.orthodontics@ yahoo.com or visit our website at www.mcallasmiles.com if you have any questions or if you’d like to schedule an appointment.

mccallasmiles.com

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B IRM I N G H A M T E E N

“If you are pulled over, put yourself in the officer’s shoes.

Try to create an atmosphere of comfort. The officer’s job is dangerous and he doesn’t know what he’s walking into.”

— Curtis Summerville

PART TWO OF TWO

TEEN DRIVERS:

Reacting safely to different situations on the road

By Tiffani Hill-Patterson

Because of the likelihood of being stopped by the police or being in a car accident, it’s important that parents teach young drivers how to respond. Both are stressful situations, so parents need to walk them through what to do if it happens.

“If you are pulled over, put yourself in the officer’s shoes,” says Curtis Summerville, Alabama State Trooper. “Try to create an atmosphere of comfort. The officer’s job is dangerous and he doesn’t know what he’s walking into.”

Kate Mercer, a Spain Park High School graduate who was pulled over for the first time this winter, adds, “I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I would be. The cop was very nice. But I would tell other kids to just make sure they’re respectful and don’t get an attitude.”

Summerville offers these tips for teens if stopped by the police: • Roll down the window and turn down the music.

• Keep your hands on the wheel at the 10 and 2 position with no movement.

• Take instructions from the officer. Wait until he tells you what to do.

• Stay calm.

• If there are other occupants, tell them to put their hands on their knees or on the back of the seat.

Weather alerts Weather awareness when on the road is another challenge. Today, most teens use Spotify or Apple Music or satellite radio for their tunes, which means they don’t get the interruptions from local radio stations.

Kat Campbell, a meteorologist at WAFF-48 in Huntsville, says a weather app is essential to stay safe while traveling. She recommends her station’s app, but you can also find one from your local TV station, such as WBRC Fox 6 or ABC 33/40 in Birmingham, or apps like the Weather Channel, Weather Live, or Saf-T-Net. “In the event of severe weather at your current location, an audio alert will go off,” Campbell explains. This alert sounds over any audio you may have going. In order for the alerts to work, settings in the app must be turned on to allow location tracking and notifications.

And one final bit of advice from Campbell: “Never try to photograph severe weather while driving. It’s not worth the Snapchat story and we will never use photos on air if we see you’re behind the wheel.”

Here are Campbell’s tips for avoiding danger: Tornado: “Seek nearby shelter. If the danger is imminent, abandoning your car and lying flat in a ditch is better than staying in your car. Never park under an overpass or bridge. The wind tunnel effect will actually make these locations much more dangerous.”

Flash flood: “What looks like one inch of rain could really be six inches. Two inches of flowing water can lift a car. Seek shelter on higher ground. A simple motto to remember is to ‘turn around, don’t drown!’ ” Ice, sleet, freezing rain: Stay home. “If you must drive, take it very slow and come to an almost complete stop before approaching any hills. Again, especially for teens, the best option is not to drive on ice.”

In case of accident: • Notify your parents first.

• If it’s only a fender bender and it’s an older car, you probably don’t need to call the police to do a crash report. But speak with your parents to be sure.

• Call the police or 911 for an accident with any injury to a person or severe damage to property. In this situation, a crash report is required.

36 | birminghamparent | october 2018

Tiffani Hill-Patterson is a writer and editor with a day job and a teenage daughter. She writes about health, pop culture, and girlpower. Reach her at tiffanihill@icloud.com or visit her website at http://tiffanihillpatterson.com.

Photos Courtesy of Great Wolf Lodge

D E ST I NAT I O N GUI DE

There’s All-In-One Fun at

Great Wolf Lodge

By Bethany Hunley

Tucked away in a small town about an hour outside of Atlanta is a resort built for families and overflowing with activities both adults and children will love. Newly opened earlier this year, the Great Wolf Lodge in LaGrange is the ultimate family vacation destination when considerations such as distance from home, entertainment for children of all ages and receiving the most bang for your buck are integral.

My family and I were given the incredible opportunity to explore this 16th and newest addition to the Great Wolf Lodge resorts, and we are still reminiscing about some of the incredible moments and memories that were made there.

The Great Wolf Lodge resorts are well known for their indoor water parks. This was not my first stay at a resort featuring an indoor water park, but it was my first experience staying at a resort hosting an indoor water park of this caliber and quality. Separated by age, it was as if there were three or four mini water parks within this one, massive indoor space. The toddler area is where we spent most of our time, as our girls were two and a half at the time of our visit, and we stressed about finding the perfect toddler safety gear for them to wear while in and around the water. To our surprise and excitement, Great Wolf Lodge provides safety vests and gear for all ages on carts throughout the space. Towels are also provided.

There were many things to love about this resort, but my favorite addition by far has to be the dedication to water safety and the considerations that are made to ensure that children and adults with special needs are also able to participate and enjoy their water-filled fun. All entries to the water park are zero entry, meaning that they start at normal ground level and gradually slope down into the pool. This is so that visitors in wheelchairs, or with other physical limitations, can easily be placed, or wheeled, into the water with everyone else. There are also several lifts on the sides of the lazy river and outside pool that allow visitors with physical limitations the ability to get in the water and enjoy the same experience as the other guests. Considerations for guests of all circumstances are what truly set apart the great from the incredible.

38 | birminghamparent | october 2018

continued on page 40

s a m t s i r h C g n i th ery

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November 9, 2018 – January 1, 2019

• NEW – ICE! featuring Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! in 2 million pounds of colorful, hand-carved ice sculptures and slides • NEW – A Trace Adkins Christmas featuring songs from The King’s Gift • NEW – Feast with The Grinch • NEW – SoundWaves, an upscale water attraction*

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Photos Courtesy of Great Wolf Lodge

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In addition, lifeguards at the indoor water park receive vigorous training and practice each day.

Each lifeguard is trained to constantly scan the water, and each morning before the park opens, the lifeguards undergo the Timmy-test, where a mannequin is randomly thrown in the water, and they have a time limit on how quickly they must locate Timmy and remove him from the water.

As a parent of two toddlers who cannot swim, it’s difficult to describe just how appreciated and safe we felt having our daughters in this indoor water park.

Aside from water-filled fun, Great Wolf Lodge provides an abundance of activities to keep children of all ages entertained, including a resortwide game called MagiQuest where you receive a wand, specifically coded to you, and embark on a quest to discover magical spots throughout the resort, and ultimately slay the evil dragon. In addition to MagiQuest, Great Wolf Lodge also offers an indoor rock climbing wall, a bowling alley, a miniature golf course, an indoor ropes course and many other activities that children and teens will enjoy.

Toddlers will also have a blast here, as there is a coloring and story station, a Build-A-Wolf station where you choose an animal to stuff and even character interactions and sightings scheduled throughout the day with Wiley the Wolf, Violet the Wolf and Oliver Raccoon. These characters will even gather in the lobby most nights for an indoor dance party just for kids!

Don’t let the family-friendly atmosphere of Great Wolf Lodge trick you into thinking that adults won’t also enjoy their time spent here. In fact, the entire lodge is open-container, and there is an outdoor, adults-only hot tub called Northwood Springs for those of us needing a break from the

noise of splashing children. A service called Camp Howl allows you to drop your children off for a small fee, while you and the other adults in your party enjoy a meal to yourselves. Another favorite adult-friendly addition is the Wine Down Service where guests can order drinks and food, and have the staff text you when they are at your door so as not to wake up your sleeping children.

Several delicious restaurants are available inside the lodge, including a taco bar, a pizza restaurant that uses their own pizza recipe, a high-end restaurant called Barnwood that utilizes local produce to create delicious dishes and a few others. Basically, you could stay at this resort for days and never need to leave the property. As parents of two toddlers, the inclusiveness of the lodge, as well as the on-site entertainment and useful resources for parents were greatly appreciated.

There aren’t many resorts that offer such a wide variety of activities to keep your entire family entertained for days under one roof. Looking forward to the upcoming holidays, the resort plans to construct a Trick or Treat Trail around the lodge for the entire month of October, as well as create a Snow Land, complete with fake snow and holiday decorations leading to Christmas.

If you need a get away for a few days, not only can your family enjoy some holiday fun, but you can also enjoy a high-quality indoor water park, no matter the outside temperature. To find more information about Great Wolf Lodge Georgia or book your stay, visit their website at https://www. greatwolf.com/georgia.

Bethany Adams Hunley is the web and social media editor at Birmingham Parent.

A N A L A B A M A G U L F C O A S T VA C AT I O N R E V E L AT I O N

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ASK T H E AT TO R N E Y

sponsored by

Why Do I Need a Trustee for My Minor Child?

By Melanie B. Holliman, Estate Planning & Special Needs Attorney, Executive Director of Alabama Family Trust

Parents with minor children often make the mistake of leaving substantial assets to their sibling or friend with no strings attached. The parents tell me that they want their Last Will and Testament to state that their sibling will be the guardian of their minor children and that they are giving their house, cars, and all other money and assets to the sibling.

Bad idea. Why? The parents will usually say that they expect the sibling to use those assets to care for the minor children, and they believe giving the assets to the sibling provides greater flexibility. And yes, giving the assets to the sibling does make it very easy for the sibling to pay for things the minor children need. However, it also makes it very easy for the sibling to keep the assets for their personal use and never use the assets for the children. The parents are giving away their children’s inheritance to their sibling.

The children have no right whatsoever to the assets under this kind of estate plan. The minor children will only receive assets if the sibling wishes to give the children something.

The better way to handle this situation is to leave all assets in a trust for the benefit of the

42 | birminghamparent | october 2018

children. The parents can name a professional trustee to manage the trust. In some cases, it is fine to even name the sibling as trustee.

However, the role of trustee also comes with a legal obligation to manage the assets for the benefit of the children. The trustee cannot use the assets for personal benefit. If the trustee fails to meet the legal obligations, legal action can be brought against the trustee.

With a trust, the parent also can state when, if ever, the trustee can turn over the assets to the children to manage. Parents may choose to require the child be much older before having the ability to use the assets without oversight.

The parents are free to choose the ages they feel are appropriate for their children. For example, the parents may authorize the trustee to give the assets to the child at age 25; or possibly one half at 25 and one half at 30.

A trust gives the parent the security of knowing the assets will be used for their children and is very easy to add to a Last Will and Testament. Talk with your estate planning attorney about a testamentary trust for your children.

Holliman is Executive Director of Alabama Family Trust and Law Partner at Bradford & Holliman. www.alabamafamilytrust.com. This article is for educational purposes and is not intended for specific legal advice.

PARE N T I N G PE O P L E

Grace Klein Community Grace Klein Demonstrates the Love of Christ by Serving the Needy

By Lori Chandler Pruitt

Grace Klein Community does many things for those in need, but the focus stays the same: to demonstrate the love of Christ.

The non-profit ministry stemmed from the construction company of the same name, but is a separate entity – Grace Klein Construction, Inc. Jenny Waltman, president of the full-service construction company, started the ministry after workers encountered several remodeling projects in which older appliances were being replaced, but still had a lot of life left in them.

“We realized that there were a lot of families in need and that we could provide those needs,” says Rachael Cannon, director of marketing and development for Grace Klein Ministries.

“There are a lot of needs, too, such as food and clothing.”

In fact, food and clothing is a major focus of the ministry, Cannon says. For example, once a month, volunteers meet at Asbury United Methodist Church and prepare food in boxes for 270 families in the area. Volunteers take a route and deliver the food, where they develop friendships and assess further needs, Cannon says.

“We can build relationships on a monthly basis and determine whether someone needs a job, a vehicle or other things and put them in touch with the right people to help,” Cannon explains. “It’s really like giving others a chance to help others.” Local restaurants also donate food and produce, that either helps fill the boxes to deliver, or are available for those who come for other services, she says.

“It’s really whatever the Lord provides,” she says. Volunteers have prepared food that can be frozen and available at the organization’s office for families.

One of the more unique ministries is Grace Klein’s “give and take” room, located at the group’s headquarters on Old Rocky Ridge Road. It’s a very different concept – while many people are willing to donate clothing, household items and more, it is much harder for them to take something with them, which is encouraged no matter the person’s income, Cannon says. It is open 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

“We all have something to give, and we all need something,” she says. “It’s a concept that turns everything upside down when it comes to helping others. If you are donating your child’s outgrown clothing, find some he or she can wear. If you need school supplies, a certain type of shoes, or anything we may have that you can use, take it. It is all about sharing among our community.”

The money saved through sharing has encouraged many donors to have the funds to support mission trips and other needs of the ministry, Cannon says. Grace Klein also helps raise money for adoption costs.

Another unique program is “Love Does,” business-size cards to be used for random acts of kindness all over Birmingham. It helps encourage people find ways to help other people, such as paying for someone’s food, help someone move, delivering food and drink to a work crew and more.

Grace Klein works with many businesses and churches, including nearby Liberty Church, and also works with feeding the homeless and meeting the needs of local shelters. The organization has a Facebook page where many can communicate and share opportunities.

“We can build relationships on a monthly basis and determine whether someone needs a job, a vehicle or other things and put them in touch with the right people to help. It’s really like giving others a chance to help others.”

Local businesses offer their time and resources to serve, and food drives and other fundraisers help. The ministry is involved with remodeling homes for families in need, and some donate properties and homes no longer needed for that purpose. And, it recently closed on a home in Hoover that will be used for outreach, such as worship and prayer, intentional meals, encouragement, single mother support, Christian life coaching and respite.

“There are many things we do, and we are always in need of more volunteers,” Cannon says. “We are doing what we can to strengthen others physically and spiritually.”

The ministry also supports efforts around the world. For more information about Grace Klein Community and the many areas it offers support and volunteer opportunities, go to gracekleincommunity.com.

Lori Pruitt is associate editor of Birmingham Parent.

ASK T H E S P E C I AL I ST

sponsored by

Keeping Your Child’s Hands Safe When Playing Sports

By Daniel Avery, M.D.

As we welcome the fall weather, children around the area are preparing for the upcoming sports season. Along with this comes a time where children are more prone to injury. When children fall, so often they use their hands to brace themselves.

Here are some frequently asked questions I receive about hand safety for children as they prepare for fall sports.

Q: What are the most common injuries you see in the hand and wrist for kids?

A: Sprains and strains are the most common injuries that are occurring. Usually while kids are playing or participating in sports they fall and try to brace themselves on an outstretched wrist. Pain can range from mild to moderate but they will still attempt to use that area of the body. These typically get better over a course of a few weeks.

Q: For a wrist injury, what should parents watch for to know they need to be seen by a doctor?

A: With a sprain or broken wrist, kids will complain of pain but one thing that could clue you in to a more serious injury is that they don’t attempt to use that wrist anymore.

If it is their dominant hand, they will start using their non-dominant more. They can also have pretty significant swelling and bruising. If you notice those things then your child should probably be seen and have an X-ray to rule out a more serious injury.

Q: What’s the most commonly missed finger injury seen in kids?

A: Finger fractures are commonly missed. I think we are so used to seeing kids or adults jam their fingers that we tend not to think a lot about it when it happens. And unless their finger is turned in an unusual manner, we may wait for a few weeks before we address it. Unfortunately, a finger fracture in a kid will heal really fast and the ability to address it once it starts healing can be really difficult. For my family, friends, and patients I recommend at least getting an X-ray of any finger injury that causes it to become swollen and stiff.

Q: What are the best things someone can do if they are debating seeing a doctor?

A: If people start noticing they have pain, I recommend rest or activity avoidance. Stop doing the thing or things that is causing pain. Anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or Aleve as well as icing can help reduce inflammation. You may notice in a few days that the symptoms resolve or greatly improve. If they don’t resolve or reoccur as soon as you start back being active, then I would recommend being seen for further diagnosis and treatment.

Daniel Avery, MD is an orthopedic surgeon that specializes in sports, upper extremity, hand surgery and general orthopedics at OrthoSports and is affiliated with Princeton Baptist Medical Center.

44 | birminghamparent | october 2018

With a sprain or broken wrist, kids will complain of pain but one thing that could clue you in to a more serious injury is that they don’t attempt to use that wrist anymore. If it is their dominant hand, they will start using their non-dominant more.

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SE AN O F T H E S O U TH

Old Times

By Sean Dietrich

I ate with friends I haven’t seen in a million years. I ordered a New York strip. It was overcooked. But the beer was cold.

Long ago, somewhere along the line, I realized most of my good friends were fatherless.

When I discovered this, it sort of confused me. It’s not as though I ran an ad in the Thrifty Nickel that read: “Looking for friends without dads. Apply today. Must like beer.”

I first realized this as a young man, during a camping trip with a few friends. We sat around a campfire in Andalusia, Alabama, on a Saturday night. The stars were doing what they do best.

And I’ll never forget this: one of my friends was trying to cook a ham sandwich on a long stick held over the campfire.

The bread caught fire and his dinner turned into an inferno. So he flung the flaming ham sandwich into the dry field. It set the grass on fire, which was soon creeping toward our trucks.

After several minutes, we finally got the fire extinguished. When all was said and done, we were out of breath, and we even laughed about it. Then we fell silent.

“You think you’re ever gonna have kids one day?” one of us said.

Silence.

“Yeah,” said another. “I wanna prove it can be done, my old man left before I could walk. I’m gonna be the best dad you ever saw.”

Another chimed in: “Me, too. I want lots of kids. I’m gonna take’em all over the world and stuff, and take’em to Disney World.”

Disney World.

More silence.

“I ain’t never been to Disney World. You?” “Disney is for babies.”

“Who’d ever wanna go there?”

“I ain’t been, either.”

That night, we discovered that none of us had 46 | birminghamparent | october 2018

ever been to Disney World. During the summers, when other local families would travel to the Most Magical Place on Earth, we didn’t.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Big hairy deal, so you never went to Disney World.”

It wasn’t about that. Not really. This was several boys admitting to each other how lonely they were. Disney World was just a disguised way to do it.

Decades later, I finally went to Disney World with my wife. I got sick on the teacup ride. I ate a horrible bratwurst that, to this day, is still lost somewhere in my lower intestines.

Anyway, tonight I arrived at the steakhouse before anyone else. I found a table in the corner.

I saw families come into the restaurant. I hardly recognized them. Middle-aged men. There was gray in their beards. Big waists. Lines on their eyes.

They all had kids.

Soon, the table was on fire with rosy cheeks, braces, glowing cellphones, and wild eyes.

Children. Everywhere.

A five-month-old named Jared, with a round belly, chubby thighs, and what appeared to be Easy Cheese on his face, wore a onesie that read: “Lock up your daughters.”

Our wives were strangers. Our conversations were awkward. When the subject of the weather came up, everyone was grateful because anyone can talk about the weather with authority.

And when it was time to say grace, the little girl named Riley folded her hands and spoke in a loud voice.

“Dear God,” she said, wedging a crayon behind her ear for later use. “Thank you for my mom and dad, and for their friends, and food...”

And I thought about a flaming ham sandwich, and a bunch of young men who were directionless in life, but aren’t anymore.

“Amen,” we all said.

Andrew pretended to go to the bathroom, then tried to pay for everyone’s supper. But someone else had already beaten him to it. And when we all shook hands in the parking lot, we agreed we ought to do this again.

We won’t, of course. Life has taken us in other directions. But that’s okay. Because we don’t need the things we used to. Not anymore. We are living beautiful lives. Wonderful, rewarding, simple lives. We are rich men.

“Hey,” I yelled to one friend who crawled into his minivan. “You ever make it to Disney World?”

“I get season passes every year,” he said.

Sean Dietrich is a columnist, and novelist, known for his commentary on life in the American South.

His work has appeared in Southern Living, The Tallahassee Democrat, Good Grit, South Magazine, Yellowhammer News, the Bitter Southerner, Thom Magazine, The Mobile Press Register, and he has authored seven books.

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calendar highlights OCTOBER

Fall is in full swing! From hikes to concerts to trick or treat, there’s lots of family fun this month. Enjoy one of the most beautiful times of the year!

7

PHOTO COURTESY ALDRIDGE GARDENS

WHISPERS FROM THE PAST 10am-5:30pm, Aldridge Gardens, Hoover. An annual favorite! Take a trip back in time to rediscover the contributions and culture of native Alabamians. Demonstrations, craft and food vendors, music, dancing, weaving and much more. Free shuttle parking from Bed, Bath & Beyond on Lorna Road. Admission $15 adults, $10 students, veterans and seniors 65 and older; kids 3-under, free.

Rain date: Sunday, October 14. www.aldridgegardens.com.

14

June 16– Dec 30 · 2018

SENSORY-FRIENDLY CONCERT – TUNEFUL TRICK OR TREAT 3pm, Alys Stephens Center, UAB. Join the Alabama Symphony Orchestra for some harmonious hocus pocus in a welcoming and sensory-friendly environment. Christopher Confessore, conductor. Information, tickets, www.alabamasymphony.org.

27 TANNEHILL HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL 11am-9pm, Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park. A non-scary, fun-filled event that features park-sponsored programs in the afternoon and “trick or treat” at more than 200 campsites in the evening. Moonwalks, face painting, balloon animals, bungee jump and more. Enjoy the decorations and lights. Park admission $5 adults (12-older); $4 seniors (62-older) $3 children 6-11 and ages 5 and under, free. www.tannehill.org.

Folk Art from the Cargo Collection

Birmingham Museum of Art The Original Makers: Folk Art from the Cargo Collection has been made possible by grants from the Henry Luce Foundation, Alabama State Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Alabama Power Foundation, and The Lydia Eustis Rogers Fund. We also extend our gratitude to the City of Birmingham for their sustained support for the Museum and its mission.

Angel Choir with Director (detail), 1983–1987, painted wood; Collection of the Art Fund, Inc. at the Birmingham Museum of Art; Robert Cargo Folk Art Collection; Gift of Caroline Cargo, AFI.239.2013.1–.3a–g

birminghamparent.com | 49

calendar 1 Monday

Knight Chess Tournament 5:30-7pm, Homewood Library.

Learn strategy and have fun!

K-12 grades.

2 Tuesday Networking for a Cause 4-8pm, Little Donkey Mexican Restaurant, Highway 280. A great opportunity to network with more than 150 business professionals. Live music, door prizes, silent auction and more.

All proceeds benefit Grace Klein Community to provide for local families in need. Information, www.gracekleincommunity.org.

Lego League 4-4:45pm, Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster. Builders of all ages welcome! Kids age 6-younger must be with an adult.

4 Thursday Southern Women’s Show 10am-7pm, Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. Shop, sample and have fun! Four-day event includes top chefs, celebrity guests and more. Discount tickets available at Walgreens stores; $12 at the door. www. southernshows.com.

Features 150 artists! No parking at venue; free shuttles from Bluff Park United Methodist Church, Shades Mountain Independent Church, Bluff Park Village Shopping Center and Shades Crest Baptist Church. www.bluffparkartshow.com.

Bark in the Park 9am-2pm, Veterans Park, Alabaster. Shelby Humane Society, the city of Alabaster and Best Friends of Shelby Humane Society host this annual event.

Pet adoptions, low-cost vaccine and micro-chipping, kids zone, weenie dog races, food trucks, dog park and vendors. Benefits the humane society. www.shelbyhumane.org.

Southeastern Outings Dayhike 9:15am, new Shelby County Park on the Cahaba River. Enjoy hiking in a very new and especially lovely, heavily wooded park in South Shelby County. This park is in two parcels on the north and south sides of the Cahaba River at Boothton Ford north of Montevallo. Meet 9:15am at McDonald’s Galleria; depart at 9:30am.

Dan Frederick, 205-631-4680, seoutings@bellsouth.net.

46th Annual Birmingham Greek Festival 10:30am-10pm, Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Greek cuisine for purchase, music, dancing and more. Three-day event. Free admission. Information, www. birminghamgreekfestival.net.

Hikes for Tykes 10am, Vulcan Kiwanis Trail, Vulcan Park and Museum. Come with Fresh Air Family, gather some seeds along the trail and prepare them for a seed party! Wear your Halloween costume! Suitable for all ages.

Free admission; $5 donation per family suggested. Information, events@freshairfamily.org.

The Science of Harry Potter 6:30-7:30pm, Homewood Library. An evening filled with magic and science!

Southern Women’s Show 10am-7pm, Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, see October 4.

5 Friday

46th Annual Birmingham Greek Festival 10:30am-10pm, Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral, see October 4.

Southern Women’s Show 10am-8pm, Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, see October 4.

46th Annual Birmingham Greek Festival 10:30am-10pm, Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral, see October 4.

6 Saturday The Market at Pepper Place 7am-noon, Pepper Place, 29th St. S. Rain or shine! www.pepperplacemarket.com.

55th Annual Bluff Park Art Show 9am-5pm, Bluff Park Community Center, Hoover. Presented by the Bluff Park Art Association.

7 Sunday Whispers from the Past 10am-5:30pm, Aldridge Gardens, Hoover. Take a trip back in time to rediscover the contributions and culture of native Alabamians. Demonstrations, craft and food vendors, music, dancing, weaving and much more. Free shuttle parking from Bed, Bath & Beyond on Lorna Road. Admission $15 adults, $10 students, veterans and seniors 65 and older; kids 3-under, free.

Rain date: Sunday, October 14. www.aldridgegardens.com.

50 | birminghamparent | october 2018

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Southern Women’s Show 11am-5pm, Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, see October 4.

Step Up for Down Syndrome 12:30-2pm, lunch trucks/activities; 2-3pm, ceremony and walk; 3-5pm, Celebration Festival, Veterans Park, Hoover. Walk to help raise funds for Down Syndrome Alabama. Individuals and teams may participate. $10 per person; free for individuals with Down syndrome and ages 3-under. www.downsyndromealabama.org.

Vulcan AfterTunes 1pm gates open; 3pm, opening act, Vulcan Park. Enjoy cool tunes, crafts and great views with up-and-coming artists along with Vulcan. Opening act, Will Stewart; featured artist: Iron Horse. Tickets include concert admission, the museum and the observation tower. Seating is first-come, first-serve. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Local and regional beer, wine and food trucks. Tickets, information, www.visitvulcan.com/events.

Jazz in the Park 6-9pm, Alabaster Municipal Complex. BlendJazz and Phil Denny perform. FREE.

8 Monday

COLUMBUS DAY Homeschool Happening: Animal Antics 10-11am, Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster. See what new things you can learn about animals from the Birmingham Zoo. Grades 1-12 can sign up. Kids age 6 must be with an adult.

10 Wednesday Southeastern Outings Weekday Dayhike 9:45am, Veterans Park, Hoover.

Enjoy an easy 3 mile hike on trails in north Shelby County.

Bring water and wear good walking shoes or boots. Dress appropriately for the weather.

Meet at 9:45am in the Veterans Park parking lot beside the main building. Depart at 10am. Optional lunch after at Mikey’s Grill.

Randall Adkins, 205/317-6969.

11 Thursday Homeschool Hour: Birmingham Audubon 2-3pm, Homewood Library.

An afternoon of bird watching and learning with Birmingham Audubon. K-12 grades. Register

online, www.homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

Taste of Hoover 5-8pm, Aldridge Gardens. Sample delicious dishes from some of Hoover’s best restaurants, caterers and more, taste international wines and local beers and enjoy live entertainment.

Limited tickets available. $45 members/$50 non-members; children 12-under free. www. aldridgegardens.com.

Barktoberfest 6pm, Cahaba Brewing Company. An annual effort to raise awareness about the animal-assisted therapy nonprofit while having lots of light-hearted fun.

Bring your furry friends! Entry $20; all proceeds help Hand in Paw carry out their mission.

Local food vendors will be present. Tickets, information, www.

HandInPaw.org.

12 Friday American Girls Club 4pm, Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster. Girls 7-older can model in a costume fashion show as an American Girl character or another costume. Bring your costumed doll, too! Those who do not want to model can join the audience. All kids must be with an adult.

13 Saturday The Market at Pepper Place 7am-noon, Pepper Place, 29th St. S. Rain or shine! www.pepperplacemarket.com.

Mt Laurel Fall Festival 10am-3pm, Town of Mt Laurel.

Farmer’s market, craft fair, inflatables, food trucks, live music and more!

14 Sunday Southeastern Outings Dayhike 1:45pm, Oak Mountain State Park. Enjoy a moderate 4-mile walk in the woodlands. Parts of this hike may be off the color-coded trails. Well-behaved, properly supervised children age eight and up able to walk the distance welcome. Optional dinner after the hike. Meet at 1:45pm in the Oak Mountain Park office parking lot; depart at 2pm.

Bring $5/person ($2 seniors) park admission fee plus a drink.

Doris Hatch, 205-901-8367.

Sensory-Friendly Concert – Tuneful Trick or Treat 3pm, Alys Stephens Center, UAB. Join the Alabama Symphony Orchestra for some harmoni-

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PUMPKIN PATCHES & FALL EVENTS GUIDE 1 4D FARM CORN MAZE & PUMPKIN PATCH

Open Sept. 28 – Nov. 3 Hours: Thursdays 2-7, Fridays 2-7 (Hours extended until 9pm last 3 weekends of October), Saturdays 10-7pm (Hours extended until 9pm the last 3 weekends of October), Sundays 1-7.

7066 County Road 703, Cullman, AL 256-775-2924 www.4dfamilyfarm.com All new for Fall 2018 low ropes course and mechanical bull! Snow tube southern style on our Barnstormer tubing slide, Ride on our cow train, zoom down an 80 ft. slide or our 200 ft. zipline, pick a pumpkin, get lost in our corn maze, squeal at the pig races, jump on Johnny Jumper, see the Goats on the Barn and MUCH MORE! Admission $13.95 + tax, includes most activities.

Seniors 65+ are $10.95 + tax. Under 2 free.

Season Pass: $24.95+tax

2 ALABAMA SPLASH ADVENTURE: FALL FESTIVAL

4599 Splash Adventure Pkwy.

Bessemer, Alabama 35022 205-481-4750 www.alabamasplash.com/fall-festival Join us on weekends in October as we will be open from 12-6 pm each Saturday and Sunday. 2018 and 2019 season passes are valid for admission every day. While the water park section of the park will not be open, all amusement attractions will be available to enjoy.

6

3 BENNETT FARMS

Sept. 29-Oct. 28 Fri. 2-5pm, Sat. 9am-5pm, Sun. 1-5pm 1073 County Road 13, Heflin, AL 36264 256-302-1896 (cell) 256-463-3344 (farm) lexi@bennettfarms.com www.bennettfarms.com The greatest rewards are the smiling faces and the sound of laughter as new and old friends visit the pumpkin patch. Enjoy Hayrides, Farm animals, Pipe Slide, Country Cooking, Live Entertainment and more! We love sharing our farm with you!

4 BOO AT THE ZOO AT THE BIRMINGHAM ZOO

Oct. 11-14, 18-31 from 5-9pm 2630 Cahaba Rd. Birmingham, AL 35223 205-879-0409 www.birminghamzoo.com Make plans to head to the Birmingham Zoo for Boo at the Zoo, presented by Wells Fargo! Dress in your favorite family-friendly costume as the Zoo transforms into a destination of spooky attractions. Ride the Spider Slide, jump on the Eerie Express train, see a Wildlife Show, ride the ghost rollers, take a spin on the Scarousel, trick-or-treat throughout the Zoo and SO much more!

5 THE GREAT PUMPKIN PATCH

Open Sept. 29-Nov. 4 Mon-Thurs. 8am-4pm Fri.-Sat. 8am-6pm and Sun. 1pm-6pm

288 County Hwy 45 Hayden, AL 35079 205-616-6431 greatpumpkinpatch.com FREE Admission! You pay for each activity or just enjoy sitting in the shade listening to music, watching kids play or tasting the wonderful food from the Red Barn Kitchen or famous Pie House.

6 PENTON FARMS 3595 County Road 59 Verbena, AL 36091 205-351-1480 www.pentonfarms.com pentonfarms@gmail.com A fourth generation family owned farm with tons of activities for kids and adults! Please see our website for all the activities we have to offer!

7 STONE MOUNTAIN PUMPKIN FESTIVAL: PLAY BY DAY, GLOW BY NIGHT Sept. 22-Oct. 28 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd.

Stone Mountain, GA 30083 www.stonemountainpark.com Take in the splendor of autumn while you enjoy park attractions, fun-filled games, live shows, and more! New for 2018, a family-friendly nighttime fall event with thousands of carved jack-o-lanterns lighting up each night! birminghamparent.com | 51

calendar ous hocus pocus in a welcoming and sensory-friendly environment. Christopher Confessore, conductor. Information, tickets, www.alabamasymphony.org.

Jazz in the Park 5-8pm, Emmett O’Neal Library, Mountain Brook. Daniel “Jose” Carr and Vann Burchfield perform. FREE.

19 Friday ASO Masterworks 7pm, Alys Stephens Center, UAB. Don Juan & Concerto.

Carlos Izcaray, conductor. A dazzling array of pieces, from Strauss’ Don Juan to Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra. Tickets, information, www.alabamasymphony.org.

Hike on a lovely, moderately easy nearly 4-mile trail. Wellbehaved, properly supervised children age eight and up welcome. Meet 1:45pm in Helena City Park parking lot; depart at 2pm. Dan Frederick, 205-6314680, seoutings@bellsouth.net.

25 Thursday UAB Neuroscience Café 6:30-8pm, Homewood Library.

Learn how to recognize the warning signs and symptoms of clinical depression and how to treat it with and without medication. FREE. 205-332-6620.

26 Friday

The Market at Pepper Place 7am-noon, Pepper Place, 29th St. S. Rain or shine! www.pepperplacemarket.com.

Spooktacular!

6:30-8pm, Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest. Old-fashioned Halloween fun for the whole family! Games, crafts and weird science with Doc Atoms! All ages. 205-978-0158, www.vestavialibrary.org. FREE.

Fall Plant Sale 9am-5pm, Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Two-day event offers herbs, sustainable trees, fall annuals, shrubs, natives, perennials and more for purchase. Free admission, rain or shine. 205-4143950, www.bbgardens.org.

Red Diamond SuperPOPS! 7pm, Samford University Wright Center. The Alabama Symphony Orchestra presents an epic concert celebrating the giants of Hollywood with a variety of eras and genres. Tickets, information, www.alabamasymphony.org.

ASO Masterworks 7pm, Alys Stephens Center, UAB, see October 19.

27 Saturday

20 Saturday

21 Sunday Fall Plant Sale Noon-4pm, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, see October 20.

Vulcan AfterTunes 1pm gates open; 3pm, opening act, Vulcan Park. Enjoy cool tunes, crafts and great views with up-and-coming artists.

Opening act, Maddie Medley; featured artist, Great Peacock. Tickets include concert admission, the museum and the observation tower. Seating first-come, first-serve. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Local and regional beer, wine and food trucks. Tickets, information, www.visitvulcan.com/events.

Southeastern Outings Dayhike 1:45pm, Buck Creek, Helena.

The Market at Pepper Place 7am-noon, Pepper Place, 29th St. S. Rain or shine! www.pepperplacemarket.com.

Maple Leaf Run 8-11am, Trussville Mall. 5K begins at 8am and kids run follows at 9am. Family fun! 205-655-7535, www.trussvillechamber.com.

3rd Annual Storybook 5K and Fun Run 8-11:30am, Vestavia Hills City Hall. A fundraiser for the children and teen departments of the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest! 5K begins at 8am with the 2-mile run following at 8:10am and 1-mile fun run at 9am. Live music, bounce houses, carnival games, balloon animals, storybook characters and ballet dancers in costume, face painting and complimentary food and

Sponsored by

drinks! Bring your four-legged furry friends by also registering for the Run, Walk or Wag event!

Information, 205-978-3684, www.vestavialibrary.org.

Southeastern Outings Dayhike 8:45am, Chief Ladiga Trail, Piedmont, AL. Easy seven-mile dayhike and picnic on a smooth, wide, level trail. No motorized vehicles allowed on trail.

Well-behaved, carefully supervised children age eight and up welcome. Bring a picnic lunch and drink. Optional restaurant dinner after the hike. Free showers/wash up in the Piedmont Civic Center after the hike if desired. Meet 8:45 a.m. at the Applebee’s Trussville to depart at 9am; or meet the group at 10:30am at the Piedmont Civic Center. Dan Frederick, 205-6314680, seoutings@bellsouth.net.

A Southern Christmas Bazaar 9am-5pm, Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena. More than 50 merchants from Alabama and surrounding states will participate in this premier shopping event. Clothing, food, collectibles, decorations and more.

Refreshments and concessions available; Santa will be available for pictures with the family from 1-3pm. Funds raised benefit the Alabaster-Pelham Rotary Club.

Information, www.rotarysouthernchristmas.com.

Alabama Bicentennial: Charles Ghigna 10:30-11:30am, Homewood Library. Celebrate the release of The Night the Forest Came to Town and Alabama My Home Sweet Home for the Alabama Bicentennial!

Owl-O-Ween 11am-2pm, Alabama Wildlife Center. Have a fun-filled family day enjoying games and crafts, storytime, meeting owls up close, complimentary candy and much more! Free after paid admission to Oak Mountain State Park.

Information, www.awrc.org.

Lego Wars 11am, Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest. Build according to the theme and win prizes for the

best creation. First grade-up.

206-978-0155, www.vestavialibrary.org. FREE. Tannehill Halloween Festival 11am-9pm, Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park. A nonscary, fun-filled event that features park-sponsored programs in the afternoon and “trick or treat” at more than 200 campsites in the evening. Moonwalks, face painting, balloon animals, bungee jump and more. Decorations and lights. Park admission $5 adults (12-older); $4 seniors (62-older) $3 children 6-11 and ages 5 and under, free. www. tannehill.org.

28 Sunday Boo Run for Down Syndrome 12:30-1:45pm, registration/ race packets; 2pm, 5K-10K races; 3:30pm, 1-mile fun run; 3:30-5pm, costume dance and cookout, Red Mountain Park.

Information, fees, www.downsyndromealabama.org.

Special Siblings 3:30-4:30pm, Homewood Library, Room 101. A support group for siblings of special needs children to share ideas, experiences, and the ever-changing needs of having a sibling with special needs. K-12 grades.

Concert Master & Friends: Piazzolla’s Tango Sensations 7:30pm, Alys Stephens Center, UAB. Raul Jaurena, Grammy award-winning bandoneon player, Conductor Carlos Izcaray, Alabama Symphony Orchestra musicians and friends celebrate the music of the world’s foremost composer of tango music, Astor Piazzolla. Tickets, information, www.alabamasymphony.org.

31 Wednesday

HALLOWEEN Costume Capers Party 4:15pm, Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster. Wear your costume and enjoy comic magician Russell Davis. All children must be with an adult.

PLEASE NOTE: Events may change after publication deadline; please phone ahead to confirm important information. The deadline for submitting calendar items for the November 2018 print issue is October 7. Mail calendar items to: Calendar, Birmingham Parent, P.O. Box 326, Helena, AL 35080; fax to 624-2515; e-mail to calendar@BirminghamParent.com; or enter directly to the online calendar at www.birminghamparent.com. Entries added online after the print deadline will not appear in the print version. Information cannot be accepted over the phone. Birmingham Parent publishes a calendar 11 times a year. January events are included in the December issue.

Guidelines: Birmingham Parent’s calendar is intended to be a resource and service to the community and our readers. Events which are open to the public, fundraisers, free classes, etc., are events that may be included in our monthly calendar. We reserve the right to reject any event or listing due to rules or space restrictions. For questions regarding calendar entries, call 624-2405 or e-mail calendar@birminghamparent.com.

52 | birminghamparent | october 2018

events & attractions

Sponsored by

n Birmingham Civil Rights Institute 16th St. N., Birmingham.

205-328-9696, www.bcri.org

n Birmingham Museum of Art Bart’s Art Cart! Free drop-in art program for kids and families features a different theme from galleries and art activity each month. Saturdays from 11am-1pm.

Bart’s Books. A storytelling program for children ages 4-7. 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., Birmingham. 205-254-2565, www.artsbma.org

n Birmingham Zoo 27th Boo at the Zoo presented by Wells Fargo. Make your plans to enjoy spooky attractions, themed rides and carnival games! Trick or Treat, animal encounters, Monster Mash dance party. 5-9pm, October 11-14, October 18-31.

Information, tickets, schedule, www.birminghamzoo.com.

• Special Saturdays. On the second Saturday of each month from 10-11am for ages 8-up, the Birmingham Zoo and KultureCity presents a series of zoo-based

learning experiences for children and adolescents with cognitive or physical disabilities. Caregivers must attend all classes.

FREE; space is limited to 10 students per class. Information, Roger Torbert, rtorbert@birminghamzoo.com.

2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham.

205-879-0409, www.birminghamzoo.com

n Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum Pumpkin Patch Express! Board a vintage train for a beautiful autumn ride, then enjoy the fun at the Pumpkin Patch for hayrides, inflatables, corn maze and more.

Pick a pumpkin! Rides, October 6, 13, 20, 27 departing 10am, 1pm, 3pm; and October 7, 14, 21, 28 departing at 1pm, 3pm.

1919 Ninth St., Calera. 205-6683435, www.hodrrm.org

n McWane Science Center An Evening at Hogwarts. October 19 and 20. Don’t forget your costume! Registration required. For more information, 205-714-8414, www.mcwane.org.

• Throwback Prices! On the 20th of every month this year, McWane will offer admission at the same price as it was when it opened 20 years ago!

• Home School Day! On the first Monday of each month, home school students and their families can come for special programs, live science demonstrations, giveaways and a discounted ticket price. October’s theme: Earth and Beyond. FREE for home school parents, $7 kids, $6 for accompanying adults.

• Member Mondays. Every Monday, McWane Science Center members receive extra perks while visiting! Includes a special gift for kids when checking in, 30 percent discount on gift shop purchases, $1 small popcorn at IMAX concession stand and a free members-only evening event each month. Also, on the second Monday of each month, McWane opens its doors from 5-8pm for its members.

• Blue Star Museums Military Discount. Blue Star Museums offers FREE admission to active duty military, including Army,

Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, National Guard and Reserve members, with up to five family members. To learn more visit bluestarfam.org. Offer does not include IMAX movies or parking.

IMAX Movies: • Oceans. New ocean science and technology has allowed us to go further into the unknown than we ever thought possible.

Discover a spectacular world of life beneath the waves.

• Pandas. This film follows a researcher at Chengdu Panda Base in China, where scientists are dedicated to protecting the species by breeding adult Giant Pandas in order to introduce cubs into the wild.

• Backyard Wilderness. Explore the unexpected wonders of nature right under our noses – in our own back yards! This movie spans a seasonal year around a suburban home.

200 19th St. N., Birmingham.

205-714-8300, www.mcwane.org.

SEPTEMBER 22 - OCTOBER 28 (select dates) Enjoy Pumpkin Festival during the day, then stick around for our NEW family-friendly nighttime fall event. The not-so-spooky festivities include thousands of carved jack-o-lanterns, massive pumpkin displays, costumed characters, glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, flashlight tours of Dinosaur Explore, a dance party and much, much more!!

WWW.STONEMOUNTAINPARK.COM birminghamparent.com | 53

PO ET RY PARTY

By Charles Ghigna

my porch October is a favorite time of year!

The world holds its breath for a moment While changing into its new autumn colors.

Fall is fun for porch-sitting!

Come sit on the porch with me.

Let’s see what we can see.

World of Wonder I sit on the porch In my favorite chair Watching the world Drift by on the air.

Butterflies. Clouds.

Crisp autumn leaves.

Spinning and sailing Away with the breeze.

Raindrops tiptoe Down the street Dancing to their Drip drop beat.

Storm clouds. Lightning.

A sky full of thunder.

The world from my porch Is full of wonder.

—©Charles Ghigna

Send us your poems and we will publish them here!

Parents and teachers! Send us poems written by your children ages 4-14. Include the poet’s name & age and the name of person submitting the poem. Please include your relationship to the poet (parent, teacher, etc.). Send original poems to Father Goose at PaGoose@aol.com.

For information on “How to Write a Poem,” visit the Father Goose® website at FatherGoose.com.

54 | birminghamparent | october 2018

Fall_Into_Science_bhamparent.pdf

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Fall into Science

FOR A BIRTHING EXPERIENCE THAT FEELS LIKE HOME, WE DELIVER.

When you’re having a baby, everything we do is focused on your care, comfort and privacy.

From helping you find an OB/GYN, to offering preparatory classes, to delivering your new bundle of joy, we’re with you every step of the way. Our beautiful new women’s center features spacious labor and delivery suites and, should the need arise, we have a Level III NICU right here. At Grandview Medical Center, we are dedicated to giving your baby a wonderful welcome to the world.

To find a physician who delivers at Grandview Medical Center or to take a virtual tour of the Women’s Center, visit GrandviewOB.com.

To schedule a tour, call 205-971-6349.

3690 Grandview Parkway Birmingham, AL 35243

Look Forward.