Birmingham Parent Magazine April 2015 Issue

FREE

THE PREMIER PARENTING MAGAZINE FOR CENTRAL ALABAMA

APRIL 2015

Why

ESTATE PLANNING Should be at the Top of Your List for Your New Baby

HAVE A “FROZEN” PARTY! Understanding & Treating

FEVER

BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S ANNUAL

baby book INSIDE

WHAT TO EXPECT

with Your C-Section

CHILDBIRTH

CHOICES

in Birmingham

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APRIL 24-25

Friday 5pm-10pm Saturday 10am-5pm

FISHING TOURNAMENT April 11, Lake Guntersville Benefits Outdoor Ability Foundation.

5K & FAMILIY FUN RUN April 25 at 7am

Benefiting Miracle League’s Playground of Miracles

TALENT SEARCH SEMI FINALS

April 18, Gardendale Civic Center

60th Anniversary of city of Gardendale

CELEBRATING YEARS

Top 20 Events Southeast Tourism Society 3 Eating Contests 150+ Vendor Booths Midway Carnival Free Art Classes Free Kid Zone 3 Stages Live Entertainment Pooch Parade Ponies Petting Zoo Bungee Jump Sock Hop Fireworks

OVER

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EDITOR'S NOTE Welcome to the Baby Book

I

f you’re reading this, you’ve picked up our annual baby issue, Birmingham Parent’s Baby Book. We hope it will help you if a new bundle of joy is in your future!

Brought back from the January issue is our guide to birthing options in the central Alabama area, starting on page 12. If you’re trying to decide on the best place to have your baby, seeing the options each hospital offers may help you in your decision.

If you’re a new parent, or a parent of older children, if you don’t have a will, you need one ASAP. Check out our story on estate planning on page 10. If something happened to you, who would raise your child?

Speaking of having a baby, we’ve got an informative story on C-sections beginning on page 20. What are they, why do some women have them, and how do you recover?

We’ve tried to answer your questions.

Of course, we’re got our monthly calendar of events, a great birthday party idea, and much more. And, let us hear from you! We always want to know what YOU want to read about in Birmingham Parent.

Next month, you’re going to see some changes. Birmingham Parent is GROWING. Just wait and see.

Happy Easter, and Happy Spring!

3590-B Hwy. 31 S. #289 Pelham, AL 35124 205-987-7700 205-987-7600 FAX www.birminghamparent.com

editorial Publishers David & Carol Evans Editor Carol Muse Evans, Member of Alabama Media Professionals and the National Federation of Press Women Associate Editor Lori Chandler Pruitt Calendar Lori Chandler Pruitt Contributors Melanie Bradford, Lucy Morris MD, Charles Ghigna, Dr. Vivian Friedman, Gerry P. Smith, Chris George, Christa Melnyk Hines, Sharp Soirees

sales Account Executive Kayla Fricks Webmaster Digital Doo-Wop

Carol Muse Evans, Publisher/Editor carol@birminghamparent.com

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 (EIN20-0694149) is published monthly by Evans Publishing LLC. www.birminghamparent.com or editor@ birminghamparent.com. Birmingham Parent is © 2013 by Evans Publishing LLC. Family Connections Media ©2011 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.

4 | birminghamparent | april 2015

Poster by artist Joel Bullock

is a proud media sponsor of the Montevallo Arts Festival

Welcoming children 6 months & older.

KIDS LOVE US, PARENTS TRUST US!

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Treating children, not just their teeth, for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

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Dr. Lauten Johnson

3918 Montclair Rd. Suite 206 Birmingham, AL 35213

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APRIL2015

babybook

FREE

THE PREMIER PARENTING MAGAZINE FOR CENTRAL ALABAMA

APRIL 2015

Why

10 31 22

ESTATE PLANNING Should be at the Top of Your List for Your New Baby

HAVE A “FROZEN” PARTY!

20

CHILDBIRTH

12

with Your C-Section

FEVER

BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S ANNUAL

baby book

16 BABY & ME:

WHAT TO EXPECT

Understanding & Treating

INSIDE

CHOICES

in Birmingham

departments Note 04 Editor’s Welcome to the Baby Book

Birmingham Parent’s Annual Baby Book Directory

06

18

08 22

What is Child Advocacy?

33 34

Parenting with Dr. Friedman Short Stuff Ask the Specialist: Understanding and Treating Fever April 2015 Calendar Highlights April 2015 Calendar of Events

38 Poetry Party:

Springtime Poems, Read, Write & Share

29

PARTY PERFECT: HAVE A FROZEN PARTY

destination guide

20 WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU HAVE A C-SECTION

10

12

CHILDBIRTH: THERE WHY ESTATE PLANNING ARE MANY CHOICES IN SHOULD BE AT THE TOP OF BIRMINGHAM AREA THE LIST FOR YOUR NEW BABY

24 ON THE COVER: Kyleigh, 18 months, of Helena is ready for spring! PHOTO BY KIM BRANTLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

6 | birminghamparent | april 2015

Destination Guide: The Gulf Breeze Zoo, Orange Beach, Hawaii

parenting

Parenting with Dr. Friedman

Q:

A classmate of mine in high school is eating a half gallon of ice cream and then making herself vomit. She doesn’t do this every day but about once per week. She also thinks that she is ugly and fat in spite of her being normal weight and attractive. She thinks her nose is too big and is crooked and her thighs are too fat. Her friends know about her purging but she doesn’t want them to tell her parents. Is this behavior dangerous even though she does not do it often? Should we tell her parents?

Your friend has an emotional disorder called bulimia nervosa. It is a serious eating disorder that is associated with increased rates of suicide and accidental death. Do not assume that she is safe because she tells you that she is not doing it often. You do not really know the truth about the frequency of her bingeing.

While it sometimes feels good to be on the inside of a secret that a friend has shared, some secrets are dangerous to keep. Your friend needs help and may in fact, be telling you that she does, by confiding in you. She may be secretly hoping that you will go to her parents or to the guidance counselor at school. You need to tell a responsible adult and not bear the news alone. You need to do this soon.

Bulimia is a disorder that involves bingeing and purging. The person binge eats and vomits or misuses laxatives to get rid of the calories. The person usually has a distorted self-image and feels unattractive when not thin. Unlike another eating

disorder – anorexia nervosa – bulimics typically have normal weight. Bulimics are often depressed, lonely (even when they appear to have friends), ashamed and feel empty. Friends may describe this person as fun to be with but inside the bulimic feels defective.

Because impulse control is a part of bulimia, some bulimics may have other symptoms of impulse control such as shoplifting, alcohol and drug abuse, and sexual acting out. Many young alcohol abusers also have eating disorders of one type or another.

Both are attempts to deal with depression and emotional emptiness.

Some eating disorders reflect ambivalence about growing up and assuming an independent adult or a sexual role. Some bulimics are overly dependent upon their parents or paradoxically, have not had enough attention from their families so they are not ready to move on to the next stage of life.

Ninety percent of patients with eating

disorders are female and 10 percent are male. Most often, the problem starts in the teenage years or the early twenties.

In addition to your friend’s bulimia, she has some traits of “body dysmorphic disorder.” Persons with BDD are excessively concerned with appearance and are not reassured by admiring friends or family. In some cases, they may undergo unnecessary plastic surgery but they are rarely satisfied with the results. They are at an elevated risk for suicide and nearly always suffer from depression.

You must tell either the girl’s parents or another adult who is responsible and involved with your friend. If that person doesn’t take action, keep on telling until someone does. The school guidance counselor might be a good place to start.

Your friend is emotionally troubled and you cannot help her alone. Despite her request for secrecy, she is asking for your help in letting an adult know. She told you because she is scared about her secret.

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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DENTISTRY FOR

short stuff

CHILDREN & SPECIAL NEEDS PERSONS

Dr. Tabitha Jarman Gatrey, DMD

5751 Pocahontas Rd. Suite B Bessemer, AL 35022 p 205-230-9000 f 205-230-0188

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Conservatory of Fine and Performing Arts Lessons in piano, voice, violin, guitar, band and much more. Preschool classes also available.

Music and Theatre Camp 2015 June 15-19 K5-5th grade www.bsc.edu 205/226-4960

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JEFFCO Sheriff’s Corner: Know the Rules of the Water When Taking the Boat

By JEFFCO Sheriff Mike Hale Summertime is just around the corner and many people will be boating on Alabama’s waterways. Please observe laws that govern safe boating. Have life vests for each person on board. Know the “rules of the road” for boaters, and remember that the same law for driving under the influence applies to boat operation.

To operate a boat you must have a license and be at least 12 years old. The law says statewide licensing of boat operators began in all Alabama counties July 17, 1997 under the Boating Safety Reform Act. A written examination is required for applicants, except those who were 40 or older on April 28, 1994, or those who have successfully completed boating courses given by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadron or the Alabama Marine Police “Boating Basics” course.

The vessel class “V” must be added to your license if you intend to operate a motorized vessel.

Make your boating experience a positive and safe experience. Don’t let bad judgment or careless behavior cause a memory you want to forget!

DeRamus Honored by NDSS Buddy Walk on Washington As part of the Buddy Walk on Washington, the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) honors those in the Down syndrome community for working tirelessly throughout the year as self-advocates, advocates, leaders and change-makers in the area of public policy and advocacy for people with Down syndrome.

Birmingham resident Ashley DeRamus has been honored as one of the Self-Advocates of the Year for 2015 and will receive her award this month in Washington during the Buddy Walk on Washington April 14-15. Ashley is known in Alabama and beyond for her advocacy work.

At 30 years old, Ashley, who has Down syndrome, loves swimming, acting, fashion, shopping, gospel music, singing and public speaking, according to her mom, Connie DeRamus. She is involved in fundraising and advocacy and has even started a clothing line specially designed for young women with Down syndrome. Learn more about Ashley at http://www.ashleyderamusfoundation.org.

Alabama Dance Academy’s Ballet Classique, Jazz and Lyrical Ensembles present

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All tickets $13.00, starting March 9th For tickets, call 205-978-6830 or www.alabamadanceacademy.com

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Mention this ad to buy one ticket and get one 50% off. Enter code PROMO50 at www.alabamadanceacademy.com or call 978-6830.

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babybook

Why Estate Planning

Should be at the Top of the List for your New Baby

By Melanie Bradford, Partner, Bradford & Holliman, LLC

Baby showers, cribs, soft blankets, pacifiers, baby bottles and adorable outfits (followed quickly by diaper changes and lack of sleep) usually preoccupy the minds of new parents.

However, estate planning should also be prominent in the minds of parents.

While it is not a pleasant thought, all parents need to think about what will happen to their children if they are not around.

Who will take care of them if you both die in a car accident? Who will take care of them if one of you dies and the other parent is left incapacitated from an accident?

This is usually not an easy answer for parents. Will the children move to grandma’s house, two hours away, away from their school and friends? Will they go live with your brother and his family? What if several relatives want the children? This can lead to a court battle where various family members are fighting to gain guardianship of the children. What if a family member is trying to gain guardianship because he or she thinks she will get control of your money? Trust 10 | birminghamparent | april 2015

me, in my experience the “bad” relatives are the first to try to gain control.

Through estate planning, you can control the outcome of this situation. You have the right to say who will take physical care of your children and who will take care of their money (this may or may not be the same person). You decide the guidelines for how money should be spent for the children and when the children should receive the remaining money.

If you fail to plan, the court will make a plan for you. The court may or may not select the person you would want to take care of the children (remember, you are dead, you do not get a vote at this stage).

Further, if the court controls the outcome, any money for the children will be turned over to them at age 19. Do you really want your 19-year-old to receive a windfall of money?

Parents should consider these questions and work with an estate planning attorney to formulate an estate plan that addresses

these issues. Generally, the plan will be a Last Will and Testament or Living Trust that lists guardians. The document will also name a trustee to be over the children’s money and will state when and how the children will receive control of the money. If the child is disabled, the trust provisions will hold assets so that the child is able to receive any government benefits to which the child is entitled while the trustee is able to provide for supplemental needs of the child.

Parents often tell me that they put off estate planning because they cannot answer these questions. Do not postpone it. Postponing is a game of chance that may mean a court is deciding the fate of your children.

Melanie B. Bradford is a partner at Bradford & Holliman, LLC, in Pelham. Her law practice focuses on estate planning. This article is for educational purposes and is not intended for specific legal advice. For an appointment, call 205-663-0281.

birminghamparent.com | 11

babybook mini-refrigerator, and a sofa that converts to a sleeping bed. Princeton offers access to Jacuzzi tubs for early labor, birthing balls and skin-to-skin contact between mom and baby after delivery. Our 12 private postdelivery rooms provide a perfect setting for baby’s first days and include rooming in, a birthday cupcake and access to our lactation team. There is 24-hour neonatal services and a Level III NICU.

ST. VINCENT’S BIRMINGHAM Monogram Maternity at St. Vincent’s offers a wide range of services, from your very own Birth Designer (a specially trained nurse), to our Blessed Beginnings Boutique, educational classes, to discounts on spa services. In addition, St. Vincent’s Women’s and Children’s Center offers spacious birth suites that allow for single-room maternity care. Our suites also include a fold-out sofa.

The center also includes triage rooms for monitoring women who think they may be in labor, operating and recovery rooms for Cesarean sections, and a Lactation Center.

Plenty of convenient parking is located just beneath the building for easy access to all services.

childbirth:

By Lori Chandler Pruitt

Many choices in the Birmingham area

BROOKWOOD MEDICAL CENTER As Alabama’s first women’s hospital, Brookwood Medical Center’s commitment has always gone much further than the status quo. With a focus on one-to-one care and hotel-like hospital suites, it’s more than you expect from a hospital – but it’s everything you deserve. No matter what birth plan you’ve chosen, our labor and delivery suites are fully equipped to ensure comfort, safety and repose for mom and baby. You have a dedicated personal nurse through the whole process and an additional nurse in delivery just for your baby.

DCH REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER/ WOMEN’S CENTER At the Women’s Center, mothers remain in their own labor, delivery, and recovery room (LDR). After birth, the mother moves to a homelike, private room or suite on a unit that specializes in the care of new mothers and infants. Each comfortable 12 | birminghamparent | april 2015

and attractive room features a sleeper for a guest. Along with all-private rooms, there are suites, each with a sofa bed and separate sitting room. With our rooming-in option, mothers can keep their baby with them in the room.

NORTHPORT MEDICAL CENTER/ WOMEN’S PAVILION Comfort and privacy are provided through family-centered, single-room maternity care, allowing the mother, father and newborn to remain in the same room throughout the labor, delivery and postpartum stages. The Women’s Pavilion features spacious private rooms, beautifully furnished and decorated.

PRINCETON BAPTIST MEDICAL CENTER Princeton Baptist Medical Center’s Women’s Center features six labor and delivery suites delivering a hotel-like experience, featuring flat-screen televisions, a

SHELBY BAPTIST MEDICAL CENTER Shelby Baptist Medical Center’s patients enjoy a dedicated maternity entrance with emergency labor parking, a spacious family and children’s waiting area, and state of the art services fueled by compassionate faithbased care. Fourteen dedicated birthing suites and a Level III NICU bring peace of mind. And our team of doctors and staff are specially trained to support your unique birthing plan.

ST. VINCENT’S EAST Monogram Maternity at St. Vincent’s East offers a wide range of services to fully support you throughout your pregnancy, including your very own Birth Designer (a specially trained nurse), our Blessed Beginnings Boutique, and discounts on spa services. St. Vincent’s renovated and redesigned birth suites are designed with the entire family in mind and includes a full-size sleeper, private bathroom, glider, heated toilet, flat screen TV and refrigerator. The décor is soothing and attractive; there is a comfortable bed and seating, and flooring with the look of hardwood. We also offer a 24-hour staffed nursery, a Lactation Center, a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and a variety of perinatal and education classes.

Birthing Classes TRINITY MEDICAL CENTER The Women’s Center at Trinity Medical Center offers expectant parents individualized nursing care from a team of experienced, caring and compassionate medical professionals.

The hospital has a designated parking area with a private entrance to labor and delivery, hotel-like rooms that include a fold-down couch, and rooming-in availability. Also, the Women’s Center has a Certified Lactation Consultant on staff that is available to mothers while in the hospital and 24 hours a day, 7 days a week after discharge through a call back number. Trinity also has a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care unit, an infant security system and restricted access to the floor for safety and peace of mind.

UAB UAB is home to one of the nation’s largest all-private room special care nursery consisting of the Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

(RNICU) and the Continuing Care Nursery (CCN). In conjunction with The Children’s Hospital of Alabama, the RNICU provides comprehensive neonatal services while the CCN provides extended step-down care for preterm and term babies with medical conditions. It has all private suites on its Mother Baby unit that encourages family bonding. Valet parking, room service, and a celebration meal for mom and her support person are available.

UAB MEDICAL WEST At Medical West, mothers-to-be receive a swaddle gown to encourage safe sleep. They also enjoy a special celebration steak dinner and sparkling juice. Friends and family are invited to log on to our 365 Web Nursery to view pictures of the newborn and a 24/7 Newborn Channel on your in-room television offers infant care instruction on 30 topics including breastfeeding, bathing, immunizations, adjusting to fatherhood and car seat safety.

Many facilities offer birthing classes for the parents-to-be.

Here are some of the more common ones found in Birminghamarea hospitals.

Birthing Class: Explains to new parents what they can expect on delivery day.

Breastfeeding Class: Educates and prepares mothers in the basic techniques of breastfeeding.

Grandparents Class: Teaches grandparents what’s changed since they raised children.

Sibling Class: Teaches big brother or sister about their new responsibilities.

Infant CPR: How to help revive a child in an emergency situation.

Lori Pruitt is associate editor of Birmingham Parent. Article updated and reprinted from January 2015’s “The Guide.”

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OB/GYN SERVICES at ST. VINCENTS

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Hospital/Facility

Number of LDR Suites

Number of OBs on Staff

NICU Level

C-section Rate

Nursery Availability

In-rooming

Midwives

Nurse-Patient Ratio

Brookwood Medical Center

19

30

III

25% primary

24/7

yes

none

1:1 during labor

DCH Regional Medical Center

8

31

III

32%

24/7

yes

none

perinatal guidelines for nurse

UAB Medical West

8

4

n/a

43%

24/7

yes

none

1:06

none

1:1 during labor; 1:3-4 couples post partum

none

1:1 during labor and delivery; 1:1 or 1:2 NICU depending on acuity; 1:4 postpartum

none

Varies depending on the status of the patient.

none

Varies depending on the status of the patient.

none

Per ACOG and AWHONN guidelines

Northport Medical Center/ Women’s Pavilion

Princeton Baptist

St. Vincent’s Birmingham

St. Vincent’s East

21

6 LDR; 2 C-section Rooms

60

10

23

4

29

8

6

III

III

III

35%

rate not given

23%

III

19%

III

rate not given

24/7

24/7

24/7

24/7

yes

yes

yes

Shelby Baptist

14

Trinity Medical Center

4 LDR; 2 C-section rms, 6 triage

12

III

23%

24/7

yes

none

Follow AWHONN guidelines, 1:1 ratio for labor patients.

UAB

17

28

IV

28%

24/7

yes

none

1:1 during labor

BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S

24/7

yes

NOW IN

Birthday June

Party issue

BIGGER & BETTER THAN EVER! 14 | birminghamparent | april 2015

2015

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the most complete list of party information in BIRMINGHAM! Don’t miss picking up this special issue or advertising in it.

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Number of Lactation Nurses/Specialists on Staff

Parenting/Prenatal Classes

10 certified lactation consultants

Yes, ichooseb.com

3

Yes, www.dchsystem.com/ womenshealth

All bedside nurses trained in lactation services; lactation specialist available.

Yes, (205) 481-7180

3

Yes, www.dchsystem.com/ womenshealth

BIRMINGHAM’S PREMIER

DAYCARE AND PRESCHOOL

From our state-of-the-art facilities to our nurturing teachers (many have 4-year education degrees), our comprehensive curriculum and activities provide your child with age appropriate exploration into the world of learning.

Odyssey represents an exciting early childhood educational experience!

Age appropriate curriculum with individual weekly themes.

Internet Video Monitoring provides live streaming video of your child’s classroom.

1 certified; all RNs are trained to help as needed

Yes, BaptistHealthAlabama.org

6

yes, (205) 939-7878 or (800) 331-6777

One; however, all nursing associates assist mothers as needed.

yes, (205) 939-7878 or (800) 331-6777

1 certified, 3 assistants

Yes, BaptistHealthAlabama.org

1 certified; all RNs are trained to help as needed

Yes, trinitymedicalonline.com

10 certified lactation consultants

Yes, http://www1. uabhealth.org/UAB_WH/ womens+services

Outstanding play environment, featuring infant, toddler & preschool play structures, overhead awnings, and water features.

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baby&me DIRECTORY 2015 YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH Alabama Pediatric Dentistry Dr. Michelle Bajjalieh 3500 Independence Drive Homewood, AL 35209 205-802-7277 alabamapediatricdentistry.com Dr. Bajjalieh strives to make this new journey for your child a fun & rewarding experience. Beautiful new office environment, convenient location. Accepting new patients.

We are a medical clinic staff by board certified physicians, which utilizes FDA cleared, cutting-edge computerized testing in the diagnosis and individualized treatment of ADHA.

McCalla Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry 4814 Bell Hill Rd. Bessemer, AL 35022 205-477-8004 mccalla.orthodontics@yahoo.com www.mccallasmiles.com Dentistry for children, adolescents Angelica Rohner Pediatric Dentistry and patients with disabilities. Ortho2045 Brookwood Medical Center dontics for children and adults. We Dr., Suite 21 offer traditional metal brackets as Birmingham, AL 35209 well as the clear Invisalign option.

205-870-0892 Med Center Hoover mfranklin@drrohner.com Urgent Care-Family Medicine www.drrohner.com 1575 Montgomery Hwy. Dr. Rohner is a specialist of pediHoover, AL 35216 atric and adolescent dentistry. Our 205-822-1150 doctor and her professional staff www.medcenterurgentcare.com strive to make each dental visit fun Serving patients in Hoover and surand exciting! rounding area, our physicians are board-certified in emergency mediDr. Michael Anglin cine & family medicine, offering care Pediatric dentistry & treatment for non-life threatening illDr. Erin Nelson nesses & injuries - no appt. necessary.

Family dentistry 3825 Lorna Road, Suite 206 Pediatric & Adolescent Dentistry Hoover, AL 35244 Dr. Clark Thomas & Dr. Lauten 205-988-9800 Johnson www.BirminghamKidsdentist.com www.alpediatricdentistry.com Dr. Michael Anglin has provided • Hoover Location quality pediatric dentistry to the 1015 Brocks Gap Pkwy.

Hoover and surrounding communiHoover, AL 35244 ties since 1993. With Dr. Nelson, 205-982-0112 they offer excellent care for chilhoover.info@alpediatricdentistry.com dren, adolescents & adults.

• Birmingham Location 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.

3918 Montclair Rd., Suite 206 Birmingham, AL 35213 205-879-6150 info@alpediatricdentistry.com Your child’s path to optimum dental health starts here with our kidfriendly staff. Options for in-office sedation or general anesthesia at Children’s Hospital.

Child’sPlay Therapy Center 3057 Lorna Rd. Suite 220 Birmingham, AL 35216 205-978-9939 www.childsplaytherapycenter.com Pediatric speech, occupational and physical therapy in a child-friendly, non-clinical environment. Also providing music therapy, tutoring, ADD/ ADHD treatment programs and Orton-Gillingham reading therapy.

Pediatric Nephrology of Alabama, P.C. Dr. Mark Benfield 1425 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. S. Suite 206 Birmingham, AL 35205 205-558-3200 www.pednephal.com With over 20 years’ experience in caring for children with kidney disease, Dr. Mark Benfield established Pediatric Nephrology of Alabama in 2010. Accepting new patients.

Focal Point at Child’sPlay Therapy Center 3057 Lorna Rd., Suite 220 Birmingham, AL 35216 205-978-9939 info@childsplaytherapycenter.com wws.focus-md.com

Pediatric Smiles, LLC 5751 Pocahontas Rd., Suite B Bessemer, AL 35022 205-230-9000 tabgat@psmilesal.com www.psmilesal.com Dr. Tabitha Gatrey provides dental

16 | birminghamparent | april 2015

care for children of all ages, including those with special needs. Now accepting new patients. Most insurance accepted.

MOM’S HEALTH Brookwood Care Network 205-877-8800 BrookwoodCareNetwork.com The Brookwood Care Network is an extension of the Brookwood physician family, caring for patients in locations all over town – and backed by the resources of Brookwood Medical Center. Let our Family Care for Yours.

St. Vincent’s Birmingham 810 St. Vincent’s Drive Birmingham, AL 35205 St. Vincent’s East 50 Medical Park East Drive Birmingham, AL 35235 stvhs.com 205-939-7878 Work with your birth designer to make important decisions about your birth experience. Learn more about designing your own birth experience on our idecidehow.com website.

Women’s Health Specialists of Birmingham Dr. Alison Heaton, Dr. William Hudson, Dr. Bethany Campbell, and Dr. Katie Petro McKinney OB/GYN Services at St. Vincent’s 806 St. Vincent’s Dr., Suite 450 Birmingham, AL 35205 205-536-7676 info@whsbham.com www.whsbham.com Our doctors share a deep commitment to the well-being of our patients. Together, they offer more than 20 years of experience in women’s healthcare, gynecological surgery, obstetrical and postpartum services.

PRESCHOOLS, DAYCARES & EDUCATION Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy 5509 Timber Hill Rd. Birmingham, AL 35242 205-995-8709 www.jbma.org For 30 years JBMA has equipped children with the essential skills and knowledge they need to thrive as a successful adult. Enrolling toddlers - 8th grade.

Kumon of Hoover 3744 Lorna Road Hoover, AL 35216 205-444-9485 mikecobb@ikumon.com Kumon of Greystone 270 Doug Baker Blvd. #400

Birmingham, AL 35242 205-994-7200 animeetapatel@ikumon.com www.kumon.com The Kumon Method was created to help children of all ages and academic levels succeed—in the classroom and in life.

Odyssey Early Sch​ools *Inverness Campus 104 Heatherbrooke Park Dr. Birmingham, AL 35242 205-991-0039 *Trace Crossings Campus 401 Emery Dr. Hoover, AL 35244 205-988-8829 www.odysseyearlyschool.com Created by educators featuring ​ state-of-the-art facilities​, nurturing teachers ​with Education degrees, and comprehensive curriculum ​that provides your child with age appropriate exploration into the world of learning.

SHOPS AND SERVICES 4D Mommies Two Locations: 200 Office Park Dr # 216 Mountain Brook, AL 35223 ​205-326-2229 100 Jefferson St. S.​#100​ Huntsville, AL 35801 ​205-326-2229 4DMommies@gmail.com www.4DMommies.com 4D Mommies offers expectant parents an experience of a lifetime-Gender Determination from around 15 weeks and 3D/4D Ultrasound with the new HD Live in Birmingham.

Kim Brantley Photography 615-812-6427 www.kimbrantleyphotography.com www.facebook.com/kimlancasterbrantley PARTIES & ENTERTAINMENT BirthdaysinBirmingham.com Since 1997, Birthdays in Birmingham has been Birmingham’s local birthday party resource. It is a collection of businesses who provide a birthday party service for children’s parties.

Face Painting Fairy 205-527-2134 thefacepaintingfairy@yahoo.com www.facebook.com/thefacepaintingfairy. Spreading joy one face at a time.

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Our five physicians have more than 60 years of combined Pediatric ENT experience with additional fellowship training in Pediatric ENT surgery.

We provide assessment, treatment and management for children with conditions such as: o Ear infections (ear tubes) o Tonsil and adenoid problems o Sinus infections o Complex sinus problems o Hearing loss o Facial and neck masses o Airway obstruction and breathing disorders o Cosmetic issues such as prominent ears (otoplasty) and birthmarks of the face and neck

From left: Brian Kulbersh, MD; Audie L. Woolley, MD, FACS; Brian J. Wiatrak, MD, FACS, FAAP; J. Scott Hill, MD, FACS, FAAP; and Nicholas Smith, MD

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babybook

What is Child Advocacy?

Owens House in Shelby County helps young victims of domestic violence

APRIL IS NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH

By Chris George

I recall a case many years ago that involved a child who had been involved and exposed to many different acts of violence, abandonment, and neglect. Before he was 12, he had been hitchhiking, left in the back seat of the car while his mom went to the bars, and ran away several times.

On one occasion, the young man was in the living room of his house while his mother and her boyfriend screamed at each other. The fight became physical and the boyfriend struck the mother. The little boy jumped up and tried to get between them, yelling, “Don’t you hit my Momma!”

The boy paid for that comment with a backhand and was then kicked in the side by the boyfriend as he ran out of the house.

As he and his mother lay on the floor, she told the boy to run next door and call the police, because the boyfriend had pulled the phone out of the wall before he left.

When the police showed up, they conducted their investigation. They saw a mother and child, battered and bruised, and pleading for help. Their answer was that this was a family problem and that there was nothing they could do. Not long after that, the same boyfriend nearly beat the mother to death. He was ultimately convicted of that assault and sent to prison.

18 | birminghamparent | april 2015

That little boy was me, and that was my mother over 30 years ago.

Many things have changed since then.

There are strict domestic violence laws that protect the victim by allowing the police to arrest if they can determine an assault took place. These laws helped, but there wasn’t a lot for the children. The innocent lives that would forever be altered had nowhere to turn, no one to talk to, and no understanding as to what to expect.

Today, there are Child Advocacy Centers across the state. I have the opportunity to serve as vice president for The Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center, also known as Owens House. Through my profession at the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, I have witnessed firsthand the incredible impact Owens House has on our community. From a vision that came to life in 1993, serving 121 children; to 2014, where 289 children were interviewed, over 7,500 children counseled, and nearly 8,000 children served, Owens House matters.

At Owens House, we have one goal and that is to “Protect Our Children.” A child of an assault doesn’t have to tell their story and relive the trauma multiple times.

They are given to a trained child forensic interviewer and placed in an environment that law enforcement cannot provide. The

interview is recorded so they no longer have to tell what happened and they are cared for as if they are one of our own.

Court support, parenting classes and child abuse prevention are but a few of the services Owens House provides. The most effective resource that I am grateful for is the multi-disciplinary teams that meet once a month. This team consists of the Owens House, the District Attorney’s Office, law enforcement, the Department of Human Resources, the Shelby County Board of Education, child medical specialists, the Shelby County Health Department, and juvenile probation. All of these unique but different professionals have one goal: to benefit the child.

Owens House is there from the initial interview, to the disposition of the case, and then some. The door is always open and every child is welcome. Abuse is not a family matter and I am thankful for Owens House. April is Child Abuse Prevention month, but to Owens House, child abuse prevention is every day.

For more information about Owens House, go to www.owenshousecac.org.

Chris George is chief deputy for the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.

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babybook What to Expect When You Have a C-section

By Christa Melnyk Hines

F

ollowing the birth of my son, I was disappointed that I had to undergo a cesarian section (C-section).

Nonetheless, the feeling was fleeting as I held my newborn close, realizing the consequences could have been devastating if the surgery hadn’t been performed.

Like many new moms, one of the first lessons I learned was that parenthood rarely goes according to plan. Since you don’t know exactly how your child’s birth will play out, manage some of the uncertainty now by learning the differences between cesarean and vaginal deliveries.

“Our ultimate goal is to have a healthy baby. However you get there, whether that be vaginal or C-section, we want moms and babies to be happy and healthy,” says ob-gyn Dr. Kristen Wootton.

What is a C-section?

A cesarean section is major surgery requiring an incision through the abdomen and uterus.

You will receive an epidural and barring an emergency situation, you will be awake during the procedure. Depending on your specific situation, your physician will make a low-transverse incision, which is a horizontal cut across the lower end of the uterus generally preferred for better healing and less 20 | birminghamparent | april 2015

bleeding, or a vertical cut incision. Although you’ll feel touch and tugging sensations, you shouldn’t feel pain.

Why a C-section?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rate of C-sections rose more than 33 percent between 2000 and 2007, declining slightly for the first time in 2010.

Dr. Bill Hudson of Women’s Health Specialists in Birmingham says reasons for a C-section include some brain, neurological and cardiac conditions that could put the mother at risk with vaginal birth; the baby’s head is larger than the mother’s pelvic opening; and certain fetal malformations or conditions. Some moms to be also will request a C-section.

Other reasons women may require a C-section include the baby’s position in the uterus, the size of the baby, premature delivery, fetal heart rate changes indicating a lack of oxygen during labor, or if there’s a medical complication with the mother, such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, says Dr. Ana Martinez.

What about VBAC?

VBAC stands for vaginal birth after Csection, says Dr. Cindy Lassiter of Henderson

and Walton Women’s Center in Birmingham.

“VBAC comes in and out of fashion and certainly comes with its own set of risks.

Candidates for VBAC must be carefully selected,” Lassiter adds.

“In the right situation, VBAC is a viable alternative, but it depends on why you had your first C-section,” Martinez says. For example, if your previous C-section was due to your baby being in a breech position, you might be an excellent candidate for VBAC. Your physician will also consider your risk for uterine rupture, your insurance requirements, and the availability of an on-site physician during labor and delivery. “An attempt at VBAC is not recommended if there has been a previous cesarean section,” Hudson says.

“Your doctor has to be available to get the baby out quickly,” Martinez says. “If their office isn’t on campus and a doctor can’t be there the whole time, (VBAC) can be more risky.”

Some hospitals have OB hospitalists available 24-7 to assist patients. Hospitalists are on-site physicians who specialize in the care of hospitalized patients. Consult with your doctor to learn what type of coverage your hospital offers.

Risks.

Tears and lacerations can occur during vaginal deliveries. Although rare, uterine rupture is a life threatening risk factor particularly for women who opt for a VBAC. A uterine rupture is a tear in the wall of the uterus, usually at the site of a past C-section incision. The incidence rate is about one percent for women who have had low-transverse incisions, rising to five percent for women with vertical incisions. C-section risks include blood loss and complications with anesthesia, as well as scarring and adhesions.

Hospital stay.

The typical hospital stay for a vaginal delivery is 24 to 48 hours, while a C-section is between three and four days.

Recovery.

A woman who delivers vaginally has no restrictions on lifting and can typically return to her normal routine within a few weeks. With a C-section, expect the recovery to take a little longer as your mobility is more restricted.

“The first two weeks are the roughest,” Martinez says. But, after that, most women are doing well and are off pain medication.

Other than your baby, you won’t be able

to lift anything over 10 pounds and due to the pain medicines, you cannot drive for the first two weeks post-surgery. However, breastfeeding is safe and encouraged. Lean on your spouse, a family member or a close friend for assistance, especially if you have other children.

“This is a time in your life when you need a little help and it’s okay to let go of some of our innate control things as moms,” Wootton says. “Let dads be active participants. Let them bring you changing stuff so you don’t have to get up. People are always great to want to bring you food. Use those resources. An incision adds a little bit of a challenge to the mix, but it’s definitely doable when you have good support.”

And remember, even if your child’s birth didn’t go exactly as planned, chances are the elation of holding your much anticipated newborn will overcome any lingering feelings of disappointment.

“You can have the best birth plan...but there are just some things that are out of your control,” says Jen Conrad, a mom of three.

“Give yourself some grace and tell yourself you still did something amazing by bringing your sweet baby into this world, no matter how he or she arrives.”

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Write down and discuss your preferences with your physician and significant other.

Be flexible. Your baby’s birth may not go specifically according to plan.

Avoid non-medical related pre-term delivery, especially before 39 weeks, which can put your baby’s health at risk.

Determine who you can ask for support post-delivery to avoid managing alone.

Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband are parents of two children delivered by C-section. Hines is the author of Confidently Connected: A Mom’s Guide to a Satisfying Social Life. Publisher/editor Carol Muse Evans also contributed to this story.

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Understanding and Treating Fever

By Lucy Morris, MD

W Dr. Lucy Morris is a primary care physician with Brookwood Care Network in Cahaba Heights.

hat do you do when your child has a fever? Should you call your doctor, go to the emergency room or give your child medicine? It is important to remember that most fevers are not serious. In fact, fevers under 102 degrees generally do not need to be treated in children older than 3 months old who are acting normally.

A fever is not an illness, but rather a symptom of one. Most fevers are caused by a nonserious infection or other illness, but they can also be caused by more serious conditions such as appendicitis, chickenpox, meningitis, measles or a kidney infection. That is why it is important to continually monitor your child’s temperature and overall condition.

If your child is uncomfortable and has a temperature above 98.6, you can help alleviate the symptoms:

✚ Give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen based on recommended dosages listed on the package. (Aspirin is not recommended for children under 12.

Check with your doctor before giving medication to children under 2.)

✚ Give your child a sponge bath using lukewarm water.

✚ Dress your child in lightweight clothing, cover with a light blanket and keep the room at a comfortable temperature.

22 | birminghamparent | april 2015

✚ Offer fluids to prevent dehydration. (Avoid sports drinks and caffeine.)

✚ Encourage plenty of rest.

You should contact your doctor if your child is younger than 3 months old and has a temperature of 100.4 or higher, or if an older child has a fever above 104. Also call your doctor if an older child has a lower fever and refuses to drink liquids, has persistent diarrhea or repeated vomiting, shows signs of dehydration, or experiences recurrent fevers.

A trip to the emergency room may be necessary if a feverish child:

✚ Cries inconsolably for hours and is irritable.

✚ Develops a rash or spots that look like bruises. ✚ Has a stiff neck. ✚ Becomes limp and refuses to move.

✚ Has difficulty breathing, a severe headache, or blue lips, tongue or nails.

Every child develops a fever at some point and most recover in a matter of days. If your child is eating and sleeping well, most likely he or she does not need any treatment.

However, if you are unsure and have questions, you can always call your doctor.

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destination guide

BEACH DEALS

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Headed to Navarre, Gulf Breeze or Pensacola? Don’t Miss the Gulf Breeze Zoo! Tucked between Gulf Breeze and Navarre, Florida is the wonderful Gulf Breeze Zoo, a great side adventure for the beach traveling family this spring and summer.

With "50 acres of wild adventure," you will find plety to do. Open rain or shine daily, the zoo offers many animals, a fun train offering a great overview of the zoo, the gift shop and many more specialty tours.

If you need to take a break from the zoo or turn your family trip into a learning adventure, this is a great zoo to visit.

The family-friendly zoo has lots of fun things for families and children of all ages to do and see, including giraffe feeding, llama feeding, free-flight bird area (birds up close, eating from your hands and landing on you!), large animals, primates, exotic birds and much more.

One of my family’s favorite parts of the zoo was the 30-acre animal preserve with a giant boardwalk around. You can see and experience a wide variety of the larger animals on the free roaming preserve. Take the train around the Gorilla & Chimp Islands, and also see zebras, camels, tortoises, hippos and rhinos, just to name a few, along the way.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GULF BREEZE ZOO

Another experience at the zoo that might be of interest is the zookeeper talks. Learn about what animals eat, what they do, how they live and more. A schedule is posted at the entrance each day for zoo keeper talks.

One other item of interest is the behind the scenes animal tours. Currently offering them for the hippo and giraffe, you’ll board the train for a special trip “behind the scenes” for a special look at that individual animal. Please note these tours must be booked at least one week in advance and carry an additional charge.

When we visited the zoo, we did the giraffe feeding, and it is an experience I won’t soon forget. What amazing animals – interesting, fun, and yes, a little gross when they slobber. But it’s a special memory from my trip to the Gulf Breeze Zoo. Current ticket prices for the zoo are $15.95 for ages 13- adult, $14.95 for senior citizens, and $11.95 for children 2-12.

Check the website for military and group discounts, too, www. Gulfbreezezoo. org, located at 5701 Gulf Breeze Pkwy., Gulf Breeze, FL 32563, 850-932-2229.

Carol Muse Evans 24 | birminghamparent | april 2015

PHOTO COURTESY OF GULF SHORES & ORANGE BEACH

Visit Orange Beach this Month for the Bama Coast Cruise The Sixth Annual Bama Coast Cruise will be April 23-25 at the Wharf Resort & Marina in Orange Beach. You can see beautiful cars on display at The Wharf, enjoy a day of shopping and dine at one of the Wharf ’s restaurants –and this family-friendly event is free.

Main Street, which takes visitors through the heart of the shops and restaurants at The Wharf, will be closed to throughtraffic during the weekend of the show. Only Bama Coast Cruise show cars are allowed to park along the street.

There are several features that have become annual staples of Bama Coast Cruise, including vendors, swap meet, music, door prizes and cash drawings. DJ Ronnie Foster is on-hand all weekend long spinning tunes and announcing the winners of door prizes and cash giveaways each day.

In 2013, the tradition of a grand prize giveaway car began, so one lucky exhibitor will arrive with one car, but go home with two.

The highlight of Bama Coast Cruise is Saturday’s annual parade cruise. Stretching out over 14 miles, the parade cruise runs from The Wharf, down the scenic beach highway and back.

This allows beachgoers to enjoy the parade, and participants are able to enjoy the sugar white beaches of Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

As the parade approaches, many cars along the parade route will pull off the road to wait and watch the parade ride by.

For more information on the event, visit http://bamacoastcruise.com. For more information on Orange Beach/Gulf Shores, visit www.gulfshores.com.

What’s your Disney side? That’s the side you simply can’t wait to share as a family. It’s the side of you that laughs bigger, screams louder, and just plain lives life to the fullest. It’s the side of you that comes out to play the moment your family steps through the gates of the Walt Disney World® Resort.

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destination guide

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PHOTO COURTESY OF HONUA KAI RESORT & SPA

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THINKING OF HAWAII? Here’s a Great Deal for Whale Watchers Honua Kai Resort & Spa offers the perfect island getaway for families and groups. Staying in one of Honua Kai’s spacious suites, complete with fullyequipped modern kitchens, families can make themselves at home while savoring the Hawaiian lifestyle with affordable rates starting at $284-plus per night.

Right now is the best time of the year for whale watching in Maui – guests can even see whales migrating from the lanais of their ocean-view rooms at Honua Kai! For those who want to get closer to the action, Honua Kai is offering

a Whale Adventure Package, which includes:

· A five-night stay in either a 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom partial ocean view suite · Complimentary compact rental car · 2-hour whale watch on either an adventure raft or sailing catamaran · Whale watchers kit including HK logowear hats, binoculars, sunscreen & lip balm

The Whale Adventure Package includes one whale watcher kit and a whale watch boat cruise for up to two adults with the one bedroom partial

ocean view suites, and two whale watcher kits and a whale watch boat cruise for up to 4 adults with the two bedroom partial ocean view suites. Both 5-night packages include a compact rental vehicle from Avis. Upgrades are available for a nominal fee. Discounted rates for additional days are also available. One bedroom partial ocean view packages start at $2,270, and two-bedroom partial ocean view packages start at $3,335 through April 15.

For information, visit www.honuakai.com/packages/ whale-adventure.htm.

Suddenly, you’re in a whole different state of “Wonder Women!”

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The magic truly begins the moment you mix uncrowded, sugar-white beaches and turquoise water with a variety of family-friendly attractions and accommodations. Come be transformed.

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Celebrate Spring

on the Alabama Gulf Coast Alabama’s 32 miles of pristine beaches on the Gulf of Mexico set the scene for vacation memories that will last a lifetime. This family-friendly beach destination has seen generations return year after year, and with so much to see and do, it’s no wonder. Beyond the beautiful beaches, there’s a wide variety of activities and attractions for all interests and ages, including a number of acclaimed festivals.

And, of course, plenty of fresh Gulf seafood.

Spring events include Gulf Shores’ first-ever Waterway Village Zydeco & Crawfish Festival April 18, the Bama Coast Cruise April 23 in Orange Beach, the well-known Hangout Music Festival May 15-17, and The Wharf Boat and Yacht Show May 19-22.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer a wide selection of accommodations from beachfront condos and national hotel chains to private beach houses and full-service resorts. Whether planning a romantic getaway or large family reunion, there are lodging options for travel parties of any size.

Visit GulfShores.com to learn more about Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. While there, be sure to request a copy of the 2015 vacation guide, a 96-page magazine featuring a photographic tour of the area, including complete listings of accommodations, things to see and do, and great places to eat.

GulfShores.com 877-341-2400

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Have a Frozen Party!

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Links for Frozen Party Projects: DIY Napkin Rings: http://www. stylemotivation.com/22-greatdiy-napkin-ring-ideas-forevery-occasion/ Glitter Flutes: http://www. hgtv.com/design/make-andcelebrate/handmade/how-tomake-glitter-champagne-flutes

Photos courtesy of Sharp Soirees

If you ask a little girl what kind of party she wants, there’s a 90 percent chance that she’ll scream, “Frozen, please!” The Disney animated movie has caught the attention of so many, and now parents are scrambling to bring the movie to life by creating unique parties with Elsa and friends.

This is just what 6-year-old Kylie Stephens got when her mother Nikki Stephens asked Sharp Soirées to transform the food court at the Riverchase Galleria into a “Frozen” setting. Complete with linens, chargers, lush floral arrangements, and an array of delicious desserts, Kylie and friends walked in and their jaws dropped.

“I’ve been to the Galleria a lot with my mom and never would I have imagined that the food court could look as cool as it did for my party,” Kylie says. “My friends and I really felt like we were at a fancy dinner, and it was so cool to see all of the “Frozen” elements in the decorations.”

So how exactly did the transformation take place? Easy: do-it-yourself projects! For example, the large napkin rings were made using jewelry wire from Michael’s and snowflakes from Dollar Tree. The wire was formed into a circle ring and glued to the back of the snowflake. Another cool and easy DIY project was the “Frozen” centerpieces. These were made by cutting out mirror images, then attaching a dowel between each image. The cutouts were then inserted into a Styrofoam base and covered with tissue paper. The finished touch included wrapping the base with printables honoring the birthday girl.

“In addition to the fun DIY projects for the kids, I always feel that it’s nice to be able to include elements that the adults will enjoy as well,” says Brittany Sharp, event planner. “All of the floral arrangements were very easy to make; I picked up an assortment of flowers from a local floral shop and arranged them inside vases from my home.”

While the décor was full of DIY projects, the desserts also included easy yet impressive options for all the party attendees.

For instance, each guest place setting included plastic flutes that were covered in glitter to add some sparkle to the table.

While the glitter caught the eye of some it was the contents of the glasses that really made the kids smile! Each glass was filled with milk and then topped with a snowflake straw that was adorned with a powdered doughnut!

For more information on this soiree, please visit www. sharpsoirees.com. birminghamparent.com | 29

Camp Juliette Low

COMING IN MAY

On Lookout Mountain in Cloudland, GA Located in northwest Georgia, CJL is an independent, non-profit summer camp for girls ages 7-17. 1 & 2 week sessions available.

COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

June 7—August 1, 2015

      Fun-filled summers start here. We have something for everyone from Fishing and Chess to Art and Sports.

Camp Dates: June 1st-July 31st.

Entering Kindergarten through 8th Grade Contact Gabe McCool at gmccool@highlandsschool.org or (205) 956-9731 ext 105 . Located on Old Leeds Rd. (I-459 exit at Grants Mill Rd) 30 | birminghamparent | april 2015

Backpacking Ropes course Climbing wall Crafts/pottery Drama Pool

     

Horseback Canoeing Sailing Archery Fire-building Camp crafts

For more information or to register online:

770-428-1062 info@CJL.org

www.CJL.org …preparing girls for confident living and leadership since 1922

ur SE: 2-4 Cpo.mm.e & Go Guided Walking To U O H N E P O & MAY 3 •

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2.5 hours north of BIRMINGHAM > NEAR HISTORIC FRANKLIN, TENN.

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Adventures in Music

June 15–19 (piano only) July 6–10 (piano and voice)

All Aboard for Music July 13–17

726-4049 or 726-2739 www.samford.edu/academy-of-the-arts

cheerleading • ropes course • ARTS & CRAFTS • soccer • sports • nature • drama

SUMMER MUS C AND ART CAMPS

chorus • gymnastics • Dance • canoeing • tennis • GOLF

Recognized as one of the South’s favorite Christian summer camps for girls!

Welcome to an award winning camp experience…

RIVERVIEW CAMP FOR GIRLS.

Just off DeSoto Parkway on top of Lookout Mountain in Mentone, Alabama…nestled in a bend of Little River.

Adventure, inspiration, character & confidence-building are just a few of the benefits that go hand-in-hand with the activity choices. Riverview’s Christian emphasis & exciting programs are appreciated by both parents & campers!

Call 800-882-0722 or visit www.riverviewcamp.com for a FREE DVD & Information packet

Only 2 short hours from Birmingham 1 & 2 week sessions!

Mother-Daughter Weekends also Available

Dr. Larry and Susan Hooks, Owners/Directors Donna Bares, Assistant Director Accredited by American Camping Association Members of Christian Camping Conference Asso.

Check us out online at www.riverviewcamp.com

swimming • beach volleyball • archery • riding • basketball • golf • much more!

ACADEMY OF THE ARTS AT SAMFORD UNIVERSITY presents

Exciting Traditional Camp for girls ages 6 to 16!

birminghamparent.com | 31

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32 | birminghamparent | april 2015

On the weekend of April 3-5, help the Birmingham Zoo kick off its 60th anniversary! There will be special activities throughout the weekend, including special animal enrichments, face painting, Schaeffer Eye Center Wildlife Shows, giraffe feedings, splash pads and more. A special Get Rhythm Drum Circle will take place at 11:30am on Saturday, April 4 in the Trails of Africa! Don’t miss this exciting weekend! www.birminghamzoo.com.

3-5

4

For more weekend fun, check out the Birmingham Botanical Gardens Spring Plant Sale April 1012. Held at Brookwood Village, this three-day event is the gardens’ largest plant sale fundraiser. There will be more than 100,000 plants available for purchase! Friday, 9am-7pm; Saturday, 9am-5pm; Sunday, 11am-3pm. Free admission.

10-12

daily calendar of events

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHILDREN’S DANCE FOUNDATION

PHOTO COURTESY OF BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS

April HIGHLIGHTS

Calendar sponsored by

CDF Stage Door Youth Theatre is seeking actors in 6th and 12th grades for the production Fantastic Mr. Fox. Auditions are April 18 from 3-6pm at Children’s Dance Foundation, 1715 27th Ct. S in Homewood.

For more information and to schedule an audition, call 205-870-0073.

18

Gardendale presents the Magnolia Festival this weekend at the Gardendale Civic Center. Two days of fun! Voted Birmingham Parent’s Family Favorite Fair/Festival 2014! 200 booths, a petting zoo, pooch parade, midway carnival, three stages of live music, eating contests, car show, bungee jump, free kids art classes and more. Fireworks at 10pm! Benefits college scholarships for local high school seniors.

Birmingham Parent is a sponsor. www. magnoliafestival.org. FREE admission.

24-25

On Saturday, April 4, come hunt Easter eggs at Oak Mountain State Park! This eighth annual event from 10am-2pm in the Dogwood and Lakeside pavilions includes lots of eggs, the Easter Bunny, hayrides, face painting, cake hop, sack races, moonwalks and more. Park admission applies; activities are one ticket each, which can be bought for $1 each. www.alapark.com/oak-mountain-state-parks-8th-annual-easter-egg-hunt.

birminghamparent.com | 33

daily calendar of events

April

Calendar sponsored by

5 Sunday

Easter Sunday The Birmingham Zoo’s 60th Anniversary Kickoff Weekend Birmingham Zoo, see April 3.

8 Wednesday UAB Music Student Recital 12:20pm, Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall. Featuring advanced students in the Department of Music, with Chris Steele, pianist.

205-934-7376, www.uab.edu/ cas/music. FREE.

10 Friday From April 10-19, spend the day with Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera! Thomas’s national tour stops here for a fun-filled family event with train rides, photos with Sir Topham Hatt and much more. Tickets are required; 866-468-7630, www.hodrrm.org.

1 Wednesday

4 Saturday

Special Spring Break Story Time 10:15am, Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster.

Fifth Annual Art on Ruffner Mountain 9am-5pm, Ruffner Mountain Nature Center. Art show presented by the East Lake Arts District.

205-223-7251.

Spring Carnival Magnolia Park Mall, Trussville. $14 for all you can ride wristband! Food and fun. Through April 4. Times, information, coupon, 205-655-7535, www. trussvillechamber.com.

UAB Percussion Ensemble 7pm, UAB Alys Stephens Center.

205-934-7376, www.uab.edu/ cas/music. FREE.

3 Friday

Good Friday The Birmingham Zoo’s 60th Anniversary Kickoff Weekend Special activities throughout the weekend include special animal enrichments, face painting, Schaeffer Eye Center Wildlife Shows, giraffe feedings, splash pads and more. www.birminghamzoo.com.

Hikes for Tykes with Fresh Air Family 10am, Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Join Anwen as she paints a magical picture of the Gardens for preschool children and their families. www.freshairfamily.org. FREE. Oak Mountain State Park Easter Egg Hunt 10am-2pm, Oak Mountain State Park, Dogwood and Lakeside pavilions. Eighth annual hunt features lots of eggs, the Easter Bunny, hayrides, face painting, cake hop, sack races, moonwalks and more. Park admission applies; activities are one ticket each for $1 each. www.alapark. com/oak-mountain-state-parks8th-annual-easter-egg-hunt.

The Birmingham Zoo’s 60th Anniversary Kickoff Weekend Birmingham Zoo, see April 3.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens Spring Plant Sale 9am-7pm, Brookwood Village.

This three-day weekend sale is the gardens’ largest plant sale fundraiser. More than 100,000 plants available for purchase. Admission is free. Information, www. bbgardens.org/springplantsale.

UAB Steel Band 6:30pm, Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall. Directed by Gene Fambrough. Tickets, $5 general admission, $3 students. 205-9347376, www.uab.edu/cas/music.

11 Saturday Pepper Place Market 7am-noon, 1130 22nd St. S. Season begins today! Rain or shine.

Fresh produce and much more.

Fresh Air Family Spring Fossil Hunt!

9am, 1pm, Near Sumiton. One of Fresh Air Family’s most popular events! Sign up now to hunt rare fossils that predate the dinosaurs. $10 members, $15 nonmembers. www.freshairfamily. org, events@freshairfamily.org.

Ninth Annual Montevallo Arts Festival 10am-5pm, Orr Park, Montevallo.

Featuring more than 50 artists, a day-long lineup of music and spoken word performance, children’s activities and more. www. montevalloartscouncil.org.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens Spring Plant Sale 9am-5pm, Brookwood Village, see April 10.

Farm Day Birmingham Zoo. Take a look at Alabama’s agricultural heritage with a fun and educational peek into daily farm life. Horseshoemaking demonstrations, ruralthemed arts and crafts, antique tractors, goat show and more. www.birminghamzoo.com.

Hikes for Tykes with Fresh Air Family 10am, Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Take a “hike” through the Gardens and explore the wondrous shape and functions of leaves. Make a leaf feeder for birds. Preschool children and their families. www.freshairfamily.org. FREE. Magic City Chess U 10am-12pm, Birmingham Public Library, second floor. Learn to play or improve your play in these free classes. 205-8622018, http://magiccitychessu.wix. com/magiccitychessu. FREE. The Queen of Hearts and the Terrible Tarts 10am, noon, Birmingham Children’s Theatre. Harriet is proclaimed the Queen of Hearts, but she doesn’t know how to be a queen. Tickets, 205-458-8181, www.bct123.org.

3rd Annual Cornhole Classic 1pm, Good People Brewery.

Bag throwing, delicious food and local beer. Hosted by The Bell Center’s junior board, The Ambassadors. Team cost $50 includes double elimination, two drink tickets and two Cornhole Classic drink huggers. Admission to watch, free. Information, thebellcenter.org/events/ cornhole-classic.

Robin Hood 2-3pm, Birmingham Children’s Theatre. Things aren’t so great in Nottingham. The sheriff is a

Events may change after publication, deadline; please phone ahead to confirm important information. The deadline for submitting calendar items for the May 2015 issue is April 3. Mail calendar items to: Calendar, Birmingham Parent, 3590B Hwy 31 S #289, Pelham, AL 35124; fax to 987-7600; 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 designed to be a resource and service to the community and our readers. Events which are open to the public, fund-raisers, 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 987-7700.

34 | birminghamparent | april 2015

bully, taking advantage of the townspeople and leaving them little money to survive. Tickets, 205-458-8181, www.bct123.org.

Second Saturday Space Safaris: Stars of the Pharaohs 4pm, 5pm, Jacksonville State University Planetarium, Jacksonville. Travel through space and explore planet Earth during these exciting programs for families and children. $5 adults, $2 children; pre-registration encouraged. 256-782-8010, www. jsu.edu/epic.

12 Sunday Birmingham Botanical Gardens Spring Plant Sale 11am-3pm, Brookwood Village, see April 10.

Southeastern Outings Second Sunday Dayhike 1pm, Oak Mountain State Park.

Moderately strenuous 5-mile hike from the north trailhead to the top of Oak Mountain to the King’s Chair rock formation overlook. Well-behaved, properly supervised children age eight and up able to complete the hike are welcome. Depart 1pm from the Oak Mountain Park office parking lot. $4 per person park admission, $1 seniors. Bring water. Edd Spencer, 205-317-5868, eddthehiker@outlook.com.

UAB Wind Symphony and Symphony Band in Concert 3pm, Alys Stephens Center.

Conducted by Sue Samuels with guest high school bands.

205-934-7376, www.uab.edu/ cas/music.

UAB Piano Studio and Piano Ensembles 7:30pm, Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall. Featuring students of Yakov Kasman, and ensembles directed by Tatiana Kasman.

205-934-7376, www.uab.edu/ cas/music. FREE.

13 Monday UAB Gospel Choir Spring Concert 7pm, Alys Stephens Center. Directed by Kevin P. Turner. Tickets $7 general admission, $5 each for groups of 20 or more (advance purchase required).

Tickets, 205-975-2787.

14 Tuesday UAB Music Honors Recital 7pm, Alys Stephens Center.

Featuring winners of the 2015 Honors Recital Competition.

205-934-7376, www.uab.edu/ cas/music. FREE.

15 Wednesday Southeastern Outings Weekday Dayhike 9am, Hargis YMCA Retreat, Chelsea. Easy 4-mile hike on trails in Shelby County. Bring water and wear good walking shoes or boots. Optional lunch at Applebee’s in Chelsea after the hike. Ed Spencer, 205-317-5868, eddthehiker@outlook.com.

UAB Jazz Faculty in Concert 12:20pm, Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall. 205-934-7376, www. uab.edu/cas/music. FREE.

16 Thursday What Stands in a Storm 6pm, Hoover Library. Author Kim Cross presents What Stands in a Storm: Three Days in the Worst Superstorm to Hit the South’s Tornado Alley, the historic 2011 event. 205-444-7840. FREE. UAB Music Guest Artist Concert 7:30pm, Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall. Featuring the Thelema Trio from Belgium, Peter Verdonck, Marco A. Mazzini and Ward De Vleeschhouwer. Concert will include a composition

by UAB faculty member William Price. 205-934-7376, www.uab. edu/cas/music. FREE. Samford Percussion Ensemble 7:30pm, Brock Recital Hall. www.samford.edu. FREE.

18 Saturday Pepper Place Market 7am-noon, Pepper Place, 1130 22nd St. S. Fresh produce and much more.

Alice in Wonderland 2pm, 7:30pm, Oak Mountain High School Performing Arts Center. Presented by Alabama Dance Academy’s Ballet Classique, Jazz and Lyrical Ensembles. Tickets, $13; Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at 1pm, tickets, $5. 205-978-6830, www. alabamadanceacademy.com.

Birmingham Parent sponsors.

Birmingham Kidney Walk 8:30am, Samford University Track and Soccer stadium. The Alabama Kidney Foundation’s annual walks are family-friendly and fun and support the foundation’s programs for kidney patients in need throughout the state. Information, 205-9342111, www.alkidney.org. FREE admission.

Hikes for Tykes with Fresh Air Family 10am, Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Join Fresh Air Family storyteller Verna Gates for an Easter flower hike and more. Preschool children and their families. www. freshairfamily.org. FREE. Magic City Chess U 10am-12pm, Birmingham Public Library, second floor. Learn to play or improve your play in these free classes. 205-8622018, http://magiccitychessu.wix. com/magiccitychessu. FREE. Party for the Planet Birmingham Zoo. Celebrate the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ signature event and largest combined Earth Day celebration in North America!

Special activities, animal demonstrations, Schaeffer Eye Center Wildlife Shows and local business booths. www.birminghamzoo.com.

10th Annual Episcopal Place Gumbo Gala 11am-2pm, Regions Field. The Gumbo Gala involves more than 40 teams competing for 14 awards while handing out gumbo for event guests to sample.

Live music by Rollin’ in the Hay, gumbo cooking demonstrations, family entertainment, themerelated arts, crafts and family fun. Proceeds support services to Episcopal Place’s affordable housing community for seniors, low-income adults and younger disabled adults. Tickets, $12 advance, $15 at the gate. Children 12-under admitted free. www. gumbogala.com.

CDF Stage Door Youth Theatre Casting Call 3-6pm, Children’s Dance Foundation, 1715 27th Ct. S., Homewood. Seeking actors in 6th-12th grades for the production Fantastic Mr. Fox. Requires participation in a two-week camp and production week,

including four public, ticketed performances. Information, scheduling, 205-870-0073, www.childrensdancefoundation.org.

Curtain Call Ball 5-8pm, Birmingham Children’s Theatre. BCT’s Patrons Board presents an enchanted family evening to raise funds and awareness for BCT’s education and outreach programs, which have provided for more than 12 million children in the last seven decades. Come in costume!

Tickets, 205-458-8181, www. bct123.org.

19 Sunday Southeastern Outings Walk in a Forest Preserve in Homewood 2:30pm, Homewood forest preserve, Shades Mountain.

Spend a relaxing two hours walking. Rated moderately easy. Well-behaved, carefully supervised children age 6 and older welcome. Meet 2:30 p.m. in the Homewood High School east (nearest Brookwood Village Shopping Center) parking lot, just off Lakeshore Drive in Homewood. Mary Alice Thurman, 205-823-5165.

21 Tuesday Lego League 4pm, Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster. Kids of all ages can build together and make new friends. Kids 6-younger must be with an adult.

Science Café 6-8pm, John’s City Diner. This special event brings the general public face-to-face with scientists in a laid-back atmosphere.

McWane Science Center event. Topic: National Autism Awareness Month. Speaker: David Finn, Ed.D., assistant professor and director of special education, School of Education, Samford University. www. mcwane.org.

23 Thursday Jefferson Christian Academy 19th Annual Invitational Golf Tournament 7:30am, check-in; 8am, shotgun start; Castle Pines Country Club, 1600 Quail Ridge Drive, Gardendale. Four-man scramble format with lunch served after tournament. Benefits JCA programs. birminghamparent.com | 35

daily calendar of events

Calendar sponsored by

daily calendar of events

April

Calendar sponsored by

earth day april 22

Registration deadline: April 17.

Information, sponsorships, 205956-9111; wburrows@jcaweb.net, www.jcaweb.net.

Pete the Cat Book Club 4-5pm, North Shelby Library.

Stories, games, groovy crafts and snacks. Boys and girls 5 years old and older welcome.

Registration required. Children age 6-younger must be with an adult. 205-439-5504, www. northshelbylibrary.org. FREE. Alabama School of Fine Arts Spring Music Gala 7:30pm, ASFA Dorothy Jemison Day Theater. Enjoy a beautiful classical and jazz repertoire featuring ASFA’s Orchestra, jazz ensemble, choir and Concerto delle Donne. Tickets $10 adults and $5 students. 205-4580360, www.djdtheater.org.

24 Friday Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama Barber Motorsports Park, Leeds.

Bring the family or sports fans for a great weekend of racing and activities. Bring a picnic and watch some of the world’s greatest INDYCAR drivers. Children 12-under admitted free with a ticketed adult. 205-967-4745, www.barbermotorsports.com.

American Girls Club Spring Fashion Show 4pm, Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster. Girls age 7 and up can walk the runway and model their fresh spring fashions – and those of their dolls if they’d like.

Come with or without a doll. Last 36 | birminghamparent | april 2015

meeting of the school year. 205664-6822. FREE. Magnolia Festival 5-10pm, Gardendale Civic Center. Two days of fun. Voted Birmingham Parent’s Family Favorite Fair/Festival 2014! 200 booths, a petting zoo, pooch parade, midway carnival, three stages of live music, eating contests, car show, bungee jump, free kids art classes and more.

Fireworks at 10pm! Benefits college scholarships for local high school seniors. Sponsors include Birmingham Parent. www.magnoliafestival.org. FREE admission.

Purity is Power Conference 6pm, Sheraton Birmingham.

None Suffers Lack Ministry hosts this program for ages 17 and older. Register at www.nslministry.com. FREE. 5th Annual Tails in the Trails 6:30-10:30pm, Junior League of Birmingham-Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo, Birmingham Zoo. An evening to celebrate 60 years with the Birmingham Zoo! Enjoy live music, appetizers, cocktails, silent auction and animal encounters at the Birmingham Zoo Junior Board’s annual event. Buy your ticket to support the zoo and enjoy an evening full of entertainment. Must be 21 or older in order to attend. Tickets, www.birminghamzoo.com.

Alabama School of Fine Arts Spring Music Gala 7:30pm, ASFA Dorothy Jemison Day Theater, see April 23.

25 Saturday

26 Sunday

Pepper Place Market 7am-noon, Pepper Place, 1130 22nd St. S. Fresh produce and much more.

Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama Barber Motorsports Park, Leeds, see April 24.

Fairy Furniture and Gnome Knickknacks 9-11am, Aldridge Gardens, Hoover. Using materials from nature, learn to make charming miniature furniture for your favorite fairy or gnome! Bring your own twigs with a diameter smaller than a pencil; buttons, lace, pearls, ultra-fine glitter and clippers. Preregistration suggested. $20 members; $27 nonmembers. Member adult with one child 7 or older $35. Nonmember adult with one child 7 or older, $47. 205-682-8019, www. aldridgegardens.com.

ArtPlay Presents: “A DanceE Wild Rumpus” 2pm, UAB Alys Stephens Center. Elizabeth Ross with DanceE, Birmingham’s contemporary dance company, brings her exciting work to the stage.

Dance tells stories of adventure, imagination and the human heart. Family-friendly. Tickets $9 children, $11 adults. 205-9752787, www.AlysStephens.org.

Magnolia Festival 10am-5pm, Gardendale Civic Center, see April 24.

The Queen of Hearts and the Terrible Tarts 10am, noon, Birmingham Children’s Theatre, see April 11.

Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama Barber Motorsports Park, Leeds, see April 24.

Hikes for Tykes with Fresh Air Family 10am, Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Take a hands-on, toddler-sized tour of the Gardens. Preschool children and their families. www.freshairfamily.org. FREE. Magic City Chess U 10am-12pm, Birmingham Public Library, second floor. Learn to play or improve your play in these free classes. 205-8622018, http://magiccitychessu.wix. com/magiccitychessu. FREE. Earth Day at the Gardens 11am-4pm, Birmingham Botanical Gardens. This year’s celebration will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II by highlighting Victory Gardens. Displays, demonstrations, art crafts, story time and more. www.bbgardens.org. FREE. Robin Hood 2-3pm, Birmingham Children’s Theatre, see April 11.

Southeastern Outings Dayhike 2pm, Moss Rock Preserve, Hoover. Moderate 2-4 mile hike with some climbing and walking on fairly steep hills. Bring water. Well-behaved, properly supervised children age 7 and up able to walk the distance welcome. Depart at 2pm from dirt parking lot just off Preserve Parkway near the Village Green in The Preserve subdivision.

Scott Myers, 205-979-7836, myersscottv@gmail.com.

Diabetes Walk for Camp Seale Harris 2-4:30pm,Veterans Park, Hoover. The 2015 Diabetes Walk for Camp Seale Harris is a regional fundraising campaign supporting the thousands of local children and their families facing the challenges of living with Type 1 diabetes. Funds raised make an immediate impact by helping diabetic children and families attend Camp Seale Harris and local Camp Community Family Education Programs year round. 205-4020415, walk@campsealeharris. org, www.campsealeharris.org.

29 Wednesday Cirque Alys II featuring Australia’s Sway Poles Celebrate spring with this threeday free event for families and the community. Sway Poles is a company whose work fuses theater, dance and circus while elevated on poles 16 feet tall.

Through May 1. Times, information, 205-975-2787, www.AlysStephens.org. FREE.

■ Aldridge Botanical Gardens 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover.

205-682-8019, www.aldridgegardens.com ■ Alabama Wildlife Center 100 Terrace Drive, Pelham.

205-663-7930. www.awrc.org ■ Albert L Scott Alabaster Public Library Story Times: Tunes & Tales: Wednesdays at 3:30pm in Library Meeting Room, all ages Toddler Tales: Fridays at 10:30am in the Library Meeting Room, 2 and 3 year olds 100 9th Street NW, Alabaster, AL, 35007. 205-664-6822, www.cityofalabaster.com/departments/library

■ American Village Highway 119, Montevallo.

205-665-3535, www.americanvillage.org ■ Barber Motorsports Park 6040 Barber Motorsports Parkway, Leeds. 205-298-9040, www.barbermotorsports.com ■ Birmingham Botanical Gardens Be sure to download the treasure map to take with you! www.bbgardens.org/documents/treasuremapforweb.pdf 2612 Lane Park Road, Birmingham. 205-414-3900, www.bbgardens.org ■ Birmingham Children’s Theatre 1001 19th St. North, Birmingham, AL, 35203, 205-458-8181, www.bct123.org

■ Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Selma to Montgomery: A March for the Right to Vote – Photographs by Spider Martin.

This collection chronicles the 1965 march which brought about the passage of the Voting Rights Act in August of that year.

Woolfolk Gallery. Through June 28. 16th St. N., Birmingham. 205328-9696, www.bcri.org ■ Birmingham Museum of Art Small Treasures: Rembrandt, Vermeer, Hals, and Their Contemporaries. The exhibition, organized by the North Carolina Museum of Art and sponsored

by PNC, will feature works by the greatest masters of the Dutch and Flemish Golden Age. Small Treasures brings together 40 smallscale oil paintings, most of which are no more than ten inches in height, by 28 artists of the 17th century. Through April 26.

Family Tours: Kids at Play! Every Tuesday, 10:30am. FREE. Spring Break at the BMA, March 31-April 2. FREE. 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., Birmingham. 205-2542565, www.artsbma.org ■ Birmingham Zoo In-park Special Attractions Giraffe Feeding & Keeper Chat, Saturday & Sunday 11am-12pm & 2-3pm, $3. See Griffin, the first giraffe born in a North American accredited Zoo in 2014!

Sea Lion Training, Daily 10am & 2pm Predator Zone, Saturday & Sunday 11:30am & 3:30pm 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham. 205-879-0409, www.birminghamzoo.com

■ Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum Ride the Cottontail Express, through April 4, tickets required.

Day Out with Thomas! A funfilled family event with train rides, photos with Sir Topham Hatt and more. April 10-19, tickets required.

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

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

■ McWane Science Center Mindbender Mansion. Mister E. and the Mindbender Society invite you to enter the wonderfully puzzling world of Mindbender Mansion, full of puzzles, brainteasers and interactive challenges. Adults and children will enjoy exercising their minds!

Through May 3.

IMAX Movies: Mysteries of the Unseen World.

High-speed and time-lapse photography, electron microscopy and nanotechnology are just a few of the advancements in science that allow us to see a whole new universe of things, events, creatures and processes. See places on Earth that are beyond normal vision.

Island of Lemurs: Madagascar.

Morgan Freeman narrates this true story of nature’s greatest explorers – lemurs. It’s a spectacular journey to the remote and wondrous world of Madagascar.

200 19th St. N., Birmingham.

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

■ Oak Mountain State Park 200 Terrace Drive, Pelham.

205-620-2520, www.alapark.com.

■ Ruffner Mountain Nature Center 1214 81st St. S., Birmingham.

205-833-8264, www.ruffnermountain.org.

■ Southern Museum of Flight 4343 73rd St. N., Birmingham.

205-833-8226, www.southernmuseumofflight.org ■ Vulcan Park 1701 Valley View Drive, Birmingham. 205-933-1409, www.vulcanpark.org

Magic City Face Art a ladies boutique with stylish and affordable fashion

205-613-0443 www.magiccityfaceart.com

FACE PAINTIN G AT ITS FINES T

Come see the latest in trendy clothing including Piko tops, tunics and other fashion must-haves, as well as fun jewelry and other accessories. Becky’s at Brookwood Village.

Find Becky’s on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BeckysGiftsAL $10 OFF a purchase of $50 or more.

One coupon/person. Does not apply to previous purchases, sale or clearance items. Expires 4.30.15.

birminghamparent.com | 37

daily calendar of events

events & attractions

poetry party THE POETRY PARTY

By Charles Ghigna

SPRINGTIME POEMS READ, WRITE & SHARE

Spring brings bumblebees and birds! Here’s a little poem about the sounds they make.

APRIL CHOIR Bumblebees begin to buzz, Mockingbirds begin to sing; Hummingbirds begin to hum April’s choir welcomes spring.

Each season puts on a different show.

Here are two poems about the changing of the seasons.

NATURE’S SHOWS Does the sun really set?

Here’s a little poem about the truth of sunsets.

I used a pun in the title.

A pun is a play on words.

I made up the word “faction” to replace “fiction!”

SCIENCE FACTION Nature, it’s true, Is full of surprises; The sun doesn’t set, The horizon rises.

Nature puts on little shows Every time it rains or snows.

Drumrolls of a thunderstorm Marching spring in to perform; Tap dances of summer rain Playing on the windowpane; Somersaulting autumn leaves Spinning through the silent breeze: Nature’s shows are quite a sight.

Her final curtain, snowy white.

WHAT WILL MOTHER NATURE WEAR? What will Mother Nature wear?

She always keeps us guessing.

With each new season of the year, She likes to change her dressing.

What will Mother Nature wear?

Green? Or gold? Or white?

She often likes to change her clothes-Sometimes overnight!

Now you try it! Look around outside and find new signs of Spring. Pick something you see and write a rhyme about it!

For more poetry activities, visit The Father Goose website at www.fathergoose.com. Want to submit YOUR poems for publication? Parents, here are some magazines that publish poems written by children: www.ckmagazine.org, www.magicdragonmagazine.com and www.cricketmag.com

38 | birminghamparent | april 2015

Summer Break Ice Skating Camp

Pelham Skate School LEARN TO SKATE / LEARN TO PLAY HOCKEY CAMP JUNE 1-5 • JULY 6-10 • JULY 20-24 8:00am—4:00pm

Cost: $250.00 per week 10 Hours of skating time 3 hours of off-ice workout 3 hours of Arts & Crafts 1 Pizza Party and Tons of Fun! 1 On Ice Exhibition of tricks learned for Mom & Dad

Please register in advance by calling 205-620-6448 ext.261 Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena 500 Amphitheater Road, Pelham Alabama 35124

Having a baby isn’t just about deciding which hospital any more.

Because when you have your baby at St. Vincent’s Birmingham and St. Vincent’s East, you work with your birth designer to customize your birth wishes and make important decisions about your birth experience. Learn more about designing your own birth experience at stvhs.com/monogrammaternity.

St. Vincent’s Birmingham | St. Vincent’s East