baby alabama
&child
The Miracle of Faith St. Vincent’s Monogram Maternity Getaway to Tennessee
APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2015 PRICE $2.95
www.albabymag.com
Inside:
FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT CALENDAR
ODYSSESY
baby alabama
&child
A P R I L / M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 5
contents
ALBabyMag.com
PUBLISHER & EDITOR IN CHIEF Cecilia Pearson EDITOR AT LARGE LaTanya Bayles DESIGN Amy Heise Murphree
features
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Kim Hildenbrand Sherrel Stewart
18 The Miracle of Faith 24 Monogram Maternity at St. Vincent’s Hospital 29 Moms of Alabama 34 Family Travel: Tennessee
PHOTOGRAPHY Meredith Rowlen
departments
PROJECT MANAGER Erin Hamby
10 Partners in Kids Health 14 Momprenuer 40 Family Events Picks
SPECIAL EVENTS TEAM Holland Bayles Jade Hill Naomi Jones Nicole Jones GRANDPARENTS TO PRECIOUS & GOOSE Cecil & Francine
in every issue 04 Editor’s Letter 06 News & Notes ON THE COVER: Two and half-year-old Emma Kate. Daughter of Joshua
Lifestages Publishing Inc., Copyright 2004-2015. Lifestages Publishing Inc. publishes Alabama Baby & Child quarterly. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Publisher assumes no liability for
and Tracy Dyer. Photographed by Meredith Rowlen.
unsolicited art, photographs, manuscripts, or other material. Disclaimer: Statements and opinions expressed in Alabama Baby & Child are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Lifestages Publishing Inc. Information provided should not be interpreted as medical instructions; editorial content is not intended as medical advice. Consult appropriate healthcare professionals prior to taking any action. Although great care has been taken in compiling and checking
contact us LifeStages Media t. (205) 445-1345
the information given in this publication to ensure accuracy, the authors, Lifestages Publishing Inc., and its servants or agents shall not be responsible or in any way liable for the continued currency of the information or for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in this magazine, whether arising from negligence or otherwise or for any consequences arising therefrom. The appearance of an ad in Alabama Baby & Child does not constitute
www.albabymag.com www.babypaloozatour.com www.familyphonepages.com www.birthdays4babies.com
an endorsement of that product or service.
ALBabyMag.com 1
BROOKWOOD HOSPITAL
letter
from the editor APRIL MARKS THE START of festival season and we are hitting the roads. You will see
us at local events with the America’s First Kid Zone tent. This is our chance to meet and greet you all in person and provide fun for the kids with old fashioned games, coloring pages, and more. Find a list of upcoming events at www.AlBabyMag.com. The BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama Babypalooza Baby & Maternity Expo Tour is also in full swing. We will be in a city each month through October! If you are a new, expectant, or hopeful parent this is a great opportunity to bring your family and get connected to lots of great resources, talk to health experts, enjoy demonstrations, fashion shows, and much more. Dates and details at www.BabyPaloozaTour.com. Our newest event will happen in Birmingham on August 8 at the BJCC. It’s the Birthdays4Babies Kidsfest: A Celebration Experience. This is an opportunity for you to find out about new party facilities and for your children to expereince everything that makes a party great; inflatables, clowns, facepainters, game trucks, and cupcakes. See what your child might enjoy most and book everything you need for your next party before you leave. We look forward to seeing you soon at one of these events.
Cecilia “CC” Pearson
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news & notes
hot off the press C O M P I L E D BY S H E R R E L S T E W A R T
1
Welcome to Itty Bitty Magic City McWane Science Center will open its newest addition, The Birmingham Children’s Museum Itty Bitty Magic City, on May 16, 2015. This new space will be for the center’s littlest visitors – from newborns to kindergarteners – as well as their families.
The Birmingham Children’s Museum Itty Bitty Magic
City at McWane Science Center encompasses 9,300 square feet and is more than triple the size of the center’s current early childhood exhibit space. It will be located on the second floor of the facility. The new exhibit space will include multiple areas developed around core early childhood development concepts to encourage children’s love of learning through the four major types of play – physical, exploratory, constructive and imaginative.
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Itty Bitty Magic City features: • Main Street: Captures the look and feel of a downtown main street area complete with storefronts, sidewalks and street¬ lights. Main Street includes a fire station, a farm, a veterinary clinic, a market, a café, and a garage. • Tot Spot: Provides a secure space for McWane’s youngest visitors to explore and play. • Ball Zone: Takes the ball -- one of the most basic children’s toy -- to new heights. • Water Play: Fascinates children with water domes, ball vortices, squirters, pumps, damming activities, and an observation dome. • Climbing Structure: Engages early learners at every skill and developmental level, encouraging them to safely challenge themselves physically.
news & notes
2
BIRMINGHAM BASED DESIGNERS LAUNCH CLASSIC EUROPEAN STYLED CHILDREN’S CLOTHING LINE Gentille Alouette is a premium European-inspired children’s clothing founded in Birmingham based designers Regina Newsome and Corrine Prosse. The line debuted in March 2015 with its inaugural Spring/Summer collection through a series of trunk shows throughout the South. The clothing line is designed for girls 6-months through 10 years old.
On launching the line, designer and cofounder, Corrine Prosser states, “We saw an
opening to bring classically styled children’s wear directly to the consumer. One aspect that makes our clothing line unique is that they are made in limited editions—a maximum of only 400 pieces are made of each design in this debut collection.”
According to the founders the clothes are designed for special occasions and festive events
such as birthday parties, holiday dinners and weddings. Still, the simple clean lines and stylish designs are practical enough to be worn any day. The distinctive tailoring and crisp colors are a standout for the well-dressed child.
“A trademark of our collection is the meticulous attention to tailored construction and the
use of superior grade fabrics—including silk, chiffon and select quality cotton,” said designer and cofounder, Regina Newsome.
The two co-founders said they are committed to providing stylish clothing and exceptional
fabrics with precise attention to fine detail.
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You may find them online at www.gentillealouette.com
ALBabyMag.com
section name
kid’s health
road rules ROAD RULES To sign up for the Partners in Kids Health Newsletter and for more information on this or other health and safety topics, visit www.childrensal.org.
Parners in
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As you are getting ready for that vacation road trip here are a few tried and true road rules to help keep everyone safe. Correctly installed and properly used child safety seats (car seats) and booster seats — or seatbelts, depending on a child’s age — are the first line of defense in protecting kids on the road. Couple that with defensive driving habits and
you’re helping to ensure that your kids travel safely. But kids also have some responsibilities when it comes to staying safe in a car. Most are in vehicles every day and should be taught simple rules for traveling to help keep them safe. Be sure to explain to your children that these rules must be followed every time, no matter who is driving or how short the ride may be.
RULES FOR THE CAR • A SEATBELT MUST BE WORN DURING EVERY CAR TRIP. It should be fastened before the car is even in motion and should be left on until the end of the trip. • USE ALL SEATBELTS. Most cars have lap and shoulder belts that buckle as a unit, but some have two separate belts, one lap and one shoulder. Teach your kids to look for and secure every belt. Also teach them not to tuck the belt under their armpit, even if they think it is more comfortable that way. Doing so makes the belt less effective in a crash. • NEVER SHARE SEATBELTS. It might seem like fun,
but two kids should never buckle up as a pair. • SIT IN THE BACK SEAT. Kids under 13 years old
should always ride in the back seat. This protects them from possible injury when a passenger-side air bag deploys. Explain that air bags could seriously hurt a small child because they are designed to protect a person with a much bigger body. • PLAY IT COOL. Kids should understand the
importance of staying calm and low-key in the back seat. If they are jumping around or yelling, it can distract the driver and put all the passengers at risk. • FOLLOW THE RULES IN EVERY CAR. Kids need
to follow the rules if they are in a friend’s or relative’s car, even if other passengers don’t follow the rules. If asked to sit in the front seat of someone else’s car, your child should politely decline the offer and tell the driver that he or she would prefer to sit in the back seat. ALBabyMag.com 11
M E D I CA L W E S T O B / G Y N
Discover the Difference. OB/GYN HEALTH CENTER RICHARD STEPHEN, MD • JESSICA GILL, MD • RAFIQUE MAHMOOD, MD MEDICAL WEST PROFESSIONAL BUILDING 985 9th Avenue SW, Suite 500 • Bessemer, AL 35022 • 205.481.7750 Our team of skilled physicians at Medical West OB/GYN Health Center have over 42 years of combined experience and provide high quality, compassionate health care to every patient. Discover the Difference at Medical West. To schedule an appointment with a Medical West OB/GYN, please call 205.481.7750.
www.medicalwesthospital.org
mompreneur
AMANDA BLAKE TURNER, FOUNDER AND CO-OWNER OF
Sprout & Pour BY K I M H I L D E N B R A N D
P H OTO G R A P H Y BY M E R E D I T H R OW L E N
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w
mompreneur
WHEN BUSY MOM AND FREELANCE ARTIST AMANDA BLAKE TURNER BECAME MYSTERIOUSLY ILL AND FATIGUED IN THE WINTER OF 2013, IT CAME AS A SURPRISE. AFTER ALL, THE ALABAMA NATIVE WAS AN AVID RUNNER AND HAD ALWAYS BEEN PASSIONATE ABOUT HEALTH.
After a string of fruitless doctor’s visits, Amanda took her older sister’s advice: She began to juice (extract the juice from fruits and vegetables) and take probiotics. Before deciding to get a degree education in order to become an art teacher, Amanda had spent a couple of years in nursing school—and this background served her well. “I chose to use my knowledge about nutrition to heal myself,” she says. It worked: As Amanda gradually felt better, she continued to juice to treat lingering symptoms. Finally, she returned to 100 percent health. During this time, Amanda became involved with a community of health advocates and juicers throughout the Southeast—and found herself wishing Alabama had these resources. “So the journey began!” she says. After brainstorming, Amanda and her husband, Andrew, opened a juice and smoothie stand at Pepper Place market, which later evolved into Sprout & Pour—the first cold-pressed juicery in Alabama. “Our business took off,” she says, “we’ve partnered with universities, local practitioners, health advocates, and community events.” The juice bar features a 30-foot butcherblock bartop, retro barstools, and tables and chairs. Customers can order on the spot or can preorder juice online for pick-up. Mom to a 3-year-old daughter (“We adore her!” she says), Amanda notes that juicing is a wonderful tool for on-the-go parents, postpartum moms, and expectant mothers. “Juicing can help nourish that baby growing from seedling to watermelon,” she says with a smile, “and is an easy way to put nutrients in your bloodstream.”
AMANDA’S TOP REASONS TO JUICE
1. Helps to alleviate fatigue, depression, and anxiety. 2. Floods the body with micronutrients, phytonutrients, vitamins, enzymes, and more. 3. Helps curb unhealthy eating habits 4. Is a low-calorie snack that helps fulfill daily fruit and vegetable recommendations. 5. Is an excellent replacement for caffeine and unhealthy sugars. BESTS FRUITS AND VEGGIES TO JUICE
Amanda’s recommendations include green leafy vegetables (to provide folate and vitamins) and apples and carrots (to serve as a base for a variety of veggies). FAVORITE JUICES OF SPROUT & POUR SPRING: kale, orange, cucumber, mint, apple SUNRISE: ginger, lemon, apples, carrots BEETNIK: apples, spinach, carrots, celery, beets
SPROUT & POUR 927 Oxmoor Road Homewood, AL 35209 SproutAndPour.com
Turner, a
long with
her daug
hter and
husband
, Andrew . ALBabyMag.com 15
Specializing in Children & Adolescents Starting First Visits at 1 Year
drrohner.com ● (205)870-0892 ● blogspot.com/drrohner We are a Pediatric Dental Practice who strives to make our patients happy. We know we have success when we hear them say, “I love the Dentist!”
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Our smiles do all the talking
OPENING MAY 2015 IN DOWNTOWN HOMEWOOD! 1900 28TH AVE. SOUTH
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
205.957.6611 LOVELLPEDIATRICDENTISTRY.COM
ALBabyMag.com 17
miracle of faith
THE MIRACLE OF
Faith
s
by Kim Hildenbrand
Photography by Meredith Rowlen
SHE LOVES THE MOVIE FROZEN, MACARONI AND CHEESE, AND COLORING WITH HER 5-YEAR OLD BIG SISTER REBEKAH. BUT LIFE WASN’T ALWAYS THIS EASY FOR THE LITTLE GIRL WHO LOVES TO DANCE.
Faith was born four months premature and has traveled a long road to get here. The first year of her life is an unforgettable journey of faith for her parents Erin and Blake Hamby. Erin shares her story in hopes to encourage other parents or preemies. A DIFFICULT PREGNANCY
When my husband, Blake, and I found out we were expecting we were elated. Married for five years, I was 32, healthy, and teaching P.E. at Cornerstone School. Life was great. Because my faith is important to me I wanted to be baptized before the baby was born. On the night I was water baptized in front of thousands of people, I later woke up with what seemed like life threating complications related to my pregnancy. I wondered, “Why would God take away the baby the same night I publicly professed my faith to Him?” However I felt at peace. The next morning, the ultrasound showed the baby was fine. A month later, we were away on a trip and I woke up with complications again. After a 3 a.m.
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I told the doctor, “I believe in miracles, and I need you to believe in miracles.” ~Erin Hamby MARCH FOR BABIES - APRIL 25 Babies
are
our
future—and
every
baby
deserves the best possible start in life. A national nonprofit organization, March of Dimes strives to help give every baby a healthy start by preventing premature birth, birth defects, and infant loss through research and education. If something goes wrong, the organization provides information and support to babies’ families. Erin was impressed with March of Dimes. “I’d always heard of March of Dimes but never really knew what they did,” she says. “I was amazed at all they do and how they know exactly what parents need.”
Want to support March of Dimes? Join Erin
on the Alabama Baby & Child March for Babies Team and help raise money to fund research, support families with premature babies, and help women have full-term pregnancies.
WHEN:
Saturday, April 25, 2015
8 a.m.: Opening Ceremony,
Registration, and Team Photos
9 a.m.: Walk Begins
WHERE: Uptown (next to the BJCC)
Learn more and sign up at
www.marchforbabies.org
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ambulance ride to the emergency room the doctor said the baby was fine. I prayed, “God, I don’t know what is going on, but I do know you are faithful.” I heard The Holy Spirit reply, “The baby will be called Faith.” A MEDICAL MIRACLE
At 22 weeks pregnant I started to have sharp pains in my abdomen. I thought it was a false alarm, but went to the hospital at my husband’s wise urging and discovered I was having contractions every 60-seconds. My placenta had ruptured. The doctor said the baby was too young to survive— that she would not have a chance at life until at least 24 weeks. I was having blood clots and the doctor wanted to perform an immediate Cesarean section to stabilize me. I told the doctor, “I believe in miracles, and I need you to believe in miracles.” A moment later, my nurse announced that my red blood cell levels had dramatically improved meaning I was out of danger. It was a medical miracle and stunned the doctor.I remained in the hospital for two weeks and at 24 weeks pregnant I went home to stay on bedrest. THE BIRTH OF FAITH
After being home for only a week my water broke and at 25 weeks they performed an emergency Caesarian section. Faith was born weighing 1 pound 14 ounces. She was too fragile to be held, we could only very gently lay our hands on her. Faith took a turn for the worse and our hospital advised us to go to the regional NICU at UAB Women & Infants Center.
GOING HOME
At a month old Faith was transferred to UAB where I was able to hold her for the very first time. Faith stayed in the NICU for a total of four and a half months and came home one month after her due date. When she came home, she was breathing on her own, though she still required medication and a heart monitor. The doctor advised us to keep her isolated from germs—so Faith didn’t leave the house for a whole year. Now at age 3, Faith is spunky and feisty— the NICU nurses called her a fighter. If I could share anything with other parents of preemies, it would be this: Have faith in God and his ability. Enjoy the day-to-day victories on the journey the best you can and live in the moment.
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. HEBREWS 11:1
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miracle of faith
ST. VINCENT’S
Monogram Maternity
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t
S u b m i tt e d by K i m H i l d e n b r a n d Photography by Leisa Cole
THE NEW MONOGRAM MATERNITY PROGRAM AT ST. VINCENT’S OFFERS EXPECTANT MOTHERS A BIRTH EXPERIENCE THAT’S TAILORED JUST FOR THEM.
St Vincent’s Health System has introduced a new program for maternity care. Monogram Maternity, launched in July, offers moms the opportunity to customize their birth and postpartum experiences with help from a birth designer. “We wanted to provide a different level of care,” says Madonna Nichols, Director of Women’s Services, “and we wanted to let families know they are instrumental in deciding how they are cared for.” BIRTH DESIGNER & CUSTOMIZED NURSING CARE
When parents-to-be enroll in the program—which is free of charge—they meet oneon-one with one of four birth designers at St. Vincent’s. “The Monogram Maternity program gets moms really involved in their own care,” says Laura Wright, RN, birth
ALBabyMag.com 25
designer for Monogram Maternity. During the birth design meeting, designers discuss what St. Vincent’s calls “birth wishes”: who they want in the delivery room, their ideal nurse (a cheerleader? A silent supporter?), comfort options such as epidurals, which laboring tools they’d like available, who will cut the cord, and whether they’d like immediate skin-to-skin contact. Moms can tailor the atmosphere with options such as bringing along music and aromatherapy and requesting the lights be dimmed. Once the process is complete, expectant mothers take their birth wishes to their physician to review. After mom and doctor sign-off, the birth wish document is sent to both mom and baby’s charts where it’s available to caregivers. Nichols says, most of the Monogram Maternity experience takes place once the family is in the hospital. The team of 130 nurses at St. Vincent’s has stepped up to the challenge of meeting every patient’s needs. “The nurses change their care to individualize it to each patient throughout their work day,” she says. “It is the ultimate in customized care.”
“We wanted to provide a different level of care, and we wanted to let families know they are instrumental in deciding how they are cared for.” ~ MADONNA NICHOLS, DIRECTOR OF WOMEN’S SERVICES
MORE BENEFITS
Along with the birth designer, expectant parents can take advantage of other opportunities when they join the Monogram Maternity program. Birth Experience Suite: This fully equipped birthing suite helps take the mystery out of what’s to come. Parents can tour this suite and read the educational posters and explore the various laboring tools, including squatting bars, birth balls, rebozos, and peanuts. Blessed Beginnings Boutique: Monogram Maternity participants get a discount in this specialty shop that offers a variety of birth and breastfeeding supplies. Selections include custom-made maternity gowns, nursing scarves, lactation cookies, and more. Lactation Consultation: Each program participant
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gets a prenatal visit with a lactation consultant free of charge. The consultant can offer tips on preparing for breastfeeding and answer questions. Other Benefits: Monogram Maternity participants also can take advantage of educational support tailored to both parents, as well as spa discounts at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen Spa and special goodies for mom after delivery.
the Monogram Maternity program for contributing to her positive birth experience. “The Monogram Maternity program was so seamless, and our birth designer Laura was so knowledgeable,” she says. “The program allowed us to focus on delivery and baby and just enjoy the moment.”
MEET THE
Moores:
ONE FAMILY’S MONOGRAM MATERNITY EXPERIENCE
When Michelle and Michael Moore of Birmingham found out they were expecting a baby, they were thrilled. The couple chose to participate in the Monogram Maternity program because they liked the idea of a tailored birth experience. “I could literally customize the experience how I wanted,” Michelle says. The Moores met with birth designer Laura Wright, RN, to go over their wishes. Michelle was glad to fill out paperwork beforehand (“I wanted to eliminate tasks from my to-do list!” she says) and enjoyed hearing about the specific options available for pain management, comfort management, and other details. Michelle knew she wanted a warm room with plenty of blankets (“I don’t like being cold,” she says), laboring tools (“I loved the peanut ball!” she says), her own music, and—the top priority— a nurse who was right for her. “My delivery nurse was fun and not uptight, and she created a relaxing environment,” Michelle says. “I had the most amazing nurse team.” The Moores’ have a large and supportive family— which meant about 18 people in the waiting room. Michelle wanted Michael and her aunt present for the delivery, and she asked for the rest of the family to come visit right after the first feeding. “That was exactly how it happened,” Michelle says. “My nurse joked, ‘I’ll be the bad guy.’” Baby Meeghan Reese Moore was born on December 29, 2014, weighing 7 pounds 5 ounces. Michelle is grateful for her baby girl—“I love every minute I spend with her,” she says—and grateful for
LEARN MORE Monogram Maternity at St. Vincent’s Birmingham Fourth Floor, Women and Children’s Center (205)212-MOMS
Monogram Maternity at St. Vincent’s East Fourth Floor, Birth Suites (205)838-3278
ALBabyMag.com 27
moms of alabama
MOMS
of Alabama
Photography by Meredith Rowlen
Here we feature real moms, sometimes dads and kids too. Tell us your story, visit www.AlBabyMag.com or e-mail mystory@albabymag.com.
Allyson with her twins, Luke and Collins. “Today I’m a chaperone for my kids’ class field trip. I had no idea where they were. Of course, I found them with the Easter bunny.”
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moms of alabama
Kristin with her son Ethan and 5-month-old daughter Audrey.
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Ashley with her son Kale. Cousins Kristin and Ashley said, “We’re part-time hair stylists, full-time moms, and close friends.We have parallel lives – we are a year apart in age, our sons are 8-months apart and daughters will be 8-months apart.”
ALBabyMag.com 31
family travel
Tennessee
ADVENTURES
I
IF YOUR FUN-LOVING CREW is craving adventure, Tennessee is the place to be.
From amusement parks to sporting events, animal-focused attractions to helicopter tours, the Smoky Mountains offer something for everyone in the family.
FAMILY TRAVEL SPONSOR
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Find more family-friendly travel tips and destinations from The Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport at AlBabyMag.com/Travel.
travel
Sevierville The city of Sevierville is more than Dolly Parton’s hometown—it’s a must-stop destination for any family visiting the Smoky Mountains. Stretch your vacation budget with affordable attractions that are $15 or less for an adult: Go tubing at Smoky Mountain River Romp, catch a Tennessee Smokies baseball game, take a spectacular tour at the Forbidden Caverns, view the vast collection of automobiles at Floyd Garrett’s Muscle Car Museum, meet unique creatures at Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo, explore various aircrafts at The Tennessee Museum of Aviation, get a bird’s-eye view of the state at Scenic Helicopter Tours, and play 18 holes of farm-themed fun at Ripley’s OldMacDonald’s Mini Golf. • SMOKEY MOUNTAIN RIVER ROMP riverromppf.com • TENNESSEE SMOKIES BASEBALL smokiesbaseball.com • FORBIDDEN CAVERNS www.forbiddencavern.com • FLOYD GARRETT’S MUSCLE CAR MUSEUM www.musclecarmuseum.com • RAINFOREST ADVENTURES DISCOVERY ZOO www.rfadventures.com/ • TENNESSEE MUSEUM OF AVIATION www.tnairmuseum.com • SCENIC HELICOPTER TOURS www.scenichelicoptertours.com • RIPLEY’S OLD MACDONALD’S FARM MINI GOLF www.ripleys.com/gatlinburg/mini-golf
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family travel
Dollywood
2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 (865) 428-9488 www.dollywood.com
Wilderness At T he Smokies 1424 Old Knoxville Hwy. Sevierville, TN 37876 (877) 325-9453 www.wildernessatthesmokies.com
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A 150-acre theme park filled with family rides and roller coasters and 35-acre Splash Country featuring more than 23 waterslides makes Dollywood hard to beat for the younger set. Located near Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Pigeon Forge, Dollywood also offers accommodations, including cabins and a resort.
When they’re in the mood for water, kids will love the two outdoor waterparks featuring various slides and rides and indoor waterpark featuring a wave pool, hot tubs, waterslides, and a surf rider. For stay-dry days, Adventure Forest features a three-story ropes course, a 23-foot-tall indoor rock climbing wall, miniature bowling, miniature golf and a laser maze. Parents will love the dining and shopping areas, 36hole championship golf course, and more. Featuring more than 700 rooms and suites, Wilderness at the Smokies has become a favored destination for families year-round.
family travel
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
88 River Road • Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 430-8808
Want to explore the world underwater without getting wet? Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies clear underwater tunnel offers a unique view of 12-foot sharks, giant sea turtles, and other cool sea creatures. The family will also enjoy getting up close and personal with other animals including, stingrays, piranhas, poison dart frogs, penguins, and more.
www.ripleysaquariumofthesmokies.com www.ripleysgatlinburg.com
Adventure Park at Five Oaks 1628 Parkway
Sevierville, TN 37862 (865) 453-8644 www.adventureparkatfiveoaks.com
Horseback rides in the foothills. A zipline course on 70 wooded acres. A family-friendly Tree Tops Ropes Adventure course featuring cargo nets, sky walks, swinging bridges and more. For kids who crave excitement, Adventure Park at Five Oaks fits the bill.
ALBabyMag.com 37
Don’t share your bed with strangers. Would you put your baby on a bed with a dirty comforter? It’s a dirty little secret of the vacation rental business–while sheets and pillow cases are washed for each guest arrival, comforters are another story altogether. Sometimes comforters are only washed twice a year. Sometimes once a year. Sometimes less. Spectrum Resorts is leading the industry once again with our Clean Bed Guarantee, as a part of the Spectrum Advantage. Beginning in Spring 2015, every Spectrum Resorts guest will be greeted with a crisp, comfortable white duvet that is freshly laundered for each arrival. It’s a clean duvet, every stay–and the only way to get that guarantee is to book through Spectrum Resorts.
THE BEACH CLUB
TURQUOISE PLACE
(866) 840-6456 | www.spectrumresorts.com
family calendar
T N E V E
{April, May & June}
s k c i p
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SPOTLIGHT: magic city art connection
Compiled by Sherrel Stewart
FIND ART April 24-25-26! Make your way to downtown Birmingham’s
historic Linn Park and settle in for Magic City Art Connection’s spring infusion of fresh artistic talent, sights, sounds and aromas. The 32nd annual contemporary art festival presents 220 juried artists from around the country to a crowd of about 20,000 art lovers eager to find the next great work of art. On the other side of the art experience, much more awaits: Corks and Chefs food and wine tasting event, Imagination Festival’s interactive art workshops for children, live music and performances featuring local and regional artists, large scale art installations by emerging student artists, special exhibitions right across the street at the Birmingham Museum of Art, plus eating and lingering all day at festival cafes and lounges. MCAC is truly a family event with several activities just for children: IMAGINAGION FESTIVAL
For 31 years over 50,000 children have learned about, discovered, and created art as part of Magic City Art Connection’s (MCAC) Imagination
Festival,. The festival offers 20 free art workshops in painting, sculpture, music, and dance and architecture projects, under the tutelage of working artists, architects and educators. Being an Imagination Festival participant not only builds character and confidence, but it also challenges children to think creatively while illuminating the limitless imagination inherent in every child. 4TH GRADER ART TRIP
As part of the festival’s initiative to educate and inspire kids of all ages, MCAC created a special school outreach program for 1,500 city and county fourth-graders on Friday as the festival kicks off. Thanks to corporate support, children are provided free bus transportation, art supplies, and a visit to the Birmingham Museum of Art. The journey for these children begins months before the festival as MCAC provides the theme of “Imagine That Parades” which will take place the Friday of the Festival. The parade annually spotlights the culture of a particular country. From there the students get to work on their in-class art projects that they will wear in the parades during their Friday visit. BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM OF ART PARTNERSHIP
Partnership with the Birmingham Museum of Art allows children the opportunity to enjoy the art of performance on stage including theatre, music, dance, and improv. The museum has often collaborated with the Imagination Festival to
feature a visual art workshop in the park such as their popular Jellyfish workshop. In 2015, MCAC is partnering with the museum in a more focused xeffort to connect the audience with the wonderful exhibitions happening there in April. JACK & JILL OF AMERICA – FIT. FAMILY. FUN. EVENT
MCAC is welcoming Jack & Jill of America as a new feature in 2015. This African American family organization established in 1938 will be holding its Fit. Family. Fun. event along the Garden Walk between the Birmingham Museum of Art and the Boutwell Auditorium on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will showcase health and wellness initiatives, performances, and more. Art and good health are universal needs for a rich, interesting, and long life.
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family calendar APRIL 11
N E V E
T
cks
pi
TEMPO- A FAMILY FUN
strong, healthy families.
FESTIVAL
Crestwood Park
to bring their bikes. There will
10 am – 2 pm
also be children’s bikes to
Free
borrow for child-friendly cycling
set to serve up some of Birming-
activities. Children’s bike helmets
ham’s best cuisine in the upper
will be given away to the first
parking lot of Macy’s at Brook-
500 children.
wood Village. Foodies and their
Childcare Resources presents TEMPO - A
{April, May & June}
resources. It’s all to promoting
Family Fun Festival. This free
Children are encouraged
public event will offer families of
families can prepare to experience
all ages a day of fun and enter-
MAY 2
live music by Kate & the Howlers,
tainment, healthy food choices,
PRESCHOOL PARTNERS
gourmet food, kid-friendly
bicycling activities, games and the
Food Truck Round-up and Art
entertainment and fun for all ages.
ability to connect to community
Show
Brookwood Village
Cantina on Wheels, Dreamcakes,
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Ezelle’s Catfish Cabin, Full Moon
The Fourth Annual Protective Life
Bar-B-Que, Greg’s Hotdogs,
Food Truck Roundup and Art Show
Heavenly Donut Company,
benefitting PreSchool Partners is
Mellow Mushroom, Melt, Neal’s
Food vendors will include
family calendar on Wheels, Nola Ice, Off the Hook,
MAY 16 – 17
and Slice and more. Tickets are $20
ITTY BITTY DAYS
SMART ARTS FESTIVAL, designed
in advance, $25 at the door and are
McWane Science Center
to expose area youth to the many
available online at www.preschool-
Join the McWane Science
cultural arts opportunities available
partners.org.
Center for the grand opening of the
in the city. This free event will
Birmingham Children’s Museum Itty
showcase over 30 vendors in the
MAY 2
Bitty Magic City. Itty Bitty Magic
areas of performing arts, arts
HOOVER DAY
City will feature Main Street, Tot
education, careers in arts and
Veterans Park on Valleydale
Spot, Ball Zone, Water Play and a
visual/media arts.
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Climbing Structure. Event day
Free
activities are included in regular
MAY 20-24
Celebrate Hoover Day is an annual
musem admission fee.
DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS FROZEN
Legacy Arena at the BJCC
city-wide celebration that is free to the public. The event features a
MAY 16
The heartwarming Academy
petting zoo, carnival rides, car show,
SMART ARTS FESTIVAL
Award®-winning tale everyone
blood drive, live entertainment, Kids
Boutwell Auditorium
loves is now LIVE and skating into
Zone with inflatables and games,
11am – 3pm
Birmingham. Join royal sisters Anna
expansive exhibitor pavilion, blue
The City of Birmingham Mayor’s
and Elsa, the hilarious snowman
bell ice cream, and Veterans
Office Division of Youth Services
Olaf, Kristoff, his loyal reindeer
Memorial Paver Dedication.
(DYS) will host its second annual
Sven and the mystical trolls as they
family calendar
N E V E
T
s k c pi
journey to discover that true love is ultimately the most magical power of all! Hosted by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, with special guest appearances by other beloved
{April, May & June}
Disney characters ike Disney•Pixar’s Toy
44
ALBabyMag.com
Story, Finding Nemo and Disney’s The Lion King.
JUNE 20 BIG GREEN EGGS IN THE HAM
Regions Park 9 am – 4 pm $15 per ticket, free for 12 and under Easter Seals of Birmingham will host the annual Big Green Eggs cook-off at Regions Park. Teams will show off their cooking skills and you get to sample it all. Tickets are $15 and free for children 12 and under.
Find over 300 more family-friendly events and our MobileMom Alert announcements through our APP or online at AlBabyMag.com