baby alabama
& child
GREEN EGGS
& GOATS
MARCH of DIMES MAGIC CITY Art Connection
SPRING 2017
PRICE $2.95
www.AlBabyMag.com
To my unborn child
I imagine you asleep. New to the world, everything fresh as rain. I imagine the sound of your voice, the color of your eyes. I imagine giving birth – the work you and I must do – and it scares and excites me. Like you, I am new to this. So, I will choose a place to deliver you that is prepared for everything I expect, and anything I don’t – a place with a reputation for excellence and knowledge, that sets the standard for how you and I should be cared for. I will choose well, for you are my world. u a b m e d i c i n e . o r g /w o m e n
WHY UAB : Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists and Neonatologists on site 24/7/365 First and only Baby-Friendly certified hospital in the Birmingham area Hotel-style room service with seasonal menu options by James Beard finalist, Chef Frank Stitt Nation’s largest all-private-room special care nursery
To Schedule an Appointment / C a l l 8 0 0. 8 2 2 . 8 8 1 6
baby alabama
& child
S P R I N G 2 017
contents
ALBabyMag.com
PUBLISHER & EDITOR IN CHIEF Cecilia Pearson EDITOR AT LARGE LaTanya Bayles ART DIRECTOR Amy Heise Murphree MANAGING EDITOR Kim Hildenbrand CONTRIBUTORS Megan Ratliff Robin Raven Jennifer Willson PHOTOGRAPHY Meredith Rowlen PROJECT MANAGERS Holland Bayles Mexia Hall INTERN Victoria Cruz SPECIAL EVENTS TEAM Naomi Jones Nicole Jones Lifestages Publishing Inc., Copyright 2004-2017. Lifestages Publishing Inc. publishes Alabama Baby & Child quarterly.
features 26 The Face of Perinatal Mood Disorders 32 March of Dimes Ambassador Family 36 Green Eggs & Goats 40 Magic City Art Connection
departments 07 Childcare Resources: Healthy Brain Development 10 Partners in Kid’s Health: Talking to Your Children 18 Momprenuer: Dixie Fresh 22 Parent Hacks: Food Delivery 30 Moms of Alabama
in every issue 04 Editor’s Letter 14 News & Notes 52 Heart Gallery of Alabama
Steven Timothy Son of Mitchell and Ashley Watts Photography by Meredith Rowlen
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Publisher assumes no liability for 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 the information given in this publication to ensure accuracy, the authors, Lifestages Publishing Inc., and its servants or agents
contact us LifeStages Media t. (205) 440-2229 www.albabymag.com www.babypaloozatour.com
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 an endorsement of that product or service.
ALBabyMag.com 1
section name
MEET
AFFORDABLE DENTAL INSURANCE FROM BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF ALABAMA GIVES HER A LOT TO SMILE ABOUT.
Suzanne knows the importance of maintaining a healthy smile. That’s why she and her family chose Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. Everyone is guaranteed coverage and all dental plans include: • Routine exams • Cleanings • X-rays DENTAL COVERAGE STARTS AT $21 A MONTH.
To enroll, call 1-877-534-6302 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or visit AlabamaBlue.com/GreatSmile.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. 2
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SEE IT BEFORE IT LEAVES ON MAY 7 PRESENTED BY
Explore the technology of transport Ever wanted to land a commercial airliner, load a cargo ship or pilot a hovercraft? Then come and experience more than 22 hands-on exhibits at Going Places. DESIGNED AND PRODUCED BY
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Editor’s Letter
From the
Editor
FARWELL PRECIOUS THE PRINCESS WARRIOR. I had planned to write this letter about all of the great information we have in this issue, but I figured if you read on you will discover that for yourself. Instead, I have dedicated this space to my faithful friend, Precious the Princess Warrior. Pictured below at her first birthday party which featured in the magazine twelve years ago, Precious passed away on Saturday, March 26, 2017. She adopted me 13 years ago when I visited the Greater Birmingham Humane Society to volunteer and ended up with a dog in my back seat. She was the most awesome of dogs and a sweet and kind presence. She taught me how to take daily walks, lots of naps, and to be forgiving and live in the moment as much as possible. Precious you were #unbothered until the very end, and we all love and miss you.
Until next time,
Cecilia “CC” Pearson
OUR MOM BLOGGERS Read more articles from local moms at ALBabyMag.com Annie Damsky @VillegerYoga
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Emily Forsythe
Kim Hildenbrand
@DixieFresh
@KimHildenbrand
Tiffany Parker
Meghan Ratliff
Robin Raven
@UncommonlyGoodMama
@MommaLove
@RobinRaven
Look forward to counting all those fingers and toes. Grandview Medical Center is one of the first hospitals to receive the Blue Distinction Center for Maternity Care designation by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama.
Whether you’re going to be a first-time parent or you’re adding to your family, you have so much to look forward to with the birth of your child. At Grandview Medical Center, we’re here to help -- from finding an OB/GYN, to prenatal tours and classes, to the day you meet your new bundle of joy.
Inside our beautiful, new women’s center you’ll find a staff focused on the whole family. We encourage special mom and baby time and offer open visiting hours to allow siblings and other family members to be part of the family bonding experience. And should the need arise, our private NICU suites are designed for parents to stay right in the room with their little one.
3690 Grandview Parkway • Birmingham , AL 35243 • 205-971-1000 To find a physician, call 1-844-GMC-DOCS
www.GrandviewHealth.com
Blue Distinction Centers (BDC) met overall quality measures for patient safety and outcomes, developed with input from the medical community. A Local Blue Plan may require additional criteria for facilities located in its own service area; for details, contact your Local Blue Plan. Blue Distinction Centers+ (BDC+) also met cost measures that address consumers’need for affordable healthcare. Each facility’s cost of care is evaluated using data from its Local Blue Plan. Facilities in CA, ID, NY, PA, and WA may lie in two Local Blue Plans’areas, resulting in two evaluations for cost of care; and their own Local Blue Plans decide whether one or both cost of care evaluation(s) must meet BDC+ national criteria. National criteria for BDC and BDC+ are displayed on www.bcbs.com. Individual outcomes may vary. For details on a provider’s in-network status or your own policy’s coverage, contact your Local Blue Plan and ask your provider before making an appointment. Neither Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association nor any Blue Plans are responsible for non-covered charges or other losses or damages resulting from Blue Distinction or other provider finder information or care received from Blue Distinction or other providers.
HERE the good times roll in with the waves.
www.spectrumresorts.com 844-329-9787 6
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Childcare Resources
Healthy
Brain Development
BY M Y R A S H A W A N D B E C K I E M C R E E
AS A PARENT, you are your child’s
first and most important teacher. The good news is that you have what it takes to support healthy brain development: It’s YOU! Regular daily routines are wonderful opportunities for interactions that encourage the brain to grow and develop. DID YOU KNOW?
• Your child’s brain develops more rapidly during the first five years of life than at any other time. During the first 2,000 days, her brain is being built from experiences and interactions. • Children learn in and from relationships. • Parents play a key role in supporting brain development at such an exciting time. You can now utilize the free Daily Vroom app to turn everyday moments into brain-building moments. Based on the latest early brain development research the app supports parents with children birth to age 5. Daily Vroom may be customized to your child’s age and will send daily interaction ideas to incorporate into routine activities. For more information about Daily Vroom, visit www.joinvroom.com.
Daily Vroom’s free app may be customized to your child’s age and will send daily interaction ideas to incorporate into routine activities.
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Childcare Resources Daily Vroom Activity Ideas
8
PEEK-A-BOO
SPONGE SENSATIONS
DANCE MOVES
(AGES 0 TO 1 YEAR)
(AGES 1 TO 2 YEARS)
(AGES 3 TO 5 YEARS)
Grab whatever is nearby (like a blanket,
When you’re doing the dishes, let your
Playtime can become a dance party.
a book, or your hands) and use it to play
child pay with a clean sponge in a place
Turn on some tunes on your phone or
Peek-a-Boo with your child. First, you
where he won’t get everything wet. Your
radio and start doing a silly dance: shake
hide behind the item and then appear
child will love the texture. Show him how
a leg, wiggle your hips, etc. Can your
and say “Peek-a-Boo!” Next, let your
he can squeeze and absorb water with
child copy your moves? Next song, it’s
child be the hider.
the sponge. Ask your child to describe the
his turn to lead. Go back and forth until
Brainy Background for the activity
experience.
you’re danced out!
powered by Mind in the Making:
Brainy Background for the activity
Brainy Background for the activity
Peek-a-Boo helps your child learn that
powered by Mind in the Making:
powered by Mind in the Making:
you are still there, even when you’re
When your child feels new things and
Believe it or not, dancing games can be
hiding. But most of all, it’s fun! Your face
hears new words in conversations, she
great brain builders! This one, in particu-
and voice are your child’s favorite toys.
is building connections in her brain that
lar, teaches your child to pay attention to
are the foundations for reading and math.
sounds and rhythm and to imitate you
Your child is learning from your words and
with his body. It also gives him the chance
actions, especially when she is having fun!
to be the leader, and that is a good feeling.
ALBabyMag.com
We make quality child care happen! Please visit us online at www.ccr-bhm.org, Facebook page or Twitter.
Your child’s brain develops more rapidly during the first five years of life than at any other time. During the first 2,000 days, her brain is being built from experiences and interactions.
Childcare Resources is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) agency established in 1984 by United Way of Central Alabama. The agency serves Blount, Jefferson, Shelby and Walker counties. In 2012 the agency became the first and only child care resource and referral agency in the south to achieve National Quality Assurance for best practices from Child Care Aware of America.
Life is busy enough already. But when you or a loved one is sick, it makes everything harder. That’s why Brookwood Baptist Health offers the largest primary and specialty care network in the state, with convenient locations all over central Alabama. We’re there for fevers, injuries, vaccinations, women’s care, chronic condition management, and everything in between. For convenient care, backed by all the resources and expertise of Brookwood Baptist Health, let our family care for yours.
Comprehensive, compassionate care, close to home.
Book online at bbhcarenetwork.com or call (205) 967-1772.
ALBabyMag.com 9
Partners in Kid’s Health
Talking to Children About
Current Events
IN THIS DAY AND AGE, children are exposed to
violent and disturbing topics on the news. Reports on natural disasters, shootings, and terrorist attacks can be confusing to a child, teaching them to view the world as a scary place. But there are benefits in raising children who are aware of what’s going on in the world. Dr. Dan Marullo is a Pediatric Psychologist at Children’s of Alabama. He says whether parents should share current events with their child depends on the age and developmental level of the child.
“It definitely depends on the age of the child,” Dr. Marullo says. “Kids of different ages have different needs and different developmental levels. I think regardless of the age of the child, one thing to keep in mind is children learn how to cope with adversity by watching their parents.” Dr. Marullo says the first thing for any parent to do is to check how they’re coping with the news or what’s going on around them. Parents should keep things in perspective and help children to understand that television has a way of shrinking
Parents should keep things in perspective and help children to understand that television has a way of shrinking the world and bringing it into our living rooms. 10
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the world and bringing it into our living rooms. A child watching a news story about an earthquake in California may lose sleep thinking the same thing could happen in Alabama. Dr. Marullo says younger children, toddlers, and preschoolers probably don’t need to see a lot of the bad things on television. “They would have a very hard time managing that so minimizing exposure would be important,” he says. For school age children, the approach should be different. “For older children, they’re probably going to come across media on their own,” Dr. Marullo says. “It’s important for parents to have a dialogue with their child. Watch the media with them, watch the news with them. It certainly makes a great topic of conversation for dinner time. That way parents can monitor their child’s exposure but also answer their questions and model their own behavior.” For parents of school age children, keep in mind a little exposure to adversity is beneficial. “The way we learn to deal with adversity is by experiencing adversity,” Dr. Marullo says. “That doesn’t mean we expose our children to everything, but a little exposure with good guidance from a parent is crucial for their healthy development.” Parents may also want to talk to their child about what can be done to help in a tragic event. Children may gain a sense of control and feel more secure when they think of ways they can help those affected by the tragedy. If a child seems overly anxious, parents should encourage a break from television. Read, play board games, or go outside. Look for opportunities to bond as a family and put things in perspective.
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.
Even though their judgment isn’t always amazing,
their healthcare is. Healthcare as amazing as their potential CONGRATULATIONS TO
Dr. Dan Carter
2016 Best Pediatrician Winner (#1) Greenvale Pediatrics, Hoover
and Dr. Toren Anderson
2016 Best Pediatrician Winner (#2) Greenvale Pediatrics, Hoover 1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org
Partners in
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News & Notes
Hot Off the
1
Press
BIRMINGHAM STORK LADY OFFERS YARD SIGN RENTALS TO ANNOUNCE SPECIAL OCCASIONS
ONE NEW BIRMINGHAM BUSINESS ENABLES PEOPLE TO CELEBRATE WITH A SPLASH—WITH ENORMOUS YARD SIGNS IN FUN DESIGNS! Birmingham Stork Lady provides 6-foot stork signs in pink or blue so families can welcome baby home and make sure everyone knows. Rentals include a keepsake bundle personalized with the baby’s name, weight, length, and birth date (or customized for the parents’ preferences). The company also offers add-on sibling and pet signs. The stork signs are also for gender reveal parties and baby showers. For families celebrating birthdays and other occasions, the Stork Lady offers other customizable sign options—including a 6-foot flamingo. Based in Hoover, the Birmingham Stork Lady serves the greater Birmingham area. Basic rentals run $75 for a 7-day period, and add-ons are available. The 6-foot flamingo also runs $75 for up to 7 days. For more information, email info@birminghamstorklady.com, call 205-5382615, or visit www.birminghamstorklady.com.
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A PAIR OF TALENTED CHILD AUTHORS PUBLISH BOOKS IT TURNS OUT AGE REALLY IS JUST A NUMBER: ALABAMA IS HOME TO NOT ONE BUT TWO EXTREMELY TALENTED YOUNG AUTHORS! “How to Deal With and Care for Your Annoying Little Brother” by Nia Mya Nia Mya, age 8, was given the school assignment to write about something with which she had expertise. The result: a terrific journal entry about how to deal with an annoying little brother. (Thankfully her 5-year-old brother Ronald Michael is a good sport!) Nia Mya’s mother Cherinita Reese advised her daughter to expand her journal entry, commissioned her niece Faith Martin to create illustrations, and contacted Yorkshire Publishing. Nia Mya’s book “How to Deal With and Care for Your Annoying Little Brother” is delighting fami-
lies everywhere. Nia Mya loves hosting “Meet the Author” days/ book signings and answering questions. She’s even planning a future book about bullying (“But you’re gonna have to wait to see it,” she tells fans.) “We are very proud of Nia Mya,” says mom Cherinita Reese. When asked for advice on publishing a book, the 8-year-old’s favorite tip
is short and sweet: “Follow your dreams,” says Nia Mya. You can find “How to Deal With and Care for Your Annoying Little Brother” at Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com as well as in some local bookstores.
“Glitter the Unicorn” by Callie Chapman When Callie Chapman was 6, she decided to enter the Expression’s Art Contest. She wrote a story called “Glitter the Unicorn” that chronicles the magical adventure of a unicorn named Glitter and her best friend Ellie. The result: a lovely children’s book that’s flying off the shelves and recently placed Silver in the Mom’s Choice Awards! Callie decided she wanted to give back to the community, so she decided to donate her profits to Children’s of Alabama to help purchase art supplies for young patients. Her first donation to Children’s: $3,500. This spring, Callie will launch her second book, “Glitter the Unicorn Goes to the Beach.” A third book, “Glitter Goes to the Moon,” will be released in the fall of 2017. You can purchase “Glitter the Unicorn” at the Homewood and Crestline locations of Once Upon a Time (www.onceuponatimebaby.com). It is also available at glittertheunicorn.com.
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PEDIATRIC SLEEP COUNCIL LAUNCHES BABYSLEEP.COM
IT’S LATE. YOU’RE EXHAUSTED. YOU JUST WANT TO GET SOME SLEEP! BUT WHERE CAN YOU TURN? Enter babysleep.com: a new free resource for parents who want expert advice on helping their babies sleep better. The Pediatric Sleep Council, an organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and evidence-based information on baby and toddler sleep, is behind this helpful site. While friends and
family often have good advice, you can rest easy knowing the tips on Babysleep.com are provided by pediatric sleep experts. On the site, you’ll find advice videos featuring experts, the latest news and research, book recommendations, and a wide variety of tips, tricks, and tools. Topics include how to help babies sleep through the night, how to transition toddlers to a bed, and even solving tough nap problems. Though it’s geared to babies and toddlers, much of the advice is also applicable to older children. “Sleep affects every aspect of a baby’s as well as a family’s well-being, including mood, learning, and health. Yet, approximately one-third of parents report their child has a sleep problem,” says Dr. Jodi Mindell, Professor of Psychology at Saint Joseph’s University, Associate Director of the Sleep Center at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Chair of the Pediatric Sleep Council. “We created babysleep.com to bring awareness to this common problem and provide education and resources to help.”
Spring has Sprung! See who’s in Bloom!
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CATCH US IN TUSCALOOSA/NORTHPORT AT THE BABYTALK STORE May 13, June 17th April 1: Montgomery Babypalooza April 29: Tuscaloosa Babypalooza May 6: Birmingham Babypalooza
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Packages 99 or above HDlive sessions only.
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Gender Determinations Starting Around 15 weeks
Birmingham: 200 Office Park Dr., Suite 216 - Mountain Brook, AL 35223 | Huntsville: 100 Jefferson St. S. - Huntsville, Al 35801 TEXT/CALL
16 ALBabyMag.com
(205) 326-BABY (2229) TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT
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FASHION STARTUP TO RELEASE A ONE-OF-A-KIND CHILDREN’S CLOTHING LINE EVERYONE LOVES SWEETS—AND A TALENTED ENTREPRENEUR HAS DESIGNED A LINE OF FUN AND CUTE CHILDREN’S CLOTHING INSPIRED BY SWEET TREATS. Marve McMillan has spent years designing children’s clothing. Her inspiration? Her late mother Willie McMillan, who learned to sew to make clothes for her children. “Like most mothers, my mother wanted us to be dressed uniquely and beautifully,” McMillan recall. “She spoke often of how frustrated she would become every time she would see children wearing the same thing. So she began sewing.” Her mother passed on her knowledge to her daughter—and today Marve McMillan is a master seamstress and clothing designer. Now she’s ready to share her creations with a larger audience through PopsicleStuff: her new line of custom children’s apparel. Featuring a wide variety of styles for girls and boys, the clothing line merges classic
kids’ styles with bright and fresh colors. “My new line will allow each child to be dressed uniquely and beautifully,” McMillan says. PopsicleStuff will be officially introduced on June 17. To learn more and preview the collection, visit www.popsiclekidstuff.com.
ALBabyMag.com 17
Mompreneur
Dixie Fresh BY R O B I N R AV E N
AS A BUSINESS OWNER AND BUSY MOM OF TWO YOUNG BOYS,
Emily Forsythe, owner of Dixie Fresh DIXIE FRESH 1694 Montgomery Hwy Hoover, AL 35216 dixiefreshbhm.com
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Emily Forsythe became frustrated with the lack of convenient, fresh food options available in the Birmingham area. She wanted to feed her children food free of preservatives, artificial colorings, and flavorings. However, she couldn’t find any baby food to meet her needs. Finally Emily decided to take matters in her own hands. She started making her own purees, yet she realized that most parents didn’t have time to do that. “I made it my mission to make feeding kids real, fresh, local food easy and stress-free for the parents of Birmingham,” she says. With that in mind, she founded Dixie Fresh, a local fresh baby food delivery service based in Birmingham. “Our goal is to make meal time for babies and toddlers a breeze,” she says. The company offers purees made fresh from organic produce sourced as close to home as possible. It’s the first fresh baby food business in the state of Alabama.
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Mompreneur
Emily’s Tips on Meal Planning for Babies and Toddlers • Plan for the week ahead. Devote time on weekends to think through the week, make a list, and go grocery shopping. • Make healthy eating convenient. Have things on hand that you can quickly throw together in a pinch. Carrot and sweet potato purees can be kept in the freezer as a nutritious addition to pizza and pasta sauces. • Involve older kids in meal prep. Getting kids involved in the process is key to getting them to eat a variety of foods. After picking out fresh fruits and veggies, kids are likely to be more open to trying new things.
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Emily also owns Louise’s Cakes N’ Things in Hoover. After the birth of her second child, she realized that there was a bit of a disconnect between making sweet treats at Louise’s and what she regularly fed her children. “While I love being able to provide treats for life’s special occasions through Louise’s,” she says, “I wanted to fill the void of everyday meals and snacks to fuel and sustain healthy families.” Dixie Fresh fills that void. “Aside from the obvious benefits of fresh food being better for you nutritionally, buying local supports the community and local economy,” Emily explains enthusiastically. “When you buy from a local business, you actually put food on the table for a family in your community. I think there is something special about that.”
A
We’ve ADDED to our FAMILY
CCS Trussville is now open! We’d love for you visit our new campus located just off Highway 59 on the Deerfoot Parkway exit in Trussville. For more information or to schedule a tour, please visit us online at www.ccslion.com.
PELHAM TRACE CROSSINGS VALLEYDALE HOMEWOOD TRUSSVILLE RESEARCH PARK EXCHANGE PLACE
Added to our family spring.indd 1
3/23/2017 10:09:29 AM
Parenting Hacks
Special Delivery Too busy to run to the store or need a meal ready to go? Let these local delivery services do the work for you. BY J E N N I F E R W I L S O N
THE LAUNDRY IS PILING UP.
The rise of local delivery services means you have more options than ever before when it comes to having groceries, meals, and other items delivered right to your doorstep.
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The sink is full of dishes. The playroom is overflowing with clutter. Welcome to parenthood—population: a busy, exhausted mom or dad. Like any parent, you probably try to make the most efficient use of your time. The problem is that there never seems to be enough hours in the day to accomplish everything. Want to simplify your daily life, avoid a trip to the grocery store with the kids, and even treat yourself to the occasional restaurant meal without leaving the house? Take our advice: Get it delivered. The rise of local delivery services means you have more options than ever before when it comes to having groceries, meals, and other items delivered right to your doorstep. Read on to get the scoop on some of our favorite services available in Alabama.
SHIPT
www.shipt.com If you want groceries from Whole Foods, Publix, or Western Market, this grocery delivery membership service can drop them off right at your house. How It Works: After becoming a member, place your order on the mobile
app, and have groceries delivered the same day—sometimes in under an hour. $$$ Factor: Membership is $99 per year or $14 per month. Includes unlimited free delivery for orders over $35, $7 delivery fee for orders less than $35. What You’ll Love: Currently new members recieve two weeks free and $15 off the initial order.
IRON CITY DELIVERY
www.ironcitydelivery.com How It Works: Dinner from a restaurant without the fuss of actually going to that restaurant? Yes please! Iron City Delivery has partnered with over 100 restaurants. Order your meals via the website or mobile app and their “mobile waiters” will bring it to your door. Meals generally can be delivered in about an hour. $$$ Factor: You will pay a delivery fee and a processing fee based on your location, and some restaurants have a minimum order requirement. Based on your distance from the restaurant, the delivery fee ranges from $3.99 (typical) to $8.99 on the highest end. The average processing fee is 6.99 percent of the food cost.
What You’ll Love: Iron City Delivery is locally owned and delivers hot, fresh meals from a variety of your favorite businesses: Pho 280, Gigi’s Cupcakes, Ruscelli’s Italian Restaurante, Jim ’N Nick’s Bar-B-Q in Greystone, and many more. George Sides, who owns the company along with wife Holley, says Iron City Delivery is geared to families. “Compared with taking your family to a restaurant, paying a tip, and maybe ordering an alcoholic beverage,” Sides points out, “you can potentially save money by having your food delivered.”
KATIE’S PLATES
www.katiesplates.com How It Works: Too busy to cook? This innovative meal delivery service enables you to place orders
online before Sunday at noon and have breakfast-dinner plus snacks and desserts for following week. delivered Lunches arrive the night before in a microwave-safe container, and dinners come fresh, hot, and ready to eat between 4 and 7 p.m. Live outside the delivery area? You have the option of picking up meals at Katie’s Plates’ kitchen on Montevallo Road. $$$ Factor: Costs vary, but most seem aligned with typical restaurant meals. Delivery is included in the price of meals. When we checked the site, we noticed buffalo chicken chili with homemade cornbread ($40 for 4 servings) and seared chicken with South Carolina BBQ Sauce, butternut squash fries, and a bacon and brussels sprouts gratin ($50 for a family size/3 to 5 people). What You’ll Love: You can choose the number of servings you want and even view ingredients lists
and nutrition information online. Many of the meals are Paleo, gluten-free, and/or Whole30. If you refer a friend and they place an order, you’ll get 15 percent discount on your f ollowing week’s order.
FULL PANTRY
www.fullpantrybham.com How It Works: This delivery service will shop for you at any store in Birmingham, Monday through Saturday. You can order online or over the phone, and even get a free walkthrough of a store with a personal shopper to create a custom list. $$$ Factor: You pay the price tag cost of store items, and the cost of delivery is 20 percent of your
FREE TO THE PUBLIC
2017
Hoover’s 50th Anniversary Saturday, April 29th 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Veterans Dedication Ceremony • Car Show Live Entertainment • Kids Zone • Carnival Rides Document Destruction • Much More! For information visit www.hooveralabama.gov or call 444-7500.
ALBabyMag.com 23
Parenting Hacks grocery bill (with a $15 minimum fee and a $40 maximum fee). You’ll pay an added $5 fee to have items delivered from multiple stores on the same day. What You’ll Love: Full Pantry is locally owned and loves to support local businesses. Along with shopping at the big stores (Publix, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Costco), Full Pantry will also shop at Pepper Place Farmer’s Market, Organic Harvest, the Funky Muffin GF Bakery, Mountain Meadows Farm, and more! Your personal shopper will even unpack your groceries for you.
THE TAKEOUT BHAM
www.thetakeoutbham.com How It Works: Place your order online and have piping hot food delivered to your location by a “mobile waiter” in about an hour. You can get lunch between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and dinner between 4 and 9 p.m. (9:30 p.m. on Saturdays). $$$ Factor: Each order has a small service fee (around 5 percent), and delivery prices range from $3.99 to $4.99 depending on the restaurant. To determine availability and fee, go to the web site and enter your address. If the restaurant you desire is more than 8 miles away from your location, you’ll pay a $3 extended distance fee (100 percent for the driver). Tipping is also encouraged. Ordering over the phone rather than online has an additional $1 fee. What You’ll Love: “Local Eats Delivered” is their tagline; you can order from a wide variety of restaurants, including John’s City Diner, Silver Coin Indian Grill, Taste of Thailand, and Chez LuLu.
GRUBHUB
www.grubhub.com How It Works: This nationwide service connects diners with local take-out restaurants. You can place your order online or over the phone. They even have an app. $$$ Factor: Grubhub is technically free to use. You pay for the food you order and can choose whether to pick it up or have it delivered (if available). The restaurant itself (or restaurant’s delivery service) charges a fee for delivery, so these costs vary. When we looked, delivery fees started at $2.99; the highest we saw was $5.99. What You’ll Love: GrubHub offers access to coupons, special deals, restaurant reviews, and a 24/7 customer care team. 24
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1 ALBABY
THE FACE OF PERINATAL
Mood Disorders
a
BY M E G H A N R AT L I F F
AN ESTIMATED 1 IN 7 WOMEN SUFFER FROM A PERINATAL MOOD DISORDER, but only around
15 percent receive professional help. These women are of every color, socioeconomic background, religion, and continent. This statistic shocks and surprises most people who see it. But not me. I’m 1 of the 7. I’m the face of a perinatal mood disorder. I know all too well the fear and shame that postpartum anxiety and depression bring upon a mother. No one talks about it—and worse, many don’t seek help because they are ashamed. Sadly, media reports sensationalized stories on mothers who take their own lives and/or the lives of their children. They slap one-size-fits-all label of “postpartum depression” on these women. The truth is there are different disorders under the umbrella of perinatal mood disorders. They all manifest themselves in different ways. The
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symptoms can be different, and the treatments are often different as well. POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
The best-known of these is postpartum depression (PPD). Symptoms of PPD can show up during pregnancy and up to a year afterward. Some of the warning signs doctors tell patients to look for may be trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, and feelings of fatigue. The problem is that these are things that parents of most newborns are normally experiencing. This is one reason that PPD goes unreported and untreated. Moms just don’t realize that what they are feeling isn’t just normal new parent adjustment. They brush off that nagging feeling that something is just not right because they think it’s just part of their new normal.
POSTPARTUM ANXIETY
Postpartum anxiety (PPA) is becoming more recognized than in the past. It is estimated that 1 out 10 mothers will experience PPA. Symptoms of PPA can include constant worry, racing thoughts, loss of appetite, and trouble sleeping. Again, these warning signs can be easily misconstrued as what is normal for a new mother. “Of course I’m worried how much they are eating! I have a million things running through my head— tracking diapers and feeds!” It is important to note that you can experience PPA without experiencing depression. But anxiety left untreated often turns into depression. POSTPARTUM OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER
A lesser-known perinatal mood disorder, Postpartum obsessive compulsive disorder (POCD) is often misunderstood. It is a type of anxiety that includes
MEGHAN RATLIFF is a mother of three beautiful children and a postpartum doula. Follow her at www.mommalovegham.com and on social media at @mommalovebham
ALBabyMag.com 27
You can find wonderful resources on the internet for maternal mental health information. Postpartum Support International is an invaluable resource. You can find a wealth of information and get help at www.postpartum.net intrusive thoughts. Mothers dealing with POCD usually recognize that their thoughts are out of the ordinary and rarely act on them. They tend to perform activities compulsively, such as cleaning or checking on things over and over. Mothers with OCD tend to be obsessed with their newborn’s safety and wellbeing. POSTPARTUM PSYCHOSIS
Postpartum psychosis (PP) is the rarest of these disorders. It occurs in an estimated 0.1 to 0.2 percent of women—much less frequent compared with PPD or PPA. Some of the signs of postpartum psychosis are delusional thoughts and hallucinations that seem very real to the mother. They are sometimes religious in nature. These are the cases that get reported in the news, with the mothers mislabeled as suffering from PPD. An estimated 5 percent of women who suffer from postpartum psychosis take their own lives, and 4 percent commit infanticide. The majority of women suffering from psychosis do not harm themselves or anyone else. But immediate treatment is imperative, as their delusional thoughts are real to them. POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
Mothers can also suffer from PTSD from traumatic birth experience. Post traumatic stress disorder can result in flashbacks, difficulty sleeping, anxiousness and panic attacks. FEAR AND STIGMA
All of these mental health disorders are treatable. So why do so many parents not seek help? There are a few reasons I think parents (yes, dads can also suffer from perinatal mood disorders) do not get treatment. A lot of social stigma and false information surround mental health disorders. Mothers worry that if they admit they have a perinatal mood
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disorder people will automatically think they want to harm their baby. Often mothers are scared that their children will be taken away from them if they need to be hospitalized for treatment. Motherhood is romanticized in our culture. A lot is expected of mothers without consideration of how much work mothering can be. We no longer live in villages with extended family nearby to help with the care and rearing of children. We socialize via social media, where we only see a perfect, welledited picture of someone’s life. How can we as a community help new mothers? Reach out to other moms, especially new moms and first time mothers. Ask them how they are really doing. Take time to listen to them and build a relationship. If you sense something is off, encourage them to talk to their health care provider. And check in with them a couple days later to follow up. How can we encourage more parents to seek treatment for perinatal mood disorder? One way is to remove the stigma. If you suffered from one of these disorders, talk about it. Share your story with new parents. Not to instill fear but to let them know that one, this happens; and two, it is treatable! The first step in healing is telling someone that you are struggling with these feelings. Be that someone for a new mom. If you or someone you love is expecting go ahead and familiarize yourself with some of the warning signs for perinatal mood disorders. You can find wonderful resources on the internet for maternal mental health information. Postpartum Support International is an invaluable resource. You can find a wealth of information and get help at www.postpartum.net If you are reading this and you feel that you may be suffering from a perinatal mood disorder, please seek help from your healthcare provider immediately.
Moms
OF ALABAMA P H OTO G R A P H Y BY M E R E D I T H R OW L E N
ALABAMA BABY & CHILD
magazine is about sharing your stories. Visit www.AlBabyMag.com to meet and follow our favorite mom bloggers as they share their journey with all of you. Are you a Mom of Alabama with a story to share? Email us at editor@albabymag.com
Emily Forsythe Emily Forsythe is the owner of Dixie Fresh, Birmingham’s first baby food delivery service. You can read about her new business on page 18. When Emily isn’t running around town delivering baby food she is spending time with her husband and two rambunctious boys. Follow her blog on ALBabyMag.com for baby food recipes and her favorite finds.
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Tiffany Parker
moms of alabama
Tiffany is an HR professional who describes herself as an ordinary wife and mama who loves her family and Jesus. She enjoys finding fun things to do with her an 2-year-old little girl, Sienna. She started her blog www.uncommonlygoodmama.com a couple of years ago when her daughter was born and recently joined the Alabama Baby Mom Blogger team. Follow her to read about everyday struggles, deals and couponing, DIY projects, and local events for toddlers.
ALBabyMag.com 31
TEAM
Schneider
j
A close-knit family finds joy after tragedy. BY J E N N I F E R W I L S O N
JULIE AND TOBY SCHNEIDER remember the day their
daughter was born like it was yesterday. Emerson, now 9, was born on August 25, 2007, weighing a healthy 9 pounds, 9 ounces. “She was like a little sumo wrestler,” Julie says, laughing. “She was healthy, and she was just everything to us.” After a pause, with tears in her eyes, Julie continues, “I’ve always called her my special little angel here on earth.” While the Hoover residents are happy and thankful for their family of three, they have also dealt with a significant amount of heartache. About four years after getting married, Julie and Toby were ready to start a family. After an unsuccessful year, they learned that Julie struggled with fertility issues. Visits to fertility specialists began, and Julie began rounds of medication that would stimulate egg development, getting multiple shots every few days. After several unsuccessful cycles, Julie learned she was pregnant just before Thanksgiving in 2005. Soon after, Toby and Julie found out they were expecting twins. The couple was thrilled with the news. “We were excited,” Toby says, “but we also knew
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there would be a higher risk associated with this pregnancy.” After a normal first trimester, Julie and Toby’s world was turned upside down in late February 2006. Julie was driving and suddenly felt like something was wrong. She met Toby at the hospital, and an ultrasound revealed that the amniotic sac around one of the babies had ruptured. Julie was put on full bed rest, but three weeks later, she went into preterm labor with Zachary at 19 weeks. Julie remembers the eerie feeling she had in the hospital. Severe thunderstorms were impacting the area, with possible tornadoes. She recalls looking at a cross she saw above the door in her room, and she prayed. Sadly, Zachary was stillborn on March 13, 2006. The Schneiders were devastated. “You see all of these other couples having healthy babies and taking them home,” Julie says. “And we were looking at baby urns and making plans to have Zachary cremated.” Still, they chose to stay positive, and were hopeful that their second son, who was still in the womb, would be safe and healthy. “The ray of hope we found was that Julie somehow
did not go into full labor and the second baby was still developing,” Toby says. “We vowed to make the best of it and persevere for this second baby. And we prayed.” Julie was again put on full bed rest after returning home. Then, when she was 23 weeks and 6 days, she got the dreaded feeling that something, once again, was wrong. She knew she was in labor. Fifteen minutes after arriving at the hospital, Julie gave birth to William Evan on April 11, 2006. He weighed 1 pound, 10 ounces. Toby and Julie knew their son had a slim chance of survival, but still, they prayed. Evan was placed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with several medical issues, the biggest being his severely underdeveloped lungs. “Despite his condition, Evan was a fighter,” Toby says. “We were right there with him in the NICU.” A few days later, Evan had bleeding in his brain, making his complications even more severe. After 10 days of fighting, Evan passed away on April 21, 2006. “We knew we had to let him go be with his brother,” Julie says through tears.
The Schneiders returned home, and attempted to cope with the loss of their boys. Julie recalls she hardly left her house for 6 months. “I was completely shut down,” she says. “Toby had to pretend to function like a normal human being. We both had to figure out what our new normal was going to be.” Despite their devastation, Julie and Toby stayed strong in their faith. “I just knew that God wouldn’t take us through this without a purpose,” Julie says.
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Despite their devastation, Julie and Toby stayed strong in their faith. “I just knew that God wouldn’t take us through this without a purpose. Even though they were still healing, Julie and Toby still wanted to try for a baby, and their specialists told them they needed to start trying again right away. Julie began a cycle of fertility treatment shots in October 2006, but doctors ended up canceling the cycle, saying none of the eggs had matured enough. But, as Toby says, “Sometimes things happen when you least expect them.” On Christmas Eve, Julie took a pregnancy test. It was positive. The Schneiders were ecstatic, but also wary. Julie was put on bed rest at 5 weeks and received hormone booster injections at her weekly doctor’s appointments. Emerson Grace was born full-term exactly a year after the due date of her brothers. Her parents fell in love the second they saw her. “I knew this was why we went through what we went through,” Julie says. “We’ve got our angels in heaven, and our precious miracle here on earth.” 34 ALBabyMag.com
Emerson, who has always known about her brothers, has a stuffed animal that belonged to them. The family celebrates Zachary and Evan’s birthdays every year. Another way they celebrate the boys’ memory is by walking in March for Babies every year, which is an annual event run by the March of Dimes. This year, the Schneiders are the local ambassador family for the organization. They credit the March of Dimes with helping Emerson go full term, saying the hormone booster injections were developed from March of Dimes research. “Our hope is by sharing our story, we will help raise awareness and support for the March of Dimes in their mission to provide a fighting chance for every baby,” Toby says. Now, the Schneiders enjoy doing everything as a family, including Emerson’s swim meets and piano recitals.
“Her first grade teacher said, ‘Y’all are like the three amigos,’ and it’s true!” Julie says. We’re always together. We are Team Schneider.” Toby and Julie urge parents facing similar challenges, either with fertility issues or premature birth, to stay positive. “You’ve got to be strong in your faith,” Julie says. “And lean on your friends and family. You can’t go through it alone.” And if you do find yourself in the NICU with your baby, Toby recommends speaking up. “Don’t be afraid
to ask questions or to get a second opinion. You’re in a fog of emotion. The NICU nurses can provide a wealth of information.” Above all, they agree, staying positive is the most important thing you can do in trying situations. “We have always been positive, happy people,” she continues. “We always try to find the sunshine in everything.” And even though what they went through shattered them for a time, they feel blessed to have Emerson. “We finally had the baby we were meant to have,” Julie says.
MARCH OF DIMES: QUICK FACTS
• Premature birth is the No. 1 killer of newborns in the U.S. • One in nine babies born in Alabama are born preterm • Money raised through March for Babies and other fundraisers fund the mission of the March of Dimes, including research and community programs and education for women to increase their chances of having a healthy baby Learn more at www.marchofdimes.org
ALBabyMag.com 35
Green
EGGS & GOATS
m
BY K I M H I L D E N B R A N D
Animals. Plants. Fresh air. Farm life rules for this Remlap family.
MEET HEATHER JACKSON. She’s a wife and mom of three, with her fourth child on the way. She’s also a hard-working homesteader who gathers eggs, milks the cows, tends to the goats, and works in the garden. She loves to cook, develops recipes, and even wrote a cookbook. She homeschools her kids, studies martial arts, and reluctantly does the laundry. And best of all, she writes about it all at her blog, Green Eggs & Goats. Heather never imagined life would bring her to a three-acre farm in Remlap. She and her husband, Eric, and children Lucas, Erica, and Savannah lived in town for many years when the April 27 tornadoes destroyed the building Eric worked in. The company relocated, meaning he had to take on a lengthy commute. “Moving to Remlap gave us the best of both worlds,” Heather explains. “Eric gets a shorter commute and we get more space to spread out.” Heather was eager to raise animals (particularly chickens), and the kids thrived on the farm. Their current roster includes one cow, five goats, four pigs, 11 geese, four ducks, countless chickens, one dog and one cat. Whew!
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Luckily for Eric and Heather, the kids are terrific about pitching in—they actually feed and water all the animals, and Eric and Lucas takes turns gathering eggs. Heather does the milking, and Eric does the heavy lifting—especially now that Heather is pregnant. Heather started her blog to chronicle life on the farm, and it quickly took on a life of its own. She now has thousands of followers who love hearing the uncensored truth (sometimes tough and sometimes hilarious) about her days on the farm. Readers love the how-to tips on everything from gardening to crafts, milking cows to raising chickens. Equally popular (or perhaps even more so) are Heather’s hilarious tales of farm follies, delivered with her signature wit: She has mooed at a stubborn cow to make it move, shooed away a neighbor’s enormous steer, and chased pigs and goats through “boot-suctioning mud.” “If they made my life into a cartoon,” she wrote, “they’d never run out of material.”
FARM FUNNIES Here are a few of our favorite funny Facebook statuses from Heather’s Green Eggs & Goats Homestead page. You can follow along at Facebook. com/GreenEggsandGoats. • Good idea: throwing your weight against a stubborn stall door that won’t close. Bad idea: doing so with eggs in your pocket. Theoretically, of course. • I thought about writing a blog post about raising geese on the homestead, but I realized I could sum it up in one word. “Don’t.” • Ewwwwwww! I just ran out to the carport to look for something. I didn’t slip on shoes first, so of course I stepped in chicken poo wearing my favorite pair of smartwool socks. • That awkward moment when your boot gets suctioned off by pasture mud and you step down in said mud wearing your favorite sock. Theoretically, of course.
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LIVE WELL, EAT WELL Not everyone can live on a farm—but you can certainly incorporate healthy choices in your daily routine. Here are a few of Heather Jackson’s favorite tips for healthy living. (For a bigger helping of advice, head to her blog at greeneggsandgoats.com.) • KNOW YOUR FARMER. You want healthful food that’s thoughtfully grown and raised. What better way to ensure that than to become familiar with the person who produced it? When you purchase local food, you’re not only making a healthy choice, but you’re also supporting your local economy. If you’re not sure how
speedy favorites for busy nights, and set aside time to
to start, take baby steps: Start by purchasing a dozen
experiment with new recipes and ingredients to spice
eggs or some veggies from a local farmer.
things up.
• COOK AT HOME WHENEVER YOU CAN. Fast food is
• GET
MOVING—AND
BE
CREATIVE!
“You’re
tempting—it’s quick and easy, and many kids think it’s
never too old for a new hobby,” Heather says. The
a treat. But the real treat is spending time together
possibilities are virtually endless: You could thrown on
making and enjoying meals as a family. Figure out
boots and go for a hike, try
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section name
MAGIC CITY ART CONNECTION When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, April 28 and 29; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 30 Where: Linn Park in downtown Birmingham For more information: 205-595-6306 www.MagicCityArt.com #MagicCityArt
Magic City
t
Art Connection BY R O B I N R AV E N
THE VIBRANT ART COMMUNITY in Birmingham has long attracted enthusiasts
who love to create and collect art in many of its forms. The Magic City, a nickname first given to Birmingham by James Powell in the 19th century, is the right place to have a festival that allows fresh artistic talent to shine brightly along with established, beloved artists. Add in just the right mix of whimsy and fun, and you have the Magic City Art Connection festival! Held in downtown Birmingham’s historic Linn Park, the festival empowers people to immerse themselves in the vision of its artists. You can explore the work of 200 juried artists from around the United States. The event also promises more than this generous feast for the eyes: You’ll find plenty of culture, entertainment, food, beverages, and fun. Art collectors will find a range of mediums, styles, and price points. The city’s diverse art and cultural organizations also connect directly with the art supporters at the Magic City Art Connection festival. Many free events abound, including live music, art-making workshops for children, and large-scale art installations. The Park Place Cafe is open to the public with free entry all three days. You can also opt for extras. If you attend the Corks & Chefs tasting, a diverse array of food, wine, craft beer, and spirits accompanies your art-buying experience. This ticketed event hosts popular seminars in addition to special, guided tastings. The Magic City Art Connection makes it easy to experience joyful moments with all members of the family, infusing your visit to the festival with aromas, tastes, sounds, sights, and memories that you won’t soon forget.
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ART OF THE BOARD
e
A look at a couple of the artists that serve the Magic City Art Connection
Laura Levi
Laura is one of the artists on the board of directors of the Magic City Art Connection. Her work has been displayed at SURTEX in New York City and throughout the city at the Birmingham Zoo, A’mano Gifts, Naked Art Gallery and more. She started working for Eileen Kunzman, the director Magic City Art Connection, more than 20 years ago. “It’s a wonderful organization with amazing artists and volunteers,” Laura says. “And I’ve met some of my closest friends there.” Laura was a child when she started making art. “When I was 8, I began taking art classes from a local artist in Decatur, Alabama, who operated a teaching art studio in her backyard,” she recalls. “Starting with pencil, she taught me how to use all the major media: watercolor, pen and ink, pastels, acrylic, and oil. And I’ve created art in one form or another ever since.” Laura’s watercolor illustrations are rich with whimsy and often reveal multiple stories in a single image. She is not afraid to experiment with modern and unusual painting techniques in her artistic process. She uses bubble wrap, cheesecloth, onion bags, and rubbing alcohol with watercolors to create interesting background textures for some of her illustrations. When she applies these items to wet washes of watercolor and allow them to dry, they interact with the paint to make intricate, layered patterns. Laura has many artistic projects on the horizon. “Currently I’m working on a piece that celebrates the nostalgic spirit of the 1980s, painting the food, culture, music, technology and objects that shaped the decade,” she says. As for what Laura hopes to achieve as an artist, she seems to have a clear idea of what she wants. “I want people to understand what I’m doing and hopefully want to own a piece,” she says. “Although my style lends itself to children’s art, I often incorporate adult themes and fantastical elements for the child in all of us. In that vein, I wish to apply my art to everyday objects, such as accessories and paper products, which bring joy in everyday use. Why not take the art off the wall and experience the world with it?”
“I like to tell stories, using animals, nostalgic objects and nature to evoke other worlds that are magical. I want my art to impart the joyful, reflective and transcendent moments in life.” --Laura Levie ALBabyMag.com 41
e
Sarah Webb
“I love creating art for people based on photographs of a happy time. I like to mix nostalgia and sentimentality with surrealism and vibrant color and energy. My work is widely varied in style and subject matter. I used to see that as a problem, but now I embrace it!” --Sarah Webb
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Sarah Webb is an artist with a diverse body of work, with all her pieces sharing an effervescence and vibrancy. Coastal hues are common in her timeless art, and it’s no wonder why. Her motto is “Meaningful never goes out of style.” She hopes her art makes people smile in the same way that familiar movies you never tire of watching do. Sarah has equal enthusiasm for the Magic City Art Connection. “It has been my favorite festival in Birmingham for years,” she says. “A neighbor brought me to a board meeting, and I loved discussing the local art scene with artists and art lovers. I also began to realize the importance of art in the economic, social, cultural developments of a city. When we study ancient Greece and Rome, what do we talk about? Art! That is the lasting communication of civilizations that have long crumbled.” Now living in Birmingham with her husband, children, and yellow Labrador, Sarah grew up on the Gulf Coast. “Growing up in Pensacola, I had amazing art teachers in elementary, middle, and high school,” she recalls. “As a child, I was introduced to works by Winslow Homer, Salvador Dali, Roy Lichtenstein. I was about 13 when I first saw Chuck Close’s bizarre deconstructed portraits, and I fell in love!” Sarah has been very much inspired by local Alabama artists. She walked into Charlie Thigpen’s garden gallery several years ago, and she first saw the massive painting of a man in an apple tree. She felt like she’d been hypnotized. She still goes there and looks at it for five minutes at a time. It started her fascination with Birmingham’s talented Arthur Price. She also gushes about other local artists. “Chiharu Roach is another of my favorite local artists. Her surrealistic images are so intricate and provoking. Delaine Derry Green is a fun, quirky, vintage mixed media artist that I just adore. I have several pieces and they make me smile every time I pass them! I also have a few folk-art pieces form Paul Cordes Wilm that are fun. My 4-year-old loves them too! I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Virginia Jones’s photography whose images inspire much of my work.” Perhaps the fun spirit that is conveyed in her art also is influenced by the way she prepares for her artistic process. Sarah confesses, “I dance a lot!” She’ll tune in to the music of Florence and the Machines, Muse, or anything on Birmingham Mountain radio. She also paints in her dreams and visualizes the whole process (awake or asleep) over and over before she starts it.
So, what does this strong artist do when not creating art? “You mean when I’m not wiping noses or butts? Even when I’m not painting, I’m looking at this beautiful world we live in with artists’ eyes. I see normal things in shapes, shadows and color now. I deconstruct faces when I’m listening to someone and a light falls on them a certain way. Sometimes when I listen to a great song, I imagine what that would look like as a painting. Mindfulness to me is when you truly notice something ordinary, take it in, enjoy it for its innate beauty. Last week I sat at the park watching my husband and two boys play. The afternoon sun created long shadows flaring out across the field. I didn’t paint it, but being mindful in that
moment made me thank God that I was alive.” Sarah has exciting plans for the future. “I just got studio space at MAKEBHM,” she says. “I think getting my work out of my house and into an actual studio, surrounded by so much creating and talent, is going to really up my game. It takes a lot of energy to not let the laundry, chores, and dishes distract me when I’m at home.” As far as what Sara ultimately hopes to achieve as an artist: “I want to point to God in my art as He is the ultimate Creator,” she says.
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KAYA SURVIVED! She was born 4 months early and spent more than 5 months in the hospital.
Sign up at marchforbabies.org April 22 April 29
Charger Park at UAH UPTOWN by the BJCC 971 John Wright Drive 2221 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N. Huntsville, AL Birmingham, AL Registration: 8:00 a.m. l Start: 9:00 a.m. Registration: 8:00 a.m. l Start: 9:00 a.m.
© 2016 March of Dimes Foundation
Family Travel
Orlando Bound
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Family Travel
f
Board a nonstop flight to Orlando to enjoy the family vacation of a lifetime. BY R O B I N R AV E N
FEW VACATION DESTINATIONS ARE AS SURE TO DELIGHT CHILDREN AS ORLANDO.
I With its many attractions created to deliver fun for the whole family, Orlando is nicknamed The Theme Park Capital of the World for good reason. These theme parks have been the locale for happy memories for decades, yet they are consistently updated with new attractions to bring joy to modern kids. Orlando also offers the natural beauty of white sand beaches, botanical gardens, and wildlife preserves. Now that you can get a quick, direct flight straight from Birmingham to Orlando, it’s never been easier to travel with kids of any age or temperament. There’s something for everyone at each of these theme parks.
Disney World
The Walt Disney World Resort is the Southeast’s leading mecca for family fun. All four of its theme parks—Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom—of-
FAMILY TRAVEL SPONSOR
fer guests new attractions in 2017 along with classic rides and shows. Its two water parks are primed to provide cool summer entertainment. Disney Springs offers a shopping and dining complex with a hearty helping of Disney magic. There’s so much to see at this sprawling resort that you could easily stay a week or longer without repeating attractions. (407) 939-5277 disneyworld.disney.go.com
Find more family-friendly travel tips and destinations from The Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport at AlBabyMag.com/Travel.
ALBabyMag.com 47
Family Travel
Gatorland
Let out your inner wildlife explorer at Gatorland, a 110-acre theme park that is known for its educational wildlife programs. An on-site wild bird nesting area, nature walk, splash park, and train ride all around the park can be enjoyed by all members of the family. The Screamin’ Gator Zip Line is a source of thrills with its 150-foot suspension bridge and five zip lines that can fly you at speeds up to around 30 miles per hour from heights as high at 56 feet. Gatorland refers to itself as the Alligator Capital of the World, and it is home to around 1,400 alligators. (800) 393-5297 gatorland.com
Universal Studios
Guests of the Universal Orlando Resort can immerse themselves in the worlds of some of the most beloved movies. Its immensely popular Harry Potter areas include Hogsmeade at its Islands of Adventure theme park and Diagon Alley at Universal Studios. In addition to its two theme parks, the Universal Orlando Resort has four themed hotels and an entertainment complex. Children under 3 get into the parks for free. (407) 363-8000 universalorlando.com
GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR DISNEY WORLD TRIP
There’s no doubt that Disney’s timeless appeal and carefully
sary, a first visit to the park, or other special occasion. Simply
curated family fun is sure to bring a lot of joy to every
stop by the Town Hall on Main Street, and Disney cast mem-
member of your family. It’s even more fun if you plan
bers (as their employees are called) give out complimentary
ahead and use these smart tips.
celebration buttons for you to wear.
• There’s no need to ever be thirsty in the parks! Servers at
• Consider staying at a Disney hotel if you enjoy getting to the
all Disney quick service restaurants will give you free ice
parks early and/or late. Guests of Disney-owned hotels get
water upon request.
access to the parks during “Extra Magic Hours” before and
• Let Disney know if you are celebrating a birthday, anniver-
48 ALBabyMag.com
after the parks close to general ticketholders.
Family Travel
LEGOLand
Designed for kids between the age of 2 and 12, the LEGOLand Florida Resort is sure to bring out the inner kid in anyone. This 150-acre theme park has LEGO-themed rides, shows, and attractions. The brick-built characters come to life throughout the park. It has over 28,000 LEGO models, although you don’t have to be a LEGO lover to have fun here. New for 2017 is a ninja-themed land and high-tech, interactive ride. 877-350-5346 legoland.com
Busch Gardens
You don’t have to go too far from Orlando to explore exotic locales; Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is only an hour away and offers 300 acres of unique attractions. Cobra’s Curse, the park’s newest coaster, takes you through a mysterious Egyptian archaeological excavation. It’s one of several thrill rides ideal for older kids, while little ones will delight in the Sesame Street Safari of Fun that includes a variety of kid-sized rides and a water play area. A large sign at the entrance at the entrance announces the shows available for the day, so you can plan your day of fun. 813-884-4386 buschgardens.com
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proudly supports
Alabama Baby & Child Magazine
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Back Page
Heart Gallery of Alabama
MEGAN IS 17 YEARS OLD. She is very outgoing and compassionate and hopes to become a nurse one day to help others. Megan is very family oriented and wants to maintain a connection with her two younger siblings. She is an excellent swimmer and loves shoping. She also enjoys singing in the school choir and dancing. If you are interested in adoption or would like to learn more about featured children, call Heart Gallery at 205445-1293 or visit www.HeartGalleryAlabama.com. You can also help by making a tax-deductible donation to Heart Gallery of Alabama to help them continue to find the one thing these children want most—a home.
If you are interested in adoption or would like to learn more about featured children, call Heart Gallery at 205-445-1293 or visit www.HeartGalleryAlabama.com. You can also help by making a tax-deductible donation to Heart Gallery of Alabama to help them continue to find the one thing these children want most—a home.
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WHERE A SEARCH FOR BURIED TREASURE BECOMES A PRICELESS MEMORY.
THERE IS
ONLYONE
8 0 0 -559 -18 0 5 • HiltonS ande stin B each .com • # HiltonS ande stin ALBabyMag.com 53
Known as the place “Where Babies Come From,” St. Vincent’s Health System has been providing personalized, compassionate maternity care for generations. Through Monogram Maternity, we now have even more offerings for expectant moms, including your very own birth designer. Learn more about Monogram Maternity at stvhs.com/MonogramMaternity.