Birmingham Parent Magazine - April 2014

THE PREMIER PARENTING MAGAZINE FOR CENTRAL ALABAMA

FREE

APRIL 2014

DOUBLE LOVE

DOUBLE TROUBLE: ALL ABOUT TWINS

destination:

MOBILE SUPERNANNY Jo Frost Helps Bring Baby Home

WHAT'S IN p16

A NAME?

Alabama Dance Academy’s Ballet Classique, Jazz and Lyrical Ensembles present the world premiere of

Aladdin La Bayadere excerpts and

Oak Mountain High School Theatre

Saturday, April 26th 2:00 and 7:30 performances All tickets $ 14.00 For tickets call 205-978-6830 or www.alabamadanceacademy.com MAGIC CARPET RIDE TEA PARTY with Jasmine and Aladdin at 1:00pm.

Tickets sold separately for $5.00 50% OFF

MENTION THIS AD TO RECEIVE ONE TICKET WITH THE PURCHASE OF ONE TICKET. ENTER PROMO50 WHEN PURCHASING TICKETS ONLINE

Alabama’s Premier Dance School 3221 Old Columbiana Road Hoover, AL 35226 SPONSORED BY

205-978-6830 www.alabamadanceacademy.com find us on Facebook: Alabama Dance Academy

CELEBRATING YEARS OVER

33 FAMILY-OWNED & OPERATED

LIKE US ON

r i es cce ss o Dan A cewear & Your One 1629 Oxmoor Rd Birmingham, AL 35209 205-871-STEP www.applausedancewear.net

Step to All Your Dancing Needs!

DR. CLARK THOMAS DR. LAUTEN JOHNSON www.alpediatricdentistry.com

Welcoming children 6 months & older.

KIDS LOVE US, PARENTS TRUST US!

Monday-Friday 8-5

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

Y.

KW

SP

WY.

W HA

WY. ACE PK

BR

OC

KS

GA

PP

KW

Y.

STADIU

459

M TR

EST PK SHAD ES CR

150

KIN

HN

JO

Dr. Lauten Johnson

HOOVER LOCATION

MONTCLAIR LOCATION

1015 Brocks Gap Pkwy Hoover, AL 35244

3918 Montclair Rd. Suite 206 Birmingham, AL 35213

205.982.0112

205.879.6150

Dr. Clark Thomas

EDITOR'S NOTE WELCOME TO OUR

baby book!

We were talking to a guy in the bank, and he said he and his wife were expecting their first child. My husband said, “Your life will never be the same.” He is right.

If you are expecting your first child or your third, you probably already know (or are about to know) your life will never be the same – in a good way.

From nights of lost sleep from teething, croup, worry and just a happy baby, wide awake and wanting to play, when you have a child, your life absolutely changes forever.

My babies are now 21 and 25. I cannot believe they are all grown up. But it doesn’t change how you feel – they are always your babies, and you are always concerned about them.

IN THIS ISSUE This time in our Baby Book we take a look at the name trends for 2014 on page 14. What name have you chosen for your baby? Is it traditional or trendy? Why did you choose? Did you think about how the baby will deal with that name throughout his or her life?

We also look at twins. Writer Paige Townley interviews several area parents who are parenting twins, including ABC 33/40 Meteorologist Charles Daniel, pictured on our cover, first-time dad to twins Ingram and Harrison.

Double the work, Daniel says he and his wife don’t know any better because it’s their first babies. But there are some real challenges to parenting twins. Check out the story on page 22.

Last but not least, I enjoyed my conversation with Supernanny Jo Frost, who discussed ways to make a sibling more comfortable welcoming a new baby into your home. She’s my hero when it comes to parenting, and she has some great advice for parents beginning on page 16. And she’s got a new book out that’s definitely worth the read.

Of course you’ll find our regular columns this month, as well as our terrific calendar of events. Speaking of births, did you know we are celebrating 10 years of publishing this year? Thanks for sticking with us all these years. We continue to be dedicated to good journalism and serving you, our local readers.

Happy Spring, and Happy Easter!

Thanks for picking up this issue!

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

If you would like your kid to be a Birthday Kids contestant, complete and send this form, along with a recent photograph of your child (photos will not be returned) to Birthday Kids, Birmingham Parent, 3590-B Hwy. 31 S., #289, Pelham, AL 35124. Child must be 15 and under to win. By entering, contestants and their parents or legal guardians release the photo to Birmingham Parent with no further obligation to Birmingham Parent, and give consent to Birmingham Parent to reproduce and publish any photographs submitted whether or not the entry is chosen as the winner. All entries must be signed by parent/guardian. Employees of Evans Publishing and contest sponsors are not eligible.

May. entries much be received by April 12, 2014. Entries can be sent ahead for later months.

Child’s Name ____________________________________________________________ Child’s Age _________ Birthday _________________ Phone ______________________ Address ___________________________________________ City _________________ Zip _____________ Email _________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature _________________________________________________

4 | birminghamparent | april 2014

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

editorial Publishers David & Carol Evans Editor Carol Muse Evans Associate Editor Lori Chandler Pruitt Calendar & Business David Evans Contributors, Paige Townley, Vivian Friedman, Christopher “Bull” Garlington, Beth Malizia, MD

sales Special Events Coordinator Sharon Menachemi Account Executives Kayla Fricks, Melanie Cade Webmaster David Evans Social Media Melanie Cade

art & production Art Director Hilary Moreno Distribution T&P Deliveries Legal Counsel Balch & Bingham LLP

BIRMINGHAM PARENT IS A PUBLICATION OF EVANS PUBLISHING, LLC. Publishers: Carol Muse Evans, David K. Evans Sr. Birmingham Parent (EIN20-0694149) is published monthly by Evans Publishing LLC. www.birminghamparent.com or editor@ birminghamparent.com. Birmingham Parent is © 2013 by Evans Publishing LLC. Family Connections Media ©2011 by Evans Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Editorial submissions are welcome. For back issues, please send a self-addressed 10” x 13” envelope with $4 for postage and handling.

Comprehensive Pediatric Therapy Services

…we’re just for kids!

COMING SOON!

FOCAL POINT

our new treatment program for ADD/ADHD!

Giving hope to parents and providing care to children is what we’ve done for over 100 years. Our nationally ranked healthcare team treated children from 42 states and 4 foreign countries just last year. Children’s of Alabama is recognized locally and around the world as providing a level of care that presents children with a much brighter future.

OCCUPATIONAL HANDWRITING SPEECH /PHYSICAL THERAPY HELP THERAPY

MUSIC THERAPY

FEEDING THERAPY

TUTORING SERVICES

INTEGRATED LISTENING

1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org

www.ChildsPlayTherapyCenter.com Conveniently located on Lorna Road in Hoover “Like” us on facebook!

APRIL2014

22

THE PREMIER PARENTING MAGAZINE FOR CENTRAL ALABAMA

FREE

All About Twins

APRIL 2014

DOUBLE LOVE

DOUBLE TROUBLE: ALL ABOUT TWINS

destination:

MOBILE

16

SUPERNANNY Jo Frost Helps Bring Baby Home

WHAT'S IN p16

A NAME?

22

34 14

departments

babybook 13 16

16

14

24

14

04

Editor’s Note Welcome to our Baby Book

07

Parenting with Dr. Friedman

08 09 20 26

School News

32

Ask the Specialist: Why Am I Not Getting Pregnant?

34

Destination: Mobile, Alabama

38

Death by Children: Flying & Crying

Short Stuff April Pull Out Calendar April Expanded Calendar of Events

Mobile, Alabama

BRINGING BABY HOME: Supernanny Reveals How to Help Siblings Accept the New Baby

BABY & ME DIRECTORY Find great baby-related shops and services

WHAT’S IN A NAME? What are the baby name trends for 2014?

ON OUR COVER: ABC 33/40 Meteorologist Charles Daniel and twin sons Harrison and Ingram, age 6 months, are “double trouble” on the set at ABC 33/40, and double the love.

PHOTO BY AMANDA TRAYWICK, www.amandatraywick.com.

6 | birminghamparent | april 2014

34

parenting

Parenting with Dr. Friedman We moved to Birmingham just before the start of this school year. My ninth grade son continues to mope and has not made any real friends. He compares everything to home and finds everything not quite as good as it was there. Even though he is in an excellent school system, he thinks all his classes in his old school were better. I may be guilty of furthering his attitude because I, too, miss our old city. How do I help him to make his way here?

Q:

You and your son seem to be suffering from what I call “newcomer syndrome.” While there are many different ways to do things, when people move to a new place they tend to define the correct way to do a task or view an issue as the way it was done in their old town.

No matter how good the new way or place may be, if it is not exactly like it was at home, it is wrong. Until time passes, and the new ways and places become familiar and accepted, the new place seems awkward, wrong, and unfamiliar.

People vary in their openness to change. Some people cling to old ways longer than others. Even under the best of adaptability, it often takes one to two years to feel completely at home.

The child’s age determines, in part, the length of the period of adjustment.

Preschoolers make friends easily and quickly forget their old home.

A:

In grades K-3, children are open to new friends and most children with adequate social skills are quickly accepted. The very fact that they attend school and are introduced to peers often makes the adjustment easier for the child than for the adult. As long as the family structure is in place, and the move is not due to a divorce or other trauma, children will soon adjust to their new room, new teacher, and new class.

Teens are much slower to adjust to change. Because they are so sensitive to doing things exactly as their peers do, it takes time to figure out the new style and to blend in to new ways. To fit in, they feel they must be just like the others. Since the new town is likely to be different, and different at this age is bad, it can take time to adjust.

You can help him by keeping an open attitude about the new ways of doing things. If you make fun of, for

example, the lack of a beach here, then your son will also view his new home as lacking. If, on the other hand, you take the attitude that, “Well, we lost the beach but gained the beautiful hills and trees,” your son may also begin to find something he likes.

Most adjustment problems are within the person but some may be aggravated by the environment. Birmingham is an area of many different neighborhoods. It is hard to have a sense of the different neighborhoods when you first come to find a place to live, but after a few months here if you still don’t adapt, you may find that a different neighborhood may suit your needs better.

Teens adjust best to school when they find a small subset of the larger group. Capitalize on a talent or interest, such as band or theater, and help him to find others who share this with him.

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

When you imagine their future - Imagine a beautiful smile!

Three convenient locations to serve you!

Deborah A Sema D.M.D., M.S. specialist in orthodontics

205-942-2270 www.ovortho.com

Great smiles for children... and Mom & Dad Too!

CLEAR BRACES, INVISALIGN, AND INVISALIGN TEEN

415 West Oxmoor Road Birmingham 5751 Pocahontas Road Bessemer 3045 Independence Dr. Homewood birminghamparent.com | 7

18TH ANNUAL JEFFERSON CHRISTIAN ACADEMY INVITATIONAL GOLF TOURNAMENT APRIL 24

NEW HEAD OF SCHOOL AT HIGHLANDS SCHOOL The Highlands School Board of Trustees recently announced the appointment of Kavita Vasil to head of school, effective July 1, 2014.

With 24 years of education administration experience, Vasil joins Highlands School from Temple Beth Sholom Schools in Sarasota, Fla., where she served as school director since 1994.

Vasil holds a Masters of Education (M.Ed) from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a Bachelor of Science (B.S. in Psychology) from the University of Florida. In addition, she served as an assistant professor of education at the University of Maine where she focused on early and elementary education.

For more information on the school, visit www.highlandsschool.org.

JCA’s annual golf tournament, which raises money for school programs, will be held on Thursday, April 24 at Castle Pines Country Club in Gardendale, beginning with an 8am shotgun start.

Check-in is at 7:30am. Format is a fourman scramble, with lunch served after the tournament.

SuperTickets are available for purchase, which includes a mulligan, a power drive and your name added to a drawing for your choice of any Allen Edmonds golf shoes – a $350 value.

For more information, contact Wendy Burrows, JCA Development Director, at 205-956-9111 or wburrows@jcaweb. net. Registration deadline is April 17.

SEND US YOUR SCHOOL NEWS, editor@birminghamparent.com. We welcome photos, too, but be sure you have the rights to the photo before sending and include any caption or photo credit we should include. There is no guarantee about what news items we will use – we are limited by our space restrictions, but will try to include all we can! Deadline each month is the 10th prior to the month of the magazine.

Birthdays in Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S

Birthday

Your local birthday party resource

Party issue

Loved by Parents since 1997

BIGGER & BETTER THAN EVER!

birthdaysinbirmingham.com Places to Go Á Entertainment Party Supplies & Rentals Á Facilities Á Coupons

Make her dreams come true...

At Tea Party Castle, she will feel like a real princess!

OST Providing thestMof complete li FORMATIO! N PARTY INin our area

FREE DIRECTORY LISTING!!!

WE SPECIALIZE IN BIRTHDAY PARTIES

6LQJLQJ SULQFHVVHV )LQH &KLQD 5R\DO JRZQV 6WDJH GDQFH À RRU +DLU 8S 'RV

205.529.0081 www.teapartycastle.com/alabama 23 Olmsted St., Birmingham, AL 35242 8 | birminghamparent | april 2014

July 2014

S IN C E 1997

Don’t miss picking up this special issue or advertising in it. Deadline for advertising and advertorial packages is June 12, 2014.

Royal Tea April 11th at 6pm Reservations required

SPONSORED BY

We’ll connect you with a print edition of Birthdays in Birmingham’s most complete, free directory listings of all things parties in Birmingham.

short stuff

DAVE RAMSEY & RACHEL CRUZE CO-AUTHOR

SMART MONEY SMART KIDS

New York Times bestselling author and nationally-syndicated radio talk show host Dave Ramsey teams up with his daughter, Rachel Cruze, to offer a parent and adult child’s perspective on raising money-smart kids in a debt-filled world.

Published by Lampo Press and distributed by Nelson Books, Smart Money Smart Kids (ISBN: 978-1-9370-7763-1) is available April 22 and retails for $24.99. “I was born the year my parents filed bankruptcy, so I grew up watching them learn the right way to handle money,� Cruze says. “My dad has helped millions of people get control of their money.

But my parents were even more diligent about teaching their three kids how to avoid the mistakes they had made with money. By sharing from our own experiences we’re helping parents change their family’s financial future for generations to come.�

Smart Money Smart Kids includes practical steps parents can take to teach their kids about money basics like working, spending, saving and giving, as well as how to deal with bigger challenges like avoiding debt, paying for college, and battling discontentment.

Ramsey and Cruze include no-nonsense, common sense tips for parents of kids from toddler to young adult.

Follow Dave Ramsey on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.

individual attention beautiful smiles

0°(4°:4(9; °0°(4°*9,(;0=, °0°(4°+@:3,?0*

:(*:°(JJYLKP[LK

:WLJPHSPaLK°0UZ[Y\J[PVU°MVY°+`ZSL_PH ° (++°HUK°6[OLY°3LHYUPUN°+PZHIPSP[PLZ :THSS°*SHZZ°:PaLZ°^P[O°H ° 9:1 °:[\KLU[°9H[PV

Mo ntg om

ery H

wy

3V^LY°:JOVVS°;OYV\NO° 12 [O°.YHKL

RUWKRGRQWLFV IRU DGXOWV DQG FKLOGUHQ

d

In

PDUN U \DQRVN\ GPG PV

H Brookwood Hospital Brookwood Medical Center

RUWKRGRQWLFV

31

1651 Independence Court Suite 141 Birmingham 35209

nce Court de en ep

Yanosky Orthodontics

Dr.

/RFDWHG LQ WKH 3URIHVVLRQDO 2IĂ€FH %XLOGLQJ DW %URRNZRRG 0HGLFDO &HQWHU

‡ ZZZ GU\DQRVN\ FRP

,_LJ\[P]L°+PYLJ[VY 205 - 423-8660

^^^ ZWYPUN]HSSL`ZJOVVS VYN birminghamparent.com | 9

short stuff

PRINCE OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH LEADS THE WAY IN “SPECIAL” RELIGIOUS ED In 2006, Religious Education Director Megan Everett saw a gap in Prince of Peace Catholic Church’s religious education curriculum. According to Church Canon Law, religious learning must be available to all – but what about the kids who cannot learn in a regular classroom? They were not being served, not learning their faith, not participating in the sacraments of first communion nor confirmation.

Everett established the first Sunday Catechesis program in the Birmingham Diocese to educate these non-traditional learners and the program is thriving today. In recognition of its success, the Prince of Peace Knights of Columbus Council just gave their third four-figure donation to the program.

Prince of Peace Church’s formation special ed program has between 10 and 12 students this year. They are taught by two volunteer teachers in a self-contained classroom complete with a SmartBoard and SmartTable. One of this year’s teachers, Missy Whitfield, is not only a special education teacher on Sunday, but also during the week at Shelby Elementary School where she was named the 2013 Teacher of the Year.

“We can accommodate anyone who needs help,” says Everett. Originally, the church’s faith formation program had a buddy system for students who needed an aide to be in a regular classroom.

However, Everett discovered that the class

Noah Zoeblein (left) and Katie Crook (far right) enjoy a story from PoP Church’s Religious Special Ed teacher Missy Whitfield. PHOTO COURTESY OF POP

time was not sufficient and the pace was too quick for these special students to absorb the material.

These children are now able to receive all of their sacramental preparation on Sunday while their parents attend Mass.

The families can then decide how their children will participate in the sacrament ceremony. Some opt to join in the large ceremony in the main sanctuary held for that year’s class. Others take a quieter approach, opting for the sacrament in the church’s chapel with just family.

Erika and Mike Zoeblein held son Noah’s first communion in the chapel.

Erika says, “Prince of Peace Church was very supportive of our decision to hold Noah’s first communion in the chapel. We were so happy that they were willing to accommodate us.”

The Zoebleins began attending Mass at Prince of Peace Church upon the recommendation of a friend. “It was an opportunity for all of us to go to church together. It was the first church that was

welcoming,” Erika says.

The special ed formation students are also welcome at the church’s summer Vacation Bible School held in June. It’s the only VBS in the Birmingham Diocese with a self-contained special ed program incorporated into the larger program. It is very well-attended, according to Everett. “It’s super fun! We create a schedule that works for each child attending the week-long program,” she says. Registration opens in March.

Prince of Peace Catholic Church strives to accommodate all learners and live its stewardship hospitality message of “All Are Welcome.” The church divides its 60 plus ministries among the four pillars of service, prayer, formation and hospitality. All parishioners are called to be Christian stewards and share their God-given gifts with others. The formation pillar, directed by Everett and School Principal Connie Angstadt, welcome your inquiries at megan.everett@popcatholic. org or the school at info@popcatholic.org.

Call toll-free: 1-800-265-0768

Are You Still Paying Too Much For Your Medications?

You can save up to 75% when you fill your prescriptions at our Canadian and International prescription service. rice Our P

Celecoxib $62.00

Generic equivalent of CelebrexTM. Generic price for 200mg x 100 compared to

CelebrexTM $568.87

205-613-0443 www.magiccityfaceart.com FACE PAINTIN G AT ITS FINES T 10 | birminghamparent | april 2014

Typical US brand price for 200mg x 100

Get An Extra $10 Off & Free Shipping On Your 1st Order!

Call the number below and save an additional $10 plus get free shipping on your first prescription order with Canada Drug Center.

Expires June 30, 2014. Offer is valid for prescription orders only and can not be used in conjunction with any other offers. Valid for new customers only. One time use per household.

Order Now! 1-800-265-0768 Use code 10FREE to receive this special offer.

Please note that we do not carry controlled substances and a valid prescription is required for all prescription medication orders.

Call Toll-free: 1-800-265-0768 Use of these services is subject to the Terms of Use and accompanying policies at www.canadadrugcenter.com.

It’s Your Time to Celebrate at Gaylord Opryland Resort

Up to

$100

Resort Credit!

Valid Through December 30, 2014

Make any occasion special with a resort credit up to $100 From finding a new job to your child receiving straight A’s, life is full of reasons to celebrate. We will make your getaway extra special by offering you a $50 resort credit per night up to a maximum of a $100 per stay.

Experience something spectacular with our signature glass enclosed atriums filled with lush gardens and winding waterways. Luxurious spa treatments, delicious dining, unique shopping and fun entertainment options provide everything you need for a joyous occasion.

Book your getaway today!

GaylordOpryland.com

or call (888) 677-9872 (refer to promo code ZJL) OTHER LOCATIONS

Valid through December 30, 2014. Limited numbers of rooms available for this promotion. Offer does not apply to groups of 10 or more rooms.

Offer cannot be combined with any other promotion. Limit One (1) $50 resort credit per night (maximum of $100 per stay). A stay is defined as consecutive nights at the same hotel, regardless of check-in/check-out activity. See website for complete terms and conditions.

Gaylord National® National Harbor, MD (Washington, D.C. area)

Gaylord Palms® Kissimmee, FL (Orlando area)

Gaylord Texan® Grapevine, TX (Dallas / Ft. Worth area)

birminghamparent.com | 11

There’s only one way to decide where to have your baby: Ask a mother.

There are certain things only a mother can know. Like why kisses are the best medicine for boo-boos. Or how a tiny pair of socks can break your heart in the best way. Or most of all, how it feels to carry a life inside you—then welcome it into the world. That’s why, if you’re deciding where to have your baby, there’s only one recommendation you should trust: a mother’s. So don’t take our word for it. Ask your friends.

#ichooseb Tag your Twitter or Instagram photos with #ichooseb so we can collect and curate them for our photo gallery on iChooseB.com, or upload them directly to iChooseB.com/photo.

12 | birminghamparent | april 2014

iChooseB.com

BIRMINGHAM PARENT' S

babybook

spring 2014

What's in a Name 2014?

BRINGING BABY HOME: Supernanny Jo Frost Helps With Accepting a Sibling ALL ABOUT TWINS Baby & Me Directory 2014

PHOTO BY DONALD LOVE PHOTOGRAPHY

birminghamparent.com | 13

babybook

What’s in a Name in 2014?

2013 was definitely a banner year for outrageous baby names. 2014 is shaping up to be the year that pushes the boundaries of what was previously considered “normal.”

Gone are the vogue of names ending in –den, such as Brayden, Jayden and Aiden, as well as the ‘x’ madness of Axl and Xander. As parents strive to distinguish their children from peers, social baby naming website Belly Ballot is predicting some shocking trends. The site collects real-time data on what names parents are selecting from around the globe.

Based on naming data from more than 3,500 parents, along with 25,000 votes from their friends and family, the site has released the following predictions for 2014:

14 | birminghamparent | april 2014

UNCONVENTIONAL SPELLINGS Unusual and borderline eccentric spellings have become the simplest way to become distinctive. The names are still traditional in their pronunciation, yet extremely unique in their spellings. Rules of grammar and morphology aside, this is a perfect fusion for parents who don’t want to stand out, but still want to give their child a name with a modern twist. As a way of breaking from stereotype, parents choose Izak, Karder, Riyan, Kooper, Mykel, Emhily, BrookeLynn or Meeya.

IT’S ALL ABOUT SHOW BUSINESS Every year there are new TV shows, movie blockbusters and celebrity babies that serve as inspiration for parents when choosing a name for their child. We saw it when Twilight Saga’s Isabella became the most popular femi-

nine given name in the U.S. a few years ago; when Aria from Pretty Little Liars skyrocketed from zero popularity to one of the most favorite; and when Addison switched its usage from a boy to a girl thanks to the attractive and intelligent Dr. Addison Montgomery on Private Practice.

2014 favorites will be Hayley and Camille from vampire craze The Originals, Piper from Orange Is the New Black, Ichabod and Katrina from a new TV series Sleepy Hollow. As for celebrity babies, odds are in favor of Milan (Shakira’s baby boy), Lincoln (Kristen Bell’s son), Everly (daughter of Channing Tatum) or Autumn (Jennifer Love Hewitt’s newborn).

See http://babynames.net/ list/rockstar-names for more of those “famous names.”

HISPANIC IS HOT Hispanic names are more and more popular, and not only

with Latino parents. With the rise in the Latino community in the United States, an increasing number of white couples are giving their children Hispanic names.

The main reason seems to be the expectation that their children will assimilate more easily in the society, where Latino culture might prevail later on in their lives. They might not appear among the first 10 most popular names in the US, but there’s no doubt their popularity will expand within the next decade. Hence names such as Lola, Maria, Carmen, Sierra, Ernesto, Diego, Santos, Miguel or Luis are likely to soar.

RETURN TO THE BIBLE Who wouldn’t like to go back to old traditions at some point? After a few years of innovations and experimenting, parents are restoring old customs to regain the essence of religious values. Biblical

names are nothing new under the sun. Names like Jacob, Michael or Noah have been scoring the highest popularity ranks for years, but the surge of others, previously less frequent Biblical names is about to hit in 2014: Caleb, Levi, Luke, Isaiah, Naomi, Shiloh, or Judith.

MYTHOLOGICAL NAMES The trend of going back to Biblical names is complemented by parents going even further back in history, choosing names from ancient mythology. One of the greatest perks of these names is the fact that despite being ‘ancient,’ they have that mystique and exotic uniqueness parents often seek Luna, Camilla, Gaia, Tristan, Damon or Thor.

For more baby names, check out http://babynames.net.

'LG \RX NQRZ" %DE\¶V ILUVW GHQWDO YLVLW VKRXOG EH DW \HDU

Dental Insurance providers for: BCBS of Alabama, Southland, MetLife, Delta Dental, Guardian, Cigna (Radius Network), and United Concordia.

Get control of food allergies — let us help.

Weily Soong, MD James R. Bonner, MD Maxcie Sikora, MD John Anderson, MD Meghan Lemke, MD Sunena Argo, MD Patricia Luthin, CRNP

Find allergy relief now Let us help.

205-871-9661 alabamaallergy.com

Allergy & Asthma Care for Adults and Children Board-Certified by the American Board of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology FIVE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS: Homewood • Hoover • Hwy. 280 • Cullman • Alabaster NOW OFFERING ASTHMA EDUCATION CLASSES

1HZ 3DWLHQWV :HOFRPH

2045 BROOKWOOD MEDICAL CENTER DRIVE, STE 21 • BIRMINGHAM, AL 35209 (205) 870-0892 • DRS. ROHNER & MAHER • WWW.DRROHNER.COM

birminghamparent.com | 15

babybook

TEACH LIFE SKILLS “One of the best things you can do is help children learn life skills BEFORE the baby comes home,” Frost explains. “You need to do it anyway, and this is the time.”

It creates a sense of achievement in the older child, she continues, and it can also be a safety issue. They need to know how to feed themselves, dress themselves, and many other skills, depending on their age, to make them more self-sufficient. “You don’t want to have two babies,” she adds.

Once the baby arrives, you may want to help them hold it, discuss that they are a “big boy” or “big girl,” and show them how to deal with the baby and let them do it while watching them, Frost says.

MAKE THE JOURNEY FUN “It’s inevitable that a child will ask, ‘when is it coming?’ But nine months is a long time,” Frost says. “You may want to tell them about the baby once you start showing, but your older child is likely to ask often about how much longer it will be.”

Frost suggests that you do things to make the journey fun, such as a countdown calendar or anything else that will help your older one understand the process takes time, but it is going to happen.

DON’T MAKE EVERYTHING ABOUT THE BABY

BRINGING BABY HOME: “Supernanny” Reveals How to Help Siblings Accept the New Baby

By Carol Muse Evans

When it comes to handling sibling rivalry, “Supernanny” television star and now book author Jo Frost is an expert.

We’ve watched her deal with parents and children on television for years, handling every type of sibling rivalry and difficult parent, from the too-stern to the pushover. In a recent talk with Birmingham Parent, she had a lot of tips for helping older children accept a new baby in the family.

16 | birminghamparent | april 2014

“Not everything you do is because of the baby, and don’t leave your older child with the impression that everything he or she does is around baby,” Frost explains. “It can build resentment.”

Be sure to do things that are fun for the older child, and include them. “Don’t let them forget how important they are,” Frost says. “Most parents say they just didn’t know if they had enough love in their heart to love a second child like they love the first one. Of course, they find out they can, but make sure you communicate how important your first child is to him or her,” Frost adds.

WORK ON PATIENCE It’s going to take the firstborn longer to get used to the baby than it will take you, Frost says. “Reserve patience,” she says.

“Work on the transition before and after the baby arrives. Putting everything into place physically and mentally for a new baby can be overwhelming. You have a new routine, double work, and you need to get sleep as much as possible.”

ANTICIPATE SIBLING RIVALRY “Curb bad behavior by showing that all actions with the baby should be through love,” Frost points out. “All behavior has

“One of the best things you can do is help children learn life skills BEFORE the baby comes home." boundaries…but what your child may be testing or asking is ‘am I still loved by my parents?’”

Sharing how to behave with your actions is equally important, Frost says.

“You both are going through a transition…remember your older child is going through a transition as well. “I definitely urge parents to communicate with each other about how they are going to handle bad behavior after baby and related to the baby,” Frost says.

SHARE THE LOAD “I definitely urge parents to communicate how they will handle everything ahead of time,” Frost says.

“Of course some things will have to be handled on the fly, but try to have the important conversations ahead of time.”

This not only includes how to handle the older child’s behavior, but basic things like how your baby is going to be fed, and based on that, who will handle feeding and changing shifts, who will put the baby to bed, bath time, helping the older child, etc. “This creates a smooth transition, and also it makes it easier for the older children,” Frost adds.

Planning ahead also gives the parents peace of mind, Frost says. “Feeling good about the situation creates a healthy energy, and children are really receptive to the overall energy between the parents and in the home,” Frost says.

THE CARING PHYSICIANS WHERE WE KNOW YOUR CHILD BY NAME!

Dr. Sheridyn Breedlove ♥ Dr. Lillian Israel ♥ Dr. Alison McAfee

Open Monday- Friday 8am to 5pm 2409 Acton Road, Suite 171 • Birmingham, AL 35243 (205) 978-8245 • www.actonrdpeds.com

Want to Learn More?

Best known as the “Supernanny,” childcare expert and child advocate Jo Frost has always had a natural gift for connecting with kids and helping parents navigate milestones with practical, easy solutions.Now, the New York Times bestseller offers parents and caregivers her invaluable methods in Jo Frost’s Toddler Rules: Your 5-Step Guide to Shaping Proper Behavior to help tame toddler tantrums and curb troublesome behavior – from mealtime struggles to bedtime battles and everything in between.

Carol Muse Evans is publisher and editor of Birmingham Parent and a parent of two. birminghamparent.com | 17

Multiple Winner of Family Favorite Dentist

michael s. anglin, d.d.s pediatric & adolescent dentistry

erin nelson, d.d.s family dentistry 3825 Lorna Road, Suite 206, Hoover, Alabama 35244 205-988-9800 . www.BirminghamKidsdentist.com

Grace Community School & Daycare

205-769-6209

Our Infant Program: Love & Trust

TheWhaleSchool.com • Educational toys, activities and games • Personal, individualized infant care • Ages 6 weeks to 12 years* • Full and part-time enrollment

MATTHEW 12:40

OUR PRESCHOOLERS CAN READ!

INFANT—KINDERGARTEN—NO REGISTRATION FEE! • ABeka Curriculum • Fun While Learning • Daily Bible Class • Character Training • Interactive White Board • Open 6:30am-6pm • Extracurricular Activities • Healthy Meals and Snacks N Studew • Students Advance at their own Pace Spe ent • Superior/Customized Reading Program call cial, now !

• Secured Entry & Touchscreen Check in/out WAY Model School 2013-2014 school year •

8777 Helena Road, Pelham Open 6:30am - 6:00pm

For questions, contact Nate.Wells@TheWhaleSchool.com 18 | birminghamparent | april 2014

Enroll now and get free registration!* Call (205) 856-0948 to find a school near you.

LaPetite.com

*Programs and hours of operation may vary by school. New enrollees only. Offer is for free registration with full weekly tuition paid in advance by check or ACH. Limit one coupon per child. Please see school for further details. La Petite Academy, Inc. is an equal opportunity provider and employer. ©2014 La Petite Academy, Inc. Offer expires 5/30/14.

Offer code: 2014FreeReg

Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy Toddler Program The Toddler program at Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy is designed for children two years old and up. The Montessori environment supports the toddler’s natural desire to act independently. Trained Montessori teachers foster development of the children through a curriculum designed to promote fine and gross motor skills, language development, practical life skills and self-reliance. Students explore the world around them and interact with their environment, both in the classroom and in nature. Grace and courtesy lessons are part of the daily routine as young children learn the importance of respecting others and the environment.

For over thirty years, Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy has offered a high quality Montessori education in a unique private school setting. Please call us at 205-995-8709 for more information or to schedule a tour of our campus. jbma.org 5509 Timber Hill Rd, Birmingham, AL 35242 205-991-6809

Because the moment you learn you’re having a baby is the moment when everything changes.

That’s why St. Vincent’s is with you every baby step of the way with a variety of classes such as Preparing for Parenthood. After all, we’re not just where babies come from, St. Vincent’s is where parents are born.

HEALTH SYSTEM

where parents are born WhereParentsAreBorn.com

Acton Road Pediatrics Acton Road Pediatrics LLC opened its doors in 2007. Since the beginning, our desire has been to care for your children in a loving, friendly and safe environment. From the moment you walk in, you will be greeted with a warm smile, while waiting in a cheerful, kid friendly waiting room. Our professional, experienced staff goes out of their way to calm you and your children’s fears and make your child’s visit enjoyable.

We help you care for and keep your children healthy by offering well child checkups with immunizations and sick visits to address your concerns about common medical problems. We also hope to provide anticipatory guidance, helping parents gain confidence in their own ability to meet their children’s physical and emotional needs. We provide care from birth until they graduate from high school.

Dr. Lillian Israel, Dr. Sheridyn Breedlove, and Dr. Alison McAfee are our board certified pediatricians with more than 50 years of combined experience. Being mothers themselves, they understand the many challenges and stages involved in raising healthy children. They are honored to play a small part in helping you keep your children healthy. We hope that you choose Acton Road Pediatrics -Where we know your children by name!!

www.actonrdpeds.com Acton Road Pediatrics 2409 Acton Road Suite 171 Birmingham, AL 35243

birminghamparent.com | 19

LOOK UP AT THE SKY DAY

Moms Connect, 6:30-8:30pm, Riverchase Community Church.

NO HOUSEWORK DAY

Science Cafe: What’s Up Dude?

Why Teens Think The Way They Do, 6-8pm, John’s City Diner.

Lego League, 6-6:45pm, Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster.

APRIL FOOL’S DAY

TUESDAY

See the daily calendar of events in detail beginning on page 26.

MONDAY

NATIONAL LIBRARIAN DAY

NAME YOURSELF DAY

NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK

WEDNESDAY

NATIONAL HIGH FIVE DAY

NATIONAL SIBLINGS DAY

TWEED DAY

THURSDAY

INTERNATIONAL JUGGLERS’ DAY

GOOD FRIDAY

American Girls Club, 4pm Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens Annual Plant Sale, 9am-7pm, Century Plaza, in the former JC Penney location.

HUG A NEWSMAN DAY

FRIDAY

april 2014 HIGHLIGHTS 5

Bart’s Books, 11amnoon, Birmingham Museum of Art.

Bart’s Art Cart, 11am-1pm, Birmingham Museum of Art.

Hikes for Tykes with Fresh Air Family, 10am-11am, Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Party for the Planet on Earth Day, 9am-5pm, Birmingham Zoo.

19

MONTEVALLO ART FESTIVAL AT ORR PARK, Montevallo, AL, 10am to 5pm. Over 70 artists and live music. www.montevalloartscouncil.org

BCT’s "The Secret Garden," 2-3pm, Birmingham Children’s Theatre.

12

Bart’s Art Cart, 11am-1pm, Birmingham Museum of Art.

Junior League of Birmingham 5K for Kids, 8am-11am, Regions Field.

Curtain Call Ball, 5:30-8:30pm, Birmingham Children’s Theatre.

SATURDAY

6

13

EASTER SUNDAY

20

Homeschool Happening: Bird Watching Wonders, 11am-noon, Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster.

Audubon Teaches Nature: Return of the Spring MigrantsGreat Expectations!

1:30-3:30pm, Alabama Wildlife Center. 14 Monday.

PALM SUNDAY

Whispers from the Past-A Native American Experience, 11:30am-7:30pm, Aldridge Gardens.

SUNDAY

NATIONAL JELLYBEAN DAY

NATIONAL SHRIMP SCAMPI DAY

KINDERGARTEN DAY

INTERNATIONAL ASTRONOMY DAY HAIRSTYLE APPRECIATION DAY

NATIONAL ZUCCHINI BREAD DAY

The Magnolia Festival. 5-10pm, Gardendale Civic Center.

Blue Ribbon Rally for Child Abuse Prevention, 11am-1pm, Jefferson County Department of Human Resources.

Tales for Tots Story Time, 10am11am, The Arc of Shelby County.

ARBOR DAY

26

Bart›s Art Cart, 11am-1pm, Birmingham Museum of Art.

Hikes for Tykes with Fresh Air Family.

23rd Annual Bargain Carousel, 8am-5pm, Former JC Penney location at Century Plaza.

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

The Friends of the Alabaster Albert L. Scott Library Spring Book Sale, 10am-3pm, Albert L. Scott Library.

In the initial Roman calendar April was the second month of the year until January and February were added in 700 BC. It is thought that the name April comes from the Latin word "to open" and describes the trees opening at springtime. It could also be that the name comes from the Greek goddess Aphrodite.

April is the month when the professional baseball season begins in the United States.

In England there are many cuckoo festivals. The arrival of the cuckoo bird in April is a signal that spring has arrived.

In Ancient Rome the month of April was sacred to the goddess Venus.

The diamond of April symbolizes innoncence.

27

Birmingham Suzuki Violinists in Concert, 3pm, Virginia Samford Theatre.

In the Southern Hemisphere, April is the same as October in the Northern Hemisphere.

It is the second month of spring. It is a time of planting and spring cleaning.

18th Annual Jefferson Christian Academy Invitational Golf Tournament, 7:30am check-in; 8am shotgun start.

babybook

The Jacobs family of Birmingham includes fraternal twins Lillian and Henry.

PHOTO BY KIM BRANTLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

ALL ABOUT

twins

By Paige Townley

So you’re having twins, an exciting – and usually surprising – discovery in the lives of many parents-to-be. Already apprehensive about the thought of having just one, many about-to-be parents’ anxieties double, along with the delight, at the thought of the extra expectation.

While there is much more that goes into having twins rather than just one, early planning and some extra helping hands can go a long way in preparing for your special arrivals. Here, health care professionals and parents alike share their tips and experiences when it comes to preparing for and raising twins.

22 | birminghamparent | april 2014

UNDERSTANDING POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS The number of twins has actually gone up more than 50 percent in the last 20 or so years, mainly due to infertility treatments, says Dr. Antonio Gonzalez, Brookwood Medical Center’s maternal-fetal medicine specialist. About half of twins require time spent in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) upon birth, Gonzales says.

“Multiples have a higher chance for problems, such as birth defects and prematurity,” he says. “That also means higher expenses, not only in the cost of taking care of a twin pregnancy but also in the cost of having the babies because of the probability of the babies going into the NICU.” On average, more than 60 percent of twins are

born before 37 weeks, usually around the 35-week to 36-week mark. Because they are born early, multiple birth babies tend to be smaller than singletons.

There are many strategies that many mommies-to-be try to avoid premature labor, such as bed rest and medication, but they are all myths, Gonzalez says.

“None of them work,” he says. “No one has ever really shown that bed rest helps avoid premature labor, or that the medications given will stop it.

The most medicines can do is delay a delivery up to about 96 hours.

“Some have tried home fetal monitors, which do not work either.

The best thing to do to avoid premature labor and potential complications is to start the pregnancy on the right foot.”

MANAGING THE RISKS DURING PREGNANCY Because a pregnancy with multiples does come with an increased risk for problems, Gonzalez first recommends seeking prenatal care early. “If you are trying to get pregnant, I cannot overstress the importance of taking extra folic acid,” he says.

“Go ahead and start taking folic acid before you ever get pregnant. And if your chances are great for having multiples, be sure to seek out the care of a physician who has experience in the care of multiples.”

In addition, the best way to help avoid any potential complications once pregnant is to be as healthy as possible: maintain proper nutrition and weight gain. “There is really nothing a mother can do to improve her

pregnancy with the exception of nutrition and proper weight gain,” says Nancy Bowers, president of Marvelous Multiples, Inc., a nurse and mother of twins. “These two things have been shown to make a difference.”

Bowers developed the Marvelous Multiples Prenatal Education classes while she was teaching childbirth education classes at Brookwood Medical Center in the early 1990s. “When I was pregnant with my own twins, I realized that there was nothing out there for multiples,” she explains. “I knew if there was a need for me, there were others that needed it too. So the objective of our course is to help these moms and dads expecting multiples to have healthy pregnancies.”

Her education classes, which piloted at Brookwood and now are taught all over the country, focus on teaching soon-to-be parents about the importance of nutrition and proper weight gain and how to recognize the signs of problems so that treatment can be sought early.

Lynn Jeter, coordinator of the prenatal education program at Brookwood, strongly suggests soon-to-be parents enroll in an education class, such as Marvelous Multiples, soon after confirming a pregnancy. “Not only will the mom be more comfortable than later on in pregnancy, but by coming in early they will be able to take greater advantage of the information, especially when it comes to weight gain and nutrition, as

well as learning how to watch for signs of complications.”

BRINGING HOME BABIES With so much out of parents’ control during pregnancy and after delivery, there is much new parents can do to prepare for bringing the babies home to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Charles Daniel and his wife, Brannan are parents to six-month-old identical twin boys, Ingram and Harrison. As first-time parents, they quickly discovered the importance of keeping both babies on a similar schedule. “Both babies spent almost two weeks in the NICU, and when they left they were on a schedule,” says Daniel. “So we did everything we could to help keep them on that schedule. With multiples especially, you need to find a routine that works for you and stick with it. For us, when one baby wakes up wanting to eat, the other baby is going to be awakened to eat too. Otherwise, we are caught in a never-ending cycle of feedings.”

Kelly Jacobs, mother to nine-year-old fraternal twins Lillian and Henry, also recommends not getting stuck in the mind frame that having twins means automatically purchasing two of everything. “That’s expensive and cluttering,” she says. “Except for the obvious items like car seats, start with one and then go buy a second one only if you discover you really need it.” Also of particular importance with twins is seeking out hand-me-downs, Jacobs adds. “That really saved me,” she says. “I luckily

bought very little new because there were people that gave us hand-me-downs. I’m so grateful for that.”

But perhaps the most helpful advice for soon-tobe parents of twins: accept help from friends and family.

“When people offer help, take it,” Daniel says. “It’s easy to say you’re good and you’ll handle it, but take the help.

And take whatever help you can get, even if it’s just someone babysitting while you take a nap. Every little bit counts.”

Adds Jeter, “Adjusting to parenthood is big enough, but adjusting with two babies is even bigger. Line up some family and friends to help you at home. Learn how to delegate and that you can’t do it all yourself.”

Raising twins, as well as other siblings, can be quite a balancing act. Experienced parents and health care professionals provided more suggestions on the best ways to manage multiples:

✱ If the twins have older

siblings, be sure to maintain their established routines as much as possible. “If you

think you’re going to need to change the older child’s routine, change it early,” says Bowers. “But if you can keep whatever routine has already been established for the other child, keep it.”

✱ Remember that each

child is different. Don’t compare the development of each child. “When I had just one child, I never really compared her to other children, but when the twins came along,

I couldn’t help but compare them,” Jacobs says. “So when one baby started rolling over and the other one didn’t, I worried. I had to realize that all children are different.”

✱ Learn to go with the flow.

“There was a moment as a mother when I finally realized that some things are out of my control,” Jacobs says.

“I had to learn to go with the flow. When I only had one child, I could delude myself into thinking I was somewhat in control of a situation, but with the twins it was obvious that I wasn’t and I had to learn that was OK.”

✱ Be prepared. Besides an educational class focused specifically on multiples, Jeter recommends soon-to-be mothers take a breastfeeding class, as well as infant CPR and safety. ✱ Don’t forget to savor

the small moments. “It’s easy to be overwhelmed with the rough feeding schedule, which for me was every three hours,” Jacobs says. “But what a blessing that ended up being. As much as there were moments I wanted to scream because I was so rigidly tied to a schedule, if I hadn’t been forced to do that I wouldn’t have taken the time to sit down and stare at each baby and spend that dedicated time with the babies. I would have gotten busy with the other things that needed to get done. Try to view that time with the babies as sacred.”

Paige Townley is a freelance writer.

Want to Learn More?

Below are three helpful resources that can provide you with information about childbirth and preparation classes, pregnancy tips, and even support groups: Marvelous Multiples: www.marvelousmultiples.com Information about classes and all sorts of informational

articles, links, and other helpful information.

Brookwood Women’s Center: www.ichooseb.com Resources include childbirth and preparation classes, information about support groups, and more.

Birmingham Area Mothers of Multiples: www.bamom.org An organization dedicated to the support of moms with twins, triplets, and higher order multiples that provides information along with emotional, physical, and financial support to members. birminghamparent.com | 23

baby&me DIRECTORY 2014 YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH Acton Road Pediatrics 2409 Acton Road Suite 171 Birmingham, AL 35243 205-978-8245 www.actonrdpeds.com Board certified pediatricians Dr. Lillian Israel, Dr. Sheridyn Breedlove, and Dr. Alison McAfee offer more than 50 years of combined experience and provide a cheerful, kid-friendly office environment.

Alabama Allergy & Asthma Multiple locations: Homewood * Hoover * Hwy280/Chelsea * Alabaster * Cullman 205-871-9661 www.alabamaallergy.com The best allergy & asthma care provided by board certified allergy & asthma specialists.

Treating pediatric & adult allergies, food allergy, asthma, sinus & skin disorders.

Angelica Rohner Pediatric Dentistry Drs. Rohner & Maher 2045 Brookwood Medical Center Dr., Suite 21 Birmingham, AL 35209 205-870-0892 mfranklin@drrohner.com www.drrohner.com Drs. Rohner & Maher, specialists of pediatric and adolescent dentistry. Our doctors and their professional staff strive to make each dental visit fun and exciting!

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

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

24 | birminghamparent | april 2014

McCalla Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics 4814 Bell Hill Rd. Bessemer, AL 35022 205-477-35022 www.mccallasmiles.com Services include dentistry for children & adolescents; patients with disabilities and orthodontic for child/adults. We offer traditional metal brackets, as well as clear and Invisalign.

Dr. Michael Anglin Pediatric Dentistry Dr. Erin Nelson Family Dentistry 3825 Lorna Rd., Suite 206 Hoover, AL 35244 205-988-9800 www.BirminghamKidsdentist.com Dr. Michael Anglin has provided high quality pediatric dentistry to the Hoover and surrounding communities since 1993. With Dr. Nelson, they offer excellent care for children, adolescents & adults.

Pediatric & Adolescent Dentistry Dr. Clark Thomas & Dr. Lauten Johnson HOOVER LOCATION 1015 Brocks Gap Pkwy.

Hoover, AL 35244 205-982-0112 www.hoover.info@alpediatricdentistry.com BIRMINGHAM LOCATION 3918 Montclair Rd. Suite 206 Birmingham, AL 35213 205-879-6150 www.alpediatricdentistry.com Your child’s path to optimum dental health starts here with our kid-friendly staff. Options for in-office sedation or general anesthesia at Children's Hospital.

Pediatric Smiles 5751 Pocahontas Rd., Suite B Bessemer, AL 35022 205-230-9000 www.psmilesal.com Dentistry for children, infants and special needs persons.

Now accepting new patients.

Most insurance accepted.

Small Steps Pediatrics Dr. Shameza Boyd, MD, FAAP St. Vincent’s East Professional Bldg.

52 Medical Park Drive East, Suite 201 Birmingham, AL 35235 205-868-3486 www.smallstepspediatrics.com

From routine checkups to immunizations, Small Steps Pediatrics is equipped to handle all of your child’s health needs with compassion, excellence and value.

MOM’S HEALTH Brookwood Women's Center 2010 Brookwood Medical Center Dr. Birmingham, AL 35209 205-877-1000 www.ichooseb.com At Brookwood Women's Center, we've devoted our lives to caring for women and all their unique needs.

St. Vincent’s Birmingham 810 St. Vincent’s Drive Birmingham, AL 35205 stvhs.com St. Vincent’s East 50 Medical Park East Drive Birmingham, AL 35235 stvhs.com Our team of doctors and nurses are with you every baby step of the way! For more information or to find a doctor, call Dial-ANurse at 205-939-7878.

PRESCHOOLS, DAYCARES & EDUCATION Alabama Institute for the Deaf & Blind 220 34th St. S. Birmingham, AL 35222 205 E. South Street Talladega, Alabama 35160 www.aidb.org AIDB provides services to all ages from birth to adults for individuals with hearing loss, vision loss or unique sensory losses.

student specials, exceeding the typical daycare without the cost!

Joseph S. Bruno Montessori Academy 5509 Timber Hill Rd. Birmingham, AL 35242 Phone: 205-995-8709 Fax: 205-995-0517 www.jbma.org For 30 years JBMA has equipped children with the essential skills and knowledge they need to thrive as a successful adult. Enrolling toddlers - 8th grade.

La Petite Academy 2041 Brookwood Medical Center Dr. Birmingham, AL 35209 7365@lapetite.com www.lapetite.com 205-879-7615 Provides educational childcare for children 6 weeks-age 12.

Passionate about providing children with the tools they need to be successful in all aspects of their lives.

Mountain Brook Presbyterian Preschool 3405 Brookwood Rd. Mountain Brook, AL 35223 205-967-5037 x4 www.mbpcpreschool.com Children ages 6 months to 5K are nurtured in an individualized, small-school learning environment. Fostering a love of learning, and we never forget how to play!

RECREATION & CLASSES

The Discovery School 2100 Highland Avenue Birmingham, AL 35205 (205) 933-5907 discoveryschool@ourtemple.org www.ourtemple.org/discoveryschool The Discovery School is a nurturing and engaging preschool for all children to learn, discover, and imagine. Full-day program, ages 15 months-5 years old.

Alabama Dance Academy 3221 Old Columbiana Rd. Hoover, AL 35226 205-978-6820 www.aladance.com A state-of-the-art dance instruction facility in the disciplines of ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical/contemporary and Pilates.

Founded by professional ballet dancer Pamela Merkel in 1995.

Pre-school classes offered.

Grace Community School & Daycare 8777 Helena Rd. Pelham, AL 35124 205-769-6209 Nathan.wells@thewhaleschool.com www.thewhaleschool.com Advanced reading program, Bible classes, character training, healthy meals/snack, students advance at their pace, new

ASFA Ballet Preparatory Academy 1800 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd.

Birmingham, AL 35203 205-252-9241 jkilgore@asfa.k12.al.us www.asfa.k12.al.us Disciplined instruction in classical ballet. Commitment to excellence

in training & etiquette. Prepares students to audition for ASFA Dance Department. American Ballet Theatre Curriculum. PreSchool classes offered

www.birthdaysinbirmingham.com The most complete resource for your birthday party and all party needs, from places to party to entertainers, food trucks and more.

Dancewear & accessories.

Celebrating over 33 years.

Dressing future ballerinas. New fashions arriving daily. Family owned and operated.

BSC Conservatory of Fine and Performing Arts 900 Arkadelphia Rd. Birmingham, AL 35254 lvictory@bsc.edu www.bsc.edu/academics/music 205-226-4960 Lessons in piano, voice, violin, band. Preschool classes available.

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center 2800 Opryland Dr. Nashville, TN 37214 615-889-1000 www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ bnago-gaylord-opryland-resortand-convention-center/

The Korduroy Krocodile Consignment 2912 Linden Ave. Homewood, AL 35209 205-879-0030 info@kordoroykrocodile.com www.kordoroykrocodile.com For more than 30 years providing friendly, personalized service. Upscale and affordable kids’ clothing.

Children’s Dance Foundation 1715 27th Court S. Homewood, AL 35209 205-870-0073 www.childresndancefoundation.org This class is a great first activity for your little one and their favorite grown up! Class includes piano accompaniment and a wide variety of props.

Samford University Preparatory Music 800 Lakeshore Dr. Birmingham, AL 35229 205-726-4049 chmacon@samford.edu Music for all ages on the lovely Samford University campus in Homewood. Preschool classes, piano & voice. Private lessons.

ENTERTAINMENT & TRAVEL Birmingham Children’s Theatre 2130 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N. Birmingham, AL 35203 205458-8181 www.bct123.org One of the nation’s oldest and largest professional theatre companies for children. BCT produces high-quality, professional theatrical entertainment and curriculumrelevant arts education experiences for children and families.

Birmingham Museum of Art 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd.

Birmingham, Al 35203 205.254.2565 www.artsbma.org Bart's ArtVenture combines high tech art-making tools with hands-on creation stations to let kids and families develop their art education in a creative, communal environment.

Birthdays In Birmingham

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism 23685 Perdido Beach Blvd.

Orange Beach, AL 36561 877-475-1528 www.gulfshores.com/birminghamparent Find your memorable family vacation with time to relax, explore and enjoy our 32 miles of uncrowded white-sand beaches, variety of attractions/accommodations and great seafood.

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum 1919 Ninth St. Calera, AL 35040 205-668-3435 www.hodrrm.org Ride the Train! Board at a turn-ofthe-century depot and experience a ride through the scenic forests of Shelby County. Museum is a living monument to railroad history.

SHOPS & SERVICES Applause Dancewear 1629 Oxmoor Rd. Birmingham, AL 35209 205-871-STEP www.appausedancewear.net

CONSIGNMENT Upscale Children’s Clothing

& INGER R P S MM SUTEMS ILY I DA G IVIN ARR

ER N OAVLES! O P S HO OUR FOR

PHOTOGRAPHY Donald Love Photography 205-902-5357 www.dlovephotography.com Family photos, children, pregnant moms, weddings, and much more in the central Alabama area.

Photocraft by Tom Warriner 850-803-1161 www.photocrafttom.com We offer our beach portrait and wedding photography services to the Florida Panhandle area, including Destin, Rosemary Beach, Pensacola Beach and the surrounding areas.

Photocraft by Tom Warriner #1 on the Emerald Coast Destin, FL 32540 850-803-1161 www.photocrafttom.com Children and adult beach portrait photography services to the Florida Panhandle areas. We are also available for weddings in Birmingham, Alabama and South Central Alabama.

32 yrs in business hours: Tues - Sat 10 - 4

DENTISTRY FOR

CHILDREN & SPECIAL NEEDS PERSONS

Shameza Boyd, MD, FAAP

Dr. Tabitha Jarman Gatrey, DMD

Evening &Saturday appts. available • Free Parking On site Lab and X-Rays

www.smallstepspediatrics.com

We Are Accepting New Patients!

NEWBORN TO 18 YEARS OLD

St. Vincent’s East Professional Building 52 Medical Park Drive East, Suite 201 . Birmingham, Alabama 35235

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

www.psmilesal.com birminghamparent.com | 25

apr

daily calendar of events

Calendar sponsored by

PHOTO COURTESY OF MAGNOLIA FESTIVAL

2014

The Gardendale Magnolia Festival Caterpillar Roller Coaster is a fun ride for kids. Be sure to take in this two-day festival this month!

5 SATURDAY Curtain Call Ball 5:30-8:30pm, Birmingham Children’s Theatre. Wear your costumes for an enchanted family evening to raise funds and awareness for BCT’s education and outreach programs.

Music, a live and silent auction, food, art activities and a performance showcasing BCT productions. 205-458-8181, www.bct123.org/CurtainCallBall.html.

Junior League of Birmingham 5K for Kids 8am-11am, Regions Field. Join the Junior League of Birmingham and the Birmingham Barons as we take “Small Steps to End Childhood Obesity” in the

5K for Kids and 1 Mile Fun Run. 205-879-9861, www.jlbonline. com/5kforkids. FREE. Hikes for Tykes with Fresh Air Family 10am-11am, Birmingham Botanical Gardens. This program encourages preschool children and their parents to engage in an outdoor educational adventure. 205-540-6642, www. freshairfamily.org. FREE. Nano Day 10am-4pm, McWane Science Center. Learn about big science on a small scale during fun programs throughout the week! 205-714-8300, www.mcwane.org/calendar_ items/1144-nano_day. FREE with admission.

Free Classes from Magic City Chess U 10am-noon, Birmingham Public Library. Learn to play or improve your play in these free classes. 205-862-2018, http:// magiccitychessu.wix.com/ magiccitychessu. FREE.

Alabaster. Books-A-Million will donate a percentage of its sales during the event to the Friends to support the many programs and services of the library. 205-663-1374, www. cityofalabaster.com/departments/library/.

Bart’s Art Cart 11am-1pm, Birmingham Museum of Art. This drop-in art program for kids and families features a different theme from our galleries and art activity each month. Stop by to make art with Bart! April: Create woven wonders. http:// artsbma.org. FREE.

6 SUNDAY

The Friends of the Alabaster Albert L. Scott Library 11am-3pm, Books-A-Million,

Whispers from the Past-A Native American Experience 11:30am-7:30pm, Aldridge Gardens. Rediscover the culture and contributions of Native Alabamians as life takes shape through demonstrations of flintknapping, cooking and hunting weapons, leaf pounding, beading, corn grinding, gourd painting and pottery and children’s games and ac-

Events may change after publication deadline; please phone ahead to confirm important information. The deadline for submitting calendar items for the May 2014 issue is April 3. Mail calendar items to: Calendar, Birmingham Parent, 3590B Hwy 31 S #289, Pelham, AL 35124; fax to 987-7600; e-mail to calendar@BirminghamParent.com; or enter directly to the online calendar at www.birminghamparent.com. Entries added online after the print deadline will not appear in the print version. Information cannot be accepted over the phone. Birmingham Parent publishes a calendar 11 times a year. January events are included in the December issue.

Guidelines: Birmingham Parent’s calendar is designed to be a resource and service to the community and our readers. Events which are open to the public, fund-raisers, free classes, etc., are events that may be included in our monthly calendar. We reserve the right to reject any event or listing due to rules or space restrictions. For questions regarding calendar entries, call 987-7700.

26 | birminghamparent | april 2014

apr

Calendar sponsored by

2014 tivities. $5 donation for visitors 18 and older. $3 passport for schoolage children wanting to participate in take-home crafts.

8 TUESDAY Moms Connect 6:30-8:30pm, Riverchase Community Church. Support group of mothers with children of all ages. Topic: Preserve your memories in photographs with tips for taking good pictures. Childcare is available. Call Lynn at 205-664-4531 for childcare reservation. FREE. Lego League 6-6:45pm, Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster. Kids of all ages. Youngsters 6 and younger must be with an adult. 205-664-6822. FREE.

11 FRIDAY Birmingham Botanical Gardens Annual Plant Sale 9am-7pm, Century Plaza, in the former JC Penney location. Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ annual sale will have over 100,000 plants for purchase. Most have been nurtured by volunteers at the gardens. www.bbgardens.org.

FREE. American Girls Club 4pm Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster. Girls 7 years old and older can come celebrate the birthdays of all the American Girls doll characters. Sign up and come with or without a doll. 205-664-6822. FREE.

12 SATURDAY Birmingham Children’s Theatre presents “The Secret Garden” 2-3pm, Birmingham Children’s Theatre. In an exciting new musical production of this familiar tale, Mary Lennox, a willful young orphan, is sent to live with her brooding uncle at gloomy Misselthwaite Manor. Discovering a hidden, neglected garden, Mary plants the seeds of new life for all those drawn into her secret refuge. 205-458-8181, www. bct123.org.

Farm Day 9am-5pm, Birmingham Zoo. Take a look at Alabama’s agricultural heritage with a fun and educational peak into daily farm life. Watch horseshoe making demonstrations, create rural-themed arts and crafts, examine several antique tractors and farm equipment, watch a goat show and much more! www. birminghamzoo.com. fee.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens Annual Plant Sale 9am-5pm, Century Plaza, in the former JC Penney location. See April 11.

The Total Family Experience!

13th Annual

Voted one of the

TOP 10 EVENTS

in April 2010 & May 2012 in the Alabama Tourism Calendar

April 25-26, 2014 Fri 5-10pm & Sat10am-5pm

5K & FAMILIY FUN RUN 04/19/14 Benefiting Just Keep Smiling and the Miracle League.

Cowboy Bruce • Midway Carnival • Pooch Parade Free Art Classes • Eating Contests • 3 Stages Live Entertainment • Car Show • Over 150 vendor booths

Hikes for Tykes with Fresh Air Family 10am-11am, Birmingham Botanical Gardens. See April 5.

Free Classes from Magic City Chess U 10am-noon, Birmingham Public Library. See April 5.

Bart’s Art Cart 11am-1pm, Birmingham Museum of Art. See April 5.

www.magnoliafestival.org

13 SUNDAY Birmingham Botanical Gardens Annual Plant Sale 11am-3pm, Century Plaza, in the former JC Penney location. See April 11.

Audubon Teaches Nature: Return of the Spring Migrants-Great Expectations!

1:30-3:30pm, Alabama Wildlife Center. Free after paid admission to Oak Mountain State Park. Refreshments are offered at 1:30pm followed by the program at 2pm.

Weather permitting, an informal nature walk follows the program so be sure to bring binoculars and field guides.

Guest speaker: Greg Harber, Birmingham Audubon Society.

205-663-7930, Ext. 4, www. awrc.org. FREE.

14 MONDAY Homeschool Happening: Bird Watching Wonders 11am-noon, Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster. Helena Uber-Wamble of the Audubon Society will tell children first-

Beach Portraits & Wedding Photography Serving Destin, Florida and surrounding areas www.photocrafttom.com Photocrafttom@cox.net 850-803-1161

Your child’s Reading & Math skills will improve one full grade level in 40 hours of instruction!

WE GUARANTEE IT!

Empowering Children to Reach their Potential

READING + MATH + WRITING STUDY SKILLS + ALGEBRA I ALGEBRA II + GEOMETRY Call for your FREE testing appointment

205-987-9577 www.tutoringcenter.com

2804 John Hawkins Pkwy, Suite 100, Hoover, AL 35244

FREE

DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT ($150 VALUE) &

$100 OFF ENROLLMENT OFFER ENDS 6/1/14

birminghamparent.com | 27

apr

daily calendar of events

Calendar sponsored by

2014 12th grade about bird watching in this area. Children age 6 must be with an adult. 205-6646822, FREE.

15 TUESDAY Science Cafe: What’s Up Dude? Why Teens Think The Way They Do 6-8pm, John’s City Diner. What’s up dude? Find out why teens think the way they do. Speaker: Dr. Mark Westfall, psychiatrist.

205-714-8300, www.mcwane. org. FREE with admission.

19 SATURDAY Party for the Planet on Earth Day 9am-5pm, Birmingham Zoo. The zoo celebrates the AZA’s signature event and largest combined Earth Day celebration in North America! Special activities, animal demonstrations, wildlife shows and local Birmingham business booths all focused on promoting the care and conservation of the planet. www.birminghamzoo.com.

Admission charged.

Hikes for Tykes with Fresh Air Family 10am-11am, Birmingham Botanical Gardens. See April 5.

Free Classes from Magic City Chess U 10am-noon, Birmingham Public Library. See April 5.

Bart’s Art Cart 11am-1pm, Birmingham Museum of Art. See April 5.

Bart’s Books 11am-noon, Birmingham Museum of Art. Bart’s Books is a storytelling program for children ages 4-7. Bart selects a new book and related work of art each month that he thinks kids will enjoy. April’s book: Something from Nothing. http:// artsbma.org. FREE.

22 TUESDAY Moms Connect 6:30-8:30pm, Riverchase Community Church. A support group of mothers with children of all ages. Spa Night! Join us for a relaxing time at the Moms Con28 | birminghamparent | april 2014

nect Spa. Call Lynn at 205-6644531 for childcare reservation.

FREE. Caterpillars to Butterflies: How These Insects Use Plants to Thrive 6:30-8pm, Aldridge Gardens.

Learn how a tiny egg, the size of a grain of sand, transforms into a beautiful, colorful butterfly. Each family that registers for this family nature program will receive a butterfly host plant. Fees from $5 to $26, see website. Space is limited, preregistration suggested. http:// aldridgegardens.com. Fee.

24 THURSDAY 18th Annual Jefferson Christian Academy Invitational Golf Tournament 7:30am check-in; 8am shotgun start. Tournament benefit’s JCA’s programs. Information, Wendy Burrows, 205-956-9111, wburrows@jcaweb.net.

Bargain Bash 6-10pm, former JC Penney location, Century Plaza. Join the Junior League of Birmingham for exclusive access to the merchandise that will be sold at Bargain Carousel. Food and treats, tasty beverages, auction items, terrific shopping at bargain prices. Ticket pricing, location information, and event times, see www.bargaincarousel.net/bargain-bash.html.

205-879-9861, www.bargaincarousel.net/. Fee. Music Gala 7:30pm Dorothy Jemison Day Theater. Enjoy a beautiful classical and jazz repertoire. The show features the ASFA orchestra, Jazz ensemble, Concerto delle Donne and Choir. Also on Friday, the 25th. $10 adults and $5 students. www.djdtheater.org.

25 FRIDAY Tales for Tots Story Time 10am-11am, The Arc of Shelby County. A fun-filled story, craft activity, snack, and best of all, free family fun! Please bring a donation as your admission (wipes, glue, stickers, paper, etc.). The Arc of Shelby County’s Early Intervention staff will conduct each session. The

sessions are designed to allow children to participate successfully at their own level. 205664-9313, www.thearcofshelby. org. FREE with donation.

The Friends of the Alabaster Albert L. Scott Library Spring Book Sale 9am-3pm, Albert L. Scott Library. See April 25.

Blue Ribbon Rally for Child Abuse Prevention 11am-1pm, Jefferson County Department of Human Resources.

Registration for this event ends on March 28, 2014. Registration includes lunch and a t-shirt.

Vangie Davis 205-423-4933.

FREE.

26 SATURDAY

The Magnolia Festival 5-10pm, Gardendale Civic Center. Cowboy Bruce, Friday Fireworks. Two day festival. Almost 200 vendor booths, 3 stages entertainment, Midway carnival, Sidewalk chalk art contest, Free art classes all day, Pooch parade. Birmingham Parent is a sponsor. www.magnoliafestival. org. FREE. The Friends of the Alabaster Albert L. Scott Library Spring Book Sale 5-7pm, members only preview sale, Albert L. Scott Library.

Membership in the Friends of the Alabaster will be available for as little as $10 and Sunday’s hours are 1-3 p.m.

Patrons may donate books and DVDs directly to the library by bringing them to the front desk.

664-6822, FREE. Music Gala 7:30pm Dorothy Jemison Day Theater . Enjoy a beautiful classical and jazz repertoire in the Dorothy Jemison Day Theater.

The show features the ASFA orchestra, Jazz ensemble, Concerto delle Donne and Choir. $10 adults and $5 students. www.djdtheater.org.

2014 Hope for Autumn Foundation Crawfish Boil 3-9pm, the Main Green of Ross Bridge. An afternoon of music, food and family fun to benefit the families of local pediatric cancer patients, as well as the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorder’s Developmental Therapeutics.

Tickets $25 online, $30 at the door. Children 12 and under are free. info@hopeforautumnfoundation.org. Fee.

Magnolia Festival 10am-5pm, Gardendale Civic Center. Cowboy Bruce, Friday Fireworks, Almost 200 vendor booths, 3 stages entertainment, Midway carnival, Sidewalk chalk art contest, Free art classes all day, Pooch parade. Birmingham Parent is a sponsor. www.magnoliafestival.org. FREE. 23rd Annual Bargain Carousel 8am-5pm, Former JC Penney location at Century Plaza.

Please join the Junior League of Birmingham for our “1000-family garage sale!” Through member donations, Bargain Carousel provides shoppers with quality items, many of life’s necessities, at very affordable prices. In return, proceeds are returned directly to the Birmingham community through the Community Projects the JLB supports.

Tickets, www.bargaincarousel. net. 205-879-9861. Fee. Hikes for Tykes with Fresh Air Family 10am-11am, Birmingham Botanical Gardens. See April 5.

Free Classes from Magic City Chess U 10am-noon, Birmingham Public Library. See April 5.

Bart’s Art Cart 11am-1pm, Birmingham Museum of Art. See April 5.

27 SUNDAY Birmingham Suzuki Violinists in Concert 3pm, Virginia Samford Theatre.

Young pianists will also perform.

Tickets are $5-10, young children can attend free. A reception will be held after the concert. www.birminghamsuzukiviolinists.org.

The Friends of the Alabaster Albert L. Scott Library Spring Book Sale 10am-3pm, Albert L. Scott Library. Fill a Bag for $5 day.

See April 25.

Where all the dental needs of your child can be met under one roof!

Dr. Olga SanchezHernandez is dual trained as a pediatric dentist and a board certified orthodontist

INTRODUCING

SERVICES INCLUDE: Dentistry for children and adolescents Dentistry for patients with disabilities

A customized treatment program for children with ADD/ADHD

Orthodontics for children and adults

Uses current technologies of Interactive Metronome and Integrated Listening Systems to build neurological pathways that enhance overall functional abilities.

We offer the traditional metal brackets, as well as clear.

We also do Invisalign.

Improves ability to sustain ATTENTION & minimize distractibility Promotes Motor and Cognitive PLANNING

EASTERN VALLEY RD. exit 1

459

Develops THINKING skills for improved academic performance

BELL HILL RD.

MON-THU 8AM-5PM

www.mccallasmiles.com 4814 Bell Hill Rd, Bessemer, AL 35022 . 205-477-8004 WE FILE ALL INSURANCE AS A COURTESY. WE ARE PROVIDERS FOR MOST INSURANCE COMPANIES.

205.978.9939 • www.childsplaytherapycenter.com

CALL TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION!

RIDE THE TRAIN

COTTONTAIL EXPRESS HOP ABOARD for a trip to Peter Cottontail’s meadow for an Easter Egg Hunt and fun activities!

Find the lucky egg & you could win a prize!

April 12, 13, and 19

HEART OF DIXIE RAILROAD MUSEUM 1919 9th St. Calera, Alabama For tickets & information

www.HODRRM.org • 205-757-8383 birminghamparent.com | 29

apr

Calendar sponsored by

events & attractions

2014 There are great activities all month long at McWane Science Center.

ALDRIDGE BOTANICAL GARDENS 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover.

205-682-8019, www.aldridgegardens.com ALABAMA JAZZ HALL OF FAME 1631 Fourth Ave. N., Birmingham. 205-254-2731, www. jazzhall.com ALABAMA SPORTS HALL OF FAME 2150 Richard Arrington Blvd. N., Birmingham. 323-6665, www.ashof.org ALABAMA WILDLIFE CENTER 100 Terrace Drive, Pelham.

205-663-7930. www.awrc.org AMERICAN VILLAGE Highway 119, Montevallo.

205-665-3535, www.americanvillage.org BARBER MOTORSPORTS PARK 6040 Barber Motorsports Parkway, Leeds. 205-298-9040, www.barbermotorsports.com BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS Be sure to download the treasure map to take with you! www.bbgardens.org/documents/treasuremapforweb.pdf 2612 Lane Park Road, Birmingham. 205-414-3900, www.bbgardens.org

30 | birminghamparent | april 2014

BIRMINGHAM CIVIL RIGHTS INSTITUTE While the BCRI remains open, the Archives of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) will be closed to the public from March 1 through June 30, 2014 for installation of a Collection Storage Improvement Project.

16th St. N., Birmingham. 205328-9696, www.bcri.org BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM OF ART Family Tour: Musical Moments Join the Museum educators to explore the galleries in a fun, interactive experience!

Discover Bart the Art Bat’s favorite artworks during these FREE, drop-in tours. After your tour, visit Bart’s ArtVenture to make an art project inspired by what you saw. What will you discover? Dance through the Museum searching for Musical Moments! April 1, 5, 8, 15, 22 and 29 10:30-11:30am.

2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., Birmingham. 205-2542565, www.artsbma.org BIRMINGHAM ZOO Giraffe Feeding & Keeper Chat, Saturday & Sunday 11am-12pm & 2-3pm, $3.00. See Griffin, the first giraffe born in a North American accredited Zoo in 2014!

Sea Lion Training, Daily 10am & 2pm Predator Zone, Saturday & Sunday 11:30am & 3:30pm

2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham. 205-879-0409, www.birminghamzoo.com HEART OF DIXIE RAILROAD MUSEUM 1919 Ninth St., Calera.

205-668-3435, www.hodrrm.org MCWANE SCIENCE CENTER IMAX Movies: TORNADO ALLEY Tornado Alley takes audiences on a thrilling quest to experience a tornado’s destructive power at point blank range.

Dazzling computer-generated imagery brings this mysterious era to life - from saber-toothed cats and cave bears to dire wolves and woolly mammoths giants both feared and hunted by prehistoric humans. Through May 31, 2014.

GREAT WHITE SHARK Misrepresented, maligned and misunderstood, the Great White Shark is an iconic predator: the creature we love to fear.

Great White Shark explores the Great White’s place in our imaginations, in our fears, and in the reality of its role at the top of the oceanic food chain.

Through May 31, 2014.

TO THE ARCTIC An extraordinary journey to the top of the world, the documentary adventure “To The Arctic” tells the ultimate tale of survival. The film takes audiences on a never-before-experienced journey into the lives of a mother polar bear and her twin seven-month-

old cubs as they navigate the changing Arctic wilderness they call home. Through October 1, 2014 ISLAND OF LEMURS: MADAGASCAR Academy Award® winner Morgan Freeman (Million Dollar Baby, Dolphin Tale) narrates the IMAX documentary Island of Lemurs: Madagascar, the incredible true story of nature’s greatest explorers— lemurs. Madagascar takes audiences on a spectacular journey to the remote and wondrous world of Madagascar.

Lemurs arrived in Madagascar as castaways millions of years ago and evolved into hundreds of diverse species but are now highly endangered. April 4, 2014 – December 2, 2014 *Robots + Us. This exhibit, ending May 11, features more than a dozen interactive robotic components, showing how robotic technology can change our lives for the better.

200 19th St. N., Birmingham.

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

MOSS ROCK PRESERVE Preserve Parkway, Hoover.

205-739-7141, www.hooveral.org.

OAK MOUNTAIN STATE PARK 200 Terrace Drive, Pelham.

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

RUFFNER MOUNTAIN NATURE CENTER Children’s Story Time. On the first Monday and third Saturday of every month at 10am, children 3-5 are invited to story time to encourage their excitement about the outdoors.

Short activity follows. Must be accompanied by an adult. $3, $2 for members.

1214 81st St. S., Birmingham.

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

SOUTHERN MUSEUM OF FLIGHT 4343 73rd St. N., Birmingham.

205-833-8226, www.southernmuseumofflight.org TANNEHILL IRONWORKS HISTORICAL STATE PARK 12632 Confederate Parkway, McCalla. 205-477-5711, www.tannehill.org VULCAN PARK 1701 Valley View Drive, Birmingham. 205-933-1409, www.vulcanpark.org

national classified ads ADOPTION ARE YOU PREGNANT? A childless married couple seeks to adopt.

Will be Hands-On Mom/ Devoted Dad. Financial security. Expenses PAID. Call/TEXT Jessica & Adam. 1-800-790-5260.

(FL Bar #0150789) SAPA A UNIQUE ADOPTIONS, LET US HELP! PERSONALIZED ADOPTION PLANS. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, HOUSING, RELOCATION AND MORE. GIVING THE GIFT OF LIFE? YOU DESERVE THE BEST. CALL US FIRST! 1-888637-8200. 24 hour HOTLINE. SAPA ANNOUNCEMENTS Beware of loan fraud.

Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company. SAPA AUTOMOBILES TOP CASH FOR CARS, Call Now For An Instant Offer. Top Dollar Paid, Any Car/Truck, Any Condition. Running or Not. Free Pick-up/Tow. 1-800-761-9396 SAPA COMPUTERS & TECHNOLOGY My Computer Works: Computer problems?

Viruses, spyware, email, printer issues, bad internet connections - FIX IT NOW! Professional, U.S.-based technicians. $25 off service. Call for immediate help. 1-888582-8147 EDUCATION/ INSTRUCTION EARN YOUR High School Diploma at home in a few short weeks.

Work at your own pace.

First Coast Academy.

Nationally accredited.

Call for free brochure.

1-800-658-1180, extension 82. www. fcahighschool.org SAPA EMPLOYMENT / HELP WANTED ATTN: DRIVERS Home Run! Avg $1000 Weekly Recent Grads Welcome CDL-A Req 1-866-2875153 www.ad-drivers. com 60 YEARS STABILITY Up to 50 cpm + Quality Hometime. $1000 Weekly CDL-A Required.

1-866-717-9899. www. ad-drivers.com

TRUCK DRIVERS Wanted - Up to $7,500.00 SignOn Bonus! Top 100 Companies! Great Pay, Home Time and Benefits! Choose the Best Job! Apply at: www.

TruckDriverJobOffers. com FINANCIAL Beware of loan fraud.

Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company. SAPA SIGNATURE FINANCIAL PAYS CASH for Owner Financed (private) Mortgage Notes on Residential and Commercial Properties.

Convert Your Monthly Payment in to CASH NOW! Call Today! 1-727232-2442 - Florida All Others 1-855-844-8771 SAPA HEALTH & MEDICAL Canada Drug Center is your choice for safe and affordable medications.

Our licensed Canadian mail order pharmacy will provide you with savings of up to 90 percent on all your medication needs. Call Today 1-800-265-0768 for $25.00 off your first prescription and free shipping. SAPA MISCELLANEOUS Dish TV Retailer -SAVE! Starting $19.99/ month (for 12 months.)

FREE Premium Movie Channels. FREE Equipment, Installation & Activation. CALL, COMPARE LOCAL DEALS! 1-800-351-0850.

Wrap up your Holiday Shopping with 100 percent guaranteed, delivered-to-the-door Omaha Steaks! SAVE 67 PERCENT - PLUS 4 FREE Burgers - Many Gourmet Favorites ONLY $49.99.

ORDER Today 1-800715-2010 Use code “4937 CFW” or www.

OmahaSteaks.com/ holiday33 DONATE YOUR CAR - FAST FREE TOWING 24 hr. Response - Tax Deduction UNITED BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION Providing Free Mammograms & Breast Cancer Info888759-9782. SAPA Medical Guardian Top-rated medical alarm and 24/7 medical alert monitoring. For a

limited time, get free equipment, no activation fees, no commitment, a 2nd waterproof alert button for free and more - only $29.95 per month.

800-983-4906 DIRECTV $0 Start Costs!

150+ Channels $7.50/ week! FREE HBO/ Cinemax/Showtime/ Starz! FREE Whole Home HD/DVR! FREE Installation! Local Installers! Hurry Ends Soon Call Now 1-866248-2451.

MEET SINGLES right now! No paid operators, just real people like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages and connect live. Try it free. Call now 1-888909-9978. SAPA AIRLINE CAREERS BEGIN HERE - GET FAA APPROVED MAINTENANCE TRAINING FINANCIAL AID FOR QUALIFIED STUDENTS HOUSING AVAILABLE JOB PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE. CALL AVIATION INSTITUTE OF MAINTENANCE 1-866-724-5403 WWW. FIXJETS.COM. SAPA REAL ESTATE 20 ACRES Only $119/ month, $0 Down, Owner Financing, No Credit Checks! Near El Paso, Texas. Beautiful Mountain Views! Money Back Guarantee. 1-866882-5263 Extension 81. www.SunsetRanches.net SATELLITE TV DISH TV Retailer.

Starting at $19.99/ month (for 12 mos.) & High Speed Internet starting at $14.95/month (where available.) SAVE! Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 1-800-351-0850 *REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL* Get a 4-Room AllDigital Satellite system installed for FREE! Programming starting at $19.99/MO. FREE HD/ DVR upgrade for new callers. CALL NOW 1-800-795-1315 SAPA WANTED TO BUY CASH for unexpired Diabetic Test Strips!

Free Shipping, Friendly Service, BEST prices and 24 hour payment!

Call Mandy at 1-855578-7477, or visit www.

TestStripSearch.com Espanol 1-888-4404001 SAPA

THE ABOVE ADS HAVE NOT BEEN SCREENED BY THE SOUTHEASTERN ADVERTISING PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION (SAPA) or BIRMINGHAM PARENT; Therefore, any discrepancies thereof shall not be the responsibility of the aforementioned association or this publication. Your publisher has agreed to participate in this program and run these ads as a service to the Southeastern Advertising Publishers Association.

Poster by artist Joel Bullock

is a proud media sponsor of the Montevallo Art Show birminghamparent.com | 31

Sponsored by

ask the specialist

Why Am I Not Getting Pregnant?

THE ANSWERS MAY SURPRISE YOU.

by Beth Malizia, MD

W

e spend most of our reproductive lives trying not to get pregnant. When the timing is finally right, some women have a difficult time conceiving. There are several common misconceptions about trying for pregnancy, so I’d like to take this opportunity to set the record straight and dispel some common myths related to fertility and fertility treatments.

Beth Malizia, MD, is an OB/GYN and fertility specialist at Brookwood Medical Center.

MYTH 1 – I will get pregnant as soon as I come off my birth control.

MYTH 3 – Everyone around me is

The general population has a 20 percent chance of conception each month during the menstrual cycle when an egg is released. Only 20 percent, even once you come off birth control! Many couples trying to have a baby get pregnant within three to six months, and almost 85 to 90 percent of couples become pregnant after a year of trying. This leaves 10 to 15 percent of the population who are diagnosed with infertility. The term infertility is often over used. If you are not getting pregnant at the rate of the general population, you may simply be subfertile.

pregnant! I must be the only one going through this.

MYTH 2 – I will never get pregnant, since I’m not getting any younger. Or, I have all the time in the world to get pregnant.

Send us your questions for "Ask the Specialist" at info@BirminghamParent.com.

No personal replies are sent.

32 | birminghamparent | april 2014

of 35, seeing a fertility specialist after six months of trying is recommended.

There are simple tests that can be performed to determine your ovarian reserve, which provides a clear picture of how your ovaries are functioning and how they may respond to fertility medications if needed. I recommend seeking the advice of a fertility specialist at any age if you have questions, especially if you have irregular periods, endometriosis or fibroids.

Age and its effect on fertility is an important topic for all women. Fertility generally peaks in the early to mid 20s and slowly declines from there. But regardless of age, your ovaries do not simply stop functioning one day. If you are attempting pregnancy over the age

It may feel like you are the only one going through infertility, but let me assure you, this is not the case. Generally 10 to 15 percent of the population struggles with fertility for a variety of reasons. Women are often very private about their fertility issues and feel even more isolated around their fertile friends. Hang in there and be kind to yourself. If you would like to skip out on baby showers for now, then honor yourself and decline the invitation.

Seek out local and online resources through trusted agencies like ASRM and Resolve.

Seek out arenas to talk about your fertility issues and chat with close friends or family – you may be surprised who will open up about similar experiences. And always share your struggles with your primary care doctor or fertility specialist who can recommend options. Remember that you are not alone.

MEET THE CANDIDATES

who are helping beat blood cancer!

Z

JF U P D P NB 4 Z NQI VL F NJB F I F P S 5 D BNQBJHO G F L

X F

I JT VOET EVSJOH U U G NP T I F SBJT F U I P T X JOEJW JEVBM X P F U 5 I E VOD F CF BOOP JM M ST X M EF I P F

JU M BS 5 F :F U I NBO P G .

BO BOE 8 P P G M F U JU I F F BSO U BU * SP O $ JU Z P O .

BZ

BU

QN ' P S NP SF JOG P SNBU JP O QM F BT F W JT JU X X X

NX P Z

P SH CI N

#JM M Z #M BJS $ P CCT " M M F O

U U

+ BSW JT & T D P TTJ P OT .

BSL F U J OH ' J STU * NQSF ( SP VQ

% P O 1 JF SJOJ VOEBU J P O J RVJ E ( P M E ' P

% BOJF M 4 OZ EF S #VSS ' P SNBO

) F OSZ 8 BM CVSO

VBM VU SO .

F TU F X I SU P /

5 P OJ ) JM M

VQ ( SP BM J OBOD J N ' EP F SF '

JCCZ BT T JU F S T F J SU SP QF S 1 F #BZ

% BO 4 U BSOF T

OH 4U BSOF T 1 VCM J TI J

CI N

P SH

NX P Z X X X W JT JU QM F BT F BOEJEBU F

QP OT P S B D S U P T SNBU JP O P S NP SF JOG P ' P

S D BM M

P

LAST MONTH in the TO VOTE 2014 Birmingham Parent’s Family Favorites Awards!

VOTE AND YOU CAN ALSO BE ENTERED IN A RANDOM DRAWING FOR A GREAT GULF SHORES PRIZE PACKAGE! Must vote in at least 20 categories for you survey to be counted and also put into the random drawing for a 3 night stay for 4 people in a Gulf-front condominium in beautiful Gulf Shores. This fall vacation package will include a meal and an attraction, too! Some restrictions and black out dates apply.

Tell us Your Family’s Favorites & WIN!

Cast your vote online at www.birminghamparent.com from January 1-April 22, 2014

SPONSORED BY

VOTING ENDS AT MIDNIGHT ON APRIL 22, 2014. Look for the family favorites award winners in the June 2014 issue of Birmingham Parent. You must vote in at least 20 categories for your vote to count, and if you wish to be entered in the random drawing, we must receive your complete contact info. Information may be shared with prize sponsors.

birminghamparent.com | 33

travel

DESTINATION: MOBILE, ALABAMA

By Carol Muse Evans

Y

ou’ve probably seen the cute little “You Tube” sensation who when filmed by her parents surprising her with a trip to Walt Disney World, exclaimed, “But I wanted to go to Mobile!”

We later found out her grandparents lived in Mobile, but maybe she also knows something about all the great things to do in Mobile, too.

Maybe her grandparents do, and treat her to a great attraction or two each time she visits. It’s a surprising city right here in Alabama filled with history, technology, great food and much more.

One of the most visible attractions in Mobile is the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park (www.ussalabama.com). If you’ve never been, you should go at least once in your lifetime. The attraction is a memorial to all men and women who have or are serving in our armed forces, and exhibits throughout the park – not just on the ship – tell stories of great courage and heroism. Check out the ship and go below and see where soldiers lived, ate, and bathed.

Check out the hangar with airplanes and other aircraft, and be sure to visit the submarine.

Get in touch with more great Mobile and American history at Fort Conde and the Museum of Mobile (www.museumofmobile.com), downtown. You can walk through Mobile’s history – a great component to any study of Alabama history – and learn how six flags have

flown over the city. The museum just across the street takes you through 300 years of Mobile history with many great artifacts and displays.

A fascinating part of Mobile history is Mardi Gras. Mobile was home to the first Mardi Gras in 1703, and the Mobile Carnival Museum (www.mobilecarnivalmuseum.com) is a great way to learn about this interesting history, with celebrations and secret societies still continuing today, and see the elaborate floats, costumes, crowns and more. The gift shop itself is a treat! Great for all ages.

More Mobile history can be found at the Oakleigh Historic Complex (www.historicmobile.org), as well as Conde-Charlotte (www.condecharlottemuseum.org), Mobile’s first official jail circa 1850. You might want to spend some time walking or biking in historic downtown Mobile where you’ll find galleries, museums, cafes, parks and more.

Another great favorite is Bellingrath Gardens and Home (www.bellinggrath.org), just a short drive from Mobile in Theodore. Whether it’s the spring blooms in the gardens, the Magic Christmas in Lights during Christmas holidays, or any of the other celebrations or simple days in between, Bellingrath Gardens and the home are a fascinating way to spend a few hours learning about the history of this magnificent home and its owners.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BELLINGRATH GARDENS 34 | birminghamparent | april 2014

PHOTO COURTESY MUSEUM OF MOBILE

PHOTO COURTESY OF BELLINGRATH GARDENS

Bellingrath Gardens is a special delight in spring with all the new blooms and the Easter celebrations.

PHOTO COURTESY OF U.S.S. ALABAMA

Don't miss a chance to learn about Alabama History at the Museum of Mobile.

If you have young children, don’t miss the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center (www. exploreum.net). Similar to our McWane Science Center here in Birmingham, the Exploreum is home to the only full-scale interactive chemistry lab, and the only 3-D virtual theater and domed IMAX theater on the Gulf Coast. The center has a cool permanent exhibit on the human body called My BodyWorks.

Coming sometime this spring, a new attraction not to be missed is GulfQuest, National Maritime Museum of the Gulf Coast (www. gulfquest.org), the first museum dedicated to the Gulf Coast’s maritime history and traditions and only the third interactive maritime museum in the world. It is now the centerpiece of the city’s new development on the downtown waterfront and includes an eatery right on the water.

Check website for opening date to be announced.

One “don’t miss” attraction is the Delta Safari Boat Tour aboard the Osprey with Five Rivers Delta Safaris (www.5rds.com). You’ll learn about the diverse scenery of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and its ecosystem, along with wildlife and maybe an alligator. Take the Osprey over to the 5

The U.S.S. Alabama has been a long-time favorite Mobile attraction. Be sure to take your children if they've never been.

c WHERE TO EAT There are a number of places to get a great lunch or dinner in Mobile. Here are some of our suggestions:

Rivers Delta Center (www.outdooralabama. com/ outdoorsadventures/ 5rivers), a $10 million facility on the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta where the Mobile, Spanish, Tensaw, Applalachee and Blakeley rivers flow into Mobile Bay. There are classrooms, meeting spaces, camp sites, a theatre, a great exhibit hall with wildlife the kids will enjoy, and much more. Call ahead for reservation.

In addition to Mobile proper, there’s the wonderful and historic Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Gulf Club & Spa (www.pchresorts. com) close by at Point Clear, as well as Fairhope (www.fairhopemerchants.com), known for its quaint shops, boutiques and galleries. The Eastern Shore could be a trip all its own, or a place to visit for the day.

Visit Mobile for a day, a weekend or a week.

There’s much to do. I want to go to Mobile, too!

For more information, visit www.mobilebay.org.

Carol Muse Evans is publisher and editor of Birmingham Parent, and a frequent visitor to Mobile, where her daughter lives.

Moe’s Original BBQ a personal favorite downtown, www.moesoriginalbbq.com Wintzell’s Oyster House celebrating its 76th anniversary.

This is a “can’t miss” in Mobile.

Go for the one downtown! www.wintzellsoysterhouse.com The Grand Hotel Marriott several great places to eat, check ahead, www.pchresorts.com The Original Oyster House on the Bay, www.theoysterhouse.com Dreamland BBQ just like in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa! www.dreamlandbbq.com Callaghan’s Irish Social Club www.callaghansirishsocialclub.com

h WHERE TO STAY The Mobile Marriott 3101 Airport Blvd. www.marriott.com/mobmc

birminghamparent.com | 35

GO TO WWW.BIRMINGHAM PARENT.COM TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITES! Only one vote per IP address, and you must choose one child in each category for your ballot to count.

Voting will end at midnight MAY 5, 2014.

Winners will be announced in the MAY 2014 issue of Birmingham Parent, online and on Facebook and Twitter.

Enroll in Birmingham-Southern College’s

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

Music and Theatre Camp 201 June 1 - K5-5th grade www.bsc.edu 205/226-4960

36 | birminghamparent | april 2014

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

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

Welcome to an award winning camp experience…

RIVERVIEW CAMP FOR GIRLS.

Just off DeSoto Parkway on top of Lookout Mountain in Mentone, Alabama…nestled in a bend of Little River. $GYHQWXUH LQVSLUDWLRQ FKDUDFWHU FRQ¿ GHQFH EXLOGLQJ DUH MXVW D IHZ RI WKH EHQH¿ WV WKDW JR KDQG LQ KDQG ZLWK WKH DFWLYLW\ FKRLFHV 5LYHUYLHZ¶V &KULVWLDQ HPSKDVLV H[FLWLQJ SURJUDPV are appreciated by both parents & campers!

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

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

Mother-Daughter Weekends also Available

Dr. Larry and Susan Hooks, Owners/Directors Donna Bares, Assistant Director $FFUHGLWHG E\ $PHULFDQ &DPSLQJ $VVRFLDWLRQ 0HPEHUV RI &KULVWLDQ &DPSLQJ &RQIHUHQFH $VVR

Check us out online at www.riverviewcamp.com

Camp Juliette Low

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

chorus • gymnastics • Dance • canoeing • tennis • GOLF

Cloudland, GA Located on Lookout Mountain in northwest Georgia, CJL is an independent, non-profit summer camp for girls ages 7-17. 1 & 2 week sessions available June 8—August 2, 2014

x Horseback x Ropes course x Climbing wall x Crafts/pottery x Drama x Pool

x Canoeing x Sailing x Archery x Fire-building x Backpacking x Camp crafts

FIÃ&#x2122;DFI<Ã&#x2122;@E=FID8K@FEÃ&#x2122;FIÃ&#x2122;KFÃ&#x2122;I<>@JK<IÃ&#x2122;FEC@E< Ã&#x2122; Â&#x152;Ã&#x2122;Ã&#x2122;LQIR#&-/ RUJÃ&#x2122;

ZZZ &-/ RUJÃ&#x2122;

Exciting Traditional Camp for girls ages 6 to 16!

¯GI<G8I@E>Ã&#x2122;>@ICJÃ&#x2122;=FIÃ&#x2122;:FE=@;<EKÃ&#x2122;C@M@E>Ã&#x2122;8E;Ã&#x2122;C<8;<IJ?@GÃ&#x2122;J@E:<Ã&#x2122; Ã&#x2122;

DEEPER FAITH. GREATER ADVENTURES.

& TWO WEEK OVERNIGHT

CAMPS ONE

CAMPS & RETR EATS PSALM 42:1

LAKE ACTIVITIES FLE BALL PAINTBALL & WIF NG HORSEBACK RIDI SKITS CRAZY GAMES &

PRETEEN (GRADES 3â&#x20AC;&#x201C;5) â&#x20AC;¢ MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL

t â&#x20AC;¢ Ann ren u Pa

aders Po Re ll al

Williamson

LO RS AM AZ IN G CO UN SE CLIMBING TOWER

S LOW & HIGH ROPE NS ARCHERY & BB GU NIGHTLY WORSHIP EAKERS CHALLENGING SP THY MEALS DELICIOUS, HEAL BLE STUDY SMALL GROUP BI S 100 W OO DE D AC RE

2.5 Hours North of Birmingham â&#x20AC;¢ Near Historic Downtown Franklin, Tennessee

Camps.DeerRunRetreat.org â&#x20AC;¢ 888.794.2918

birminghamparent.com | 37

death by children

Flying & Crying

By Christopher “Bull” Garlington

I

said it. I invoked karma as a threat, as an epithet, as a balm for my dignity, wounded by glares and stares and unsolicited advice, whispered indignantly over crossed arms as an entire airport observed my children in full fury.

As newbie parents we’d made a critical error. Thinking our family vacation flight would be easier if the kids were asleep, we’d kept them up late and woke them up early. We brought them to the plane in their PJs as an amulet for sleepy time. In retrospect, from the battered perch of a wizened old dad, I can where we went wrong.

Our kids weren’t about to sleep for two reasons: The girl was jacked up on theme park anticipation, loudly and diligently planning our trip, assuming I was noting her every command on a spreadsheet and alerting the authorities. Simultaneously, our sleep deprivation experiment was causing her to hallucinate she was somehow related to Mickey Mouse and when we got there he’d send us a carriage so we could all do lunch.

Also, she was cranky. I wanted to avert disappointment so I told her, gently, carefully, that Mickey Mouse was busy so we’d probably not be lunching with him, to which she replied “AAAAAAAAAAA!” and threw herself on the floor.

Meanwhile, my son was using his incredible toddler superpowers to give himself an ear infection that would cause his head to explode somewhere over Alabama.

And so we boarded, last, our progeny howling and gnashing their teeth down the aisles as each row of passengers greeted us with laser focused preflight hatred.

I got in my seat, leaned over to my wife and said it: “I’ll NEVER judge screaming kids on a plane or diapers or anything!”

Thirteen years later, there we were , on a return flight from a kidless vacation, comfy in the next to the last row. From the front of the plane we hear a tornado of wailing, sneezing, lugubrious triplets, pushed, dragged and carried by a couple who looked like earthquake survivors

to the seats directly behind us. The second the wheels left the ground all three pooped in unison engulfing our section of the plane in a sulfuric death plume that made my eyes water and broke my iPad. Yet I smiled. I smiled and I inhaled and breathed deep the fecund perfume of new life. Never did I grimace. Never did I glare over my seat back. Didn’t even cross my arms.

“Why, it’s delightful.

Could not be happier.

I’m having a marvelous time.”

These poor people had invoked enough hell on their own having thruplicated. Who was I to add to their worries? Who was I to judge?

I ordered scotch and when the stewardess glanced meaningfully toward the beleaguered parents and asked me how was I enjoying the flight, a glance surely captured by the guilt-ridden suffragettes in the last row, a glance that held judgment in its bosom and threatened to poorly adjudicate their triple poops, I spoke up loud and clear: “Why, it’s delightful. Could not be happier. I’m having a marvelous time.”

Christopher “Bull” Garlington is a syndicated humor writer and a Birmingham native. His first book, by the same name as his column, is available at Amazon.com.

38 | birminghamparent | april 2014

Suddenly, you’re in a whole different state of

“Hmmm, I wonder. . .”

“What’s so shiny?”

“Hey, little crab!”

It’s amazing how fun learning can be in the right environment. Here you’ll find 32 miles of uncrowded sugar white beaches, sparkling water, unspoiled natural wonders and interactive educational attractions just waiting to be explored.

And a whole different state of discovery.

GulfShoresOrangeBeach

@alabamabeaches

877-475-1528