Mobile Bay Parents magazine February 2013

I chose my doctor because he delivers at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital.

My name is Candis Busby. My husband and I are the proud parents of three wonderful children, the newest born this fall.

Our second baby, Ty, had some health concerns when he was born a few years ago and the doctors transferred him to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital. They said he would receive better care at Children’s & Women’s, and they were right. Today, Ty is a healthy, rambunctious boy!

Well, when we learned we were pregnant again, I said “this baby will be born at Children’s & Women’s!” They deliver more babies than any hospital in the area, with the only intensive care unit for babies, so it just makes sense.

I chose my doctor because he delivers at Children’s & Women’s, and I would encourage every mother who wants the best for her baby to do the same.

Candis and Bucky Busby Monroeville, Alabama

www.usahealthsystem.com/usacwh

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Contents February 2013 Volume 2 Number 11

Features 36 Baby Food for Thought Find answers to your most important safety and cost questions as it relates to feeding your baby.

40 New & Expectant Parents’ Guide Our local listing tells you where to go for all things BABY...including pediatricians, nursery decor, and much more!

48 Diet Traps Every New Mom Faces

Columns

Whether munching because you’re stressed and exhausted or eating mindlessly on the go, find food fixes for the most common diet traps facing new mothers.

2 From Mom of the Month 4 Living With Children John Rosemond, Ph.D.

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On The Cover

Kids Health Mike Little, D.O.

Departments 6 Bits and Pieces

34 The FlyLady

13 School Bits

Marla Cilley

35 Dave Says

50 Family Calendar

39 Get This!

56 Parent Previews

Dave Ramsey

Paige Gardner Smith

55 A Page in a Book Paige Gardner Smith

Brayden Gray Weinacker is 8 months old and son of Gray and Jill Weinacker. His proud grandparents are Pete and Peggy Ferguson and Sidney and Ann Weinacker. Brayden is looking forward to his first Valentine’s Day and is just a few scoots away from crawling!

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Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

Mobile Bay Parents Mobile’s Foremost Parenting Source

Mobile Bay Parents Magazine is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant, role in our community. Mobile Bay Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@mobilebayparents.com

Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@mobilebayparents.com

Associate Editor Kelly Watson

Research Editor Lucy Green

Advertising Sales Lynn Knighton Leslie Hall Danielle Nicholas ads@mobilebayparents.com or (251) 304-1200

Contributing Writers Marla Cilley Sandra Gordon Allison Kelley Mike Little, D.O. Dave Ramsey John Rosemond Paige Gardner Smith

Cover Photography

Victoria Webb www.victoriawebbphotography.com

President Jason Watson jason@mobilebayparents.com

Visit us online at www.mobilebayparents.com Mobile Bay Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: P.O. Box 81105, Mobile, Alabama, 36689. The phone number for voice and fax is (251) 304-1200.

Mobile Bay Parents is copyrighted 2013

by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Mobile Bay Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

From Mobile Bay’s Mom of the Month...

Losing the baby weight has been a long and weary battle for me. I have to admit, I brought it on myself.

When I found out I was pregnant with my first child (Connor, 3) I went absolutely nuts when it came to food.

My logic: This is the only time in my life when I can eat whatever I want and how much I want and no one can judge me. I did eat balanced meals, but sweets were my thing. Cakes, cookies, cheesecake... you baked it, I ate it. What I didn’t think about was that the weight does not magically disappear once you have the baby. Sixty pounds later the battle began.

Nearly two years later, I had just started to get on a good roll, losing nearly 10 pounds, when I found out I was pregnant again. I went into that pregnancy with a very different mantra: only eat healthy. That’s exactly what I did. This mantra helped, and I stayed within a healthy weight gain. Even so, Jillian is now 8 months old and my baby weight battle wages on.

As I was reading Diet Traps Every New Mom Faces, by Sandra Gordon, in this month’s issue, I realized I am guilty of every single one of them. I eat when I’m tired. I eat in front of the TV or while I am on the phone. I pick at Connor’s food when he’s finished. I graze over leftovers. I skip meals. It was nice to read a whole article about these traps, which means I’m not the only one who struggles this way! Here is the best part about the article: Each diet trap comes with a simple and easy solution to avoid that particular trap.

Speaking of food and babies, how stressful is it making sure you are feeding your baby correctly and safely? As I am finding out with Jillian, it certainly does not get easier after your first child.

I breast-fed both of my kids until I went back to work. For the first three to four months, safely feeding was easy. All I had to do was be there (and make sure I didn’t eat certain fish).

After that, it all changed. What formula is right? Soy or milk-based? Name brand or generic?

How long can it stay at room temperature? In the fridge?

Then you introduce solid foods. Is oatmeal or rice better? Which foods are best to start with? Veggies or fruits? Is it worth it to make my own? How long can it stay at room temperature? In the fridge?

With both children, I have Googled formula, baby food and baby food safety probably more than a million times. In this month’s article, Baby Food for Thought, I found several of the answers I need and some I didn’t even know I needed!

A good example: We are switching Jillian to generic formula stat. It costs half what the name brand costs, and is just the same. Why wouldn’t we? After reading the article I am going to start making her food, also. That idea has always intrigued me solely for the money we would save, but I have always been intimidated by the time it takes to actually make the food.

The article really got me motivated. Tomorrow I tackle baby food.

If you too are a new mom, mom-to-be or even a grandparent, Mobile Bay Parents has put together an extensive New & Expectant Parents Guide full of wonderful resources for clothing, baby gear, maternity wear, physicians, classes and more.

Whether you are battling baby weight or dealing with empty nest syndrome, there is one thing all of us moms enjoy…family time! Make sure you check out the calendar of events to see all the great activities this month, including a Mardi Gras parade schedule in the Bits N Pieces section of this issue.

Happy dieting and happy feeding!

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Allison Kelley Advertising: 251-304-1200

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Living With Children

By John Rosemond

Child’s Character More Important Than Test Scores Driving in southern California recently, listening to talk radio, I heard a commercial for a Christian private school. The spokesperson went on and on about their very high test scores, the very high percentage of their students who go to top-rated universities, and other very high academic statistics. Send your child to Veryhighscore Academy! We will bring out the best in your child!

Really? I was amazed that in the commercial, the word “character” was not mentioned once. It was all about grades, test scores, scholarships and the like, reflecting and exploiting the obsession today’s parents have with this trivia.

“Trivia? Hello? Are you hopelessly stuck in the past, John, or what? Don’t you realize how important it is for a kid to get into the right school? Why, everything hinges on what college one gets into!”

No, it doesn’t. A poll of top executives, many of whom run Fortune 500 companies, found that quite a number of them went to “ordinary” schools like Western Illinois University, which just happens to be my alma mater. You ever hear of it? No? Fancy that!

Nor do high grades make the individual.

That includes test scores, class rank, or being in honors classes. If they did, all highly successful (by whatever standard) people would come from the top 10 percent of their classes. They don’t. Some were quite ordinary students. A pediatrician friend of mine never made a grand total of two A’s in undergraduate school. Another pediatrician friend of mind dropped out of high school and spent time in the military before getting his G.E.D and then going to college.

And then there are the many stories of people who were high achievers in school, went to top-ranked universities, and never lived up to expectations. I know or know of several such people. One has lived on the public dole most of his life. Another became addicted to gambling, lost his job, lost his family, and dropped out of sight.

In the 14th Century, William of Wykeham penned the motto of Winchester College and New College, Oxford: Manners maketh Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

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man. An individual’s manners are a reflection of his or her character, so an apt paraphrase of the motto is “It’s all about one’s character!”

That’s as true today as it always has been.

The C-student who always does his best and strives to improve is going to go further in life than the A-student who is a slacker. If you’ve ever been to a high school reunion, you’ve seen the proof of that. The person voted most likely to succeed didn’t, and the person who was hardly noticed in high school became a high achiever as an adult. And best of all, he’s a nice guy who supports worthy causes in his community.

As was known seven centuries ago, one’s manners are a reflection of one’s character. Furthermore, it is by learning and practicing social courtesies that a child develops good character. Training in manners teaches a child to pay attention to others and look for opportunities to be of service to them, even in small ways like opening doors and helping carry things.

A life well led is not defined in terms of how much money one makes or one’s title.

It is defined by service to others. And service to others equates to humility and modesty, which the world needs a whole lot more.

Q: The first time my 3-year-old called his 4-year-old brother “stupid” I was caught off guard and probably made too big a deal over it. I told him that he is not allowed to call a person stupid because it is hurtful. He promptly began calling the dog, his cup, and everything else under the sun “stupid.” I’ve created a monster, haven’t I? I have started ignoring the behavior, but what should I do when he directs the term at a friend or just some random kid at the playground?

A: Yep, you’ve created a monster, but monsters can be starved into submission, if not to death. At this stage of the game, you’re doing the right thing by ignoring the stupids completely, or as completely as possible. If he calls a friend or stranger “stupid,” you need to make him apologize. If he resists, sit him in a “thinking chair” (or whatever is available) until he complies. If you react calmly but authoritatively in those situations and ignore the rest, the stupids should die a natural death.

Hang in there!

Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

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bits & pieces Thompson Engineering’s Funky Monkey 5K & Fun Run The Funky Monkey 5K will be held Saturday, March 9 at 8 a.m. at the University of South Alabama Intramural Fields. The run follows a USTAF-certified course through the campus with the start and finish at the Intramural fields. The first 250 participants to pre-register are guaranteed a Funky Monkey moisture-wicking race t-shirt. The Fun Run is a ¾ mile loop of the intramural field and starts at 8:45 a.m. Kids up to age 12 are eligible to win awards!

Everyone who registers is invited to the Funky Monkey finish party where Cammie’s Old Dutch Ice Cream Shoppe will create Mobile’s Biggest Banana Split at 50-feet long! Hang out for chocolate milk, bananas, PB&J, door prizes, awards and a costume contest! All proceeds from the Funky Monkey 5K and Fun Run benefit the Thompson Holdings Foundation. For information on the Thompson Foundation, please visit http://thompsonengineering.com/ company/thompson_holdings_foundation/

3rd Annual Sole2Soul Sister’s Scoot to Benefit Ransom Cafe The Sole2Soul Sisters are hosting their 3rd annual 5K and Fun Run on Saturday, February 9, at 8 a.m. It will be held at the Battleship Memorial Park on the Causeway in Mobile. The first 400 to sign up are guaranteed a t-shirt and all Fun Run participants will receive a finisher’s ribbon.

There will also be medals and lots of door prizes. Proceeds benefit Ransom Ministries, Inc. a local 501©3 non-profit that operates donation only cafés in three locations throughout Mobile.

Ransom has served over 40,000 hot meals throughout Mobile and surrounding areas since opening it’s doors in October of 2010! To sign up for the race, visit Ransom Café’s website (www.ransomcafe.com) and click on the Events page or go to active.com. You can also register at Running Wild, Run n’ Tri, McCoy Outdoors, or on the day of the race. ! To learn more about the Sole2Soul Sisters, please visit their website, www.sole2soulsisters.com.

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23rd Annual Colonies of the Gulf Coast The well-preserved ramparts of Fort Gaines have guarded the entrance to Mobile Bay for more than 150 years. Now a fascinating historic site, the Fort stands at the eastern tip of Dauphin Island where it commands panoramic views of the bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The Fort was recently designated as one of the eleven most endangered historic sites in America due to on-going shoreline erosion. On March 2, the Dauphin Island Park & Beach Board is hosting the 23rd Annual “Colonies of the Gulf Coast” at historic Fort Gaines from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. This is a family style event and everyone is welcome. Come and explore life on ‘Isle Dauphine’ in the 1700-1800’s as a French, British and Spanish soldier. The soldiers will go through drills and fire the cannon. Visitors can see authentic Blacksmith demonstrating his craft. This event is also known to have Pirates show up. For more information visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DIPBB.

2nd Annual Project Rummage Scheduled for March

Junior League of Mobile (JLM) is happy to announce its 2nd Annual Project Rummage. This year’s Project Rummage, sponsored by Belk, will be held Saturday, March 16th, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 85 N. Sage Ave. General Admission for the event is $2 with free parking at the JLM Office, 57 N. Sage Ave. The event provides the community access to rummage through hundreds of slightly used but completely amazing items at affordable pricing. Items included in the sale are furniture, toys, appliances, housewares, clothes and much more. Project Rummage will also offer customers a “Peek and Purchase” Event. This preview event will be Friday, March 15th, from 6-8 p.m. For only $10, customers will have the opportunity to purchase items before the general public and enjoy food and drinks! Proceeds from Project Rummage fund the mission of JLM. Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

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Get Your Girl Scout Cookies Today!

It’s Girl Scout Cookie time. The 2013 lineup includes favorites, such as Shortbreads, Thin Mints, Caramel Delights ®, Peanut Butter Patties ®, Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Lemonades™, Thanks-A-Lots™ and a new addition, the Mango Crème with Nutrafusion. The cookie program activity is the nation’s largest girlled business and the leading financial literacy program for girls. Designed for girls in grades K-12, it is a key element of the Girl Scout leadership experience.

Beginning February 1, cookies will be sold at booth sales, where troops will set up in front of local businesses and shopping centers. For more information or to locate Girl Scout troop, visit www. girlscoutssa.org or call toll free 1-800-239-6636.

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Art with a Heart to Benefit Pediatric Patients

Visit the Kangal Gallery on February 21 for a Silent Auction and Wine Tasting to Benefit USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital. Susan Kangal of Kangal Art Gallery in the Sail Loft has come up with a great way to share artwork with the Mobile community while raising support for USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital Mapp Child and Family Life Program. “After learning more about the art therapy program at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital we knew it was a perfect fit, Kangal said. Art is such an important part of therapy for the pediatric patients in this area and this event will help purchase much needed art supplies for the children at the hospital.”

“The Mapp Child and Family Life Program at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital offers art therapy as one way to help children cope with their time in the hospital,” said Kim Wagner, Mapp Child and Family Life Coordinator. “Art is a form of distraction therapy and aids in the healing process. Helping kids keep their minds off being in the hospital reduces the need for pain medication and speeds up recovery time.”

The artwork will be on display at Kangal Gallery in the Sail Loft located at 58 North Royal Street in Mobile through February 21. The event will culminate with a party and silent auction at Kangal Gallery from 5- 8 p.m. Wine and appetizers will be served while guests enjoy the smooth jazz sound of Jerry Robins. Event tickets are $25. For more information on the art showing and silent auction event please contact Susan Kangal at 251-434-0330 or susan@kangal.com.

Insuring your life helps protect their future.

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Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

bits & pieces Metro Mobile Young Authors’ Programs Students in grades 2-9 are invited to the West Regional Branch Library on March 2 for Metro Mobile Reading Council’s Young Authors’ Programs. Attendees of the Young Authors’ Conference (grades 2-5) and Young Authors’ Round Table (grades 6-9) with our special guest author will participate in various writing activities and hear a presentation by author, Karen Lynn Williams (www.karenlynnwilliams.com), whose books include Galimoto (a Reading Rainbow selection), Beatrice’s Dream, Tap Tap, Circles of Hope, A Beach Tail, and Four Feet, Two Sandals.

While students participate in small group activities, parents and teachers will have the opportunity to attend a session led by Ms. Williams.

Educators will receive CEU’s from SARIC for attending this program. The Young Authors’ Conference (Grades 2-5) will be from 9:00 a.m.12:00 and the Young Authors’ Round Table (Grades 6-9) from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Students may also contribute Galimotos for our first Galimoto Exhibit (Galimotos are toy vehicles made from recycled materials). For more information about galimotos go to: www.karenlynnwilliams.com/ files/galimoto_guide.pdf. For more information: email gillespiee@bellsouth.net or call 251-391-5376.

Goodwill Easter Seals & 15 Place Provide Coats to Homeless

In December, Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast in Mobile donated 200 winter coats to 15 Place, a multiservice day shelter that combats homelessness by providing an array of services that empower the homeless to work toward their optimum level of self-sufficiency. 15 Place offers hot meals, showers, laundry facilities, transportation assistance, computer access, clothing, hygiene items, a telephone and mail privileges. The coats, for children and adults were donated by the public to Goodwill Easter Seals through its donation centers. Other services Goodwill Easter Seals provides help to encourage, educate and employ individuals with disabilities and others in need, and include programs such as early care and education for children of all abilities, family support and respite, adult education and GED services, job search assistance for individuals with disabilities and free income tax preparation services for low-income households. For more information about Goodwill Easter Seals and how you can help, please visit www.gesgc.org.

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23rd Annual Joe Cain Classic Run 5K Joe Cain is credited with reviving the Mardi Gras celebration in Mobile after the civil war. In 1968, Joe Cain Day was established as an all-inclusive street celebration that anyone is welcome to join. Joe Cain Day is celebrated on the Sunday before Fat Tuesday.

The 23rd Annual Joe Cain Classic Run 5K takes place on Joe Cain Day (the Sunday before Fat Tuesday), February 10, at 8:00 a.m. in Mobile, on one of the uglier racecourses a runner is likely to encounter.

The out and back route goes past the jail and a scenic scrap yard before returning the runner to the start/ finish line at the intersection of Canal and Broad streets near the Mobile Civic Auditorium. However, most people don’t mind the ugly course because, if you run the race, you get to go to the awesome post race party for which the race is famous. There’s live music, dancing in the street, food, door prizes, and awards. Just walk a few blocks down South Broad Street to Augusta Street for the party. Proceeds from the race consist of race entry fees and corporate sponsorships and are given to challenged athletes who deal with their handicaps through athletic endeavors. Applications available at http://www.active.com/ event_detail.cfm?event_id=2063526 and productionsbylittleredhen.com

GoDaddy.com Bowl Players Visit Pediatric Patients at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital College football players from Kent State and Arkansas State set aside their gridiron differences and came together at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital on Jan. 3 to visit young patients on the hospital’s pediatric floors. The players were participants in the annual GoDaddy.com Bowl held in Mobile on Jan. 6. Handing out teddy bears and T-shirts to their newest fans, the players and patients alike thoroughly enjoyed the annual visit, which is part of the hospital’s ongoing “distraction therapy” for pediatric patients. To see photos from the event, go to www.flickr.com/photos/usachildrensandwomens/. Pictured, Avriana Paulus was the center of attention with this Kent State contingent.

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Mobile Boat Show Helps Kids with Cancer Enjoy Fishing

For nearly 10 years the Mobile Boat Show has hosted a trout pond fishing experience as a fundraiser to help pay for fishing during Camp Rap-A-Hope’s week-long summer camp for children with cancer. The Mobile Boat Show’s trout pond raised more than $1,800 for Camp RapA-Hope in 2012 and was used to purchase supplies allowing 70 campers to fish the entire week.

These funds have helped purchase new fishing rods, bait and tackle, and life jackets since 2004.

Tickets for the trout pond are $3 and can be purchased at the Mobile Boat Show. 100% of the money raised from trout pond ticket sales helps fund fishing during Camp Rap-A-Hope’s weeklong summer camp. This year’s summer camp will take place June 2-8 at Camp Grace, www. campgrace.com, in west Mobile. Campers come from more than 300 miles of the central Gulf Coast and usually reside in the states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

The Mobile Boat Show will take place at the Mobile Convention Center, February 22-24. For show details, a schedule of events, and to purchase tickets in advance visit www.gulfcoastshows.com.

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Join Covenant Hospice Award-Winning Volunteer Team

Covenant Hospice is seeking individuals and groups to join its award-winning volunteer team. A training workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, January 22nd at the Covenant Hospice branch office, located at 1040 Stanton Rd, Suite D, Daphne. The workshop is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided. Covenant Hospice Volunteer Training will present an overview of hospice care and volunteer choices. Individuals and groups are needed to provide support for Covenant programs including office work, community outreach, and fundraising. Patient and family support volunteers are needed to provide friendly visits, companionship, and respite for caregivers, light housekeeping, assistance with yard work or home repair, and more. Active duty military and veteran volunteers are needed to support Covenant’s We Honor Veteran’s Program. Working and retired professionals are also needed to share their expertise. Covenant provides a flexible volunteer schedule with opportunities for one time, periodic or weekly volunteer assignments. Volunteers receive ongoing educational opportunities and are honored annually for their contributions.

To register or to learn more, call CJ. Weinstein at 251-338-7630. Covenant Hospice is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate services to patients and loved ones during times of life-limiting illnesses.

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Nutcracker Charity Ball Raises Funds for Children’s Charities One of the unique aspects of the Nutcracker Charity Ball is that the focus is on raising funds for worthy children's charities, as well as recognizing outstanding young women and their families. The proceeds of the Ball support the outreach and education programs of Mobile Ballet, as well as one or two children's charities that our Board selects each year through a formal grant application and selection process. In lieu of individual gifts to the debutantes, we encourage "in honor of" gifts to the Nutcracker Charity Ball through Mobile Ballet, Inc., which raises significant funds.

This year's children's charities, in addition to Mobile Ballet, were the children's programs of Penelope House and the USS Hope, the pediatric infusion therapy program of the University of South Alabama Children's & Women's Hospital. Representatives of the charities speak to our debs and their Mothers at our advance meetings and special events. Our debs also participated in volunteer service projects at both charities. Since its inception in 2003, the Ball has raised nearly $800,000.

The decor of the Ball is also an amazing aspect! Under the direction of Ron Barrett, the Ball Decoration Committee each year selects a theme based on a scene from The Nutcracker ballet. This year's theme was "Waltz of the Flowers." The talent of Winthrop Corey, Mobile Ballet’s Artistic Director, is also evident throughout the evening, with his input on staging, choreography, music, lighting, décor, etc.! Each Ball also features a performance by the dancers of the Mobile Ballet Company and students from the Mobile Ballet School (both studios - in Mobile and our Eastern Shore studio in Daphne). The Band for this year’s Nutcracker Charity Ball was US Beat from Atlanta. This year’s co-chairs of the Nutcracker Charity Ball were Libba Lyon and Jeanne Hunt. More than 50 volunteers, in addition to the Mobile Ballet staff, served on committees and assisted with the Ball. The Honorary co-chairs of this year’s Ball were Mr. & Mrs. Reginald “Reggie” Copeland, Sr. The Board President of Mobile Ballet, Inc. is Becky S. Tate. She is also a former co-chair of the Ball. This year we had 37 debutantes.

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Friends Help Little Flower Catholic Church with Tornado Relief Parishioners leaving Christmas Eve Mass at Little Flower left with the peaceful and serene images of the church ingrained in their mind but found a different scene on Christmas night. The December 25 tornado that struck midtown Mobile left its mark on the 85 year old church, demolishing the roof, ceiling, lighting and drenching the inside of the church in water. Although Little Flower cannot currently use its church building, Mass goes on. The school cafeteria continues to be packed on weekends for the Masses.

The temporary church will be used until the roof has been replaced and the interior repairs have been made. The parish has been forced to suspend all fundraising activities including the Taste of Little Flower and the Youth Group Mardi Gras Pancake Breakfast until the church has been completed. An estimate of the total cost has not yet been determined, but the church is gearing up to pay major deductibles while making payments on the preexisting Little Flower Catholic School Renewal and Beautification Campaign.

In the midst of the crisis, the parish has been blessed by generous donations including that of Mrs. Carey Dekle Arensberg. Arensberg is a local artist who created the "Crisis Cross." The crosses are hand painted and crafted from wood gathered in the tornado debris. She has sold over 400 crosses since the disaster raising almost $12,000 in relief aid. Arensberg presented a check to Little Flower Catholic Church in the amount of $6,000 to help with repairs. "My husband and I come from big Catholic families. We live by Little Flower, and we wanted to find a way to help the Catholic community in midtown," explained Arensberg.

Other monies raised by Arensberg will assist midtown families who are either uninsured or under insured. The "Crisis Crosses" sell for $25 and can be purchased at Antiques at the Loop on the corner of Glenwood St. and Airport Blvd. If you would like to donate to the church, you can make checks payable to Little Flower Tornado Relief Fund, Regions Bank, Acct.#14-1058-2351. Please call the Parish Office at 478-3381 for more information. Pictured, local artist Carey Dekle Arensberg presents a "Crisis Cross" to Little Flower Pastor Fr. John Lynes. Arensberg also presented a check in the amount of $6,000 to the church to aid in roof repairs after the Christmas day tornado.

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Mobile Chocolate Festival

February 23 at the Abba Shrine Center, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Indulge in all that is chocolate! Chocolate martini tasting, cafÊ du chocolate, kids arts and crafts, local chefs at chocolate demonstration area, paint party studio. Or enter your signature chocolate concoctions in our chocolate challenge. $3 general admission, $2 for 65 year and up, free for 13 and under. Proceeds benefit Penelope House. www.mobilechocolatefestival.com

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Mardi Gras Schedule Mobile 2013

All Mobile parades roll on Route A unless otherwise noted. Parade schedule dates and times are subject to change. To view parade routes, please visit http://www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php.

Friday, 7:00 p.m. Order of Venus February 1 Tuesday, February 5 6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m. Order of LaShe's Order of Inca Thursday, February 7 Saturday, February 2 6:30 p.m. Mystic Stripers Society 2:00 p.m. Mobile Mystics Friday, February 8 6:30 p.m. Maids of Mirth 6:30 p.m. Crewe of Columbus 7:00 p.m. Order of Butterfly Saturday, February 9 Maidens 12:00 p.m. Floral 7:30 p.m. Krewe of Marry Mates 12:30 p.m. Knights of Mobile Sunday, February 3 1:00 p.m. Order of Angels 6:30 p.m. Neptune's Daughters 6:00 p.m. Mystics of Time 7:00 p.m. Order of Isis 6:30 p.m. Coronation of Queen Monday, February 4 to King Felix III Mobile 6:30 p.m. Mobile Mystical Convention Center Ladies

Sunday, February 10 3:30 p.m. MLK Monday Nighter 2:00 p.m. Arrival of King Elexis Mystics (rolls on Route D) I (at foot of Government Street) 4:00 p.m. Northside Merchants 2:30 p.m. Joe Cain (rolls on Route D) 5:00 p.m. Le Krewe de Bienville 6:30 p.m. Infant Mystics 8:15 p.m. Coronation of King Tuesday, February 12 Elexis Mobile Convention Center 10:30 a.m. Order of Athena Monday, February 11 12:30 p.m. Knights of Revelry 11:00 a.m. Arrival of King Felix 1:00 p.m. King Felix III (at foot of Government Street) 1:30 p.m. Comic Cowboys followed by King Felix, III 2:00 p.m. Mobile Area Mardi Parade at Noon Gras Association (rolls on Route B) 12:00 p.m. Floral Parade 6:30 p.m. Order of Myths 3:00 p.m. MLK Business and (rolls on Route C) Civic Organization Parade (rte. D)

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Kids Heal h

Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

Newborn Tips Before Hospital Discharge

There are so many topics that could be discussed at great length for this month’s Baby Issue. These are a few talking points pediatricians will emphasize with Mom and Dad before discharging their newborn from the nursery.

First and foremost, babies under the age of 2 months should not have fever. For a pediatrician’s purposes, a fever is considered 100.4F rectally. Taking the temperature rectally is the most accurate method for checking a newborn’s temperature. Ear, pacifier, and forehead thermometers are not considered accurate for an infant under 2 months old.

Fever can be an early indication of a more severe infection in a young infant that has an immature immune system. When counseling parents, I have always mentioned the fact that as long as we aren’t visiting high-traffic areas like popular stores or the church nursery, washing hands well, and keeping ill friends and relatives at bay, a newborn should be at very low risk for getting sick. Furthermore, there is no need for scheduled temperate checks; that could get a little rough. If your young infant is hot to the touch, completely inconsolable, or “just not acting right”, check a temperature. While 100.2F technically isn’t a fever, please call your pediatrician to discuss a plan of action in case the temperature rises.

Another point of emphasis is proper sleeping position and location. Babies should be placed on their backs to sleep and not on their tummies for the first 4 months of life.

They do not have a reliable ability to get their

heads turned from side to side while on their tummies. If they get caught face down on the crib or bassinette mattress, they are at risk for suffocation. Some parents are concerned about their young baby spitting up in their sleep and potentially choking. When I think about my own experiences at home with our newborns, it was rare that my wife or I found old spit up in the bassinette or crib. Furthermore, even with my finely-tuned husband selective hearing, any little squeak or sound from the bassinette woke me up at night. I advise having quick and easy access to the bulb suction to remove any excess spit up from the mouth. With a couple of pats on the back all will be fine. On a related note, a baby should not be allowed to sleep on the mattress with Mom and Dad. There is too great a risk of suffocation on a more cushioned mattress, amongst sheets and blankets that might get pulled over a young baby’s head or because of unintended rolling by sleepy parents.

Car seats or carriers are another source of confusion these past few years. Typically hospitals require all newborns to go home in an appropriate infant car seat. It must be rearfacing in the back seat of the car with a five point restraint. The best position for the carrier is in the middle of the back seat. The confusion rests around when to allow the infant to face forward. The new guidelines encourage parents to keep their infant rear facing up until 2 years old. Each car seat has a height and weight limit sticker on the side that generally applies to when it is safe to move into a larger,

forward facing car seat. Both limits should be met before considering putting your infant in a forward facing position.

My final point is simple: feed, feed, feed your baby. During the first two weeks of life, I recommend feeding at least every four hours, day and night. Most babies want to feed more often, and that is normal, so feed on demand. But if your newborn is not waking very often at night during the first two weeks, you need to wake and feed them. After two weeks of life, if you occasionally get an extra hour to sleep (sorry, it’s uncommon), you don’t have to wake the baby. Babies are expected to lose weight after discharge, but then regain and surpass their birth weight by two weeks of age, hence the emphasis on feeding during this time.

Don’t feel overwhelmed. Ask plenty of questions at newborn visits to the doctor’s office, and enjoy your new addition to the family!

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Mike Little, D.O. is Board Certified with the American Board of Pediatrics since 2005. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics since 2005.

Mike is married to Dixie, his high school sweetheart, and has two children, Carolyn (12) and Nathan (8). Dr. Little practices medicine at the Airport Boulevard office of Children’s Medical Group.

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Saraland Spelling Bee Winner Receives Tickets for Go Daddy Bowl As our school champion and representative at the Mobile County Spelling Bee, Will Beason was awarded two tickets to the Go Daddy.com Bowl.

Wilmer Students Love the Grinch

Ms. Manas’ pre-k students visited the library and heard the story How the Grinch Stole Christmas. After the story, students colored a Grinch hat and drew the Grinch a big heart! Pictured are Blakely Stringer, Kaydence Feltman, Addison Stringer, Logan Waites; Front row- AJ Williams, Kate Wiggins, Kylee Smith.

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Little Flower Live Nativity The Little Flower Catholic School children displayed a live nativity scene on December 16th in front of the church.

Parents, teachers and children made costumes and built the set to recreate the beautiful scene. Children in preschool through 8th grade were invited to participate in the event.

The school children sang Christmas carols and the youth group served hot chocolate at the steps of the church during the nativity to celebrate the season.

St. Dominic Catholic School Spelling Bee Winners

St. Dominic Catholic School students in grades 5 – 8 recently participated in the annual spelling bee. Representatives from each class competed, spelling many words correctly. Pictured with Mrs. Mathias, Principal are Patrick Spafford, right, who placed 1st with Preston Endom, middle, who placed second. Both students will represent St. Dominic Catholic School in the Archdiocesan Spelling Bee.

SVS Students Parade for 14th Year in Christmas Parade

Approximately 30 beautifully decorated Christmas floats paraded through the streets of Tillman’s Corner, in West Mobile, on Saturday, December 1st.

In 1998, the Wilcox and Van Cleave families created the first float that has carried some of the cutest Christmas Elves in Alabama for the last 14 years…from St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School!

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Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

Faulkner Career Tech Holds First Induction Ceremony

An initiative of the Career and Technical Division is to honor our career tech student’s academic achievement. The National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) is one way schools recognize outstanding Career and Technical students. To become a member, students must meet the following criteria: 3.0 overall GPA, program completer (3 or more completed courses in a program), and active membership in a Career Tech Student Organization.

Faulkner Career Technical Center held the first induction ceremony this school year on Friday, December 14. Two ceremonies were held to accommodate the morning and afternoon schedules. During the morning ceremony, 13 students were inducted with 16 being inducted during the afternoon ceremony for a total of 29 students. Each high school has been invited to start NTHS at their school so we expect more members to be announced very soon.

Congratulations to our first inductees! Thanks to principal, William White, counselor, Sharon Hornsby, sponsor, Diane Pough, and the Faulkner CTC faculty and staff for recognizing their Career Tech students who exhibit exceptional academic achievement.

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Davidson Students Give Back to Community

Davidson students, aside from their academics and athletics, also participate in community service activities. From extracurricular activities to just volunteering, the students put in their best efforts to help others in need. Clubs such as Junior Civitan and Key Club participate in Coastal Cleanup and Keep Mobile Beautiful in an effort to rid the beaches of debris and areas from litter. The Baking Committee bakes treats to sell in an effort to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness. Other students take the initiative to help organizations such as Camp SMILE, a camp for mentally disabled children, and Junior Civitan students participated in UCP’s Trunk-or-Treat, where the students gave the children a Halloween that they would never forget. Students of all ages volunteer their time to take care of the children and help them experience life without any limits.

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Alba Middle School Donates Canned Food to Coastal Recovery Pantry

Alba Middle School’s Student Council sponsored a canned food drive for the Coastal Recovery Pantry in Coden, AL. Coastal Recovery Pantry prepares monthly meals for the needy in the Coden/Bayou La Batre area. Dr. Bill Moor, President of the CRP, rewarded the homeroom that collected the most cans with a pizza party. The pizza was prepared by Hollywood Video in Bayou La Batre. 2012-2013 Alba Middle School Student Council Officers: From left to right: (standing) Larry Harbison: Treasurer, (kneeling) Jerrica Oglesby: Publicity, (kneeling) Nancy Hua: Secretary, (kneeling) Vivian Tran: Vice-President, (kneeling) Katelyn Splawn: President, (standing) Caitlyn Browne: Historian. Mrs. Beverly Russell’s 8th grade homeroom won the pizza party.

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Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

St. Mary Holds Angel Tree Project and Reception Room Dedication

St. Mary Parish held its annual Angel Tree Drop Off and Brunch on Sunday, December 16. The event served as a dual celebration as the parish also celebrated the naming of the Rev. Msgr. Peter J. Cunningham Grand Reception Room, named by St. Mary Parish Capital Campaign Donors, Mr. and Mrs. James Backes Jr. and Family in Father Cunningham’s honor. The Angel Tree project is conducted

by St. Mary Parishioner, Charlotte Fibbe and family. This year’s event welcomed members of St. Mary’s Edge Youth Group who served as Santa’s helpers in collecting the Angel Tree gifts for needy families in

the community.

Pictured above, Angel Tree Helpers for St. Mary’s Edge Group: Abigail McPhillips, Lauren Bailey, James Fibbe, Luke Miller, Sebastian Bodden, Charlie Purvis, Morgan Lowe, Addison Baucom, Ashlyn Blankenship, Mathilde Naman, Andrew Thompson, Caleb Thompson, Sarah Oetken, and Julia Fibbe Pictured, right, St. Mary Pastor, Rev. Msgr. G. Warren Wall; Former Pastor of St. Mary’s, Rev. Msgr. Rev. Msgr. Peter J. Cunningham; Jim Backes, Jeanne Backes, and Carolyn Backes.

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McGill-Toolen High School Senior Earns Rank of Eagle Scout

St. Dominic Catholic School alumni and current McGill Toolen High School Senior, Bryant Volovecky, recently earned the Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank of Eagle Scout. There are many steps involved in the process including planning, developing and leading a service project for a religious organization, school or in the community.

Bryant, a member of Troop 143, constructed Osprey nesting platforms and installed them at Bellingrath Gardens.

St. Pius X Spelling Bee Winners St. Pius X annual Spelling Bee was held to determine which students would represent St. Pius in the Archdiocesean Spelling Bee held in January. Pictured here are Mrs. Michelle Ward, Spelling Bee moderator, with runner-up Zachary Bentley (4th grade) and the winner Lexi Riley (6th grade).

At St. Luke’s Episcopal School our size ensures that every student is engaged in curriculum, embraced by our faculty, and celebrated by our community. Whether it’s the arts, athletics or academics, at St. Luke’s you’ll find that your child will always be center stage. This environment, along with the strength and uniqueness of our academic programs and facilities, provides what we call THE ST. LUKE’S EXPERIENCE…but you can call it home.

Office of Admissions l www.stlukesmobile.com l 251.666.2991 Early Childhood and Lower School Campus l 3975 Japonica Lane Middle and Upper School Campus l 1400 University Blvd. S.

St. Luke’s accepts all qualified applicants without regard to gender, race, religion, national or ethnic origin.

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Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

Phillips Preparatory Student Council Holds Toy Drive Once again, our student council at Phillips Preparatory has taken on the challenge of helping others. We joined the “Great Toy Drive” with WKRG collect toys for children ranging in ages from tots to teens. Our homeroom representatives began rallying their homerooms to bring in toys before the Thanksgiving Holidays. Because of our students’ caring spirits, we collected over 200 toys. Special thanks to our students for making Christmas a memorable day for so many children.

St. Luke’s Students Perform Acts of Kindness During Christmas Break Students at St. Luke's were encouraged by their teachers to participate in an Acts of Kindness program over the Christmas break. Each student was provided with a string of twelve hearts on which they described each act of kindness they performed.

The students returned from the Christmas break and hung their "heart strings" in the classroom for everyone to share. Pictured with their heart strings are Julia McKenzie, Dylan Hale, Shelby Windham, Olivia Watts and Savannah Scott.

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UMS-Wright’s Lower School Chorus Sings at Governor's Mansion On December 10th the Lower School Chorus of UMSWright went to Montgomery to sing at the Governor’s Mansion for the Christmas Open House. The students did an outstanding job entertaining the guests who came to see the Governor’s Mansion decorated for the holidays. A special thanks to Russ Ford and Iberiabank for providing the transportation and the snacks for the trip.

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Corpus Christi Catholic School Celebrates Priests’ 25 Years of Service

During our Christmas concert on December 20, the faculty and staff at Corpus Christi Catholic School surprised our priests, Frs. Zoghby and Boudreaux, with singing a special song in celebration of their 25 years of service at our school and parish. Fr. Zoghby and Fr. Boudreaux came to CCS in December of 1988. At that time, the school had less than 300 students; today we have more than 500! Pictured are Fr. Boudreaux, Mrs. McMullen, Principal, and Fr. Zoghby.

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Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

St. Ignatius School Holds Memorial Service for Sandy Hook School St. Ignatius School hosted a memorial service for all those who lost their live in the Sandy Hook Tragedy. The entire school gathered and said Fr. Shields said the Prayer to the Holy Innocents. The students and faculty release a balloon for each person who lost their life that day. Pictured are Fr. Bry Shields and Mr. Blackburn with the entire student body of St. Ignatius School.

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Alabama School of Math and Science Instructor Retires

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After working at the school since it was founded 21 years ago, Alabama School of Math and Science physics instructor Dr. Garvin Wattuhewa retired last month. He is pictured with ASMS Registrar Kim Brunson, left, and ASMS Executive Assistant Carlotta Russell.

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Faith Academy Students Enjoy “Babes in Toyland” Experience

The December 6th & 7th production of Babes in Toyland at the Saenger Theatre included six young actresses from Faith Academy. “It was a very good experience because it was my first time trying out,” said 2nd grader, Lucy Jane Dunn. Lucy Jane, her older sisters, Tully and Sophia spent sisterly time together as they all three had parts in the play. Lucy Jane acted as a Mother Goose Villager, Tully as Curly Locks, and Sophia as an elf. Zoe Shields, Taylor Feagin, and Mary Saucer performed as gypsies and toy soldiers at the play.

The rehearsals took place at Play House in the Park, but the actual show was performed at the Saenger Theatre. Faith’s 2nd grade classes enjoyed a field trip to see the production. Pictured, Faith students (left to right) Lucy Jane Dunn Taylor Feagin, Mary Saucer, Tully Dunn, Sophia Dunn, and Zoe Shields all had roles in the recent production of Babes in Toyland at the Saenger Theatre.

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4th Graders Represent SVS and Honor Veterans at Parade of Flags St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School 4th Graders, Ryan Hergenroder and Sydney Alexander made their school and their country proud on November 11th at the 31st annual Parade of Flags. Each year at the Battleship Memorial Park, Veterans Day is commemorated by high school bands; children’s winning essays; singing; awards presentations and a highlight of hundreds of 4th graders from Mobile and Baldwin Counties proudly waving United States flags! J. Lloyd “Doc” Abbot Jr., a Navy retired rear admiral, was honored this year by the Mobile Bay Area Veterans Day Commission as Patriot of the Year, while Joe Birindelli, decorated for his Army service, is the Veteran of the Year. Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2012, Christina Maxwell was the guest speaker and sang “America the Beautiful”.

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Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

C St. Mary Parish and Archdiocese of Mobile Host Tornado Relief Effort for Christmas Day Tornado Victims St. Mary Parish and School, along with the Archdiocese of Mobile, sponsored “Hope Rising”, a fundraiser benefitting victims of the Christmas Day tornadoes that hit midtown. The event was a block party held on Friday, January 4 with over 1500 people in attendance. To date, over $17,000 has been raised with more checks coming in. Proceeds will be distributed through Catholic Social Services to specific families for immediate needs. The chairs of this event were Dan Johnson of the Archdiocese of Mobile and Rev. Dan Good, St. Mary’s Parochial Vicar. Volunteers on the Planning committee were made up of St. Mary Catholic School Principal Debbie Ollis and St. Mary Catholic School staff and families, McGill-Toolen Graduates, Knights of Columbus, and the Men of St. Joseph.

Thanks to the following Food Vendors for donating food to this event: Mobile Popcorn (popcorn and inflatables), The Original Oyster House, Carrington Foods, Boiling Pot, Dew Drop, Little Caesars, Callaghan's, Old Dutch, Krispy Kreme, Delish Desserts, Knights of Columbus (beverages), Salvation Army (hot cocoa.) and Cold Snap.

Volunteer Musicians included: Alex Crow and the Altar Boys, Nick Gill, Kevin Heider, Kate Teague, Mark Kent, Adrian Eves! Daniel Vaughn of Vaughn Photography volunteered his time in recording the event. Special thanks to our Raffle Donors: Carpe Diem, Callaghan's, Battleship Park, Shane Rice Photography, and Bikram Yoga.

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Corpus Christi Catholic School Spelling Bee Winners

On December 11, Corpus Christi Catholic School hosted our annual Spelling Bee. This year’s winner was 7th grader Dylan Campbell and the runner-up was 8th grader Karson Hollingsworth. Both students will move on to compete in the Archdiocesan-wide Spelling Bee at St. Pius X School. Pictured are Dylan Campbell, Mrs. Joan McMullen and Karson Hollingsworth.

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Three St. Luke’s Athletes Selected to AllState Teams St. Luke's was excited to have 3 athletes named to ALL-State teams during the fall of it's first full varsity competition.

Pictured are freshman Ashley Chapman, selected for the Birmingham News 1st Team ALL-STATE Volleyball Team and senior George Payne, selected for the Alabama Sports Writers Association 1st team ALL-STATE Football Team. Not pictured: Freshman Elise Polio who received an Honorable Mention for the Birmingham News 1st Team ALL-STATE Volleyball Team.

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P Kate Shepard Spelling Bee Winners

Kate Shepard’s Spelling Bee was held on January 4. Brooke Taylor, a fifth grade student in Mrs. Casey's class was the winner. Tyshawn Hives, a fourth grade student in Ms. Le's class was the runner up.

Congratulations to all the Spelling Bee participants! Judges were Mrs. Kay Smith (Principal), Janese Sanders, Willie Dinnish, and Elizabeth Gillespie (Pronouncer).

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Drug Bus Visits Wilmer Elementary

On December 10th, the Drug Bus visited Wilmer Elementary! Mr. Seldon W. Bird, Drug Education Coordinator, provided students with useful information about staying away from drugs during the visit. The drug bus was a hit with students. Pictured in front of the drug bus, left to right back row- 5th grade students Randall Rylee, Mr. Seldon Bird, Brandon Williams, Samantha Smith; Left to right front row- Mrs. Malinda Gray, school counselor, Devin Waite, Brodie trammel, Kole West, Jordan Evans, Chloe Garner, Hannah Pizani.

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St. Dominic Catholic School First Graders Perform Christmas Play Before leaving for Christmas break, St. Dominic Catholic School first graders performed a play depicting the birth Jesus.

Pictured left to right are Chris Harrison, Megan Trinh and Lauren Fridley.

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St. Pius X Fourth Grader Receives P.E. Award St. Pius X fourth grader, Parker Lambert, is pictured with his parents after receiving the P. E. Department’s award for the month of December. The recipients were honored at a reception on Friday, January 11.

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Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

Faith Academy Adopts 75 Children Through Angel Tree Christmas Project

The Christmas season is a time of family bonding, laughter, and joy. But for some, Christmas is a time of worry, a time when parents struggle to provide gifts and simple things, taken for granted, for their children. Faith Academy students are aware of this fact and sprang into action. The school’s SGA found Snow Road First Baptist Church has a ministry where people “adopt” an “angel” to whom he/she provides Christmas gifts. Through the leadership of Faith’s SGA/Junior SGA, each homeroom class (grades K312) “adopted” seventy-five children. The school received a list of desired items such as school clothes, stuffed animals, and Barbie dolls. Students were humbled and honored to help out these precious seventy-five children. The school did everything they know to do in order to make this Christmas season a special and fun time for these children. “This Christmas every gift bag of “love” delivered to children was tied with a green ribbon in memory of the children of Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn. and to remind us all that life is precious. Special thanks to the Faith Academy family for being a Signature of God’s Grace,” program director Margaret Coley said.

Pictured, SGA members (left to right) Peyton Jemison, Paityn Collier, and Allyssa Litton sort and label gift for the 75 children that Faith Academy sponsored for its Angel Tree Christmas project.

Please email School News and photos to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com by the 10th of the month.

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St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School Robotics Team Wins Top Robot Overall

On Saturday, December 1st and Sunday, December 2nd …56 robotics teams, from 18 BEST hubs, in 8 states ranging from Florida to Connecticut gathered to compete in the B.E.S.T. (Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology) Regional Competition. By early Sunday evening, after over 100 rounds of competition, it had become a nail-biter with tiny SVS middle school (the smallest school in the competition with approximately 185 students) going into the finals against 3 high school teams: Holy Cross of New Orleans (approximately 1000 students); Spain Park High School (approximately 1500 students); Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology (approximately 700 students). By 5:30 p.m. it was all over, with little SVS Robotics Team beating out their elders and taking the Top Spot overall! To get here, they first had to construct a robot that could ‘pick up and deliver supplies’ to a fictitious space station, from Earth. They had 42 days to construct this robot, using only the supplies given to them by the BEST organizers. (Each team is given identical supply kits). Then they had to compete by elimination process and place in the top 3 teams out of 36 teams from the local area. They also brought home several other additional awards including Best Middle School Robot and Best T-shirt Design! SVS Robotics has taken ‘Start Small, Think Big!’ to a whole new level! Congratulations SVS Robotics Team!

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St. Ignatius held its Annual Spelling Bee January 9. Pictured are the top 3 participants with Mr. Blackburn, Principal. Congratulations to 1st place winner, Ben Heggeman, 2nd place winner Chase Mahler and 3rd place winner Samantha Williams.

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Faith Boys’ Basketball Team Puts Others Before Self

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This season, Faith Academy’s 5th-6th grade basketball team remembered the true meaning of Christmas. These generous boys decided to give an unforgettable Christmas to those who are not as fortunate. After hearing the ideas of the boys, Mrs. Brandy Wilkinson, team mom, was eager to organize the donations. For their team Christmas party, instead of exchanging gifts themselves, the players brought toys to donate to “The Great Toy Drive” at WKRG news station. Monday, December 17th, all the boys presented the gifts they collected to WKRG, and its viewers were able to see the group on a later news broadcast. Sixth grader Noah Mitchell said, “It was amazing. We met Alan Sealls, and he let us get in front of the green screen and predict the weather. Our team had a blast, and we were happy to make someone’s Christmas.” WKRG distributes the presents to organizations like The Salvation Army, and to families who truly are in need. Pictured, on Dec. 17, Faith 5th/6th grade basketball players (left to right) Noah Mitchell, Chandler Teague, William Kahn, Judd Duke, Chandler Gibbons, and Jaden Hillary enjoyed having WKRG Meteorologist, Alan Sealls give their team a tour of the newsroom and answer all of their questions about the weather.

Baker Theatre Students Win Superior Ratings

The Baker High School Theatre Department recently competed at the District 5 Walter Trumbauer Secondary Theatre Festival and SWEPT the award ceremony. With 20 superior rated events, the Baker High School Theatre Department had the most students advancing to state than any other school in our district, which spans all the way north to Enterprise, AL. The students involved were: Brandon Williams, Dakotah Holcombe, Colton Holcombe, Jonathan Fox, Raymond Peyton, Tyler McIlwain, Carl Johnson, Ryan Bolanos, Michael Moore, Carl Wagner, Hannah Hamade, Alicia Taylor, Sarah Hinton, Taylor Davis, Hannah Spaulding, Kristen Forsberg, Blake Waters, Isaiah Singleton, Jerrell Johnson, Pierce Cleveland.

Gilliard Hosts 5th Annual Archery Tournament The 5th annual Gator Pride Archery Tournament was a HUGE success with 432 shooters! There were elementary, middle and high school teams. Congratulations to the Gilliard Gator team for placing 2nd overall in the Elementary School Division!

Many people worked hard to make this tournament happen. Coach Hussong and Coach Roberson's dedication to the Gillard team is outstanding! The team practices after school a couple of times a week. Often some of their old archers stop by from middle school and help out. Coach Roberson and parent Mike Nichols set up the archery range for the tournament. Kim Jones and Cecilia Taylor, PTA President, ran the concession stand, coordinated the raffles, arranged door prizes and did all the cooking. Jessica Cassady scored all the archer's scorecards through our scantron machine and set-up spreadsheets for all 21 schools who participated. Due to her expertise, all of the results were sent out to the coaches very quickly.

Hope Hussong of Be Hopeful Photography took team and individual pictures. Staff member Kathy Friedline designed the Gator Archery team shirts. P.E. Aide Janet Wilson set up trophy and medal displays in the concession stand. Bill Hussong, Laura Anderson and Alan Barlow helped throughout the entire tournament. Archery team parents volunteered selling concessions, raffle tickets and archery novelties and supervised the door prize table. They also donated drinks, homemade snacks and door prizes. Pictured, Jamarlon Portis won the raffle for the bow and Ms. Cooper of Foley won the target. Chick-Fil-A, Bass Pro Shops, Academy Sports and Outdoors, and The Trophy Shop donated door prizes and coupons for free food and discounts. Thanks to Miss Bolden and Mrs. Turner for coming to watch the tournament and for their continued support of the archery program at Gilliard.

Corpus Christi Cougars Run Wild!

The Booster Club at Corpus Christi Catholic School held the first annual “Cougars Running Wild” 5K race and 1-mile fun run on December 8th at the Mobile Municipal park. More than 100 runners participated in the race.

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Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

Baker Key Club Gives to Homeless The students in the Baker High School Key Club with teacher/ sponsor, Ms. Amy Roe have donated toys and stocking stuffers for homeless children for the last four years. The Homeless Education Program uses these items to help homeless children at Christmas and is very grateful to these Baker students and their sponsor!

Davidson Dash Proceeds Donated to Penelope House Davidson High School students organized a fun, family oriented event to take place on Saturday, December 15. The first annual Davidson Dash consisted of a five kilometer run around the Davidson and Denton School campuses and a one kilometer Fun Run for children and those who enjoyed a slower, more relaxed pace. The dash helped raise community awareness about domestic violence and its victims by partnering with Penelope House, a nonprofit organization. The group assists abused women in need of safety, protection, and support. Their efforts have come a long way but they are always in need of financial aid. The proceeds from the dash, which totaled to an impressive 500 dollars, were donated to Penelope House.

Saraland Students Create Multimedia Flyer for Local Business

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The students in Mrs. Cunningham's Multimedia classes have been learning how to use Microsoft Publisher. A local business owner, Carol Bates of Income Tax Solutions, came by and spoke to the class. She allowed students to ask questions about her business and also about the forms of advertisements that she used. She then asked students to create a multimedia flyer for her. Students were given guidelines as to what she needed for her business and encouraged them to be creative. Ms. Bates decided to make this a contest and award the winner $25. Ms. Bates liked aspects of 2 different flyers so she chose Keith Kelly and Drew Corley's flyer for their double-sided unique map design, and Ricky Hoeft's flyer for his great coupon and clip art. The student's flyers were combined to make a great advertisement for her business. Each of the 3 students were awarded$25! The students learned to work together as a team, and gain experience in the business world. Thank you Income Tax Solutions for being a Partner in Education!

St. Ignatius Kindergartners Display Live Nativity The St. Ignatius Kindergarten Class displayed a live Nativity for the Children's Christmas Eve Mass. Pictured left to right: Andrew Murchison, Charlie Zakutney, James Hollon, Baylor Dumont, Thomas Carey, Mary Parish Hutchisson, Caroline Seese, James King, Jack Teague and Hogan Hodges.

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St. Luke’s Recognizes Athletes of the Month Each month the St. Luke's Athletic Parents Club (CLAWS) recognizes a male and female Varsity athlete as the Players of the Month. The students are announced during a Middle and Upper School assembly and each receives a plaque. Pictured, left, are the winners from October: Freshman Elise Polio (Volleyball) and Senior Lane Andrews (Football). Pictured, right, from November are Junior Jewel Hill (Basketball) and Aaron Bryant (Basketball).

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St. Mary Catholic School kindergarten through fifth grade presented their annual PTO Christmas Sing A Long and Nativity Play on December 18 and 19. Both performances were held in St. Mary Catholic Church with families, faculty and staff, and fellow students in attendance.

The performers in the Nativity Play consists of students in kindergarten through second grade and includes the Holy Family, the three wise men, angels and shepherds, and the animals in the stable. Students in grades three through five perform beautiful Christmas Carols throughout the performance. Pictured are a few of the members of St. Mary’s team of first grade angels: left to right: McKenna Barnett; Anne Marie Delaney; Raley Adams; Callie Morrow; Lily Bumpers; Gillie Green; Amari Toomer; Jasmine Edwards; Chelsea Daffin; Sadie Hanks; Brooke Castleberry; and Elise Doyle.

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Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

Alabama School of Math and Science Students Perform at Bicentennial

A handful of students performed at Mobile Bicentennial celebration recently. Pictured are Will Steudle, Lorenzo Gapud, Leanna Hamilton, and Rowdy Cosby.

Mertz Partners with Coast Guard for Education

The United States Coast Guard supports Eichold-Mertz Elementary in its focus on education. Lt. Chris Yane of the United States Coast Guard has worked closely with the school to provide students with mentoring and tutoring. Volunteers Sarah Puscy, Pete Merwick, Julie Padgett, and Tom Mawe visit Eichold-Mertz every Tuesday to work with students in reading, writing, and math. They are mentors to fourth graders and have volunteered numerous hours with the students. The United States Coast Guard is Mertz's Partner in Education and we appreciate their efforts in educating our students.

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Local Chef Cooks for Dawes Intermediate School

Food for Thought, a program created by the Alliance to the Medical Society of Mobile County to help fight childhood obesity in Mobile County, is blossoming. A partnership with six elementary schools was formed to create edible gardens on school grounds, using the Alliance's resources and teacher and classroom participation. The program has grown to include cooking demonstrations by some of Mobile's finest chefs at these partnering schools, as another avenue to teach children about healthy eating. The first of these cooking demonstrations took place at Dawes Intermediate School on January 9th and was presented by local Chef John Weichman of the Italian Fisherman restaurant. Fourth grade students of teacher, Tonya Wilson, observed, first hand, as Chef Weichman prepared his Italian seafood specialty with pasta, fresh herbs, tomato broth, mussels and Gulf Coast shrimp. After sampling Chef Weichman's preparation, it didn't take long for the adventurous students to unanimously conclude that it was not only healthy and fun to eat, but delicious.

Alabama Performance Award-winning Dawes Intermediate School is no stranger to health-promoting initiatives. A half-acre outdoor learning center on the campus is nearing completion and includes an outdoor kitchen area, paved walking paths, 50 garden areas, large pavilion, composting barn, green house and storage area. School principal, Michele McClung, credits the Alliance with providing the impetus for the outdoor facility. According to Ms. McClung, “It all began with the Food for Thought garden, with the two little four-by-ten foot raised beds.”

The garden was created by Mrs. Wilson's fourth graders, along with the help of Alliance volunteers, in Fall 2011 and is being maintained by the students.

Four additional cooking demonstrations will take place in the next two months.

Each of the participating schools maintains an on-site garden.

The Alliance's outreach initiative began in 2010 as a partnership with local, public elementary schools to teach children, hands on, about healthy eating through direct involvement in growing fresh vegetables in on-site, edible school gardens. Participating teachers receive copies of the recently published Food for Thought Cookbook, a collection of tasty, kid-friendly recipes contributed by Alliance members and local chefs. The cookbook is being sold as a fundraiser for the outreach project and can be purchased for $18 at Carpe Diem Coffee & Tea, 4072 Old Shell Road, or from the Alliance to the Medical Society of Mobile County by contacting Karen Alford at alfords43@me.com.

Pictured left to right: Tonya Wilson, Dawes fourth grade teacher; Michele McClung, Dawes principal; Alliance volunteers, Stacey Howell, Kendra Barnett, Carmen Ives.

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Nan Gray Davis Donates Stockings to Child Advocacy Center

In October, 5th grade student Kaitlyn Varnadore was selected as Nan Gray Davis’ Red Ribbon Leadership Award Winner. Her task was to select a community service project to work on that would empower people to live drug free. Kaitlyn decided to partner with the Child Advocacy Center.

After speaking with a representative from the Child Advocacy Center, it became evident that one of the greatest needs at this time of year for the center was collecting small toys to fill stockings for the children being serviced there. Kaitlyn organized a school toy drive at Nan Gray Davis, which brought in many toys for the stockings.

Donations were also collected. With the help of friends and family, 100 stockings were able to be filled for the center. When asked why she wanted to help others, Kaitlyn replied, “I just wanted to help children who have been hurt to have a good Christmas!”

Davidson NJROTC Participates in Mobile Christmas Parade

The streets of Downtown Mobile were filled with people as the annual Christmas parade took place on Saturday, December 15. Davidson students, including members of the band, NJROTC, and Azalea Trail Maids, took part in the parade. The band performed different selections of Christmas music to elevate the mood of the crowd. The NJROTC members showed off their uniforms as they marched down the street. The Azalea Trail Maids dazzled the crowds with their beautiful individual made dresses. Other students were spotted cheering on the sidewalks.

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McGill-Toolen Wins First HiQ Match of the Season

McGill-Toolen hosted the first HiQ Academic competition of the season Thursday, January 10th. McT won with 54 points over St. Luke’s (24 points) and Satsuma (20 points). In the first half Captain Allen Davis lead teammates Erin Hannahan and Connor Kusch and in the second half it was Captain Kevin Kusch with teammates Josh Kalifeh, Silvio Piccini and Matthew Davis.

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Mc-Gill Toolen NHS Members Give Back

McGill-Toolen National Honor Society members went to the Ronald McDonald House to cook breakfast for the residents there. NHS members arrived at the House at 7 a.m. to start cooking French toast, bacon and fruit salad. It was such a fulfilling experience for the members that they are planning to go back every month!

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Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

Sea Cadets March in Christmas Parade

Two and a half years after the reformation of the U. S. Naval Sea Cadet’s Dunlap Division in the Mobile area, the unit has grown from four cadets to twenty-nine. “We have seen a significant growth over the last few months and expect even more growth in the near future,” said ENS Cynthia Lowder.

“We would like to thank all of those who have helped us to achieve the success we have seen over the last year and are looking forward to many more successful years to come.”

The cadets held their Annual Christmas Dinner as well as marched in the

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Semmes 12th Annual Christmas Parade in December. During the month of December, the following cadets received promotions: E-3 Seaman Jaden Bryant, E-2 Seaman Apprentice Tyler Boggan and Christopher Townsend.

The unit’s LPO Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan B. Goss received an award from the National Society, Sons of the Revolution. Dunlap Division is scheduled to march in the Conde Cavalier’s Parade on January 25.

Cadets are authorized by the Secretary of the Navy to wear Navy uniforms marked with the Sea Cadet Corps insignia. The program is open to the community for young men and women ages 10 to high school graduation with open enrollment year round.

The Sea and League Cadets drill together one weekend a month at the United States Coast Guard Aviation Training Center in Mobile. www.drdunlap.org, www.seacadets.org, www.facebook.com/DunlapDivison.

Dixon Elementary’s Family Ornament Night Full of Christmas Activity

December 4th was a holly jolly night at Dixon Elementary! Dixon’s Family Ornament night has become an anticipated tradition for good reason. Dixon’s Book Fair was open to the public all afternoon prior to the event, and the Alba Middle School baseball team sold hamburger and hotdog plates to the hungry crowd. Many families brought cans to contribute to Dixon’s food drive to benefit families in need in the community. At 6:00, the marvelous Dixon PTA held a meeting to share important information with parents and students about school happenings, and then the 1st graders of Mrs. Atkins, Mrs. Lund, Mrs. Malone, and Mrs. Brown put on a Christmas performance with help from our music teacher, Mr. Bowler. All of Dixon’s teachers were part of a stiff door-decorating competition. Judges from the community came to vote on the best overall door as well as winners in other categories. Winners were announced at the PTA meeting. The big winner was Mrs. Peyton Atkins of 1st grade. Congratulations! The last hour of the night was devoted to making beautiful, handcrafted ornaments as a family. Parents and students were encouraged to visit each grade level to make unique treasures to hang on the tree.

Pictured, the Kaisers enjoyed making ornaments together.

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Brietling Yearbook Design Winners For the last several years, Grand Bay Middle have asked that students suggest themes for the yearbook cover. This year a Grand Bay theme was chosen. 5th grade students were asked to design a cover that incorporated that theme. Entries had to follow the guidelines and every design required the student to incorporate the Brietling name and the school year.

The winner of the contest received a free yearbook and the students coming in 2nd and 3rd place received their yearbook off half-price! The school's winners this year were: 1st place - Tiffany Lombard; 2nd place Landon Clark; and 3rd place Hallie Carter!

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KIDS EAT

McGill-Toolen Yellow Jackets Shine at All Star Game McGill-Toolen Seniors Jason Smith, Harrison Louden and Thomas Hamlin were selected to play in this year’s AL - MS All Star Game in Montgomery on December 15th. Thomas Hamlin was 3 for 4 on Field Goals with 2 punts for a 40 yard average and 3 of his 7 kick offs were touchbacks, Harrison Louden played every other series and with some exceptional blocks and Jason Smith was the AL MVP with 6 receptions for 134 yards. GO JACKETS.

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Mary G. Montgomery Band Marches to a Winning Beat The Little Big Horn Marching Contest took place on October 20, in Opp, AL. The Opp High School Band has sponsored the competition now for the past 32 years. This year there were 17 bands to participate. There were 140 students that attended from Mary G. Montgomery. They won the Best in Class Dance Team, Best in Class Drum Line and the Best in Class Band and had the Highest Overall Score for the entire contest.

3733 Battleship Pkwy • Mobile • 251-626-2188 Hwy 59 • Original Oyster House Boardwalk • 251-948-2445

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Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

Do You Hate Your Mornings?

by The FlyLady, Marla Cilley Do you hate your mornings? Do you wake up in a bad mood? Do you feel like you got up on the wrong side of the bed? Your mornings do not have to be like this. All it takes is a little thought to change the CHAOS you have been living in.

That little thought is as simple as knowing what clothes you are wearing when you get up. If you will think about your morning before you actually have to face it, your mornings will run smoother.

Here is what happens when we put something off. Let’s start with our before bed routines.

martyrdom and the loud yelling voices that just add to the stress along with the guilt.

6. Now we are half dressed, jumping in a car trying to put on makeup while driving and not paying attention to what we are doing. Not to mention that you have skipped breakfast and there is not even time for a quick drive through the golden arches. Well that could be the only positive thing about rushing; no time for negative nutrition with fast food.

7. Next thing we know the blue lights are flashing in our rearview mirror and we have yet another speeding ticket to have to explain and pay for.

1. We go to bed at 1:00 or 2:00 am and have to get up at 7:00 am. We procrastinated by not going to bed at a decent hour. Then we can’t get up on time.

8. That is, if we are lucky and we haven’t had a car accident with our babies in the car.

2. After you hit the snooze button a few times it is 7:30 am, and to get to work on time we have to leave at 7:45 am. Now you have 15 minutes to get dressed and out the door and you have no clean clothes.

9. More money wasted all because we procrastinated and didn’t go to bed at a decent hour to get up and start our day on the right foot, instead of behind the eight ball.

3. Not only did you go to bed late, but you did not lay out your clothes for tomorrow. So there again you have procrastinated and you are rushing around.

Just writing this makes me nauseated. I could not live this way anymore.

The constant surge of adrenalin is hard on our bodies. We have to find a way to relieve the stress that our procrastination causes in our lives. Are you listening to me?! Procrastination can kill us and maim our children. It can be a slow painful death of our bodies turning on us because of the constant surge of adrenalin with immune dysfunction or it can be a quick one with a car accident. You have a choice to stop this right now!

4. Now you are feeling the time crunch and the pressure of being late to work or an appointment again. Then the guilt starts to pile on.

5. With the guilt comes blaming others and not looking at what your role was in your perpetual tardiness. Then we have Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

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If I can ever get you to make peace with your mornings by establishing a few simple habits in your life; you will never go back to living this way. The calmness of the mornings will start you out on a firm and steady pace for your whole day.

Before you go to bed: 1. Gather up the items you will need for tomorrow and put them by your front door.

2. Check your calendar for tomorrow’s appointments.

3. Lay out your clothes for tomorrow.

4. Brush and floss your teeth and wash your face.

5. Go to bed at a decent hour...this way you will feel like getting up!

When you get up in the morning: 1. Get dressed as soon as your feet hit the floor.

2. Swish and Swipe the bathroom while you are getting dressed.

3. Eat breakfast, drink water and take your supplements and medications.

4. Gather up the items to take with you.

5. Do not wait till the last moment to leave your home. It is OK to be early.

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These simple habits will change your life. The main thing you have to do is go to bed at a decent hour so you will have the energy to get started on your day. You can do this!

For more help getting rid of your CHAOS, check out her website and join her free mentoring group at www.FlyLady.net or her book, Sink Reflections, published by Random House and her New York Times Best Selling book, Body Clutter, published by Simon and Schuster. Copyright 2013 Marla Cilley.

Used by permission in this publication.

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Q. We’re expecting our second child next spring, and even though we have an extra bedroom, our place is pretty small for a growing family. We also have $40,000 in student loan debt hanging over our heads, but we can save up almost $50,000 by the time the baby’s here. Should we use this money to buy a bigger home or pay off debt?

If it were me, I’d make sure to knock out the student loan before buying a house. Trust me, if you buy a home with a ton of debt hanging over your heads, Murphy will move into your spare bedroom and make your lives miserable. If it can happen, it will happen. And that’s especially true when it comes to buying a house when you don’t have much cash on hand.

You’re telling me you can save nearly $50,000 by next year. That means you guys are making pretty good money. So there’s no reason you can’t turn around and do the same thing

A.

next year, right? I mean, this is only a one- or two-year program we’re talking about. In another year’s time, you could save up for a huge down payment with some extra savings on the side. If you waited and saved for two years, there’s a possibility you could pay cash for a bigger place outright. Imagine how cool it would be to have your own home with no mortgage payments!

Just clean up the extra bedroom and fix it up as a nice nursery. Some new carpet or hardwood is always nice. Throw in a fresh coat of paint, and you’re in business. Then, a year or two after the new baby arrives, you’ll be ready to move from a financial and a family perspective. A baby can live just fine in a small bedroom. There’s nothing in the world wrong with that!

Q. When it comes to taking control of your money and living on a budget, what’s the biggest thing a family can live without?

A.

There are always the shiny things people can do without. Sometimes people sell a fancy car or boat and get rid of a $600-a-month payment right off the bat. But on a regular, day-to-day basis, I think maybe the biggest and best thing you can amputate from your life is eating out.

I love a good restaurant, and I’ve got nothing against the industry. The problem, though, is that people are struggling to pay their bills or set aside something for retirement because they’re eating out all the time. Most folks simply don’t realize how much money they throw away by heading to the drivethrough for lunch or going out to dinner “once in a while.”

I want people to enjoy life, and a great part of that can be going out and having a meal with your family and friends. Just don’t do it when you’re broke. If you’re having financial issues, the only time you should see the inside of a restaurant is if you’re working there!

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Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

Baby Food

by Sandra Gordon

You’ve consulted books, logged onto web sites and asked your friend, but you’ve still got niggling questions about feeding your baby safely that no one seems to know the answer to—until now.

To help you sort through the confusion, we rounded up top pediatricians and baby safety experts to answer some of your most burning baby food questions. Bonus: Their answers might even save you money!

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Q: Is it safe to switch from Similac to the store-brand infant formula? I hear the store brand is so much cheaper.

A: It’s definitely safe to switch from namebrand infant formula to the store brand and it is a lot better for your bottom line, too. Storebrand formulas, labeled with the names of retail-store brands, such as Target (up & up), Wal-Mart (Parent’s Choice) and Babies R Us (Babies R Us), are as nutritionally complete as national brand formulas, yet cost up to 50 percent less—which can add up to a savings of $600 per year. The store brand had to be as good as the national brand. According to the Food and Drug Administration, all formula marketed in the U.S. must meet the same nutrient specifications, which are set at levels to fulfill the needs of infants. Although infant-formula manufacturers may have their own proprietary formulations, brand-name and store-brand formula must contain at least the minimum levels of all nutrients specified in FDA regulations, without exceeding maximum levels, where those are specified.

Skeptical? Compare nutrition information on the labels and see for yourself. Talk to your pediatrician first though, before switching types of formula, such as from regular (cow’s milk) formula to soy formula. That can be a big adjustment for some babies.

Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

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Q: Is it safe to put a partially eaten jar of baby food back in the fridge for next time?

A: You can stash it in the fridge for later as long as you haven’t fed your baby from the jar (or yogurt container). If that’s the case, toss it. Harmful bacteria from your baby’s mouth can grow and multiply in the jar. If your baby typically doesn’t eat a full jar, spoon a portion into a bowl and put the jar in the refrigerator for later, but keep in mind that the clock is ticking. Opened jars of fruits and vegetables will keep for up to three days in the fridge.

Meats are good for one day. You’ve got two days, tops, for meat and vegetable combos.

Date open jars with a permanent marker jars so you’ll know what went into the fridge when.

Q: How long can I leave infant formula or pumped breast milk out?

A: You can leave prepared infant formula or pumped breast milk out of the refrigerator (without a cold pack) for two hours. If it has been sitting out longer than that, you’ll need 36

to throw it out. That includes other perishable items, too, like baby food, dairy products and meat. But play it safe and throw them out after an hour.

Q: Are there any special dietary recommendations for breastfeeding, like there are when you’re pregnant (such as avoiding soft cheese and raw fish)?

A: There are, but not many. When you’re breast-feeding, you’ll need to continue avoiding fish high in mercury, just as you did during pregnancy, as per U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommendations. Don’t eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish because they contain high levels of mercury.

And if there’s a family history of serious food allergies, such as peanuts or shellfish, you may be advised to avoid both, even if it’s your partner who is allergic. “Otherwise, you can go ahead and eat your normal diet,” says Jennifer Trachtenberg, M.D., a New York City pediatrician and author of Good Kids, Bad Habits. If you’ve heard that avoiding drinking Advertising: 251-304-1200

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milk yourself can prevent your baby from becoming gassy, or that sticking to a bland diet prevents colic, don’t believe it. They’re not true, Dr. Trachtenberg says. Similarly, you don’t need to avoid soft cheeses like feta, Brie, and Camembert, or sushi or sashimi like you did during pregnancy because the bacterium that may be found in these foods that could cause infection, Listeria monocytogenes, doesn’t transfer to breast milk. Caffeine and alcohol also aren’t off limits if your baby is healthy and not preterm or past due, “but moderation is the best thing,” she says.

Ask your baby’s pediatrician for advice if you want to consume either.

Q: Do I need to shell out for a bottle sterilizer or is the dishwasher good enough?

A: The dishwasher will do the job, especially if you have city (not well water), which is chlorinated, says Charles Shubin, M.D., director of pediatrics at Mercy FamilyCare in Baltimore. (Chlorine kills harmful bacteria that may be present.) Just wash your bottles in the top rack of the dishwasher. Or wash bottles in hot tap water with dishwashing detergent and then rinse them in hot tap water. If you have well water or nonchlorinated water that doesn’t meet current safety levels, talk to your pediatrician. Instead of relying on the dishwasher, you’ll probably be advised to use

It’s definitely safe to switch from name-brand infant formula to the store brand and it is a lot better for your bottom line, too. a sterilizer or boil bottles in water for 5 to 10 minutes before using them.

Q: When preparing infant formula, can I just use tap water or do I need to buy bottled water?

A: “You can use tap water to prepare infant formula unless you have your own well,” Dr. Shubin says. (Yes, we’re back to that pesky well issue again.) If you have well water, before making infant formula, have it tested.

Contact your county health department, or the Department of Natural Resources statewide

office in your area. They should have a list of certified labs is available from your state.

All babies under six months of age are at risk of nitrate poisoning, according to the EPA, which can cause a condition called methemoglobinemia or “blue baby syndrome,” which robs the blood of oxygen. Public water supplies are tested regularly for nitrates. If your water doesn’t meet EPA’s standard for nitrates and your baby is less than six months old, talk to your pediatrician. You can’t eliminate nitrates by boiling water. It actually concentrates the levels. So you’ll probably need to use bottled water.

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Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

You’ll also need to worry about lead.

Whether you have city or well water, your baby can still be exposed to lead from the pipes in your home. To avoid exposure to lead, as a general rule, use water from the cold tap for making baby formula, drinking, and cooking.

Also, if you haven’t turned the water on for six hours or more, the EPA advises letting it run for a minute or more first before filling your baby’s bottle.

Q: What’s a great way to save money on baby food?

A: “Make your own,” Dr. Shubin advises. The main difference between baby food and regular food is that it’s pureed, but a small hand grinder or a blender can take care of that, he says. If you do buy jarred baby food, which is especially convenient when you’re traveling, you’ll save by choosing single-ingredient meats, vegetables and fruits, then mix them to your baby’s liking instead of buying ready-made combos, like herbed chicken with pasta.

When your baby is ready for “solid” food (typically around 4 to 6 months), always introduce one food at a time and wait three days. Start with iron-fortified infant cereal mixed with breast milk or formula. Then, slowly introduce pureed vegetables, fruits and meat according to your pediatrician’s time table. If your baby doesn’t get a reaction such

as diarrhea or rash, the coast is clear. Go ahead and add another food to your baby’s menu.

Don’t spike your baby’s food with sugar or corn syrup and no honey for the first year.

Also during your baby’s first 12 months, steer clear of foods loaded with fat and sugar, such as bacon, lunch meat, French fries, creamed veggies, pudding, cookies, candy, cakes, and sweetened drinks such as iced tea and soda.

And don’t give your baby hot dogs, peanuts, whole grapes, berries, raisins, hard candies and popcorn (radar: choking hazard).

Q: Besides infant formula or breast milk, what can my baby drink in his first year?

A: You’ll need to keep feeding your baby formula or breast milk through the first year, even when your baby starts eating solid food. But when your baby is 6 months old, you can add 100% fruit juice (check the label to make sure) to your baby’s repertoire. Go easy though. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting 100% fruit juice to no more than 4 to 6 ounces per day from 6 months to 6 years of age, and making it part of a meal, not a snack.

Too much juice can cause diarrhea and gas, contribute to tooth decay and fill your baby up so that he has less room for more nutritious foods. To limit juice, offer 1 to 2 ounces at a time in a sippy cup, not a bottle. The juice should be pasteurized (flash-heated to kill

pathogens). Fresh-squeezed juice isn’t pasteurized. And keep in mind that juice fortified with calcium isn’t a substitute for formula or cow’s milk, which your baby can have after his first birthday.

Q: How can I help my baby switch from infant formula to cow’s milk?

A: After your baby’s first birthday, it’s safe to make the switch from infant formula or breast milk to whole cow’s milk. But if you’re baby’s not buying it, try introducing whole cow’s milk gradually. Over several weeks and months, add a little whole milk to the formula you prepare and slowly increase the proportion of milk to formula until your baby is drinking straight cow’s milk. Don’t buy low-fat milk, thinking it’s healthier. A baby’s rapidly-developing brain thrives on the high percentage of butterfat whole milk contains. Just think: A child’s brain grows to 80 percent of its adult size by age 3 and much of that development happens by age 2. After your child’s second birthday, brain growth begins to subside. That’s when it’s time to switch to foods low in artery-clogging trans and saturated fat, such as low-fat and nonfat milk and yogurt. For more on what to feed your baby, visit www.kidseatright.org.

Sandra Gordon is author of Consumer Reports Best Baby Products and a frequent contributor to many national magazines.

You have found your child’s “medical home.” Mobile Pediatric Clinic’s knowledgeable, compassionate physician and care team tend to your child’s health needs in a comprehensive manner, giving your child a genuine “medical home.” We are truly committed to helping children reach their highest potential by partnering with parents to promote and maintain their child’s physical and emotional wellbeing from birth through high school graduation.

Katherine L. Savells

MD, FAAP ~ pediatric physician

32 Tacon Street, Suite A

251.706.8170 Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

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Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Kids have a natural animal attraction for creatures of the wild! They quickly learn to identify all the major players in the animal kingdom, from the king of the beasts to the wanderers of the deep. So it’s no surprise that toy designers incorporate a whole range of exotic creatures into their plans for kids gear and toys. And it’s a toy jungle out there. But we’ve cut through the undergrowth and discovered the following wild animal-themed toys offering features that make them some of our favorites for kids!

by Paige Gardner Smith

Gentle Giraffe

Zylie Bear

Baby’s first wild animal toy should be the Gentle Giraffe. This amazing soft toy is great on so many levels with super-soft polyester covering and a long slim neck that’s just the right size for small hands to hold and hug. And when kids are a little older, they will appreciate the accompanying storybook and adoption certificate. The best part is the Gentle Giraffe sound system that features soft recordings of womb sounds, rushing water, Safari groove and wilderness trails. These sounds both soothe and serve as ‘white noise’ for small children who sometimes need to tune out the rest of their environment’s noise. Easy controls and a sleep timer make it an ideal bed buddy, too. Fair warning: The sounds are also soothing to adults who may find themselves enjoying an unscheduled nap with their little one, snoozing to the soft roar of Victoria falls.

The most playable bear doll has arrived!

A twelve-year-old bear with impeccable fashion sense, Zylie and her brother Theo live with their adventurous aunt in New York – and that’s where the story starts! Zylie is an 18” jointed bear who comes dressed for adventure in skinny jeans, flounce top and a soft ivory coat. Her orange handbag holds her diary, map …and passport, because this bear is going places! Including the first book to get Zylie’s adventures started, her world can grow with additional clothes for her travel wardrobe – and an awesome friend, Shen the Panda (introduced in the second Zylie book, and sold separately). Zylie is versatile doll for young tweens and kids whose imaginations can keep up with a bear who’s on her way around the world!

(Cloud B)

(The Adventures of Zylie the Bear)

Sonny the Seal

PlayWow Activity Chair

Adding a new twist and wobble to the standard ‘ring toss’ game, Sonny the Seal mimics the movements of a real seal, bobbing and weaving his head around! The game is on as kids take aim with plastic rings, trying to score points with a ring around Sonny’s neck. When the ring goes over Sonny the Seal’s head and past his tail, Sonny barks and claps his flippers cheering on young players. Sure, it’s ideal for developing hand-eye coordination, but that’s just a wild sideeffect of this addicting and challenging game for kids!

Why should kids just sit, when they can sit and be active? The Kids Activity Chair, with a big lion graphic on the back rest, offers plenty of keep-busy options for little hands. With a jingle bell ball on one arm rest, and a three-page flip book attached on the other, both are easy to manipulate for still developing motor control. Pockets with bright primary shapes hide removable (tethered) peek-a-boo wild animals! The best part is the Activity Chair is inflatable! It packs and ports with minimal effort and space… so this chair can keep bottoms comfy plus hands and eyes busy wherever you go --- and sit!

(PlayWow)

(Goliath)

Paige Smith is a freelance writer and syndicated columnist living in Alabama. More on GET THIS! at www.PageBookMedia.com.

Visit www.MobileBayParents.com

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Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

that you won’t want to miss! In addition to the large selection of religious books and gifts for all denominations, we offer an array of new and vintage linens - perfect for that special wedding or baby gift.

Attractions Childrens Apparel

207 Dauphin St, Mobile (251) 438-1758.

Open Monday-Saturday, from 10am-4:00pm We are a children’s speciality clothing store for all your pageant, wedding and special occasion needs. We carry attire from casual to formal and offer custom monogramming. We carry exquisite clothing for boys and girls from newborn through teen-age years.

We have dresses and suits for every event -- Christenings, Pageants, Weddings and Easter, etc. We also have a great selection of casual outfits, coats, shoes and accessories

Blessed Baskets & Gifts 1300 Schillinger Road S, Mobile 251-635-1354; www.blessedbasketsmobile.com We are a unique gift boutique in West Mobile. Our specialty is quality gifts for reasonable prices.

Custom gift basket design is available

Children’s Cottage 2504 Old Shell Road, Mobile (251) 476-2880, www.childrenscottage.net Open Monday - Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m We carry new and custom made children’s clothing clothes, smocked dresses, smocked clothing, 1st first birthday dress dresses clothing, birthday clothing, birthday clothes, birthday outfits, heirloom dresses and heirloom children’s clothing, hair accessories, hair bows, shoes by L’Amour, and baby gifts.

Fairies ‘N’ Frogs

Baby Boutiques and Consignment Shops Carousel Kids

4358 Old Shell Road, Suite D, Mobile (251)345-0559,www.carouselkidsmobile.com.

Open Monday-Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 10am4pm. We are a Children’s Consignment store that has new and gently used children’s items and maternity clothing.

Tiny Town 3980 Airport Blvd # H Mobile (251) 341-1480, www.tinytowninc.com Open Monday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 10am-

Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

5pm. Founded in 1956, Tiny Town is the oldest and best-known children’s boutique on the Gulf Coast.

Owned by mother-daughter team, Sunny and Kristen Boothe, Tiny Town specializes in traditional children’s clothing, gifts, and furniture.We have girl, boy, Tween clothing, furniture gifts and more. We pride ourselves on offering a large selection of quality items and excellent customer service. We know how important shopping for that “coming home” outfit or that “perfect gift” can be, so we strive to give you the best shopping experience possible.

The Visitation Gift Shop 2300 Spring Hill Avenue, Mobile 251-471-4106. www.visitationmonasterymobile.org Open Monday-Friday 10am-5pm We feature a variety of unique gifts and accessories

40

4407A Old Shell Road, Mobile (251) 345-0620; www.fairiesnfrogs.com Fairies ’n Frogs specialize in quality handmade children’s clothing.

We specialize in custom handmade children’s clothing and personalized gifts. Our goal is to create clothes that Moms love and kids beg to wear! Products Children’s clothing, baby gifts, hair bows, personalized towels, personalized lunch boxes, funky engraved jewelry, and sorority stuff. Fairies ‘n Frogs also has consignment.

Feather Your Nest 4258 Bit and Spur Road, Mobile (251) 343-3634, http://fyninteriors.com/ Monday-Friday 9:30am-5:00pm Custom home interior design, gifts and accessories.

Five Gold Monkeys 4350 Old Shell Rd # B, Mobile (251) 344-4051 Open Monday-Friday 9:30-5:00pm Saturday

Advertising: 251-304-1200

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10:00am-3:00pm (251) 344-4051, Furniture*fabric*accessories*gifts* children’s clothes

design and monogramming! Located on the same property is Kids Kottage Upscale Resale.

Kid’s Wearhouse Inc. The Ginger House 59 North Florida Street, Mobile (251) 471-6900, www.thegingerhouse.com Open Monday-Friday 10:00am-5:00pm, Saturday 10:00am-2:00p. The Ginger House children’s unique clothing boutique, specialty and designer brands, back to school, custom made clothing, playwear, dress clothing, and heirloom outfits for boys and girls. Smocked dresses, baby clothes, unique baby gifts, christening gowns, special occasion clothing, holiday clothing, portrait clothes, boys smocked clothing, cute toddler outfits, Eton suits, 1st birthday clothing and outfits, appliquéed clothing, monogramming personalized clothing and gifts.

3304 Old Shell Road, Mobile (251) 478-1310. Consignment – Baby accessories, children’s & infant clothing.

Kidz Kloset 3679 Airport Blvd, Mobile (251) 342-8289; www.mykidzklozet.com.

Consignment and New Clothing liquidation sales.

Check the website for upcoming sales and events.

Little Monkey Toes Bell Air Mall, Mobile (251) 605-4279, Children’s clothing, shoes and accessories.

Gilded Nest

MA Simons

2054 Government Street, Mobile (251) 476-1555; www.thegildednest.com Open Monday-Friday 10:00am-5:30pm, Saturday 10:00am-3:00pm You will find an eclectic mix of wonderful gifts for everyone on your list. Take advantage of our callahead service and have your perfect gift wrapped and delivered to you curbside if you are running short on time. Great baby and children’s gifts! We always offer complimentary gift wrapping and a friendly staff to assist you.

2151 Old Shell Road, Mobile (251) 479.4350.

Open Monday-Friday 10:00am-5:00pm, Saturday 11:00am-4:00pm Located in the heart of Midtown, M.A. Simons is a quaint shop filled with a variety of antiques, accessories, and gifts.

Holiday, Inc. 4513 Old Shell Rd., Mobile (251) 342-4911; www.shoptheholiday.com.

Open Monday-Saturday 9:30-5:00pm Fine Clothing & Accessories for Ladies and Children. Our children’s department has fun clothing, accessories, and gifts for all ages---infant to pre-teen girls and infant to size 20 boys. We specialize in Heirloom clothing, play wear, and more. We love all ages and strive to please young people and mom.

Ivy Cottage 2401 Old Shell Road, Mobile (251) 473-4438. http://www.theivycottageonline.com Open Monday-Friday 10:00am-5:00pm, Saturday 10:00am-3:00pm The Ivy Cottage provides a wide variety of luxurious accessories for your home and family. Founded in 1998 in midtown Mobile, our goal from the beginning has been to offer gifts and home accessories in a comfortable setting and to provide the best customer service and southern hospitality to be found.

J-Ray Shoes 121 University Blvd., Mobile (251) 342-6322; www.jrayshoes.com Open Monday-Friday 10:00am-6:00pm, Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm J-Ray Shoes has a large selection of quality traditional children’s shoes to compliment classic and heirloom clothes. This shop carries shoes, clothing & accessories.

Peanut Butter -n- Jelly Kids 3300 Old Shell Road, Mobile (251) 479-8811, www.peanutbutter-n-jellykids.com Open Monday-Friday 10:00am-5:00pm, Saturday 10:00am-3:00pm Peanut Butter -n- Jelly Kids Heirloom Sewing, Smocking, and Embroidery Shop, Mobile, Alabama.

Shop for imported fabrics & lace, sewing supplies, patterns, French hand sewing, smocking templates, sewing books, magazines, and more.

Polka Tot Designs 7899 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile 251-639-5265 http://polkatotdesigns.com Open Monday-Friday 9:30am-5:30pm, Saturday 9:30-1:30pm Custom rooms for custom kids! Whether it’s custom baby bedding in your dream nursery or a cool college dorm room, we’re happy to help you with all your decorating needs. We specialize in custom baby bedding, kids bedding & window treatments.

Siegel’s Baby Room

758 Downtowner Blvd., Mobile (251) 342-9469; www.siegelsbabysroom.com.

Open Monday – Thursday 10am-6pm, Friday-Saturday 10am-5:30pm We offer the finest new infant products. Clothing in soft baby pastels 0 to 24 months. Baby Linens of fine fabrics from all creditable manufactures. Wood cribs, chests, changers, cradles, portable-cribs armoires, bookcases, hutches and more for any budget. Madame Alexander Baby Dolls, and story book dolls.

Glider Rockers and Ottomans with choice of style and fabric that have the smoothest glide available.

Gifts and accessories for gifts to complement any nursery.

Karan’s Bows & More 6414 Grelot Rd Ste C, Mobile Open Tuesday – Thursday 10:00am-6:00pm, Friday 10:00am-5:00pm, Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm The perfect place for ribbons, bows, monogramming, appliques and more!

Kids Kottage

1781 Dawes Road, Mobile (251) 633-0000 Open Monday-Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm Kids Kottage Children’s Boutique located in West Mobile specializes in traditional to trendy children’s clothing, gift items and accessories! We offer custom

Visit www.MobileBayParents.com

The Egg & I Maternity (Online store) 251-458-6100 www.theeggandimaternity.com The Egg and I Maternity specializes in the latest in clothing and accessories for the Mom-To-Be! We are an online store that will meet all your maternity needs.

Two Girls and a Boy 4350-B Old Shell Rd, Mobile Custom made children’s clothing located in Five Gold Monkey’s. None of our items are mass produced, so think of it as buying a “one of a kind”.

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Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

What a Stitch Gifts and Monograms 4513 Old Shell Rd., Mobile (251) 343-4694.

Open Monday – Friday 9:30am-5:00pm Baby gifts including bibs, baby robes, towels and more. Your number one monogram shop in the Springhill area for the past 28 years! Please feel free to bring in your own items to be monogrammed.

Birth Announcements/ Stationary Artcraft Press 12 Tacon St, Mobile (251) 471-4383, http://artcraftpressmobile.com Open Monday – Friday 8:00-4:30 We can handle all your printing needs. We are conveniently located in midtown Mobile and offer free pick up and delivery to anywhere in the greater Mobile area, but you’re always welcome to drop by during our regular business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Gwins Stationary 4513 Old Shell Road, Mobile (251) 344-3335 Hours Mon - Fri: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm, Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm Gwin’s Stationery is a Locally Owned Stationery and Invitation Store located in Spring Hill. Our lines include Cranes, William Arthur, Anna Griffin, Prentiss Douthit, PrintWells and many more.

Its Inviting 5550 Old Shell Rd, Mobile (251) 460-0738 Open Monday-Friday 10:00am-4:00pm, Saturday 10:00am-3:00pm For all your offset printing needs, It’s Inviting can deliver them accurately and cost efficiently. From small runs to large corporate jobs, we are experts in the offset printing industry and have a strong track record for customer satisfaction. We specialize in the printing of magazines, catalogs, newspapers, newsletters and much more.

Paper Jubilee 2008 Airport Boulevard, Mobile (251) 401-5685 Open Tuesday – Friday 9:00am-5:00pm Paper Jubilee is a stationery store in Midtown – Mobile. Come and see! If you would like extra attention, make a Monday or Saturday appointment.

Write Impressions Inc

Azalea City Physicians for Women has an established reputation of providing excellence in women’s healthcare for over 25 years. Our practice continues to lead the way by offering the most cutting-edge care available in the Mobile Bay area. Our physicians are dedicated to providing progressive and compassionate care at all ages and stages of a woman’s life.

A few of the vast services we offer include adolescent care, annual well-woman care, contraception, infertility, pre-conception counseling, routine and high-risk maternity care, 4-D ultrasound, treatment of hormone imbalances and menopausal disorders, weight loss, cancer screening, minimally-invasive gynecological surgery, robotic surgery, treatment for bladder incontinence and pelvic organ reconstruction surgeries.

Bay Area Physicians for Women

3715 Dauphin Street Suite 3B, Mobile (251) 344-5900, http://bayareaobgyn.com/ Dr. Danillo V. Herrera, Dr. Ian H. Thorneycroft (OB and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility), Dr. Erin Saucier, Dr. C. Brook Lenz, Dr. John Val-Gallas At Bay Area Physicians for Women, your health care is our primary concern. We’ll put you at ease with personal treatment from our physicians and nurses.We are committed to the well-being of our patients and are highly experienced in providing up-to-date health care for women of all ages. Rest assured that you will feel at home at Bay Area Physicians for Women, knowing that you are receiving the best in obstetric and gynecologic medicine.

Center for Reproductive Medicine

Mobile Infirmary Medical Center 3 Mobile Infirmary Circle, Suite 213, Mobile (251) 438-4200 Dr.George Koulianos, Dr. George B. Inge Established in Mobile, Alabama, in 1993, we are the largest comprehensive reproductive medicine program in the region and one of the few with full-time embryologists and our own certified embryology laboratory.

We offer patients a full spectrum of infertility and genetic diagnosis and treatment ranging from ovulation induction to in-vitro fertilization (IVF), as well as prenatal genetic diagnosis, egg donation and cryopreservation with special facilities for cancer patients.

We utilize the most appropriate, least expensive and least invasive treatment for each patient.

Center for Women’s Health 1610 Center Street, Suite C, Mobile (251) 415-1496, http://www.usawomenshealth.com/ Blending the best of private practice with the resources and expertise found in academic medicine, the USA Center for Women’s Health provides patients with the very best care in a customer-friendly environment.

3980 Airport Blvd, Mobile (251) 344-6820 Monday - Friday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm/Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.

We opened our doors in 1992 with 800 square feet and have since expanded to 3500 square feet. What started as a simple stationery and invitation store has turned into a thriving gift and paper store. We also offer in house printing to create one of a kind party invitations and stationery. Our inventory is constantly changing, so drop by often to see what we have, you never know what you might find!

Dr. Kendal Foster

Obstetricians/Fertility

Dr. Michael Bowman

Azalea City Physicians for Women

3715 Dauphin Street, Building 2, Suite 2-A, Mobile (251) 344-5265 Dr. Glenn Gallaspy, Dr. Glenn T. Gallaspy III, Dr. Lauren Self, Dr. Lauren Lambrecht

Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

1701 Springhill Avenue, Mobile (251) 433-8838 Obstetrics & Gynecology

Dr. Phillip Madonia, Dr. Kirby J. Plessala, Dr. Shawn J. Kleinpeter, Dr. Robert A. Wood, Dr. Julie G. Grinstead, Dr. Brandi Trammell, Dr. Hope For more than 26 the physicians and staff at Mobile Ob-Gyn, P.C. have been caring for Mobile area women and their families. From adolescence to adulthood, through childbearing years, into menopause, and beyond, we offer the services that meet your needs.

The physicians of Mobile Ob-Gyn, P.C. have unique qualifications that blend together to offer a cohesive approach to patient care. They voluntarily take the American College of Ob-Gyn board re-certification each year, strive to stay abreast of new developments in their field, and are committed to informing patients about women’s healthcare issues through regular educational seminars. Understanding the value of communication, they take the time to listen to their patients. As a result, they are able to offer the highest level of medical knowledge. Devoted to their families, our physicians realize the importance of family relationships and how they relate to healthcare.

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Mobile Bay OB-GYN Center

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3 Mobile Infirmary Circle, Mobile (251) 435-7900 Suite 201 Dr. J. Randy Bentley, Dr. Lawrence Carpenter, Dr. Patton Morrison-Barton, Dr. Jennifer Cunningham, Dr. Amy M. McCoy Suite 201A Dr. David Carpenter Suite 201B Dr. Richard Otts Our physicians and staff are sincerely interested in providing you with the finest medical care possible in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding. Your good health is our highest priority! As your health partner, we encourage you to share your concerns with us and let us know how we can better serve our patients. Some of the services offered are 4-D ultrasound, Bone density screening, Robotic Surgery, surgical procedures and more.

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Mobile Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Center PC

Dr. Shannon Gilmore 6332 Piccadilly Square Drive, Mobile (251) 461-9914, http://www.shannongilmore.net Dr. Shannon M. Gilmore, M.D. and her staff offer health care services for women in Mobile, Alabama and throughout the Gulf Coast. While our specialty lies in female reproductive medicine and fertility, we are available to service all your gynecologic needs in a professional, honest and compassionate manner.Our practice treats women of all ages. We treat menstrual irregularities, hormone imbalances, endometriosis, urinary incontinence, pelvic prolapse and obesity. We also offer minimally invasive surgery and diagnosis and treat infertility.

Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates Greater Mobile Physicians For Women PC 1155 Hillcrest Rd, Mobile (251) 634-1250 Dr. Ronald Clarke, Dr. Royshanda Smith Obstetrics & Gynecology Complete women’s health care from adolescents to adults

6701 Airport Blvd, Suite B216, Mobile (251) 633-8830 Obstetrician & Gynecologist (OB/GYN)

Mobile OB/GYN, P.C. 6701 Airport Blvd., Suite B-321, Mobile (251) 633-0793, http://www.mobileobgyn.com

42

3 Mobile Infirmary Circle, Suite 401, Mobile (251) 435-7800, www.obgyn-ihs.com/index.html Dr. Max Rogers IV, Dr. Helen H. Rogers, Dr. John M. Ives Jr., Dr. Ted N. Catranis Obstetrics & Gynecology The physicians at Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates of Mobile focus on providing compassionate OBGYN healthcare to the women of Mobile, AL and surrounding areas. From childbirth to menopause, you’ll find individualized care from our doctors and staff. We specialize in routine and high risk obstetrics to help you build your family. Our minimally invasive services in gynecology are the best in the area.

We offer the newest technologies and services to our patients. We are dedicated to providing you with a positive and healing experience

Advertising: 251-304-1200

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Ringhoffer OB/GYN

3715 Dauphin Street Suite 6E, Mobile (251) 344-3233 Dr. Carolyn Ringhoffer We provide complete prenatal care every step of the way, as well as high rick obstetrics. Our office is equipped to provide high quality 4-D ultrasounds and first trimester screenings. We make a special effort to have appointments available for our OB patients.

Springhill Center for Womens Health

3715 Dauphin Street, Suite 4A, Mobile (251) 410-3890 Dr. Timothy Hughes, Dr. Corey Jacobs Springhill Center for Women’s Health provides a traditional and innovative approach to women’s health care by combining obstetrics, gynecology, and cosmetics to fulfill patients’ needs medically and personally. Drs. Corey Jacobs and Timothy Hughes and staff offer the best possible medical care to each patient so that you will feel comfortable and secure.

Woman’s Choice 6701 Airport Blvd Ste A209, Mobile (251) 633-3607, http://www.awomanschoice.biz/ Dr. Felicia Beth Stella High/Low Risk Obstetrics, Adult/Adolescent Gynecology, Menopausal Management, Female Incontinence Evaluation, Infertility, Laparoscopic Surgery

Pediatric Healthcare Children’s Medical Group Airport Office 3920 Airport Boulevard, Mobile (251) 342-3810, www.cmgdoctors.com Dr. Charles B. Hunter, M.D., Dr. Faye D. Roberts,

M.D., Dr. Lisa H. McDonough, M.D., Dr. Matthew E. Cepeda, M.D. & Dr. Michael E. Little, Jr., D.O., Providence Office 610 Providence Park Drive, Suite 201, Mobile (251) 639-1300 Fax (251) 639-1380 Dr. Catherine W. Huettemann, M.D., Dr. Deborah A. Kassner, M.D., Dr. Elizabeth S. Weinacker, M.D.Dr. Karen I. Calametti, M.D., Dr. Kenneth C. Castor, M.D. & Dr. Richard E. Huettemann, M.D.

Mobile Pediatric Clinic 32 Tacon Street Suite A, Mobile (251) 706-8170, www.mobilepeds.com Dr. Katherine L. Savells, MD FAAP

IMC-Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, P.C. 185 Mobile Infirmary Boulevard, Mobile (251) 435-5437 Dr. Debra Gardner, Dr. James Harrell, Dr. Mary Wells

Pediatric Associates of Mobile

3719 Dauphin St Ste 102, Mobile (251) 344-1502, www.pediatricassociatesofmobile.com/ Dr. George W. Hall, M.D., Dr. Robin C. McNair, M.D., Dr. John R. Sands, M.D., Dr. Alfred L. Shearer, M.D., Dr. Katherine Nobles Spadafora, M.D. & Dr. Nancy O. Wood, M.D.

Pediatric Partners of Mobile 1605 University Boulevard, Mobile (251) 660-9393 Dr. Dwight Yoder, M.D.

Blancher & Stadther 820 University Blvd, Suite 1B, Mobile (251) 342-8900 Dr. Madeline Blancher, MD, Dr. Joseph L. Stadther, MD

Providence Family Physicians 6901 Airport Blvd.

(251) 639-5070 Dr. Sarah Joiner

Carmel Health Network 1653 Spring Hill Avenue, Mobile (251) 478-9655 Dr. Jennifer Allen Johnson, Dr. Nina Ford MD

Primecare Pediatrics 5220 Overlook Rd, Mobile (251) 344-7044 Dr. Norma D Mobley

Gulf Coast Pediatrics Springhill Pediatrics

5675 Three Knotch Road, Suite C, Mobile (251) 445-4440 Dr. Michelle Naman

4300 Old Shell Road #A Mobile (251) 342-9928 Dr. Donald S Farquhar, M.D.

Just Kidz Medical, LLC

Dr. Jack Thompson

5466 Old Shell Rd, Mobile 251) 382-1878 Dr. Awan Farida N. MD

1084 Industrial Pkwy, Saraland (251) 675-3594

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Gigi’s Cupcakes of Mobile • Pinebrook Shopping Center • 273 S. McGregor Ave., Mobile, AL 36608 • Tel: (251) 316-0008 • Fax: (251) 219-7339 • Mon-Sat: 10am-7pm; Sun: Closed :GigisCupcakesMobileAlabama • www.GigisCupcakesUSA.com

Visit www.MobileBayParents.com

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Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

University of South Alabama Midtown Pediatrics

Breastfeeding This one-night class is for expectant and newly delivered mothers and their support persons who want to learn about breastfeeding. Topics include: advantages, myths and facts, getting started, correct positioning, latching on, engorgement, returning to work, and problem-solving. Class meets 2nd Thursday from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm. Fee: $5.00.

1504 Springhill Avenue, Suite 1430, Mobile (251) 434-3917

Mobile Infirmary

University of South Alabama Pediatric

Children’s Medical Center (General Pediatrics) 1504 Spring Hill Avenue, Suite 1600, Mobile (251) 434-3915

Childbirth Classes USA University of South Alabama Children’s & Women’s Hospital Advance reservations are required and may be made by calling 415-1069. No children at classes, please.

Class size is limited. Advanced payment required to secure your reservation.

Preparing for Childbirth The expectant mother and her support person (coach) can choose to attend class on Monday nights for three weeks or the all-day Saturday class. Topics include: pregnancy changes, labor, role of the support coach, relaxation and breathing techniques, vaginal and cesarean births, postpartum care, and a tour of the maternity areas. Fee: $30.00. You should plan on beginning the 3-week series when you are approximately 28 weeks pregnant. Class will meet in the CWEB2 Building.

Childbirth In a Nutshell This one-night class includes a brief overview of labor and a tour of the maternity areas. Class meets 1st Tuesday every other month from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm.

Class will meet in the CWEB2 Building. Fee: $15

For information about class dates, times, and locations, or to schedule a tour of our maternity center, call the childbirth education office at 251-435-2000.

Classes for mother-to-be include: •Preparation for childbirth.•Birthing basics. •Sibling celebration.

•Breastfeeding Education •Preparation for cesarean birth. •Vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC). •Preparation for natural childbirth. •Newborn care•Infant CPR. Preparation for Childbirth Series This series of classes includes all aspects of labor including natural coping skills and epidural anesthesia. Class participants will practice comfort measures and learn about post-delivery and newborn care. A maternity tour is included.

Birthing Basics This course is for parents who prefer to attend just one class because of time constraints. This four-hour weekend session (with breaks) includes the same birthing information and tour as Preparation for Childbirth, but not postpartum or newborn information.

Sibling Celebration Children learn about becoming a big brother or sister during this special class. Children of all ages practice holding a newborn and learn tips on keeping the baby safe. A children’s tour of the maternity area is included in this class. Activities and education are based on the ages of the children in the class.

Breastfeeding Education A complete class about breastfeeding which offers information and encouragement to expectant mothers who plan to breast-feed or who are undecided and want to know more. Dads are welcome to attend. The class includes instructions for getting started and tips for working moms.Sandy Wallace, R.N., certified lactation consultant 251-435-2525.

Preparation for Cesarean This hour-long class prepares couples who have a high probability for or have planned a Cesarean birth. Whether or not it’s your first Caesarean, this one-hour private session with a tour helps enhance your experience. This session includes preparation, recovery tips, and what to expect. Call to schedule an appointment.

Preparation for Natural Childbirth This session prepares women who choose natural childbirth with a variety of tips and techniques for working through labor. It’s also a good choice for women who wish to minimize medication use.

Infant CPR This is a one-time class on dealing with a potential emergency situation involving a baby under 1 year of age.

For complete information about class dates, times, and locations, or to schedule a tour of our maternity center, call the childbirth education office at (251) 435-2000.

Providence Hospital Providence Hospital is pleased to offer a variety of classes on childbirth issue. To register for classes or for more information, To register for all classes contact Debbie Fincher at 251-633-1097 or by email dfincher@providencehospital.org .

Childbirth Class - 4-Week Series The class covers: pre-labor signs, stages of labor, pain perception, epidural, cesarean delivery, post-

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Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

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partum, infant care, birth films, and relaxation & breathing techniques. This Tuesday night class meets once a week for 4 consecutive weeks from 6:30 – 9:00 pm. Cost is $50/couple ($75 if not delivering at Providence).

Saturday Childbirth Series The one time class is a condensed version of the 4-week childbirth series, and is not geared toward moms wanting a non-medicated delivery. This accelerated Saturday class meets from 9:00am – 2:30 pm. Cost is $50/couple ($75 if not delivering at Providence). Lunch is provided.

Evening Breastfeeding Classes This one time class will give all the basic techniques and practical skills for breastfeeding, pumping, and going back to work. Coaches are encouraged to come. This Monday night class meets from 6:30 – 9:00 pm. Cost is $25/couple ($35 if not delivering at Providence).

Springhill Medical Center Please visit www.springhillmedicalcenter.com for more information on classes.

Childbirth Preparation Classes These classes cover all aspects of the labor, delivery, and postpartum experience. We offer both a series of four weekly classes, offered on either Mondays. The four class series covers onset of labor, inductions, Cesarean sections, relaxation, anesthesia and postpartum. Includes a tour of the maternity units. Cost: $25 if delivering at Springhill Medical Center. Call 340-7769 early to pre-register.

Childbirth Preparation Class – Accelerated Class This class meets on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Register early. The class covers onset of labor, inductions, Cesarean sections, relaxation, anesthesia and postpartum. Includes a tour of the maternity units.

Cost: $25 if delivering at Springhill Medical Center.

Call 340-7769 early to pre-register.

Your Amazing Newborn Learn the basics of newborn care, including car seat safety, and infant massage. Cost: $5.00 if delivering at SMC. Call 340-7769 early to pre-register.

Infant CPR Learn this potentially life-saving technique while you are pregnant or soon after your baby’s birth. Covers infant CPR and choking. Cost: $5.00 if delivering at SMC. Call 340-7769 early to pre-register Breastfeeding Class Benefits of breastfeeding, getting started, going back to work and FAQs are covered. Call 340-7770 early to pre-register.

Me, Too! A Tour for Siblings Noon on the first Sunday of the month. Join us for an individualized tour and instruction for siblings ages 9 and younger. The event includes a tour of the maternity areas and tips on helping parents with the new baby. Parents must remain with their children.

By Appointment ONLY. Call 340-7769 to schedule an appointment.

Infant Classes and Activities Gulf Coast Swimfants Infant Swimming Resource (IRS) Fairhope and Mobile; Pamela McPherson 251-391-4799, www.swimfants.com Email: p.mcpherson@infantswim.com www.infantswim.com; www.swimfants.com ISR goes beyond traditional swimming instruction by teaching infants aged 6 months – to children 6 years-old ISR Self-Rescue™ them techniques designed to help them survive should they reach the water alone. With more than 40-years of research and development behind ISR’s Self-Rescue Program, ISR teaches each child survival skills in conjunction with basic swimming lessons that give them the competence required to safely enjoy the water. Empower your child by enrolling him or her

Visit www.MobileBayParents.com

So much more than water!

Amusement Park Opens March 1st

! $3 Mini-Golf • Roller Coaster • Nascart GoCarts & more!

IT’S COMING!

The Gulf Coast’s most exciting new waterpark attraction will be here in May!

Are you ready?

Early Bird special on season passes!

SAVE when you purchase

by February 14th.

call 251.948.2106 Water Park Opens May 18th!

Parties are better at the

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Available year round!

HWY 59 South • Gulf Shores, AL 251.948.2106

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in ISR’s Self-Rescue Program…. “The Sooner, The Safer”. Contact Pamela McPherson at 251-391-4799 or email p.mcpherson@infantswim.com

Time” story sessions with their children. During the story-time period, a librarian will read stories to the children and teach them songs. Please visit http:// www.mplonline.org for times and locations.

Kindermusik Christ United Methodist Church 6101 Grelot Road Mobile (251) 342-0462, www.kindermusikatchristunited.com Swing, sway, laugh & play! Children learn and grow through play, with other children, teachers, and you.

Led by our skilled educators, Kindermusik’s research based programs will enhance your child’s development and instill a lifelong love of music.

Library Story Time Libraries throughout Mobile County offer free story time sessions for parents and their babies. Parents can participate in the “Mother Goose” story times if they have children who are newborns up to 15 months old. Parents can also choose to attend the “Family

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Stroller Strides Cottage Hill Park (800) 959-3540 www.strollerstrides.net/mobile Email: kerricooke@strollerstrides.net Stroller Strides is a total fitness program for moms that they can do with their babies. It includes power walking (or jogging, if you prefer) and intervals of body toning using exercise tubing, the stroller, and the environment. Get a great workout and have the peace of mind of having your baby with you! Taught by certified instructors, it’s a great workout for any level exerciser. Please get doctor’s permission before starting this or any other exercise. Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30-9:30 at Cottage Hill Park

Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

Springhill Athletic

3715 Dauphin St # 1100 Mobile, (251) 340-7870

Synergy Yoga & Pilates www.synergyoga.net 3152 Old Shell Rd., Mobile (251) 473-1104 Prenatal Yoga; Begin this most important time in your life by connecting with your baby. Nurture and cultivate the energy within during this joyous time!

Breastfeeding Resources Mobile Bay Area La Leche League Meetings are the second Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. Our Mission is to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother. Email: amandaLLLmobile@yahoo.com or meghanLLL@yahoo.com for the location. We can be found of Facebook at mobile bay area la leche league.

www.breastfeeding.com

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A wealth of information about breastfeeding. Includes online directory of lactation consultants, midwives, doulas, and childbirth educators in your area.

www.ilca.org International Board of Lactation Consultants Large online directory of lactation consultants and local support resources for breastfeeding mothers.

www.lllalmsla.org La Leche League of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Online information on breastfeeding, phone help from accredited leaders, local support, lactation consultant directories, online forums, parenting resource libraries and much more.

www.breastfeedinginc.ca At Breastfeeding Inc., our aim is to empower parents by ensuring they receive the most up-to-date information to assist them with their breastfeeding baby. We strive to provide them this information through breastfeeding resources which include, but are not limited to, free information sheets, video clips, and articles.

Breast Pump Supplies/Rental

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USA Children and Women’s Hospital 1700 Center Street, (251) 415-1543

Mobile County Health Department The Watermelon Patch 6417 Hillcrest Park Court, Mobile (251) 633-3288 A planned play program for children Birth to 12 years of age. It offers a series of parent/child classes devoted to the physical, emotional and social development of children. Weekly classes are offered with activities designed to improve balance, coordination and other sensory stimuli while reinforcing good social skills in a group play environment. The Watermelon Patch also offers a very important link to other parents with children of the same age.

Providence Wellness Center 6904 Providence Park Drive, Mobile (251) 639-2090 ProHealth Fitness Center offers complimentary memberships to each of our mothers during pregnancy and for three months following delivery. The customized fitness program helps moms-to-be and new moms increase their flexibility, build aerobic capacity and muscular endurance, and learn more about proper nutrition.

Providence Hospital Wellness Center

Prenatal Fitness Classes

6904 Providence Park Drive (251) 639-2090 Babycize Water Aerobics—Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00 p.m. Pre-natal and up to 3 months post-natal.

PRO Health Fitness & Rehabilitation Center

Quiet Mind Massageraphy & Yoga Studio

5 Mobile Infirmary Circle, Mobile (251) 435-2400; Prenatal/postnatal exercise

Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

2065 Old Shell Rd, Mobile (251) 476-6463

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251 North Bayou Street, 251-690-8906

Mobile Infirmary Lactation Center

5 Mobile Infirmary Circle, Mobile, (251) 435-2525

Siegel’s Baby’s Room

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758 Downtowner Blvd., Mobile siegelsbabysroom@aol.com, (251) 342-9569

Springhill Medical Center

3719 Dauphin Street, (251)340-7770

Springhill Memorial Hospital Pharmacy 3719 Dauphin Street, 251- 460-3870 MBP

If you have a baby service not listed in this issue, please email lynn@mobilebayparents.com.

Advertising: 251-304-1200

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Mobile Public Libraries Schedule Ben May Main Library

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701 Government Street, 208-7086 Hours: M-Th: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

F & Sa: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Open Sundays 1-5 p.m.

Individuals and families welcome to storytimes; no groups, please.

Mother Goose: birth to 18 months.

Caregiver required. Thursdays, 10 a.m.

Toddler Time: 19-30 months.

Caregiver required.

Wednesdays, 10 a.m.

Good Listeners: 2 1/2 – 5 years.

Wednesdays & Thursdays, 11 a.m.

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4 McGregor Ave. S., 470-7770 Hours: M, W, F & Sa: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Tu & Th: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Family Storytime: Ages 2 and up.

Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.

Caregiver required.

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Saraland Public Library 111 Saraland Loop, 675-2879 Hours: M, W, F & Sa: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Tu & Th: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Good Listeners: Ages 3-6 Stories and Crafts: Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Semmes Branch

9150 Moffett Rd., 645-6840 Hours: M & W: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Tu & Th: 12 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Sa: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Closed Fridays Good Listeners: 3-6 years old.

Wednesdays, 10:30, Registration required for groups.

Family and Friends Storytime: Ages 2 & up; Thursdays at 10:30. Registration required; no groups, please.

Toulminville Branch 601 Stanton Rd., 438-7075 Hours: M & Th: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.; Tu, W, F & Sa: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m Good Listeners: Ages 3-6, Tues. 10 a.m. Registration required.

West Regional Branch 5555 Grelot Rd, 340-8571 Hours: M-Th: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; F & Sa: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m Registration required; no groups, please.

Mother Goose: Ages birth to 14 months. Caregiver required.

Wednesdays 10 a.m.

Toddler Time: Ages 15 months to 2 years. Caregiver required. Thursdays at 10 a.m.

Parent and Child: Ages 2 & 3. Caregiver required. Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.; Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.

Good Listener: Ages 4 & 5: Wednesdays at 11 a.m.; Ages 3-5: Thursdays at 11 a.m.

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Theodore Oaks Branch 5808 Highway 90 W, Ste. E, 653-5012 Hours: M & Tu: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; W - Sa: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m Visit www.MobileBayParents.com

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Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

Diet Traps

Every New

Mom

Faces

by Sandra Gordon

You’re strolling with your baby regularly and deskinning your chicken--but you’ve still got leftover pregnancy pounds that just won’t budge. What’s going on?

One possibility is that you’re expecting too much too soon. “To get back to your old weight, give yourself a year,” says Fran Grossman, a registered dietitian at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. It can take that long, especially if you’re not nursing and you gained more than the recommended 25 to 35 pounds.

Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

Still, if pregnancy weight lingers past your baby’s first birthday, it’s time to look at your lifestyle habits, says Grossman. For new mom Ilise Kesslin, her nemesis was deprivation dieting. “I realized that when I restricted the food I could eat, I binged later in the day on snacks,” says Kesslin, who now eats whatever she wants, just in smaller portions. As a result, she says, “I’m skinnier than I was before my pregnancy.”

What’s preventing you from dropping the extra weight? Here, we reveal ten common mommy diet traps.

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The Trap: Having some just because it’s there. Your mother-in-law always shows up on your doorstep with one of her pies. The other mommies bring treats to playgroup. You help yourself to bites from your child’s lunch or eat leftovers so they don’t go to waste. “This is environmentally-induced eating,” says Daniel C. Stettner, PhD, a weight management psychologist in Troy, Michigan. You eat food just because it’s there--not because you’re hungry--and those calories add up fast.

Food Fix: To guard yourself against a

“see-food” diet, don’t keep edibles out in the open. If you find yourself foraging in your cupboards when youre chatting on the phone, talk in another room. When youre out at mothers’ groups and birthday parties, carry a water bottle so you can take a swig instead of nibbling on something. “It serves as a reminder that you’re doing something healthy,” says Stettner.

If someone gets pushy about asking you to sample her food, avoid saying, “Well, I really shouldn’t,” which implies that you want to be convinced. Instead, suggests Stettner, repeat this concise yet convincing phrase: “No thank you. I’m not hungry right now.”

As for finishing up leftovers, make a mental note to prepare less food next time.

Meanwhile wrap the extras and put them in the refrigerator immediately--or toss them. And rather than mindlessly munching from a box of animal crackers at snack time, have something that’s caloriecontained by design, like a piece of fruit or yogurt.

The Trap: Eating when you’re tired.

Fatigue-induced eating is diet pitfall for all women, and particularly for new moms.

According to a National Sleep Foundation poll, women reported eating more than usual on days when they didn’t get enough sleep. “In that compromised state, we often reach for food, especially sweets, because we’re looking for a quick energy boost,” says Joy Bauer, RD, author of The 90/10 Weight Loss Plan.

Food Fix: If you can’t take a catnap, activate your day: pace when you talk on the phone, deliver a memo in person instead of sending an e-mail, or go for a stroll with your baby. “Exercise pulls glycogen--the stored form of carbohydrate in the liver and muscles--into your bloodAdvertising: 251-304-1200

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stream, which can ultimately make you feel more energized as your blood glucose level rises,” explains Neva Cochran, RD, a nutrition consultant in Dallas, Texas. Also, use this snacking system, which acts as a kind of nibbling speed bump: “Designate three low-calorie foods you’ll eat before grabbing anything else,” advises Bauer, such as two handfuls of baby carrots, a nonfat yogurt and a 30-calorie fudge pop.

“When you’re on this system, you’ll probably realize you’re not hungry after all.”

The Trap: A kiddie food diet. If your family meals are dictated by kids’ preferences for high-fat, high-calorie, low-fiber foods, such as french fries, it’s a sure route to weight gain for both you and your children. “If they’re not good for you, these foods are probably not good for your kids,” says Cathy Nonas, RD, author of Outwit Your Weight.

Food Fix: Make healthier versions of kid classics. Prepare macaroni and cheese with skim milk and low-fat cheese, says Bauer. Serve baked-potato fries or mashed potatoes made with skim milk or even sweet potatoes--they’re loaded with disease-preventing beta-carotene. Also, be vigilant about introducing healthy, grownup entrees like skinless chicken breast, fish filets and lean beef or pork. Try to prepare two vegetables for dinner each night (such as salad and peas). “Studies show that women set the pace for healthy eating in the family,” says Nonas. “If Mom’s eating more vegetables, everyone in the family will, too.”

The Trap: Multitasking meals: Whether it’s in front of the TV or as you talk on the phone, munching while doing something else is an easy way to inhale calories mindlessly. Moreover, on-the-go-calories can be dissatisfying on an emotional level; you may not feel like you’ve eaten. Then, you’ll seek that fulfillment by eating more later, says Stettner.

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Food Fix: When you’re at home, schedule at least 20 minutes for eating, the time it takes for your brain to get the message from your stomach that you’re full--without the television on or a book in front of you. The one exception to this is breakfast. “Most people don’t overeat at that meal,” says Bauer. So go ahead and eat your oatmeal while watching your

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favorite morning news program. As for on-the-go meals, like that nutrition bar you scarfed down en route to the doctor’s office, acknowledge them. “Say to yourself, ‘This is half of lunch,’” Bauer says.

The Trap: Not eating all day because you’re too busy. But by dinner--look out! You’ll be eating everything in sight. “Not eating all day is one of the worst things you can do,” says Grossman. “To compensate for the lack of fuel coming in, your metabolism will slow down and you’ll burn fewer calories.” You’ll also feel cranky and lethargic. Grrr!

Food Fix: Grossman recommends not skipping meals--no matter what. In fact, she suggests stoking the fire by eating something every three hours. Of course, with kids, this can be a challenge. One way to manage the situation is to take advantage of naptime.

“I have my biggest meal--lunch--when the kids are down,” says Ilise Kesslin.

“It’s a calmer meal, and I truly enjoy it because I’m not rushed.”

The Trap: Cooking calories. You’re probably cooking more now than ever.

And that means taste testing. Beware: Generous bites of mashed potatoes with a wooden spoon can easily add up to one-fourth cup, which translates into 50 unaccounted-for calories and 2 grams of fat. That’s just one example. And without realizing how much you’ve already eaten, you sit down to dinner and have what you consider to be a normal portion. Uh-oh.

Food Fix: To keep prep-time calories from adding up to mini-meals, check seasoning with a teaspoon or just the tip of your finger. If you’re starving before dinner, have an appetizer, such as three carrot sticks and two crackers with hummus, so calories don’t get out of control. But, says Bauer, be sure to say to yourself, “This is an appetizer,” so the calories get logged into your mental tally.

Sandra Gordon is author of Consumer Reports Best Baby Products and a frequent contributor to many national magazines, including Ladies’ Home Journal, Prevention, Parents, American Baby, and Fitness.

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Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

Family Calendar Ongoing Centre for the Living Arts Futures Pulse February 21 – March 10. A project designed to elicit and register the pulse of the public around notions of the future prior to this spring’s launch of the Futures Project.

Visitors may respond to topics about the future. Centre for the Living Arts, Space 301 (301 Conti St.) Wed., Thu. & Sat., 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sun, noon – 5 p.m. Members free; nonmembers: adults/ $5 seniors & students/ $3; children under 12/ free. For more information, please contact 251208-5671 or visit www.centreforthelivingarts.com.

Civil War Fort Gaines Historic Site, Dauphin Island. For more info call (251) 861-6992. www.dauphinisland.org.

Concerts in the Park Sponsored by Mobile Pops Band. For more info call (251) 679-4876. www.mobilepopsband.com.

Fort Conde Welcome Center Sponsored by Mobile Convention & Visitors Corp.

Mobile. For more info call (251) 208-7658. www.mobile.org.

Gulf Coast Exploreum IMAX Born to Be Wild At Exploreum IMAX Theater September – January 5th. Documentary about the orphaned orangutans and elephants and the extraordinary people who rescue and raise them—saving endangered species one life at a time. 10 a.m., noon, 2 & 4 p.m. Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, JL Bedsole IMAX Theater (65 Government St) Adults/ $8.75; youth and seniors/ $7.25; children/$6.50. Members: adults/ $6.75; youth and seniors/ $5.75; children/ $5.25; group rates. Contact: 251-208-6880/ www.exploreum.com/ www.imax.com/ borntobewild.

Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center Government St. Mon. - Fri., 9 - 5; Sat, 10 - 5; Sun, noon 5. Adults (19 - 59)/ $14; youth (13 - 18) & senior citizens (60+)/ $12.50; children/ $12; Combo tickets include a viewing of an IMAX film: $18; $17; $15.50.

HandsOn South Alabama (Formerly Volunteer Mobile, Inc.). For information on Local Volunteer Opportunities, contact 251-433-4456, www.handsonsal.org.

History Museum of Mobile Up Up & Away. October 20, 2012 - March 3, 2013.

Comic book superheroes are a mirror on modern America. Superheroes represent the very best image of ourselves. Their worlds are purely fictional but their experiences and struggles echo our own reality.

Through superheroes we celebrate our triumphs and confront our fears. This is their story...”

Joe Jefferson Players Mobile. For information call (251) 471-1534. www.jjp.com.

LODA Artwalk Second Fridays in Downtown – LoDa Arts District.

Exhibitions (with receptions) and entertainment in a variety of downtown galleries and other venues. City of Mobile Neighborhood and Community Services.

6 - 9 p.m. Check NCS website for complete list of activities/map after noon the day of the event. Please contact: 251-208-7443 or visit www.ncsmobile.org.

Mobile International Speedway Irvington. For information call (251) 957-2026. www.mobilespeedway.com.

Mobile Opera Mobile. For information call (251) 476-7372. www.mobileopera.org.

Mobile Symphony Mobile. For information call (251) 432-2010. www.mobilesymphony.org.

Oakleigh Museum House Mobile. For information call (251) 432-1281. www.historicmobile.org.

Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

January/February2013

Richards-Dar House Museum Mobile. For information call (251) 208-7320.

USS Alabama Battleship 2703 Battles Parkway, Mobile. (251) 433-2703. www. ussalabama.com.

VSA Arts & Easter Festival Mobile. For information call (251) 343-0958.

Classes/Meetings APAC - Mobile County Adoptive Family Group Meets the 4th Friday of each month from 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Regency Church of Christ, 501 S. University Blvd., Mobile. Parent, Youth/Teen Group and Childcare Is Provided. Topic Discussions & ceu’s for foster families are offered. For more information please call 251-4602727 * 1-800-489-1886 * or estokes@childrensaid.org.

Azalea City Harmony Chorus of Sweet Adelines Meets/rehearses each Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Corner of Sage Ave. and Airport Blvd. For more info call 251-380-0579 or visit www. azaleacityharmony.com.

Mobile Bay Area La Leche League Meetings are the second Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. The number to call for the location is 251689-2085. We can also be found on Facebook at mobile bay area la leche league.

The Family Center of Mobile • Nurturing Parenting course Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 12-wk rotating series. Call 251-479-5700 to register.

• The Responsible Fatherhood Program (RFP) classes are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m., but REQUIRE ADVANCE INTAKE APPOINTMENT. • Mondays: Together We Can, a cooperative parenting course, 8 wks.

• Tuesdays: Quenching the Father Thirst, a new ”dads are important” course for dads, 12 wks.

• Thursdays: Controlling Ourselves Stress/Anger Management training, 4 wks. (one/month).

251-479-5700 for information on all Family Center classes. RFP classes require intake appt. IN ADVANCE. All classes are free and offer free childcare WITH 24HR RESERVATION. Night class includes supper and giftcards. All held at 601 Bel Air Blvd, Suite 100, Mobile. www.familycentermobile.org or www.Facebook.com/ FatherhoodProgramMobile.

The Family Center of Baldwin County is located at 27365 Pollard Rd, Daphne.

Mobile Infirmary Hospital For complete information about class dates, times, and locations, or to schedule a tour of our maternity center, please call the childbirth education office at (251) 4352000.

• Alzheimer’s Support Group Meetings for families and caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Meets every second Thursday of every month. E.A. Roberts Alzheimer’s Center, 169 Mobile Infirmary Blvd. Preregistration Not required.

Free. Call 251-435-6950 for more information. 10-11 a.m.

• Birthing Basics Class This course is for parents who either have already experienced childbirth or who prefer to attend just one class because of time constraints. The four-hour weekend session (with breaks) includes a tour and all birthing information. The fee is $30 for patients delivering at Mobile Infirmary. Pre-registration is required; call 4352000. Every last Sunday of the month. 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

• Cancer Support Group Meets every 4th Tuesday of the month from 10-11 a.m.

• Gastric Band Support Meets every 3rd Thursday of the month from 6-7 p.m.

• Gastric Bypass Support Meets every 2nd Thursday of the month from 6-7 p.m.

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• Preparation for Childbirth Series This series of classes includes all aspects of labor including natural coping skills and epidural anesthesia.

Class participants will practice comfort measures and learn about post-delivery and newborn care. A maternity tour is included.

Providence Hospital: www.providencehospital.org Providence Hospital is pleased to offer a variety of classes on childbirth issues. All classes are located in Conference Room I (located just inside the main lobby doors of the hospital beside the Gift Shop) unless otherwise specified. To register for classes or for more information, you may call 639-2938 to speak with our Childbirth Educator, Kathy Wade RN, or email kwade@providencehospital.org. For Daytime Breastfeeding classes only, you may call Marcia Ranew RN, our Lactation Consultant at 633-1749 or email mranew@providencehospital.org.

Support Groups • Providence Hospital Breast “Friends” Meets the second Friday of every month at noon in the Moore Conference Room. The Moore Conference Room is located in the cafeteria. Call Robi Jones for more information, 251-639-2852.

• Diabetes Support Group Classes meet in the Diabetes Center, Suite D-436 in the Providence Medical Office Plaza. Call 251-633-1987 for more information.

Spring Hill Medical Center: www.springhillmedicalcenter.com • Better Breathers Support Group Meeting For people with pulmonary disorders. Meets on the fourth Monday of each month. 2-3 p.m. Gerald Wallace Auditorium. For more information, call 461-2438.

• Breastfeeding Class One Wednesday per month. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at The Family Center. Benefits of breastfeeding, getting started, going back to work and FAQs are covered. Call 340-7770 early to pre-register.

• Childbirth Preparation Classes Four consecutive Mondays (6:30-9 p.m.) at The Family Center. Register early. The class covers onset of labor, inductions, Cesarean sections, relaxation, anesthesia and postpartum. Includes a tour of the maternity units. Cost: $25 if delivering at Springhill Hospital. Call 340-7769 early to pre-register.

• Childbirth Preparation: Accelerated Course One Saturday per month. 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at The Family Center. Ideal for those who live out of town or will be delivering soon. $25. Call 340-7769 early to pre-register.

• Me, Too! A Tour for Siblings Noon on the First Sunday of the month. Join us for an individualized tour and instruction for siblings ages 9 and younger. The event includes a tour of the maternity areas and tips on helping parents with the new baby. Parents must remain with their children. By Appointment ONLY. Call 340-7769 to schedule an appointment.

• Infant CPR Learn this potentially life-saving technique while you are pregnant or soon after your baby’s birth. Covers infant CPR and choking. $5 if delivering at SMC. 6:30 p.m. 8 p.m. The Family Center (Bldg. 2, Fourth Floor). Call 340-7769 early to pre-register.

• NAMI Mobile Support Group A support group for family members of those who suffer from mental illness. Meetings are held the third Monday of every month. For more information: Diane Kent at 591-8021. 6-7 p.m., Spring Hill Baptist Church Activity Center.

• Resolve Through Sharing For parents who have lost a child before or immediately

Advertising: 251-304-1200

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Family Calendar after birth. Meets the fourth Monday of every month, 7-8 p.m. Gerald Wallace Auditorium. Call 460-5323.

USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital www.usahealthsystem.com/usacwh Classes: Advance reservations are required and may be made by calling 415-1069. No children at classes, please. Class size is limited. Advanced payment required to secure your reservation. If you are expecting multiples or having a c-section, please call for additional class information.

• Preparing for Childbirth All-day Saturday class for the expectant mother and her support person (coach). Topics include: pregnancy changes, labor, role of the support coach, relaxation and breathing techniques, vaginal and cesarean births, postpartum care, and a tour of the maternity areas.

Fee per couple: $30. You should plan on beginning the 3-week series when you are approximately 28 weeks pregnant. Class will meet in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital. Every other month, 9-2. Next class Jan. 19.

• Childbirth in a Nutshell This class includes a brief overview of labor and a tour of the maternity areas. Class meets first Tuesday every other month from 6:30-9 p.m. in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital. Fee per couple: $15. Next class Feb. 5.

• Breastfeeding This one-night class is for expectant and newly delivered mothers and their support persons who want to learn about breastfeeding. Topics include advantages, myths and facts, getting started, correct positioning, latching on, engorgement, returning to work and problem-solving. Class meets second Thursday from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital Fee: $5. Next class Jan. 10.

Registration Information: Payments are accepted by check, money order, cash and credit card. Make checks and money orders payable to USACW Education Department. Credit card payments are accepted by calling 415-1685. Mail payments for classes to: University of South Alabama, Children’s & Women’s Hospital, Education Department, 1700 Center St., Mobile, AL 36604.

Friday, January 18 Rent at The Chickasaw Civic Theatre This contemporary rock musical touches on the classic themes of life, love and mortality — but the setting is an edgy look at big-city life today. The dates for Rent are Jan. 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 and Feb. 1, 2, 3. Curtain times: Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, 2:00 p.m. Tickets: $15. Seniors (over 60) and students, $10 (cash and local checks). Chickasaw Civic Theatre is located at 801 Iroquois Street, Chickasaw, AL. Wait Until Dark by Joe Jefferson Players A masterfully constructed Broadway thriller, Wait Until Dark moves from one moment of suspense to another as it builds toward an electrifying, breath-stopping final scene. The ingredients? A sinister con man, two ex-convicts, Greenwich Village apartment dwellers Sam and his blind wife Susy, a mysterious doll, murder – and darkness. Broadway theater critics have called it “a tense thriller” and “a first rate shocker.” Performance Dates: January 11 – 27. Fridays & Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. Joe Jefferson Playhouse (11 S Carlen St.). Adults/ $20; senior citizens and military/ $15; students/ $10.

Please check www.joejeffersonplayers.com.

Don’t Frack with Society Shell Play South of the Salt Line Theatre’s production of Don’t Frack with Society Shell. A new satire by Tom Perez.

Directed by Daniel Mainwaring. Please visit http:// mobiletheatreguild.org for more information.

Saturday, January 19 Carnival of the Animals Mobile Symphony in concert – Carnival of the Animals.

Visit www.MobileBayParents.com

January/February2013

Mobile Saenger Theater in downtown Mobile at 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

Saenger Theatre (6 S. Joachim St.) $15 - $55. Students K-12 free admission to matinee when accompanied by paying adult; download Big Red Ticket from MSO website. Tickets: 251-432-7080. Information at www. mobilesymphony.org or 251-432-2010.

2013 Panther Pride 5K Certified 5K course through the neighborhood surrounding historical Murphy High School. Race will begin and end on the lawn of Murphy High School at the Horseshoe at 8 a.m. For more information, please visit www.active.com.

Island Mystics Parade Join us for the Island Mystics Parade at 2 p.m. on Dauphin Island.

Don’t Frack with Society Shell Play See January 18 for details.

Wait Until Dark by Joe Jefferson Players See January 18 for details.

Rent at The Chickasaw Civic Theatre See January 18 for details.

Sunday, January 20 Carnival of the Animals See January 19 for details.

Don’t Frack with Society Shell Play See January 18 for details.

Wait Until Dark by Joe Jefferson Players See January 18 for details.

Rent at The Chickasaw Civic Theatre See January 18 for details.

5 Rivers Sunday Matinee Come out and join us every Sunday for a free, family friendly film. The films play throughout the day. This week we join the secret world of owls in the film Magic of the Snowy Owl. 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, www.Alabama5Rivers.com, 251-625-0814.

Monday, January 21 Annie Auditions Auditions for Annie will be held on January 21, 22 & 23, at 7 p.m at the in the Sunny Side room at 63 Midtown Park East of the Azalea City Center for the Arts. The show will be held in May 2013.

Tuesday, January 22 Discovery Tuesday Boys & Girls, ages 9-14, bring a friend and learn something new! Basic Sculpting - Cecil Wright from the Delta Woodcarvers Group will share basic sculpting techniques. Today we will focus on the human face. For more information call 645-6840. Semmes Branch from 3-4 p.m.

The Mobile Jewish Film Festival The Mobile Jewish Film festival celebrates its 12th year with an expanded number of venues and community partners. The festival, sponsored by the Mobile Area Jewish Federation and the University of South Alabama will show seven films at eight different venues during its evening festival between January 6th and January 22nd. Please visit www.mobilejewishfederation.org for a complete line up. In addition, the festival will present a student film at four area high schools. Tickets online (www.mobilejewishfederation.org), by phone (251-3437197) and at the door (subject to availability) 251-3437197/ www.mobilejewishfederation.org.

Annie Auditions See January 21 for details.

Wednesday, January 23 Senior Bowl Rally The Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ Chick-Fil-A Senior Bowl Rally, one of the nation’s largest FCA rallies annually held on the Wednesday of Senior Bowl Week, annually attracts over 3,000 students to the

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Mobile Convention Center to hear testimonials from several Senior Bowl players. This event takes place at 6:30 p.m. For more information, please visit www. southalabamafca.org.

Annie Auditions See January 21 for details.

Winter Wednesday’s at Bellingrath Gardens and Home Each Wednesday from January 2 through February 27, Bellingrath Gardens and Home will present the Winter Wednesdays programs. Winter Wednesdays offers an array of seminars about gardening in the South and the unique Bellingrath history. Visitors are invited to participate and then tour the Gardens which have been planted with many winter blooming varieties. *All programs are free for Members of the Friends of Bellingrath and $12 for non-members. (the $12 fee for non-members includes admission to Bellingrath Gardens for the day of the program.) For reservations or more information, visit www.bellingrath.org or call Bellingrath Gardens and Home at 251.973.2217.

Friday, January 25 Press-Register Senior Bowl Experience and CocaCola Meet the Players Where else can you meet your favorite college football players and take advantage of free Coca-Cola products, games and interactives all under the same roof? It only happens at the Press-Register Senior Bowl Experience and Coca-Cola Meet the Players events. Admission to both events is free, making them two of the more popular game week events each year. In addition to meeting the future stars of the NFL, fans can also meet NFL Cheerleaders and enjoy interactive displays from the New Orleans Saints, Under Armour, the Marine Corps, Coca-Cola and AT&T. 3-7 p.m. at the Mobile Convention Center. For more information, please visit www.seniorbowl.com.

Conde Cavaliers Parade The parade starts at 6:30 p.m. in Mobile. This parade is on route A. For route information, please visit www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php.

Wait Until Dark by Joe Jefferson Players See January 18 for details.

Rent at The Chickasaw Civic Theatre See January 18 for details.

Saturday, January 26 Senior Bowl The 2013 Senior Bowl is scheduled for Saturday, January 26, in Mobile’s Ladd-Peebles Stadium . The contest will be nationally-televised by NFL Network. Kickoff is TBA. The Senior Bowl is the nation’s most unique football game and football’s premier pre-draft event, annually featuring the country’s best senior collegiate football stars and top NFL draft prospects on teams representing the North and South which are coached by the entire coaching staffs from two National Football League teams. For more information, please visit www. seniorbowl.com.

Food For Less Tailgate Party Held on game day in the East parking lot of Ladd-Peebles Stadium, thousands attend the Food For Less Tailgate Party each year to enjoy free food and drink, interactives and other family oriented activities. The Food For Less Tailgate Party is a pre-game event held in the LaddPeebles Stadium parking lot on Senior Bowl Saturday.

Passes for the event are free with the purchase of an $18 Senior Bowl ticket and are limited to the first 3,500 people. Tailgate Party attendees enjoy free food and drink, interactive displays and other family-fun activities.

For more information, please visit www.seniorbowl.com.

A Day In the Life of a Civil War Soldier This event takes place at Historic Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island.Admission charged. Historic Fort Gaines--A Civil War Living History Program

Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

Family Calendar provided by the Independent Rifles. They will fire the cannon, camp life, Soldiers drilling and Blacksmithing.

9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Mobile Parades The parades in Mobile on Route A. 12 p.m. Bayport Parading Society Parade; 2 p.m. Order of the Rolling River (DIP); 7 p.m. Pharaohs’ Mystic Society Parade; 7:30 p.m. Conde Explorers Parade. For route information, please visit www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php.

Wait Until Dark by Joe Jefferson Players See January 18 for details.

Rent at The Chickasaw Civic Theatre See January 18 for details.

5 Rivers Saturday Adventure Venomous vs. Nonvenomous Snakes of Alabama.

Ever wondered when out a hike if that snake is venomous or not? Join the educators of 5 Rivers for a free talk and discover what makes a venomous snake.

Stick around afterwards to meet some of the legless members of the 5 Rivers staff. 10 - 11 a.m. 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, www.Alabama5Rivers.com, 251-6250814.

Sunday, January 27 Jack String Quartet Mobile Chamber Music presents the Jack String Quartet at 3 p.m. USA Laidlaw Performing Arts Center. $10 for all students. Info at www.mobilechambermusic.com.

5 Rivers Sunday Matinee Come out and join us every Sunday for a free, family friendly film. The films play throughout the day. This week we learn about unlikely friendships in the film Animal Odd Couples. 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, www.Alabama5Rivers.com, 251-625-0814.

Wait Until Dark by Joe Jefferson Players See January 18 for details.

Rent at The Chickasaw Civic Theatre See January 18 for details.

Tuesday, January 29 Rebecca Mindock, Faculty Oboe Recital with pianist Robert Holm This event takes place at the USA Laidlaw Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. $5 USA students. $8 General Admission. Info at www.southalabama.edu/music.

Discovery Tuesday Boys & Girls, ages 9-14, bring a friend and learn something new! Instrument Petting Zoo - Erin Horan, director of education for the Mobile Symphony will share information on a variety of musical instruments.For more information call 645-6840.

Semmes Branch from 3-4 p.m.

Wednesday, January 30 Winter Wednesdays at Bellingrath Gardens and Home Each Wednesday from January 2 through February 27, Bellingrath Gardens and Home will present the Winter Wednesdays programs. Winter Wednesdays offers an array of seminars about gardening in the South and the unique Bellingrath history. Visitors are invited to participate and then tour the Gardens which have been planted with many winter blooming varieties. *All programs are free for Members of the Friends of Bellingrath and $12 for non-members. (the $12 fee for non-members includes admission to Bellingrath Gardens for the day of the program.) For reservations or more information, visit www.bellingrath.org or call Bellingrath Gardens and Home at 251.973.2217.

Thursday, January 31 Order of Polka Dots Parade This parade starts at 6:30 p.m. on route A in Mobile. For route information, please visit www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php.

Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

January/February2013

Friday, February 1

Monday, February 4

The Order of Inca Parade The Order of Inca Parade starts in Mobile on Route A at 6:30 p.m. For route information, please visit www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php.

Rent at The Chickasaw Civic Theatre See January 18 for details.

Order of Venus Parade The Order of Venus Parade starts at 6:30 p.m. on route A. For route information, please visit www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php.

Saturday, February 2

Order of LaShe’s Parade The Order of LaShe’s Parade starts at 6:30 p.m. on route A. For route information, please visit www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php.

5 Rivers Outdoor Adventure Night Free, everyone is welcome. Meet and mingle with local outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy monthly programs. 6-7 p.m. Alabama Hiking Trail Society; 7-8:30 p.m. Mobile Bay Canoe and Kayak Club; 7-8:30 p.m. Mobile Bay Sierra Club. Please visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com or call 251-625-0814 for more information.

5 Rivers StoryTime The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is StoryTime at 5 Rivers. Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature based story followed by arts and crafts. This week’s story is Bugs Galore by Peter Stein. The storytime is from 10-11 a.m.

Quenching the Father Thirst: Communicating to Connect See Classes & Meetings section- The Family Center for details.

Mobile Museum of Art Third Annual Family Friendly Mardi Gras Come join us for a family friendly Mardi Gras. Parade complete with marching band through the museum galleries. Mardi Gras related programs and art activities for the whole family. This events takes place on February 2 from 10 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. For questions about participating in the parade, contact Howard McPhail at Howard.McPhail@ MobileMuseumOfArt.com or call 251-208-5205.

Ballapalooza Sports Expo Come out and support your local sporting companies, trainers and athletes. Register for Grand Prizes and much more! Students wear your team jersey for Free admission. Email Ballapaloozamobile@gmail.com for more information! Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Hank Aaron Stadium.

Mobile Mystics Parade The Mobile Mystics Parade starts at 2 p.m. on route A in Mobile. For route information, please visit www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php.

Mobile Mystical Revelers The Mobile Mystical Revelers parade starts at 2:30 p.m. on route A in Mobile.

Maids of Mirth Parade The Maids of Mirth Parade starts at 6:30 p.m. on route A. For route information, please visit www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php.

The Order of Butterfly Maidens Parade The Order of Butterfly Maidens Parade starts at 7 on route A. For route information, please visit www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php.

The Krewe of Marry Mates Parade The Krewe of Marry Mates Parade starts at 7:30 on route A. For route information, please visit www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php.

St. Luke`s Cat Tracker 5K and Fun Run This race benefits St. Luke`s programs. For more information, please visit http://www. productionsbylittleredhen.com.

Camellia Day and Mini Camellia Show Visitors are invited to bring their prized Camellia blossoms to the Magnolia Café to display in the Mini Camellia Show. Containers will be provided by the Camellia Club of South Alabama. Members will also be available to answer questions and identify blossoms.

Admission to the Mini Camellia Show is free. Regular admission applies for garden tours. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information, please visit www.bellingrath.org.

Sunday, February 3 Neptune’s Daughters Parade Neptune’s Daughters Parade starts at 6:30 p.m. on route A. For route information, please visit www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php.

Order of Isis Parade The Order of Isis Parade starts at 7 p.m. on route A. For route information, please visit www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php.

5 Rivers Sunday Matinee Come out and join us every Sunday for a free, family friendly film. The films play throughout the day. This week’s film is a documentary on a well-loved book and author, and is called Hey Boo; Harper Lee and to Kill a Mockingbird. Please visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com or call 251-625-0814 for more information.

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Tuesday, February 5

Wednesday, February 6 Learning Lunch at History Museum of Art Scenes I’ve Seen during the Mobile Carnival Season.

Join us for learning lunch. This free event starts at noon.

Bring a sack lunch and enjoy complimentary beverages.

For more information about Learning Lunch, contact Curator of History Scotty Kirkland at scotty.kirkland@ cityofmobile.org or (251) 208-7246.

Thursday, February 7 Creating a Backyard Bird Habitat Mobile County Master Gardeners are presenting three public educational garden-related events in 2013 that are free of charge. On February 7, Vivian Helton and Martha Terry of Wild Birds Unlimited will present Creating a Backyard Bird Habitat. The public is invited to attend the event with no admission fee. A social time begins at 6:30 p.m. and the program takes place from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Mobile Office of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System: Jon Archer Center, 1070 Schillinger Rd. N., Mobile. For more information, call Diane Anthony at 251-574-8445 or email MobileMasterGardeners@gmail. com or visit the web at www.aces.edu/Mobile/mg.

Music of Astor Piazzola Harpist Katie Ott and flutist Andra Bohnet. Creagan Concert Series. 7:30 p.m. Spring Hill College, Eichold Gallery (4000 Dauphin St.) Adults $10, students $5. For more information, please contact 251-380-3861.

Mystic Stripers Society Parade The Mystic Stripers Society Parade starts at 6:30 p.m. on route A. For route information, please visit www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php.

Defining, Responding To and Learning from Anger 6-8 p.m. Controlling Ourselves Stress & Anger Mgmt class 1 of 4 Responsible Fatherhood Program.

See Classes & Meetings section- The Family Center.

Friday, February 8 Crewe of Columbus Parade The Crewe of Columbus Parades starts at 6:30 p.m. on route A. For route information, please visit www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php.

Advertising: 251-304-1200

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Family Calendar Saturday, February 9 Floral Parade, Knights of Mobile, Mobile Mystical Ladies, Order of Angels Parades These parades start at noon on route A. For route information, please visit www.cityofmobile.org/ mardigras.php.

Mystics of Time Parade The Mystics of Time Parade starts at 6 p.m. on route A. For route information, please visit www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php.

Coronation of Queen to King Felix III Mobile Convention Center, 6:30 p.m.

5 Rivers Saturday Adventure: Bundle Up! Mammals Adults and children alike are welcome to join us as we look at what makes a warm and fuzzy critter a mammal.

Also get a chance to meet some our resident mammals up close! This event takes place from 1-2 p.m. The talk is free and everyone is welcome to join us. For more information, visit us online at www.

Alabama5Rivers.com, check us out on Facebook, or give us a call at 251-625-0814.

Sole2Soul Sweetheart Scoot 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run This race benefits The Ransom Café. For more information, please visit http://www. productionsbylittleredhen.com.

Spring Book Market Presented by Mobile Writers Guild We begin our workshop day by showcasing the wealth of local talent along the Gulf Coast. From 10 a.m.-noon MWG is hosting a book market for authors in our region to sell their books. Autographing and picture opportunities during these two hours are free and open to the public. For every book you purchase, you will be entered into a drawing to win a voucher for two days in a one bedroom unit with beach view at Sugar Beach Condominium in Orange Beach. The complex has three pools and is right on the beach. This workshop is presented by Mobile Writers’ Guild. 10 a.m. – noon. Location - Mobile Public Library, West Regional Branch, Meeting Room (5555 Grelot Rd.) For more information, please visit www. mobilewritersguild.com.

Sunday, February 10 23rd Annual Joe Cain Classic 5K, 1 mile and Moonpie Dash This race benefits challenged athletes. For more information, please visit http://www. productionsbylittleredhen.com.

Arrival of King Elexis I At foot of Government Street. 2 p.m.

Joe Cain Parade The Joe Cain Parade starts at 2 p.m. on route A. For route information, please visit www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php.

Le Krewe de Bienville Parade The Le Krewe de Bienville Parade starts at 5 p.m. on route A. For route information, please visit www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php.

Coronation of King Elexis Mobile Convention Center. 8:15 p.m.

5 Rivers Sunday Matinee Come out and join us every Sunday for a free family, friendly film. The films play throughout the day. This week we enjoy local author Watt Key’s work in the film Alabama Moon. For more information, visit us online at www.Alabama5Rivers.com, check us out on Facebook, or give us a call at 251-625-0814.

Monday, February 11 Floral Parade The Floral Parade starts at noon on route A. For route information, visit www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php.

MLK Business and Civic Organization Parade The MLK Business and Civic Organization Parade starts

Visit www.MobileBayParents.com

January/February2013

at 3 p.m. on route D. For route information, please visit www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php.

MLK Monday Nighter Mystics Parade The MLK Monday Nighter Mystics Parade starts at 3:30 p.m. on route D. For route information, please visit www. cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php.

Northside Merchants The Northside Merchants starts at 4 p.m. on route D. For route information, please visit www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php.

Infant Mystics Parade The Infant Mystics Parade starts at 6:30 p.m. on route A. For route information, please visit www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php.

Tuesday, February 12 Mardi Gras Day – Fat Tuesday!

Order of Athena Parade The Order of Athena Parade starts at 10:30 a.m. on route A. For route information, please visit www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php.

Knights of Revelry Parade The Knights of Revelry Parade starts at 12:30 p.m. on route A. For route information, please visit www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php.

King Felix Parade The King Felix Parade starts at 1 p.m. on route A. For route information, please visit www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php.

Comic Cowboys Parade The Comic Cowboys Parade starts at 1:30 p.m. on route A. For route information, please visit www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php.

Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association starts at 2 p.m. on route B. For route information, please visit www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php.

Order of Myths Parade The Order of Myths Parade starts at 6:30 p.m. on route C. For route information, please visit www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php.

5 Rivers Outdoor Adventure Night Free, everyone welcome. Meet and mingle with local outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy monthly programs.

Hunter’s Education Course 6-9 p.m. (registration required, call 626-5474); Mobile Bay Audubon Society 6:30-8:30 p.m. For more information, visit us online at www.Alabama5Rivers.com, check us out on Facebook, or give us a call at 251-625-0814.

Thursday, February 14

Defining Abuse: Causes & Consequences Learning to cope and communicate, 6-8 p.m.

Controlling Ourselves Stress & Anger Mgmt class 2 of 4 Responsible Fatherhood Program.

See Classes & Meetings section- The Family Center for details.

Saturday, February 16 Mobile Symphony Presents American Masters: George Gershwin The first of a multi-year project focusing on America’s best composers, this performance will feature the music of George Gershwin under the direction of conductor John Morris Russell. Joining the orchestra will be brilliant young British pianist Benjamin Grosvenor performing two highly contrasting and yet highly complementary piano concertos: the Ravel Piano Concerto in G, and Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Conductor: John Morris Russell. Program: Dvorak: Carnival Overture; Ravel: Piano Concerto (soloist: Benjamin Grosvenor); Gershwin: Porgy & Bess: Symphonic Picture; Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue. Sat. 8 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m. Saenger Theatre (6 S Joachim St.) $15 - $55.

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Students K-12 free admission to matinee when accompanied by paying adult. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit http:// www.mobilesymphony.org or call 251-432-7080.

Battle of Mobile Bay 5K Run A scenic 5K certified course that starts at Fort Gaines and winds through scenic Dauphin Island neighborhoods and benefits Historic Fort Gaines and the Port City Pacers. The start time is 9 a.m.

For more information, please visit http://www. productionsbylittleredhen.com.

Rock and Worship Roadshow The Mobile Civic Center welcomes The Rock and Worship Roadshow to the Arena 7:00 p.m. Featuring Mercy Me and Jeremy Camp, along with Tedashii, Kutless, Family Force 5, Luminate, Rhett Walker Band, Adam Cappa and Tim Timmons, and special speaker Bart Millard. All this for only $10 at the door! General Admission policy - no tickets required. EVERY seat in the Arena is only $10. Doors open 1.5 hours prior to showtime.

Sunday, February 17 5 Rivers Sunday Matinee Come out and join us every Sunday for a free, family friendly film. The films play throughout the day. This week discover the secrets behind a notorious ant in the film Fire Ants. For more information, visit us online at www.Alabama5Rivers.com, check us out on Facebook, or give us a call at 251-625-0814.

Mobile Symphony Presents American Masters: George Gershwin See February 16 for more information

Tuesday, February 19 5 Rivers StoryTime The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is StoryTime at 5 Rivers from 10-11 a.m. Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature based story followed by arts and crafts. This week’s story is Little Owl’s Night by Divya Srinivasan. For more information, visit us online at www.Alabama5Rivers. com, check us out on Facebook, or give us a call at 251625-0814.

Quenching the Father Thirst: Involvement in Social Modeling See Classes & Meetings section- The Family Center for details.

Thursday, February 21 Art With A Heart for USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital Silent art auction; smooth jazz by Jerry Robins; wine and appetizers. Benefits University of South Alabama Children’s & Women’s Hospital. Mapp Child and Family Life Program. 5 – 8 p.m. Kangal Gallery (58 N Royal St). Limited number of tickets will be available for sale through Kangal Gallery for $20 per person. For more information, please contact: 251-434-0330 or visit www. kangalgallery.com.

Archduke Piano Trio: Famous Piano Quartets Famous Piano Quartets with violinist Enen Yu, Guest Violist Brian Brown, cellist Guo-Sheng Huang and pianist Robert Holm. 7:30 p.m. University of South Alabama, Laidlaw Performing Arts Center Recital Hall. Tickets - General/ $8, USA students, faculty and staff, senior citizens, children under 18/ $5. For more information, please contact 251-460-6136 or visit www. southalabama.edu/music.

Stress, Anger Management & Acceptance Learning relaxation exercises. Controlling Ourselves Stress & Anger Mgmt class 3 of 4 Responsible Fatherhood Program See Classes & Meetings section- The Family Center for details.

Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

Family Calendar Quenching the Father Thirst: My Father and Past History See Classes & Meetings section- The Family Center for details.

Friday, February 22 Mobile Boat Show In addition to a huge selection of boats and marine products, there are lots of special events for the whole family to enjoy! This year’s show will feature the Fetchn-Fish dog show and seminars, the Saltwater Sportsman Association will have seminars on Saturday and the Alabama Coastal Fishing Association will have seminars on Sunday. Look for their posted schedules in the seminar room. Don’t forget to try your luck in the Trout Pond for a small donation to Camp Rap-A-Hope, and enjoy the Alabama Marine Resources touch tanks and Dauphin Island Sea Lab all weekend. The Fish’n Fever Bass Tournament weigh-ins on Friday and Saturday at 3:30 and the Coast Guard air/sea rescue Saturday at 2 p.m in the Mobile River. There’s a lot to see and do so we hope you enjoy this year’s show! Location: Mobile Convention Center. Tickets: $8 at the door (Kids 12 and under get in FREE!). Show Hours: Friday noon – 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Harlem Globe Trotters The Harlem Globe Trotters will perform on February 22 at 7 p.m. at the Mitchell Center (5950 Old Shell Road).

For ticket information, visit Ticketmaster.

Drumline Live Prepare to be energized! DRUMLine Live, an international tour that is based on the Historically Black College and University marching band tradition, will have audience members of all ages on their feet! Based on the battle of high school marching bands that were made popular by the film of the same name, DRUMLine

Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

January/February2013

Live is a high-energy stage performance complete with riveting rhythms, bold beats and ear-grabbing energy.

Incorporating original compositions and soul-infused interpretations of top 40 hits, group performances will range from colorful, choreographed routines to heavy doses of drum riffs and cadences. Ticket prices are $22-$37. Tickets can either be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or through the Saenger Theatre Box Office at 250 Conti Street, 251-208-5600.

The Burial at Thebes Play at USA The Burial at Thebes is the celebrated version of Sophocles’ Antigone by the Irish Nobel Prize-winning Poet, Seamus Heaney. First staged in the 5 century B.C., it explores the conflict between human rights and state security. Filled with both darkness and humanity, Heany’s version speaks clearly of ancient and current times.

The dates of the play are February 22, 23, 28, March 1 & 2 at 7:30 p.m. February 24 at 2 p.m. at the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center on the corner of University Blvd and USA Drive South. For ticket information, please visit http://www.southalabama.edu/drama/tickets/box_office. html or call (251) 460-6306.

Mobile Area Orchid Society Annual Show and Sale The annual Mobile Area Orchid show and sale takes place at Mobile Botanical Gardens (5151 Museum Dr) on February 22-24. Fri & Sat 12-5 p.m. 12-4 p.m. Free.

information, please visit http://www.nbbqa.org/publicbbq-bash2.

Mercedes of Mobile presents Carnival of the Animals A Project Mouvement in Art production, benefitting Thomas Hospital’s Birth Center. 7:30 p.m. at the Saenger.

An evening of ballet, Broadway and opera, the event features performances from Andrew Lloyd Weber’s Cats and Saint Saen’s Carnival of the Animals. Guest artists include Mobile Opera’s Scott and Sarah Wright and Mobile Ballet’s Lauren Woods. For tickets visit PMIart. com or call 610-8902.

Mobile Mystery Dinner presents Murder at Mardi Gras Murder at Mardi Gras will take place at the Carnival Museum at 7 p.m. (355 Government Street).

Reservations required, please call 251-479-3212 or visit http://www.mobilemysterydinners.com for more information.

The Burial at Thebes Play at USA See February 22 for details.

Mobile Boat Show See February 22 for details.

Mobile Area Orchid Society Annual Show and Sale See February 22 for details.

Saturday, February 23

5 Rivers Sunday Matinee Come out and join us every Sunday for a free, family friendly film. The films play throughout the day.

This week’s film takes a closer look at one of our most common and use domesticated animals: Holy Cow. For more information, visit us online at www.

Alabama5Rivers.com, check us out on Facebook, or give us a call at 251-625-0814.

The Burial at Thebes Play at USA See February 22 for details.

Mobile Boat Show See February 22 for details.

Mobile Area Orchid Society Annual Show and Sale See February 22 for details.

Mobile Ballet Eastern Shore Barre presents The Snow White Tea Join us for this exciting fundraising event from 2-4 p.m. including a performance by the Mobile Ballet Company, photos with the Snow White cast, refreshments, favors, silent auction and more! To purchase tickets, please call 251-626-9832.

Mobile Chocolate Festival 5th Annual Mobile Chocolate Festival will be held at the Abba Temple Shrine from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Your Chance to indulge in all things chocolate. The proceeds benefit Penelope House. Please visit our facebook page or www. mobilechocolatefestival. com for more information.

General Admission $3, Seniors (65 and older) $2, Children (13 and under) free.

BBQ Bash The Old-Fashioned BBQ Bash is a one-day celebration hosted by the National Barbecue Association and open to the public. The Bash is held in a different city each year on the last day of the annual NBBQA conference.

Held at the Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel in Mobile, The Bash offers attendees a rare chance to network with some of the biggest names in barbecue.

Events will include a trade show, cookbook signings, barbecue and sauce tastings, “How to Q” presentations from famed pit masters, a backyard barbecue cook-off and much more! BBQ Bash tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased online or at the door. For more

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Tuesday, February 26 University of South Alabama Winter Concert Symphony Band and Wind Ensemble. The winter concert features Conductors: Ward Miller and Greg Gruner. 7:30 p.m. University of South Alabama, Laidlaw Performing Arts Center Recital Hall. General/ $8, USA students, faculty and staff, senior citizens, children under 18/ $5.

For more information, please contact 251-460-6136 or visit www.southalabama.edu/music.

Quenching the Father Thirst Graduation Consistent Moral Training & Making a Life Change.

See Classes & Meetings section- The Family Center for details.

Thursday, February 28 The Burial at Thebes Play at USA See February 22 for details.

Emotional Intelligence: Techniques Planning a personal strategy, conflict resolution skills & problem solving. Controlling Ourselves Stress & Anger Mgmt class 4 of 4 Responsible Fatherhood Program.

See Classes & Meetings section- The Family Center for details.

We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

Please send your calendar events to lynn@mobilebayparents.com Advertising: 251-304-1200

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Somewhere in every child’s world, a teacher is making a positive difference in their life. Whether they meet this teacher through schooling, extra-curricular classes, or church, this leader has the power to guide, instruct and elevate not only the mind of a child, but also the spirit. The best teachers go beyond the standard lesson plans, seeking ways to engage children, fostering their strengths and encouraging them to master their challenges. Celebrating those special educators, the ones who come early, stay late and go the extra mile because they are called to teach – these titles are touching tributes to the leader of the class.

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You Are My Wonders

by Maryann Cusimano Love and Satomi Ichikawa (Philomel Books / Penguin) In the broadest sense, teachers educate, but in the real world the person teaching a child is so much more. And the student is also more than just a vessel to receive education. The best pairings of students and teachers are a symbiotic exchange, like the one celebrated in ‘You are My Wonders’.

Almost like a call and response, the rhyming text in the teacher’s voice offers her roles in a school day followed by the complimentary role of the student. “I am your calm; you are my thunder. I am your wisdom; you are my wonders”. Paired with gentle and charming illustrations of a soft elephant welcoming her students (cuddly toys like teddy bears, stuffed bunnies, and toy giraffes), this title will speak to the youngest students and their parents with a reassuring message that reminds both of the fullness of learning during a school day.

The Art of Miss Chew

by Patricia Polacco (Putnam Books / Penguin) With her solid reputation for producing wonderful children’s books with moving messages, Patricia Polacco’s exploration of the variety of teachers a child can encounter – and the unique needs of each student - is both touching and inspiring. Trisha struggles with reading, but her favorite teacher gives her time she needs to finish her tests. Further, he notes her strong drawing talent and recommends her for Miss Chew’s art class to develop her strength as an artist. Trish’s confidence grows through the support of both teachers, until tragedy brings in an impatient substitute who gives no extra time on tests and thinks art class isn’t worth teaching. Only the joint effort of teachers and Trish can get her successes back on track and perhaps teach the school a lesson along the way. ‘The Art of Ms. Chew’ is powerful, poignant and definitely another Polacco masterpiece.

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My Teacher

by James Ransome (Dial Books / Penguin) The call to teach is strong, but for those who answer, the fiscal rewards are not always in balance with the importance of the job they have. Yet the personal rewards of successfully educating and empowering a class, moving them forward in the progression that is school, shows their power to affect society is invaluable. And so the best teachers come…and they stay. ‘My Teacher’ features a graying teacher with years of experience behind her…and undiminished enthusiasm to take on her newest class. She’s taught more than one generation of students at the school, and lived through much of the history she introduces to her class. This title is a brilliant appreciation for the teachers with passion who step up year-after-year to mold the minds and hearts of the generations to follow.

Find more A Page in a Book recommendations at www.PageBookReviews.com.

Visit www.MobileBayParents.com

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Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

The Impossible

Parental Guidance

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: AViolence: BSexual Content: C Language: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: B The MPAA has rated The Impossible for intense realistic disaster sequences, including disturbing injury images and brief nudity.

On December 26, 2004 an earthquake in the Indian Ocean spawned a tsunami that struck South Asian coastlines with an incredible wall of water, leaving over 200,000 people dead in its wake. Around the world, people watched the news reports with a sense of dismay. But for those at the center of the disaster, the horrors only grew after the water receded. The Impossible, directed by Spanish filmmaker Juan Antonio Bayona and based on the real life experiences of Maria Belon and her husband Henry, tells the story of just one of the thousands of families swept up in the events of that day.

Henry and Maria (played by Ewan McGregor and Naomi Watts) arrive at an idyllic shoreline resort in Thailand for a relaxing Christmas vacation with their boys Lucas (Tom Holland), Thomas (Samuel Joslin) and Simon (Oaklee Pendergast). Then, without warning, a tidal wave of churning, dirty, debris-filled water crashes down on the resort battering the guests and employees as it plunges over them. When she finally fights her way to the surface, Maria is cut, bruised and partially unclothed from the force of the water. In the distance she catches sight of Lucas rushing along in the current.

Finally, the two of them latch on to the trunk of a floating tree. But the rest of their family is nowhere to be seen.

Rescued by locals, the pair eventually ends up in an overrun hospital where Maria’s injuries worsen each day as the staff deals with an evergrowing patient load.

Meanwhile, a shoeless and blood-covered Henry, still in a state of shock, leaves Thomas and Simon in the care of a stranger (Nicola Harrison) and begins searching for his missing wife and son.

Because many of the extras in the film are actual survivors of the tsunami, there is a sense of authenticity to the emotional shock that follows the watery event. Still in the middle of unbelievable devastation and mayhem are incredible moments of courage and compassion. These heroic moments become the redeeming elements in this story of incredible survival. While the terrifying depiction of the tidal wave and the resulting devastation make this movie inappropriate for young viewers, adults and the oldest of teens will likely be inspired by the tenacity of the human spirit that still surfaces in the face of unimaginable calamity.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: BViolence: B+ Sexual Content: B Language: AAlcohol / Drug Use: BThe MPAA has rated Parental Guidance PG for some rude humor.

Artie and Diane Decker (Billy Crystal and Bette Midler) seldom see their three grandchildren, so when their only child Alice (Marisa Tomei) requests an extended child-sitting favor so she can accompany her husband (Tom Everett Scott) on a business trip, grandma can’t say no. Grandpa, on the other hand, is dealing with a sudden job loss and would rather be down in the dumps on his own sofa. Conceding to his wife’s determination to care for the little ones he slaps a smile on his face and heads to Atlanta.

Raised in a home where words like “no”, “don’t”, and “stop” are banned and political correctness is embraced, Artie’s gift of a trio of water guns is unwelcomed by his daughter, who shun violent toys, even though it elicit sequels of delight from the youngsters. Soon even Grandpa regrets the choice after one of the little darlings showers his pants, leaving him with a wet crotch.

And in short order other personality traits are revealed that are sure to tax the sitters. 12-year-old Harper (Bailee Madison) is an over-achiever wrestling with a newfound desire to have a social life, Turner (Joshua Rush) is dealing with a bullying issue that aggravates his stuttering speech disorder and little Barker (Harrison Breitkopf) quickly learns that blackmailing Grandpa can be a profitable activity.

This couple-of-fish-out-of-water premise holds all the usual hijinks one might expect, including the kids’ first introduction to high sugar foods when Fartie (grandpa’s new nickname, heard repeatedly throughout the script) brings home a giant ice cream cake as one of many bribes to keep the boys quiet about a previous indiscretions. And that leads to the biggest concern in this script -- our senior protagonist constantly lies and yet he, with some help from Grandma Diane, eventually becomes the source of wisdom that ultimately drives the story to its happy ending.

There are truly funny moments, especially with Billy Crystal’s comic delivery and the chemistry he shares with Bette Midler. As well, it is nice to see a movie that puts grandparents in a position of being helpful and (somewhat) knowledgeable. It’s just unfortunate that this production from Walden Media, a company dedicated to creating stories that (according to their website) “... capture the imagination, rekindle curiosity, and demonstrate the rewards of virtue,” doesn’t offer families some stronger reasons to seek Parental Guidance.

What Parents Need To Know About Parental Guidance...

Violence: A grandfather encourages his bullied grandson to stand up to his assailant -- later the boy returns with a black eye and admits he threw the first punch. A child hits a man in the crotch with a bat. A man falls from a skateboard after slipping in a puddle of urine. An imaginary friend is hit by a car and killed, and a funeral is held the next day.

Sexual Content: A man makes mild sexual remarks during a pat down at airport security. Other veiled remarks are made about a married couple needing to have intimate time together. Women are seen exercising using dance poles -- no sexual comments are made. Married couples kiss.

Language: A man named Artie is referred to as “Farite” by his grandkids.

Drugs/Alcohol: A man says he needs a martini. A woman drinks a glass of wine while stressed. A character talks positively about getting drunk. Social drinking, including alcohol served at a bar, is depicted.

What Parents need to know about The Impossible...

Violence: A dirty, churning wave of water engulfs the guests and employees of a resort. Debris in the water causes serious injuries. Numerous bloody wounds, bruises, gashes and cuts are depicted. Dead bodies and large-scale destruction caused by a tsunami are shown. An injured woman is dragged through debris by her rescuers. Women choke, coughing up blood and refuse from their lungs. Bloody or injured characters search for their missing loved ones. Other scenes of death and devastation are portrayed.

Sexual Content: A woman’s breast and nipple are exposed as she changes clothes. Later her breast is exposed when her shirt is torn off during her struggle in the water and when her clothes are cut off in the hospital.

Language: The script contains only a handful of mild profanities and terms of Deity.

Mobile Bay Parents I February 2013

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