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Recipe: Chili Blanco

Posted on by Angie

Fall and Winter dinner is always filled with some variety of chili, and I just learned that Chili has it’s own day! Did you know National Chili Day is always celebrated on the 4th Thursday of February? Well, now that we know, how could we not celebrate by sharing our favorite Chili Recipe!

What You Need:

What You’ll Do:

Heat oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat.
Add onion and cook until tender.
Mix in garlic, jalapeño, green chile peppers, cumin, oregano, and cayenne.
Continue to cook and stir until mixture is tender
Mix in chicken broth, chicken and white beans
Simmer 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat, stir in cheese until melted.

Serve warm with tortilla chips and salad.

* This works really well as a crockpot recipe.. Make everything as directed above, dump in the crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours.

Out of the Mouths of Babes: Best Books for Brushing

Posted on by Angie

We love finding books that help kids learn about something they are about to experience. In keeping with National Dental Health Month,  here are our top 5 books for preparing kids for their first Dental visit and getting them excited about taking care of their little choppers!

1. Brush your Teeth Please by Reader’s Digest, Jean Pidgeon (Illustrator)

– What child can resist imitating a chimp brushing its teeth back and forth? Or a shark that flosses everyday? Youngsters will have lots of fun learning about proper dental hygiene is this delightful pop-up book.

This pop-up book has movable floss and brushes so that children can learn good dental hygiene by helping their animal friends practice it.

2. Clarabella’s Teeth by An Vrombaut – Rosie, Max, Liam, and Zoe are painting pictures, playing games, and having lunch, but Clarabella the crocodile can’t join them. She’s busy brushing her teeth—and it takes a long time because crocodiles have so many teeth! After she misses a whole day’s worth of activities, her friends surprise her with a giant crocodile-size toothbrush. Tomorrow Clarabella will be able to brush her teeth and have fun, too. Very young children will enjoy meeting the engaging animal friends who brush their teeth so cheerfully. Bright, bold, funny illustrations accompany this simple and spirited story, which highlights an important dental routine.

3. The Tooth Book – By Dr. Seuss – Teeth–they come in handy when you chew or smile! In Dr. Seuss’s hilarious ode to teeth, little ones will laugh out loud as they find out all the things teeth can do and how to take care of them so they last a lifetime! All the fun and charm of the original book are in this new board book version for the youngest readers.

4. ABC Dentist by Harriet Zeifert – A trip to the dentist’s office is easy once you know the ABCs of it. In this book, kids will learn important words like “appointment,””cavity,””plaque,” and “X-ray.” Informative text and lively collage illustrations make this the perfect book to calm any child’s fears about the dentist.

5. Through your tooth on the Roof by Selby Beeler – Travel around the world and discover the surprising things children do when they lose a tooth. Selby B. Beeler spent years collecting traditions from every corner of the globe for this whimsical book, and G. Brian Karas adds to the fun, filling every page with humorous detail. He perfectly captures the excitement and pride that children experience when a tooth falls out.

 

About Abenoja Orthodontics:

Dr. Christine Abenoja graduated at the top of her class from the University Of Connecticut School Of Dental Medicine in 2005, where she was elected to membership in OKU, a dental honor society and received numerous awards including the prestigious American College of Dentists Award.

She completed her specialty training at the University of Alabama in Birmingham and received her Master of Science in Orthodontics in 2008. She maintains a position as Associate Professor at UAB School of Dentistry where she teaches the current Orthodontic residents while treating patients at the Veteran’s Administration in Birmingham.

Dr. Abenoja brings an eye for beauty and detail from her artistic background as a graduate from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and an enthusiasm for bringing that beauty to each patient’s smile. She encourages patients to grow in their strengths through the challenges of orthodontics and enjoy the positive power of a smile. She is currently an Orthodontist in a private practice in Birmingham and Warrior Alabama.

Abenoja Orthodontics is located at 8000 Liberty Parkway in Vestavia
www.bracesbham.com

Event of the Week: Big Machines Day at McWane!

Posted on by Angie

It’s back! The event that kids and kids at heart love… BIG Machine’s Day at McWane Science Center!

Get your motors running and head over to McWane for a truckload of fun. Spend a constructive day getting up close and personal with some big machines including backhoes, excavators, dump trucks, loaders, dozers and cranes. Learn the science behind simple machines and participate in fun building programs.

Cost included in the price of admission.
10am – 4pm

 

 

Out of the Mouths of Babes: Orthodontic Checks by Age 7

Posted on by Angie

By: Christine K. Abenoja, DMD, MS

Although many people associate orthodontic treatment with adolescence, Birmingham Orthodontist Christine Abenoja, DMD, MS, says that orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth or with the teeth much earlier, while the primary or “baby” teeth are present.

Parents may incorrectly assume they must wait until a child has all of his or her permanent teeth.  However, Dr. Abenoja and the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommend that every child get a check-up with an orthodontist no later than age 7.

“I can’t emphasize how important it is that parents understand the value of an orthodontic check- up,” says Dr. Abenoja.  “By age 7, enough permanent teeth have arrived for an orthodontist to evaluate the “bite” – the manner in which teeth and jaws meet and work, and how that relationship affects a child’s ability to bite, chew and speak effectively.  Orthodontists can determine what, if anything, is awry.

“A visit to the orthodontist can ease a parent’s mind, too,” notes Dr. Abenoja.  “Our recommendation may simply be ‘let’s wait and see’ while the face and jaws continue to grow.”

Some of the more readily apparent conditions that indicate the need for an examination include:

  • early or late loss of baby teeth
  • difficulty in chewing or biting
  • mouth breathing
  • thumb sucking
  • crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
  • jaws that shift or make sounds
  • speech difficulties
  • biting the cheek or the roof of the mouth
  • teeth that meet abnormally, or don’t meet at all
  • facial imbalance
  • jaws that are too far forward or back
  • grinding or clenching of the teeth

Dr. Abenoja notes that protrusive front teeth can be prone to injury.

 

About Abenoja Orthodontics:

Dr. Christine Abenoja graduated at the top of her class from the University Of Connecticut School Of Dental Medicine in 2005, where she was elected to membership in OKU, a dental honor society and received numerous awards including the prestigious American College of Dentists Award.

She completed her specialty training at the University of Alabama in Birmingham and received her Master of Science in Orthodontics in 2008. She maintains a position as Associate Professor at UAB School of Dentistry where she teaches the current Orthodontic residents while treating patients at the Veteran’s Administration in Birmingham.

Dr. Abenoja brings an eye for beauty and detail from her artistic background as a graduate from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and an enthusiasm for bringing that beauty to each patient’s smile. She encourages patients to grow in their strengths through the challenges of orthodontics and enjoy the positive power of a smile. She is currently an Orthodontist in a private practice in Birmingham and Warrior Alabama.

Abenoja Orthodontics is located at 8000 Liberty Parkway in Vestavia
www.bracesbham.com

 

 

Birmingham Events Calendar: February 14th – February 21st

Posted on by Angie

We start the week of with a long weekend for most.. What do you have planned for fun while the kiddos are out of school? The local libraries are full of fun this week and a Birmingham Favorite – BIG Machines Day returns to the McWane Center!

Have a great week everyone!

It’s Not Our Fault if Your Kids are Bored!

Sunday February 14th:

Happy Valentine’s Day!!

Happy Valentines Day Charlie Brown – Homewood Public Library
Celebrate Valentine’s Day afternoon with us at the library and make last-minute cards, eat heart-shaped candies, and watch sweet movies!
3:30pm

O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels
O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels is held annually, during the second weekend of February, at the beautiful Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. The show utilizes over 220,000 square feet of exhibition space to put on one of the best and most beautiful custom auto shows in the country.

Admission Info:

Child (ages 5 & under) ……… FREE!
Child (ages 6-11) …………….. $5
Adult ……………………….. $18 ($15 at all O’Reilly Auto Parts stores)
11am – 6pm

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Monday February 15th:

Preschool Playtime– Homewood Public Library
We’ll provide the stations, and you provide the imagination for a fun morning of play with your child.  For ages three and under.  Daycare groups must call (205) 332-6619 in advance to schedule time.
10:00am

Movie Night – Homewood Public Library
Join us for popcorn, drinks and a fun family film from 20th Century Fox. Night at the Museum.
3:30pm

Tot Time with Ms Eve, Bears to you – Avondale Regional Library
Stories can be very sweet when a little bear is the star of the show. Tot Time is geared for 2- to 4-year-olds with an individual caregiver; no groups please. 24-hour advance registration required.
9:30am and 11am

Toddler Tales – North Shelby Library
Stories, songs, fingerplays and crafts make up a lively 30 minute program designed especially for short attention spans. Registration will begin one week prior to each storytime. Ages 19-36 months. Registration Required.
9:30am

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Tuesday February 16th:

Family Fun Night, Books and Ballet – Avondale Library
Calling all windmill-fighting knights and tippy toe dancers. Join us for a night of dancing fun as members from the Alabama Ballet present a piece from their upcoming production of Don Quixote. 24-hour advance registration appreciated.
6:30pm

Toddler Days – Steel City Jump Park
Story, snack and jumping! Parents jump for free, Children, $8.00. Parents free.
10am – Noon

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Wednesday February 17th:

Family Storytime with Mr Mac – North Shelby Library
10:45am

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Thursday February 18th:

SNaP Dot Paint Shirts – Emmet O’Neal Library
Create your own wearable art. We provide all the supplies. Rising 3rd-6th graders. No registration required.
3:30pm

2nd Annual Fairy Tale Ball: Snow White – Homewood Library
Dress up the whole family and join us for a night of fun with Snow White and the Seven Dwarves and a forest full of animal friends!
6:30pm

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Friday February 19th:

Leaps and Bounds – Homewood Public Library
Join us for a fun and energetic movement class designed specifically for children ages 2 1/2 to 4 years.  Registration is required and begins online at www.homewoodpubliclibrary.org the Monday prior to the class that week.
10:30am

The Day George Crum invented Potato Chips – North Avondale Library
Children will be introduced to George Crum, inventor of the Saratoga potato chip. Children will also learn fun facts about the history of potato chips and how they became a snack food all around the world.
1:30pm

Third Friday in Forest Park
Shop local and enjoy your neighborhood restaurants and shops in Forest Park! Restaurants will have specials, shops and galleries will be open late (5:00 – 8:00 pm), catch the shows you may miss during the day, shop for gifts while enjoying a refreshment. Enjoy the social scene of Forest Park after hours.
5pm – 10pm

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Saturday February 20th:

Big Machines Day – McWane Science Center
Get your motors running and head over to McWane for a truckload of fun. Spend a constructive day getting up close and persoal with some big machines including backhoes, excavators, dump trucks, loaders, dozers and cranes. Learn the science behind simple machines and participate in fun building programs.
10am – 4pm

Barts Books – Birmingham Museum of Art
Bart’s Books is a storytelling program for children ages 4-7. Bart selects a new book and related work of art each month that he thinks kids will enjoy. This month, Bart has selected Ferida Wolff’s The Story Blanket.
11am

Peter Rabbit Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us to celebrate author Beatrix Potter’s beloved and mischievous bunny with The Classic Tale of Peter Rabbit: And Other Cherished Stories. These adventure-filled stories are brought to life with vivid original illustrations from illustrator Charles Santore. Activities will round out the fun.
11am

Family Storytime – Emmet O’Neal Library
Bring the entire family and join Mr. Mac for stories and music each Saturday morning.
10:30 a.m.

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Sunday February 21st:

Alice in Wonderland – Community Education South Building
Come see this great family friendly show! Its full of great laughs and general crazyness. This is a great night out with the family
$15 adults. ($10 for seniors and students). Tickets are available each night at the show.
2:30pm

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

IMAX
McWane Science Center’s IMAX® Dome Theater puts you in the center of the action by projecting breathtaking quality images onto the 5-story-tall dome screen and delivering intense surround sound through almost 3 tons of speakers and subwoofers.
Now Showing: Star Wars the Force Awakens, Ocean Oasis, Journey to Space

Birmingham Zoo:

The Birmingham Zoo offers a variety of daily activities from Giraffe and Pelican Feedings to Bird Tours and Lion Training. For a daily schedule of whats happening at the Zoo, visit their site.

Vulcan Park and Museum:

Vulcan is the world’s largest cast iron statue; made of 100,000 pounds of iron and 56 feet tall, he stands at the top of Red Mountain overlooking the city of Birmingham. But, Vulcan is more than a statue. Vulcan Park and Museum features spectacular views of Birmingham, an interactive history museum that examines Vulcan and Birmingham’s story, and a beautiful public park for visitors and locals to enjoy. With an official information center that is operated by the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau, Vulcan Park and Museum serves as the first stop for visitors to the Birmingham area!

Railroad Park:

Railroad Park is a 19 acre green space in downtown Birmingham that celebrates the industrial and artistic heritage of our great city. Situated along 1st Avenue South, between 14th and 18th Streets, the park is a joint effort between the City of Birmingham and the Railroad Park Foundation. Hailed as “Birmingham’s Living Room,” Railroad Park provides a historically rich venue for local recreation, family activities, concerts, and cultural events, while connecting Birmingham’s downtown area with Southside and UAB’s campus.

Southern Museum of Flight:

Earn Your Wings – Bring your little pilot and soar above the clouds in our little pilots room. Kids enjoy building aircrafts, flying kites, and more.
Museum Open Tuesday – Thursday
9:30am – 4:30pm

Do you have or know of an event you would like to have added to our weekly calendar? Please email us at contact@birminghammommy.com, subject line “Events Calendar” – We would love to hear from you!

** All information listed on our calendar is subject to change without notice to us or you… We do our best to keep the information accurate and will always update as soon as we learn that something has changed. It’s always best to double check with the event via their website or a quick call,  especially when weather can impact the event.

Conversation Hearts for Parents

Posted on by Angie

Life changes a lot once you have kids, we’re not saying that’s a bad thing, obviously. But there’s nothing like a good ole’ Love Holiday to magnify the differences between Valentines Day before kids and after.

The days of hitting up the lingerie store for something sexy to wear are way more difficult, if not impossible now. If you can manage to get to the store to spice up your under panties in hopes of a special night with your significant other, there’s no guarantee anything more than homework, extracurricular activities, dinner, bath, and bedtime for the kids will happen before you pass out from exhaustion yourself and hope, just hope that your kids let you get a good solid nights sleep. Romantic dinners are harder whether you’re looking for and paying a sitter, or decide to have a dinner in once the kids are asleep, planning something in advance will almost guarantee vomit or a fever.

So as we were eating our way through a box (or 4) of conversation hearts, we got to thinking…. what if this box of hearts were written by parents.. What would they say?

  • Wine Me
  • Send Help
  • To Do List
  • Bedtime
  • Where’s ur coat
  • Don’t touch
  • Because I said so
  • Yoga Pants R Sexy
  • Maybe Later
  • Ur in trble
  • Take out
  • Netflix and Snooze
  • Wanna Take a Nap
  • Who Needs a shower anyway
  • Not Tonight
  • Go the &*%$ to Sleep
  • &*%$

What would your conversation heart say?

 

 

Coach Mommy: Girls and Goals

Posted on by Angie

By Kristen Berthiaume:

Recently, I took my daughter to the gym to practice shooting hoops while I ran on the track. I had to use whatever this thingie is called to manually lower the goal – back-breaking work that took minutes. Once that was done, I went off to run and she began to shoot. Until the big boys got there. There were several wide-open goals in the gym but they were immediately drawn to the one my daughter was using. The big boys really enjoy when goals are lowered because it allows them to dunk and hit shots they normally couldn’t hit. This practice isn’t great for their basketball game but really helps their egos. No one was rude to my daughter. No one told her to get lost or stole her ball from her. They were just playing and trying to impress each other. But, she felt intimidated and eventually gave up trying to shoot on the goal at all. I watched this from the track, irritated I’d gone to the trouble to lower the goal only to have my daughter pushed out from using it. Several times, I encouraged her to continue and she would. For a while. I knew if I asked these boys to go shoot somewhere else, they immediately would because mommas are scary. But, I decided not to play the Mom Card this time. Truth is, these were perfectly nice kids and they weren’t trying to stop my daughter from shooting – they just weren’t really thinking about her at all.

After I finished my run, I went down to check in with my girl. She was sitting on the bleacher, a little tearful. I asked her why and she gestured towards the goal where the boys were still playing. She explained that they had “ruined everything” and that this was the “worst day ever”- we have a lot of those. I checked that no one had explicitly told her to go away. No, they hadn’t. I asked if anyone had knocked her ball away, teased her, or been rude or mean. Nope. It was the boys’ mere presence in what she’d deemed to be her space that made her feel like she didn’t belong there. I totally got it – I’d been there before.

I made sure she knew that this was an open gym and that we didn’t reserve basketball goals. Yes, I wanted her to stick with that goal because it was the right height for her and, thus, the best place to practice. Yes, the boys would get better practice on a goal that was the right height for them but that’s for their mommas to worry about. There wasn’t a rule saying that no one else was allowed to use that goal also. Ideal? No. Fair? Yes. Then, we got to the crux of the issue. I told her if she wants to be a female athlete, which she really, really does, she cannot wait for engraved invitations from boys to get her chance to play. I explained that, in my experience, when boys are playing sports, they aren’t paying attention to a whole lot else – especially not to the little girl watching sadly from the bleachers. If she wants to just watch, that’s her choice. But if she wants to actually play, she will have to make that happen. At best, the boys won’t be outwardly rude to her but in some cases, they will be. Sometimes, they’ll be really annoyed that she’s there and do whatever they can to get her “out of the way” because they don’t take her presence there seriously. So, if she finds herself in that situation but wants to keep working on her goals, SHE would have to invite herself – not wait for someone else to do so. I reminded her that boys do not own sports or gyms or basketballs, and that she has just as much right to all of those things as anyone else. The reality of it is that to have equal access to all of that, she will sometimes have to advocate for herself – not something females have traditionally been that strong in. She will have to assert herself if someone takes her ball or is intentionally blocking her from equipment she was using. She’ll have to speak up if a boy makes fun of her free throw attempt, tells her to leave, or says she runs “like a girl.” This part really isn’t fair. It should go without saying that sports are for everyone and that the rules of kind and decent behavior don’t change when you enter a gym. But, sometimes, it doesn’t go without saying and she will have to be the one to say it.

One day, I hope female athletes will receive the respect they deserve from others. In some cases, they already do. I don’t suggest for a second that all boys are negative towards girls playing sports or that girls are never taken seriously on the field or court. I’m talking about the experiences I had growing up where I often felt I had no part to play in sports and about what happens to many of our daughters as they’re just starting out with the sports they love. I also don’t want to be seen as “blaming the victim.” Real deal sexism and sexual discrimination clearly exist and I don’t feel like women who have been victimized should have advocated for themselves in those situations. In this particular case, I didn’t think of my daughter as being a “victim” of anything the boys were doing – there was no obvious intention to cause her any harm or discomfort. But, sports have long been seen as falling into the purview of males and, although that is changing, core opinions and attitudes are always the last to progress. If my daughter truly believes she belongs there, there’s really no valid argument anyone can put up against that belief. I hope that by teaching my daughter she’s well within her rights to stand her ground and keep playing, she will feel a greater sense of inclusion and acceptance, even as we raise the goals.

 

Birmingham Events Calendar: February 7th – February 14th

Posted on by Angie

Valentines Week in the Magic City and there are lots of love filled storytimes around town to check out. If you’re looking for a little something more grown up.. Check out Woo at the Zoo, where they’ll be discussing “love” in the animal kingdom. This weekend, Arenacross hit Birmingham as well as World of Wheels!

Have a great week!

It’s Not Our Fault if Your Kids are Bored!

Sunday February 7th:

American Girl Girls Just Like Me – Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Creating something yummy for our tummy and sharing with another is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day at The Gardens. As we explore the story of Grace Thomas, an enthusiastic young baker, we’ll learn a little about French culture and bake a delicious treat in honor of Heart Day.

For children age 5 and above
Instructor: Robin Geurs
Thursday, February 4 | 3:30-5 p.m.
$20 Members | $25 Non-Members

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Monday February 8th:

Member Monday – McWane Science Center
Join us this month for Member Monday, an out-of-this-world good time! The museum will be open after-hours for members only with space themed activities including making your own alien spacecraft!

Reserve your family’s spot today by calling (205) 714-8414.

Dinner plans? A dinner of chicken fingers, macaroni & cheese and green beans is available for advanced purchase.

The cost of dinner is Adults: $8, Children: $5. Dinner orders may be placed when you make your reservation. Payment must be made at time of reservation and will not be available for purchase the night of the event.
Dinner reservations must be made by Friday, February 5th.

Moving Together – Homewood Public Library
The Dance Foundation presents a program designed for babies ages 6 weeks to 6 months and a caregiver.  Registration is required
10:30am

LEGO Club – Homewood Public Library
Join us for an exciting new building challenge each month.  K-5th grade.
3:30pm

Tot Time with Ms Eve, Will you be Mine? – Avondale Regional Library
Roses are red and violets are blue; I hope to see you at Tot Time, too! Don’t forget to bring valentines for all of your Tot Time friends! Tot Time is geared for 2- to 4-year-olds with an individual caregiver; no groups please. 24-hour advance registration required.
9:30am and 11am

Toddler Tales – North Shelby Library
Stories, songs, fingerplays and crafts make up a lively 30 minute program designed especially for short attention spans. Registration will begin one week prior to each storytime. Ages 19-36 months. Registration Required.
9:30am

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Tuesday February 9th:

5th Annual Homewood Kids Mardi Gras Parade – Homewood Central Park
Bundle up and come out Tuesday, February 9th after school for some fun!
Decorate your “float” (stroller or wagon or a box-to-wear) and let’s celebrate Fat Tuesday!
Meet at Homewood Central Park for line-up at 3:45. We roll at 4:00!

We’ll circle the park, throw beads, eat cookies, MoonPies and celebrate Fat Tuesday!

Be Our Valentine – Hoover Public Library
A fun night of Valentine crafts, games and snacks.  All ages
6:30pm

Silly Wonderful You Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
From bestselling author Sherri Duskey Rinker and award-winning artist Patrick McDonnell comes this funny and tender love letter from a parent to a child. Silly Wonderful You expresses how life is so new and different and filled with love with a little one around. Join us for Storytime and activities
11am

Toddler Days – Steel City Jump Park
Story, snack and jumping! Parents jump for free, Children, $8.00. Parents free.
10am – Noon

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Wednesday February 10th:

Family Storytime with Mr Mac – North Shelby Library
10:45am

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Thursday February 11th:

SNaP Movie and Popcorn – Emmet O’Neal Library
You met those little yellow minions in Gru’s other movies – now see their whole story. Call 205-879-0497 for end times. 3rd-6th graders. No registration required.
3:30pm

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Friday February 12th:

Move and Groove Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Join us for an interactive and energetic movement storytime for all ages filled with dance, yoga, and fun!
10:30am

O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels
O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels is held annually, during the second weekend of February, at the beautiful Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. The show utilizes over 220,000 square feet of exhibition space to put on one of the best and most beautiful custom auto shows in the country.

Admission Info:

Child (ages 5 & under) ……… FREE!
Child (ages 6-11) …………….. $5
Adult ……………………….. $18 ($15 at all O’Reilly Auto Parts stores)
5pm – 10pm

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Saturday February 13th:

Arenacross – BJCC
The Most Intense Racing on the Planet,” brings a new look and feel, along with heart-pounding levels of energy, to the country’s most well-known arenas in 2016.

Legacy Arena, BJCC
Sat, Feb 13, 2016 7:00pm
Tickets prices range from $10 – $40 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com

Woo at the Zoo – Birmingham Zoo
Join the Birmingham Zoo this Valentine’s weekend as we discuss “love” in the animal kingdom. The Zoo invites you to enjoy wine and desserts while the Zoo’s staff present engaging expositions on animal courtships and other interesting factoids. New this year, in preparation for the Zoo’s spring exhibit, Dino Discovery – They’re Back!, we will explore love in prehistoric times. Woo at the Zoo will feature a special presentation by Chris DeLorey, also known as “Dr. Dino,” who will discuss Rex Sex…When the Earth Really Moved, a presentation on mating and courtship among the dinosaurs. This fun event for guests 21 and up is one you won’t want to miss!

Member individuals – $50

Member couples – $75

Non-member individuals – $65

Non-member couples – $90

5:30pm – 8:00pm

O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels
O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels is held annually, during the second weekend of February, at the beautiful Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. The show utilizes over 220,000 square feet of exhibition space to put on one of the best and most beautiful custom auto shows in the country.

Admission Info:

Child (ages 5 & under) ……… FREE!
Child (ages 6-11) …………….. $5
Adult ……………………….. $18 ($15 at all O’Reilly Auto Parts stores)
10am – 10pm

Love Monster and the Last Chocolate– Barnes and Noble Summit
Monster comes home from vacation and discovers a box of chocolates on his doorstep. He knows he should share it with his friends, but what if there’s none left for him after everyone has a piece? Join us for Storytime and activities
11am

Family Storytime – Emmet O’Neal Library
Bring the entire family and join Mr. Mac for stories and music each Saturday morning.
10:30 a.m.

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Sunday February 14th:

Happy Valentine’s Day!!

Happy Valentines Day Charlie Brown – Homewood Public Library
Celebrate Valentine’s Day afternoon with us at the library and make last-minute cards, eat heart-shaped candies, and watch sweet movies!
3:30pm

O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels
O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels is held annually, during the second weekend of February, at the beautiful Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. The show utilizes over 220,000 square feet of exhibition space to put on one of the best and most beautiful custom auto shows in the country.

Admission Info:

Child (ages 5 & under) ……… FREE!
Child (ages 6-11) …………….. $5
Adult ……………………….. $18 ($15 at all O’Reilly Auto Parts stores)
11am – 6pm

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

IMAX
McWane Science Center’s IMAX® Dome Theater puts you in the center of the action by projecting breathtaking quality images onto the 5-story-tall dome screen and delivering intense surround sound through almost 3 tons of speakers and subwoofers.
Now Showing: Star Wars the Force Awakens, Ocean Oasis, Journey to Space

Birmingham Zoo:

The Birmingham Zoo offers a variety of daily activities from Giraffe and Pelican Feedings to Bird Tours and Lion Training. For a daily schedule of whats happening at the Zoo, visit their site.

Vulcan Park and Museum:

Vulcan is the world’s largest cast iron statue; made of 100,000 pounds of iron and 56 feet tall, he stands at the top of Red Mountain overlooking the city of Birmingham. But, Vulcan is more than a statue. Vulcan Park and Museum features spectacular views of Birmingham, an interactive history museum that examines Vulcan and Birmingham’s story, and a beautiful public park for visitors and locals to enjoy. With an official information center that is operated by the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau, Vulcan Park and Museum serves as the first stop for visitors to the Birmingham area!

Railroad Park:

Railroad Park is a 19 acre green space in downtown Birmingham that celebrates the industrial and artistic heritage of our great city. Situated along 1st Avenue South, between 14th and 18th Streets, the park is a joint effort between the City of Birmingham and the Railroad Park Foundation. Hailed as “Birmingham’s Living Room,” Railroad Park provides a historically rich venue for local recreation, family activities, concerts, and cultural events, while connecting Birmingham’s downtown area with Southside and UAB’s campus.

Southern Museum of Flight:

Earn Your Wings – Bring your little pilot and soar above the clouds in our little pilots room. Kids enjoy building aircrafts, flying kites, and more.
Museum Open Tuesday – Thursday
9:30am – 4:30pm

Do you have or know of an event you would like to have added to our weekly calendar? Please email us at contact@birminghammommy.com, subject line “Events Calendar” – We would love to hear from you!

** All information listed on our calendar is subject to change without notice to us or you… We do our best to keep the information accurate and will always update as soon as we learn that something has changed. It’s always best to double check with the event via their website or a quick call,  especially when weather can impact the event.

Out of the Mouths of Babes: Pacifier or Thumb?

Posted on by Angie

 


Pacifier or thumb? It’s a great debate for parents with a newborn. Many parents start out preferring to try and use neither but many Moms (myself included) cave before even leaving the hospital. You may find yourself offering up a pacifier in exchange for some sleep, and swiping as many from the hospital as you can find on your way out the door (myself included.)

Non-nutritive sucking, like sucking on a finger, thumb, or pacifier, is normal behavior for most infants and young children. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, it is “associated with their need to satisfy the urge for contact and security.”

Many parents hope their child will take to their own thumb because it’s easier, always available and they only have 2 to choose from. I agreed until I had a 7 year old who’s habit was harder to break (because it’s always there) than her sister who took a pacy and stopped around the age of one. I can truly see the good and bad in both.

If you do opt for a pacy keep these things in mind:

* Never dip the pacifier into honey or anything sweet before giving it to a baby.
* Never attach a pacifier to the child’s crib or body with a string, ribbon or cord.
* A pacifier’s shield should be wider than the child’s mouth. Discontinue use if the child can fit the entire pacifier in his mouth.
* Inspect pacifiers frequently for signs of wear or deterioration; discard if the bulb has become sticky, swollen, or cracked.
* Never leave an infant unattended with a pacifier in her mouth, or let her sleep with a pacifier.
* Never substitute a bottle nipple for a pacifier

How do you break the habit whether it’s a thumb or a pacy? The AAP says: “Most often, they will stop on their own. Harsh words, teasing, or punishment may upset your child and is not an effective way to get rid of habits. Instead, try the following:

* Praise and reward your child when he does not suck his thumb or use the pacifier. Star charts, daily rewards, and gentle reminders, especially during the day, are also very helpful.

* If your child uses sucking to relieve boredom, keep his hands busy or distract him with things he finds fun.

* If you see changes in the roof of your child’s mouth (palate) or in the way the teeth are lining up, talk to your pediatrician or pediatric dentist. There are devices that can be put in the mouth that make it uncomfortable to suck on a finger or thumb.

The good news is that most likely, they will not go off to college sucking their thumb and in most cases stop on their own by the time they get to school.

What methods have you tried for breaking the pacy or thumb habit? How old was your child when you finally decided to take action?

About Abenoja Orthodontics:

Dr. Christine Abenoja graduated at the top of her class from the University Of Connecticut School Of Dental Medicine in 2005, where she was elected to membership in OKU, a dental honor society and received numerous awards including the prestigious American College of Dentists Award.

She completed her specialty training at the University of Alabama in Birmingham and received her Master of Science in Orthodontics in 2008. She maintains a position as Associate Professor at UAB School of Dentistry where she teaches the current Orthodontic residents while treating patients at the Veteran’s Administration in Birmingham.

Dr. Abenoja brings an eye for beauty and detail from her artistic background as a graduate from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and an enthusiasm for bringing that beauty to each patient’s smile. She encourages patients to grow in their strengths through the challenges of orthodontics and enjoy the positive power of a smile. She is currently an Orthodontist in a private practice in Birmingham and Warrior Alabama.

Abenoja Orthodontics is located at 8000 Liberty Parkway in Vestavia
www.bracesbham.com

 

Arenacross Comes to Birmingham!

Posted on by Angie

AMSOIL Arenacross, “The Most Intense Racing on the Planet,” brings a new look and feel, along with heart-pounding levels of energy, to the country’s most well-known arenas in 2016. The championship will visit 14 cities across 13 different states in its season-long journey to crown a champion, who will be awarded the new and prestigious Ricky Carmichael Cup, named after racing legend and Hall of Fame competitor Ricky Carmichael.

On Saturday, February 13, these fearless warriors of dirt will make their inaugural visit to Birmingham and Legacy Arena at the BJCC for one night of action-packed excitement.

Show Information:

Legacy Arena, BJCC

Sat, Feb 13, 2016 7:00pm

Tickets prices range from $10 – $40 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com

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